Easter Trip (part III - final)

Ballybunion3

<font color=darkcoral>It's kind of like WDW's grea
Joined
Dec 13, 2001
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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#1’s 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 Sawyer’s Island for some exploring, and Aunt Polly’s 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 don’t 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 Mickey’s, 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 – we’re 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 Pooh’s Thotful shop. After the fireworks, one last ride on It’s a Small World for old time’s 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, don’t let the crowds get you down. If you’re 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!
 
GREAT TR! I too was surprised at the quality of the live shows at MGM(Little Mermaid, Beauty & The Beast, et al). Although I understand your tip about splitting day in two and taking rests, the last time I went I did the all day thing for each park and partially although the fact I didnt want to pay for cab back and forth did factor into the equation, I felt that if your dealing with not too young/old people, it can be done. Oh well, just my two cents. Glad you had fun. Thanks for sharing
 

Thank you so much for posting, it was most enjoyable. have you made ressies for your next trip yet??LOL
 
No, not yet. It's funny about Disney vacations.... I furiously plan for about
3-4 months, and half the fun is planning & anticipation. You almost
don't want the vacation to get there too soon, because you know it will
be over before you know it. And sure enough, it was!

Anyway, we think we'll take a Disney break for a couple of years - not
because of anything that went wrong, we just want to try
something different next time. I know we'll be back. I feel like we always get
a very good value at Disney (of course, we don't stay at the "Big Ticket"
resorts either). So, until next time, zipadeedooda
:cool:
 
Thanks for posting. You did a great job. A vacation is deemed a success when all members have a good time. Yours sounded very successful!
 
sounds like a wonderful trip - thanks for posting!
 
Sounds like you had a great time!

Did you DS 15 like anything special. I have a 15 DS too, he likes Disney Quest, and mini golf the best!

Thanks for posting, I enjoyed reading:D
 
My DS liked Fantasmic and Animation Tour at MGM, the Safari Ride & Jungle Trek at Animal Kingdom. Of course, he enjoyed the food as well! He spent a lot of time swimming & hanging around the pool. Oh - he loved the Surrey bikes at Boardwalk, and dinner at Beaches & Cream (awesome burgers & fries). He definitely was not into MK at all, and he didn't seem too interested in EPCOT. Overall, though, he had a great time.

Thanks for asking!
 





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