10 Nights, 9 Days, 2 Birthdays and 1 Magical May 2014 Vacation! **Complete 6-10**

[lsenquiz]

Almost caught up

Commenting on day 5 plans:
We always take Memorial day as a down day too. Eating breakfast with Leo and Stitch sounds like a great way to start a bday celebration. We ate with them in 2009 and loved it so we plan to do it again this year.

Laundry on vacation stinks but it is the price we pay for enjoying longer stays. I did it for the first time last may when we were there for 15 days. There ws just no getting around it.

I don't think you can go wrong with either of your dinner options. Both are very good.

We love the movie by the pool and try to do it every trip. It makes for a nice relaxing evening.

Commenting on day 6 plans:
We used to be in the same boat as you with Animal Kingdom. It was always a half day or not at all park for us. That all changed with out long trip last May. I was determined to do and see everything so I could get a feel for what we missed. This turned AK into a full day for us. We now love this park and regret that there were things we skipped in the past. I am totally bummed that Lion King will closed while we are there

It is awesome that Addison loves roller coasters. I still can't get Gabriel on one and he is 9. I will say that out of all the coasters at Disney Everest is my least favorite. I just don't like going backwards. However, closing my eyes during that part helps.

Can you FP+ the safari, Expedition Everest and Kali River Rapids? I thought Animal Kingdom tiered? I could be totally wrong though because I could not be more confused about the new system.

Flame Tree BBQ - my absolute favorite CS in Disney

There is one thing not on your list that we really love at Animal Kingdom. Flights of Wonder. If you can fit it in give it a try. It is a really funny and entertaining show.

We had dinner at Whispering Canyon for the first time last September. The food was very good and it was entertaining. Make sure you ask for Ketchup while you are there.

That dinner also inspired me to want to stay at the lodge for our next trip which is why we have a split stay between BWV & VWL. The lodge was just amazing to look at so make sure you arrive early enough to look around.

And now I am all caught up

 

[melnbil]

Just wanted to say hi! Followed you over from fb. Your plans are sounding awesome. We will be at AK on the 27th as well! Maybe we will run into you there or at POP. We arrive on the 25th of May.

 

[Jackiemarie21]

My DH hates roller coasters, hates them! I always have to go on them by myself! It took me years to get him on Splash Mountain!
Last year, Charlotte LOVED the barnstomer, so I am thinking I may finally have someone to ride the coasters with me!

I am interested in your review of Whispering Canyon, it looks good but you don't see too many trip reports where its included.

 

[feistygalkmc]

Oh no!! So sad you lost it! You should do it again I'm debating whether or not to have my youngest (turning 3 on the trip) do it too. She definitely won't "get" it and most likely won't wear the necklace... so maybe we can get her something else fun. But then again, it would be nice if all 4 of us (my, my girls and my MIL) had matching necklaces! Oh, what to do... what to do!

My vote is do it! We are going to do it again and I actually just fished out my other pearl from my jewelry box to make sure it was still in there lol I think we are both going to do it and I am going to save Macie's pearl necklace for when she is older. Give it to her as a keepsake on her graduation day or something sappy like that.

 

[anniebabymu]

Sounds like a good day to me...oh how I wish my dd was tall enough for E.E. she is going to miss it by about an inch, unless she has some major growth spurt between now and may. I like that idea of playing by ear going back to a park. I hadn't thought of that and since we will have to take a bus to a park from some of our ADRs, that is something I will just have to consider. Thanks for the heads up on that one

Addison just makes the cut-off by an inch! Just squeaking by on that one!

No problem! That's what's nice about eating at any of the Monorail resorts! You know you have to go back to the Magic Kingdom to catch a bus... so if you have hoppers, that opportunity always presents itself!

 

[anniebabymu]

Almost caught up

Commenting on day 5 plans:
We always take Memorial day as a down day too. Eating breakfast with Leo and Stitch sounds like a great way to start a bday celebration. We ate with them in 2009 and loved it so we plan to do it again this year.

I knew with a longer trip, a non-park day was doable... and then Memorial Day just happened to fall right in the middle of our park days so it seemed to be a no-brainer! I'm just glad we could make it happen! We've never had a day where we weren't rushing to get to a park in the AM, so I'm thinking I'm going to love the little "break"!

