A Tale of [family madness in] Two Cities - Final Thoughts & PTR Link!

[Lady Lallie]

I'm caught up.

I've decided you can never stop doing PTRs and TRs because I'd miss seeing Henry too much. He's so adorable and I can't believe how much he has grown up!

That's too bad about oversleeping but sometimes sleep is necessary even in Disney!

 

[praisehisname]

Awesome updates! Henry is even cuter than ever!

Those pictures from inside the Fire House are great; I've never been in there!

Too bad your meet with SoonerGirl didn't work out. Looks like you made the right decision changing to DHS this day; the crowd levels are great!

 

[princess&her4princes]

Brook! I can't beleive you started and I missed it!! So sorry...going back now...I'm sooo far behind on DIS these days! Maybe this weekend I'll get my DIS groove back on!!

 

[IWISHFORDISNEY]

Looks like a very fun trip Brooke. I am in for it!!! How very nice you were able to take your inlaws on vacation. I am sure they will never forget it. That villa looks absolutely amazing. I am surprised that there were no crowds we went up for EThans birthday on the 30th and Epcot was mobbed. You lucked out. I cant wait to hear the rest!!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Great update, Brook! My goodness that villa is beautiful. And love that wall with the lanterns in all the nooks and crannies.

So glad the wheelchair panic ended well. I can imagine your panic but sounds like you needed the sleep. Joe wasn't feeling well? Uh-oh.

Can't believe how empty it looks in your pics. Wow.

Hey-I've never seen Bo's backside before...

H is so cute with his Cars buddies.

 

[Angel16]

Brook, Joining in....better late then....well you know. I love your pictures so far. Only have read the first 3 pages, thank you for doing such GREAT trip reports.




Angel16

 

[k_reile]

Brook...i am finally here! i will have to watch our reciepts in 2 weeks from today! Saw your pic of Henry with Handy Manny...if we can meet him my nephew will be in heaven!

 

[brookelizabeth]

That describes my sweet nephew to a T! I bought him the soundtrack for his b-day and we played it for the party while he danced some kind of strange Elvis/MC Hammer routine! It was hilarious to see him so excited over just the soundtrack! He too has the sheets, blanket, pillow, jammies and so on.

February was an awesome time to go, early February (before President's Day). We went again in Feb. 2009 during the last week of the month and it was crazzzzy crowded! Apparently we just so happened to be there along with everyone in Louisiana who were escaping Mardi Gras. Did you know school kids get a Mardi Gras holiday which is why they were all there at Disney? Sooo, I won't make that mistake again! I've never seen so much purple, green and gold in my life! We're talking whole families decked out in these shirts and full grown men with their faces painted!

I can just imagine the Elvis/MC Hammer dance!!! Henry does this sort of squat and arm pump thing....it's hilarious!

Very good to know about Disney and Mardi Gras time. It's kinda funny they come to Disney, yet decorate themselves for Mardi Gras... Does Disney do any sort of celebration/acknowledgment of it?

Super cute pictures of Henry....I like the one of him standing by the Streets of America looking all casual!
The Power Rangers freak me out for some reason!
Miss Piggy sure has a lot of satin gloves! I have always loved the Muppets having grown up watching them.....who doesn't love Kermit? It does need an update though
Love the lantern pictures at night from the outside of Kidani....love walking up to that although when I was at Kidani I did miss the smell of the Jambo lobby.

Tracy

I thought that pic of Henry was funny too! He's got his hand in his pocket, sippy under arm...

I can understand the freak-out thing over the Power Rangers. They aren't my favorite either. I think Henry was a tad intimidated by him. Are they even still on TV?

When my other SIL (Joe's older sister who didn't come on the trip) saw the pics from the Muppets show she flipped! She thought it was awesome that the old guys were in the balcony and all!

There is something about that Jambo House smell, isn't there? I didn't realize we were missing it just now until you mentioned it! I was probably too busy with 9828292 things going on at once with the whole family being there and me playing Tour Guide to notice!

 

[brookelizabeth]

Start buying those powerball tickets! That's what Don says to me when I start talking about more trips.

