Escape From Craziness to Pandora, Po Boys, and Oppressive Heat - Finished & New TR Link 12/28

[StarWarsMomofGirls!]

Just a gorgeous sunset picture over the main pool at Pop. We were all in bed by around 9:15 which is a good thing since we have our first rope drop tomorrow.

Amazing picture! Disney website worthy!

 

[floydfamily4]

Love the pics of your family! My son is a momma's baby even now at 13. We laugh using the line from the Waterboy "I love my momma!" I think it's great! Of course I'm a momma Score on the Soarin' FP - great way to start your trip. Looking forward to reading the rest!

 

[TEAMJACOB]

What handsome boys! Can't wait to hear about your adventures.

 

[cstorm65]

Been gone a few days. DW coaches basketball and I'm the Athletic Director at our school and we've been hosting our big HS basketball tournament the past three days, so it's been a busy week without much sleep. But, I've got that all out of the way and am looking forward to getting back into the normal routine of school!

Amazing picture! Disney website worthy!

Thanks. Just snapped it coming out of the main building that night. It was a great sunset!

Love the pics of your family! My son is a momma's baby even now at 13. We laugh using the line from the Waterboy "I love my momma!" I think it's great! Of course I'm a momma Score on the Soarin' FP - great way to start your trip. Looking forward to reading the rest!

DS1 is definitely a Mommy's boy for sure. It was nice to get that Soarin' FP, again one of the benefits of FP+ over the old system.

Thanks for reading along!

What handsome boys! Can't wait to hear about your adventures.

Thanks for reading along!!

 

[cstorm65]

Day 2 Part 1 - “How Are We Going to Get Out of Here?”

After getting to bed at a pretty decent time we had to be up early. About two weeks before our trip they updated Magic Kingdom hours and today changed to an 8AM opening for everyone, not just an EMH. It is early, but we know how much you can get done during that time.

We were up and getting ready by 6:15 and arrived at the bus stop at 6:50. The boys were ready!!

We waited about 15 minutes for a bus and DS was super excited!! First of all with a silly smile.

Now with a real smile!

DS1 was excited, but decided he’d rest his head a little on me.

We were at the Magic Kingdom and inside the park by 7:25, but they weren’t letting us onto Main Street quite yet. DS was being reluctant to have his picture taken because he just enjoys being silly.

I talked him into a real picture.

They let us down by the castle at about 7:40 and we got our first view of this:

We stayed to the right as DS5 and I were headed to Seven Dwarves Mine Train at rope drop. We were far enough up the little road this was our castle view:

As we were waiting DS5 was getting a little worried by all of the people packing in around us and he finally asked, “How are we going to get out of here?” Well, soon enough the show started and the herd starting moving.

We were in the Seven Dwarves line by 8:05 and were on the ride in less than 10 minutes. After we got the child swap pass DW and DS1 parked the stroller and went and did Winnie the Pooh.

DS5 and I enjoyed our first time in the standby queue for Seven Dwarves, although we didn’t have a whole lot of time to see all of the stuff in the line because it moved quickly.

We had a great ride!

After we finished we headed towards Frontierland as DS5 was driving us crazy to ride Big Thunder. Liberty Square was almost empty since it was just now about 8:20.

DS5 and I got in line for Big Thunder at 8:30 and were on the ride in less than 5 minutes.

After finishing Big Thunder DS5 and I went to take in Splash Mountain. Again, with the early opening things were not crowded yet at all and we were on the ride in about 5 minutes. DS was so excited seeing the logs from above.

We were having a great morning so far.

Up Next: “I Want a Salad”​

 

[gopack]

Your boys are adorable! They look like they are having a great time. Fun trip report!

 

[StarWarsMomofGirls!]

Sounds like a great morning so far! Early Morning Hours are the best!

Now with a real smile!

He is going to be one handsome man one day!

How are we going to get out of here?

This is TOTALLY something my oldest would say! And then she would get super worried about it. Glad things started moving shortly for you guys.

Repeat handing on for dear life. It looks just like the 7DMT photo, just different car.

 

[cstorm65]

Your boys are adorable! They look like they are having a great time. Fun trip report!

Thanks for reading along!

Sounds like a great morning so far! Early Morning Hours are the best!

It was and more to come! We didn't do EMH for our first two trips to avoid the crowds, but have started recently and really like them. Our kids are usually up early anyways so it isn't too big of a deal for us to get out of the door in time to take advantage of that early extra hour.

