Celebrating 2007 with two weeks at the World...with pics; updated:a Day at MGM!
- Thread starter slk537
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missmun52
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Love that last photo of your son
its too cute!!
I would love to visit a super Target! I have been to super walmart while in VA but never seen a super target before. What are they like? What is the difference between them and the regular ones??
I know I have many questions but we just dont have super targets or super walmarts in NY.
its too cute!!I would love to visit a super Target! I have been to super walmart while in VA but never seen a super target before. What are they like? What is the difference between them and the regular ones??
I know I have many questions but we just dont have super targets or super walmarts in NY.
slk537
<font color=red>Sigh...other than WDW, if I could
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Love that last photo of your son
I would love to visit a super Target! I have been to super walmart while in VA but never seen a super target before. What are they like? What is the difference between them and the regular ones??
I know I have many questions but we just dont have super targets or super walmarts in NY.
Ahh...Super Target....
The main difference between Target and SuperT is the full grocery section. ST has a full deli, produce, meat dept, frozen foods - anything you'll find at your full service grocery store. They have two of their own brands: Archer Farms and Market Pantry and you can often get national brand foods for lower prices and still great quality. But it's the variety I love. You can get amazing ethnic foods and just ridiculous varieties of everything else. Super Walmart is a full size Walmart with a full grocery, but it's more like low prices and saving money over the regular groceries (which is great and I confess we go to ours to save tons especially on the frozen foods) but ST is high quality, variety and price. Some of the items are downright unique and gourmet and I love just browsing through the grocery section to see what's there.
At the same time, they have everything else you need for your household: clothing, movies, cleaning supplies, toys, cards, etc. It tickles me that I can buy homemade sundried tomato focaccia bread, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse DVD, socks for DH, premade steak kabobs for the grill, a new swimsuit, deli salads, fresh fruit, a birthday card and a new vaccumn cleaner at the same place.
It's the little things....
slk537
<font color=red>Sigh...other than WDW, if I could
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Monday, May 07, 2007
The Not Yet Tropical Depression was causing massive beach erosion and concerning many Floridians. I felt horrible, but all I kept hearing was cooler temps and high winds for the weather prediction. This is weather made for me! I wanted to go to Magic Kingdom because I really wanted to enjoy all the vintage Disney in perfect temps.
Off track moment: I love Epcot always have. We visited when I was a child and it had just opened and my mom and I fell in love with the World Showcase. I even have beach towels that say EPCOT Center on them from way back when. But for some reason, on this trip, it was all about the Magic Kingdom for me. Last summer, DH and I talked about selling our DVC contracts one or both. 2006 just wasnt a good year all the way around and the frustration of issues Max was having at daycare and stress at work made the idea of monthly payments for vacation so frivolous. But we continued to pursue what was best for Max and getting through the stress of work and the holidays and my Christmas present from DH was booking our trip in May. And in January, things began to look up. And to me? Magic Kingdom is pure Disney World. And as you can see from the title of this TR this trip meant a whole new positive beginning for us. And to me, that was what the MK was.
Back on track, but will revisit again later
So I wanted to go to the Magic Kingdom, but Max really wanted to take on Everest. I thought that was a great idea so we planned to go to DAK, do Everest, get some lunch and then go to Magic Kingdom.
On the way to the car, Max bumped into the DVC rep in the lobby. He had insisted he was collecting pins and would not trade. No sir, no trades for Max. Uh uh.
Well did that change when the DVC rep help out her lanyard! Max picked out a Kilimajaro Safari pin, and Ojo was history!
We got to DAK and Max picked up his 5 and under map from the car to bring in. I dont know if Ive mentioned it much, but Max was huge into maps on this trip. He is really getting good at his reading and he loves maps so he would pick up the map and wander in between Goofy and I, head buried in the map, looking up to tell us where we needed to turn, etc. It was adorable most of the time, except when hed stop, Id trip over him and almost being traffic to a stop on the sidewalk (sorry to anyone who bumped into us!!!).
So here at DAK, he led us through the ticket gates (Mickey! Dwarves!) and stood just inside, staring at his map. I stopped to answer a survey from one of the CMs inside the gates. We do a lot of customer surveys at work, so I try to be available to help others. Especially Disney
Once I was done, we walked over a ways to head towards Everest, and I pulled out my camera to take a photo of Map Boy and heard Goofy start to laugh. I looked up and there was a CM standing there, holding a bag. It was a YOMD CM.
He was very nice asked us if we knew what the YOMD was? Yes. He asked if we were planning to see any shows this day. I said yes (we werent, but Im not an idiot). He asked which one. I said Festival of the Lion King because I had momentarily forgotten about Nemo. He said thats great! and opened up his bag. On the top, he had a card that read Festival of the Lion King Priority Seating. He asked us which show wed like to see and circled the 1:00. He told us we were a very special family and we would have a very special seat for this show. We had to show up at the exit 30 minutes before the show and wed be seated.
He also gave us a Magical Moments certificate, signed by Mickey and Minnie (who had seen us come in and knew we were a terrific and special family) and then gave us each a button that declared we were honorary citizens of the Walt Disney World Resort. We thanked him profusely and he walked away.
