Different Type of Trip! April 2014 w/ the Grandmas! 2/22 Complete!

[deedee2177]

So the April 2014 Trip Report begins! ​

Here is the rundown (I also wrote a PTR if anyone is interested http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3164112)

Dates: 4/20/14 - 4/26/14
Accommodations: Off-site 4 bedroom condo
Who: Me, DH, DS2, DD7, DM and DMIL
Why: Not that you really have to have a reason to go to Disney, but when my DH and I took the kids in November 2012 we just knew we had to come back with the our Moms so they could see the kids at Disney!

I guess the best place to start is the day before we left because that is when it all started to become very real! My Mom (DM) came into town the morning of 4/19. She was there to help me with all the last minute errands. Mom arrived around 9am, and we headed out around 10am with my DS to go pick up some snacks for the trip. We hit the grocery store and loaded up on some items for us to snack on in the car. It was much easier grocery shopping with my Mom because she was able to keep DS entertained. We also stopped by and picked up some lunch to take back to the house.

We got back to the house and I packed up our snack basket and finished up the kids suitcase. Before we knew it, it was time to go pick up the mini-van from Enterprise. DH and DS drove us over to Enterprise. Mom and I were listed as drivers, they verified the insurance information and of course tried to sell us their coverage no matter how many times we declined they kept "asking". I finally had to get a bit fiesty and make it very clear we did not need nor want their insurance coverage! I let DH know he could take DS home and try for a nap...didn't think it would happen since he was so excited his Nanny was in town!

Mom and I got back to the house and DS was still wide awake. DH and I decided to run out fill the gas tank so we wouldn't have to worry about it in the morning. My Mom stayed with DS and tried to get him down for a nap (she tends to have pretty good luck with him in this department). I received a text from my Step-daughter's Mom and said that my DD wanted to come to our house as soon as her nail appointment was over (she was getting Minnie Mouse nails). I let her know to drop her off any time...I couldn't wait to see her cause I knew she was going to be so excited!! DH and I went over to the Fire Station to have them put in my DS's new car seat only to find out they no longer put them in, but the Police Department does but only during the weekdays...womp, womp! DH and I decided to go and get gas and just head back to the house and we would figure out how to install the car seat.

We got back to the house and my Mom had worked her magic and DS was sound asleep! I don't know how she does it but that boy can sleep like no one's business when Nanny is in charge of the nap.

DH and I were able to get DS's car seat into place...nice and secure and safe. We then started loading up some of the stuff in the car. By this time, DS was awake and DH took care of him while Mom and I went upstairs to finish the packing.

By this time, DD's mom had dropped her off and I was out the door to go pick up the pizza and wings for dinner. It was the perfect dinner for the night before we left! It was bath time and bed time soon after that because it was going to be an early night for everyone. I had DH bring down the bags from downstairs. My Mom and I decided to sleep downstairs because we knew we would be the first ones up. Mom and I would have even packed up the car but it had been raining all day and had not let up at all. So, we decided to try and get some sleep. We probably fell asleep around 11pm but I was awake every hour after that. Before I knew it though it was 5am and time for me and Mom to get up! It was travel day and we had a long day in front of us!!!

Next update....Travel Day and then I promise we will get into the good stuff Chapter Links included in next post.​

 

[deedee2177]

4/20/14 - Travel Day - North Carolina to Orlando http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=51303620&postcount=3 (Updated 4/28/14)

4/21/14 - Animal Kingdom/Epcot Day! - Part 1 http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=51310623&postcount=10 (Updated 4/29/14)

4/21/14 -Animal Kingdom/Epcot Day! - Part 2 http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=51327254&postcount=13 (Updated 5/1/14)

4/21/14 - Animal Kingdom/Epcot Day! - Part 3 http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=51365518&postcount=16 (Updated 5/5/14)

4/22/14 - Magic Kingdom Day!! - Part 1 http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=51388762&postcount=21 (Updated 5/8/14)

4/22/14 - Magic Kingdom Day!! - Part 2 http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=51396814&postcount=24 (Updated 5/9/14)

