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

[that's nice]

Tim -
Thanks for the write up. It really gives me something to think about for our Dec trip. This will be their first time to Disney, and with her being a single parent, it could be their last for quite a while. We want to give them the best experience we can. She's basically said we can plan anything and everything we want and they'll just be happy to go along. A blank slate comes with a lot of pressure! On top of that, she has a son, so there's that dynamic too.

How old is her son? That can factor into your plans....

Another thing I should of mentioned.. you probably already know this.. but you can't go looking for Disney magic. It happens at the least expected times (like your WoD experience)

And then when you said this, I knew it was!

This might be pushing it a tad... don't cha think?

Cool hidden Mickeys on IASW. I can never find them, I'll probably get the book for the next trip.

I'll tell you.. there is so many HMs to be found that I just started looking for a few here and there. It will leave some to be found the next time.. and the time after that.

Wow, it sure was crowded!!

You can say that again!!!

GREAT photopass pictures! I can tell Juliana sure likes her pink. Did you get a pink car on Pooh too? You guys weren't doing too bad for getting things done. The kids are such cuties!!

I think we ended up with a red car on Pooh. Sometimes she has to ride what is available!

Thanks.. I think they are cute too!

My parents have always said that Disney is a great location when you have kids because every year you go back, the kids grow up and have new interests. They said it was like a new trip/experience every year. Then when I turned 21 my Mom and I got margaritas in Mexico and she let out with, "THIS is how you do Disney!"

So true!!! I think we have had a different experience each time. Yea we ride the some of the same rides but we always try to do something different to add some excitement to it!

I hope you enjoyed that margarita!!!

How lovely the little girls and how wonderful the pictures you guys take.

Thank you!!!!!!

Stick around.. this TR is going to get a little crazy!

hmnmnmn wonder who it is.....

I know.. I've been teasing you guys for days! I'm trying to get there!!!! I swear!!!!!!

 

[All7OfUs]

If you can stay up 15 more minutes... I"ll edit here and give you feedback.

1) Our first trip to WDW was in March 2008. We went with friends of ours and their two kids 3 & 1 at the time. It was the week before Juliana's 2nd birthday. I bought the Fodor's Walt Disney World with Kids 2008 book. I can remember as I was reading the book there was many moments of 'Huh?', 'What are they talking about?', 'I can't believe there is so much to read about', 'I think I need to re-read that!' For someone who has never been to Disney, the book was a little overwhelming. Once we got there and I could see with my own eyes the scope of Disney and started to understand why you need ADRs & FPs, a general understanding of the park layout and how Disney was run. On the plane home I remember re-reading the book and it all made sense. I can totally see how people can be turned off or not have a 'magical' time at Disney.

I can see that too! I've been 4 times, of varying lengths and one time only a day in EPCOT. I think it can go either way, maybe depending on one's personality. If you haven't had time to research, and if you go with mindset of, "Let's just see what unfolds", then I think you can come away with a great day. If on the other hand, you are an uptight person, and let little things mess with your mind, it can be frustrating. I know a lot of people are wigged out by the sheer size. Others are overwhelmed by the vast array of too many choices and have a hard time being satisfied with choosing one- becuase there's only THAT much time. My parents failed to heed my advice and warnings, and ended up being turned off.

2) Going on any trip will be different with your kids- especially when the kids are 2-4 years old. Disney is no exception. There is no staying in the parks till 1am, drinking around the world (OK maybe 1/2 of it though), going to see Yee Haw Bob, or eating at Cali Grill. I can accept that. I'm sure our tastes and touring will change as the kids get older. The thing that was great about this trip was our kids are so close in age that their likes and dislikes were basically the same. In planning for this trip I wanted our friends to have the best Disney experience. While Branda had been to Disney before, the last time she was there was over 15 years ago... (when she was a teenager). Obviously, her tastes would be different this time as well as the parks being different as well. We also had to incorporate non-girly fun for Alex too. Thinking back to the planning stage, I can see they had no idea what was in store for them.

