Frozen Fun at the Beach Club!Our First Disney Trip Dec. 3- 11*Update 5/1*

[counselormom]

I love It's Tough To Be A Bug too....my nieces have never seen it because they both have horrible phobias about bug's...I have yet to be able to convince them to go...maybe this is the year

Maybe this year, but yes that would not be a good place to go with a bug phobia!

Awesome update, thank you! AK isn't for everybody, I really love it. My two favorite things are the gorillas (could stand and watch them all day long) and something you've GOT to go back and see is Festival of the Lion King. Even if you just go into the park just to see this, it's worth it. I'm confused tho, why did you cancel the reserv for Boma, if younwanted to head back to the BC, you still could have gone to AKL by dinner time by bus from DHS or cab?

Can't wait for more!

Thank you! We didn't even get to see the gorillas and I do wish we had made it to Festival of the Lion King. We have seen the touring "Broadway" show when they came to Oklahoma and it has been our favorite out of all the shows we've been to.
You are right we could have taken a taxi back to AKL and that did cross my mind, and of course now that I'm home I wish we had made the effort, but at the time we were just cold and tired and wanted to stay "home". I will make sure we make it next time, I need to try zebra domes.

I am on board and I can't wait to hear more!

I hope to have another update posted this weekend! Thank you!

 

[counselormom]

YIKES!!! No camera charger. That is, literally, one of my pre-trip recurring nightmares. I dream that I forgot either my camera or the charger.

So sorry you had to cancel your Boma reservation. It was a good plan, but I guess sometimes you've got to know when to fold 'em.

No hot tubs at the Beach Club for us in July. Plus you are right, they are kind of secret.

I'll bet that is a nightmare for you!! I also have a feeling you take care of camera duty at your house I will be doing the same next time!

No, Florida hot tubs in July would not be enjoyable!

Oh my no charger!!!! When we visited the world in November, my DD 4, dropped my Vera bag with my DSLR Canon in it!! I know your pain, we left HS to buy a cheap point and shoot at the nearby Wal-Mart, but its nothing like having "your" camera.

Sorry AK wasn't your favorite park. I would give it another try, my family really likes it, then again HS isn't our favorite. Everyone has different tastes though.

Yes, I know, no charger, can you believe it?? Didn't that just hurt to have to go buy a cheapie camera when you had a very nice one you thought you were going to use. But what to you do, you have to have pictures!

I will give it another try, with an open mind. You are right that everyone has different tastes! I thought we would not like HS as much as the other parks and we loved it!

 

[counselormom]

Great update! I have sweated in AK but I think shivering would be worse.

Can't wait to see how the girls look as princesses. The pirate look will be hard to beat!

Thank you! Yes, I think I will take sweating as well!

I should have a "princess" update up this weekend.

OK, Traci, I actually did have a nightmare last night about forgetting my camera!

We were at a theme park, and for a while it was MK, because I went on Jungle Cruise and missed a perfect closeup shot of a hippo with its mouth open. There was a group of 11-12 of us, I kept counting the kids and getting different numbers. Then I decided to walk to the post office to get my camera out of a safety deposit box while everyone used the rest room, then I would meet up with them. It was a 20 minute round trip.

No DISing before bedtime!

You are too funny! A perfect shot of the hippo's mouth open, that had to make you laugh the next morning. Yep, no DISing for you before bedtime.

 

[counselormom]

on the camera battery dieing and not having the charger - am glad you still managed to get some pictures using disposable cameras

I have heard good reviews of the bug show and am looking forward to seeing it. It's a shame you were unable to eat at Boma but yay on being able to see all the characters towards the end of your time at AK!

Yes, you will have to see the bug show! All the character's were a great surprise!

