Hot Dog, Hot Dog, Hot Diggity Dog! LINK TO TRIP REPORT!!!

[annmarieda]

Hi Tina,

You know.... I think that Animal Kingdom is under-appreciated my alot of people. We just love it and we could spend just about a full day there. I think Dinoland is alot of fun. I like the Dinosaur ride which used to be called Expedition to Extinction. I also some day hope to get onto Primeval Whirl. Last trip, DD8 was not quite tall enough and my sister though 30 min wait was too long to bother with rider switch... so we skipped it! We have been known to do Kali during EMH over and over. At the end of the day when there is no line and it is a bit chilly, they'll let you just keep riding without getting off. We then shiver our way back to the bus with blue lips. We have to save this gem for last obviously and we end soaked!

I love the gift shops in AK. Its the only place at Disney where you can get uniquely crafted items like the beaded animals made in Africa. I collect them. My DD8 loves Rafiki's planet watch. There is so much to see. We also prefer the AK location for Rainforest Cafe.

I would never ride EE.... I'm not a coaster person.... well...., let's say I'm not a big drop person. I am not too worried about Primeval Whirl because it doesn't have the big drops.

Have fun there... you will love it.. and don't forget to have a Yak Attack at the Yak & Yeti quick serve drink window. YUM!!! RUM!!

I agree with you! On Rafiki's planet watch, my dd got to help "train" one of the sheep for the show/presentation. We got to watch and actual surgery on an animal. There is one of the kids stamp stop (sorry, can't remember what AK's version of Kidcot is called where you do an activity and get your book stamped) Oh and lets not forget all the characters that hide up there.

And..there is rum at Yak and Yeti?! I had no idea Just one more thing to put on my list of things to do.

 

[KatMark]

Tina, we love the Animal Kingdom. It is definitely our favorite after MK and Epcot (the Studios is last on our list). There is just so much to see and do (the Safari, Bug, Dinosaur, the carnival area for Max, Rafiki's Planet, the Jungle Walk, etc. I could easily spend an entire day there or at least 3/4 of a day (I just wish that park wasn't so darn hot).

 

[dizneeat]

Perfect Day 4 ........ sounded very familiar!

Have you considered the Jungle Trails? There is so much to see, I am sure Max would love that too, and what about flights of Wonder?

And Epcot in the evening ........ guess we WILL run into each other, if we don't plan to do that!

5 weeks tomorrow! ....... it's getting closer and closer!

 

[Mindy5767]

And..there is rum at Yak and Yeti?! I had no idea Just one more thing to put on my list of things to do.

Yup.... I forget what all is in it... its YUM!! Here's a pic

 

[annmarieda]

Yup.... I forget what all is in it... its YUM!! Here's a pic

Oh my gosh...even with it being cold here...that look soooooo yummy! I am definitely gonna get one of those! Too bad I will have to wait almost a year to get one.

 

[brookelizabeth]

I am FINALLY caught up and officially HERE, reporting for duty! Most of the time I'm at least 5 days behind on any given thread, but I will do my best to stay up to date...though, I don't see too many more changes in your future-you've done enough!

I got super excited for your CR Tower Room, that is my DREAM!, but totally and completely understand the CSR choice. That is smart! And it sounds like it will work wonderfully with your plans.

So your last day is the 26th right? That is our FIRST day. We haven't bought airfare yet, planning on doing that tomorrow, so I haven't a clue what time we land. What time do you take off? Perhaps a squeeze in of a DIS meet could happen!

Saturday afternoon, Max and I drove down to see my friend Meghan's new apartment in Brooklyn Heights. We got some beautiful pictures on the Promenade, had a nice lunch, played at the playground, and then drove back home.

I used to live very close to this! Such a beautiful (and expensive ) area. I would love to live there again. We are in Queens now.

So I did. And I got very lucky and we got a beautiful room here for only $100 dollars!

I know exactly where your hotel was! That is a fantastic rate! Isn't that Toys R Us crazy? It's always busy in there. I have to mentally prepare myself before we go there. But Henry LOVES it.

And the Minnie on Times Square. They are so bizarre and freaky looking!

This pic of Max with Lotso is stinkin' adorable. So so cute!

