Groundhog Day at Walt Disney World - New 5/2 - pg. 20 - 3 Updates/new PTR link

[DisMomAmy]

some good updates there Amy...as usual I LOVE all your pix around the World Showcase in EP...so I guess it wasn't an overnight transforamtion for the F& G show then... guess it makes sense though...

so sorry the coughing is getting worse and his "cranky" side is just not approving...poor kid and you

I just love the Photopass pix's of you and Zach...so sweet!!!!

You guys managed quite a bit actually for this EP/DHS day...good for you!

We did get a lot done that day! It was definitely not an overnight transformation for the F&G Festival.

It was a tough trip for Alex! He still talks about the cough he had all week! And asks "why did I have to have that cough on vacation?!"

I hope that staying on-site next time will work out well

Love the pictures in the TSM que, the boys look so happy. And RnR. Sorry no one wanted to ride ToT, I'm trying to get over my fear and give it another go if I go with a big party of friends.

Scary about the BB court incident, glad everyone was ok.

Hope the MK day was magical, can't wait to read about it.

I was bummed about no ToT! I hope you give it another try one of these days.

Basketball was scary - but luckily it turned out OK.

I'm glad the basketball fiasco turned out okay in the end. Scary! Visions of pushing the hubby through WDW in a wheelchair are never good!

Looks like stopping at DHS did the trick...but no TOT...so sad!

Can't wait for the MK update! I hope the coughing gets better for Alex so you can all enjoy the day!

Pushing a wheelchair through WDW would have been a nightmare! I would have made him rent an ACV!

Guess I was wrong on the DHS but it sounds like you got a good few things done.

Yikes on the BB accident, glad it didn't turn out to be a bigger issue. LOL on the ducks!

We just ate at Chick-fil-a last night, told DH I was going to check and see if there were any on our route to/from WDW in June. They are new to us around here and we love 'em!

Hope the rain stayed away from your MK day.

Those were some crazy ducks! One of them was sitting up on some rocks at the top of the waterfall... the recreation guy that worked at the pool kept going over and shooting at it with a super soaker! I guess that's part of their job - they have to keep the ducks away from the water.

We don't have Chik-fil-a so it's a nice treat in Florida.

Tim ate at THAT Wendy's?????

Yes - THAT Wendy's! He didn't complain about it so I guess it was OK. He might have even eaten there again later in the week.

Loving your report so far. My oldest has Autism too. This time we know more and will plan a little better. He is also on a way better med now, so I hope this trip is more relaxing for him and us

Planning is the key! I think I let my planning slip a little bit this time around & we paid the price! Good Luck to you & your gang!

I missed a few updates!

OK, when I saw you went and saw the Globetrotters, the very first thought I had was "I wonder if they got to see Flight Time and Big Easy?!" Huge Amazing Race fan here, so I totally got it!

Love the pictures of the F&G festival. Such a pretty time of year to go.

TSM is one of my favorites.

I was bummed that Flight Time wasn't there... they referenced The Amazing Race during the Globetrotters show at one point.

TSM is awesome!!

Glad you did make it to DHS. No ToT though.

I meant to tell you I love those PP pics of you & Zach also. Very cute.

I hope Alex's cough did not get too bad!!

Luckily I had ridden ToT in January! It was nice to get Alex to his favorite park so he could stop complaining about it!

 

[Dsnygrl1205]

Holy cow... how did I miss this TR for 9 pages!? Finally Joining in and going back to read now!

 

[MEK]

I am not completely caught up, but really enjoying your TR so far.

Kudos to you for riding shrieka or whatever its called. I seriously don't think I could do that hanging thing. uggghhhh!

The condo you stayed in looks very roomy and very pretty.

Funny that you got detoured by Disney university and all the behind the scenes places. Interesting.

Love the pictures of the boys are the Globetrotters. I said it before, but you boys are adorable.

 

[dekkerdisneydreamer]

Those Globtrotters pics are great! I love The Amazing Race, and Flight Time and Big Easy are one of my favs! Is Flight Time still on the team?

