**COMPLETED** Trip Report of the not Surprise trip to FTW changed to YC & ASSp

[debraW76]

Darn!!

I was almost finished with day 7 but I lost my post!! I will try again this weekend!!

 

[debraW76]

After leaving Germany with our bellies full we left WS touring CCW. We stopped at China. Alpha has a friend in his class that is chinese and he has developed quite an interest in China so we stopped mainly for him.

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And we found Mulan and Mushu, or is it Nushu?

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Grandma Rho had rented a scooter and was happy that she did. For the first time she was able to keep up with us. The kids had also found something else to argue over~ who would ride with Grandma.

We rode TT again and headed back over to Soarin but the line was still over an hour long. My throat was hurting even more, the kids had reached their limits, we were all tired, but I really wanted to see Illuminations. It was nearing 7:30 and by then Grandma Rho had already staked out a place for Illuminations near Canada. DH and I discussed it and decided wait it out.

we found Grandma Rho, got the kids some fries and drinks and settled down for the show. We were close to the fence overlooking the lake with only one couple in front of us. We had two strollers and as soon as the couple saw us behind them they said that when the show started they wanted the little ones to come stand in front of them so they could see better. I thought that was very nice and the kids really got a great view because of it. Just another guest passing on that Disney magic

After Illuminations we dropped off the rental stroller and headed to the bus stop. Grandma Rho got seperated because she had to drop off her wheels but we met back up at the bus stop. Within minutes a series of buses arrived and we were on our way back to our room.

Day 8 - Home

 

[debraW76]

We slept in as late as we could, packed up and headed to the food court for some breakfast. After breakfast we found ourselves with 9 snack credits and 3 CS meals. We loaded up on Mickey Head rice krispy treats and by then they were serving lunch so we got our last three meals to go.

It is always sad to leave but I was feeling really bad and was looking forward to getting home and seeing a doctor. When I did i learned that I had bronchitis.

The ride home was relatively calm. The kids were so tired they slept most of the time. the only other thing we remember is stopping at a gas station, DH got a scratch off card and won $10. We ate our to go meals and stopped at burger king for the kids. We were home before bedtime.

Final Thoughts

 

[debraW76]

As with each trip there were things I learned not to do and also some things that I felt worked. first of all our room: This was the first time we stayed on site. Typically we have rented condos for our vacations and this was also the first time we have stayed in a hotel. I learned not to test the max occupancy rating set forth by Disney. I inherited my dad's sense of humor but I also inherited his claustrophobia. The YC was ok as far as space but the Sports was definitely too small for our clan. Our kids also needed their alone time and they were unable to get this as they were always together. When we go again I think we will either return to the condos, or perhaps stay away from the values or just get three rooms.

Secondly: FREE DINING RockS!! Not constantly having to fork out money for meals and snacks was incredible. I normally balk at high prices for drinks and snacks inside the parks and not having to tell my kids no to these was also a great feeling. Free dining is now a huge incentive for us plan a new visit.

Strollers: While baby Tau still needs one I think our big kids have outgrown it. However, since we had a double stroller it was something for them to fight over. Something for us to make sure was being used fairly. Something else to remember whose turn it was. I'm not sure what the solution is for us- do we need to go to the single stroller so there is nothing for the big kids to fight over, but then again I do push their limits when touring and am not sure if they will be able to make it all day, everyday for a week. The fighting over whose turn it was to ride definitely makes me rethink going vs, waiting until they are all a little older.

MNSSHP- LOVED IT!!! Now i want to try all the after hours parties.

Afternoon Naps- This is something i have always done when touring disney (or US) is taking the kids back to the room for a nap. While this worked with just two little kids, it is no longer working for us. Most days we just spent an hour telling the big kids to lay down and be quiet. not fun. While the big kids did need a nap in order to stay up late, they were not taking them. (maybe if we had made them walk instead of riding in the stroller...). I am thinking that next time to try finding a place in the parks for the grown ups to relax and just letting the kids play to unwind or letting them swim in the pool.

Autographs- Chi has always tried to get a lot of autographs. She was disappointed that she only got 3 or 4. Next time I will try to get her more by incorporating that into our plans.

EPCOT- DH has bought into Disney, except for EPCOT. He said he didn't like it at all. I think this is mostly because we slept in and arrived at the most crowded time of day. That messed up my touring plans and I had to wing it. Unfortunately I wasn't feeling my best and did a shotty job. Next time I am determined to win him over to EPCOT. I will have the best touring plan ever just for this park.

Shopping-our boys despise shopping and so we avoid it mostly to avoid the meltdowns that will occur. However, DH and I do like to do some shopping together. We vowed to desensitize them to shopping by taking them at least once a month

Well, that is what I learned from this trip. Overall it was a great trip full of memories that will stay with my family forever. looking forward to going back again real soon.

 

[jcc0621]

OMG! I thought this was finished !!!!
I am sooooo embarrassed.

Let me read to see where I ended and maybe I can finish it up!!

EPCOT - Is DH's favorite park. It's one of the ways I get him to go back

DDP - While not free, we are using it for the first time this summer. I like the thought that most everything is prepaid

Stroller - We only have DS 5, so I will use a stroller for at least one more year. I find he can go a bit longer by having the stroller to chill out. I can see how with 3 it would be an issue

Naps - I gave up trying to make Jimmy have them at WDW. Down time in the room or at the pool is alwasy helpful though

Autographs - Jimmy liks the autographs, last year he wanted no parts of getting his picture taken with the characters though

Shopping - is a Focker requirement


Great trip report Debra. Glad I caught up before you finished it.