Disney done differently, (BOG dining updates pages 202 and 203)

[lovethattink]

No we never did any of the extras, were never around during the scheduled times, except our rain day, but she didn't want to do them for some weird reason, tired I guess
we actually didn't even walk around the resort this time, since we did that a lot the last trip.
when you check in, ask for the schedule so you don't miss out on what you want to do!

I will definately ask for a schedule. In fact, when we got back from our March CSR trip, I filled out an online survey. It asked me about resort activities, and it made it sound like there were several things at CSR we didn't find out about. I knew about the opening pool ceremony, but that was it.

When we stayed at DVC resorts, they gave us an activity guide upon check in. I never realized the non-DVC resorts had activities too. Someone sent me a link recently to a movie schedule and camp fires at the resorts!! Now hopefully I will find that link before we go!!

 

[Laurabearz]

I will definately ask for a schedule. In fact, when we got back from our March CSR trip, I filled out an online survey. It asked me about resort activities, and it made it sound like there were several things at CSR we didn't find out about. I knew about the opening pool ceremony, but that was it.

When we stayed at DVC resorts, they gave us an activity guide upon check in. I never realized the non-DVC resorts had activities too. Someone sent me a link recently to a movie schedule and camp fires at the resorts!! Now hopefully I will find that link before we go!!

Never a lack of things to do, just a lack of time to do them!!

I almost thinks it's a good thing people dont find out about ALL that there is offered.. I mean it's overwhelming as it is to pick and chose things to do that you do know about... lol

 

[lovethattink]

Never a lack of things to do, just a lack of time to do them!!

I almost thinks it's a good thing people dont find out about ALL that there is offered.. I mean it's overwhelming as it is to pick and chose things to do that you do know about... lol

I think I need to make a bucket list. I keep doing the same things over and over and need to branch out and try something new.

 

[lovethattink]

Yesterday, we got a break from the heat and headed to MK in the evening to see the new castle show. It was an EMH so I didn't know if that would affect crowd levels. Compared to Mardi Gras, Spring Break and Easter, the MK was empty!! It was so nice to see 20 minute waits.

We rode Buzz, then TTA (all signs of the Galaxy Palace Theater are now gone), then Tea Cups. While on the TTA, the lights were turned on inside Space Mt. There were people stuck on the ride, but other than them and cm, the place was empty inside.

Anakin had problems with the queue for Buzz. Dh and I didn't notice, but apparently the batteries were gone. We asked the cm taking fast passes where they went. He said they have been gone about 3 weeks. At this, Anakin's lips began to quiver and the tears started streaming, as he declared he misses them. We told him that they had to go recharge the batteries, and will be backed once they are charged. The cm thought maybe they were being painted.

An empty park, meant that my favorite snack place, The Friar's Nook was closed. Guess I will have to wait until summer to get my chili cheese chips again. Man, were they good! I had a couple bites of Grumpy's in December.

SPOILER ALERT

SPOILER ALERT

DO NOT READ FURTHER ON THIS POST UNLESS YOU WANT TO SEE SPACE MT WITH THE LIGHTS ON

SPOILER ALERT

 

[Lidian]

I can't wait to see the new memories castle show! It looks sooo nice!

Really neat pics of inside Space Mtn! I actually had to youtube videos of all the coasters for DD so she would be prepared last year.

Sorry to hear that Friar's Nook was closed and that Anakin didn't like the batteries being gone from the BLY queue.

 

[KatMark]

First, congratulations to Anakin on his kindergarten graduation! I love the photo--very cute.

And for short waits at the MK on an EMH's night.

 

[sl_underwood]

Neat pics! Sorry to hear about Anakins distress over the changes.

 

[lovethattink]

I can't wait to see the new memories castle show! It looks sooo nice!

Really neat pics of inside Space Mtn! I actually had to youtube videos of all the coasters for DD so she would be prepared last year.

Sorry to hear that Friar's Nook was closed and that Anakin didn't like the batteries being gone from the BLY queue.

We were very impressed with the castle show! We stood back by the Crystal Palace. To see it again, I would want to go closer, but where I could still capture most of the castle in picture.

Anakin said that going through Space Mountain on the TTA won't be scary anymore. He said the sounds and darkness made him think of scarier things. He said it isn't scary at all! However, he doesn't want to try Space Mt any time soon.

