3rd times a charm Sept15-21 Day 7 (updated 10/23 with pics)

[momtimesone]

Hello all this was my 3rd trip to the world and it was a great vacation. Here is a bio about Me and my family before I begin the report. My name is Tracy and I am a single mother of one blue eyed wild and crazy 9 yr old boy. I am a young 29 and live with my sister (28) in a small town outside of Chicago IL. I work my booty off everyday to support my child and every time I save some money on that sale I put it towards a trip to Disneyworld. I first went to Disneyworld with my Grandma and my parents when I was 13 and I fell in love with the magic. When my son was born I vowed to not let my age or inexperience keep me from being the best mom to my boy.In 06 I had enough money saved to be able to take my only child to Disney for a vacation he could never forget. I ended up inviting my sister and well the magic was born. My son was all smiles and I was full of joy. I had just taken my son to the most magical place on earth and it was easy.We went again the following yr in July and I love that month but was looking for a difference. Upon looking at these boards I read my first post about free dining and I was hooked. I talked and talked and planned and worried and when the day to book came I was up early with 2 phones and 2 cell phones waiting on hold to book free dining. I ended up booking the hotel I wanted and the dates I wanted with no problem Sept 15-21 was our date.I was on easy street until the hurricanes started to pop up and then I could not sleep or eat. I was in full panic mode and full of worry but it was all for naught. With no hurricanes in sight we where on our way to my second home.

 

[luckylady]

Welcome back.Looking forward to reading more.

 

[DisneyLily]

Welcome back!! I can't wait to read more.

 

[momtimesone]

Day 1 Mon Sept 15 -- We where experiencing massive waves of rain and a lot of roads and houses where flooding but me being so naive never thought about the roads to the airport. We woke up at 3:30 am as my father was going to drive us in my car to the airport and we needed to have the car packed and ready. We left at exactly 4 am as per my plans to get to our 6:30 am flight with time to spare. As we had begun to drive to the airport we started to see the flood damage that had been reported and I had begun to get a sick feeling in my stomach. The first road we came too with water on it my dad decides to drive right thru it and theres me praying we do not stall out. We made it past that road only to get up the the biggest road leading up to the airport and I breathed a sigh of relief. As we drive further up the street I saw to my horror the only direct route to the airport I know has been closed off as there is a creek running thru it. This is where I go in to panic mode, I have no backup plan for road closers. Lucky for me my dad used to work at O'hare airport and so he knows other routes .We go down the routes he knows and just my luck there closed off due to flooding. We have one last rd and I am thanking my lucky stars its open and we get to the airport.It is now 5:50 am and we still have to check our bags and go thru security. We get dropped off and flag down curbside check in. Low and behold theres a problem with our tickets. It turns out the airport re did our flight and when they did that things went crazy so I had to take the bags up to check in. Our baggage man helped us by bringing us up to the first class baggage check and there I was told to pay 80 dollars for my bags I had paid for the tickets before the airline decided to charge for bags and so I was lost. I turns out because the airline changed my flight on me things got mixed up. I showed them the receipt Disney sent me saying that the airline changed my flight and upon showing this to the check in lady she cleared the costs and I was able to finally check the bags. Its now 6:10 and I am running to security and then the gate with my son and sister in tow. Did we make it?? You will just have to wait and see as I will write again soon

 

[momtimesone]

