**A YEAR in the Making of a Disney Trip-Sept. 2011**9/28 TR Link Added!**

[Fantasyland Mom]

Oh, my loyal readers, I apologize for leaving you hanging for so long. Sorry that I've been gone...and I mean really, actually, totally GONE. We've been beachin' it lately, so no DIS for a while. I've got tons of PTRs and TRs to catch up on, but at least I'll have reading material for a while!

I'm moving on to Day 2 Plans in this installment, but first, an update:

I am canceling our Rainforest Cafe ADR that we had scheduled on the AK/MNSSHP day. I just don't want to have somewhere I've got to be on that day when we're struggling to cram in AK in a short amount of time anyway. And? The day after that will be a DTD evening and we can eat at that location if we so choose. I'm still debating on which counter service to put into that time slot. We've only ever tried Pizzafari (and liked it...and the air conditioning), so we're open to suggestions. WHERE SHOULD WE EAT???

Our beach trip went so smoothly that I'm not really all that worried about the drive this year. And it also confirmed that we'll try to drive all the way that first night so we can wake up at Disney! I'm looking into places off-site to stay on Friday night before we check into Pop Century on Saturday morning.

Sawyer is thoroughly going to enjoy WDW. One of his first words? "MINN-UH!" Okay, so he calls both Minnie and Mickey "Minn-uh," but they DO look the same, especially to an 11 month old! Also, he's started saying "WEEEEEE" when we spin him around...Dumbo time!

Now, onto the main event.

Day 2 Plans. But I have three little kids, so we'll see.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Magic Kingdom

So, the night before this we will have gotten back to the room early, unpacked all our junk, and all slept like angels. The girls will (hopefully) sleep in their BBB styles, thus shaving valuable minutes off our getting ready time. No need to eat breakfast in the room today, which is is good since we need to be in our van by 7am. Why?

Well, we want that all-important empty park picture, right?!? Right. Oh, yeah, and food. We have an ADR for Crystal Palace at 8:10. Of course we will ask for the bill while placing our drink orders so that we can be out ASAP. Food, potty break, and someone running for Peter Pan's Flight FPs if needed, and then we're outta there and headed straight to...

DUMBO! :insert Sawyer's "WEEEEEE" here:: )
As expected with three kids ages five and under, we're doing Fantasyland first. (Also, note my screen name. Yeah, we spend a lot of time here.)
We'll hit Winnie the Pooh, Teacups, PPF, Carrousel--why is it misspelled?--, it's a Small World. You know how it goes. Follow their lead.
At least for a while.

When we're done there, we'll cut through what I've lovingly dubbed the "Potty Hallway" between Frontierland and Adventureland. The plan is to grab FPs for Jungle Cruise for later and ride POTC and Magic Carpets of Aladdin.

Lunchtime! Probably Pecos Bill's.

On our way out of the park, we'll use those Jungle Cruise FPs, then head back to the hotel for a rest/swim.

After we're well-rested (yeah, right), we'll drive over to the Contemporary for our dinner ADR at Chef Mickey's for 5:15.

Being stuffed from delicious food and ready for action, we'll break rules and ride the monorail over to the MK.

This is where plans get sketchy. Not sure what we'll actually do. Possibly Splash Mtn, HOP, or Enchanted Tiki Room (yes, really) before parking our booties for MSEP at 8. When that's over, we'll send back the baby and probably Brynn with Mamie. They'll most likely walk back to the Contemporary and drive our van back to the hotel.

But Brandon, Julia, and myself? Wishes near Tomorrowland at 9, followed by EMH. We plan on fitting in things the little kids won't like or can't ride. Possibly Space Mtn, Carousel of Progress, BTMRR, or the dreaded SHOPPING.

Honestly, we probably won't make it too long. After all, we will have been at the park since before opening with only one tiny little rest. The three caballeros will then hop on a bus back to the resort for more sleep.

Because you know what the next day brings, right?? My favorite park.

 

[KELLY]

We tend to eat where there is AC in the AK also. We are on the QSDP again this year it just works better for us with a couple of adrs. I want to try flametree bbq place this year. But I'm not sure about eating outside. We did it last year we ate at yek&yeti CS and the ducks wouldn't go away.

 

[MeMom]

I am so glad you'll be thinking of us. With three kids, a husband, and a mother-in-law all packed into the van with me, we could use all the happy thoughts we can get!!

Much better than being trapped in a room with 24 second-graders, I'm thinking.

