Disney Dream - June 12, 2011

[WDWCrazzyCunninghams]

I'm really glad to know that this works out. We've booked at BLT from December 18-January 1, but we will be doing Universal for days on the 19th and 20th, and just staying at Universal on the night of the 19th. We are just going to let our BLT room sit unoccupied the night of the 19th (which is SUCH a waste...) but I'm hopeful that everything works out. We'll see...


We joked about having stuff spread all over this continent...stuff at our house, stuff at our parents, stuff at the condo, stuff at USO....playing off of George Carlin's "Stuff" routine. too funny!!!! Anyway, it does work and it's great! I would maybe mention to Mousekeeping or the front desk that you'll be away for the night? I can't imagine walking into a room the next day to clean and it not being touched?? Do you think they would find that odd?? At least at the condo, no one would be coming in to clean, so no one would know we were gone? Although, by saying you will be gone, that leaves you open for someone to take advantage of that.... it's tricky. either way, HAVE FUN!

 

[Crystal_27]

Quite the bummer for my friend who had an outdoor sunset wedding by the lake planned for that night.

Oh NO - - that would be awful (although, in a couple years, at least she will have a wedding "horror" story to look back upon and laugh at).

Guess what? Our daughters have something in common...this Friday is my DD's birthday too! She'll be 8, but isn't it a small world?

Awwwww, happy birthday to your little princess too!

I'll babysit your room that night so it won't be lonely

I would maybe mention to Mousekeeping or the front desk that you'll be away for the night? I can't imagine walking into a room the next day to clean and it not being touched?? Do you think they would find that odd??

That's a good point but, since we are DVC members staying on points, one of the deals about DVC is that you are on your own to a certain extent in terms of room cleaning. DVC members get a trash/towel service on day 4, and then get a full cleaning on day 8, and since we are planning on going to Universal days 2 and 3, we actually are scheduled to trash/towel service the next day.

 

[BananasTwo]

Hi all. Just got back from from Florida. 3 days in Ft. Lauderdale area and 2 days in Orlando. Got to visit a lot of family. My daughter was a flower girl in my cousins wedding. She was amazing. Especially considering she was crying the night before at the rehearsal because she said she did not want to walk in the wedding. She did a 180 and was amazing that day. The next day...off to Orlando.

Embassy Suites hotel was really nice. Only an 8 minute drive to the park. Beautiful hotel with indoor/outdoor pool, hot tub, kid's play area, and great breakfast in the morning. Wish we would have stayed one more day just to chill at the hotel.

The weather could have been warmer...jeans and sweatshirts the whole time. Nearly the end of March and it was cold in Florida. Another thing I'd have chanced...wish I wouldn't have blurted "HOW MUCH!?!?!?!?" so loudly when I heard the price of 4 Disney tickets getting into MK at 6 PM. Not sure why I would have assumed it, but I just figured there would have been a lower price after a certain time. Due to weather (pouring down rain and thunder and lightning), we didn't get to MK until 6 PM. We did enjoy ourselves though. Didn't get to do anything in Frontierland (I think that is what it was called), but we did Space Mountain, Peter Pan, Pooh, Dumbo, Snow White, Small World, and Pirates rides. I guess the thing that was so disappointing to me was that for $300 plus entrance fee, I expected to see all sorts of Disney characters walking around all over the place. I really felt like I was just at a regular old amusement park. Other than the cool lighted parade at the end of the night and the castle, I didn't feel like the place was very magical. What am I missing?? I thought the Disney cruise was 100 times better and more special than MK. For how long the same rides have been in business with little changes, and the cost to get in the park, there should be enough money in that park to have every character ever created by that company walking around and greeting guests. And not some stupid assigned time.

We used our GADGADD vouchers for HS yesterday. We decided on that last minute since we thought we'd be at MK for two days. Anyway didn't really research what we were going to do. So didn't get to do the Toy Story ride or the Aerosmith roller coaster. I liked the place a lot more than I remember. Kids loved the Indiana Jones show and my daughter was all about the Beauty and the Beast show and the Little Mermaid show. Even my son like the Little Mermaid show...after it was over. While we were waiting in line you'd have thought we were dragging him in to eat Brussel Sprouts for 17 minutes.

