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

[PrincessInOz]

Despite the heat, it sounds like you made the most of you day at DHS and BCR. Building your own lightsabre is also something my DS LOVES to do. And it is a great way to spend a hot afternoon inside...

 

[IdesOmarch]

I think you would love Universal just as much as Disney, I know I do. They are both on the same level as far as theming, level of detail etc. A lot of universal is really like "riding in the movie." It kind of puts you in the movies. Other parts like in Islands of Adventure where Harry Potter is, a whole different level of theming. In IOA, like in the Jurassic Park island, it is really like visiting the island out of the movie, Harry Potter area same thing, you will feel like you actually visited Hogwarts.

U has a reputation for some as just being a roller coaster park like Six Flags but it's not at all, much more like Disney just different, some think even better. They each have their own brand and kind of magic, just in different ways. U has one advantage with the getting to the front of all the lines, so no waits, with your hotel room key. That is what converted mine, no waiting in line!

 

[princesscharming]

Hey Trish. I'm guessing the cost of building a light saber depends on how elaborate the kids make it. But what's the price range for building one? I'm sure my kids will want one.

 

[RDarling]

"Before our trip, I had purchased a beautiful carriage pendant shaped like Cinderella's stagecoach. I got the idea from a great Disser, the very resourceful and clever RinkyTinky".

This was in the part of about the pearls in Japan. Did you purchase this to put a pearl in?? If so, do you have a picture? Still working on reading your trip report. It is great!!

 

[Queenofallthings]

Great updates!!

I could sure use some Florida sun right now....woke up to -35 temps this morning....

I love those pics from the pool....it shows how you can have a true vacation....a little park time, a little pool time and dinner at an awesome restaurant...can't wait to hear how you like Narcosseee's....I gave up our ADR to my sis and her hubby for their anniversary in September

 

[Native NYer]

Your day at SAB and the BCV pool looks lovely! It's hard to head to a park when you have access to SAB.

 

[MEK]

Your pictures make me want to be at the BC right now. The quiet pool looks like a great choice. I can't wait for my visit there in May. Cute pictures of the kids!

 

[Queila]

Great updates!

I love the picture of your daughter at SciFi. And I agree with you. Even though not every Disney restaurant has amazing food, it is not bad either. My only problem with SciFi, to tell you the truth, is the seating arrangements.

I can totally understand your panic over "losing" your daughter at the playground. I hate when I lose sight of mine.

And the pictures of your daughter jumping in the pool are priceless. You certainly got to register some great moments during your vacation.

Q

 

[kaysmommie]

Hi Trish,
Happy New year! Great update and pics as always. Yikes on the server at Sci Fi Dine Inn Not feeling the Disney magic I guess. I loved your HISTK playground pics! I agree though it gets quite stressful when you lose your kids in there. Looks like your kids enjoyed the afternoon swim, love their matching swimsuits too. I never even saw that quiet pool by the villas, we always swam at SAB. It was the highlight of the trip for the kids, though the games/ pool party was usually quite loud! Luckily finding a lounger was never a problem for us , unlike Poly where there is no room to swim. Looking forward to your next update at one of my favorite places for dinner

 

[3prettyprincesses]

Thank you! I think he is a complete cutie pie as well...but I am very biased.

As for the pool, sometimes you just have to stop fighting it. As great as the greatest Disney attraction can ever be, sometimes there is nothing better for the kids than the pool. I hate to admit that, but it is true.

As for that wretched playground...they should seriously have some type of sign-in, sign-out system. I know it would cause line ups and slow things down, but it is a complete maze in there. If your kids aren't the type to cling to your ankles (and mine have never been), I guarantee that at some point you will lose them in there. And if your kids get off even a little bit at trying to "hide" from mom and dad like mine do - forget it. It is game over.

Don't get me wrong - I love the playground itself. But be prepared to have a spinning head trying to keep your eyes on your kids in there!

As for building your own light sabers - I highly, highly recommend it. Even for your DH!