4/22/14 - Magic Kingdom Day!! -Part 3 http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=51468359&postcount=28 (Updated 5/19/14)

4/23/14 - Epcot Day!! - Part 1 http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=51525881&postcount=33 (Updated 5/27/14)

4/23/14 - Epcot Day!! - Part 2 http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=51637458&postcount=35 (Updated 6/12/14)

4/24/14 - Hollywood Studios Day!! - Part 1 http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=52332526&postcount=38 (Updated 9/23/14)

4/24/14 - A Date with Mom! http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=52759900&postcount=41 (Updated 12/16/14)

4/25/14 - Magic Kingdom! - Part 1 http://www.disboards.com/threads/di...dmas-2-18-update.3269659/page-3#post-53093226 (Updated 2/18/15)

4/25/14 - Date with the Hubby! http://www.disboards.com/threads/di...dmas-2-18-update.3269659/page-3#post-53116875 (Updated 2/22/15...Complete)

 

[deedee2177]

4/20/14 - Travel Day - North Carolina to Orlando!​

So, the morning started early (can't say bright and early cause the sun was not up yet). Mom and I woke up at the same time and started getting ready. Mom and I have always been able to really coordinate well together...never get into each other's way while getting ready...I guess all those years of sharing a bathroom while I was growing up helped.

I woke up DH at 5:30 because he has a tendency to be slow moving in the morning. I started loading up the car which was quite a task. Even though we had a mini-van we were bringing my DS's stroller which is just bulky and hard to pack with everything else. However, I was able to get everything packed in the car.

At 6:00am I went up to wake up my DD who was already awake!! She was so excited and bounced right out of bed...THAT NEVER HAPPENS. Disney Magic already happening! I got her dressed and let her hang out with my Mom "aka Nanny". I then got my DS up which was a bit more difficult. He is a big 26lb grump in the morning! This is why I waited to get him up last.

We got him dressed and handed him his milk and got him in the mini-van. He was a bit disoriented but as soon as he saw that his Nanny was sitting next to him he was fine!

We were pulling out of the drive way at 6:40 which is 10 minutes later than I had planned, but still good. We were on our way to pick up my MIL "aka Mamaw". We pulled up to her place at 6:50 and put her stuff into the van and we were pulling out of her driveway at 7am...right on schedule!!!!

This is my happy face because we were on schedule!!

We stopped around 9am at the South Carolina Rest Area. My DS needed changing and the Grandmas needed to stretch their legs a bit. We got back in the car and we got DD set up with the portable DVD player and she started watching Frozen. We also broke out some snacks for the kids and we were on the road again!

We stopped again in Brunswick, GA at a Wendy's to have some lunch and to let everyone stretch a bit. We were making good time so we let the kids run around a bit and got back on the road around noon. We tried to fill up with gas at the gas station next door but all the pumps were out of service so we decided to stop down the road.

We got gas around 1:30 and another diaper change/potty break for everyone! This was a quick stop and we were back on the road pretty quickly. We made one last stop around 3:30 before we arrived in the condo. It was a Rest Area on 1-95 before we got on I-4 for the last stretch.

We finally arrived at the condo around 5:00pm. We stayed at the Villas at Seven Dwarfs Lane. It was a great location, gated community and safe.

The check in was very easy and before we knew it we were checking out our 4 bedroom condo. DH and I took the King Size bed in the master bedroom downstairs, DMIL and DD shared a room with 2 single beds, DM got the room with the Queen Size bed with private bathroom and we decided to set up DS in the 4th bedroom that had 2 single beds. We were a bit concerned about him escaping and taking a tumble down the stairs but we wanted to give a try.

DH and I unloaded the van and everyone got settled into their rooms. Around 6pm Mom and I decided to run out to the grocery store and pick up some groceries for the week (mainly snacks, drinks and breakfast items). Then we would grab some KFC for dinner and bring it back to the condo. Well, since it was Easter Sunday the grocery stores and Super Target were closed. So, we just went and grabbed dinner from KFC and went by a convenient store and grabbed some 2 liter drinks and some milk. We would make due for breakfast with the snacks we had picked up for the trip.

