First family vacation, MNSSHP, and Free dining ptr...lets try this again

[JPFamilyMom]

* Who is in your party
Me, the Mommy, the crazy Disney Nut that started it all. I have been going to Disneyland since before I can walk (I'm pretty sure). I grew up Disney. Yes I am a princess, my husband has even admitted (I'm daddy's princess, lol). I didn't visit WDW until my honeymoon...what took me so long.
The hubby, who has no clue. He went along with my honeymoon idea, but to this day complains about me jumping up and down on the bed each day to get him to the parks. But he tags along because he doesn't want to miss out on any of the kids special moments. He thinks I’m crazy for staying up until 1 am working on a countdown calendar
The Big brother (4 years old) He has been to Disneyland twice and this will be his first trip to WDW. He LOVES Mickey Mouse, Buzz, Woody, Phineas and Ferb. Basically all things Disney like his Mom. He thinks the castle is Mickey’s castle, so he says we are going to Mickey’s Castle and he screams with joy every time he sees the commercial with the flying Dumbo’s (a ride he hasn’t yet gotten to ride- and will be the very first thing we do when we get to the MK).
The Lil’ brother (1 yr old) This will be his very first experience meeting the characters and stepping foot onto any Disney Park. He already giggles with delight when he sees pictures of Mickey (it probably helps that we have stuffed Mickey’s all over, and he always sees me and big brother on the computer looking at Disney pictures). looking forward to getting his first set of ears.

 

[JPFamilyMom]

I have the back done and came up with "Counting the days 'til we celebrate our 1st WDW vacation" To go along with the 2009 theme of "what will you celebrate" But I want something really good for the front.

still no title on this one, see....????

....edit....still no title, need to drag calendar back out and lets get this going again. For those that are new, we had a trip planned and had to cancel, so we have a new date and new trip planned. Working hard to make this happen.

 

[JPFamilyMom]

Ok, so after reading so many clever PTR's (ha I picked up an abbreviation) I decided I need to come back and revamp my style. So I'm going to start with a little more information on me.

I'm a 30 yo stay at home mom to two adorable little boys. I was born in California and born into a Disney family. All of my family and extended family love Disney. I grew up going to Disneyland basically once a year, sometimes more and thought that was the norm. Until I met people that had never been to Disney I was confused as to how someone had never been to Disney before.

A Princess from the start, of course being the first girl born into my the family (my Mom has 7 brothers and sisters, and I was the second wee one born) and then I was the only girl until my sister was born 9 years later, so to say I was a spoiled little princess is an understatement. And I danced since I was two and my dream was to dance at Disneyland.

I auditioned twice at Disneyland and failed I was heart broken each time. But I somehow managed to move forward and on a trip to the land with my best friend one year... I was asked to be in the parade (oh I forgot to mention as a child I was also selected to be in the parade... where my dream of dancing in a parade began) it was only for a day, but it was the BEST experience and I took my role very seriously I still tell my hubby, oh I would still love to dance for Disney... maybe we could move to Florida ... he just doesn't understand.

Lets jump to my wedding, the theme of course was "Dreams do come true..." I had invitations with a princess carriage in front of a castle, I had a beautiful huge fluffy princess dress and wore a tiara, the tables had a different centerpiece on each of them to match a different Disney princess theme, oh and yes there were also princess figures on a couple.

Then we honeymooned at Disney World where my hubby found out how truely Disney crazy I am. I mentioned already how he to this day complains about me jumping on the bed each morning. And how I almost cried cause we couldn't eat with the princesses (I didn't know about reservations when I Planned our honeymoon trip). If I knew then what I know now, man what a trip we would have had. He is very afraid for this trip I'm planning.

So we have now had two adorable little boys, my oldest is now 4 years old and a Disney nut like mommy. He loves coming on the different disney boards and sites with me. I have taken him to Disneyland twice already... but a move has brought us East and so I'm so EXCITED to take him to the World, and he is so excited too.