Ya, I've already resigned myself to the fact that they'll be begging to swim in the pool! My only ray of hope is that we're going the end of January so maybe, just maybe it'll be too cold to swim! Ok, that probably won't happen. It'll probably be 80 and sunny everyday!

I just read about HISTK playground on someone else's TR and they said the same thing you did! It's too easy to lose your kiddos and mine, particularly my DD7 tend to wander on playgrounds so I think I'll pass!

I have to say, I'm impressed by your New Years Eve party! I should've invited myself over, lol! Ok, I'd never do that but it sounds like you planned an incredible evening. This was the 1st year ever that my 3DD's managed to stay up till midnight. They thought it was awesome and then right after they said 'now what?' I told them it was time to go to bed. I think they were a bit let down by that answer!

I'm glad you had a great New Years, looking forward to your next update!

 

[smillerguy]

Just got caught up on your trip report again. I think we could be best friends if you lived in South Carolina. my hubby is so much like yours. Healthy, great fun Dad and taked Disney great in small doses. Imagine living only 8 hour drive away. I am taking our children son9 and daughter 6 by myself this April. Husband said he is going to work in Orlando and may join us a few days. I also love the Poly. Beach club was great too. Contemporary we enjoyed for Halloween! We also like the same resterants but now I am wanting to try Coral Reef and Jiko. Can't wait to hear about Narcosse's. DH and I have been trying to plan a trip for this summer to somewhere and keep coming back to Disney. It is just so easy for us. THNAKS AGAIN FOR THE GREAT TRIP REPORT. Wish I had the patience to do one.

When is your next trip planned for with the family?

 

[haleofafamily]

Hey Trish. I'm guessing the cost of building a light saber depends on how elaborate the kids make it. But what's the price range for building one? I'm sure my kids will want one.

I'm not Trish, but my kids are huge Star Wars fans so we have done this before. The light sabers can be built in DHS, Downtown Disney and even Magic Kingdom. It costs around $20 for a single light saber and more if you do a double light saber. It came with batteries and the CM's are very helpful.

 

[princesscharming]

I'm not Trish, but my kids are huge Star Wars fans so we have done this before. The light sabers can be built in DHS, Downtown Disney and even Magic Kingdom. It costs around $20 for a single light saber and more if you do a double light saber. It came with batteries and the CM's are very helpful.

Thanks for the help!

 

[KangaFan]

Just joining--I thought I was the only one with the Disney resistant husband and I swear I have that same pick somewhere of my DH, looking thrilled to be posing for pics.

Although I was initially interested to see how you got him to do so many great trips, I'm really enjoying your TR & have picked up a couple of other great, non-husband related tips.

We're leaving in a little over 2 weeks, so I appreciate the distraction DH runs screaming from the room when I mention Disney at this point. So thanks & keep up the great report.

 

[connie1042]

Waiting for the next chapter. I have the same husband.

 

[brookelizabeth]

I think you made the right move enjoying the pool instead of LMA, those stands are soooooooo HOT! I remember just melting up there one time in September. Ugh. And then there is a fire in the show, which just makes it hotter. Cool show, but not nearly as enjoyable on a hot day. Sounds like a lovely time poolside! I love all the pics of your DD jumping in over and over again.

 

[wendy3]

bump

 

[pinkle]

Day 10!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[cdotla]

Despite the heat, it sounds like you made the most of you day at DHS and BCR. Building your own lightsabre is also something my DS LOVES to do. And it is a great way to spend a hot afternoon inside...

Hey there! Yes, it certainly was a great way to spend our last day. And I was really glad the kids were able to build their light sabers. Unplanned, but very enjoyable!!!

I think you would love Universal just as much as Disney, I know I do. They are both on the same level as far as theming, level of detail etc. A lot of universal is really like "riding in the movie." It kind of puts you in the movies. Other parts like in Islands of Adventure where Harry Potter is, a whole different level of theming. In IOA, like in the Jurassic Park island, it is really like visiting the island out of the movie, Harry Potter area same thing, you will feel like you actually visited Hogwarts.

