A Disney-addicted mom: Disney cruise, Family trip, Running trips! *Update 2/18*

[luvpoohandcompany]

A few funny stories:
Zachary has a habit of going to sleep for like an hour and then magically appearing in our room with a big goofy grin. The other night I was tucking Jessica in bed and came to my room to find Zachary in bed with Tom (he has been asleep in his own bed). Zachary looks at me and says, "So mommy, what's your favorite ride at Disney World?" Does he know how to play me or what?
Way to go ZacharyI love this
Jessica and Zachary were fighting in the car today. I explained that if they chose to do this at Disney, Tom would lose his temper and it would be a good long time before we return to Disney. Jessica started crying and said, "You mean we might have o go a whole year without going to Disney World?" Um, yeah. Like most people who go less than once a year...

Poor Jessica! I know exactly how she feels A whole year without disney is tough!!

 

[DrMomof3]

I know what you mean about being spoiled. My DH is always telling the boys how spoiled they are and that they don't appreciate anything.
We do usually go once a year. And do other things too in the summer. We went to N.H. for a couple of days last week.
Wow 2 weeks-that's exciting!!! I wish I was going.
My BIL and his family are going on their first family trip tomorrow!!! Their boys are beyond excited (ages 4 and 6) I can't wait to hear how it was. I hope all the pointers we gave them makes their trip truly magical.

I love hearing about people's first experiences at Disney!!!
My kids are very lucky to get to go on lots of vacations but they deal with us working very hard the rest of the time. It's a trade-off.

I'll take that punishment!

I'm so happy that your trip is getting close!

I'm happy too!!!

Poor Jessica! I know exactly how she feels A whole year without disney is tough!!

Zachary is my little Disney fanatic!
Poor Jessica. Actually if Tom has his way, it may be several years. But don't tell her....

Amanda

 

[DrMomof3]

Tuesday will be our 1st MK day. For a while I was saying that Epcot was my favorite park. I've finally come to understand that I'm a complete sap and I love Magic Kingdom. It really is my Happy Place. I think I could spend every day of my vacation there and never get tired (except maybe the food issue).

Must Do:
Astro Orbiter (or "Rocket Ride" as my kids call it. A family favorite.)
Goofy's Barnstormer or whatever it's called now.
Big Thunder (Zachary was a little scared last time but I think he'll ride again)
Buzz Lightyear (a personal favorite, even with TSM)
Carousel of Progress (a nostalgic must-do)
Dumbo (which is much more palatable with FPs and a waiting area)
Small World
Mad Tea Party (Tom won't ride but the kids and I will spin fast!)
Magic Carpets (kids love it. Need I say more? )
Peoplemover (Another favorite in our family)
Peter Pan (My kids sudden LOVE this ride, esp. Zachary)
Pirates (Zachary, Tom, and I all put this at the top of our favorite list)
Space Mountain (Zachary was scared out of his mind but I think he'll do it anyway)
Splash (What's not to love??? )
Tomorrowland Speedway (I HATE this ride. But my kids love it.)
Winnie the Pooh

Maybe:
Casey Jr Splash Area (not thrilled to have soaking wet kids but whatev)
Celebrate Parade (we won't go out of our way to see it but we'll watch if it happens in front of us)
Country Bears (considering giving it a try. I haven't seen it since the 1970's)
Enchanted Tiki (again, not since the 1970's)
Haunted Mansion (I'm worried about scaring my easily scared kids)
Jungle Cruise (Not a huge fan but I won't refuse to go if others want to)
Monsters Inc (I can go either way on this one)
Magic Memories... (I'd love to see it if the kids can hold up that late)
Main Street Electrical (See above. Depends on how tired the kids are)
Move it! (We'll watch if we stumble upon it.)
Philharmagic (I like it but we've seen it a lot of times.)
Railroad (Could be fun and relaxing. Maybe a 2nd day thing.)
Regal Carousel (My kids like it so if it's convenient we'll do it.)
Sorcerers (I think Nathaniel will LOVE this but the younger 2 won't get it and then it'll cause fights. Maybe Tom and Nathaniel can do this alone.)
Town Square Princesses (Probably not since we're keeping Akhershus)
Wishes (again, if we're awake)

Probably Not:
Hall of Presidents (We tortured the kids with this in June. Zachary fell asleep. Nathaniel and Jessica were bored. I enjoyed it a lot.)
Stitch (Need I say more??? )
Swiss Family Treehouse (Did it last year and hated it.)

Amanda

 

[ddluvsdisney]

MK is my favorite!!!
So many great rides! Favorites of ours: BTMRR, PP (my boys still love this ride , SM, Splash, HM, PotC, CoP (even boys like it lol), Buzz, Philarmagic need I say more?? So much to do there!!

