MJwritestuff
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Aug 16, 2003
- Messages
- 87
Who went:
Me (trip planner)
Husband Mike (boat captain)
B/G Twins Sam & McKenna, just turned 9
Daughter Dylan, 7 1/2
I'm not going to post an overly long trip report, just mention our highlights. Basically, there was no bad parts at all to this trip. This was our second time here (the first being last September). We'll never go any other time of year again, as the Christmas decorations and music were beautiful, the crowds nonexistent, and the weather dreamy. Most days were short sleeve and shorts weather, with lots of swimming. Only one day was chilly (of course the day we did Typhoon Lagoon!)
Here's what we loved the most:
- Our hotel was the Polynesian. Good parts were it was gorgeous theming and cheery people everywhere. Spotlessly clean and very beautiful flowers. Our building was way too far, (2500, Tahiti), but we didn't care except at breakfast when I would have killed for coffee, but since we ate in our rooms each morning, it was too far to walk just for coffee. We were close to the TTC, so that wasn't too bad. Next time, we'll give GF a try. So beautiful and we love staying in a monorail/boat hotel.
- Epcot. Did this our first full day. This time, I really went slower and we did a lot of looking around and appreciating all the beauty around us. We did all our favorites and tried Mission Space, which was really cool. We all loved it, although I felt nauseaus, and I've flown in a fighter jet, so go figure! Anyway, don't miss it. Test Track, Ellen's Energy, Living Seas, all were wonderful as always. An interesting side note: When we were walking into Living Seas, my son was really misbehaving, so I kept him outside for a little time out. My husband took the girls in Living Seas, and for an hour, me and Sam sat on the edge of the flower bed and watched the lizards and bunnies. We really talked and looked around, and by the end of the hour, we had both really enjoyed ourselves! It was little moments that we didn't expect to enjoy that kept surprising us all week. He's a nature kind of kid, and he needed some quiet time to see everything. Plus, a sweet women working the ice cream cart took our picture together, so I can't wait to see it.
World Showcase was unbelievable again. I keep thinking it will get old someday, but it doesn't. Watching The British Invasion, the mime in France (while I sipped my traditional wine!) were my personal favorites, and my kids love making the masks, although they only did it in two countries. Illuminations always makes us breathless, and it didn't fail to disappoint again. Epcot is just perfect.
-MK. Magic Kingdom was our next stop, and again, in keeping with our low key pace this week, we really walked around and did everything we wanted, without any waits. How lucky for us that we ended up there on Mickey's birthday! We got pictures of Michael Eisner, and looked at all the 75 Mickey's. It was an impressive day. Funny, but I got really bothered by the height on Swiss Family Robinson treehouse! I was clinging to the side - ew. Anyway, loved PhilharMagic - not to be missed, loved Splash and Space Mountain (our daredevil 7 year old rode both twice) and we hated to leave, but we had Luau reservations for 5:15.
-Luau. After hearing mixed reviews, I was surprised how much we loved it. My girls went nuts over the dancing, and went onstage to join them, and the food was great! I can't understand why people don't like it. It's everything a luau would be, and our server was so nice, and like I said, we all got in on the spirit of it all. My daughter even wore a grass skirt and bikini tip! It was a highlight for us, and I'm glad we went and got the photo as a keepsake.
-Downtown Disney. An old favorite. We go here our first half-night, and I always get a scrapbook at 2 R's. We spend about 2 hours at Disney Quest, which we all love, and we ride the Pirate ride twice usually!
-MGM. MGM is one of those parks that we can do in a half day, because we've done it already, but we spent a leisurely day here (the only one that rained!) and had fun. I made myself do RRC, and I'm glad I did (I just shut my eyes and prayed!), and of course, the 7 year old rode it three times in a row! She wanted to ride it four, but we stopped her. That many G-forces on such a tiny body can't be healthy! ToT was out this year, as we had all done it last year, but no one wanted to ride it again! Loved Millionaire - and Mike was next in the hot seat but they ran out of time!!! Boy, I wanted that cruise! The street performers were fantastic, as was Fantasmic. Well worth the hour wait for great seats.
-Typhoon Lagoon. My kids' highlight! They each raved about this being the one park they loved most, so go figure. It was really pretty, and snorkeling with the fish was an experience they'll remember forever. My husband took them all on the slides while I layed on the "beach" for an hour or two...or three! It was a relaxing day. The family raft ride was great fun, although much too short. But, with no lines anywhere (we were the only ones on the bus!!) we could do it again and again.
