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

[amandaw]

That is one big ferris wheel! I like your name for it!

The swings....are they the kind that just swing you in a circle? You do go high on those. I used to love to ride them as a kid when we'd go to Six Flags over Atlanta.

Can't wait to hear about lunch with the princesses! I bet the birthday girl really got a lot of attention there!

 

[RGirl]

Very low-tech!

I love spoilers...bring on the pictures! I am constantly looking at pictures of the construction going on in FLE. My DH says, "Don't you want it to be a surprise when you see it done in person?" I'm like, "It's ok, don't worry, I'll still be like a kid in a candy store!" According to the FLE thread on these boards, Storybook Circus will open mid to late March. But, it won't have the water play area open & only 1 Dumbo will be running. I don't know about that. I would think they'd have both Dumbos running. Snow White is now closing on May 31st so they can start turning that into the princess meet & greet place. Most people are thinking that'll open around the same time as most of the stuff in the main part of the FLE (Beauty & the Beast area, Little Mermaid). As far as an opening date for the main FLE area, I've heard everything from August to October to November or December. So, who really knows. With my luck, it'll all open the week after we're there. But, I'm hoping it's August so we can see it. The 7 Dwarves Mine Coaster will open in the beginning of 2014, I think.

You know, I studied this forum for YEARS before we made our first trip. I knew what every attraction looked like before we left (as well as every plate of food ) - didn't ruin my trip at all! But I know there are some people out there who like to be surprised.

I can't wait for that Coaster - so is that "for sure" now? I am kind of behind on the whole expansion thing. Knowing that I can't afford another big trip for a while has made me a little less likely to keep up. Now that I know my boss is seriously thinking of setting dates for F&W next year and taking her son and DIL and having me plan the ENTIRE TRIP - I am starting to pay attention again!

I sure would have! My whole family would've done that ride until it was time for lunch! Thanks to a lot of pixie dust by 2 different CM's, we were able to ride it 2x in a row on our last trip.

I was actually pretty disappointed that DD had no interest in taking advantage of this bizarre DL lack-of-line for TSMM. But what could I do?????

The whole reason why we've moved our trip for this year is so that Ed can run the 10 mile Tower of Terror race. Well, I'll be buying tickets for Reid & I to be in DHS for the race that night. They're having a Villains Bash party - lots of villains will be out for meet & greets and the major rides will all be open (ToT, RNRC, Star Tours, Muppets & TSM!!!!) Only thing is that the race is VERY late that night (starts at 10pm). I'm going to try to get Reid to nap a lot so that he can stay up later. But, I told Ed, if he's asleep when we get into DHS, I'm waking him up to ride TSM & then he can go back to sleep while I wait for you to cross the finish line! I'm such a good mom, right? Now, where's my "Mother of the Year Award"?

I have never heard of the ToT race!!!!! WOW! Have you done MNSSHP or MVMCP with Reid yet? I have worried two years in a row about taking DD to MNSSHP, and she has been rockin' and rollin' until midnight both times. First trip, she was 3. If you can get a giant nap in, you will be golden. I wish I had posted my TR for our first trip here - I would point you there. Anyway, my guess is that you and Reid will have a blast. And, ahem, if you are "mother of the year" here, I am freakin' "mother of the century."

 

[RGirl]

Where are all of the people??? Are they all at WDW? No wait for TSMM--now that's amazing!

I can't wait for the Little Mermaid ride at WDW, so I'm excited to see your pics!

I had heard rumors that TSMM is not as popular at DLR. But I never knew what a huge difference there was! To be fair, I think we were there at about the lowest-crowd time of year there is - but really, we have always visited WDW in October, which is allegedly a low-crowd time, and the wait for TSMM is easily 2 hours by midday. I just can't explain it!

That is one big ferris wheel! I like your name for it!

The swings....are they the kind that just swing you in a circle? You do go high on those. I used to love to ride them as a kid when we'd go to Six Flags over Atlanta.

Can't wait to hear about lunch with the princesses! I bet the birthday girl really got a lot of attention there!

