Anyone Up For a Little MAYcation?!! A May 2012 WDW PTR with a side of.....

[ddluvsdisney]

DHS is really good!!
DH, DS10 and I RnR I agree the take off is awesome even though I get butterflies in my stomache right before. The anticipation kills me
We all love TSM too and don't miss it!
Only DH and DS10 do ToT. Although I tried it again last year for the first time since our honeymoon. Again I said NEVER again!!!
We alternate between LMA and IJ shows too. It's too hard to schedule in 2 shows sometimes. This year it's LMA. We haven't seen it with Lightning McQueen yet.
We say every year we're gonna do Fantasmic and we seem to always skip it. We haven't been since 2008 I think. We'll see about this year.
I guess it's the kind of show you do if you have time.
My boys (including DH) all love ST too. They love how it's different each time too. My DH and DS14 were both Star Wars nerds DS14 had every SW Lego imaginable!!!
You'll have to try Beauty and the Beast!! The boys have never seen LM

 

[wakica]

Love the gargoyle shot with your DS!! I think I will need to get a shot of DD by that one - I definitely see some similarities in the gargoyle and the teens when they get in a mood! So, thats in France right? i'll have to watch for it.

I love the world showcase too! It didn't appear to be very busy when you were there - what time of day/year was it?

My faves at HS is also RnR and ToT!!! DD, DH and I are all coaster junkies so nobody gets left behind. This year i think I'll pass on Soarin though b/c it made me feel a bit icky last time.

So, question for you about the TSM game. Do both kids like it? Just wondering if DD14 would like it for Easter this weekend.

 

[JoBird]

Okay your DHS post gave me bad Disney-itis.
BAD!!!


I think it must be because the kids and I had so much fun that day last year. It was probably the best time I've ever had there.


I hope you get to see BaTB this time. I know the boys will probably put up a fuss- but it would be nice if you got to see it at least once! You never know when they are going to do away with it.

Now--- as far as you trying to twist my arm and come for breakfast.... You are making it hard on me you know!!!!!

Breakfast with friends and Epcot afterwards.......... Sigh.

 

[Lil'Mermaid75]

You definately need to try to see BATB this year. I managed to talk my two guys into it and they both enjoyed it. Its about the only "girly" thing I get to do.

I have to admit, Indiana Jones doesn't do much for me. If the boys want to see it this year, I'll have to spend some quality time at RNR or TOT (which neither one will do). I've never done Star Tours, but I get motion sick on those kind of rides, so I probably won't do it this trip, either. Again, more quality time for me on RNR or TOT.

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

DHS is really good!!
DH, DS10 and I RnR I agree the take off is awesome even though I get butterflies in my stomache right before. The anticipation kills me
We all love TSM too and don't miss it!
Only DH and DS10 do ToT. Although I tried it again last year for the first time since our honeymoon. Again I said NEVER again!!!
We alternate between LMA and IJ shows too. It's too hard to schedule in 2 shows sometimes. This year it's LMA. We haven't seen it with Lightning McQueen yet.
We say every year we're gonna do Fantasmic and we seem to always skip it. We haven't been since 2008 I think. We'll see about this year.
I guess it's the kind of show you do if you have time.
My boys (including DH) all love ST too. They love how it's different each time too. My DH and DS14 were both Star Wars nerds DS14 had every SW Lego imaginable!!!
You'll have to try Beauty and the Beast!! The boys have never seen LM

I know, the anticipation of when that dang thing is going to take off is a killer!!

I really like TOT. Especially when the drops stop!! I enjoy them, I'm just always afraid that it won't stop going up and down for some reason.

Yeah, seeing Indy and LMA in the same day takes up a good chunk of time, so we try to alternate them. I think LMA is going to be closed for part (or maybe almost all) of our trip.....

My boys have gotten away from the Star Wars stuff for the most part, but they still love that ride!!