This is TOTALLY something my oldest would say! And then she would get super worried about it. Glad things started moving shortly for you guys.

He was definitely worried!

Repeat handing on for dear life. It looks just like the 7DMT photo, just different car.

Yes it was! I think the lift hills of Big Thunder are the thing he doesn't like the most. He hates how loud they are and so he always gets over close to you when you get to the lift hills.

 

[cstorm65]

Day 2 Part 2 - “I Want a Salad”

After DS5 and I took a ride on Splash Mountain we all headed over at 9:15 for a ride on Pirates of the Caribbean. DS1 just sat there watching and in awe, we were hoping he didn’t get scared as DS5 got scared on Pirates when he was that young. Anyways, we had a great ride.

We finished with Pirates and had a few minutes to kill on our way to Peter Pan to use a FP and thought what a better way to waste a few minutes than this:

Yes, I made it exactly 1 hour and 34 minutes in a park before I had to buy a Dole Whip Float! And it was as delicious as ever! We headed on towards Fantasyland and used our Peter Pan FP at around 9:50. DS1 loved Peter Pan!! I think it was the being up above everything and “flying” that he really liked. As we came out about 10:00 we noticed the crowds were growing just a bit in Fantasyland.

After we finished at Peter Pan we headed back towards the Circus area as we had a couple of things we wanted to do. Somewhere along the way I guess we stopped in a gift shop and the boys got to playing with some hats and such. I have no recollection of what gift shop these were taken in, but the boys had fun!

Once we got to Storybook Circus DS5 and I rode Barnstormer and only waited about five minutes which is pretty good considering the park had been open for two hours at this point.

After a quick diaper change for DS1 we all headed for a ride on Dumbo at 10:25 and only waited about 5 minutes. Of course like any mediocre trip reporter I managed to not get one picture from DS1’s first ride on Dumbo...oh well, we’ll ride it again. We headed over into one of our favorite shops, Big Top Treats, to just look around and DS1 tried on this BB8 hat.

I had a FP for Space Mountain at 10:50 and as we headed there we finally found all of the people, in Tomorrowland. As I got there we noticed Space Mountain was closed down and so we went ahead and grabbed some lunch at Cosmic Ray’s and said we’d try Space after lunch if it was back up.

At Cosmic Ray’s DW and I shared the Rotisserie Chicken Meal, which is a good amount of food for the money. It includes green beans and mashed potatoes for $14.49. DW had brought protein shakes for some lunches as she was trying to be fairly healthy so she really just ate a few ounces of chicken and some green beans. The meal was ok, but I find the food as Cosmic Ray’s to be not as good as Columbia Harbour House or Pecos Bills, but when you’re on this side of the park and leaving for a break after lunch it’s not worth it to walk back across the hub just for lunch.

As I was trying to figure out the bay system to order food I had DS5 with me and was trying to figure out what he wanted. I was reading the kid’s meal options, “Chicken Nuggets, Mac ‘n Cheese…” and before I could finish he said “I want a Salad!” Not sure how he knew they actually did have a kids meal salad, but out of all those other things he wanted a salad for his first meal in the parks. So, I know you’ve been wanting to see it, but here is DS5’s salad which even included a little turkey:

I also got some mac ‘n cheese for DS1 and he enjoyed that as he always does. Overall, Cosmic Ray’s is not a bad meal option, but we went right at 11:00 before the lunch rush so we were able to find an indoor table which is a big get as those get hard to come by as the lunch rush gets bigger.

Up Next: Rain...You Can’t Stop Us From Getting to ‘Ohana​

 

[StarWarsMomofGirls!]

Great Family photo. I love DS1 face!

We finished with Pirates and had a few minutes to kill on our way to Peter Pan to use a FP and thought what a better way to waste a few minutes than this:

That is the way to do it!

Yes, I made it exactly 1 hour and 34 minutes in a park before I had to buy a Dole Whip Float! And it was as delicious as ever!

I feel like they taste better in the morning! I don' know why.

I have never seen the BB8 hat like that. Cute.

It looks pretty good.

As I was trying to figure out the bay system to order food

The bay system is what always keeps me away from Cosmic Rays.

So, I know you’ve been wanting to see it, but here is DS5’s salad which even included a little turkey:

My oldest would totally eat that. So, it's good to see.