That wheel was a real sticking point for me. I knew that DD would REALLY want to do it - she loves stuff like that (big surprise, right????). And I knew that this would be one thing that I could not do - I have overcome a lot in order to avoid instilling my fear in her (including gondolas over the Spokane River (although I hyperventilated the whole way), ToT, EE (which I did even when she was not tall enough just to prove to myself that I could do it)). But no way can I do what is basically a ferris wheel - even with Mickey's face on it. NO WAY. Thankfully, she only asked about it once! I was thrilled!

I hate those swings. Yes, they go in a circle, and I have a vague recollection of liking them as a kid, but somewhere along the way I developed a HUGE phobia of heights (probably when I fell off of a rock cliff at my friend's house when I was in elementary school and had to have my head stitched ) - I did NOT want to do them. But I knew I could do that before Mickey's Wheel of Doom!!!!

 

[RGirl]

12. Fun at CA and a Birthday Lunch (Third Installment)

When I last left off, we had checked in at Ariels’ Grotto and were waiting to be seated. Soon, our buzzer went off, and we were making our way down the stairs and into the restaurant.

Before long, DD met Ariel (again ), and then we were seated.

This restaurant is quite pretty.

Our waiter brought out the appetizer plates - salad, antipasto, etc.

For her entree, DD ordered the chicken. She was not impressed and did not eat a single bite.

I had the steak - it was decent.

Soon Cinderella came by. She was amazing. She chatted with DD for a long time. Finally, I kind of intervened and said thank you because people had been standing behind her waiting to get by for a really long time.

Snow White was next.

Then Belle.

And Aurora.

Dessert was delivered.

But the waiter forgot to bring out the special cake I had ordered for DD. I reminded him, and it was soon presented.

Up next: 13. More Birthday Fun - It’s Good to Be FIVE!​

 

[amandaw]

You know, I studied this forum for YEARS before we made our first trip. I knew what every attraction looked like before we left (as well as every plate of food ) - didn't ruin my trip at all! But I know there are some people out there who like to be surprised.

Exactly! To me, I can look at all the pictures, read all the info there is but it still doesn't compare to actually being there. And all of the research just helps to get me even more excited!

I can't wait for that Coaster - so is that "for sure" now? I am kind of behind on the whole expansion thing. Knowing that I can't afford another big trip for a while has made me a little less likely to keep up. Now that I know my boss is seriously thinking of setting dates for F&W next year and taking her son and DIL and having me plan the ENTIRE TRIP - I am starting to pay attention again!

I think the Mine Coaster is going to be so neat! They've started to work on it. But, it's not as far along as the B&tB or TLM stuff. If they're going for F&W in 2013, I think everything (except the coaster) will be open. I think we're going to take 2013 off. I'd really like to sail on the Fantasy. Hopefully, that will come to fruition. Then, in 2014, we'll be back at WDW to experience ALL of the expansion!

I was actually pretty disappointed that DD had no interest in taking advantage of this bizarre DL lack-of-line for TSMM. But what could I do?????

I don't blame you! I probably would've cried! Did you try that?

I have never heard of the ToT race!!!!! WOW! Have you done MNSSHP or MVMCP with Reid yet? I have worried two years in a row about taking DD to MNSSHP, and she has been rockin' and rollin' until midnight both times. First trip, she was 3. If you can get a giant nap in, you will be golden. I wish I had posted my TR for our first trip here - I would point you there. Anyway, my guess is that you and Reid will have a blast. And, ahem, if you are "mother of the year" here, I am freakin' "mother of the century."

This will be the 1st year for the 10 mile ToT race. Evidently, they used to have a ToT half marathon. But, I'm not sure when or why they did away with it. My husband was so excited when he read about it on the Run Disney website. ToT is his favorite ride! He's like Willow - could ride it over & over & over again!

We took Reid to MVMCP on his very 1st Disney trip. He was 2 years, 9 months. He fell asleep right before the fireworks started & he slept right thru them! But, I did notice on our last trip, he was able to stay up much later at night. Some days he would nap in his stroller at the parks, but not every day. The only night he fell asleep on the way back to WL was on our very last night. Every other night, he was still awake. Of course, we never stayed out too terribly late.

