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

[Brave teacher]

What great updates today!

First...luggage. The boys have their oen suitcases they pull on their own. We got them from Disney's website. They have a few on there right now.

Disney Kid Luggage

The way you feel about travelling through GA is what we here in LA feel about driving through FL. The drive to WDW for me takes about 10-10 1/2 hours. It takes me about 4 hours to get from my house south of New Orleans to the border of FL. The rest of that is one long drive. Once we get to I75, it only takes 2-2 1/2 hours. Driving I10 East in FL is one long, boring, drive.

Girl....I understand the problem with FL Gators. We LOVE LSU over here. To say you like FL is like saying you hate your mother. I understand the SEC thing.

The little snowballs are cute. They are supposed to be little friendly yetis.

 

[Dugette]

Just popped over from my TR to check out your PTR. Sounds good so far! I like all the flashbacks to past trips. And you're very funny! Ohhhh, the Poly! I miss it already!

 

[cinderella crazy]

That sounds like quite the drive! Can't wait to hear the totals on the "Are we there yet" and "The interstate again" I alsmost wrote the internet
Those little snowball guys are cute! I say you need at least 3 to make up for past trips when you did not get them

It usually takes us somewhere between 10 and 11 hours to drive. We used to drive down all in one day. Last year was the first time we decided to break it up and I like it much better. It was nice to wake up the next morning and not be very far from Disney.

What great updates today!

First...luggage. The boys have their oen suitcases they pull on their own. We got them from Disney's website. They have a few on there right now.

Disney Kid Luggage

The way you feel about travelling through GA is what we here in LA feel about driving through FL. The drive to WDW for me takes about 10-10 1/2 hours. It takes me about 4 hours to get from my house south of New Orleans to the border of FL. The rest of that is one long drive. Once we get to I75, it only takes 2-2 1/2 hours. Driving I10 East in FL is one long, boring, drive.

Girl....I understand the problem with FL Gators. We LOVE LSU over here. To say you like FL is like saying you hate your mother. I understand the SEC thing.

The little snowballs are cute. They are supposed to be little friendly yetis.

Thanks! I'll have to check that link out. I don't know why I didn't think about looking at the Disney Store. Duh!

I can't wait to bring Mr. Yeti home! I'll have to make sure Mike takes pictures of me buying it.

Just popped over from my TR to check out your PTR. Sounds good so far! I like all the flashbacks to past trips. And you're very funny! Ohhhh, the Poly! I miss it already!

Thanks for stopping by! I am sooo ready to stay at the Poly! I keep looking at our schedule trying to figure out when I'm going to get my Tonga Toast. I'm pretty sure it's I'm going to have to go to Captain Cooks to get some. I've told my Mom about it but I still don't think she understands how huge it is. I thought about buying the cookbook that includes the Tonga Toast recipe, but I figured I'd gain 30 pounds if I did.

 

[kangaand2roos]

Thanks for stopping by! I am sooo ready to stay at the Poly! I keep looking at our schedule trying to figure out when I'm going to get my Tonga Toast. I'm pretty sure it's I'm going to have to go to Captain Cooks to get some. I've told my Mom about it but I still don't think she understands how huge it is. I thought about buying the cookbook that includes the Tonga Toast recipe, but I figured I'd gain 30 pounds if I did.

I've made it before, and while it was very good, it was MUCH better at both Captain Cooks and Kona!

 

[cinderella crazy]

I've made it before, and while it was very good, it was MUCH better at both Captain Cooks and Kona!

I would think that would be something that would be hard to duplicate at home. But I'd be willing to try!



I'm in the process of finalizing our second Disney night. Can't wait! Mwahahaha!

 

[MHTeacher]

Do your children ask that? Alex and Lauren love to ask this on any long drive. So whenever we drive to Disney we hear this repeatedly. I’m sure this trip will be no different.

Just a part of parenthood, isn't it? I think how much better we have it than our parents. We didn't have a DVD player in the vehicle, an iPod, cell phone, or Nintendo DS---we must have driven our parents insane!

