Back from our very first trip to WDW!!!

[M_I_C_K_E_Y]

Hi Amy!
So glad to read that you finally got to WDW! You've done so many designs for me and so many others through the years, that I'm glad YOU finally got to go!
Your Disney designs really made our 2007 family trip! I'm sad you can't do them anymore. But you have made so many other special designs for us too. (Even one to announce our third baby!) We really appreciate it! You're very talented! I really enjoyed seeing the stuff you made for your trip!

I was not going to do a trip report but thought that a mini trip report on this site was in order. I wanted to share with all of you - my creative DISigns friends - that we finally made it! I am so glad I have been able to make so many memories with all of you and share in those special times with you. Thank you for your kind words!

Yeah an update!
AI experience sounds great! I have not really been interested in this at DHS, but your experience has made me want to at least check it out!
Question...where can I find the "Thanks a Mint" and "You have been Spotted" match book templates/designs? I would love to make some of those!
Thanks!
Lynn

Those particular designs I made and cannot share. (sorry - I can only do non-Disney designs)

Telynn is the designer who posted the original idea of the mints. See post #64 for a link to Telynn's 4 shared account. There you will find many variations to use. She is not currently designing but there are many you could use 'as is'.

 

[rumblytumbly]

So, I left off with hubby just getting let out of the American Idol audition phase and us heading out to lunch. For the American Idol thing, they had pinned an audition number to hubby's shirt and gave him a lanyard thing with a large badge that said "Vote for Me". I guess he was supposed to campaign for votes while wandering around the park. He had a ball with this. He would say just loud enough for everyone to hear "Vote for me, 4:00 show, #2" He did this repeatedly, more or less to drive us crazy.

We got to Sci Fi and checked in and he was already campaining in the lobby. He was on cloud 9. We got seated in our car and shortly after had some hitchhikers. There was a very nice couple celebrating her birthday. We enjoyed visiting with them and they very nicely took a group shot of us in our car. We all had shakes to drink (it counted as a beverage on the dining plan) and ordered our food. The kids loved the movies and loved hearing the "purple people eater" and "glob" songs. Lunch was delicous and we all really liked the theming. My son kept saying "Mom, you need to go to the snack bar". He thought they were being serious on the screen. Very cute!

From lunch we went to Toy Story Mania to use our fast passes. We have done this in California but it is always a family favorite. Then we went to the Studio Backlot tour. Hubby would say to the buses leaving before us "Vote for me". Everyone would laugh and ask him which show. It was funny. We really liked the tour - especially the Herbie car in half, Mulan's horse and the Narnia stuff in the cages. Our favorite was the "scene". Where the tram shakes and the flowing water and fire.

Hubby had to be back to American Idol by 2:50 for makeup and rehearsal - did I say this is a total production! So after the backlot tour, we rushed to get him there on time. Since they had told us to be back by 3:30, we didn't have much time so we hung out by the Chinese Theatre checking out all the celebrity hand prints. Then the Block Party Bash was coming. We headed up to the platform of American Idol where we needed to check in. They let us stay just inside the gates and watch the Block Party Bash from there. (since we have seen this is California it was not a must do for us but we couldn't beat the spot) As the parade ended, we noticed Warwick Davis (he was Wicket, the lead Ewok in Star Wars as well as other things). As they put us in the VIP holding area, Warwick Davis and his family were waiting in the same area. There were probably only about 10 or 15 people in this area. I tossed it around in my head for awhile but finally had to say something. I first told him my hubby was in the show and that he should vote for #2. Then said "I know you hear it all the time but could I get a picture of you with my children?" He very nicely said "yes". My children loved the fact that we saw a celebrity.

The American Idol show was very neat. It made it even more exciting to see my hubby on stage. I knew it was his dream come true and that made me happy. They had done this cute mock up movie of him getting chosen - he burst out of the door and flung my DD around, they showed him with his "fans", a bit on how he loved Kelly Clarkson and hubby's words kinda narrating part of it. My favorite part of the show was when hubby said something about "this is for my wife". He sand "I can see clearly now" which was perfect for the time with all the rain. My hubby did not win the show, which was OK, he was so happy with the experience. I was glad also because I missed him and my DD and if he had been picked he would have had to be in the 7:00 show as well. It was so funny after the show some people actually stopped him to get his autograph. That was such a boost for my hubby.

After stopping to buy an American Idol shirt, we headed to the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular. The kids loved the Big Rolling Ball and the undercover stunt guy who kept getting beat up.