I'm already talking to him about having to nap on our arrival day at Disney. He doesn't nap at home & gave up naps around 18 months old. This is my plan (tell me what you think):

On the Friday, we'll drive to Tallahassee, FL (about 8 or 8 1/2 hours away from us).
Saturday: leave by 7 am for Disney (it'll take about 4 or 4 1/2 hours). We'll eat lunch in the car & go straight to Wide World of Sports for Ed to pick up his race packet. Go to Boardwalk & check in. Hopefully, our room will be ready. Ed will go to rest. If the weather cooperates, I plan to take Reid either to the pool or to the playground. Then, we'll go get Ed around 445 or 5 for a quick dinner (thinking Beach Club Marketplace). Back to room for all of us to rest. I'm hoping Reid will be worn out enough to crash. I will not put on the TV - just total darkness. Him & I should have to leave around 945 or 10 that night to head to DHS.

Okay, I'm sorry for writing a novel on your trip report.

 

[amandaw]

It's me again! I keep posting while you're posting. I should just go to bed!

Anyway....on to the birthday princess meal!

I can't blame Willow for not being impressed by the chicken. I wouldn't have known that was chicken unless you had told me. Other than that, the food looks good.

I have to say that Cinderella & Snow White are probably the most authentic looking ones I've ever seen pictures of.

Her cake is so cute!

 

[RGirl]

Exactly! To me, I can look at all the pictures, read all the info there is but it still doesn't compare to actually being there. And all of the research just helps to get me even more excited!

I think the Mine Coaster is going to be so neat! They've started to work on it. But, it's not as far along as the B&tB or TLM stuff. If they're going for F&W in 2013, I think everything (except the coaster) will be open. I think we're going to take 2013 off. I'd really like to sail on the Fantasy. Hopefully, that will come to fruition. Then, in 2014, we'll be back at WDW to experience ALL of the expansion!

Yep - to me, half the fun is knowing everything and being able to plan the trip so that we can really enjoy it!

OMG - I am WAY behind - I have no idea what these acronyms are (B&tB and TLM)!!! I think I have taken too much time off from the Theme Park boards in order not to depress myself!

Okay, I am going to have to seriously step up my game. My boss is going to rely on me 100% to make this trip magical because of what I put together for her last year. I read this week that they may be changing the FP policy and requiring us to return during the window. That will SUCK! And I will have to find a way to write up her touring plan for her that makes that do-able. Ugh - this is going to be much harder with that and the fact that I will not have even seen the FL expansion! again!

Oh, I am going to be so jealous if you take a Fantasy cruise, but I will also be dying to read about it! We won't be back to WDW until 2014 either (I think) unless we happen to end up living very near by.....

I don't blame you! I probably would've cried! Did you try that?

Hmm, maybe I should have, but with all the yelling and nastiness from DD, I didn't think I could take any additional dirty look from complete strangers!

This will be the 1st year for the 10 mile ToT race. Evidently, they used to have a ToT half marathon. But, I'm not sure when or why they did away with it. My husband was so excited when he read about it on the Run Disney website. ToT is his favorite ride! He's like Willow - could ride it over & over & over again!

Okay, so if we are ever at WDW at the same time, your DH and DD can just spend the whole day at ToT, and you, Reid and I can actually enjoy some of the show at DHS??????

We took Reid to MVMCP on his very 1st Disney trip. He was 2 years, 9 months. He fell asleep right before the fireworks started & he slept right thru them! But, I did notice on our last trip, he was able to stay up much later at night. Some days he would nap in his stroller at the parks, but not every day. The only night he fell asleep on the way back to WL was on our very last night. Every other night, he was still awake. Of course, we never stayed out too terribly late.

I'm already talking to him about having to nap on our arrival day at Disney. He doesn't nap at home & gave up naps around 18 months old. This is my plan (tell me what you think):

On the Friday, we'll drive to Tallahassee, FL (about 8 or 8 1/2 hours away from us).
Saturday: leave by 7 am for Disney (it'll take about 4 or 4 1/2 hours). We'll eat lunch in the car & go straight to Wide World of Sports for Ed to pick up his race packet. Go to Boardwalk & check in. Hopefully, our room will be ready. Ed will go to rest. If the weather cooperates, I plan to take Reid either to the pool or to the playground. Then, we'll go get Ed around 445 or 5 for a quick dinner (thinking Beach Club Marketplace). Back to room for all of us to rest. I'm hoping Reid will be worn out enough to crash. I will not put on the TV - just total darkness. Him & I should have to leave around 945 or 10 that night to head to DHS.

