Dec 3 - 10th, Ft.Wilderness Cabin

[tiggeriffic44]

I will add story elements to this later. Until then, my planning spreadsheet is here:

Briefcase.yahoo.com

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Everything you want is in the disney folder.

This trip is from 2008

 

[tiggeriffic44]

Day one:

My wife wakes me up. I don’t know what time, but that’s just as well. It is very dark outside, and if I know how early it really is I would surely roll over and grumpily sleep.

Heidi motivates our two kids while I load stuff into the car. Midway I learn an important lesson. Don’t eat chipotle for dinner the night before a flight. After a delay I manage to finish packing and we make it all the way to Orlando. My son was excited to see Epcot from the plane, but there was little else of note. One lesson learned for the flight is the use of numbing ear drops before flying. Call your pediatrician and request these before putting a baby on a plane.

Important lesson: Don’t eat chipotle for dinner the night before a flight.
Lesson learned: Ear drops before getting on the plane

We decided to rent a car. For me the deciding factors were having an infant, staying at Ft. Wilderness. and having a day planned off property. We are AAA members so we used Diamond parking which made parking at the parks a piece of cake. I can’t compare having a car with an infant to relying on Disney Transportation, I can only say that the Car made things as easy as one might expect.

While in Orlando I went to rent the car. The woman at the Alamo desk told me our luggage would not fit in a mid sized car and got me to upgrade to a SUV for and extra 250 bucks. As I walked by the mid-sized cars I realized she lied to me and used fear to separate me from my money. She also bet with my gear and family in tow, I wouldn’t go back to argue. She was right. But now Alamo never gets my business again, and I recommend never renting from Alamo to all of my readers.

Important lesson: Never rent from Alamo.

Regardless of my Alamo experience, we got into the SUV and our next step was Ft. Wilderness. At the office, the kids were distracted by our awaiting in-laws and the TV with Pinocchio playing. The check in was friendly, but could have been more efficient. The gentleman did recognize my request for a highchair – and took steps to have that put into the room. He could have told us that the port-a-crib was in the closet. He could have provided the birthday and anniversary pins that I had to ask for later that night. And it sure woulda been nice if our cabin request had been even remotely heeded. Instead of “as close to the outpost as possible” as I had requested, we were in 2832 as far away as possible.

Important lesson: Even though you have requested something in various formats, don’t drop the ball at the last moment. Be sure to remind the staff of your various requests.
Important lesson: Look in the closets for the port-a-crib


We got to our Cabin. Clean, reasonably well kept up – only a few nicks in the paint – with lots of towel critters. We called about the crib and highchair and were told that they would be delivered. To save the suspense, we eventually found BOTH port-a-cribs that had been put in the cabin by evening. Once set up the crib took all the space between the bottom bunk and the double bed in the “bedroom” section of the cabin. Likewise with the Murphy bed down, the living room area become impassable. Still two rooms and a kitchen was way useful for our trip. The Murphy bed was reasonably comfortable, but after a week I was ready to be back to my bed. My son thought the bunk bed was comfortable enough.

Sometime between when we arrived and when my immediate family headed off to the magic kingdom, my wife reaffirmed our boundaries with her parents. Her mother – understandably – wanted to add days to their tickets so they could join us in the magic kingdom. Heidi made it clear, that this first day was reserved for immediate family. Grandma suggested that the boys would want us to stay together, but Heidi was firm, and honestly the boys didn’t notice one bit.

Important lesson: Even clearly stated expectations and understandings will need to be reinforced. Be firm, be kind, but don’t let family make last moment high pressure changes to your plans.

With me none the wiser, off we went to the Magic Kingdom. We hiked to our cabin to the bus stop (5 min) waited for the bus ( 3 min) rode the bus to the outpost (5 min) walked to the Boat (4 min) waited for the boat (2 min) and rode the boat (10 min). (All times based on memory and not actual clock times). I have a picture of my son on the boat with the castle in the background. The I had him turnaround to see the castle. It was good times as a parent.

Off the boat, through security – snacks and baby related items were no problem the whole trip – and into the park at 3:20. And there is the Dreams Parade with Mickey. The “crowd” is one person deep, so I put Caiden up on my shoulders. My wife reports he sat on my shoulders in slack jawed wonder. With the tone set for the trip, we begin to explore the magic kingdom.

We followed the half day plan from the Unofficial guide. As far as I could tell it worked well. The 1yr old loved fantasy land. He especially loved Small World. Get the front of the boat so kids that age have more room to dance. We ended the evening in fantasy land waiting for the Wishes fireworks. We sat next to the carousel, not a good place at all. Especially not worth waiting there. Go somewhere else or keep riding stuff. Although around that time we had to stop to feed the baby oatmeal anyhow.

Important lesson: The Carousel in fantasy land is a lame place to watch the fireworks.

We also had our first experience with both the dining plan and special dietary issues. We went to Pecos Bills for a counter service meal. I first tried to order for me, there were communication challenges between my northern ears and her Costa Rican accent. Eventually I discovered that I needed to order more food than I wanted to ensure that my meal would be covered under the meal plan. Ok, dessert, fries whatever it takes lady. Now about that gluten free bun. The counter staff have been trained to immediately fetch a manager as soon as they recognize the words “allergy” or “dietary”. But hey, my wife got an edible gluten free bun for her BBQ sandwich. We ate, it was fairly good for counter food. Basically add 10 min to every quick service meal if you have a dietary concern. On day three you can read what my wife has to say about it, but for my perspective it was a ten min well spent.

