DONE 7/28!! My Life on the DVC Blacklist - an August '09 Pre-Trip.

[Lauralee131]

With a mere week and a half-ish to go, I thought an extra update was in order. Because I’m looking for help.

That’s right – it’s time to get you, dear reader, involved in this trip!

Remember? I want to do things a little differently this time around. And part of that approach includes trying new-to-us things. Believe it or not, despite having visiting The World hundreds of days in my lifetime, there are LOTS of rides, attractions, and experiences I’ve yet to encounter. That goes double for Leo.



We’re in a rut.



The advantage, of course, of going so often is knowing which things we enjoy most. The disadvantage is that it’s very, very easy to get into a groove in which we hit the same places over and over and over.

So, on this, our longest Disney stay yet, I am determined to mix some “new” in with the “old.” Now, I know darned well we can’t fit every untested experience in on one trip. That’s where YOU come in.

I have a few ideas of things I’d like to try. I also have a list of things about which I’m completely ambivalent. If you can, please take a few minutes and let me know if you’ve tried any of these, why you think them worth or not worth the time, and if I’m missing anything you think we’d really enjoy!

No pressure. But remember I’ll be reporting on this later.

First up: the resorts.

We’ll be at CBR for the first three nights, and I’ve got a fairly good idea as to how we’ll spend that resort time. The main pool is top of my list. Leo’s done the new pirate splash zone – complete with giant, dumping bucket of water – and loooves it!

M's dying to check out the pool...very excited to have another pool visit with his buddy!

But I want him to try the actual pool, too, now that he’s a much stronger swimmer. It’s time for him to put on his big-boy pants and get his fanny down a pool slide, by golly.

Darn funny, I love him dearly and understand the fear...not a big fan of the pool myself (without some liquid courage of course), but it's darn funny....

And CBR offers a less-intense, open-air, short slide that will serve nicely as an entry level sliding experience. There’s also a pool bar with at least one Gator fan bartender. I like it there.

Save me a seat!!!

What we haven’t done is rent a boat. Any boat. Ever. And I adore boating! So I think 30 minutes in a Sea Raycer is a must-do.

We talk about doing that every single trip and we never do... Probably because I'm always dragging them to the parks...ya think?

Once we move to SSR, a couple more possibilities open up. For sure we’ll put in some quality time at the main pool. Where I hope Leo will be willing to finally try the slide.

Maybe a little peer pressure will help? I can't keep Michael OFF the slide!

And we really must pay a visit to the Grandstand pool – preferably with our buddies – for an all-out water war in the spray zone.

Oh it's on baby!! Bring it!

Are any other quiet pools worth a visit?

Ummm...No. Unless you're looking for quiet.

In all of our SSR stays, we’ve yet to use its boat transportation. I plan on taking the boat to Downtown Disney at least once, and maybe even pool hop to OKW. We’ve never done any DVC-sanctioned pool-hopping either.

Mai Tai suggest pool hopping at the Poly???

Leo’s been raised without video games. I’m not passing judgment; it just wasn’t something I’ve ever enjoyed and couldn’t see spending money on for a toddler/pre-schooler. But now that Leo’s 7, he’s getting a little interested in gaming, and I’m fairly okay with that. We play with our Wii a lot because it’s so bloody hot here in summer; it’s nice to do something active together minus the heat stroke. Leo also has a Vsmile game thingy on which he occasionally plays some educational games. So trust me when I say that neither of us has any decent gaming skills. I thought an hour in the SSR arcade might be fun for something new… but am I fooling myself?! Is there a remote possibility they’ll have anything two people with little to no gaming proficiency can do and enjoy? (Read: anything that won’t leave V so frustrated she kicks the game and utters words unsuitable for young ears?)

If Leo would like some company in the arcade, let me know...M's a BIG FAN of arcades...

What about the community centers or whatever they're called...there's games, etc...BWV's was pretty decent...

