Challenged Accepted! Our Year of Disney with a toddler 2/27 x2

[Rosenichole]

how was the drive from Windsor hills to the other parks you said in one of your posts that it was like 20 minutes to magic kingdom we are looking at renting there for our June 2015 trip.

 

[MEK]

Gavin wanted to read Cinderella last night
Me: Where does Cinderella live?
Gavin: in the castle
Me: Where is the castle?
Gavin: in the purple book

HAHA

That's awesome!

Loved your last update. I'm a little behind thanks to a recent trip to Williamsburg.

Adorable pictures of Gavin. He looks like he is thoroughly enjoying the day at HS.

Those cupcakes looks amazing. The hair - not so much!

3 night at the GF. Nice! I say do it, especially at Christmas. Of course, I would have voted for the BC too! Can't believe Dee actually talked you out of it. That's a shocker!

Good luck getting everything in line for December. No matter what you decide it will be a great trip!

 

[amazingact21]

Aww, those meet and greet pictures with Woody and Buzz are adorable! And way to go You two for keeping Gavin entertained for the 45 minute wait. I know that had to be a challenge.



How funny that Gavin ran right past Pluto and wanted to see Goofy. Apparently, he was more in a Goofy mood.



Mom, those cupcakes look delicious. Love The treats from Starring Rolls.

 

[natebenma]

It looks like I didn't comment on your last update.

I haven't done the Meet & Greet with Buzz & Woody, but I love the pictures from the line. There are so many great photo opportunities.

How tough is it to play TSM with a little one in-between you?

Yum, those cupcakes look super good!

Too funny about Gavin snubbing Pluto for Goofy. Pluto always seems to get the short end of the stick.

It has been a long while since I have taken my boys to the Honey I Shrunk the Kids Playground (like 6 years) but I still remember how HOT it is in there!!!

3 night at the GF. Nice! I say do it, especially at Christmas. Of course, I would have voted for the BC too! Can't believe Dee actually talked you out of it. That's a shocker!

Don't tell my FAQ friends!!!

 

[Luv0fDisney]

I am just tunning into your report and loving it...
I should remember not to read Trip Reports on an empty stomach... all the Disney Food looked mouth watering good.

 

[dtr_angel]

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[Dugette]

Yay for another trip!

I think, ultimately, the downsides of going with Frontier will maybe be a nuisance, but you'll make up for that with a magical time at WDW and will feel it was a good choice (barring any MAJOR issues, I guess). No matter what airline, the Magic seems to end abruptly at the airport anyway.

That said, I have heard some horror stories about Frontier. I had a couple co-workers that came back from a conference in Vegas on Frontier. They both had to change planes in Denver, where there happened to be severe weather at the time. My supervisor was able to get on a flight later that night, after hours in line, but the other co-worker (going to WI) had to stay over until the next day because of Frontier's limited flights to her airport. They both came back saying they'd never fly Frontier again. But, of course, that was an unusual situation.

Not the same, but we flew Allegiant Air once, which is also a big nickel-and-dimer, and found it perfectly fine. I think the key is going into it knowing what to expect and it sounds like you have that taken care of. (Side note - we were surprised that the seats were roomier on Allegiant - older planes were built roomier, I guess - not sure if Frontier flies older planes or not?)

Congrats on getting all those extra shifts to fund the trip! And yay for Gavin getting back into a good sleeping pattern!

 

[cgerdon02]

Okay, just got finished reading your entire trip report and all I can say is...This is my most FAVORITE TRIP REPORT EVER! Seriously I loved every bit of it. We are heading to Disney in 24 days with a 23 month old (and a 9yo, 7yo & 5yo), so I loved reading about your trip and comparing it to how ours may be OH! And I loved the Jim Gaffigan references. He's our favorite! We've got a lot of his material ready to listen to on our drive down Oh and I loved your shirts you painted. Too cute!! Hope your October trip works out for you, and I look forward to reading more about this one!