Important note: For your very first Disney Dining Plan quick service meal, try to get a cashier who looks like they have an excellent grasp of English AND the time to explain what you need to do to get your meal covered.

Important note: If you have a dietary concern, add ten min to every quick service meal. This isn’t a complaint, just what has to happen for the cook staff to specially prepare foods.


We went back to the cabin with no significant transportation delays. Kids went to bed, I picked up a package I had mailed ahead. Our highchair was delivered. And Heidi and I slept the sleep of parents who are spoiling their children rotten.

 

[tiggeriffic44]

Day two.

The in-laws are still banished. Somehow, we miss rope drop at magic kingdom. As soon as we arrive my wife needs to use the restroom. I am bummed to be slowed down so early in the schedule, but nothing to do about it. I look over by the barbershop and what do I see? Pluto with almost no line. I take the two boys over for pictures and are done before Heidi is back. As we continue through the trip, I discovered Pluto was the only character that didn’t scare the bejesus out of the 1yr old. We have a dog at home, so maybe he just accecpted that Pluto is another big dumb dog.

We bolt for future world. We grab SM fast passes and ride Buzz lightyear two or three times. It was a good start for my son, nothing scary – haunted mansion was a little hard for him and for some reason BIG THUNDER RAILROAD sounded a bit intimidating for him. So it was good to start with something easy. Caiden had a blast, though he could have had a better score.

We go to Space Mountain and it was great. We get another round of fast passes and head to my favorite ride in all of Disney – astro orbiter. Good times. I have a picture I just love of my wife and 1yr old in their rocket, looking back at me and my son in our rocket. She has a beaming smile. That smile launched a thousand ships. If we had gone home then, that smile would have justified the trip. That is the glory of vacations, it’s an opportunity to shed the coat of the daily and allow the skin to radiate with joy. I love my wife for more reasons than I can count, but that smile, I would walk through fire for that smile.

Important note: marry well

If you are using fast passes and have a two parent and one riding kid situation, make sure to ask for the child swap fast pass. For every time I got to ride, my son rode twice. He liked that math.

Anyway, we ran around magic kingdom for the morning and headed back to our cabin. Again, the boat is good stuff. Naps were taken. We had planned to go to DTD to meet her parents and a college friend for dinner at Raeglan Road. We drove to magic kingdom for a couple more hours. We used our diamond AAA parking and walked to the monorail. We waited for one family and then climbed into the cockpit of the train. Yeah that’s right, I am the planner. My son got his driver’s license, though we didn’t do much. I did some chatting, but my 5yr old just kinda chilled.

We did a few more things at MK (honestly, it’s kinda a blur. If you want to know about specific rides, ask me or just read the Unofficial Guide) and left for DTD. I knew I could follow signs and get there just fine. Stupid me. DTD is a big as MK. Parking on the wrong side of the place made for a long hungry walk. Forgetting my wallet made me mooch off in-laws. Forgetting the diaper bag led to another long walk. Here is what you need to know about Raglean Road.

• It’s overpriced.
• The Irish are not great cooks.
• For someone who likes Irish music, the band was underwhelming.
• The dancing on the table thing was so… not spontaneous, so forced, I could have done without.

Yes, I am telling you to go somewhere else. Even if you are Irish, and its St. Patrick’s day, and you really want a Guinness, and the world cup is on, and somehow the Irish are playing Brazil, and they brought Walt out of the freezer for everyone to get a photopass picture of ‘me and frozen Walt”.

Important note: Get a map of Downtown Disney and KNOW where you are going.
Important note: Avoid Raglean Road.

Eventually the in-laws took the kids for the night, and we were free to explore all the nightlife Disney has to offer. The two thirty something parents chatted with an old friend a bit, ignoring the poor excuse for Irish pub music, and then decided to go back to the cabin for sleep. I don’t know much about Disney Nightlife, I did see an armadillo.

Important Note: Don’t grow old

 

[islangrl]

Just found your TR!! We love FW, so I am looking forward to the rest of your trip!
I couldn't find the port-a-crib either! This might sound awful, (but it worked great), we put the port-a-crib in the "closet" in the bedroom. Where the ironing board was, just took the ironing stuff away. Since there was no door, and the crib fit perfectly, we ended up with more space.

I love how your DW "handled" your in-laws! I might need to borrow her!

 

[kaguilbeau]

Just so you know - I'm following along!

Looking forward to a possible stay in the cabins (again!) ourselves.

 

[tiggeriffic44]

We woke up with no kids in the cabin. It was our tenth anniversary, and we had something special planned. We gathered our swim gear, piled into the car and left Disney property to visit Discovery Cove. Getting there was simple enough, and the check in process was simple.

Before I go on, the reader may be asking what discovery cove is. In a nut shell it is a place where you pay a ton on money to spend half an hour playing with a dolphin, and then spend the rest of your day snorkeling in a artificial reef and taking it easy in a lazy river.