After Indiana Jones, we went to use our fast passes for Rock N Roller Coaster. Then went to the Voyage of the Little Mermaid. The kids were not sure if they would like it. We all loved the effects of being underwater. Very neat show! From there we headed to the closing Star Wars show (I am not sure what it was called). We had seen previous years on the computer and knew we would not want to miss it. It was very funny and the kids really liked it!

The park was closing so we went back to the hotel, had dinner and then swam in the Hippy Dippy Pool (the flower pool). There were lots of people in the pool and the kids had a ball.

Amy,

My goodness, that American Idol sounds like quite a production. Glad your hubby had so much fun. I'm loving your trip report!

 

[M_I_C_K_E_Y]

Amy,

My goodness, that American Idol sounds like quite a production. Glad your hubby had so much fun. I'm loving your trip report!

Kari,

I am so glad you have been reading my report - it is so nice sharing it with you. I read on your thread about your possible computer issues - I hope you got everything fixed without any loss.

 

[M_I_C_K_E_Y]

May 31 - Blizzard Beach

Left the hotel good and early with just the minimum of stuff. As we were preparing to leave the hotel - I went through the list of stuff we needed. I did not want to take anything we didn't really need because we did not intend to get a locker, would just rent some towels and leave everything on our chairs. We ended up with a small bag with just hats, sunscreen, goggles, etc... We left wallets, phones etc back at the hotel. Well if you can't see where this is going, let me just say that as we were headed to the park (with a short stop at Animal Kingdom) I realized that I told my hubby to only bring ONE magic your way card. I was thinking about needing it to buy stuff but obviously NOT thinking about the fact that we needed them to enter the park. Wow - what a blonde moment.

Well the bus driver told us to get off at AK and that a bus would take us back to the hotel. We waited for about 5 to 10 minutes when another bus driver got out and told us that someone was on their way but normally they do not have pick up that early. We felt very stranded but it worked out in the end. So after getting back to the hotel, going to the room to retrieve the other cards and getting out for the second time - we had wasted about an hour from the time we had originally left. Boy, was I kicking myself. I guess that will be a memory we won't forget.

After arriving at the park - finally - we found a spot for our stuff and headed up the chairlift. I had only done minimal research on the water parks but remembered that Summit Plummet was the ride to go to first. I am afraid of heights so as we got closer to the top I was nervous but was surely not going to turn back. As I got to the top, I said to the CM that the water was very cold, he said 'that is the least of your worries'. Let's just say the ride was quite an experience. It was fun and scary (mostly scary) - thank goodness it was short.

We then did Slush Gusher - with the bumps on the slide the kids called it a "spanker slide" because with each bump it spanks you. The last drop seemed like it would go on forever. We liked this one much better than Summit Plummet.

We then stopped for Snowballs (like snowcones). This counted as a snack on the dining plan. It was a nice refreshing treat but we all thought they put in too much syrup.

We then headed back up the chairlift and went on Teamboat Springs. The kids liked when we went up on the sides of the slide because it felt like the raft was going to fold in two. Then hubby said "we're taking on water". My daughter screamed and then we all laughed.

We then headed over to the Runoff Rapids. The first time we went on it, all four of us went. The kids wanted to go again but Mom and Dad didn't want to climb the steps again - so the kids went on their own. Then talked Dad into a third time while my back was turned looking at the map. They really liked this one!

We then hopped on the Cross Country Creek and got off at the front of the park (to have lunch at Lottawatta Lodge). The Creek was a nice relaxing ride until we got to the waterfalls. My son was holding my tube keeping me under the falls and boy was the water cold. He, of course, thought it was funny - me - not so much! The kids also enjoyed the Gator House that sneezed water.

After lunch, we went on Snow Stormers, Downhill Dipper and Toboggan Racers. My son was disappointed that he was not even making it past the finish line on the Taboggan Racer slide - so went on it 3 times.

To end our day, we went to the Melt Away Bay (wave pool). We let the kids stay in until the park was closing.

We went back to the hotel, changed, ate at the hotel and headed to Downtown Disney. Our plan was to hit Disney Quest. We walked through a couple of shops and after looking at the map a little closer found out about the ferry that would bring us to the other side. By the time we made it over to Disney Quest, it was 9:45 pm and they closed in 15 minutes so we figured we would come back another day. We took the ferry back and then headed back to the hotel.

 

[donatalie]

Hey Amy!

Sounds like you guys really had a blast at DHS and BB! I can't believe you rode Summit Plummet! I'm just a big chicken..... but you guys seem pretty darn adventurous!

