All Aboard! A Disney and Orlando Unleashed TR!TONS of PICS! Update 1/2 pg 25

[Echo queen]

Love your report.

 

[swwake]

I can't believe how short the lines were in June - or how much y'all got done in a day. It's great that you could meet up with Tim and Lesley for another vacation. You make me excited for our AKL trip!

 

[Happydog]

Oh I loved that update! So fun! Well, it looks like you hit all the luck there at Epcot that day, and how fun to be reunited with a great family of friends! Seems you all enjoyed your day, and how fun to swim at night in that pool, and to see the animals! I have wanted to do that too, but we missed the chance in February. NEXT time. So glad the day was a good one! Cant wait to hear all about this Fast Pass collection!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Hurray for heading to Epcot and having such a wonderful time with no lines!!! I can't believe how much older your boys are looking especially Matthew! He is getting tall, isn't he? Eric dancing at the Biergarten is cracking me up! He was really getting down, wasn't he? The end of your evening was just perfect -- hanging out with friends, swimming, and seeing the animals with the night vision goggles!

 

[praisehisname]

Great chapter! You really were able to accomplish a lot! Sounds like both families had a fun time re-connecting.

 

[CRSNDSNY]

Awesome chapter!!!! Glad you all got a fun night swim in....those are my favorite.

The TIW is AWESOME!!!!! Isn't it??!! We love it and love the savings even more. We're going on our fourth year of having it (I think --- it was called DDE card prior).

Can't wait for more!!!

 

[jerseygirl81]

I'm enjoying your trip report, great trip down on the train. I was surprised with all the stuff you were able to do on your first day at the parks. Even though the parks are hot during the day in the summer its great being able to swim at night. Linda

 

[goofy's_gurl]

Im still shocked those drinks are huge, very, very huge!!!!! But it looks like another fine day. Esp swimming after a nice day in the parks is always nice.

 

[MAJ RN]

Diane I have to say that Matthew looks more like you every time I see a picture of him! You all sure got a lot accomplished during your time at Epcot. I am dying to try the Sum of all Thrills ride, hopefully next trip. Can't wait to read more.


Melissa

 

[pmama]

What a great option to be able to take the car train down. Wish we had that option. Great TR so far.

 

[dddisrunner]

Sounds like a great day. You all sure got a ton done

Score on the No STrings Fast Pass

You can see how much kids enjoy playing with each other...so nice

You made tear up a little bit reading about Matthew...They sure grow up fast

Thanks Kelly! I cannot believe how fast he is growing up! The kids LOVE hanging out together!

Im hooked

Thanks for joining us and glad you're hooked!!

Love your reports, Diane!! Sounds like a great trip so far!

Thanks so much!!

Biergarten looks like a lot of fun and the perfect place for a group dinner!
The fastpasses were such a nice treat for having the wait so long. I love Disney's wonderful customer service.

Disney does have the best customer service don't they!! Biergarten was fun...the food is just OK but the atmosphere is terrific!

Wow you got so much done on a summer afternoon in Epcot!! Your dinner with Tim & Lesley and all of your kids looks so fun. Sorry about the rude kid who wouldn't share the ball with anyone. Yay on the Fastpasses! I know what you mean about Matthew since Kaylee is also 10 now and is very much the same about having to look cool .

Thanks Nichole! UGH about Kaylee too, depressing isn't it! That kid was so rude!

Love your report and pics. Both of your boys have changed quite a bit since last years trip report. They do grow up so fast, even when you tell them not to !!!

I know it's awful how fast they grow, I try to cherish every moment!!

Sounds like a perfect first day to me So nice to be able to re-connect with old friends who share the same excitement and joy that you do at the happiest place on earth! Great pictures Diane, I feel like I'm right there with ya!

Thanks! It was nice to reconnect with our friends! Glad the pictures capture the moment of being there, that is what I aim for!!!

