9/12 great article ! Who am I to say no to going to WDW?

[IluvXU]

OK - Now I'm even more excited about staying at BLT's now that I read about your stay at the Contemporary!!!
Your kids are very cute! Luke is too cute!! I just love baby boys. If I ever had a third (and I better never) I would want another little guy. Little boys are awesome!

Now that my TR is done - I am really enjoying reading everyone else's!!

-nat

I think BLT to MK is an awesome thing. I hope we stay there someday, I am sure we will! Thanks for joining in!

 

[IluvXU]

I am going to upload AK now, so I can at least get a start on that day. Tonight we are going out to an adult dinner and right now the girls are with DH at the pool before the rain starts. Luke and I are going to run to get some Scrapbooking supplies... I have gotten the stuff all out again in hopes of getting caught up the next few weeks. (Luckily I am less than a year behind... Luke is done through December, Hannah and Emily through October) Have a great Saturday!

 

[punkin413]

oh, so sorry you guys had a bad night! i hope your mom was able to get her shirts dry. at least you had a decent day at epcot. glad you liked tutto italia - i've been wondering about that place!

 

[DreaGirl]

I'm back on the scrapbook train as well. I *wish* I was as caught up as you. Winkflash is having a sale on prints. I can forward you the e-mail if you want it.

 

[IluvXU]

oh, so sorry you guys had a bad night! i hope your mom was able to get her shirts dry. at least you had a decent day at epcot. glad you liked tutto italia - i've been wondering about that place!

EPCOT went pretty well. I was unsure how it would be with three, and we did good. Tutto was a hit... I would go back.

I'm back on the scrapbook train as well. I *wish* I was as caught up as you. Winkflash is having a sale on prints. I can forward you the e-mail if you want it.

Thanks... I am working on that tonight~

 

[IluvXU]

Vacation 2010

I know I said we would not be going back in the pretrip report, pre DVC... but now we have points for 2009 that we need to use next summer.

With that said, we do not plan to go to the parks during our vacation... I know some of you probably think we are crazy... even DH said at dinner we could, but for a one day ticket... no and I am not sure I want to buy a longer length ticket with non-expire... but it could change. To be honest I think Luke would be hard to take next summer, and still being outnumbered yikes!

What we are thinking is to use our points at Vero Beach at the 7 month window for next summer. Probably June, probably for about a week. Since Luke does not count, we can stay in a studio... there are different types so we are doing some research. If anyone can share please do!

We also plan to stay at WDW for a few nights...probably a studio. My first choice is BCV, I think our girls would love the pool and we would really have time to enjoy. BWV is tempting, as is SSR since we would be close to DTD. We would hopefully do some of our favorite meals, enjoy the resorts, pool hop perhaps, and explore Orlando a bit

Any thoughts are welcome..

That would then leave us for 2011 having 2010 points, and 2011 points and 2012 available to borrow if needed. We thought we would be doing a trip with my parents that year in a two bedroom at AKV in the summer. My parents though are not sure if they want to go in 2011, they might want to go in 2012.... which then maybe means a trip the five of us in 2011, (Luke again would not be three... free admission, dining and does not count for occupancy) and then 2012 a trip with grandma and grandpa... so many things to think about! If we know for sure we are going two summers in a row----APs for me (then maybe I can get a third trip too)

 

[FairyGodmotherJen]

How wonderful! I think that would really be the best part of DVC - knowing that you WOULD be going back multiple times. Of course, the accomodations are a perk, too. We're actually looking at OKW for our large family vacation next summer now, even though we're not DVC (with more people to split the rooms with, it's not as expensive). I'd like to try Vero Beach at some point. And I'd LOVE to let my kids explore Stormalong Bay at BCV someday. Have fun with all of the planning!

 

[wigdoutdismom]

I would love to see you get BCV for the start of your trip, Cape May breakfast would be lots of fun to do! As you know I do have ulterior motives.... IF you were at BC a one day ticket to Epcot would be very nice, as you know, it's a great place to hook up with princesses! Then there is storm along bay, Em and Luke would love that sand and Hannah would have a great time in the lazy river and whirlpool! The slide is so much fun too!
OK, so much for my unbiased opinion..