Moving on – Magic Kingdom

Okay, this is embarrassing. When I first began considering “new” experiences, each item I listed involved food. Perhaps my diet’s a bit too]/I] restricted as of late?! Anyway, you’ll notice quite a few food experiences as I continue…

I can’t wait to get my hands on another Main St. Bakery cinnamon roll. Minus the Pina Colava chaser this time.

But, would you believe I’ve never spent time in the Main St. Confectionary? True, I stopped in once to find something resembling a cough drop when I had a cold, but I didn’t linger. I’d like to check it out this time and maybe bring back some interesting candy items. What’s good?

Me neither...I got nothin' But it's candy. How CAN IT NOT be good?

Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade. This, from possibly the biggest gun control advocate on the planet. Oh, the irony. Here’s the story: my dad brought me there when I first visited the MK at Leo’s age. One of my most vivid memories of that trip, I clearly recollect perching by my waist on the edge of the counter, precariously balancing a rifle several inches taller then me on my shoulder. My fingers weren’t strong enough to pull the trigger and my aim was the pits. But I’ll never forget the hilarity that ensued as Dad helped me shoot and made hysterical and sometimes inappropriate remarks about the shenanigans that occurred as each target was hit. Good, good times! I’d like to relive that a little and give Leo a chance to form his own memory there. I’m just hoping I’m now taller than the rifles.

That should be fun. We've never brought M there either. You'll have to let me know if Leo likes it!

Next up – Epcot

~ sigh ~

Dear old Epcot. I miss its old days, when the focus was education. EP did such a stupendous job of providing historical perspective, current innovation, and a look into the future – all in one place. I was reminded of this when Leo brought a Popular Science article to my attention the other day. Yes, the child “reads” Popular Science. Gramma’s a nurse and has a client who subscribes to it; he sends her home with issues he’s already read. Anyway, Leo wanted me to help him read an article on some up-and-coming submersible technology. It was pretty neat; manned submarines are soon to go deeper than ever and who knows what they’ll see! What made me sad was that THIS is the kind of information you’d once have learned at the Living Seas. In Epcot. Now, it’s the same tired aquariums with a fun, but utterly lacking in educational direction, Nemo ride thrown in.

You know, you could come up here and we can take him to the GA Aquarium. Just sayin'....

Actually, we're talking about a day at the Space Center. Not this trip, but in February. M would LOVE it...

I’m glad Spaceship Earth still delivers on the past/present/future theme, though I miss Jeremy Irons’ voice.

Jeremy Irons' voice still scares me...years after that gyno movie...

Test Track fails completely on that front, as does Soarin’. I haven’t been on Mission: Space yet, but I’m guessing it doesn’t do much to explain what came first in space exploration, either.

There's an area inside of Mission Space to explore though and it could be a learning experience...

I wanna play Kim Possible's game too...just sayin'

For instance, neither Leo nor I have seen the Circle of Life movie. Anyone have some thoughts on that?

We've seen it. It's good, but LOUD...nice break from the heat too....

Does Leo do Universe of Energy??

We’ve also spent precious little time in Innoventions, and there are some things there I think might be fun. The Piggy Bank Adventure sounds right up our alley, as I’m trying to prime Leo now for a lifetime of responsible budgeting. Slap Stick Studios (the Velcro thing) sounds interesting, too. One thing we absolutely will NOT check out is the StormStruck exhibit. I’d like to check it out some time, but without Leo. Hurricane season is a big, big deal for us, living less than 5 miles from the Gulf of Mexico. We prepare every year and have had to evacuate several times. We rode out a Category 2 hurricane once. It’s a very scary topic for sensitive little minds. Leo understands well that a time could possibly come when we have to go away to be safe, but our house might not make it; he doesn’t need any extra scariness thrown in on that subject.

We go in and out - it's fun. Don't forget about the fire house and waste management and there's a game show - I don't know what's in what building...we just wander...And if they're still doing it, you can get a private photo session with the characters with your Disney Visa...think they give you a free 5x7 too....they'll give you a Photopass card and they'll use your camera if you want too...

