How I Survived 11 Days at WDW with a Disney-Resistant Husband **2/20 THE END **

[cdotla]

I ADORE the pictures of the kids awaiting rope drop from behind. Adorable and such a cute perspective. I dont' wonder why your friends wanted you to photograph their wedding reception. You have quite a knack!!

Thanks...I love looking at those pictures too. Brings back the excitement in those few moments before rope drop, and of course, all of our fun memories from our first morning at the MK!

I LOVE your photos! I feel like you are really capturing the feeling of being there. It sounds like you guys were having a great morning. I also like that pic of the kids running off to Frontierland - you can tell how excited they are, even from behind.

We did have a great morning! And the kids were definitely excited!

This morning seemed to go well! PP is my absolute favorite Fantasyland ride (tied with Philharmagic, which I guess isn't really a ride!)-- glad Declan loved the HM so much!!

Peter Pan is great! And I completely agree with you about Philharmagic! That is definitely a can't miss attraction, and one of my absolute favourites! We didn't fit it in during our 1st morning, but we definitely get to it later in the trip!

 

[cdotla]

OMG! I am so loving all your pictures. You are making me so excited for my trip. We only did the rope drop for SWW at HS. Now I am thinking I should change one of my days around for rope drop at MK.

On morning of EMH do they do a rope drop? How does that work?

I actually avoid going to the MK on EMH mornings as a result of the fact that there is no early entrance. So I may not be the right person to ask. However, the last time I did it was back in 2007 when they opened the Park early for the Little Ones Extra Magic Hour. As I recall, everyone was let into the Park shortly before 8am, walked up to the Castle and the entrance to Fantasyland, and I believe there was then a separate rope drop at Fantasyland.

Looks like you guys were having a great morning. MK looks wonderfully empty. I am with you on getting there at rope drop and experiencing low crowds. Shame on your DH for not taking pictures...
My children are older and they never want to go to sleep at night so as our the week goes on it gets harder and harder to make rope drop.

Oh yeah...I love that puffy sweet cinnamon goodness too! your picture makes my mouth water. The CP is always a must do for us.

Looking forward to more... Have a great day!

I am right there with you on the early Park touring! Close friends of ours (who are notorious late risers) went with us on our 1st trip to Disney with the kids in 2007. We stayed offsite, and they were on property. We joked that for whatever reason they could never manage to arrive at any park before 11am, just as we were about finishing our morning touring. While we always met up for dinner, we never saw them in the parks the whole trip before 11am!

I just saw the link to this in my TR! YAY I'm so glad you have another TR going! I just loved your last one! Your little girl is getting big!! How neat you guys got to stay at Cotemp, Board Walk, and the Poly! Sounds like fun!!!

I LOVE CP breakfast! Yummy!!! Y'all got to do a lot in one morning! That's awesome! Great report so far!!!

Hey Karen! Thanks for coming over!

And yes, our 1st morning at the Magic Kingdom could not have gone much better!

YAY I love being there for rope drop!! How fun to be one of the 1st families to ride Dumbo!! And YAY for finding Cinderella's horse!! Looks like you got to ride a lot in a short amount of time--another benefit of getting to the parks before they open!! Can't wait to hear more!

Yes, we got a lot accomplished that morning! Great way to kick off the trip for our first visit to the parks!

 

[edk35]

I hear ya about the commando-tendancies! They are hard to break. Especially if you were indoctrinated in the ways of TGM, as I was for the kids' first trip back in 2007. Everytime I do something against the rules (such as riding the Carrousel as our 2nd ride at 9:05am in Fantasyland) I have to fight all of the TGM voices in my head telling me what a mistake I am making!

I have been using TGM for many years. I know exactly what you mean about NOT following his words of wisdom. It almost makes me feel guilty.

 

[mickeyphile]

Trish can you believe the number or responses on your thread and you are only on your first park day!!!! Loving the report and pics but please don't keep us hanging on for so long. Update soon.

 

[cdotla]

I have been using TGM for many years. I know exactly what you mean about NOT following his words of wisdom. It almost makes me feel guilty.

We were taught well, weren't we? The program should come with some type of disclaimer: Warning - you if you follow this program and see how well it works you will never be able to leisure-tour the parks again!

Trish can you believe the number or responses on your thread and you are only on your first park day!!!! Loving the report and pics but please don't keep us hanging on for so long. Update soon.

So sorry! I had been hoping to update this week, but unfortunately life got in the way! I haven't even downloaded photos I took at a wedding reception last Saturday for the bride's family.

I won't bore you with all of the things going on lately, but suffice to say, I am never home! And when I am home I am failing miserably at keeping up with all of my regular chores and tasks.

I also feel bad because I haven't been able to keep up with everyone else's TRs that I have been reading.

And it is not going to get any easier. Next week I am determined to start running again. My husband is running a half-marathon in October, and I would like to join him by running the companion 10k race. And I am also out of town for work 3 days next week!

