Family, Friends, & Celebrities- A MAGICAL Birthday TR!!! *UPDATE*8/27! Final thoughts

[FreezinRafiki]

Waking up at 6:30 everyday was starting to get old. We tried to have Juliana lay in bed with us and go back to sleep.

There were so many cars pulling in- I had a feeling we were in for another busy day. We parked and did the whole tram thing and headed over to the monorail.

Isn't that a treat with 3 kids and 2 strollers? Especially having to fold down their double stroller.

While we were waiting a CM came over and handed Juliana a ring. He told her that Cinderella dropped it and she should give it back to her if we see her in the Magic Kingdom.

How awesome is that!

I suggested we just head over to the Emporium- the lines had to be shorter in there. (I was right! )

You are wise beyond your years.

The kids were so excited to see the castle and to be honest with you- so was I!!

It gets me every time, too.

It was such a beautiful morning. It was warm and the sun was shining without a cloud in the sky. This was the perfect start to the day.

Well, perfect would have been about an hour and a half ago. This was as "very good" way to start the day.

Up Next.... How many texts can 2 'strangers' send to each other?? & It is all about the kids! [/SIZE]

Are you setting up a contest? Is there a prize? Can I take a random stab at it? Seriously, is there a prize?

I can't wait until we go back in December with some newbie friends. I can't wait to see their expression when we walk down Main Street. Not sure if you planned on hitting this later, but you should touch on how your planning and touring were different for this trip since you were taking first timers with you...

 

[IBelieveInTheMagic]

Great update Tim!! The kids look adorable and how awesome Juliana got a little bit of pixie dust first thing!

The group pictures are awesome again!

Heather

 

[WDWisOurHappyPlace]

Hey Tim,
Loving your trip report. You guys are having a great trip so far, well except for the sleepy heads. It's neat to go with a group who all get along so well.

I'm anxiously waiting to find out about the celebrity and famous celebrity that you left us with a tease about at the end of installment 11. (I met, well made eye contact, with Wynona Judd and Ashley Judd years ago at the Magic Kingdom by the Jungle Cruise, so this stuff interests me.) And it's cool that you met the other celebrities, maroo, pipersmom and piper.

Looking forward to reading more about your trip.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

I'm caught up! Looking forward to the rest of the MK!

 

[KatMark]

Love that Juliana got pixie dusted even before entering the MK.
The photopass pictures are great. Getting to the MK after the gates opened would drive me nuts...sorry, I'm one of those that has to be there for rope drop!

 

[that's nice]

We are ditto-ing (if that's a word) again. Lol!

What was your crowd level that day? I've read somewhere that Mondays are the busiest at MK. Was it emh?

Great group pics! I love Annas headband!

The crowds were totally NUTS! I mean there were people everywhere!!!! You'll see what I'm talking about coming up.

The group pics came out good.

I love that you were the one anxious to get there.

How sweet for Juliana to get a special errand for Cindy.

There is something walking onto Main St. and seeing the castle! I was just as excited as the kids!

Sorry about working getting in the way of updates...

but I see you did get one day....

I'm not always the most patient one when I want to get to the parks....you did well...food always helps and breakfast food at that

I think from Presdent's week on it was pretty busy at WDW.

Nice PP pix!

I need to work. It has been a very slow winter for me.

If I was by myself I'd be at RD every day... it just doesn't work that way with 2 families trying to get ready.

I think since it was the first time the thermometer hit 70, people were coming out of the woodwork to get outside. What better place to be outside than WDW!!!!

nice pics tim!! love the clear skies!! we still have all 8 of our dd auotgraph books. she did that till she was 11. after that, to cool. enjoy it while she little!!

It was a gorgeous day, for sure!!!!

She likes getting the autographs. I'm sure she'll be doing it for a while. She might even want to get into pin trading next time.

I had one autograph book from our first trip that I just continued to use throughout all my trips! Sadly, it's falling apart now... I also had my Grandma, Aunts, & Uncles all sign it Each new trip has the date on the first page.

I think Juliana has 4 different autograph books. She has a few that have a spot to put a picture in next to the autograph. Now if I could only get the pictures printed out! LOL

WOW.. you had celebrities in your family sign it too!