World Showcase. Land of many delicious experiences. I must stock up on gingerbread men from Germany and I need to replenish my sake stock in Japan. But I’ve yet to set foot in the Norwegian bakery, so I’d like to check that out. And we haven’t visited the Boulangerie in quite a while. The American Adventure requires a long-overdue visit; we haven’t been in there since Leo was 4 months old!

Funny you mention that...American Adventure's on my list for this trip too. Yes, I actually have a list now!!

Don’t forget – MGM

This is not Leo’s favorite place. But he does know its rightful name – MGM.

It’s not really my favorite place either, and there really isn’t anything “new” to us to try. Leo won’t go near half the rides. He’s never had any interest in the Beauty and the Beast show. But a must-stop will be the Writer’s Stop, where I’ll stockpile black & white Mickey cookies. Can you think of anything that isn’t a ride or show, besides the animation tour and One Man’s Dream (already on Leo’s list) that we should check out?

What about back by the Animation area? We for some reason never get back there...The B&B show was actually quite good - Michael even enjoyed it. Maybe you can con him into going. Get ice creams and casually head in there...that's what I did and he really liked the show...

Don't think I'd want to check out American Idol, but...who knows...I'd never even been in the Sounds Dangerous. Don't know why. Drew Carey I think...

Lights, Motors, Action?
Fantasmic?

Ugh, and Animal Kingdom

I still can’t believe I agreed to put so much as a hair in this place in freaking August. So help me – we’re not doing ANYthing beyond what Leo really wants to ride this trip. However, we’ll be back there in cooler times, so hit me with your best shots!

Yeah, ummmm....I haven't agreed to go there...yet M will insist on going so he can go on the safari ride. If we do go, I want to go back and see either the Lion King show or the Nemo show again. If I had to pick, it'd be FOTLK though...He always wants to play in the Boneyard too...I tend to steer him right by there though...don't know why. Looks like kids enjoy it...

Rafiki's planet watch thing??? We did it once and spent a while there. Last summer I think. M liked it. Me...it was a break from the heat/rain....Pluto was there and a few other characters...and a petting zoo....

I think that pretty much covers it. We’ll be at DTD too, but I honestly can’t think of anything we haven’t experienced there. I’d like to say we’ll try some mini-golf, but August isn’t a great time for that. I’ll save that one for December.

Seems we talked about mini-golf not too long ago...Is the hot air balloon thing running now? Yes? Probably expensive though...

Okay guys… your turn! What other considerations would you recommend?

I hate to admit this...I have a list, but it's not a big one...dare I say it, I'm almost - I said ALMOST - looking for a KGM trip after the last several months have been so stressful...

We'll be taking it slow...taking in the little things...a trolley ride up Main Street, misc. shows/music at Epcot...I don't know...vegging out is top of my list. Although it's relaxing for me to be there. Period. Even if I am going commando thru the parks...somehow it relaxes me. Coffee on the balcony in the mornings...walks around the resort grounds...

Lots of pool time (pool bar) time for us...hanging out at the resorts...just taking it easy...

What about FTW...what's to do over there?

Parasailing at CR?

Hmmm...turns out I'm not much help at all....ah well...

LESS THAN 2 WEEKS!!!

Speaking of taking it easy...that's what I'm off to do.

Later Gator!!

 

[micandminforever]

I have decided on my Sept. trip to do things I have not done in 20 years. My list includes the ride over to Tom Sawyer Island, the Riverboat, the Country Bears, and the Tiki Birds.

At EPCOT at least one of the shows in Canada, China, or France, plus maybe Energy with Ellen.

 

[Trentmom]

If you are near pop century at any point, you could go to their arcade

They have retro(old school) games that might be right up yours and Leo's alley

My favorite thing in Confectionary shop is Chocolate covered pretzels

 

[sharkB8HooHaHa]

Let's see....

