For the Love of Disney - Dec 5-13

[beyondblessed]

FUTURE TRIP? NOPE, NOT FOR AWHILE!

I haven't quite gotten this far in my trip report yet but we did book a bounce back offer before we left. We had originally planned to return to Disney the same week next year (Dec 4-11) but those plans recently came to a screeching halt! I'm okay with it...I thought there was NOTHING that would stop me from going back and if we had to cancel there was no way I'd ever be happy about it. Well, there is actually one reason that is worth giving up a Disney trip for.....we are expecting a new baby just days before we would have left.

Yep, I'm pregnant and due 11/29. We are so super excited!

We seriously considered trying last year shortly after my Dad died...I think when big things happen like that you are forced to take a look at your own life. We knew we wanted another but had to think with our heads and not our hearts. Financially, it made much more sense for us to wait a year. Hayley would be out of private school (no more tuition) and Caya would be out of daycare. I know, I know...if you wait until you're ready, it will never happen. I agree but I also enjoy having a roof over my head and being able to feed my family! We decided March was a good time to try...that's when we got pregnant with Caya and I loved being off over the holidays plus it's between coaching seasons for Travis and also gives him (hopefully) Thanksgiving and Christmas break to have more time at home with us. I feel very blessed that our prayers were answered so quickly.

Thanks for letting me share our news....now on to another update! Katie (BippityBoo) is making me look really, really bad with all her updates!

UP NEXT: DEC 7 - ANIMAL KINGDOM

 

[klacey1]

Congratulations!! That is just wonderful, wonderful news! I hope you are blessed with a happy, healthy baby! Have you thrown around names at all yet?

 

[disney<333]

Congratulations Nikky!! I'm so happy for you guys. That's so exciting! Do the girls know? I bet they will be super excited. Caya and Hayley are going to make great big sisters! Emily was supposed to be born on 11-29 but was born two weeks earlier. I'd take a baby over Disney any day. You need a baby ticker. Are you guys hopping for a boy or a girl?
Can't wait for your next TR update.

 

[cdotla]

Wow!!! Congrats! That is certainly good reason to cancel a trip!

All the best to you and your family!

 

[micandminforever]

Congratulation on your wonderful news.

My DH was a High School Chemistry teacher and coached Football and Basketball, so I know how it is to plan life around sports and school. In fact at the time we got married I was teaching middle school math and coaching cheerleaders. We set our wedding date the week between cheerleading camp and basketball camp. Now we are both retired from teaching and get to plan life a different way.

 

[BippityBoo]

WOOOHOO!!! What AMAZING news Are you going to find out what the baby is? I am sure the girls are beyond excited! Congrats to you and your beautiful family---I can not wait to follow along with your progress

First of all, thank you so much for the TR compliments! I am trying REALLY hard to get mine finished so that I can start my PTR for December. I am really hoping to be able to do that on May 17th (right before we make our ADRs). Even though I am way more excited for your little bundle of joy, I would have loved to meet you guys in WDW. We are probably going to be there around the same time you went last year.

Keep us updated and again...CONGRATS!

 

[beyondblessed]

Monday, December 7th ~ Animal Kingdom
Weather: 76 high (warm/HUMID), Mostly Sunny

I got up at 7:00, showered and got ready. Then I got the girls ready and bags packed while Travis got ready. We were at the bus stop for Animal Kingdom by 8:20. The bus was waiting for us when we got there. Our goal was to make it there by 9:00 for park opening. We got there by 8:35 and as I was wondering what their “opening” was like, we were told that resort guests could enter through the right gates. That’s when I realized it was Extra Magic Hours. Geesh – I have NEVER seen a park opening EVER in my almost 20 trips to Disney. We went straight to Expedition Everest – we were going to ride it, get fastpasses for the Safari and then head to our breakfast at Tusker House (right by the Safari). Wouldn’t you know it – Expedition Everest wasn’t running. Quick change of plans – we got fastpasses for it instead and headed to Dinoland.



We rode:

*Tricera Top Spin
*Dinosaur



And stood in line to see Goofy and Pluto (because there was only one person in front of us).







We headed over to Africa to check in for our 10:20 dining reservation at Donald’s Breakfastosaurus @ Tusker House. We waited quite awhile for this one.





This is Caya talking on the restaurant pager!



They took our picture and seated us probably close to 10:40. The breakfast was really good (especially the Mickey waffles). We got autographs and pictures with:

*Mickey
*Donald
*Daisy
*Pluto





We saw this little guy on a brick ledge as we were leaving breakfast.



After breakfast we were able to get fastpasses for the Safari and then headed over to Everest to use our other fastpasses. We stopped at the “Monkey Mansion” for quite awhile. We were all mesmerized by these tiny little human like creatures. Daredevils, I tell you!!!





Hayley didn’t feel so good so she stayed with Caya while Travis and I rode:

*Expedition Everest

We walked right on with our fastpasses. It was super fun!!! We began the long trek back over to the safari, stopping to admire the Tree of Life..



