Back from our very first trip to WDW!!!

[iluv2go2disney]

Hey Amy,
Great start to your TR. I like that it's really detailed. It helps to paint the picture.
I totally agreee about the food at the Pop foodcourt....YUM!!! We've stayed there twice and everything we got was great. I even had parmesan chicken you talked about. Very good use of a CS credit.

 

[noahdove]

Oh, Amy, I am so happy to hear that you had a great time and were able to meet with a fellow disser Your shirts are awesome We will be staying at the PoP also in August. Only 77 days but who's counting? Get rested cause I am sure now that you are back, you will be blasted with requests

 

[rumblytumbly]

We like Pop Century a lot. The theming was very fun and the kids loved that there were 3 pools. They had to try them all!

I do not know if I can pick a favorite park - they were all neat in the own way. The kids would probably say one of the water parks. Hubby would say Hollywood Studios - more on that later.

The character meal we enjoyed the most was probably The Garden Grill. The character interaction was great and the food was so delicious!

Comparing WDW to DL is hard. I loved that there was so much more to do in WDW but was a little overwhelmed by how much. There were many rides at WDW that we went on, that the kids or I would say - 'that is better at DL'. There were many things we loved about WDW, like seeing the Country Bear Jamboree again, the Hoop Dee Doo, the countries in Epcot, etc... But when it comes down to it - I think I am still a DL gal at heart.

Amy,

Forgot to say thanks for the postcards. The kids were so excited. I haven't read your report yet but I'm excited to do it when I get home from work tonight!

 

[Myhappythought5]

What fun. I am glad you had a great time. All the projects look great!!.

 

[heatherbabydoll1]

Amy,
I also love the mint idea! I do something similar, but that is so cute!

 

[rumblytumbly]

I guess I should tell you first - the cast of characters were my hubby, my DD 12 and DS 8 (days away from 9) and myself.

May 27 - Super Shuttle picked us up bright and early at 6:20am and off to the airport we went. The flight went well, the kids were very good and quiet. Now if only we didn't have to use the bathroom so many times! ha ha

We got in around 4:00 pm Florida time (losing 3 hours was quite an adjustment). We took the Magical Express Bus. We all enjoyed the cheesy little movie on the way and it sure made the time pass by quickly. Loved the collapsable feet rests!

Checked into the hotel (Pop Century) and headed out to our room. We were on the third floor in the building just behind the Big Wheel. We loved calling out all the items we passed on our way. Yoyo, Twister, etc.. It was very easy to find our room and by the end of the trip the kids were taking turns leading us back and forth from our room and the lobby/buses.

We dropped off our carryons and went back downstairs to eat. We really enjoyed the dining at Pop Century - the parmesan chicken with salad and breadstick was our favorite! After filling our bellies, we headed out to Epcot.

There was a little rain while we were on the bus but it stopped by the time we got off. Perfect timing! It was probably around 7:00 by the time we got to the park. We got ourselves a PhotoPass card and got our picture taken with "the golfball". My son continually called it that, even though he knew the real name - just to be crazy.

After taking a few pictures at the entrance, we went on Spaceship Earth. The kids absolutely loved it! They, of course, loved that their pictures were taken and inserted into the movie at the end. They both did crazy faces and we all laughed so hard. My hubby and I sat in the car behind them - so we got to see their movie as well as our own. My daughter had her hands up by her head and it looked like she had antlers. Very funny!

After the ride, we headed back to find a spot for Illuminations. Of couse, stopping for pictures at the fountain first! The area was already filling up but we found a spot next to the ferry dock. There was a really nice family sitting next to us that shared their area with us. The seats were probably not the best seats in the house, but we could see well enough. It was such a perfect way to start our trip. I loved the fireworks, although my son thought that they were too loud. I really liked the earth and all the effects - very cool!

On our way out of the park, my daughter found a huge snail in one of the planters. She loved playing with it. (Even though I would not let her touch it - yuck!) She loves all living thigs and she was so entranced with the natural wildlife we saw during the trip - snails, bunnies, lizards, spiders, birds, ducks, etc...