DTD~ I personally like taking the boat over there. Most of the skippers either play trivia games or just give you information as you go along the river. The hot air balloon at DTD is only something like $10 per person. I can't wait to get on that thing. We can spend hours making potato heads in Once Upon a Toy. Of course, there is the Lego store where I lose hours to a bench

MK~ I've always wanted to listen to story time with Belle. Leo might be okay with that as there is no character interaction, just sitting and listening (in the shade!)

Epcot~ Myuki is a must for us each trip. And I like to watch the Japanese drummers. And what about going into Figment through the exit and playing in the "Kodak zone"...it's kind of neat in there. Notice, I'm not suggesting the ride. The Circle of Life movie depresses me to no end. But what about making cookies at the Nestle little chef area? Are they even still doing that? Would Leo be interested in the Behind the Seeds tour? It's not very expensive and my kids enjoyed it (F was 5 at the time, I think). You get to see bugs

MGM~ Ugh.

AK~ I'm a dork and look at the plants.

 

[englishrose47]

V We wer not ovely imoreseed with Circle of Life ,but it is air conditioned !!I love the Land Boat ride those hanging gardens are cool!! Also while not avng thoroughlu checked out Inoventions did go and build a Robot for Kyle and skipped the game part!! I also tried Figment for the first tme and liked it !!
At MGM ( yes I know) What about LMA ???

 

[Hedy]

Arcade wise, would you consider going to CR's arcade (or would that be too painfull)? We went there last summer when our hopes for our Wishes cruise were Fay-ded. There's skiball, Elvis and Jack Sparrow pinball-everyone from my gamer geek family members to I, who have no fine motor skills, had fun and got prizes (green army men are very useful for guarding Owners Lockers, or so say Mr and Mrs. DisneyMSF)

 

[Phibbles]

If you really want a great video game experience, there is only one place to go: DisneyQuest. My son loved it last year (he was 5). Beyond the normal arcade games (which we ignored), they have several interactive games the family can play together. Our favorite was the virtual Pirate ride. Your group sails a pirate ship and shoots cannons, while on the search for treasure. It was awesome!!!!!

 

[mrp4352]

In all of our SSR stays, we’ve yet to use its boat transportation. I plan on taking the boat to Downtown Disney at least once, and maybe even pool hop to OKW. We’ve never done any DVC-sanctioned pool-hopping either.

Leo’s been raised without video games. I’m not passing judgment; it just wasn’t something I’ve ever enjoyed and couldn’t see spending money on for a toddler/pre-schooler. But now that Leo’s 7, he’s getting a little interested in gaming, and I’m fairly okay with that. We play with our Wii a lot because it’s so bloody hot here in summer; it’s nice to do something active together minus the heat stroke. Leo also has a Vsmile game thingy on which he occasionally plays some educational games. So trust me when I say that neither of us has any decent gaming skills. I thought an hour in the SSR arcade might be fun for something new… but am I fooling myself?! Is there a remote possibility they’ll have anything two people with little to no gaming proficiency can do and enjoy? (Read: anything that won’t leave V so frustrated she kicks the game and utters words unsuitable for young ears?)

We love the boat ride to DtD from SSR - very relaxing. And it has the side benefit of letting you get on a different boat at DtD and heading to POFQ for beniets!

On the video games - the Poly and the Contemporary have this GREAT Pirates-themed pinball machine! That might be a good starter. Unfortunately SSR doesn't have pinball in their arcade.

I haven't read through everyone's replies yet, so I'm sorry if this has been mentioned, but you might try the balloon ride at DtD. The view from up top is SPECTACULAR!

 

[1Princess1Prince2006]

You're so close! YAY!

I was going to suggest mini-golf, but your right in August...YUCK!

What about Disney Quest in DTD?

I just read in someone else's trip report that they did a fun recycling type game in Innovations. I think they did a few other games but can't remember them all.

Have you done the Kim Possible thing yet? The pics from it look really fun.

What about going to Fort Wilderness and seeing about riding horses there.

 

[PrincessV]

Please forgive the mass reply; with a mere few days left before the big trip, I’m long on unfinished projects and short on time!

THANK YOU all so much for all the ideas and suggestions – you guys rock! Really, so many good options here. I’ll comment on a few and leave the rest to see what happens once we get to WDW!

