A January No Husbands Allowed Trip Report

[lledman]

Princess Meet & Greet

Remember how I said Cameron wouldn’t let anyone but Janet take his photo – these are actually very comical to look back on now – a little annoying at the time but funny now







I love the look on a clueless Belle’s face






He ran away from Cinderella to when he realized the photographer was taking their photos

All this was going on while Sleeping Beauty was signing the other kid’s books. Notice who’s hiding behind the curtain.








Cinderella






We could make a game out of this, instead of Where’s Waldo we’ll have Where’s Cameron




Tyra turned around to Cinderella and told her “Hey, you have the same dress like me”. Cinderella loved it.

 

[lledman]

And last but not least we spent a little time with Belle.

















And our shots on our way out of the MK.

 

[lledman]

Starting our morning off at the Studios










Remember the others slept in so here’s their photos




Monsters Inc Meet & Greet









Lightning & Mater






Phineas & Ferb










And our 2nd meeting with Lightning and Mater with the entire crew

 

[lledman]

Our visit to the Animation Building

























And the ride photo from TOT

 

[lledman]

Animal Kingdom





King Louie & Baloo



















Flik


Is it obvious that Tyra didn’t want to meet with Flik






And that right there should catch us up to current report status.

 

[lledman]

It was about 3 pm when we got back to our room. Although both could have benefited neither Tyra nor Devin wanted to take a nap. It was quite warm outside still so we got on our swim suits and headed to the hippy dippy pool. They were playing pool games however my kids didn’t want to join in.














I splashed around with the kids for a while and then Tyra wanted to go to the kiddie area. That was short lived because there was a slight breeze which made it chilly and we went back to the pool.






























Around 4 we headed back to our room to shower and get ready for the evening.

 

[lledman]

I think I forgot to mention that Devin got a pack of jungle animals when we stopped at the little shop after the safari this morning.


Not sure what Tyra was up to


Devin took this photo of his animals


We still had a few things in the van that weren’t unpacked on our arrival night b/c it was soo late and we had soo far to walk. The kids were excited to explore a little on our way to the parking lot.


(notice Tyra in meltdown mode – not sure what this mini one was over)


Twister anyone????




We bought the stroller along to load up and use as a luggage cart


On the way back to the room – moving right along on the Art of Animation Buildings




I piled up the 2 totes of snacks and unpacked the bag I grabbed, dropped Jess’ stuff off on her bed and then we headed to the bus stop. We had a 6 pm reservation at T-Rex. The others had stayed at AK until about closing so we were pretty much traveling at the same pace (by bus). We arrived at DTD first and the kids took a few photos while we waited for the rest to arrive so we could check in.














Devin was pretending that the mortar of the bricks was the track for a ride and the leaves were the cars – I think he said he was on Splash Mt???


Tyra was just hoarding all the leaves to try to piss off Devin

 

[lledman]

The rest of the group showed up and told us about the fun afternoon they had at the AK. They ran into this CM who made up songs on the fly – will have to get Jess to upload her video where he was singing about the kids and their platypus outfits

We check in and were seated pretty quickly in the front area of the restaurant – I think I liked it better in the back but we were close to the fire pit so that was cool. Tyler took a few photos





(Jess will kill me when she sees this one but it’s really a photo of the Wooly Mammoth)







I’m not one to usually complain but our service here stunk. I know we were a larger group but it was ridiculous. We seriously were in the restaurant for over 2 hours. Our server took our drink order – 15 minutes bought the drinks. 10 minutes later took our food order. 20 minutes later came out the food. Never once did he come back to ask if we needed refills on our drinks. Not sure how long it took him to come back for our dessert orders but everyone was well finished their meals. He was nice enough but super slow. I don’t have any photos of our plates b/c by the time we actually got our food we were all dying to eat it. The portions were all large and really filled everyone up. We didn’t have room for dessert really but since it was included we took it – I think the adults all got the donut hole things to go (these took up 2 dessert credits for one but again the portion was huge and it was portable). The kids all got the pudding dirt desserts

He did put a candle in Ashlin’s dessert for her birthday and the kids sang to her.