So after having spent a small fortune for just a 2 day trip to Orlando, my poor children will not be going back for a while. We have too many amusement parks and water parks so close to us to take advantage of without the lines and without the cost. I WILL plaster pictures from this trip all over our house though because I'm sure my kids will slowly start to forget this trip and I don't want them in therapy when they are 40 saying we never took them to Disney. I'm not trying to be a downer at all. We had a great vacation. But I'm not in a rush to get back.

One thing IS for sure...I'm looking forward to our cruise all the more!!!

 

[cincinmouse]

Hello everyone I have been a lurker for a while I just haven’t had time to write the intro.

My family of 5 will be on the 6/12/10 cruise. This will be our first Cruise as a family. DW and I have been on cruises when we were kids but that was long ago. I have DS who will be 11, DD 7, and DS 4 next year on the cruise. We live in a Suburb on the North side of Cincinnati, OH. We have booked two rooms on the deck 8 towards the front of the ship with the first dinner seating. I booked the cruise back in early December and I am glad I did since a lot of the room Cat seem to be gone now. For Christmas I boxed up a ship and the Macy’s DCL Mickey to surprise the kids that we were going on the cruise. Ever since I show DS 10 the Aquaduck he can’t wait to ride it.

We have been DVC members since 2008 and have been to WDW 1-2 times a year since. I have turned DS10 into a WDW addict. He just wrote a paper for school title “Why Disney World is the #1 Place to go on Vacation” He got a A.

I am the official Disney planner in the family and take care of all reservations etc. My friends always call me when they are planning a Disney trip. Our next Disney trip is planned for early June with a split stay at AKV Kidani and BLT. It will be the first time staying at both of these resorts. We are having fun trying to stay at all the DVC resorts. During this trip DS 10 and I will make a trip over to Universal IOA for 1 day to check out the new Harry Potter area. We are already prepared for the 4 hr wait for the new ride.

You may not see me post over hear a lot since I frequent another DVC related board not allowed mention here, but will pop in from time to time and when things get closer to the cruise next year. I will need a lot of help being our first Disney cruise. Looking forward to getting to know everyone.

Mike
Aka Cincinmouse

 

[Crystal_27]

I'm not trying to be a downer at all. We had a great vacation. But I'm not in a rush to get back.

One thing IS for sure...I'm looking forward to our cruise all the more!!!

Awwww, I'm so sorry that your parks trip wasn't exactly what you were hoping for, Hon...but, like you said, it makes you look forward to cruising all the more.

My family of 5 will be on the 6/12/10 cruise.

We have been DVC members since 2008 and have been to WDW 1-2 times a year since. I have turned DS10 into a WDW addict. He just wrote a paper for school title “Why Disney World is the #1 Place to go on Vacation” He got a A.

Mike
Aka Cincinmouse

Mike, welcome to the party! I will add you to the first page.

I had to laugh when I read about your son's report about WDW. I certainly am doing my best to ensure that my DD (6 on Friday) is likewise a Disney addict.

 

[itutorfortravel]

Bananas, we have been to WDW 4 times in the past 5 years. The last visit was over 2 years ago. DD has always had a great time there and has always anticipated the trips we take to the world.

However, all of that changed when we took our first Disney cruise in April '09. She is now a hooked Disney cruiser! We are planning to visit WDW in May for a couple days (she doesn't know yet) and I'm sure she will have a good time. After all, her memories may have faded and she is at an age now that more rides will be appealing. But when we talk about going to WDW in general, she doesn't get that spark in her eyes anymore. Yet, even bring up the subject of a Disney cruise and she is bouncing with excitement!

That's one reason we are looking into US and IOA this time. Maybe something "new" in terms of a park will renew her enthusiasm. However, mama loves Disney so we are going to the world, too! LOL!

 

[itutorfortravel]

Crystal, just saw your reply to my post about our DD's having the same birthday and also noticed you are from Atlanta. We are driving over your way on Friday to go to the American Girl store! That is DD's gift from her dad and me Have you ever been? We can't wait!

 

[Crystal_27]

Crystal, just saw your reply to my post about our DD's having the same birthday and also noticed you are from Atlanta. We are driving over your way on Friday to go to the American Girl store! That is DD's gift from her dad and me Have you ever been? We can't wait!