I am canceling our Rainforest Cafe ADR that we had scheduled on the AK/MNSSHP day. I just don't want to have somewhere I've got to be on that day when we're struggling to cram in AK in a short amount of time anyway. And? The day after that will be a DTD evening and we can eat at that location if we so choose. I'm still debating on which counter service to put into that time slot. We've only ever tried Pizzafari (and liked it...and the air conditioning), so we're open to suggestions. WHERE SHOULD WE EAT???.

You might want to try Restaurantosaurus. It has indoor seating, a fixings bar, and you fill your own drinks.
You can check out the menu on allears. We like it.

 

[Fantasyland Mom]

We tend to eat where there is AC in the AK also. We are on the QSDP again this year it just works better for us with a couple of adrs. I want to try flametree bbq place this year. But I'm not sure about eating outside. We did it last year we ate at yek&yeti CS and the ducks wouldn't go away.

I've heard about birds, but I really wasn't sure which CS had outdoor seating. Both Yak & Yeti and Flametree are outdoors? That sure cuts down my options!

You might want to try Restaurantosaurus. It has indoor seating, a fixings bar, and you fill your own drinks.
You can check out the menu on allears. We like it.

You know, I never hear much about Restaurantosaurus! I forgot about it! And we all know I LOOOOOOVE a fixings bar.

And you're right...being trapped in a van will not be as bad as trapped in a classroom. I used to be trapped in a classroom with 30 attitudinal fifth graders who had not yet learned about deodorant (truly an issue after they had P.E.), and come to think of it, that might be why I quit teaching. I guess I shouldn't complain too much about a van ride!!

 

[MissLiz]

Great update!!!

We really enjoy Pizzafari and the air is a nice benefit. Our "close second" is Flame Tree BBQ, though. The trick is to not try to find seats in the first 2...3...5 seating areas that you walk by. They are always crowded. We keep going until it feels like we will never find our way back and there you will find a covered eating area overlooking the water with a wonderful view of Expedition Everest. It's so nice and very rarely busy. There is also a sweet one-legged bird that begs for food there. He (or she) has been there every time we've eaten there.

If you are looking at off-site hotels, there are a couple that are really reasonable close to WDW. We've done that the past couple trips. We stayed at a nice Holiday Inn that was super cheap and then the last time, we stayed at the Sheraton Safari hotel. We were only there for a couple hours, but it's really close to Downtown Disney, so not very far to drive in the morning.

I love the potty hallway!!!! It never fails that someone has to go right as we get by there.

Can't wait to hear more!

 

[__disneygirl]

Hey!! I know you read my TR so of course I had to come check out your PTR and I am loving it!!

I agree 100% about Pop. It was the first resort we stayed at too, but it's not just that, it really is a special extra fun place. And just like you, we split our stay between Pop and CBR and while we loved CBR, it just wasn't POP!

Everything Pop is my favorite CS place too. I am craving their food right now! ahh 4 months, 2 weeks, 6 days!

I agree no zoo is even CLOSE to being as amazing as AK. Even if you took all the rides out of AK, it would still be so incredible. Also, the way Disney takes care of the animals is kind of unparalleled. The local zoo here is pathetic and the animals look so sad.

Your kids are SOOOO cute, I especially love the Halloween pic of them all dressed as Tigger, that's just priceless!

I hope your knee is feeling better!

We always have to do MK first and last as well. It's hard to balance trying new things at Disney and just doing things the way you always do them, isn't it?

I LOVE your daughter's princess room! So pretty, you guys did a great job. Is it bad that I want that castle wall decal for my room? I'm 21 years old...hmm.

Your plans look great so far.. can't wait for more! Also, I lovelovelove your kids names. Seriously, all three of them are names I have considered every time my friends and I have the "what are your kids going to be named" convo!

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

Joining in!!!

Your plans look great, and your family is absolutely adorable! How fun you'll be going to the BBB! It seems like such a cute place - too bad I don't have anyone to take!

I found when trying to do online check-in before my last trip that the Disney site was not a fan of macs. And especially not Firefox. As soon as I tried it on a PC, it worked wonderfully. Sometimes the site is good with my mac, but generally I find the site works best from a Windows-based computer.

 

[Fantasyland Mom]

I love the potty hallway!!!! It never fails that someone has to go right as we get by there

SEE?!? You know exactly what I'm talking about!

Hey!! I know you read my TR so of course I had to come check out your PTR and I am loving it!!