Anyhow, we check in and eat our free breakfast. Don’t think sausage, quiche and fancy things. Think pastries and juice (the pastries were yummy though). All on wasteful disposable plates. After we eat we pick up our wet suits. Its December and only supposed to get up to seventy or so. There are choices for a vest or a full suit. It seems most larger men go for a vest. I opt for the full suit. I really don’t feel like being cold. While putting on the suit men will have a weird moment where they can relate to women. “Zip me up” isn’t something I have asked since kindergarten, but I came out of the changing room with an unzipped wet suit. In a total role reversal my wife stood behind me and zipped up my outfit. I tried not to think about my profile and instead focused on how the suit made my arms look more muscular.

We arrived at the cabana to watch the video, sign a waiver, and to be broken into groups of eight. The video is strictly non-educational marketing and only fills the time while groups are being organized. That finished, we head to the dolphin cove. The Water is chilly. But wetsuits do work and after a bit I don’t notice the cold. Although I bet it would be warmer a little later in the day.

The dolphin experience consists of this:
1. Get into the water
2. Stand with the seven others in a line.
3. Say hi to the dolphin
4. The dolphin swims by, pet it as it goes.
5. Watch dolphin to a little trick
6. Feed dolphin
7. The dolphin swims by, pet it as it goes.
8. Repeat 5,6,7 a few times
9. One person swims out a bit. Grabs onto the dolphin, dolphin swims back to the group while you hold on. Repeat for each person. Smile, there are photos being taken.
10. Have your pic taken with the dolphin (individually, or with a small group. This works just like photopass)
11. Everybody gets a few pics with the dolphin, and then its time to go.

Personally I have a high tolerance for risk and danger, so I never worried about my safety a bit. My wife is less tolerant of risk. She was concerned, but thoroughly enjoyed the experience. We have some great photos. After looking at the photos I understand why they push the morning appointments, better light for photos. Its not something you get to do everyday - or ever for most of us. I enjoyed it, my wife loved it. We stayed at discovery cove for a while. I loved their pool and lazy river – all heated. In fact although I normally don’t like lazy rivers much, when I am rich, I want that in my back yard. We hung out in the shallow stingray section for longer than it deserved. We went to the snorkeling pool. I snorkeled a bit amongst the giant rays and such. Heidi turned fraidy cat at the snorkeling, so we didn’t stay there long. The Rays were HUGE though. I did have to ask about safety as thoughts of Steve Irwin passed though my head. We lounged on the beach and ate a lunch that was a decided step up from breakfast (skip the gumbo though). It was getting later in the day so we decided to skip the aviary. Eventually we purchased a CD with our photos – 130 bucks. And went to Best Buy.

Important note: Don’t Drop Cameras on Concrete

Important note: There is a best Buy south of Sea World, not too far at all from Disney. Things like cameras can be purchased there.

We arrived at our Cabin, showered and changed for dinner. We had reservations at Artist Point at Wilderness lodge. I explained to my wife we could take the boat, drive or walk there. I figure it would be a half hour walk. My wife decides we should drive, as we walk out the door, I decide we are going to take the boat. Who wants to drive? Besides, boats are kinda romantic. So we walk to the bus stop. And wait, and wait and wait. Bad Mojo. Eventually a crowded bus arrives. We cram on and ride to the outpost. We push through the hop-de-do crowd and que up for the boat. And wait, and wait and wait. And we get on the boat, which unbeknownst to me stops at the contemporary first. We left with 45 or 30 min to spare. arrive at artist point 25 min late just before are reservations are tossed.

Important note: When there is a MVMCP, cookout, and hoop-de-doo review on the same night try to avoid the Ft. Wilderness busses and boats from 5-8 pm.

Important note: When you decide not to drive against your wife’s judgment, try not to screw it up the way I did.

Important note: Disney holds your dinner reservation for 30 min after your time. Don’t mess it up.

Dinner was nice. My wife has a Gluten allergy. We noted that when I made the reservations. The chef came out to talk to us, and make the appropriate food suggestions. Since it was our anniversary we were given two free flutes of Champaign. The thought was appreciated, but since we are non-drinkers we sent them back with our thanks. She had above average Gluten free dinner rolls. I had the bison ribs – not great. She had cedar plank salmon and thought it was very good. For dessert the chef delevered a glutin free chocolate mousse desert which was fantastic. I mean it was amazing. I had a berry cobbler thing, which was yummy but not in the same plane of deliciousness that the chocolate mousse inhabits. I am telling you, if your at MK and want something fantastic, get on the boat to Wilderness lodge and order this.
Here is what Heidi has to say about Gluten free dinning at Disney:

Dining Glutin Free at Disney was easier that going out at home and trying to figure it out. When making reservations the allergy was noted and therefore a chef came out and reviewed the entire menu. All the chefs were very nice, knowledgeable and willing to alter dishes as needed to make them glutin free (if possible).
We had contacted Disney prior to our trip about eating glutin free and received via email a list of all counter service eateries in all areas of disney that served glutin free foods. Within the list was the actual foods they served that were glutin free. Honestly, I was nervous about ordering from the counter service places as I was concerned they would not understand. Much to my surprise and delight all places were very easy to order from, they got it right and there was not much longer of a wait. The one place we had a slightly longer wait was when ordering pizza in Hollywood studios but the chef came out and explained exactly how long it would be and why.
Overall, dining with allergies is very easy at disney and they do a good job at having good tasting choices across all pricepoints of dining.

