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

[Sooze]

Diane! I'm here! It took me a while to realize that your PTR had a link... summer slacking.

Thank you SO much for providing a great summary of that train ride. What an AWESOME option for people in the Northeast. My kids would be so excited to travel in such a new and unique way. And Matt and I would LOVE to be able to sleep for the ride down!!

 

[Sooze]

Our plan was to stop at a grocery store to pick up some things for breakfast and the all important cocktails....then make our way to the Animal Kingdom Lodge!

Can't forget those all important cocktails, now can we?!

Next up was this sign, our home for the next 8 nights!

8 NIGHTS! YIPPEE!!!!

What I didn't realize is that Bryan told bell services to take everything so...........when our room was ready we had to scramble to find the guy and have him give us back our things BUT he had already moved on, so we were told we would have to wait 30 minutes and they would bring it to our room! This frustrated me SO MUCH, I told Bryan to wait with the luggage so that if our room was ready we just quick unpack and then hit the park! We had groceries that needed to be kept cold too! So, Bryan decided to ask for a cart and he would just wheel everything to our room.....WRONG!!! My cell phone rings and it is Bryan telling me that they won't give him a cart so...the boys and I go all the way back to the lobby to help with the luggage! We looked RIDICULOUS all banging into things carrying all of our things back to our room! UGH!!!

What a science fair, eh? And after having the thrill of your room ready, this was probably a bit of a downer! Glad you let your room and view melt that stress away for you!!

 

[Sooze]

Which park did we go to.................EPCOT!!! Mine and Bryan's favorite!

Yes!! Our favorite and 'first park' every trip!

Wow... I can't believe how much Matthew has changed since I last saw him. He looks so grown up in these pictures. Handsome young man!!

I HIGHLY recommend the TIW card, it has already paid for itself and is a GREAT compliment to the dining plan and you get free valet parking when dining at a WDW resort!

We often contemplate getting the TIW card. You are yet another family that highly recommends it. I think we may need to give in...

After our ride the first gift shop browsing comenced.......

Hey.. that looks familiar:

I took this picture because I can't believe Disney would leave this looking like this....it is the ceiling as you are walking back to the ride!

YUCK!!

 

[Sooze]

We decided to make a quick stop for Mickey bars....

.... drooling.....

Then finally we were back together with our friends again!!! The kids were all very excited to see one another as were the adults!

Your families are just too cute! I think it's wonderful that the DIS brought you guys together and such a fantastic friendship has come out of it!

Bryan and Tim got right down to business and ordered HUGE beers!

And THIS is why they have to hit the gym together later in the trip, no?

Noticeably Matthew did not want to dance, at first I thought it was because he was tired but the sad reality was that he is growing up......yes, it became very apparent on this trip much to my dismay that Matthew suddenly cares what others think and in no way would like to put himself ina potentially embarrassing situation! Breaks my heart that he is growing up so fast

Gah.. this made me teary-eyed. Tyson is right on Matthew's heels... I notice it more and more each day.

A beautiful addition to any home...get a load of the price tag!!

Ok, even if I HAD $37,000... I certainly wouldn't be spending it on THIS! I'd be buying more DVC points and plane tickets for the next many many years!

Lesley suggested going to see the animals with the night vision goggles....

SO COOL!! Something to look forward to if I ever get to stay at AKL!

 

[Sooze]

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!!

That is SO funny!! I hope you get a shot of him in the Haunted Mansion!!

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!

Looks and sounds like you had a wonderful meal! Glad you got to see all of the characters with time to spare!

My two boys in a loving moment!

How. Precious.

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!

This is so much fun.. reading your TR and Lesley's and seeing how they line up at times!

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!!

LOVE it!!! Sounds like the boys (old and young) are a PERFECT fit for each other.

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

That will be all of us when we're old and living in Orlando... "Hey honey, it's nap time. Grab your shaded scooter.. let's head to Magic Kingdom today!"

 

[Sooze]

, Bryan and Tim decided to go get fastpasses for Splash Mountain....OK fastpass trackers that means we now have fastpasses for both Space Mountain and Splash!

Ok... someone has to explain this multiple fast pass thing to me. I thought you weren't able to get new FPs until you had passed your current FP time. Now I'm all sorts of confused.

After our tour of the 999 haunts, we made our way to Splash Mountain.....

Aw... I missed out on the Bryan-ghost-in-the-haunted-mansion picture...

It was here that I FLIPPED out! I got right in his face and basically told him to suck it up or that we would go back to the room FOR THE REST OF THE DAY! I had it, I was trying to help and problem solve and he just couldn't get it together. Finally after I lost it, he came to his senses and said he wanted to go back in and watch! Luckily, they were still letting people in but we lost our spots with our family and friends... I WAS HOT!!!!