Okay, I'm sorry for writing a novel on your trip report.

First, give me a break - that's no novel, and I wouldn't have a trip report to enjoy if we didn't get to chat on it!

I think your plan sounds really good. The key is to wear them totally out BEFORE the late-night experience (in my experience anyway). DD napped for a lot longer than Reid, but her naps had gotten very questionable by our first trip to WDW. I was really worried about the MNSHP night. However, we had been doing Disney for several days prior, and with no advance planning by me, we had totally worn her out. When we suggested that she take a nap with her grandma while my friend and I went to MK to do the mountains prior to the party, she was happy to oblige and slept for THREE HOURS. Because of that, she was up and having fun until we got back to our rental at about midnight. So if you can wear Reid out to the point that he has to nap, I think you will be good to go!!!! Bar that, I have NO problem with you forcing him awake to go on TSMM!

 

[RGirl]

It's me again! I keep posting while you're posting. I should just go to bed!

Anyway....on to the birthday princess meal!

I can't blame Willow for not being impressed by the chicken. I wouldn't have known that was chicken unless you had told me. Other than that, the food looks good.

I have to say that Cinderella & Snow White are probably the most authentic looking ones I've ever seen pictures of.

Her cake is so cute!

Don't do that!!! If you quit posting, then I will have to go to bed too!

Okay, seriously, that chicken did not look bad at all in person. DD was just hoping for some disgusting fried chicken strips. In person, that was some real chicken on a sugar-cane skewer. But DD has never eaten much at a princess meal (other than dessert ), so it was not a surprise, although painful for my wallet.

The princesses were really good, and the interaction was quite nice throughout this meal. It definitely compared favorably to WDW, but the interaction we had in the park and at a later character meal beat it out totally. That particular Cinderella was VERY good (although possibly not as amazing as the characters we would see at the promised last character meal ), and SW was very good too. I actually think we had our best SW on our first WDW trip, which makes me wish, once again, that I had been brave enough to post our first trip on here.

As you will see, DD enjoyed her lovely cake for quite a while.

 

[shan23877]

Pretty restaurant! I love the "I'm 5" picture I'd recognize that gesture from a mile away! We have an "I'm 4" pic with Tiana from the last trip.

What an awesome Cindy! Now that I have a little princess those CMs that really take time with the little girls are even more impressive.

Too bad that DD didn't like her chicken, but if she's anything like mine, most meals at Disney go uneaten

Pretty cake! Was it built into a box so that you could take it with?

 

[RGirl]

Pretty restaurant! I love the "I'm 5" picture I'd recognize that gesture from a mile away! We have an "I'm 4" pic with Tiana from the last trip.

What an awesome Cindy! Now that I have a little princess those CMs that really take time with the little girls are even more impressive.

Too bad that DD didn't like her chicken, but if she's anything like mine, most meals at Disney go uneaten

Pretty cake! Was it built into a box so that you could take it with?

Oh yeah, Disney food goes to waste totally and completely with DD. I'm often floored by how she suddenly starts eating like she's been starved for a week when we get to the airport on the way home.

The cake comes in a treasure chest that is totally portable. It was great since, well, as you know, DD does not eat at Disney restaurants.

 

[rpcvpanama]

I have to back you up on the Ferris Wheel! That thing scared the living daylights out of me. I am not generally afraid of heights or roller coasters but when the cages move I thought each and every time I would get dumped out. Scariest ride I have been on! My nephew who was afraid of ToT absolutely loved it though. Maybe it was my horrified facial expressions that he loved.

 

[amandaw]

Yep - to me, half the fun is knowing everything and being able to plan the trip so that we can really enjoy it!

OMG - I am WAY behind - I have no idea what these acronyms are (B&tB and TLM)!!! I think I have taken too much time off from the Theme Park boards in order not to depress myself!

