6 kids under the age of 6 take on WDW, will Santa still visit when we get home?

[KayW]

I want to hear how the story ends!!! I am interested in your top 10 list and see how it compares with ours.

 

[Lady Lallie]

Wow, that is too bad for Tracy and Adam. What a icky way to end your vacation!

That is so neat that you met a DISer on the plane! I remember when we were on the plane I kept wondering if anyone was a DISer.

 

[SoonerGirl]

Hi there! I noticed the link to your TR in your siggy when I was reading Brook's TR. We are going in December this year, so I decided to check yours out. I've just spent most of the morning reading it (I'm supposed to be doing laundry ). Great report!

A few comments - on Coral Reef, that really stinks that you hade to wait so long! We had a similar experience when we went with friends in 2006, we were a party of 8 and waited about 45 minutes past our ADR time for a table. We were also told that if anyone left we would not be seated. Our meal was okay, but don't think we'll ever go back.

The lap dog - I don't know this for a fact, but I've heard that people that suffer from seizers have small dogs that can sense when an attack is coming on, maybe that was the purpose of the dog.

I LOVE the watch you picked out!

You had me teary eyed too describing your goodbye with your friends. It's such a blessing for you to have such a dear friend!

And, your boys are adorable!

Thanks for sharing your trip, I really enjoyed reading all about it.

 

[michellem1118]

I'm uploading the pictures as I type this (my MIL wants to see them, too)... but I've updated my pre-trippie with a bit of news....

Can't wait to read your top 10 list, and to see the plans for your trip with your mom & sister.

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Great set of updates! I hate the last day. I know exactly what you mean getting choked up that after all of the planning the trip is almost done. How special that you and your BFF got to experience this together? Those memories will last a lifetime and based on the pics it looks like everyone had a great time! I love your nighttime routine out on the "deck" at Pop!

Your watch is GORGEOUS!!!!

What a nice surprise for your mom. I can't wait for that TR!

How cute you met a DIS'er on the way home. DIS'ers are just awesome!

 

[Lcaemom]

Great ending Kristen!!! Of COURSE, we'll stay friends!!! I'm so glad we met...and have enjoyed getting to know you, better. I still can't believe what a coincidence it was that we met on the plane...it certainly made the trip home soooooo much nicer!

 

[princess&her4princes]

Hi Everyone,

I thought I would do my TOP 10 Favorites list for the fun of it to recap my trip...but before I get to my list, I also had Ethan & Lucas do a TOP 10 list at dinner tonight... in no particular order (remind yourself, these are from 4 & 6 year olds!!):

1. Soarin'
2. Goofy's Barnstormer
3. Christmas parade
4. Space Mountain (Ethan)
5. Pumpkin Hay ride (not at Disney world, by Lucas!!)
6. Pop tarts for breakfast every morning (cause they can't eat them at home!)
7. Kidcot
8. TSM
9. POTC
10. Pinocchio Village Haus cause they could see IASW while they ate.
11. Buzz Lightyear (I know, this is #11, but Lucas threw in one that didn't count!! LOL!!)

****************************************************
Todd & I sat down tonight and did our list together, too:

10. Pop Century-- it was our first time there and we really liked it, was it above and beyond? No, but it was clean, the theming was perfect for the kids, the buses were fantasic and the food court worked well for us with the kids.

9. Christmas decorations-- the beautiful castle, all the theme park decorations, were truly amazing.

8. Cole napped great on the parks so we could do things with the big kids.

7. Character meet and greet at Epcot-- the amount of time we had with all the characters and to see the kids faces and how excited they all were there.

6. Lunch at Le Celliar-- for two reasons, Tracey and I had our own time alone and the meal was delish, mushroom risoto filet...YUM!!

5. Deck time!! Need I say more?

4.Soarin'

3. MVMCP This was by far one of the most magical nights ever, as you all know, that's when the true meaning of the trip came clear to me and it was just so beautiful, it was my special moment.

2. The time and the memories that will last a lifetime with my BFF and my family

And last but not least.....

1. Our children were SO WELL BEHAVED that Santa still visited! I know you were worried....lol!! We really couldn't have ordered better behaved children that week and they all loved the trip as much as we did.

Here are a couple of pics from Christmas to prove it!! Just for the fun of it!!

Christmas eve on the way to church, my little men!

Before bed on Christmas eve (one of my favorite pics!)

and Christmas morning,

And I know, inquiring minds want to know...did I ever get my watch? YES!! The pics you saw were from this past week with me wearing it, hense why it has some scratches (you can see unless photographed, thankfully!) in the pics I posted. I LOVE it and it was truly the most perfect souvie for me. I wear it daily and got it a few days after New Years, so I had to be very patient but it paid off and I have a beautiful keepsake from our special trip.

Coming up, one last post of all of our souvies, just for fun and a farewell to my new DIS friends, stay tuned!!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

I LOVE that pop tarts made your son's list!

