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

[brookelizabeth]

Cute update! And color me jealous too! Going to MK at night ALONE with my DH would be a little slice of heaven! How fun for you both. A Disney date, aaaahhhh!

You know, I've never gone in the Main St. bakery! Did you just do this when you read that? I know, how have I never gone in there yet? I most definitely will next trip though, especially after seeing those chocolate croissants. Love the pics too of the firehouse and city hall. Those are all on my list for our next trip. I fully intend to sloooooow down and see all the details this time. No more charging through the parks, racing from one ride to the next like a crazy person.

Anyhoo, I'm enjoying your TR. Looking forward to the next installment!

I was very excited about being able to have Disney dates! We went to Disney on our honeymoon, so it was like a flashback to that in a way.

you and Jordan both! You must go into the Main Street Bakery! See my note above too about the ice cream sandwich.... (and more coming on that later in my TR )

We always seem to walk pretty slowly down Main Street and try to soak in some of the details, but then I see another TR and I see there that I have never seen in real life!! There is so much to take in. If you are there during the day it's fun to read the windows with the names.

January Thaw.
I'm sick of snow.


Loving the report.

Me tooooooooooooo. The snowbanks are still ginormous around here. Taller than Henry. Some taller than the car.

I'm itchin' for Florida lately!

Brook! Let me tell you how happy I am to have stumbled upon this. I was an avid reader one or two trip reports ago. Well a tragic thing happened, I had to cancel my much planned and beloved Disney trip last year. I was so heartbroken that I could not come back to the DIS for a very very long time. Well thankfully I am planning another trip, one of which we will hopefully get to follow through with. So I started poking around the forums again. Lo and behold there is a trip report by you! Sorry I have not read it all yet I am just so excited to have one to read! Henry sure is growing up. Can't wait to read all about your December trip!
Sorry I hope I don't sound like a crazy stalker I just love your trip reports and this seems like the perfect way to get back in the Disney spirit!

Hey there! I remember you! Glad to see you around again! I'm sorry to hear that you had to cancel a trip.....that would not be easy.... BUT! Great news that you have a new one planned!!! When is it set for?

You don't sound like a crazy stalker, no worries. I hope my TR can help bring back some of the magic for you!!

Great Spectro pictures

Must add 'play with camera settings' to my to-do list!

I need to do more of that too! The Photography Boards here are really helpful too for that sort of thing.

Hey there!

Love the pictures!

So I was reading on MeMom / Jills report that you gals are trying to get a MOA meet together...if you do, let me know! I live about 3 1/2 hours from the mall and would love an excuse to get up there again and do some shopping!

I will keep that in mind! I have no idea if it will pan out - MeMom and Jill were talking October perhaps, but I know they are planning a WDW trip in November, so that might be a lot of money back-to-back for them. I would just love it if it did happen!!

OK.....when are we getting an update?

I know! Real life got in the way Thursday-Monday. Then yesterday I tried to catch up on TRs....so TODAY!

 

[brookelizabeth]

Did someone say girls trip?! I'm in! I wish parks tickets weren't so darn expensive! If you find a flight and room for cheap it's the tickets that break the bank!

Still so envious of you and Joe footloose and fancy free in Magic Kingdom! No bag, no stroller...

Your hot chocolate picture cracked me up. Oops.


I could just hear the Spectro music looking at those pictures. On this magic night...

Can't wait to hear how you wake up at 6:30 without an alarm. You should have let me know you needed one, B. would have been happy to wake ya'll up at 5:30!

EXACTLY! That is what is stopping us from two trips this year. The tickets. We don't have a lot of points left for this year due to the cost of a 2-bedroom in Premier season, so we are saving those for September, but with the 45% off codes it really makes the Values and Mods reasonable-and food, I can eat cheap! Can't they do a 45% off the tickets?

Sadly, my AP expires today.

too funny about B! I cannot imagine waking up that early...I would be such a grouch! Henry is a sleeper....7:30/8:00 most days. But, to actually get to the parks at Rope Drop would be kinda nice!

coming soon!

Yeah! I just found you, too. Cannot believe how BIG Henry is getting.

thanks for finding me and reading! I know it. We were just at the Mall of America on Monday and we had a few points left on a bracelet form a while back so he could ride one ride - he chose the trucks. Last time we were there he was barley at the 35" mark. This time he was at least 2" above it! And last night was his first night in the big boy bed. Sigh.

 

[blessedby3]

Cant wait to see a few pics of BLT
I hope we are going to like it there. We have stayed at the CR, back before the rehab. We loved it. This time I am most excited about having a washer and dryer in our room!! (I know, thats pretty sad to be excited about doing laundry on vacation- but I always have to do it so Im super excited to be able to do it in the comfort of our room)

We changed our dates from Thanksgiving week to May 15th because I was just too nervous about the crowds. (I also dont think I can wait that long)
We are going the day after our oldest gets off from college. I hated to take the other 2 out (we have always done it before, but my son is now on a block schedule and therefore its like missing 2 weeks) but we are doing it and hoping for the best. Now the only thing I am leary of is the weather. Im hoping we dont melt- I dont like the heat

Anyway, back to your trip report

 

[brookelizabeth]

I have the picture files from both Poppa and KK, so I will be adding them into the report too!