U has a reputation for some as just being a roller coaster park like Six Flags but it's not at all, much more like Disney just different, some think even better. They each have their own brand and kind of magic, just in different ways. U has one advantage with the getting to the front of all the lines, so no waits, with your hotel room key. That is what converted mine, no waiting in line!

I will definitely keep an open mind about Universal. I am sure someday we will get there, but probably not until the kids get to the age where Harry Potter would appeal to them.

The morning after the newest Harry Potter film was released a few months ago, we had tickets to attend for a special event at the theatre. We lasted about 10-15 minutes. Once one of the characters was placed on the conference table and the snake started to eat her, we were outta there. She really, really didn't like it!

Hey Trish. I'm guessing the cost of building a light saber depends on how elaborate the kids make it. But what's the price range for building one? I'm sure my kids will want one.

I actually found the cost of building a life saber was one of the best deals in the Park. I believe it was $19.95 for a single life saber, or $24.95 for a double. We went with the doubles (meaning they had 2 lighted ends, not just one). However, if you ask me, the single ones look more authentic. (I don't ever recall seeing the double ended ones in the movies...although I only ever saw the original trilogy, and that was back in the 80's.)

"Before our trip, I had purchased a beautiful carriage pendant shaped like Cinderella's stagecoach. I got the idea from a great Disser, the very resourceful and clever RinkyTinky".

This was in the part of about the pearls in Japan. Did you purchase this to put a pearl in?? If so, do you have a picture? Still working on reading your trip report. It is great!!

Yes....we did purchase the pendant to hold the pearl. I don't have a photo of it with the pearl inside but I will try to remember to take one.

Great updates!!

I could sure use some Florida sun right now....woke up to -35 temps this morning....

I love those pics from the pool....it shows how you can have a true vacation....a little park time, a little pool time and dinner at an awesome restaurant...can't wait to hear how you like Narcosseee's....I gave up our ADR to my sis and her hubby for their anniversary in September

You are one good sister Queenie!!! Narcoossees was an excellent meal. In fact, it was such a great experience that Chris walked out of the restaurant saying "I'd stay here" on our next trip...meaning the GF. That boy just has no sense of the cost of things, and I didn't bother filling him in!

While I wld love to stay at the GF at least once, for my money, I much prefer the Poly.

Anyway, I should have the Narcoossees segment up sometime this weekend. I have to sit in a ski lodge tommorrow while the kiddos are in their lessons, so I may bring the laptop.

Your day at SAB and the BCV pool looks lovely! It's hard to head to a park when you have access to SAB.

You are right. The pools certainly cause strict competition with the parks for my crew.

Your pictures make me want to be at the BC right now. The quiet pool looks like a great choice. I can't wait for my visit there in May. Cute pictures of the kids!

May will be here before you know it! You are in for such a treat!!!

 

[cdotla]

Great updates!

I love the picture of your daughter at SciFi. And I agree with you. Even though not every Disney restaurant has amazing food, it is not bad either. My only problem with SciFi, to tell you the truth, is the seating arrangements.

I can totally understand your panic over "losing" your daughter at the playground. I hate when I lose sight of mine.

And the pictures of your daughter jumping in the pool are priceless. You certainly got to register some great moments during your vacation.

Q

Thanks Queila!

That playground can be a bit of a panick-inducer, that is for sure!

Hi Trish,
Happy New year! Great update and pics as always. Yikes on the server at Sci Fi Dine Inn Not feeling the Disney magic I guess. I loved your HISTK playground pics! I agree though it gets quite stressful when you lose your kids in there. Looks like your kids enjoyed the afternoon swim, love their matching swimsuits too. I never even saw that quiet pool by the villas, we always swam at SAB. It was the highlight of the trip for the kids, though the games/ pool party was usually quite loud! Luckily finding a lounger was never a problem for us , unlike Poly where there is no room to swim. Looking forward to your next update at one of my favorite places for dinner

Hey Nichole! Happy New Year to you too!!!

