Boo to You & Turning 2! Oct 2012 PTR *NEW* 10/30 We're Back! TR Link Posted!!

[DDuck4Life]

Well, at least ONE of you should ride it and let us know! Though I should stick up for the guys here, I would say since you've ridden Bluto and KRR and you're wife hasn't - probably should be you...don't take away my man card!




Sorry! Though I can't imagine standing in line for the ride and NOT noticing those cars sliding around, so I think the jig would've been up once you got there.

I was thinking that since I have ridden 2 of them already she should get the chance to enjoy one. I don't want to take all the fun away from her.

I guess it was wishful thinking on my part. I was hoping that given a quick rash decision she might have opted to go for the moving ones.

 

[khertz]

Sorry! Though I can't imagine standing in line for the ride and NOT noticing those cars sliding around, so I think the jig would've been up once you got there.

Bummer

I know! The one time they decide NOT to do soft openings...

 

[khertz]

As our DLR trip rapidly approaches (only 24 days left!), I've been looking into different things to get for Paxton to keep him busy on all of the flights we have coming our way. It started with the idea of getting him a travel Magna Doodle when he had fun playing with one the day of my godchild's Christening. So I thought my best plan of action would be getting a bunch of new stuff that I can take out throughout the plane ride as he gets bored with one thing and is ready to move on to another.

I went to Target today, and picked up a few things. I got the Magna Doodle (bonus, the cheapest one also just happened to be Cars themed!), and some triangle crayons (I remember reading that tip...they can't roll off the tray table). I also perused the $1 bins and picked up an Elmo coloring book, and 2 soft books that he can either read like a book, or just pull and tear at, which is more likely!

I hopped on Amazon today and started looking at other ideas of things I could get. Some of them are kind of more than I was planning to spend, but it's not like they would ONLY be for traveling, I guess.

I posted on the Families board, but I thought I'd pose the question to my PTR readers as well, since I know a lot of you have small children you've taken on planes. What other kinds of toys or activities would be good for a young toddler to take on a plane?

On a quick WDW note, my first day of making ADR's is coming up next week!! I woke up in a small panic the other day because I had been so focused on getting everything ready for DL, I had not been paying attention to my WDW countdown and was worried my ADR window had already passed! But luckily, when I checked my iPhone app, I was at 189 days. Whew! So based off of my newest itinerary (which I'll be sharing in an upcoming post once my ADRs are made), I'll be needing to be up and moving early on April 25th, 27th, 28th, and 29th to make all of our reservations. Please, all of you stay-onsite-ers needn't be jealous of me as you all book at 180+10 days away!

 

[ash-n-brensmom]

As our DLR trip rapidly approaches (only 24 days left!), I've been looking into different things to get for Paxton to keep him busy on all of the flights we have coming our way. It started with the idea of getting him a travel Magna Doodle when he had fun playing with one the day of my godchild's Christening. So I thought my best plan of action would be getting a bunch of new stuff that I can take out throughout the plane ride as he gets bored with one thing and is ready to move on to another.

I went to Target today, and picked up a few things. I got the Magna Doodle (bonus, the cheapest one also just happened to be Cars themed!), and some triangle crayons (I remember reading that tip...they can't roll off the tray table). I also perused the $1 bins and picked up an Elmo coloring book, and 2 soft books that he can either read like a book, or just pull and tear at, which is more likely!

I hopped on Amazon today and started looking at other ideas of things I could get. Some of them are kind of more than I was planning to spend, but it's not like they would ONLY be for traveling, I guess.

I posted on the Families board, but I thought I'd pose the question to my PTR readers as well, since I know a lot of you have small children you've taken on planes. What other kinds of toys or activities would be good for a young toddler to take on a plane?

On a quick WDW note, my first day of making ADR's is coming up next week!! I woke up in a small panic the other day because I had been so focused on getting everything ready for DL, I had not been paying attention to my WDW countdown and was worried my ADR window had already passed! But luckily, when I checked my iPhone app, I was at 189 days. Whew! So based off of my newest itinerary (which I'll be sharing in an upcoming post once my ADRs are made), I'll be needing to be up and moving early on April 25th, 27th, 28th, and 29th to make all of our reservations. Please, all of you stay-onsite-ers needn't be jealous of me as you all book at 180+10 days away!

