4 Parks + 5 Staples in the Baby's Head = 9 Magical Days!! (9/17 The Last Hurrah!)

[thecapells]

Looks like everyone left for Memorial Day.
Apparently I need another update to gather the troops...

 

[thecapells]

Okay, so get everyone back in the spirits, What Time Is It?
Partytime!

You guessed it, as we left the Animation Courtyard, music resonated from the Sorcerer’s Hat.
High School Musical 3: Right Here, Right Now had begun.

The kids grabbed a seat up front and Mom, X, and I hung back.
We weren’t through the first song before DD and DS returned.
It was really hot, the sun was in their eyes, and they didn’t want to sit anymore.
It was “Now or Never” but the kids just wanted to “Walk Away” and I couldn’t hear them over the music unless they would “Scream.”
But since “We’re All In This Together”, we decided to make this a “Night To Remember” and head off to something else.
They had enough of this “Senior Year Musical” and told us they “Just Wanna Be With You.”

Okay, so I’m a dork.
But you’re still reading…

Anyway, it was a little after 11 so I figured we’d get a snack and head to the 12:00 Beauty and the Beast show.
DD was excited. DS, on the other hand, stared complaining that he wanted his surprises and all we had so far was stuff for X and DD.
I checked the times guide to make sure the showtime was accurate and saw 11:15. WHAT?!!?!?!?
Now, to be fair, I had 11:15 written down but changed it right before we left to 12:00 based on an update I saw online. WRONG!
We headed straight over to the show to grab seats.
Mom was furious (she hates when we have to run) but I figured we could relax once we’re seated.
I was afraid there would be nothing left since I hear you should get there ½ hour early.
However, we were able to grab decent seats and collapsed on the benches.
Mom parked the stroller and joined us in time for the show to start.
The kids were hungry, grumpy and starting to lose it but I heard great things about this show so we watched it.
It was good but I think because of our attitudes at that point, we weren’t really into it.
X didn’t want to sit still and DS was grumpy so we probably didn’t enjoy it as much as we could have.
And the fact that it was benches and not seats didn’t help at all.
I ended up having to hold DD most of the show so she could see past the really big people in front of us.

After the show, we headed over to the stands on Sunset Boulevard for some snack.
We needed to wind down so I grabbed a smoothie, a banana, and a frozen lemonade for us all to split.
We sat down in the shade of an umbrella and ate a bit.
DS was still grumpy (I think lack of sleep was catching up to him) but I told him his stuff was coming up.
He was mad that I had told him this was his day and we didn’t do anything for him yet.
Because apparently Toy Story Midway Mania wasn’t for him.
Ugh.

After snack we headed back to the Animation Courtyard (sense a pattern here yet) to finish up that side of the park before lunch.
Stay Tuned as The Incredibles spring into action!

 

[jagfanjosh3252]

Whew! After much reading, I finally caught up. Wow, I was so sad when I saw what happened to X. But looks like he was a trouper and hung in there. I loved the part when your DD got to dance with the Prince. That is so cool.

Being a comic book fan also, It was kinda disappointing in what happened with X-Men Origins:Wolverine. I hated what they did to "Deadpool."

 

[thecapells]

Whew! After much reading, I finally caught up. Wow, I was so sad when I saw what happened to X. But looks like he was a trouper and hung in there. I loved the part when your DD got to dance with the Prince. That is so cool.

Being a comic book fan also, It was kinda disappointing in what happened with X-Men Origins:Wolverine. I hated what they did to "Deadpool."

Yeah, I was pretty disappointed with the new movie as well.
At least I can focus on the rest of the trip report to keep my spirits up!
Welcome aboard though and hopefully you'll enjoy the rest of the trip!

 

[jmskinner]

Being a comic book fan also, It was kinda disappointing in what happened with X-Men Origins:Wolverine. I hated what they did to "Deadpool."

Did you see the scene after the credits?

 

[3girls4me05]

Still here and reading.
I know it is not super nice but it may me feel good when the kids got cranky during Beauty and the Beast. Up till now it seems like they have all been on great behavoir and well..I was wondering if they were really human! We all experience at least one cranky moment at Disney don't we?

 

[thecapells]

Did you see the scene after the credits?

Yeah, but it was silly and unnecessary.

 

[thecapells]

Still here and reading.
I know it is not super nice but it may me feel good when the kids got cranky during Beauty and the Beast. Up till now it seems like they have all been on great behavoir and well..I was wondering if they were really human! We all experience at least one cranky moment at Disney don't we?

Yeah, we can't complain.
Their worst wasn't even that bad - they were tired and grumpy due to lack of food but no tantrums or anything.
And once the food was in, we were good to go.
I think the pacing of the trip helped alot.
While we did run around ALOT, we built in time to sit and relax during the meals and catch our breaths.
And they took turns riding in the double stroller next to X which also helped.