 

[sluna77]

Wow Amy. ..all those items are GREAT!!!! I am amazed!!!

Loving your trip report!!!

 

[M_I_C_K_E_Y]

Hey Amy!

Sounds like you guys really had a blast at DHS and BB! I can't believe you rode Summit Plummet! I'm just a big chicken..... but you guys seem pretty darn adventurous!

Natalie,
If I had truely done research and knew a little bit more about it, I'm not sure if we would have all done it - but like I always tell the kids "you should always try something once". At least now we know, we really do not want to do that one again. Be sure to check your email today!

Wow Amy. ..all those items are GREAT!!!! I am amazed!!!
Loving your trip report!!!

Thanks!

 

[dd50]

Great TR. Sounds like you all had a wonderful trip.

 

[rumblytumbly]

Kari,

I am so glad you have been reading my report - it is so nice sharing it with you. I read on your thread about your possible computer issues - I hope you got everything fixed without any loss.

Thanks Amy,

I deleted a ton of stuff and it freed up a lot of space so now things seem to be working well again. Thanks for the thoughts!

May 31 - Blizzard Beach

Left the hotel good and early with just the minimum of stuff. As we were preparing to leave the hotel - I went through the list of stuff we needed. I did not want to take anything we didn't really need because we did not intend to get a locker, would just rent some towels and leave everything on our chairs. We ended up with a small bag with just hats, sunscreen, goggles, etc... We left wallets, phones etc back at the hotel. Well if you can't see where this is going, let me just say that as we were headed to the park (with a short stop at Animal Kingdom) I realized that I told my hubby to only bring ONE magic your way card. I was thinking about needing it to buy stuff but obviously NOT thinking about the fact that we needed them to enter the park. Wow - what a blonde moment.

Well the bus driver told us to get off at AK and that a bus would take us back to the hotel. We waited for about 5 to 10 minutes when another bus driver got out and told us that someone was on their way but normally they do not have pick up that early. We felt very stranded but it worked out in the end. So after getting back to the hotel, going to the room to retrieve the other cards and getting out for the second time - we had wasted about an hour from the time we had originally left. Boy, was I kicking myself. I guess that will be a memory we won't forget.

After arriving at the park - finally - we found a spot for our stuff and headed up the chairlift. I had only done minimal research on the water parks but remembered that Summit Plummet was the ride to go to first. I am afraid of heights so as we got closer to the top I was nervous but was surely not going to turn back. As I got to the top, I said to the CM that the water was very cold, he said 'that is the least of your worries'. Let's just say the ride was quite an experience. It was fun and scary (mostly scary) - thank goodness it was short.

We then did Slush Gusher - with the bumps on the slide the kids called it a "spanker slide" because with each bump it spanks you. The last drop seemed like it would go on forever. We liked this one much better than Summit Plummet.

We then stopped for Snowballs (like snowcones). This counted as a snack on the dining plan. It was a nice refreshing treat but we all thought they put in too much syrup.

We then headed back up the chairlift and went on Teamboat Springs. The kids liked when we went up on the sides of the slide because it felt like the raft was going to fold in two. Then hubby said "we're taking on water". My daughter screamed and then we all laughed.

We then headed over to the Runoff Rapids. The first time we went on it, all four of us went. The kids wanted to go again but Mom and Dad didn't want to climb the steps again - so the kids went on their own. Then talked Dad into a third time while my back was turned looking at the map. They really liked this one!

We then hopped on the Cross Country Creek and got off at the front of the park (to have lunch at Lottawatta Lodge). The Creek was a nice relaxing ride until we got to the waterfalls. My son was holding my tube keeping me under the falls and boy was the water cold. He, of course, thought it was funny - me - not so much! The kids also enjoyed the Gator House that sneezed water.

After lunch, we went on Snow Stormers, Downhill Dipper and Toboggan Racers. My son was disappointed that he was not even making it past the finish line on the Taboggan Racer slide - so went on it 3 times.

To end our day, we went to the Melt Away Bay (wave pool). We let the kids stay in until the park was closing.

We went back to the hotel, changed, ate at the hotel and headed to Downtown Disney. Our plan was to hit Disney Quest. We walked through a couple of shops and after looking at the map a little closer found out about the ferry that would bring us to the other side. By the time we made it over to Disney Quest, it was 9:45 pm and they closed in 15 minutes so we figured we would come back another day. We took the ferry back and then headed back to the hotel.