We went back to our room and to my children's surprise, there was a cake waiting for us. It was a simple cake that said "1st Trip". It was very yummy but there was no way we could eat it all.

Off to bed at around 11:30pm - which is only 8:30 pm our time but I know how early the morning will feel!

I hope all of this is not too much information. I am not sure how much you all want to know.

Amy,

Certainly not too much information for me! I'll savor all the details you are willing to provide(It's been 11 years since I've been there - prekids!)
So, I'm curious, what did you think about WDW and your kids ages. Are you glad you waited until they were this old or do you think you would have managed ok at a little bit younger?

Ready for day 2 any time you're ready to post!!

 

[lidlfish]

I love your DISigns! That new one (that I know you can't share) has a darn cute mickey on it! I was thinking of doing a smaller planner simular to the one that you posted pictures of, so much easier to carry along with me. We will be making our first trip May 2010. I can't wait! I've just started collecting ideas for all of the things I want to make for my boys. I've gotten some really good ideas from you!

 

[M_I_C_K_E_Y]

I love all your shirts, but my absolute favorite is the 4 park design on the black shirts. I would have never thought of using black. It looks great.
I am flattered that you read my whole TR. We're leaving in 10 days but I don't think I'm doing one for this trip. Way too much work! I hope you write one though. I would definately read it.

I wanted a color that would go with all the various shades we chose and I am not a big fan of white shirts - so black was the natural choice. I am so glad I chose black - the colors really popped.

Hi Amy!
They got them yesterday! They were BOTH very excited!!! Danny carried his around all day!
Everything you made for your trip looks Fantastic! I can't wait to hear more about it!

I am so glad they liked them. It amazes me how much longer it took to get to you. Ours were waiting for us when we got back. Crazy since mine had to go across the entire U.S.

Good to know! We are staying offsite in October; I am in town for a convention. We do plan on reserving one character meal, so I'll add this to the list of possibilities. Can't wait to hear more! Mattie

The only character meals we did were Garden Grill and Crystal Palace. I have heard wonderful things about others as well but it just wasn't what we were after (charcter wise), be sure to look into others.

YAY! More! More! I want to hear more!

Love your TR.....
The exhaustion and the Disney depression was what I had for 2 weeks after. Here's hoping it doesn't last as long as mine did. Now I just live through everyone elses TR. Keep it coming!!!

Day2 - coming shortly!

Amy,
I am so happy that you and your family got to go. I still use your designs I got from you years ago and it is so cool you got to see your design at the parks. They are all over the place and people have been blessed by your work. I love your first report and pics. I can't wait for more!
Heather used to be in SC now in KY!

I am so glad there are still people using my former Disney designs. It makes me happy to know they are still 'out there'.

Hey Amy,
Great start to your TR. I like that it's really detailed. It helps to paint the picture.
I totally agreee about the food at the Pop foodcourt....YUM!!! We've stayed there twice and everything we got was great. I even had parmesan chicken you talked about. Very good use of a CS credit.

We had it numerous times over our 10 day trip! Yum!

Oh, Amy, I am so happy to hear that you had a great time and were able to meet with a fellow disser Your shirts are awesome We will be staying at the PoP also in August. Only 77 days but who's counting? Get rested cause I am sure now that you are back, you will be blasted with requests

I will have to ease myself back in slowly - I am still trying to work on my Photopass CD and Photobook within the 30 day timeframe.

Amy,
Forgot to say thanks for the postcards. The kids were so excited. I haven't read your report yet but I'm excited to do it when I get home from work tonight!

Tell them that they are very welcome. It was the least I could do for a friend.

What fun. I am glad you had a great time. All the projects look great!!.

Thanks!

Amy,
I also love the mint idea! I do something similar, but that is so cute!

More on this later!

Amy,
Certainly not too much information for me! I'll savor all the details you are willing to provide(It's been 11 years since I've been there - prekids!)
So, I'm curious, what did you think about WDW and your kids ages. Are you glad you waited until they were this old or do you think you would have managed ok at a little bit younger?
Ready for day 2 any time you're ready to post!!