We made the flight with just minutes to spare. Out of breath and tired we boarded our flight and my son was the only child on that flight which was just odd. I gave him his earplanes and he was a happy child.We arrived at MCO and took the Magical express to All star movies. It was our first time staying at this resort and it was kinda sad seeing the pop resort as we passed under the Welcome sign. When we got to the hotel the lobby was packed with People leaving which made me sad . My room was not ready yet but I told them to just give me any other room that was ready as we had an early flight and all I wanted was to lock up my stuff and go swimming. They put us in the Fantasia building floor number 3 away from the pool. The room was small but cute and we made ourselves right at home. I locked up my laptop using my laptop lock as I cannot risk leaving it laying about. We got changed and headed right down to the pool. I got my son a life jacket as he has yet to stick the whole swimming idea and a jacket gives him a sense of freedom. After swimming we got something to eat at the food court. My son loved the pita pizza they served. The food was good I would say better then Pop but not that many choices. After eating we headed out to the parks, the bus to MK took about 10 mins to arrive and we got right on with no problems. We arrived and the report's where almost on target. Space mountain was our first choice of ride and there was a 5 min wait LOL It took us 5 mins just to get up to the loading area and after July's crowds this was awesome. All the headliners where empty and it was 3pm. The weather was hot and muggy but the low crowds made up for it. Fantasy land was the only busy place and I think that was because everywhere we looked there where young kids and babies. We ate at Cinderellas royal table that night and watched wishes from our table. I was worried about the dining plan changes but our server told us they do not apply to Signature places so we got the appetizers .
After dinner we left the park with the crowds a big mistake on my part. The bus back to the resort was the worst. All the lines for the All stars where super long and we where on the tail end. After waiting for 30 mins a bus finally pulled up to much cheers and applause it was almost funny. Every time a bus pulled up for the All stars everyone cheered. We ended up getting back to the hotel at 12am. Our packages we shipped where in our room and so was our luggage We where so tired we did not unpack instead we went right to bed. The next day was an early rise day and we where going to Seaworld for the first time ever .

 

[momtimesone]

My little man being silly with his chocolate crown at CRT. Our waiter was great and had a sword battle with him so it was fun night.

My sister and son taking a pic in dumbo. It was our first time ever on Dumbo as the lines have always been massive . With a 5 min wait time we got on and rode it. Once is enough for me though as I am scared of it . All that up and down motion was making me think Dumbo would really break off his stand and fly and I could not calm my fears.

 

[momtimesone]

We woke up at 7 am to get ready for our very first trip to Seaworld. After eating our breakfest in our room we headed out. We took our resort bus to Epcot and then the Epcot monorail to the TTC. At the TTC we found the lynx bus stop and waited about 10 mins for our bus. It was so very easy and the bus was not even crowded. I did not have to pay for my sons ride so it cost us $3.00 to get to Seaworld compared to the 30 dollars I would have spent had I not read on Dis about these busses. We got to Seaworld and walked thru the almost empty parking lot. It was about 10:30 and the park had been open for a 1/2hr but it was uncrowded so we headed right away to the dolphin feeding area. After waiting to pay for our fish we each got a tray of fish. I was so very excited to see my very first dolphin up close. I saw the excitement in my sons eyes and right there and then I told him he would he would get to feed all 3 of our trays to the dolphins and I just wanted him to do it. He just jumped right in and fed the dolphins no hesitating ,no fear just smiles.After the early feeding we headed to the stingray area where he got to pet and feed the rays and once again he was both amazed and fearless. After seeing the animals we went on Journey to Atlantis which is both scary and fun so don't miss it. After riding the kiddie coaster a couple of times we decided to head to the show Belive and this is where the magic begins. When I entered the stadium I went right away to the middle area and all the way down the steps to the splash zone and sat there. We not on purpose ended up in the Vip seating area but the nice attendant let us sit there as there as there were no other Vip families coming. Shamu was right there and it was the best time at that park.We stayed until 3:30 pm then decided it was time to head back to our hotel to get ready for our very first MNSSHP

 

[momtimesone]

 

[momtimesone]

