Ghosts, and Villians, and Disney, Oh My! An October PTR- Link to TR

[longing2Batdisney]

What a wonderfully magical day! It is Disney, right?!? I have heard very little horror stories of lost items there, which is not to say some have mot been swindled but so far I have not heard a bad story. Dayne had lost Danny's keys 2009 during Fantasmic at DHS, I just knew they were swept away with the trash. No, Lost and Found had them bright and early for our ride home!

Sorry about your bus ride... it seems the worse rides are the ones after a really long day!

{Ashley, I wanted to mention if you ever want to meet up for the boys to play on a Wednesday, I would love that. I don't have Chloe on Wednesday and Dayne is still using my car on Tuesday and Thursday's. I know the boys would love to meet and play...Ashton is so anxious to meet a little boy his age--all his friends are girls-}
Connie

 

[laashley]

I love love love all of your pictures in the latest update. I can never get my nighttime pics to turn out worth a hoot.

Thanks. I have many blurry pictures as well. These are the only ones that turned out okay. I would love a D-SLR, but for now a point and shoot works alright.

What a wonderfully magical day! It is Disney, right?!? I have heard very little horror stories of lost items there, which is not to say some have mot been swindled but so far I have not heard a bad story. Dayne had lost Danny's keys 2009 during Fantasmic at DHS, I just knew they were swept away with the trash. No, Lost and Found had them bright and early for our ride home!

Sorry about your bus ride... it seems the worse rides are the ones after a really long day!

{Ashley, I wanted to mention if you ever want to meet up for the boys to play on a Wednesday, I would love that. I don't have Chloe on Wednesday and Dayne is still using my car on Tuesday and Thursday's. I know the boys would love to meet and play...Ashton is so anxious to meet a little boy his age--all his friends are girls-}
Connie

That is Disney for you, turn a scary situation into a happy one! I mean where else rewards you with fp's for loosing your own items. Car keys lost, oh that could have been bad, but not in Disney!!!

One day I would like to fly to WDW, but I still would rent a car. Not a fan of the buses at ALL, but that has more to do with our monster of a stroller and the age of the kids.

Would love to get Noah and Ashton together, Noah has pre-k on wednesday (well M, W, and F) but he could skip it one wednesday. Let me know when you are thinking and where. Just not October 20, but I bet you know that already.

 

[laashley]

Tonight I have been playing around with my dining reservations. Why you ask? Well, I am trying hard to fit in MSEP. I am hoping we can go on the saturday we come in, but the only way will be is if we can leave friday and drive atleast 4 hours. Then finish the rest of the drive saturday morning, arriving in WDW by 4 pm. Sounds easy enough, except the part that Chris has to swap with someone so he can be off both friday and saturday night. Still not so bad, but then friday is also parent/teacher conference at Chloe's school. I need to go to that and have to find a place for Chloe to go and still be able to bring and pick up Noah from school (well, hopefully he can go to school that day). I have neighbors that are willing to help out with Chloe, but they also have p/t conferences that day, so they will help if they can. I am sure it could all work out, but it really is alot of variables.

Now I am looking at a back-up plan by playing around with the ADR's trying to swap my MK (19th now) and AK (20th now) days. Only problem there is I have to give up my 1900 PF dinner. I am going to keep trying to get an earlier ADR there, but I did book Liberty Tree Tavern if I can not get an earlier 1900 PF.

So here are the questions, bet you knew that was coming. 1900 Park Fare or Liberty Tree Tavern for dinner? Is LTT worth giving up 1900 PF dinner? Or do you possibly think 1900 PF is worth missing MSEP for? I did book a 1900 PF breakfast on the 21st and I also still have 'Ohana booked that same morning. What about that, 1900 PF or 'Ohana for breakfast?

 

[longing2Batdisney]

Hey Ashley,
boy you have really been giving this some thought...
I can't help with any of it....but, if I were choosing between Ohana's and 1900 for breakfast I think I would choose Ohana's. Heard a lot of great stuff about both, but I think Ashton would prefer the Ohana atmosphere to 1900, JMO.
your Friday before you leave sounds really really booked...