 

[JPFamilyMom]

Ok, so my DH (who is semi non disney, but he is a good sport). He is a teacher and football coach. His lifes revolves around football. Mainly the EAGLES and then of course whatever team he is coaching, and his favorite college team is Notre Dame. His favorite holiday is Thanksgiving because he says its the best of all worlds... he gets food, family, and FOOTBALL.

UGH, ok so he has football and I have Disney. And when the two can match up its good. lol. I found him a DISign on here of Mickey in an eagles jersey in front of the Eagles stadium, that will be a surprise for Christmas that I'm hoping he'll wear on our trip.

So anyways back to DH. In life all he needs is sleep, football, and food. His three favorite things. Well and of course me and the kids. But you get the idea.

He was not brought up Disney like me and had only gone to WDW once before marrying me (he grew up on the East coast). He has been so deprived, lol. How do an East Coast boy and a West Coast girl meet you ask? Well we met in Las Vegas of all places , and no not on a weekend fling type thing. We actually both lived in Las Vegas and met teaching. I was a substitute teacher before having my darling little boys.

Ok, so here is a picture of us before baby #2 came along. Look I even got him to wear those adorable Mickey sweaters for Christmas one year.

Thats all on DH, for now anyways.... next will be about my little darlings.

Please bear with me as I am a stay at home mom like previously stated and I have no life outside of my kids. LOL And I spend all my time that the kids are sleeping on boards like this So my posts with updates will possibly be daily until I run out of things to write about

 

[Dr_Finkelstein]

Hi there,
Just checking in after you posted on my PTR!
Your photos are lovely - I especially like the photo of your hubby in the Mickey sweater - he looks so pleased!
Your wedding photos are great - we did our first ever WDW trip a year after we got married (Disney virgins if you will), otherwise my wedding theme would have been very different!
Luckily my DH is just as much of a Disney fanatic as I am - just give your hubby time, he'll come round! It's a totally different holiday when you go with kids.
Your family sound lovely BTW and your eldest looks adorable!
You'll get plenty of advice on the Dis for your upcoming Trip, no worries!
Are you doing the Dining Plan this trip?
Di x

 

[JPFamilyMom]

Hi there,
Just checking in after you posted on my PTR!
Your photos are lovely - I especially like the photo of your hubby in the Mickey sweater - he looks so pleased!
Your wedding photos are great - we did our first ever WDW trip a year after we got married (Disney virgins if you will), otherwise my wedding theme would have been very different!
Luckily my DH is just as much of a Disney fanatic as I am - just give your hubby time, he'll come round! It's a totally different holiday when you go with kids.
Your family sound lovely BTW and your eldest looks adorable!
You'll get plenty of advice on the Dis for your upcoming Trip, no worries!
Are you doing the Dining Plan this trip?
Di x

Thanks for the comments and kind words. Well I figure he's jumping on board a little more each time, cause last night we talked about when we could do a MVMCP and MNSSHP (both of which fall during football season of course) and he said he didn't want me to go without him.

Yes we are planning on the dining plan because with my 3 yo I want to make sure he gets character time, so I'm hoping for a character meal each day, and I did the math and it seems like it makes way more sense to get the dining plan rather than pay out of pocket. I know we will do Chef Mickeys and Crystal Palace for sure.

I'm hoping to get a lot of good advice on here, Disneyland was always a breeze to plan since I did it every year growing up, WDW is a whole other ballgame.

 

[JPFamilyMom]

My kids are my pride and joy, my whole life...

My baby who isn't the baby anymore. He is the big boy, the big brother. My adorable little 3 yo. He is an active, fun loving boy. He has had an exciting three years of life already. He's had the priviledge of visiting Disneyland twice already. He has competed in modeling contests and was even signed with an agent for a short period while we were out West. I try and keep things happy all the time, but he does have some developmental delays that make life a little more challenging for him, but he is still a typical normal little boy. And he LOVES Mickey and all things Disney. We recently moved all the way to North Carolina from Nevada and that trip was very hard on him, plus we left all my family behind which he was very close to. So this trip to WDW was our special treat to him and me for moving so far (though my parents are talking about moving out closer to us, so we are excited to see how that develops).

sorry, I got a little picture happy there , I just think he's so darn cute though.