On the way back we caught the water parade. It was… nice. Compared to some of the other spectacle at Disney this seemed home grown. It was as if some imagineers were going though left over props to and came across a couple of broken Electoral Light Parade. floats and thought “Gee, it would be cool if these floats, you know, floated”. Then they pitch the idea to a big cheese who tells them to make it happen, but gives them a pittance for a budget. I mean it was ok, and what else is there to do at 9:00 PM on your anniversary? (Keep it clean, this is a family show.)

With that we were done. No late night adventure to Jelly Rolls for us, we have to be at the Grand Floridian in the morning to reclaim our kids and put our oldest on the Pirate Cruise. And it will be our first day touring with her parents. We will need our sleep and patience.

 

[DARuss]

Sounds like you had a great anniversary. Cept for the travel delay thing.

I think I'll take your advice about the chipotle before our trip. We are not flying but it is about a 10 hour drive. Don't think that would be a gud idea.

Thanks for the advice about the Raglan Road. We have ressies for there one night. I'll try to change those now.

Glad to see that you married well. I have too. Don't know what I'd do without her.

tring not to grow old. Not sure how well I'll do with that but I DO refuse to grow up. Does that count?

 

[scrappinmom]

Great report so far!

I'm taking my girls to Discoery Cove for the first time in March...so I especially enjoyed reading your take on it.

 

[tiggeriffic44]

Day four

(sorry each update is taking so long. But I seem to be long winded)

My wife and I woke up in our cabin with no children. But we were at Disney, and we really wanted to enjoy the world with our kids. So it was time to reclaim our kids and pick up two extra travel companions. The rest of our tour days were going to be with the In-laws.

Before I go on, you and I are going to play a game. You the reader have to find the mistake Heidi and I make. The in-laws made a few, but I will try not to get into that – bad for the blood pressure. No she and I made a mistake that made things really rough for us. I will give the answer in my next post. Ready? Game on.

We had arranged to meet our kids and in-laws at the Grand Floridian. It is my youngest sons first birthday. To balance the attention he would get my 5yr old was scheduled to go on a pirate cruise. All we had to do was get everyone to the Grand Floridian by 8:40 or so. My wife and I arrived first at 8:30ish. We discovered that we couldn’t actually park where one would expect. We could Valet park, but we are young and kinda cheap, so that wasn’t going to happen. We park across the street at the designated spot, walk across the street and poke around the GF. Nice place, the lobby was bustling and I found the lobby to be one of the least relaxing places in the world. Not Disney world mind you THE WORLD. Too many parents, kids, suitcases, princesses, gingerbread houses, tourists, trees, noise, hurry, crying and anger for me. I suppose this is the scene in any big hotel lobby. Advantage FT. Wilderness. Anyhow, we scope out the place, find the boat and the best way to get from the lobby to the boat. Not rocket science.

We try calling mom-in-law, no answer. We sit in the lobby and wait. Comfy couch, at least. Nice looking tree. People watch. Chat. Watch my watch. Call mom-in-law again. Nope. Yup, sure wanna get Caiden on that boat. Well the weather yesterday sure was nice. We will have to take the boys in a couple years. I send a text message. Heidi calls. Nothing. Huh, where do you think they are?

It is getting time to load kids on the boat. But I have no kid to load on the boat. I am an antsy person anyhow so the lobby just wasn’t working for me. I decide that I will go out front to try to catch the in-laws driving through the GF front entrance. I figure they will do the same thing I did and drive to where you think there would be free parking but there is not. I am kinda cheap, but they are misers, so there is no way they would Valet. (In many ways I respect and understand their frugal ways. And in fairness, they have loosened their purse strings in recent year. Finally, it really isn’t any of my darn business anyhow. I am just painting the picture for my reader.) So my hope is to catch them driving my, grab my eldest son, and get him to the boat.

While I am antsy and annoyed my wife went from annoyed to angry to livid to whatever is the very top of that scale. I don’t know how many messages and missed calls their cell had – I didn’t want to bring it up to ask – but I am guessing upwards of thirty. Maybe fifty. So Heidi and I stake out the GF so walking or driving they can’t get by us. I bet security was watching us at this point, but what can I do. Wait wait wait. Pace pace pace. We are not happy. However you describe Heidi’s anger combine that with the emotions of a mother worried about her children. I pray I never have that kind of wrath focused on me. Finally, at two till I tell Heidi to go to the boat and stall the staff.

My phone rings. The in-laws and kids are at the boat. When I arrive Caiden has on Pirate Mickey ears and a life vest. Logan has birthday ears the in-laws got them. (I said the purse strings loosened some.) I say hi to Caiden which makes us both feel better. Onto the pirate boat he goes ARRGH!

