6 Boys, 2 Princesses, and 2 Mini-vans! A New Petty PTR!-*Updated 3/8

[mommytothreeboys]

In every report I like to share our list of YES, NO, and MAYBE attractions for each park. The list changes each trip depending on how many days we have in a particular park, who we are traveling with, etc. I will also include some fun pictures from our last trip....just for fun! This is my list for our first park of the trip….

HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS!

We have only one day at the Studios, but it is a PM EMH day so I believe we will have NO problem doing everything we want. This park is the hardest for me to navigate and I always feel lost here! Now without the hat to orient me, I may be going in circles all day!

YES—We will work hard on our touring plans to be sure to include these attractions.

Muppet Vision 3D—I absolutely love the Muppets. I giggle all the way through this movie!

Rock n’Roller Coaster—We are adrenaline junkies and this one is a must do!

Star Tours—I sit this one out because I cannot do simulator rides. My motion sickness prone self just can’t hack it! But all the boys love it so it will make the cut.

Toy Story Midway Mania- Well, duh! We are a very competitive family so this is not just fun and games for us!

Twilight Zone Tower of Terror—I will refer you back to the fact that we are all thrill junkies! My nephew Josh has said he may not do this one, but we will do our best to get him to try it once!

For the First Time in Forever-A Frozen Sing-along—I saw this in November and it is really cute. Little Christian is a Frozen fanatic so Shawna and I will take him to this while the boys do Star Tours.

Fantasmic!—We all love night-time entertainment so we will be sure to see this show.


MAYBE—If time allows and everyone is agreeable, we will try to fit these into our plans.

The Great Movie Ride—We all rode this together on our last trip, but it is cool and quiet and may be a good place to go if Christian (or anyone else!) needs a little sensory time-out!



Beauty and the Beast—My family has seen this multiple times and we saw it with Nick, Shawna and Christian on our last trip. That being said, Beauty and the Beast is my favorite movie so if we can we will try to see this.

Lights, Motors, Action Extreme Stunt Show—We have all seen this one as well, but the boys love the cars and the explosions. And…since it is on its way out, they might like to see it one last time.

Disney Junior Live on Stage—I have never toured with a preschooler so I’m not sure if Christian will want to see this. I will have to check with Shawna!


NO—Unless we are bored or some other crazy circumstance takes place, these do not make the cut.

Honey I Shrunk the Kids Movie Set—My kids have no interest in this playground and I don’t think Shawna will want to hang out here if there are other things to do.

The Magic Of Disney Animation—the only reason we would go in here is for a meet and greet

One Man’s Dream—We did this last trip and it was interesting, but I don’t see us doing it again.

Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular—To me, this is just dated.

Voyage of the Little Mermaid—We have NEVER done this. I don’t see us starting now unless someone can convince me otherwise!


The other thing we may try to do at Hollywood Studios is a few character meet and greets. Christian would like to meet Mike and Sully. We’ve also never met the Toy Story characters, so if that fits in we may try to take time for a little Buzz and Woody action.


Now for some fun pictures of our last visit to the Studios!















What do you think? Anything you want to change my mind about?? Josh has never been here, so everything is new to him. Is there something we should fit in for a newbie?


Up Next: Yes, No, Maybe--Magic Kingdom Edition

 

[mommytothreeboys]

AHHH....NEW BOARDS!

Sorry that my print is so small now! I will fix it for the next posts. I am working on my YES, NO, MAYBE--Magic Kingdom Edition post now so look for that soon. Until then....today marks...

 

[KatMark]

I'm here (saw your post on FB); I'll be back to read tonight when I get home from work (working a bit late tonight).

 

[mommytothreeboys]

I'm here (saw your post on FB); I'll be back to read tonight when I get home from work (working a bit late tonight).

Hi and thanks for stopping by!

 

[KatMark]

Okay, back and caught up. Love your intros. How sweet that you got a girl's trip...I love my girls trips (although they include two little princesses). And how sweet that your nephew and family will be joining you. I love your plans so far.

 

[mommytothreeboys]

Okay, back and caught up. Love your intros. How sweet that you got a girl's trip...I love my girls trips (although they include two little princesses). And how sweet that your nephew and family will be joining you. I love your plans so far.

Thanks Kathy! So excited to have extended family with us for this trip. I didn't take my kids when they were Christian's age, so this is all new!

