At my favorite place during my favorite time of year ~Dec. 2013 TR~ Updated 3/29

[wiigirl]

Great updates! Great pics!

 

[mommytocalliesue]

Great updates! Great pics!

Thank you!! I love photopass...catches some great shots that I don't!!

 

[mommytocalliesue]

That hurt my tummy!

Our last FP+ was for Big Thunder Mountain and that was for between 10-11.

DH is not a fan of roller coasters...but I told him if DS is doing it...so are you! He was thrilled let me tell you

This is DS's first roller coaster ride (besides the Barnstormer!) so he wasn't so sure of it. But he was in good spirits (probably because we told him it was a train...so he thought he was riding the train that goes around Magic Kingdom!)

Here they are in line!

We finally got loaded...and were off!

As we were going up...we did get a little wet...which made for a cool ride!

Callie gave it two thumbs up!

Marty said it was ok!

Carson said, "It hurt my tummy!!" I asked him if he liked it...he said "YEAH...but it hurt my tummy!!" I asked him if he wanted to do it again...and I got a great big, "NO!!"

I always thought he was going to be my roller coaster junkie...but I really don't think he will be! I believe Callie is going to go on all the big rides with me!

After this, everyone was getting tired. It was close to 11...but we had one more to do before we went back to the hotel.

Pirates of the Caribbean! There was no line so we walked right on! DS wasn't sure about this at first...but then remembered he loved it! It is also one of DD's favorite ride!

We headed back to the hotel after this ride. DS and I rode inside the boat...but DD and DH rode outside. They had to be freezing! It was quite nippy!

The kids wanted to take a couple pics in the lobby before heading to the room!

We were in bed at midnight...and we all fell right to sleep! Even though it was a busy day in the parks, I still feel like we got a lot accomplished! Tomorrow we head to Epcot!

 

[Bayoumama]

When I got to the end of your last post I realized that was all in ONE day. Awesome....you did get a lot in on the first day. Can't wait to hear more.

 

[mommytocalliesue]

When I got to the end of your last post I realized that was all in ONE day. Awesome....you did get a lot in on the first day. Can't wait to hear more.

LOL!! It was a good day! And you'll see throughout the trip...that even though it was busy for the majority of the time...we did everything we wanted to do!

 

[mommytocalliesue]

The longest bus ride EVER!

I slept soundly until 7 am. Which is unheard of because I'm usually one that gets up several times a night! I laid in bed and read until about 8 am. Then I got up...made lots of noise...but still couldn't wake the others!! By 8:30 am everyone was up!

I went down to Roaring Forks and got everyone cereal, and we just ate in our room. We were out to the bus stop by 9:15 am!

We loaded a bus to Epcot rather quickly....that was the only thing quick about this bus ride.

For most of our bus rides, we always went to Fort Wilderness or the Grand Floridian. This time, it was to Fort Wilderness...which always seemed out of the way to me! When we got to Fort Wilderness...we waited and waited and waited and waited. There was a bus in front of us that wasn't moving. It was so frustrating! Everyone was on the bus wondering why we weren' moving! So we decided to call my dad and take some pictures to pass time away! As you notice, Carson was all over the bus!

After about an hour...yes an hour...we finally arrived at Epcot!

I could tell it was busy....but it was Saturday...so I knew it would be. Good thing we had FP for Soarin', Test Track, and Maelstrom!

Before we did anything, I told the family we were going to take some Photopass pictures...now!! I didn't pay for this to not use it! They obliged me and smiled!

Next...Soarin'! A first for DS and DH!!

 

[TX Momof2]

I just found your TR! I hope your DS got well quick! He sounds just like mine who just turned 5 yesterday. He talks and asks questions constantly! Do you have any advice for me with taking DS 5 to DW in February? It'll be his first trip, so I'm super excited.

Can't wait to read the rest!

 

[mommytocalliesue]

Let's get our ride on!

After our Photo session...we headed straight for Soarin'. We had a FP for between 10-11 and it was now close to 10:30.

We parked the stroller and headed right in!

This is one of DD's favorite rides...so she was excited! This would be DH and DS's first time on the ride!

Even though we had FP, we still had to wait a good 25 minutes to ride. We seemed to miss the next "flight" and had to wait a bit longer! Here we are walking to and waiting for the ride!!

DS not quite sure!

Before we even went in, DS was crying saying his tummy hurt...again. I thought, "Oh Great...he'll probably get motion sickness and throw up!!"