Amy,

Gotta love those water parks! Last time DH and I were there at WDW was just after BB opened. We went but it was a very hot day and the trees had just been planted so there was very little shade. We headed over for TL for more shade so we didn't even go on any of the slides. Sound like you had a great day with your family. Good for you for doing Summit Plummet!

Kari

 

[wendypooh]

Amy - loving the TR!!!! Sounds like you guys had so much fun!!!!! I'm a Summit Plummet fraidycat too............ so, I'm proud of you for doing it!!!!

Waiting for more...................

 

[taekwondo mom]

OMG !! I can't believe you did Summit Plummet

I'm lovin your report, Please keep going

 

[M_I_C_K_E_Y]

Great TR. Sounds like you all had a wonderful trip.

Thank you - we really did have a great trip!

Thanks Amy,
I deleted a ton of stuff and it freed up a lot of space so now things seem to be working well again. Thanks for the thoughts!

Amy,
Gotta love those water parks! Last time DH and I were there at WDW was just after BB opened. We went but it was a very hot day and the trees had just been planted so there was very little shade. We headed over for TL for more shade so we didn't even go on any of the slides. Sound like you had a great day with your family. Good for you for doing Summit Plummet!
Kari

Kari,
I am glad to hear the computer issues have been resolved. Be sure to check your email!

Amy - loving the TR!!!! Sounds like you guys had so much fun!!!!! I'm a Summit Plummet fraidycat too............ so, I'm proud of you for doing it!!!!
Waiting for more...................

After hearing how truely BRAVE we were for trying it - makes me know that I should have done far more research ahead of time - but we lived through it!

OMG !! I can't believe you did Summit Plummet
I'm lovin your report, Please keep going

Day 6 - coming up next... I am going to try harder to get more done here this week.

 

[M_I_C_K_E_Y]

June 1 - Crystal Palace, Magic Kingdom, Tony's Town Square

Got out bright and early to be at the parks before our scheduled breakfast at 8:05. I was very excited to get an ADR for Crystal Palace before park opening because my top priority was to get a group picture in front of the castle with no one else in them but us.

As we arrived at the parks, we headed for the gate that would be open. As we approached the gate, I noticed a familiar design of Bayou Mickey and introduced myself to him and his wife. As I had already stated, we were able to visit with them while waiting in line and they were both very nice. It was quite a treat to go all that way and see someone from the boards.

Upon entering the park, we headed for the castle area and looked for the Photopass Photographers. We could not find one which surprised me. There was a man who was waiting to take a picture for a choir and he nicely took our picture for us. After snapping a few pictures of our own, we noticed the Photopass Photographers had arrived. We had a few taken by them and then headed over for our breakfast. We checked in and were seated within 5 minutes. Since we were not doing autographs during this trip, we decided to do an autograph shirt during the character meal. The kids thought it was fun to have the charcters sign the shirts. (The shirts were not being worn but hand carried in)

After breakfast, we went to Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin. We went on the ride and got a fast pass for later. We thought that the queue for the ride was much cooler than the one in Disneyland but the ride itself was harder to play than the one in Disneyland.

Hubby wasn't feeling well so he went back to the hotel and the kids and I were on our own. Since Magic Kingdom is pretty similar to Disneyland, there was not a lot on our "Must Do" list. We had allotted two days for Magic Kingdom.

We then did The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Snow White's Scary Adventures, got Fast Passes for Peter Pan's Flight, It's A Small World, Haunted Mansion and Mickey's PhilharMagic.

We liked the effect on the Haunted Mansion that the crystal ball actually floats - this was better than the DL version. I thought the storyline seemed a little more graphic on the WDW version but the kids did not agree.

We absolutely LOVED Mickey's PhilharMagic. This was one of our favorites at Magic Kingdom. Everything about it was great - the movie, the effects, the smells/wind - LOVED IT!

From there we headed to Adventureland. We wanted to do the Country Bear Jamboree when hubby returned and The Enchanted Tiki Room was closed so we headed for Pirates of the Caribbean. On the way there, the kids got a little distracted by the Tiki Fountains so we stopped there for awhile. Just long enough for them to be cooled off but not soaked. The kids noticed some details missing in the WDW Pirates version but overall it is the same. We then did the Swiss Family Treehouse. This was neat for us because the one in Disneyland has been changed to Tarzan and the kids never saw it before it was changed. So even though the premise is the same, the theming of the Swiss Family Treehouse (in my opinion) is better.

