I Could Have Had a Cruise. Instead, I'm Going to WDW! May 2010 PTR - ONE MORE DAY!!!

[Brave teacher]

It looks like so much fun! WHat a great evening!

 

[cinderella crazy]

That’s what Alex tried to tell us when we went to WDW a couple of years ago. This is how the conversation went:

(As we were leaving WDW)
Me: “Say bye bye to Disney World, Alex”
Alex: “It’s not Disney World Mommy! It’s Dollywood!”
Me:

Well who can blame him. He goes to Dollywood a lot more than Disney World. We’ve had season passes to Dollywood and Dollywood’s Splash Country for many, many years. We usually go to Dollywood during the Spring, Splash Country during the Summer, and then Dollywood during the Fall and early Winter. Than the park closes and we’re stuck inside for awhile. So for us, the opening of Dollywood marks the beginning of Spring. Too bad the weather didn’t want to cooperate for the opening this weekend! It felt more like winter. Just when I think we’ve left the 30 degree weather behind, it shows back up again!

We arrived at Dollywood around 9:30 am. Not bad since they opened at 9:00. I’m so glad that we brought the kids gloves! Their little hands would have frozen off if we hadn’t. Unfortunately, Mike and I forgot our gloves. We decided that the first ride we wanted to check out was the Rockin’ Roadway. Think Tomorrowland Speedway. The kids both got to drive (there aren’t any pedals in the cars. The just go by themselves. I had fun pushing the button for the horn and I’m sure the ride operators were glad that I got off the ride).

I love these little touches at Dollywood. We passed by this while driving in our cars:

Poor Mike had to ride in the pink car!

The next ride we went to was theVeggie Tale coaster. But on the way there, I saw a duck who was trying to decide if he wanted to cross the River Rampage water.

Hmm…Maybe not the best idea

The kids love the Veggie Tale coaster. Imagine the Goofy coaster, just smaller. Come to find out, it was closed. What?! Ok then, we decided to go on the Scrambler instead. Real smart move. It’s freezing outside and we decide to go on a ride that whips you around and causes it to be even more windy. Brilliant! I love Mike’s face he made right before riding:

After the scrambler we decided to check out the bumper cars. Neither of the kids have acted interested in these before but this time they both wanted to ride it. Came to find out that Lauren isn’t tall enough for them. You have to be 42 inches to ride them. So Mike took Lauren to ride the Lucky Ducky ride while Alex and I rode the bumper cars. Alex is actually tall enough to drive the car (have to be 48 inches) but he asked me to drive. He was so funny during the ride. He kept saying “Bump people Mommy! Bump people!”

Next Alex rode the Busy Bees ride and Lauren rode the Piggy Parade ride. After Lauren finished with the pigs she decided she wanted to ride the bees with Alex. So they rode them together. Then Alex decided he wanted to ride the Lucky Ducky ride. Here’s some pics:

We then headed to the Amazing Flying Elephants ride (like Dumbo). Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to get any pictures on this ride since they had Mike and Lauren sit on the complete opposite side of Alex and me. Oh well. After a short ride on the elephants, we went to the carousel. This is one of Alex’s favorites. He also loves the one in WDW.

After our carousel ride, we decided to look for something to eat. It was almost 11:30 at this point. So imagine our surprise when we had a hard time finding anything open. We decided to walk to the opposite side of the park and see if anything was open there.

We passed a waterfall on while walking. I don’t care how small, if the kids spot a waterfall or fountain, they have to stop. They then ask me to take a picture. Do you know how many fountains/waterfalls are in Dollywood? A lot! Do you know how many are in Epcot? Too many to count!!!

On our way, Mike and Lauren made a potty stop while Alex and I waited outside a store called Hillside General Store. Alex decided to sit in a rocking chair:

This sign was posted outside the store:

Across the way is the Robert F. Thomas Chapel:

Oh look! Another waterfall!