We love the movie by the pool and try to do it every trip. It makes for a nice relaxing evening.

Might just be the icing on the (birthday ) cake that we need that night! Now hopefully the movie schedule cooperates with my princess loving girls! Heaven forbid they show Cars or something like that... we can't watch "boy" movies in my house.

I am totally bummed that Lion King will closed while we are there

We've never seen the Lion King there! *gasp* And I knew this trip we'd be making time for it... so I was really bummed too to hear that it wasn't going to be happening while we're there!

It is awesome that Addison loves roller coasters. I still can't get Gabriel on one and he is 9. I will say that out of all the coasters at Disney Everest is my least favorite. I just don't like going backwards. However, closing my eyes during that part helps.

I'd be lying if I said that Everest is the one I'm worried about the most

Can you FP+ the safari, Expedition Everest and Kali River Rapids? I thought Animal Kingdom tiered? I could be totally wrong though because I could not be more confused about the new system.

I didn't think that AK had tiering yet... but I could be wrong too. Like you said, it confuses the heck out of me too! If for some reason they are, then we'll skip the safari FP and just book it back there in the morning! We'll figure something out... ha ha. May be easier said than done though!

There is one thing not on your list that we really love at Animal Kingdom. Flights of Wonder. If you can fit it in give it a try. It is a really funny and entertaining show.

We may just have to add that in there if we've got time in the day! Or if we barely get anything done, maybe we can hit up AK for another half day or so!

We had dinner at Whispering Canyon for the first time last September. The food was very good and it was entertaining. Make sure you ask for Ketchup while you are there.

I plan to do that!! Well... I plan to have my DH or FIL do it because they're so not "in the know"... ha ha!

That dinner also inspired me to want to stay at the lodge for our next trip which is why we have a split stay between BWV & VWL. The lodge was just amazing to look at so make sure you arrive early enough to look around.

Is it bad, that I'm secretly (well, I guess not so secretly now... lol!) hoping that by eating at the Poly and WL my DH gets the Deluxe itch...

And now I am all caught up

Thanks for all the input!!! Much appreciated!

 

[anniebabymu]

My DH hates roller coasters, hates them! I always have to go on them by myself! It took me years to get him on Splash Mountain!

While I am a coaster wimp... I do have to say that I LOVE Splash Mountain! My favorite ride at MK for sure!!

Last year, Charlotte LOVED the barnstomer, so I am thinking I may finally have someone to ride the coasters with me!

Funny!!! That's the EXACT same thing my husband said about Addie! Lol!

I am interested in your review of Whispering Canyon, it looks good but you don't see too many trip reports where its included.

Oh... I for sure will give you my report on Whispering Canyon! I'm pretty excited to get to try it out this go around!

 

[anniebabymu]

My vote is do it! We are going to do it again and I actually just fished out my other pearl from my jewelry box to make sure it was still in there lol I think we are both going to do it and I am going to save Macie's pearl necklace for when she is older. Give it to her as a keepsake on her graduation day or something sappy like that.

You may have just convinced me I'm definitely the sappy, sentimental person!

 

[alan_renfroe]

Hi Andrea! I love how you are revealing each day to us....a little at a time! Your plans look fantastic and I can't wait to ultimately read your trip report!

 

[anniebabymu]

Hi Andrea! I love how you are revealing each day to us....a little at a time! Your plans look fantastic and I can't wait to ultimately read your trip report!

Ha ha! Gotta do a little at a time to keep you on the edge of your seats and wanting more... lol! No really, work has a tendency to cut into my PTR writing so I've gotta get an update in when I can!

 

[alan_renfroe]

Ha ha! Gotta do a little at a time to keep you on the edge of your seats and wanting more... lol! No really, work has a tendency to cut into my PTR writing so I've gotta get an update in when I can!

Oh...totally! Work can really get in the way of updating! But at least we are consistently counting down those days!

 

[anniebabymu]

Day 7 plans!

Wednesday May 28th

On our previous trips, this would be the day I would tell you we were trying to squeeze in every little thing into our last park day... but not this trip! So excited to have 3 whole extra days this trip!!

Day 7 will bring us to the park we will not have visited yet this trip!

Hollywood Studios!



I'm apologizing now... this is most likely going to be pretty text heavy!

