Elliot's Wish Trip... Video of our entire trip posted! (post 492)

[my2girlsrock]

Making the plans are soooo exciting !!!!

I love your plans, they sound great. We have the same thing with Epcot & AK we have finally decided that we are going to AK in the AM then go to Epcot afterward. Hopefully it works out.... We only have a 7 year old & a 9 year old so the rides won't really be that much of an issue....

I can't wait to hear more about your plans.....

 

[blessedmom4]

The rain has now turned to some really huge snowflakes... looks like we will be getting 1-3 inches today... booo!!! I am already tired of snow and it's only the middle of winter! Elliot gave up on Pooh and is now playing with Addie's Littlest Pet Shop stuff while she isn't here to stop him LOL

I agree, the snow needs to go away! They are calling for more here tomorrow... and I live in the south, enough already! I hope you didn't get too much snow!
Lisa would love to join Elliot with his play, she thinks he is a cutie pie!

 

[Mom2mitokids]

Planning is the best part.
I can't believe how will Elliott is doing on the potty training. That is awesome. Stay warm. I'm just tired of the back and forth with it being warm than cool. Yesterday it was 75 degrees and today was 57 degrees.

 

[blessedmom4]

TO ELLIOT:

Planning is the best part.
I'm just tired of the back and forth with it being warm than cool. Yesterday it was 75 degrees and today was 57 degrees.

I agree Kris, our high yesterday as 58, it is currently 18 and I am COLD! (They expect snow/ice tonight, yuck)<

 

[jj0plin]

Making the plans are soooo exciting !!!!

I love your plans, they sound great. We have the same thing with Epcot & AK we have finally decided that we are going to AK in the AM then go to Epcot afterward. Hopefully it works out.... We only have a 7 year old & a 9 year old so the rides won't really be that much of an issue....

I can't wait to hear more about your plans.....

I did decide to do AK in the morning and EP in the afternoon. If there is some of Epcot that we missed and want to go back for, I figure we could hit it first the next morning, prior to HS. I want to be at HS for Fantasmic for sure!

I agree, the snow needs to go away! They are calling for more here tomorrow... and I live in the south, enough already! I hope you didn't get too much snow!
Lisa would love to join Elliot with his play, she thinks he is a cutie pie!

We mostly got rain... the snow is mostly gone and it's going to get up to almost 50 today... I think we will need to get outside for a little bit today!

 

[blessedmom4]

I did decide to do AK in the morning and EP in the afternoon. If there is some of Epcot that we missed and want to go back for, I figure we could hit it first the next morning, prior to HS. I want to be at HS for Fantasmic for sure!
Good Plan! Epcot will always leave you wanting more!!! I honestly don't know how anyone couldn't love it, if they get lost in the experience.(My in-laws didn't snjoy it when they went )

We mostly got rain... the snow is mostly gone and it's going to get up to almost 50 today... I think we will need to get outside for a little bit today!

ENJOY some warmer weather and sunshine!!! POTD coming soon

 

[jj0plin]

ENJOY some warmer weather and sunshine!!! POTD coming soon

my weather app on my phone must have been incorrect somehow... we are getting more freaking snow today!!! those warmer temps do not come until next week... how disappointing!

 

[tinytreasures]

my weather app on my phone must have been incorrect somehow... we are getting more freaking snow today!!! those warmer temps do not come until next week... how disappointing!

This winter has been awful.
I was freezing this morning when I fill up my gas tank, it was -9

 

[blessedmom4]

my weather app on my phone must have been incorrect somehow... we are getting more freaking snow today!!! those warmer temps do not come until next week... how disappointing!

This winter has been awful.
I was freezing this morning when I fill up my gas tank, it was -9

I agree, the weather is terrible! (-9 )
I hope it wasn't as bad as they said. We were expecting snow this AM. So far, I don't see anything althouh the computer for SEVERAL websites says we have light snow...if so, it is invisible, because I can't see it. I might be eating my words later, but now it is fine...