It was a really great encounter and we were thrilled with the seating and the certificate for us we want to frame it and put it in Maxs room. And I dont mean to say anything negative but the YOMD people are really very .enthusiastic? It was nice to hear how special we were, but he mentioned it quite a few times... I hope this doesnt sound ungrateful, because we really were. It is just that if you repeat something too much it starts to sound like a script.
That said, Max popped on his button and I snapped his photo with the certificate: (note the infamous map under the certificate)
And just with his button:
A note regarding YOMD the whole trip was a dream come true for us since we had pondered giving it up so recently. So while we would have loved the DVC contract, cruise, a trip, we expected nothing. And to have Max get the pin at Epcot and now this? We were tickled!
And then we happily walked over to Everest - Max before he took on the Yeti:
Max making sure he's tall enough:
Max and Goofy walking on the ride - love those two!!
Once there, the three of us got on the ride. I held on for dear life in front of the boys and when we got off, I discovered that Max had thoroughly enjoyed the ride, but kept his eyes squeezed shut the whole time. So of course, he wanted to ride it again.
We still had time before the show, so we decided to lunch at Tusker House. Goofy and Max got a nice seat in the back while I ordered lunch. We enjoyed the atmosphere and our food and when we were finished, we walked over to Camp Minnie Mickey.
We stood in to meet Goofy (the character, not my Dh) and then went over to the FOTLK exit. We had been told to be there 30 minutes prior, but the CMs told us to go have fun and come back in a few minutes. We went over and stood in line for Mickey and then he went on break. So we went back to the FOTLK exit and now there were more people waiting. We met a very nice family and had a good chat before we were allowed into the theater. We were seated right on the floor in the second row, Warthog section. Amazing show, amazing view!!!! It was such a fun experience and so close to the action!! It was just incredible to see all the expressions and close up action.
My camera didnt work well so most of my photos have big splotches on them. Here is one that shows how close up we were:
My boys at the show:
After the show we went back to Africa for the Safari. It was wonderful! We sat in front of some French Canadians. They were so excited about all the animals and enthusiastic about the ride. After having been on this so many times, it was so refreshing and fun to hear someone just so enjoying themselves.
Once off the Safari, we went back to Asia so Max could ride EE again with his eyes open. I opted out this time and chose instead to stand in line to get sodas. Their system was down, which I didnt realize until I got to the front. They were writing down room numbers and names and amount spent and that didnt feel particularly secure to me so I gave up. In this time, Max and Steve rode EE and came down waiting for me.
It was almost time for the Nemo show, so we walked all the way down past the line and the theater, so we could walk all the way back up to get in line. Stood in line for a while and then were let in the theatre. We sat in the far right section of the theater next to nice family. One of the ladies had to walk past us after we were seated and when she passed me, she apologized and said, I guess my bottom is fatter than I thought it was, and laughed. Max turned to me and asked what she said. He was very, very upset and kept saying, what did she say to you???!! I told him she apologized for walking past us. Be asked again, but what did she say to you?? I then realized he though she said I was fat. I explained that she didnt call me anything and he seemed satisfied.
My Hero and Defender.
The show was excellent but they could use more comfortable seating. The puppetry was very well done and so was the music. You definitely need to know the story, but I would guess most of the audience did.
After the show, we went to Dinoland USA so Goofy and Max could ride Dinosaur. Max didnt like it much this time, although later he decided he wanted to ride again this trip. We left park right after parade and came back to room at 5:00 to get cleaned up for dinner at Ohana at 7:00.
I wanted to leave earlier, but Max needed a good veg so we relaxed. Goofy got sucked into an Appliance Direct Ad until I threatened him with divorce. He thinks those ads are absolutely hilarious He changed it to the news and we saw more about the possible tropical depression spinning off Daytona. I DISed.
We left for dinner and got right in to Ohana. Shortest wait for this restaurant ever. Our view was incredible right by the window with a view of the volcano pool and the castle.
Almost immediately after we sat down, there as a coconut race Max jumped up to participate.
(Nope, not me in the photo)
In between courses, there was a parade, limbo contest and hula lessons. Max was up and at em for each one. He enjoyed the food on the menu, but our server offered to bring him a kids meal as well. He was going to decline until she said the magic words: Peanut Butter and Jelly. He was all about that.
We went to the Polynesian shops afterward still looking for that Beach Club pin (nope, hadnt found it yet). Goofy bought Stitch freeze dried ice cream so Max and I could try it. I bought a Poly charm for my nieces charm bracelet. My Brother, SIL, and niece and nephew stayed at the Poly last summer and fell in love. After shopping, we went back to BCV for quiet down and bed close to 10:00.
Before bed, however, we sat on the balcony and watched Wishes over the trees. A magical ending to a lovely day!
The Not Yet Tropical Depression was causing massive beach erosion and concerning many Floridians. I felt horrible, but all I kept hearing was cooler temps and high winds for the weather prediction. This is weather made for me! I wanted to go to Magic Kingdom because I really wanted to enjoy all the vintage Disney in perfect temps.