This would be another park that we really haven't done a whole lot in. I guess that's what happens when you have young kiddos that aren't tall enough to ride a lot of the rides... and frankly want to spend ALL your time at the Magic Kingdom! Now that Addie is tall enough for almost all the rides there, except RnRC, we're determined to spend more time/do more in this park! And DH and I stumbled upon a Behind the Scenes documentary about Disney World tonight and when they got to the Hollywood Studios section he said, "We haven't done like any of this!" So now that he's really seen what the park has to offer, I'm sure he will be determined to get some things done!

We have a mighty "to do" list for the day that pretty much includes EVERYTHING! Ha ha! There seriously is so much here that we have yet to explore. Because we have such a big list of stuff we'd like to do for the day, I decided to go against Easy WDW and Touring Plans suggestions for the day. They all have this park as the least recommended because of AM EMH, but the park is still only predicted as a 4/10! So we're going to tempt fate and try it out!

So we sill be getting here bright and early at 8am for AM EMH and staying pretty much all day! With the whole tiering business in place there I'm trying to figure out how to get the most bang for our EMH hour and really have no idea what to do with our touring here! Part of me is thinking that since my MIL and I have queasy tummies, we can take the girls and run to TSMM then my DH and FIL can head to Star Tours. Then after that DH, MIL and FIL can go do RnRC and the girls and I will just hang out while they're doing it. Then I'm sure park opening will be happening and we'll check out wait times to see what to do next.

So we will cram in as much as we can until lunch where I'm thinking we'll try to hit up Pizza Planet because my little Harper is a Toy Story freak! After lunch we will try to get a few more things done, and depending how much we've crossed off our "to do" list we will either head back to Pop for some rest/swim time or stay at the park. But we will definitely be back coming back in time to do a few things (maybe a FP+) before our 6:30 ADR for...

50's Prime Time Cafe!

Another new one for us! I can't wait to try it out! I'm already salivating just reading the menu... mmmmmm!!! And my FIL loves the 50's, so I'm thinking we're going to love the atmosphere too!

After dinner, we'll hit up some more of our "to do" list and then head to Fantasmic if everyone is up for it! Then it's back to Pop for some nighty night time!

Here's what I'm thinking for our FP+ for the day... TSMM (a little later in the day), ToT and the Great Movie Ride or Muppet's. I would most definitely appreciate any input on touring this park!! We want to hit up pretty much all the attractions, plus meet Buzz and Woody (meeting Sophia really isn't a top priority for the day because we'll be meeting her later on in the trip...), Beauty and the Beast show (if time) and definitely Disney Jr. Live on Stage because my girls LOVE it!! So please HELP!!

No really, I'm serious! How do you guys usually spend your Hollywood Studios days?!?!

Continued in Next Post​

 

[STLMickeyMom]

Hollywood is my second favorite park after magic kingdom, but now that we have kids, it seems like we don't get to everything in that park anymore. that's ok though, just means we can enjoy it with them again when they're bigger!

I think you're plans look great. we've never gone when there are am extra magic hours, but here's some suggestions I could think of really quickly.....

if it were me, I would not use a fastpass for muppets or the great movie ride. If the crowd level is only a 4 that day, I would think you could find a time during the day with little to no wait on those rides. it seems we usually always get to muppets when a show is just starting so just have to wait a few minutes until the next one starts. we rarely do great movie ride, but from other TRs I've read, you can find a slow time. if the girls are interested, I WOULD fast pass the little mermaid. we did it last time and we got to go in the waiting area as soon as the previous show started and wait in the a/c. or, when you and the girls are waiting for everyone else, you could try to do it stand by then.

if you do TSMM first thing, right after that ride and while you are waiting, you could go do buzz and woody meet. we skipped it because the line was crazy long later in the day, but I've read another TR where she went right away and had an awesome meet (her TR is "turn the bus around" and her name is denovagirl. her Hollywood day sounded awesome if you want to check it out).

inside at magic of animation you can do several meet and greets--frozone and mr incredible, ralph and vanellope, and sorcerer mickey. those are all fun. jake and Sophia meet right across from there. when we were there, jake didn't have a long line, but sophias always was.

we also LOVED the Disney jr show! the girls were so fascinated!

and, we just tried 50's this trip. you won't be disappointed!!!

