9 Family Members, 8 Days, 2 Cabins, Priceless

[MajorDaisy]

Cast:
Me (Disney addict) 32
DH (Sports addict) 34
DD (Closet disney fan) 12
DS (Sports addict-in-training) 10
DS (Disney addict-in-training) 8
DMIL (1st time since 1980) 56
DFIL (1st time since 1980) 57
DSIL (1st time since 1980) 30
DAuntIL (1st time since 1980) 54

I'll put the whole report on this thread. This is my 1st time doing a trip report, so I hope I don't put anybody to sleep. Reading others' reports has always put a smile on my face & I am going through withdraws after coming home, so here I go.....

Where to start? We were flying to MCO in two shifts, the 1st crew was my family & DSIL out of Chicago, 2nd crew was DMIL, DFIL, & DAIL out of Green Bay. My crew left friday night right after DD's basketball practice around 5:30pm to make the 5 hour drive to Chicago. We arrived at the Doubletree in Chicago around 11pm & made arraingments to catch the airport shuttle at 4am. When we got up to ours rooms I knew we needed to get to bed, but those chocolate chip cookies are sooooo good. So naturally we ate the cookies & then went to bed. The room was dark, quiet,and the bed was the nicest hotel bed I had experienced, but I couldn't sleep the whole night. I was so excited & very nervous about everyone loving WDW as much as I do.

Morning finally came & I jumped out of bed. We were amazingly ready & in the lobby 10 minutes early. We loaded up the luggage and off to the airport we went. It seemed like it took forever to get there, we arrived finally, got in line & waited for SW to open their counter. We got to the gate, had some McDs breakfast & lined up to board the plane. This was the 1st time we had flown SW, so we had not experienced non-assigned seats before. At 1st I was ok w/ it. That changed on the flight back when I saw several families w/ kids 5 or 6 yo having problems finding seats w/ at least 1 parent w/ the kids. For a 2.5 hour flight I just believe kids should be by their parents, maybe it works out 99% of the time & I just saw the 1 time it was a problem.

Anyways, the flight went fast & the pilot was an absolute joy. He had everyone laughing by the flights end & even sang M-I-C-K-E-Y once we had landed in Orlando. We found ME pretty easily, just keep going downward & looked for the big white hands. Once we found the ME check-in, I got in line & DH, the kids, & DSIL sat in a nice area behind & off to the side of the line area. The line went fast & soon we were on the bus. The bus was great & the movie was just what I needed to calm down & realize everything was going to be great. I have read posts about the video being basically a disney commercial & I could see that, but I didn't care...I was at disney finally & I was ready for the emersion into the magic.

I knew I had entered a magical world right away too. My DD had turned into a strange being at the start of 7th grade this year, she went from my perfect little angel to an angry, quiet girl more concerned about friends & boys then school & family. Let's just say I was not happy w/ this transition, but she was not at all happy that I had planned this trip during her BBall season (which I did feel very bad about). So, needless to say I was getting the silent treatment from our home until the bus ride. But on the bus she sat next to me & instantly became my little DD again. The whole trip we talked & laughed, she even thanked for finding her crushed penny book that she started on the last trip.

We arrived at Fort Willderness & checked in. Our cabin wasn't ready yet & so we headed to DTD. I wanted to eat at the Earl of Sand., but DSIL had heard from a co-worker the Fulton's was good, so we checked out the menu. DH & DSIL didn't see anything they wanted & so i suggested Earl's again. "No, no how about Rainforest, that's always good." So, off we went & it was good, but took up alot of our DQ time. We walked down to DQ & got in line for PoC . I was really quite shocked by how many people there were, it was around 1pm & it was more crowded than I had seen it on our last trip 2 years earlier. Still, we had a really great time. At 5:30pm we left to meet the other 1/2 of the crew at FW.

Just as we walked up to the FW outpost MIL, FIL, & AIL were getting off the ME bus. Perfect timing....they checked in & we headed for our cabins. We were in 2601 & 2602, right accross the street from each other. The setting was soooo beautiful & the cabins were great!! I called the lady from WEGOSHOP.com & within 20 minutes she was there w/ the groceries. She had everything we requested & was very nice.