Then we stopped for snacks. DS and I had churros and DD had a turkey leg. We stopped out front of the Liberty Square market area and sat while we ate. It was here, we encountered the IBIS birds. They are quite the aggressive birds sometimes. There was a poor lady by us that had to keep picking up her food and walk away from it so it would leave her alone. Then it wanted some turkey meat that had fallen just underneath my DD feet. This freaked out my DD as it kept approaching her and her feet.

From there, we went to Mickey's Toontown Fair. We rode Goofy's Barnstormer. We really liked the queue. DS even found a Hidden Mickey. Then the kids played in Donald's Boat and of course got soaked. I called hubby and woke him up so that he would be back before dinner.

We walked through Mickey's Country House. I didn't care for the fact that everything was like a museum and not open and interactive but absolutely LOVED the garden area. DD found a Hidden Mickey in Mickey's yard. We skipped the photo-op at the Judge's Tent because of the long line and the kids were not interested. We then walked through Minnie's Country House. It was much more crowded in Minnie's house.

After leaving Toontown, we went back to Peter Pan to use our fast passes from earlier. Not much different than the one in DL except the missing stars. As we got off the ride, hubby called saying he was waiting for us in front of the castle. We had to walk around because the pass thru was closed but soon found out it was because of the parade. As we met up with hubby, he was in the best spot for the parade (Celebrate A Dream Come True) - directly in front of the castle, on the Partner's side of the street. Since the parade started in 20 minutes, we didn't have to wait long. The CM entertained us and then they had jump roping for the kids right in front of where we were standing. The parade was very cute and the dancers were amazing as always!

After the parade, we headed for Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor. We all enjoyed this! We have always enjoyed Turtle Talk with Crush and since this is along the same lines, it was right up our alley. Very funny! We were all rolling!

From there we headed toward Main Street for our ADR at Tony's at 5:00. Since we were a little early, we pit stopped at Casey's Corner to watch "Jim" play the piano. We are always amazed at the talent at Disney. Jim was no exception. Incredible!

We stopped in City Hall to ask where Pluto was in the park (since he is both of my children's favorite costumed character) He was located right across the hub just inside the park. We quickly went over and got in line and within 5 minutes or so it was already our turn. The kids had Pluto sign their shirts and posed for pictures.

We then went to our dinner at Tony's. The food was fantastic and the service was great as well. Bad Mom - forgot to order the kids food without sauce and decided to just scrape it off. I had decided that since it was my fault, I was not going to have them re-do the order. The waitress noticed, and brought out replacements without even being asked. Very Nice! Dessert was of course very yummy as well!

After dinner, we made it back over to the Tiki Room (we all decided we like the original better). From there, we went to the Country Bear Jamboree. I am so sad we do not have this in DL anymore. It was great to see this again for hubby and me and a first time for the kids. They liked it as well. Now that hubby was back, we had to take him to see PhilharMagic. This time we got better seats and we liked it even more than the first time!

It was then time to find a spot for the Spectromagic Parade. The kids were less than excited about the parade but it was something on my "Must Do" list. We got a great spot (in the area across from Liberty Tree Tavern - I think). The kids were right up front and we were right behind them - so no people blobking our view. Gotta Love it! We all LOVED the parade (even the kids). Our favorite part was when all the lights would go from colored to white in a blink. Very cool!

After the parade we went back to Buzz Lightyear to use our fastpasses (since I had promised my DS). By the time we got off, the fireworks were happening. Since we have seen Wishes at DL numerous times, this was not on our list. We decided we were ready to leave and knew that it would be better if we got out before the fireworks ended. So we quickly headed out of the park.

After a full day at Magic Kingdom, we had done everything on our "Must Do" list except one parade. We decided as a family, that we would use our 2nd MK day for a Downtown Disney day instead. This way it would give us more time in Disney Quest and not feel rushed trying to get there after our Typhoon Lagoon Water Park Day. This was a good decision.

* wanted to add * that at some point during the day a man approached my hubby and said that they really enjoyed him in American Idol and that his daughter could not stop singing the song. This was quite a boost for my hubby. Very cool!

 

[candl8d]

Normally I would scroll right through someones long park adventure but I just couldn't stop reading yours. It sounds like our families are a lot alike! Thanks for the update.
I absolutely loved the idea of the autograph shirts. On our first trip we took 2 days to collect autographs, on for them to be left on Splash Mountain on our last day. This trip we will have a 2 year old and it just won't be fair to drag him through those lines.
I was just wondering if you had a design for the shirts or any creative ideas you would want to share. Collecting just a few signatures of the most popular, or common characters my be doable.
Glad again to hear your trip was all you thought it was and more. Thanks for sharing!!