I had to smile reading about Henry and his love for Cars and wanting to watch the movie over and over again. That brought back memories for me, at his age Justin's favorite movie was Hercules. We must have watched it 1,000 times and then all of a sudden one day he was done. No more Hercules! Then we moved on to Tarzan....

The mention of a "money tree" often comes up here when I talk about more trips. To tide myself over lately I've been opening the DVC points charts for 2010 and looking at how much more expensive Spring is. We could only go for 1 week versus 10 nights!

about the Hercules to Tarzan! I wonder what Henry's next big thing will be??? He hadn't watched Cars in WEEKS, tonight I suggested a movie (and Joe graciously said I could stay upstairs and DIS while he and Henry watch!), Henry instantly said "Cars!" and Joe suggested "The squirrel movie" (UP) or "the dog movie" (101 Dalmatians). "No, I want Cars!"

Henry looks like he's ready for a bath in the "big boy tub!"

So happy for you... you got to sleep in AND you had good crowd karma!!!

Brrr, though! Looks a bit chilly in Orlando!

Kathy

It's like a swimming pool to him! I was SHOCKED at the crowd level! TouringPlans.com said this was a good DHS day, and they were right!!

It was cool - but not bad. Certainly better than the negative temps in Minnesota.

Nice update with so many pictures. It's nice to see the in-law pictures, too, to see what kinds of things non-Disney maniacs take pictures of.

Henry is cute, as always. He loves wheels, doesn't he? Drew was always that way. All he wanted to do was play with his 'car-cars' all the time. Rolled them back and forth for hours. Planes, trains, and automobiles for that boy all the way!

Thanks for a little bit of Hollywood happiness on this dreary Tennessee evening.

It is really interesting to go through the in-laws pictures and video! (Speaking of videos, my FIL took a TON!! I'll be posting links as soon as I finish uploading it all). And to hear their comments about things and what they really liked. They are all ready to go back again!

Yes, anything with wheels....or really, anything that goes. Boats and snowmobiles are cool too! Especially snowmobiles right now due to the weather.

I hope to bring you a bit more Hollywood Studios happiness tonight...!

Oh yay! I love all the pictures of DHS because that's a park we don't typically go to, but it's in the plans this year for DBF and me. I feel so unprepared, so I've been examining pictures so I won't be completely lost.

This might be a silly question, but I've seen the Coca-Cola delivery guy in many TRs. Is his name actually Bo? Is it on a nametag or something? Why is there such a fascination with him?

I have grown more and more fond of DHS each trip. But navigating it is something else! I let Joe do that! I hope you don't get lost....the park is laid out sorta strange.

Not a silly question! Yep, his name is Bo - he does have a name tag. Charleston Princess' daughter, Chelsea, started the fascination with Bo insisting her picture be taken with him. So now several DISers take pictures of Bo for Chelsea, which she loves and appreciates!!

 

[brookelizabeth]

Bummer about your DIS meet not working out.

Henry is so cute with Lightning McQueen. He must've been in heaven. I know my cousin's son would FLIP if he got to see the real Lightning McQueen!

I hope next trip Henry has a bigger reaction! He gets excited AFTER the meet...too star struck!

YAY!! A Brooke update. Sounds like you had a fun morning at DHS.

I kept looking at your pictures to see if I caught a glimpse of our family, and then realized that we weren't there yet.... DUH!

What day did you arrive again? It would be so cool if you were in the background of some of our pics!!

Ah, those crowd pictures are heavenly! Better not advertise them, you'll trick people! A lot of people don't like DHS, but I don't know why. I love it there. Especially the muppets show.

How was the transportation at Kidani? Did you ever wait a long time for a bus? Did you feel like you were in the middle of nowhere?! It's a beautiful resort.

I've never not liked DHS, but it wasn't my favorite park...and while it still isn't my favorite, it has grown on me to like it even more as Henry gets older. There is a lot of things he likes there - the Cars, Muppets, Playhouse Disney, Toy Story, a very cool playground and a car show. I'm certain he will like Indy as he grows too. Sharing all that with him and Joe has been really special, lots of memorable moments at DHS!! This trip was no exception...a couple of my favorite moments are coming up.

