Everyone else gets to ride the fun rides.. 1st Family Trip May2010(top 5..9/7)

[pinkxray]

Day 3 (I am trying to get in as much as possible while DH is at work and DD is at school)

We started our day at

I really wanted a chance to check out AKL b/c I would love to stay there next time. After breakfast we head to the savannah viewing areas and we could not find any animals. We asked the CM's in case we were missing something but we were in the right spots. I could see one animals rear end way off in the distance. I was pretty disappointed b/c Caitlin loves animals and she would have loved to see some.

I took a few pics and let Caitlin take a couple

I wanted to try to find Mara to get some Zebra domes but it was way to hot to try to keep them until later. Next time.

AKL is so beautiful! It is high on our list of where to stay next. The only drawback is the slide at Jambo. DH thinks it's a little whimpy. How is the pool at Kidani? Anyone have any pictures or links?

Soon, we were on our way to Islands of Adventure.

We all had a blast at IOA. We also had a partial day at the older side of US but ended up staying most of the day there b/c we loved it over there too.

John and Caitlin love superhero movies, shows, games, etc. so they loved the Marvel section. They also had a game they played everytime we had to wait.
I'm thinking of a superhero.... and go. You then had to guess which superhero they were thinking of. At least it kept them occupied. They also used Star Wars characters and sometimes Disney but most of the time superheroes. Nothing I love more than hearing my little girl guessing "Deadpool!"

We went on the Spiderman ride, but Caitlin was too small for the Hulk roller coaster and Dr. Doom's falling ride. This is where the title of my TR comes in. Caitlin was very good during this trip, minimal whining and listened very well most of the time. But whenever she came across the few rides she couldn't ride she would have a major meltdown. Tears and everything. "Everyone gets to go on the fun rides and not me!!!!" This happened first at Summit Plummet. She wanted to go on the big slide. Then at the Hulk, Manta at Sea World and the Primevil Whirl at AK. And she never believed us that she wasn't all enough, she had to get up and check with the height sign.

Oh well. On to Jurrasic Park. I loved this area. It was so real looking. Just like if you were to walk into the real thing.

I love this picture, b/c this is the excat face DH would make if told him there was a giant dinosaur behind him. "What are you talking about?"

They had a great play area for kids. The slide really needs to be regreased or something. It was tough to make it down. Ow. I went down once and told DH I would be walking area taking pictures.

We went on the River Adventure ride which Caitlin loved. She was scared of the T-rex right before the drop but kept requested to go on over and over.

Next, we hit the flume ride and the rapid ride.

They were fun. The flume ride is just like Splash Mountain but isn't as well done as for as the story. There are some characters along the side but nothing like the story at Splash Mountain. I managed to do this and the rapid ride without getting very wet.

Harry Potter- can't wait to check it out, but not for awhile after they open it.

They have a Dr. Suess area but Caitlin asked if there were fast or slow rides. No fast rides, moving on. I would have loved to at least walk through but was outvoted.

We all loved our day at IOA and will return most likely every trip we take to Orlando.

We went back to POR and got ready for dinner at GFC. We parked at the TTC b/c we had to go to CR for Pirate and Pals after dinner. It was pouring rain as we arrived. Once we got to the tram the rain stopped and a pretty rainbow came out.

After dinner we headed up to the gift shop where they had a Jasmine outfit. 108 dollars later we headed to CR to check in for Pirate and Pals.

 

[MHTeacher]

Caitlin made us stop at every single wishing place she saw. She is convinced whatever she wishes for will come true. So far she has not gotten a real dragon from How to Train your Dragon and Alvin and the Chipmunks have not come to live with us, so I think she is beginning to realize you don't always get what you wish for.

That's too cute. Poor Caitlin! Glad you enjoyed your breakfast at 'Ohana. It's our favorite one in all of Disney World!

I also love the fact that she only wanted to ride the fast rides and got upset that she wasn't big enough to ride some of them. So many kids are scared (Why, I still have a 16 year old scaredy-cat!), but she seemed as if the faster, the better!

IOA looks like fun---In the past nine years of going to Disney, we have never ventured over to Universal. I love roller coasters, so I'd probably love it, but not so sure about a couple of my kids.

 

[Brave teacher]

WOW another update!

Love AKL!!! My boys love the slide at Kdani so much...and the splash area. Cooper actually calls it "HIS" water play area. LOL... If you stay at Jambo House, you have the ability to use the pool at Kidani as well.