Sorry that you had a disappointing day and had to cancel your dinner reservations. We've never been to AKL, even though I would love to stay there once. Of course now that the little one is turning 3, we'd have to stay in a villa room because the regular rooms are only for a family of 4 or less.
We always plan about a 1/2 day at AK. As the kids get old enough to ride EE, we might tack on another hour or 2. We like the Safari ride (although maybe it's better when it's not so cold ). I think the Lion King show is my favorite one at Disney. We've enjoyed Rafiki's Planet Watch - which definitely requires a relaxed pace - although we've only done it once. The kids also like Kali River Rapids but definitely NOT a cold weather ride!!!
Overall I think it's a reasonable place to visit if you have enough days. We like 2 days at MK, 2 at Epcot, 1 at DHS, and then if we have an extra day it goes to AK. We also enjoy a relaxed touring style with frequent afternoon downtime!

Amanda

After reading your post, I realize that we missed alot of AK. I will give it a half day when we go again and it's warm. Hopefully, I will have a whole new attitude about it.

 

[counselormom]

Day 6- MK Princess Day

I have a confession to make.... Before you judge me too harshly, remember that this was our first Disney trip and I swear on my Disboards handbook never to do again what I'm about to confess. Really, I didn't think about it being such a no-no until I read about it on the Disboards.

So here goes........ We got into the MK early with our 8:15 Crystal Palace ADR's and didn't actually go there....(there it's out there, now). Instead we took pictures in front of the castle and took our time on Main Street and were the very first in line at the Fantasyland rope. Really, really we were going to go eat but nobody was hungry and I wanted a good castle picture. I got what I deserved though, because I thought I was going to get a picture without anyone else in it and look......

and...

we did get this one.....

But look at this beauty......

I really love that picture, we were the first into Fantasyland and jumped on Peter Pan and conquered the rides we'd missed on Monday before it even got even slightly crowded, it was delighful

Okay, I'm glad that is out of the way and I promise I was a very well-behaved disboards member for the rest of the trip

By this time it was around 10:00 and we were ready for a ride on Big Thunder Mountain. But, when we got there CM's were telling everyone that it was closed and would reopen later. That's when my children spotted Splash Mountain and the begging began. The sun was out but it was still in the upper 40's and I really didn't want to be wet and freezing all day. I couldn't believe they even had the ride running but there were even a few brave souls riding. We stayed and watched for awhile trying to decide, but I just couldn't do it. I promised we would check back later if it warmed up.

I'd read here on the disboards that if you get to Tom Sawyer's Island first thing in the morning and get on the first ferry you might be lucky enough to find a paintbrush. I briefly thought we might rush there on our second MK day but there was so many other things we wanted to ride I decided that would have to wait for another trip. As we walked by the entrance I noticed that no ferries were running and no one was in line, they hadn't even opened yet!! I took my family over there and found out from a CM that the first ferry would run in 15 min. We were in line for about 5 min. when people started lining up behind us, I was whispering the "paintbrush plan" to Ashton and Avery when the Mom of the family behind us said, "We know what you are whispering about!" They were on the hunt for a brush too and we made a deal that if we found two, we would share.

They helped us know where to stand on the ferry to be the first off and when we got there everyone took off running like crazy!! We looked around for quite a while before I spotted one at the top of the entrance to the cave. I showed it to Avery and she ran over and grabbed it. We were so excited, you would have thought we had found gold!!!

We looked around to see if we could find another one for the family we had met in line, but when we saw them they had found one too. We explored the island for a little while and then headed back to turn in our brush and see what we'd won. The CM at the ferry dock gave us Fastpasses for Big Thunder Mountain, and luckily by that time it was back open so we used our FP's to ride it and then grabbed more FP's to ride again.

The girls BBB appt. was set for 11:45, so I knew if we were going to ride Splash Mountain we had to do it this morning because the "splash" would mess up their "do's" if we waited until after BBB. It had warmed up to a downright toasty 50 degrees so I agreed to go for it. I felt better when the CM told us that they turn down the water when it's cold so you don't really get much of a splash. It was cute and fun but I just kept thinking of the drop at the end, turned out it wasn't bad at all and we harldy got wet.