Off track moment: I love Epcot always have. We visited when I was a child and it had just opened and my mom and I fell in love with the World Showcase. I even have beach towels that say EPCOT Center on them from way back when. But for some reason, on this trip, it was all about the Magic Kingdom for me. Last summer, DH and I talked about selling our DVC contracts one or both. 2006 just wasnt a good year all the way around and the frustration of issues Max was having at daycare and stress at work made the idea of monthly payments for vacation so frivolous. But we continued to pursue what was best for Max and getting through the stress of work and the holidays and my Christmas present from DH was booking our trip in May. And in January, things began to look up. And to me? Magic Kingdom is pure Disney World. And as you can see from the title of this TR this trip meant a whole new positive beginning for us. And to me, that was what the MK was.
Back on track, but will revisit again later
So I wanted to go to the Magic Kingdom, but Max really wanted to take on Everest. I thought that was a great idea so we planned to go to DAK, do Everest, get some lunch and then go to Magic Kingdom.
On the way to the car, Max bumped into the DVC rep in the lobby. He had insisted he was collecting pins and would not trade. No sir, no trades for Max. Uh uh.
Well did that change when the DVC rep help out her lanyard! Max picked out a Kilimajaro Safari pin, and Ojo was history!
We got to DAK and Max picked up his 5 and under map from the car to bring in. I dont know if Ive mentioned it much, but Max was huge into maps on this trip. He is really getting good at his reading and he loves maps so he would pick up the map and wander in between Goofy and I, head buried in the map, looking up to tell us where we needed to turn, etc. It was adorable most of the time, except when hed stop, Id trip over him and almost being traffic to a stop on the sidewalk (sorry to anyone who bumped into us!!!).
So here at DAK, he led us through the ticket gates (Mickey! Dwarves!) and stood just inside, staring at his map. I stopped to answer a survey from one of the CMs inside the gates. We do a lot of customer surveys at work, so I try to be available to help others. Especially Disney
Once I was done, we walked over a ways to head towards Everest, and I pulled out my camera to take a photo of Map Boy and heard Goofy start to laugh. I looked up and there was a CM standing there, holding a bag. It was a YOMD CM.
He was very nice asked us if we knew what the YOMD was? Yes. He asked if we were planning to see any shows this day. I said yes (we werent, but Im not an idiot). He asked which one. I said Festival of the Lion King because I had momentarily forgotten about Nemo. He said thats great! and opened up his bag. On the top, he had a card that read Festival of the Lion King Priority Seating. He asked us which show wed like to see and circled the 1:00. He told us we were a very special family and we would have a very special seat for this show. We had to show up at the exit 30 minutes before the show and wed be seated.
He also gave us a Magical Moments certificate, signed by Mickey and Minnie (who had seen us come in and knew we were a terrific and special family) and then gave us each a button that declared we were honorary citizens of the Walt Disney World Resort. We thanked him profusely and he walked away.
It was a really great encounter and we were thrilled with the seating and the certificate for us we want to frame it and put it in Maxs room. And I dont mean to say anything negative but the YOMD people are really very .enthusiastic? It was nice to hear how special we were, but he mentioned it quite a few times... I hope this doesnt sound ungrateful, because we really were. It is just that if you repeat something too much it starts to sound like a script.
That said, Max popped on his button and I snapped his photo with the certificate: (note the infamous map under the certificate)
And just with his button:
A note regarding YOMD the whole trip was a dream come true for us since we had pondered giving it up so recently. So while we would have loved the DVC contract, cruise, a trip, we expected nothing. And to have Max get the pin at Epcot and now this? We were tickled!
And then we happily walked over to Everest - Max before he took on the Yeti:
Max making sure he's tall enough:
Max and Goofy walking on the ride - love those two!!
Once there, the three of us got on the ride. I held on for dear life in front of the boys and when we got off, I discovered that Max had thoroughly enjoyed the ride, but kept his eyes squeezed shut the whole time. So of course, he wanted to ride it again.
We still had time before the show, so we decided to lunch at Tusker House. Goofy and Max got a nice seat in the back while I ordered lunch. We enjoyed the atmosphere and our food and when we were finished, we walked over to Camp Minnie Mickey.
We stood in to meet Goofy (the character, not my Dh) and then went over to the FOTLK exit. We had been told to be there 30 minutes prior, but the CMs told us to go have fun and come back in a few minutes. We went over and stood in line for Mickey and then he went on break. So we went back to the FOTLK exit and now there were more people waiting. We met a very nice family and had a good chat before we were allowed into the theater. We were seated right on the floor in the second row, Warthog section. Amazing show, amazing view!!!! It was such a fun experience and so close to the action!! It was just incredible to see all the expressions and close up action.
My camera didnt work well so most of my photos have big splotches on them. Here is one that shows how close up we were:
My boys at the show:
After the show we went back to Africa for the Safari. It was wonderful! We sat in front of some French Canadians. They were so excited about all the animals and enthusiastic about the ride. After having been on this so many times, it was so refreshing and fun to hear someone just so enjoying themselves.
Once off the Safari, we went back to Asia so Max could ride EE again with his eyes open. I opted out this time and chose instead to stand in line to get sodas. Their system was down, which I didnt realize until I got to the front. They were writing down room numbers and names and amount spent and that didnt feel particularly secure to me so I gave up. In this time, Max and Steve rode EE and came down waiting for me.