OT: I had suggested a Wed because I don't have Chloe on Wed...but she comes every other Tuesday. Maybe we can plan something on a Tuesday I don't have her...but for a tuesday I have to wait for Dayne to have his car running (he and Danny are redoing his engine), so I can have my car (dayne goes to school on T and TH and is currently using my car)...we'll find a time soon. Till than...
Connie

 

[laashley]

Hey Ashley,
boy you have really been giving this some thought...
I can't help with any of it....but, if I were choosing between Ohana's and 1900 for breakfast I think I would choose Ohana's. Heard a lot of great stuff about both, but I think Ashton would prefer the Ohana atmosphere to 1900, JMO.
your Friday before you leave sounds really really booked...

OT: I had suggested a Wed because I don't have Chloe on Wed...but she comes every other Tuesday. Maybe we can plan something on a Tuesday I don't have her...but for a tuesday I have to wait for Dayne to have his car running (he and Danny are redoing his engine), so I can have my car (dayne goes to school on T and TH and is currently using my car)...we'll find a time soon. Till than...
Connie

I am such an over-thinker! Poor Chris just has to laugh at me sometimes. I know that everything will work out and we will have a great trip, just have to stress about it first. The friday before we leave will really be crazy, I sure hope I will have everything ready to go on thursday (that way if we can leave on friday we will be ready to head out).

Tuesdays are definitely good for us. Hopefully, we can have a dismeet soon!

 

[skier_pete]

Hmmm, I can't help you much with that latest quandary. We ate at 1900 PF in 2006, back when it was Cinderella, Prince Charming, and the mice. (Now it's the step-family.) The food was quite good, but it wasn't anything special. I have it planned for this trip because I want to see the step-sisters...but I would not in the least feel bad missing it unless your kids are really, really into Cinderella - and even then, the step-sisters could possibly freak them out - I would probably pick seeing MSEP over 1900 PF.

WE have not eaten at LTT for dinner. We had lunch there in 2007 and it was very good, but the dinner is very different. Since they took away the characters I have no interest in this.

I think choosing between Ohana and 1900 PF for breakfast is really dependent on witch characters you'd rather see: Lilo, Stitch. Mickey and Pluto versus Mary Poppins, Alice & Mad Hatter. Either that or which resort you want to check out.

 

[laashley]

Hmmm, I can't help you much with that latest quandary. We ate at 1900 PF in 2006, back when it was Cinderella, Prince Charming, and the mice. (Now it's the step-family.) The food was quite good, but it wasn't anything special. I have it planned for this trip because I want to see the step-sisters...but I would not in the least feel bad missing it unless your kids are really, really into Cinderella - and even then, the step-sisters could possibly freak them out - I would probably pick seeing MSEP over 1900 PF.

WE have not eaten at LTT for dinner. We had lunch there in 2007 and it was very good, but the dinner is very different. Since they took away the characters I have no interest in this.

I think choosing between Ohana and 1900 PF for breakfast is really dependent on witch characters you'd rather see: Lilo, Stitch. Mickey and Pluto versus Mary Poppins, Alice & Mad Hatter. Either that or which resort you want to check out.

Good points! I think the reason I am trying so hard to keep the 1900 PF dinner is for ME. Neither of my kids really like the movie, gasp. Now if the mice were still there they might have a small interest, but I really want to see the stepsisters and stepmother. If we don't make the dinner then we could just try our best to see them in MK or for MNSSHP, but I like that if we go to the dinner then we don't have to try to find them.

I think we would enjoy LTT, but it is more about making sure we have enough table service restaurants.

Think the kids would be happy with either 'Ohana or 1900 PF breakfast characters. I would like to make it over to the Grand Floridian to take a peak around and I know if we have a meal there that I will definitely get to do that. We have an 'Ohana dinner, so I know I will get to see the Poly.

I treat every vacation like it could be the last, so I tend to want to do it all. Dh just laughs at me, he knows that when we get the ap's I will figure out a way for us to go as a family again before they expire! So, I think I need to start telling myself next time on some things. Now whether or not I can do that is another story!