Hello Brooke...don't mind the mess! This thing has been such a long time in the making and so much has happened. I am actually kind of scared to go back and read some of it.

Thanks for you support! I truly appreciate it. The Disboards really became an important outlet to me last spring when things started to really not going very well and never failed to leave me with a smile on my face.

And thanks for the compliments about the cake. I figured I had to try and pull off something impressive. It was far easier than I would have ever guessed. Just required getting some supplies from Michael's.

Please feel free to give me any and all feedback on my touring plans as I post them. While I've travelled on my own and with my husband before, we've never attempted any thing like this was our son!

The DISboards is a wonderful place, there is so much support and encouragement here - and then when you meet the wonderful people in person it gets even better. This is truly a fantastic community! I'm so glad you have found the support you need here!

I think you are doing a great job in planning! I read through the bits where you were concerned about Max staying out late and sleeping in the hotel room with you guys, but you already have that figured out. Henry has never had a problem crashing out-lights and TV on! He's pooped at the end of a Disney day. The biggest advice I give is go with the flow. Expect your plans to change/go out the window and be prepared for that. It's wonderful to watch them experience the "little" things in Disney. Live in the moment. Don't worry about your schedule.

LOVE IT! I still need to make ours now that we are 100% on Feb/March!

Well, as if it weren't enough being Christmas and all...

1. Max started potty training and hasn't had a diaper on during the day in the past forty-eight hours!! We didn't think this kid was ever going to go in his potty!

Can he give some tips to Henry?

H turned 3 in September and it has been the HARDEST thing. The kid hates his potty. Nothing gets him to sit on it. He had one really awesome weekend in December, his first time ever going in the potty too! and Joe and I had hope. But a couple days later-he was done. He cries and throws fits. Wakes up in the middle of the night crying about, "I don't want to sit on my potty." At this point I've stopped AGAIN. We will try again in a few months.

I know exactly what you mean about him growing up. Yes, I miss the little baby and miss aspects about all that - but it is such a JOY and pleasure to watch him grow up! It's amazing what they know and seeing them learn. Today Henry woke up from his nap and proceeded to tell Joe all about our upcoming Disney trip. "We are staying at 2 hotels. The slide is closed at one. We will go to a different pool. It has sand!" (BW slide is closed in Feb, we will go use the Beach Club ) and YES, it BETTER be warm enough, I agree!

 

[tinacaplan]

Just wanted to stop by and catch up on your PTR. I'm so glad to hear that your dad is doing ok and that the procedure went well. Will be in my thoughts and prayers for a full recovery.

I was so shocked when I read that some kid punched Max! That's horrible. I can just imagine if and when I have a child, the pain you must have been in when that happened. I really get angry at kids like that, and especially parents who just don't seem to be involved or even notice how bully-ish their children can get. I'm so sorry that Max had to leave the party early. If it was me, well, I don't have any kids so I can probably tell you what I "think" I would have done, I would have approached the parents of the kid that punched max and let them know, politely, that their son had hit max and regardless of the situation hitting is not a nice thing and that they should be aware of it. I know it's gotta be hard, I am so non comfrontational myself, but I know you are doing what is best for Max in the long run. Hope everything gets better going forward if you are ever in a situation like this.

Yes the snow!!! We got so much during Christmas weekend and then this past week too. We weren't affected too much. I took the day off on the monday after the x-mas blizzard, but that was it. It was mostly because the snow wasn't plowed which made walking to the trains and subways hard. The trains were still running fine.

YAY you are so close to your trip!! I'm so excited for you!!

Thanks! I am getting really excited! We definitely made sure that our hosts knew what happened... Let's just say its not easy being a parent, that's for sure. As for the crazy snow, we're apparently getting more it this week!

I was about to write that AK is one of my favorite parks...but then I thought...and so is Epcot and Mk and... you get the point.

I do love it though. I love animals. It is because of AK and the food on WDW that I go all the way across the country instead of just going to DL. Ridemax makes fitting everything together so easy. Are you planning to do a TS there? I know there are not a ton of choices..but if you were going to do Tusker I would highly recommend the Nemo Package. Those were THE ABSOLUTE best seats EVER for that show. The Finding Nemo Musical is probably my favorite shows in all of the parks. (maybe second only the to Aladdin show that was at DL for a while..and then only maybe) Another tip that I am going to try and use myself for next trip... there are characters near FOTLK and I have never stopped to get pics with them. I think that is a spot easy to miss...so if you do FOTLK...when you come out, I think they are right in that area.