It was almost time for the Nemo show, so we walked all the way down past the line and the theater, so we could walk all the way back up to get in line. Stood in line for a while and then were let in the theatre. We sat in the far right section of the theater next to nice family. One of the ladies had to walk past us after we were seated and when she passed me, she apologized and said, I guess my bottom is fatter than I thought it was, and laughed. Max turned to me and asked what she said. He was very, very upset and kept saying, what did she say to you???!! I told him she apologized for walking past us. Be asked again, but what did she say to you?? I then realized he though she said I was fat. I explained that she didnt call me anything and he seemed satisfied.
My Hero and Defender.
The show was excellent but they could use more comfortable seating. The puppetry was very well done and so was the music. You definitely need to know the story, but I would guess most of the audience did.
After the show, we went to Dinoland USA so Goofy and Max could ride Dinosaur. Max didnt like it much this time, although later he decided he wanted to ride again this trip. We left park right after parade and came back to room at 5:00 to get cleaned up for dinner at Ohana at 7:00.
I wanted to leave earlier, but Max needed a good veg so we relaxed. Goofy got sucked into an Appliance Direct Ad until I threatened him with divorce. He thinks those ads are absolutely hilarious He changed it to the news and we saw more about the possible tropical depression spinning off Daytona. I DISed.
We left for dinner and got right in to Ohana. Shortest wait for this restaurant ever. Our view was incredible right by the window with a view of the volcano pool and the castle.
Almost immediately after we sat down, there as a coconut race Max jumped up to participate.
(Nope, not me in the photo)
In between courses, there was a parade, limbo contest and hula lessons. Max was up and at em for each one. He enjoyed the food on the menu, but our server offered to bring him a kids meal as well. He was going to decline until she said the magic words: Peanut Butter and Jelly. He was all about that.
We went to the Polynesian shops afterward still looking for that Beach Club pin (nope, hadnt found it yet). Goofy bought Stitch freeze dried ice cream so Max and I could try it. I bought a Poly charm for my nieces charm bracelet. My Brother, SIL, and niece and nephew stayed at the Poly last summer and fell in love. After shopping, we went back to BCV for quiet down and bed close to 10:00.
Before bed, however, we sat on the balcony and watched Wishes over the trees. A magical ending to a lovely day!
I am loving your report! It sounds like just such an amazing trip! How lucky to have so much time to really relax and enjoy all the World has to offer! And that pic of your son with the sour candy, priceless!
Allyson
Allyson
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Another great day and another dream 
I love the Lion King! Do you think if you'd said Nemo there would have been a dream for that one? or were you just lucky choosing LK? So sweet about Max being worried what the lady had said! He looks as though he had fun at O'Hana especially with the coconut races 
Can I ask about the maps for little ones are they from the park?
I love the Lion King! Do you think if you'd said Nemo there would have been a dream for that one? or were you just lucky choosing LK? So sweet about Max being worried what the lady had said! He looks as though he had fun at O'Hana especially with the coconut races Can I ask about the maps for little ones are they from the park?
wilma-bride
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Another great installment Jenn 
How sweet that your DH immediately jumped to your defence - mine would have probably just agreed that I was fat 
Max just looks cuter every time I see him but I have to say that last picture really grossed me out - I have a serious, serious phobia about peanut butter. I can't stand to even look at the stuff and just seeing Max with that big ole PB&J sandwich was like my worst nightmare
What a lovely 'dream' you got at AK. FOLK is a great show and to see it from down at the front must have been amazing - so lucky
Daniel really wants to get on the Yeti ride when we go in April so I keep telling him to eat his veggies so he can get tall enough (the height requirement is 44", is it not?)
Keep those updates coming - it's getting like a routine now - Daniel to bed, log on and see if Jenn has posted a new day's report yet
How sweet that your DH immediately jumped to your defence - mine would have probably just agreed that I was fat Max just looks cuter every time I see him but I have to say that last picture really grossed me out - I have a serious, serious phobia about peanut butter. I can't stand to even look at the stuff and just seeing Max with that big ole PB&J sandwich was like my worst nightmare
What a lovely 'dream' you got at AK. FOLK is a great show and to see it from down at the front must have been amazing - so lucky
Daniel really wants to get on the Yeti ride when we go in April so I keep telling him to eat his veggies so he can get tall enough (the height requirement is 44", is it not?)
Keep those updates coming - it's getting like a routine now - Daniel to bed, log on and see if Jenn has posted a new day's report yet
slk537
<font color=red>Sigh...other than WDW, if I could
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Thanks for another great update! Your DS is so cute!!!! Can't wait for the next installment
I am loving your report! It sounds like just such an amazing trip! How lucky to have so much time to really relax and enjoy all the World has to offer! And that pic of your son with the sour candy, priceless!
Allyson
Thank you!!! I am off of work this week and have the whole house to myself...it is heaven! So I have been able to have time to really put a lot of my reports together. I am really enjoying it and I love that others enjoy it too!
Another great day and another dream
Can I ask about the maps for little ones are they from the park?
I think I was just lucky saying FOTLK - it was pre printed on the card so I don't know what he would have done if I'd have said Nemo...
I only saw the 5 and under map at DAK, but yes, it was with the other maps. Map Boy made a beeline to the maps every time we entered a park, DTD, etc. He found this one and was in love.
