First Family Vacation... EVER // Update 2/28

[MrsFerrell]

Yay my first thread and PTR!


So help me out with this guys.

THE CAST

Me-- 316019_3427653369197_1206180021_102276795_305320309_n by mrsferrell, on Flickr

Name is Alden.. I'm 24.. This will be my second trip to the World. Last trip... I was 5 :-D I remember A LOT though.. We stayed off site. I'm a SAHM and I LOVE to do research... A LOT hah. I am also a dedicated military wife and very involved in moral efforts at our current base

DH--
299737_3299203638034_1206180021_102166993_442031488_n by mrsferrell, on Flickr

This is Carl, 25 (he thinks hes SO old now Hes active duty air force.. He fixes jet engines and I swear thats another language... I just shake my head and say yeah... He is a gym-a-holic... (Hes mad because he wont have a "real" gym during our vacation)

DD3--
378730_3599675829651_1206180021_102391165_1016686249_n by mrsferrell, on Flickr

This is Miss Rylei... She isn't a ham at all.. I swear shes 3 going on 13... No really she totally cracks us up and says... well shes got an imagination hah Her color is pink (so what my kids are assigned colors before birth...) and shes a TOTAL princess... Her normal favorites are Ariel, Belle, and Tiana, but not shes on a Cinderella kick... and shes never seen the movie...

DD1--
404209_3828072699430_1206180021_102499528_1504756365_n by mrsferrell, on Flickr

This is Olivia.. Our polka dot princess. Notice the spots on her face? She has a rare disease called Urticaria Pigmentosa which is a form of Mastocytosis. She has hundreds of "polka dots" on her body from head to toe. The dots can turn into hives when triggered (triggers can include heat, cold, friction, stress, food, medication, and smells). Mastocytosis (which I refer to as masto) basically means she has too many mast cells. It is not contagious and there is no known cause or cure yet... But were working on that! Livi is a mess though... a total mommys girl... clingy to the max but a sweetheart none the less. We have been lucky and she has only had 2 bad reactions since diagnosed with masto. Hopefully our trip will go smoothly..

Okay so am I off to a decent start? But its way late and I have a meeting in the morning so more tomorrow I'm sure


NEXXXXXXT....

 

[MrsFerrell]

1-- The Cast
2-- The Basic Questions
3-- ADRs
4-- Arrival March 1
5-- Animal Kingdom- March 2
6-- DIsney's Hollywood Studios- March 3
7-- Epcot--March 4
8-- Magic Kingdom--March 5
9-- Ohh noooo MK boo-boo
10-- Magic Kingdom Day 2
11-- OVERHAUL
12-- Here be the Updates
13-- Shhh... Secrets
14-- Keeping it in the Family
15-- Rare Disease Day
16-- YAY For making it real!
17-- Can I get a cancellation?
18-- Holy Cow its ALMOST here
19-- My oh My

 

[MrsFerrell]

What-- This will be our FIRST Family Vacation. For all of us... DH and I did a mini "vacation" when I was preggo with DD3 but yeah thats it besides visiting family. I figure it would be a magical time for DD3 since she loves the princesses and all things Disney so much.. The child enjoys watching the vacation planning DVD and looking at WDW pictures online sad: she makes me so proud haha)

When-- March 1-8 2012

Where-- Shades of Green.. on Disney property... but not Disney... Its owned by the DoD so only military can stay there... They offer great deals thank goodness.. We wouldn't be able to stay so close if they didnt!
Here it is..

shades-of-green by mrsferrell, on Flickr

It's not Disney themed out or anything but the rooms are huge

Shades-of-Green-Standard-Room by mrsferrell, on Flickr

Why-- Because we have NEVER had a family vacation?? And 2011 was a rough year for us a family... We need a little magic in our lives. So Disney is the OBVIOUS choice.. I hadn't planned on going until DD3 was 5 but that is just entirely too long for ME to have to wait. Once I got DHs okay I was off the plan!

How-- We will be flying... not sure from where yet... Because this trip is being payed for with income tax refund. Trying to keep prices down as much as possible but I like not having to FREAK over money and thats the only way for us to not have to freak sadly.