Oops....sorry....B&tB (Beauty & the Beast); TLM (The Little Mermaid).

Okay, I am going to have to seriously step up my game. My boss is going to rely on me 100% to make this trip magical because of what I put together for her last year. I read this week that they may be changing the FP policy and requiring us to return during the window. That will SUCK! And I will have to find a way to write up her touring plan for her that makes that do-able. Ugh - this is going to be much harder with that and the fact that I will not have even seen the FL expansion! again!

If you want, I can send you a message with the link to the FLE thread here on the boards. The people heading it up seem to know what they're talking about.

I'm so upset about the whole FP time enforcement coming. I think it starts on March 7th. I'm sure we'll be hearing on the boards if it really is being enforced. From my understanding, you'll only have 15 minutes past your window to utilize the FP. That is going to make planning for everyone so much harder.

Oh, I am going to be so jealous if you take a Fantasy cruise, but I will also be dying to read about it! We won't be back to WDW until 2014 either (I think) unless we happen to end up living very near by.....

I just hope we're able to do it! Hopefully, you'll be much closer to WDW before 2014 & y'all could get AP's!

Hmm, maybe I should have, but with all the yelling and nastiness from DD, I didn't think I could take any additional dirty look from complete strangers!

Or maybe it would've caught Willow off guard & she would've just stopped & been like, "Ok, let's go back on TSM." I say go for it next time!

Okay, so if we are ever at WDW at the same time, your DH and DD can just spend the whole day at ToT, and you, Reid and I can actually enjoy some of the show at DHS??????

Absolutely! Ed would be more than happy to oblige with that request!

First, give me a break - that's no novel, and I wouldn't have a trip report to enjoy if we didn't get to chat on it!

Well, thank you for letting me take over a little bit with my own planning conundrums.

I think your plan sounds really good. The key is to wear them totally out BEFORE the late-night experience (in my experience anyway). DD napped for a lot longer than Reid, but her naps had gotten very questionable by our first trip to WDW. I was really worried about the MNSHP night. However, we had been doing Disney for several days prior, and with no advance planning by me, we had totally worn her out. When we suggested that she take a nap with her grandma while my friend and I went to MK to do the mountains prior to the party, she was happy to oblige and slept for THREE HOURS. Because of that, she was up and having fun until we got back to our rental at about midnight. So if you can wear Reid out to the point that he has to nap, I think you will be good to go!!!! Bar that, I have NO problem with you forcing him awake to go on TSMM!

That's what I'm hoping for - to wear that little boy OUT! It's just usually not an easy feat with him. But, hopefully, it'll work!

Don't do that!!! If you quit posting, then I will have to go to bed too!

Okay, seriously, that chicken did not look bad at all in person. DD was just hoping for some disgusting fried chicken strips. In person, that was some real chicken on a sugar-cane skewer. But DD has never eaten much at a princess meal (other than dessert ), so it was not a surprise, although painful for my wallet.

The princesses were really good, and the interaction was quite nice throughout this meal. It definitely compared favorably to WDW, but the interaction we had in the park and at a later character meal beat it out totally. That particular Cinderella was VERY good (although possibly not as amazing as the characters we would see at the promised last character meal ), and SW was very good too. I actually think we had our best SW on our first WDW trip, which makes me wish, once again, that I had been brave enough to post our first trip on here.

As you will see, DD enjoyed her lovely cake for quite a while.

I was actually going to post again before going to bed last night, but Reid woke up crying before I could.

Yeah, all of those character meals are pretty painful on the wallet. Although, it seems like the princess ones are the worst!

I'm so happy for y'all that the character interaction was so wonderful! I can't wait to hear about the last character meal!

 

[RGirl]

13. More Birthday Fun - It’s Good to Be FIVE! (First Installment)

After lunch, it was finally time to hit DD’s favorite ride - ToT! There was no wait! So we rode and grabbed some FPs for later (although, really, would we even need them???).

