Celebrating A 5th Birthday with Mickey & Rain,May 2009! Completed..

[Disneychix]

I"m so glad you got a nice CM to help with R2D2! That's great!

I was just talking to my DH about doing a waterpark next time we go. He's not that into them but I"ll keep working on him. Maybe when my DS gets a bit older. HOw old was Thomas when you first took him?

 

[29apr00]

what a frustrating morning, but my DH would have been the same way! one little mishap and he's completely turned off! Glad everything was righted and you got the $$ back from the business center, but still....a wasted day!

 

[kaysmommie]

Blizzard Beach looks awesome, we didn't do a waterpark this time, can't wait to try one next year.

I would definitely try one of the water parks!

Aww, what a mess with the DDP! And its never fun having hubby grumpy on vacation!

Blizzard Beach looked awesome, though, and the kids sure had fun!

Looking forward to more...



p.s. I type my TR posts out on WORD and copy/paste them since they're usually too long for the alloted time...


Kathy

Thanks, BB was great and we all had fun there. Thomas still talks about it everyday. I was just as grumpy as Tom when they messed up our reservations . You know how they look forward to those Disney restaurants. I can always convince him to go again as long as I talk about the DDP and all the great places to eat. I will be using WORD from now on to type up my TR .

I"m so glad you got a nice CM to help with R2D2! That's great!

I was just talking to my DH about doing a waterpark next time we go. He's not that into them but I"ll keep working on him. Maybe when my DS gets a bit older. HOw old was Thomas when you first took him?

I can understand why your DH is not that into the water parks. Neither are Tom and I. But for some reason we love BB and TL. if we can easily fit it in on our schedule then we go. I guess because it's a more relaxing day. The first time we took Thomas he was 3.5 and he liked it a lot. I took him to the kiddie area first while Tom and Kaylee went on some bigger slides. The kiddie area at both parks are great for the 2-5 year olds. They have lots of small slides and even some where they can ride a mini inner tube down. lots of splash areas too. He also had fun playing by the wave pool and Lazy river.

what a frustrating morning, but my DH would have been the same way! one little mishap and he's completely turned off! Glad everything was righted and you got the $$ back from the business center, but still....a wasted day!

I was slightly annoyed about him saying no to renting points again .But then he realized he was the hotels mistake. A wasted day running all over to trying to straighten out there mistake is no small mishap. Good thing it was only a water park day. If it had been MK I would have been very Well at least they paid us back, thanks for the .

 

[kaysmommie]

DAY 2 PART 2 Downtown Disney.....


When we got back to our room at SSR we were pleasantly surprised to see the room had been cleaned and we had new towels. I guess since we paid cash for our first night and now were staying on DVC points. I kind of figured since we kept our room they skip the cleaning. It was very close to our time for reservation at Kona. I knew we would never make it ontime with the bus service at SSR. So we called and canceled and figured we would just go to WPE at DTD instead.

We wanted to take the boat over to DTD but the skies looked like they were about to open so we headed to the bus stop. I was hoping we would get to take the boat on the way back. We did have to wait a while for a bus but luckily it was a very short ride over to DTD. We were so hungry so wwe went directly to Wolfgang Puck Express. Tom thought we shoukld eat outside but I thought that was not a good idea . Still I said whatever and we found a table outside. The kids ordered pizza and chicken fingers, I had rosemary chicken. I can't remember what Tom had but dinner was pretty good. We had brownies for dessert, they weren't our favorite.. Then half way through eating the thunder storm started. Lots of people were moving the tables further under the awning since it was pouring on them. We quickly finished up and just took our dessert to go.

We put on our poncho's and headed over to the stores to shop. First we went to Once Upon a Toy. This is where Thomas first saw the R2D2 robot. I checked the price and then put it back. We already bought him a big Play Pirate ship for his birthday that was wating at home for him. So no way was I spending $130 on a robot . Next he saw the build your own Light Saber which of course he wanted to make one. Tom and I were just clueless how the heck to build one of these things.

Luckily a CM came over to help us. She asked Thomas which one he wanted? He picked Darth Vader , I'm not a fan of him but Thomas is. The CM was a great help showing tom how to build this thing . Thomas was thrilled with his new light Saber.

I asked Tom to take the kids over to World of Disney since kaylee wanted to buy a few things there. I said i would be right over but wanted to buy a little something for Thomas for his Birthday Morning. I spent some time browsing the Star Wars area but anything really good he already has. I was going to buy him a Jedi Mickey plush but instead decided on and Ewok . I made sure and hid the bag from Thomas.