When it was time for the bill this took another 20+ minutes. I guess they are still training on the dining plan and since they aren’t owned by Disney there are extra steps and such. Elaine took most of the kids to play in the dig site area while the 3 of us waited to pay the bills.

We did a little shopping around DTD. Tyra got a baby Simba (the other girls had gotten baby animals at AK and she wanted one to), a Jasmine & Aladdin play set, and something else that I can’t remember right now. I got the trivet I wanted for my kitchen and one of the “spend XXX and get a fleece throw” throws.

At World of Disney they removed the water spitting Stitch? I hope it’s just for a refurb.


After over 2 hours in T-Rex no one really wanted to stay out late shopping - well expect for Elaine so Janet’s family stayed back while the rest of us headed back to the bus and to Pop.

I guess I forgot to mention earlier, we had wanted for Tinkerbell or Mickey to leave each of the kids a surprise bag full of goodies on our first day there, since we didn’t unpack them they were left in the van. We pulled out the trading pins and autograph books but there were still some goodies left. The kids and I grabbed those when we unloaded the rest of the stuff from the van this afternoon. Devin helped me arrange everything on our & Jess’ beds so that the kids would have a surprise when they returned that night (we bagged up everything for Janet and she had to lay out her own stuff b/c we didn’t have a key to her room).

When we got back to our rooms Devin yells out “Oh look Mickey left us all a surprise” in this really fake excited voice. That boy can’t keep a secret if he wanted to. Everyone loved their goodies that were left.






We wanted to head to EPCOT early the next morning so we were in bed and asleep by 10.

 

[lledman]

I’m not sure how late Janet’s family was out shopping but they weren’t ready at 8:30 when the rest of us were leaving so we headed to the bus stop without them. My notes say we waited FOREVER for a bus to arrive – and I do remember that we saw at least 3 buses for every other park before an EPCOT one pulled up. We arrived at EPCOT shortly after opening.

We headed towards Soarin and got fast passes to come back around 10ish – not bad at all. Since the posted wait time was only 15 minutes we rode standby




Her kids loved it – like we knew they would. And of course it was a hit with my kids.

Jess’ family had never rode the Living with the Land ride so we hoped right now with no wait and had the boat to ourselves. My kids are always on the look out for hidden & not so hidden Mickeys








When we got off the boat, we were up for collecting another set of fast passes so we got a 2nd set for Soarin.

We then headed over to the Seas Pavilion and took a spin in a clam shell


“No flash photography” – hello do these photos look like I’m using a flash???




After our ride we took some time to look at all the tanks.


Devin loved these eels.






Tyler took some shots of his own of his favorites










And then the kids went to Bruce’s play area

 

[lledman]

Not sure why but we passed up an encounter with Crush. When we went outside we got a call or text from Janet. We met up with her family and then headed towards Test Track. The standby line was posted at 15 minutes but we basically walked on.
















We grabbed yet another set of fast passes – these for test track and then headed towards World Showcase. Everyone was hungry so we stopped at the place outside the Mexican temple for snacks/lunch. I got Devin the brisket tacos – when we sat down he decided he didn’t want them so I ate 2 – they were delicious – and I don’t do Mexican food.


Tyler and Tyra split a chicken strips meal and I guess Devin did too since he didn’t want taco




The birds in this area were crazy, no fear. Cameron kept chasing them and they would just come right back. The portions here were huge, I had 2 baggies of chips left over and stuck them in my bag on the back of the stroller. We went into the pavilion and everyone got their passport stamped & started to color a Duffy Bear.





We all rode the boat ride.


We look soo touristy in this photo










Last trip Tyler begged for this Donald piñata – we didn’t get it then but before this trip that was one souvenir he was determined to come home with.






When we exited the temple Jessica said a squirrel climb out of my stroller bag and run into the foliage with a bag of chips – lol!!!!

 

[lledman]

We headed onto Norway & rode Maelstrom. It was definitely time for Tyra to have a nap but like any other horrible parent on a Disney vacation we pushed on.