KATHY - YOU MIGHT WANT TO READ THIS IF YOU ARE GOING BACK TO AKV IN 2011...(she has a NYE trip planned for then!)
The bus transportation from Kidani was excellent! The bus stops first at Kidani (except the DTD bus, which stops at Jambo first). So sometimes when we got on the bus was crowded, but after a quick stop at Jambo many people would get off and we'd get a seat. I felt sorta bad for those at Jambo because they would end up standing. But, I imagine it's not like that all the time - due to the higher crowds the buses were much more busy.

We never waited for a bus more than 10 minutes. EXCEPT on NYE when Joe was trying to get to the Poly beach. He waited over 20 minutes. But, the buses were also being directed on various roads due to the fireworks display certain roads were closed, so routes were taking a LOT longer.

The bus rides aren't very long to the parks, in my opinion. Maybe 15 minutes or so...we didn't feel horribly removed from everything. But, it does feel like you are in the middle of nowhere because of the themeing! I love that!

Love the updates. I'm so glad you didn't have to fight too many crowds that morning. And glad you got a wheelchair! It does look cold though.

We were in awe that it was so empty back there! And we loved it while it lasted!

Wow! Glad the park was so empty! You did go at the most crazy time of the year?!?! Right?!?!

Liking the back side of Bo !

Yep! If you can believe it by those crowd pics!!

 

[brookelizabeth]

I'm glad you got some sleep, but Joe's not feeling well has me nervous. I hope he doesn't start feeling worse.

When we were at HS a lot of people were having trouble with the FP machines too.

Henry is so cute. I remember A. being exactly like that, but this last trip when she was almost 3.5 she totally grew out of the shyness around character phase.

I agree, 40% off tickets would be awesome! Then we could split a room, even at rack rates, and that would be a true discount trip! Sorry about your AP expiring. That is a sad day!

Oh, B. doesn't wake up at home until around 8. It's on vacation that he is an early bird. He doesn't want to miss a moment I guess.

Joe... it wasn't good...

It turned out that KK's ticket NEVER worked in the FP machines. We had to get a special ticket for her everyday to get FPs for her. It was strange.

Good to hear about the shyness with the characters! So far Henry has hugged all the fuzzy characters he has met on the past trips, but both times just kinda froze up with McQueen and Mater....maybe on our next trip he'll give them hugs!

B. must be REALLY excited about being at Disney waking up that early!!! I'm glad he's normally an 8:00-er though...it's so nice. I like it best when I wake up before Henry does and have some Mommy time with a cup of coffee and the DIS. But it's rare, I stay up too late!

What's up with the lack of crowds? Did you just get lucky? Was it the weather? Was it the lack of discounts offered during that week?

It just seems so weird not to have any crowds...

I mean not that I'm complaining..I'm sure you didn't.

I'm glad Mom let you sleep in, you probably needed it.

Nope, we weren't complaining one bit!

I'm not entirely sure what was up with the lack of crowds that day/morning. We DID hit the crowds...just wait. I don't think my pictures do it justice, but our AK day was nutsy.

TouringPlans.com said this would be a good DHS day, and they were right. I think also since we avoided the thrill rides, that helped.

Why did I have a feeling you had slept in? Glad it turned out okay with the wheelchair!

I have never seen Bo's backside before! Cracking me up!

Henry is so cute with the Cars characters! He already seems so much older than the last trip! Tell him to stop growing up so quickly!

Because you've read my TRs in the past and you know we aren't RD people! Someday I will make it, someday!

I figured you might appreciate the other side of Bo....! I was just waiting for my FIL and noticed...so had to get a shot!

I tell Henry almost every day to stop growing up. Now I'll tell him it's not just Mommy who wants him to stop!

wow, what a quiet morning! Bo has a cute backside

I couldn't say something here about the sturdiness of it...but I'll resist....!

Enjoyed the update, and doesn't Henry just look so big in some of those pictures?
How's the big boy bed going? Hopefully he's still sleeping well and it's not too !!!