Praying for your family and that you are enjoying all of the planning...the time is drawing near!!!

 

[jj0plin]

I am questioning all of my plans right now!! I am scared that I have planned to do too much and we will be worn out... I want everyone to get to do what they want which might be difficult with the big age gap... I basically have two groups that will want to do completely opposite things... the 15 year old and dh and then the two little ones. We could separate and I could take the little ones to do the kiddie things but I really want to do it all as a family. I had originally planned for us to stay 2 extra days to spend relaxing at a hotel, maybe even on a beach visiting family (if they want to come see us) but then when I sat down to do the daily planning I planned a park for almost every day.

I just don't know what to exclude...

DHS - Elliot really loves Special Agent Oso, Cars and Playhouse Disney stuff so I really want to do DHS for that. I know dh and Trevor would love a lot of other stuff there and I really want to see Fantasmic.

AK - Addison's insane love of all animals made me plan a 1/2 day at AK. She wanted to see the Lion King and Nemo shows, but I don't think they are "must sees." Is the Bug Life thing too intense for a 3 year old? Addison says she wants to ride Dinosaur, but I am not so sure she will like it... she FREAKED in T-Rex.

Sea World - We went to Sea World last year, but did not get to feed the dolphins or see the dolphin show. We did just about everything else, but the kids really liked it there and we kind of rushed it then. Addison talks about the helicopter ride to the Artic weekly still!

EPCOT - I know we could get by with just doing FW (dh really doesn't want to do WS and I don't think my kids would be too impressed). I planned for a 1/2 day here. Addison really wants to ride Soarin (I do too!).

MK - planned for one day and thinking that should be enough.

Universal/ IOA - We've never been to either park... I know it's something Trevor and dh would love. I planned for 1 1/2 days here. Addison and Elliot might like the Jimmy Neutrons blast, ET and Shrek. Addison and Elliot both really wants to go to Seuss Landing. Elliot loves Spiderman, but he will see him at the Circus tomorrow so we technically have that covered I think Trevor wants to do the Harry Potter stuff, but I am not sure it's a must do... will have to ask.

Another downer... I don't want to do too many 3D/4D attractions because my husband only has vision in one eye which means he does not see 3D things.

In addition to all of that, dh wants to take the kids up in a Cessna while we are there and I want us to enjoy GKTW too. I think we need 2 weeks!

 

[jj0plin]

Here is a look at our current tentative itinerary:

Thursday 31
Arrive at Give Kids the World around 4 ?
* Get Settled, Explore, Have Dinner, Christmas
* Winter Wonderland from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 pm
* Santa Claus in Julie’s Safari Theatre from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 pm
* Carriage Rides from 6:30 p.m. to 8:45 p.m
* Winter Wonderland Parade at 7:45 p.m. on the Avenue of Angels
Orientation 7:45pm


Friday 1
Universal Characters - Photos from 8:30 a.m. to 9:15 a.m.
Sea World 9am – 9pm
* Dinner @ GKTW
Pirates and Princesses Party with Shamu and friends from 7:30-8:30 p.m.


Saturday 2
? Horseback Riding - from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. (today or Wednesday)
Animal Kingdom 9am-6pm
Epcot 9am-9pm
* Dinner at The Garden Grill (maybe not because it's clear across from FW)
? * Illuminations 9pm


Sunday 3
Revisit Epcot if something was missed
Hollywood Studios 9am-8:30pm
* lunch reservations @ H&V @ 12:05pm
* Pixar Pals Countdown to Fun! 3pm
* Fantasmic 8:30pm (special seating with H&V res)


Monday 4
Disney Character Photos from 8-8:30am
Schedule Cessna, Indoor Skydive, etc
? hang at GKTW, Pool
? Kids’ Night Out/Grown-ups’ Night Off from 5:45-9 p.m. at Amberville Train
? Discovery Cove Animal Exploration from 6:45-7:30 p.m.
? Safari Double Dare in Julie’s Safari Theatre from 8 p.m. to 8:45 p.m.

