3 Generations! 2 Resorts! 10 Days! DxDp! 3000 Pictures! - Saying Good-Bye!

[mommyof2Pirates]

I missed yesterdays update so I got 2 for 1 today.

Cali- Your dinner looked amazing. I especially loved the childrens desserts...how cute. My kids are so pickey and would never eat the meals there but maybe someday. Can you believe I have never seen wishes anywhere else other than the MK. I need to add that to my to do list. Maybe on the beach of the poly after dinner at Ohanas followed by the water pagent. What do you think?

CP- I ate here for dinner years ago and really didnt care for the food but I did love the character interaction. I am excited for the FL expansion opening too. Thanks for the sneak peek. I cant wait to hear about Pirates league.

 

[DisneyDoc5]

Now folks that camera strap was purchased at WDW in 1986 - so you can see why Heather is a Disney Dork -

Bravo for raising a Disney 'fan' (dork or whatever, I prefer Disney nerd) - I am trying extremely hard to do this with my children - every aspect of our lives has a little Disney mixed in! Any other tips from a pro?

 

[DisneyDoc5]

I loved seeing your 'Dumbo over the fence Fantasyland renovation', I had those pictures from October and they have made tons of progress! I guess we will have to plan a 2013 trip to see it for sure- darn!

I think the picture of the 5 of you is for sure a potential Christmas card, very cute! I have a dinner ADR for DS12 and I at CP in August, I'm not doing dining plan on that trip, thinking more CS and snacks this time (I would always do dining plan with the entire family!) so anyway, I'm not sure I want to do it, it's $36 a person for dinner! That's a bit much if you ask me for a buffet, but I never usually pay attention to prices when we are doing dining plan. We will see.... I might cancel.

Great update! 20 minutes for Dumbo? We waited 45 once when DD4 at the time just had to ride it!!! Ouch!

 

[hstrickland]

I missed yesterdays update so I got 2 for 1 today.

Cali- Your dinner looked amazing. I especially loved the childrens desserts...how cute. My kids are so pickey and would never eat the meals there but maybe someday. Can you believe I have never seen wishes anywhere else other than the MK. I need to add that to my to do list. Maybe on the beach of the poly after dinner at Ohanas followed by the water pagent. What do you think?

You definitely have to watch Wishes from the Poly Beach! Just make sure you sit close to a speaker. We actually did Ohana then Wishes...was great! We've watched from GF, too, but not my favorite location at all.

CP- I ate here for dinner years ago and really didnt care for the food but I did love the character interaction. I am excited for the FL expansion opening too. Thanks for the sneak peek. I cant wait to hear about Pirates league

Yep...CP is just another buffet, but the kids like the characters...so we go. I think in all honesty, I really just wanted to get in the park early! I'll try and get the Pirates League done tomorrow...if your kids have never done it, put that on your list of must dos:

Bravo for raising a Disney 'fan' (dork or whatever, I prefer Disney nerd) - I am trying extremely hard to do this with my children - every aspect of our lives has a little Disney mixed in! Any other tips from a pro?

Okay...that camera strap that dad has kills me! I love it! I remember when he bought that thing...YEARS ago! He forgot to mention that it's not the most comfortable piece of camera equipment...it has no 'give'...it's not neoprene. But dang it...he was going to wear the thing no matter what!! In fact, he had to rig the thing because it wouldn't fit on his new camera.

I loved seeing your 'Dumbo over the fence Fantasyland renovation', I had those pictures from October and they have made tons of progress! I guess we will have to plan a 2013 trip to see it for sure- darn!

Okay...no kidding!! Right!!?? 2013 here we come...and if you think I get up early now, I'll be there brighter and earlier than normal When DH reads this, he's gonna roll his eyes.

I think the picture of the 5 of you is for sure a potential Christmas card, very cute! I have a dinner ADR for DS12 and I at CP in August, I'm not doing dining plan on that trip, thinking more CS and snacks this time (I would always do dining plan with the entire family!) so anyway, I'm not sure I want to do it, it's $36 a person for dinner! That's a bit much if you ask me for a buffet, but I never usually pay attention to prices when we are doing dining plan. We will see.... I might cancel.

Yeah...when you're on the DDP, ya really don't notice prices. But when paying OOP...wow! Is that where he wanted to eat?? What about Tony's?