That sounds like a wonderful gift for your DD - I bet she's going to be sooooo thrilled! We've not yet experienced the American Girl store, but everything I hear from other parents is very positive. We've actually been getting the AG catelogues for years but I've held off actually purchasing a doll because I want my DD to really be old enough to take care of her doll and all the accessories. I can't wait to hear all about your DD's experience when you get back.

 

[marcij]

Hi all. Just got back from from Florida. 3 days in Ft. Lauderdale area and 2 days in Orlando. Got to visit a lot of family. My daughter was a flower girl in my cousins wedding. She was amazing. Especially considering she was crying the night before at the rehearsal because she said she did not want to walk in the wedding. She did a 180 and was amazing that day. The next day...off to Orlando.

Embassy Suites hotel was really nice. Only an 8 minute drive to the park. Beautiful hotel with indoor/outdoor pool, hot tub, kid's play area, and great breakfast in the morning. Wish we would have stayed one more day just to chill at the hotel.

The weather could have been warmer...jeans and sweatshirts the whole time. Nearly the end of March and it was cold in Florida. Another thing I'd have chanced...wish I wouldn't have blurted "HOW MUCH!?!?!?!?" so loudly when I heard the price of 4 Disney tickets getting into MK at 6 PM. Not sure why I would have assumed it, but I just figured there would have been a lower price after a certain time. Due to weather (pouring down rain and thunder and lightning), we didn't get to MK until 6 PM. We did enjoy ourselves though. Didn't get to do anything in Frontierland (I think that is what it was called), but we did Space Mountain, Peter Pan, Pooh, Dumbo, Snow White, Small World, and Pirates rides. I guess the thing that was so disappointing to me was that for $300 plus entrance fee, I expected to see all sorts of Disney characters walking around all over the place. I really felt like I was just at a regular old amusement park. Other than the cool lighted parade at the end of the night and the castle, I didn't feel like the place was very magical. What am I missing?? I thought the Disney cruise was 100 times better and more special than MK. For how long the same rides have been in business with little changes, and the cost to get in the park, there should be enough money in that park to have every character ever created by that company walking around and greeting guests. And not some stupid assigned time.

We used our GADGADD vouchers for HS yesterday. We decided on that last minute since we thought we'd be at MK for two days. Anyway didn't really research what we were going to do. So didn't get to do the Toy Story ride or the Aerosmith roller coaster. I liked the place a lot more than I remember. Kids loved the Indiana Jones show and my daughter was all about the Beauty and the Beast show and the Little Mermaid show. Even my son like the Little Mermaid show...after it was over. While we were waiting in line you'd have thought we were dragging him in to eat Brussel Sprouts for 17 minutes.

So after having spent a small fortune for just a 2 day trip to Orlando, my poor children will not be going back for a while. We have too many amusement parks and water parks so close to us to take advantage of without the lines and without the cost. I WILL plaster pictures from this trip all over our house though because I'm sure my kids will slowly start to forget this trip and I don't want them in therapy when they are 40 saying we never took them to Disney. I'm not trying to be a downer at all. We had a great vacation. But I'm not in a rush to get back.

One thing IS for sure...I'm looking forward to our cruise all the more!!!

Sorry your two days didn't live up to what you'd hoped. You're not being a downer -- I find it helpful to read trip reports (or mini ones) that are good or bad. Everyone has their own opinion. My guess would be spring break (yes, us southerners take it early!) along with bad weather were the two biggest culprits, though there is no denying that Disney is very expensive, and for only a few hours there! There are tons of characters out in the mornings and between stage shows, but I haven't really paid all that much attention to other times. My boys will humor me and let me take some pics if we are at a character meal, but that is about the extent of our character time now. I'm also sorry you missed our two favorite things at DHS.

We try to go twice a year and my whole family loves it. It's for the most part cleaner than our parks in Texas and free of groups of gang members. I'm glad that you have better options where you live! Sounds like that will work well for you. If you decide to give WDW another chance, there are several books and discussion boards that will really help maximize your time/money.

On the bright side it's terrific that your daughter did so well in the wedding, and that you have a cruise to look forward to!

Hello everyone I have been a lurker for a while I just haven’t had time to write the intro.