I'll see if I can track it down in his luggage and I'll take a photo and post for you.
Another great installment Jenn
Max just looks cuter every time I see him but I have to say that last picture really grossed me out - I have a serious, serious phobia about peanut butter. I can't stand to even look at the stuff and just seeing Max with that big ole PB&J sandwich was like my worst nightmare
What a lovely 'dream' you got at AK. FOLK is a great show and to see it from down at the front must have been amazing - so lucky
Daniel really wants to get on the Yeti ride when we go in April so I keep telling him to eat his veggies so he can get tall enough (the height requirement is 44", is it not?)
Keep those updates coming - it's getting like a routine now - Daniel to bed, log on and see if Jenn has posted a new day's report yet
Hi Joh!!! Max informed me once that I looked like one of the chubby dwarves because I was fat (this was when he was about 2 1/2 and they were learning opposites in daycare: short-tall, up-down, thin-fat) and he got such a "talking to" from his father that now he thinks there nothing worse that telling someone they are fat. It's adorable when he tries to describe Santa, etc. He won't even say "fat" then...
Now he tells me that I look like a princess, which is even funnier since he picks Belle. Yup, 5'3", blonde hair, curvy = Belle...???One of my friends feels the same way you do about PB - she can't stand the smell. I imagine she'll love that photo too!
EE is indeed 44 inches. It's the magic WDW height with a few exceptions (48). How tall is Daniel??
DisneyJo
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Thanks although my DD's will be 9 and 11 I'm sure they'd love an easy map
wilma-bride
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42" so he has a little way to go - but almost 11 months so I reckon he stands a good chance
Disneyolic
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Hi Appletini! I just found your TR and read only your first evening in but I had to jump on board! Now back to reading!!!
I just found your TR and read only your first evening in but I had to jump on board! Now back to reading!!! 
belle8306
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Another great update! I love the picture of your son with the sour candy! How cute! I was wondering how Nemo would be with the real people holding up the puppets. I really like the Lion King show so this is also something I want to try. Thanks for the update!
I love the picture of your son with the sour candy! How cute! I was wondering how Nemo would be with the real people holding up the puppets. I really like the Lion King show so this is also something I want to try. Thanks for the update!
slk537
<font color=red>Sigh...other than WDW, if I could
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Tuesday, May 8
This was our second to last full day at the Beach Club Villas – we had been here exactly one week. And we had only used 11 of our 27 CS meals. So this morning, instead of puttering and eating doughnuts or fruit in the room, we decided to venture forward and have breakfast at Artist Palette.
The restaurant was busy, and most of the tables were in use. One of the very nice CM’s told Goofy that we could go back close to the Turf Club where they had plenty of tables. Goofy got a few fountain drinks and then I took orders and went to get the breakfasts while he and Max got a table overlooking the river, over by a cozy fireplace.
Being new to breakfast CS credits I didn’t realize we got two drinks each with the adult meals. The CM checking me out was great – she let me know exactly what I could get and waited patiently while I ran over to grab some juice and chocolate milk.
We had a great breakfast and Goofy ran to check on something in the store while Max and I threw away the garbage. On the way back to the Artist Palette area, Max found a Hidden Mickey on a gate going into the kitchen
Closer up:
And further away so you can see whereabouts the gate is:
This was the Trip of Pins and Hidden Mickeys. He had been amusing himself so far looking in carpets and pictures and draperies and everywhere for hidden Mickeys. And here was a great one! I was pretty proud of him:
We took a few photos, showed Goofy and headed out to the TTC to go to Magic Kingdom. Once we got to the TTC, we had to renew Max’s AP, which had expired the day before. Goofy, thank goodness, reminded me to give them the old one – I was planning on just buying a new pass, and forgot I was actually renewing one. I did definitely remember the DVC card for the discount. Thanks DVC for the great AP discount!!! Max let me keep his pass but he happily scooped up the folder book with the discount list in it. He loves carrying things like this,
This is where we checked out Max’s new pass and saw the lovely Tinkerbell on it.
We walked up to the monorail after this and the crowds were relatively light. I decided to be assertive and asked the young man CM if Max could ride in the front. He said there was already someone waiting, but if we could take the next monorail, we certainly could. He showed us where to go and we happily moved up to the front area. I told the two CM’s there that “the gentleman back there told us we could wait here for the front of the next Monorail” and they laughed at me and accused me of lying since “he’s no gentleman!”. They were fantastic! They gave Max his own license and a monorail trading card. He immediately put them both away in his AP folder.
Waiting for the monorail, Goofy started peeking in the CM stand they had there, in particular at the photos. He was intrigued by these - does this look like Walt on the monorail line?
When the next monorail came, we got in and it was really cool! The last and only time Max and Goofy had ridden in the front, I was stuck in the first car behind them with the stroller. Since we had no stroller this time, I got to sit in front and take photos.
The driver was very nice and seemed amused at how excited I was. Max took out his cards and began to play with them, while I snapped bad photos of the view.
When we arrived at the Magic Kingdom, the driver (pilot?) gave each of us a license…I got a huge kick out of mine.
