A Mother-Daughter Trip! Now with BONUS BIRTHDAY Trip! (Final Thoughts Coming Soon!)

[rpcvpanama]

Had to join in. Your Splash story cracked me up!! I was just at WDW last week and really really wanted to ride but the thought of getting wet turned me away, because you just never know.

 

[RGirl]

Hey all! I popped in to post some replies. I really will get an update done soon. We are adjusting to being back on a busy schedule, and work has been INSANE - I am so tired at the end of the day that I just can't seem to get anything else done. But I will get an update posted in the next day or two!

Your DD is going to be surprised with all of those birthday goodies! That is just awesome!

As for no trip in 2013....I know how hard it is not to have that pending trip. And if you can't find someone to plan a trip for, at least you always have everyone here to come & talk to about Disney. But, like you said, you never know what'll happen between now & then. This past October, we already had our Dec. 2012 trip booked to stay at Contemporary in the tower. Then, unexpectedly, my DH lost his job. Thankfully, he found something else quickly. But, we were thinking we had to downgrade & did so to POFQ. Well, much ado later, we've been able to switch back to CR. So, you never know....all it takes is faith, trust & pixie dust!

Oh, that is so scary to lose a job - I know, I have been there too. So glad that he was able to find another so quickly. And especially glad that you still get to take your trip!!!

And, of course, you are right - you just never really know what life will bring. I would think that we could at least hit up Disneyland again if WDW is not possible - it is a lot cheaper to do DL, and you don't really need to spend 7-10 days there. Well, I don't think so - I will let you know in a couple of weeks!

We did a few split stays, only one at WDW and it was easy...bell services took care of the luggage, and I checked in at the new resort, went to the parks..and all was good! And I might even have more fun planning than the trip itself

You sound like me...I have to have SOMETHING to plan DL has such great Birthday stuff...it's why I really wanted to take DD7 in Sept but DH has no interest in DL...gotta keep working on him

Hmm, interesting. You didn't get aggravated beyond belief having to pack everything up an extra time? That is the part that really turns me off. The idea of getting to fit in another resort, however, makes me very interested....

Well, I will report back on DL. I am expecting to have a lot of fun. Maybe your DH will be persuaded.

i have enjoyed reading your trip report. We are going around that time this year, so it was a great read on how things went for you. Your daughter is adorable and she looked so cute like a princess. Have fun on your next trip

Thanks - I'm glad you are reading along! It is SUCH a great time to go - weather is beautiful, crowds are low, the Halloween decorations are so great, and MNSSHP is just too fun!

Had to join in. Your Splash story cracked me up!! I was just at WDW last week and really really wanted to ride but the thought of getting wet turned me away, because you just never know.

So glad you joined in! Oh, that Splash Mountain! It will take some serious convincing or $$$ for anyone to get me to ride that thing again.

 

[pas130]

Hmm, interesting. You didn't get aggravated beyond belief having to pack everything up an extra time? That is the part that really turns me off. The idea of getting to fit in another resort, however, makes me very interested....

No more split stay...I know SHOCKING a change All Poly...I kinda thought about the idea of moving and packing..what if we like one more than the other....all good..

Enjoy DL, I can't wait to hear all about it!!!!!

 

[RGirl]

No more split stay...I know SHOCKING a change All Poly...I kinda thought about the idea of moving and packing..what if we like one more than the other....all good..

Enjoy DL, I can't wait to hear all about it!!!!!

I love it!

I have GOT to check out the Poly again. We were there on our first trip for dinner at 'Ohana, which I did not particularly enjoy. But everyone was a little grumpy, so we didn't really look around the resort. Gotta fix that!

 

[RGirl]

Finally, an update!!!!


27. Some Fantasyland and MNSSHP Fun

When I last left you, I had survived a near drowning and made a valiant attempt not to let the fact that I looked like a drowned rat and felt even worse ruin the party for us.

Always up for a character meeting (regardless of how sopping wet we might be), DD and I got in line immediately upon exiting Splash Mountain. DD was going to meet Jessie and Woody!

We stopped briefly at this weird little play area right by Splash Mountain. I’m always amazed that kids want to play here when they have all of DISNEY WORLD around them.

At this point, it seemed like it would be a good idea to get some dinner since we hadn’t had much to eat today, and we didn’t want to spend precious party time eating. We stopped at one of my favorites - Pecos Bill Cafe.

I had a burger with LOTS of fixin’s. It was goooood!

DD had the uncrustable thing - I don’t think she knew what she was ordering, she just heard PB&J. She has only ever had these at WDW (once on our first trip and once on this one), and she has never eaten more than a bite or two. She also had fries, and the child has an obsession with cheddar cheese.

Now it was time to do a little Fantasyland! On our way through FL, I snapped a quick shot of the goings-on at the Beast’s castle. We are so excited for this to be open!!!

We hit up the carousel.

And then Snow White.