 

[that's nice]

I get major ants in my pants with slow pokes!! I can NOT tell you how excited I am to have just adults and fast non-breakfast eaters to be going with this time!!

It took a while to get going but looking back I was impressed with the times we got out of the house. It wasn't horrible. The first time we went to WDW, we went with friends too. We didn't leave the hotel somedays till 11am!!!!!!!

My boys are the easy ones to get ready! It's my husband and my dad who are the slow pokes on my trips.

Love the pixie dust moment!! So, did she find Cinderella?? I know, I know - I'll have to wait. Patience is not my strong suit.

You would think with a kid that wakes up at 6:30 am we'd be at every RD. Not the case.

I'll clue you in- we didn't get to see Cinderella. SHHHHH don't tell anybody!

 

[carissanboys]

I'll clue you in- we didn't get to see Cinderella. SHHHHH don't tell anybody!

Thanks for putting me out of my misery. Mums the word.

 

[stopher1]

We were barely in the park and we stopped to buy an autograph book. Of course we were at the 1st stand and the line was ridiculous. I suggested we just head over to the Emporium- the lines had to be shorter in there. (I was right! )

With the books purchased, we headed up Main St. and stopped for a few photopass pics.

nice pics tim!! love the clear skies!! we still have all 8 of our dd auotgraph books. she did that till she was 11. after that, to cool. enjoy it while she little!!

We still have about 5 from when our boys were younger - they're both too cool now, and a couple that are our daughter's - she's still very much into it. BUT - what's really fun, is that she begs me every so often to read the "Autograph Stories". You ask, what are those? I just make up a story as I go through the pages whichever book she hands me. They are different every single time, even if she hands me the same book each time - and they're never set in the same place twice, either. One time I'll start off at a Disney park and then go all over the world... another time we might be on our way to outer space. She has a ball with that - simply because she just never knows what's going to happen. (I do too). She giggles and is so excited anytime one of her favorites enters the scene. I did this with my boys a few years back when they were getting to the end of their interest in autographs, and it extended their interest for another year. They loved those silly stories as well.

It was such a beautiful morning. It was warm and the sun was shining without a cloud in the sky. This was the perfect start to the day.

It sure looks gorgeous! Glad you had a nice clear day that day...unlike later in the week.

Up Next.... How many texts can 2 'strangers' send to each other?? & It is all about the kids! [/SIZE]

Can't wait to find out!!

More nice pics too!

 

[disney<333]

You played a whole game of Monopoly?!?! Wow, I don't think I ever did that. Wouldn't it be nice if Disney accepted Monopoly money? I would go a lot more often. Too cool that you could open the blinds and see the hot air balloons. In about 10 years on your Disney trips when Juliana wants to sleep until 10:30 you'll miss the 6:30 days. Great group shots. I especially love the one with Goofy and Pluto. Yay for meeting Maroo! Sounds like it was a great DHS day.
It looks crowded at the monorail station. I hope the actual wait times for the attractions weren't too bad. How nice of the CM to give Juliana Cindy's ring. I'm sure that made her day.

 

[that's nice]

Isn't that a treat with 3 kids and 2 strollers? Especially having to fold down their double stroller.

It is always fun riding that tram. I learned a while back to carry all the bags from the car to the tram and just load up the stroller when we get off the tram.

How awesome is that!

We weren't even 'there' yet and the dust was flying! (you know the pixie dust)

You are wise beyond your years.

Thank you!! Mel wouldn't think so.

Well, perfect would have been about an hour and a half ago. This was as "very good" way to start the day.

HEY!!!!!

Are you setting up a contest? Is there a prize? Can I take a random stab at it? Seriously, is there a prize?

I think Wisconsinites aren't allowed to play.. let me check the rules again.

I can't wait until we go back in December with some newbie friends. I can't wait to see their expression when we walk down Main Street. Not sure if you planned on hitting this later, but you should touch on how your planning and touring were different for this trip since you were taking first timers with you...

I hope your friends have the same reaction I did when I saw Disney for the first time. (our friends were amazed too!)

That is a good point about the different touring. I will post something about that.

 

[that's nice]

Great update Tim!! The kids look adorable and how awesome Juliana got a little bit of pixie dust first thing!