I think you've got some great stuff for Paxton there! It's not easy traveling with little ones for sure. Snacks are great for breaking up the monotony of travel..especially ones he can feed himself.

I am looking forward to getting our ADR's done...I'm still a little apprehensive about the lack of 180+10..once we get them done I will be more relaxed about this trip. It's funny how much I LOVE the planning, but I get stressed out about the big stuff like ADR's flights, tickets...I love it, but I freak just a little until I get things squared away. And I have nightmares sometimes too, although it's usually surrounding forgetting to bring something important.

Good luck with your last minute planning for DL..it's all coming together nicely, can't wait to read all about it!!

 

[afwdwfan]

I think you've got some good ideas there. Having a few new toys to play with as he gets bored with the last is probably the best way to do it.

I know we just make sure to pack the portable DVD player with some Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and Jake and the Neverland Pirates DVDs. DS can be entertained for quite a while watching them.

 

[khertz]

I think you've got some great stuff for Paxton there! It's not easy traveling with little ones for sure. Snacks are great for breaking up the monotony of travel..especially ones he can feed himself.

I am looking forward to getting our ADR's done...I'm still a little apprehensive about the lack of 180+10..once we get them done I will be more relaxed about this trip. It's funny how much I LOVE the planning, but I get stressed out about the big stuff like ADR's flights, tickets...I love it, but I freak just a little until I get things squared away. And I have nightmares sometimes too, although it's usually surrounding forgetting to bring something important.

Good luck with your last minute planning for DL..it's all coming together nicely, can't wait to read all about it!!

Definitely stocking up on the snacks!! Planning to bring goldfish, pretzels, animal crackers, Cheerios...a nice variety to keep him busy. Plus maybe his lunch too since we'll be arriving close to lunch time.

Although I would love to reassure you and say I've never had a problem getting the ADRs I want even without being able to do 180+10 (which is true!), I know it won't make you stress any less, because it doesn't work for me either! I so wish I could just make them all at once and be done, but even though I've never had any issue, I'm still pretty anxious about it myself. So I'm right there with ya until we get through ADR time!

I think you've got some good ideas there. Having a few new toys to play with as he gets bored with the last is probably the best way to do it.

I know we just make sure to pack the portable DVD player with some Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and Jake and the Neverland Pirates DVDs. DS can be entertained for quite a while watching them.

I was hoping to have at least one new toy or activity every hour. I figure breaking it up with snacks and movies on the iPad, that should be plenty for him to do. But then again, with him, you never know. He's just so busy, I'm worried about keeping him in the car seat for so long! He'll be wanting to jump down and run up the aisles!!

We are going to stock up on shows and movies as well as a fallback plan. He doesn't usually sit and watch for very long at home, but I'm sure he'll pay more attention when there is nowhere else for him to go.

 

[lbuzz52]

joining in from the Oct thread! i have to go back and catch up, but i will say your son is a doll!

one of my son's favorite activities at that age (and still at 3) was cars. I would carry a roll of masking tape and a small variety of things with wheels. I'd take the tape and tape him off a road/track over the floor, furniture, whatever i had. the track was always different, and it would hold his interest for some time.

 

[khertz]

joining in from the Oct thread! i have to go back and catch up, but i will say your son is a doll!

one of my son's favorite activities at that age (and still at 3) was cars. I would carry a roll of masking tape and a small variety of things with wheels. I'd take the tape and tape him off a road/track over the floor, furniture, whatever i had. the track was always different, and it would hold his interest for some time.

Thanks for the tip! We actually stopped at the Dollar Tree yesterday to see what they had and picked him up a couple of rubber cars. They are softer than Hot Wheels so if he gets tired of using them as cars, he can just chew on them instead. That's a great tip about the masking tape! Gotta save that one.

And thanks for joining in!

 

[khertz]

As a follow up to my post of DCA must-do's, here are the attractions we deemed must-do worthy at Disneyland! While I am pretty excited about the trip in general, I'm completely psyched about visiting DL the park. I will have to make sure I do not make any comments out loud about their small Castle, lest I offend any California/DL locals. I want to make a good impression in case we are ever back there (which, let's face it, once I go there, I'm going to want to go again!).