************************

When we left off Joe and I had made our way back home to Kidani and fallen asleep. It was about 1:00 am and we had forgotten to set an alarm.

At 8:00 am the next morning MIL wakes us up.



She's been up since 6:00. She knew the plan, but also knew how little sleep we had...so she ditched the plan.

I felt awful.

I was the one who made the plan for us all to be at rope drop to avoid the crowds, and what happens if they run out of wheelchairs?! I had read over and over on several sites about how they aren't guaranteed and they DO run out. And here I was sleeping at rope drop!

I flew out of bed and quickly got ready, threw some breakfast in my mouth and downed some coffee (btw, we brought Dunkin' Donuts for the room ). We made good time that morning and were at DHS by 9:30 am.

Henry seemed to be doing well that morning, just a little sniffly nose. Nothing major. And, I was too distracted with getting everyone to the park and worrying about wheelchairs to realize Joe wasn't feeling his best.

The plan was for Joe to be the Fast Pass runner, so he went off to TSM while I ventured with the fam for a wheelchair. I looked that direction the second I stepped into the park

and much to my relief there was still a HUGE line of available chairs. YES! All my worries left me.

The backside of Bo.

A DIS meet was planned for this day with SoonerGirl, but she only knew of my original plans of this being an EPCOT day...so we exchanged text messages, and unfortunately, it just wasn't going to work out for the meet. I would have loved to met you!! Maybe our paths will cross again.

I directed the family to the back of the park since FIL and MIL are not thrill ride seekers.

As you can tell by the plethora of coats in this pic, it was cool - and a bit dreary out.

I think I have taken this same picture every trip!

It was empty back there.

Where are the people?

E-M-P-T-Y. I was in awe! I expected crowds everywhere.

This was gooooood!

Henry spotted Buzz right away!

Joe met up with us at Muppets with 3 FPs for TSM in hand - remember, 5 adults? For some reason 2 of the passes wouldn't work in the FP machine, so instead of asking a CM he just left.

Sigh.

All well, roll with it Brook, roll with it.

Continued in next post

 

[brookelizabeth]

Continued from previous post

Into Muppets we went

Everyone enjoyed the show, even Henry! Last time we did a 3-D show he cried the entire time, so we've avoided them for a year. He didn't keep his glasses on, but he still laughed at the show and sat through it. I also recently found out this was my FIL and MIL's first experience with a 3-D show, they thought it was incredible. And we all know it's nothing compared to Mickey's Philharmagic! Though, I do like seeing the old guys in the balcony and the penguin orchestra. I do wish they would update the film though.

After Muppets

Grammy noticed the Cars were out and alerted Henry. Meeting Mater and McQueen was a must do for this family; however, I could tell Henry's excitement was a tad muted due to the cold he had. I asked him if he wanted to go see them, and he replied with a nod. After a very short wait in line,

it was his turn

and he froze up and didn't know what to do. Just like last trip!

He's still new to the character meet and greets, but I figured he'd remember this from our September trip and be an ol' pro! He stood there and kinda looked around, confused, we told him to say "Cheese!" and he did his pose...

His "Say Cheese!" pose is two hands up in the air, so he was saying Cheeeeeese! to McQueen.

So, not sure if it was a combo of the cold and all these people suddenly watching him and being star-struck, but this is the best we got! There is another on the Photopass CD, which should be coming soon.

After we left the area he got more excited. He talked about meeting them. And he still does. He loves seeing those pictures!!

We moved onto the Streets of America area, where there was still nothing for crowds.

Chillin' with his sippy cup.

"Oh, what have we here?"

Henry REALLY liked this display of little cars and airplanes!

While looking at the nativity scene Henry spotted the blue Power Ranger who had no line. He seemed a bit intimidated by him, so we didn't go up, but the Ranger waved at him a few times from a distance. It was cute.

This whole no-crowd thing was great! Now if only the whole week can be like this...

 

[brookelizabeth]

Cant wait to see a few pics of BLT
I hope we are going to like it there. We have stayed at the CR, back before the rehab. We loved it. This time I am most excited about having a washer and dryer in our room!! (I know, thats pretty sad to be excited about doing laundry on vacation- but I always have to do it so Im super excited to be able to do it in the comfort of our room)

We changed our dates from Thanksgiving week to May 15th because I was just too nervous about the crowds. (I also dont think I can wait that long)
We are going the day after our oldest gets off from college. I hated to take the other 2 out (we have always done it before, but my son is now on a block schedule and therefore its like missing 2 weeks) but we are doing it and hoping for the best. Now the only thing I am leary of is the weather. Im hoping we dont melt- I dont like the heat

Anyway, back to your trip report

I bet you are going to love BLT! We met a couple on a bus at some point in the trip that was staying there for the first time and couldn't say enough good things about it. They own at SSR, and they said they were taking a punch in the points for staying there that week, but it was worth it.