Everyone was hungry by now, so we headed for Trailsend Buffet. I love this place, the food is good & there is a good variety. The chili was a big hit w/ everyone & the pizza w/ the kids of course. I didn't care for the dessert options, bread pudding and a cobbler of some sort, but FIL said they were very good. DH wanted to go watch the Electrical parade, I tried to tell him that it was on the agenda on the campfire night, but he insisted it was perfect timing & so of course we went down to the beach to watch. It was better than I had remembered. We walked back to catch the bus to our cabins w/ our bellys full, talking & laughing . It was the 1st of 8 days, I was finally at WDW, & I knew Mickey was waking me up. Boy, did I sleep goood that night .

 

[minmaui]

Loving this...keep them coming. I've subscribed to our thread...

 

[thelionqueen]

subscribing....keep it comin'~

 

[wilma-bride]

But on the bus she sat next to me & instantly became my little DD again. The whole trip we talked & laughed, she even thanked for finding her crushed penny book that she started on the last trip.

So glad the Disney magic helped make you and your DD friends again. Looking forward to reading more about your trip

 

[amburger]

Awesome. Sounds like a really awesome trip. Great first day.

 

[dismom9761]

Sounds like a great start!I hope your DD continues having a good time.

 

[THE HAT]

can't wait to hear more of your trip!!

 

[MajorDaisy]

I reveived my 1st wake-up at 6:30am & was so excited to hear Stitch & Mickey. I woke the kids & DH 30 minutes later & the cabin was rocking. Some were eating breakfast, some getting dressed, & I was filling the backpack w/ goodies & drinks. We headed out & the in-laws were right there waiting for us. Prior to the start of our trip I had created an agenda that tried to encompass everyone's "must dos". It included the times my crew would get to the bus stop each am. To my suprise the in-laws were waiting for us each & every morning outside the cabin ready to go.

We were off & headed to DS. It was Jan. 8th, the last night to catch the Osborne lights & the in-laws had really wanted to see them. It was chilly, but we had light jackets & the sun was shining . I activated my AP pass & we waited in line for the park to open. The marathon was going on & there were characters out cheering them on as the runner passed by. The marathon made it difficult sometimes to get from one side of MGM to the other in the early part of the day, but by early afternoon it was done & back to normal.

We did Sound Dangerous, Star Tours twice, Muppet Vision, Great Movie Ride, & then back to Indiana Jones. We were all pretty hungry at this point & decided to get lunch at the place right next to it (not sure of the name). We pushed some tables together & got in line. We all had cheesebugers & fries, which were very good, except I had the cranberry slaw, which I liked. I was going to order it again, but did not see it offered anywhere else.

I am a very slow eater & while DS10 was waiting for his mom to finish eating he & his aunt went out for the 1st of many shopping excursions. I am not a shopper. I could go my whole trip w/o a single shopping experience & be extremely happy. In-laws, though, LOVE to shop. This quickly became the 1 & only difficulty between me & DH & the ILs. Not a big deal, just not as much fun stopping all the time, but 1 must compromise .

DS10 did find a great pin for his brand new landyard, so all was good. We headed to Backlot tours, which was not as impressive this time. DH had liked this last time, but said he wished we had just skipped it this time. It did give DSs enough of a preview of the car stunt show to make that a must do. We realized at this point not everything was going to fit into the rest of our day, so we split up. Those who wanted to see Millionare & those who wanted to see Beauty & Beast. Somehow Grandpa & DSIL got all 3 kids & DH, me, DMIL, & DAIL headed for B&B. Afterwards we meet up in front of the hat to find our parade viewing spot. We got there 1st & so I left DH to look for the kids crew while I found a spot. We ended up to the right of Sounds Dangerous on the stairs, just to the left of the special viewing area for the hearing impaired. This was not only a great spot, but the kids & I loved watching the CM signing, it was beautiful how they performed & the interacting they did w/ the characters in the parade was very funny. We had gathered snacks from various spots just before the parade, so now with our stomach full we headed for TOT & RNR, of course.

DS8 had been to small for either ride last trip (which was just fine w/ him at the time). This time he said he wanted to do both, but I was very uneasy that he was just trying to impress his older siblings. He is definetly a play it safe kinda guy. I had obtained fast passes for TOT just after B&B, so we got fastpasses for RNR & headed to TOT. I was terrified myself & worried about DS8 the whole time, DS8, however was having a blast. The proof was in the photo w/ his arms in the air & a huge smile on his face, well I guess mom's officially the last chicken left in the family . We headed to RNR & DS8 rode for the 1st time w/ DD12. She was worried about him too, I guess because she kept asking him the whole ride if he was ok. He was laughing when he got off, wanting to ride it again & so we did.