On a side note this will be DHs first time to fly with kids. I've flown several times with them but hes always been gone when we flew or in some kind of training. Hah its going to be fun . Luckily the girls are good on the plane (well Olivia was only 6ish months when she flew..) But I'm MORE excited that I wont have a random (rude..) stranger sitting by me.

On my first flight with both kids I was obviously a nervous wreck because I didn't want to have THOSE kids on the plane... Well since DD3 was in her car seat (and was 2 3/4 at the time) we had to be by the window... Well a very rude young woman got stuck sitting with us... Which before she even sat rolled her eyes saying "well this is going to be GREAT".. I just killed her with kindness and said "yes... yes it is" hah It really wanst bad at all... I enjoyed that DD3 had to pee every time our lovely seat mate fell asleep actually.... ahhh Okay that was mean but SHE STARTED IT!


NEXXXXXT...

 

[MrsFerrell]

So made a few ADRs... I was kind of bummed because I planned on making them 160 days out and get everything I WANTED AT the times I wanted... Well with a possible deployment trip dates where up in the air... So to avoid all error we bumped our trip up as early as we could and I started making ADRs... I got pretty much what I wanted so I can't complain... And I still check the site... several times daily... to see if my MORE preferred time happens to open up hehe

So here we GO!

March 1-- Arrival Day.. not sure of time yet but dinner at Chef Mickeys @ 5:20
March 2-- none yet
March 3-- 50's Prime Time Cafe @ 6:30pm
March 4-- Akershus @ 12:20.. wanted dinner but they where booked until 8pm :-(.. but still trying ;-)
March 5-- Liberty Tree Tavern @ 6:40pm
March 6-- Crystal Palace @ 8:35... wanted 8am but it was booked.. still trying though hah
March 7-- none yet
March 8-- departure day.. not sure of time yet if its early I may try to get an ADR for Kona

So I have 2 days that I don't have ADR's for... Any must haves that I should try... We're going to do most breakfasts in our room or at SoG since its pretty cheap...

So how does this look? Or any MUST have TS restaurants that I havent listed?


NEXXXXXXT....

 

[disney<333]

Joining in! Your DDs are adorable!! How fun on planning your family's first trip. The location for SOG is amazing-- really close to the MK and the TTC. Your ADRs sound great. I've heard 'Ohana in Disney's Polynesion (on the monorail) is supposed to be amazing. They have a breakfast with Lilo, Stich, Mickey, and Pluto, but they are better known for their dinner. Also, Tusker house in the Animal Kingdom is supposed to be good. I used to live in Orlando and have been to Disney many times so if you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask me.

 

[MrsFerrell]

Joining in! Your DDs are adorable!! How fun on planning your family's first trip. The location for SOG is amazing-- really close to the MK and the TTC. Your ADRs sound great. I've heard 'Ohana in Disney's Polynesion (on the monorail) is supposed to be amazing. They have a breakfast with Lilo, Stich, Mickey, and Pluto, but they are better known for their dinner. Also, Tusker house in the Animal Kingdom is supposed to be good. I used to live in Orlando and have been to Disney many times so if you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask me.

YAY! I was feeling lonely .. You know that awkward moment when your talking to yourself? 'Ohana is actually on my maybe list! I keep asking my DH "here or here" and he keeps answering "whatever makes you happy babe..." ... which heh he should probably change that soon

 

[MrsFerrell]

So since we havent booked our tickets yet I dont know when we will get to MCO... But its looking like it will be close to noon.. We're renting a town car to bring us to our resort and stopping for groceries on the way since I'm renting a car where thats included.
I actually plan on packing some groceries... I figure the girls will share one suitcase, I'll have one, DH will have one, and one will be with random "must pack" items (like power adapter thanks DISers lol)but also packing cereal, granola bars, popcorn, crackers, goldfish and other favorite snacks.
So all I will need to buy is a few cases of water, some milk, my creamer for coffee, fruit, and anything else that catches my eye that I couldn't pack.
So we get to the resort and check in.. Unpack (note to self ... remember to pack extra hangers?) and check out the hotel.. Depending on how much time we have left head out to Chef Mickeys for our 5:20 ADR followed by DTD. YAY Shopping!!
I figure a good character meal will be a good way to start the trip for the girls... And have fun on the monorail.