[Cont. in next post for picture overload.]​

 

[RGirl]

[Cont. from previous post]

Next we wandered over to Winnie the Pooh, which we had somehow missed last year. DD really enjoyed the queue.

And the ride was fun too!

When we left Pooh, the party was in full swing, and we immediately spotted Donald and Daisy greeting guests in their Halloween costumes. We got in line. Of course.

I just love the characters in costume. It is such a crazy concept to me.

Finally, we got our first Dumbo ride of the trip!

We did a little trick-or-treating, and then we had somewhere we HAD to be!​

Up next: 28. DD Falls in Love

 

[shan23877]

Fun update!

Of course you had to get in line for the characters! What else would you do?

Can't wait to see who she fell in love with... Mine was in love with Prince Eric.

 

[amandaw]

Pecos Bills is one of my favorite counter service places in MK....right after Cosmic Ray's.

Looks like y'all were having tons of fun! I am loving the characters in costume....Donald & Daisy are just too cute! Can't wait to see what other characters y'all met that night. And I can't wait to hear about DD's 1st love!

 

[pas130]

I love it!

I have GOT to check out the Poly again. We were there on our first trip for dinner at 'Ohana, which I did not particularly enjoy. But everyone was a little grumpy, so we didn't really look around the resort. Gotta fix that!

OK resort of the day is WL Saved a bunch!


Anyway....I LOVE the new Winnie the Pooh queue, the kids love it too. And Halloween is second only to Christmas in my family's favorite holiday. SO much fun! I haven't been to MNSSHP in years, but I absolutely LOVED it!!!! Great update...are you ready for DL???

 

[mindy5648]

alright so i have been sitting here for the past 3 hours reading your TR and you've stopped at DD falls in love!!! You're killing me...i want more!!! it has been so much fun reading your TR. My husband and I are going in 10 days and i already cant wait to try all the drinks you've taken pictures of

 

[MelMel11]

Cant wait to hear more!!

 

[RGirl]

Fun update!

Of course you had to get in line for the characters! What else would you do?

Can't wait to see who she fell in love with... Mine was in love with Prince Eric.

DD never saw a character she didn't want to meet (at least once) this trip!

Prince Eric - Awww, so cute!

Pecos Bills is one of my favorite counter service places in MK....right after Cosmic Ray's.

Looks like y'all were having tons of fun! I am loving the characters in costume....Donald & Daisy are just too cute! Can't wait to see what other characters y'all met that night. And I can't wait to hear about DD's 1st love!

We still haven't tried Cosmic Ray's, because Pecos Bill was our first CS WDW meal, and we liked it so much that we just keep going back!

I do love the characters in costume. So fun!

OK resort of the day is WL Saved a bunch!


Anyway....I LOVE the new Winnie the Pooh queue, the kids love it too. And Halloween is second only to Christmas in my family's favorite holiday. SO much fun! I haven't been to MNSSHP in years, but I absolutely LOVED it!!!! Great update...are you ready for DL???

No WAY!!!! Are you just messing with me now???????

Yep - we love Halloween at WDW. Of course, that is the only time of year we have been! Last year was probably our last Fall trip to WDW in a long time, so I hope we enjoy other times of year just as much.

We leave for DL in less than a week. I am totally not ready. Things have been CRAZY busy at work ever since I came back from the holidays. I am going to have to go in all day Saturday, I think, just to stand a slim chance of getting everything done before we are supposed to leave!

alright so i have been sitting here for the past 3 hours reading your TR and you've stopped at DD falls in love!!! You're killing me...i want more!!! it has been so much fun reading your TR. My husband and I are going in 10 days and i already cant wait to try all the drinks you've taken pictures of

Thanks for reading!!! How exciting to be leaving in 10 days! Where will you be staying? How long will you be there? Enjoy those tasty beverages.

Cant wait to hear more!!

Thanks for reading! More to come soon, I hope. Leaving for Disneyland in 5 days though........

 

[pas130]

I do love the characters in costume. So fun!


No WAY!!!! Are you just messing with me now???????

Yep - we love Halloween at WDW. Of course, that is the only time of year we have been! Last year was probably our last Fall trip to WDW in a long time, so I hope we enjoy other times of year just as much.

We leave for DL in less than a week. I am totally not ready. Things have been CRAZY busy at work ever since I came back from the holidays. I am going to have to go in all day Saturday, I think, just to stand a slim chance of getting everything done before we are supposed to leave!


Thanks for reading! More to come soon, I hope. Leaving for Disneyland in 5 days though........

I hope you will get what you need done...done. Either way you'll be in DL soon HAPPY BIRTHDAY WILLOW!!!!!

And no I'm not messing with you...WL

 

[RGirl]

I hope you will get what you need done...done. Either way you'll be in DL soon HAPPY BIRTHDAY WILLOW!!!!!

And no I'm not messing with you...WL

All day today, I kept thinking, "Just power through - in a few days, you will be dining at Ariel's Grotto watching Willow enjoy her birthday cake." Going to go into work tomorrow - the whole building should be empty, so I am going to crank the music and work as fast as I can to get as much done as possible. I am hoping that I can get myself in a good position to close things out on Tuesday and feel no anxiety about leaving for DL on Wednesday morning.