This sounds like a scene from "Jersey Shore"!

 

[Sooze]

Now we have 4 fastpasses for later!

You are the masters, for sure!

Tim and the ghost of Bryan waiting!!

The ghost of Bryan Hilarious!

Eric wanted a Mickey head shaved into the back of his head but the barber said they couldn't do that but he could do pixie dust and shockingly the boys BOTH wanted it!

Awwww... see? Matthew made up for his "I'm-too-cool-to-dance" moment in Germany!

My handsome boys!

I'll say!! They look great!!

Tom mentioned no pixie dust and the barber turned to me and said "can I let him get away with no pixie dust?" I said NO WAY, his wife would never forgive me!! The barber had a blast with that!

Good for you! I'm sure Lesley appreciated your involvement in embarrassing Tim!

What a fun picture!

Tim crept up on Bryan and pixie dusted him too!

What a great moment. Glad you captured it on your camera!

We had the best Disney morning with our friends!

I can just feel the pixie dust in this picture. Too bad you couldn't be in it, too...


I am so excited to hear about your meal at O'Hana. I hope it was as enjoyable for your guys as it always is for us.

 

[CRSNDSNY]

Awesome update!!!!!

 

[cherbear]

Ok... someone has to explain this multiple fast pass thing to me. I thought you weren't able to get new FPs until you had passed your current FP time. Now I'm all sorts of confused.

You can't get a new FP until you pass the current FP time OR after 2 hours.....and in some rare cases, after 1 hour. (They used to do this with the Haunted Mansion when it was Fastpassable). But I think they do give a one hour span every now and then for some attractions, so pay attention to the bottom of your fastpass where it states the next FP available time

Also, even though your FP gives an hour window in which to ride, they'll typically let you ride past the FP times as well, just not before, of course.

So essentially you can keep collecting fast passes all day in this manner, then use them all in a row! (I sure hope the weather didn't prevent Diane & Lesley and crew from using theirs....)

 

[Sooze]

You can't get a new FP until you pass the current FP time OR after 2 hours.....and in some rare cases, after 1 hour. (They used to do this with the Haunted Mansion when it was Fastpassable). But I think they do give a one hour span every now and then for some attractions, so pay attention to the bottom of your fastpass where it states the next FP available time

Also, even though your FP gives an hour window in which to ride, they'll typically let you ride past the FP times as well, just not before, of course.

So essentially you can keep collecting fast passes all day in this manner, then use them all in a row! (I sure hope the weather didn't prevent Diane & Lesley and crew to use theirs....)

Thanks so much!!

 

[mermaid764]

More awesome updates!

Too funny how you wouldn't let him get away with no pixie dust...what a great moment!

Those drinks look delicious and the pool area looks awesome!

Can't wait to hear more

 

[cherbear]

Thanks so much!!

no problem Sooze! I'm just surprised there was something you didn't know about Disney

 

[Sooze]

no problem Sooze! I'm just surprised there was something you didn't know about Disney

I'm excited that there are still things to learn!! We don't use FPs very much.. so I am lacking in knowledge in that area.. now that I've learned you can get more than one... we might be using them more often!

 

[DevonsDisneyMom]

Loving the update Diane!!! I sure can't wait exactly a month from today I will be at MK!!!

 

[MAJ RN]

I can't believe how much you were able to do in such a short amount of time. Sorry to hear about Eric's meltdown, I don't like soggy undies either. Can't wait for more!


Melissa

 

[dddisrunner]

Awesome update Diane!

I am loving reading each of your reports simultaneously!

Too funny about the "ghost of Bryan".

What an awesome day you had at the MK. Sharing it with friends who "get" Disney as much as us Dissers do sure would be awesome!

I must say...I am intrigued by Beautysalon Dissrunner style. Looking forward to the next update!

Its fun for me to go back and read Lesley's updates after I post mine too! We did have a great day at the MK! More about my beaty salon coming up!!

Wow, what a great update! What a morning you guys had, so many rides in such little time, that must have felt great! I misread your first line in your update, I thought it said you "went to eat a park before it opened"I guess I was just in such a hurry to read your update I may have skipped a word or two

Thanks so much! Too funny about eating a park!!

I love that You and Leslie update on the same days. Fun to see both perspectives.

Sounds like such a great day.

You really scored great with all those fast passes


That was funny with Tim and the pixie dust

Off to read Leslie's update now

Glad you are enjoying our dual reporting!! Tim is always a comedian!!

Great Update!! I have never noticed that Mickey in the Buzz line before!! You gave me something to watch for next time! Can't wait to read more!