Very cool that your trip is getting close!!!

Hi, Annmarie! Thanks...it is getting super close. I'm holding myself back from starting to pack just yet... Although, what would be the harm? It is occurring to me that there are a few things I should get on between now and then, though.... I think we are definitely going to do FOLK and we'll keep an eye out for characters. Thanks for the tip.

there is a lot to do at evening EMH but you do have to plan it as there is equally as much closed. EE in the dark though....



That is my FAVORITE snack credit in all of the world! Only thing I might mention is Rafiki's is a big time investment and while cool in it's own way...the petting zoo isn't anything different than what you might find at your own zoo. If it's just the petting zoo that's the attraction I might double think it. The whole thing took a lot more time than we'd expected.

I thought the egg rolls are delicious and could not believe that I could get them for a snack credit. One order was plenty for Mark and I to share as a "snack." Thanks for the heads up on Rafiki's. I still think we'll do it. I think Max will like it. He's still pretty into trains, as well as the animals.

Hi Tina,

You know.... I think that Animal Kingdom is under-appreciated my alot of people. We just love it and we could spend just about a full day there. I think Dinoland is alot of fun. I like the Dinosaur ride which used to be called Expedition to Extinction. I also some day hope to get onto Primeval Whirl. Last trip, DD8 was not quite tall enough and my sister though 30 min wait was too long to bother with rider switch... so we skipped it! We have been known to do Kali during EMH over and over. At the end of the day when there is no line and it is a bit chilly, they'll let you just keep riding without getting off. We then shiver our way back to the bus with blue lips. We have to save this gem for last obviously and we end soaked!

I love the gift shops in AK. Its the only place at Disney where you can get uniquely crafted items like the beaded animals made in Africa. I collect them. My DD8 loves Rafiki's planet watch. There is so much to see. We also prefer the AK location for Rainforest Cafe.

I would never ride EE.... I'm not a coaster person.... well...., let's say I'm not a big drop person. I am not too worried about Primeval Whirl because it doesn't have the big drops.

Have fun there... you will love it.. and don't forget to have a Yak Attack at the Yak & Yeti quick serve drink window. YUM!!! RUM!!

Ok...the drink looks delicious! How did I miss that last time? I RUM! Unfortunately, Max is still too young for any of the thrill rides at Disney, so a lot of the rides you mentioned are out for us this trip, but we are still going to have a ton to do!

I agree with you! On Rafiki's planet watch, my dd got to help "train" one of the sheep for the show/presentation. We got to watch and actual surgery on an animal. There is one of the kids stamp stop (sorry, can't remember what AK's version of Kidcot is called where you do an activity and get your book stamped) Oh and lets not forget all the characters that hide up there.

And..there is rum at Yak and Yeti?! I had no idea Just one more thing to put on my list of things to do.

Me, either!

Tina, we love the Animal Kingdom. It is definitely our favorite after MK and Epcot (the Studios is last on our list). There is just so much to see and do (the Safari, Bug, Dinosaur, the carnival area for Max, Rafiki's Planet, the Jungle Walk, etc. I could easily spend an entire day there or at least 3/4 of a day (I just wish that park wasn't so darn hot).

Luckily, its February...if its too hot, I will consider it a blessing.

Perfect Day 4 ........ sounded very familiar!

Have you considered the Jungle Trails? There is so much to see, I am sure Max would love that too, and what about flights of Wonder?

And Epcot in the evening ........ guess we WILL run into each other, if we don't plan to do that!

5 weeks tomorrow! ....... it's getting closer and closer!

The Jungle Trails are definitely a possibility. Max has recently decided that he's scared of birds so I think that "Flights of Wonder" might be out for now.

And it is getting SO close!!!

 

[tinacaplan]

I am FINALLY caught up and officially HERE, reporting for duty! Most of the time I'm at least 5 days behind on any given thread, but I will do my best to stay up to date...though, I don't see too many more changes in your future-you've done enough!

Thanks, Brooke! I think we're done with changes, mostly. But, hey...you never know!