Looks like yall had a great day at IOA. That is too cute that Caitlin tries to get on the rides she's too small for right now.

 

[Nermel9]

Caitlin wanted to go on Manta? I went on that last year and will NEVER go on it again...it is the scariest roller coaster I've ever been on. And roller coasters don't usually scare me.

 

[pinkxray]

That's too cute. Poor Caitlin! Glad you enjoyed your breakfast at 'Ohana. It's our favorite one in all of Disney World!

I also love the fact that she only wanted to ride the fast rides and got upset that she wasn't big enough to ride some of them. So many kids are scared (Why, I still have a 16 year old scaredy-cat!), but she seemed as if the faster, the better!

IOA looks like fun---In the past nine years of going to Disney, we have never ventured over to Universal. I love roller coasters, so I'd probably love it, but not so sure about a couple of my kids.

I love IOA. For DH it is a must do every trip and now apparently DD thinks so to. It makes it a little harder to plan a shorter trip when everyone wants to add Universal into the mix everytime. Not to mention the addition cost.

WOW another update!

Love AKL!!! My boys love the slide at Kdani so much...and the splash area. Cooper actually calls it "HIS" water play area. LOL... If you stay at Jambo House, you have the ability to use the pool at Kidani as well.

Looks like yall had a great day at IOA. That is too cute that Caitlin tries to get on the rides she's too small for right now.

Ha! You wouldn't call it cute if you saw the how she acted when she couldn't go on.

I have to check out some pictures of Kidani. I told DH we are definitely staying at AKL next trip. Now we just need to decided when we are going.

Caitlin wanted to go on Manta? I went on that last year and will NEVER go on it again...it is the scariest roller coaster I've ever been on. And roller coasters don't usually scare me.

She is a crazy little girl. I can actually see her going on the roller coasters and loving them. When she went on Space Mountain and Big Thunder Railroad she had her arms up in the air while I was holding on very tightly to the bar.

The one thing I think she would have chickened out on would have been Summit Plummet. That is a straight drop. I have a hard time going down that one.

 

[KatMark]

Okay...I'm subscribed now. I have to go answer another thread or two (and check my PTR to see if any new posts), and I'll be back to read what you have so far.

 

[pinkxray]

Okay...I'm subscribed now. I have to go answer another thread or two (and check my PTR to see if any new posts), and I'll be back to read what you have so far.

Glad you made it over. Thanks for joining in!

 

[KatMark]

Okay, I'm all caught up. First of all, Caitlin has the most beautiful and expressive eyes.

We're with you -- way past the Waterpark thing. We've not been to once since the last time both of our boys went with us in 2000. I don't like that "bathing suit" issue either, and Mark HATES walking up all those stairs to do the slides, rafts, etc. If they had elevators, he might want to go (he does love his lazy rivers though).

Love your pictures of the Poly and the AKL. We too, hope to try the AKL on a future trip (we'd do it with a split stay with our home resort, the CSR). We've not stayed at the POR because we are so at "home" at the CSR, but the POR would be our choice if CSR were not available.

Also, not into Universal. I just don't get the fascination with it unless you are a big roller coaster person (which as we've gotten older, we are not). We prefer the old side with ET, Jaws, etc., over Islands of Adventure.

Anxious for your next update.

 

[ksl5f123]

Wow! You packed a lot of stuff into those days!! Sounds like great fun! The pearl you picked was beautiful and the setting was SO nice! I think you are right about finding a more reasonably priced chain.

I hope you will post a pic of Caitlin in her new Jasmine outfit!

 

[jenniferkeala808]

wow! Those are beautiful pearls you got! And love the casings! I have to agree about the rental car! LOL! I don't think I'll rely on Disney transportation during busy seasons! Can't wait for more!

 

[pinkxray]

Okay, I'm all caught up. First of all, Caitlin has the most beautiful and expressive eyes.

We're with you -- way past the Waterpark thing. We've not been to once since the last time both of our boys went with us in 2000. I don't like that "bathing suit" issue either, and Mark HATES walking up all those stairs to do the slides, rafts, etc. If they had elevators, he might want to go (he does love his lazy rivers though).

Love your pictures of the Poly and the AKL. We too, hope to try the AKL on a future trip (we'd do it with a split stay with our home resort, the CSR). We've not stayed at the POR because we are so at "home" at the CSR, but the POR would be our choice if CSR were not available.