Glad I could help you out with new things to look for!!

That was a great update Diane! Sounds like a wonderful time with your family and wonderful friends

I am sorry to admit it, but I did smile when you had your meltdown with Eric, I did that when Jasmine was 6 and spilt blue powerade all over her outfit! Come to think of it, I may have had a moment or two of those on every trip

Love the fact that you didn't let Tim get away with no pixie dust Those pina colava's look delicious....I can taste them now!! Can't wait to actually have one in September

Thoroughly enjoying your report Diane

Thanks so much! You always post the sweetest things!! We all have those meltdowns don't we...I guess it is all part of the joys of parenting!!

I'm lovin this Diane!!! Great pics, great fun, great friends!
I love Lesley TR's too. Nothing like making the most of
your magical disney adventures!!

Thanks so much, very sweet of you to say!!

So glad we got to meet! I hope someday our trips overlap again and we will be at home, AKL with you all!

We all have mommy moments with our kids at Disney, that is what makes us human.

I am all about a cut at the barber shop for the kids someday... we really need to do that, your pictures are so great!

I know what terrible rain occurs later this night... so I am interested to see what you all did!

I am so glad we finally got to meet in person too! The rain was BAD!! Update coming up!!

Diane I loved this update!!! You all seem to have had a great great day from start to finish! Love it! And such fun. I have not done the barber shop with my guys.. maybe this is an idea for next time! That pixie dust, too funny! They laid it on THICK! Funny about the Ghost of Bryan... Oh, and what parent has NOT had a moment like that with a kid in Disney??!! Seriously. Food seemed to be an important transition at that point, I am sure lunch made a big difference! Philharmagic is great for getting your second wind. Pool time in the afternoon is also a big plus. I am sorry I missed Laura -- we ended up chatting on the phone, but we didnt have a lot of time to meet up before she left... not like you and I did at any rate

I can't wait to see what is in store for you next!

Thanks so much, it really was a GREAT day! I think the early morning empty park really puts you in a great mood for the day!! Yes, bad parenting moments are bound to occur on such long trips!! Update coming tonight!!

 

[dddisrunner]

So much to comment on! I can't believe you had all those fast passes! I love the Ghost of Bryan. I wish you had a good shot of the Ghost of Bryan in pixie dust. I also loved the whole pixie dust experience. And how intense you were in the Buzz pic! You were serious about that game! I also just have to comment on how cute Eric is with his sunglasses all the time. Why did everyone have them but Matthew in that one shot?

Yes, the ghost of Bryan is a joke that still continues!! The barber shop was a GREAT experience!! Matthew is always the odd one out with his glasses, not sure why?

Ha, ha I'm glad you all can laugh at Bryan's sunblock fiasco. In the pictures it looks like gray hair. At first I thought Disney was really aging him.

Too funny, you can't help but laugh at that whiteness, it aged him like 20 years!!!

The Crystal Palace is the perfect way to start a MK day!
You got in a lot of rides in one morning.
Love the boys' haircuts. So cute!

It is the perfect way to start the day isn't it!! We did get a ton done!!

GREAT update Diane! Love reading the 2 different reports together! super cool about running into Laura, I met her 2 years ago when she was preggos haha at Ohana's.. Can't wait to hear about that dinner.

I am soo going to do the boys haircut at the barber shop the prices are super reasonable too it seems...

Hi there! So cool you got to meet Laura too, I LOVE DIS meets!! You will love the barbershop experience, I bet it is great to experience a first haircut there!!

Great MK morning ! Too funny about the "ghost of Brian". I love the pic of all the dads and kids near the barber shop pole. All the pics of the barber shop experience were really cute ... looks like a good time had by all.

We all have those meltdown moments at Disney. I think sometimes the heat and exhaustion gets the better of us.

Those drinks that you and Lesley had by the pool looked delicious.

Thanks so much! We had a great day and those drinks poolside were in fact delicious!!

What a wonderful morning at the Magic Kingdom! I love the picture of the two boys gazing at the castle! Brian with his white sunscreen is cracking me up! Hurray for meeting Laura! I would love to meet up with her someday! The boys with their pixie dust are just adorable! What a great bus driver to let Eric "drive." Oh, and I cannot wait to have one of those yummy pina colavas soon!

Thanks Jackie, I love that picture too!! The ghost of Bryan was sooo funny!! Meeting Laura was fun! That bus driver was AWESOME, he just came right out and said You're driving to Eric!! You leave so soon!!

Great update! And you look GREAT in all of your pictures! I seriously mean it! I think you definitely look to be in your early 30's. I was surprised to find out you are 40.