Okay, I figured that ToT would be the same here as at WDW - what possible reason would there be for them to be different? But they are actually quite different. The introductory “floors” are more fun at CA, I think, but the drop sequences are much better at DHS - I think the drops are the same every time at CA. Also, you know that part at DHS where the elevator car moves forward down the twilight zone path to the front of the building to start the drops? That part does not exist at CA. Instead, the car just backs up after the doors shut, and you are right where you are going to be doing the whole ride. But like I said, the pre-drop floors are kind of more interesting at CA. Strange…

And enough about ToT!

We decided to head over to check out the Monsters Inc. ride and spotted Sully on the way. DD was so proud that she wasn’t scared of him this time!

We did Monsters Inc. Mike & Sully to the Rescue next. As you can see, it was not exactly packed in there! This was a fun, classic-style attraction.

At this point, we decided to head back to the hotel to change clothes for the evening. I managed to convince DD to ride Soarin’ (there was no wait!) on the way out of CA.

We were soon back at our hotel where I took a few pictures for all of you.

(Next Installment Coming Up Soon.)​

 

[RGirl]

I have to back you up on the Ferris Wheel! That thing scared the living daylights out of me. I am not generally afraid of heights or roller coasters but when the cages move I thought each and every time I would get dumped out. Scariest ride I have been on! My nephew who was afraid of ToT absolutely loved it though. Maybe it was my horrified facial expressions that he loved.

That thing just looks like a nightmare to me! I can't believe you went on it! I am sure my DD would absolutely love it; she is going to have to find out with someone other than me though!

If you want, I can send you a message with the link to the FLE thread here on the boards. The people heading it up seem to know what they're talking about.

I'm so upset about the whole FP time enforcement coming. I think it starts on March 7th. I'm sure we'll be hearing on the boards if it really is being enforced. From my understanding, you'll only have 15 minutes past your window to utilize the FP. That is going to make planning for everyone so much harder.

I just hope we're able to do it! Hopefully, you'll be much closer to WDW before 2014 & y'all could get AP's!

That's what I'm hoping for - to wear that little boy OUT! It's just usually not an easy feat with him. But, hopefully, it'll work!

I was actually going to post again before going to bed last night, but Reid woke up crying before I could.

Yeah, all of those character meals are pretty painful on the wallet. Although, it seems like the princess ones are the worst!

I'm so happy for y'all that the character interaction was so wonderful! I can't wait to hear about the last character meal!

Oh that would be great if you could send the link Thanks!

I am NOT looking forward to the FP enforcement. I will have to learn how to tour all over again. And I am going to have a really hard time advising my boss since she will be going before I will be back to try it out for myself!

I sure hope your trip works out. And, you're right, it's certainly possible that we will be close enough to WDW later this year or early next year that we will be able to make a trip much sooner than I currently think.

The really tough thing is to somehow wear them out without wearing yourself out!

I always enjoy our character experiences - I can't imagine that there are many that aren't pretty darn great. We have really lucked out a few times and had something really special.

 

[amandaw]

It's neat hearing about the differences in the rides at Disneyland & WDW. I do have to say that I don't think Ed would like ToT without his random drops. Although, the pre-drop floors sound intriguing.

I didn't know they have a Monsters, Inc ride! I love Sully! I hope Reid will meet them this year. I'm finally succeeding in getting him to watch and like that movie.

Oh that would be great if you could send the link Thanks!

I just sent it your way....let me know if it doesn't work.

I am NOT looking forward to the FP enforcement. I will have to learn how to tour all over again. And I am going to have a really hard time advising my boss since she will be going before I will be back to try it out for myself!

Me neither! We usually end up using ours in our time window. However, it was nice not having to worry about it. Also, I think I would've really utilized it when Reid starts big boy school in 2013 & we have to start going at the busier times.

I sure hope your trip works out. And, you're right, it's certainly possible that we will be close enough to WDW later this year or early next year that we will be able to make a trip much sooner than I currently think.

Thanks...me too! I really hope you can find something great for you & Willow that is closer to Disney. That would be so cool to be able to go to Disney whenever you wanted.

The really tough thing is to somehow wear them out without wearing yourself out!

You're not kidding! I'm always worn out way before Reid! I'm really hoping the weather will cooperate on our arrival day so that I can get him to splash around in the pool & maybe even play on the playground as well. Between the two, he should get worn out. Right?!?