We are fine with our little disappointments, lol. My hips were glad that Friar's Nook was closed. Anakin just takes a little longer than most people at adjusting to changes.

 

[lovethattink]

First, congratulations to Anakin on his kindergarten graduation! I love the photo--very cute.

And for short waits at the MK on an EMH's night.

Thanks! We got a cute video of him coming down for his diploma too. Next year it will be high school graduation for Grumpy! Yikes!

Yes!! It was awesome having no lines and a cool night!! It was perfect!

 

[lovethattink]

Neat pics! Sorry to hear about Anakins distress over the changes.

Thanks. I guess changes and transitions are tough for him. He easily becomes emotionally attatched to things. It's even hard for him to depart from trash. Gum wrappers, straws from juice boxes, etc. make their way into his treasure boxes somehow, lol. We made a Mickey head countdown to Pop, and he was so reluctant to throw away number 10 and 11. He said he likes those numbers, he liked the mickey shape heads, and the tape on them too. They looked too nice to throw away.

 

[blessedmom4]

Oh Tink, so much to comment on! I did PM you back, I am serious...Please let me know!

First, LOVED Anakins graduation, how proud he looks and those are some YUMMY looking cupcakes! Did you cry?? I bawled like a baby at all four of mine's graduation from kindergarten,although I think Lisa's was most poignant...crying as I type this...I always ask God to let me see her walk across that stage for high school as well...I was not crying as much by the time Christian graduated HIS High School. Although I bawled like a baby the day he brought his lunchbox home forever for me to stow away. The thought of NEVER making him a school lunch again...and he had done it mostly himself for the last few years...it STILL made me cry!

I LOVE that Anakin enjoys pin trading which allows you a bit of freedom to shop...whatever works! What an awesome CM Taylor is, I hope she is there during your mini vacation! Pop looks like a blast, who knew they had som amny fun things to enjoy?!? Well, maybe everyone, except me...

Hang in there with Anakin, Lisa is right, as these little guys get older they DO seem to get "better", they grow into their own skin more...and he will probably ALWAYS be the most organized one in the family. David can tell if ANYTHING of his has been touched or moved 1/32nd of an inch...no kidding...he could actually walk in his room (which I NEVER enter any more) and know if anything even minuscule had been moved/changed...drove me wild! Which is WHY I don't go in his VERY neat room...he KNOWS! We always joke we better see whatever he brings home (ie: the stool he made in woodworking or his gift set from the airport), because once it crosses the threshold of his room, it will be swallowed up, never to be seen again!

As for Grumpy...make sure he knows he has access to a car at YOUR pleasure...you control the car keys... that should make you his favorite person!

I am so excited for your upcoming trip, how FUN that will be!!!!!

 

[MyPeanut&Bug]

Oh my gosh, the graduation pictures are too cute!!! He looks adorable in his cap and gown. My little guy has 12 days left of kind. I can't believe it!! And next year, Eliza will go! Sniff sniff.

Sounds like you guys had a great evening - like the shot at dusk on Dumbo. Sorry that Buzz's batteries being gone threw Anakin - hope they're back soon!

I love the Space Mtn. pics!! Very cool to see that - I'll definitely have to show DH!

 

[lovethattink]

Oh Tink, so much to comment on! I did PM you back, I am serious...Please let me know!

First, LOVED Anakins graduation, how proud he looks and those are some YUMMY looking cupcakes! Did you cry?? I bawled like a baby at all four of mine's graduation from kindergarten,although I think Lisa's was most poignant...crying as I type this...I always ask God to let me see her walk across that stage for high school as well...I was not crying as much by the time Christian graduated HIS High School. Although I bawled like a baby the day he brought his lunchbox home forever for me to stow away. The thought of NEVER making him a school lunch again...and he had done it mostly himself for the last few years...it STILL made me cry!

I LOVE that Anakin enjoys pin trading which allows you a bit of freedom to shop...whatever works! What an awesome CM Taylor is, I hope she is there during your mini vacation! Pop looks like a blast, who knew they had som amny fun things to enjoy?!? Well, maybe everyone, except me...