The BCV quiet pool is actually on the front of the building. It is a very nice area, and a great place to enjoy some more relaxed pool time.

Ya, I've already resigned myself to the fact that they'll be begging to swim in the pool! My only ray of hope is that we're going the end of January so maybe, just maybe it'll be too cold to swim! Ok, that probably won't happen. It'll probably be 80 and sunny everyday!

I just read about HISTK playground on someone else's TR and they said the same thing you did! It's too easy to lose your kiddos and mine, particularly my DD7 tend to wander on playgrounds so I think I'll pass!

I have to say, I'm impressed by your New Years Eve party! I should've invited myself over, lol! Ok, I'd never do that but it sounds like you planned an incredible evening. This was the 1st year ever that my 3DD's managed to stay up till midnight. They thought it was awesome and then right after they said 'now what?' I told them it was time to go to bed. I think they were a bit let down by that answer!

I'm glad you had a great New Years, looking forward to your next update!

That is too funny about your daughters' reaction at midnite! Believe it or not, Chris also let Katie stay outside with him until midnite as well. It was a wonderfully warm nite, no wind or breeze to speak of even though we are right on the ocean, which was perfect for our fireworks. We had a little fire going during the fireworks and Chris kept it up even after most of the guests left. Most everyone left by 10:30, after we celebrated our pretend midnite at about 9:30pm. Then Declan and I headed to bed, (I was beat!) but Katie and Chris stayed outside until midnite. It was a big treat for her.

Just got caught up on your trip report again. I think we could be best friends if you lived in South Carolina. my hubby is so much like yours. Healthy, great fun Dad and taked Disney great in small doses. Imagine living only 8 hour drive away. I am taking our children son9 and daughter 6 by myself this April. Husband said he is going to work in Orlando and may join us a few days. I also love the Poly. Beach club was great too. Contemporary we enjoyed for Halloween! We also like the same resterants but now I am wanting to try Coral Reef and Jiko. Can't wait to hear about Narcosse's. DH and I have been trying to plan a trip for this summer to somewhere and keep coming back to Disney. It is just so easy for us. THNAKS AGAIN FOR THE GREAT TRIP REPORT. Wish I had the patience to do one.

When is your next trip planned for with the family?

Hey there! We actually do sound like we have many similarities! What a beautiful part of the country you are living in - Chris and I both adore SC. Greenville and Raleigh in particular...I could live there quite easily!

I highly recommend you put Jiko and Coral Reef on the list for one of your next trips. CR is probably more kid friendly, especially if you are travelling solo with the kids. However, I also wouldn't hesitate to take the kids to Jiko by myself as it is nice to walk the resort and look out on the savanna after the meal. Maybe if you husband can join you for some of the trip, you could plan to do Jiko then. It is a great meal for adults - quite a treat!

As for our next trip, we are actually ironing out all of the details as we speak. I will fill you in on all the details soon!

I'm not Trish, but my kids are huge Star Wars fans so we have done this before. The light sabers can be built in DHS, Downtown Disney and even Magic Kingdom. It costs around $20 for a single light saber and more if you do a double light saber. It came with batteries and the CM's are very helpful.

Thank you!

Just joining--I thought I was the only one with the Disney resistant husband and I swear I have that same pick somewhere of my DH, looking thrilled to be posing for pics.

Although I was initially interested to see how you got him to do so many great trips, I'm really enjoying your TR & have picked up a couple of other great, non-husband related tips.

We're leaving in a little over 2 weeks, so I appreciate the distraction DH runs screaming from the room when I mention Disney at this point. So thanks & keep up the great report.

Welcome, and thanks so much for posting!

That is too funny about your DH running from the room screaming whenever the topic of Disney comes up. I can totally relate to that one! According to my DH, no matter what he does, he can't escape the topic.

All the best in your final countdown to your trip....have a good one!!!

Waiting for the next chapter. I have the same husband.

Too funny! It is amazing how many of us there are!!! I would not have known until I started writing this TR!