 

[dtr_angel]

AHHHH, THE GRAND!!!! You have to stay there, oh my goodness. I'm not sure I told you when we met up, but I wasn't as impressed with the Beach Club as I'd hoped to be. Not to say I didn't like it, but yeah, it wasn't as amazing as I hoped. What's the deal if you stay off site, as far as FP + goes?

So far I have not changed my mind on the Grand. I am SO excited! That's a bummer about the Beach Club. I've always wanted to stay there, but I guess I just wasn't feeling it. It's definitely still on the list though (we want to stay at all of them!) but maybe for spring/summer when I'm SURE we can enjoy Stormalong Bay. Offsite is 30 days for FP+, and same for APs unless you are staying onsite then you get 60 days. We didn't get to preplan FPs in May because I didn't have our APs yet.

how was the drive from Windsor hills to the other parks you said in one of your posts that it was like 20 minutes to magic kingdom we are looking at renting there for our June 2015 trip.

We loved Windsor Hills!!!! It was maybe 10 minutues to DHS and AK. For AK we took the Sherberth Rd route. It's closer than to the TTC. We didn't drive to the Epcot parking lot when we went there, we just went to the TTC and took the monorail over.

That's awesome!

Loved your last update. I'm a little behind thanks to a recent trip to Williamsburg.

Adorable pictures of Gavin. He looks like he is thoroughly enjoying the day at HS.

Those cupcakes looks amazing. The hair - not so much!

3 night at the GF. Nice! I say do it, especially at Christmas. Of course, I would have voted for the BC too! Can't believe Dee actually talked you out of it. That's a shocker!

Good luck getting everything in line for December. No matter what you decide it will be a great trip!

Gavin is so funny! Ooh Williamsburg! I hope you had a great time. I haven't been there in so long. We definitely plan to take a trip there when Gavin is a little older. I always loved going to Water Country USA and Busch Gardens.

Unfortunately I couldn't get the 3rd night at GF, just 2. I guess it works out since 2 nights at the Grand is the same at 3 at Beach Club, lol. I've been stalking for rooms at the Contemporary, Poly, or GF for that night with no luck. I think we might do the 3rd night at POR actually, or we'll just do 7 nights off site. I'm still holding out for a 3rd night at a monorail resort before I book our condo though.

Aww, those meet and greet pictures with Woody and Buzz are adorable! And way to go You two for keeping Gavin entertained for the 45 minute wait. I know that had to be a challenge.



How funny that Gavin ran right past Pluto and wanted to see Goofy. Apparently, he was more in a Goofy mood.



Mom, those cupcakes look delicious. Love The treats from Starring Rolls.

Long waits are not good with a toddler! That's probably the longest we've ever had to wait with him. What's funny is when we were at the character spot at Epcot, he was more interested in Minnie than Goofy.

It looks like I didn't comment on your last update.

I haven't done the Meet & Greet with Buzz & Woody, but I love the pictures from the line. There are so many great photo opportunities.

How tough is it to play TSM with a little one in-between you?

Yum, those cupcakes look super good!

Too funny about Gavin snubbing Pluto for Goofy. Pluto always seems to get the short end of the stick.

It has been a long while since I have taken my boys to the Honey I Shrunk the Kids Playground (like 6 years) but I still remember how HOT it is in there!!!





Don't tell my FAQ friends!!!

DEE TALKED ME OUT OF THE BEACH CLUB! haha j/k. It just wasn't meant to be for this trip. I do still really really really want to stay there, but I think it will be better for spring or summer when I know we will be able to swim. Plus like you said, even though there are zero entry/toddler areas the lazy river is too deep and Gavin can't go down the slide. We will get there eventually!

At least there are things to do to keep you entertained in the line for Buzz and Woody, but it's a small space. It was not easy playing with Gavin between us, plus since it's so rough when you move I was holding on to him. I wasn't concentrating too much on trying to win, I was just having fun (at least that's my story since I lost HAHA) Yes you're right the playground is really hot!