 

[thecapells]

Back at the Animation Courtyard, it was time for some pictures to get everyone back in the Disney mindset!
We went into the “Magic of Disney Animation” store and everyone was confused.
I told everyone to follow as I slipped through a door and into the character area at the end of the Animation Tour.
The kids were amazed at my back-door trick and we quickly got on line to meet the Incredibles.
However, they were just heading out.
While we waited for their return, X found his nickname on a sign and got excited:

I then found out that they weren’t returning but Frozone was coming in 5 minutes.
Just when I was about to get really mad (seeing as we were dressed as Incredibles and everything) I realized this was actually fortunate.
We have pics of the Incredibles from our last trip.
How cool would it be to get pics AS the Incredibles posing with Frozone?
It’s like bringing the whole team together!
And that’s what we did! You guys can tell us what you think…

Next stop was another little trick I knew.
We headed downstairs and then the kids lit up when they saw Sorcerer Mickey hanging by himself with basically no line.

AUTHOR’S NOTE: This is a great place to catch Mickey with no wait and I’m not sure why there’s never really a line

The kids ran right over but the Photopass photographer was having issues.
He finally snapped this one as X was trying to grab Mickey:

Luckily, I grabbed this one of DD and DS:

And the CM was nice enough to grab a better one of the entire family!

Next up, I was hoping to get pics of WALL-E but we just missed him.
Apparently the WALL-E stuff was just taken down and it was decorated for Bolt.
But Bolt wasn’t debuting for another week.
So I sadly just took a shot of the Bolt screen and we moved on.

DD found some animation screens where you could color Disney characters and proceeded to color in Flounder.
First she did it the right way:

And then she made him all funny colors.
Everyone had fun but it was time to head out.
We had one more attraction before our 12:50 lunch ADR.
On the way out, X found Stitch on the wall.
He was really excited!!

This pic is even more nostalgic as we have DD in the same shot from 2006 when we went for DS’s 4th Birthday trip:

Finally it was time to venture forth under the sea.
Get out your scuba gear and join us in the depths for a grand "voyage!"

 

[dawnbu40]

Awwww! The pics with Frozone and Mickey are adorable! The Animation Bldg is my favorite place for character pics. There is never a wait and its air conditioned!

 

[smithpack]

I am still here and loving the TR. I love that you included that picture of your DD when she was X's age in front of stitch. I was just looking at older pictures of my kids today and on the verge of crying because they grow up so fast. Your DD has definitely changed so much since that picture. She is absolutely beautiful. It is so bittersweet watching them grow.

 

[Poohsbear]

Great tr! Took me a few days to get caught up with it but I'm glad I found it. Great pictures. Hope X's head is ok, although it doesn't look like it phased him a bit! Really enjoy the DH and DW views, it's always interesting to hear what everyone else's perspective was.

Can't wait to read more!

 

[thecapells]

I am still here and loving the TR. I love that you included that picture of your DD when she was X's age in front of stitch. I was just looking at older pictures of my kids today and on the verge of crying because they grow up so fast. Your DD has definitely changed so much since that picture. She is absolutely beautiful. It is so bittersweet watching them grow.

She definitely seems all grown up now even though she's only 4.
But watching X throughout the trip definitely reminded us how she was back then!

Great tr! Took me a few days to get caught up with it but I'm glad I found it. Great pictures. Hope X's head is ok, although it doesn't look like it phased him a bit! Really enjoy the DH and DW views, it's always interesting to hear what everyone else's perspective was.

Can't wait to read more!

He's a trooper and had a grand time.
Since then he's become an even bigger Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck fan.
He came home and starting playing with the stuffed Mickey and Donald and calling them by name!

 

[thecapells]

We were getting hungry but still had one more attraction left in the Animation Courtyard area – Voyage of the Little Mermaid.

And yes, grumbles sounded from the direction of DS – “where are my surprises?”
I explained this was the last bit for DD and the rest of the day was for him.
And did you happen to forget 2 rides on Toy Story Midway Mania?
It was just one of those days…

There was no wait to get in so we headed for the loading area and remembered how this was one of the emergency restrooms stops from 2006.
That is, just after we piled into a crowded loading area, DS announced he had to go potty – NOW!
Mom ran out and barely made it back before the show started.
Aaah, the things you remember from Disney

The show began and was a bit more dark and violent than I remember.
Sebastian and the black-light puppets were a blast – I love how they do that.
But X was a little freaked out when the wind and water picked up.
DS and DD seemed to enjoy the show – DD especially enjoyed seeing Ariel sing, get her legs, and then kiss Prince Eric.
Ariel is, after all, her favorite princess.

The show ended and we all piled out.
I’ve always really liked this show – much better (IMHO) than Beauty and the Beast thanks to the effects.
And I love how they blend actors, puppets, and animation into one show.
It’s almost like the pre-cursor to Fantasmic! on a much smaller scale.
A definite must do for anyone.
By now we were famished and it was time to eat under the stars – a special treat for the kids (and me!)