 

[M_I_C_K_E_Y]

Normally I would scroll right through someones long park adventure but I just couldn't stop reading yours. It sounds like our families are a lot alike! Thanks for the update.
I absolutely loved the idea of the autograph shirts. On our first trip we took 2 days to collect autographs, on for them to be left on Splash Mountain on our last day. This trip we will have a 2 year old and it just won't be fair to drag him through those lines.
I was just wondering if you had a design for the shirts or any creative ideas you would want to share. Collecting just a few signatures of the most popular, or common characters my be doable.
Glad again to hear your trip was all you thought it was and more. Thanks for sharing!!

I am so glad there are some of you who are enjoying reading about our trip. I keep thinking that I am writing too much but figure I will just cut and paste and use for my own record as well.

I had bought the kids tshirts at the Disney Character Wearhouse when they were in town in December. They have Pluto on them (their favorite). I kept thinking that they would make cute autograph shirts since they were white. The only problem was that they said Disneyland. So, I put a transfer over the Disneyland text so that I could change it to Walt Disney World and they were perfect. I just went with the idea that even if they became sleep shirts, they would be cute. The only issue was when my son got some food stains on it but luckily it all came out in the wash.

I think any design would work for an autograph shirt. I would just pick something your child will love like his/her favorite character.

They still had plenty of room on their shirts for more autographs but we only used them at Crystal Palace, for Pluto and then again at our meal at the Garden Grill. The kids thought they had plenty of autographs. Even though the shirts are almost identical, here are some pictures.

 

[M_I_C_K_E_Y]

June 2 - Typhoon Lagoon

On our way out - I did not make the same mistake twice. I made sure, as well as hubby and kids that we had all the park tickets before leaving the hotel. We got to the park at opening and found a spot for our stuff in the last row of chairs by the Typhoon Lagoon Surf Pool.

Our first stop was Shark Reef. We picked up our gear and got in line. As we stood in line both children said that there was chemical on the snorkel. I figured it was to sterilize and told them it would be fine. My DS put it in his mouth once and said it was burning his lips. He could not/would not put it near his face. As we got closer to the front of the line, the CM said the chemical could be rinsed off but that we did not have to use them. Luckily my son had his regular goggles with him and the CM said he could just wear those, so he wore his goggles. I wore just the mask and my daughter wore both the mask and snorkel (after she washed it off). Hubby decided to sit out this ride.

We are all good swimmers but my DS was nervous, so I ended up holding his hand as we swam. That made it hard to swim and we ended up using the platform in the middle to make it easier to cross. We did see some fish and the kids saw some sharks but with my son being so nervous and my goggles fogging up I saw very little. It was a neat experience but I am sure had I done it alone, I would have gotten more out of it. When we were out, we all wandered downstairs to see the tank and what we 'should' have seen.

From there we did the Storm Slides, Humunga Kowabunga and the Mountain Trail to the other side. We headed back to our stuff and went in the Typhoon Lagoon Surf Pool for a short time. We then hopped on the Castaway Creek. The kids liked the part where other people could spray us with the water guns. We weren't paying attention to where we were or how long we had been on but when we had had enough, we got off. The funny thing is that we had gotten off exactly where we had gotten on - so we had made the full circle around the park.

Since we rushed the kids out of the surf pool, we decided to head back there. Hubby and the kids loved the surf pool. They were having contests who could ride the waves the farthest. I tried instead to stay standing which was next to impossible. After a while, I decided to sit on the back wall while they played in the waves. This way, we were all happy. Right before we got out, my hubby took my DD all the way to the back for one big wave. My DD said she really didn't like having to tread water for so long (waiting for the next wave) and felt like she was going to drown.

We all agreed that the best part of Typhoon Lagoon was HEARING the wave coming and then the SCREAMS that followed. You could hear it from almost anywhere in the park. Each time we heard it, we couldn't help but smile!

After quite some time, we got out and decided to have lunch. While hubby waited in line to order, I made a quick stop into the first aid for a bandaid for my toe (which I had scuffed in the wave pool, I think). There was a girl in there who had gotten sunscreen in her eyes and it reminded me of how that happened to my niece when she was little. I was talking to the nurse about it.