As we made our way to the other side of the park, we noticed that one of the major roller coasters was closed. Now I know it was cold, but this was an indoor coaster called the Blazing Fury. We thought it was kind of strange. We walked a little further and we noticed that one of the three major roller coasters, Tennessee Tornado, was running the cars without people in it. Interesting. A little bit further and we noticed that another of the major coasters, Mystery Mine, was closed and had a line waiting at the entrance. When we finally arrived at our lunch destination we realized that the last of the major coasters, Thunderhead wasn’t running either. What in the world! Dollywood has five coasters if you count the kiddie one and the indoor smaller coaster. At one time during the day (two and a half hours after opening) None of them had riders on them. Wow! This was opening day folks. A very busy day for the park. Not only that, it’s Dollywood’s 25th anniversary this year. I have NEVER seen it like this. Can you imagine what would happen if this was WDW?!

So we finally made it to our lunch destination, the Lumber Camp. They have the best chicken tenders, fries, and rolls. Only one problem, it wasn’t open yet. Huh? We asked the women standing at the registers what time they opened and they looked at each other like they had no idea. They did tell us we could order the food from this place at the food stand that is connected to theirs. Good. So we walk over there and they were soooo slow getting everyone’s food. Everyone else was ordering the chicken from this baked potato stand. When we get up to order Mike orders one child’s meal with a chocolate milk and then orders another chocolate milk. They inform him that the milk cannot be purchased separately. It can only be purchased with a child’s meal. This was news to us since all last season we got one meal for the kids to share and then just bought another milk. So the kids ended up sharing a tiny chocolate milk.

Then we saw it. The new refillable mugs. Dollywood has new mugs every year but unlike Disney, you can bring old mugs back to have them refilled. We’ve had the same mugs for awhile now so we decided to buy new ones this year. I don’t really remember how much mugs have been in the past but I know they weren’t very expensive. This year, they have special ones for the 25th anniversary. They’re $15.00! We were shocked! Not only that but they increased the price for an older mug refill to $2.79! It used to be a dollar something. Wow! The refills for the anniversary mug are $0.99 for the entire season. After some mumbling and complaining from Mike, we finally ended up buying them. So here’s what a $15.00 Dollywood mug looks like:

Goodness! Look at all the complaining I just did! Sorry! It was just such a strange visit. We’ve never encountered anything like this at Dollywood before. We finally got our food and it was delicious! I ate mine in record time.

After lunch, we headed to one of the playgrounds called Lil’ Loggers’ Landing. From the moment we enter Dollywood, Alex starts asking to go to the playground. It’s right next to Thunderhead roller coaster and when the coaster is running, it is awesome to hear and feel the coaster go by.

Continued in next post

 

[cinderella crazy]

Continued...

After having fun on the playground, we decided to head over to our favorite spot to share a huge chocolate chip cookie, the Grist Mill. Usually the huge water wheel is moving and we sit and watch the waterfall. It wasn’t running on this day but that’s okay. While Lauren and I waited for Mike and Alex to buy our giant cookie I took some pictures:

Can I join?

Then it was cookie time!

After our cookie, we decided to head towards the exit. Along the way I noticed a new store. It used to be a store that had doll dresses in it. Now it has personalized girlie stuff.

From the second we entered the store, Mike knew he was in trouble. I ooo’d and ahh’d over everything in the store. So finally Mike asked me if I wanted an early Mother’s Day present. Yes! Yes I did! So here’s what I got:

As you can tell from the pictures, it’s a wallet. I love it! It’s so cute!

And then we found a fountain:

And then another one:

We then took a picture near the entrance/exit:

To leave Dollywood, you have to go through a store called the Emporium (hmm…imagine that!). The sun had decided to come out and Alex didn’t have his sunglasses so we bought some here. These are what he picked:

We walked to the tram station, got a ride to the van, and then drove home. On the way home I looked in the back seat and saw this sight:

That means we had a very successful trip to Dollywood.

Up Next: Revisions - Part 2

 

[MHTeacher]

So many updates......Where should I start?

First, let me start by saying that I love your IASW night. You can come up with some of the best nights. AND I love that Mickey is always sitting down there at the head of the table!

.

Every tired parent loves to look over their shoulder during a car trip home and see this!