I agree 100% about Pop. It was the first resort we stayed at too, but it's not just that, it really is a special extra fun place. And just like you, we split our stay between Pop and CBR and while we loved CBR, it just wasn't POP!

Everything Pop is my favorite CS place too. I am craving their food right now! ahh 4 months, 2 weeks, 6 days!

I agree no zoo is even CLOSE to being as amazing as AK. Even if you took all the rides out of AK, it would still be so incredible. Also, the way Disney takes care of the animals is kind of unparalleled. The local zoo here is pathetic and the animals look so sad.

Your kids are SOOOO cute, I especially love the Halloween pic of them all dressed as Tigger, that's just priceless!

I hope your knee is feeling better!

We always have to do MK first and last as well. It's hard to balance trying new things at Disney and just doing things the way you always do them, isn't it?

I LOVE your daughter's princess room! So pretty, you guys did a great job. Is it bad that I want that castle wall decal for my room? I'm 21 years old...hmm.

Your plans look great so far.. can't wait for more! Also, I lovelovelove your kids names. Seriously, all three of them are names I have considered every time my friends and I have the "what are your kids going to be named" convo!

Hey, Lia!! Thanks for reading and for all your comments! Just so you know, a castle wall decal is COMPLETELY acceptable for a 21 year old...you didn't think I put it in her room for her, did you?

Joining in!!!

Your plans look great, and your family is absolutely adorable! How fun you'll be going to the BBB! It seems like such a cute place - too bad I don't have anyone to take!

I found when trying to do online check-in before my last trip that the Disney site was not a fan of macs. And especially not Firefox. As soon as I tried it on a PC, it worked wonderfully. Sometimes the site is good with my mac, but generally I find the site works best from a Windows-based computer.

HIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII!!!!!!!!!!
Who says you have to take anyone to BBB?!? I mean, you could take me; I'd totally do it with you.
So the issue was probably Firefox, I guess. The whole situation still confuses me!

 

[pinkxray]

I just love your plans. It must be so much fun planning MK time with little ones.

 

[PirateKate]

It should be really nice to get some nighttime Magic Kingdom time to do the things littler kids don't enjoy. CP breakfast sounds fun, too. I hope you get lots of empty park pictures.

At Animal Kingdom, our current favorite is Restaurantosaurus. We like the shrimp poboys and the boys like to get a bucket and shovel from the kids' meal. Can't be the only kid in the Boneyard without a bucket.

Flame Tree BBQ is fun, too, if the weather is perfect and you can find an Everest view table.

 

[Fantasyland Mom]

I just love your plans. It must be so much fun planning MK time with little ones.

It IS fun! (But here's a secret--my plans would probably look very much the same without the kids!)

While I was gone I see you started your TR! I'm reading through it now. I'm on the MK day. I already have a question--did you take any still photos with the Playsport? If so, how did they turn out?

 

[Fantasyland Mom]

It should be really nice to get some nighttime Magic Kingdom time to do the things littler kids don't enjoy. CP breakfast sounds fun, too. I hope you get lots of empty park pictures.

At Animal Kingdom, our current favorite is Restaurantosaurus. We like the shrimp poboys and the boys like to get a bucket and shovel from the kids' meal. Can't be the only kid in the Boneyard without a bucket.

Flame Tree BBQ is fun, too, if the weather is perfect and you can find an Everest view table.

Oh, I am VERY excited about taking our "big kid" (yeah, she's 5) out alone! She'll have a blast, and so will we!
We all love the CP breakfast. We went for dinner our first year, but after doing breakfast before park opening last year, we know we'll do that every time.

Okay, I remember the buckets in the Boneyard from your TR, and now I'm making the connection of where they're from! THANKS! The shrimp poboy was on my radar and I was wondering if it was good. Now that you cleared that up for me, it's a very likely pick for us!

 

[Erinmc3]

Joining in since we'll be at POP the same time you will be . Can't get here soon enough!

 

[Fantasyland Mom]

Joining in since we'll be at POP the same time you will be . Can't get here soon enough!

HI!!! You are going to LOVE Pop Century! Maybe we'll bump into each other while we're there--I'll be the one with three very loud children, who will either be screaming from excitement or screaming from bad moods. HAPPY FIRST TRIP! It's almost here!

 

[pinkxray]

It IS fun! (But here's a secret--my plans would probably look very much the same without the kids!)

While I was gone I see you started your TR! I'm reading through it now. I'm on the MK day. I already have a question--did you take any still photos with the Playsport? If so, how did they turn out?