I then joined the family outside at Leaning Palms for lunch. We witnessed some Ibis birds at lunch but they were a little better behaved than the one at MK. After lunch, while we were all pretty dry, we pit stopped by our stuff and re-applied sunscreen. Then we headed for Mayday Falls. We didn't get very far when my DS said his eyes were burning - he had sunscreen in his eyes. I tried to wet some napkins and dab his eyes. When that didn't work, we used my hubby's tshirt, that didn't work. Then tried to get him to go into the bay area and get his eyes wet. That still didn't work so off we went back to the first aid station. I could not believe this was happening after the conversation I had just had with the nurse - talk about ironic. After putting drops in DS's eyes, we were again on our way to Mayday Falls. We all enjoyed Mayday Falls. Hubby said he thought he was going to bump his legs on the sides of the slide because his legs are so long.

We then went to Keelhaul Falls. As we were getting our tubes in hand, there was an announcement about an incoming storm. Something about the park being closed due to a thunderstorm warning and to get under cover. The crazy thing is that when I first heard it, I thought it was fake and just went along with the theme of the park. I actually asked a CM if the announcement was real. The CM explained that we needed to find cover in a structure with a lightening rod. That was a little freaky.

We headed back to retrieve our stuff (that is after hubby stopped to buy some fruit - I thought he was crazy but the CM said we had a little time). At first we were all disappointed to leave but as we gathered our stuff, put on our shirts, and stopped to use the bathroom, I felt relieved to be leaving the park. It seemed like there were just too many small things that were happening this day that were meltdowns waiting to happen. As we sat outside the restromms, the park announced that they were re-opening the park. By this time, I was more than ready to go and said to the kids - "why don't we just go back to the hotel and swim?" They agreed and off we went.

Since the kids had already tried the Hippy Dippy Pool, this time we decided to try the Computer Pool. I sat on a lounge chair while hubby took them in the pool. I could have easily fallen asleep right then and there. After a short time, I walked back to the room to get some towels. After returning, hubby decided to go back to the room to get some work emails and phone calls returned. The kids swam a little longer and then we decided to go to Bowling Pool. On our way out, the kids played on the big 'keyboard' and typed their names - fun!

My favorite time period is the 50's. I would have loved to have been a teenager in the 50's. The theming of the Bowling Pool was very fun and "right up my alley" - pun intended. We loved the bowling balls, bowling shoes, and giant jukebox. After swimming for awhile longer, we went back to the hotel to change, ate downstairs and got to bed a little earlier than normal.

 

[M_I_C_K_E_Y]

I still have not received my Photopass pictures yet, but wanted to add a few pictures. Here some highlights of Day 1...

 

[M_I_C_K_E_Y]

June 3 – Downtown Disney

Originally this was supposed to be our second MK day but we decided to do a more relaxing day at Downtown Disney doing and seeing things we have never experienced. I had cancelled our reservation at Liberty Tree Tavern and was lucky enough to book (only the morning before) an early lunch at Planet Hollywood for 11:30.

Since hubby had missed the Bowling Pool the previous night, the kids and I decided we had to take him to see it. Before heading out to the buses, we wandered around the hotel for a little bit. We first went over to the bowling pool and snapped some pictures there and then ended up doing the walk down Memory Lane. This is a walk by the water with little signs for each year with trivia and fun facts for things that happened during that year. We snapped some pictures of hubby and I with our birth years and also some of our favorites – like when Disneyland opened. We did not do the full walk because we figured we better head out for our lunch reservation.

By the time we got to Downtown Disney, we were early for our reservation, so we decided to walk over to the Characters in Flight and look into it for later on that afternoon. As we walked over, we talked about who wanted to do it. I am afraid of heights (I do not even like Ferris Wheels) but would have done it anyway – fear or not – if we all decided to do it. But my DS did NOT want to go, so it made sense that I would sit it out and stay with him. When we got over there, there was hardly anyone in line at all. Hubby decided that since we were so early that they would just go ahead and ride it then. They were only letting about 7 people on at a time so they did not get on the first ride but only had to wait a short time to get on the second one. My DD was nervous so it was good that they did not have to wait long. After getting off, they both said that the view from up there was incredible and that they enjoyed the experience.

When they got off the ride, we headed back over to Planet Hollywood. We stopped quickly and snapped some pictures in front of the fountain. Thanks to a nice man, we got some with the four of us. We then checked in at Planet Hollywood and were seated right away. We sat next to Dorothy’s dress from the Wizard of Oz. That was very fun! We treated the kids and bought both of them smoothies in a light up cup – why not – isn’t that what vacations are for? They loved them. While we waited for our food, I snagged my DD and we went to use the restroom – really I wanted to wander around. The restroom was really cool with a huge pair of black sunglasses as the mirrors behind the sinks – although with all the squares on the walls it was a little dizzy-ing (if that is even a word). We then got a little sidetracked looking at the memorabilia and got back to the table just after the food arrived. The food was incredible! After we finished eating, we all wandered around for awhile checking out everything. Our favorites were the mermaid tail from Splash, Dorothy’s dress, the Herbie car, Sly Stalone and Chuckie (which my children are afraid of and they have never even seen the movie).