 

[Happydog]

Your future plans sound great! Very nice options. I have seen lots of photos for Vero Beach, does look really pretty! RELAXING.....

We got APs this year, b/c we had already committed to two trips, and then when DH moved dates, he agreed to three... with the DVC it seems a good plan to get the APs, you get a discount I think? And with a family, after the 2nd trip they have paid for themselves.. so you gotta do three to really take advantage of the "free"

Good luck with whatever your plans are!!! I am sure they will be great! Looking forward to your next TR installment

Hope your adult evening was fun!!

 

[brookelizabeth]

Your plans sound so nice!!! I was day dreaming of a Vero Beach trip yesterday. I haven't a clue what they offer, but just the simplicity of a "beach trip" is very appealing.

We bought APs in January this year because we knew we'd be back in December.

And lookee here...we are going in January too! APs, and a "free child" are wonderful trip enablers.

I wasn't sure if a child under 3 counts toward occupancy. It is very good to read they don't. I have some possible plans stewing and the fact that Henry is under 3 and doesn't count helps a ton!

 

[Lady Lallie]

All you DVC people are KILLING me. I want to start planning trips through 2012 too! Oh well...someday.

I think all of your plans sound wonderful! You have more willpower than I do though because there is NO way I could go to Disney and not go to the parks.

 

[mylag1rl]

Enjoying the trip report so far. The pics of the girls in their princess dresses are adorable. And Luke is a handsome little guy.

I think the Vero Beach vacation sounds really nice. It looks like a beautiful resort plus I think I read that they have lots of activities for the kids like campfires and bike riding.

 

[stace208]

You got to see so many wonderful characters in Epcot! We were character challenged this trip and didn't see many at all.

Great pictures of everyone-a very beautiful family you have!

Vero Beach does look amazing. I think any way that you use your points, if your family is having a great time, it is worth it.

 

[DreaGirl]

I think your plans sound wonderful! I love the idea of just staying at a nice resort and ENJOYING it. Not having to rush around and get to different places. Sounds divine.

I have looked into Vero Beach before and it looks so nice. We want to do a beach trip somewhere, probably next summer and just relax.

You lucky DVC girl getting to plan out your vacations for years to come!!

 

[IluvXU]

How wonderful! I think that would really be the best part of DVC - knowing that you WOULD be going back multiple times. Of course, the accomodations are a perk, too. We're actually looking at OKW for our large family vacation next summer now, even though we're not DVC (with more people to split the rooms with, it's not as expensive). I'd like to try Vero Beach at some point. And I'd LOVE to let my kids explore Stormalong Bay at BCV someday. Have fun with all of the planning!

I think the all the options are super fun to consider. I think OKW would be great, their rooms are bigger, and the studios have two queen beds.... that might be a place we stay soon too.

I would love to see you get BCV for the start of your trip, Cape May breakfast would be lots of fun to do! As you know I do have ulterior motives.... IF you were at BC a one day ticket to Epcot would be very nice, as you know, it's a great place to hook up with princesses! Then there is storm along bay, Em and Luke would love that sand and Hannah would have a great time in the lazy river and whirlpool! The slide is so much fun too!
OK, so much for my unbiased opinion..

BC is first choice for next year... I would love to go to Cape May for Breakfast, we have never done that before... and it would be fun if we could get there before you leave!

Your future plans sound great! Very nice options. I have seen lots of photos for Vero Beach, does look really pretty! RELAXING.....

We got APs this year, b/c we had already committed to two trips, and then when DH moved dates, he agreed to three... with the DVC it seems a good plan to get the APs, you get a discount I think? And with a family, after the 2nd trip they have paid for themselves.. so you gotta do three to really take advantage of the "free"

Good luck with whatever your plans are!!! I am sure they will be great! Looking forward to your next TR installment

Hope your adult evening was fun!!

I figure maybe we could spring for a non DVC resort trip using an AP discount.. or tack some nights on that way. We would get a DVC discount on the passes, which would be super nice too!

Your plans sound so nice!!! I was day dreaming of a Vero Beach trip yesterday. I haven't a clue what they offer, but just the simplicity of a "beach trip" is very appealing.