And your list is great as well. Glad to see deck time on there as that is one of my favorites of your traditions.

Also glad to hear that Santa still visited. The pic of them in your matching jammies is just TOO CUTE!

 

[princess&her4princes]

I LOVE that pop tarts made your son's list!

And your list is great as well. Glad to see deck time on there as that is one of my favorites of your traditions.

Also glad to hear that Santa still visited. The pic of them in your matching jammies is just TOO CUTE!

You're fast!!!!!! I know how funny is it, we take our kids all the way to Disney World and our 4 year old is thrilled he can have pop tarts for breakfast.....it truly is the little things in life!!

Yes, Deck time!!! Ahhh, to be there now.....it was wonderful!!

 

[princess&her4princes]

Oh, you're such a tease!

Sorry, had to leave you hangin'!!

OK so yes, you DID confuse me in terms of crowd levels! OK so I guess maybe the question is - how long (approx) do you think you had to wait for each ride? (Especially at MK, where we plan to spend most of our time) THANKS!

Sorry, I confused myself while writing about it...lol!! I would say on average the line wait would be about 20 minutes, give or take. But trust me, we were on the parks earlier in the day and we did get FP for all the rides we NEEDED to ride. That's the way to do it for sure, especially with little ones.

Thanks for the happy dance. We are thinking about either going in Oct for food and wine or maybe in Dec or Jan. We have a year to use the trip. A lot will depend on who and when I can get someone to watch my kids. My mom is more likely to be available in Dec or Jan as she normally spends Christmas with us, however that may all change as my sister just found out she is pregnant with her second child and the first isn't even a year yet. When I say she just found out, I mean she just found out and doesn't even know when she is due yet. I am thinking Oct or Nov and if that is the case my mom may need to be with her in Oct to help a very pregnant mom chase after a 18 mo old or she may want to get the visit out of the way so she can help a mom with a newborn and a toddler. My first choice is to go in oct with food and wine. My second choice is to go in Dec. You have motivated me with all those wonderful Christmas decorations in your pictures We only have two days of park tickets too. Thanks for asking about my trip. I know I rambled a bit there but I am starting to get excited and spending toomuch time DISing again.

I will love to hear about your trip as it unfolds. Keep us posted.

Food and wine sounds like it would be so nice for you and your DH to do!! I would love to try it someday!!! An all adult trip.....that will be so special for you guys! Can't wait to hear all about it. Will you do a PTR? Keep me posted.

I want to hear how the story ends!!! I am interested in your top 10 list and see how it compares with ours.

Just finished, check it out. Can't wait to hear yours, too!!

Wow, that is too bad for Tracy and Adam. What a icky way to end your vacation!

That is so neat that you met a DISer on the plane! I remember when we were on the plane I kept wondering if anyone was a DISer.

I know, I felt SO bad for Tracey and Adam, but at least they made is safe and sound, that's what really counts!!

It was SO COOL to meet another DISer!! I was on the lookout all week on the parks, saw a few LGMH but never really came across anyone. It truly Is a Small World!!

 

[KayW]

Love your top ten list! I'll have to do the same with Brenna and see what she says. May be a bit more girlie than the boys' list!

Great ending!

 

[princess&her4princes]

Hi there! I noticed the link to your TR in your siggy when I was reading Brook's TR. We are going in December this year, so I decided to check yours out. I've just spent most of the morning reading it (I'm supposed to be doing laundry ). Great report!

A few comments - on Coral Reef, that really stinks that you hade to wait so long! We had a similar experience when we went with friends in 2006, we were a party of 8 and waited about 45 minutes past our ADR time for a table. We were also told that if anyone left we would not be seated. Our meal was okay, but don't think we'll ever go back.

The lap dog - I don't know this for a fact, but I've heard that people that suffer from seizers have small dogs that can sense when an attack is coming on, maybe that was the purpose of the dog.

I LOVE the watch you picked out!

You had me teary eyed too describing your goodbye with your friends. It's such a blessing for you to have such a dear friend!

And, your boys are adorable!

Thanks for sharing your trip, I really enjoyed reading all about it.

Hi! Thanks for following me over from Brooks TR! She's writing another great TR, isn't she? Sorry from keeping you from you laundry, though!!

I'm not sure we'll ever go back to CR, either. We had done it our last two trips and had a nice meal and liked the decor and watching the fish (even though we were eating seafood!) but after that, we'll try something new. It was too much for us and more importantly, the kids!!

Oh no, now I feel bad about making a comment about the lap dog...it was so strange to see. I'm sorry lady with the lap dog on 12/14, I just found it to be rather peculiar was all. No harm intended and it was very cute dog!!

Thanks, I love my watch too, it was different, subtle and the perfect souvie for me!!

Are you doing a PTR for your Christmas trip this year? Would love to read it, if so, it's such a magical time of year to vist...you will have a wonderful trip!!!