I was worried the entire flight...but he did fine! He didn't hate it...but he didn't love it either! He said he hated the fireworks at the end! Everyone else loved it! There's just something about the smells and the sites that make it so neat!

While we were there, we figured we'd go ahead and ride Living with the Land. It said a 10 minute wait, and they did make us start going through the lines, but we pretty much walked right now!

Being's DH is a farmer and DS is around it all the time...he LOVES this ride!

When we were done with this, we headed to Test Track as we had a FP for between 11-12. I'm the only one who has ever ridden this ride...so I was anxious to see how everyone liked it! I was glad we had a FP as I believe the standby line was for 100 min. or something!

We did have to wait for like 20 minutes to ride...but better than Standby!

Here's DS making his car...the kids did have fun doing this! He actually made his a truck of some sort!

Once on the ride, we had to wait about 10 min. because the car in front of us was having trouble. They never did fix it...and made them exit the vehicle.
Overall, the ride was ok. DD loved the fast part at the end...and go figure...DS HATED that part!!

Then we went to Nemo...and pretty much walked right on. I do think we had to wait like 10 minutes...besides the long walk to the ride!

We were going to do Turtle Talk, but it was like a 25 minute wait, and we didn't want to wait!

So we headed to Figment...and walked right on!

DD loves this ride...she loves the skunk part..strange girl!

DD wanted to play afterwards....DS really wanted nothing to do with it...but finally did play for a bit!

Leave me alone!

Up next...let's head to the countries!

 

[mommytocalliesue]

I just found your TR! I hope your DS got well quick! He sounds just like mine who just turned 5 yesterday. He talks and asks questions constantly! Do you have any advice for me with taking DS 5 to DW in February? It'll be his first trip, so I'm super excited.

Can't wait to read the rest!

Thank you...he was a trooper for the entire trip even though he wasn't feeling his best!!

Yes...take a stroller!! I was hesitant...because at home DS hates the stroller. But I'll tell you...it was his best friend...and a life saver for us the entire trip! DW is very tiring and it takes a toll on the little ones!! Even DD jumped in it when DS wasn't paying attention he wasn't in it!

And take a break in the afternoon. You'll see, we got a lot more done to take a break, go back to the hotel, and take a nap. It allowed us to stay out later which is where we saw shorter lines and got more done!

Your DS will love it! Thanks for stopping by!!

 

[TX Momof2]

Thanks for the advice! We actually don't even own a stroller anymore!!! Uh Oh! My MIL is coming with us, so this trip will be a little different with a much slower pace. Most days I'm planning an afternoon break. Also, the trip is in Feb, so I'm hoping for low crowds.

 

[mommytocalliesue]

Thanks for the advice! We actually don't even own a stroller anymore!!! Uh Oh! My MIL is coming with us, so this trip will be a little different with a much slower pace. Most days I'm planning an afternoon break. Also, the trip is in Feb, so I'm hoping for low crowds.

It's ok...if you get desperate, you can always rent a stroller for the time you need it!

Slower pace isn't alway bad! I tried to go slower...but then I always get in Disney mode and feel the need to rush! I hope you have low crowds! We were suppose to have a 4 out of 10 most days...and my DH kept saying, "This is a 4??!!" I think we were at about a 7 or 8!! Either way...you'll have a blast!

 

[wiigirl]

It's ok...if you get desperate, you can always rent a stroller for the time you need it!

Slower pace isn't alway bad! I tried to go slower...but then I always get in Disney mode and feel the need to rush! I hope you have low crowds! We were suppose to have a 4 out of 10 most days...and my DH kept saying, "This is a 4??!!" I think we were at about a 7 or 8!! Either way...you'll have a blast!

 

[mommytocalliesue]

Crabby time!

When we came out of Figment...both kids were grouchy! One was thirsty and hot...and wanted to ride in the stroller (DD) and the other was mad because the other was in HIS stroller!! I will admit...it was warming up when the sun came out...but when the clouds were out...it was still cool!

Since we had a FP for Maelstrom from 12-1, we decided to head over that way. However, DD wanted no part in walking, so we decided to take the Friendship boat...and head over to the American Pavilion to eat lunch! Kids loved the ducks while they waited in line.

Once we got on the boat, we saw we were headed to Morocco and decided we should have taken the other one...but no big deal.

We got off at Morocco, and started to walk to the American Pavilion. We had to stop at the train...DS was in LOVE!! He just loves trains! I wish we could have stayed longer....but we had places to be!