Lets see his is obsessed with Woody and Buzz and as you can see by my avatar and counter aside from Mickey I think those are the two characters he is most excited to meet. And he is really hoping we can get in the Woody or Buzz building at ASMovies. He also likes Piglet, which my husband can't stand cause of all the pink, but I think it's cute. He also really likes Chicken Little. So we'll see if we can find those characters on our trip. I know we will see piglet at Crystal Palace, and I've already gotten some tips on where to find Woody and Buzz. But no word on Chicken Little.

Ok .. on to the "real" baby. My new baby. At 8 months old he can already identify Mickey Mouse and squeals with delight when given his little mickey toy or when he sees a picture on the computer. Not much to really write about him yet though... he has 7 teeth already and does the army crawl, we are waiting for full out crawling which we expect to happen sooner than later, and then oh man we know we will have our hands full. He gets into a lot more mischief already than our first ever did.

In the first picture, that is my hubby's Mickey tophat from our honeymoon, and yes that is a Mickey diaper, I had to show it off. I do cloth and found that little treasure, hope I can find more.

Ok, so now you have met all the characters... well for now, like I said we are still waiting to see if any other family jump on board, my parents were talking about it, so we'll see.

Next we'll start talking "must see attractions" - and this is where I could maybe use some help with my plans as they begin to form.

To anyone reading... thanks for taking time to read about us

update....kids are now 4 yo and 1 yo, and 4 yo LOVES Phineas and Ferb now, and the baby still a Mickey fan. They don't yet know that I just booked the trip tonight 3-30-09 for Sept.

 

[jmskinner]

Hi! Saw you had joined in on Dr. Finkilstein's thread and thought I would come over and read yours. Great start so far. You had me hanging trying to figure out how you were from CA but were living in NC, but guess the DH got a coaching offer there. I was starting to think military.

Your family sounds great and I love that your DH let you put that sweater on him. My DH still worries I will make us all wear matching shirts.

Of course we will help with planning details. Actually, you noted getting to the parks early and that is a great first step. But you probably won't have to for It's a Small World (IASW). The last few times we have been it has been a walk on, so has Pirates. Peter Pan seems to always be the longest wait, but you can get Fast Passes for it. Ok, I'm rattling on as usual.

You are going to have a great time and I am looking forward to reading about all of your planning!
Melissa

 

[JPFamilyMom]

Hi! Saw you had joined in on Dr. Finkilstein's thread and thought I would come over and read yours. Great start so far. You had me hanging trying to figure out how you were from CA but were living in NC, but guess the DH got a coaching offer there. I was starting to think military.

Your family sounds great and I love that your DH let you put that sweater on him. My DH still worries I will make us all wear matching shirts.

Of course we will help with planning details. Actually, you noted getting to the parks early and that is a great first step. But you probably won't have to for It's a Small World (IASW). The last few times we have been it has been a walk on, so has Pirates. Peter Pan seems to always be the longest wait, but you can get Fast Passes for it. Ok, I'm rattling on as usual.

You are going to have a great time and I am looking forward to reading about all of your planning!
Melissa

Thanks for joining me, I was thinking I was just writing to myself. We moved for a number of reasons, but yes coaching brought us this way. California is to expensive for us on a teachers salary (well areas I would want to live in) and hubby is from the East Coast, and North Carolina is so family oriented, no matter where we had decided we just knew we didn't want to raise a family in Las Vegas (where hubby and I met teaching). It was fine while we were single, but with our oldest starting school in a couple years it was time to relocate.

Good to know about Small World, at D-land there is usually a pretty good line, and last time we waited almost an hour and he grew very restless toward the end. I'll be looking for many more tips like this, thanks.