Every trip has a differenty dynamic- that's for sure!! Even mine will be a world of different from our last trip with all 5 of my kids- alone. This will be LeeAnn's first trip, and I know that even with all the prep I'm giving her and coaching, I know that she'll default to relying on us to guide her through it. I"ve been reading on several other threads of ladies who've gone with their BFFs and some have been tough. Personalities clashed or frustrations arose. You are lucky that it was going well- at least so far!! But, like you, you have to be careful to give up a little of what you want in order to make sure a little of what will make the happy gets in there!

3) When it is just Melody, Juliana, and I touring, we don't have a set plan. We have an idea of what we want to accomplish and even that is subject to change depending on weather, crowds, or how we feel at that moment. I will say our touring style is more of a relaxed-commando type.. we get to the park semi-early and usually stay until it closes or 9ish.. which ever comes first. I felt that our friends would fit our style well. My thinking was to hit all the major kid rides and fit in some adult park fun too. If they had any suggestions I would listen to them and give any advice or tips that I knew. One good thing was we did have 2 days in MK which was a good idea because I knew 1 day wasn't enough... to be honest 2 days isn't enough time to see everything either!

Glad your touring styles meshed!!!!! That made a world of difference i think! You are so right. 2 days is barely enough time to get all the attractions in, let alone hunt down HMs or find hidden gems.

4) I really wanted our friends to experience the best of what Disney had to offer. But more importantly, I wanted their kids to have the trip of a lifetime (even with them only being 2 & 3). I don't think these expectations were too high. I knew I could deliver and Disney would too.

I always plan EVERY trip as if it would be my last!!! You never know when you'l get to go back again!! Someone once said, (it was a TR title, I think), "Go big, or stay home!"

 

[that's nice]

If you can stay up 15 more minutes... I"ll edit here and give you feedback.

I want to respond to your comments but you'll have to wait for me now. I really need to get some shut eye!

 

[All7OfUs]

I want to respond to your comments but you'll have to wait for me now. I really need to get some shut eye!

No problem. I know I got all like long- winded there; but this is all fresh and close to my heart right now. I'm in the same boat as you in planning for a Newbie. Have a good night's sleep, and I'll "see" you soon.

 

[jordanyosh]

I think touring styles change with age, but also change when you've been more than a few times especially within a short time span. I definitely don't tour like I did when I was young, but i also tour differently because I don't HAVE to see every thing every trip.

I've tended to spend more and more time at the resorts than I did before....

 

[FreezinRafiki]

How old is her son? That can factor into your plans....

He's 5, just like Madison. He's already excited to eat at CRT so he can kiss all the princesses!

Another thing I should of mentioned.. you probably already know this.. but you can't go looking for Disney magic. It happens at the least expected times (like your WoD experience)

Don't I know it!

This might be pushing it a tad... don't cha think?

No - I've been told I resemble Bobcat Goldthwait numerous times. That's what you meant right?

I think we ended up with a red car on Pooh. Sometimes she has to ride what is available!

No, Tim. It was a dark pink car.

 

[that's nice]

I can see that too! I've been 4 times, of varying lengths and one time only a day in EPCOT. I think it can go either way, maybe depending on one's personality. If you haven't had time to research, and if you go with mindset of, "Let's just see what unfolds", then I think you can come away with a great day. If on the other hand, you are an uptight person, and let little things mess with your mind, it can be frustrating. I know a lot of people are wigged out by the sheer size. Others are overwhelmed by the vast array of too many choices and have a hard time being satisfied with choosing one- becuase there's only THAT much time. My parents failed to heed my advice and warnings, and ended up being turned off.

When we went the 1st time, I had no expectations. I thought Disney was just another amusement park. We went with the flow and I think the fact that the crowds were practically non existent, helped us immensely! I don't know how I would of felt if this March was our first Disney experience.