I am so glad I waited until they were a little older. Both children were able to do everything! The only thing that was slightly an issue was that my daughter was too tall to do the zipline at the water park. But she handled it well. I am so glad they could both ride everything!

I love your DISigns! That new one (that I know you can't share) has a darn cute mickey on it! I was thinking of doing a smaller planner simular to the one that you posted pictures of, so much easier to carry along with me. We will be making our first trip May 2010. I can't wait! I've just started collecting ideas for all of the things I want to make for my boys. I've gotten some really good ideas from you!

That Mickey came from a pin graphic, I believe, and I just removed him from the full image. I loved my planner and used it frequently during the trip. Having everything in one place was fabulous!

 

[lidlfish]

Thanks..Now I know where I had seen that Mickey before. I had seen that pin and thought what a cute shirt that would make. I think I even saved it to my computer to see if I could turn it into a cute design.

 

[M_I_C_K_E_Y]

May 28th - Animal Kingdom and 'Ohana

My goal was to get to the parks and in line before opening each day. I mis-judged how long it would take for us to get out in the morning so we were a little late getting down to the bus line.

While standing in line for the bus, one of my children say to me "Mom, there's a design". At first I said - "How do you know? where?" Well it was easy to tell because they were wearing the same ones as us. (Natalie's AK circle design) Well we had to pull out our trusty mints to present to our first "spotted" friends. After handing the mom the mint, she looked at it and said "Are you the Amymickey?" She then stated that she used my transfers and already had a chance to wash them on their trip and about how much she loved them. Boy, did that make me feel good! After taking the bus to AK and telling them to have a nice trip, we went to the entrance.

The first thing we did was head back to the Kilimanjaro Safari as I had heard that morning was the best time to do this. We really enjoyed the animals and I think only the lion was napping.

We got a fastpass for Expedition Everest for later and went on Primeval Whirl. We thought it was fun - kinda reminded us of Mullholland Madness in California Adventure. Then got a fastpass for Dinosuar and had lunch at Restaurantosaurus. Took some short time after lunch studying spiders in the planters - did I say my daughter loved all living things? After studying the spiders, we used our fastpasses for Dinosaur. We really enjoyed the queque of Dinosaur with the large dinosaur in the middle and all the creations along the walls. Very cool! Hubby and I liked the Dinosaur ride but both children thought it was scary.

Then we headed out to go through the Tough to be a Bug queque. We have been on the ride here in California and the kids don't care for it but I had heard we had to at least visit the queque. We were so glad we did! We really enjoyed all of the animals around the tree. We took our time really searching out all the animals and enjoying the shear talent it takes to make those. We then checked out some of the animal locations around the tree area. The sea otters were the kids favorites. We stood there for quite some time watching the otters "doing their laps" and squeeking like a squeeky toy.

We then found a spot for the Mickey's Jammin Jungle Parade with an ice cream treat. The parade was very fun. The kids enjoyed the characters and bubbles. Hubby and I really liked the monkey puppet thing. Very cool the way it worked. Those people must get a workout daily doing that! After the parade we followed it over to the Asia area. We were headed to Expedition Everest.

On our way, DD and hubby stopped to play the drums. After a short time, a "native" came and played with them as well. I had to practically drag them away. As we were leaving we had the pleasure of seeing DiVine! I had heard a little about her but had completely forgotten to look for her and there she was. She is amazing! So graceful and beautiful. What a talent!

Then on to ride Everest. We used our fastpasses and were on quickly. Hubby didn't like it - he doesn't like backwards rides - but the kids an I loved it! So since the wait time was only 10 minutes or so, the three of us went on it again.

There were a lot of things we didn't get to do that were on our list but we had a great time. Off to the Buses to go to Poly for 'Ohana. We really like 'Ohana. The food was great! Our favorite was the Pork Potstickers. Very tasty! DD joined in on the fun while DS stayed back at the table with us. After dinner, our plan was to head out to the beach and watch the Fireworks and the Water Pagent.