 

[Dr_Finkelstein]

Back again!
The DDP is great, this will be the second time we've used it and we loved it the last time!
Ideas for character meals:
Crystal Palace is good - we've been twice.
This will be the first time we've been to Chef Mickey's so will let you know how we get on!
We also really like Garden Grill at Epcot - you get Chip'n'Dale and another couple of characters.
Cape May cafe at Yacht and Beach Club for breakfast has Goofy and Pluto +2 others (the tablecloths are paper so the kids can draw on them)
Tusker House in AK does good character meals, usually with my hero Donald!
I'm trying to get a breakfast ADR at the Polynesian with Lilo and Stitch, but no luck so far.
We've got a dinner ADR at Whispering Canyon Cafe at Wilderness Lodge, not been before but apparently it's great for kids. There's no characters but the servers play with the kids and get them to do hobby horse races round the restaurant!
1900 Park Faire at the Grand Floridian does character meals as well for breakfast and dinner - it's Mary Poppins, Alice, Mad hatter, Pooh and Tigger usually at breakfast, and for dinner Cinderella and the step sisters. I like going to all the meals at the deluxe resorts as it gives me an excuse to wander round and pretend I stay there.

We love Boma - its one of our favourites - no characters, but the food is great.....and again an excuse to wander round another deluxe!

The photos of your kids are lovely! Especially the one of the two of you in your Mickey and Minnie outfits - too cute!

The busiest rides when we've been there (not as often as JMSkinner, so she's definately the expert - but not everyone is as lucky as her to live next door to WDW! ), anyway, busy rides: Peter Pan was always busy, as was Pooh, but you can FP them. The rollercoasters are usually always busy in all the parks, and new rides - like Toy Story and Soarin. Dumbo always has a HUGE queue - every time we went, but the kids always love it! Aladdins carpets in MK is a very similar type of ride and has been a bit quieter when we've been before.

Have rambled on a bit, sorry, feel free to ask and I'll try and help!

Di x

 

[JPFamilyMom]

Di,

Oh thanks for all the tips. I'll love to get more when you return. toy story is a ride at the top of our list.

And I really want to try Boma (I saw it on a Disney special on tv), is it a place that is ok to take a four year old and one year old?

Rollercoasters were not planned for this upcoming trip with the two little ones..... however last night there may have been some developments in our planning as my parents are 98% sure they are coming with us. And if they come along all my plans change which is neither a good nor a bad thing. The one good thing for me is then I get to go to Epcot which I wouldn't have done if my parents didn't come (hubby was not to thrilled with Epcot and we only spent half day there on honeymoon).

 

[jmskinner]

That will be nice having the Grandparents there. Tell your DH to give Epcot another chance. We didn't care for it either, but have really started to enjoy it now. I know when we first went we just felt there was too much concrete or something. It's kind of odd that all of the rides are hidden in buildings also.

Oh, and Di, I am not an expert..... but I'm working on it.

 

[JPFamilyMom]

Ok, so yesterday I whipped out our travel guides. I have the Birnbaum 2009 Official Guide and the Guide for kids.

I'm putting MK to plan last since I know we will spend most of our time there.

Epcot wasn't even going to be in the plans , but if my parents decide to def. come than that will be getting added (hip hip hooray).

Animal kingdom will be next in my planning, but last night I focused on reading up on everything having to do with the studios.