Disneyland Must-Do's

1. Alice in Wonderland - I do enjoy dark rides, so I'm excited that DL has a couple that WDW doesn't have, including this one!

2. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad - DH did say he didn't enjoy it as much as the WDW version, but I have to compare myself.

3. Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters - Hoping I can get a better score since I might actually be able to tell what I'm shooting at for a change!

4. Casey Jr. Circus Train - Pretty much just for DS.

5. Dumbo - No different than WDW's version, but any Paxton Pleaser attraction is a must.

6. Enchanted Tiki Room - Because DH loves the original!

7. Chip 'n Dale Treehouse - Somewhere for DS to burn off some energy.

8. Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage - DH said we should hit this early in the day before it's too hot & the line is too long. He skipped it last time for those 2 reasons. I never did get to ride 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea in MK, so it made the list.

9. Goofy's Playhouse - Another one that seems cute for DS to explore.

10. Haunted Mansion - One of our favorites! Might be our first attraction in DL on arrival day since it was our first attraction with DS in MK last year.

11. Indiana Jones Adventure - Another new ride!

12. It's a Small World - 1) Because it was one of DS's favorites, 2) because it's different than WDW's version, and 3) it has Disney characters in it!

13. King Arthur Carrousel - Because DS loves carousels!

14. Winnie the Pooh - Not gonna lie, just for those cute ride vehicles!

15. Matterhorn Bobsleds - On the waaaaaay off chance it has reopened by then...

16. Mr. Toad's Wild Ride - Never got the chance to ride this one in WDW, so it'll be another totally new attraction for me (and maybe DH too?)

17. Pinocchio's Daring Journey - Another brand new (to us) dark ride!

18. Pirates of the Caribbean - I'm excited to see if I REALLY find this version to be better than WDW's Haha

19. Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin - Another brand new attraction for us, and based off of a movie I loved as a kid.

20. Space Mountain - Dying to compare!

21. Splash Mountain - Eager to see how DL's counterpart to my all-time favorite WDW attraction measures up!

22. Star Tours The Adventure Continues - We loved the updated attraction at DHS, so we just want a chance to get another set of destinations.

23. Storybook Land Canal Boats - I know it's not the most exciting attraction, but I'm eager to check this out because it looks so cute! Hopefully DS will cooperate.

​

As we discussed DL attractions, we came up with our "Okay to Skip" attractions and gave a few of them stars, meaning we'd like to do them if possible, but they are not must-do's. The rest are pretty definite Skips.

Disneyland Okay to Skip

1. Astro Orbiters* - For some reason, DH suddenly REALLY wants to ride this attraction, so we may if we have time after doing our must-do's.
2. Autopia - DS will likely meet the height requirement, but I don't think we want to spend the time doing this here. May save it for the Speedway at WDW.
3. Big Thunder Ranch - DS is still a little too rough when trying to pet animals. lol
4. Captain EO - No thanks!
5. Davy Crockett's Canoes - With a toddler? Yeah right!
6. Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln - Don't see DS sitting through this, or me staying awake!
7. Donald's Boat* - DS might enjoy this, just gotta make sure it won't get him wet.
8. Innoventions - Don't think it would hold DS's attention.
9. Jungle Cruise* - Doesn't look different from MK's version, so we'll only do if we have time.
10. Mad Tea Party* - DS did really enjoy this attraction, but it's not a must-do. Another one we'll do if we have time.
11. Mark Twain Riverboat* - Might be nice to take a ride on if DS is napping and we aren't holding any FPs...But not a must-do.
12. Mickey's & Minnie's House* - Since DH and I have seen them and I don't think DS will particularly remember, I'd rather do Chip & Dale's Treehouse & Goofy's Playhouse instead.
13. Peter Pan's Flight* - Love this attraction, but it's the same as at WDW.
14. Snow White's Scary Adventure - Not one of my favorites. I know I should be riding it since I won't have the opportunity at WDW anymore, but don't feel the need to.
15. Tarzan's Treehouse* - Sounds cooler than the Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse at MK (another thing I've never done), but not a must do. If we have time, we'll check it out.
​

The one big, giant, glaring disappointment about DL for me is that it doesn't have a Barber Shop! We definitely want to get DS's hair cut at the Barber Shop in MK in October, and when I thought about it, I thought how cute would it be to get his hair cut at both parks in the same year?! But alas, some quick research informed me that there is no Harmony Barber Shop counterpart at DL. What a bummer! So I'm adding that to my list of things to do in the next three weeks. Along with his 18 month pediatrician well visit, and his second dentist appointment, we'll try to get his hair cut before we go. It's amazing how much it has filled in and grown since getting his first hair cut in November!

