Giving Santa his Mickey ears! Our toddler's 1st trip!-UPDATE:We're back! Pic inside

[BDL]

Is Goofy's Barnstormer still around? I thought that was a casualty of the Toon Town shutdown. But I could be wrong...

Don't forget the TTA (Peoplemover)- especially if you are waiting for a FP for Buzz Lightyear or Space Mountain (if the big people are ridin) to come due.

The Goofy coaster is still there. It's just called the Great Goofini now.

The TTA is the best foot, back and sanity saver in the MK. Almost never lines. Shade. Sitting. And an elevated view of Tomorrow Land

 

[tofubeast]

I think that's a solid plan for MK. One thing I find interesting is that when I make custom TP plans, it tells me NOT to do Dumbo first ... I don't know if it has to do with the attractions I selected or what, but I found that interesting.

Also, I was watching Lines over Easter week, and in the late afternoon the waits for Dumbo were listed at like, 20 minutes. Not the horror stories I've heard, so I don't know if that was a fluke or if the "new" Dumbo has something to do with it...

Anyway, I'm off track. The plan looks great. I would make sure she knows to be flexible, too.

It tells you not to do Dumbo first? Interesting. I always thought it was all about Operation Dumbo!! hehe. I think it helps that Dumbo is still around so many walls, so people who are not on Dis type sites may think it is closed etc.. My co-worker is going this week, so she can tell me if the 'plan' worked out for her.

I am curious to see how the expanded FL affects plans later this year as new attractions finally open. We are going before all the Christmas crowds and I plan to do the parks on recommended days. So hopefully we can 'bang out' most of FL in the opening hours.

 

[tofubeast]

I think your plan is REALLY good!!! If I had young 'uns, I'd be all over that!

Yay!! Let's see how it works out for her. I'll get a report in a week.

3 comments- with the new Fast Pass rules, there will be less flexibility about when you can cash in the rides. But with your plan, it still works.

Is Goofy's Barnstormer still around? I thought that was a casualty of the Toon Town shutdown. But I could be wrong...

Yeah, it's called the Great Goofini Barnstormer.

Don't forget the TTA (Peoplemover)- especially if you are waiting for a FP for Buzz Lightyear or Space Mountain (if the big people are ridin) to come due.

How could I forget about the Peoplemover? I will have to remind her of it! Thanks. I love the Peoplemover. Still heartbroken (years and years later that DL removed it)

Do they care about character greetings at all? That would through an enourmouse (ha ha typed that accidentally) wrench into the plans.

They are going to meet with characters first thing (at opening) at EPCOT as they don't care about Soarin'.

THANKS!!

 

[JLa01844]

I took my daughter on a very "lite" trip when she was 16 mos. and from her reaction I am making these opinions...

Barnstormer, yes.
Pirates, yes (but I would use your judgement. Some kids are not okay with darkness, loud bangs, pops while others could care less).
Tomorrowland Speedway, yes. (can be a little herky jerky, use your discretion)
Hanted Mansion, yes if she can understand that it is a "spooky ride and there are ghosts"...if she can't then I would skip.
Ellens Energy, yes!
Turtle Talk, yes!
Maelstrom, yes! MY DAUGHTER LOVED THIS!
Kilimanjaro, yes but it can be a little rough driving so I would go at your discretion.

If I didn't post it was because I haven't been on said ride it ages, or never have so I didn't want to comment. I always try to explain things to my daughter before we do it. Especially if there is something spooky or loud. I'll get her all excited that there will be some "spooky monsters" and I'll make ghosts noises and "rawrrrr", what have you...so when the time comes she is actually excited that it's happening.

 

[tofubeast]

The Goofy coaster is still there. It's just called the Great Goofini now.

The TTA is the best foot, back and sanity saver in the MK. Almost never lines. Shade. Sitting. And an elevated view of Tomorrow Land

Not sure whatever came of them, but supposedly on One More Disney day, there was a group riding the PeopleMover none stop for 24 hours or at least that is what they aimed to do.

 

[tofubeast]

I took my daughter on a very "lite" trip when she was 16 mos. and from her reaction I am making these opinions...

Barnstormer, yes.
She rode this at 16months? Wow! I wasn't sure if I should attempt it with a 26m old. Maybe I will, depending if she is game or not.

Pirates, yes (but I would use your judgement. Some kids are not okay with darkness, loud bangs, pops while others could care less).
Definitely. I was scared of this ride as a young child. (But that was at DL, which has a few 'intense' pillage scenes that aren't in MK)


Tomorrowland Speedway, yes. (can be a little herky jerky, use your discretion)
I hadn't thought about the jerky ride, but think she might have fun with this.

Hanted Mansion, yes if she can understand that it is a "spooky ride and there
are ghosts"...if she can't then I would skip.
I will see where she is at come our trip. Someone on here mentioned you can skip the stretching room, which I think might be a good option (though I sure love that scene!).