Then I met the rest of the fam at WOD. Kaylee found a book to put her pins in. Since she has many that she would never trade this worked well for her. Also she bought a Marie pin with her own Bday money. I can take a picture if you want. WOD was busy and we planned on heading to Goofy's next to make some treats. Unfortunately because of the thunderstorms we just called it a night and headed to the bus stop. We were looking forward to resting up before our full day at Epcot!

 

[leamom2princesses]

Great update Nichole! We could probably spend two days at DTD looking at everything. We love to shop!

The book for the pins is an excellent idea. We'll have to look into that. The girls have lots of pins that they aren't allowed/willing to trade.

 

[mom2mek]

If some 12 year old boy hadn't come over to help me with Michael back in November 2007, we would probably STILL be there trying to build that thing! I'm guessing Shawn would have had better luck doing it, but he wasn't there so it was all up to Mommy....

I got Michael a stuffed Ewok when I was there with the girls in December! They are so cute!

Thomas looks so cute with his lightsaber!

Sorry you had to skip Goofy's!

Looking forward to Epcot!

Sara

 

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

Yikes, $130 for a toy R2D2. I hope he does some really cool stuff for that price.

 

[kaysmommie]

Great update Nichole! We could probably spend two days at DTD looking at everything. We love to shop!

The book for the pins is an excellent idea. We'll have to look into that. The girls have lots of pins that they aren't allowed/willing to trade.

Hi Leanne,
They sell a few different pin books in the stores in Disney. It's better than her wearing two heavy Lanyards. I love the stores in DTD.

If some 12 year old boy hadn't come over to help me with Michael back in November 2007, we would probably STILL be there trying to build that thing! I'm guessing Shawn would have had better luck doing it, but he wasn't there so it was all up to Mommy....

I got Michael a stuffed Ewok when I was there with the girls in December! They are so cute!

Thomas looks so cute with his lightsaber!

Sorry you had to skip Goofy's!

Looking forward to Epcot!

Sara

Thanks Sara,
I remember reading about that in your trip report. I was clueless how to put it together, like you. So many small parts . Tom isn't into SW at all so he had trouble figuring it out too. I guess he never saw it when he was a kid also he never went to Disney. Thomas looks pretty happy in the pics doesn't he. Well go to Goofy's next time.

Yikes, $130 for a toy R2D2. I hope he does some really cool stuff for that price.

I thought the same thing until his Birthday cards came in the mail. tat is what he wanted to spend them on. Thomas didn't want to hear anything about putting it into his bank account . We ended up being able to get the sale price for R2 but had to spend $40.

 

[mkluvsmickey]

Great update Nichole! I'm sure we must have been in World of Disney at the same time as you guys - darn! It sure was a rainy night. You should have seen us when we got back on the bus, we didn't have ponchos or anything. But, we got our Goofy's treats!

 

[29apr00]

I need to check out the menu for WPE. It never appealed to me, but i hear a lot of good reviews for there. We may need to stop by in December.

 

[kaysmommie]

Great update Nichole! I'm sure we must have been in World of Disney at the same time as you guys - darn! It sure was a rainy night. You should have seen us when we got back on the bus, we didn't have ponchos or anything. But, we got our Goofy's treats!

Thanks. I forgot to add in the part where Kaylee was bugging me to call you and see if we could meet up at DTD.
I finally said we would but then we walked to the bus stop and the sky was black. Just figured who want to want to leave Epcot and go to DTD in a storm . Too funny that you were there, see I should have just called. I bet you girls were soaked and cold on that A/c bus. Glad you got your treats though

I need to check out the menu for WPE. It never appealed to me, but i hear a lot of good reviews for there. We may need to stop by in December.

It's a great use of a CS credit. the food is also better than most CS IMO. You should try it once.

 

[tmkinney]

Great update! Hunter enjoyed making one of the light sabers when we were there. When he made his they had a special and he got a Stars Wars pin for free, he liked it as much as the sword! I would like to try WPE next time we go but I don't know if I can get DH to go back to DD. Our first trip we went late at night and it was like a night club scene and we hit the World of Disney store and it was packed like sardines so we had a bad experience all the way around!

 

[KathyRN137]

Thomas was thrilled with his new light Saber.

He does look thrilled!

Kathy

 

[dddisrunner]

OK Nichole, you have me freaking out a little bit about the bus situation at SSR! If the weather is nice how long of a walk would it be from Grandstand to DTD? Was thinking of doing this for our resort ADR'S? I LOVED the look on Thomas' face with the lightsaber! SO CUTE! I will have to look inot the pin books for the boys, their lanyards are starting to get heavy too! Glad you enjoyed WPE, sorry about the weather though! Looking forward to more!