Love the gargoyle shot with your DS!! I think I will need to get a shot of DD by that one - I definitely see some similarities in the gargoyle and the teens when they get in a mood! So, thats in France right? i'll have to watch for it.

I love the world showcase too! It didn't appear to be very busy when you were there - what time of day/year was it?

My faves at HS is also RnR and ToT!!! DD, DH and I are all coaster junkies so nobody gets left behind. This year i think I'll pass on Soarin though b/c it made me feel a bit icky last time.

So, question for you about the TSM game. Do both kids like it? Just wondering if DD14 would like it for Easter this weekend.

You're right -- that is a perfect picture of a teenager mood. Yep, it's in France where you wait for the film.

We were last at WDW in late August/early September. It was our least crowded trip ever (and we've been in January before)!!!

DS12 never really got into the TSM Wii game all that much. DS10 loves it though!

Okay your DHS post gave me bad Disney-itis.
BAD!!!


I think it must be because the kids and I had so much fun that day last year. It was probably the best time I've ever had there.


I hope you get to see BaTB this time. I know the boys will probably put up a fuss- but it would be nice if you got to see it at least once! You never know when they are going to do away with it.

Now--- as far as you trying to twist my arm and come for breakfast.... You are making it hard on me you know!!!!!

Breakfast with friends and Epcot afterwards.......... Sigh.

Sorry for the bad Disney-itis!! You know how you can cure that, right?!



Macadamia nut pancakes.........Epcot...........





I'm so bad!






Okay, you are going to have to convince my boys to see B&TB!!

You definately need to try to see BATB this year. I managed to talk my two guys into it and they both enjoyed it. Its about the only "girly" thing I get to do.

I have to admit, Indiana Jones doesn't do much for me. If the boys want to see it this year, I'll have to spend some quality time at RNR or TOT (which neither one will do). I've never done Star Tours, but I get motion sick on those kind of rides, so I probably won't do it this trip, either. Again, more quality time for me on RNR or TOT.

I know what you mean about not doing too much girly stuff! Maybe I'll talk them into B&TB. We'll see!

I enjoy Indy for some reason. Guess I'm just used to all the boyish stuff.

But yay for lots of quality time on RNRC & TOT!!

 

[Dancegrl624]

As you already know, DHS is not our favorite, but I loved your post anyways!!

We will probably be visiting the Playhouse Disney show on our next trip...never done that before. We really love the Magic of Disney Animation. We have seen TONS of characters in there and we did the animation class on our last trip and loved it. I can't wait to do it again!

Still haven't seen One Man's Dream. I believe it was down for refurb on our last trip. I've seen Sounds Dangerous and it was awful. I loved it when it was the Monster Sound Stage. They showed a clip of Chevy Chase in a haunted house (or something like that) and then they pulled up 2 audience members. They had to recreate the sounds from the clip and then we watched the clip again with the sounds the audience members made. It was hysterical!!! I wish they would do something like that again.

We haven't been to the American Idol show yet either. Just not real interested in it. I love watching the actual show on tv though!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

As you already know, DHS is not our favorite, but I loved your post anyways!!

We will probably be visiting the Playhouse Disney show on our next trip...never done that before. We really love the Magic of Disney Animation. We have seen TONS of characters in there and we did the animation class on our last trip and loved it. I can't wait to do it again!

Still haven't seen One Man's Dream. I believe it was down for refurb on our last trip. I've seen Sounds Dangerous and it was awful. I loved it when it was the Monster Sound Stage. They showed a clip of Chevy Chase in a haunted house (or something like that) and then they pulled up 2 audience members. They had to recreate the sounds from the clip and then we watched the clip again with the sounds the audience members made. It was hysterical!!! I wish they would do something like that again.

We haven't been to the American Idol show yet either. Just not real interested in it. I love watching the actual show on tv though!

Glad you enjoyed the post!

Playhouse Disney is cute. Of course it has all new shows/characters now since the last time we saw it.

You have to do One Man's Dream!