We made our way into the park and stopped at Uptown Jewelers to get some of those brass locking pin backs. I was idly browsing and I found…believe it or not…after so much looking…not a Beach Club pin…BUT…a Beach Club VILLAS pin, complete with the DVC logo.
WOO HOO!!
I scooped that up with the pin locks and surprised Max. After making my purchase, we went outside into a little alleyway and Max and I chatted while Goofy locked his pins on. We argued about the Kilimajaro pin he had traded the DVC rep for. Goofy and I wanted to leave the Mickey back on it in case he wanted to trade. Max insisted he would never trade. No sir, not him. No trades.
Where we were sitting:
He decided to go chase ducks while DH locked the rest of his pins – leaving the safari one with the Mickey back. Why? Because we know our son.
Max and the Duck:
We got up and walked past the Plaze, stopping briefly to listen to the Dapper Dans. We then made our way to Buzz where Max briefly glanced at a CM’s lanyard and the CM immediately whipped it over to Max and let him take a closer look.
Quick background I forgot: Max had been given tons of crayons and paper and activity books for the plane and he had been drawing pictures of all the rides he was going on and the things we were doing. Goofy had suggested to him that he should keep his drawings and make a memory book of the trip. Max loved the idea and starting assembling his drawings.
Back to the TR…
The CM had a huge rectangular pin with all the Epcot Countries on it. I couldn’t tell what it was, but it said “Illuminations” and I thought it was cool. Max zoned in on it and decided to trade (shock!) the Kilimanjaro pin (double shock!!) pin for it. The CM showed him how they had to trade at the same time (????) and gave him the Illuminations pin. Which turned out to be shaped like a big book. I asked Max why he picked that one and he said, “because it’s a scrapbook and I’m making a scrapbook of the trip.”
How cute is that?
Later Goofy looked closely at the pin and realized it was an Illuminations Grand Gatherings pin. He was pretty tickled since you obviously can’t just buy that one.
We trode Buzz and I had my tush handed to me again – I scored 58,000 to Goofy’s 160,00+. After this, we rode the TTA again, where Goofy made the discovery about the Grand Gatherings pin. After the ride, we sat down next to the Buzz merchandise cart and Goofy began to attach Max’s new pin. While we were doing that, a CM went by with garbage pails and said, “you collect pins?” Max nodded. He then reached into his pocket, said “I have some pins for you,” and handed Max the Tinkerbell pins. And then he just kept going and disappeared.
How cool is that????
We explained to Max that he now had more of the YOMD CM pins and he had to find someone to give the second one to – and the third, since he already had one. He thought long and hard and decided to give them to his cousins who also collected pins. But he wanted to keep his options open in case he saw someone else who was just starting the collection like he was.
We were just so impressed and amazed that this CM who was collecting the garbage took the time to stop and share a little magic with our son. We had felt like real winners when Max got his first pins from the CMs and Backlot Express. And then again when the sweet little boy at Coral Reef gave him one. And we truly felt like we had been touched by the YOMD when the CM at The Land gave him a YOMD pin. Being one of the Families of the Day at DAK was great. And then riding in the front of the monorail? Priceless. But this was just truly a cherry on our happy sundae. This trip alone was our Dream. But all the extra magic? Priceless!!!
By this time Goofy was hungry, so we stopped at the Lunching Pad and got a hot dog, chips and soda CS to split. Following this, Goofy and Max rode on Tomorrowland Speedway while I got a smoothie at Auntie Gravity’s (tropical fruit (orange-pineapple-mango-passion fruit),) which was very, very good.
We all met up after the Speedway ride and went to Pooh – it was temporarily down. We then decided to ride SnowWhite.
I seemed to have forgotten why I don’t like Snow White. Until Max and I were in the front seat and I felt like I was smushed with no leg room. I’m 5’3” for crying out loud…I should not have a problem with leg room!
Following the squish, we went into the castle and looked around at the shops. Max asked if we could go back to Pooh and see if it was working and we did – it was. This was one of his first rides when he was a little bitty one year old, so it is definitely a sentimental favorite for me.
After Pooh, we wandered over to Liberty Square to ride Max’s new favorite” Haunted Mansion. It was great, as always. We then went over to Frontierland, as Goofy had to have his turkey leg. We sat down to eat it and then decided we were in great position for the parade so we stayed.
After the parade, we went to Adventureland so we could ride POC again. This ride was strange – two CM’s got in the back row, right behind us, to ride along. It wasn’t a YOMD thing, just riding along. It was fun at first because they seemed to enjoy Max and the male CM was calling him “Mate” like he was a pirate. But at the end near the treasure area, Max reached out as though he was going to dip his hand in the water. I immediately said, “Max, don’t ---“ and the male CM interrupted me and said, “Keep your hands in the water, mate.” Then he laughed and said, “I mean out of the water.”
I understand this is his job, but Max is my son and I was handling it. It kinda bothered me a bit for a minute or two.
After this, we walked to front – Max was a little upset because he was hot and tired and wanted to go to the Confectionery. He pouted to the monorail and then calmed down by the time we got to the car. When we got back to the villas, Max told us he was really tired and ran ahead to the room. And promptly did this outside the door in the outside hallway:
We had time for a nice cool rest before Max had to get ready for the Sandcastle Club and Goofy and I got ready for Yachtsman.