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[DrMomof3]

MK is my favorite!!!
So many great rides! Favorites of ours: BTMRR, PP (my boys still love this ride , SM, Splash, HM, PotC, CoP (even boys like it lol), Buzz, Philarmagic need I say more?? So much to do there!!

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

I can see that we are cut from the same cloth!

Amanda

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

Loving all your plans for MK (well except for stinky cars). We did HM this year with my woose of a 5yr old-he loved it. The only bit were he was a tiny bit wary was the lift (sorry elevator). He laughed so much at the hitch-hikers at the end

This is the same kid who has never had a picture taken ever with a character (he waves from a distance-seriously) and when people ask if he's going to on holiday to "see Mickey mouse" he sits them down and explains that he's going where Mickey lives but he only sees him if there's a parade or show on

Down side-we dont get to eat at Crystal palace or other character meals or photos
Up side-we dont stand a long time queueing for autographs

 

[ddluvsdisney]

I can see that we are cut from the same cloth!

Amanda

 

[DrMomof3]

Loving all your plans for MK (well except for stinky cars). We did HM this year with my woose of a 5yr old-he loved it. The only bit were he was a tiny bit wary was the lift (sorry elevator). He laughed so much at the hitch-hikers at the end

This is the same kid who has never had a picture taken ever with a character (he waves from a distance-seriously) and when people ask if he's going to on holiday to "see Mickey mouse" he sits them down and explains that he's going where Mickey lives but he only sees him if there's a parade or show on

Down side-we dont get to eat at Crystal palace or other character meals or photos
Up side-we dont stand a long time queueing for autographs

I hate stinky cars!! And if I can get my kids to close their eyes as we walk past.... Sigh.
I'm reassured by your experience at HM. I think the pre-show will be the issue (the "lift"). We'll see what happens. I was terrified of HM as a child but I rode it anyway.
I don't think you're missing much with Crystal Palace. I know I'm in the minority but I'm not a huge fan.
Too funny about not going to see Mickey Mouse. I love it!! My Nathaniel has grown to like characters fine but he wouldn't go near them. In fact if Jessica and Zachary weren't such big fans of the characters, I doubt Nathaniel would have ever warmed up.

Amanda

 

[DrMomof3]

The 2 updates I did yesterday (here and my TR) were both woefully incomplete. Oops. I think I've just been tired.

Not sure about lunch at MK. I really like Plaza - or Liberty Tree - for lunch. It'll depend on Tom's whim. We've had decent luck with same-day ADRs at Plaza. I just feel that the food is fresh and healthy. Otherwise we like Columbia Harbour House. I know that Tom won't do major backtracking so we may just settle on the closest place.

We were supposed to have date night on Tuesday but we cancelled it. We don't currently have dinner plans that night. Maybe off-site? I really like La Hacienda, especially the margaritas. Hmmm, maybe even T-Rex?

In other news....
About 6 weeks until ToT. I'm really excited for this trip! Unless Sparkle Skirts makes a Halloween skirt, I'll probably run in my Ariel running skirt. Still need a Halloween costume for MNSSHP.... Leaning towards buying a Minnie running skirt so I can re-use it for Marathon Weekend.

My roommate booked our stay at the Poly for Marathon Weekend. A friend of hers used her CM discount. My share will be about $600. Not terrible for 4 nights at Poly. They released the new Donald and Mickey medals. I'll post a pic one of these days.... Very fun!

Amanda

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

I think Tom and my hubby must be twins separated at birth lol He sees no reason to walk for QS food if there is somewhere closer (even if theres waaay better food across the way)
We did the interactive queue at HM and I think that was a big factor in 5yo enjoyment. He loved playing with all the various bits and bobs so he didn't really get the sinister atmosphere. Mind you he recently asked me if we could have a picnic at his granda's grave on his birthday because he misses him!

 

[DrMomof3]

I think Tom and my hubby must be twins separated at birth lol He sees no reason to walk for QS food if there is somewhere closer (even if theres waaay better food across the way)
We did the interactive queue at HM and I think that was a big factor in 5yo enjoyment. He loved playing with all the various bits and bobs so he didn't really get the sinister atmosphere. Mind you he recently asked me if we could have a picnic at his granda's grave on his birthday because he misses him!

Oh yes! We ended up eating at Cosmic Ray's last trip because it was closest. To be honest it was perfectly fine and we even got a decent table but that would never be my 1st choice.
I think that's sweet that your son wants to "visit" his grandpa. But sad that he misses him so much.
I tried to explain HM to the kids so we'll see what they think at the time.