I am just tunning into your report and loving it...
I should remember not to read Trip Reports on an empty stomach... all the Disney Food looked mouth watering good.

thanks for reading! Haha I have that same problem, it's hard to be on the DIS when you are hungry!!
969

Yay for another trip!

I think, ultimately, the downsides of going with Frontier will maybe be a nuisance, but you'll make up for that with a magical time at WDW and will feel it was a good choice (barring any MAJOR issues, I guess). No matter what airline, the Magic seems to end abruptly at the airport anyway.

That said, I have heard some horror stories about Frontier. I had a couple co-workers that came back from a conference in Vegas on Frontier. They both had to change planes in Denver, where there happened to be severe weather at the time. My supervisor was able to get on a flight later that night, after hours in line, but the other co-worker (going to WI) had to stay over until the next day because of Frontier's limited flights to her airport. They both came back saying they'd never fly Frontier again. But, of course, that was an unusual situation.

Not the same, but we flew Allegiant Air once, which is also a big nickel-and-dimer, and found it perfectly fine. I think the key is going into it knowing what to expect and it sounds like you have that taken care of. (Side note - we were surprised that the seats were roomier on Allegiant - older planes were built roomier, I guess - not sure if Frontier flies older planes or not?)

Congrats on getting all those extra shifts to fund the trip! And yay for Gavin getting back into a good sleeping pattern!

Well I think I have decided against Frontier. I would love to only pay $500 for airfare, but the fact that it's a new route and I've heard too many horror stories online makes me nervous. I really don't mind having to pay for bags and all the extras because it is still much cheaper than Southwest, but if our flight never makes it to Orlando, or we're stuck in Orlando then that could be a really bad situation. I've also read their customer service is terrible. Southwest was so awesome last year even though it was our fault we were late and that means a lot. For the flights I want right now it's $1000 for the 3 of us. Going to keep stalking and hope that return flight comes down. The REALLY early direct flights are lower but that really does not work for us. I'm willing to give a little on the times if we can save a little money but right now I'm looking at flying over nap time both ways. I know what to expect with Southwest and if something happens at least I have credit that we can use. It's funny, this trip started as a "if we can do it super cheap we'll go" and now it's not looking to be so cheap. I could look at is as well, that's $1500-2000 we could put in savings or towards something else. But we wouldn't have this extra money if I wasn't working extra. I wouldn't be working extra if it wasn't for wanting to go on this trip So it works out and I don't feel like we're wasting money.

Okay, just got finished reading your entire trip report and all I can say is...This is my most FAVORITE TRIP REPORT EVER! Seriously I loved every bit of it. We are heading to Disney in 24 days with a 23 month old (and a 9yo, 7yo & 5yo), so I loved reading about your trip and comparing it to how ours may be OH! And I loved the Jim Gaffigan references. He's our favorite! We've got a lot of his material ready to listen to on our drive down Oh and I loved your shirts you painted. Too cute!! Hope your October trip works out for you, and I look forward to reading more about this one!

Oh thank you so much for the nice comment, that made my night! I hope you're 23 month old does well, is this going to be his first trip? We love Jim Gaffigan! I'm glad you liked the references. I feel like he is my conscience sometimes, his references always pop in my head - especially at Disney if you're heard that part of his stand up. Looks like October is going to happen as of right now, hopefully it continues to pan out! I hope you have a great trip in a few weeks, we should be there in 36 days

 

[natebenma]

Wow!!! That is awesome about the October trip. I can't even imagine how excited you are!

I don't really know much about Frontier. You seem to be going in with your eyes open to the possible issues, so that is good.

I wonder if the concierge at All Stars could print out the boarding pass for you or direct you to where you can use a computer and printer. ME should get you to the airport in plenty of time though!

 

[dtr_angel]

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[dtr_angel]

Wow!!! That is awesome about the October trip. I can't even imagine how excited you are!

I don't really know much about Frontier. You seem to be going in with your eyes open to the possible issues, so that is good.

I wonder if the concierge at All Stars could print out the boarding pass for you or direct you to where you can use a computer and printer. ME should get you to the airport in plenty of time though!