I got super excited for your CR Tower Room, that is my DREAM!, but totally and completely understand the CSR choice. That is smart! And it sounds like it will work wonderfully with your plans.

Yeah..its my dream, too! Someday... I probably shouldn't have gotten so far ahead of myself and kept my garden wing reservation like I originally planned. Hopefully I won't cry too hard when we eat at the CR. I just could not see my way around spending that much more. Its tough to do this trip as cheaply as we otherwise might because we are travelling at peak season, both in terms of Disney rates and airfare. I'm also so excited to be going back to CSR. Its a beautiful resort, love the white down comforters and their playground is incredible!

So your last day is the 26th right? That is our FIRST day. We haven't bought airfare yet, planning on doing that tomorrow, so I haven't a clue what time we land. What time do you take off? Perhaps a squeeze in of a DIS meet could happen!

We are flying out of MCO at 2:45, which I assume means we can sleep a little pack, have a late breakfast, and then be off...but perhaps I'm not being visionary enough about my final moments at Disney?

I used to live very close to this! Such a beautiful (and expensive ) area. I would love to live there again. We are in Queens now.

I have friends in Queens, as well. A good friend lives in Jackson Heights and I've had numerous friends who lived in Astoria. Brooklyn Heights is beautiful, though...not sure how my friend snagged an affordable place so close to the Promenade...its a studio and she got luck, I guess.

I know exactly where your hotel was! That is a fantastic rate! Isn't that Toys R Us crazy? It's always busy in there. I have to mentally prepare myself before we go there. But Henry LOVES it.

Yeah...I thought, why not try this out? It was kind of neat that it allowed you to choose neighborhoods, so I had a good idea of where we'd end up.

And the Minnie on Times Square. They are so bizarre and freaky looking!

This pic of Max with Lotso is stinkin' adorable. So so cute!

Thank you!

The DISboards is a wonderful place, there is so much support and encouragement here - and then when you meet the wonderful people in person it gets even better. This is truly a fantastic community! I'm so glad you have found the support you need here!

I think you are doing a great job in planning! I read through the bits where you were concerned about Max staying out late and sleeping in the hotel room with you guys, but you already have that figured out. Henry has never had a problem crashing out-lights and TV on! He's pooped at the end of a Disney day. The biggest advice I give is go with the flow. Expect your plans to change/go out the window and be prepared for that. It's wonderful to watch them experience the "little" things in Disney. Live in the moment. Don't worry about your schedule.

Thanks for the tips...I got a lot of them from reading your TR! I have no problem going with the flow. I think it might be different if I thought we weren't going back for a long time or something, but I'm hoping we make at least a yearly Disney pilgrimage, so there will always be a "next time."

LOVE IT! I still need to make ours now that we are 100% on Feb/March!



Can he give some tips to Henry?

H turned 3 in September and it has been the HARDEST thing. The kid hates his potty. Nothing gets him to sit on it. He had one really awesome weekend in December, his first time ever going in the potty too! and Joe and I had hope. But a couple days later-he was done. He cries and throws fits. Wakes up in the middle of the night crying about, "I don't want to sit on my potty." At this point I've stopped AGAIN. We will try again in a few months.

I know exactly what you mean about him growing up. Yes, I miss the little baby and miss aspects about all that - but it is such a JOY and pleasure to watch him grow up! It's amazing what they know and seeing them learn. Today Henry woke up from his nap and proceeded to tell Joe all about our upcoming Disney trip. "We are staying at 2 hotels. The slide is closed at one. We will go to a different pool. It has sand!" (BW slide is closed in Feb, we will go use the Beach Club ) and YES, it BETTER be warm enough, I agree!

And as far as potty-training goes, just try and be patient. We really thought Max was NEVER going to do it. Very similar to Henry, Max seemed terrified of going anywhere BUT his diaper. He would get very anxious when he had his diaper. And then, over Christmas, we just tried going without it and it finally happened! He's now doing both in the potty! We just need to ."
conquer the BIG toilet and we'll be set. It did help when we replaced his very stripped down training toilet with a Cars themed model that my mom found. It's red, converts into a stool, and when you "flush" it, a motor revs. Max thought it was cool and I think that made it easier for him to sit on it and get comfy and relaxed.