So here is what I can put together from my chicken scratch on paper and in the books:

Attractions
must sees
*** Playhouse Disney Live on Stage (is this with show times or is an ongoing thing?)
***Toy Story Mania (I'm learning this should probably be the first ride we run to when we get there, is this true?, can you fp this?)
*Honey I shrunk the kids movie set adventure (I believe my son will need some running around time, he is such an active child)
*Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular (how many shows do they usually do each day?)

other things we'd like to do if time permits:
Studio backlot tour
Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show (I've heard I might want ear plugs for the little ones as this is very loud?)
Star Tours (my 3 yo is tall enough, has anyone had experience taking a 4 yo on this ride? is it recommended or not?)
The Great Movie ride (hubby was bored with this one, but I like it)
Block Party bash (is it a fast paced moving parade to hold a little ones attention, my son has a very short attention span)
Fantasmic-to end our night
Jedi training academy (are their times, how long is it, would my son get to participate?)

and of course I need to find Woody and Buzz for pictures and that "oh wow" face from my son

How much realistically could I do in a day with a four year old and one year old going back to the hotel mid day for a nap and dip in the pool? And we are going in June, so I know it's not packed but will still be very crowded.

Here is what I've come up with for dining possibilities:
Hollywood & Vine character meal (though since my son really isn't a fan of those characters I'm not sure it would be worth it)
I was thinking the 50's cafe might be fun for all of us
Sci-fi dine in theater (hubby and I did on honeymoon and enjoyed, but I'd like to do something new)
or should we try and do our "special meal" at one of the hotels or do two special meals in one day on another day and just do to QS this day?
I was thinking of Toy Story Pizza Planet for a QS while in this park
and I know I want to try Min & Bills dock side diner for a quick snack or milk shake (I read that they have the best milk shakes in all the parks)

If my parents tag along I'll drive them nuts , I'm such a planner and they are so not planners , lol.

Keep in mind I'll be taking notes as you all help me along my journey, a friend said I have OCDD (obsessive compulsive Disney Disorder).

 

[jmskinner]

Ok, so yesterday I whipped out our travel guides. I have the Birnbaum 2009 Official Guide and the Guide for kids.

I'm putting MK to plan last since I know we will spend most of our time there.

Epcot wasn't even going to be in the plans , but if my parents decide to def. come than that will be getting added (hip hip hooray).

Animal kingdom will be next in my planning, but last night I focused on reading up on everything having to do with the studios.

So here is what I can put together from my chicken scratch on paper and in the books:

Attractions
must sees
*** Playhouse Disney Live on Stage (is this with show times or is an ongoing thing?)
***Toy Story Mania (I'm learning this should probably be the first ride we run to when we get there, is this true?, can you fp this?)
*Honey I shrunk the kids movie set adventure (I believe my son will need some running around time, he is such an active child)
*Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular (how many shows do they usually do each day?)

other things we'd like to do if time permits:
Studio backlot tour
Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show (I've heard I might want ear plugs for the little ones as this is very loud?)
Star Tours (my 3 yo is tall enough, has anyone had experience taking a 4 yo on this ride? is it recommended or not?)
The Great Movie ride (hubby was bored with this one, but I like it)
Block Party bash (is it a fast paced moving parade to hold a little ones attention, my son has a very short attention span)
Fantasmic-to end our night
Jedi training academy (are their times, how long is it, would my son get to participate?)

and of course I need to find Woody and Buzz for pictures and that "oh wow" face from my son

How much realistically could I do in a day with a four year old and one year old going back to the hotel mid day for a nap and dip in the pool? And we are going in June, so I know it's not packed but will still be very crowded.

Here is what I've come up with for dining possibilities:
Hollywood & Vine character meal (though since my son really isn't a fan of those characters I'm not sure it would be worth it)
I was thinking the 50's cafe might be fun for all of us
Sci-fi dine in theater (hubby and I did on honeymoon and enjoyed, but I'd like to do something new)
or should we try and do our "special meal" at one of the hotels or do two special meals in one day on another day and just do to QS this day?
I was thinking of Toy Story Pizza Planet for a QS while in this park
and I know I want to try Min & Bills dock side diner for a quick snack or milk shake (I read that they have the best milk shakes in all the parks)

If my parents tag along I'll drive them nuts , I'm such a planner and they are so not planners , lol.

Keep in mind I'll be taking notes as you all help me along my journey, a friend said I have OCDD (obsessive compulsive Disney Disorder).

