6/16-6/23 TR: It's Hot, Hot, Hot: Update 7/27 Top 10 Lists

[Planning fanatic mom]

Hello All,

We have been home for less than 48 hours and the depression has started. I am doing everything in my power not to go to the Disney Website and price another vacation for the fall. I thought by starting this report, I might get my mind off of going back soon. (Yeah, Right )

For those of you who read my PTR, back and for those of you just joining us,

A little background. This is DH's 7th trip, my 6th, and the girls' 4th. The last 3 have been in June. So, yes, I was prepared for the heat.

Here is a pic of us from 2007 waiting for FOTLK.

OK to begin. The original plan was to leave on Monday, the 15, drive to at least GA. Then get up and be at WDW by early afternoon on the 16. Well, in March, DH decided he wanted to stop at Mt. Vernon in VA for a few hours on our way down. Fine by us. We had never been and had heard that it was gorgeous.

So, we left on the morning of the 14th, arrived at Mr. Vernon at around 11:00am. Ate our lunch in the car, toured the grounds and mansion until about 3:00 and head out. Here is a pic of Mt. Vernon.

The wait to get into the mansion was one and half hours. Needless to say, they did not have Fastpasses. This was the longest wait on the whole trip. I'm glad we got it done on the first day. Mt. Vernon is truly beautiful. If you haven't been and you get a chance, go.

We drove to southern NC that night and found a hotel. We had breakfast at Waffle House the next morning. Now I know some of you went, YUCK!!! We used to live in SC and loved Waffle Houses. The food is always good and cheap. I love their sweet tea. Being from "up North" this is a good enough reason for me. So, let's here it from all you Waffle House fans!!!! I know you are out there.

Here is a funny story. As I was sitting down in the booth, the waitress says, "Boy you are a tall drink of water" I am only 5'9" which, yes, is taller than average, but I'm not that tall. My oldest daughter is actually taller than me. It was the strangest thing that a stranger has ever said to me. We laughed about for the whole trip.

I'll stop there. Up next, we're in Orlando, now what do we do???

Links to Updates:
We're finally in Orlando!
Check in and our first park
First Dinner and Storm #1
DH surprised me bigtime!!
Magic Kingdom and Tinkerbell!
DHS and Storm #2
Pin trading!
EPCOT and Kim Possible
Do LGMH really work??
Magical Moment
Our Last Day
Photo scavenger hunt
Top 10 Lists

 

[MinnieNurse]

Cant wait to hear more. I am dreading the heat, we will be going in just 37 more sleeps!

 

[khertz]

There is a Waffle House near my parents house, and we used to go there all the time until it became very run down and outright nasty! I would love to go to one for nostalgia purposes and if the crew serving didn't look too sketchy.

Can't wait for more!

 

[mommytothreeboys]

Hi there!! Woo-Hoo! So glad you started your TR! Sorry about the depression...we all know what that is like.

Mt. Vernon looks gorgeous. I always said the only way I would agree to drive to WDW is if we made it a real road trip and stopped to see the sights on the way. Nice that you were able to do that!

Never been to a Waffle House...I'm a northern girl all the way. I may have to drive across the Mason-Dixon line to check it out!

Looking forward to more...I'm on board!

 

[Planning fanatic mom]

Cant wait to hear more. I am dreading the heat, we will be going in just 37 more sleeps!

The heat can be bad, but be smart. Do lots of morning and evening stuff, and drink lots of water. We wouldn't leave the air conditioning until we knew exactly where we were going. It is good that so many stores connect.

There is a Waffle House near my parents house, and we used to go there all the time until it became very run down and outright nasty! I would love to go to one for nostalgia purposes and if the crew serving didn't look too sketchy.

Can't wait for more!

I know what you mean. This one was fine and because it was early, there was hardly anyone there. I like the fact that when you walk in everyone yells, "Hello!"

Hi there!! Woo-Hoo! So glad you started your TR! Sorry about the depression...we all know what that is like.

Mt. Vernon looks gorgeous. I always said the only way I would agree to drive to WDW is if we made it a real road trip and stopped to see the sights on the way. Nice that you were able to do that!

Never been to a Waffle House...I'm a northern girl all the way. I may have to drive across the Mason-Dixon line to check it out!

Looking forward to more...I'm on board!

I like the side trips too. DH thinks that Monticello should be the next one. I'd like to try an evening in Savannah GA. We lived in Charleston SC for 6 years and never visited Savannah.

Thanks again to all the readers.!

 

[GeminiAngel]

Cool. a shiny new report to dig into.

 

[kindra657]

signing on!

Sorry to hear that you got the case of DB (Disney Blues)...I've been known to cry on the flight home!

That being said, can't wait to hear more from your trip! I'm a tall (5'9"), waffle house lovin, Disney lovin girl myself.

 

[Planning fanatic mom]

Cool. a shiny new report to dig into.

Glad you are on board. There will be a new update soon.

signing on!