 

[cinderella crazy]

Yes....I am singing, well, not actually singing 'cause there's a client sitting in the waiting room but I'm singing it in my head. Wouldn't want to scare off a potential client with my singing.

You come up with THE best ideas for Disney night. I can never think of super cute stuff like that.

Thank you Lisa! I can't wait to do Test Track. I've got all kinds of ideas running through my head.

It looks like so much fun! WHat a great evening!

Thanks Megan!

 

[cinderella crazy]

So many updates......Where should I start?

First, let me start by saying that I love your IASW night. You can come up with some of the best nights. AND I love that Mickey is always sitting down there at the head of the table!



Every tired parent loves to look over their shoulder during a car trip home and see this!

Thank you Michelle! I like looking over and seeing Mickey sitting there. He always looks so happy.

They're always so cute when they're asleep, aren't they?

 

[racefanof88]

Love the "It's a Small World night . Your table always looks so cute.

It looks like ya'll had fun at Dollywood. Your adventure there sounds like ours when we went to Six Flags New Orleans. It seemed like every ride we walked up to was closed. They also wouldn't let adults ride the kiddie rides with their children. Dallas was 3 and I wasn't going to let him get on some of those rides by himself so the only thing he got to ride was the carousel. The price of food was . Needless to say we never went back and then the flood waters after Katrina took it out.

 

[MaryAz]

Another great iIsney night! Fun time at Dollywood-love those fountains

 

[cinderella crazy]

Love the "It's a Small World night . Your table always looks so cute.

It looks like ya'll had fun at Dollywood. Your adventure there sounds like ours when we went to Six Flags New Orleans. It seemed like every ride we walked up to was closed. They also wouldn't let adults ride the kiddie rides with their children. Dallas was 3 and I wasn't going to let him get on some of those rides by himself so the only thing he got to ride was the carousel. The price of food was . Needless to say we never went back and then the flood waters after Katrina took it out.

Thanks Dana! Sometimes I have no trouble coming up with ideas for the table. Other times, like this time, it takes me awhile to come up with anything.

We'll definately be going back to Dollywood. It was just a really odd day. I've never seen Dollywood that disorganized. I'm thinking of taking the kids later this week since it's Spring Break here.

Another great iIsney night! Fun time at Dollywood-love those fountains

I can't tell you how many pictures I have of fountains and waterfalls, Mary! Everytime they see one they beg me to take a picture.

 

[Brave teacher]

I showed Cooper a picture of Lauren and explained to him that she sucks her thumb as well. I reminnd him about the thumb every time I see it in his mouth. He said he is going to have to try hard to stop because Lauren's mom is trying to get her to stop as well. He was actually really excited to see a picture of her. I think he just liked seeing someone else who does something like him.

 

[leamom2princesses]

Great updates Alicia! In all the trips we've taken to the Gatlinburg area, we've never done Dollywood. It looks awesome. We may have to try it out another time. The pic of Mike on the Scrambler cracked me up-I can imagine how cold it was. You Disney Night looks great! Can't wait to see what you come up with for Test Track night!

 

[cinderella crazy]

I showed Cooper a picture of Lauren and explained to him that she sucks her thumb as well. I reminnd him about the thumb every time I see it in his mouth. He said he is going to have to try hard to stop because Lauren's mom is trying to get her to stop as well. He was actually really excited to see a picture of her. I think he just liked seeing someone else who does something like him.

That's sweet! Maybe I should show her the picture of Cooper. I am hoping this isn't going to be a battle like potty training was. That was a nightmare!

Great updates Alicia! In all the trips we've taken to the Gatlinburg area, we've never done Dollywood. It looks awesome. We may have to try it out another time. The pic of Mike on the Scrambler cracked me up-I can imagine how cold it was. You Disney Night looks great! Can't wait to see what you come up with for Test Track night!

Thanks Leanne! I really like Dollywood but it is expensive. The food is actually a little more expensive than WDW. But we enjoy going so we end up buying season passes. I laughed so hard when I took that picture of Mike. He really looks scared. I'm really excited about Test Track night! I'm glad Alex picked it. I've been wanting to do it for awhile now.