It was about time to head to the Castle for the BBB appt., we stopped for popcorn for Avery and caught the parade as it passed by the castle.

When we arrived at the BBB entrance it was packed with people. When I finally got to the front of the line and gave them my name I was starting to get worried we wouldn't make our 1:15 lunch at the Castle. They assured us it would be fine and after waiting for around 20 min. it was our turn.

Overall, we liked our experience at BBB, but for us it was one of those things you've done once and that is enough. The girls enjoyed their make-over and they received a cute little bag to take home with make-up, nail polish and stickers. Avery loved how she looked in her Sleeping Beauty costume, but I think we all enjoyed Pirate's League a little more.

Up Next: Lunch at the Castle and the rest of our MK Day.

 

[TanzUnited99]

on getting into the park early even though you did not go to CP lol! Am glad you got some castle pics and got to experience Fantasyland with next to no crowds!

How cool that both families found a paintbrush at TSI! Am glad you got to ride Splash Mountain and it wasn't that bad. The girl's makeovers look great!

Am looking forward to reading about lunch at the castle!

 

[DrMomof3]

I never would have thought to make an early ADR to be first in Fantasyland. I don't think that's terrible at all!
Too cool about finding the paintbrush! We've never done Tom Sawyer but I'm thinking it would be fun for my kids.
Love the BBB pics. I signed Jessica up for the first time for our August trip. I think she'll love it!

Amanda

 

[natebenma]

Yeah! An update!



Don't ask about the bananas!

What a spectacular morning at MK! Peter Pan first thing is always our plan!!!

Usually once a trip we will go over to Tom Sawyer Island- Ben loves it there. We are usually on the first raft over, not to look for the paintbrushes, but just because that is how it works out on our touring timetable. I look for the brushes as we are walking, but we don't really search and have not found one. But we are always the first ones at the fort. You don't get FP for that!

I didn't know they turned down the water on Splash when it is cold. That's some neat info!

The girls look adorable all princessed up!

 

[ProudMommyof2]

The girls are adorable! Great update!

Our trip this summer is going to include the stuff we have missed. That includes Tom Sawyer Island.

 

[mermaid764]

Awesome update!

The girls look adorable after their makeovers, and how fun that you were able to find a paintbrush.

I can't even imagine riding splash with the temps being that low, so i'm glad to hear that none of you got too wet.

Can't wait to hear what think of lunch at the castle

 

[firecracker725]

Subbing...

I just love all the extras you put into this trip. You've given me some great ideas for our next trip.

I suckered my hubs into a May trip last year, but booked it in March. I had no idea the planning involved, and we missed out on so many cool opportunities. I now have a Disney Must Do List. Needless to say, our next trip (in about 3 more years) will be planned and booked well in advance.

 

[Queenofallthings]

I learned something new today...I never knew about the paint brushes Great story...can you believe we've never been to TSI...that's so bad....I'll have to talk my nieces in going over this summer

The girls look absolutely gorgeous! They're so cute to begin with how couldn't they? Sounds like such a great morning!

 

[Luvmepluto]

We always rush to Fantasyland and ride Peter Pan! The ride always has a long wait!!! It always amazes me. In all the years that I have been to Disney World, I have never gone to Tom Sawyer's Island......I am sure why.

The girls looked amazing!!!! I love the BBB, but I agree with you....once is enough!

 

[counselormom]

on getting into the park early even though you did not go to CP lol! Am glad you got some castle pics and got to experience Fantasyland with next to no crowds!

How cool that both families found a paintbrush at TSI! Am glad you got to ride Splash Mountain and it wasn't that bad. The girl's makeovers look great!

Am looking forward to reading about lunch at the castle!

Thank you! I thought it was so cool we found a paintbrush, I was more excited than the kids I was happy with the makeovers and I'm really glad I brought Avery's Sleeping Beauty dress instead of buying it there, those prices, oh my !