Sorry to hear that you got the case of DB (Disney Blues)...I've been known to cry on the flight home!

That being said, can't wait to hear more from your trip! I'm a tall (5'9"), waffle house lovin, Disney lovin girl myself.

Thanks for joining in. I don't know about you, but I really like being tall. You will see why when I get to watching Spectromagic.

I see that you are having a birthday soon. Happy Birthday and have a great trip!!!

 

[Planning fanatic mom]

Monday June 15:
When last I left you we had eaten breakfast at Waffle House. We are now on the road. My girls are incredible travelers. They "nest" in the back. They each have their own portable DVD players. DD 13 has a Nintendo DS that they take turns playing. They have books to read and have no trouble napping in the car. They can reach a cooler and box of snacks which they packed. We never hear any complaints. I am very lucky.

Here is a pic of my darling daughters in the car.

I also made a Jeopardy game with Disney Trivia, and we played that going through SC. DH won. I drove through GA. We finally arrived in Orlando at the Holiday Inn at 6:00pm. We were not scheduled to get into WL and the parks until Tues. SO, what is a family to do in Orlando with no tickets but in major need of a "Disney Fix"???? Can anyone tell me????

Yes. Downtown Disney!!

Now I must tell you I am not a fan of DTD mostly because of the crowds. I have always found them to be worse than any park. It wasn't too bad on this particular Monday night. DH 16 bought a Stitch Plush and a T-shirt. I was able to get my Christmas ornament. I buy one on every trip. I love decorating my tree and remembering past trips. We got dessert at Ghiradelli!! YEAH!! and headed back to the hotel.

Here is a pic of us in front of World of Disney.

Although the girls and I have officially started the trip by visiting DTD, DH says that the trip doesn't begin until our bags are in the room at WL. This must be a man thing. Maybe someone can explain it to me.

I will leave you here with these thoughts. Is their room ready?? What park do they go to first??

 

[dd50]

You are lucky because my kids always argue all the way. I guess that is the difference on having 3. With 3 someone always isn't getting along with someone and they take turns on who is going to start.

 

[GeminiAngel]

My husband is the same way! We can't really be "on vacation" until the all the clothes are unpacked, and the room is completely set-up.

Our first trip in 2007 @POR was a check-in nightmare.
But Kevin wouldn't go to sleep until he unpacked and settled the room.
It was only 1:30AM!!!

 

[Planning fanatic mom]

You are lucky because my kids always argue all the way. I guess that is the difference on having 3. With 3 someone always isn't getting along with someone and they take turns on who is going to start.

I have many friends with 3 kids and they say the same thing. I am very lucky. My girls are older now which helps a lot.

My husband is the same way! We can't really be "on vacation" until the all the clothes are unpacked, and the room is completely set-up.

Our first trip in 2007 @POR was a check-in nightmare.
But Kevin wouldn't go to sleep until he unpacked and settled the room.
It was only 1:30AM!!!

See it is a man thing. Although I'm the one that has to have it unpacked. My DH would live out of a suitcase for a week.

 

[topdog]

Let the fun begins.

I love Waffle House. I love their chocolate chip waffle. I have to have some every chance when I go to NC.

I am not a big fan of DTD either. It's only good for shopping. You know me. I am tight. I remember I visit the Ghiradelli factory when I was at San Francisco. Talk about sugar rush.

No, it's not a man thing. The moment I am on the road, I am on vacation. I don't really care about unpacking my suitcase. Then again, you are talking to a guy who live in his car for over 6 months.

 

[shannon47142]

you're off to a great start
we stayed at WL last summer--I hope you had as much fun as we did

 

[Planning fanatic mom]

Let the fun begins.

I love Waffle House. I love their chocolate chip waffle. I have to have some every chance when I go to NC.

I am not a big fan of DTD either. It's only good for shopping. You know me. I am tight. I remember I visit the Ghiradelli factory when I was at San Francisco. Talk about sugar rush.

No, it's not a man thing. The moment I am on the road, I am on vacation. I don't really care about unpacking my suitcase. Then again, you are talking to a guy who live in his car for over 6 months.

I've been to the factory in SF as well. It was amazing!

I don't remember the story about living in your car?? Did you tell us? Could you fill us in?? DH tried hard to take a lot of pics. We even used our cell phones. I will post as many as possible. The WL lodge comes up next!!

you're off to a great start
we stayed at WL last summer--I hope you had as much fun as we did

ans Thanks! I have wanted to stay at WL since 2007 when we ate at WCC. The first impression is coming up soon. I am spending the day with my in-laws, so I won't be able to update until this evening.

Have a good day everyone.

 

[cjackearl]

Yea! Your started your TR! I can't wait to hear how our trips intersected. I can tell you we ate at my very first Waffle House, also.

 

[Planning fanatic mom]

Yea! Your started your TR! I can't wait to hear how our trips intersected. I can tell you we ate at my very first Waffle House, also.