He is doing VERY good in the big boy bed! The first night went perfectly. The next day, the first nap, he crawled out and I let him be for about 15 minutes seeing if he'd go back in. Nope, just playing. So I went in, put him back in bed and told him he could play in bed, but had to stay IN bed. I watched him on the video monitor and he started to climb out again and I just said "Henry!" through the wall and he stopped and obeyed. Such a good boy! He played and read his books in bed, and then fell asleep. That night, no problems - but he did fall out in the middle of the night, but was okay. Since then, no problems at all! In the morning he still calls for me, he waits until I open his door and them climbs out. Almost every morning he also turns around and points at the bed and says "No front!" I'm amazed at how smooth it's gone! I think he was really ready for it and is excited about having a bed like ours, so that helps!

 

[brookelizabeth]

Henry is so sweet! What a doll - your family picture next to Lightning McQueen was a good one - how about a Christmas card pic for next year?

I'm glad they had wheelchairs available; I know just what you mean about having a plan and then not sticking to it. But at least you got some rest!!

I think a McQueen Christmas card would be very, very appropriate from this family! And a great idea...storing that way for the next trip!

The rest was worth it, we would have been cross eyed if we had gotten up that early!

I hate mornings when you have to rush around and feel all out of sorts. But, it looks like all was well and you were able to secure the wheelchair. That's good news. What is with the lack of crowds at such a busy time of year for WDW? That is crazy! But excellent craziness of course. Great update Brook. Henry with his little sippy cup is adorable!

We were really surprised at the lack of crowds back there! It was fantastic!

The morning was a bit blurry for me...and even looking back at pictures and watching the video my FIL took I hear conversations on the video that I don't remember being a part of even. Too much going on at once!

What a great update Brook!! I love an empty DHS!!! Especially exploring the streets of America!! YAY for Henry enjoying the Muppets and getting to see his beloved Cars!!!

Anxiously awaiting more!!

I love that Streets of America area too, it's just so neat looking back there. I would really like to take a lot of time some trip and check out more details. We did some of that in September this past year, but I would like to do more, there is so much to see!

I got a couple of updates behind, but that's the beauty of TRs- you can go through them a bit more leisurely than over on the PTRs- at least it seems like that to me. But I digress...

I love that you had the no-crowd mojo! You got a lot of taking in the park done. I think it's so neat that the Muppets was your in-laws first 3D attraction and that they liked it! I also think that Henry warming up after the Cars fact was really cute. Funny how sometimes you don't know what kind of impression things make until later- sometimes even years later!

Oh yes, take your time! No worries about being behind a few updates...it happens!

My in-laws were just amazed at the Muppets. They loved that there were bubbles in the theater, the wind and the water...it was kinda funny because I knew what to expect and am not as wowed by it anymore...I'm becoming a Disney snob! So, it's fun to hear them talk about it and get some of that wonder back!

I wonder what Henry will think years down the road of these Disney trips...what bits he will remember....he talks almost daily about some aspect of the trips already!

Once again the pictures were great. Henry has the cutest expressions and you can see loves his cars.

Thank you!!! He really does love his McQueen and Mater. I can't wait to take him to Disneyland when Cars Land opens there!

I'm hoping to update tonight!!

Great update Brooke. No worries about oversleeping - it looks like there was no one there. You sure picked a great day to visit.

Henry's second encounter with cars and he is still shy ....how cute!

The view from the studio room is excellent. I would have LOVED that view (I got the bus stop).

I still love the muppet show, although I agree it needs an update. But it's a hoot the first time you see it.

Looking forward to more......

And....it is a sad day when your AP expires.....

We were very happy we got the view we did...I was sorta nervous we would get the bus stop! Was it noisy? We would occasionally hear delivery trucks, but it wasn't bad at all. I would stay in that room again in a heartbeat.

I hope they do update the Muppets with the emphasis they have putting more on them this year. I haven't heard any rumors of it, but ya never know, right?!

And it was a very sad day when the AP expired...and even sadder when I realized it would not be renewed...sigh. BUT, it's OK! We still get to go this year...! 3 times in 2009 was a dream come true.