I always enjoy our character experiences - I can't imagine that there are many that aren't pretty darn great. We have really lucked out a few times and had something really special.

Yeah, the character experiences are always fun. We've also had a few that were more special than others. On Reid's 1st trip to Disney (Dec 2010), we met Pluto in Town Square. Well, Reid went to walk away & Pluto started chasing after him. Pluto brought him back to where they were & turned him around to show him that there were fireworks starting to go off at the castle. Pluto just sat there with Reid watching the entire firework display. Mind you, there was a pretty long line waiting to meet Pluto. But, he didn't care! We also had neat interactions with Peter Pan on the Dream & Cpt. Jack Sparrow on Castaway Cay. Peter was asking Reid if he was a Lost Boy come to join him & I told him, "Uh, no, he has a mother". Peter then went on to tell him he must be a pirate working for Hook! It was so fun & Reid loved it all. When we met Jack on the beach, we were all wet & sandy. Jack was asking Reid all about the water (if it was cold), what he was doing on the beach & in the water. Reid was asking him about his pirate ship. He was really, really awesome. He got on Reid's level & really took his time talking to him. And, believe me, there was quite the line waiting to meet the Captain!

 

[RGirl]

It's neat hearing about the differences in the rides at Disneyland & WDW. I do have to say that I don't think Ed would like ToT without his random drops. Although, the pre-drop floors sound intriguing.

I definitely missed the random drops, but it was still really fun. WDW's version wins on this one.

I didn't know they have a Monsters, Inc ride! I love Sully! I hope Reid will meet them this year. I'm finally succeeding in getting him to watch and like that movie.

It's a very cute attraction. Like Ariel, I did take a WHOLE bunch of pics later to share with all you WDW peeps.

I just sent it your way....let me know if it doesn't work.

Thanks again!

Me neither! We usually end up using ours in our time window. However, it was nice not having to worry about it. Also, I think I would've really utilized it when Reid starts big boy school in 2013 & we have to start going at the busier times.

Exactly what I was thinking. We have never been at a busy time but will have to now that Willow is starting school. I was counting on utilizing FPs to make it do-able.

Thanks...me too! I really hope you can find something great for you & Willow that is closer to Disney. That would be so cool to be able to go to Disney whenever you wanted.

Thanks! If we are anywhere on the East Coast, I am pretty sure that we will be more regular visitors.

You're not kidding! I'm always worn out way before Reid! I'm really hoping the weather will cooperate on our arrival day so that I can get him to splash around in the pool & maybe even play on the playground as well. Between the two, he should get worn out. Right?!?

He *should*...............

Yeah, the character experiences are always fun. We've also had a few that were more special than others. On Reid's 1st trip to Disney (Dec 2010), we met Pluto in Town Square. Well, Reid went to walk away & Pluto started chasing after him. Pluto brought him back to where they were & turned him around to show him that there were fireworks starting to go off at the castle. Pluto just sat there with Reid watching the entire firework display. Mind you, there was a pretty long line waiting to meet Pluto. But, he didn't care! We also had neat interactions with Peter Pan on the Dream & Cpt. Jack Sparrow on Castaway Cay. Peter was asking Reid if he was a Lost Boy come to join him & I told him, "Uh, no, he has a mother". Peter then went on to tell him he must be a pirate working for Hook! It was so fun & Reid loved it all. When we met Jack on the beach, we were all wet & sandy. Jack was asking Reid all about the water (if it was cold), what he was doing on the beach & in the water. Reid was asking him about his pirate ship. He was really, really awesome. He got on Reid's level & really took his time talking to him. And, believe me, there was quite the line waiting to meet the Captain!

Oh, Pluto! That is wonderful - he is my absolute have. How amazing that Reid had such a great meet with him. And the Pan and Jack meets sound like so much fun too!!!!

 

[amandaw]

I definitely missed the random drops, but it was still really fun. WDW's version wins on this one.

So, that's 1 for WDW....how many now for DLR?

It's a very cute attraction. Like Ariel, I did take a WHOLE bunch of pics later to share with all you WDW peeps.