Great update! 20 minutes for Dumbo? We waited 45 once when DD4 at the time just had to ride it!!! Ouch!

45 minutes You're a good mother! ...not sure I could have done that.

 

[RGirl]

Thanks for the CP review! How was the food compared to Chef Mickey's? I REALLY don't like buffets (except Boma), but I love meeting the characters this way, so we are doing them. And this will be our first time at CP - I have read the food is better at CP than CM, but I'm skeptical.

So exiting to see the Fantasyland expansion pics. I am a little when I think of how crowded that area will be when it opens. That definitely factored into my decision to do a 2012 cruise and wait for 2013 to return to WDW (although I doubt that will make much difference).

for PL! That always looks like so much fun!!!!

 

[hstrickland]

Thanks for the CP review! How was the food compared to Chef Mickey's? I REALLY don't like buffets (except Boma), but I love meeting the characters this way, so we are doing them. And this will be our first time at CP - I have read the food is better at CP than CM, but I'm skeptical.

To me, the buffets were about the same...I don't really remember anything significant standing out. This sounds crazy, but breakfast buffets all kinda run together for me at WDW. Since there was an omelet maker, DH would say CP was better You'll have a great time just because of the characters...when your little girl's face lights up, it will all be worth it

So exiting to see the Fantasyland expansion pics. I am a little when I think of how crowded that area will be when it opens. That definitely factored into my decision to do a 2012 cruise and wait for 2013 to return to WDW (although I doubt that will make much difference).

You're right...probably won't make much difference...but better than 2012! Because I'm all about restaurants and eating, I'm anxious to see Belle's Castle...there's supposed to be dining there. Just wondering what type. Hopefully a TS. When it opens, we'll most likely do an EMH one morning to get there before the crowds hit...won't the kids just love me dragging them out of bed at 6am

for PL! That always looks like so much fun!!!!

It is an absolute blast! The whole family loves it...can't wait for you to see the final makeovers

Heather

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Yum! All those CG meals look delish and especially love the creativity of the kids' sushi dessert.

Hurrah for still having the camera strap from 1986! One of the many things I love about Disney are the family memories of past trips!

I am surprised there were people without ADRs at CP before opening. I guess the CMs don't check the ADR list before letting you in? . Were they taking walk ups?

I am not a buffet fan either but am intrigued to hear there is an omelet station.

Can't wait for Pirate's league. I went back and read your last report and those pics were adorable!

Oh and poor Pinocchio all by himself...

 

[hstrickland]

Good Morning, Christine!

Yum! All those CG meals look delish and especially love the creativity of the kids' sushi dessert.

That's Disney for ya! Perfect for the theme of CG!!!

Hurrah for still having the camera strap from 1986! One of the many things I love about Disney are the family memories of past trips!

I think I'm going to have to break out some of our old photos from the CR and Rivercountry and post them...they are sure to get a laugh Our family had some terrific times as WDW!!!! And that camera strap will probably be passed down to the grandkids....it's forever in the family!!

I am surprised there were people without ADRs at CP before opening. I guess the CMs don't check the ADR list before letting you in? . Were they taking walk ups?

I am not a buffet fan either but am intrigued to hear there is an omelet station.

The past few times we've entered MK for ressies, they did not check ADRs at all...basically you could get in early and just wait for until the park opens And they did give the walk ups pagers...so I guess they took them. The hostess was completely confused.

Can't wait for Pirate's league. I went back and read your last report and those pics were adorable!

Thanks! I thought that DS9 would not want to dress up again....hmmmm....we were wrong!!! So...guess what the kids are going to be for Halloween??!!

Oh and poor Pinocchio all by himself...

Seriously, he stood there by himself for a while! Guess everyone was too busy getting on rides to worry about pics and autographs! Now if that had been Cinderella....

Heather

 

[anl]

Just read through your whole TR this morning! Love the pictures and the reviews.

I have a question for ya...Since you have three kids like me and are more experienced...I'm trying to decide where we will stay next time. Our kids will probably be 12, 7, 3. I was thinking the cabins because of the space, 2 rooms, bunkbeds, can park out front and how it's not connected to other people...3 kids = noise. We stayed at a value this year and it was just not enough room and now has me a little scared to stay in one room next time. So anyway, was thinking AKV 1 bedroom (has washer and dryer, extra room but nervous to rent points), cabins, POR or a deluxe that sleeps 5 like Poly, CR or BC. Just trying to figure out if there really is enough space in one room with 3 kids. Didn't mean to make that so long...Just wanted your opinion. I'm seeing + and - to all... Not that worried about the pool...just convience and space.