Next up – A Dining Adventure at the Yachtsman Steakhouse.
This was our second to last full day at the Beach Club Villas – we had been here exactly one week. And we had only used 11 of our 27 CS meals. So this morning, instead of puttering and eating doughnuts or fruit in the room, we decided to venture forward and have breakfast at Artist Palette.
The restaurant was busy, and most of the tables were in use. One of the very nice CM’s told Goofy that we could go back close to the Turf Club where they had plenty of tables. Goofy got a few fountain drinks and then I took orders and went to get the breakfasts while he and Max got a table overlooking the river, over by a cozy fireplace.
Being new to breakfast CS credits I didn’t realize we got two drinks each with the adult meals. The CM checking me out was great – she let me know exactly what I could get and waited patiently while I ran over to grab some juice and chocolate milk.
We had a great breakfast and Goofy ran to check on something in the store while Max and I threw away the garbage. On the way back to the Artist Palette area, Max found a Hidden Mickey on a gate going into the kitchen
Closer up:
And further away so you can see whereabouts the gate is:
This was the Trip of Pins and Hidden Mickeys. He had been amusing himself so far looking in carpets and pictures and draperies and everywhere for hidden Mickeys. And here was a great one! I was pretty proud of him:
We took a few photos, showed Goofy and headed out to the TTC to go to Magic Kingdom. Once we got to the TTC, we had to renew Max’s AP, which had expired the day before. Goofy, thank goodness, reminded me to give them the old one – I was planning on just buying a new pass, and forgot I was actually renewing one. I did definitely remember the DVC card for the discount. Thanks DVC for the great AP discount!!! Max let me keep his pass but he happily scooped up the folder book with the discount list in it. He loves carrying things like this,
This is where we checked out Max’s new pass and saw the lovely Tinkerbell on it.
We walked up to the monorail after this and the crowds were relatively light. I decided to be assertive and asked the young man CM if Max could ride in the front. He said there was already someone waiting, but if we could take the next monorail, we certainly could. He showed us where to go and we happily moved up to the front area. I told the two CM’s there that “the gentleman back there told us we could wait here for the front of the next Monorail” and they laughed at me and accused me of lying since “he’s no gentleman!”. They were fantastic! They gave Max his own license and a monorail trading card. He immediately put them both away in his AP folder.
Waiting for the monorail, Goofy started peeking in the CM stand they had there, in particular at the photos. He was intrigued by these - does this look like Walt on the monorail line?
When the next monorail came, we got in and it was really cool! The last and only time Max and Goofy had ridden in the front, I was stuck in the first car behind them with the stroller. Since we had no stroller this time, I got to sit in front and take photos.
The driver was very nice and seemed amused at how excited I was. Max took out his cards and began to play with them, while I snapped bad photos of the view.
When we arrived at the Magic Kingdom, the driver (pilot?) gave each of us a license…I got a huge kick out of mine.
We made our way into the park and stopped at Uptown Jewelers to get some of those brass locking pin backs. I was idly browsing and I found…believe it or not…after so much looking…not a Beach Club pin…BUT…a Beach Club VILLAS pin, complete with the DVC logo.
WOO HOO!!
I scooped that up with the pin locks and surprised Max. After making my purchase, we went outside into a little alleyway and Max and I chatted while Goofy locked his pins on. We argued about the Kilimajaro pin he had traded the DVC rep for. Goofy and I wanted to leave the Mickey back on it in case he wanted to trade. Max insisted he would never trade. No sir, not him. No trades.
Where we were sitting:
He decided to go chase ducks while DH locked the rest of his pins – leaving the safari one with the Mickey back. Why? Because we know our son.
Max and the Duck:
We got up and walked past the Plaze, stopping briefly to listen to the Dapper Dans. We then made our way to Buzz where Max briefly glanced at a CM’s lanyard and the CM immediately whipped it over to Max and let him take a closer look.
Quick background I forgot: Max had been given tons of crayons and paper and activity books for the plane and he had been drawing pictures of all the rides he was going on and the things we were doing. Goofy had suggested to him that he should keep his drawings and make a memory book of the trip. Max loved the idea and starting assembling his drawings.
Back to the TR…
The CM had a huge rectangular pin with all the Epcot Countries on it. I couldn’t tell what it was, but it said “Illuminations” and I thought it was cool. Max zoned in on it and decided to trade (shock!) the Kilimanjaro pin (double shock!!) pin for it. The CM showed him how they had to trade at the same time (????) and gave him the Illuminations pin. Which turned out to be shaped like a big book. I asked Max why he picked that one and he said, “because it’s a scrapbook and I’m making a scrapbook of the trip.”
How cute is that?
Later Goofy looked closely at the pin and realized it was an Illuminations Grand Gatherings pin. He was pretty tickled since you obviously can’t just buy that one.
We trode Buzz and I had my tush handed to me again – I scored 58,000 to Goofy’s 160,00+. After this, we rode the TTA again, where Goofy made the discovery about the Grand Gatherings pin. After the ride, we sat down next to the Buzz merchandise cart and Goofy began to attach Max’s new pin. While we were doing that, a CM went by with garbage pails and said, “you collect pins?” Max nodded. He then reached into his pocket, said “I have some pins for you,” and handed Max the Tinkerbell pins. And then he just kept going and disappeared.