Every trip has a differenty dynamic- that's for sure!! Even mine will be a world of different from our last trip with all 5 of my kids- alone. This will be LeeAnn's first trip, and I know that even with all the prep I'm giving her and coaching, I know that she'll default to relying on us to guide her through it. I"ve been reading on several other threads of ladies who've gone with their BFFs and some have been tough. Personalities clashed or frustrations arose. You are lucky that it was going well- at least so far!! But, like you, you have to be careful to give up a little of what you want in order to make sure a little of what will make the happy gets in there!

I'm sure LeeAnn will be in good hands.. surrounded by 2 Disney vets!!! I sure that if you, LeeAnn, or Mary needs a time alone or a break, the other 2 wouldn't mind. Even 30 minutes alone can recharge the batteries and gets you moving again.

I think we get along so well with Dave & Branda and 'know' them that our trip was fairly easy with little conflict.

Glad your touring styles meshed!!!!! That made a world of difference i think! You are so right. 2 days is barely enough time to get all the attractions in, let alone hunt down HMs or find hidden gems.

We could of spent 2 more days in the MK and another one in Epcot. You might be shocked to see what we DIDN'T do.

I always plan EVERY trip as if it would be my last!!! You never know when you'l get to go back again!! Someone once said, (it was a TR title, I think), "Go big, or stay home!"

I can totally see that! You can tell from our trips that I usually don't hold back much. The only difference is I don't stress if we miss something. I know we will be back.. someday.

 

[All7OfUs]

You're up... must be about lunchtime there. I"m ready to fall into bed hard. Just got home from a birthday party, and stuffed myself into a food-induced comatose state.

Will reply tomorrow AM.

 

[that's nice]

I think touring styles change with age, but also change when you've been more than a few times especially within a short time span. I definitely don't tour like I did when I was young, but i also tour differently because I don't HAVE to see every thing every trip.

I hear you. I'm sure you toured differently when you were with you cousin & family opposed to when you weren't. I think Juliana got a little more daring this trip. She still liked some 'old' favorites, and ventured out and rode a few new ones too!

I've tended to spend more and more time at the resorts than I did before....

We need to do this more. We are go, go, go and we don't slow down enough to relax sometimes.

He's 5, just like Madison. He's already excited to eat at CRT so he can kiss all the princesses!

A ladies man!!!!

I'm sure Madison will be happy to have a friend and they can ride some 'big kid' rides together.

No - I've been told I resemble Bobcat Goldthwait numerous times. That's what you meant right?

LOLOLOL I thought you were going the other direction with this.

So wait a minute???? You calling me Matt Damon?

No, Tim. It was a dark pink car.

OH.. believe me she has her choice of colors down!
If there is no pink it goes to red then orange then purple.

 

[that's nice]

You're up... must be about lunchtime there. I"m ready to fall into bed hard. Just got home from a birthday party, and stuffed myself into a food-induced comatose state.

Will reply tomorrow AM.

LOL Have a wonderful Disney dream laden sleep!!!!!!

 

[jenseib]

Love the updates. Claire is all about pink too. And we always try for whatever the pink thing is too.
So funny about maybe later thing....when Paige was growing up, she would ask to do a million things and my response was usally "we'll see"...so after years of this, I told her one time, haven't you realized that "we'll see" means no! So after that time, as soon as I would say it she would freak and say "OOOOH! We'll see means no" and cry. LOL!

 

[that's nice]

Love the updates. Claire is all about pink too. And we always try for whatever the pink thing is too.
So funny about maybe later thing....when Paige was growing up, she would ask to do a million things and my response was usally "we'll see"...so after years of this, I told her one time, haven't you realized that "we'll see" means no! So after that time, as soon as I would say it she would freak and say "OOOOH! We'll see means no" and cry. LOL!

Everything is pink.. i mean everything. It is OK though.. I can take it.

Awwww you ruined it for yourself!!!! Hopefully you don't spill the beans to Claire till she is older!!!!!