Ellens Energy, yes!
I think we will pass. This is a long ride. I am ready for them to end it and do something new. hehe

Turtle Talk, yes!
Never done this before. Looking forward to it! How long is the show?

Maelstrom, yes! MY DAUGHTER LOVED THIS!
We will do this too!


Kilimanjaro, yes but it can be a little rough driving so I would go at your discretion.
Yeah, but the animals!! She's going to want to see em!! hehe

Especially if there is something spooky or loud. I'll get her all excited that there will be some "spooky monsters" and I'll make ghosts noises and "rawrrrr", what have you...so when the time comes she is actually excited that it's happening.

I went with a friend's 3 and 5 year old back in '09 to WDW. I did the same thing. For the older one, it was her first time on Big Thunder. I told her she could scream as loud as she wanted. She loved it.

Thanks for your feedback!

 

[smellyia]

My for Mickey Ears!

I posted some of this in a previous trip report, but I thought I would add it here with some new additions. I have always been a Mickey ears kinda girl.

You sold me on your PTR with this awesome post - I can't wait to get caught up and you have INSPIRED me to get a couple pair of generic ears and turn them into something all our own!

 

[smellyia]

It tells you not to do Dumbo first? Interesting. I always thought it was all about Operation Dumbo!!

Same goes here...I've been checking out touring plans and no matter what DUmbo is sub-priority. So odd....I'd love to hear a take where Dumbo was done later vs first thing.

 

[tofubeast]

You sold me on your PTR with this awesome post - I can't wait to get caught up and you have INSPIRED me to get a couple pair of generic ears and turn them into something all our own!

Awesome!! That makes me so happy! PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE share with me your creations when you are done. I would love to see them!!! I plan to do Disney sometime during my 40th year (in a few years...a long long long long long long time from now ) and i will probably do something to another set of Mickey ears to make such a (non) momentous time in my life.

I actually need to fix a couple of crystals prior to my next trip. It is fun to see how they sparkle at night.

BUT as I type this, you have me thinking. Maybe I should do up some Mickey ears for Christmas. OMG. YES YES YES. I hadn't thought about it. That could be a fun project with ALL my free time (hahah at least once DD goes to bed) in the next few months. Ohhhh.... I have my thinking cap on. Expect a post in the near future about THIS.

 

[tofubeast]

Same goes here...I've been checking out touring plans and no matter what DUmbo is sub-priority. So odd....I'd love to hear a take where Dumbo was done later vs first thing.

Can I ask what they suggest first in terms of a family ride (not meet and greets)? I have the book from a few years ago, and everything was about Dumbo. Sounds like something has changed!

 

[smellyia]

BUT as I type this, you have me thinking. Maybe I should do up some Mickey ears for Christmas. OMG. YES YES YES. I hadn't thought about it. That could be a fun project with ALL my free time (hahah at least once DD goes to bed) in the next few months. Ohhhh.... I have my thinking cap on. Expect a post in the near future about THIS.

I think Christmas themed Ears would be spectacular...you really could take it to the next level with Holiday AND Seasonal specific ears. People would LOVE it.

Can I ask what they suggest first in terms of a family ride (not meet and greets)? I have the book from a few years ago, and everything was about Dumbo. Sounds like something has changed!

Here is the suggested personalized TP for our MK RD (one I will NOT be using):
FP Pooh
PP
IASW
THM
PotC
Buzz
DUMBO
Ride Pooh w/FP
Mickey's Phillharmagic
**2.5 hour time frame**

I think their generic TP are still predominantly Dumbo focused, but no matter what combo I put in for MK(even if it takes me to Fantasyland first), I never get Dumbo first. So odd....what makes the personalized so different? I haven't a clue.

 

[tofubeast]

I think Christmas themed Ears would be spectacular...you really could take it to the next level with Holiday AND Seasonal specific ears. People would LOVE it.

If you have any suggestions, I'd love to hear em! That goes for all of you too!

 

[tofubeast]

Photo Show and Tell: WDW Food!

Ok, this will inspire me to get cracking on coming up with a final list of places we want to eat at this trip. I know many of you agree that dining at WDW is also a major part of the whole experience. Fortunately, there are so many options to satisfy every single taste bud.

Just for my own interest (haha), here is a list of TS places I have dined at so far during previous trips:

Le Cellier, Biergarten, San Angel Inn, Tuto Italia, Alfredo's (RIP), Rose & Crown, Chefs de France, Akershus (D), Sci Fi Dine In, 50's Prime Time, Hollywood & Vine (B&D), Cinderella's Royal Table (B), Crystal Palace (D), Boma, Cape May (D), California Grill, Chef Mickey's (B), and Raglan Road.

So here is a collection of pictures of some meals we have enjoyed at WDW. I am a pesco-veggie (meaning I am a slacker veg who east fish/seafood.)