-Fort Wilderness Campground. We took a boat here just for the experience, and our kids loved running around looking at the peacocks (or pheasants?) Anyway, what a neat place. We ate here, and it was good "feed the masses" food - I'll post a food report separately. We'd eat here again, and next time, we'll stay for the campfire!
Then, at dinner at Fort Wilderness, Dylan got sick. She had a croupy cough the two nights before, but nothing too bad. At dinner, her cough started up and sounded like a really bad bark, plus she started running a fever. Serena, the nicest waitress I've ever met, brought her hot water with honey and lemon. We left and went back to the hotel. Being that we only had a day left, we pondered leaving with her, seeing as the first chance to see our doctor wouldn't be till Monday (and this was Thursday night), because we were driving back to Jersey. After much thought, we got a brochure from the lobby with 1-800 DOCS on it, and I called. Long story short, if you ever have this problem, don't hesitate to use these doctors. Our experience was great. He spent an hour and a half with her, even though he only charged us for an hour, and all medication was delivered to our lobby within three hours, after he gave her a dose for free. She ended up needed steriods because the croup was very bad. With the medication in her and the fever gone, she was able to enjoy her last day on Friday in a stroller, and we were very relieved.
-MK. Again! We returned to Magic Kingdom for our last day, because we just love it here so much. This time, we sat on Main Street and had chocolate Muffins for breakfast, and ate outside. This goes down as another relaxing, wonderful family time. We experienced Carousel of Progress, something we missed earlier in the week, and it was so nice. Getting to learn about Walt Disney both here and through the program at MGM (One Man's Dream) made the experience better, and I was happily surprised at how the kids responded. My daughter even said it's nice to know that her imagination might get her a job at Disney someday. Wishes was awesome, and brought tears to my eyes. Looking at the little sculptures in the circle before the train station and appreciating all the beautiful buildings on Main Street was lovely. It made a nice end to a fantastic trip.
All in all, it was the best trip ever. Nothing beats your second time there, because although the magic of the first time isn't there, for us, taking it slower and doing what we loved and appreciating the beauty of every park was even better. I forced myself to live in the moment, and I'm glad I did. The first time, I was a little too rushed to read all the names on the windows, and to see all the cool flowers, and to look for things like lizards and bunnies. The rides were exhilarating, but this time, I came away feeling a true appreciation for Walt Disney and for what he accomplished.
I'll post my food reviews a little later - it's back to the laundry for me!
Melissa
Me (trip planner)
Husband Mike (boat captain)
B/G Twins Sam & McKenna, just turned 9
Daughter Dylan, 7 1/2
I'm not going to post an overly long trip report, just mention our highlights. Basically, there was no bad parts at all to this trip. This was our second time here (the first being last September). We'll never go any other time of year again, as the Christmas decorations and music were beautiful, the crowds nonexistent, and the weather dreamy. Most days were short sleeve and shorts weather, with lots of swimming. Only one day was chilly (of course the day we did Typhoon Lagoon!)
Here's what we loved the most:
- Our hotel was the Polynesian. Good parts were it was gorgeous theming and cheery people everywhere. Spotlessly clean and very beautiful flowers. Our building was way too far, (2500, Tahiti), but we didn't care except at breakfast when I would have killed for coffee, but since we ate in our rooms each morning, it was too far to walk just for coffee. We were close to the TTC, so that wasn't too bad. Next time, we'll give GF a try. So beautiful and we love staying in a monorail/boat hotel.
- Epcot. Did this our first full day. This time, I really went slower and we did a lot of looking around and appreciating all the beauty around us. We did all our favorites and tried Mission Space, which was really cool. We all loved it, although I felt nauseaus, and I've flown in a fighter jet, so go figure! Anyway, don't miss it. Test Track, Ellen's Energy, Living Seas, all were wonderful as always. An interesting side note: When we were walking into Living Seas, my son was really misbehaving, so I kept him outside for a little time out. My husband took the girls in Living Seas, and for an hour, me and Sam sat on the edge of the flower bed and watched the lizards and bunnies. We really talked and looked around, and by the end of the hour, we had both really enjoyed ourselves! It was little moments that we didn't expect to enjoy that kept surprising us all week. He's a nature kind of kid, and he needed some quiet time to see everything. Plus, a sweet women working the ice cream cart took our picture together, so I can't wait to see it.
World Showcase was unbelievable again. I keep thinking it will get old someday, but it doesn't. Watching The British Invasion, the mime in France (while I sipped my traditional wine!) were my personal favorites, and my kids love making the masks, although they only did it in two countries. Illuminations always makes us breathless, and it didn't fail to disappoint again. Epcot is just perfect.