I want to do the Magic of Disney Animation this time. We haven't done it for a long time. And we've never done the drawing class.

I wonder why they don't do something with that building that Sounds Dangerous is in? Seems like wasted space.

 

[lala3291]

I love DHS! RNRC and ToT are two of my favorite attractions in WDW! When we were in WDW at the end of February, there were little crowds, so we were able to do the both of them a bunch of times! I love the adrenaline rush when RNRC takes off!

 

[JoBird]

Well yes you are mean and bad and I don't like you. Humph.














So I just checked and I can fly down on that Thursday and leave the following Thursday. $85 down and $70 return. Not bad.

Now.... could I stay with you guys starting Saturday??? I'll sleep on the couch, I'm not picky. I know you could lend me a robe or something.



I'd even go over Saturday morning and check in early @ the BC for you to get the best possible room since you're getting in so late that night. Yes, it would be quite the cross to bear but for you I would do it.

And as a token of appreciation for your generosity, I'll buy breakfast Sunday before we go to Epcot.






Tell your DH I'm coming along. I know he won't mind. He may, however, hide the credit cards.

 

[DisMomAmy]

Enjoying your park tours!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

I love DHS! RNRC and ToT are two of my favorite attractions in WDW! When we were in WDW at the end of February, there were little crowds, so we were able to do the both of them a bunch of times! I love the adrenaline rush when RNRC takes off!

I love when the lines for those 2 are short because everybody and their brother are over at TSM!!!

Well yes you are mean and bad and I don't like you. Humph.






So I just checked and I can fly down on that Thursday and leave the following Thursday. $85 down and $70 return. Not bad.

Now.... could I stay with you guys starting Saturday??? I'll sleep on the couch, I'm not picky. I know you could lend me a robe or something.



I'd even go over Saturday morning and check in early @ the BC for you to get the best possible room since you're getting in so late that night. Yes, it would be quite the cross to bear but for you I would do it.

And as a token of appreciation for your generosity, I'll buy breakfast Sunday before we go to Epcot.






Tell your DH I'm coming along. I know he won't mind. He may, however, hide the credit cards.

Okay, it's a plan!! With that airfare how can you not go??? That's practically free compared to what I just paid!!!

I'll tell DH and yes, you are right - he will have to hide the credit cards!!!!!

I especially like the part when you check us in early and make sure we get an awesome room. Don't be afraid to go back to the front desk if you don't like the first one they give you.

Enjoying your park tours!

Thanks Amy!!

 

[ddluvsdisney]

Well yes you are mean and bad and I don't like you. Humph.














So I just checked and I can fly down on that Thursday and leave the following Thursday. $85 down and $70 return. Not bad. Now.... could I stay with you guys starting Saturday??? I'll sleep on the couch, I'm not picky. I know you could lend me a robe or something.



I'd even go over Saturday morning and check in early @ the BC for you to get the best possible room since you're getting in so late that night. Yes, it would be quite the cross to bear but for you I would do it.

And as a token of appreciation for your generosity, I'll buy breakfast Sunday before we go to Epcot.






Tell your DH I'm coming along. I know he won't mind. He may, however, hide the credit cards.

OMG I wish I could fly for that cheap!! Where are you flying from??

 

[JoBird]

Now you know me well enough to know that I ain't skeered when it comes to telling people exactly what they are gonna do for me so I can get what I want. If our room stinks when I check us in, girl...... we gonna live high on the hog 'cause they gonna upgrade us to the CL. For free of course.


Well I know--- that price for airfare is so cheap compared to what you paid. It's still a lot higher than I've seen it before--- that was the cheapest flight from now until November! Then it was anywhere from $87- $187 pp one way.


Still... they really know how to tempt a girl, don't they?

 

[seacrestpromo]

Shelly -

I miss a few days and you've gone shopping, got your tickets from UT, talked about MK, Epcot and DHS!