 

[cstorm65]

Great Family photo. I love DS1 face!

He loves taking pictures most of the time. Hopefully he'll stay that way!

That is the way to do it!

I know. Of course anytime of day is great for a Dole Whip, but the morning is extra good!

I feel like they taste better in the morning! I don' know why.

Agreed! They are my favorite Disney breakfast snack!!

I know. He literally thought the long ears were so he could pull it down like this!

I have never seen the BB8 hat like that. Cute.

Yes it was!

It looks pretty good.

I wasn't bad. The chicken was actually pretty good, the potatoes were mediocre, and the green beans were pretty rubbery and without any seasoning like most green beans on property.

The bay system is what always keeps me away from Cosmic Rays.

I know it can be really hard when one kids wants something from one place and you want something from somewhere else. It is just hard to navigate at times.

My oldest would totally eat that. So, it's good to see.

He love it!!

 

[Newcastle]

Can I just say that I love your trip reports? I so enjoy reading them. You have the sweetest family .

 

[cstorm65]

Can I just say that I love your trip reports? I so enjoy reading them. You have the sweetest family .

Thanks for reading along! Hope it stay's interesting!! ha

 

[sommergirl25]

Oh my goodness! You’re family has grown! I haven’t read trip reports in so long but decided to hop on here today and saw yours! Don’t you love the OKC security? We flew out of Dallas on our last trip and had a better time with security. Can’t wait to read more!

 

[cstorm65]

Day 2 Part 3 - Rain...You Can’t Stop Us From Getting to ‘Ohana

After we finished lunch we had one final ride with a FP.

Yes, the joyous, smog-filled, back pain inducing Tomorrowland Speedway. DS isn’t tall enough to drive yet, but I usually let him steer while I press the gas. So the bar in the middle of the lane gets a lot of use if you know what I mean!

We finished the Speedway by noon and headed out of the park. A picture of the Ferryboat on our way out.

We got to the bus stop as 12:20 and one was pulling away and so we had to wait for the next one at 12:35. Finally on a bus DS1 was looking a little tired.

We were back at Pop by 12:50 and DS5 got a kick out of this:

We spent the next couple of hours napping and resting. At about 3:45 DS5 and I went out and got a snack and did a little swimming while DS1 finished his nap. By 4:30 it was time to get ready for dinner and about that time we heard the thunder and looked outside to pouring rain. I told DW it was raining and she replied, “Well, the rain isn’t going to stop me from getting to Ohana”. I have never loved her so much! As we were getting ready DW wanted pictures of the boys in their shirts for the night.

Well, DS5 said since we took pictures of their clothes we had to also take pictures of our clothes so for the one and only time this trip DW and I modeled our outfits for the night.

At 4:55 we stepped outside to this:

We first headed to Everything Pop as we needed to get a new autograph book as we were making a quick stop before dinner and would need it. DS5 allowed me to take his picture in the lobby before we headed to the bus.

We were at the bus stop by 5:10 and were on a bus in less than two minutes. The rain had slowed a little so we were able to get on the bus without getting too wet. By 5:25 we were at the Magic Kingdom and the weather was still around.

Like I said, we had a special stop before dinner and se we headed into the MK. I had snagged a 4th FP to see Mickey before we left that morning and so we had a great meet. We’d seen talking Mickey before, but this time he was even better than we remembered. The conversation actually made sense.

Now that we had said hello to Mickey it was time to head to dinner.

Up Next: How Do You Cook Those Noodles?​

 

[StarWarsMomofGirls!]

Yes, the joyous, smog-filled, back pain inducing Tomorrowland Speedway. DS isn’t tall enough to drive yet, but I usually let him steer while I press the gas. So the bar in the middle of the lane gets a lot of use if you know what I mean!

That face! That is why that ride is still around... They need to update it badly! And I think they will with all of the other updates coming to Tomorrowland, it is just going to be awhile. I think it would be cool if they did electric cars or hybrid cars. Of some sort of semi-hoover car!

We were back at Pop by 12:50 and DS5 got a kick out of this:

Always the best when you get some mousekeeping magic!

Well, the rain isn’t going to stop me from getting to Ohana”. I have never loved her so much!

Nice! yum!!!! Ohana.... makes me hungry just thinking about it!

DS1's face...

Very Cute!

 

[cstorm65]

Oh my goodness! You’re family has grown! I haven’t read trip reports in so long but decided to hop on here today and saw yours!