Mom and I got back with dinner for everyone. We got the kids bathed and in bed by 8:30...we had a early morning. I wanted to be at AK by opening so I wanted to leave by 7:15! I tried my best to sleep but did not sleep at all. My problem is I have to fall asleep with the TV on and DH can't sleep with it on. Usually I fall asleep first then DH comes to bed and turns TV off and then goes to sleep, but he fell asleep first. Tried as I might I could not fall asleep. So, I just kind of dozed on the couch and watched TV out there.

Next day we head to our first park...Animal Kingdom!!​

 

[KCrystal]

Following along from the April Planning Facebook page!!! Yay!!!

 

[deedee2177]

Following along from the April Planning Facebook page!!! Yay!!!

Thanks for following. Nice to have a friend along for the ride!

 

[kbuck]

Following from the April Facebook Group!!

 

[deedee2177]

Following from the April Facebook Group!!

Woohoo!! Keep a look out for your special appearance in this TR!!

 

[amberg93]

Following along but not from the April planning group

The villas look nice. Once I have kids I might consider staying off property.

 

[deedee2177]

Following along but not from the April planning group

The villas look nice. Once I have kids I might consider staying off property.

LOL! Welcome!! Looks like you have a trip coming up soon!!

The condo was great...we had 6 of us all together and I knew we would need our space, so the 4 bedroom worked out great!!!! I missed being in the Disney Bubble when heading back to the condo, but the perks outweighed the downfall.

DH and I are planning on going back next year for a Honeymoon Re-do and we will definitely stay on property..even considering renting DVC point to stay at a deluxe.

Thanks for following along!

 

[deedee2177]

4/21/14 - Animal Kingdom/Epcot Day!! Part 1​

This would be new for me because I have always started my trips off at MK, but based on crowd calendars I had reviewed I decided we would start off at AK instead.

So, I did not sleep well the night before at all so I was up at 4:30 straightening up the condo and trying to get things in order. I started getting ready around 5:30 because I wanted to be out the door by 7am to make sure we arrived at opening. My Mom came down a few minutes later because she did not sleep well either. The kids were up at 6am and we were
pulling out at 7:10! Not too shabby, and smiles were all around:

I got a bit turned around because the GPS had me going a weird way, but we got back on track and were on our way to the Animal Kingdom and before we knew it we were seeing this lovely sight:

And of course we had to stop for a picture here as well:

We arrived before park opening and I made my way over to Guest Services. I had decided to get the DAS card for my son who was just recently diagnosed with Autism. I was concerned how he would act in the lines surrounded by people because he tends to get a bit upset when he feels he is closed in by too many people, and tends to act out by scratching and biting. He has never done this to other child only to me, DH and my Mom. However, I would have been so upset if he tried to lash out at someone else, especially another child. They gave us the card that we could use. We would present it to the CM at the ride and they would inform us when to come back through and use the FP line or separate entrance. They also gave me a red tag for his stroller that indicated the stroller was being used as a wheelchair. My son does not use a wheelchair, but his stroller is familiar to him and he tends to remain calm and it seems to be a barrier for him between other people and his personal space.

While the family waited for me to take care of this DD kept the family and the crowd entertained with some dancing.

We entered the park right at opening and started slowly making our way over to the Safari. We stopped to take some family pictures near the infamous tree! Love that tree!!!

DD and I also had to stop to take a picture with EE in the background.

We made our way over to the Safari and were excited for our first ride of the trip!!! There was not a line at all and so we were able to push DS through in his stroller, we entered the ride through the wheelchair entrance and it worked out great for us. DS was so calm and excited for the ride.

I knew my Mom would love this ride, she is such and animal lover (she just recently retired from working at an Animal Hospital). I of course took a ton of
pictures of the animals but I will try to limit the ones I share here because I know we have all seen the Safari animals.

My Mom and her little monkey!

Of course one of these "little" guys popped up his head as soon as I took the picture!

So grown up now!!

One of my favorites!