Hi Brook! Joining in a little late! For some reason I missed the start of your TR before our trip

I love your TR so far! I, of course, love all of your pictures of Kidani! I wish I had thought to get a few pizzas for the room! We had a interesting first night with trying to get dinner, you have to come on over to my TR to find out what I mean

I LOVE that you and Joe went MK that night all by yourselves and bagless! Didn't it feel great!? I took a bag in March when it was just DH and I but it was small. It was sooooo nice not to have a giant bag full of stuff, a stroller and 8500 things the kids absolutely had to take with them! I can't wait until they're a little bigger and I can get away with a small bag!

I don't blame you for freaking a little about sleeping late! I would have too! But it seems to have worked out well!

The pictures of Henry and Lightening McQueen and Mater are too cute of course!!

Can't wait for more!

glad you found me!!! I am buzzing over to your TR right now...I will get caught up ASAP! Excited that you started!! And curious as to what your dinner was....!

It was amazing having no bag!! When we do a "no kid(s)" trip I will try going bagless. It almost feels strange, like I forgot something, but it's so nice! I'm so with ya on looking forward to when they get bigger and getting away with a small bag!!!!! No diapers?!

 

[brookelizabeth]

Back side of Bo...

No crowds during Christmas week? What's up with that?

Love the pictures!

The lesser seen side of Bo....

It was wonderful having no crowds for a while!!!

Great update. Love all the pics. Henry is just so darn cute!

Thank you!

Oh wow!! HS was DEAD that day--how wonderful!!! What cute pics of Henry and Lightening McQueen--just precious!!

It really was quiet in the back part of DHS - I bet the thrill rides were jumpin' though! We didn't even make it to that end of the park!

I have to share something with you....

I teach Kindergarten, but I also teach phonics for a company called Zoo-phonics. I fly around the country teaching teachers how to use the product.

So.. why is that important to you??? Well, I flew to Orlando recently.. no, not to play... but I did have a great room overlooking DTD....
Before I got on the plane, I had to eat and I went to Nathan's ... imagine my surprise that when I ordered the corn dog nuggets.... I thought of YOU... a person I don't even know. LOL I had to laugh at myself a little, but frankly, I hope you felt the love LOL

Oh that's hilarious! I do the same thing! Hence the picture of Bo on my TR here - that reminds me of Charleston Princess every trip! Have I ever met her? Nope! Thank you for thinking of me!!!

I hope you enjoyed your corn dog nuggets! I *might* be making a trip to NYC this spring/summer, if we make it to Nathan's I'm getting them, I've never gotten them there!

Oh no to sleeping in! That would have had me
Glad it worked out to get FIL a wheelchair still.

I can't believe how empty the park is! Love the pics of Henry saying cheese to Mcqueen. Too cute!

I am nervous about Joe not feeling the best. You guys have the worst luck when it comes to everyone being healthy. I am hoping to read that it was temporary!

Oh we are planning a trip for June. Just waiting to see what deals come out. I was really crossing every finger and toe for the 40% off Deluxe. We got custody of my step son (reason for having to cancel last trip, so we were upset at first but having him is worth way more then a trip) anyway so we need a bigger room. Well Disney sent me a 30% off code and I am not sure yet if we can swing that. Keep your fingers crossed that they send my other account a 40% off!

The sleeping in did have me in a frenzy that morning. Everything was sorta blurry until we got the wheelchair and my FIL was comfortable.

And yes! We DO have the worst luck with vacation and sickness! It's always something it seems. Thankfully it's never so bad that it stops us from having a great trip...but to be illness free would be nice! September 2009 was pretty good, I just fought a cold for the first 2 days, after that it was great! This one though, not so good.

I hope you get that 40% off code!! Also worth looking into is Annual Pass rates - if one of you purchases an Annual Pass, you might get that 40% off (I see it a lot for AP rates!), and the savings might outweigh the extra cost of the AP over a normal ticket. And congratulations on getting custody of your step-son!!!!!

 

[brookelizabeth]

I'm caught up.

I've decided you can never stop doing PTRs and TRs because I'd miss seeing Henry too much. He's so adorable and I can't believe how much he has grown up!

That's too bad about oversleeping but sometimes sleep is necessary even in Disney!

Aw, thanks LL! That's so sweet to say! No plan to stop the PTRs and TRs, so you are safe for now. I enjoy writing out our trip and re-living it all with you. It's fun to watch the DIS kids grow up, isn't it?