Amanda

 

[ddluvsdisney]

My DS15 finally rode HM when he was 11. I think he got as far as stretching room twice before that!
DS11 on the other hand rode when he was 3 never had a problem. It's so funny how completely different they are.
Now it is one of DS15's favorite rides! He even went on it ALONE last year while we went on Splash (he's afraid of heights).
We ate at Pinocchio's Village Haus for lunch a couple of times. They have huge meals that DH and I could share. I really like the chicken parm. And the kid's pizza could easily be shared by 2 kids. DS11 couldn't finish it.
I can't believe how fast your trip is coming.

 

[DrMomof3]

My DS15 finally rode HM when he was 11. I think he got as far as stretching room twice before that!
DS11 on the other hand rode when he was 3 never had a problem. It's so funny how completely different they are.
Now it is one of DS15's favorite rides! He even went on it ALONE last year while we went on Splash (he's afraid of heights).
We ate at Pinocchio's Village Haus for lunch a couple of times. They have huge meals that DH and I could share. I really like the chicken parm. And the kid's pizza could easily be shared by 2 kids. DS11 couldn't finish it.
I can't believe how fast your trip is coming.

I know! It's really soon now.
I really wish we hadn't let the kids try ToT because they were so scared that it's hard to know how they'll do with HM. I tried to tell them that it's pretend scary but I just don't know.
I had heard that the new menu at Pinocchio's is good.

Amanda

 

[natebenma]

Oh yes! We ended up eating at Cosmic Ray's last trip because it was closest.
Amanda

That sounds familiar!!!

 

[natebenma]

Haunted Mansion- the ride itself isn't too scary- dark but not too bad- but the stretching room and especially the screaming guests always did Ben in. You could try asking the CM at the entrance if you can skip the stretching room. We did that a few times and were able to get to the ride through the handicap entrance.

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

Oh yes! We ended up eating at Cosmic Ray's last trip because it was closest. To be honest it was perfectly fine and we even got a decent table but that would never be my 1st choice.
I think that's sweet that your son wants to "visit" his grandpa. But sad that he misses him so much.
I tried to explain HM to the kids so we'll see what they think at the time.

Amanda

Thanks for the kind thoughts He does miss him alot (it's just coming up to the 1st anniversary ) but its nice that he still thinks of him and that we can chat about him Hardest thing was when we got on the aeroplane and he kept checking out the window and muttering "no" to himself. Turns out someone told him months earlier that Heaven was up above the clouds so he thought he would spot him! Boy was I glad no-one was sitting on my other side. Lets just say I didn't see much of the movie!

I've just realised that what I called the "lift" at HM is the stretching roon
That was the only bit my son needed reassurance but I think that was as much to do with the number of people in there!

BTW we ate at pinocchio haus and the food was tasty enough-enjoyed the breadsticks with mainara sauce as a side and shared a couple of meals between us. They bring you to a table now which made it easier that 1 person sitting with kids while 1 struggles to carry trays

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

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Haunted Mansion- the ride itself isn't too scary- dark but not too bad- but the stretching room and especially the screaming guests always did Ben in. You could try asking the CM at the entrance if you can skip the stretching room. We did that a few times and were able to get to the ride through the handicap entrance.

Didn't know you could do this. What a great idea

 

[DrMomof3]

Hey! Remember me??? Just a few more days but my job is trying hard to kill me between now and then.... I've earned this vacation.
A few updates. I added a lunch ADR at Plaza for Tues. I really like it there - good location, healthier food. Etc. I also made a dinner ADR for La Hacienda that night. I love that place. Not sure if we'll be up for that after a day at MK but we'll see.
I have a lot of stuff packed already. Tom needs to pack and I have carry-ons to do. I should have time on Thursday. I hope.
I can't believe the summer's almost over. It was truly a wonderful summer and after the appallingly bad school year that we had, this was such a blessing.

Amanda

 

[cogero]

Hey! Remember me??? Just a few more days but my job is trying hard to kill me between now and then.... I've earned this vacation.
A few updates. I added a lunch ADR at Plaza for Tues. I really like it there - good location, healthier food. Etc. I also made a dinner ADR for La Hacienda that night. I love that place. Not sure if we'll be up for that after a day at MK but we'll see.
I have a lot of stuff packed already. Tom needs to pack and I have carry-ons to do. I should have time on Thursday. I hope.
I can't believe the summer's almost over. It was truly a wonderful summer and after the appallingly bad school year that we had, this was such a blessing.

Amanda

the only thing I have packed is the box I shipped today

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

Cant believe the summer is almost over and that youor trip is almost here Glad to hear things have gotten so much better for you guys. Have a great time at Disney