I wanted to ask you, since you have been on the ddp and the dxddp, and now paying out of pocket for this trip, which did you prefer doing out of the three?

Loving the trip report!

You are so sweet, thanks so much for all of the compliments!! I think the combo of the TIW and regular dining plan has worked best for us. BUT, I think the reason why is because Matthew was an adult this year so it was nice to have that discount on his meals!! With that being said, we really liked the deluxe plan, we never needed to worry about ANY out of pocket expense except for alcohol, but with three adults now it is VERY pricey!!!

looks like you guys had a great morning at MK. But then again who doesnt have a great day there???? I hope you dont mean rain when you said did someone dye the sky black!

Thanks...yes, the night does not go according to plan! It was a fun day!!

Looks like a great day in MK!!! It is fun reading your report and Lesly's. Especially since you guys split up a coupld of times throughout the day. Tons of FP's plus being able to ride all of those rides. The pictures in the AM in front of the Castle are great...I especially like the one of the boys looking at the Castle together. That will be one you could frame for you house.

Glad you had a great time with Lesly and fam! Eric looks so happy to be in the drivers seat at the bus. The hair cuts looks like fun. Looking forward how dinner at O'hana went and if you got to use your FP's

Thanks so much, glad you are enjoying both of our reports! I love the early morning pictures too! The haircut was sooo fun! Yes, our family and Lesley's just really clicked and it is so nice having companionship at WDW and outside too. It really has turned into a GREAT friendship!!

fantastic update!! The barbershop looked like so much fun! Thanks for posting the prices. I'm definitely doing this with my future children!



this is a great question! Curious to hear this answer myself, as well.

Thanks so much! I answered the question just a few posts above!

Diane! I'm here! It took me a while to realize that your PTR had a link... summer slacking.

Thank you SO much for providing a great summary of that train ride. What an AWESOME option for people in the Northeast. My kids would be so excited to travel in such a new and unique way. And Matt and I would LOVE to be able to sleep for the ride down!!

Hi Sooze! The train was definitely a new and fun adventure! The sleeping on the way down for Bryan and I really sealed the deal to do it!

Can't forget those all important cocktails, now can we?!



8 NIGHTS! YIPPEE!!!!


What a science fair, eh? And after having the thrill of your room ready, this was probably a bit of a downer! Glad you let your room and view melt that stress away for you!!

I know, I really felt like I was in some kind of twilight zone, but it all worked itself out!

Yes!! Our favorite and 'first park' every trip!



Wow... I can't believe how much Matthew has changed since I last saw him. He looks so grown up in these pictures. Handsome young man!!


We often contemplate getting the TIW card. You are yet another family that highly recommends it. I think we may need to give in...



Hey.. that looks familiar:

YUCK!!

Thanks so much Sooze, I think he is handsome too but of course I am biased! The TIW card is GREAT, I highly recommend it! Cute picture!!!

.... drooling.....


Your families are just too cute! I think it's wonderful that the DIS brought you guys together and such a fantastic friendship has come out of it!



And THIS is why they have to hit the gym together later in the trip, no?



Gah.. this made me teary-eyed. Tyson is right on Matthew's heels... I notice it more and more each day.


Ok, even if I HAD $37,000... I certainly wouldn't be spending it on THIS! I'd be buying more DVC points and plane tickets for the next many many years!


SO COOL!! Something to look forward to if I ever get to stay at AKL!

It is devastating realizing that your baby is growing up! At least you still have Shae to hang onto!! I agree would never spend 37,000 on a castle!! I hope you do stay at AKL, it is GREAT!!

That is SO funny!! I hope you get a shot of him in the Haunted Mansion!!


Looks and sounds like you had a wonderful meal! Glad you got to see all of the characters with time to spare!


How. Precious.


This is so much fun.. reading your TR and Lesley's and seeing how they line up at times!


LOVE it!!! Sounds like the boys (old and young) are a PERFECT fit for each other.



That will be all of us when we're old and living in Orlando... "Hey honey, it's nap time. Grab your shaded scooter.. let's head to Magic Kingdom today!"

That man cracked me up, it was like 10 am and he was snoozing already! Disney made money on him that day!

 

[dddisrunner]

Ok... someone has to explain this multiple fast pass thing to me. I thought you weren't able to get new FPs until you had passed your current FP time. Now I'm all sorts of confused.



Aw... I missed out on the Bryan-ghost-in-the-haunted-mansion picture...


This sounds like a scene from "Jersey Shore"!

I know cherbear explained the fastpasses to you, I just wanted to add that sometimes first thing in the morning if the park isn't crowded, your return time might be 9:30 then it will let you fastpass again after 9:30 meaning you only have to wait 1/2 hour to get a new fastpass. This happened to us 2 or 3 times on this trip!