You seem to be taking everything in stride so far. I'm glad you were able to hop over to HS to get a few rides in.

"Code Brown". Enough said.

 

[DisMomAmy]

Holy cow... how did I miss this TR for 9 pages!? Finally Joining in and going back to read now!

You've been a busy lady, that's how! Glad you made it!

I am not completely caught up, but really enjoying your TR so far.

Kudos to you for riding shrieka or whatever its called. I seriously don't think I could do that hanging thing. uggghhhh!

The condo you stayed in looks very roomy and very pretty.

Funny that you got detoured by Disney university and all the behind the scenes places. Interesting.

Love the pictures of the boys are the Globetrotters. I said it before, but you boys are adorable.

Sheikra was scary! I'm not sure I'd have it in me to ride again!

The Disney University & monorail garage area was really cool too see!

The Globetrotters were so much fun! Thanks about the boys - I think they're pretty cute too.

Those Globtrotters pics are great! I love The Amazing Race, and Flight Time and Big Easy are one of my favs! Is Flight Time still on the team?

You seem to be taking everything in stride so far. I'm glad you were able to hop over to HS to get a few rides in.

"Code Brown". Enough said.

I think Flight Time is still on the team - he was in the program. There were quite a few more players in the program than at the actual game so I think they must alternate or get days off or something.

 

[DisMomAmy]

Tuesday 3/1: Magic Kingdom Day

I was really excited for today because I would get to walk up Main Street before the park opened for the first time, plus it was the day of the big Small World Dis Meet! Unfortunately the weather didn’t cooperate entirely. We woke to clouds but as we drove to the TTC the sky opened up and it was pouring by the time we arrived! I only had adult ponchos with the plan to buy kids ponchos. I did have an extra adult poncho but neither of the kids wanted it so we ran for it when there was a break in the heavy rain. We made it through bag check & the turnstiles and got lined up for the breakfast rope drop. I ran into the gift shop right there by the entrance & grabbed two kid’s size ponchos. Alex was not happy to wear a poncho and kept trying to take it off. His cough had also kicked up a notch at this point so I encouraged him to stay as dry as he could. I had given him a dose of cough medicine before leaving the villa and I think it helped at least a little bit.

Note to Heidi - The only way in was the left tunnel!

We made it to CP but the walk up Main Street wasn’t very magical as we were dodging the rain.

I’d forgotten my hat, which helps keep the rain off my glasses when I’m wearing a poncho. We checked in at CP – it was mobbed with everyone trying to take cover on the porch but we made it through with a short wait & were seated right after 8:00. We had time to get food before any characters arrived but not too long after sitting down, Pooh & Eeyore made their way to our table.

Shortly after they passed by our section, I noticed that MeMom & Jill had arrived! Unfortunately they just missed Pooh & Eeyore! Next up were Piglet & Tigger.

Just before Tigger go to our table, it was time for the parade!

Anybody recognize these girls?

After the parade,Tigger took a break. We paid while we waited for him to come back so we’d be ready to head right out.

It was still raining lightly so the ponchos went back on.

Alex was already irritated by the poncho and wanted Space Mountain, but we had a plan today – Winnie the Pooh (appropriate after lunch with the Hundred Acre wood gang) to see the new queue then a DIS Meet. Fantasyland was empty:

Alex already had his poncho off!

Continued next post...

 

[DisMomAmy]

Continued from previous post...


We made our way through Pooh in no time & really enjoyed the queue.

We still had time to kill before Small World so Alex suggested we ride the carousel! We hadn’t been on this since Alex was a baby so why not.

Check out all the people waiting out the rain under the castle:

After the ride I forced the ponchos back on – further irritating Alex – and we decided we had time to ride Peter Pan. After PP the rain was coming down again so we ran across the way to catch up with the gang at Small World. oOJulieOo wasn’t there but I figured with the rain & a baby she might have decided to skip it. We took some pictures of the DISkids:

Then all 18 of us jumped on a boat. Julie texted me during the ride that they had just gotten there! Luckily we met up with her after and got to say hello but I promised Alex Space Mountain so we had to take off. I guess she got to ride with several of the other DISers who stuck around for a second ride.