We had to take the Lynx bus system to a stop 5 blocks down from downtown Disney as yours truly thought all the food courts at the world sold half gallon milks. It turns out that ASMO does not ,so this is where the adventure begins. We had shipped cereal and snacks ahead of time and we just needed milk. On the first day there I checked at the food court for milk only to learn they only sell small milks . So the next day we made a plan to leave Seaworld early and to get off the bus near DTD so that we could walk to the Hess gas station to get milk. The bus dropped us off at the only stop close to the gas station and told us upon closing the door that the gas station was 5 blocks down . We start our walk and its 95 degrees out mind you. We get to the station buy the milk and then I look across the street and am happy to see the bus station area for the resorts and All star movies is one of the first benches we see I am so hot and gross right now I fear folks sitting next to me might not be so happy. Thank goodness there was no one on that bus at that time. We got back to the hotel and I decided we would be a little late getting to MNSSHP as I wanted a shower and my son wanted to swim. After swimming and a bite to eat we headed to the MK. When we got thru security we put on our costumes and right away we had cast members laughing. WE had bought inflatable costumes that fill with air when the fan inside is turned on.My son was a kid riding a dino, I was a person who was on frankenstien's back and my sister was the funniest she was a witch riding a ghost.You might think they where hot costumes but with the fans moving the air around our bodies they where awesome. We rode the rides,Did the treat trail then ran away from the fireworks. I had no clue they where that loud it was an awesome show but my son could not take it and hid under my arm the whole time until the show was over. Ever since he was little he has hated loud noises and used to actually faint so the Hallowishes show was his undoing. After calming him down we stayed to watch the parade where the stress caught up with him and he fell asleep. Me and my sister had a great spot in frontierland so we let him sleep while we watched the parade. I loved that parade. My sister wanted to know where the haunted mansion dog goes after the show but I had no idea so if anyone reading this knows please let us know. After the parade it was more treat trails then we got on the busses with the closing masses and left for the hotels. The party was well worth the money and Seaworld was incredible All and all one great day.

 

[momtimesone]

Its day number 3 Sept 17 Wens and as tired as we are its an early morning rise to get to the AK. The park on this day was crowded it was like everyone visiting the world on this day was visiting this one park. We went right to everest and with a 10 min wait time got a fastpass and hopped right in line. The first ride was great and I could not tell you if the yeti was working or not he never moved his arm but his arm did hang low as if to grab us from our seats. After Everest we decided to go do the exploration trail in asia as I have read that is the spot for dreams. We walked the trail to no luck but my son was still in tune with the animals just not the bats. I have to admit I am not a fan of Kali river rapids as the very first time we went on this ride we waited 2 and a half hrs just to get on only to get a tiny splash and I felt jipped. We decided to give it another try seeing as the line for it was only 15 mins. We run right thru it turns out the posted wait time was only because it took that long or felt like that long just to get thru the line area. The very first boat we are directed to the guest in the boat did not move all the way over and when the attendent asked them too they suddenly could not hear him so we where then directed to the next boat on the line. We get in strap in and off we go. Just missed getting soaked but it was funny to see the couple that was on with us get soaked . I was able to get some pics of my son on the ride so that was cool. As soon as we got off Kali we decided to use up our everest fastpass. When we got there everyone getting off the ride was being given dream fastpasses and I was so bummed but no worries we used our passes and still had fun. After the ride I felt sick and decided to take a break and this is where the greatest discovery ever came into play. My son had saw a sign that said single rider line and so going with my sister got in this line they where put on the same train but different seats but it worked well for my son and he was all smiles as it was little to no wait using this trick. After that my sister just sent him in alone and we would wait at the exit for him to come out he went on everest 6 times in a row before we decided to head to Africa to get a fastpass for the safari. While waiting on our fast pass time we decided to do the Wildlife express train to the conservation station where we where greeted by Pepi the talking recyling can and for some reason he was ignoring my son but its ok my son was all smiles just getting to hear him talk. We explored the station and learned about animal dung and animal feed. My son wrangled me into buying him a big rubber cobra which I had no problems getting for him as he has never on any of our trips asked for any thing. We headed to the safaris which is my fav animal kingdom ride and I always enjoy seeing the animals. After the safari's we headed back to everest for a couple more rides. It as nearing closing time and I thought we should try and go to Hollywood studios to give Rock and roll roller coaster a try for the very first time seeing as my son was tall enough to ride it on this trip.