It was about 5pm now, DMIL, DFIL, DAIL had been shopping & were meeting us back at Fantasmic. We meet at the enterance & they helped me pick out a good spot for the show once we were all escorted into the theater. We got a great spot front & center, about 8 rows up. I told them I would hold the seats & they should go see the osborne lights. They all kept offering to sit w/ me & hold the spot or sit in my place. I finally told them, we came today to see the lights, this is my second home, I will see them 1 of these years, you guys go enjoy them now !!!! (oh, & tape it all for me). Anyways, I had a great time, alone, beautiful weather, CMs were so friendly to chat w/ & there was a lady in front of me who was saving seats for her party too & she had an amazing heart...long story, but an amazing family.

They got back & I got out snacks left over from the parade & we did the wave. Call me crazy, but I love doing the wave at Fantasmic, I have done it at high school game, Packer games & Bronco games, but the best is definetly at Fantasmic. The show started & I was in my happy place (by the way, DD sat next to me, smiling ear to ear the whole time ). We waited for the crowd to clear after the show & headed out in a relaxing stroll. We stopped in shops on our way out & headed for the bus to FW.

Once back at the cabin I pulled pizzas out, put them in the oven & set the table w/ DD help. DH & sons turned on ESPN & it felt just like home . We ate & everybody was ready for bed. That night visions of Animal Kingdom lingered in our dreams.

 

[heaven2dc]

Great descriptive report Love hearing about family trips where everyone gets along Hurry please for more!!

 

[minmaui]

I'm loving this too. Can't wait for the next installment...

 

[MajorDaisy]

Sticht & Mickey called at 5:30am (I know, I know...that is very early for vacation, but the animals get up soooo early). I got up & called for another wake up call for DS8, because he wanted to answer the phone when Mickey called, but I always get them up after I have had my shower & prep time, So stitch called back at 6am, we all got up & I was so excited - out came the camcorder. I interviewed the kids while they ate breakfast & DH showered, they were thrilled.

We headed out for the bus stop & guess who was already waiting for us...you got it the other 1/2 of our crew. We arrive at AK about 20 minute before MH opening. Within 10 minute they started allowing everyone into the Oasis. DH doesn't listen to all the tips I blabber on about when planning our trips, but he did specifically remember me saying it was important to ride Kil. Safari right away. He was actually very cute as he very serously directed everyone (in our group at least) to move quickly & orderly through all the pretty sights & sounds, directly to Africa. I was so amuzed at how committed he was to getting the group there quickly, I didn't get a chance to slow him down so I could tell him they were probably not going to let us past the Tree of Life just yet.

By the time I caught up w/ him he had a look of confusion on his face as to why he could not proceed . I was going to explain, but the bus w/ Minni, Goofy, & Pluto pulled up & he was excited about seeing something new. We then went on the safari, which was better than I remembered, we saw sooo many animals. We did the walk thru after that & then the crew wanted to do some shopping. After a trip to Conservation Station, we headed for Fest. of Lion King. It was amazing as always, MIL even was speachless & she's pretty tough to amaze.

We ate lunch at Pizzafari on our way to see the bug show. We really like it here. I had the Chicken Parmesan Sandwich, DH, DS8 & DD had the pizza & DS10 had the chicken ceaser salad. We also ordered breadsticks & it was all real good. By this time we were ordering 3 large sodas & sharing which was more than enough soda & cut down on some cost.

We did Tough to be a Bug & headed to Dinoland. We did Dinosaur w/ everyone. I felt kinda bad because we told the in-laws it was a mild ride, just some dinosaurs popping out at you. Well, that's how we remembered it anyways. They were laughing when they got off & although they said they had fun, they checked the map for every ride we said was "mild" after that.

We did the other 2 rides in Dinoland & then Tarzan rocks. I love the music from Tarzan & DSs love the skaters, but I definelty choose seats to close to the front, because the music was almost to loud to really enjoy. We had planned on then riding Kali once & catching the last show of Birds of Prey, but once was just not enough for this group. We all rode in 1 boat, In-laws & all, DD was the only 1 not in a poncho & the only 1 who didn't get soaked. Everyone was laughing so hard over FIL getting soaked that they wanted to do it again & again. Finally, after everyone in ponchos were thouroughly soaked, we headed down the Jungle Trek. MIL loves plants & was in a very happy place here (in the Oasis, too when her son finally let her walk through it leisurely at the end of the day).