And now Jodi wants to couch-surf her way into your hotel room while tempting you with the offer that she will be able to hoodwink the CM's at the front desk to giving her CL, if you let her check your family in.

What a sneaky lady!

I wouldn't doubt that maybe Jodi has the skills to get the CM's to fill your room fridge with Mt. Dew.

Thanks for the laughs!

Sea

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Now you know me well enough to know that I ain't skeered when it comes to telling people exactly what they are gonna do for me so I can get what I want. If our room stinks when I check us in, girl...... we gonna live high on the hog 'cause they gonna upgrade us to the CL. For free of course.


Well I know--- that price for airfare is so cheap compared to what you paid. It's still a lot higher than I've seen it before--- that was the cheapest flight from now until November! Then it was anywhere from $87- $187 pp one way.


Still... they really know how to tempt a girl, don't they?

Upgrade us to CL. For Free. Oh my!! Well if you have the magic to do that then you really are invited to come along! We will need CL after-all to get you a robe.


That airfare is mighty tempting.

Shelly -

I miss a few days and you've gone shopping, got your tickets from UT, talked about MK, Epcot and DHS!

And now Jodi wants to couch-surf her way into your hotel room while tempting you with the offer that she will be able to hoodwink the CM's at the front desk to giving her CL, if you let her check your family in.

What a sneaky lady!

I wouldn't doubt that maybe Jodi has the skills to get the CM's to fill your room fridge with Mt. Dew.

Thanks for the laughs!

Sea

Yep, I've been a busy girl lately!!

Glad we could entertain you Sea! Love the Mtn. Dew idea!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Happy Good Friday everybody! I hope everyone has a safe, Blessed, and Happy Easter.


We went shopping earlier today. Went to a big mall in Pittsburgh. And I got -- Nothing!! It was a very unsuccessful shopping day for me. Not sure what was going on, but I just wasn't finding anything!

But we stopped at WalMart on the way home and got DS12 (last day I can call him that ) a new bike for his birthday! He is having a few friends over tomorrow for pizza and cake.


I'm not sure if too many people will be on this weekend, but I'll go ahead with the next update -- LegoLand Florida!!



Legoland just opened up last fall. DS10 is a HUGE Lego fan! Lego's are really the only toys that he plays with anymore. So naturally when I heard about the opening of Legoland near WDW, I got right on my research!

Legoland is in Winter Haven, FL. Just over 30 miles from WDW. So we are renting a car for the day and heading out into the unknown for an adventure!!

I was able to rent a mid size car from the Dolphin for the day for about $40. So I was happy with that! And then I heard about a promotion from McDonald's that when you buy one adult ticket you get one child's ticket free. So all in all this little off-site trip has turned out to be much cheaper than I originally thought it was going to be!

And since we will have the car for the whole day, and LL is only open 10-5, we are going to take advantage of it and plan to drive to Celebration, FL after LL and take in the sites and have dinner there.

I'm really looking forward to the day!




We all know about the WDW parks and the lands/sections within each of them. So I made it my goal to learn all about the lands of Legoland. That way we don't go in there totally clueless!

So let's go check it out!

What other land would we begin with, but The Beginning - “The colorful area known as The Beginning hosts the park entry, ticket and pass sales, guest services and much more.”

The Beginning is home of one ride –

Island in the Sky – a 150 rotating platform that gives guest a 360 view of the entire park.

Definitely a must do!

The Beginning is also home of The Big Shop – the ultimate Lego shopping experience! Everything for the Lego fan including Lego sets, Lego exclusives, apparel, and souvenirs. DS10 absolutely LOVES the Lego store in DTD, so I know he is going to go nuts over this place!

The Beginning is also home of The Market Place Restaurant, Guest Service, Annual Pass Center, Stroller Rentals, etc.


–


The next land is Fun Town - “When guests enter Fun Town, they truly get the feeling they have entered a LEGO village.”