Continued next post...

 

[DisMomAmy]

Continued from previous post...

We had our ponchos on again as we walked to Tomorrowland but took them off before getting to Space Mountain & luckily they got to stay off for the rest of the day! We rode Space together once:

Tim & Alex rode again while Zach & I went to ride Buzz. Once on Space was enough for him… honestly once was enough for me too! Zach won, but not by much!

Zach had money burning a hole in his pocket so he decided to get a Buzz lazer gun thingy – souvenir pics at the end of the TR…
And we had it sent to the front of the park… remember this for later… Tim & Alex met up with us at the Buzz dump shop and the boys posed for some pictures:

After a couple rides in Tomorrowland we crossed over to Adventureland for a ride with the Pirates. I took this shot as we made our way through the hub:

We also stopped for some PP pictures:

Work on the bridge:

Zach, checking out his favorite tikis:

After Pirates it was finally time for BTMRR! We rode once then Tim took Alex over to Splash. Zach and I rode BTMRR again then went over to the bridge to watch for Tim & Alex. This is when Zach decided he wanted to ride! So I dug out my poncho and we got in line. I texted Tim & they weren’t too far behind us so they got in line to ride again too. I think Zach decided at last minute that he did want his poncho. (We're in the back row.)

After we finished Zach & I ran over to Pecos Bills to get my taco salad. Nobody else wanted to eat there so my plan was to get it to go & carry it over to CHH to eat with everyone else. Unfortunately the to-go box is sectioned off so the salad didn’t really fit but I made it work. I must have looked funny carrying a half opened box of taco salad across the park. Tim & Alex met up with us just as we were leaving Pecos Bills & we headed to CHH. Alex got chicken, Zach got chowder (a new love of his) and Tim ordered a fish basket. When he made his way upstairs to meet up with me & the boys he also had a tuna sandwich on the tray. Apparently they messed something up and tried to give him that instead of his fried fish so he got both.

After lunch Alex wanted to go to the HoP store but didn’t want to see the show. So that we did… He got a Brainquest Presidents fandex & a big pin with the presidents on it.

You can see the fandex here:

Alex had hoped to find something on Abraham Lincoln since he’ll be playing him in the school wax museum later this month.
After shopping we rode Haunted Mansion.

The graveyard area of the queue was still all blocked off for the rehab and the fake hitchhiking ghosts were up on the scrim. I’ll be anxious to see the updates in November. Ater HM we decided it was time to head back for a break, we had plans to return for Wishes. Unfortunately on the way out, I forgot the package! Zach wasn’t happy but I wasn’t about to go back on the monorail to get it when we’d be back that night. I put an alarm in my phone to remember it later.

Up next: DHS - Will the boys learn the way of the Jedi?

 

[DisMomAmy]

One more mini-update for you... I'm not sure I want to start a PTR for our November trip until I get this TR finished up but I will have planning questions from time to time. So MRYPPNS (Heidi) suggested I ask for advice here, then save my big reveal for later when I start my PTR... and I'm trying to move this TR along as quickly as I can so hopefully it won't drag on for too long. I'd love to have it done by ADR day, May 12th.

So here's my current issue...

If the dates that have been floating around the internet are correct, MVMCP will be offered three times during our trip. Tuesday 11/8, Wednesday 11/9 and Friday 11/11. We definitely won't attend the 11/8 party since it's our arrival day so the question is Wednesday or Friday?

I'd kind of like to go on Friday night but I'm worried it will be much busier than Wednesday night. The week we are there is Jersey week... some people are only there for the long weekend, which could make Friday busier... but many NJers are there the whole week... so maybe Friday wouldn't be busier? I know the locals choose the weekend parties, but this is the first week of parties... will they be into the holiday spirit yet?

Thoughts? Suggestions?

Thanks!!