Tuesday 5
Nickelodeon Character Photos 8:30 a.m. to 9:15 a.m
Magic Kingdom
A Dream Come True Parade 3pm
Main Street Electrical Parade 9pm
Disney Wishes 10pm


Wednesday 6
Hang at GKTW
? Horseback riding from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. (if missed on Saturday)
Check out; Go to new hotel
?Return car (rent again, or hotel with transportation?)
?Spend evening at Universal 9am-7pm or IOA 9am-8pm


Thursday 7
IOA 9am-8pm
Universal 9am-7pm


Friday 8
Check out of hotel
? Airport at 1, 3:30 flight ?

 

[mommy2mrb]

It's okay to be overwhelmed, disney does that to us all!


Here's an idea...ask everyone their #1 and #2 thing's they want to do in each park, put that on a list, do those things and then see where you are at time wise and if you get to do more, that's a bonus, if not and least everyone got their favorites done!

do you have park maps? you can order them off disneyworld.com....go down at half the page and the link is on the far right side for "customize your map" they are really cool, heavy paper, they are really a keepsake, much nicer than the ones you get in the parks!

can't help with Seaworld (only been to the one in SanDiego) or Universal - we don't care for it.

hope this helps you a bit! let me know if you have more questions!

 

[miprender]

It's okay to be overwhelmed, disney does that to us all!


Here's an idea...ask everyone their #1 and #2 thing's they want to do in each park, put that on a list, do those things and then see where you are at time wise and if you get to do more, that's a bonus, if not and least everyone got their favorites done!

do you have park maps? you can order them off disneyworld.com....go down at half the page and the link is on the far right side for "customize your map" they are really cool, heavy paper, they are really a keepsake, much nicer than the ones you get in the parks!

can't help with Seaworld (only been to the one in SanDiego) or Universal - we don't care for it.

hope this helps you a bit! let me know if you have more questions!

I was just going to post the same thing.

Disney can get really overwhelming with all the planning and trying to get everything in. Just remember it is suppose to be fun.

As for the Dinosaur ride if your DD freaked at TRex I definately would NOT take her on the ride. I get scared sometimes because it seems real

 

[tinytreasures]

Please please please take time to enjoy GKTW
I can't say that enough. We really took it easy on our trip and I am so glad we did.
You will not be able to see 1/3 of everything you want to in the time they give you.
Not to be a downer sorry if it sounds that way.

 

[jj0plin]

It's okay to be overwhelmed, disney does that to us all!

Here's an idea...ask everyone their #1 and #2 thing's they want to do in each park, put that on a list, do those things and then see where you are at time wise and if you get to do more, that's a bonus, if not and least everyone got their favorites done!
I think I will do that this week! It will be difficult to get straight answers out of the younger two, but Elliot will be happy with anything and everything we do so that will make it easy

do you have park maps? you can order them off disneyworld.com....go down at half the page and the link is on the far right side for "customize your map" they are really cool, heavy paper, they are really a keepsake, much nicer than the ones you get in the parks!
I ordered some and they arrived last week... I have been protecting them because last year when I ordered them Addison wrote all over them and circled everything

can't help with Seaworld (only been to the one in SanDiego) or Universal - we don't care for it.
I am pretty sure we will stick with our Sea World plans but still on the fence about Universal. thank you

hope this helps you a bit! let me know if you have more questions!

Thank you!!

I was just going to post the same thing.
Disney can get really overwhelming with all the planning and trying to get everything in. Just remember it is suppose to be fun.
Thank you... I really just need to sloooww down and enjoy what we can but I find that SO hard!!

As for the Dinosaur ride if your DD freaked at TRex I definately would NOT take her on the ride. I get scared sometimes because it seems real

I guess she thinks she is a year older and will be able to handle it I will try to find some videos of it on youtube and let her see what it's really like... I am leaning towards NO WAY! LOL

Please please please take time to enjoy GKTW
I can't say that enough. We really took it easy on our trip and I am so glad we did.
You will not be able to see 1/3 of everything you want to in the time they give you.
Not to be a downer sorry if it sounds that way.