 

[momtimesone]

We took the direct bus to the Hollywood studios and got right in line for RRC. My son was scared and I kept telling him all thru the line if he did not want to go he would not hurt my feelings as I for one hate when parents force there children on things. He was brave and we got on the ride. It was great and when it as all over my son just looked at me and said Again . I wanted to go check out toy story mania for the first time ever so what better time then an hr and half before park closing. We got in a line and the wait time was 45 mins but it seemed like it was moving a lot faster to me. Maybe I am used to July wait times but this line was quick to me. We moved along and got to see Mr potato head talking when something funny happened. He pulled his ear out and began chatting about how he could not hear us which my sister thought was funny, as it seemed like no one was even paying attention to him. When he went to put his ear back in he did not put it in hard enough because out it fell onto the ground and rolled across the floor. I swear his eyes went right to his ear and he stopped talking We started laughing so hard tears came out of our eyes. 5 mins into this moment and we are almost out of that room and here comes an attendent who gets his ear and puts it back in his head suddenly he re awakens but not before we clapped and said welcome back. The ride itself was incredible but my sister who could not see 3-D since birth thought it was more fun seeing my son laugh. The ride is long and fun but my son scored higher then us both. After the ride we headed out of the park to beat the crowds of closing time. We got to the bus stop just in time as a bus had just pulled up. We where luck because from the looks of the crowds pouring out of the studios the night had just ended.It was a good day and let me tell you this Frozen lemonades are now my addictive drink of choice. For some odd reason me and mine used all our snack credits on these wonders and would gladly do it over again YUMMY. We headed back to the hotel for a quick swim and early bed time as the next day would be Epcot all day.

 

[momtimesone]

 

[momtimesone]

Its our 4th day on vacation and the weather has been hot,humid but we have not seen one drop of rain this week and I find that odd. Today we woke up and headed right to Epcot to enjoy the whole day at this park. The first thing we did was go on soarin for the first time ever and it was a great ride. We grabbed a fastpass for it and headed over to mission space. We did the green side as I do not like tempting fate and did not like the idea of the orange side making people sick. We loved the ride and felt bad for missing it all these times. We then headed off to test track where we finally rode the ride in the day time and it was fun except the ride was breaking down while we where on it. After test track we went back to soarin for another glide LOL. After soarin I decided we should try the Land and that was actually an interesting ride. We laughed because they said Disney is growing giant pumpkins and when we looked at the pumpkins they where not what we would call giant by any means. When the land was done we walked over to nemo and friends and with a 5 min wait time we walked right on and rode. The rides cute but nothing I would wait in line for. After nemo and friends it was time to eat so off we headed to the Garden grill where the chicken nuggets became our food of choice. The change in the dining plan put me off to be honest I do not mind tipping but when the black book is shoved in my face after my meal it just makes me mad. I will leave a tip but no need to be reminded thats just my thoughts.After the Garden grill we decided to go do turtle talk with crush for the first time ever. After a 5 min wait to be let in the theater we where filed in. My son sat middle front and was wearing a really floreseant yellow shirt that crush must of seen or liked because he was asking my son all types of questions and then they interviewed me. I do not know if the show is different each time but it is awesome and my son was so very happy to be picked. It was about 2pm and we decided it was time to get a passport and hit the countries. We went to Canada first then followed the countries around stopping at each kid cot stop. He loved getting to the stops and learning hello in different countries tongue. His favorite stop was Japan as a lover of Mario brothers and pokemon he was in 7th heaven. I decided we should wait about 10 mins in Japan for the candy lady's demo and so we waited. He loved the story tellers and could of sat there all day listening but the candy lady came out and he had a up front spot. After watching her make the candy she turns to him and asks him what he wants. We where not expecting this so my son just said a sea otter which is his favorite animal. It was amazing how she turned this ball of candy into an animal right before our eyes.After she handed it to him he bowed and said thank you in her tongue which she must of loved because she had a huge smile on her face.We went to every country with last stop being Mexico. We sent a video postcard home which even now I laugh at. After we finished the countries we where to eat dinner at the Coral reef. We had a good dinner but it was getting late and after a full day of Epcot my feet where sore so we called it a night. When we got back to the hotel we decided to pool hop and check out All star musics pool. My son had brought his favorite woody doll with for our vacation and my sister thought it would be funny to suprise my son in the pool with woody swimming LOL. When we got to the calypso pool off we went to swim and she hid woody in the towels so he would not see planning on getting him out after swimming for a bit. They had a movie playing which I thought it was cool and my son said it was camp rock. We swam for a long time then my son decided we should head back to All star movies and swim there. We go and collect the towels and low and behold there gone Woody is gone and we are cold. My sister is really upset and I am trying not to let my son know what happened. She goes to the towel return bin and looks in its empty so no luck and finally I had to tell my son his woody was gone . We where about to leave when my sister said she was going to check the other towel return bin. She takes the bin out of the storage box and looks thru it as my son by now has been told of his loss and is crying. I hear a yell and run over to the bin and shes yelling is that him and all I see is a brown boot and sure as anything its his woody so mom gets him out of the bin and my son still upset is hugging woody telling him he will never take him anywhere again. My sister feels like crap as she was the one who brought woody out but my son just hugs her and says its ok he has woody back. After that no one felt like swimming so off we went back to All Star Movies for a nice full nights sleep.