Thanks so much for all of your super thoughtful comments, Brooke. If we don't meet up this time, I hope we can arrange a Dismeet in the future.

 

[tinacaplan]

As most of you know, my dad had a procedure to remove the defibrillator implanted in his chest this past week. He is doing well, but the infection did spead into his heart and into his heart valves. Not a good thing. He's going to need at least four weeks of antibiotics before they'll re-implant him and that's provided his recovery goes as expected. While I feel bad that my father has a tough road ahead of him, I feel even worse for my mom, who will deal with being the primary caregiver in the situation. This also puts her ability to make the Disney trip into question, as well. Right now, we are taking one day at a time (I hate that phrase, but it is more than apt in this situation) and, hopefully, he'll be OK and my mom will make the trip. Thanks for the continued thoughts and prayers, everyone!

 

[annmarieda]

As most of you know, my dad had a procedure to remove the defibrillator implanted in his chest this past week. He is doing well, but the infection did spead into his heart and into his heart valves. Not a good thing. He's going to need at least four weeks of antibiotics before they'll re-implant him and that's provided his recovery goes as expected. While I feel bad that my father has a tough road ahead of him, I feel even worse for my mom, who will deal with being the primary caregiver in the situation. This also puts her ability to make the Disney trip into question, as well. Right now, we are taking one day at a time (I hate that phrase, but it is more than apt in this situation) and, hopefully, he'll be OK and my mom will make the trip. Thanks for the continued thoughts and prayers, everyone!

I hope all goes well and he is fine and your mom is able to go on the trip. I can understand why you would feel even worse for your mom. It is hard to be the caregiver at times.

keeping them in my prayers....

 

[that's nice]

That is a Yak Attack? My DW loves those things!!!!

Here is what is in it: Yak Attack - Mango Daiquiri, Bacardi Light Rum, and Wildberry Flavors

As most of you know, my dad had a procedure to remove the defibrillator implanted in his chest this past week. He is doing well, but the infection did spead into his heart and into his heart valves. Not a good thing. He's going to need at least four weeks of antibiotics before they'll re-implant him and that's provided his recovery goes as expected. While I feel bad that my father has a tough road ahead of him, I feel even worse for my mom, who will deal with being the primary caregiver in the situation. This also puts her ability to make the Disney trip into question, as well. Right now, we are taking one day at a time (I hate that phrase, but it is more than apt in this situation) and, hopefully, he'll be OK and my mom will make the trip. Thanks for the continued thoughts and prayers, everyone!

I'm so sorry to hear this. I'll say a prayer for him and your family that he gets rid of that infection quickly.

I've had to 'take it one day at a time' before and while that isn't easy sometimes getting through one day is an accomplishment and then you get through the next.

 

[tinacaplan]

I hope all goes well and he is fine and your mom is able to go on the trip. I can understand why you would feel even worse for your mom. It is hard to be the caregiver at times.

keeping them in my prayers....

Thank you!

That is a Yak Attack? My DW loves those things!!!!

Here is what is in it: Yak Attack - Mango Daiquiri, Bacardi Light Rum, and Wildberry Flavors







I'm so sorry to hear this. I'll say a prayer for him and your family that he gets rid of that infection quickly.

I've had to 'take it one day at a time' before and while that isn't easy sometimes getting through one day is an accomplishment and then you get through the next.

OK...so that drink...yeah, I think I'd like that. And wildberry flavors? For some reason that very phrase is cracking me up right now.

Thanks for the prayers, it helps!

 

[tinacaplan]

Day five, which will be my mom's second and final full day with us, will probably start with us grabbing something quick here:

Unless Max can wait, in which case, I'm looking forward to grabbing something from Writer's Stop, which looks so cute, and people have been telling me great things about, such as, the coffee doesn't tottally suck here! I'm thinking we'll bring along some of the Starbucks Via things, actually, as the coffee around much of Disney is just so terrible. And any other hints about where we can get a decent cup of coffee, feel free to share, please.