Ok, lets see if I can help you here. Now going in June, we were there this past Summer about the same dates you have tentatively set. So, I know what crowds will be like. Actually, I have the chapters of mine posted on my TR and if you want you can take a look at my pics and would get an idea of the crowds.

First, do just like you are doing, pick your favorites. You won't be able to do it all as you know since you have been before, but it can be different with kids. Ok, I have no experience without the kids, hope to soon though.

TSM, yes go first thing. We went this past 09/27 and got there at 8:30am on an EMH morning. FP's for TSM were already for 10:50 and the standby line was already a 40 minutes wait (I am wondering if it was actually shorter though because I have read a lot of posts of people saying it was shorter.) This ride may not be good for your young one. It whips around quickly. I would look into that.

Indiana Jones Show, I haven't gotten to see this yet. Have made two week long trips in two years and still haven't seen this. We got to see part of it, but a bad storm had rolled in and with the lightning they couldn't rotate the sets.

The Honey I Shrunk the Kids Movie Set is great, but I recommend in the morning before it gets too busy. I took my DS9 once and it was a little scary because there are so many places for them to go. Saw a lot of parents running around trying to find their kids. They have CM's at the entrance/exit so I don't think any could get away, but it still scared me a little. When we went this last time, we got there about 9:30am and I enjoyed it a lot more.

Most of the shows are scheduled and as it gets closer to your trip you can find times posted.

As far as meals. You know your kiddos. As you know, Sci-Fi would keep them entertained (I don't personally care for the food there, but our waitress did run next door to get my DS some chicken nuggets since that is all he eats and they don't have them on the menu!)

Love 50's Primetime. My DS didn't care for it because the waitress wouldn't let him play his gameboy and I got in trouble for giving it back to him. An ADHD child with Sensory Issues can't sit still that long, especially when there is all that activity going on around him. I'd still go back though. I always just pick out where we really want to eat and then plan my days around our meals. Of course, we also end up finding ourselves trying to rush for reservations.

I think your 4yo will do fine on Star Tours. If he likes Star Wars he really will! My DS's favorite!

Sorry, can't help with parades, we have never sat and watched the daytime ones. Oh wait, I just realized you will be there during Star Wars Weekends. I don't think next years dates have been posted, but it is normally in June. If you love Star Wars, it is a lot of fun. It is very crowded on those days, I recommend Friday if you want to attend the SW events, if you want to avoid the SW crowds, go M-TH. And if you love Star Wars, take extra money, we probably spent about $300, if not more, on just SW merchandise! We are geeks ourselves. What I have seen of the Block Bash Parade it did look like fun and I do want to see it. We just never took the time.

I was going to make recommendations for Epcot, but I will wait until you get to that planning point. If I missed anything above, I apologize. Just ask and I would love to help, I love to talk Disney.

Oh, obviously I am OCDD also.
Melissa

 

[JPFamilyMom]

Melissa,

thanks for the tips I only have a minute as I'm being pulled off the computer by my little one.

Part of my over planning on this trip is my 3 yo, he has not yet been diagnosed with adhd because he is too young and in the early stages of all his testing. so should we then avoid 50's cafe? I take many things with me when we eat out to prevent a meltdown, and he is a super picky eater. It will be very interesting to hear your take on everything now knowing about your ds. My son has good days and bad days and I never know when a meltdown is in store for us. I have to show him and tell him everything we are doing in advance for him to be prepared.

ok, must be off, little one needs tending to now. I'll be back on tonight if my dh doesn't take over the computer tonight.

Jessica

 

[ThePin Princess]

i just finished reading all that is above and i'm really liking you PTR. You must be extremely excited to go to disney. I went in Aug. and I wish I never had to leave!

 

[JPFamilyMom]

i just finished reading all that is above and i'm really liking you PTR. You must be extremely excited to go to disney. I went in Aug. and I wish I never had to leave!

Thanks for reading, I'm beyond excited. Especially if my parents come along, it will be nice to have an extra set of helping hands with the boys. And of course to see the look on my sons face, that will be priceless.