Things I want to see in DTD...
babycakesNYC
World of Disney (this may be my heaven... someone hide my debit card QUICK!)
Lego Imagination Center (looks pretty nifty? Is it?)
Once Upon a Toy (sounds neat... girls may be too young for it though? thoughts?)
Basin (I saw 2 words... Bath Bombs... YES PLEASE)
D Street (is it mainly vynalmation or does it have a decent amount of clothes to check out too?)
Disney Days of Christmas
Goofys Candy Shop
TrenD

Am I missing any AWESOME places?
Is there a map for DTD?

It's going to be tough keeping DH out of DisneyQuest.... He's a gamer... Might have to lie about what it is

NEXXXXXXXXXXXT.....

 

[jennyjinx3]

I am here too!! Love that you are taking your girls early! They will both totally love it! We took DD 6, DD 4, DD 23 months the first time we came to WDW and although I was sad that we waited so long for the 6 year old, I was thrilled at how much the 2 little ones loved it.
We are now booked for our third trip it is my youngest that asks all the time "Mama we go back to disneywowld???"
Looking forward to more!

 

[MrsFerrell]

I am here too!! Love that you are taking your girls early! They will both totally love it! We took DD 6, DD 4, DD 23 months the first time we came to WDW and although I was sad that we waited so long for the 6 year old, I was thrilled at how much the 2 little ones loved it.
We are now booked for our third trip it is my youngest that asks all the time "Mama we go back to disneywowld???"
Looking forward to more!

yay! Thanks for reading... I totally planned on waiting but ... yeah I lack patience... Is it March yet?? Or at least February...??? lol

 

[npstudent2012]

Subbing too! Excited to read about the planning and your TR when you return

 

[DisneyTravelers2008]

Sounds like a fun trip! What a beautiful family! Hope your trip is
Magical !

Cant wait to hear more...

 

[MrsFerrell]

Subbing too! Excited to read about the planning and your TR when you return

Thanks so much Excited to GET THERE and share :-D

Sounds like a fun trip! What a beautiful family! Hope your trip is
Magical !

Cant wait to hear more...

Thanks so much. I think their keepers.. most of the time heh

 

[MrsFerrell]

So first full park day we plan on hitting up Animal Kingdom-- a first for all of us since it wasn't built at my last visit. We plan on just eating breakfast in our room then heading to the park. I hope to arrive nlt 8:30 for the 9am opening (or sooner...)


AL_TREE_240 by mrsferrell, on Flickr


First off we will head to Kilimanjaro Safaris, followed by Pangani Forest Exploration Trail. We will check out the Wildlife Express Train to see all the fun stuff back there. Following that we will do the Maharajah Jungle Trek and Flights of Wonder. Hopefully we can check out Discovery Island Trails before lunch. I had wanted to eat at Flame Tree BBQ... but then I remembered... thats during Lent. Crap no meat for us (well at least me...) that day.. So instead were going to check out Yak and Yetti's counter service.


AL_KSAF_240 by mrsferrell, on Flickr



After lunch were going to start back up with autographs at Camp Minnie-Mickey Trails. We're toughing it out a whole day at the park since AK closes early. We're going to watch Festival of the Lion King and Finding Nemo the Musical. I'm sure Olivia will fall asleep, but hopefully Rylei will enjoy it. We're going to end our day with the Boneyard, Tricera Top Spin, and the parade. After we're done exploring (and cough shopping) we will head back to the resort. Depending on the weather we might check out the pool. We don't have an ADR for tonight... If we don't pick something out soon we might be eating in the resort.. I've heard pretty mixed reviews about it but its cheap compared to others.


EL_FLK_240 by mrsferrell, on Flickr

EL_FNM_240 by mrsferrell, on Flickr

EL_MJJ_240 by mrsferrell, on Flickr
sog-pool-250 by mrsferrell, on Flickr

SOG Manginios

5 by mrsferrell, on Flickr

Any suggestions for dinner? Preferably in a resort and must serve seafood/vegetarian meals.

Woo hoo 5 weeks, 3 days and counting!!

NEEXXXXXXXXXXXXXXT--

 

[SOUTHERNtinkerBELLE]

Hi Alden! I'm joining in! You have a precious family - I know you and your DH are going to have so much fun witnessing the magic through your daughters' eyes! Can't wait to hear more of your plans!