Also, not into Universal. I just don't get the fascination with it unless you are a big roller coaster person (which as we've gotten older, we are not). We prefer the old side with ET, Jaws, etc., over Islands of Adventure.

Anxious for your next update.

I could take or leave the waterparks. It wasn't too bad since we had 10 days, but DH says next time he only wants to stay 1 week. I hate to waste a day there were I don't enjoy myself that much. DH and DD love them though and I am sure once DD get big enough to ride the big waterslides we'll have to be there all day. Maybe I'll just skip it and go to DTD or something.

We ended up really loving the older side of Universal. We orginally walked over to try the Simpsons ride and ended up being there most of the day.
As for roller coasters I love them, but not enough to wait in the long lines that usually come with them. DH loves them and it seems as though DD is on her way as well. I don't mind but it will make it hard to plan shorter trips. I am hoping to do a long weekend at some point and they will have to go without. There is no way I am going for 3-4 days and giving up a day to go offsite.

Wow! You packed a lot of stuff into those days!! Sounds like great fun! The pearl you picked was beautiful and the setting was SO nice! I think you are right about finding a more reasonably priced chain.

I hope you will post a pic of Caitlin in her new Jasmine outfit!

The first few days were pretty busy but very fun. There was just so much I wanted to do. I did make sure to leave a break in the almost all the days to nap or swim and they worked out pretty well. I have to say I am pretty proud of how my planning turned out.

She wears her Jasmine outfit on day 5 and I have to say she looked cute enough to eat, esp. after her trip to BBB and dinner at CRT.

wow! Those are beautiful pearls you got! And love the casings! I have to agree about the rental car! LOL! I don't think I'll rely on Disney transportation during busy seasons! Can't wait for more!

I love my pearl. I think it will have to be a traditional every year. I thought it was very cute that Caitlin got a little pearl and I got the big pearl. I was so happy hers was small enough to fit in the cage too.

I love, love having a car. When I was young my dad drove the 24 hours from CT to Disney, and the 2 times DH and I went we were living in NC so the drive was about 11 hours. I am just so used to having the car and can't imagine giving it up. However, I am hoping to do a short birthday trip for Caitlin in Oct. 2011(don't mention it to DH yet though) and would most likely skip the rental car that time.

 

[pinkxray]

Day 3 Continued

Pirate and Pals at CR

We checked in and got our bandanas.

Cpt. Hook impressions

Once we got to CR Caitlin started to have some tummy issues. We were in and out of the bathroom. She is 5 years old and I pick today to be the first day in her life to have her wear white shorts
There are no bathrooms on the boat and I knew if this continued there would be no way we could go on the boat. DH told me to grab a stack of paper towels. Don't think so. Anyway she started feeling better and had no more bathroom trips.

Waiting to be let in

Soon we were let in to meet Cpt. Hook and Mr Smee. Caitlin did not want to meet any mean characters so she sent her dad up to meet them and to have them sign her book.

Cpt. Hook loved DH's shirt with his picture on it.

Caitlin was too afraid to meet Cpt Hook but Mr. Smee came over to her and kissed her hand. This was the beginning of her starting to love meeting the characters.

Soon we were on our way to see the EWP and Wishes from the water.
Patch the leader was talking about the EWP and was saying how it was a dedication for a resort. I could feel a question coming on. Before he even finished the words does anyone know which resort? My hand flew up. I couldn't help it. Patch was like "You don't have to raise your hand" But I was pretty happy I knew the answer.

Wishes was great and Patch was very funny. On the way back Caitlin got a trivia question right and received this

When we returned to the dock Peter Pan was waiting. Caitlin loves Peter Pan but still didn’t want to talk to him so she asked her dad to have him sign the book. DH was the first off the boat and first in line to meet Peter Pan. Peter was nice and was talking to DH as if he was the real Peter Pan fan and that this 29 year old man took the cruise by himself. Finally just as they were finishing up Caitlin and I caught up and DH told Peter he watches the movie with Caitlin and that it was her autograph book. Caitlin saw how nice PP was and ended up joining them for a photo. This was about when she stopped being shy around characters and wanted to meet them all. (Except the mean ones of course)

It was a fun night. I wouldn't do it again just b/c it couldn't be much different next time but it was something special to do for Caitlin's first trip.

 

[MHTeacher]

The Pirates and Pals cruise sounds fun---A cool way to get to see the EWP and Wishes. Glad you enjoyed it.