When we finished it was time to find a spot for the parade & do the now established snack hunt. We landed some benchs just past the area where the birds of prey lets out. The CM had no problem with us moving some benchs into a better viewing angle & so we had a great spot. Some waffle cones & brownies latter we were all set. I like the AK parade, but it is my least favorite. The in-laws thought it was the best, they really enjoyed it. We then hit all the shops on the way out & took our time through the Oasis.

When we got back to the cabin, DH turned on ESPN, DS8 lined up his dinosaurs he had purchased, & me, DD & DS10 laid down for a rest. Then it was time to pack up the hot dogs, buns, marshmellows, & Capri Suns for the camp fire. We headed to the bus stop at about 6:45pm & meet up w/ the rest of the crew. When we got there the fire was already flaming & people were already roasting. We bought our sticks, laid down our blankets on our claimed benchs & got out the hot dogs. Just as the kids & I sat down to cook our supper the sing along began. While we were eating our hot dogs around came Chip & Dale to visit. While roasting our marshmellows the lady running the sing along started up a song w/ all the states names & everyone was to yell out when she got to their state. That was neat to see all the different states everyone there was from. Finally, it was movie time...1969 Love Bug. I was a little leary about everyone liking this at first, but by the end of the movie everyone was still smiling.

It had been a long day, but we still had not visited the Meadow trading post, so you guessed it, we went shopping . Finally, we made it back to the cabin for the night. We were all exhausted. The next day was the one thing DS8 had looked forward to more than anything else.....Ohana's. So, we all feel to sleep quickly & dreamed of food that just keeps coming, & coming.

 

[dismom9761]

The reports are great!I can't wait to read more.

 

[MajorDaisy]

Our cabin was full of activity by 7am & we were out the door by 7:30. The crew was waiting outside & we were off to Epcot. Today I planned for us to just do future world at a leisurely pace, no maps or schedules, just aimless roaming. DH & FIL had a hard time understanding this new format & keep taking out their map. FIL did need to watch out for "mild" rides, though, in his defense.

We did space ship earth & then DS10 took care of some pin trading. We then headed over to the Land. The rest of the park was very quite & peaceful, the Land in contrast was full of hussle & bussle. The line for Soarin' & LWL where already 40 minutes long. To this point our group had not run into a line more than 10 min. long, so we were a bit spoiled. We got in line for Soarin' & enjoyed the wait w/ the photo & trivia. Soarin' was amazing. I had not know what to expect, but how could you really. The smell of pine trees & oranges, the views & the feeling you were right there, oh I just loved it. We grabbed fast passes on the way out & headed for Circle of Life.

In the theater at CoL, while waiting for the show to start, we saw a mom walk over to her son who was sitting in his seat, he was about 12 or 13, & w/ a closed fist she hit him twice in his shoulder. She then went a few seats over & sat down & he got up & sat down beside her. I looked over at the kids, DH, & DSIL & their mouths were wide open w/ shock. None of us said anything, even now I am not sure what I could have said, but we were all very sad about it the rest of the day . I don't want to be judgemental, as I know I have had moments where I have lost my patience w/ the kids, I guess I just don't understand punching a child.

After CoL we did Living w/ the Land. This was MIL favorite as she loves plants of any kind & she was determined to try some of the things she saw as soon as she got home. We finished up the Land w/ lunch. The kids all had ckn. ceasers salads, which they loved. DH & I had the Chinese combo plates w/ rice, noodles & a spicy beef for me & sweet & sour ckn. for DH. It was all very good & lots of it. The kids finished off our noodles & we helped them finish their salads. I had packed some of their favorite snacks this time (hoping to save a little money) & when I took them out I was a little leary how they would respond, but they were good w/ it. They talked & ate their desserts & shared them w/ their grandparents & aunts.

FIL's lunch was very interesting. He is not an adventerous type eater, he sticks w/ meat & potatoes w/o anything fancy. So for this lunch he ate several things from the bakery, a brownie, piece of strawberry shortcake, & I can't remember the other delicious looking item. Not the healthiest lunch, but he is an adult & it certainly made him happy.

We then headed to see Honey I Shrunk the Aud. & Figment. I believed our stomachs had probably settled enough by now to attempt MtMars. Wow, I don't think I will ever be adequately prepared for that ride. I am normally fine in rides that can make you sick, but although it was fun to do once, I was so sick I needed to sit for quite some time to recover. Kids loved it & were fine afterwards, DH was fine, DSIL was a mess like me. I guess it just effects different people differently.