 

[momtimesone]

 

[momtimesone]

5th day Friday Sept 19
We woke up late as this was our sleep in date and decided to walk around the hotel and get pictures with all the fun icons then do some swimming.We loved the love bug area but it was under construction so you could only get pics of the outside area. One of our favorite areas was the toy story area it was so cute but my son was getting a little sick from the solid sun on us that we decided to cut photo time short. After grabbing something quick to eat at the food court we where off to MNSSHP entering right at 4pm. We did not have our costumes on as I felt it would be way to hot to have them on for that long. When we got in the park we headed for space mountain and rode that twice with no wait it was really nice. We then headed to country bear jamobree as it was my first time seeing that show and my son liked it but said it was one time event for him. After the bears we sat down on the porch outside and had some frozen lemonades and by this time I am a full time addict and love the stuff.We then headed to Big thunder and Splash mountain and rode those a couple more times. When it was 7 pm on the dot we went into the bathrooms to change into our party outfits. I was the fairy godmother, My sister was Cinderella in rags or as we said before the boo and my son was Troy Bolton from high school musical. After getting changed my son wanted to solo big thunder so me and my sister waited outside for him and took pics of eachother in costume. After big thunder it was off to do the Haunted mansion which I loved. On our first trip we only did it once thinking we would get to do it again. The next yr it was down for rehab so this time it was ride,ride,ride again and each time we saw something new.While over in that area we decided to get our pics with Cinderellas carriage and the CM's loved my costume and my sisters so that was fun. We did peter pans flight which I braved for the sake of my son. I have a fear of that ride because its on a track and your hanging and well me and my morbid thoughts ruin things for my mind. We headed off to find a spot for the parade and this time my son was wide awake and happy. I love that parade and would watch it every night if I could. From our spot we headed to toon town so that we could get pics with Cinderella and her prince and then I let my son ride goofy's barnstormer till he was tired of it. We walked the treat trail and headed to space mountain and while my son was riding it me and my sister watched the fireworks it was a great night. After that we had enough of the party and left to go back to the hotel swim and go to bed. All and all MNSSHP is an awesome event full of fun and glee and I would do it again. The second party was empty compared to the weekday one but the crowds where low all day. I hope everyone that was there had fun and got lots of candy. The next day we where off to an early day at MGM will see what happens.

 

[momtimesone]

 

[momtimesone]