Arcade options

Chances are slim that we’ll go out of our way to play some games… except that Hedy had to go and mention that there’s skee-ball at the CR! OMG, I love, love, love skee-ball! We may head over for just that. Otherwise, I think the CBR and SSR arcades will be an option if we’re bored or rained out of the pool.

Epcot

Now that I’ve got some Ridemax plans compiled, I can see where a little Innoventions time will work in nicely! I’d forgotten about the waste management thing, so I’m adding that to the list of possibilities.

I asked Leo about the Kim Possible adventure… he says “no.” But I’m kinda thinking the adults might enjoy it – after a margarita or two perhaps?!

“Circle of Life.” We’ll probably skip it again. Loud is very, very bad in Leo’s opinion. And, if it makes Kate sad, it’s a safe bet I’ll feel down, too. No down feelings on vacation. Period.

Magic Kingdom

We LOVE Tom Sawyer Island! But. NOT in August. It’s like a flipping swamp in there by late summer!

I keep trying to get Leo on the Riverboat and he adamantly says “no.” Who knows- maybe this is the trip!

Animal Kingdom

For real, I’m only hanging around there until we’ve completed the Leo trifecta: Safari, Tigers, Gorillas. Maybe Festival of the Lion King, but only if it’s a short wait. I still have less-than-fond memories of coming close to heat stroke at AK during a Sept. visit – I hate that place in summer!

MGM

Sorry T – I’d eat my shoe if Leo actually said “yes” to TOT this year. With his imagination, it’s got to be one of the most terrifying prospects ever.

Leo does really enjoy the walk-through things at MGM, so we’ll probably end up in the Animation Tour and/or One Man’s Dream. Yawn.

We do like LMA, but again with the heat… it doesn’t start showing until after we’ll have escaped the heat for the resort pool. We’ll save that one for Dec.!

Resort stuff

I’m all over the Sea Raycers! We have nothing planned for our first day, so that might be the perfect time. Maybe we can get LL and Michael out there with us, too!

Taking the boat from SSR to DTD is a given; I avoid trying to park at DTD after 1pm like the plague. The very thought of attempting it gives me a migraine. Ask LL.

Lori, I can’t wait for the time when we can do a horseback ride at FW! Unfortunately, kids have to be at least 9 years old. Knowing Disney, I doubt they’ll make an allowance, even if I could show that he’s an accomplished rider at age 7.



Again, thanks so much for all the terrific ideas! I’ve just got some packing to do this weekend, some loose ends to tie up at work next week, and we’re outta here! I’ll be back soon to close this PTR up and get the TR started. WOOO HOOOO!

 

[OhMari]

I posted last week, but the DIS was timing out.
Over at Fort Wilderness, they have a campfire at nite and a free movie.
Bring your own s'more equipment.
I'm sure it will be warm at nite, but one of 2 s'more's and some free movie time.
I think Chip/Dale come around too.

 

[Lauralee131]

I’m all over the Sea Raycers! We have nothing planned for our first day, so that might be the perfect time. Maybe we can get LL and Michael out there with us, too!

Sounds great to me! Count us in!

Turns out my addonitis is flaring up again...now I'm considering starting my drive Wednesday night so we can be there early Thursday morning. I don't know if I'll have everything done in time to be able to do that, but I'm busting my butt to make it happen...

Just in case...heh heh

Taking the boat from SSR to DTD is a given; I avoid trying to park at DTD after 1pm like the plague. The very thought of attempting it gives me a migraine. Ask LL.

Oh yeah, I can definitely attest to that. I wouldn't drive either if I didn't have to!

Lori, I can’t wait for the time when we can do a horseback ride at FW! Unfortunately, kids have to be at least 9 years old. Knowing Disney, I doubt they’ll make an allowance, even if I could show that he’s an accomplished rider at age 7.

Bummer...that would be fun...