I did use the Playsport for a few still pictures. I liked the way they turned out. The zoom isn't as good as my Canon but it worked out will. I would always forget about having it with me since I mostly wanted it for Discovery Cove. There were a few days were my Sony battery died and it was great to have. I had a 2 year old Canon but bought a new $300 waterproof Sony before we went on the trip. The Sony was okay, but between my older camera and the playsport, I really didn't need to buy the Sony. I wouldn't use the playsport as my main camera but I was very happy I bought it.

 

[MeMom]

Oh, I am VERY excited about taking our "big kid" (yeah, she's 5) out alone! She'll have a blast, and so will we!

Jill and I took Brooklynn to 1900 Park Fare for a big girl breakfast last summer. It let her have Mommy's and MeMom's full attention without anyone focusing on Bella. Even though the meal and the characters were nothing out of the ordinary, it will always be a special memory for me.

 

[Fantasyland Mom]

I did use the Playsport for a few still pictures. I liked the way they turned out. The zoom isn't as good as my Canon but it worked out will. I would always forget about having it with me since I mostly wanted it for Discovery Cove. There were a few days were my Sony battery died and it was great to have. I had a 2 year old Canon but bought a new $300 waterproof Sony before we went on the trip. The Sony was okay, but between my older camera and the playsport, I really didn't need to buy the Sony. I wouldn't use the playsport as my main camera but I was very happy I bought it.

My husband will have his ginormous camera and lenses, but we really just need something for Blizzard Beach and in case it rains. I got a waterproof Olympus Stylus camera last year. It worked great. It worked great through our beach vacation until the very end, when it said the door was open to the card and batter, though it was closed. Got back to the room, and sure enough, water inside the whole thing. We STILL can't find where it leaked in, but it was salt water and damaged it beyond repair. Good thing I bought it refurbished (aka, CHEAP) in the first place or I would have been really mad. I think I got my money's worth out of it, but now I need a new waterproof camera. I loved that little pink camera so much (great video, great stills, very focused) but I'm scared to get another just like it in case we run into the same problem again. Hmmm...

Jill and I took Brooklynn to 1900 Park Fare for a big girl breakfast last summer. It let her have Mommy's and MeMom's full attention without anyone focusing on Bella. Even though the meal and the characters were nothing out of the ordinary, it will always be a special memory for me.

That sounds so nice! Julia rarely gets any alone time with mom and dad. For as long as she can remember, there's been a baby around. I know she's going to think it's really something special to stay up late at the MK with just mom and dad, just because she's so "big!"

 

[jp'smommy]

I am joining and still have to go back and a do a little more reading. We are going to be there the same week as you. We are staying at the CSR. Sept is fast approaching! My little man will be 20 months and getting his first hair cut at the Harmony Barber Shop! We are eating at Coral Reef on the 17th, but not until 6:10. We will probably see ya'll there.

 

[Fantasyland Mom]

I am joining and still have to go back and a do a little more reading. We are going to be there the same week as you. We are staying at the CSR. Sept is fast approaching! My little man will be 20 months and getting his first hair cut at the Harmony Barber Shop! We are eating at Coral Reef on the 17th, but not until 6:10. We will probably see ya'll there.

It's looking like it's going to be a wonderful week! I just made all the kids appts. at Harmony Barber Shop last night, though Sawyer has so very little hair that I'm not sure he'll use his appt. time! It will still be Brynn's first haircut, though! I'm hoping our Coral Reef experience this time is much better than our last, and maybe we'll see you there!

 

[Fantasyland Mom]

Hello, loyal readers! (Also, hi to non-loyal readers, new readers who may become loyal readers, and those of you who've stumbled upon this PTR without realizing what's going on. I love you all.)

Today's main post will be our Day 3 Plans. But first (and you loyal readers know this...and as for the rest of you...) I have some odds and ends updates.

1.) I DID, in fact, cancel that Rainforest Cafe ADR. Gone. We might eat at the DTD location while we're there...but also maybe not. I feel better about our AK plans without the pressures of making an ADR time.

2.) I made appointments for all three kids' haircuts at Harmony Barber Shop! Just in case you're wondering, don't try to make three appointments together, as they'll tell you there's absolutely no availability for your entire length of stay, leaving you panicked and confused because certainly it wouldn't be booked already for such a slow time of year. Be smart and realize well in advance (unlike me before I put on my thinking cap) that there are only three chairs and they still take walk-ups; they are not going to fill all three chairs with your rowdy kids at one time. I am now the proud owner of three reservations within the same hour of each other, but I had to book Sawyer separate from the girls. In reality, Sawyer's will probably get canceled, as he's still quite a baldy and the trip is quickly approaching. However, if he decides to sprout some locks between now and then, it will be the first haircut for both himself and for Miss Brynn, whose curls I will only allow to be grazed with the scissors. Mama's not letting those go yet! This is totally for ceremonial purposes only!!