My family of 5 will be on the 6/12/10 cruise. This will be our first Cruise as a family. DW and I have been on cruises when we were kids but that was long ago. I have DS who will be 11, DD 7, and DS 4 next year on the cruise. We live in a Suburb on the North side of Cincinnati, OH. We have booked two rooms on the deck 8 towards the front of the ship with the first dinner seating. I booked the cruise back in early December and I am glad I did since a lot of the room Cat seem to be gone now. For Christmas I boxed up a ship and the Macy’s DCL Mickey to surprise the kids that we were going on the cruise. Ever since I show DS 10 the Aquaduck he can’t wait to ride it.

We have been DVC members since 2008 and have been to WDW 1-2 times a year since. I have turned DS10 into a WDW addict. He just wrote a paper for school title “Why Disney World is the #1 Place to go on Vacation” He got a A.

I am the official Disney planner in the family and take care of all reservations etc. My friends always call me when they are planning a Disney trip. Our next Disney trip is planned for early June with a split stay at AKV Kidani and BLT. It will be the first time staying at both of these resorts. We are having fun trying to stay at all the DVC resorts. During this trip DS 10 and I will make a trip over to Universal IOA for 1 day to check out the new Harry Potter area. We are already prepared for the 4 hr wait for the new ride.

You may not see me post over hear a lot since I frequent another DVC related board not allowed mention here, but will pop in from time to time and when things get closer to the cruise next year. I will need a lot of help being our first Disney cruise. Looking forward to getting to know everyone.

Mike
Aka Cincinmouse

Glad you joined our group! That is a terrific Christmas surprise! I am so jealous of your DVC purchase. We had planned on buying in years ago, but both my sons have learning differences and go to a special private school. There went DVC, but I have to say, my boys are worth whatever it takes to keep them at their school!

 

[Scouter]

Hi all. Just got back from from Florida. 3 days in Ft. Lauderdale area and 2 days in Orlando. Got to visit a lot of family. My daughter was a flower girl in my cousins wedding. She was amazing. Especially considering she was crying the night before at the rehearsal because she said she did not want to walk in the wedding. She did a 180 and was amazing that day. The next day...off to Orlando.

Embassy Suites hotel was really nice. Only an 8 minute drive to the park. Beautiful hotel with indoor/outdoor pool, hot tub, kid's play area, and great breakfast in the morning. Wish we would have stayed one more day just to chill at the hotel.

The weather could have been warmer...jeans and sweatshirts the whole time. Nearly the end of March and it was cold in Florida. Another thing I'd have chanced...wish I wouldn't have blurted "HOW MUCH!?!?!?!?" so loudly when I heard the price of 4 Disney tickets getting into MK at 6 PM. Not sure why I would have assumed it, but I just figured there would have been a lower price after a certain time. Due to weather (pouring down rain and thunder and lightning), we didn't get to MK until 6 PM. We did enjoy ourselves though. Didn't get to do anything in Frontierland (I think that is what it was called), but we did Space Mountain, Peter Pan, Pooh, Dumbo, Snow White, Small World, and Pirates rides. I guess the thing that was so disappointing to me was that for $300 plus entrance fee, I expected to see all sorts of Disney characters walking around all over the place. I really felt like I was just at a regular old amusement park. Other than the cool lighted parade at the end of the night and the castle, I didn't feel like the place was very magical. What am I missing?? I thought the Disney cruise was 100 times better and more special than MK. For how long the same rides have been in business with little changes, and the cost to get in the park, there should be enough money in that park to have every character ever created by that company walking around and greeting guests. And not some stupid assigned time.

We used our GADGADD vouchers for HS yesterday. We decided on that last minute since we thought we'd be at MK for two days. Anyway didn't really research what we were going to do. So didn't get to do the Toy Story ride or the Aerosmith roller coaster. I liked the place a lot more than I remember. Kids loved the Indiana Jones show and my daughter was all about the Beauty and the Beast show and the Little Mermaid show. Even my son like the Little Mermaid show...after it was over. While we were waiting in line you'd have thought we were dragging him in to eat Brussel Sprouts for 17 minutes.

So after having spent a small fortune for just a 2 day trip to Orlando, my poor children will not be going back for a while. We have too many amusement parks and water parks so close to us to take advantage of without the lines and without the cost. I WILL plaster pictures from this trip all over our house though because I'm sure my kids will slowly start to forget this trip and I don't want them in therapy when they are 40 saying we never took them to Disney. I'm not trying to be a downer at all. We had a great vacation. But I'm not in a rush to get back.