 

[rustytss]

Look...I signed up!!! Can you believe it?

Your Disney Sister!

 

[hstrickland]

Just read through your whole TR this morning! Love the pictures and the reviews.

I have a question for ya...Since you have three kids like me and are more experienced...I'm trying to decide where we will stay next time. Our kids will probably be 12, 7, 3. I was thinking the cabins because of the space, 2 rooms, bunkbeds, can park out front and how it's not connected to other people...3 kids = noise. We stayed at a value this year and it was just not enough room and now has me a little scared to stay in one room next time. So anyway, was thinking AKV 1 bedroom (has washer and dryer, extra room but nervous to rent points), cabins, POR or a deluxe that sleeps 5 like Poly, CR or BC. Just trying to figure out if there really is enough space in one room with 3 kids. Didn't mean to make that so long...Just wanted your opinion. I'm seeing + and - to all... Not that worried about the pool...just convience and space.

Glad to have you follow along!

Hmmm...WDW has sooooo many choices for resorts. There are several things you might want to consider...how long are you going to be there? What parks will you visit the most? Are you ok with riding buses, or do you want other modes of transportation?

I've never rented points....it makes me a little nervous...but there are people who swear by it. Did you check out the DVC thread? I think that is where all the point stuff might be. I've read that OKW has really big villas...lots of room for a family, and they tend to be a bit cheaper than some of the rest. Also, make sure you check out the discounts/codes/pins...we haven't paid rack rate for a room in ages.

If you are looking to be close to the MK, you cant beat the Poly or CR...CR being much cheaper. You can get a GW room for a really great price. With 3 kids, I think the room is fine. If my children were all in their teens, then that might be a different story. With the deluxe resorts, you get queen size beds, too.

FW was great, too. My only complaint was the double bed. DH is use to a queen. I think my parents said they were actually ok. What's great about FW is the two rooms...plenty of space to spread out. It's such a wonderful place for a family with young children...so much to do there...just save your money and rent the golf cart!

We would really like to try the 1 bedroom at BLT...has plenty of room, plus the washer and dryer....and not to mention the Monorail (my favorite benefit of the MK resorts)

Just recently, I was following along on a TR and asked if POR would be okay for my family of 5...she said it might be a little cramped even though there is a trundle bed. Those rooms aren't that much bigger than the values. If you can swing it, then I would certainly go with FW or a 1 bedroom villa...that's going to give you the most room for sure. And if your kids are like mine...they fight! Extra space is always needed

Not sure if that helped or not...or perhaps confused you more!! Have you checked out Allears.net??? Tons of great info over there. There may be some others on this thread that can help you out.

Happy Planning! I'll be anxious to see what you decide on!
Heather

 

[anl]

Thanks for the answers! I have read and read and read and...it's ridiculous. I followed your link from the cabin thread. We will be there for a week (Thanksgiving week!) and we will have a car. It's just nice to hear honest opinions from someone else with 3 kiddos too. After our last stay, I'm scared to stay in one room for a week again with 3 kids. (Bad Mom!)...But if there was more leg room and such and more things to do around the resort...maybe it wouldn't be so bad???

Thanks again. I'm going to start on your Poly TR now.

 

[rustytss]

Just wanted to see if my ticker was working!

 

[hstrickland]

Look...I signed up!!! Can you believe it?

Your Disney Sister!

Just wanted to see if my ticker was working!

Well, well, well...it's about time! Bill will be so proud of you....not sure what took you so long...no more lurking for you.

I think I'm going to try and find some of those old CR pictures from when we were kids and post them...or perhaps your band trip to WDW

 

[hstrickland]

Thanks for the answers! I have read and read and read and...it's ridiculous. I followed your link from the cabin thread. We will be there for a week (Thanksgiving week!) and we will have a car. It's just nice to hear honest opinions from someone else with 3 kiddos too. After our last stay, I'm scared to stay in one room for a week again with 3 kids. (Bad Mom!)...But if there was more leg room and such and more things to do around the resort...maybe it wouldn't be so bad???

Thanks again. I'm going to start on your Poly TR now.