I carry around Logan while we develop a plan. I know the in-laws like Epcot. So I make a huge “sacrifice” and send my wife, the baby, and the in-laws to Epcot while I have to hang out at the GF and wait for my son to return. They get on the monorail and head to Epcot. I eat a snack, alone in the quiet. Talk to the DVC woman. I ask if I have time for a super quick tour. She tries to make me feel guilty for being so disorganized that I didn’t have this two hour block planned out earlier. If only I had my stuff together then I could learn about the fantastic opportunity to give Disney Inc even more of my money. I try to explain planning with in-laws but she wouldn’t hear it. I am a looser. If only I would commit to two hours of my next vacation day, commit right now mind you, I could go for the no-pressure 45 min sales pitch instead of enjoying vacation time with my family. Go back to NYC you old hag.

So I get the instructions to my camera, sit on a bench with a great view of the Magic Kingdom and read about my new Camera. Spend an hour messing with focus, timers and such. The sun is warm. The bench is quiet. Hour well spent. To heck with your Best Kept Secret you old hag.

Important note: An hour of quiet time in the sun at Disney is fantastic.

Important note: Pirate Cruise = thumbs up

Important note: Go away you old hag

The boat arrived and I got some nice pics from the other side of the quay. But then I had to run around to get my son. Caiden was the last one, and the staff looked at me like I was one of those parents. Whatever. Caiden had some treasure and had a good time. Successful, he and I got into the car and drove to the Cabin. I grabbed him some snacks, took a restroom break and headed to EPCOT. Well at least we tried to, I thought I could take a short way made a wrong turn and went around the north side of Magic Kingdom. It took a little longer than planned, but that was ok. We arrived parked in the convenient AAA diamond parking and walked in.

Obviously while Caiden and I were taking our time, the rest of the crew were exploring all of the wonders EPCOT has to offer. To understand their experience, and hit on an important lesson learned, I have to back waaay up. All the way to May 08. Once we set up our dates we invited the in-laws to join us. They agreed but the campground fills up quickly. It turns out they could only stay on property for Saturday and Sunday of our trip. But that was fine with them, they booked the rest of the stay at a near by KOA and picked up the dining plan for the entire week so they could eat all the meals I had booked. Now that didn’t sound right, so I mentioned to MIL that she may want to check on the meal plan. She assured me that they had a meal plan for the length of their tickets. I asked around on the DIS boards, and mentioned it one more time. Again I was told it was all cool. They are gown ups, I did what I could as a son in law, I dropped it.

So as we got into the car at Grand Floridian, I sent a text message to Heidi (before I started driving) asking how things were going. My wife replied “Dealing with mom & dads meal plan”. I, feeling snarky and able to share such things with my wife, replied (at a stop light): Tee-Hee. Her response back, “Bad lets not talk about it in front of them.”

Apparently they tried to buy food on the meal plan and were rejected. MIL went to EPCOT customer service and tired to get things fixed. 1. There was nothing to fix, MIL got hosed. 2. Wherever she got the tickets, EPCOT customer service couldn’t help her at all. MIL left customer service crying. FIL went in and was THAT guy. Cut in front of everyone – check. Yell at staff – check. Storm out telling everyone in line to give up because customer service won’t help anyone – check. They were planning on dealing with wherever they got the tickets and getting money back and such. I have no idea what happened, I don’t want to get involved.

Important note: : Meal packages are only for the length of your stay on Disney Properties.

Important note: : If your son in law is the obsessive planning type, reading books and working angles for your vacation, and he warns you about something TWICE, take it seriously.

Important note: : If you know there is going to be a scene and there is nothing you can do to make it better, avoid the situation. [Portecting the kids is first priority]

Anyhow the meal thing blew up, cooled off some and then Caiden and I arrived. I felt like I had succeeded because he and I were well rested happy and the impressionable boy had avoided witnessing a grandparent meltdown. Suddenly, I, the guy with the plan arrived. Now I don’t know if I had the best plan, but I sure as heck had a plan. We did the classic – well what do you want to do – thing that kills groups for about 5 min. MIL and FIL started to recount their tale of leaving their cell in the camper and not really knowing how to get to GF. I solve all the problems. I grabbed the star of the show – the 5yr old boy – and said, “This way” and he and I started walking. I said something about well we are all here now, dismissing the finger pointing regarding the morning, because really that wasn’t gonna help anyone.

Important note: If there is only one kid of prime viewing age, whoever controls that kid, controls the group. Where that kid goes, the grandparents will follow.

Important note: : ALWAYS TAKE THE FREAKING CELLPHONE. Mobile communications have revolutionized the way we live. There is no excuse for leaving it in the camper/hotel room. Go back and get it.

Important note: : in twenty years when we can have cell/communication chip implants so we never leave our cell phones in the room, sign me, my wife and my kids up.

We went on test track – longest line of the trip 30 min or so. We went of mission to Mars; I opted for the easy ride. I used Caiden as my excuse when FIL gave me flak. Later I just owned up to not wanting to be messed up, sick and headachy for my vacation than you very much.

We did this and that, I sent MIL for soaring fast passes. 8:00 pm. That wasn’t going to work. We had our Disney visa so we got our pictures taken with Mickey, and Pluto. Woulda been fantastic but birthday boy 1yr old was terrified of big cartoon characters. Went to turtle talk, it was funny at first, but Logan had a meltdown, so I carried the baby out. I hear the end was good too.