How cool is that????
We explained to Max that he now had more of the YOMD CM pins and he had to find someone to give the second one to – and the third, since he already had one. He thought long and hard and decided to give them to his cousins who also collected pins. But he wanted to keep his options open in case he saw someone else who was just starting the collection like he was.
We were just so impressed and amazed that this CM who was collecting the garbage took the time to stop and share a little magic with our son. We had felt like real winners when Max got his first pins from the CMs and Backlot Express. And then again when the sweet little boy at Coral Reef gave him one. And we truly felt like we had been touched by the YOMD when the CM at The Land gave him a YOMD pin. Being one of the Families of the Day at DAK was great. And then riding in the front of the monorail? Priceless. But this was just truly a cherry on our happy sundae. This trip alone was our Dream. But all the extra magic? Priceless!!!
By this time Goofy was hungry, so we stopped at the Lunching Pad and got a hot dog, chips and soda CS to split. Following this, Goofy and Max rode on Tomorrowland Speedway while I got a smoothie at Auntie Gravity’s (tropical fruit (orange-pineapple-mango-passion fruit),) which was very, very good.
We all met up after the Speedway ride and went to Pooh – it was temporarily down. We then decided to ride SnowWhite.
I seemed to have forgotten why I don’t like Snow White. Until Max and I were in the front seat and I felt like I was smushed with no leg room. I’m 5’3” for crying out loud…I should not have a problem with leg room!
Following the squish, we went into the castle and looked around at the shops. Max asked if we could go back to Pooh and see if it was working and we did – it was. This was one of his first rides when he was a little bitty one year old, so it is definitely a sentimental favorite for me.
After Pooh, we wandered over to Liberty Square to ride Max’s new favorite” Haunted Mansion. It was great, as always. We then went over to Frontierland, as Goofy had to have his turkey leg. We sat down to eat it and then decided we were in great position for the parade so we stayed.
After the parade, we went to Adventureland so we could ride POC again. This ride was strange – two CM’s got in the back row, right behind us, to ride along. It wasn’t a YOMD thing, just riding along. It was fun at first because they seemed to enjoy Max and the male CM was calling him “Mate” like he was a pirate. But at the end near the treasure area, Max reached out as though he was going to dip his hand in the water. I immediately said, “Max, don’t ---“ and the male CM interrupted me and said, “Keep your hands in the water, mate.” Then he laughed and said, “I mean out of the water.”
I understand this is his job, but Max is my son and I was handling it. It kinda bothered me a bit for a minute or two.
After this, we walked to front – Max was a little upset because he was hot and tired and wanted to go to the Confectionery. He pouted to the monorail and then calmed down by the time we got to the car. When we got back to the villas, Max told us he was really tired and ran ahead to the room. And promptly did this outside the door in the outside hallway:
We had time for a nice cool rest before Max had to get ready for the Sandcastle Club and Goofy and I got ready for Yachtsman.
Next up – A Dining Adventure at the Yachtsman Steakhouse.
LITTLEKID58
Platinum Castaway
- Joined
- Sep 22, 2001
- Messages
- 2,666
TFS 
wilma-bride
<<This space intentionally blank>>
- Joined
- Jul 13, 2005
- Messages
- 22,681
Max found a Hidden Mickey on a gate going into the kitchen
Closer up:
The girls loved looking for Hidden Mickeys on our last trip and I'm sure they will happily introduce their little brother to the fun - we will have to look out for that one when we are at SSR.
Wow, you certainly had some great luck with pins. And you got the Beach Club pin - yay!
I know just what you mean - it's never good when someone else interferes with your parenting
What a wonderful day you all had. You've had some real magical moments so far - and you still have a week left.
Thank you for sharing all the details with us
AlyssinWonderland
Lost in the Looking Glass
- Joined
- Jan 11, 2007
- Messages
- 377
WOW! Your trip sounds fantastic! I've still got over 80 days until mine so I'm living through yours! I can't wait to read more! 
How magical for Max to recieve all those free pins! 
How magical for Max to recieve all those free pins!
slk537
<font color=red>Sigh...other than WDW, if I could
- Joined
- May 23, 2004
- Messages
- 2,663
The girls loved looking for Hidden Mickeys on our last trip and I'm sure they will happily introduce their little brother to the fun - we will have to look out for that one when we are at SSR.
Wow, you certainly had some great luck with pins. And you got the Beach Club pin - yay!
I know just what you mean - it's never good when someone else interferes with your parenting
What a wonderful day you all had. You've had some real magical moments so far - and you still have a week left.
Thank you for sharing all the details with us
Morning Joh!!! This was a lovely day - and the pins keep coming. You have to get Daniel an empty lanyard and see what happens. We were amazed!
And I was kicking myself on the trip because I forgot the Hidden Mickeys book. He had a ball finding them.
More pinsYou have a very lucky boy! Sounded like a lovely day
WOW! Your trip sounds fantastic! I've still got over 80 days until mine so I'm living through yours! I can't wait to read more!
Thank you both! The pins do keep coming in Week Two. Plus his Daddy was so happy about Max going on HM, EE, and ToT this trip that he had to keep adding to them as well
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