We kept walking, and the crowds were really thick! We couldn't even all walk together...so DS and I went ahead in the stroller.

When we got to the American Pavilion, I took lunch orders and went in to get the food. I told DH to send DD in to help me carry the food...but they all came in and DD was bawling her eyes out.

I said, "What happened?" Well...I guess a bird came after her and she was scared!! I started laughing and that made her even more upset!!

We finally all got settled outside...where DD was so worried about those dang birds. We should have just eaten inside! Then it started sprinkling...very lightly. We were under the umbrella so no big deal. And DS FINALLY ate something...I think 2 chicken nuggets...but it's better than nothing!

When we were done, we made our way to Maelstrom one of DD's favorite rides. There was like a 35 Standby wait...but since we had FP...we went right in!

After this, we decided it was time to head back. It was after 1...and we had a reservation that night at DHS. Plus I could tell DS wasn't feeling well...although he was being a trooper!

A couple pictures on the way out!

As we left, DD wanted to push the stroller!

 

[Wanna be Ariel]

Joining in on the fun! Loving reading your TR since we are going around that time this year!

 

[mommytocalliesue]

Joining in on the fun! Loving reading your TR since we are going around that time this year!

Great!! It truly is a GREAT time to go...hopefully you can pick up some tricks along the TR!!

 

[mommytocalliesue]

Pool time...kind of!

(Sorry about the lack of pictures in this post!!!)

We got back to the hotel, and the plan was for DD and I to head to the pool while DS and DH napped. Well, DS caught wind of us heading to the pool...so he of course he wanted to come. It was kind of chilly...so I knew he wouldn't last long...so I said, "Get dressed!"

I was right! He played for about a minute in the kiddie pool...sat along the side of the big pool for about 5 minutes...then decided he was done! He went back to nap.

DD swam for about 10 minutes. If she was in the sun...it wasn't bad. But in the shade...it was cold. There was quite a breeze as well. So I went to the bar and got myself a Pina Colava (YUM!!!) and her a pop.

We sat out and wrote our journals and enjoyed people watching (I could do this all day!!) You see some interesting people!

After about an hour, we went back to hotel to get ready to go see the Lights!!

 

[mommytocalliesue]

Look at all the lights!

We all were showered and was out the door at like 5:15. We had a reservation for Sci-Fi Diner at 6:30...so figured we had plenty of time. However, we had to wait forever for a bus...then we had to go to Fort Wilderness...and for some reason this bus ride just took forever!

I believe the bus got to the park at 6:20...but we still had to enter and make our way to the restaurant...and of course...they were starting to block things off because of the Osborne Lights...but they did let us through to go to the restaurant.

We checked in right on time and had to wait about another 5 minutes. I was so happy we got seated in a car...it held 6 but no one was ever seated with us.

We were pretty hungry...so we ordered right away. Kids both got the popcorn chicken and fries...Neither ate hardly anything. Marty got the turkey sandwich and thought it was ok...I got a hamburger and it was ok. We all loved the fried pickles though!!

Here are some pictures...we all really liked the atmosphere...it's something different that you don't experience everyday!!

We paid...and since the Osborne Lights were right there...we decided to go look at them now!!

Ok....I knew it was Saturday...and I knew that there would be a lot of people...but it was CRAZY with people. Like...really annoying crazy!! DH of course was just thrilled to go through the lights. But I made him!!

It's hard to see...but ahead of us it was just shoulder to shoulder with people.

We finally got around to the start of the lights...and they were starting to dance...so I told the kids to just sit (or stand!) and watch!

Everyone had to go to the restroom...and close to the entrance there is one...so we all went. Then we came out and stood back...and took it all in!

This was the first picture I posted on Facebook about our trip!! I was so happy!

They were loving it as well!

We finally started walking. I was bummed a little...because it was so busy...and we had a stroller...we just walked straight and didn't go and look up close at all the details. I just feel like I missed some things Like I said...it was still beautiful...but less crowds would have made it better!! We can't have it all unfortunately.

 

[mommytocalliesue]

Where are all the Photopass Photographers?

I could have stayed longer looking at all the lights...but DH had reached his limit!

We started walking out and started making our way out. However, we went by The Great Movie ride and saw it had a 10 minute wait...so we went and rode that!

I know many feel it is outdated...but I love it! I even think DH likes it!! The kids didn't complain either....even at the Alien part!

When we were done, we all decided it was time to head back. But I really wanted a Photopass picture in front of the hat because one of my favorites from last trip was at night in front of the hat.