Then we went to the Land for a character meal. The food was fine, reminded me of home cooking really. Heidi had her gluten issues addressed well. The characters made the rounds, Logan screamed. We ate cake birthday cake. It was good. Again we did one or two more things, and headed to our reserved section for the candlelight processional. Now I hate being rushed. And as we hiked to world showcase through the dinner crowds, I felt very rushed. So I stopped and watched an Irish band play a bit. Cause I could.

Logan was grumpy too. It seems that In-laws did not bring the diaper bag. The only diapers we had were the couple my wife put in my bag, "just in case" and he needed one more. I thought I saw some restrooms with diapers for sale, But MIL reported that there were none in the one ladies room we checked. So the decision was made to try to make it through. We get our stickers and our seats for the processional. I sit down, Logan climbs on me. He stinks of Mack and cheese and poop. I take the baby and head for the baby center. With the crying and squirming baby (I don’t know why I didn’t take the stroller) and fighting the crowds it was a 4 hour walk. I arrive at the clean and organized baby station.

They sell anything you need for a baby - except a babysitter. I will spare the reader the details of the diaper change itself, although it was unpleasant. Now before I draw too much attention to my neon cross, in fairness I have to point out this is the only diaper I change all week. So I took one baby produced bullet for the team, but I know there were many others my wife and MIL took.

The somewhat happier baby and I walk the 2.5 miles back to the stage for the show. I use the super secret password I was given to get back in (no I ain’t gonna tell you). I sit down with clean baby. And he immediately squirms and makes enough noise where I have to take him away from the others trying to watch the show. And then it starts to rain.

From the reaction of the Crowd you would think that molten lava was falling from the sky. Hordes of people bailed. Since this was a bit like church so my family wouldn’t leave till it was over. With the rain we decide it’s time to leave EPCOT. I volunteer to take Caiden. The car seat for the Baby is in the in-laws car so my wife goes with her parents

For those who prefer the good news first read away. For those who like bad news first, go down to the bad section and then come back up to the good.

Good News.

Caiden and I were free. We immediately took the fast passes – remember those for after eight? - and made a bee line for soarin. Yeah, that’s pretty sweet. We had a yummy snack. Then off into spaceship earth. Waited in line for what seemed like forever to get our free photo from the Visa Card thing. But I explained to Caiden the importance of the rope/straps that form the queue. Without those society would end. Cats and dogs living together kind of thing. Needleless to say he and I played with the straps. Heck there was nothing else to do. Eventually we got out, but had a few photopass shots taken of the happy boys. Ahh life is good.

Important note: Don’t wait until everyone is leaving to try to hit the photopass place.


Bad News
The Baby is unhappy. Really Really unhappy. Crying in the monorail. FIL is sure he parked at magic kingdom so they ride the monorail to MK. Where as we all know, there is no parking. So they take the apocalyptic baby around MK looking for where they parked. My wife of course knew better, but due to family dynamics FIL was in the lead. Eventually on the monorail back to TCC Logan sleeps. When they put the baby into the car Armageddon awakes, it is a horrid drive back.

Important note: Don’t forget where you parked. Row, section, which theme park and parking for MK is at the TCC not at MK.

Caiden and I get back happy as can be. My wife is already back… destroyed. I can’t stop laughing I had such a good time, because Caiden and I managed to avoid them. That goes over great. Actually, she takes it as well as can be hoped. I mean I lived to tell didn’t I? She was there for the train wreck and needed to talk about it. I just kept giggling. And so the night ended, she exhausted me elated. No more ditching the family for me though. Now we gotta make it work.

 

[tiggeriffic44]

Day five.

My wife noted that I don’t give a whole lot of information about the rides. And well I don’t. The rides are not a big highlight for us, but the interaction with my family is. Food seems important to cover when it comes up, but really how much is there to say about cosmic rays? (we ate there 2-3 times. It was reasonably yummy). For things like ride descriptions, and food reviews check out the unofficial guide.

So without spoiling the rest of the trip report, here are our top attractions:

Space Moutian – me Caiden
Small world – Logan, Caiden, Heidi
Astro Orbiter – Me
Soaring – Me, Caiden
Eversest – me
Muppets 3d – me
Phillharmonic – me
Toy story mania & buzz light-year shoot em up – Me, Caiden
Hoop de doo – me
Jedi Academy – Me. Caiden.
Big Thunder Moutain – Caiden
Splash Moutain – Caiden
Animal Kingdom parade – Heidi

Stuff we skipped:
Most of countries at epcot
Tower of terror
Rock n roller coaster
Lots of Animal kingdom stuff.
A man a dream

Places we needed more time to explore:
The Seas
Anmial kingdom – if the crowd was lighter.
Swiss family robinsion treehouse
Jungle cruise

Stuff we Hated:
Characters – Logan


So What did we do wrong on day 4? The Monorail into Grand Flordian. The monorail drops people off directly into the 2nd floor of the GF. When Heidi and I, perturbed by the late grandparents, both moved to the parking lot area to intercept her parents and our kids we allowed the inlaws to sneak in behind us. Why did the in-laws, running late, park at the TCC and take the monorail? God only knows.

On to day five.

We get the family up and moving early. Amazingly we make it to animal kingdom in time for rope drop. I was designated to run for Everest FP’s, while the Heidi and the boys would meander to Dino land the plan was to let the boys play in the boneyard, but the boneyard is one of those parts of the park that opens 1 hour after the park opens, so we ended up on a dino ride similar to dumbo and then head to the big dinosaur adventure ride.