 

[disneymoon_0307]

Keep it coming...it all sounds great. Your daughter is adoable and you don't look old enough to have a 5 year old...especially in the picture of you and your husband in the bandana's...lol. I can't wait to hear more.

 

[KatMark]

The cruise sounds like fun; I don't think they had that when our boys were young (they are now 24 and 22).

 

[Brave teacher]

The cruise looks fun! We may need to try it one day!

 

[pinkxray]

The Pirates and Pals cruise sounds fun---A cool way to get to see the EWP and Wishes. Glad you enjoyed it.

It was fun. I'm very glad we did it b/c I ended up not feeling too well on our MK day and we didn't stick around to see Wishes that night.

Keep it coming...it all sounds great. Your daughter is adoable and you don't look old enough to have a 5 year old...especially in the picture of you and your husband in the bandana's...lol. I can't wait to hear more.

I had at least 3 or 4 people this trip ask me if Caitlin was my daughter or sister. I don't think I look too young but people say I do. I guess I'll appreciate it more it 10 years. DH looks about 12 though. Too bad I stress him out so much, I am giving him lots of gray hair!

The cruise sounds like fun; I don't think they had that when our boys were young (they are now 24 and 22).

It was very cute. I knew Caitlin would love meeting Peter Pan at the end and it was nice not having to fight the crowds in MK to see Wishes.

The cruise looks fun! We may need to try it one day!

You should! Your boys would probably love it.

 

[pinkxray]

Tues MAY 25 Day 4

Today was our first full day at one park. Yay! I choose this to be a sleep in day. A few months ago I did the blankets for Project Linus when Disney had the Give a Day promotion. We had 2 days where we would have the wonderful, use any time fast passes. Since we wouldn’t have to wait for Toy Story Mania I figured there was no rush to get to DHS.

I slept in a little. 7ish I think and while DH and DD slept I got ready to head over to the French Quarter to check it out. DH woke up as I was about to leave and asked me to pick him up some breakfast. There goes my plan of having a relaxing trip to FQ and picking up something for DH and DD in POR after they woke up. As I was leaving I dropped a load of laundry off in the laundry room to clean as I was gone.

My foot was killing me so I decided to drive over instead of walk. I went straight to food court and it was pretty busy. I got DH a breakfast platter and DD a kid’s platter. I picked up the beignets I have been reading about along with 2 drinks and some grapes. Once I checked out I put my stuff down and filled my mug with coffee. I had planned to eat my breakfast first but they were way too hot. Now, I had to figure out how to carry all this stuff back to POR. I finally managed it.

I headed back to POR and dumped off the food. DD was just waking up. I headed back to the laundry room to put our stuff in the dryer. Finally, I got back to the room and could eat my breakfast. DD was refusing to get up and DH said he had to go take a shower. I guess he couldn’t do that the entire time I was gone? It was now approaching 9 and we needed to be at DHS by 10 to redeem our vouchers for the fast passes. Once DH got out of the shower I ran down to get out clothes. Of course they were still a little damp so I had to hang them up in the room.

The signs by the will call office. I love the Darth Vader one. Imagine getting on a tram with him on it. I'll catch the next one, thanks.

Finally, we were off. I think we got to DHS with 15 minutes to spare. We traded in DH’s voucher for the fast passes. These were a god send on this trip. We never would have made it on TSM and some of the bigger rides at MK without them. It was so nice walking over to TSM and seeing the 90 minute, fast pass machines closed and just popping the little Donald Duck card in the special fast pass machine and getting to go on immediately.
After stopping at the entrance to take some pictures we headed straight for Tower of Terror. We used are fast pass card to walk right on. It was fun as always. Caitlin was a little scared and never mentioned that she wanted to go on again but talks about it all the time. I don’t think she minded the drop as much as the part before where you see the people that disappeared.

We had an ADR at Sci-Fi for 11:15 so there wasn’t much time to do anything. We headed over to the Star Wars area so that we could get the other 2 light sabers. I had read that it the area would be packed on SWW and it was. The line was so long when we went back Friday and it was hard to even make it through the store, so I am glad we did it Tues.

I liked this Make your own Light saber much better than DTD. There was a CM there and you just told him which one you wanted and he put it together for you. Much better than standing around at DTD trying to figure out what you are doing. We ended up getting 2 more just in case I ever decide I want to play with DH and DD when they play with them. Of course I had to get the red one b/c Mommy always has to be the bad guy.