My notes from here out are sketchy so I’m assuming we just walked the countries in order and nothing extraordinary happened. We were conscious of the time as we had 4 pm reservations for dinner but we didn’t really feel rushed.

China??




Germany







I think we priced out this entire ensemble for right around $35 – determining that the BBB for the boys was an awesome deal.





My kids think it’s the neatest thing in the world that I got the number to a couple of the payphones around World Showcase from here on the Dis.




Every phone we passed on this trip Tyra thought I should have the number to it and give it a call.

 

[lledman]

When we arrived at the Japan pavilion we knew that the girls were going to do their pick a pearl experience but never put any thought into what the boys would do at this time. Fate was on our side and the candy lady was doing her thing. Janet stayed outside with the boys while Jessica and I took the girls in to pick their pearls. They didn’t have the best view vantage point but Devin was selected to choose and animal – Monkey.




We all paid and were given our numbers to wait our turn. It was only a minute and Tyra’s number was called – lucky number 1. Soo many options




Tyra had to count to 3 in Japanese. Sun, knee, high??? Something like that








Tyra’s drum ceremony












Next Danielle selected her oyster. The girl opened Danielle & Kiresten’s oysters together.

 

[lledman]

Run outside quickly to get a shot of Devin’s candy monkey


Run back inside to see last but not least it was Ashlin’s turn.




What do we have here – twins






Since Ashlin got twins, Janet decided to let her have them made into a pair of earrings instead of using the carriage pendant. She went and placed her order – she’d have to return in an hour to get them. The kids played with some wind-up toys while they took care of business.


We must have moved onto Morocco next. The Genie was out front signing autographs but his line was closed so we moved to the back and the kid kot station.





(not sure what kid had my camera but I love to see the stuff that they find important enough to take a photo of)

I must have taken Devin & Alex to the restroom while the others posed for a quick photo with The Beast






Tyra was in the middle of yet another melt down so we pressed on but Jess’ family stopped for a family shot just outside of Paris – lol


The line to Pooh & Tigger was closed but we kept walking and found Alice

 

[lledman]

By now it was about time to pick up Ashlin’s earrings. Instead of us all backtracking, Elaine decided that she would take Alex and let him pick a pearl for his mother and use Ashlin’s cage since she didn’t need it anymore. She wasn’t quite sure how to get to the Coral Reef though so Tyler went with her – the blind can lead the blind – j/k he’s pretty good with reading a map and has a great sense of direction.

The rest of us took a little break and watched this cast member who was drawing on the ground with chalk. Jess & Janet went to find some shade and I stayed back with most of the kids to watch.















Devin & Alex suggested he draw the bird when he asked for other things you would see in the night sky.



Cameron helping to put the finishing touches on Neverland


Hopscotch anyone












We decided we better start walking on if we were going to make our reservation, but of course we got side tracked by more payphones.




Elaine, Tyler and Alex beat us back – surprisingly. Tyler suggested they take the boat across the lake – we’ve never done this before so I’m proud of him for knowing about it and actually saving time.

 

[lledman]

We checked into Coral Reef. We had 3 separate reservations here – one per family. While we waited Tyra had yet another little tizzy – not sure over what this time but it passed. Baby Simba waiting for us to be seated


And I have 5 photos of the lights in the waiting area – I assume my kids were impressed with these


+

We were seated first and lucked out with a table right by the tank (I requested this when I signed us in – SCORE!!!!!). Jess’ family was seated next, when the waitress was walking them into the seating area she asked to be seated next to the tank and was seated 2 tables up from us. Janet must not have known to ask or maybe it’s b/c there were 5 of them but they were seated on the second tier – at the exact table my family had on our last visit here. While Tyra was still tired and cranky this experience was 100 times better than our last – I’m soo glad that I didn’t write this place off for good.

Jess took this photo of my family at our seat


And of course Baby Simba and Shamu had a wonderful view as well


This starfish rested behind Baby Simba our entire meal and never moved








Tyler took this photo of Jess’ family at their seat – 2 tables up from us – notice the giant sea turtle that stayed there for ¾ of their meal.