I walk behind the rope holders, get the FP’s and notice that there is of course no line for Everest. I know my family is waiting, but they won’t even notice a 3 min delay right? On I go. That ride is a blast. I didn’t expect the change of direction, and so I really, really enjoyed the ride.

I ran to meet my family, and I waited while Caiden and Heidi went to the dino ride. The picture taken of them on the ride said it all. Caiden was hiding, eyes covered.

• Important note: Don’t start with a scary ride.

With my son fried, I try to explain to him not to worry about the YETI. That was dumb on my part. My son decides he will be scared of the YETI. Heidi and Caiden go first, and yes, he is scared. He doesn’t want to go again with me. I cajole him a bit, but eventually decide that he doesn’t need to go. We walk 100 feet and I change my mind. The boy is being silly, and I tell him he WILL go. We go, I make fun of the stinky yeti and we have a good time. Sometimes Dads just have to force kids to face challenges and overcome obstacles. At this point we have picked up my in-laws, but since they don’t have fast passes, they have to wait in line while Caiden goes once, freaks out, goes again and we walk a bit.

At some point early in the day FIL gets yelled at for smoking in a non-smoking area. I miss it, but from this point on he obeys the rules. This makes the trip soooooooooooo much more pleasant. For the rest of the trip he gets much closer to us before I smell him.

We got our food at Flame Tree, it was reasonably good, gluten friendly, and there were lots of places to sit. After lunch we caught the bird show – shrug, played in the playground, went on the Safari ride (shrug), and watched the parade. Oh yeah we went to see festival of the Lion King. Logan was being a 1yr old so just before the show starts I take him outside to the others can enjoy. I didn't miss much, right? Logan and I played with leaves, and tried to meet donald. It was fine until donald touched Logan. I almost went deaf from the explosion. For those who like parades it was nice. There was a kind family that made room for my kids to be in front. I was beat and needed a break that that point so the parade didn't impress me. But I was thrilled not to have any children on my shouldres.

Important note: the playground thing and Bird show are great things to keep the group busy while a runner goes out for fastpasses.

I don’t know if the park is set up to make it feel crowded, or if it was really crowded that day, but walking around was a pain. The lines never seemed too long, I just felt like the place was jammed full of people. Maybe it is designed that way to represent what a thriving bazaar is really like. I dunno, I guess I am better off living places more sparsely populated. Then again, I am sure my experience is nothing like a summer crowd, but understand I HATE crowds.

After the parade we went back to the cabin, specifically not inviting the in-laws. We met a friend of mine up at the wagon wheel. We waited 30 min past our reservation time and eventually got in. It was nice to talk to an old friend. There is a Moressey song "We Hate it When Our Friends Become Successful". And while it is true that I am spiteful enough to relate to the song, I am glad he is doing well and Living well. A small change here and there and I may have gone down the Dizney path. I learned that some staff gets bonuses if they look like iconic Disney face characters. But they are just "Friends". So that thin red head on staff is paid to be one of Ariel’s "friends". Wink Wink. Who knows maybe I could have been a "friend" or Prince Eric... or maybe Gurgi.

Back to the room, kids clean and in bed. We prepare for our day at Disney studios.

 

[kafitty]

great report, i love your important facts.

 

[tiggeriffic44]

Thanks! Slow but steady. I guess how thats I write.

 

[DARuss]

Sounds like your In-laws are alot like my MIL. Only happy when no one else is. Lucky you to get to ride EE with no line. I like to use that ride to dry off after KRR. If you liked EE you will love RNRC. Sorry to hear about the diaper issues. Unfortunately I know too well what you are talking about. Then as DD9 got older it became another issue when I or her had to go to the B/R without the other.

 

[chrisw127]

Nice trip report. Organized. To the point, a little dry wit.

I like it.

 

[MushuGirl06]

no pictures

 

[tiggeriffic44]

How bout a link to some photos?

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=8496&id=1455811220&l=f51ce

but wait there is more!

 

[kafitty]

your boys are adorable!

 

[tiggeriffic44]

[its been a year, why return to finish now? Because we are going again in a month and I wanted to get this finished. Also I had day six written on my computer for 6 months or so.]

Day six. Hollywood studios

We wake up Pile into the car and arrive in time for rope drop. The moment that rope drop we book it to Toy Story mania. I grab fast passes for later and we pile on for a couple rides. As we sprint through the que I think that the waiting area looks interesting and might be something I would enjoy taking more time to look at. We get on the ride a couple times and have a blast. Yet I am not fully focused. There is a goal, something that has been eating at me the whole trip. Now I am so close, nothing can distract me. Its time, I put my 5yr old on my shoulders and leave my wife and baby behind. We start singing soccer chants (ole’ ole’ ole’ ole’) and I start to jog towards the ultimate goal. I have to ask directions, I run right past the in-laws who arrived after us but we don’t break stride or stop our songs. (“we’re cheering for Columbus, Columbus, Columbus, Cause that’s the way we like it, we like it, we like it”). A final sprint and we make it. My son and I take our position at the empty stage. So help me Lord, by the end of the day, my son will be a JEDI.