I can't wait to see pics!

Thanks again!

No problem! I'm glad it worked for you.

Exactly what I was thinking. We have never been at a busy time but will have to now that Willow is starting school. I was counting on utilizing FPs to make it do-able.

I know....guess I'm going to have to really pay attention to the return time posted for the FP before I get one. I'd hate to get FPs & not be able to use them & then not be able to get another set for a while.

Thanks! If we are anywhere on the East Coast, I am pretty sure that we will be more regular visitors.

Our drive is just far enough from Disney to make it hard to do often. And the cost of airfare from here plus all the added costs of flying (parking, etc) is ridiculous. I'd love to have APs one day to get a few trips a year under our belts.

He *should*...............

Well, let's hope what works in writing will work in reality!

Oh, Pluto! That is wonderful - he is my absolute have. How amazing that Reid had such a great meet with him. And the Pan and Jack meets sound like so much fun too!!!!

I love Pluto too! In fact, I end up sleeping with Reid's plush Pluto every night. At some point in the night, Reid always ends up waking up & coming to our bed. But, he always brings 3 fuzzy friends with him: Mickey for himself, Donald for Ed since that is his favorite character & Pluto for me.

 

[RGirl]

14. More Birthday Fun - It’s Good to Be FIVE! (Second Installment)

DD took a quick bath and changed clothes, and we were ready to head out again! We walked halfway through DTD to the monorail station.

We enjoyed a ride on the monorail, which does not take you to the front of DL. It actually takes you to a station in Tomorrowland, which is kind of cool because you get interesting views of some of the attractions, but I do like entering through the front better.

Since we were in Tomorrowland, we hit up Space Mountain for another thrilling ride. As you can see, there was no wait.

We then used some FPs we had picked up earlier in the day to ride Star Tours, although the FPs were totally unnecessary. Now this attraction I am confident in saying is exactly the same as at WDW!

Next up was Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters. And, wow - this is a lot more fun than the MK Buzz ride because the “guns” actually come off of the stand so you can aim - huge improvement. We still sucked at it though.

(Next Installment Coming Up Soon.)​

 

[RGirl]

So, that's 1 for WDW....how many now for DLR?

I think I will write up a post at the end of this TR and set out all the differences, pros/cons (as we see them) of both destinations. At the end of the day, I would be thrilled to get to return to either place any time!

I know....guess I'm going to have to really pay attention to the return time posted for the FP before I get one. I'd hate to get FPs & not be able to use them & then not be able to get another set for a while.

I just don't know whether I can adjust to that. It is going to be really different. I love the freedom to pick up FPs early in the morning when it's not crowded and be able to use them later when we return after a break - you know, when the parks have gotten crowded. Oh well, I guess once we have to travel during busy times, the park will always be crowded, so it won't matter that much. And then, of course, there are all those rumors about some entirely different system. That should be interesting!

Our drive is just far enough from Disney to make it hard to do often. And the cost of airfare from here plus all the added costs of flying (parking, etc) is ridiculous. I'd love to have APs one day to get a few trips a year under our belts.

Oh, I would love to have APs!!! Honestly, if we just moved across the state - so that we were in Western Washington with a real airport - I am pretty sure that I would get APs for DLR. We could visit so easily if we just had a decent airport.

I love Pluto too! In fact, I end up sleeping with Reid's plush Pluto every night. At some point in the night, Reid always ends up waking up & coming to our bed. But, he always brings 3 fuzzy friends with him: Mickey for himself, Donald for Ed since that is his favorite character & Pluto for me.

Awwww - that is soooooo cute! I had to sleep with Lotso for quite some time because, although he was fun during the day, he became too scary to have in the bed at night. He seems to have recently relocated from my room to the play room.

 

[shan23877]

Yay for Willow being brave enough to meet Sully!

A monorail with stations in DTD and Tomorrowland? Totally weird.

Buzz at WDW should have guns that come off, that'd make it lots easier! I'm terrible at that game.

I love the picture of Willow running through the empty line!

Is that a new stuffed animal I spy? I was laughing with DH after we packed up 99% of Maddies- I told him that we'd come home with at least 7 new ones after WDW