 

[Dr_Finkelstein]

Hi there,
I agree with everything JMSkinner recommended about DHS!
I think your 3yo would be fine with Star Tours.
Our twins were 4yo when we first took them, and they were a bit overwhelmed by the Indiana Jones stunt show - it is quite noisy and they were quite restless during it.
They were a bit the same with Fantasmic - my DD refused to open her eyes and actually fell asleep during it, DS enjoyed it though after I persuaded him to open his eyes and look at it!
They loved Playhouse Disney - I think there is quite a few perfomances of it through the day.
Sci-Fi might be better than 50's. At 50's they are very into the 'no elbows on the table, no toys during dinner' theme.....fine for older kids who understand and get into the whole atmosphere and play along, maybe not so much for younger kids who might feel they are just getting told off!
We found our first holiday with them went a lot smoother when we just went at their pace - if they wanted to ride we rode, if they didn't we didn't push.
Di x

 

[jmskinner]

Di gave you a great response of the 50's Primetime. Our experience wasn't bad, it was funny when our waitress brought over another little girl who had her Gameboy taken away and explained how her mother didn't give it back. I just laughed. I need to think of a good response for this restaurant since it is one of my favorites.

Since my Jacob is on medication, (since he was 4 by the way and it was a hard decision, he was kicked out of the base daycare), he doesn't eat lunch. It causes him to not be hungry until 8:00 at night. So, if a restaurant had something he would eat, again chicken nuggets, I would schedule it in the evening. Now, if we wanted to eat somewhere and I knew he wouldn't eat, I'd just schedule it for lunch. I know people think we are horrible not buying food for him and I drive him nuts when I keep asking, "are you sure you don't want to eat". I even offer milkshakes, but he just isn't hungry. Our last stop of the night has always been the food court at the hotel to get him some chicken nuggets and we always have meals left over for him. I also figure it being vacation, if he eats more junk than usual, he will be fine. He would eat two bowls of cereal every morning, so that was good.

One restaurant Jacob loved was Whispering Canyon Cafe. They had lots of activities for the kids. I don't think he ate, but he enjoyed himself. Even put down the gameboy to check out the action.

Not knowing your DS I will say a big help for Jacob has been Occupational Therapy, Language or Speech Therapy, and now Physical Therapy. If you have any questions you can PM me or I don't mind discussing here, just depends how you want your PTR to go.
Melissa

 

[JPFamilyMom]

Di and Melissa,
Thanks for the information on rides and restaurants.

I have now decided 50's cafe would not be the best restaurant for us to visit, at least not on this upcoming trip. And I'm not going to take him to Hollywood and Vine play n dine either, cause he isn't into those characters. So I'm thinking of going to one of the resort restaurants for dinner that evening: Boma or Whispering Canyon Cafe (though I think I scared hubby with what I read on your TR Melissa, lol, he is such a fuddy duddy sometimes).

If it is SW weekend, I think we may try and avoid the SW crowds and go earlier in the week pending what day EMH is, since I only want to do base tickets, I don't think I could park hop with my son and the baby. Although I'm sure my Mom would want to do the SW stuff, so we'll see what she says.

I'm thinking that maybe the Indy Show is something we could skip this trip, but I still want to do the Lights Motors Shows, my DS loves cars, I just might need to pick up some earplugs for him and the baby.

Ok, today is a busy day for us, so I must get going, but I'm going through my books the next few days to see what we will want to do at AK next, then I'll plan Epcot, which is bit overwhelming to me since we didn't spend a lot of time there on our honeymoon (though from your PTR Di, I'm planning/hoping for a trip to Biergarten too). Last still looking at MK because we will spend at least two days in that park. And we are skipping the water parks this trip, the kids are young and will be entertained with the pool, the water parks would be too much for them both.

Plus now I need to consult my parents and see if there is anything they "must" see, though my mom has been to WDW before, pre kids.

Ok, I must be off to prepare for the days events...