What a great afternoon in Epcot! That is awesome you scored the no strings attached FP. The kids looked like they were having fun together and man those beers that Bryan and Tim had were HUGE and looked Yummy. I will have to remember those for my next trip.

In the picture of Eric using the night vision goggles are those Matthew's hands kinda hold him up? If so what a sweet thoughtful sibling thing to do.

Can't wait to read more!

Yes, those were Matthew's hands...they do have their moments!! Bryan and Tim thoroughly enjoyed their beers!!

Awww...I totally understand about your baby "growing up" and realizing that other people are watching! My DD won't do anything where she thinks it might be "too young" for her...only peer pressure changes her mind!

Isn't it awful how important their friends become whether they are nice or not! GEEZ! I'm glad Matthew hasn't completely gone to the dark side yet though!!

GREAT update, Diane. I'm really enjoying your diz adventure.
I'll be down your way in a few wks...Ocean City!! Its not
disney but a fun place too!

Hi Sharon! Wave as you ride through Ocean County! Yes, Ocean City is alot of fun!

Love the update. Boy you sure did get alot done that day! Score on the fastpasses. I've heard alot about the Tables in Wonderland card. Glad to hear you like it too. The night vision goggles are so cool aren't they? I bet you guys just crashed that night!

We did get alot done! The TIW is a great idea! The night vision goggles were very cool! We did CRASH hard!

So much to comment on!

I am totally impressed at all you did at EPCOT with that late of a start... and so nice to get the Fast Passes for your wait... and to use on Soarin' I miss that ride!

I love the Mickey Ice Cream bars, a sure sign that you are back at Walt Disney World.

How was the food at the Biergarten? I have always thought it looked fun, but not so sure on the food part...

Love that you did some animal watching at AKL, I cannot wait to do that someday.

Hugs Diane to Matthew getting older... that is just not something I am ready for!

Thanks Laura! Hold onto your babies as long as you can, this hit me hard!!! You will love all the AKL has to offer, such a fun place to stay!!

 

[dddisrunner]

Love your report.

Thanks!!

I can't believe how short the lines were in June - or how much y'all got done in a day. It's great that you could meet up with Tim and Lesley for another vacation. You make me excited for our AKL trip!

We were blessed that day with the lines. I think the Harry Potter opening that day may have helped!! It was such fun being with Tim and Lesley and kids!! You will love AKL!!!

Oh I loved that update! So fun! Well, it looks like you hit all the luck there at Epcot that day, and how fun to be reunited with a great family of friends! Seems you all enjoyed your day, and how fun to swim at night in that pool, and to see the animals! I have wanted to do that too, but we missed the chance in February. NEXT time. So glad the day was a good one! Cant wait to hear all about this Fast Pass collection!

It was a great day capped off with a wonderful evening! My kids love swimming at night! I hope you get to see the animals at the AKL someday!!

Hurray for heading to Epcot and having such a wonderful time with no lines!!! I can't believe how much older your boys are looking especially Matthew! He is getting tall, isn't he? Eric dancing at the Biergarten is cracking me up! He was really getting down, wasn't he? The end of your evening was just perfect -- hanging out with friends, swimming, and seeing the animals with the night vision goggles!

Thanks Jackie! The boys are getting bigger, so sad!! Eric dancing cracks me up too!! You are so right, our evening was perfect, AKL, friends and Disney!!!

Great chapter! You really were able to accomplish a lot! Sounds like both families had a fun time re-connecting.

Thanks so much, it really was a great day!!

Awesome chapter!!!! Glad you all got a fun night swim in....those are my favorite.

The TIW is AWESOME!!!!! Isn't it??!! We love it and love the savings even more. We're going on our fourth year of having it (I think --- it was called DDE card prior).

Can't wait for more!!!

Thanks! The TIW is awesome!!

I'm enjoying your trip report, great trip down on the train. I was surprised with all the stuff you were able to do on your first day at the parks. Even though the parks are hot during the day in the summer its great being able to swim at night. Linda

Thanks Linda! We really got lucky on that day in Epcot!! It is nice to swim at night after a hot day!!