Once DSIL & I had recovered we did the Ellen ride, which the kids, DH, & I love. In-law crew got in a good nap, FIL really doesn't like Ellen at all. I am a huge Ellen fan, so I was happy to see it again. By now it was 3pm & Mouse Gears had been calling my in-laws all day, so off on a shopping excursion they went. I grabbed an outside table at the electic umbrella right accross the path from the mega store & had treats w/ the boys.

Once everyone had cleared Mickey's selves we decided to checkout Innovations. At this point we were just killing time because we only had living seas left & our PS was not until 7:40pm at Ohana's. So off we went. It was actually alot of fun for everyone. We wonder around, trying different things. DD8 wanted to do the build you own robot, so I got in line w/ him to do it. It was a long process (app. 35 minutes), he learned about plastics, built a computer robot w/ special powers & then raced it against the other kids' robots they had created. At the end he got to build his own plastic robot that he then got to keep for free. Meanwhile, everyone else, including MIL, FIL, & AIL, were playing a computer game of tag w/ minni, goofy, etc. - It was really a neat game that everyone, including those watching had fun w/.

It was getting late so we headed over to do living seas & really enjoyed Crush, he was soooo funny. Finally, we were off to the monorail to head to Ohana's !! We got there & checked in & waited in the seating area off to the side. The Poly was packed, people everywhere, but still plenty of room to sit & enjoy some live music which really set the mood.

When our pager lighted up we were escorted through the restaurant to our large table in the main dinning room, right in front of the flames. Our new cousins told us all about the lay of the land & just then what started just outside the window? Wishes!!(ok, that's why I picked the PS time, but they didn't know that) The food started coming & everything was sooooooo good. MIL & me loved the salad, DH & kids loved the ckn wings, & everyone loved the shrimp. My mouth is watery just thinking of it all again. Then came what DS8 had been looking forward to for a long time, steak. We don't let him have it often because of a kidney problem, but I had promised he could have some at Ohana's .

The boys participated in the cocunut races & I must have been too enthusiastic because DH & I were then asked to be the honoray limbo stick holders. DH is very reserved & quiet in public, he is our small town varsity coach for football & basketball & is very aware of how he conducts himself. So imagen my suprise when he says "Sure, we'll do it". I was amazed & sooo excited. We put on the lays & grabbed the maroccas & started shaking. We were in front of the conga line around the restaurant w/ all 3 kids rights behind us (note: DD never does anything embarrashing in public either ) & lots of other kids too. We held the sticks & then all the kids in the restaurant (it seemed like) either went under or over.

We went back to the table laughing & there was dessert. Oh, it was so good. I am not a huge banana fan, but this was one of the best desserts I have ever enjoyed. Then the very lively entertaining lady (I feel so bad I can't remember her name) came over & gave us two huge cupcakes to take home for being the honoray limbo stick holders. We walked out $240 (w/DDE) lighter in the wallet, but our bellies full & huge smiles on our faces. On the monorail ride back to the TTC I thought to myself the trip could end now & I will have had the time of my life. It was an amazing time & it will be my 1st stop when I get back to WDW.

When we got back to the cabin everyone was completely exhausted. The next morning was a sleep in day & so we went right to bed & sleep for a long time dreaming of congo lines, sweet desserts, & steak (or at least DS8 did)

 

[VanniGirl]

Sounds like a great time - looking forward to the rest

 

[Mickey4me!]

MIL & me loved the salad

DH and I were at Ohana's for the first time a couple of days before you and I agree that the salad (and the fire roasted veggies) were wonderful!! So good in fact that I ate almost two bowls of it myself In fact, I got the recipe for the honey lime dressing and have some in the fridge now! Yum!!

Great report and can't wait to read the rest!!

 

[liznboys]

Love this!! Watching for more...

 

[dutton]

Which side of Innoventions were you on? My kids love this area and we have only been to the one on the right side of the big ball. Also, what days were you at WDW? We stayed in the cabins for one night a year ago and loved it. It is a definate choice for us next time as we are a family of 6. Did you sit on the benches to watch the movie? When we went it was a Sat night and packed, so we only stayed for the marshmellow roast--didn't know you could roast hot dogs -- that is awesome. Well looking forward to hearing about the rest of the trip!

Suzanne

 

[50 anniversary]

what a great report.. We leave in 13 days and are doing many of the same things. thanks again for sharing all of these details!

 

[BlueBayou]

Great trip report. Thanks for sharing.

Sher

 

[dismom9761]

Ohanas sounds fabulous!We are planning to eat there on our trip so I love hearing good reports.Can't wait to hear more of your trip.