I can't believe how close the countdown is getting! I only work 9 more shifts, and the countdown is officially at 21 days! 3 more weeks from today, we will be in Disneyland!

 

[afwdwfan]

Thanks for the tip! We actually stopped at the Dollar Tree yesterday to see what they had and picked him up a couple of rubber cars. They are softer than Hot Wheels so if he gets tired of using them as cars, he can just chew on them instead. That's a great tip about the masking tape! Gotta save that one.

And thanks for joining in!

Rubber cars might be a little bit better too if he decides to turn them into flying cars.

 

[khertz]

Rubber cars might be a little bit better too if he decides to turn them into flying cars.

Amen to that!!

 

[skier_pete]

We used finger puppets on flights when our DD was fun. I ended up entertaining her and a whole 'nother row of kids. It was good for waiting in lines too!

As far as your DL itinerary...yes, yes, yes, and yes. Agree up and down the board, with the exception of Star Tours would be on our skippable side. We'll probably ride it if we have time, but don't feel we have to. Also, I don't think we can get away without riding Jungle Cruise, but I would agree with you that it is skippable. (Skipper-able?)

 

[afwdwfan]

Great list... I think it would be really interesting to see some new dark rides. I wish the Fantasyland expansion would include a few more new ones. I realize we're getting a Little Mermaid ride, but I reall would have liked to have seen a a few others as well.

Agree up and down the board, with the exception of Star Tours would be on our skippable side.

I see how it could be skippable from a time saving standpoint, but I agree with her... If I'm anywhere near a version of it, I'd have to get on, because I want to see all the scenes.

 

[Imagineer5]

Love your DL must dos! Makes me want to go so badly! I would put Peter pans flight on there, just bc I love it so much, but I understand why it's not on your list. IMO tarzans house stinks compared to the swiss family one, I was do disappointed when they switched it to Tarzan at DL. Other than that, I'm still the most jealous of you getting to ride Indiana jones. The single rider "line" - ie running through the exit lol - is so amazing.

Also enjoying hearing the ideas for traveling with a toddler. We're going to have to do something similar for aria in october. I can imagine you need more and more interactive ideas as they get older though!

 

[khertz]

We used finger puppets on flights when our DD was fun. I ended up entertaining her and a whole 'nother row of kids. It was good for waiting in lines too!

As far as your DL itinerary...yes, yes, yes, and yes. Agree up and down the board, with the exception of Star Tours would be on our skippable side. We'll probably ride it if we have time, but don't feel we have to. Also, I don't think we can get away without riding Jungle Cruise, but I would agree with you that it is skippable. (Skipper-able?)

Good tip on the finger puppets! I'm thinking DS would definitely enjoy those.

Yes, for us, Jungle Cruise is Skipper-able! We both really enjoyed the updated Star Tours, so I'd enjoy a chance to get another set of destinations.

Great list... I think it would be really interesting to see some new dark rides. I wish the Fantasyland expansion would include a few more new ones. I realize we're getting a Little Mermaid ride, but I reall would have liked to have seen a a few others as well.


I see how it could be skippable from a time saving standpoint, but I agree with her... If I'm anywhere near a version of it, I'd have to get on, because I want to see all the scenes.

I know they are not major rides, but I'm really excited about the little new-to-us dark rides! I agree with you, I wish that the FLE was including more dark rides than just Little Mermaid. I have always really loved those classic stories in attraction form. I'm pretty excited about the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, but I think at least one more dark ride from a classic movie would have been a wonderful addition to the FLE.

I'm not even a huge Star Wars fan, but I really love the updated attraction! It's so fun not to know what you're going to experience.

Love your DL must dos! Makes me want to go so badly! I would put Peter pans flight on there, just bc I love it so much, but I understand why it's not on your list. IMO tarzans house stinks compared to the swiss family one, I was do disappointed when they switched it to Tarzan at DL. Other than that, I'm still the most jealous of you getting to ride Indiana jones. The single rider "line" - ie running through the exit lol - is so amazing.