Fish n' Chips from Rose and Crown (yum):

Fried calamari appetizer from Tutto:

Shrimp with black ink pasta from Tutto (so sad this wasn't on latest menu):

Lovely breakfast spread at Cinderella's Royal Table:

That's me enjoy a Dole Whip®. I am so excited that the Sunshine Tree Terrace was refurb'd, and along with the Orange Bird returning, I will get to enjoy a Citrus Swirl during my trip. I have heard it is even better than a DW, so I gotta try it!

Le Cellier. Love this place. DH enjoyed the filet and I had the salmon. In that cast iron pot was some of the best spinach dip on earth. And let's not even talk about the pretzel bread!

Sushi from California Grill. It was good, but there's lot of great sushi in S. Florida, so it wasn't the best of the best.

This was some yummy fish dish from CA Grill. I believe it was Chilean Sea Bass, but I could be wrong. This was 3 years ago and it's my fault I didn't do a TR back then! Side note, CA Grill reminds me of Napa Rose at DLR.

Nice dessert they decorated up for our celebration at CA Grill. Before dessert, we had stepped out on to the deck to watch Wishes. What a great spot!

When this turns into a TR, you better believe I will have LOTS of food pictures. I have learned reading TRs on here just how important food pron is to people on the Dis.

 

[Elleshoodat]

Ooh, those dishes look delish! DH and I aren't huge foodies, so we don't do many sit-down meals (we have one ADR for Via Napoli), but I'm really looking forward to desserts!

I have a major sweet tooth, and I have quite a list of treats I want to try. Ice-cream cookie sandwich from Main Street Bakery, Nutella waffle sandwich from Sleepy Hollow, a pastry from France, and pretty much any cupcake and cake pop I come across.

 

[smellyia]

If you have any suggestions, I'd love to hear em! That goes for all of you too!

I say go with a Jack Pumpkin King head on the ears with santa hat! I have no idea how to logically accomplish this as I am not RL crafty, but I would be obssessed with a pair like that.

Your past ADR's are great....what about Kouzzina?

 

[tofubeast]

Ooh, those dishes look delish! DH and I aren't huge foodies, so we don't do many sit-down meals (we have one ADR for Via Napoli), but I'm really looking forward to desserts!

I have a major sweet tooth, and I have quite a list of treats I want to try. Ice-cream cookie sandwich from Main Street Bakery, Nutella waffle sandwich from Sleepy Hollow, a pastry from France, and pretty much any cupcake and cake pop I come across.

You know what ice cream sandwich I love? The ones they sell at the DTD location of Earl of Sandwich. They use the most delicious brownies instead of cookies. That treat is such a weakness for me. I LOVE that place. It saddens me that they don't sell them at the other Earl locations.

I have a bad sweet tooth too. I am still mad I didn't get a candy apple at Disney when I was there for a night last fall. Dumb me.

 

[tofubeast]

I say go with a Jack Pumpkin King head on the ears with santa hat! I have no idea how to logically accomplish this as I am not RL crafty, but I would be obssessed with a pair like that.

Your past ADR's are great....what about Kouzzina?

Your ear idea sounds awesome, but that just might be out of my league! I am a crappy crafter. hahaha.

We actually are thinking Kouzzina. HAve you eaten there?

 

[Elleshoodat]

You know what ice cream sandwich I love? The ones they sell at the DTD location of Earl of Sandwich. They use the most delicious brownies instead of cookies. That treat is such a weakness for me. I LOVE that place. It saddens me that they don't sell them at the other Earl locations.

I have a bad sweet tooth too. I am still mad I didn't get a candy apple at Disney when I was there for a night last fall. Dumb me.

We weren't planning on going to DTD this trip, but I may have to drag my boys there just to try that. An ice cream sandwich with brownies?! YUM!

 

[BDL]

If you have any suggestions, I'd love to hear em! That goes for all of you too!

My last trip, I wore my Boston Bruins Santa hat a lot. It was great. Walking through the parks and seeing others with Santa hats of their home town teams or NASCAR favorites.

There is a certain commraderie among rivals.

 

[tofubeast]

We weren't planning on going to DTD this trip, but I may have to drag my boys there just to try that. An ice cream sandwich with brownies?! YUM!

It is seriously yum. If you are a chocoholic brownie lover. Definitely stop there the next time you go to WDW.

My last trip, I wore my Boston Bruins Santa hat a lot. It was great. Walking through the parks and seeing others with Santa hats of their home town teams or NASCAR favorites.

There is a certain commraderie among rivals.

Of course. I used to live in the Boston area. I know how passionate peeps get about their teams. I moved there from having grown up in L.A. I ditched the Dodgers as I got sucked into the Sox sage (and lived there when they won in '04). I couldn't give up the Lakers for the Celtics though. That just would be wrong. But I do cheer on the Heat now that I live in SoFl.