Peek-a-Boo!

This guy was running toward the truck and my MIL proceeded to yell at the driver to get moving!! LOL

The King himself!

I will continue with our AK Adventures with my next update!​

 

[LindseyLou2222]

Joining in!

 

[deedee2177]

Joining in!

Welcome!! Thanks so much for joining along!!

 

[deedee2177]

4/21/14 - Animal Kingdom/Epcot Day Part 2 ​

When I left off we had just spent a wonderful time on the Safari. This was probably the most active I had seen the animals (my DH even captured a lovely elk using the bathroom to my 7 year step-daughter's delight)!! So, I absolutely agree with the advice I have seen here on the disboards about trying to do the Safari in the morning.

After the Safari we decided to make our way over to Rafiki's Planet Watch. This was a new one on my list, previous trips we never made it over this way. So, we hopped on the train and headed over to meet Rafiki and his friends.

We arrived and my DD decided to pose with the elephants!

We started our trek and stopped to say hello Rafiki!

I didn't take any other pictures during this trek, but we did enjoy looking around and it also gave my DS an opportunity to run around a bit and stretch the legs. We decided to make our way back and head to Dinosaur to use our first FP+ of the trip. I think it was at this time my MIL realized what she was getting herself into on this trip. I don't think she really grasped how much time we were planning on spending in the parks each day and that is where the title of the TR came from. My DH and I realized we were going to definitely have to change our plan of attack a bit to make sure his Mom
didn't overdo it, but also make sure everyone else got to do what they wanted to do on the trip.

We headed to Dinosaur and we convinced my DD to join us! My MIL sat with DS while DH, DD, DM and I went on the ride. We used the FP+ with no problem...we just scanned our ticket and were good to go to travel back in time! I was the usual big chicken on this ride and basically kept my eyes closed the entire time!! I went back to being a 5 year old kid and holding
my Mommy's hand because I was scared.

After our FP the standby line was only 10 minutes so Mom, DD and DH decided to go again. I went to check on my DS, as I walked up to them and there were 2 Disney Ducks just hanging out by my DS's stroller which he thought was the greatest thing in the world! I was able to get him down for the nap in his stroller as we waited for DH, DD and DM to finish with their 2nd Dinosaur ride.

We all took a quick a bathroom break and decided to make our way over to EE for our next FP+. On our way, we stopped Dinoland USA.

DH, DD and I went to ride Primeval Whirl. It was about a 20 minute wait, and the three of us had a blast on this ride.

DD thought it was so funny that I was screaming..she quickly joined in as well.

We got off the ride and headed over to EE. My DS was still asleep and DH and I headed onto EE using our FP. As we were waiting in FP Line I saw this little guy who was being measured to see if he was tall enough, and he was literally a millimeter too short...I felt so bad for him you could tell he was so disappointed. Poor guy!

DH and I made our way onto the ride and waited maybe 5 minutes. We were seated the 2nd row from the back. We enjoyed the ride but I do have to be honest the backwards part of the ride really made me a bit oozy. So, one ride was enough for me.

My DH went for another ride while we all waited for him. Once DH was done with his 2nd adventure on EE we headed back towards Dinoland so DD could ride TriceraTop Spin. On our way we past Nemo-The Musical and they were letting everyone go in for the 12:00 show. DM and I decided to go watch the show and take my still sleeping DS in as well. DH, DD and DMIL all headed to Dinoland and we decided to meet outside of Nemo at 12:40.

This was also new for me. I loved the show. My DS woke up right when it started and I was a bit worried if he would sit still long enough for the show. HE LOVED IT!! It was a nice break and a great show! After the show we met up with the rest of the family and decided to make our way over to Rainforest Cafe for our lunch ADR because we were all pretty hungry.

We arrived a bit early so I went inside to see if we could go ahead and check in. During this time of course my family decided to have a family photo shoot!

We were able to check in early and were seated at a great table with views of all the monkeys! We were all starving and made our food decisions pretty quickly. Now I was a bad Diser and did not take food pictures...so sorry!