One thing IS for sure...I'm looking forward to our cruise all the more!!!

Ouch!

 

[Scouter]

Hello everyone I have been a lurker for a while I just haven’t had time to write the intro.

My family of 5 will be on the 6/12/10 cruise. This will be our first Cruise as a family. DW and I have been on cruises when we were kids but that was long ago. I have DS who will be 11, DD 7, and DS 4 next year on the cruise. We live in a Suburb on the North side of Cincinnati, OH. We have booked two rooms on the deck 8 towards the front of the ship with the first dinner seating. I booked the cruise back in early December and I am glad I did since a lot of the room Cat seem to be gone now. For Christmas I boxed up a ship and the Macy’s DCL Mickey to surprise the kids that we were going on the cruise. Ever since I show DS 10 the Aquaduck he can’t wait to ride it.

We have been DVC members since 2008 and have been to WDW 1-2 times a year since. I have turned DS10 into a WDW addict. He just wrote a paper for school title “Why Disney World is the #1 Place to go on Vacation” He got a A.

I am the official Disney planner in the family and take care of all reservations etc. My friends always call me when they are planning a Disney trip. Our next Disney trip is planned for early June with a split stay at AKV Kidani and BLT. It will be the first time staying at both of these resorts. We are having fun trying to stay at all the DVC resorts. During this trip DS 10 and I will make a trip over to Universal IOA for 1 day to check out the new Harry Potter area. We are already prepared for the 4 hr wait for the new ride.

You may not see me post over hear a lot since I frequent another DVC related board not allowed mention here, but will pop in from time to time and when things get closer to the cruise next year. I will need a lot of help being our first Disney cruise. Looking forward to getting to know everyone.

Mike
Aka Cincinmouse

Welcome!

Another board?!
CAN'T be as good as the DIS boards

 

[tendisney]

Hello Everyone. I too was with Bananas on the vacation. I do agree with everything she mentioned in her post. Other than the fact that our 5 hours at MK was only $130 not $300. Thankfully Ella was free!! I do have to say it was so fun seeing her on the rides. She was so focused and calm on the rides it was great to watch her. This vacation is one I will never forget and as my sister said in her post... I will also be plastering pictures all over showing her we went to Disney.

I do have to say that after our fun-filled, extremely busy vacation I needed at least a day or two to catch up on sleep. We even talked about taking a vacation without the kids... I can always go on the Disney Cruise without her. (How bad would that be?)

I hope everyone has a great weekend!! We will be staying home catching up on zzzzz's, , and enjoying our warmer 55 degree weather.

 

[foohpah]

Hi all. Just got back from from Florida. 3 days in Ft. Lauderdale area and 2 days in Orlando. Got to visit a lot of family. My daughter was a flower girl in my cousins wedding. She was amazing. Especially considering she was crying the night before at the rehearsal because she said she did not want to walk in the wedding. She did a 180 and was amazing that day. The next day...off to Orlando.

Embassy Suites hotel was really nice. Only an 8 minute drive to the park. Beautiful hotel with indoor/outdoor pool, hot tub, kid's play area, and great breakfast in the morning. Wish we would have stayed one more day just to chill at the hotel.

The weather could have been warmer...jeans and sweatshirts the whole time. Nearly the end of March and it was cold in Florida. Another thing I'd have chanced...wish I wouldn't have blurted "HOW MUCH!?!?!?!?" so loudly when I heard the price of 4 Disney tickets getting into MK at 6 PM. Not sure why I would have assumed it, but I just figured there would have been a lower price after a certain time. Due to weather (pouring down rain and thunder and lightning), we didn't get to MK until 6 PM. We did enjoy ourselves though. Didn't get to do anything in Frontierland (I think that is what it was called), but we did Space Mountain, Peter Pan, Pooh, Dumbo, Snow White, Small World, and Pirates rides. I guess the thing that was so disappointing to me was that for $300 plus entrance fee, I expected to see all sorts of Disney characters walking around all over the place. I really felt like I was just at a regular old amusement park. Other than the cool lighted parade at the end of the night and the castle, I didn't feel like the place was very magical. What am I missing?? I thought the Disney cruise was 100 times better and more special than MK. For how long the same rides have been in business with little changes, and the cost to get in the park, there should be enough money in that park to have every character ever created by that company walking around and greeting guests. And not some stupid assigned time.