It was out of the blue.. and that is what makes it so cool. Giving a kid a $.05 ring with a cute story made her break out of a little funk she was in at the moment.

The group pictures are awesome again!

Heather

Thanks!!! We lucked out with some great photopass pics this time.

Hey Tim,
Loving your trip report. You guys are having a great trip so far, well except for the sleepy heads. It's neat to go with a group who all get along so well.

So far so good!

Knowing our friends for so long and having traveled with them before made it very easy.

I'm anxiously waiting to find out about the celebrity and famous celebrity that you left us with a tease about at the end of installment 11. (I met, well made eye contact, with Wynona Judd and Ashley Judd years ago at the Magic Kingdom by the Jungle Cruise, so this stuff interests me.) And it's cool that you met the other celebrities, maroo, pipersmom and piper.

Looking forward to reading more about your trip.

WOW you saw the Judd's! Really cool!!!!

There is a celebrity and a MAJOR celebrity coming up by the time this day is done!!!

I'm caught up! Looking forward to the rest of the MK!

I'm trying to get there!!! I might even have something tonight when I get home from work.

 

[that's nice]

Love that Juliana got pixie dusted even before entering the MK.

I know- really cool!!!

The photopass pictures are great. Getting to the MK after the gates opened would drive me nuts...sorry, I'm one of those that has to be there for rope drop!

I've only seen 1 RD.. well kinda. Last March we had an ADR at H&V. I left the restaurant at RD to get our TSM FPs. I heard the show going on to my right but it was behind the building and I couldn't see anything!!!

Some day we WILL make a RD!!!!!!

Thanks for putting me out of my misery. Mums the word.

We still have about 5 from when our boys were younger - they're both too cool now, and a couple that are our daughter's - she's still very much into it. BUT - what's really fun, is that she begs me every so often to read the "Autograph Stories". You ask, what are those? I just make up a story as I go through the pages whichever book she hands me. They are different every single time, even if she hands me the same book each time - and they're never set in the same place twice, either. One time I'll start off at a Disney park and then go all over the world... another time we might be on our way to outer space. She has a ball with that - simply because she just never knows what's going to happen. (I do too). She giggles and is so excited anytime one of her favorites enters the scene. I did this with my boys a few years back when they were getting to the end of their interest in autographs, and it extended their interest for another year. They loved those silly stories as well.

That is really cool! That is one way from just sticking the books up in the attic only to be seen again in 50 years. Maybe you can add them to your Disney shelves?

It sure looks gorgeous! Glad you had a nice clear day that day...unlike later in the week.

I don't have to tell you what Thursday & Friday was like... do I?

Can't wait to find out!!

I've gotten permission from the 'other' party to post the texts!

More nice pics too!

Thanks!

You played a whole game of Monopoly?!?! Wow, I don't think I ever did that. Wouldn't it be nice if Disney accepted Monopoly money? I would go a lot more often.

It took about 2 hours.. not too bad.

If Disney accepted Monopoly money I'd go more often too!!!

Too cool that you could open the blinds and see the hot air balloons. In about 10 years on your Disney trips when Juliana wants to sleep until 10:30 you'll miss the 6:30 days.

LOL I think you're right!!!

Great group shots. I especially love the one with Goofy and Pluto. Yay for meeting Maroo! Sounds like it was a great DHS day.

It was a great day! Maroo is so nice! Plus she was still mobile after finishing the princess 1/2!

It looks crowded at the monorail station.

It was busy at the station!

I hope the actual wait times for the attractions weren't too bad.

How nice of the CM to give Juliana Cindy's ring. I'm sure that made her day.

It started the day off so nicely!!!

 

[tinkgurl]

Aw..that's so cute Ana got "Cinderella's ring"!

So autograph books can be found pretty much in any gift shop right? Please forgive me, it's been awhile since I've had to think about that stuff.

I just love the blue sky!