I never would have thought to make an early ADR to be first in Fantasyland. I don't think that's terrible at all!
Too cool about finding the paintbrush! We've never done Tom Sawyer but I'm thinking it would be fun for my kids.
Love the BBB pics. I signed Jessica up for the first time for our August trip. I think she'll love it!

Amanda

I'm so glad that maybe it wasn't so terrible getting in early. Although the pictures didn't turn out like I thought, I really loved being in Fantasyland before everyone else, it's just the little things like that, that I'm competitive about. Maybe I should take a cue from you and get competitive about something that might do me some good, like running!
I'll bet Jessica is excited about BBB, are you going to get her dress before you go??

Yeah! An update!



Don't ask about the bananas!

What a spectacular morning at MK! Peter Pan first thing is always our plan!!!

Usually once a trip we will go over to Tom Sawyer Island- Ben loves it there. We are usually on the first raft over, not to look for the paintbrushes, but just because that is how it works out on our touring timetable. I look for the brushes as we are walking, but we don't really search and have not found one. But we are always the first ones at the fort. You don't get FP for that!

I didn't know they turned down the water on Splash when it is cold. That's some neat info!

The girls look adorable all princessed up!

Well, that just makes me want to ask about the bananas ????

We will have to go back and explore Tom Sawyer's when we are not so focused on finding a brush!

Thanks about the girls princess outfits, like I said I'm glad we did it but def. a one time thing for us.

 

[counselormom]

The girls are adorable! Great update!

Our trip this summer is going to include the stuff we have missed. That includes Tom Sawyer Island.

Thank you so much! I hope you find a paintbrush too!!!

Awesome update!

The girls look adorable after their makeovers, and how fun that you were able to find a paintbrush.

I can't even imagine riding splash with the temps being that low, so i'm glad to hear that none of you got too wet.

Can't wait to hear what think of lunch at the castle

Thank you, it was fun finding a paintbrush and now I can let it go now that we found one.
Only for my kids would I get on a water ride in the winter when it's 50 something degress outside. Cold was bad enough!!

Subbing...

I just love all the extras you put into this trip. You've given me some great ideas for our next trip.

I suckered my hubs into a May trip last year, but booked it in March. I had no idea the planning involved, and we missed out on so many cool opportunities. I now have a Disney Must Do List. Needless to say, our next trip (in about 3 more years) will be planned and booked well in advance.

All the extras helped me pass the time while waiting. I made flip-flops, t-shirts, jackets, pajamas and the girls each got a little gift each night on their pillows with a schedule of what we were going to do each day.
I'll admit it was a bit much, but I sure had fun making it all. It wasn't so great getting it all home though

The good part about your May trip is that now you have a good idea about what you want to do and what you could skip. There are many things I would have done differently on this trip but I had no idea what we would like and what we wouldn't. Just think of your May trip as a scouting mission for this trip

I learned something new today...I never knew about the paint brushes Great story...can you believe we've never been to TSI...that's so bad....I'll have to talk my nieces in going over this summer

The girls look absolutely gorgeous! They're so cute to begin with how couldn't they? Sounds like such a great morning!

I can't believe you didn't know about the paintbrushes! I thought you knew all things Disney Well, I'm proud then to tell you something about Disney you didn't know.
Thank you so much for the sweet compliment about the girls!!

We always rush to Fantasyland and ride Peter Pan! The ride always has a long wait!!! It always amazes me. In all the years that I have been to Disney World, I have never gone to Tom Sawyer's Island......I am sure why.

The girls looked amazing!!!! I love the BBB, but I agree with you....once is enough!

I don't think we would have bothered either if Big Thunder had been up and running, we probably would have skipped right over it.

Thanks so much about the girls, yep once is enough.

 

[natebenma]

Well, that just makes me want to ask about the bananas ????

Thanks about the girls princess outfits, like I said I'm glad we did it but def. a one time thing for us.