We bought APs in January this year because we knew we'd be back in December.

And lookee here...we are going in January too! APs, and a "free child" are wonderful trip enablers.

I wasn't sure if a child under 3 counts toward occupancy. It is very good to read they don't. I have some possible plans stewing and the fact that Henry is under 3 and doesn't count helps a ton!

Under three is a great deal. We certainly took advantage of that with the girls... and probably Luke too.

All you DVC people are KILLING me. I want to start planning trips through 2012 too! Oh well...someday.

I think all of your plans sound wonderful! You have more willpower than I do though because there is NO way I could go to Disney and not go to the parks.

I want a fall trip though LL, or a Flower and Garden trip, but alas being a teacher that is not in the cards currently! I am okay skipping the parks one trip (knowing we are headed back the next year for a longer park trip- ha ha!) There is a lot of Disney magic I can enjoy not going to the parks...

Enjoying the trip report so far. The pics of the girls in their princess dresses are adorable. And Luke is a handsome little guy.

I think the Vero Beach vacation sounds really nice. It looks like a beautiful resort plus I think I read that they have lots of activities for the kids like campfires and bike riding.

I just read they have a pirate character dinner... that sounds fun!

You got to see so many wonderful characters in Epcot! We were character challenged this trip and didn't see many at all.

Great pictures of everyone-a very beautiful family you have!

Vero Beach does look amazing. I think any way that you use your points, if your family is having a great time, it is worth it.

I think we saw a ton of characters this trip too... we got lucky!

 

[cjackearl]

Right now, I think a couple of days at Beach Club with nothing to do but enjoy the resort, smell the lobby, enjoy SAB, share a No Way Jose, have a clam bake at Cape May Cafe and sit on the beach with a campfire, smores and a movie under the stars sounds wonderful. Can you tell I miss the Beach Club?

 

[wigdoutdismom]

Right now, I think a couple of days at Beach Club with nothing to do but enjoy the resort, smell the lobby, enjoy SAB, share a No Way Jose, have a clam bake at Cape May Cafe and sit on the beach with a campfire, smores and a movie under the stars sounds wonderful. Can you tell I miss the Beach Club?

Ditto!

 

[IluvXU]

Animal Kingdom Day, Friday June 19th!

I was super excited to be going back to Animal Kingdom. I had high hope for all the things we had not done before, and hopefully we would have a great day! Since the unpacking soggy luggage took forever, we moved our departure time back to about 8:15. Everyone got up, dressed and ready to go, ahead a few minutes of our target departure time. We loved the quick walk down our building to the bus stop- it was a great location for us!

We watched a few buses for HS and EPCOT come by, but I was not worried, I knew we were super close to AK. We arrived about quarter till, and made our way through bag check (I was their worst nightmare--- two backpacks, a small collapsable cooler, yikes) and through tickets. I decided that we would try to have our tickets put on our keys to the World card later that day... the paper tickets acted up in the FP machines!

We could barely see the opening show, in fact probably only the adults could see Mickey so far up and away. I played it cool though, I did not want the girls to be mad they "missed" something. DH started to skirt up through the people to get in the stampede for Expedition Everest.... we were headed to Dinoland!

Our first ride of the day was Triceratop Spin....

and my partner... he was not sure what this was going to be like!

just as we got off... DH met us, so he went on with the girls and my mom for a second ride....

watching his sisters.... he loved all the colors and stuff back there!

we exited and headed past the Boneyard, it was not open but the girls sure wanted to stop there... it looked so fun.

We then split up, I took Luke and we wandered around till we could get FPs for the Safari. Our plan was to meet up at Lion King, the first show was at 10:00, my fast pass window opened up at 9:55... would I make it! They were headed to see It's Tough to be A Bug, a first for the girls.

Luke and I made a purchase, of a Disney hat. There selection of sunhats for boys is terrible. The hat is a bit big (will be perfect for next summer) but he was really not liking the hats that I had brought for home that have a strap under the chin. We roamed and took a leisurely walk toward Africa. I am kicking myself that I did not take pictures, I tried to just look at the details I miss normally when we are in a hurry!