Hang in there with Anakin, Lisa is right, as these little guys get older they DO seem to get "better", they grow into their own skin more...and he will probably ALWAYS be the most organized one in the family. David can tell if ANYTHING of his has been touched or moved 1/32nd of an inch...no kidding...he could actually walk in his room (which I NEVER enter any more) and know if anything even minuscule had been moved/changed...drove me wild! Which is WHY I don't go in his VERY neat room...he KNOWS! We always joke we better see whatever he brings home (ie: the stool he made in woodworking or his gift set from the airport), because once it crosses the threshold of his room, it will be swallowed up, never to be seen again!

As for Grumpy...make sure he knows he has access to a car at YOUR pleasure...you control the car keys... that should make you his favorite person!

I am so excited for your upcoming trip, how FUN that will be!!!!!

It was really neat how our homeschooling group did Kindergarten graduation. The children came down the center aisle as their name was called, and their mommy came in from the side. We met in the middle and I handed him his diploma.

I did not cry. I think I was too relieved and happy that we survived, successfully our first year of homeschooling! Last year at this time, was not good. He was not remembering anything and we didn't know why. The teacher kept saying it was an immaturity problem. Of course, we found out a little later it was a brain lesion. When we started kindergarten in August, we were totally starting from scratch. He did not remember his numbers or his letters. I'm happy to say that now he only has trouble with 2 letters, b and d. And he is retaining what he learns! We started 1st grade last week, and will continue through summer doing half days so he doesn't forget everything again.

Anakin also knows if anything was touched of his. In fact, we were playing a game from OT where we put objects in a pillow. He feels the object and guesses what it is. Well, he was feeling things and wasn't guessing right. Then he looked around the room and said, "now I know!" He was guessing one after the other right. I asked him how he knew what it was, and he said by what was missing in the room. We ended up having to use my objects in there for him to guess, lol!

Love it!! Access to our car at my pleasure!

 

[lovethattink]

Oh my gosh, the graduation pictures are too cute!!! He looks adorable in his cap and gown. My little guy has 12 days left of kind. I can't believe it!! And next year, Eliza will go! Sniff sniff.

Sounds like you guys had a great evening - like the shot at dusk on Dumbo. Sorry that Buzz's batteries being gone threw Anakin - hope they're back soon!

I love the Space Mtn. pics!! Very cool to see that - I'll definitely have to show DH!

Those 12 days will go by so quickly!

You know how you said you missed seeing things. Well, I never saw that Dumbo car just sitting there in front of the attraction! Noticed it that evening for the first time! DH said it's been there.

Will Benjamin have a graduation ceremony? Last year the school Anakin went to had graduation from 5th grade and 8th grade, but not kindergarten. I bet you would love to be a fly on the wall when Eliza goes to school!

 

[MyPeanut&Bug]

Those 12 days will go by so quickly!

You know how you said you missed seeing things. Well, I never saw that Dumbo car just sitting there in front of the attraction! Noticed it that evening for the first time! DH said it's been there.

Will Benjamin have a graduation ceremony? Last year the school Anakin went to had graduation from 5th grade and 8th grade, but not kindergarten. I bet you would love to be a fly on the wall when Eliza goes to school!

Yes, I do remember the Dumbo car! Apparently it's just large pits of sand that I miss....

I'm not sure they'll have a graduation ceremony - I'm guessing no because I haven't heard anything. His choir concert was last night and the end of the year luau is Friday night, so he's looking forward to that. I just can't believe it's nearly over - feels like just yesterday that I was running out of his classroom on the first day because I started crying!

I would totally love to be a fly on the wall with Eliza - her preschool teachers describe her as easy going, cooperative, quiet....I can hardly contain my laughter. Let's just say she's not like that for me....a friend sent me an article awhile back about "spirted" children and it was like reading about Eliza - wildly stubborn and persistant, fiercely independent, gets an idea in her head and won't let it go, will argue about ANYTHING, very fiesty and intense...this is the Eliza I know!! While I try and resist labeling just for the sake of labeling, it felt good to know that maybe it wasn't just my failings as a parent and just who she is, you know?? And while I know these traits will take her far and I certainly wouldn't change her for anything in the world, it also makes for a challenging, tiring household at times. I'm always telling Buddy that Eliza exhausts me in ways Benjamin never did and that just once I'd like to live with the Eliza that preschool gets to see! It's a bit easier to think about sending her because she is SO SO excited and Benjamin never was, never wanted to go, etc. She's way more socially ready than he ever was, so that's a help. I'm just dying to see if she can keep up the quiet, shy Eliza behavior - preschool was only 2.5 hours, twice a week. Kindergarten will be 6 hrs, 5 days a week...that's a lot of time for her to act easy going and quiet!