Here is what we ordered:

DH and I: split chicken tender appetizer that came with fries and the burger platter. I also ordered a side ceasar salad.

DM and DMIL: they each ordered the chicken tender appetizer with fries and a side salad

DD: spaghetti with applesauce

DS: would just munch off our plates.

So, I am not one to complain but our experience started to go downhill from here! They brought out my salad and my DMIL's salad but did not bring my Mom's salad. We asked multiple times for her salad and it finally came. We had to ask multiple times for drink refills. Then they finally brought out our meals but did not provide any of the dipping sauces we asked
for with the chicken tenders. Again, we had to ask multiple times for this as well. Finally a Manager walked by and asked how things were going and I quietly told him about the poor service we had. He did provide us all with a 10% discount so that helped out a bit. The food was great and we had plenty of leftovers to take back to the condo for later, but the service was poor. It ended up taking an hour and a half for us to get our food and eat. With a toddler and a 7 year old they were starting to get impatient.

It was now about 2:30pm and we decided it was time to head back to the condo for a break. We drove back to the condo and unloaded the kids, Grandmas and leftovers. DH and I headed out to the grocery store since my Mom and I did not have any luck the day before. We loaded up on breakfast foods, drinks and snacks for the remainder of the week. DH and I got back
to the condo around 4pm and we decided we wanted to head to Epcot. The Grandmas decided to stay back at that condo, and DH and I took the kids.

I will share our Epcot adventures in the next update. ​

 

[amberg93]

I love Nemo! I'm glad that your family enjoyed it too.

Sorry about the service at The Rainforest Cafe That is a long time and a lot of having to ask for things. At least the manager did give you the 10% discount.

Can't wait to hear about Epcot!

 

[deedee2177]

I love Nemo! I'm glad that your family enjoyed it too.

Sorry about the service at The Rainforest Cafe That is a long time and a lot of having to ask for things. At least the manager did give you the 10% discount.

Can't wait to hear about Epcot!

I think it is such a cute show. I would see it even without the kids with me.

I'm hoping to add my Epcot update soon!

Thanks for following along!

 

[deedee2177]

4/21/14 - Animal Kingdom/Epcot Day! Part 3​

Once DH and I got back with the groceries and put everything away we decided we wanted to head over to Epcot (the other recommended park of the day due to crowds). My MIL decided she wanted to rest for the evening and my Mom decided to stay back with her. So, DH and I packed up the kids and headed to Epcot around 4pm.

I have to say, I love Epcot however my DH is not a huge fan it is probably his least favorite park. We entered the park and were greated by these friends!

I didn't get a chance to ride Spaceship Earth on our last trip so it was one of my must do's on this trip. The standby line was only 10 minutes so we hopped in line. DD rode with DH and DS rode with me. DS loved the ride, especially the star room...he kept pointing at the stars. This is honestly one of my favorite rides and I never get sick of it as you will see as this trip report continues!

After SE we all went for a potty break, I took care of DD and DH took DS to do a diaper change. Well, without going into the details DH had a bit of a more difficult time with DS then I had with DD. After everyone was situated, we made our way over the Nemo. We had checked the times for Soarin' and of course they were crazy and I knew I had a FP for it later in the week so I wasn't too disappointed. We all went on our clam ride with Nemo and friends and this time I sat with DD and DH took DS. I really enjoy this ride and think it is so great for the kids.

After swimming with Nemo we went over to Turtle Talk with Crush.

My DD had done this with her Mommy when they went to WDW when she was 3 and she still remembered it so she wanted to do it again. We had to wait for about 15 minutes before the show so we let my DS run around a bit to get some of his energy out! We then made our way into the room and DD sat down front. I loved this show...so cute! Crush informed the crowd he
would be picking a few "human dudes and dudettes" to talk to and ask questions about them. Well, DD was picked and I knew it would be interesting. The exchange went something like this:

Crush: I would like to speak with the little dudette down in the front with the brown fuzz on her head (hair). "Hi Dudette, what is your name?"
DD: Turned around and looked at her Dad and then back at Crush and whispered "Emma" into the microphone.
Crush: "Emma, are you having a good time?"
DD: Turned around and looked at her Dad and then whispered, "Yes"
Crush: Where are you from?
DD: Turned around and looked at her Dad and didn't say a word.
Crush: Emma, am I going to have to talk to the big Dude you keep turning around and looking at?
DD: "yes"

I was laughing so hard because I knew my DH was so embarassed!!