I also have Declan's Pirate Party creeping up on me and a million things to do beforehand to get ready for it. This weekend will be spent being all crafty / Martha Stewart!

So realistically, I don't think I can commit to doing more than 1 or 2 updates over the weekends. If I am able to throw one up mid-week I certainly will, but no promises!

 

[PrincessMomto2]

Well your first full day seems to be going along great. I also make sure I book 8 AM ADR's for the MK. Just love walking down Main Street before park opening at least one time during our trip. Having breakfast at CP and making a mad dash for DUMBO is something we always do as well. There is nothing worse than waiting on a looooooong hot line at DUMBO. So we try to get that done our first day as well.

I'm very impressed on how crafty you are! Wish I had that talent. I do understand about being busy this time of year. So many things happen during the month of June. Don't worry take your time and we'll be here waiting! :

 

[kcandbella]

Whew! I'm all caught up. I'm so sorry that Katie was sick and your first night was not what you had hoped it would be. But your morning sounds like it went very well! And you do have some beautiful pics, I can see why your friend asked you to take some at the wedding. Can't wait to read more!

 

[cdotla]

Well your first full day seems to be going along great. I also make sure I book 8 AM ADR's for the MK. Just love walking down Main Street before park opening at least one time during our trip. Having breakfast at CP and making a mad dash for DUMBO is something we always do as well. There is nothing worse than waiting on a looooooong hot line at DUMBO. So we try to get that done our first day as well.

I'm very impressed on how crafty you are! Wish I had that talent. I do understand about being busy this time of year. So many things happen during the month of June. Don't worry take your time and we'll be here waiting! :

I am with you about avoiding the long lines at Dumbo...if we can't do it 1st thing, we don't do it.

Whew! I'm all caught up. I'm so sorry that Katie was sick and your first night was not what you had hoped it would be. But your morning sounds like it went very well! And you do have some beautiful pics, I can see why your friend asked you to take some at the wedding. Can't wait to read more!

Thanks! Yes, things definitely picked up big time on our 2nd day!

 

[Charlefours]

The breakfast at CP looks yummy. I will have to plan on doing it one of these years. What a great time it appears you had during your MK morning.

 

[cdotla]

The breakfast at CP looks yummy. I will have to plan on doing it one of these years. What a great time it appears you had during your MK morning.

Thanks Stephanie! It was a lot of fun, and definitely a trip highlight!

 

[natureprincess]

Wow, what a great trip report. I'm really enjoying it... I like your storytelling and your pictures are really great, too! Can't wait to read the next installment!

 

[mkluvsmickey]

Sounds like you've got a busy few weeks coming up! It's been crazy busy here too so I compeletely understand. Sometimes it gets a little overwhelming. Interested to hear about your running plan. I am on Week 8 of the Couch to 5K Program and have found that surprisingly I like it! I'm hoping to run teh 5K in October at WDW. I've heard of a program called Bridge to 10K that I thought I'd try next. Do you follow any sort of program or do you just get out there and run?

 

[cdotla]

Wow, what a great trip report. I'm really enjoying it... I like your storytelling and your pictures are really great, too! Can't wait to read the next installment!

Thank you and Welcome!

Sounds like you've got a busy few weeks coming up! It's been crazy busy here too so I compeletely understand. Sometimes it gets a little overwhelming. Interested to hear about your running plan. I am on Week 8 of the Couch to 5K Program and have found that surprisingly I like it! I'm hoping to run teh 5K in October at WDW. I've heard of a program called Bridge to 10K that I thought I'd try next. Do you follow any sort of program or do you just get out there and run?

Hey Michelle! I haven't quite figured out yet what kind of program or schedule I will be following. I have to get that nailed down this weekend. I am of mixed minds on the couch to 5k. Even though I am essentially starting at ground zero, having not exercised for longer than I care to admit, I am also someone who likes to see results fast. It's the only way I stay motivated. I find the start of the couch to 5k doesn't push me hard enough. That said, it is a fine line, as I don't want to push so hard that I quit before I begin either!

 

[pinkle]

Great thread.
I'm in.....
I live 'north of the border' as well.....you're DD birthday party was so great, I can't wait to see DS party.
I hope your trip is going to be more good than bad,,,,,,,Disney is soooooo wonderful
Good luck with the 10km.....I haven't gotten passed 7km before but it is a goal.

 

[VanessainWonderland]

Great TR so far! Sorry about Katie getting sick.

You never know with little ones.

Going back....Have some catching up to do!

 

[cdotla]

A Family Milestone...someone hits 44 Inches!!!

After spending a wonderful 1st hour in the Magic Kingdom with walk-on crowd levels everywhere, we were having a terrific day! And the excitement was just continuing as we were on our way to our two Favourite Mountains - Splash and Thunder!!!

One of the things I was most looking forward to on this trip was the fact that our youngest family member had not only hit the elusive 40 inches, but had also grown to stand exactly 44 inches tall!!!