Ok, sorry for the novel about my child!!

 

[lovethattink]

Yes, I do remember the Dumbo car! Apparently it's just large pits of sand that I miss....

I'm not sure they'll have a graduation ceremony - I'm guessing no because I haven't heard anything. His choir concert was last night and the end of the year luau is Friday night, so he's looking forward to that. I just can't believe it's nearly over - feels like just yesterday that I was running out of his classroom on the first day because I started crying!

I would totally love to be a fly on the wall with Eliza - her preschool teachers describe her as easy going, cooperative, quiet....I can hardly contain my laughter. Let's just say she's not like that for me....a friend sent me an article awhile back about "spirted" children and it was like reading about Eliza - wildly stubborn and persistant, fiercely independent, gets an idea in her head and won't let it go, will argue about ANYTHING, very fiesty and intense...this is the Eliza I know!! While I try and resist labeling just for the sake of labeling, it felt good to know that maybe it wasn't just my failings as a parent and just who she is, you know?? And while I know these traits will take her far and I certainly wouldn't change her for anything in the world, it also makes for a challenging, tiring household at times. I'm always telling Buddy that Eliza exhausts me in ways Benjamin never did and that just once I'd like to live with the Eliza that preschool gets to see! It's a bit easier to think about sending her because she is SO SO excited and Benjamin never was, never wanted to go, etc. She's way more socially ready than he ever was, so that's a help. I'm just dying to see if she can keep up the quiet, shy Eliza behavior - preschool was only 2.5 hours, twice a week. Kindergarten will be 6 hrs, 5 days a week...that's a lot of time for her to act easy going and quiet!

Ok, sorry for the novel about my child!!

Eliza and Benjamin have won their way into my heart, I've been enjoying your TR.

If she is quiet for 6 hours, you are going to have a very exciting evening! That's what Anakin use to do. He remained on green all day. The teacher used him as an example for the other children to follow. But as soon as he got in the car, it was like he had ants in his pants and he needed them out NOW!! It would start with talking my ear off about EVERYTHING that happened that day. As soon as we got home, he'd start running circles doing whatever he could to get those wiggles out that he supressed all day!

Homeschooling has seemed to keep Anakin more even keeled all day. He takes attention breaks as needed. We have even had to schedule talk breaks into his schedule, because he just has so much to say, so we set aside a 10 minute break that he could talk about whatever he needed to. Usually Legos or Star Wars, though now he is interested in insects and plants.

We did the Behind the Seeds Tour Yesterday since he is so interested in gardening.

 

[lovethattink]

On Thursday, we didn't think Star Wars Weekend was going to happen for Anakin. He had a seizure at occupational therapy. It was his first seizure while awake. All his other ones have originated while he was sleeping, with only 1 of them ever waking him up.

Smileycrissy was going to help me take him to SSW yesterday, but we cancelled our plans after his seizure.

Yesterday morning we followed my friend's status' on facebook and lived the opening of SSW vicariously through their posts. We were excited to see R2D2 mugs and popcorn buckets! Very excited when Touring Plans posted a link to the video of the opening ceremony. Spotted our DIS friends Bug and Ink in the crowd!!

Anakin's morning started out a bit iffy as he was a bit post ictal from the seizure. But as the day went on, he was getting better and better. I called Disney's switch board operator to see when Jabba's Hut closed. Since it was open late, we decided to take Anakin to SSW shopping.

We bought along plenty of fluids to drink, a cooling vest and ear muffs. Sounds were being amplified for Anakin because of the seizure the day before.

We arrived at DHS around 5:45. Our first stop was Jabba's Hut for shopping. We bought some limited edition trading pins, t-shirts, and toys. The tent was air conditioned. Ashley Eckstein was signing autographs for walk ups, which really surprised us. We saw her on our way to pay. There were only about 4 people in line. But by the time we paid for our merchandise there was a long line.