 

[KatMark]

Tim, I'm around...just haven't had a chance to catch up (I'll read your update after lunch); we finally got Mark's surgery date set -- it will be on Wednesday, July 14.

 

[Believeinfairytales]

Loved your last two updates. MK is my fave park by far. And how cute is your baby girl in that pink dress with those Minnie Ears??? She is just so precious.

I love the teacup pics. Reminds me of my son on them. We have some of the best pictures of him on that ride! And I see that Small World offered you guys a pink boat, from the looks of it. I bet Julianna was happy!

 

[Sleepingbooty]

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.

We weren't even in the park yet and we were already sprinkled with a little pixie dust!!!!

That's why I love Disney so much!

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!

Oh, I hear ya. That's our Lucy in a nutshell. If something is available in pink, we don't dare pick another color!

I think you are doing a really good job of making a memorable trip for your friends - they're lucky to have your as their 'guide'

 

[KatMark]

I think you did great in showing your friends a good time after reading the first couple of days. Pink. I remember Andy's first serious girlfriend, Brandi, back in 2003-2005 who was VERY into pink. Everything she bought me for Mother's Day, my birthday, Christmas, etc., was ALWAYS in pink. I now have a tendency to buy certain things in pink--I think it is because I am a breast cancer survivor.

 

[All7OfUs]

I think I have freakish children. They detest pink in every form, and go out of their way to never wear it. Maybe it's the lavender/pink curtains that hang in their bedroom.

 

[that's nice]

Tim, I'm around...just haven't had a chance to catch up (I'll read your update after lunch); we finally got Mark's surgery date set -- it will be on Wednesday, July 14.

I didn't realize that Mark was going to have surgery too. Guess his back still isn't going too well.

Loved your last two updates. MK is my fave park by far. And how cute is your baby girl in that pink dress with those Minnie Ears??? She is just so precious.

Thanks!!! I hope to have another update tomorrow.

I never understood why my DW (and I mean DARLING..) never dresses Juliana in any Disney clothes in Disney? I mean Juliana has a million Disney outfits but they never make it into the suitcase.

I love the teacup pics. Reminds me of my son on them. We have some of the best pictures of him on that ride! And I see that Small World offered you guys a pink boat, from the looks of it. I bet Julianna was happy!

How old is your son??

I think deep down her favorite ride is the teacups.. although she probably wouldn't admit that.

That's why I love Disney so much!

Me too!

Oh, I hear ya. That's our Lucy in a nutshell. If something is available in pink, we don't dare pick another color!

Not if you want to have a happy child!

I think you are doing a really good job of making a memorable trip for your friends - they're lucky to have your as their 'guide'

AWWW thanks!

 

[that's nice]

I think you did great in showing your friends a good time after reading the first couple of days.

Thanks Kat. I tried.

Maybe I can have people pay me to be their personal WDW guide?? You want to fly me down to Florida so I can show you around???????

Pink. I remember Andy's first serious girlfriend, Brandi, back in 2003-2005 who was VERY into pink. Everything she bought me for Mother's Day, my birthday, Christmas, etc., was ALWAYS in pink. I now have a tendency to buy certain things in pink--I think it is because I am a breast cancer survivor.

Well you are very brave and courageous for beating that horrible disease. I'd wear pink for you any day.

(not dressed as a princess though.. that was the only pink smilie I could find )

I think I have freakish children. They detest pink in every form, and go out of their way to never wear it. Maybe it's the lavender/pink curtains that hang in their bedroom.

My sister HATES pink. She cannot stand it. She did buy Juliana some pink clothes though... my sister loves Ana!

So when you get back to the states, you should paint your DDs rooms pink.. just for laughs.

 

[yinyanggirls]

I don't remember ever liking pink. It was purple for me when I was younger, which evolved into lilac, lavender and periwinkle as an adult. But once my girls came along I definitely bought more pink than ever before.