Welcome Home. I will wait patiently for your TR to begin.I know you haven't been home long.

 

[topdog]

I've been to the factory in SF as well. It was amazing!

I don't remember the story about living in your car?? Did you tell us? Could you fill us in?? DH tried hard to take a lot of pics. We even used our cell phones. I will post as many as possible. The WL lodge comes up next!

I haven't told that story in a very long time. Only DW and a few close friends knew about it.

After I graduated from high school and then went to college for a year. Realized I had enough of school. I dropped out after only one year. Then I decided to leave home and took a waiter job in PA. My family couldn't find me for 2 years. I was young and I was rebellion.

I then bought my first car, a 1972 Mustang Mach 1.

After I saved up a couple of years, I decided I want to see the country. So I packed everything I had which it was not that much then and took off for 6 months. I drove to CA and back. Stop at every state for a few days whenever I can. I slept in my car and shower at truck stop. I couldn't even afford to rent a motel room. What for?? I'll be gone the next day anyway. Everything I had was in my car traveling with me.

It wasn't the smartest thing I did but it was very memorable.

 

[Planning fanatic mom]

I haven't told that story in a very long time. Only DW and a few close friends knew about it.

After I graduated from high school and then went to college for a year. Realized I had enough of school. I dropped out after only one year. Then I decided to leave home and took a waiter job in PA. My family couldn't find me for 2 years. I was young and I was rebellion.

I then bought my first car, a 1972 Mustang Mach 1.

After I saved up a couple of years, I decided I want to see the country. So I packed everything I had which it was not that much then and took off for 6 months. I drove to CA and back. Stop at every state for a few days whenever I can. I slept in my car and shower at truck stop. I couldn't even afford to rent a motel room. What for?? I'll be gone the next day anyway. Everything I had was in my car traveling with me.

It wasn't the smartest thing I did but it was very memorable.

WOW what a story. Thanks for sharing. Love the car! It may not have been the "smartest thing" to do, but I'm sure that the experience has made you the type of person you are today. Maybe that's why with all of the disasters from your most recent Disney trip, you were still able to appreciate the trip and not let it get you down. Just my Opinion.

More to come soon!!

 

[Planning fanatic mom]

Well, it was finally Tuesday morning and time to head to WL to check-in. We got up early. I don't remember what time, but we ate at an IHOP and got to WL at 8:30. So it must have been early.

Everyone's favorite sight.

Here is our first sight of WL. Just Gorgeous!!

I will tell you that these pics don't do it justice.

DH dropped off DD 16 and myself to go check-in while he parked the van. We had assumed that our room would not be ready. I handed DD 16 the camera and told her to snap away. Here is what she shot as her initial impression.

I had done the on-line check-in a few days earlier, so I walked right up to the counter. They had a folder waiting for me and gave me our Keys to the World. I asked for a list of our ADRs, but he said that I would have to get those from the concierge. Which was fine, I would get them later. Then I asked about being the flag family. He thought we were in luck because he had noticed earlier that the 22nd was still open. I crossed my fingers, but alas, it was not to be. Someone had filled it. He felt horrible about getting my hopes up. I didn't care because I was at DISNEY WORLD!!!!

Our room was not ready, but he told me he would text me when it was. I had expected this, so I was fine with it. Even though, DH kept saying remember the trip doesn't start until all the luggage is in the room. This was really beginning to annoy me.

We looked around the lobby a little bit and DH took this pic.

I don't know about you, but it certainly looks like we started out vacation.

We had decided before hand that we would go to AK for the first park. No specific reason except we love EE. We headed to the bus for our first day at the parks.

We got on our bus and had to make a stop at the Grand Floridian. We did this a lot.

As we were walking into AK, I got the text message that said our room was ready. It said room 4002. I was not to reply unless there was a problem. Well I didn't know the WL set up very well, so I had no idea where 4002 was. It could wait until we returned.

We went and got a FP for EE and rode Dinosaur. We love Dinosaur, and the best part is we were riding with a family that had never been on before. They were freaking out. I laughed so hard. We then walked right into It's Tough to be a Bug. This is not my favorite 3-D show at Disney, but it is fine. We then walked right into the 11:15 show of Finding Nemo the musical. NO WAITING!! DH does not like this show, so he was glad to have it over and done with early. I love this show as do my daughters. After Finding Nemo it was time for our FP for EE. We love this ride. I had heard that the Yeti was broken, and it is not as cool with the strobe lights. However, the ride itself makes up for it. I hope that they are able to fix it soon. DId I mention that we love this ride.

We then headed to Pizzafari for Lunch. This is the first time that we have ever used the Dining Plan. I was nervous, but we had a sweet CM who explained what to do. We all got a pizza, salad, dessert, and a drink. It was great, and we were hungry. After lunch we decided to head back to WL to unpack the van and rest a little before dinner. The girls were dying to try the pool.

Here are 2 things we saw on our way out of AK.

I don't know about you, but I could watch her all day.