Fun Town is home to the Factory Tour – a firsthand look at how Lego's are made. Sounds like fun, we will probably be stopping in there!

And the Grand Carousel – a double decker carousel! We ride the carousel at WDW, so why not?!

Wells Fargo 4D Theater can also be found in Fun Town – three different 4D movies are shown here throughout the day: A Clutch Powers 4D Adventure, Spellbreaker 4D, and Lego Racers 4D. Maybe we'll get to see one of them!

Fun Town also has quite the shopping center with 6 different shops to choose from: Candy Corner, Lego Studio Store, Pick a Brick, Garden Shop, Minifigure Market, and Lego Friends Shop. Maybe when DS10 is done here we won't even have to go to DTD!!

There are also 3 dining establishments to choose from in Fun Town: Granny's Apple Fries, Fun Town Ice Cream, and Pizza & Pasta Buffet. Hmm....Maybe we will hit all three!!

We will definitely have to try the Granny's Apple Fries. I have read so much about them, some people thing they are the best thing in the park!

Granny's Apple Fries – a Legoland original! Granny Smith's apple fries dusted with cinnamon & sugar and served with sweet vanilla cream dipping sauce.

–


Moving on.....Next is Miniland USA - “The heart of every LEGOLAND Park, Miniland USA is home to seven specially themed areas." So basically a giant Lego display! I think this will be the neatest part of the park. DS is just going to love this! The seven themed areas are: Daytona Speedway, Florida, Kennedy Space Center, Pirates, California, New York, Washington DC, and Las Vegas. Too bad they don't have WDW!!

Continued in next post.....

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Continued.....


Next up is DUPLO Village – “Ideal for toddlers and their imaginations. Youngsters can fly a plane, drive a car or explore a whole town – designed with their height in mind.”

There are 4 attractions in DUPLO village. But obviously we will be skipping this land!


--


The next land is Lego Kingdoms - “Takes kids back to medieval times with the LEGOLAND Castle where spells are cast and many knights, damsels and dragons are found.

I'm not sure exactly how much time we will spend in the Lego Kingdoms land.....It does look more geared for younger kids, but has a few interesting things.

It looks as if there are 4 attractions in this land. The Royal Joust and Merlin's Challenge, both seem to be for younger kids. And then there is The Forestmen's Hideout – A multilevel tree and rope adventure. We may or may not stop for this.

And The Dragon – an indoor/outdoor steel roller coaster that features a behind the scenes view of life within the enchanted Legoland castle.

Lego Kingdoms also has one open air shopping center – The King's Market and one restaurant – Castle Burger.


–


“In Land of Adventure, visitors of all ages explore hidden tombs and hunt for treasure.”

Land of Adventure is home of 5 attractions:

Coastersaurus: A wooden coaster that curves and dips in & around a prehistoric jungle of animated and life sized Lego dinosaurs. Sounds like fun!

Safari Trek: Explore the wilds of Africa with gorgeous life like Lego animals.

Lost Kingdom Adventure: This spectacular dark ride invites guests to fire laser blasters at targets and brave the rugged Egyptian landscape in all-terrain roadsters, while attempting to unearth the vast treasures of a forgotten empire. Looks pretty cool!

Pharaoh's Revenge: The outdoor attractions lets children & parents fire foam balls at enemies & explore the maze of the kingdom. Sounds like something the boys might enjoy!

And the Beetle Bounce, which we will likely skip!


–

Next up is Lego City – “ The perfect place for youngsters to live out their dreams in a scaled-down town created just for them.”

Lego City has 5 attractions: Rescue Academy, Ford Jr Driving School, Ford Driving School, Flying School, and Boating school.

Only a few of them look interesting to me -

Rescue Academy – where families compete with each other in fire & police vehicles to be the first to put out the simulated blaze.

And Flying School – a suspended steel coaster! This might be the one thing DS12 loves about the day!!