I posted this comment on a day there was a little "trouble" on the Beach Club board. A poster had made a comment that was interpreted as a criticism of me for pointing out that some information that someone was looking for could be found on page 1.

Well, my good friends Amanda (drmomof3), disneymomx7 and katesdad all defended me beautifully.

Turns out the OP was making a joke, at her own expense. Others pointed out that if she had used we all would have understood that the comment wasn't serious.

So pretty much the rest of the day's posts all included

**********************************

Have to share this story about a friend of mine who recently went to Disney with her 5 year old daughter. They had an appointment at BBB. As soon as the makeover was finished, the daughter FREAKED out. She was uncomfortable and would not calm down until they returned to their resort, shed the dress and took a shower to wash out all of the hair stuff. My friend jokes that it was worlds most expensive 15 minute makeover.

 

[onescgirl]

I loved your last update! Too bad you didn't get a family picture w/out anyone in the background like you wanted, but I think it still looks great!!!
I've never heard about the paintbrush at TSI before. I'll have to remember that next time.
The girls looked beautiful with their BBB attire & princess hair. I cannot wait to see your next post of eating in the castle!

 

[counselormom]

I posted this comment on a day there was a little "trouble" on the Beach Club board. A poster had made a comment that was interpreted as a criticism of me for pointing out that some information that someone was looking for could be found on page 1.

Well, my good friends Amanda (drmomof3), disneymomx7 and katesdad all defended me beautifully.

Turns out the OP was making a joke, at her own expense. Others pointed out that if she had used we all would have understood that the comment wasn't serious.

So pretty much the rest of the day's posts all included



**********************************

Have to share this story about a friend of mine who recently went to Disney with her 5 year old daughter. They had an appointment at BBB. As soon as the makeover was finished, the daughter FREAKED out. She was uncomfortable and would not calm down until they returned to their resort, shed the dress and took a shower to wash out all of the hair stuff. My friend jokes that it was worlds most expensive 15 minute makeover.

Okay, I understand the bananas now. What nice disfriends!

Oh, your poor friend! I hope she at least got a few pictures first. Kids are funny, the things you think they will love, they hate!

 

[counselormom]

I loved your last update! Too bad you didn't get a family picture w/out anyone in the background like you wanted, but I think it still looks great!!!
I've never heard about the paintbrush at TSI before. I'll have to remember that next time.
The girls looked beautiful with their BBB attire & princess hair. I cannot wait to see your next post of eating in the castle!

Thank you, it didn't make it onto the Christmas card as I had planned though.
I am so surprised at the Diser's who don't know about the paintbrush, yes next time you will have to make a trip over there and see if you can snag one too.
Thank you about BBB. Castle pics coming up!

 

[counselormom]

Hello everyone, I know it has been a few weeks since my last update.
Real life has been so busy!!! As the school counselor at my elementary school I am in charge of organizing state testing on top of my already too full schedule. The students tested last week and I will be giving make-up tests and preparing the tests to be sent back next week. I come home from work in the evening already tired and there are still all the kids activities and all the other "Mom" duties. The end of the school year also brings Ashton's birthday and school party to plan as well as all the end of the year activities. I signed up to be in charge of her 6th grade party (along w/another mom) , the party is in a few weeks and I haven't even started on it yet Anyway , I know I'm talking to lots of other busy Moms who will let me whine! I am just so ready for summer, when everything just stops, no school, no activites. Ahhh, I can't wait !!

More than once I have looked at the computer wanting to catch up on everyone's trip reports and update my own but couldn't find the time.

But.......I just came into the living room and the kids are upstairs watching Tangled and Robert is unloading the dishwasher! I was so happy, I would rather clean toilets than unload the dishwasher!
So, I think I have found a few minutes to do a quick update of our lunch at the Castle and the rest of our day at MK. This update will be heavy on the pictures and light on the commentary, but here goes....