Day 6 and we wake up early to head off to MGM to ride RRC again and to do some other rides. When we got there we got a quick fastpass for RRC and then we walked over to the tower of terror. With a 10 min wait time we waited and where on the ride in no time. This ride is a kiddie ride to me maybe its because I am pooh sized and don't come off the seat or because I have been on these dropping rides before. It was fun seeing the park in the daylight when your that high up but its not a scary ride at all. After tower of terror it was time for our fastpass to RRC. We used the photopass lady and had her take a pic with our camera and then with hers and I have to say my camera took a better shot. We found the hidden mickeys and then went on the ride. After it was over I did not feel so hot and my thrill seeker son wanted on again. We let him go again walking him up to the single rider line and then told him we would wait at the exit for him. Hlf hr later he comes out it turns out the ride broke down when he was on it but it was ok because he was sitting next to another boy and they made friends LOL. When the thrill of that ride was over we headed to muppet vision and my son loves this show his favorite character is the swedish chef. We of course had to find the key under the mat and my son thought that was hilarious. After the show I took him to buy his very own Chef plushie doll and he loves it. We then took him to Honey I shrunk the kids playland which he played in for about a hlf hr. Our lunch ressie was at Sci-Fi but we did not feel like eating there so when I went to check in for our ressie I overheard a dad talkng to the front area begging for a seat for his family of 4 and after he walked out and told his kids they began to cry. I felt bad so I told him come with me for some magic and I walked up to the ressie desk and told them I was giving my ressie to him as I did not want it anymore and they let me do it. They wanted to seat him right away and so when he went back to get his wife and kids he told them that I gave them our seats and the kids where so happy they just smiled and the wife said this is why she loves Disney. It made me feel good and we went and had a quick easy lunch at the Backlot express. Good thing too we where just in time to sit and eat and watch the star wars jedi training academy. I asked my son if he would ever like to do that but he has no interest in anything star wars except for the ride. After our lunch we went to do Star tours and the line was way to long for this park so we just skipped it. We walked over to pixar place for some pics with the giant toys but saw the standby line was packed and the fastpasses where gone for toy story mania and so we did not even attempt the ride. My son said he wanted to do Epcot's spaceship earth and so before we knew it we took the bus to Epcot and off we went. We got to Epcot and did spaceship earth with no wait. After the ride we played around with the futuristic items and he had fun in there. After spending a full hr in there it was off to Inovations first west then east. We did the robot music makers and saw the segway stuff but our favorite exhibit was the fire house. We where on the same team and all got our fire flashlights. We where against two other families and ran around spotting the fire problems in the house. My son not only learned about fire saftey but thought this was the highlight of the day. After this exhibit we headed to the other pavillion and did the new storm force acceleration. We had fun guessing what to use during the storm but the water and burst of air became annoying and my son was kinda scared by the loud noises. After this we wandered around the pavillion and when we where done we hopped on the monorail to head to Chef Mickeys for a nice dinner. When we where done with our family traditon of the last nights dinner with Mickey we headed to MK to say goodnight to Mickey. We rode Space mountain and Big thunder one last time and then my son was getting tired so we headed back to our hotel to pack and get ready for our flight. We borrowed a luggage cart when we got back to All star movies and then loaded up the luggage double checking everything. We cleaned the window and made sure the room was nice and clean. I put my son to bed and then decided to take a nap before it was time to get up to head down to the Magical express stop. At 3:30 am we woke up and got ready to leave . We headed down to the bus stop at 3:50 and waited for our bus to come. At 4 am on the dot we where picked up for the bus and my son promptly fell asleep. We stopped at 5 hotels and I was getting really nervouse as we still had to get to the airport and check all our bags and with every stop the bus took it took away time to check our bags something I was brand new at doing. We got to the airport and still had an hr to check in and get to our terminal. After getting a luggage man to help us load our bags and bring them to check in we where doing well until the whole issue with 6 bags came up and i had to show them once again the proof that our tickets where bought before the change in baggage fees. After showing the proof I had with me they let us go. We got to our flight with a half hr to spare and loaded the plane within that half hr. The flight was nice but i was so tired I slept the whole way home with my son spread out as far as he could in his seat and mine and my sister sleeping in her seat. I awoke to the pilot saying that we would possible need to land in Indiana for and emergency fuel stop if the fog did not clear up for them to land. After another hr of circling the pilot got the all clear to land. We did not even see the ground when we landed it was so bad out. The pilot stated that he had to use the computer to land the plane and that rarely happens so it was a little scary hearing that but we made it safely and where back in IL. Tired and worn out we all decided right there and then that our next Disney trip will be to Disneyland so Yeah we get to go to a new park with new rides and get to see Walt's first park
We are home now and happy and I cant wait to start planning again. I hope you all enjoyed my trip report and hopefully by this time next yr I will be writing about Disneyland.

 

[momtimesone]

Disney's Hollywood studios

EPCOT AND MY FAV GROUP SHOT OF US

TOO MUCH GOOD FOOD AT CHEF MICKEY'S

WAITING FOR THE MAGICAL EXPRESS BOY WAS HE TIRED