We used our GADGADD vouchers for HS yesterday. We decided on that last minute since we thought we'd be at MK for two days. Anyway didn't really research what we were going to do. So didn't get to do the Toy Story ride or the Aerosmith roller coaster. I liked the place a lot more than I remember. Kids loved the Indiana Jones show and my daughter was all about the Beauty and the Beast show and the Little Mermaid show. Even my son like the Little Mermaid show...after it was over. While we were waiting in line you'd have thought we were dragging him in to eat Brussel Sprouts for 17 minutes.

So after having spent a small fortune for just a 2 day trip to Orlando, my poor children will not be going back for a while. We have too many amusement parks and water parks so close to us to take advantage of without the lines and without the cost. I WILL plaster pictures from this trip all over our house though because I'm sure my kids will slowly start to forget this trip and I don't want them in therapy when they are 40 saying we never took them to Disney. I'm not trying to be a downer at all. We had a great vacation. But I'm not in a rush to get back.

One thing IS for sure...I'm looking forward to our cruise all the more!!!

I am sorry you did not have a good time but honestly 15 minutes worth of quick research could have prevented a lot of your disappointment (obviously not the weather but that is always unpredictable for everyone). I guess I just don't understand how people will spend so much money on a vacation and not spend just a few minutes reading about things like the price of the tickets or what attractions are available when and where.

 

[thundrmtn]

We just booked our cruise! I wish it would be here sooner!

It will be me (Laura), husband Jeff, and our daughters Emma (8) and Ella Cate (5). This will be our third Disney cruise but our girls' first! Can't wait!!

My husband and I will be celebrating our 14th wedding anniversary while on board.

Our stateroom number is 7044.

 

[whithouston]

We just booked our cruise! I wish it would be here sooner!

It will be me (Laura), husband Jeff, and our daughters Emma (8) and Ella Cate (5). This will be our third Disney cruise but our girls' first! Can't wait!!

My husband and I will be celebrating our 14th wedding anniversary while on board.

Welcome aboard Laura and family!!

 

[Scouter]

Every time I see someone post BLT on these boards I forget about Bay Lake Towers and want a BLT sandwich

 

[Scouter]

We just booked our cruise! I wish it would be here sooner!

It will be me (Laura), husband Jeff, and our daughters Emma (8) and Ella Cate (5). This will be our third Disney cruise but our girls' first! Can't wait!!

My husband and I will be celebrating our 14th wedding anniversary while on board.

Yay! Welcome!

14 years, congrats!

Maybe I can do that someday

 

[foohpah]

We just booked our cruise! I wish it would be here sooner!

It will be me (Laura), husband Jeff, and our daughters Emma (8) and Ella Cate (5). This will be our third Disney cruise but our girls' first! Can't wait!!

My husband and I will be celebrating our 14th wedding anniversary while on board.

Welcome!

We celebrate our 14th anniversary shortly before the cruise. Our kids will be 9 and 6 at the time and it is our 4th Disney cruise so we are just a bit ahead of you there.

 

[Scouter]

I'm traveling on another cruiseline in less than a month and wanted to be on some boards to meet people.
I so love that about cruising and the DIS boards

So I found Cruise Critic.

Not nearly as good as these boards of course, but what could I do?
I'm sailing NCL.

Anyways, I found out that there are many Disney cruisers on these boards as well and I thought........ I bet they don't know about the awesome DIS boards

So, I started a thread (one was started yet) for our cruise date and mentioned that we also have a group on here and gave out our link.
So we may gain some new friends

My link on there is http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1171859

 

[DMMom]

So the district just posted the 2010-2011 school calendar. Last day of school is Thursday June 2 with only 1 snow day built in. This year was 5 snow days. I guess this mostly makes up my mind: WDW after the cruise. I'm not going to count on a mild winter. We will fly in Saturday and stay at the port. Next decision: where to stay after. My parents have always let us use their points for a week, so I'm not sure we can get partial time.
Anyone ever gone straight from the cruise to a partial day at the parks? Wouldn't be there when the park first opens, but fairly close