Tyra ordered the kid’s shrimp (which wasn’t on the menu but our waitress told us about) with fries and broccoli


Devin also got the kid’s shrimp with fries and carrots & celery – Tyra shared some of her broccoli


Tyler and I both have the steak with fries & green beans – it was delicious


I guess the sea turtle finally got bored with Jess’ family and swam away


But our starfish still didn’t move


For dessert Tyra ordered the brownie sundae




Devin got yogurt with granola


And Tyler and I both selected the Chocolate Wave – which no longer contains alcohol

Neither of us was wowed – Tyra’s brownie sundae definitely won this dessert battle hands down.
Jess had ordered the crème brulee and wasn’t impressed with it either.

 

[lledman]

We all finished around the same time. We headed over for another ride on Nemo (first ride for Janet’s family – remember they slept in).


There were divers in the tank this time




I think we did Turtle Talk with Crush this time. Tyra acted up and I had to take her out. Kiersten and Devin were sitting on the floor beside me in the adult section b/c they didn’t want to be called on so I left them just sitting there while I ran out with Tyra to take care of business. Elaine was actually a few seats behind me – I didn’t know it – and said they were fine the entire show so that’s good to know.

We decided to now use our fast passes for Soarin. The 2 ladies at the entrance wouldn’t let Cameron on, said he was too short. This really made Janet mad but what are you to do. Anyway the rest of us rode and enjoyed it (even though Tyler’s face says otherwise).




When we came out we couldn’t find Janet and Cameron. I sent them a text that said we were heading over to Mission Space and Test Track and hopefully they could catch up with us. Come to find out, they had went to the rest room and when they came out there were 2 guys now working the entrance to Soarin and they let Cameron on with no problem, even after she measured him in front of them.

I sat off Mission Space with Hunter and Tyra while Jess rode. I’ve never been on this ride but think that I may freak out and become claustrophobic. I told this to Jess so she volunteered to go. I guess she didn’t take my warning serious b/c while they rode she freaked out as soon as they shut the door. She was banging on it for them to let her out and everything. This was Devin’s first ride as well and he was ok with it – thought it was funny to see Jess bang on the door.

Janet met up with us while we were waiting for the others to come out of Mission Space and told us how they had gotten to ride Soarin after all.

We decided to get on Test Track with our fastpasses and again walked right onto the ride.




I think Jess’ family went shopping or something, not sure but they split up from us. The rest of us rode Spaceship Earth


We then headed for the busses but not before we posed for a family shot






I have in my notes that we were on the bus at 8:45 – we really wanted to see Illuminations but we were dead tired and it was nice to not have to fight the masses headed to the buses.

 

[lledman]

January 26th – Magic Kingdom

Today was supposed to be our sleep in day – no dining reservations, have done just about all we wanted in each of the 4 parks – so why is my family up at 8 am – well everyone but Tyler – teenagers. We lounged around for a while, straightened up the room, packed a little. After a while I couldn’t take it any longer. Jessica was going to stay at the hotel for a while and maybe take her kids swimming or to the game room. That sounded like a fabulous idea to my boys so she agreed to keep them so Tyra and I could have some time alone at the Magic Kingdom. This was a really special treat – while we do special things for each kid it’s not so often that I get to do one on one activities for each of them.

At the bus stop we didn’t have to wait long and we were off. I think we arrived around 10 and stopped for some photos on Main Street


Love the crane and faux building exterior – NOT – tried to salvage it by cropping





I knew the boys were not crazy about princesses but tolerated them for their sister so I thought this would be the perfect time to try to knock out some of the ones we hadn’t seen before. At 10:20 we hopped in line to see Tiana – we were like the 4th family for her 10:30 appearance. She was a lot of fun and took a lot of time with each family/child. She tried to teach the little girl in front of the family in front of us how to play leap frog – I don’t think she got it but it was still fun. She had the kids from the family in front of us play the frogs.






Finally it was Tyra’s turn – we’ve never seen this movie but Tyra loves Princess Tiana. They had a conversation about cooking and various other things – Tyra the girl that never shuts up at home or in the car gets nervous around new people so the conversation was sort of one way. I thought I had captured it on video but alas I did not.