The first thing that happens, cast members kick my son off the stage as I try to line up a shot of him with the AT AT towering above him. Not so good. The CM’s point out the tape, and so we take our place. We have no signs and shockingly my son does not have a star-wars shirt. But he has me, and that boy has moxy. The rest of the family arrives.

My son was the first kid there. For quite some time we engaged that CMs in geek starwars talk. I am an honest geek and can converse about the Star Wars version of Family Guy and Robot Chicken. With some prompting from my wife, my son asked about their lightsabers and generally chatted them up. We discussed that its hard to find a purple saber like Mace Windu. At one point he grabbed the lighsaber off the CM’s belt and activated it. This is a Fax Pas, but showed the boys spirit.

Shockingly, Caiden did not have a star wars shirt on this trip. He did not have a sign or costume to draw attention, just his good nature and charm. When the wave your hand like crazy part came, he was being polite. His parents urged him to be more animated and he did begin to jump a good deal, and – due to my obsession - was in front. He as the last kid picked, scared the heck outta me, I thought for sure we would have to try again. The advantage to being the last kid picked, he was up front of the stage.

Important note: make a note of the sun and how it will impact your photos, videos, and viewing enjoyment. Once you kid is up, be ready to move.

My son is a natural with a lightsaber. Of course, he and I have them at home to play with. At home we vary between Jousting, lightsaber fighting and actual fencing (with foam swords), so he was pretty comfortable with the course materials. He isn’t shy either so he was having a good time.

When the climatic fight began, he had no fear. He took one swing at the appropriate shoulder once and then immediately went for Vaders open leg. That’s right, my boy actually hit Darth Vader. I am so proud. The fight stopped and the trainer admonished Caiden to follow instructions. If it wasn’t training Vader would be in a wheelchair today. I know its silly, but I am pleased my son fought this duel to win, regardless of the instructions.

My advice, show up first and work the CM's. The Jedi trainer does have an earpiece in, and perhaps was getting suggestions from CM’s.

After that I stayed with the baby while everyone else went on the Star Wars Ride. I went on it in 2000, and that was my introduction to motion simulator rides. I decided to stick with my decision to not be sick on my vacation. Logan and I had a fine time, eating a muffin while we waited. While we waited I saw a group of people in the unopened American Idol Experience. Sadly, when my family joined me it was locked up tight. We went back to toy story mania, watched muppet -3D which is darn funny. A moment of silence while I mourn Jim Henson.


After that we had yummy pizza. My wife enjoyed her gluten free Pizza with the pre-requisite ten minute wait. But she didn’t get sick and it was yummy and it was PIZZA. So I think she would call it a win. As I looked at the inside of the pizza place I was struck with how much it looked like a chuck-e-cheeze. I know it’s the movie tie in and all, but does it seem a bit out of place in Dizney world? At that point it was nap time for Logan, and me. So we headed back to the cabin (remember the cabin? You Ft. Wilderness fanatics have been waiting for me to mention the cabin again). The cabin is Clean as usual, (they do the dishes!) we tried to get the 5 yr old to nap. No dice. So we did school work instead. I snuck to the traiding post to buy a pirate/wilderness pistol, noticed something of interest to another conversation on marital relations at Disney [link]. (I don’t want to embarrass anyone, but the two room set up in the cabin has its uses.)

A few hours later we drove back for a few more rides, dinner and fantasmic. We walked right into a parade. The inlaws and caiden jostled for posisition while the baby and I explored a shop of old props and memorabilia. Post Parade, I drug my son and wife there to do the trivia quizzes. We all got certificates for our prowerss. I would recommend that just because it was different. A neat nook it a world of huge attractions.

Anyhow, it was close to our Early dinner time so we went to the Brown derby to check in. They said about 20 min, so we went outside and waited. Caiden and I went pin trading… and we waited. And waited. Past our reservation time. And waited. Reservations there do not mean the same thing they mean to the rest of the world. Eventually after 1.5 hours of waiting - that’s 70 min past our reservation time - we were allowed in.

Important note: If you dinner reservations are FUBAR don’t be a sheep like me. Get your dining credits refunded, demand a fantasmic pass, and go eat elsewhere.

The place is nice. I immediately felt underdressed. I would not bring the baby here on a regular basis. I would want to have pants on at least. The salad was yummy. It was good but nothing special. Service was questionable, and slow. Oh well.

Food ingested we went to Fantasmic. People wait hours for this show you know. They wait wathing nothing like they are in line for the H1N1 flu shot. I can safely say that this is the single most overrated part of our Disney trip. Two CM’s dressed like Aladdin and Jasmine go by on a boat. Why am I supposed to be impressed? Mickey shoots sparks out of his wrists. Man how did Mickey disappear and reappear so quickly? It ain’t bad, but it sure ain’t worth more than a 30 min wait. Especially with a baby. Oh well.

Caiden and I tried to sneak into Toy Story Mania again. We Ran with him on my shoulders singing soccer chants but the line was still full, then the ride shut down for the night due to technical difficulties. Oh well. An uneventful ride back to the cabin brought our day to an end.

One last full day to go. Magic Kingdom again, but this time with an extra challenge: I won’t be in charge, its follow the in-law day!