 

[OneTreeHillAddict]

Thomas looks thrilled with his new light saber. We have one from last Summer and it's still in working order! I'm so glad he got his robot. I told Sidney about the promo and now he wants one. NOT gonna happen! My house is cluttered with mess now and that's the last thing we need. LOL It's really cute though. Did you get it yet? We have to see pics when he opens it!

Girl...we painted our main living areas and one color made me cry. Sidney was up 'til 7 this morning repainting the "dis" green color. Much mo betta now! Someone's at my door....gotta run. GREAT update!!!

 

[ladybugmom]

Thomas looks so cute with his light saber! Brent really enjoyed looking at all of the Star Wars stuff at Once Upon A Toy. The build a light saber thing is just perfect for boys! My nephews would freak!! Can't wait to hear about your day in Epcot!!

 

[kaysmommie]

Great update! Hunter enjoyed making one of the light sabers when we were there. When he made his they had a special and he got a Stars Wars pin for free, he liked it as much as the sword! I would like to try WPE next time we go but I don't know if I can get DH to go back to DD. Our first trip we went late at night and it was like a night club scene and we hit the World of Disney store and it was packed like sardines so we had a bad experience all the way around!

It seems DTD is always very busy at night. It's not my favorite place either but I do like some of the stores. Last October we had a rather lousy time at DTD too. This time was a bit less crowded. That Hunter also got a Star Wars Pin.

He does look thrilled!

Kathy

He was smiling the whole time his toy was being built .

OK Nichole, you have me freaking out a little bit about the bus situation at SSR! If the weather is nice how long of a walk would it be from Grandstand to DTD? Was thinking of doing this for our resort ADR'S? I LOVED the look on Thomas' face with the lightsaber! SO CUTE! I will have to look inot the pin books for the boys, their lanyards are starting to get heavy too! Glad you enjoyed WPE, sorry about the weather though! Looking forward to more!

I'm not sure how far the walk would be since it was never nice out and we didn't get to try it. I think Congress park is really close, like 10-15 minutes from what I read on the SSR thread. Not sure how long from Grandstand. the boat ride looks really nice, it was going on Saturday night. I hope you have better luck with the buses. We allowed over and hour for travel time and still we were late for most of our ADR's . Thomas loves his new light saber, he also has an Anakin one. Your trip is getting so close single digits!

Thomas looks thrilled with his new light saber. We have one from last Summer and it's still in working order! I'm so glad he got his robot. I told Sidney about the promo and now he wants one. NOT gonna happen! My house is cluttered with mess now and that's the last thing we need. LOL It's really cute though. Did you get it yet? We have to see pics when he opens it!

Girl...we painted our main living areas and one color made me cry. Sidney was up 'til 7 this morning repainting the "dis" green color. Much mo betta now! Someone's at my door....gotta run. GREAT update!!!

Sidney wants and R2D2, I'm sure your kids would love it though. I will take pics when we get it. I'm hoping to get it by Friday but who knows I might be out of town or a few days have to go to NJ possibly. Oh no DIS green! Who picked out that color? Glad it's back to a color you can live with, sorry it made you cry.

 

[kaysmommie]

Thomas looks so cute with his light saber! Brent really enjoyed looking at all of the Star Wars stuff at Once Upon A Toy. The build a light saber thing is just perfect for boys! My nephews would freak!! Can't wait to hear about your day in Epcot!!

Thanks Becky .

 

[kaysmommie]

DAY 3, PART 1 Epcot….Monday May 18th

This morning we woke to our usual Stitch/ Mickey wake up call. Thomas thinks it’s hysterical and would laugh so hard everyday when the call came. Today was the day we were finally going to one of the parks. After a quick breakfast we headed out to the bus stop. Waited for about 15 minutes today.

We arrived at the front of Epcot with 30 minutes to spare. It was not crowded at all! While waiting we chatted with a family from PA.. They were very nice and apparently on a grand gathering. I know they are TGMers abut can’t remember their screen name. We were talking with them about DVC since they have it and come to Disney a lot. It turned they had the same morning plan as us for the DH to go get Soarin FP’s while the rest went to character spot . This would be our first time even going to Character spot as we were hoping to see Chip & Dale. Also Thomas was very anxious to see Mickey since we had been in Disney since Saturday and still hadn’t seen him. Usually I book Chef Mickey’s for arrival night for this reason.

They finally let us in and then we went up to the other rope drop area. Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Pluto, and Donald all came out to say good morning to the crowd. All of the CM’s wished Thomas Happy Birthday which was so nice. Actually there were tons of Birthday kids everywhere this trip. The promotion must be working. I told Tom to take his time and then when he was done we would ride Test Track. Sorry the pics are a bit close.