 

[Jackiemarie21]

I think your day sounds pretty good! I agree with STLMickeymom though if you want to see little mermaid FP+ that. The only time I have seen a long wait there was our last time and the crowd level was a 9. So I think with a 4 you should be pretty set!
Since you have more time this year I think you can really enjoy this park. I love it! You should also check out the woody and buzz meet. We skipped it last time but did it a few years ago. The line is so cute and if you have a toy story fan you need to check it out for sure!

 

[anniebabymu]

if it were me, I would not use a fastpass for muppets or the great movie ride. If the crowd level is only a 4 that day, I would think you could find a time during the day with little to no wait on those rides. it seems we usually always get to muppets when a show is just starting so just have to wait a few minutes until the next one starts. we rarely do great movie ride, but from other TRs I've read, you can find a slow time. if the girls are interested, I WOULD fast pass the little mermaid. we did it last time and we got to go in the waiting area as soon as the previous show started and wait in the a/c. or, when you and the girls are waiting for everyone else, you could try to do it stand by then.

Good call on the Voyage of the Little Mermaid! We really liked that show!

if you do TSMM first thing, right after that ride and while you are waiting, you could go do buzz and woody meet. we skipped it because the line was crazy long later in the day, but I've read another TR where she went right away and had an awesome meet (her TR is "turn the bus around" and her name is denovagirl. her Hollywood day sounded awesome if you want to check it out).

Hmmmm... I wonder if Buzz and Woody meet during AM EMH! If so, that would be perfect! I could take the girls there while they all go to RnRC! If not, maybe we'll hit up Starring Rolls for some yummies while they're away

inside at magic of animation you can do several meet and greets--frozone and mr incredible, ralph and vanellope, and sorcerer mickey. those are all fun. jake and Sophia meet right across from there. when we were there, jake didn't have a long line, but sophias always was.

I'm adding meet Ralph and Vanellope to our "to do" list! Such a cute movie! I know Addie will want to meet Sophia, but the big "to do" list probably can't handle the long wait... and we'll be meeting both her and Jake later in the trip at *spoiler alert* H&V! I want to keep the fact that Sofia is there under wraps, but it might be hard when she's begging me to meet her on Wednesday!

we also LOVED the Disney jr show! the girls were so fascinated!

Our last trip, Harper was 23 months and in absolute awe of the show!




and, we just tried 50's this trip. you won't be disappointed!!!

So glad to hear this!

Thanks for all the input! Much appreciated!

 

[anniebabymu]

I think your day sounds pretty good! I agree with STLMickeymom though if you want to see little mermaid FP+ that. The only time I have seen a long wait there was our last time and the crowd level was a 9. So I think with a 4 you should be pretty set!

I think that's a plan!

Since you have more time this year I think you can really enjoy this park. I love it!

I know we will love it when we get to spend more than 4 hours there!

You should also check out the woody and buzz meet. We skipped it last time but did it a few years ago. The line is so cute and if you have a toy story fan you need to check it out for sure!

Oh, that is a MUST do! Harper will die! We plan to meet Jessie and Woody at Magic Kingdom... but I know her trip will not be complete unless we meet Buzz too! She just loves all those characters!

Thanks for the feedback!

 

[anniebabymu]

Well, thanks to me sleeping all day in preparation to work tonight only to find out they don't need me... I can't sleep!

So what better to do at 3am than try to come up with some sort of touring plan for our Animal Kingdom day! I started with tackling Magic Kindgom... but figured that it was impossible to do without knowing what our friends want to do the day they're there. I have no idea if they plan on sticking with us all day or just meeting up here and there. No clue. So look like I'm going to have to harass them!

So here's what I came up with! Of course times may vary, and these are the hopeful FP+ times we get!

Animal Kingdom: 8am-8pm

6:45-7:00 - Be at bus and head to A.K. for R.D.

8:00 - Park opens and we head to Kilimanjaro Safari (stand-by)

In between, if time - Maharajah Jungle Trek... not sure if this will be possible, but just in case!

8:30-9:30 - Expedition Everest FP+ (ride closer to the end of the FP time)

9:30-10:30 - Dinosaur FP+

During E.E. and Dinosaur time- Someone will stay with Harper (we will rider swap E.E. and Dino) and do the Boneyard, Tricera-Top Spin, Meet Goofy and Pluto. Addison can do this as well during the time Party #2 rides E.E. and Dino if she decides that she doesn't want to do them twice!