Also enjoying hearing the ideas for traveling with a toddler. We're going to have to do something similar for aria in october. I can imagine you need more and more interactive ideas as they get older though!

It was pretty hard for me to put Peter Pan on the ok to skip list, because it is one of my favorite attractions at MK! But there's so much on our must-do list I knew I had to leave some things off. I'm really hoping that we will be able to do a lot if the crowds are really as low as predicted, so I'm thinking we'll have time to do it. At least, I'm hoping so. I really love it!

Didn't realize Indiana Jones had a single rider line. Good to know!

Yes, I'm so worried we're not going to have enough to keep him busy on the plane! I'm hoping to come up with a few more ideas by the time the trip rolls around. I know Paxton would be happiest if he could run up and down the aisles on the plane, but I have a feeling the rest of the passengers wouldn't appreciate that very much. If all my dreams come true, he will sleep for most of the flight and I won't even have to use everything I bought!!

 

[ash-n-brensmom]

Now I need to price out a trip to DL/DCA!! LOL!! I never paid much attention to what they have there and now I want to go sooooo bad!!!

 

[leshunlenese]

You all are going to have soo much fun. I remember the submarines at MK but we never rode them either. You got me wanting to go to disneyland!

 

[khertz]

Now I need to price out a trip to DL/DCA!! LOL!! I never paid much attention to what they have there and now I want to go sooooo bad!!!

I had never paid much attention either, and was content with my WDW bubble. But now I'm more excited than ever to be visiting DLR!! Hopefully you can figure out a doable option.

You all are going to have soo much fun. I remember the submarines at MK but we never rode them either. You got me wanting to go to disneyland!

Apparently I am having that effect on people! It is getting so close, and I just can't wait to get there!

 

[khertz]

Sorry for yet another Disneyland post, but I just couldn't help myself! (I did start "ADR week" so I'll be posting that soon!) Yesterday, DH got an email about a Disneyland AP event happening the week we are there. Not only is that in itself awesome, but it is a viewing of Fantasmic! in honor of the 20th anniversary. I'm pretty excited about this, since I really wanted to see Fantasmic! but it was not showing the nights we were there.

The event is from 10pm-1am, with Fantasmic! showing at 11:30pm, on Monday night and Tuesday night. Since we will have Paxton and are not interested in keeping him in the park past midnight, we had to get creative. So instead of the three of us going on one night, DH and I each signed up for a different night. DH will be going Monday night (which if you are keeping track, is also the day we arrive, so he is going to be dead tired!), and I'll be going Tuesday night. At least, that's the plan if I don't chicken out! I'm pretty nervous about driving to the park by myself that late at night, being there alone, and getting back by myself after midnight. I really hate doing things by myself, but I just have to keep telling myself it's a really unique opportunity, and the only way I'm going to be able to see Fantasmic! while at DLR.

​

If we do both end up going on separate nights, it would also give us a chance to ride some of the attractions we would normally be rider swapping, so we can focus during the daytime hours with Paxton on attractions he can experience too. DH keeps saying he'll stay to the end of the event at 1 am, but if I end up going Tuesday night, I would probably leave right after the show to get back and get some sleep. Because the trip is so short, I'm most nervous about not making the most of our time because we'll be so tired. But we already discussed that Monday afternoon, I'll take Paxton down to the pool so DH can nap before going to the event, and he will return the favor on Tuesday. So hopefully we can both have a good time without being too grouchy.

Our other alternative idea was to go on the same night and hire an in-resort sitting service to stay with Paxton. But I'm leery to that idea because I don't know how comfortable I am with a stranger sitting with Paxton. There is a company that seems to come highly rated, but they charge $40/hr for the first 4 hours with a 4 hour minimum...$160 so we can go to a FREE event?! No thanks! They do have a branch of Kids Nite Out in California just like in WDW which is quite a bit cheaper, but as a mom, it still makes me nervous!

All in all, I'm pretty excited to get the opportunity to attend an AP event while we are there. I just hope I can get over my nerves enough to attend by myself!

 

[afwdwfan]

A few hours alone in the parks is great! Go for it, you'll have a great time!!!