 

[mommytothreeboys]

YES, NO, MAYBE--Magic Kingdom Edition

So, on this trip we will be spending 2 full days and an evening at the Magic Kingdom. Despite the heavier crowds during this time of year, I have full confidence that we will have the time to do everything we really want to do and then some. That being said, here is the list!

YES- Barring any crazy circumstances, we will be sure to hit these attractions.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad: Roller coaster + the Petty family = MUST DO

Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin: I stink at this game but we all love it!

Dumbo: With a toddler in tow, this one won't be missed!

Haunted Mansion: Just good, creepy, fun!

It's a Small World: A classic and a trip to WDW would not be complete without at least one ride.

Jungle Cruise: This one is for me. I LOVE the cheesy jokes. Don't judge!

Mickey's PhilharMagic: In my opinion, the best 4D movie on property.

Pirates of the Caribbean: Aargh!

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train: I rode this in November, but it is new to the rest of the family.

Space Mountain: Refer to comment after BTMRR!

Splash Mountain: I don't love getting wet, but I do love that song! Zip a Dee Doo Dah!

Carousel of Progress: Believe it or not, this is a family favorite. I'm not sure if Nick and Shawna have been on it, but we will most definitely introduce them!

Walt Disney World Railroad: Christian is a big fan of trains, so we will ride this for him!

Under the Sea-Journey of the Little Mermaid: We have only been on this one time so another ride is definitely in order.

Festival of Fantasy Parade: This is a new parade for us. I love a Disney parade!

Main Street Electrical Parade: See above!

Wishes: No MK visit is complete without one viewing!

Meet and Greets: Anna and Elsa are a MUST DO as well as Rapunzel. Frozen and Tangled are Christian's two favorite movies.


MAYBE--If touring and time allow, we will try to fit these into our schedule.

Astro Orbiter: I personally do not like this ride, but my boys do, so I'm sure if we have time they will want to take a spin.

The Barnstormer: Christian will be tall enough for this so we may stop so he can ride.

Enchanted Tales with Belle: We did not do this on our last trip in 2013 as it had JUST opened and was impossible to get into without a wait. And, we only had one MK day. I'd like to do it because Beauty and the Beast is my favorite movie. We'll see how the rest of the group feels if the opportunity presents itself.

The Hall of Presidents: My boys have seen it, but not sure if Nick and Shawna have.

Mad Tea Party: Another one I sit out! But my boys like it so I'll take pics!

Magic Carpets: The only way we would ride this is if Christian wants to and the line is short.

The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh: I would bet Christian will want to do this. We have not done it since our first trip in 2007.

Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor: Again, I love cheesy humor so I am all about this show!

Peter Pan's Flight: This may raise some eyebrows, but I have never really seen what people see in this ride. It's cute and all, but the line is ALWAYS long and not worth the wait in my opinion. But, with 3 days, we may just get lucky!

Prince Charming Regal Carousel: For Christian if at all.

Stitch's Great Escape: Once was enough for me, but Isaiah is a die-hard Stitch fan and this IS his trip.

Swiss Family Tree House: Jeff loves this. I could do without all the climbing! Maybe I'll just get a Dole Whip!

Tomorrowland Speedway: I hate the long wait for this, but we may do it for Christian if time allows.

Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover: This is a good place for a rest, so I can see us using it for that purpose.

Tom Sawyer Island: My boys used to LOVE this place, so I think they would enjoy introducing it to Christian.


NO-- These just don't make the cut.

Enchanted Tiki Room: Honestly, this is here because I HATE BIRDS and this drives me nutty! However, I am sure that someone will want to go in. I will, however, not be joining them!


Also, we may stop to see characters if opportunities arise, but only if the lines are not long. I'd like to meet Merida, but won't stand in a long line. We will take meet and greets on a "we'll see what comes along" basis.

Okay, now the fun part! Pictures from our last visit to the Magic Kingdom in 2013....












So there you have it! Another list complete! Up Next: A review of the To-Do list and a matching shirt update!

 

[mommytothreeboys]

Ok...sorry about the huge pictures. I'm still trying to figure out this new posting pics thing!

AND...still trying to figure out how to post links for updates. Standby!

 

[princessbelle2015]

I love your plans for your MK days. It looks like you have planned so that everyone on the trip will have something they like.

 

[mommytothreeboys]

I love your plans for your MK days. It looks like you have planned so that everyone on the trip will have something they like.

Thanks! I think it will be fun to do some of the things we normally pass by!