The last time we had been in the Parks as a whole family was two years earlier when Declan was just 2 years, 10 months old. At that point, he hadn't quite reached 40 inches. As a result, our family always had to break up to ride the height restricted attractions.

On this trip, we were looking forward to hitting a new Family Milestone: being able to ride so many of our favourite Disney attractions together as a Family for the very first time, including:

​

​

-Splash Mountain

​

​

-Big Thunder Mountain

-Space Mountain

-Soarin'

-Tower of Terror

-Test Track

-Mission Space; and

-Expedition Everest!!!​

With the exception of Rockin' Rollercoaster and Primeval Whirl (for which I was quite happy to sit out) we would now be able to experience every attraction in all four Parks together as a Family!

After bravely tackling the Haunted Mansion, Declan was ready to attack the Mountains. And I was so excited to see him do it!

First we headed over to Splash Mountain and grabbed a FastPass.

Then we headed over to a 5-10 minute stand-by line for Big Thunder.

"Hang on to them hats and glasses cuz this here’s the wildest ride in the wilderness!"​

I adore Big Thunder! It is the perfect introduction for pre-schoolers to "big" rollercoasters. It is just fast enough to be thrilling and fun to ride without making anyone sick or scared. As expected, Declan loved it!

There is nothing quite like seeing your child's smiles and hearing their laughter as they experience their first "real" Disney rollercoaster! (I don't have any still photos because I was too busy videotaping!)

The excitement of lining up in the short que, loading onto the train, starting out of the station, jerking forward and back in your seat as you climb the mountain with the rock walls rolling toward you, bursting down the track, ducking under the longhorns, and sliding in your seat for the curves, all with the Big Thunder soundtrack playing in the background is just about the best all-round Park experience in my books.

(Continued)

 

[cdotla]

(Continued from above)

With Big Thunder accomplished, and our family having the time of our lives, it was now time to hit Splash Mountain. Although our FastPass time hadn't yet come up, the Standby line was only 10 minutes, so we decided to hop in line.

Once again, I was so excited to share this experience with my son. Riding two of my favourite rides for the first time with my little guy beside me was definitely one of the highlights of the trip!

Although Katie to this day still gets nervous on Splash and Tower of Terror, my little man is the complete opposite. So brave! I was so happy...he takes right after Mom in loving the thrill rides!

Zippity Do-Dah, Zippity Day!
My oh, My, What a Wonderful Day!​

Once again, Splash was another hit. Everyone loved it. By the time we finished our first ride, our FastPass time was coming up, so we got back in line and rode again, this time with a different partner. Just as fun the second time!

After finishing our last ride, and floating in our log to the loading area, we spotted these guys:

By this point, it was close to 11am, our check-out time at the Contemporary. So regretfully we had to say goodbye to the Magic Kingdom for now.

I took some pictures on the way out.

Unfortunately, we would not have a chance to make it over to Tom Sawyer's Island on this trip. Next time!

On our way out of the Park, we decided to take a nice leisurely ride on the Walt Disney World Railroad, which dropped us off right at the Front Gates.

Perfect way to end our morning!


UP NEXT: Goodbye Contemporary!

 

[PrincessInOz]

What great pictures! And what a thrill to be able to do all those rides as a family together. The walk-on times worked out great for you!

 

[cdotla]

Great thread.
I'm in.....
I live 'north of the border' as well.....you're DD birthday party was so great, I can't wait to see DS party.
I hope your trip is going to be more good than bad,,,,,,,Disney is soooooo wonderful
Good luck with the 10km.....I haven't gotten passed 7km before but it is a goal.

Thanks so much for posting and saying hi! And Welcome to a fellow Canuck!

I will certainly keep you posted on our plans for the Pirate Party. I thought it was going to be the 1st weekend in July, but one of Declan's best friends will be away. So we have moved it once again to the original date of June 26, with a rain date of June 27. Unfortunately this is the same day that another child in his pre-school class is having her Toy Story 3 Party. However, our party is 1-3pm and her party is only starting at 4:30pm. So I think it will be fine. I was nervous to go on Sunday for fear of rain. I have an outside Treasure Hunt planned!

Anyway, now that the date is moved back by one week, I really have to get cracking on things this weekend!

Great TR so far! Sorry about Katie getting sick.

You never know with little ones.

Going back....Have some catching up to do!

Thanks for posting and Welcome!

I have all the chapter links posted in the 2nd post on page 1, and links at the end of each chapter once I get the next one posted, so hopefully it won't take you too long to catch up. I am still only on Day 2!

 

[cdotla]

What great pictures! And what a thrill to be able to do all those rides as a family together. The walk-on times worked out great for you!

Thanks! Yes, it was a great morning. We got so much accomplished due to the limited crowds.

I know everyone else in May at our time has been remarking about high crowds, but for the most part I did not find them bad at all. I have been to WDW the 1st week of May at least 15-20 times and this was one of the lightest crowd levels I have seen.