I'm uploading the pictures as I type this (my MIL wants to see them, too)... but I've updated my pre-trippie with a bit of news....

Can't wait to read your top 10 list, and to see the plans for your trip with your mom & sister.

Checked out your ptr and commented, nice pics!! Hope you liked my top 10 list. I'm contemplating....should I do a PTR for my Mom and sis trip? It seems SO far away, particularliy when you can't book ADR's at 180 days anymore...sniff, sniff.

Great ending Kristen!!! Of COURSE, we'll stay friends!!! I'm so glad we met...and have enjoyed getting to know you, better. I still can't believe what a coincidence it was that we met on the plane...it certainly made the trip home soooooo much nicer!

Thanks Leighan!!! yay, glad we can keep in touch and glad I still have your TR to read so don't go through my trip withdrawals!! Did we cross paths at any point during the trip??

Keep in touch!!

 

[princess&her4princes]

Love your top ten list! I'll have to do the same with Brenna and see what she says. May be a bit more girlie than the boys' list!

Great ending!

Thanks!! That would be fun to see Brenna's list, too.....I'm thinking maybe her's will include some princessess?

And thanks for the compliment!!

 

[Picabo]

Sorry, I confused myself while writing about it...lol!! I would say on average the line wait would be about 20 minutes, give or take. But trust me, we were on the parks earlier in the day and we did get FP for all the rides we NEEDED to ride. That's the way to do it for sure, especially with little ones.

PHEW thanks for clarifying. 20min doesn't sound too bad at all to me. And like you, we plan to get there EARLY and use FP as well! Thanks!

Also - you said MVMCP made it on your top 10 list! I've heard such mixed reviews. So you must really think it's worth the extra $50 per person, eh? Did you get naps that day or your kids survived the whole day on the go? I'm just so afraid my girls will be zombies by 8pm and cranky! I was thinking if we DO go that I'd have a non-park day and relax at the hotel till 4pm when we can arrive.....but I'm still scared! My kids are normally asleep by 730p! Yikes!

And so happy you got the watch! It's GORGEOUS!!!

 

[SoonerGirl]

Oh no, now I feel bad about making a comment about the lap dog...it was so strange to see. I'm sorry lady with the lap dog on 12/14, I just found it to be rather peculiar was all. No harm intended and it was very cute dog!!

Oh no! I didn't mean to make you feel bad, just throwing a possible explaination out there, is all. I just can't think of any other reason why a dog would be allowed on a Disney bus or in the parks.

Are you doing a PTR for your Christmas trip this year? Would love to read it, if so, it's such a magical time of year to vist...you will have a wonderful trip!!!

Not sure if I'll do a PTR or not, but I know I'll do a TR when we get back - it's just such a loooooooong time from now - December can't get here soon enough!

 

[robinm1215]

Hi Kristen -- I've been lurking on your trip report and just wanted to say how much I enjoyed reading it. Your boys are adorable!

Sounds like you had a great time with your best friend and family. Your report is getting me excited for my August trip which is with my 2 best friends and their families.

Looking forward to reading more of your trip reports, hopefully a pre trip report for your next one. By the way I love how you surprised your mom!

 

[LaurenMic]

Hi Kristen! What an amazing end to a TR! This pics of the kids are adorable as always, it looks like you had a fun Christmas. I love the idea of a top 10 list too! Having the kids make their own is an adorable idea. So glad you got the watch! Can't wait to see the other souvies you picked up, I'm sure they are great

 

[pmama]

Okay first off, love the matching PJs on Christmas Eve. How adorable.

What a unique top 10 list. I love how the kids included simple things like eating at Pinocchio Village Haus. It brought back one of my favorite memories from our very first WDW trip. We toured MK one night after returning from mid-day naps. While most everyone else was watching Spectromagic and Wishes we were walking onto rides. We ate really late that night at Pinocchios and there was literally just one other family in the whole joint. We had our pick of any table next to the window and the girls had great fun getting the riders of IASW to wave as they went by. Thanks for helping me to recall that precious memory.

 

[sugar1967]

Wow...just found you TR today and have enjoyed reading about your adorable family. I have been contemplating starting my own PTR but am afraid that I will not be able to keep up once I start so I have procrastinated and done nothing!

Anyway, you have a beautiful family and I am looking forward to our own "deck" nights.

 

[Dylan_&_Blake's_mom]

Great update again.

I can imagine trying to keep Cole sat still on a plane , that could be fun.
Love the top ten list and Lucas throwing in the one not from Disney, kids are so stinkin' cute.
LOVE the pic of the boys in their pjs on christmas eve. That is adorable. I wish I could find things now and then that matched for my 3 boys. I usually can find either the older two or the younger two but not all 3.
Glad to hear you did get your watch ok. Can't wait to see the souvie pics, thanks for sharing the Christmas pics.