And someday, someday, I WILL make RD!

Awesome updates! Henry is even cuter than ever!

Those pictures from inside the Fire House are great; I've never been in there!

Too bad your meet with SoonerGirl didn't work out. Looks like you made the right decision changing to DHS this day; the crowd levels are great!

Thank you! We had never been in the Fire House either, I never even really noticed it much. It's a tiny little shop, but the details are great. If I knew a firefighter there are tons of great Mickey themed gifts in there for them!

Brook! I can't beleive you started and I missed it!! So sorry...going back now...I'm sooo far behind on DIS these days! Maybe this weekend I'll get my DIS groove back on!!

No worries!!! Glad you found me!!!

Looks like a very fun trip Brooke. I am in for it!!! How very nice you were able to take your inlaws on vacation. I am sure they will never forget it. That villa looks absolutely amazing. I am surprised that there were no crowds we went up for EThans birthday on the 30th and Epcot was mobbed. You lucked out. I cant wait to hear the rest!!

It was a treat to share our timeshare space with them. Disney can be so expensive, to remove the cost of a room for people is a blessing to do! We hope to bring people with us every other year, or every third year.

You were at Epcot on the 30th?! So were we! We really didn't think it was too bad though...probably because our AK day, the day before, was NUTS!

Great update, Brook! My goodness that villa is beautiful. And love that wall with the lanterns in all the nooks and crannies.

So glad the wheelchair panic ended well. I can imagine your panic but sounds like you needed the sleep. Joe wasn't feeling well? Uh-oh.

Can't believe how empty it looks in your pics. Wow.

Hey-I've never seen Bo's backside before...

H is so cute with his Cars buddies.

Kidani really is beautiful. It's so calm and relaxing. As you will find out as my story goes on, the animal watching would pull me outside all the time. It was amazing to just take it in.

Brook, Joining in....better late then....well you know. I love your pictures so far. Only have read the first 3 pages, thank you for doing such GREAT trip reports.

Angel16

Thank you for reading!!

Brook...i am finally here! i will have to watch our reciepts in 2 weeks from today! Saw your pic of Henry with Handy Manny...if we can meet him my nephew will be in heaven!

And welcome to you as well! TWO WEEKS?! Really!? That time flew by, didn't it? How very exciting!!!!! Are you going to do a TR when you get back? I can't wait to hear about Caleb's reactions to it all.

Handy Manny was a very cool meet, he's right outside Playhouse Disney. Sometimes they have some other characters from PHD there too.

 

[princess&her4princes]

Alright Brook, I'm all caught off...so you can continue now...lol!! Loving your TR, as usual, you are meant to write girl! I feel like I'm right there with you while reading this. Loving all the Henry pics, the cars pics are so precious with him! You can tell he's star struck! LOVE them!! Looking forward to hearing more!!

 

[k_reile]

no trip report! I'm too lazy! LOL! plus i have the worst memory! LOL!

I just downloaded the disney parks verizon app...it soo tells you exact times what character is out...and you can set a reminder. so there is NO WAY we will miss HAndy Manny which is awesome because we have not told my nephew that you can meet him! He will be soo excited!

 

[MHTeacher]

What day did you arrive again? It would be so cool if you were in the background of some of our pics!!

We came in on Tuesday, the 29th. We did Epcot that afternoon/evening...MK on Wednesday, the 30th, and DHS for NYE. Sadly, it was all over too quickly. We drove home on the 1st.

 

[PrincessCaitlin]

Hi

I have been lurking on your Tr and I am really enjoying it!

Henry is just adorable

Looks like a great DHS day so far!

About the Muppet 3d movie there has been talk about updating it. They plan on making it Disney Digital 3d (like UP! was) and I am not sure if they plan on making a new movie but at least it will look better

 

[PopArtGal]

I have to admit I understand Henry. The blue Power Rangers looks kinda creepy lol

 

[kimmylaj]

My ds and his pop pop have a bo obsession too, i think it is the whole coke thing my dad is a huge coca cola fan and he has been giving my ds soda for waaaay too long. so ryan thinks he is pop pops friend