Crush: Hi Big Dude what is your name?
DH: Keith, I'm the Dad
Crush: "Keith! Dad! Dude! (imagine in the Crush Surfer voice) Is this your offspring?
DH: Yes
Crush: How many offspring do you have?
DH: 2
Crush: Dude, I have 65!
DH: Better you than me!
Crush: Dude, it's not a competition. Do your offspring always ask a bunch of questions?
DH: Yes they do.
Crush: Do you know what just happened there?
DH: No, what?
Crush: Dude, we just had a moment! Well, thanks Keith-Dad, Dude!!
DH: You're Welcome (turns 8 shades of red).

I could not stop laughing...my DH hates to be the center of attention in situations like that but I thought it was so funny and he did great! It was definitely one of my favorite memories of the trip!

After we left our new friend, Crush. We went to the observation area and watched the dolphins a bit. We really enjoyed walking around and viewing all the different animals. Unfortunately, the manatee section was closed.

We then headed over to the World Showcase to see if we could find a spot for Illuminations. We found a pretty good spot, and DD was finally hungry (the late lunch had worn off by now). I went to grab her some popcorn and a drink. When I came back my DS was super fussy. DH and I thought it might be best to just head out for the day...it had been a long day and

we knew we would be up early for our MK day. DD was completely onboard with heading out as well. So, though I was hoping to see Illuminations we decided to get the kids home and ready for bed. We got back to the condo and we ate some leftovers for dinner, bathed and in the bed.

We were all hoping for a restful night, but in the middle of the night DH and I heard DS on the monitor. Now remember he was upstairs in his own room. Well, by the time I made it up the stairs I found him standing in the hallway. That little guy had figured out how to get the door open. Needless to say we were going to have to figure out something else because we wanted to avoid DS taking a tumble down the stairs. DH ended up sleeping in DS's bed upstairs while I got DS back to sleep with me in the King Size bed downstairs. You would think that would be plenty of room, but that little turkey took up the whole bed!!!

Well, that finishes off our 1st day at the parks! Up next is my favorite park...Magic Kingdom!!!​

 

[amberg93]

Epcot is my favorite park! And Spaceship Earth is classic.

I love the Crush interaction. "Dude, it's not a competition." Might be one of my favorite lines from the whole thing.

Eek, looks like your DS is super smart. A blessing and a curse, huh? And I've got a little cousin (though he just turned 8, so he's not so little anymore *sigh*) but I've shared beds with him when he was younger and that child can take up a whole bed by himself, so I believe your DS could too.

 

[BOG Obsessed]

Following along
Great start so far. I agree with the previous post, your interaction with Crush was priceless, "it's not a competition"

 

[deedee2177]

Epcot is my favorite park! And Spaceship Earth is classic.

I love the Crush interaction. "Dude, it's not a competition." Might be one of my favorite lines from the whole thing.

Eek, looks like your DS is super smart. A blessing and a curse, huh? And I've got a little cousin (though he just turned 8, so he's not so little anymore *sigh*) but I've shared beds with him when he was younger and that child can take up a whole bed by himself, so I believe your DS could too.

Epcot is definitely right up there on the top of my list, but if I HAD to choose a favorite it would be MK! You will see later in the trip report I get to spend some more time there.

This was a first Crush interaction with me and I loved it...it still makes me smile when I think about it!

I'm definitely sleeping better now that we are home and Lil' Man is back in his own bed!

Thanks for following along!

 

[deedee2177]

Following along
Great start so far. I agree with the previous post, your interaction with Crush was priceless, "it's not a competition"

Thanks for following along and welcome!!

That is my Step-Daughter's new saying "It's not a competition!"...so funny!

Thanks again for following along!