 

[Nermel9]

I love all the MK pictures! I'm not a big fan of the pineapple dole whips, but I love the citrus swirl ones! I'm going to have to try the pineapple and vanilla swirl this time, or a float, I think I might like something like that better!

I don't know what to tell you about your dinner dilemma! I don't really know too much about 1900 Park Fare, I've never really been interested in it, but I'm sure whatever you decide will be great, I have yet to be disappointed by an ADR at Disney!

 

[DisneyFirefly]

Since it looks like your party will really be happy with either, I'd probably just flip a coin. Or ask the kids who they'd rather have dinner with, I guess...

 

[onescgirl]

I have a confession to make, I found another outfit I might just have to buy. I have been debating it, but it is just too cute. 2 days ago I got a catalog in the mail. Here is a pic, it is reversable.

Only problem it is on backorder through the 4th of october. Don't know if I would get it in time.

Thanks, and today I put Chloe's hair in pigtails and had to take a picture, might have to share it!

And thanks for the birthday wishes for Noah!

That is the cutest outfit! She will look adorable

So here are the questions, bet you knew that was coming. 1900 Park Fare or Liberty Tree Tavern for dinner? Is LTT worth giving up 1900 PF dinner? Or do you possibly think 1900 PF is worth missing MSEP for? I did book a 1900 PF breakfast on the 21st and I also still have 'Ohana booked that same morning. What about that, 1900 PF or 'Ohana for breakfast?

I have not been to LTT, but my kids really enjoyed 1900 Park Fare.

 

[skier_pete]

I treat every vacation like it could be the last, so I tend to want to do it all. Dh just laughs at me, he knows that when we get the ap's I will figure out a way for us to go as a family again before they expire! So, I think I need to start telling myself next time on some things. Now whether or not I can do that is another story!

That was the great thing about getting them, and doing three trips in one year. Especially our mini-trip in April we simply decided that if we miss something, we won't sweat it. There was lots we missed (Space Mountain, Soarin', Test Track, I skipped ToT which is one of my favorites), but we knew we'd be back in 6 months! Yay for APs.

 

[starann]

I'm not sure how I got so far behind over here! Gotta get caught up!

I have not eaten at 1900...but I ahve had dinner at LTT. It was ok. It was better with the characters (the interaction was quite cute!). Does 1900 PF have character for dinner? If so I'd say try to keep that.

off to get some 'reading' done!

 

[starann]

Doh, I jsut posted something but it erased itself!!!

I'm not sure how it happened, but I got behind. Guess I have some catching up to do!

I have never eaten at 1900PF but I have had both dinner and lunch at LTT. We are doing lunch at LTT this time around. The dinner was better when they had characters (the interaction was pretty good!). Does 1900 PF have characters? I would say try to get that!

off to get some reading done

 

[starann]

Looks like it actually didn't erase it's self! Sorry for the double post!

 

[laashley]

I love all the MK pictures! I'm not a big fan of the pineapple dole whips, but I love the citrus swirl ones! I'm going to have to try the pineapple and vanilla swirl this time, or a float, I think I might like something like that better!

I don't know what to tell you about your dinner dilemma! I don't really know too much about 1900 Park Fare, I've never really been interested in it, but I'm sure whatever you decide will be great, I have yet to be disappointed by an ADR at Disney!

Well, I think it was the pineapple/vanilla swirl ones I liked. Guess it might have been the citrus ones, I know they have both, but not real sure since I didn't order them. Maybe this time I need one of each of the swirls! Yep, sounds like a plan! You must try the float, so delish! I know that is what the kids will want and they will have to share with me this time!

Your right, it's Disney, can't go wrong. Think I have had a bit too much of the kool-aid.

Since it looks like your party will really be happy with either, I'd probably just flip a coin. Or ask the kids who they'd rather have dinner with, I guess...

Right now I am at the point of asking the kids, even though they have no idea we are going yet. It really is getting hard to keep the trip from them. They know about Universal, but don't know it is the same place as Disney, but I think they may be catching on, as I keep saying Orlando.