We headed that way...and we looked...and looked....and looked...but there was not one Photopass photographer taking pictures down the main street entering DHS. I was SO BUMMED!!

Luckily, we found a man that said he'd take our picture. It's a lot farther away than I would like and you can't see the hat, but it still turned out ok!

As we exited, there was a Photopass photographer in front of the big tree...so we at least got our picture there! In the second one, I was definitely laughing at something...I'm not sure what though!

We got right on a bus and headed back to the hotel. The kids always had to ring the bells that were outside of the hotel!

We messed around in the lobby for bit...I helped a big family take a family photo...and then we got some of our kids.

The tree is truly just magical!

We went back to the room and were all exhausted. We were all out by 10:00 pm! We were heading to the Magic Kingdom tomorrow!

 

[mommytocalliesue]

YES...you will ride Space Mountain!

We all slept in until 8:00 am!! We all felt so good when we woke up (or so I thought....)

We took our time getting ready, skipped breakfast, and headed to the boat to go to Magic Kingdom around 9:00.

We got right on a boat and made it to the Magic Kingdom in like 15 min.

It was busy by the time we got there...but we had FP already scheduled. Up first...DD and I had a FP for Space Mountain at 10...and the boys had a FP for Buzz at the same time.

We made our way over to Tomorrowland...and realized the boys didn't need to use a FP as the line was only a 5 min. wait. So I told them to go do that, while we rode Space Mt. While in line, I changed their time for later in the afternoon.

DD was throwing a fit...she didn't want to ride SM yet...I said, "Suck it up...we're going...." She was not thrilled! Last trip she did this same, exact thing...and loved it!!

And of course...once it was over..."Let's do it again!!!"

We got off and texted the boys and they were on the People Mover...so we were going to just wait for them. Then we saw Stitch...so Callie went and got her picture. He was really funny with her and stuck her pen in his ear!

We noticed the People Mover...wasn't moving...so Callie wanted to take some pics. I've deleted all of them but this one...Not flattering at all...but she had fun!

The boys finally got off PM and we decided to go do Monster's Inc. It said a 10 min. wait, but we had to wait a little longer than that. The kids' didn't mind waiting though.

The show was pretty funny! And...guess who got picked when they said they needed to talk to a two headed monster...YUP!! DH and DD!!!! DD is very animated and outgoing with us...but put her in front of a crowd...and she freezes up!!

They asked her where she was from and she got really nervous! She did answer the question...but when they asked her another one...she made DH talk into the microphone...and DH HATES being in front of people...so it was uncomfortable for both of them...but still pretty funny!! In the end I think they both enjoyed it!

By this time, we were needing some breakfast, so we started walking and ended up eating cereal at a foodstand by the Teacups. DH and I split a muffin that was really good.

All of a sudden, DD said she needed to go to the bathroom. She said she had a belly ache and didn't feel well. When I came out and told DH, DS said he didn't feel well and wanted to back to the hotel. I was like, "Seriously!!" She looks happy....

I told DD we had a Rapunzel and Splash Mt. FP coming up...so she agreed to stay for those and then DH would take the kids back while I stayed and rode some rides.

Stay tuned to see if we stuck with that plan....

 

[mommytocalliesue]

Finally...Rapunzel!

We had FP+ at 11:00 for Rapunzel and Snow White. So we made our way that way since it was after 11:00 already. We walked right in, had to wait about 3 minutes, then was allowed in their room. DS wasn't quite sure...but warmed up to her...DD was SO EXCITED!!! This was her first visit with Rapunzel! We had tried during previous visits to see her but the line was always so long, and my patience does not tolerate waiting! So needless to say, DD was in heaven!

Next was Snow White...and DS wanted NOTHING to do with her. He hid behind DH while DD talked princesses!! They discussed who was missing on DD's shirt and had a nice visit!

We left there and decided to go see Philharmagic...but not before we tried to pull the sword out of the stone. Needless to say, neither were strong enough! They had fun trying!

The wait for Philharmagic said 5 minutes, but we must have just missed a show, so had to wait closer to 10! And TMI...but that wait what awful! I believe everyone around us could smell that DD had a tummy bug!! I was so embarrassed...she let two fly while waiting...and whoo....they brought tears to my eyes! Seemed to make her feel better though! I told her though...NO MORE!!!

Just like last time, DS wasn't thrilled about this. The rest of us enjoyed it, but DS wouldn't keep his glasses on so I think that ruined it for him!

After this, we were headed to Splash Mountain....my mission was to get DS on it!!