We went out to the beach and basically stood there for less than 5 minutes, when a cast member said we needed to go back into the hotel, that a storm was coming. We didn't even get to the hotel door before it was pouring rain! It rained for quite some time and we just wandered around in the lobby. After the rain quit, we again headed back out. We ended up standing on the dock instead of the beach. There was a handful people out there already. A man and his daughters and another group of 3 people. It turned out that the group of 3 were a man and woman who became engaged right in front of us and the friend who was the camera man. That was neat! Turned out that the Fireworks didn't happen that night and the Water Pagent didn't have any music. A little disappointing.

We quickly hopped on the Ferry to MK so we could go back to our hotel. We didn't want to get stranded at the Poly. (my daughter was very disappointed that she didn't get to play on the beach) On our way over to MK, we again saw the Water Pagent and this time got to hear the music, so it was a good call to do the Ferry. From MK we just caught the bus back to our hotel.

 

[iluv2go2disney]

That's so cool that you saw the family with the designs. We hardly ever see anyone else wearing them. We do, however, have TONS of people stop us and ask where we got our shirts.

What kind of mints did you make? We make them also and my kids give them to the CM they trade pins with as a sort of thank you present.

 

[M_I_C_K_E_Y]

That's so cool that you saw the family with the designs. We hardly ever see anyone else wearing them. We do, however, have TONS of people stop us and ask where we got our shirts.

What kind of mints did you make? We make them also and my kids give them to the CM they trade pins with as a sort of thank you present.

There is a picture in post #15. They are like matchbook covers and then we stapled in individual Lifesaver mints inside them.

We made a lot to hand out to Cast Members. They said "Thanks A Mint" on the bottom flap and then "Thanks for making Our First Trip a little more magical" on the front cover with just a graphic of the balloons on the back cover. The kids just handed them out to any Cast Member they wished. They often picked those that often get overlooked, like bus drivers, ferry and monorail drivers, security bag inspectors, or anyone they came in contact with during the day. It is always fun to see their expressions.

The other set we made were to hand out to people who we spotted with any design from here on the boards. The front cover had Dalmatians and said "You have been spotted" and the flap said "By Amy (and family) aka M_I_C_K_E_Y from the Creative DISigns"

 

[kflowers]

Where did you get your vinyl to do the window stickers on the first report? I would love to do some for my trip..

 

[M_I_C_K_E_Y]

Where did you get your vinyl to do the window stickers on the first report? I would love to do some for my trip..

The window clings themselves I bought from Staples. I think they were about 10 sheets for around $15.00.

The white spray I used, I bought from Home Depot. The spray was made by Rust-oleum and was a white "Vinyl" spray - made for vinyl and fabric.

 

[tmdart]

Oh Amy! I'm so excited for you that you finally got to go to DW. We have only been to DW and would like to go to DL sometime. My DH has been there, but at such a young age, he only remembers coming out of the butt of the whale on the Pinnochio ride. Sorry to be posting so late, but we've been on vacation this past week. Just got in today from a long drive home from Allentown PA. We love all the hard work you did to make your vacation special and will have to keep a link to this thread for help remembering some of your ideas. Hope your rested. Have a blessed day.

 

[briarbear]

You are a true artist. Thanks for taking the time to share your great idea's. Do you have a link for the mints (directions/grafics)?

 

[caz1712]

Oh WOW Amy!! All your projects look fantastic!

Really enjoying your wee trippie! I'm in the middle of writing mine from Nov/Dec over on a British Disney Forum just now but I had thought about putting it on over here too! Mines is really long so far though!LOL

I hope you keep writing I love hearing about everyone's experiences!

Carreen
xxx

 

[rumblytumbly]

May 28th - Animal Kingdom and 'Ohana

My goal was to get to the parks and in line before opening each day. I mis-judged how long it would take for us to get out in the morning so we were a little late getting down to the bus line.