...and ran into Divine. She’s so beautiful and graceful. I love watching her and more importantly seeing other people when they see her for the first time.







This guy was doing some serios flirting (even dirty dancing) with Divine.



We had about a 5 minute wait for:

*Safari

It was just enough to enjoy the theme of the queue. Hayley and Caya LOVED this ride. We had a very good driver and got to sit in the front row so her talked with the girls quite a bit. I almost got a kiss from an Ostrich right on the road. It was such a cute little guy.











We left here to go see Nemo but the theater was rull so headed over to

*Lion King

instead. I have seen it before but it seemed even better this time. I really, really liked it and so did Trav and the girls.





We left Animal Kingdom at about 3:30pm and took the bus to the Grand Floridian because it happened to be there! I loved having these options.

UP NEXT: POLY EVENING FUN

 

[beyondblessed]

Monday, December 7 - Poly Evening Fun


We walked around the Grand Floridian for a bit and browsed the gift shops and then took the monorail back to Poly.







I took a shower when we got back (it was hot by this point) and we spent the rest of the night relaxing around the resort.

Funnin' on the beach:



























And inside Poly:









After the 9:00 Electrical Water Pageant we headed back to the room, got the girls showered/bathed and laid down to watch a little TV before bed. We were all pretty tired so it was an early night. Sweet dreams!

Favorite Rides of the Day
Travis: Expedition Everest
Nikky: Safari
Hayley: Safari
Caya: Safari

Favorite Character of the Day
Hayley: Mickey
Caya: Mickey

Favorite Part of the Day
Hayley: Safari
Caya: Breakfast with the characters

UP NEXT: DEC 8 - MAGIC KINGDOM - PART 1

 

[kcandbella]

Congratulations! Soooo happy for your family! That is such exciting news!

Your AK day and evening at the Poly look like so much fun. Your pics all turned out so good. It looks like you had some great family time on the beach!

 

[Kewz1]

I found your TR today and read it all in one sitting!

Your girls are beautiful and it looks like they had a wonderful time. I hope this trip was everything you needed it to be.

Looking forward to hearing about the rest of your stay.

Kristen

 

[SRUAlmn]

I found your TR today and read it all in one sitting!

Your girls are beautiful and it looks like they had a wonderful time. I hope this trip was everything you needed it to be.

Looking forward to hearing about the rest of your stay.

Kristen

I did the same thing! I agree. Your girls are beautiful! They have such pretty eyes Can't wait for the next update

 

[Charlefours]

Congratulations Nikky!!! I am so excited and happy for you.

Your photos are just amazing! The safari ones are just beautiful!

Looking forward to reading about your next day. :

 

[ariel1025]

I just found your TR and read through the whole thing! You have such a beautiful family Congratulations on the new addition!!!

 

[LOVEMY3KIDDOS]

Hi!!! I was gone for so long...kinda glad you were too so I didn't miss your whole trip!!! So great...the pix, meals, rides!! Congrats on the little one!!! Maybe you'll get a boy this time! Either way, your daughters are beautiful and i'm sure this one will be too!

 

[jordanyosh]

Congrats on the pregnancy.....

What a great day at AK... you got a ton done!

What great resort hoppin!!!!

Who's the photographer in the family? do both of you do the picture taking because the pix are fantastic.

 

[praisehisname]

Congratulations! What awesome news!!! Have you found out what you're having, or do you like to be surprised?

 

[beyondblessed]

Tuesday, December 8th ~ Magic Kingdom Opening & Breakfast @ Cindy's
Weather: 80 high HOT,Sunny

Finally our first full day at Magic Kingdom. The alarm went off at 7:00am and surprisingly I was actually ready to get out of bed. I got up and showered first, then Trav, then Hayley (Caya is just going to be dirty today). We were ready and out the door by 8:20. We headed to the monorail, enjoying the bright sunny Florida morning on the way. We got on the monorail and headed to MK for opening. We made it. Can you believe in all my years and all my trips I have NEVER seen the park opening at any park. I’m so mad at myself now. I LOVED the show. I was standing there in a sea of hundreds of people bawling my eyes out. No one was anxious, no one was pushing, no kids were whining….everyone just patiently waited and then watched the show. My kids were completely enchanted and I think even my husband was having a tender moment! What a feeling! I will remember this moment for the rest of my life.

















We were able to walk down Main Street before the park officially opened. We saw Alice running off into the fog...she must have been late for a very important date! haha





We were stopped at Cinderella’s castle for a brief moment. At 9:00 the herds pushed through. We just let them push us. We got fastpasses for Peter Pan and then we rode:

*Dumbo
*Cinderella’s Golden Carousel (never did locate Cindy’s horse).





The girls each took a turn at the Sword and the Stone – that sucker just won’t budge!