 

[mommytothreeboys]

Today marks the 40 days till Vacation mark! I figured it was appropriate to update you on the state of my to-do list and also to let you in on our matching t-shirt plans. For the sake of this report, items in GREEN are completed, items in BLUE are in progress, and items in RED are not started. I have also added a few new items and they will be BOLD.


45 Days till Disney! (February 4th)

*Firm up plans for t-shirts with Shawna

*Begin purchasing glow sticks, etc for the parks.

*Work on touring plans for each park day

*Start working on a budget and a plan for eating in the parks. (this is the first major trip we have done without the DDP)

*Make arrangements for someone to cover my work schedule. (I am a caregiver for an elderly woman. I do her errands, shopping, cleaning, and provide companionship.)


One Month till Disney! (February 19th)

*Inventory boys clothes and shop for shorts, shoes, etc if needed

*Make arrangements for Harvey (our sweet 10 month old Australian Cattle Dog)

*Print updated calendars with park hours, parades, etc and add to binder

*Make a packing list

*Start purchasing car snacks and food for breakfasts and snacking at parks

*Plan road trip meals and look into hotel at stopping point


2 Weeks till Disney! (March 7th)

*Pull suitcases and begin packing

*Finalize touring plans and make daily 3x5 cards

*Schedule haircuts and pedicure

*Take inventory of travel items and purchase as needed

*Plan 10 Day celebrations for each night leading up to vacation

*Finalize budget (spending money, etc)

*Finish shirts with Shawna

I feel pretty confident about how the list is coming along. I have my Disney box out and have started adding things to it, such as small items I pick up for the trip. So far it has a box of Monsters Inc. gummies, command hooks for the bathroom at POP, our handy dandy suction cup toothbrush holder which goes on every trip, and a package of handi-wipes.




We have had a TON of snow here so it has been fun to have planning things to do for this trip. Shawna and I will be making t-shirts for all of us to wear on 2 of our park days. I can't get the boys to buy in to any more than 2 matchy-matchy days, so I take what I can get. This year we will match on our Animal Kingdom day and one of our Magic Kingdom days. Shawna and I will also be making shirts for our Epcot day since we will be doing the princess breakfast together and it is her birthday. Here is the design for our AK shirts.



And here is the design for our PRINCESS shirts.



For our MK shirts we will be doing a spiral Mickey Head design we found on Pinterest.


We will let each boy pick their own color scheme so we match, but we aren't identical.

Before I leave, I wanted to give you a taste of what I am dealing with here on the frozen tundra of Western New York.



I can't wait for Sunny FLORIDA!

Up next: YES, NO, MAYBE--Animal Kingdom Edition

 

[KatMark]

I love your must do's at the MK. But you definitely need to add Winnie-the-Pooh...especially with a little one. And you don't like the Tiki birds? My husband would be devastated.

I am so sorry about the brutal winter you've been having. We've been relatively lucky so far this year.

 

[Leleluvsdis]

I'm joining in!! We aren't going back until December, so until then, I will live vicariously through everyone elses' travels
We typically drive from VA but plan to fly in December since we will have a 1 year old with us. I think 14 hours in the car will be a little much on her, and a lot much on us trying to get her entertained and not cranky
I have never stayed at POR, but we visited there on out last trip. The grounds are so beautiful and very relaxing. You'd never know you were in the middle of Disney World when walking about.
We have stayed at Pop twice, and it by far my favorite value resort. I can't figure out what it is about it. We have stayed at ASSports and ASMusic 2 nights each, and 4 nights total at Pop, and it is my favorite of values. Be sure to take time to walk over to AoA. It is a very nice walk, and AoA is amazingly detailed and so much fun to walk through. We also enjoyed the food court when we walked over. They have dishes that other food courts do not have and it was very very tasty!!
I chose to go to Disney for my graduation trip as well!! It was so so much fun aside from the fact that we went in July, I wouldn't have done anything differently
It will be so much fun going with family too! Each trip we take includes my parents, but one trip included my brother and his family. We had so much fun, and would love to do a big family trip again!!
I've always dreamed of taking a girls only trip!! I think it would be so much fun!! Maybe one day me and my friends can do that since we all have daughters. That would be even more fun!!
I'm glad I'm not the only one who plans fake trips:/Awesome deal on the bouceback offer!! We typically make our drive into 2 days going down, and stop in South Carolina. There is a wonderful Holiday Inn Express in Walterboro, SC. It is only about 6 hours from there to Disney, which makes the second day much more enjoyable knowing you are more than half way to disney, and will be there in less the the time of a work day!! You can never go wrong with starting your trip with Wishes!! We did WCC on our last trip and loved it!!! It is definitely on our to do list from now on. We have never done Akershus, but am debating this trip for our little princess' first birthday. I can't wait to hear what you think about it!! MK last at night is my absolute favorite. Our last trip we walked through Frontierland with no one infront or behind us enjoying a gingerbread latte from Starbucks as we were on our wait to BTMR. I love the countdown you have made. I will definitely have to try my hand at making one. I saw them on Etsy, but didn't realize they would be so simple to make!!
I don't understand how people without todo lists keep it together haha We really like Voyage of the Little Mermaid to relax, enjoy some AC, and it is a pretty good show. I may be a little partial because I love the Little Mermaid, but it is pretty good!!