Unfortunately, no characters are at LTT, so that is why I would prefer to go to 1900 PF. Chef Mickey's and Crystal Palace are also all booked that night. I am really hoping we will get to WDW by 3pm on the 16th and we would just go to MSEP that evening and leave everything else the same. Just trying to cover all my bases, over-thinker and over-planner that I am.

That is the cutest outfit! She will look adorable



I have not been to LTT, but my kids really enjoyed 1900 Park Fare.

I will be stoked if I am able to order it, right now it is just saying out of stock.

1900 Park Fare sounds like so much fun, I think the kids would love the stepsisters. LTT sounds like a scrumptous(sp.?) meal, but no characters.

 

[laashley]

That was the great thing about getting them, and doing three trips in one year. Especially our mini-trip in April we simply decided that if we miss something, we won't sweat it. There was lots we missed (Space Mountain, Soarin', Test Track, I skipped ToT which is one of my favorites), but we knew we'd be back in 6 months! Yay for APs.

I just wish we had thought to get the AP's in April. Would have saved me lots of money on tickets. I am hoping for 3 trips with the AP's!

I'm not sure how I got so far behind over here! Gotta get caught up!

I have not eaten at 1900...but I ahve had dinner at LTT. It was ok. It was better with the characters (the interaction was quite cute!). Does 1900 PF have character for dinner? If so I'd say try to keep that.

off to get some 'reading' done!

Hmm... LTT just okay. I actually would have one table service too many, so I might just cancel that in the long run. 1900 PF has Cinderella, Prince Charming, the stepsisters and the stepmother, suppose to have some good interaction.

Looks like it actually didn't erase it's self! Sorry for the double post!

sneaky post.

 

[Chelley00]

We did LTT our first trip, and it was great but that was when it had characters. The food is like a typical Thanksgiving dinner. DD and I did the 1900 Park Fare dinner, and while the food was good, our character interaction stunk. Not sure if it was just an off night, or if it was because it was just her and I and it's hard to interact with just 2 people, but I was a little disappointed in the characters that night.

If I had to chose, I'd do 1900, just because we LOVE character meals. I always book as many as I can

 

[laashley]

We did LTT our first trip, and it was great but that was when it had characters. The food is like a typical Thanksgiving dinner. DD and I did the 1900 Park Fare dinner, and while the food was good, our character interaction stunk. Not sure if it was just an off night, or if it was because it was just her and I and it's hard to interact with just 2 people, but I was a little disappointed in the characters that night.

If I had to chose, I'd do 1900, just because we LOVE character meals. I always book as many as I can

I am really hoping to keep the 1900 PF. Wouldn't be so happy if I skipped MSEP for a bad character meal though. I am sure it was just an off night when you went.

 

[laashley]

April 22- Animal Kingdom

Having been up so late the night before it was so hard getting the kids up. Today was Earth Day and we had decided to spend it at

Not only was it Earth Day, but we were also going to be special guests of a CM, Dustin, who was a friend of a friend of the Benders. We arrived at AK about 10 minutes early and rushed through the crowded all the way to the front of the mob to be let in early to the park. We were getting some pretty nasty stares from all the people still behind the ropes! It was nice to be ahead of the crowds. Dustin was leading the way to

Being Earth Day we really weren’t expecting any special treatment (the park was supposed to be packed because they had some special things going on), but Dustin brought us straight to Kilimanjaro Safaris. We were off on our own personal safari with a very into-character guide.

I was taking video most of the time, so we didn’t get many pictures of it. This picture is dh’s best attempt at photographing the lions,

as usual they were being lazy (you can only see the top of one of them). Now our safari was over and we met back up with Dustin and he gave us a few tips then said he would meet us back on the bridge to Africa before the parade. Close to the exit there is a face painting station and all the kids wanted to do it. I wasn’t sure if Noah would sit still for long enough to get his whole face done. Noah all ready to be brave-

Then a couple of the kids in the transformation process-

And finally all finished-

Where is Noah’s? Well, I can’t keep that kid to stand still for a minute for me to take a pic.