We will (hopefully) arrive around rope drop. Ridemax has worked out the following itinerary for us:

9:05 AM Runner Get Toy Story Mania FASTPASS
9:09 AM Free Time
9:18 AM Voyage of the Little Mermaid
10:10 AM Toy Story Mania (use FASTPASS)
10:29 AM Honey, I Shrunk the Kids Play Area Streets of America
10:56 AM Muppet Vision 3-D Streets of America
11:30 AM Lunch at Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant Streets of America
12:33 PM Beauty and the Beast Show (12:45 PM performance)

Sounds pretty reasonable to me, although I just noticed it doesn't leave in any time whatsoever for meeting characters, exploring the Streets of America, or me sneaking off to ride the Rocking Roller Coaster (whose official Dis acronym I can't seem to think of right now). So, we'll see how that works. I think I'll check Ridemax again and see if there's a way to schedule in character meet and greets because I know Max won't want to leave the park without meeting Buzz and Woody! I am also planning on seeing if we can't ride TSM right away (I know....me and everyone else on the planet) AND grab a fastpass. We'll have to see what the line is like... OK, why do I even bother asking such questions? Actually, because Mark and I walked onto TSM last year, in the morning, with no problem.

I am very excited to be dining at Sci-Fi again. I know it isn't the greatest food in the world (or the World, for that matter), but my husband and I really loved it here. The atmosphere and theming are top-notch. I think my mom and Max will love it, too.

Then, sometime before one, we will head back to CSR, where I am hopeful we will get in some pool/playground time and a nap for Max. That evening, we have a reservations at the California Grill, to celebrate my mom and my husband's birthday. And, surprisingly, it is my mom's actual birthday! I am sure we will either have the greatest evening, or it will be the biggest error of planning I have yet to experience. We'll see...

We have a 5:50 ADR (Where, but Disney, would you find such odd reservation times??) and that means we will probably just be wrapping up dinner when Wishes starts. If so, we'll probably stay put and watch them from atop the Contemporary before we head back to CSR for a restful evening.

 

[annmarieda]

Day five, which will be my mom's second and final full day with us, will probably start with us grabbing something quick here:

Unless Max can wait, in which case, I'm looking forward to grabbing something from Writer's Stop, which looks so cute, and people have been telling me great things about, such as, the coffee doesn't tottally suck here! I'm thinking we'll bring along some of the Starbucks Via things, actually, as the coffee around much of Disney is just so terrible. And any other hints about where we can get a decent cup of coffee, feel free to share, please.

We will (hopefully) arrive around rope drop. Ridemax has worked out the following itinerary for us:

9:05 AM Runner Get Toy Story Mania FASTPASS
9:09 AM Free Time
9:18 AM Voyage of the Little Mermaid
10:10 AM Toy Story Mania (use FASTPASS)
10:29 AM Honey, I Shrunk the Kids Play Area Streets of America
10:56 AM Muppet Vision 3-D Streets of America
11:30 AM Lunch at Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant Streets of America
12:33 PM Beauty and the Beast Show (12:45 PM performance)

Sounds pretty reasonable to me, although I just noticed it doesn't leave in any time whatsoever for meeting characters, exploring the Streets of America, or me sneaking off to ride the Rocking Roller Coaster (whose official Dis acronym I can't seem to think of right now). So, we'll see how that works. I think I'll check Ridemax again and see if there's a way to schedule in character meet and greets because I know Max won't want to leave the park without meeting Buzz and Woody! I am also planning on seeing if we can't ride TSM right away (I know....me and everyone else on the planet) AND grab a fastpass. We'll have to see what the line is like... OK, why do I even bother asking such questions? Actually, because Mark and I walked onto TSM last year, in the morning, with no problem.

I am very excited to be dining at Sci-Fi again. I know it isn't the greatest food in the world (or the World, for that matter), but my husband and I really loved it here. The atmosphere and theming are top-notch. I think my mom and Max will love it, too.

Then, sometime before one, we will head back to CSR, where I am hopeful we will get in some pool/playground time and a nap for Max. That evening, we have a reservations at the California Grill, to celebrate my mom and my husband's birthday. And, surprisingly, it is my mom's actual birthday! I am sure we will either have the greatest evening, or it will be the biggest error of planning I have yet to experience. We'll see...

We have a 5:50 ADR (Where, but Disney, would you find such odd reservation times??) and that means we will probably just be wrapping up dinner when Wishes starts. If so, we'll probably stay put and watch them from atop the Contemporary before we head back to CSR for a restful evening.

I always love how ridemax gives you times down to the minute...

