Ballybunion3
<font color=darkcoral>It's kind of like WDW's grea
- Joined
- Dec 13, 2001
- Messages
- 106
Cast: DD#1 - 5 year old, Disney nut like her dad
DD#2 - 15 years old - pretends to not be having a good time
DD#3 - 17 years old - loves Disney, but like Lifetime movie channel as much
DS - 16 years old - hates all things Disney -plays computer games all day
DW - loves Disney, but not the compulsive planner yours truly is
Yours Truly - compulsive Disney Planner
Day 6: Return to MK, Boardwalk
DW, DD#1, and I went back to MK at opening to do the rides we missed previously. Started in Fantasyland (I did Space MT while DW & DD did Dumbo, Carousel, and Snow White. We then did Pooh together, then Peter Pan, and got a fast Pass for Buzz 11:10 (this turned out to be DD#1s favorite). We then headed over to Alladin & Swiss family Robinson Treehouse, then on to Country Bear Jamboree (another of our favorites). Then a special treat over to Tom Sawyers Island for some exploring, and Aunt Pollys for lunch. This was very relaxing and refreshing, as the park was beginning to seethe and swell with people. After finishing lunch around 11:40, we fought our way literally to Buzz Lightyear for our Fastpass return. The park was frighteningly crowded, and I have never seen anything quite like it. I must admit, I was taken aback and almost shocked at how dangerously crowded the place was. We hopped right on to Buzz, and upon exiting the ride, the heavens opened up and buckets of rain poured down. This actually worked very well for us, because we were OUTTA THERE, and all the people departed the streets for what little shelter they could find, and DW, DD, & I went singin in the rain down Main Street USA! A very fond memory. Back to the All Stars for pool & nap.
We then took all the kids to the Boardwalk around 5PM, rented a Surrey Bike and terrorized the whole Boardwalk area for about 25 minutes (sorry about that folks ..) We had a great time our 5 year old sat in the front basket ringing the bell, and we peddled furiously around the loop 3 times. After the bike ride, we strolled over to Beaches & Cream for Burgers, Dogs, & Ice cream, and It was wonderful! Highly recommended. DW & the teenagers went back for rest while DD#1 and I headed over to EPCOT for the evening show of ToD, craft making, and Illuminations. It was a very special night for both of us just a little one on one time. I even got to see the British Invasion while DD was making her mask at UK perfect timing! On our way out, DD danced on the sparkling sidewalk, we went through Ice Station Cool (highly recommended) taste the Isreali drink! We even found the talking water fountains!! DD shrieked with joy when she found those fountains! Back in bed by 10:15 for our last day .
Day 7: MGM, MK
Took the teenage DDs on ToT and RnR while mom & DD#1 shopped. Then on to Little Mermaid (a wonderful show) and Beauty and the Beast (Broadway caliber, IMO). We had fruit & pretzels while waiting for Beauty & the Beast, and an unexpected pleasant surprise a singing group (4 for a dollar) entertained us for the pre-show. They were terrific another one of those magical, unexpected bonuses you get at WDW. We left MGM around 11, satisfied & ready for the pool.
We decided to take the Vacation Club tour, and they picked us up at All Stars to the Boardwalk Villas. Very nice, and the amenities are wonderful. Just dont think our situation fits the DVC. I can see where it would be great for some folks though! Then they drove us to our PS at Chef Mickeys, and we were seated 1 minute early, despite the place being mobbed. This is a very expensive meal for a large family, but the food was quite good. Buffets are a little excessive for our family, though were not huge eaters, but the characters were fun. Once is enough, I think .
We all then went into MK, which was absolutely MOBBED. We did Peter Pan and Pooh with Fastpasses, and upon exiting Pooh, the fireworks started. I wanted to have my DDs see Tinkerbell fly off the castle, but DD#1 wanted to take her Pooh Bear on the Pooh ride so that was just a special. So we watched the fireworks from Poohs Thotful shop. After the fireworks, one last ride on Its a Small World for old times sake, and then we left, because the crowds only seemed to be getting worse, if you can believe it. We went home on the bus, knowing our trip was coming to an end, but knowing it had been a terrific, unforgettable week.
Observations/lessons learned:
- Make a plan, stick with it as much as possible, but take time to rest!
- Recommended dining: Flying Fish, Ice cream Social at Garden Grille, Beaches & Cream
- Take a day or two of rest
- Relax, enjoy, dont let the crowds get you down. If youre willing to get up early, you can beat them!