You are the masters, for sure!


The ghost of Bryan Hilarious!



Awwww... see? Matthew made up for his "I'm-too-cool-to-dance" moment in Germany!



I'll say!! They look great!!



Good for you! I'm sure Lesley appreciated your involvement in embarrassing Tim!


What a fun picture!



What a great moment. Glad you captured it on your camera!


I can just feel the pixie dust in this picture. Too bad you couldn't be in it, too...


I am so excited to hear about your meal at O'Hana. I hope it was as enjoyable for your guys as it always is for us.

The barbershop was GREAT fun and I was thrilled that Matthew stepped out of his, Im and adult mood for a bit! Update coming tonight!

Awesome update!!!!!

Thanks!!

More awesome updates!

Too funny how you wouldn't let him get away with no pixie dust...what a great moment!

Those drinks look delicious and the pool area looks awesome!

Can't wait to hear more

Thanks so much! Yeah, couldn't let Tim get away with it! The drinks were yummy! Update coming tonight!

Loving the update Diane!!! I sure can't wait exactly a month from today I will be at MK!!!

Thanks! Hooray for you and 1 month!!

I can't believe how much you were able to do in such a short amount of time. Sorry to hear about Eric's meltdown, I don't like soggy undies either. Can't wait for more!


Melissa

Your post had me cracking up, his meltdown went way beyond soggy undies!! Update coming tonight!

 

[dddisrunner]

After our swimming and naps, we awoke ready to tackle Ohan and the Magic Kingdom!!! We all got ready and dressed nice for our evening out!

We were going to take advantage of having our car and drive to the Poly for dinner so we planned to meet lesley and family in the lobby! We took some pictures along the way!!

Here are some lobby shots! I just LOVE the Animal Kingdom Lodge!!!

After our photo session, we all piled in our van and headed to the Poly! The kids were CRAZY in the van, singing, laughing and just being LOUD!!! We were able to valet park for free with the TIW card and man o man is that a GREAT perk!!! We arrived at the Poly, checked into Ohana and were told we would definitely have a wait. We used the time to browse the shops and take more pictures....

Cute group of kiddos....

I noticed these cute little displays at the top of the Poly giftshop and thought they were so cute!!!

After awhile, it was finally time to be seated! Were were seated in the corner and I will tell you that our servers were the WORST!!! We ordered drinks! I got a strawberry daiquiri, they are always good and strong here!!

Bryan and Lauren getting ready to eat!

The food and dipping sauces were brought out...

The food was brought out all backwords...the pot stickers salad and wings came out together and then 2 seconds later, some meat and then the bread and then the noodles and broccoli and then more meat...it was weird!! Then we asked for more sauce and it was forgotten....then I was getting mad because I felt like their inattentiveness was ruining the atmosphere...UGH...finally I asked for some warm towels and about 15 minutes later they brought them out HOT HOT HOT.....

The food was delicious as it always was but the service was awful...we had 18% automatic tip written all over us because we were a party of 8!!! We kept joking that our servers were playing Yahtzee in the kitchen!!

Our favorite entertainer was there and she encourage the kids to get up and participate....

As the course of the meal went on, the sky starting getting darker and darker and the wind was really picking up....

CONTINUED....

 

[dddisrunner]

Eventually, our desserts were brought out....

Overall, we really enjoyed our meal and had fun together and didn't let the poor service ruin our meal!!!

After eating we went back out to the lobby and took somemore fun photos....

The heavens opened up and IT. STARTED. POURING. , this was the kind of rain that you just knew was not going to stop for AWHILE! Tim kept looking at the radar on his iphone and there was a front just stalled over WDW!

Well, it was on to plan B! We went to the valet, got our car and went back to the AKL! Bryan and Tim grabbed some beers and went down to the lobby for some manly bonding...(do you sense a pattern here) So the boys and I dumped our stuff in our room, I grabbed some wine and we went to Lesley's room to hang out a bit!

Last summer, Lauren had asked me to braid her hair and she LOVED it so I offered to do it again this night and she was thrilled! She is such a good customer, so patient and she never complains, I just LOVE her! Here is the result!!

Here she is checking it out...

A close up!

A very satisfied customer, doesn't she look adorable!!!

After that, it was time for bed, so the boys and I went back to our room and went to bed, Bryan eventually came back and I asked him what he wanted to do tomorrow and he said sleep in......WHAT? Where did he get that idea I wonder?


Coming up next:

Single parenting...
I'm sorry, you're how old?
The very bad, no good, horrible bus ride!!