 

[mommytothreeboys]

I love your must do's at the MK. But you definitely need to add Winnie-the-Pooh...especially with a little one. And you don't like the Tiki birds? My husband would be devastated.

I am so sorry about the brutal winter you've been having. We've been relatively lucky so far this year.

I have a feeling that Winnie the Pooh will be on Christian's MUST DO list! If it helps your husband at all, I don't just hate the Tiki Birds. I hate ALL birds!

I'm joining in!! We aren't going back until December, so until then, I will live vicariously through everyone elses' travels
We typically drive from VA but plan to fly in December since we will have a 1 year old with us. I think 14 hours in the car will be a little much on her, and a lot much on us trying to get her entertained and not cranky
I have never stayed at POR, but we visited there on out last trip. The grounds are so beautiful and very relaxing. You'd never know you were in the middle of Disney World when walking about.
We have stayed at Pop twice, and it by far my favorite value resort. I can't figure out what it is about it. We have stayed at ASSports and ASMusic 2 nights each, and 4 nights total at Pop, and it is my favorite of values. Be sure to take time to walk over to AoA. It is a very nice walk, and AoA is amazingly detailed and so much fun to walk through. We also enjoyed the food court when we walked over. They have dishes that other food courts do not have and it was very very tasty!!
I chose to go to Disney for my graduation trip as well!! It was so so much fun aside from the fact that we went in July, I wouldn't have done anything differently
It will be so much fun going with family too! Each trip we take includes my parents, but one trip included my brother and his family. We had so much fun, and would love to do a big family trip again!!
I've always dreamed of taking a girls only trip!! I think it would be so much fun!! Maybe one day me and my friends can do that since we all have daughters. That would be even more fun!!
I'm glad I'm not the only one who plans fake trips:/Awesome deal on the bouceback offer!! We typically make our drive into 2 days going down, and stop in South Carolina. There is a wonderful Holiday Inn Express in Walterboro, SC. It is only about 6 hours from there to Disney, which makes the second day much more enjoyable knowing you are more than half way to disney, and will be there in less the the time of a work day!! You can never go wrong with starting your trip with Wishes!! We did WCC on our last trip and loved it!!! It is definitely on our to do list from now on. We have never done Akershus, but am debating this trip for our little princess' first birthday. I can't wait to hear what you think about it!! MK last at night is my absolute favorite. Our last trip we walked through Frontierland with no one infront or behind us enjoying a gingerbread latte from Starbucks as we were on our wait to BTMR. I love the countdown you have made. I will definitely have to try my hand at making one. I saw them on Etsy, but didn't realize they would be so simple to make!!
I don't understand how people without todo lists keep it together haha We really like Voyage of the Little Mermaid to relax, enjoy some AC, and it is a pretty good show. I may be a little partial because I love the Little Mermaid, but it is pretty good!!

Hi there and welcome! I am so excited to try Akershus. I never get my Princess fix! I will be sure to let you know how it goes!

We are planning to stay in Walterboro as well. We stayed there last time, but in a different hotel. I have the Microtel booked for this trip.

We did a late MK night on our 2009 trip and I loved it. So excited that it works out for us to do it again!

 

[mommytothreeboys]

YES, NO, MAYBE--Animal Kingdom Edition

As I sit here dealing with this.....


It is easy to be Disney Dreaming! On our next park day we will be visiting Animal Kingdom. I know that this park gets mixed reviews on this board, but I really love Animal Kingdom. I love all the little attention to detail in the theming, like the bike tracks in the pavement and the water fountains disguised as water jugs. The grounds are gorgeous! So, I fall on the side of those who love and appreciate Animal Kingdom! Here is my YES, NO, MAYBE list.