Luckily the Photopass photographer there got tons of great shots for me.














We walked back to find Jasmine but her line was closed. We decided to ride the Magic Carpets


All of my kids love to see how many camels they can find in this area


Next we headed over to Pirates of the Caribbean






We walked back with intentions of going into the Tiki Room but I we saw some people in the Jasmine line so we joined them – again about 4 families back. I love all the details – I mean come on this is a photo of the ground

 

[lledman]

We were pleasantly surprised that Aladdin joined Jasmine when she came back out. I guess Tyra felt very comfortable with him b/c she didn’t leave his arms the entire visit (notice the fidgeting hands though)












Photopass photos –


Nervous Nelly - lol




















It was now about 11 and getting warm so what better thing to do next than to grab a Dole Whipto share


Jessica texted me that they were on their way and we made arrangements to meet in the hub.

Along the way we saw Peter Pan with only one family visiting. He was really great and in character. Tyra didn’t catch it all but it was still cute. He asked her if she would be his mother since she was pushing an empty stroller and he sat in it. Then he asked her what kind of stuff mothers do and she said cook and clean – he asked her what could she cook and she told him ice cream.









Tyra’s private photo shoot while we waited

 

[lledman]

Tyra then needed to take a bathroom break so I texted Jess and we met them over by the Noodle Terrace. They were hungry so we decided to get lunch – I was bound and determined to try something new so we headed over to Pinocchio Village Haus - this place was jumping




We found a table that we could all fit at over by the Fantasy Land section




There were definitely a lot more people here today than when we visited on Sunday – totally craziness – just like in the summer I would say. Tyler grabbed us all fast passes for Peter Pan for later because the line was like 50 minute. We walked over towards the Haunted Mansion and while there was a line it was moving and we basically just followed the line right onto the ride – won’t call it a walk on but pretty much. Both times we rode HM this trip we bypassed the new area – my kids did it last year and it wasn’t that big of a deal for Jess’ family.


While we were eating Janet and family had arrived – the went and rode Splash Mt. and grabbed fast passes for later in the day. We all decided to try to escape some of the crowds and headed to Tom Sawyer Island. I had made scavenger hunt books for the kids with DISigns I found on here – they were a huge hit – even a CM on the river raft thought they were cool and said that Disney should use them to attract more people to the island.






You can’t really see it in my photo but there were lots of workers over at Big Thunder




Here’s Tyler and Jessica with their scavenger hunts














The rest of the group wanted to go back to the mill to find something they missed on the scavenger hunt so we took separate rafts back to the mainland.

 

[lledman]

Jessica’s photos from Tom Sawyer Island


















We grabbed fast passes for Splash Mt. but they weren’t good until like 5:30 or something like that – I doubted that we’d ride after sunset but oh well – we took them anyway.

For some reason we left our strollers up at the Haunted Mansion area. On the way back Tyra had another fit about something. Really great parents take photos of their kids on the ground having a fit at Disney


It must have been 2:45 at this point. Kiersten really wanted to see the afternoon parade so we hightailed it to the hub area with about 5 million other people. Ever feel like a fish trying to swim upstream? Anyway of course we got separated. Jess, Danielle & Hunter watched the parade from up on Main Street where people were clearing b/c the saw the parade go through once and not knowing that it circled around and came back. Tyler, Devin, Tyra, Kiersten and I on the other hand were directed to the center of the hub where we didn’t have the best view but with Tyler holding Kiersten, me holding Tyra and Devin standing on the stroller we were able to all see.
















Somehow or another we managed to meet back up in the hub and walked to see where Rapunzel was. There was a 90 minute wait – no thank you – note to self to plan this for park opening on next trip. I took Tyra to use the restroom and Jessica took the rest of the kids on the Tomorrowland Speedway. We then headed over to use our passes for Peter Pan’s Flight – I rode with Tyler and Tyra




action photos courtesy of Jess who rode with Kiersten & Hunter (Danielle and Devin must have been together)