 

[MRYPPNS]

I seriously don't know what I'd do if they told me I had to use the left tunnel....I get hives just thinking about it!

As for the party in November. I really don't think the crowds will be bad any night you chose so I would go with which-ever date works the best for the rest of your touring plans. Is there a showing of F! any of those party dates? Because that and/or EMH at other parks would help draw away crowds from that night's party...or at least I think it would.

 

[mommytothreeboys]

My kids love the way Eeyore signs...I see your boys find it fascinating as well!

Wow...Fantasyland really was EMPTY! I'm not sure I've ever seen it looking quite so deserted. The new Winnie the Pooh queue looks so fun! We haven't gone on that ride since the boys got older, but may have to try it out again next trip just to check it out for ourselves!

The Small World DIS meet sounds great! I love all the pics of the DIS kids!

Your "must take this pic every time we go on Buzz" pictures of the boys with Zurg are really cute! I love spots like that where it's possible to get the same picture every year to see how the kids grow!

I have no idea what advice to give as far a MVMCP goes....how exciting that you get to go though!!

 

[Angies1274]

Hi Amy

Great pictures at Chef Mickey's! I can't wait to go back. I'm hoping to fit it in on our MK day next year.

I loved seeing all your F&G pictures at Epcot! And the Beverly face is so cute!! I agree with Zack...the watermelon one is my favorite.

Scary about the Basketball accident! I'm glad everything ended up being okay.

I can't get over how empty Fantasyland looks!! Wow! Oh..I can't wait to see the new Pooh queue! It looks so cool!

Yay for a DISmeet!!

 

[mrsksomeday]

So sorry your MK morning was rainy.

We have yet to do a CP breakfast but plan on it for our trip in the winter.
The boys looked like they really enjoyed the Winnie the Pooh que. I love the colors and the set ups.

I would have been forcing the ponchos too . The kids looked so cute together at Small World. You got a lot accomplished during your time at MK, great job .

As for the MVMCP, I would pick the Wednesday party. I would be concerned more locals and people coming in for a long weekend would choose Friday. Have fun in November, we have been there 3 times during that time period and loved the weather.

 

[disneyfan61]

Great updates Amy. Love the pics of the boys on the carousel.

Great Dismeet. Too bad it was raining at the time. Looks like you got a lot in during the time you were there.

My first thought on MVMCP was that it would be less busy on Wed. night but Heidi had a good point about EHH's & if Fantasmic is showing. That could be the deciding factor.

 

[DisMomAmy]

I seriously don't know what I'd do if they told me I had to use the left tunnel....I get hives just thinking about it!

As for the party in November. I really don't think the crowds will be bad any night you chose so I would go with which-ever date works the best for the rest of your touring plans. Is there a showing of F! any of those party dates? Because that and/or EMH at other parks would help draw away crowds from that night's party...or at least I think it would.

No early breakfast at CP or CRT for you!

Great updates Amy. Love the pics of the boys on the carousel.

Great Dismeet. Too bad it was raining at the time. Looks like you got a lot in during the time you were there.

My first thought on MVMCP was that it would be less busy on Wed. night but Heidi had a good point about EHH's & if Fantasmic is showing. That could be the deciding factor.

Thanks Doreen!!

To both of you... The schedule I have pulled together is based on last year's hours & Oct 2011 hours and it looks like unfortunately the only Fantasmic! will be on Thursday night... not Wed or Fri! As far as EMH - Friday night is only AK, Wednesday night is Epcot. All the signs are pointing to Wednesday... which is killing me because all things even, I'd prefer Friday.

 

[DisMomAmy]

My kids love the way Eeyore signs...I see your boys find it fascinating as well!

Wow...Fantasyland really was EMPTY! I'm not sure I've ever seen it looking quite so deserted. The new Winnie the Pooh queue looks so fun! We haven't gone on that ride since the boys got older, but may have to try it out again next trip just to check it out for ourselves!

The Small World DIS meet sounds great! I love all the pics of the DIS kids!