While standing in line for the bus, one of my children say to me "Mom, there's a design". At first I said - "How do you know? where?" Well it was easy to tell because they were wearing the same ones as us. (Natalie's AK circle design) Well we had to pull out our trusty mints to present to our first "spotted" friends. After handing the mom the mint, she looked at it and said "Are you the Amymickey?" She then stated that she used my transfers and already had a chance to wash them on their trip and about how much she loved them. Boy, did that make me feel good! After taking the bus to AK and telling them to have a nice trip, we went to the entrance.

The first thing we did was head back to the Kilimanjaro Safari as I had heard that morning was the best time to do this. We really enjoyed the animals and I think only the lion was napping.

We got a fastpass for Expedition Everest for later and went on Primeval Whirl. We thought it was fun - kinda reminded us of Mullholland Madness in California Adventure. Then got a fastpass for Dinosuar and had lunch at Restaurantosaurus. Took some short time after lunch studying spiders in the planters - did I say my daughter loved all living things? After studying the spiders, we used our fastpasses for Dinosaur. We really enjoyed the queque of Dinosaur with the large dinosaur in the middle and all the creations along the walls. Very cool! Hubby and I liked the Dinosaur ride but both children thought it was scary.

Then we headed out to go through the Tough to be a Bug queque. We have been on the ride here in California and the kids don't care for it but I had heard we had to at least visit the queque. We were so glad we did! We really enjoyed all of the animals around the tree. We took our time really searching out all the animals and enjoying the shear talent it takes to make those. We then checked out some of the animal locations around the tree area. The sea otters were the kids favorites. We stood there for quite some time watching the otters "doing their laps" and squeeking like a squeeky toy.

We then found a spot for the Mickey's Jammin Jungle Parade with an ice cream treat. The parade was very fun. The kids enjoyed the characters and bubbles. Hubby and I really liked the monkey puppet thing. Very cool the way it worked. Those people must get a workout daily doing that! After the parade we followed it over to the Asia area. We were headed to Expedition Everest.

On our way, DD and hubby stopped to play the drums. After a short time, a "native" came and played with them as well. I had to practically drag them away. As we were leaving we had the pleasure of seeing DiVine! I had heard a little about her but had completely forgotten to look for her and there she was. She is amazing! So graceful and beautiful. What a talent!

Then on to ride Everest. We used our fastpasses and were on quickly. Hubby didn't like it - he doesn't like backwards rides - but the kids an I loved it! So since the wait time was only 10 minutes or so, the three of us went on it again.

There were a lot of things we didn't get to do that were on our list but we had a great time. Off to the Buses to go to Poly for 'Ohana. We really like 'Ohana. The food was great! Our favorite was the Pork Potstickers. Very tasty! DD joined in on the fun while DS stayed back at the table with us. After dinner, our plan was to head out to the beach and watch the Fireworks and the Water Pagent.

We went out to the beach and basically stood there for less than 5 minutes, when a cast member said we needed to go back into the hotel, that a storm was coming. We didn't even get to the hotel door before it was pouring rain! It rained for quite some time and we just wandered around in the lobby. After the rain quit, we again headed back out. We ended up standing on the dock instead of the beach. There was a handful people out there already. A man and his daughters and another group of 3 people. It turned out that the group of 3 were a man and woman who became engaged right in front of us and the friend who was the camera man. That was neat! Turned out that the Fireworks didn't happen that night and the Water Pagent didn't have any music. A little disappointing.

We quickly hopped on the Ferry to MK so we could go back to our hotel. We didn't want to get stranded at the Poly. (my daughter was very disappointed that she didn't get to play on the beach) On our way over to MK, we again saw the Water Pagent and this time got to hear the music, so it was a good call to do the Ferry. From MK we just caught the bus back to our hotel.

I'm loving it Amy! What did you do the next day?

 

[kflowers]

The window clings themselves I bought from Staples. I think they were about 10 sheets for around $15.00.

The white spray I used, I bought from Home Depot. The spray was made by Rust-oleum and was a white "Vinyl" spray - made for vinyl and fabric.

Thanks! Can't wait to try!

 

[GoofySon'sMom]

Lovin' your report! So cool that you saw your designs and Natalies! We never ended up making the CM thank you candys last year ... I think that may be a must project this year!