 

[WillowBelle]

When we were there in 2006, about 5 minutes into the VOTLMermaid show my DD5 announced she had to go "potty". She and I filed out of the theater leaving my oldest DD with DH - never did get to see the end of ths show . Maybe this year.

 

[thecapells]

We headed out of the Animation Courtyard, past the Sorcerer’s Hat, and down Commissary Lane.
Mom and the kids parked the stroller while I went to grab Star Tours Fastpasses.

When I got back, we headed into Sci-Fi Diner. Here’s a promo shot…

I love this place but this was a first for the kids.
We had to explain to them how these things called “drive-ins” used to exist where you parked your car to watch a movie.
And sometimes the waiters and waitresses came to your car via roller skates.
They didn’t believe us but when we were seated they were very impressed.
From the cool car tables to the stars in the night sky to the huge movie screen, they found a favorite restaurant.

We had a 12:50 ADR and were seated very quickly.
And with the Deluxe Dining Plan, you definitely get your money’s worth here.
We got Onion Rings and Spinach and Artichoke Dip for the adult appetizers and then we each got the bacon chedder burger and fries.
I looove the burger here.
Mom had a lemonade but I opted for the chocolate shake – yes, it counts as a drink here.
DS had a hot dog with a chocolate shake and a fruit cup for dessert.
DD had a burger with a lemonade and fruit for dessert as well.
For the adults, I had cheesecake while Mom had the apple crumble for dessert.
We were so full by the end of the meal, that the waiter packaged up the desserts in “to go” cups for us to take on our way.

The kids had a blast watching the old Sci-Fi “B” Movies and commercials but I think their favorite was the Tom and Jerry cartoon.
And the atmosphere is amazing – everyone had a good time and it was definitely perfect timing with the kids being a bit grumpy today.
DS even tried to "drive" us away...

DS rated this his favorite restaurant along with the T-Rex Café and can’t wait to go back!
From our pickiest eater, that’s saying something!
Too bad X fell asleep on Mom half way through the meal.

That would change the afternoon plans somewhat but it’s Disney and we’d make do.
Mom put X in the stroller and went to find a shady spot.
She was pretty wiped and figured she’d take a break while watching X.
But the rest of us had a date with the Stars and our Tour was about to leave! Grab your fastpass and meet us at the shuttle before take-off!

 

[dawnbu40]

Aww the SciFi pics are great! Its so nice to hear that a family actually enjoyed that restaurant since so many people on the boards bash it!

 

[thecapells]

Aww the SciFi pics are great! Its so nice to hear that a family actually enjoyed that restaurant since so many people on the boards bash it!

I've always loved it - it has great theming and the food is actually pretty good.
We try to vary our foods throughout the week and stay away from burgers and fries (as you can see with the variety of meals we've experienced).
However, Sci-Fi and Cosmic Ray's are two places where burgers are allowed.
And the burger is HUGE and the milkshakes are awesome.
It's like a good diner back home with the added bonus of a movie screen.

In general, I've always thought the food choices at DHS were minimal.
The buffet at Hollywood 'N' Vine is good, but I wasn't impressed by Prime Time, I've heard horrible things about Mama Mia's, and don't want to spend 2 credits for Brown Derby.
We had a horrible meal at ABC Commissary in '06, Backlot Express and Studio Catering seem just average and that about covers your choices.
Given that, Sci-Fi is almost like a staple for us at that park.
Like I said, Sci-Fi ranked the #2 restaurant of the vacation for DS and in the top 5 for DD (after her princess meals).
And Disney is all about the kids so if they like it, you know we're going back.
Heck, I went myself went I came back on my conference trip - but that's a different trip report.

 

[jmskinner]

Finally caught up. Enjoyed seeing all the kids enjoy the shows. We just saw Playhouse Disney a couple of weeks ago. Sadly, with DS now being 10, he didn't enjoy it and didn't know much about the shows. Wish we had gone to WDW when he was into Bear in the Big Blue House and those other shows.

I love how you throw in all the potty breaks. Kids do have great timing don't they?

 

[thecapells]

Finally caught up. Enjoyed seeing all the kids enjoy the shows. We just saw Playhouse Disney a couple of weeks ago. Sadly, with DS now being 10, he didn't enjoy it and didn't know much about the shows. Wish we had gone to WDW when he was into Bear in the Big Blue House and those other shows.

I love how you throw in all the potty breaks. Kids do have great timing don't they?

Glad you're back! Yeah, DS (at 7) probably won't want to go back to Playhouse Disney next time - he's basically outgrown it.
We did do the show with Bear last time in 2006 and I actually thought this one was better.
Then again, I prefer Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Handy Manny and Little Einsteins to Stanley and Book of Pooh.
I think Bear in the Big Blue House is the only thing we miss.