-MK. Magic Kingdom was our next stop, and again, in keeping with our low key pace this week, we really walked around and did everything we wanted, without any waits. How lucky for us that we ended up there on Mickey's birthday! We got pictures of Michael Eisner, and looked at all the 75 Mickey's. It was an impressive day. Funny, but I got really bothered by the height on Swiss Family Robinson treehouse! I was clinging to the side - ew. Anyway, loved PhilharMagic - not to be missed, loved Splash and Space Mountain (our daredevil 7 year old rode both twice) and we hated to leave, but we had Luau reservations for 5:15.
-Luau. After hearing mixed reviews, I was surprised how much we loved it. My girls went nuts over the dancing, and went onstage to join them, and the food was great! I can't understand why people don't like it. It's everything a luau would be, and our server was so nice, and like I said, we all got in on the spirit of it all. My daughter even wore a grass skirt and bikini tip! It was a highlight for us, and I'm glad we went and got the photo as a keepsake.
-Downtown Disney. An old favorite. We go here our first half-night, and I always get a scrapbook at 2 R's. We spend about 2 hours at Disney Quest, which we all love, and we ride the Pirate ride twice usually!
-MGM. MGM is one of those parks that we can do in a half day, because we've done it already, but we spent a leisurely day here (the only one that rained!) and had fun. I made myself do RRC, and I'm glad I did (I just shut my eyes and prayed!), and of course, the 7 year old rode it three times in a row! She wanted to ride it four, but we stopped her. That many G-forces on such a tiny body can't be healthy! ToT was out this year, as we had all done it last year, but no one wanted to ride it again! Loved Millionaire - and Mike was next in the hot seat but they ran out of time!!! Boy, I wanted that cruise! The street performers were fantastic, as was Fantasmic. Well worth the hour wait for great seats.
-Typhoon Lagoon. My kids' highlight! They each raved about this being the one park they loved most, so go figure. It was really pretty, and snorkeling with the fish was an experience they'll remember forever. My husband took them all on the slides while I layed on the "beach" for an hour or two...or three! It was a relaxing day. The family raft ride was great fun, although much too short. But, with no lines anywhere (we were the only ones on the bus!!) we could do it again and again.
-Fort Wilderness Campground. We took a boat here just for the experience, and our kids loved running around looking at the peacocks (or pheasants?) Anyway, what a neat place. We ate here, and it was good "feed the masses" food - I'll post a food report separately. We'd eat here again, and next time, we'll stay for the campfire!
Then, at dinner at Fort Wilderness, Dylan got sick. She had a croupy cough the two nights before, but nothing too bad. At dinner, her cough started up and sounded like a really bad bark, plus she started running a fever. Serena, the nicest waitress I've ever met, brought her hot water with honey and lemon. We left and went back to the hotel. Being that we only had a day left, we pondered leaving with her, seeing as the first chance to see our doctor wouldn't be till Monday (and this was Thursday night), because we were driving back to Jersey. After much thought, we got a brochure from the lobby with 1-800 DOCS on it, and I called. Long story short, if you ever have this problem, don't hesitate to use these doctors. Our experience was great. He spent an hour and a half with her, even though he only charged us for an hour, and all medication was delivered to our lobby within three hours, after he gave her a dose for free. She ended up needed steriods because the croup was very bad. With the medication in her and the fever gone, she was able to enjoy her last day on Friday in a stroller, and we were very relieved.
-MK. Again! We returned to Magic Kingdom for our last day, because we just love it here so much. This time, we sat on Main Street and had chocolate Muffins for breakfast, and ate outside. This goes down as another relaxing, wonderful family time. We experienced Carousel of Progress, something we missed earlier in the week, and it was so nice. Getting to learn about Walt Disney both here and through the program at MGM (One Man's Dream) made the experience better, and I was happily surprised at how the kids responded. My daughter even said it's nice to know that her imagination might get her a job at Disney someday. Wishes was awesome, and brought tears to my eyes. Looking at the little sculptures in the circle before the train station and appreciating all the beautiful buildings on Main Street was lovely. It made a nice end to a fantastic trip.
All in all, it was the best trip ever. Nothing beats your second time there, because although the magic of the first time isn't there, for us, taking it slower and doing what we loved and appreciating the beauty of every park was even better. I forced myself to live in the moment, and I'm glad I did. The first time, I was a little too rushed to read all the names on the windows, and to see all the cool flowers, and to look for things like lizards and bunnies. The rides were exhilarating, but this time, I came away feeling a true appreciation for Walt Disney and for what he accomplished.
I'll post my food reviews a little later - it's back to the laundry for me!
Melissa