 

[wakica]

So since we havent booked our tickets yet I dont know when we will get to MCO... But its looking like it will be close to noon.. We're renting a town car to bring us to our resort and stopping for groceries on the way since I'm renting a car where thats included.
I actually plan on packing some groceries... I figure the girls will share one suitcase, I'll have one, DH will have one, and one will be with random "must pack" items (like power adapter thanks DISers lol)but also packing cereal, granola bars, popcorn, crackers, goldfish and other favorite snacks.
So all I will need to buy is a few cases of water, some milk, my creamer for coffee, fruit, and anything else that catches my eye that I couldn't pack.
So we get to the resort and check in.. Unpack (note to self ... remember to pack extra hangers?) and check out the hotel.. Depending on how much time we have left head out to Chef Mickeys for our 5:20 ADR followed by DTD. YAY Shopping!!
I figure a good character meal will be a good way to start the trip for the girls... And have fun on the monorail.

Things I want to see in DTD...
babycakesNYC
World of Disney (this may be my heaven... someone hide my debit card QUICK!)
Lego Imagination Center (looks pretty nifty? Is it?)
Once Upon a Toy (sounds neat... girls may be too young for it though? thoughts?)
Basin (I saw 2 words... Bath Bombs... YES PLEASE)
D Street (is it mainly vynalmation or does it have a decent amount of clothes to check out too?)
Disney Days of Christmas
Goofys Candy Shop
TrenD

Am I missing any AWESOME places?
Is there a map for DTD?

It's going to be tough keeping DH out of DisneyQuest.... He's a gamer... Might have to lie about what it is

DTD is GREAT!!! Goofy's Candy Shop is a MUST DO for us each trip!!! You can do the build your own treat and we just fell absolutely in LOVE with those treats !!!

I'm curious to see the vinylmations bc they weren't there our last trip so i will keep in mind D street for those.

Anyway, enjoying your PT so far Hope to keep caught up on it as you update it

 

[MrsFerrell]

Hi Alden! I'm joining in! You have a precious family - I know you and your DH are going to have so much fun witnessing the magic through your daughters' eyes! Can't wait to hear more of your plans!

It's going to be so amazing to witness it through the girls eyes and DHs. His family NEVER did vacations so this is totally new for him too.

DTD is GREAT!!! Goofy's Candy Shop is a MUST DO for us each trip!!! You can do the build your own treat and we just fell absolutely in LOVE with those treats !!!

I'm curious to see the vinylmations bc they weren't there our last trip so i will keep in mind D street for those.

Anyway, enjoying your PT so far Hope to keep caught up on it as you update it

mmm candy candy candy

 

[MrsFerrell]

So after a relaxing day at AK, we will check out DHS. Last time I went it was still MGM... I remember seeing the India Jones show, the Little Mermaids show, Backlot Tour (favorite!! bummed its closed :-( ), and getting a nifty picture taken where I got to dress up as Ariel and they superimposed Skuttle, Sebastian, and Flounder in the picture. It was awesome. I was so surprised. Also LOVED the Honey I Shrunk the Kids playground... which will be closed... But that might be goodfor us... crazy, wild 3 year old and a 1 year old = stress in there!!


hollywood-studios-sorcerer by mrsferrell, on Flickr

Back to the current trip.... We're going to do breakfast in the room again (or in SoG). Going to try to make it there for Rope Drop (but not going to rush for it...) We will grab FPs for Toy Story Mania. If the wait is under 15 mins we will give it a ride. Next the girls and I will head to see the Voyage of the Little Mermaid. I'm SUPER excited for it. Carl will head to Star Tours . I really want to check out One Mans Dream and Disney of Animation. If Jedi Academy is going on I'm sure DH will want to watch (and wish he could participate haha). Might do Toy Story Mania then lunch. Carl wants to do Tower of Terror.. I do too so might as well grab 2 FPs and do child swap.


toystorymania by mrsferrell, on Flickr


185-67-6-1752 by mrsferrell, on Flickr

I'm torn for what I want to do for lunch theres ABC Commissary... Backlot Express... Fairfax Fare... Min and Bills Dockside Diner...
What do you guys think??