Then we headed to Pangani Forest Trail. The kids all participated in a “green” shopping experience and each got a cute earth day button. We saw many animals on the trail, but our favorite were the gorillas. I could watch them all day. Again, I had the video camera, so Chris was taking pictures and didn’t get many.

Walking and what next?

Nope not yet. First to

Visiting with some characters.

We skipped the others, including Mickey because we were famished. We were looking for someplace pretty close, wanted to come back and see Festival of the Lion King. Pizzafari it was. The pizza’s there were quite yummy. If you are wondering about Chloe (because she doesn’t eat pizza) she got the mac’n’cheese.

 

[laashley]

Off to FoTLK we went, but we stopped first to visit with Lilo and Stitch. While waiting in line the kids saw these cutouts and had to have their pictures taken.

Then it was time for our favorite alien…

Finally, we were off to

We enjoyed the show, no pictures, but I did see this one on the internet and wanted to share.

We were in the elephant section, which by the way is not a very easy sound to make. Next time I will try to sit in the lion section!

Now we were ready to see the yeti (well hypothetically anyways). I am pretty sure we were able to use the fp’s that the Benders were given yesterday, either that or Dustin had given us some. Again, Hayden was the only kid that could ride, so first he headed off with his parents. Didn’t take long and it was Chris and my turn and Hayden came with us too. Exhilarating! Can’t wait to bring Chloe on this she will love it.

Next up…

There wasn’t a long wait here, so we just went through the regular line. All the kids made it on. I wish I would have bought the ride picture, not because of the kids, but for Janea and I. We had the look of utter terror on our faces. All that was going through my head was “I am such a bad mom, I am terrorizing my kids.” I was horrified for scaring the beejesus out of my kids. Noah was not too happy when we got off and Chloe said once was enough on that ride, atleast no one was crying.

It was getting close to parade time and we had to make a decision between Finding Nemo and Kali River Rapids. We let the kids choose and Kali it was. We stopped briefly at

A CM gave each kid tickets to play one game. They did and the one kid that wasn’t in our group won. So much for that, on to get wet and refreshed.

We somehow had fast passes here as well. Might have grabbed them earlier before EE. All through line I debated to put on the poncho or not. No one else was putting them on, but last minute I did throw one on. However, it was one that buttoned on the sides and I decided there was no need for that. Not sure what the height was but if you were under 40something inches you had to sit in a special seat with a bar in front. 3 of the kids needed that special seat and there was only 2 per boat so we split up into families. Turned out in our boat it was just the 4 of us. I was happy, thought well we are lighter, so we shouldn’t get so wet. When we came to the fall it occurred to me that we were all on one side of the raft. Pretty much seemed like slow motion to me as the boat turned and splash! Noah was soaked head to toe and I was the closest to him. The poncho was sure to save me, right? Well, yes, mostly except my right side and backside. I guess not buttoning the sides was a bad idea. The Benders were all a little wet and somehow Chris and Chloe managed to stay pretty dry.

Time to meet Dustin on the bridge. When we got there we noticed a very nice area in the shade all roped off. Yay, it was reserved for us. We all sat down, opened the kids some snacks and waters and waited for Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade. The kids got to get some high fives from some characters. This parade is very amazing. The “animals” are all so beautiful. Here are some my favorite parade pictures.

My kids had been begging to swim since we got there, so Chris and I decided to head out of the park and back to the hotel. Chloe wanted some popcorn, so we did pick that up on our way out. So the plans were to get back to CBR, grab counter service dinner, and then swim. That is exactly what we did. Don’t remember what we got for dinner. The kids loved the pirate themed kids pool, the water was freezing in there though. We all ended up in the big pool and the kids ended up all going down the water slides. They had a blast. When the slides got shut down for the night, we finally got the kids out of the pool and to head to bed. After another full day the kids were worn out yet again.

Next up on the tr- Another day at the Studios. But first I am working on a purchases post for the October trip.