I got to the machines plenty early, and would just stick a ticket in to check the times... 5 minutes, 4 minutes, 3 minutes, 2 minutes... I am sure I looked so stupid and I was getting sick of those not time yet passes coming out. Then it was finally my time... and I got my six FPs and boy we booked it back to Camp Minnie Mickey!

As we went past the CMs at the entrance they said I would make it... I was glad to know my jog was not in vain in the heat! I parked the stroller and got our junk and off to the Elephant section I went. I am sorry again.. no pics, Luke was in need of a bottle and some snacks, so I watched and fed him! The Lion King was a big hit with all, It's Tough to Be a Bug... not so much. The girls made it through, but didn't like it, Em especially. Someday!

My girls had seen Pocahontas just outside, back where her show was, but did not get a picture yet since I had the camera. So we went back to her theatre...

Chip and Dale, hoola hoops and music were there for fun....

Another new character for us to meet!

This was my chance... Finding Nemo was at 11:15. It was 10:30 now, so I decided we were going to try to make it. I had chatted with an AK CM in line yesterday when we were meeting Jasmine, and she had said that if you wanted to see Nemo the earlier the show you go to, the better luck of not waiting forever. DH took off to go get FPs for Kali, and the rest of us headed to Nemo. We weaved through the que outside... parking our stroller about a mile away I think. DH met us right at the entry and we made it! We were in, with some seats to spare! I was so excited to see this show, but Luke was ready to nap. The CM was so sweet, she let me just rock him up top in the aisle while we waited for the show to begin... and he slept through almost all of it! What a good boy...and what an awesome SHOW! The girls, DH and I loved it. My parents were not as impressed, they liked Lion King better. I am so glad we got to see the show, but again, no pics, I had a sleeping baby on my lap.

I think that the show was not a hit with my dad though because of the RUDE moms and kids behind me. They kept bumping in to us, leaning on us, and the moms were talking loudly the whole time, threatening to leave if the kids did not behave multiple times, but no follow through. It was a bit much for me, I just wanted to keep Luke asleep and would have taken my kids out if they misbehaved, no questions about it. Poor parenting IMO! But I was bound and determined to enjoy the show! The kids were around my girls ages, if not older, so I know they could have behaved better!

After Nemo we knew it was lunch time. We ate at the first CS we passed, Restaurantosaurus. Not my first choice, but it was lunch time and we were hungry. I ended up with nuggets, (Emily wanted a hot dog), Hannah had nuggets, my mom had the Mandarin Chicken Salad, and the guys had Hamburgers. All in all a good lunch, we all washed up, went to the bathroom and got filled up, including Luke!

We were ready to head to our two week Safari... but snapped a few pics first!

Again there are some photopass ones... this week I promise. I think that my favorite of the girls was taken here. Our photographer was great, Luke just hammed it up for her... yes we were hot but she made everyone smile!

I must admit I was a tad bit worried to go on the safari so late in the day.... but we saw lots of animals....

but again nothing as great as CP's giraffe! That would have been awesome!

After leaving our two week safari, we met Flick!

He has the best backdrop of any character...

and we were off to ride Expedition Everest. Hannah's cousins and neighbor friends all raved about how fun this roller coaster was, and we got her on it somehow. She rode with DH, and I rode with my dad....it was a hit! She loved it! We had left grandma with Luke and Em, both who were looking tired in the gift shop. Asia needs some AC CS places to rest! Luke was getting had... but Hannah wanted another ride on Everest and I still wanted to catch the parade! Some decisions had to be made...

 

[DreaGirl]

OH, we love AK! I cannot wait to see Lion King, we still haven't caught it yet. It seems like we can never get in a really good touring groove there for some reason.

Love all the character pix/interactions. You have the character mojo on this trip for sure.

So happy that Hannah loved EE. We are also going to try to get on it this trip.

 

[moparop]

Wow, you guys really busted some tail at AK! I am impressed to see all you got done. We've done Nemo and FOTLK one time each, but on different trips. It's so hard to get them both in with the current times they are offered -- which is a total bummer for the crew who can't/don't enjoy the thrill rides there! Sorry to hear that the girls were not fans of ITTBAB - hopefully next time will be a charm.