Remind me..is this your only DHS day?

I hope your dinner at CG turns out just fine. I am sure it will! And how cool to be celebrating birthdays there.

 

[tinacaplan]

I always love how ridemax gives you times down to the minute...

Remind me..is this your only DHS day?

I hope your dinner at CG turns out just fine. I am sure it will! And how cool to be celebrating birthdays there.

I think Ridemax is pretty cool and I was so excited when the window opened and I could finally use it! This is our only time at DHS. There really isn't a whole lot there for Max, beyond what I've scheduled for this day. The only Playhouse Disney show he watches is the MM Clubhouse, so that won't have a ton of relevance for him. There just seems to be a lot more for him at the other parks... Its amazing how fast you can fill up seven days at Disney!

 

[that's nice]

Day five, which will be my mom's second and final full day with us, will probably start with us grabbing something quick here:

Unless Max can wait, in which case, I'm looking forward to grabbing something from Writer's Stop, which looks so cute, and people have been telling me great things about, such as, the coffee doesn't tottally suck here! I'm thinking we'll bring along some of the Starbucks Via things, actually, as the coffee around much of Disney is just so terrible. And any other hints about where we can get a decent cup of coffee, feel free to share, please.

What about bringing your own coffee and just make it in the room?

9:05 AM Runner Get Toy Story Mania FASTPASS
9:09 AM Free Time
9:18 AM Voyage of the Little Mermaid
10:10 AM Toy Story Mania (use FASTPASS)
10:29 AM Honey, I Shrunk the Kids Play Area Streets of America
10:56 AM Muppet Vision 3-D Streets of America
11:30 AM Lunch at Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant Streets of America
12:33 PM Beauty and the Beast Show (12:45 PM performance)

I wonder why it has you moving through the whole park in 3 hours? Do you punch in the rides/shows that you want to see?

Sounds pretty reasonable to me, although I just noticed it doesn't leave in any time whatsoever for meeting characters, exploring the Streets of America, or me sneaking off to ride the Rocking Roller Coaster (whose official Dis acronym I can't seem to think of right now).

Don't forget that RnRC (LOL) has the single rider line which goes pretty fast if you don't get a FP for it. Are you planning on riding ToT?

I think meeting Buzz & Woody is going to take a while... so plan accordingly!

I am also planning on seeing if we can't ride TSM right away (I know....me and everyone else on the planet) AND grab a fastpass. We'll have to see what the line is like... OK, why do I even bother asking such questions? Actually, because Mark and I walked onto TSM last year, in the morning, with no problem.

Don't forget to get the FP first then ride.

Then, sometime before one, we will head back to CSR, where I am hopeful we will get in some pool/playground time and a nap for Max. That evening, we have a reservations at the California Grill, to celebrate my mom and my husband's birthday. And, surprisingly, it is my mom's actual birthday! I am sure we will either have the greatest evening, or it will be the biggest error of planning I have yet to experience. We'll see...

I'm sure you will have a wonderful dinner! We haven't eaten here yet but I do hope to someday.

 

[annmarieda]

I think Ridemax is pretty cool and I was so excited when the window opened and I could finally use it! This is our only time at DHS. There really isn't a whole lot there for Max, beyond what I've scheduled for this day. The only Playhouse Disney show he watches is the MM Clubhouse, so that won't have a ton of relevance for him. There just seems to be a lot more for him at the other parks... Its amazing how fast you can fill up seven days at Disney!

It definitely is amazing how fast you can fill up seven days!!! I just wondered if you were going to go to the Lights Motor Action show. I personally, don't care for it...but for someone who liked cars it might be something to do. All the stunts and racing a round.... There is also the art of animation that kids can have a bit of fun with...but since I haven't done that in a while I honestly can't remember if it would be thrilling for someone of Max's age.

DHS is always a hard one for us.... it isn't our favorite park...but there are shows that we tend to not want to miss. It makes it hard to fit everything in.

 

[dizneeat]

Great Day 5, Tina!

I guess your strategy for TSM is great - grab that FP and then hit the standby line. It might seem long, BUT, since FP will not be open by then it usually moves quite fast!

You're right, DHS doesn't offer much for kids Max's age and you NEED to fit in Woody and Buzz!
Love the idea of going back to the resort - we might see ya there!