3.) Fabric has been purchased for dresses for the girls to wear on our Crystal Palace day. Now my friend has to make those dresses. And also add a ruffle to some existing dresses. And make a Tiger Lily costume for me. And come up with a Peter Pan costume for Sawyer. And also hold down her job and take care of her toddler. Obviously, my dresses come first.

4.) Yesterday, Sawyer took his first steps! I was all YAY and all weepy at the same time. This is my baby, guys. And suddenly he's not such a baby. And a week from today is his FIRST BIRTHDAY. Mama sadness, folks. Bittersweet for sure.

And now, I give you...
EPCOT! (Monday, September 19)

This is my favorite park...or it would be my favorite park if not for all the smushie lovey moments of watching my kids at MK. I want to live here, preferably somewhere near the Grey Goose Slushie stand.

And THIS day at Epcot?? Touring Plans is suggesting the crowd level will be a 0.5. CAN YOU EVEN FREAKING BELIEVE THAT!?! That's the most unheard of tiny crowd prediction I've ever seen!

Our day is going to begin before rope drop (see the optimism here?), and we've already warned Mamie that anyone who can't keep up will be left behind. Obviously, Epcot is serious business.
We'll head immediately to Soarin', where we will hope, pray, think good thoughts, and do a little dance that Brynn is tall enough. Because if she's not, this perfect day might just begin with a huge meltdown.
Mine. Not hers. Okay, maybe two meltdowns.
Mamie will, in the mean time, be strolling Sawyer over to grab some FPs for Test Track. We'll hand her a handy-dandy rider swap pass, and while she rides Soarin' with anyone who wants to tag along, the rest of us will either line up for Tinker Bell (if there's time) or get a Strawberry Shortcake at Sunshine Seasons. Can you guess my preference?

We'll all meet back up for Living with the Land, and while we ride we'll all sing the "Listen to the Land" song that no longer plays and wonder why not.
Next, we'll schlep over to Mission: Space, and motion-sickness-prone Brandon will take the shorties somewhere. Fountain? Innoventions? Ice Cream? No clue. If Julia wants to ride, we'll do the green side, but if not, I'll try the orange side for the first time. (Brave or stupid? You decide.)

If we still have time before our lunch ADR, we'll head over to The Seas with Nemo and Friends and ride, and we'll also try to see Turtle Talk with Crush. If there's no time, we'll save this until later in the afternoon.

At 11:55, we have an ADR for the Princess Lunch at Akershus. If Cinderella's there, as she has been our past two trips, she'd better watch out--I've seen the way Sawyer manhandles our doll version of her. That baby loves Cinderella, and that baby loves slobber kisses.

After lunch, it's Maelstrom time. I've never ridden it, but it's close to Akershus, so why not.
Another ride I have yet to do but feel I must is the Three Caballeros inside the Mexico Pavilion. Come to think of it, I've never actually gone inside the Mexico Pavilion!!

This is the time of day where things always get tricky, and for one reason only: NAPS. Are kids napping in their strollers? Then they can stay for a tour of World Showcase. Are they wide awake and whining? Back to the hotel to rest with Mamie.
I'm pretty sure Julia will hang with us the whole day, and whoever's still kickin' can have the option of face painting in the African Outpost, Mulan-hunting, seeing the American Adventure, touring random shops...you know, the WS Works.

Before dinner, we have to ride Journey Into Imagination with Figment, partake of some lovely beverages at Club Cool, ride Spaceship Earth, and fit in anything we've missed or that strikes our fancy.

Dinner is planned for Coral Reef at 5:30. I'm taking a deep breath here. If you haven't read my post about our first trip to Coral Reef, go back and read it. I think it's in the bigger post about TS choices. ::shudders:: Maybe this time will be better.

At this point, we're going to wing it until Illuminations. I hope by this point to know how the little ones will react to fireworks, and that will determine what they do.

And really, we'll be semi-winging it the whole time, because no matter how planned things are, the fact remains that I have three children ages five and under. The only thing we can really plan on is that our plans won't happen the way we planned. But that's okay, because that's what makes for a good Trip Report when I get home.