After taking nap time at SoG we will head back and get moving again.
I'm super excited (and I'm sure Ry will be too) to See Beauty and the Beast Live. Then we will check out Disney Junior Live. Have they added Jake and the Neverland Pirates to it? Thats such a cute little show.... We will check out some of Lights, Moter, Action Stunt show for DH (since we're doing a lot of girly stuff hee).. Hopefully by then it will be diner time which I'm thrilled to try.
ADR for 6:30 at 50's Prime Time Diner... YUM-O!!! I already know that I want the pot roast... and dads brownie.... mmmm Hopefully we get a TV table


hollywood-studios-shows by mrsferrell, on Flickr

[url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/74662729@N05/6763675079/] PRIMETIME_1_998 by mrsferrell, on Flickr[/URL]

After dinner we will continue to mosey around... see if there is anything else we want to do... Of course over the course of the day we will shop and check out Streets of America. Hopefully the girls can make it through to Fantasmic. Kinda worried that it might freak DD3 out since shes starting to understand the concept of bad guys.... But I plan on getting some goodies from Staring Rolls. DH WANTS the Butterfinger Cupcake.... I can't wait to get into that yumminess hehe

Thanks for reading

Neeexxxxtttttttt

 

[blancah76]

your trip so far sounds great

i would recommend Boma for dinner after your AK day, it's located in AKL and is one of my favirote places . it'a buffet so they do have fish and vegeterian options.

when my son was 3 he was afraid of fireworks and loud noises in general so some of the shows would scare him, but since you never really know how kids will respond we'd go see whatever show we wanted and were prepared to exit if need be.

once you're there and see your girls reactions it's just amazing and truly magical

 

[MrsFerrell]

your trip so far sounds great

i would recommend Boma for dinner after your AK day, it's located in AKL and is one of my favirote places . it'a buffet so they do have fish and vegeterian options.

when my son was 3 he was afraid of fireworks and loud noises in general so some of the shows would scare him, but since you never really know how kids will respond we'd go see whatever show we wanted and were prepared to exit if need be.

once you're there and see your girls reactions it's just amazing and truly magical

I can't wait. I keep asking DH is it at least Feb yet? lol At least I will be busy with last minute prep in Feb!! Though I'm sure it will be the longest month of my life

 

[MrsFerrell]

Ahhh one of my favorite days.... Epcot... Even when I was 5 I LOVED world showcase!!

Another in room breakfast. We hope to be there as close to 9 as possible but I'm not going to rush since we aren't hitting up any of the "big ticket" rides. Actually our first attraction will be character spot. Hopefully it won't be jammed and everyone will be on Soarin and such. Then we plan to visit Innoventions West then East. I don't think it will take us a crazy long time in there though. Then I'm excited to see The Seas with Nemo and Friends and Living with the Land. We may or may not do Circle of Life... Do you think its okay for a 1 and 3 year old?
Then I plan us to see Journey into Imagination with Figment...

Then its over to World Showcase
We're going to start in Mexico and work our way around. This is also where we shall start snacking in lieu of lunch VERY excited for FOOD. I hope to see Mariachi Cobra and Three Caballeras. We're goingto skip over Norway and head to China and SHOP hah. Then hopefully fit in Germany if the kiddos aren't too tired... I'm guessing it will be nap time by now so we will head back to SoG for a nice break... Hopefully naps AND a little swim. At this time I will also princess-ify the girls... Kinda like BBB in our room haha Because......
We have a 5:20 ADR for Akershus So super excited and I know DD3 is going to freak out!! After we stuff ourselves we're going to continue around the world to Italy, America, Japan, Morocco, France, the UK, and Canada. trying to catch characters, acts, food, and shopping along the way. I have a whole list of yumminess that I want to try.
Chocolate Crepe in france.... (and anything else that grabs me....)
lamb and chicken plate in Morroco....
Kaki Gori in Japan
Fresh Popcorn and apple strusel from Germany
Churro in Mexico...
Pretzel in Germany...
Nachos from Mexico...

OMG... I very well may gain 500 lbs in one day!!!

I really want to try to catch IllumiNations if the girls are willing (Pixie Dust pleaseeeeeeeeeee be willing)

So am I missing anything that I must eat... uhm do? haha

neeexxxxttttttt