When am I going to run those last-minute trip errands, you ask? When am I going to start packing secretly so that my ever-watchful child will not notice, you ask? I have no idea!!!!

Okay, is this WL trip the one that is 3 months away? I need to know so that I can do a little calculating to prepare myself for how many more resort changes there will be before you actually go.

 

[RGirl]

Caught in a board maintenance shut-down - double post.....

 

[hstrickland]

Hi Roni!!

I'm days behind!!! But, finally caught up! Things have been busy, busy, busy! I'm still enjoying your TR and pictures...Willow is a doll, as you know ! How's the packing coming along??!! 4 short days!!!!!!! I'm jealous.

 

[RGirl]

Hi Roni!!

I'm days behind!!! But, finally caught up! Things have been busy, busy, busy! I'm still enjoying your TR and pictures...Willow is a doll, as you know ! How's the packing coming along??!! 4 short days!!!!!!! I'm jealous.

Hi Heather! It's good to "see" you.

I know what you mean about busy - holy cow, things have been crazy here too!

No packing done yet - I can't quite figure out how to do it without Willow figuring out the surprise. I am going to see if maybe my parents will take her for an hour or two on Monday (holiday) so that I can at least get a few things packed and get myself a little organized.

 

[RGirl]

28. DD Falls in Love

After enjoying some FL attractions, DD and I knew that we needed to get our little butts back to the Town Square Theater for the chance to meet not just princesses but princes!!! When we arrived, the posted wait time was 80 MINUTES!!! I asked DD whether she was sure that she wanted to wait, making sure that she knew that it would mean less time to trick-or-treat and ride rides, etc. She was quite clear - we would definitely be waiting in this line.

This place is somewhat deceptive. Even with an 80-minute wait time posted, it looked like an incredibly short line. But it definitely took a long time - I don’t think it was 80 minutes, but it was at least an hour. DD made friends with the little girl ahead of us in line, and they had a great time just playing and talking.

Finally, we entered the princess area.

(I have to say that the princes were just wonderful - so much more personality than in the movies. And it was just so cool to see how much attention they gave the little girls, and how much they seemed to be really enjoying it.)

Cinderella and Prince Charming were first.

Then the big moment - Rapunzel and Flynn Ryder. DD fell madly in love with Flynn (or Eugene, as she prefers to call him). I was cracking up that in almost every pic, she is just staring at Flynn.

At one point, Flynn looked over at me with this funny look on his face and said, “Hey! She just called me ‘Eugene’!!!!!!”

We did get some non-Flynn-staring pics as well.

Finally, DD met Snow White and her Prince. This fellow was lovely as well.

(Cont. in next post again for picture overload!)

 

[RGirl]

(cont. from previous post)

Once we finished up with the princesses and princes, we headed over to ride Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin and meet Buzz. (We did some trick-or-treating around here too.)

DD really wanted to ride the Peoplemover next, so we did although it was getting really close to fireworks time.

After the Peoplemover, I suggested that we find somewhere to stop and watch the fireworks, but DD really just had no interest in doing that. But there is no point in forcing a 4-year-old to sit still and watch something if she doesn’t want to - neither of us would enjoy that experience What DD really wanted to do was ride BTMRR again, so we started off in that direction. It was slow going through FL with all the people stopped in their tracks watching the fireworks. I did, however, learn that there is really no bad spot for MK fireworks. There was something really cool about watching them go off over our heads as we walked along. And we were able to ride BTMRR twice and do the trick-or-treat trail at Splash Mountain.

After trick-or-treating at Splash, DD wanted to ride BTMRR one more time. It was getting really close to parade time, so I was a little hesitant, but I love that ride too! So we enjoyed one more ride.

The parade was just getting underway when we left the ride, and I wasn’t sure whether we would really get to see any of it. I am not a huge parade fan, but I do love this one. We raced along until we got ahead of the parade. We managed to get a semi-decent spot to watch thanks to a nice family who let us in with them, including letting DD get up front with their boys so that she could see.

This was the second parade of the night, so it was LATE after it ended. We headed towards the exit and managed to catch the end of the parade again at Town Square. We left the park at about 11:30.

We had a pretty long wait for a bus because one left just as we arrived at the bus stop. But we got seats on the next bus, which was good because DD was totally exhausted (so was I!). We were back in our villa just after midnight.​

Up Next: 29. A Lazy Epcot Lunch

 

[amandaw]

Looks like y'all had a lot of fun at MNSSHP! Reid is sitting on the couch next to me because he woke up from a scary dream. He thoroughly enjoyed looking at your pictures with me! He was halfway asleep until he realized there were pictures of Disney World on the computer.

It seems like the princesses and, especially, the princes were great with DD! I should've known it was Flynn that she fell in love with....he is such a charmer!