Your "must take this pic every time we go on Buzz" pictures of the boys with Zurg are really cute! I love spots like that where it's possible to get the same picture every year to see how the kids grow!

I have no idea what advice to give as far a MVMCP goes....how exciting that you get to go though!!

The kids were fascinated by the way Eeyore signed! I think it was Pluto or Goofy who signed that way too!

The traditional Buzz picture is new for us - Julie has been doing it with Nathan for a long time. I wish I had more timeline photos.

Hi Amy

Great pictures at Chef Mickey's! I can't wait to go back. I'm hoping to fit it in on our MK day next year.

I loved seeing all your F&G pictures at Epcot! And the Beverly face is so cute!! I agree with Zack...the watermelon one is my favorite.

Scary about the Basketball accident! I'm glad everything ended up being okay.

I can't get over how empty Fantasyland looks!! Wow! Oh..I can't wait to see the new Pooh queue! It looks so cool!

Yay for a DISmeet!!

Chef Mickey's is fun! You should definitely try it!

The rain really kept everyone away that morning! It would pour then let us, then pour again!

So sorry your MK morning was rainy.

We have yet to do a CP breakfast but plan on it for our trip in the winter.
The boys looked like they really enjoyed the Winnie the Pooh que. I love the colors and the set ups.

I would have been forcing the ponchos too . The kids looked so cute together at Small World. You got a lot accomplished during your time at MK, great job .

As for the MVMCP, I would pick the Wednesday party. I would be concerned more locals and people coming in for a long weekend would choose Friday. Have fun in November, we have been there 3 times during that time period and loved the weather.

Thanks for the advice Tracy - I'd really like to make the Friday MVMCP work for us but Wedneday definitely seems like a better choice. And you're the pro about November & Christmas parties!

Our Pooh themed morning was fun - CP is great - you definitely have to eat there at least once. The new queue is great too! Even after seeing it a couple times, there were still new things to discover... as we found out on our last day.

The DISmeet was a lot of fun.

 

[MeMom]

Anybody recognize these girls?

I do! I do!
Even the one with her face covered.

That's the first time Bella has gone around in a parade with Brooklynn, so it was a fun morning.

The DIS kids were all so cute. We are very, very blessed to have our precious little ones to bring so much joy to our lives every day. What a gift! We don't need birthdays and Christmas or any other kind of holiday to celebrate what we have been given. We have these incredible, beautiful, smart, funny kids every day!

The boat ride for 18 was fun. When Julie, her mom, and Claire got there, we went around again with them. It was fun to see Claire's face as she took it all in.

I'm so glad we got to see old friends again and meet new ones.

 

[MRYPPNS]

I still say do Friday if it works better for the rest of the week. You'll have a game plan for the party....others will not.

 

[mousescrapper]

hey Amy...so I actually read through your 4 poster yesterday while waiting in the doctor's office I have asthma bronchoitcs....seriously

ugh something please take me away....

are you sure you didn't repost pix from jan in there deja-vu huh?...but hey tru Disney folks just go for it in the rain and it paid off for you all! can't belive you didn't have your hat...should have borrowed Tim's since he took his off...that is one of the few pix I think I have seen of him w/out a hat on

Love the Dis meet...what fun that must have been...did anyone ask a CM to take a group shot in the boat or all of you together? and glad you got to meet Julie and the baby too

lot's of splitting up the forces so far...but I guess it works to keep each boy happy

also love the PP pix on the side of the castle very nice...I loved eating at CP too...

as far as your MVMCP question...my instinct would be to go w/ mid week vs the weekend but weigh both Tracy and Heidi's thought and not make a firm decision till the hours come out...or even closer in, in case Disney changes up show times, etc...the parties probably won't move but some other could that may affect your decision...

J~

 

[irish dancer]

Bummer on the rainy MK morning but you got a lot done, glad it cleared up. The DIS meet pics were cute, how fun to get a whole boat on SW.

Being so early in the party dates I don't know that the crowds would be a HUGE issue but my gut reaction would be to go with the mid-week party. What do the Nov TGMers say?