 

[cinderella crazy]

I just realized that I haven’t redone our schedule (again) since we’ve switched back to the Poly. So here’s our plan so far:

Friday, May 21st – Breakfast at Chef Mickey’s 10:45/Dinner at T-Rex 4:00/Evening at MK

Saturday, May 22nd – Morning at Epcot, Lunch at Germany or America/Afternoon at Poly/Dinner at San Angel Inn 5:00 (or Le Cellier if it becomes available)/Evening at Epcot (stay for Illuminations and 8:30 DIS Meet in France)

Sunday, May 23rd – Morning at MK, Lunch at Pecos Bill/Afternoon at Poly/Dinner at Coral Reef 4:45/Evening at Epcot

Monday, May 24th – Morning at AK, Lunch at Yak and Yeti or Pizzafari/Afternoon at Poly/Dinner – Kids and Mom = Room Service, Mike and Me WCC 6:10/Evening – Mike and Me at DHS, Mom and Kids at wherever Mom chooses

Tuesday, May 25th – Morning at Epcot, Lunch at Sunshine Seasons/Afternoon at Poly/Dinner at CRT 5:25/Evening at MK

Wednesday, May 26th – Morning at DHS, Lunch at ABC Commissary/Afternoon at Poly/Dinner at ‘Ohana 5:00/Evening at MK

Thursday, May 27th – Morning at MK, Lunch at Columbia Harbor House/Afternoon at Poly/Dinner at Biergarten 5:30/Evening at Epcot

Friday, May 28th – Morning at MK, Lunch at Cosmic Ray’s/Afternoon – Drive to Ashburn, GA.

That’s what I have right now. But you never know, things might change again. But not the resort! The resort is what it is (Thank goodness!).

Up Next: Return Trips To Knoxville Zoo And Dollywood

 

[leamom2princesses]

Looks like a good plan to me! We are eating at a lot of the same places. I need to do some tweaks on dining now that we've changed resorts. I just need to sit down and do it. I can't pry myself away from the boards these days.

 

[mickeystoontown]

Your plans look good to me. Except for the driving home part. But, we all have to put that in our reports even though we hate it.

Have you guys eaten at ABC Comm. in a while? The last time we ate there which was about three years ago, it was downright yucky. Before then, we ate there every year. Just wondering if it had changed.

Another dining question....how's Columbia Harbour House? We have yet to eat there in all of our trips.

 

[Spaceship Tigger]

I laughed so hard when I took that picture of Mike. He really looks scared.

If I was scared, it was because Lauren started saying that she didn't want to ride it right as we were getting on.

I was afraid of her wrath.

 

[Brave teacher]

To be honest, I was kind of nervous when I read the update was about changes. I thought that maybe you had changed resorts again. The plans look great though.

 

[MHTeacher]

Monday, May 24th – Evening – Mike and Me at DHS,
Tuesday, May 25th – Evening at MK

We will be in the same parks/on the same days.

 

[mickeystoontown]

So, somehow I missed the Dollywood installments. If they had been a snake, they would have bit me!

What was up with the roller coasters? I'm like you, if that had happened at Disney, there would have been a mutiny! The park looks like a nice place to visit. The closest semi-theme park around here is 4 hours away in Hot Springs, Arkansas.

 

[racefanof88]

Your plans look good to me. Except for the driving home part. But, we all have to put that in our reports even though we hate it.

Have you guys eaten at ABC Comm. in a while? The last time we ate there which was about three years ago, it was downright yucky. Before then, we ate there every year. Just wondering if it had changed.

Another dining question....how's Columbia Harbour House? We have yet to eat there in all of our trips.

OK Lisa, gonna hijack Alicia's report for a second or two. Sorry Alicia .

We ate at ABC Commissary in July and it was OK. Not unlike any other Disney hamburger place to me. We like Columbia Harbour House. They have good chicken fingers and the fish is OK. I'm not crazy about fish, but Tyler and I shared chicken and fish last May.