So glad you signed on!

Don’t you love the OKC security? We flew out of Dallas on our last trip and had a better time with security. Can’t wait to read more!

I know. We flew out of Dallas a couple of years ago, but have done OKC the last few times and the security can get long a that time of morning for sure!

That face! That is why that ride is still around... They need to update it badly! And I think they will with all of the other updates coming to Tomorrowland, it is just going to be awhile. I think it would be cool if they did electric cars or hybrid cars. Of some sort of semi-hoover car!

I agree. It really needs an update, but like you said I'm sure they will do something as Tomorrowland starts getting some of the enhancements that are coming.

Always the best when you get some mousekeeping magic!

It makes for a fun return to the room!

Nice! yum!!!! Ohana.... makes me hungry just thinking about it!

Me too. I could eat those noodles for dinner every night!!!

DS1's face...

I know. That will be a theme of the trip. Sticking his tongue out when we say "smile"!!

Very Cute!

Thanks. It was a nice use of that 4th FP to get this meet before dinner.

 

[cstorm65]

Day 2 Part 4 - How Do You Cook These Noodles?

By 6:00 we were headed to the monorail as our reservation was for 6:45 at Ohana! But first a few pictures in front of the train station:

We all stuck our tongue out since that is what DS1 thinks you're supposed to do when you smile!

Both boys were excited about the monorail, or as DS5 still calls is the “monotrain”.

We had a great ride around the lagoon, first stop, the Contemporary!

We shortly made it to the Polynesian and while we were waiting to be seated we stepped into one of our favorite gift shops on property. I mean they have some of the coolest apparel I’ve seen on property. Now, you are going to pay a nice price for it, but they have some neat stuff that you can’t find anywhere else including the parks merchandise app.

DW found a hat she modeled for us:

She also saw a mug she liked and we put on our list to maybe purchase as a souvenir later in the trip after we’d made the rounds of our favorite stores.

Another shot from around the Poly.

We waited about 15 minutes to be seated so not a lot of time to walk around in the store. DS1 loved his new Pluto that we had gotten him though.

We were seated at about 6:50 and I’m just going to show you a picture of our view:

How’s that for the perfect view! It was amazing! We started with our bread and everyone enjoyed it.

DS5 was loving the bread and so he was into taking a few pictures.

DS5 also was mesmerized by the volcano pool. Well darn...I guess we’ll have to stay at the Poly some day!

We weren’t seated very long before they asked all the kids to get up and DS5 actually got up and joined the hula line. He’s normally pretty shy about those kinds of things so it was nice to see him get in on the action a little bit.

Our salad came pretty quickly and we thought it was a little better than the year before. It was a new salad the time before when we came and so we felt it was just done better this time.

It also wasn’t long before DW was in heaven with her chicken wings and I was in heaven with my noodles and pot stickers. I mean I don’t think there is another meal on this planet I would pick than this one and mainly because of the potstickers and noodles. I must have said to DW 50 times during the meal, “How Do You Cook These Noodles.” Here was plate number one for me:

DS5 ordered a hot dog from the kids menu and loved it, while we got DS1 a grilled cheese and he loved it as well.

As far as the meats go the chicken was actually the star of the night for me. I mean the shrimp is always great and I stuff myself full of it, but the steak and chicken can be hit or miss at times. Well, we felt the chicken was as good as we’ve had it here ever. The steak was also not bad, we had some really good pieces and some that were overbooked a little.

Finally, the bread pudding. I think in about four trips here I’ve never gotten a picture of it. I am always so ready for that dessert because it is so delicious that I always forget to take a picture. This time...it did not disappoint. Overall, Ohana was fantastic again. Of course for me the noodles and potstickers are reason enough to come, but there is really nothing included in this meal that is bad. What will we do next?

Up Next: Happy 4th of July...Oh Wait, It’s July 3rd!​

 

[StarWarsMomofGirls!]

Funny!

I think we sat in the exact same spot when we were there in September.

DS5 also was mesmerized by the volcano pool. Well darn...I guess we’ll have to stay at the Poly some day!

Gwen did the same thing. I told her she needs to start saving her pennies!

Did you know you can order room service of Ohana when you stay at the Poly... Pretty sure this is how I am going to convince my husband to stay there one day.

 

[mamamelody2]

Just found your TR. Looks like you guys had a great trip! Looking forward to reading more!