We have one day at AK on this trip. It is a morning EMH day and the park is open until 8. However, we have dinner reservations at Whispering Canyon Cafe at 6:45. I have no worries about getting everything done...especially with Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade not being an issue.

YES (We will do everything humanly possible to see/experience these attractions.)

Dinosaur- We all really like this ride. Christian can't ride so we'll probably do Rider Swap here.

Expedition Everest- Did I mention we are all thrill junkies? This is a MUST!

It's Tough to be a Bug- We like this as much for the buggy glasses and the photo ops those present as for the show!

Kali River Rapids- Providing it is warm and sunny, this makes the list. Shawna will sit out!

Kilimanjaro Safari- I am really hoping to see the lions this time around!

Maharaja Jungle Trek- We all enjoy looking at the animals. I will go quickly (RUN) through the aviary portion. EEK!

Pangani Forest Trail- Who doesn't love the gorillas?

Festival of the Lion King- I love this show and am looking forward to seeing it in its new home.

Finding Nemo the Musical- We have only seen this once, and I"m not sure if Nick and Shawna have seen it at all.


MAYBE (If time and touring plans allow, we may try to fit these in our day.)

The Boneyard- It's been a trip or two since my boys wanted to do this, but Christian may enjoy it.

Conservation Station- We have actually never taken the time to go here. Maybe this trip?

Triceratop Spin- Again, for Christian!

Wildlife Express Train- This could be a first for all of us.


NO (These just don't make the cut!)

Flights of Wonder- I did this ONE time for my boys because they wanted to see it. NEVER again!

Primeval Whirl- Did this once. See above! (My boys may want to ride, but I doubt it.)



As in the other parks, we will take Meet and Greets as they come. If lines are short and manageable, we may stop to meet characters.


Now the fun part! Here are a few pictures from our last visit to Animal Kingdom!

 

[KatMark]

Love the plans for your AK day. I am one of those that loves this park. It has really grown on me over the years and it is a close tie with Epcot as my second favorite park. I'm with on on Primevil Whirl or Primevil Hurl as I like to call it. That is one ride I just will NOT do again. Awful!

The rest of your plans sound great. I'm so disappointed that the parade is gone.

 

[mickeystoontown]

I seem to start every single one of my posts with the same phrase "This "new" Dis has me sooooo messed up!" I don't like the no-notifications thing because I get too far behind. Annnnnyway, I am all cught up ow and I flippin' forgot what I wanted to comment on. Dang it! I'm all caught up though.

 

[mommytothreeboys]

I seem to start every single one of my posts with the same phrase "This "new" Dis has me sooooo messed up!" I don't like the no-notifications thing because I get too far behind. Annnnnyway, I am all cught up ow and I flippin' forgot what I wanted to comment on. Dang it! I'm all caught up though.

Sorry it's throwing you for such a loop. Just keep swimming...you'll figure it all out!

Love the plans for your AK day. I am one of those that loves this park. It has really grown on me over the years and it is a close tie with Epcot as my second favorite park. I'm with on on Primevil Whirl or Primevil Hurl as I like to call it. That is one ride I just will NOT do again. Awful!

The rest of your plans sound great. I'm so disappointed that the parade is gone.

I love parades so I was very sad to see the AK parade discontinued.

I don't so much mind the spinning of Primeval Whirl....it's just bone jarring! My old bones can't take it!!

 

[mommytothreeboys]

DISNEY NAILS!

So lately I have been really digging Jamberry Nail wraps. For those unfamiliar, they are a very thin vinyl that has a heat activated adhesive on the back. They come in hundreds of designs and they last way longer than nail polish without chipping or peeling. I wash dishes, clean, and do all my normal activities while wearing them and I get about 2 weeks from one application. Try that with polish! I have done several designs....



Naturally, I want Disney nails for my trip, so I looked into Jamberry's Nail Art Studio which allows me to create my own design. Obviously, they do not allow any copyrighted images, so I would need to get creative. Which....I am not! SO I went looking for help! Shawna and I found a design on Pinterest that someone had created. I contacted a Jamberry consultant that I know and asked if she could copy the design and create them for Shawna and I. She played with the program a bit and we ended up with these!



We are so excited to wear these for our trip! WOO HOO!!!

Up next: Final YES, NO, MAYBE.....Epcot Edition!

 

[KatMark]

LOVE your Jamberry nails, and the design that you will be using for the trip is awesome.