I'm with ya on the laundry. We are looking at a studio next trip and I am going to miss the washer and dryer the most!

I think dealing with the heat is easier and more enjoyable than dealing with the crowds.... You can always take a break in air conditioning, but you can't tell people to get out of the park. What is the weather supposed to be in May? Is it already in the 90s there? When we went the first week in September it was in the 90s...that was about my limit! But no lines!

 

[3prettyprincesses]

it was his turn

and he froze up and didn't know what to do. Just like last trip!

This whole no-crowd thing was great! Now if only the whole week can be like this...[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

Oh, this pic is so adorable! Your little Henry looks so sweet. I have a nephew about his age and he is completely obsessed with Mater and Lightening McQueen!

How nice that people stayed away from Disney for you! That's how I look at it when the crowds are low. When we first went, it was February 2008 and we thought maybe Disney was going to be closing or something because it was a ghost town!(insert cheesy Clint Eastwood music here!)

We took my inlaws recently and they fell asleep during Muppets 3-D! Yet, they loved and roared with laughter over the Country Bear Jamboree! I don't get them at all.

 

[brookelizabeth]

Here are some more pictures from Poppa's camera that he took prior to where I am in the TR:

Sleeper chair and TV in living room

The studio

Lamp over the kitchen table

I didn't realize he went exploring that night! Lanterns on the outside of the building.

Stairs in the lobby leading down to the overlook

Firepit out on the overlook




And from KK's camera:

Out her window on the plane - pretty!

The tree at MCO

The view off the Studio patio

 

[SoonerGirl]

And last night was his first night in the big boy bed. Sigh.

They get big so fast don't they?


It sounds like a great start to your day! We actually made it over to DHS later that day and it was pretty crowded then. I think it helped that you went away from the thrill rides first thing while everyone else was going to them.

You had me cracking up with 'the back side of Bo'

I was bummed we didn't get a chance to meet this day too - it was a crazy morning for us as well!

 

[brookelizabeth]

Oh, this pic is so adorable! Your little Henry looks so sweet. I have a nephew about his age and he is completely obsessed with Mater and Lightening McQueen!

How nice that people stayed away from Disney for you! That's how I look at it when the crowds are low. When we first went, it was February 2008 and we thought maybe Disney was going to be closing or something because it was a ghost town!(insert cheesy Clint Eastwood music here!)

We took my inlaws recently and they fell asleep during Muppets 3-D! Yet, they loved and roared with laughter over the Country Bear Jamboree! I don't get them at all.

"Obsessed"



bedspread and sheets, toys, stickers for his wall, clothing....ANYTHING with Cars is spotted from a distance! He loooooves it. He used to ask me about every 10 minutes if he could watch the movie, he'd look at me with a slight smile and whisper, "Cars?" We actually haven't watched it in about 2 weeks!

I like your way of thinking about people staying away while we were at Disney! And etching "Feb" as a good time to visit into my brain.

That is funny about your inlaws! I still haven't seen the Country Bear Jamboree, but I hear once is enough. I'm thinkin' Henry might like it though.

 

[brookelizabeth]

They get big so fast don't they?

It sounds like a great start to your day! We actually made it over to DHS later that day and it was pretty crowded then. I think it helped that you went away from the thrill rides first thing while everyone else was going to them.

You had me cracking up with 'the back side of Bo'

I was bummed we didn't get a chance to meet this day too - it was a crazy morning for us as well!

Way too fast!! After the first 6 months time has flown right by.

It did help to avoid the thrill rides during the day - we didn't even make it to that end of the park!

That morning was a half blur for me because I was so worried about the wheelchairs. If we hadn't gotten one there would have been no way my FIL could have walked around... I am wishing for a Spring trip...maybe if I can make money appear of out thin air our paths will cross again!

 

[3prettyprincesses]

"Obsessed"



bedspread and sheets, toys, stickers for his wall, clothing....ANYTHING with Cars is spotted from a distance! He loooooves it. He used to ask me about every 10 minutes if he could watch the movie, he'd look at me with a slight smile and whisper, "Cars?" We actually haven't watched it in about 2 weeks!

I like your way of thinking about people staying away while we were at Disney! And etching "Feb" as a good time to visit into my brain.

That is funny about your inlaws! I still haven't seen the Country Bear Jamboree, but I hear once is enough. I'm thinkin' Henry might like it though.

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!

 

[manntra]

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

 

[SoonerGirl]

I am wishing for a Spring trip...maybe if I can make money appear of out thin air our paths will cross again!

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....

 

[KathyRN137]

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

 

[MeMom]

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.

 

[RachelNinja]

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?

 

[wdwgirl03]

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!

 

[MHTeacher]

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!

 

[Jupiter&Wolfe]

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.