Im still shocked those drinks are huge, very, very huge!!!!! But it looks like another fine day. Esp swimming after a nice day in the parks is always nice.

HAHA! They were huge!!!

Diane I have to say that Matthew looks more like you every time I see a picture of him! You all sure got a lot accomplished during your time at Epcot. I am dying to try the Sum of all Thrills ride, hopefully next trip. Can't wait to read more.


Melissa

I am starting to notice that he looks more like me too! You will love the Sum of All Thrills, such fun!!

What a great option to be able to take the car train down. Wish we had that option. Great TR so far.

Thanks so much, the train was definitely an adventure!!

 

[ampc3]

I had no idea you started your TR..

Love the train ride how cool! Awesome to share in the fun with friends too! Understand the growing up thing all to well... looking forward to reading more!

 

[timandlesley]

Hey Diane, GREAT update. I loved the pic you took of the boys before dinner. I forgot about the rude ball incident and the CM, good memory! Tim said Horatio made his appearance that night at the pool, I forgot about that : ) Looking forward to more.
Lesley

 

[DevonsDisneyMom]

Loving the update Diane! I know the "train funk" feeling! We did the train from Philly to Orlando years ago b/c my parents don't like to fly! It was a fun experience to try once, but I'd much rather fly!

I'm so excited to try the night vision goggles when we stay there!!!

 

[mermaid764]

Joining in too!

Awesome pictures so far...you've made me want to stay at AKL even more than I already did.

Can't wait to hear about your next day

 

[cdotla]

Yay! Another Diane TR!

Great report on the autotrain. Those pictures really helped me envision what it would be like to travel on it.

I agree about the great perk of valet parking with TIW card!

Really impressed how much you guys accomplished on your 1st day!

Looking forward to reading more!

 

[cherbear]

Alright! I made it here before your first full day starts!

I always meant to read your reports, and when I read yours and Lesley's dual girls trip report and then about your families' time together, I knew I had to come here and read your report too!

So glad I did b/c I'm enjoying it very much! Y'all sure did make great time at Epcot, and scoring those FP's was awesome! Great job oh patient one!!

I'm here! Going back to read now!

OK, caught up now. Sounds like you had a nice trip down. I'm reading another report right now who also did the autotrain. They didn't have sleeper cars, so it's nice to see both perspectives.

So cool that your room was ready when you got to AKL and you have an awesome view!

I'm curious to read about the coach seating too, if Diane doesn't mind , can you post a link here?

Hey Diane, of course I'm along for the ride Loved the update, you guys look so happy! You had me cracking up at the Dunkin' Doughnuts coffee comment !!!! Also, I want to know what you meant by "adult alone time" in your cabin
Can't wait to see what you have in store next, hopefully you hook up with a REALLY fun crew Great start!
-Lesley

I was going to ask if that meant they played scrabble



And Lesley, this reminds me of something you said in your girls trip report. You said you girls went back to the room to watch some "adult tv"

Of course I knew what you meant, but it was funny! I couldn't comment on it as I was reading because the report was closed already, but given the opportunity now I figured I'd throw that in

 

[dddisrunner]

I had no idea you started your TR..

Love the train ride how cool! Awesome to share in the fun with friends too! Understand the growing up thing all to well... looking forward to reading more!

Hi Annette, glad you found us!! It was fun meeting up with Lesley and crew again!

Hey Diane, GREAT update. I loved the pic you took of the boys before dinner. I forgot about the rude ball incident and the CM, good memory! Tim said Horatio made his appearance that night at the pool, I forgot about that : ) Looking forward to more.
Lesley

I will have to explain Horatio in the next update!! More coming tonight!!

Loving the update Diane! I know the "train funk" feeling! We did the train from Philly to Orlando years ago b/c my parents don't like to fly! It was a fun experience to try once, but I'd much rather fly!

I'm so excited to try the night vision goggles when we stay there!!!

Thanks!! That train funk was yucky...so happy when we finally got to shower!