I left a bit of room in my plans to hang at GKTW... I think that if the kids don't want to leave then we will adjust some to stay there even more. Thank you!

 

[that's nice]

my weather app on my phone must have been incorrect somehow... we are getting more freaking snow today!!! those warmer temps do not come until next week... how disappointing!

It seems like the weather pattern has changed. They are calling for highs in the upper 30's for next week. I rather have the snow... but I won't tell that to my DW!

I am questioning all of my plans right now!!

Take a deep breath!

I am scared that I have planned to do too much and we will be worn out... I want everyone to get to do what they want which might be difficult with the big age gap... I basically have two groups that will want to do completely opposite things... the 15 year old and dh and then the two little ones. We could separate and I could take the little ones to do the kiddie things but I really want to do it all as a family. I had originally planned for us to stay 2 extra days to spend relaxing at a hotel, maybe even on a beach visiting family (if they want to come see us) but then when I sat down to do the daily planning I planned a park for almost every day.

I don't see why you couldn't split up to do a few things... for instance in MK- if your DH & DS hit Space Mountain while you go on a few rides in fantasyland. I split up from my DW & DD sometimes even for 1 ride.

DHS - Elliot really loves Special Agent Oso, Cars and Playhouse Disney stuff so I really want to do DHS for that. I know dh and Trevor would love a lot of other stuff there and I really want to see Fantasmic.

You can do playhouse Disney or see Beauty & the Beast while Trevor & your DH hit ToT or the rollercoaster. There are a few shows in DHS that are fun too.

AK - Addison's insane love of all animals made me plan a 1/2 day at AK. She wanted to see the Lion King and Nemo shows, but I don't think they are "must sees." Is the Bug Life thing too intense for a 3 year old? Addison says she wants to ride Dinosaur, but I am not so sure she will like it... she FREAKED in T-Rex.

I would say to try to hit one show in AK. Lion king is much shorter than Nemo so I guess it depends on your schedule if you can fit them in or not.
We took Juliana out of Bug's Life screaming when she was 2... the show is pretty intense.(for a kid)

Sea World - We went to Sea World last year, but did not get to feed the dolphins or see the dolphin show. We did just about everything else, but the kids really liked it there and we kind of rushed it then. Addison talks about the helicopter ride to the Artic weekly still!

If you were at SW last year, why not just skip it. I think the tickets are valid for over a year from when you pick them up at orientation, so maybe you can plan another trip or use them another time?

EPCOT - I know we could get by with just doing FW (dh really doesn't want to do WS and I don't think my kids would be too impressed). I planned for a 1/2 day here. Addison really wants to ride Soarin (I do too!).

If you stay in FW you should be able to hit most of the rides with the button.

MK - planned for one day and thinking that should be enough.

I agree.

In addition to all of that, dh wants to take the kids up in a Cessna while we are there and I want us to enjoy GKTW too. I think we need 2 weeks!

Make sure that you do spend some time at GKTW.... it is a lot of fun there. If it is nice out the pool is very relaxing.

 

[mitomommo]

Just for fun.... Elliot and I have been playing with his potato heads this morning... he has tons of Disney pieces, some from a visit to Downtown Disney last year and others from a friend who lives in FL who sent him some for Christmas. Here are some pictures

I love these!! I am hoping to pick some up while at Downtown Disney when we are there!! Elliot is such a cutie!!!

 

[jj0plin]

Thank you! I love them too... we cannot get enough of them!

 

[brookerene]

Those potato heads are so cute with the disney stuff....AND THAT IS A GREAT SMILE ON ELLIOT'S LIPS!

 

[jj0plin]

Thank you!

Sadly, all things Disney will be taking a back burner this week as my grandmother passed away yesterday I may not be around much these next few days.