Before lunch it started to rain so we just sat at a table under the ledge by the ABC place until 11. Then, we headed to Sci-Fi. I headed out front to take a picture and when I came back they were waiting for me to go in. Oops. If you are ever waiting too long just get up and go to the bathroom and that is when they will call you. Sci-fi was fantastic and even DH wants to go back again.

We took a few pictures and I wanted to do Muppet 3d. This is one of my favorites. I love Bean Bunny. Of course DH and DD complained the whole time before the show started about not wanting to see it. Caitlin ended up loving it though. This happened throughout the trip. She would refuse to do something and end up loving it. It was so annoying. And DH did not help telling me there was no way she would like certain things. He didn’t understand why we were waiting to see Fantasmic, she wasn’t going to like this. She ended up loving it and wanting to see it again. He seemed to forget she is a 5 year old girl. I ended up missing the Beauty and the Beast show b/c no one else wanted to walk over. Now Caitlin says she wanted to see it. A little too late. I have still never seen it. Next trip I will be the first person in line for the first show, I don’t care if I am by myself.

We took a mid day break and headed back to POR for a swim and a little relaxing. On the way out I stopped at Starring Rolls for the PB cupcake. What a cute little place. I would have never noticed it there if I didn’t read about it. Of course Caitlin gave me grief about wanting to hold it. There was no way she was dropping my cupcake out of the tram.

Once we got to POR, even though it was in the 90’s I headed straight to the hot tub. My right foot and calve were giving my some problems and this helped a bit. What didn’t help was the little girl in the hot tub with her mom who had on her goggles and was swimming around the hot tub as if was a pool. Her mom would say “This isn’t a pool __whatever her name was” and then roll her eyes.

After our break we headed back to DHS and went straight to Mama Melrose. Dinner was great. The restaurant was packed with people the entire time we were there. I thought the inside was so pretty with lights.

Waiting to go in. Of course Caitlin decided I needed to take her to the bathroom. Once we came out they were once again waiting to take us in.


Once dinner was done we headed over to Toy Story Mania. We went right on and it was so cute. I wouldn’t wait 90 minutes for it though. The only downside of having no wait was I couldn’t take pictures of the inside of the building. I’m sure I’ll have a chance next time we go. As soon as we got off we headed straight back on to ride again. I went alone the first time and DH went alone the second time. Caitlin insisted on telling me how to play the entire time. Um, Sweetie… I was sitting right behind you last time. "You have to pull the string..like this.. no no no.. like this.. pull the sting.. quick"

I know some of you read my sister's trip report (Nermel9). She has never been on TSM and on her last trip she passed it with a 20 minute wait. That's right, passed it. As in, didn't go on. 20 minutes. Good luck seeing that again.
Nermel9- you better ride it next time--And if you need help learning how to play it Caitlin will be glad to explain it to you- You just pull the string. And it would help if Brandon would see the movies. I own them if you would like to borrow them


We headed over to the Little Mermaid show but missed it by a few minutes. We knew we would be back Friday so we decided to kill some time and take some pictures and hang out.

A little after 8 we headed to the Beauty and Beast entrance for Fantasmic since we had the dinner package. Caitlin and I waited on a bench as DH fought the crowds to find some popcorn and drinks. I wasn’t sure if you could get popcorn once inside and I had already told Caitlin she could have it. Yes, you can get it inside. I think someone walks around selling it. Good to know. And of course they have the people selling light up toys. Caitlin really wanted one but she had bought a light up R2D2 earlier in the day. Of course we left it back in POR though.


Fantasmic was fun. Caitlin LOVED the end when the boat full of character came out. She insisted I find her paper so she could draw a picture of all the characters on the boat. She also wanted to come back the next night to see it again. I wish they would show it every night. It is so popular; I don’t know why they cut down on how often it is shown, esp. at busy times. Just so they can make money on the dining packages?

Once it was over we headed back to POR and went right to sleep. (Well, DH and DD went right to sleep. I had to set everyhing out for the next morning, including laying out the Jasmine outfit.)

 

[KatMark]

Awesome update. I love the Fantasmic picture -- mine never turn out (we missed it last year and won't see it again this year).

Great photos at TSM too. I love Caitlin's ears.

 

[mm6mm6]

Very fun trip report! Your daughter is adorable! Our DD was 5 when we first vacationed at WDW and it's fun to see your wonderful family's pictures. They remind me of us back then!