I am so excited! I have been in such a funk lately and this has seriously turned my mood around. We've been talking about our Disney plans for the next couple of years since we have some major things coming up (selling our house and moving for example) and this seems like the best year to do MNSSHP. Crossing lots of things off the Disney bucket list!

I would really love to fly Frontier and save some money but my biggest concerns are their horrible customer service and the probability of our flights being delayed or canceled. Unless they drop in price significantly, I think we are going to just go with Southwest even though it will cost a lot more. The peace of mind is worth it! I will feel better being able to get our boarding passes at the resort instead of leaving it up to chance. May 2013 we couldn't have our luggage checked at AoA or get our boarding passes. We had to wait in the super long southwest line in the morning and almost missed our flight home. I'd like to avoid situations like that again

 

[marDgreen88]

YAYYYYY for an extra trip!!! Annual passes are the greatest things ever, basically.

I love how excited you are about All Star! Seriously, I'd take any of the 3 over Pop any day.

Unfortunately the princes won't be at the party unless they've changed their minds. Sigh! I did read that they'll be at the Christmas parties like they usually are though, so that works for you!

 

[Dugette]

That's great that you are so excited to stay at the All Stars - a heck of a lot cheaper than the Grand! Nice nostalgia factor too! We stayed at Music on our weekend trip in August 2010 and had no complaints.

I hope flight prices come down for you!

Keep checking on those FP+. I've always been able to grab them by continuing to check back and just searching for 1 on 7DMT (then rider swap - still worked in August w/only one FP+ needed).

Your time frame on getting from MCO to the hotel is about right. I checked my notes from this trip and I got off the plane at 11:16am and had taken ME, checked in, put stuff in my room, and made it back to the bus stop by 12:44pm. So, an hour and a half seems reasonable.

MK day, you may want to consider grabbing a 4th FP+ on your way out to meet talking Mickey when you are coming back to the park. He was a HIT with Izzy.

 

[jedimeg16]

All Star Sports is a fun resort and they just had their food court completely renovated last year. It's also where I was located for my 2 College Program Internships.

 

[natebenma]

Wow, changes every time I pop in here!

I love the theming at the All Stars- so fun. The food court offering are also pretty impressive. I was surprised at all that was offered when we stayed at AsMo for the 8th grade class trip.

Hopefully, I will be back there again in June for Ben's trip. I am going before the school committee next Monday to help defend the trip along with the administrators and teachers who organize the trip. Every year there are parents who are not in favor of the trip, I can't tell if this year the trip is in more serious jeopardy or not.

Keep us posted on your flights- my fingers are crossed that prices drop for you!

 

[cgerdon02]

Oh thank you so much for the nice comment, that made my night! I hope you're 23 month old does well, is this going to be his first trip? We love Jim Gaffigan! I'm glad you liked the references. I feel like he is my conscience sometimes, his references always pop in my head - especially at Disney if you're heard that part of his stand up. Looks like October is going to happen as of right now, hopefully it continues to pan out! I hope you have a great trip in a few weeks, we should be there in 36 days

This is actually his second trip. We went last year at 11 months old and he cut teeth the whole week we were there I'm so excited for this trip though because he knows many of the characters and won't be afraid of them. My other three still have fun with the characters, but it's just so magical when they actually believe that's the "real" Mickey My husband actually quoted Jim Gaffigan last night. He said the part where Disney is the only place you can walk so many miles a day and still gain weight...lol

 

[Imagineer5]

Just got all caught up!! So excited to hear your October trip is on, but we will JUST miss you guys!! We arrive and should be at the GF by 11AM on 10/3 just as you are leaving! Hope your trip is amazing though!

 

[dtr_angel]

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[Dugette]

Wow, that really is a huge airfare difference!

Plans are sounding good for the short trip. And so nice to know that you're returning soon, so you can take it easy (vs. me knowing I probably wouldn't be back real soon, so trying to cram it all in).

Love the picture! Such a big boy! I can't believe how fast these kiddos are all growing up!