Joining in too!

Awesome pictures so far...you've made me want to stay at AKL even more than I already did.

Can't wait to hear about your next day

WELCOME, thanks for joining us!! I hope you get to stay at AKL one day, it is AWESOME!! More coming up tonight!!

Yay! Another Diane TR!

Great report on the autotrain. Those pictures really helped me envision what it would be like to travel on it.

I agree about the great perk of valet parking with TIW card!

Really impressed how much you guys accomplished on your 1st day!

Looking forward to reading more!

Hi there, welcome back! We did accomplish quite a bit on that first day! The valet was a great perk!!

Alright! I made it here before your first full day starts!

I always meant to read your reports, and when I read yours and Lesley's dual girls trip report and then about your families' time together, I knew I had to come here and read your report too!

So glad I did b/c I'm enjoying it very much! Y'all sure did make great time at Epcot, and scoring those FP's was awesome! Great job oh patient one!!



I'm curious to read about the coach seating too, if Diane doesn't mind , can you post a link here?



I was going to ask if that meant they played scrabble



And Lesley, this reminds me of something you said in your girls trip report. You said you girls went back to the room to watch some "adult tv"

Of course I knew what you meant, but it was funny! I couldn't comment on it as I was reading because the report was closed already, but given the opportunity now I figured I'd throw that in

WELCOME!! Thanks so much for coming over and joining us!! More coming up tonight...stay tuned!!

 

[dddisrunner]

Our first full morning had us heading to the Magic Kingdom to eat a before park opening breakfast at the Crystal Palace! We were up quickly sunblocked then off to the bus stop!

My happy crew waiting on a bus! Now don't laugh but we didn't realize until it was too late but Bryan put on expired sunblock and it wouldn't smooth properly! He is an earthly being, not a ghost! LOL!!

We arrived with plenty of time to spare and went to check in stopping for a few photos along the way! Not the best but it captures the moment!

After our photos, we went and checked in!

We only waited a few minutes and then we were called in!! I LOVE this breakfast, the food is always good and the service has always been spectacular!

The characters were fast and furious on this triip, in previous years we have always missed one of them because they came around so slowly but not on this day, we got them all in!!

We had seen all the characters and were done eating within 40 minutes...a new record for sure and we didn't feel rushed!

I took this photo on our way out, the Crystal Palace is so pretty!

After our wonderful breakfast, we went out to try and get a few more shots before rope drop!

AN awesome CM came out and took some Photopass pictures and then took Eric aside to show him a hidden mickey! I wasn't quick enough with the camera, so I asked her to show him again so I could capture the moment! LOL!

My two boys in a loving moment!

Tim and Lesley had met up with us for some pictures and them Tim, Bryan, the boys and I headed to the Tomorrowland rope drop and Lesley and Lauren headed to the Fantasyland rope drop!

The boys waiting for the mad dash to Space Mountain....also, the ghost of Bryan reappears!

After the roped dropped, Bryan and Tim went for fastpasses and I got in line with the little boys! We walked and walked wondering where their dads were and then they finally caught up with us!

Here are the boys waiting!

I have to pause here to relay a funny story...the night before at the AKL pool for whatever reason, Bryan started teasing Matthew that his middle name was "Horatio". I have no idea where this came from or why that name was chosen but it instantly made all the kids HYSTERICAL....so, that became our catchphrase we would randomly just yell out loud "Horatio" well during the Space Mountain ride Matthew got a little scared and he was sitting right in front of Tim and screamed "I just Horatioed in my pants!" Tim was DYING laughing! It was one of those laugh until your stomach hurts moments for us!!

I took this pic of us on the way out!

Next up was Buzz Lightyear!

Cool hidden Mickey in line!

Mine and Matthew's ride picture...

Matthew hit a major target on that ride and beat me handily, he still will not share what he hit!?!

Silly boys both young.....

and old....

We saw this happy camper as we were leaving Tomorrowland.........

CONTINUED........