CG sounds like the perfect location for a celebration dinner. And I hope you know that if you want to wander around the resort after dinner you can go up to the restaurant again to watch the fireworks?

Guess I need to finish posting my itinerary too, so we can see if we overlap some other times too!

 

[tinacaplan]

What about bringing your own coffee and just make it in the room?

I think we're going to do that.

I wonder why it has you moving through the whole park in 3 hours? Do you punch in the rides/shows that you want to see?

Yes. You can select from a pull down menu of rides and attractions and it puts them in order for you. It is kind of neat and I think it should be helpful for dealing with the President's Week crowds.

Don't forget that RnRC (LOL) has the single rider line which goes pretty fast if you don't get a FP for it. Are you planning on riding ToT?

No. I hate the feeling of dropping...makes me

I think meeting Buzz & Woody is going to take a while... so plan accordingly!

We will. Aside from TSM, if we don't do anything else but that and visit Luigi's tire shop, we'll be all set.


Don't forget to get the FP first then ride.



I'm sure you will have a wonderful dinner! We haven't eaten here yet but I do hope to someday.

It definitely is amazing how fast you can fill up seven days!!! I just wondered if you were going to go to the Lights Motor Action show. I personally, don't care for it...but for someone who liked cars it might be something to do. All the stunts and racing a round.... There is also the art of animation that kids can have a bit of fun with...but since I haven't done that in a while I honestly can't remember if it would be thrilling for someone of Max's age.

DHS is always a hard one for us.... it isn't our favorite park...but there are shows that we tend to not want to miss. It makes it hard to fit everything in.

Its true about the shows. That's really all there is there. The Great Movie Ride, which is one of the only other rides, was kind of well...not that great. I suppose if we had time to kill we could do it. It's too bad there isn't more at DHS, either, because I love the architecture there and think the park is beautiful.

Great Day 5, Tina!

I guess your strategy for TSM is great - grab that FP and then hit the standby line. It might seem long, BUT, since FP will not be open by then it usually moves quite fast!

You're right, DHS doesn't offer much for kids Max's age and you NEED to fit in Woody and Buzz!
Love the idea of going back to the resort - we might see ya there!

CG sounds like the perfect location for a celebration dinner. And I hope you know that if you want to wander around the resort after dinner you can go up to the restaurant again to watch the fireworks?

Guess I need to finish posting my itinerary too, so we can see if we overlap some other times too!

Yes, Karin....keep posting!!! We are so close!!!

 

[tinacaplan]

Another

thanks, crummy New England winter! And this one looks like it will be a real mess with an impending change over to sleet, freezing rain, and finally just plain 'ol rain. Which means that even if it is only in the 50s and sunny all week when we're in Florida, it will probably feel heavenly.

So, we'll be heading back here

If there is any morning we can sleep in on this trip, it will probably be this one. While I find it hard to believe we'll sleep past seven, we can at least take our time getting to EPCOT. We can get to whatever attractions we might have missed on our first few visits, ride Spaceship Earth at least once...or twice...or maybe three times. I have a feeling a certain young man will probably be interested in doing Nemo again.

This will always be one of my favorite rides, maybe because it was one of my parent's favorites when we went to Disneyworld when I was a kid.

Then its off to our lunch ADR at Le Cellier.

I have tried to resist the temptation, but the pull of the cheddar cheese soup is just too much! Plus, it looks so pretty down there, in the middle of that lovely garden. Oh, and I LOVE maple anything, so the creme brulee sounds great, too. It works out perfectly that this is where we're having lunch on this day, as we have an ADR at Chef Mickey's for dinner and most of what I've read (at least food-wise) has left me less than excited.

Our afternoon plans will be the same: back to the resort in the early afternoon...rest...relax...swim...play. Then back to the CR for dinner. I think we'll try and make Wishes! at MK that evening and see what else we can accomplish there, depending on Max's mood. OK...what am I saying? Every single plan I have this week is entirely dependent on Max's mood! The best laid plans and all that...

I'm getting so excited. At least two dancing bananas worth of excited! I can't wait to hear the announcer's voice, announcing everything...telling me when I should take my place for Illuminations, for example. I can't wait to have happy music following me everywhere I go. And, most of all, I can't wait to see how Max reacts to everything.