Next stop to find a character. Anakin wanted to see Darth Vader. We prepared him for a long wait, and the posibility of getting turned away.

We passed by the Star Tours attraction. The stand-by line was only a 45 minute wait! We saw one of these musician guys and posed for a picture.

We arrived at the queue and got in line. Darth Vader wasn't there, and the line was pretty long. Anakin was wearing his cooling vest and ear muffs. We had passed Mulch Sweat and Shears on our way to Vader. While he loved the beat and the music, he didn't like the loudness. So he put on his ear muffs. And kept them on while in line for Vader.

We did not make to see Vader the first time he came out. In fact, before he came out the 2nd time, the cm had closed the line to additional people. I don't remember what time it was that the line closed down. It might have been around 6:30? Darth Vader came out the 2nd time around 6:55. It was our turn around 7 and there were quite a few people behind us.

After Darth Vader, we went to TSM to cool off. On the way there we saw a Storm Trooper. Again we reminded Anakin that the trooper could walk off at any time and that we didn't want any tears if that should happen. I think the Trooper heard us. Because he turned from what he was doing and went and posed with Anakin. He was thrilled!

The TSM area was more crowded than the Star Tours area. It was difficult to find stroller parking. We used the GAC for this attraction. When we got to the cm who asks if we can do stairs or not, dh said ok to the stairs. Anakin got anxious about the steps. He does great going up steps, but down steps presents a challenge. We assured him we would hold his hand and that we would keep other people from touching him. People can be so impatient when someone is slow going down the steps.

The whole way down, Anakin talked himself, step by step, going down the stairs. Slow and steady, he did it!!

He got his highest score on TSM, 80 some thousand. I got 168,300.

We stopped by the restroom and sat on a bench. It was a great spot, because the characters came in and out past us.

I got a text from Bug that the mugs were at the Comissary and the Popcorn buckets were near the Great Movie Ride. We decided to see if the Comissary was busy and eat there if not.

 

[lovethattink]

Next up, food!! There were very few people at the ABC Comissary. We went right up and ordered without any wait. All registers were open. Anakin got chicken nuggets, Goofy got fish and fries, and I got the chicken curry. I had never ordered the curry before. I use to get the cuban, but that's no longer on the menu. The curry was suprisingly good. There was alot of chicken, more than I could eat! For dessert, we got the strawberry parfait in an R2D2 cup!!! I think the souvenEAR cup and dessert was $10.40.

He was tired after eating. We still wanted to find a popcorn bucket. So we stopped at the popcorn stand near the Great Movie Ride and it was closed. Headed over to the one by Brown Derby and it was open and it had R2D2 popcorn buckets! The buckets were prefilled with caramel corn.

This ended our evening. We were back in our car by 8:15pm.

Today we are heading back. We hope to see the parade and some more characters.

 

[MyPeanut&Bug]

Eliza and Benjamin have won their way into my heart, I've been enjoying your TR.

If she is quiet for 6 hours, you are going to have a very exciting evening! That's what Anakin use to do. He remained on green all day. The teacher used him as an example for the other children to follow. But as soon as he got in the car, it was like he had ants in his pants and he needed them out NOW!! It would start with talking my ear off about EVERYTHING that happened that day. As soon as we got home, he'd start running circles doing whatever he could to get those wiggles out that he supressed all day!

Homeschooling has seemed to keep Anakin more even keeled all day. He takes attention breaks as needed. We have even had to schedule talk breaks into his schedule, because he just has so much to say, so we set aside a 10 minute break that he could talk about whatever he needed to. Usually Legos or Star Wars, though now he is interested in insects and plants.

We did the Behind the Seeds Tour Yesterday since he is so interested in gardening.

Ha ha! Even though he doesn't at all share Eliza's personality, this is totally Benjamin when he gets home from school - his class also does the red-yellow-green slip system and I'm always thinking, "You listen and stay on green all day and within 10 minutes of coming home you're acting up and being a complete crazy person!" Guess he's gotta get it out somewhere.

 

[MyPeanut&Bug]

I'm glad Anakin got to enjoy some of his Star Wars guys! Did the vest and ear muffs help him?

Looks like he was able to meet quite a few characters for being there just a short time. That's awesome that the Stormtrooper stopped to pose with Anaking. That R2D2 cup is too cute!