From Planet Hollywood, we headed for Disney Quest. We had to pause and watch and cool lizard on one of the trees. Did I say my DD loves all wildlife? Ha ha The lizard had this cool red pocket thing that went in and out on his neck area. Very interesting!

We really enjoyed Disney Quest. There is so much to do there that at first, it is overwhelming. We tried just about everything. The kids favorites were the Mighty Ducks Pinball Slam, the Buzz Lightyear AstroBlaster and the CyberSpace Mountain.

The Mighty Ducks Pinball Slam was like virtual pinball hockey. Each person was a numbered hockey puck. You would move your puck by moving your body on the large joystick thing. The kids played this several times. My DS came in first once and my daughter came in second several times. Not bad since I think about 15 people play at a time. Even hubby and I played once, it was fun but tiring!

The AstroBlaster was like a bumper car ride setup. But it was different in that if you ran over the cannon balls, they would enter your vehicle and then you could shoot them at other riders. If you hit the other riders with the cannon balls, it would make their car spin and flash lights. The kids really liked this and rode this several times as well.

Their absolute favorite was CyberSpace Mountain. For this, they got to create their own virtual roller coaster and then ride it. The ride part itself was a chamber that spun, turned etc… to make you feel like you were actually on the coaster. When you created the ride, it would rate on a 5 point scale how scary the ride was – 5 being the scariest. Hubby took DS on the ride first and decided that it was not his thing because he gets motion sickness. So after that, I was the designated rider. Each of my children made a total of 3 coasters. The last time through, DS had picked all the scariest of items and his was rated a 5. Oh My! The plan was I would go with DD and then immediately go with DS. DD decided that she wanted to go on the 5, so I got out of it. The neat thing about the ride is if you are outside watching, you can see the ride (tracks) as the riders see it and also see the riders as they do it. It was funny to see their faces as they rode! You could also buy a DVD of the full ride and riders but we chose not to do this.

My DD also did the Animation Academy drawing class at Disney Quest. The ‘teacher’ showed them step by step how to draw Minnie Mouse. This was a fun experience because my daughter loves to draw.

Hubby and I enjoyed playing the retro video games in Disney Quest. It was fun to play games like Donkey Kong, Pac Man, Q-Bert, Joust and Frogger. I used to love playing Frogger and it was quite fun sharing that with my kids.

When we left Disney Quest, we rode the ferry to the other side of Downtown Disney. By this time, we were all starving. I had heard about Earl of Sandwich so we decided on that for dinner. The line was pretty long but it didn’t take too long to get our food. The food there was delicious. How can anyone make a sandwich that tastes that good? Very Yummy!

As we exited the restaurant, there was a CM entertaining the children (and parents) with music and dancing. My DS would have no parts of this but my DD was out there dancing up a storm. When they started dancing to the Chicken Dance, my hubby joined her. I, of course, snapped some pictures of that. That is/will be such a priceless memory!

We then went over to Once Upon A Toy because making a lightsaber was on our “must do” list. With a little help from a CM, my hubby and DS got a double lightsaber built complete with light and sound. DS was quite happy! On our way out, we also bought those cool light spin toys they sell at the parades. I am not normally a sucker and give into buying these things but this one was cool and they really wanted them. I think they were only $7 each.

Last stop, Goofy’s Candy Co. I had heard we could get dipped pretzels or marshmallows with our snack credits here so we stopped in for a treat. After wandering around for quite some time, we bought far more than we ever needed. We ended up with 3 containers filled with sour powder, 6 dipped pretzels rods (2 orders), a dipped strawberry, a cookie and a bag of candy. I loved the Goofy Candy Co logo made out of Jelly Beans and they kids also loved the crazy mirrors.

From here, we went back to our hotel to enjoy our goodies and then off to bed.

 

[M_I_C_K_E_Y]

Picture Highlights for Day 2...

 

[heatherbabydoll1]

I am loving your report. Thank you so much! Please tell me how you did your cluster of pics. I love that idea and would love to try it out. I can't wait to read more! Thanks for shareing!