At 9:20 we had reservations for breakfast at Cinderella’s Castle. I really debated this one. We have eaten here on our last couple trips and I just kept thinking that I didn’t want to use 2 dining credits for “this”. Surprisingly, my husband insisted. I guess this was his favorite character meals and I didn’t even realize….must be the “hot” princesses! Of course my family won and I gave in. I’m so glad I did. We got right in to have our picture with Cinderella.



I kind of miss having the Fairy Godmother down there…she’s so cute! The picture was actually good and is included in the meal price. The food was actually better than I remembered. They bring out fruit and a basket of pastries and muffins. I had the French Toast (YUM), Travis had the omelet…he liked it but finished off my French Toast and said he preferred the toast. Hayley and Caya both had French Toast Sticks. The princesses were amazing here. Snow White sat right down in Caya’s chair and pulled her onto her lap. She colored with her for a minute and then posed for pictures. All of the spent quite a bit of time and a few made it around to our tables twice.















About half way through our breakfast, they dimmed the lights…the girls were each given a wand and a wishing star. They had to close their eyes, make a wish (while holding the wishing star) and then use their wand to say “Bippity Boppity Boo”. It was just precious to see because you know they really truly think they are making their wish come true.







*** 8 Table Service (Total Used=12)


UP NEXT: DEC 8 - MAGIC KINGDOM - PART 2

 

[beyondblessed]

Tuesday, December 7th ~ Magic Kingdom Morning

We left breakfast and immediately ran into Peter Pan on our way to his ride so we stopped for pictures and autographs.





We then rode:

*Peter Pan (with Fast Pass)
*Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh

So ruined by ToT that she was scared to ride Pooh. Awww!


*Coffee Cups (aka Tea Cups)

Looks like Caya took this one herself...












We then headed over to Toon Town and rode:

*Barnstormer (3 times)

And went into:

*Mickey’s House



*Minnie’s House





*Judges Tent

*The boat and other play areas



We saw Prince Phillip and got pictures and autographs.

It was almost time for Story Time with Belle so we headed over there to get a couple good seats. I’m glad we got there early…I don’t remember this ever filling up and it was full by the time the show started. We had a magical moment here. Belle comes out and picks a few people to play characters as she tells the story. She picked Hayley to play the part of Papa. If you didn’t read my PTR, we are taking this trip in honor of my Dad who passed away 1/24/09 and wanted us to take a trip instead of plan a funeral. My girls call him Papa! I was a little teary but held it together. Hayley did a fabulous job playing the part of Papa and we loved this little quiet time.








UP NEXT: DEC 8 - MAGIC KINGDOM - PART 3

 

[BippityBoo]

GREAT update I know what you mean about the Opening Show at MK! We just did our first one on this past trip and we were so goosebumped and teary eyed! Just wonderful!!

We had to skip out on our Cindy Breakfast last time. I really want to try again after seeing your pics. LOVED how Snow White colored with your DD. How special

The Belle storytime is another one we would like to try. So happy your DD got picked--and how special it was to be Poppa!

Can't wait to read about the rest of your day

 

[beyondblessed]

Tuesday, December 8th ~ Mid-day

It was now almost time for the Move It Shake It parade so we grabbed some popcorn and found a nice shady spot across from the castle. Caya enjoyed some posing as we waited...







I LOVED this parade and so did Caya. Travis and Hayley enjoyed watching us! Haha The parade comes and stops right in front of you. The kids are then invited to come into the street and have a dance party. It’s very interactive and there are a million cast members that help get the kids into it. Caya was walking hand in hand with Jessie from Toy Story and was in heaven.











Immediately following this was the Dream Along With Mickey castle show. Caya and I stayed while Travis and Hayley went to go ride Space Mountain. Unfortunately for them, it was closed so they grabbed a couple fastpasses decided to try Stitches Great Escape and HATED it. Caya and I enjoyed the show. She was sooo into it. There are a couple parts that get a little scary…she’s not a big fan of Maleficent and she is in the show. It’s cute to watch her intense expressions.









Caya and I took our time walking around the castle and headed to Tomorrowland to meet up with Trav and Hayley. We rode:

*Tomorrowland Transit Authority

We got to see Space Mountain with the lights on.


Travis and Hayley used their fastpasses to ride:

*Space Mountain

While Caya and I rode:

*Buzz Lightyear (then the 4 of all rode together)

We decided to head to Frontierland after this. We ran into “Push” the talking trashcan along the way. He talked about Caya (and her pink dress) and she was super impressed. I was super excited to see the talker.







Once we got to Frontierland, we rode

*Big Thunder Mountain Railroad





We decided it was time for a snack so we stopped at an Ice-Cream Cart.

Travis: Toffee Crunch Bar
Nikky: Mickey Ears
Hayley: Chocolate Covered Frozen Banana
Caya: Dibs

*** 4 Snacks

We took them down to the landing at Tom Sawyer’s Island. It was a nice cool place to sit down, relax and enjoy our ice-cream.


UP NEXT: DEC 8 - MAGIC KINGDOM - PART 4