 

[that's nice]

The plan (in my head) was if we arrived early enough (before 10) we would head over to toontown and see the princesses & fairies. Since it was already 11am I felt that we should spend some time in fantasyland. First order of business was to get Peter Pan FPs. While walking to PP, I got a text from Barry:

Barry: 11pm Aladdins carpets. Pirates next. Lunch at Tony's
Me: 11:01 You leaving after lunch? Maybe then.. if nothing else, I'll just come to meet you.
Barry 11:08 No. Not sure what after lunch. Have to do the fairies sometime. We'll stay until Wishes
Me: 11:10 OK

We got the FPs with a return time of 12:45... not too bad. Once those were in hand we headed over to Winnie the Pooh. There was a 30 minute posted wait but luckily, it went much faster. The kids were excited to go on their 1st ride of the day!

We must of been too since we did a mini photo shoot in line!

We finally made it to the ride-

It was great as always. Victoria liked it and Alex was a little scared in it but he made it though ok.

We headed over to the teacups. The WDW band was playing some tunes and we watched them for a few minutes. These guys are really good!

Alex didn't want to ride so we went ahead and got in line. After 5 minutes he decided he wanted to ride so Dave, Branda, and the kids got in line. The line was the longest I ever saw... well until next Monday...

Any ride we go on Juliana has to be on something pink- a pink boat, a pink car, a pink horse. This time we got a pink cup!

Juliana loves the teacups. I get it started and she does the rest. It doesn't matter how fast she spins them- it is never fast enough for her. LOLOL

When we got off both Mel & I were really dizzy and Juliana was sad that the ride was over. I'm glad it was over.. I'm not sure how much more I could of taken. LOL Dave, Branda & the kids got on right after we got off.

They loved the ride but Alex was scared of the mouse that pops out of the teapot in the middle of the ride! I think he was just being fussy because he was over-tired. We packed up the kids and headed over to Small World.

The lines we getting long and it was getting very busy.

I parked the stroller and looked over and saw this:

I've never seen a 20 minute wait for Small World before. I think 10 was the longest I ever seen. It didn't matter.. we were getting in that line!

The wait.

The line felt fast but it did take the full 20 minutes to get on the boat.

Once again I was using the HM book and I came across these:

The kids really enjoyed the ride. They asked if we could ride it again. Like any good parent would say- 'we would try to ride it again later'... not sure if we would make it back or not. We got the kids a quick snack then went over to PP.

Waiting for PP-

Couple pictures from the ride-

Of course it was great and Alex liked it too!! OK we were getting somewhere!! We had to get our stroller and I walked by Small World again.

Yes.. that is a 30 minute wait. There were CMs setting up ropes in the walkway. Which was making a huge traffic jam. I finally got through and we found a table to have some lunch. It was just after 1pm.

Up next.. Trying to connect with Barry & Parade time...

 

[that's nice]

Aw..that's so cute Ana got "Cinderella's ring"!

So autograph books can be found pretty much in any gift shop right? Please forgive me, it's been awhile since I've had to think about that stuff.

I just love the blue sky!

You can find the books in all the gift shops but there was one particular one that Branda wanted for Alex that they didn't have there. They were all out of it.. isn't that always the way?

The sky was sooo blue that day. It looked & felt 'right'.

 

[yinyanggirls]

Funny how the girls' pics are so much more colorful than the boys'.

A mouse pops up? This must be at MK only. I've never heard of anything like it at DL.

We had a long wait for IASW last year but I had to get the kids on there. Classic ride!

 

[dvczerfs]

nice up date tim... she blends in on the tea cups all in pink. i have good news for you!! our dd is 17 and she still loves the tea cups and yes, dw wont go so ive been riding that ride with her for almost 15 years. its a small world will start fading out when she hits 12-13. we still go on it but its one of those thing we only do because we feel we have to.

 

[carissanboys]

Good thing Daddy is secure in his manhood and can handle all of the pink. I don't think I can take anymore reports of the tea cups! First Glenn, then you. I'm not feelin' too well. I don't go on those kinds of rides. In fact, in three trips, no one in our family has ever done that ride.

Hope you get to meet up with Barry!

 

[Mommy2LittleVols]

This is such a great pic of Mel and Juliana!

Great photopass pictures!!

We must of been too since we did a mini photo shoot in line!

Very cute photo-shoot! lol

Waiting for PP-

Great Daddy/daughter pic!

How sweet of that CM to give Juliana "Cindy's" ring!

Sounds like a pretty good day so far! I can't believe the crowds! Craziness!