Lego City also has the Big Test Live Show: This interactive show uses acrobatics, music and playful fun to teach fire safety as the zany crew of Fun Town Fire Department attempts to conquer the “Big Test” to become official firefighters. Looks kind of corny, but might be fun!

There is also City Shopping, Drivin' Drive In, and City Stage Snack Bar in Lego City.


–


Next is the Imagination Zone - “Imagination Zone emphasizes exploring and creation, while showcasing seven of the most visually exciting LEGO models in the world, including a replica of Albert Einstein’s head.”

Home of 4 attractions:

Lego Mindstorm – Build and program cutting edge, computerized Lego Mindstorms. Sounds neat, but says it might not be open to the public if there is a school group there.

Build & Test – Build a Lego car and test it against the competition on the digitally timed track. DS10 would love this, but it also says it might not be open if there is a school group.

Lego Hero Factory – Immersive interactive play area based on Lego's popular Hero Factory line.

Kid Power Towers – Kids and parents alike hoist themselves up to the top of a tower to get a great view of the entire park and lovely Lake Eloise, and then enjoy a fun “free-fall” to the bottom.


–


What looks to be like a pretty cool land is Lego Technic Land – “Zoom, splash or soar in LEGO Techic, the most extreme of the park’s zones with LEGO Technic Test Track, AQUAZONE Wave Racers and Technicycle. Get a bite to eat at Lakeside Sandwich Co. or Robot Pit Stop, test your skills at Extreme Games or shop in the Extreme Zone for exclusive LEGOLAND Florida apparel.”

Aquazone Wave Racers: Riders zip in & out of waves as they dodge water blasters on this dual water carousel ride.

Lego Technic Coaster: Brave guests feel the power of acceleration, braking and maneuverability as they race a life-size LEGO TECHNIC vehicle along a wild roller coaster track.

Technicycle: A pedal powered spinning machine that shoots riders into the air.

Lego Technic also has the Extreme Zone shopping and a sandwich shop.


–


Pirate's Cove is home to LEGOLAND Florida’s very own water ski and stunt show, The Battle for Brickbeard’s Bounty, as well as Cap’n Brickbeard’s Burgers.


–


And finally we come to the last land – “Cypress Gardens – Legoland Florida has taken great care to preserve the soul of the park – the historic gardens established on the grounds of its Cypress Gardens predecessor more than 75 years ago.”

“The beautiful and historic botanical gardens have been restored to pristine condition, and the collection of native plants, including azaleas and camellias, have been reclaimed and combined with a range of exotic species to create a horticultural masterpiece. Still standing sentinel in the garden is the vast Banyan tree that was planted as a seedling in 1939.”

I am really looking forward to this, it sounds beautiful!

And that about sums up Legoland!!


Up Next: Celebration, Florida!

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Shelly - that was very interesting about Legoland! I didn't know there were all those coasters! I had heard about the mini village and the toddler section.
Looks like it could be pretty fun!

Looking forward to hearing about Celebration (especially after you go!). We would like to see it on our October trip. I've heard good things about Celebration Town Tavern.

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Shelly - that was very interesting about Legoland! I didn't know there were all those coasters! I had heard about the mini village and the toddler section.
Looks like it could be pretty fun!

Looking forward to hearing about Celebration (especially after you go!). We would like to see it on our October trip. I've heard good things about Celebration Town Tavern.

Yeah, LL has a lot more than I originally thought. Should be an interesting day!

I am so looking forward to visiting Celebration. I think it was you who told me about the Celebration Town Tavern. I'll be sure to do an extensive report on it!!

 

[monica23535]

Hi, am enjoying reading along

Was gonna skip Legoland, Florida but after reading all about it in your previous post, I have a feeling my six year old son would love it!

We have LL here in the UK but not got round to visiting yet

Celebration is such a lovely town, my friends lived there for ten years before recently returning back to Europe, so we spent a lot of time touring the restaurants and stores. The Tavern is

I can't believe you go again so soon, fingers crossed you love BC as much as we do!