Your welcome...and ya know...planning is half the fun I love reading about Disney stuff...especially about the resorts and restaurants.

One thing I did forget to say...we went to the WL last October. While we like the resort, the room is too small for our family. Technically it's made for 4, but the 3 year old slept on the floor. Even though it's a deluxe, I really noticed the difference in size compared to the GF, Poly and CR. So...my point is this...POR will probably be too small for you...JMO...You're sooooo not a 'bad mom' for not wanting to stay in 1 room for a week!!! I can completely understand. We usually go with my parents and we have connecting rooms...so that gives us more space, too.

Go for FW or a villa...be comfortable...sometimes comfort and convenience are worth the extra money And since Thanksgiving week is usually busy, FW would be a nice get-away from all the hustle and bustle...fishing, horseback riding, trails, nice pool, the Hoop Dee Do Review, the campfire sing along, boats, bicycles...and one of my favorites at FW...cruising around in the golf cart

Once again...Happy Planning!!!

 

[rustytss]

Well, well, well...it's about time! Bill will be so proud of you....not sure what took you so long...no more lurking for you.

I think I'm going to try and find some of those old CR pictures from when we were kids and post them...or perhaps your band trip to WDW

Yeah, yeah, yeah make fun of the band trip, but can you say you got to play in the electric light parade? No and you will never get to add that to your Disney Accomplishments List!

 

[emma212010]

Yay! I'm all caught up again! I'm glad your boys got to have some fun at DQ! I've been once several years ago, and I didn't like it very much-but I've also never been into video games either!

You have some great shots of the kids at the pool!! Looks like some great fun! I also love your pics from the balcony!!

Great family pictures on the ears! I love the one with the three kids and the color slpash effect!! So cool!!

I'm glad you enjoyed the California Grill! Great view of MK! The food looks delish and the kid's meals also look very good!! What a cool view of Wishes, but I agree- the Poly is the best place to watch the show!

I'm also glad you all enjoyed the CP breakfast- we love eating there! Your kids are too cute with the characters! Awesome pics of the Fantasyland expansion! I'm so excited for it!!

Great updates! I'm excited for more!!

 

[hstrickland]

Yeah, yeah, yeah make fun of the band trip, but can you say you got to play in the electric light parade? No and you will never get to add that to your Disney Accomplishments List!

you got me! Perhaps I can find a really great picture of you clanking those huge cymbals in that very lovely uniform....that'll be nice for all to see.

 

[amandaw]

I really want to try Crystal Palace on our next trip....whenever that'll be. I wanted to go on our last trip but Reid was so not interested in those characters. Now, of course, he's wants to know all about them & can't wait to go see the Winnie the Pooh movie. Oh well, hopefully, I'll get to have breakfast there one day.

I know what you mean about Dumbo! On our last trip, we got to MK one day at Rope Drop, went straight to Dumbo & the wait was already 25 minutes! And yes, it really took us that long to get on the ride. I really hope that gets better once they open up the double Dumbo's in the expansion.

Can't wait to hear about the Pirate's League! Reid is obsessed with pirates. I'm hoping that whenever we do go back, he'll still like pirates & I'll let him do it.

 

[RGirl]

To me, the buffets were about the same...I don't really remember anything significant standing out. This sounds crazy, but breakfast buffets all kinda run together for me at WDW. Since there was an omelet maker, DH would say CP was better You'll have a great time just because of the characters...when your little girl's face lights up, it will all be worth it

Doesn't sound crazy at all - there are only so many boring buffet-friendly breakfast options, I guess. Hmmm, maybe part of my problem is that I don't really like breakfast foods all that much. It really isn't about the food though, is it? I'm excited for the new Pooh movie - I know that will make this meal even more special for my DD.

You're right...probably won't make much difference...but better than 2012! Because I'm all about restaurants and eating, I'm anxious to see Belle's Castle...there's supposed to be dining there. Just wondering what type. Hopefully a TS. When it opens, we'll most likely do an EMH one morning to get there before the crowds hit...won't the kids just love me dragging them out of bed at 6am

Gotta do what works, right? I'm excited for a new restaurant too. I have read that it will be counter service during the day and table service in the evening. Not sure if that has changed.


It is an absolute blast! The whole family loves it...can't wait for you to see the final makeovers

Can't wait for the pics!