When they counted down the rope drop we headed directly to the Character Spot. We were first and just thrilled to see the characters and got a picture with all of them!! Also we got pics with each of the characters. This trip we skipped ordering a Photopass. Now I’m glad we did because we would have had about 25 pics on there with all the rain. But I really wanted those F&G borders for my pics .

Just as we were leaving Tom was walking up the Land pavilion with FP’s in hand. I told him about the pics with the characters, would have been nice if he got in the picture too. Next we made it over to one of the kids favorites, Test Track. We waited about 10 minutes until we were in a car. We even got a car all to ourselves.

There were a few rides on our list we could go to before it was out time to ride Soarin. The kids picked Spaceship Earth. On the way I had to take a picture of this. It seemed like map readers would walk right into the picture every time you tried to take it though.

We got right on Spaceship Earth with no wait. We had fun getting our pics taken and making faces. After the ride we typed our info into a computer so that we could have our pictures sent to our email. Mine is a mug shot .





Tom was the FPV and went over to TT to get us FP’s to ride again and then meet back up with us in the seas. The kids and I went to ride Nemo and walk around the tanks. Kaylee of course stopped to color in the kidcot. Then we checked out the manatees. Thomas enjoyed learning all about them and thought they were so cute. He was concerned why one of them had no tail. The CM was telling all us that the manatee was hit by a boat propeller. We watched for a while and then went to get the kids picture with Bruce.

This was very crazy and crowded which was because it started to rain already. This forced all the people to be inside a pavilion. Little did I know it would downpour the rest of the week on all our park days.

Continued in next post........

 

[kaysmommie]

Continued....



It was time to use our FP’s for Soarin so we put on our lovely poncho’s and headed over to the land. It was a mad house in there too. The FP’s line took about 15 minutes until we soared over California. This is definitely one of our favorite rides. When we were done I wanted to ride Living w’ the land but no one wanted to go. So we took a restroom break and got ready for lunch. I wanted to have lunch in WS but with the rain figured we would just eat at Sunshine Seasons instead. It was 11:30 and we were hungry. It was a good lunch though. Sorry no pics, we did take them at all the rest of our Table service meals though .

Thomas had the kids turkey and cheese sub with Cheetos and chocolate milk. Kaylee had Mac and cheese, a coke and chocolate pudding for dessert. Tom and I each had Panini sandwiches and Strawberry shortcake for dessert. We of course shared this with the kids. By time we finished it was getting very busy in SS and there were not many tables left.


We did a lot of backtracking this day for some reason. The kids wanted to Innoventions and do the Where's the fire game. This was our first time trying this. It was pretty fun, but once was enough since the flashlights didn't work too well.. They also played around on some of the games. Thomas and I were looking at the Piggy bank game but Kaylee and Tom went outside to see Jammitors so we skipped it.

When they came back in Thomas and I had found the Velcro frogs that you dress up. Of course he didn’t like any of the clothes or accessories and wanted his frog to stay naked. It took forever to get him to finish up in there. Kaylee had fun making one and I did too. We stuck them on the stroller.

We skipped Club cool since none of were thirsty anyway and headed to Imagination pavilion since it was still raining. There was no wait for Figment’s ride and the kids love this for some reason. The skunk smell is there favorite though. I think we spent almost and hour playing with the computers in here. There are two links below if you feel like looking at some pics we made in Imagination. I couldn't copy them for some reason.

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]http://www.kodakgallery.com/ShareLa...=-y1xi1u&localeid=en_US&sourceid=397547666503 [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]http://www.kodakgallery.com/ShareLa...=-fyqpcq&localeid=en_US&sourceid=397547666503[/FONT]

It was hard to get Kaylee out of there, but a ride on Test Track is always tempting. The standby line was 45 minutes but we had FP’s. the CM was telling everyone entering that the ride could stop at any time because of the bad weather. It was thundering a bit now too. The kids and Tom wanted to take their chances and ride. So we waited maybe 20 minutes before getting in a car. This time we had a couple ride with us, yeah two girls that were holding hands and being very touchy with each other on the line. Anyway the kids again had a blast riding again and when our car went outside to the track it rained on us.

After TT it was time to make our way over to World Showcase. This is my second favorite after MK of course. It was down pouring so not a fun walk over to Mexico. The kids sat and colored a few minutes until two of the kids sitting at the table started hacking up a lung numerous times all over the place and not covering their mouths. I told the kids we were going and they could work on them later in another kidcot without kids coughing all over everybody and everything .

We passed right by Norway and so many beautiful Topairies, but no pics since it was raining, sorry. We wanted to make it to China to see the Acrobats. I have wanted to see him them every single trip and hopefully this time I finally would.


Next: Would I get to see the Acrobats? Would we like our dinner at Chef's De France?