In between Dinosaur and Lunch- Try to meet Tigger, Pooh and Pocahontas... if time!

11:00-11:30 - Lunch at Flame Tree BBQ

12:00 - Finding Nemo the Musical

1:00 - Flights of Wonder (if everyone wants to... a.k.a. the girls aren't going crazy from sitting around after Nemo! If not we may hit up Maharajah Jungle Trek if we didn't do it before).

1:00-2:00 - Kali River Rapids FP+

2:00 - Leave A.K. (in laws may stay, but we'll take the girls back for rest/swim time)

2:30-2:45 - Get back to Pop

5:40 - Leave Pop and head to Wilderness Lodge

6:50 - ADR at Whispering Canyon Cafe

After Dinner - Magic Kingdom for a few rides if we are up to it! If not, we're heading back and hitting the hay for an early EMH day the next day at DHS!

How does this sound?? Critiques are most definitely welcome! Let me know if this seems doable or totally NOT doable!

 

[feistygalkmc]

I think your AK plan looks great! I have to admit, I'm not a big animal person and this is the park I have spent the least amount of time in. Haven't seen the shows even though I hear they are among some of the best at Disney and the food here is just ok to me. It really is a beautiful park though, just amazing theming. I love the jungle trek and I've always wanted to ride Kali but it was either too cold or I just skipped it. Kept my eyes closed during my last trip almost the tire time I was riding Dinosaur lol

I can't wait though to take our little one to the Dig Site! I think it will be so much fun for her. The younger kids and toddlers really seem to love it so I think its a great idea to use that as the waiting area while the older kids and adults ride.

 

[anniebabymu]

I think your AK plan looks great! I have to admit, I'm not a big animal person and this is the park I have spent the least amount of time in. Haven't seen the shows even though I hear they are among some of the best at Disney and the food here is just ok to me. It really is a beautiful park though, just amazing theming. I love the jungle trek and I've always wanted to ride Kali but it was either too cold or I just skipped it. Kept my eyes closed during my last trip almost the tire time I was riding Dinosaur lol

I can't wait though to take our little one to the Dig Site! I think it will be so much fun for her. The younger kids and toddlers really seem to love it so I think its a great idea to use that as the waiting area while the older kids and adults ride.

Thanks! We too have neglected this park... big time! I think the only attractions we've done are the Safari and ITTBB! I'm determined to change that this time! I'm not super concerned with fitting in one of the trails because we have an awesome free zoo here in STL and go frequently! I think I'm going to be more concerned with the stuff that we can't do at home like the rides and shows! I'm just bummed that FotLK is closed right now

I may have to close my eyes during Dinosaur too! Ha ha! I'm going to be upfront with Addie about it, so she may prefer to not go at all!

I think the Boneyard is perfect for little ones waiting for everyone to do the "big" rides! My only concern is pulling her away when everyone is done with E.E. to grab a rider swap for Dinosaur... I'm sure that won't make her too happy It is also nice that they moved Pluto and Goofy over there for the time being! So maybe we can go have a visit with them too!

 

[blueangel2]

Thanks! We too have neglected this park... big time! I think the only attractions we've done are the Safari and ITTBB! I'm determined to change that this time! I'm not super concerned with fitting in one of the trails because we have an awesome free zoo here in STL and go frequently! I think I'm going to be more concerned with the stuff that we can't do at home like the rides and shows! I'm just bummed that FotLK is closed right now

I may have to close my eyes during Dinosaur too! Ha ha! I'm going to be upfront with Addie about it, so she may prefer to not go at all!

I think the Boneyard is perfect for little ones waiting for everyone to do the "big" rides! My only concern is pulling her away when everyone is done with E.E. to grab a rider swap for Dinosaur... I'm sure that won't make her too happy It is also nice that they moved Pluto and Goofy over there for the time being! So maybe we can go have a visit with them too!

i think your plans look great...this is actually my favorite of all the parks, but i am a Zoology Major so that might explain it I have instilled my love of animals in both of my kids, we try to visit a zoo/aquarium every other month, and they never seam bored...that might change after this visit