Hope this report helps someone with their planning - I want to thank all on this discussion board who helped us make this a wonderful trip! If you have any questions, ask!
DD#2 - 15 years old - pretends to not be having a good time
DD#3 - 17 years old - loves Disney, but like Lifetime movie channel as much
DS - 16 years old - hates all things Disney -plays computer games all day
DW - loves Disney, but not the compulsive planner yours truly is
Yours Truly - compulsive Disney Planner
Day 6: Return to MK, Boardwalk
DW, DD#1, and I went back to MK at opening to do the rides we missed previously. Started in Fantasyland (I did Space MT while DW & DD did Dumbo, Carousel, and Snow White. We then did Pooh together, then Peter Pan, and got a fast Pass for Buzz 11:10 (this turned out to be DD#1s favorite). We then headed over to Alladin & Swiss family Robinson Treehouse, then on to Country Bear Jamboree (another of our favorites). Then a special treat over to Tom Sawyers Island for some exploring, and Aunt Pollys for lunch. This was very relaxing and refreshing, as the park was beginning to seethe and swell with people. After finishing lunch around 11:40, we fought our way literally to Buzz Lightyear for our Fastpass return. The park was frighteningly crowded, and I have never seen anything quite like it. I must admit, I was taken aback and almost shocked at how dangerously crowded the place was. We hopped right on to Buzz, and upon exiting the ride, the heavens opened up and buckets of rain poured down. This actually worked very well for us, because we were OUTTA THERE, and all the people departed the streets for what little shelter they could find, and DW, DD, & I went singin in the rain down Main Street USA! A very fond memory. Back to the All Stars for pool & nap.
We then took all the kids to the Boardwalk around 5PM, rented a Surrey Bike and terrorized the whole Boardwalk area for about 25 minutes (sorry about that folks ..) We had a great time our 5 year old sat in the front basket ringing the bell, and we peddled furiously around the loop 3 times. After the bike ride, we strolled over to Beaches & Cream for Burgers, Dogs, & Ice cream, and It was wonderful! Highly recommended. DW & the teenagers went back for rest while DD#1 and I headed over to EPCOT for the evening show of ToD, craft making, and Illuminations. It was a very special night for both of us just a little one on one time. I even got to see the British Invasion while DD was making her mask at UK perfect timing! On our way out, DD danced on the sparkling sidewalk, we went through Ice Station Cool (highly recommended) taste the Isreali drink! We even found the talking water fountains!! DD shrieked with joy when she found those fountains! Back in bed by 10:15 for our last day .
Day 7: MGM, MK
Took the teenage DDs on ToT and RnR while mom & DD#1 shopped. Then on to Little Mermaid (a wonderful show) and Beauty and the Beast (Broadway caliber, IMO). We had fruit & pretzels while waiting for Beauty & the Beast, and an unexpected pleasant surprise a singing group (4 for a dollar) entertained us for the pre-show. They were terrific another one of those magical, unexpected bonuses you get at WDW. We left MGM around 11, satisfied & ready for the pool.
We decided to take the Vacation Club tour, and they picked us up at All Stars to the Boardwalk Villas. Very nice, and the amenities are wonderful. Just dont think our situation fits the DVC. I can see where it would be great for some folks though! Then they drove us to our PS at Chef Mickeys, and we were seated 1 minute early, despite the place being mobbed. This is a very expensive meal for a large family, but the food was quite good. Buffets are a little excessive for our family, though were not huge eaters, but the characters were fun. Once is enough, I think .
We all then went into MK, which was absolutely MOBBED. We did Peter Pan and Pooh with Fastpasses, and upon exiting Pooh, the fireworks started. I wanted to have my DDs see Tinkerbell fly off the castle, but DD#1 wanted to take her Pooh Bear on the Pooh ride so that was just a special. So we watched the fireworks from Poohs Thotful shop. After the fireworks, one last ride on Its a Small World for old times sake, and then we left, because the crowds only seemed to be getting worse, if you can believe it. We went home on the bus, knowing our trip was coming to an end, but knowing it had been a terrific, unforgettable week.
Observations/lessons learned:
- Make a plan, stick with it as much as possible, but take time to rest!
- Recommended dining: Flying Fish, Ice cream Social at Garden Grille, Beaches & Cream
- Take a day or two of rest
- Relax, enjoy, dont let the crowds get you down. If youre willing to get up early, you can beat them!
Hope this report helps someone with their planning - I want to thank all on this discussion board who helped us make this a wonderful trip! If you have any questions, ask!