Again, thanks so much for all the terrific ideas! I’ve just got some packing to do this weekend, some loose ends to tie up at work next week, and we’re outta here! I’ll be back soon to close this PTR up and get the TR started. WOOO HOOOO!

M......I.......C.....

See ya real soon!!! LY!!

 

[englishrose47]

Oh V !! AK is brutal in Septemper???? That may be a very short day !!!

 

[TheDISneyFamily]

Just stopping by to give you a virtual hug , and say that I can't wait to give you a real hug in person! I can smell the pineapples already...

 

[puggymom]

OOH!!! Sea Raycers are soooo much fun, I was thinking if time permits in September I would rent one for an hour from CR, if not definately next year!

That's silly that a 7 year old can't ride, guess it gives you something to look forward to.

I hear ya on AK in the heat I'm planning on hitting a few favs and that's it myself.

Have a wonderful time and looking forward to the trip report when you return!

 

[lazydoxy66]

I hope you and Leo have a terrific time!!!

 

[1Princess1Prince2006]

“Circle of Life.” We’ll probably skip it again. Loud is very, very bad in Leo’s opinion. And, if it makes Kate sad, it’s a safe bet I’ll feel down, too. No down feelings on vacation. Period.

We watched it in when we went and now that you mention loud it all comes flooding back to me. Yes, it is loud, way too loud.

Lori, I can’t wait for the time when we can do a horseback ride at FW! Unfortunately, kids have to be at least 9 years old. Knowing Disney, I doubt they’ll make an allowance, even if I could show that he’s an accomplished rider at age 7.

Bummer. At least you have this to look foward to on upcoming trips.

Again, thanks so much for all the terrific ideas! I’ve just got some packing to do this weekend, some loose ends to tie up at work next week, and we’re outta here! I’ll be back soon to close this PTR up and get the TR started. WOOO HOOOO!

So excited for you and can't wait to read your TR when you get back.

 

[PrincessV]

I posted last week, but the DIS was timing out.
Over at Fort Wilderness, they have a campfire at nite and a free movie.
Bring your own s'more equipment.
I'm sure it will be warm at nite, but one of 2 s'more's and some free movie time.
I think Chip/Dale come around too.

Ooo! We likely won't do that this trip, but it sounds perfect for our Dec. trip - thanks!

Sounds great to me! Count us in!

Woo hoo!!

Turns out my addonitis is flaring up again...now I'm considering starting my drive Wednesday night so we can be there early Thursday morning. I don't know if I'll have everything done in time to be able to do that, but I'm busting my butt to make it happen...

See ya real soon!!! LY!!

DUDE - we're almost there!

Oh V !! AK is brutal in Septemper???? That may be a very short day !!!

Honest answer? Yes, BRUTAL. Just insanely hot and humid. I highly recommend hitting it at rope drop for a couple hours and getting out!

Just stopping by to give you a virtual hug , and say that I can't wait to give you a real hug in person! I can smell the pineapples already...

Yippee, it's in sight! Can't wait to see you again Michelle!

That's silly that a 7 year old can't ride, guess it gives you something to look forward to.

I have to assume it's a liability issue... but what's so magical about age 9?!?!

I hope you and Leo have a terrific time

Thank you!

At least you have this to look foward to on upcoming trips.

Absolutely!

 

[PrincessV]

WOO HOO, it’s almost time!

I spent most of this past weekend getting things together and packed. I don’t think I did too badly; here’s the pile:

Add a grocery bag and cooler and that’s all of it. A suitcase for Leo, a suitcase for me, a laundry bag with blankets and other necessities, a small case for toiletries and assorted small items, the pool bag and the laptop.

I also unearthed these:

Gift cards from a past Food & Wine Fest. One for Leo, one for me. They’re so convenient, so I’m hoping I can refill and use them this trip. Don’t see why not.


I think we’re all set. I just need to finish things up at work and hit the road in a couple days. Thanks to everyone who’s read along; it’s been a lot of fun!

I’m wrapping this baby up… follow me to the Trip Report: There’s an App for That!

 

[mrsksomeday]

Have a great time!!