Last year, we had reminded our little one (who was 6 at the time) to not ask the infamous question non stop. We started and he never said it. Then about 6-7 hours into the trip, he pops up with, "Hey, I haven't said 'When are we going to be there, yet!'" We all said "You just did!" And he just slapped his head, like "OH NO!" It was so funny!

Have you ever seen those cute, little, white snowball things they sell at AK? Especially where EE is? You know. They’re round and look like a snowball but they have these funny teethy

My youngest named him Yeti! You MUST have one!

 

[leamom2princesses]

Looks like you had a fun Disney Night! Love the breakfast theme and the craft! Great job Alicia!

The girls have drawstring backpacks this time that they will be carrying. I saw the cutest hardcase rolling luggage this weekend at a luggage store in the mall. It was my first time at this particular mall and I can't remember the name of the store for the life of me. They had one with princesses and one with cars. They looked perfect for travelling.

We live about 4 hours from "K-town" and when we used to drive we hated driving through GA too. What a looooooooooonnnnnnnnnngggggg flat drive.

Unfortunately, Joe won't drive anymore...hates the 12 hours cooped up in a car. I hate to fly but I also hate to ride with him driving. I'd rather have panic attacks for 2 hours on a plane rather than 12 hours each way with him driving like a mad man.

I'm interested to see how many times the "are we there yet" and "the interstate again" are vocalized this trip.

 

[cinderella crazy]

I'm going to go ahead and post what are plans are for day #2. I'm going to be super busy tomorrow night and Friday night so I thought I'd go ahead and post it. Hope you enjoy!

 

[cinderella crazy]

After sleeping in Gainesville overnight, we’ll wake up pretty early. We have to. Our ADR for Chef Mickey’s is at 10:45. Once again, If I’m driving, we’ll have no problem making our ADR. Most trips we take breakfast items with us (cereal, milk, breakfast bars, Pop tarts, etc) to eat in the mornings so we’ll probably grab one of those and have a small, quick breakfast. If I remember correctly, the coffee the hotel provided was AWEFUL! (I’m a coffee snob y’all) Mom and I ended up going to McDonald’s down the street to get some decent coffee.

We’re hoping to be on the road by 7:30. This part of the drive down I like. Especially when we hit the tollbooths. I don’t know what it is, but tollbooths actually make me happy. Mike can’t stand them (he doesn’t like to part with his money). But me, I like them so much I film them as we go through them. It may have something to do with the fact that I’m not originally from this area. Until I was 16, I lived in a burb of Chicago. And whenever we came home to Chicago, we went through tollbooths. So maybe the tollbooths in Florida remind me of my youth in Chi-town. Then again, maybe I’m just a weird lady who has a strange fascination with tollbooths.

The plan is to arrive at the Poly by 9:30. We’ll check-in and I’m guessing our rooms won’t be ready. We’ll see. We requested to have a connecting room with Mom, in the building Tokelau, with a first floor balcony (we’re not picky). We should have a garden view room (That is unless some kind soul wants to give us an upgrade. But I’m not going to hold my breath). My main request is to have connecting rooms. Anything else is icing on the cake. Mmmm…cake. Sorry. So if our rooms are ready, we’ll go check them out. If not, we’ll probably wander around the lobby for a little bit, leave our bags at the resort, and then take the monorail (I’m doing a happy dance thinking about staying at a monorail resort!) to the Contemporary for our 10:45 Chef Mickey’s ADR.

On our 2007 trip, both Alex and Lauren were terrified of the characters. Before this Alex had not had any problems with them, but on this trip he developed a fear of them. We debated about going to Chef Mickey’s on our 2009 trip but eventually decided that we’d never know if they were still afraid or over their fears unless we exposed them to the characters again. Plus, I’ve noticed at Chef Mickey’s that if a child has no interest in meeting the characters, they tend to keep their distance. So when we went in 2009 we were very surprised when Alex ran to each character to have his picture made! He loved them! Lauren had a hissy fit. Mike had to carry her off. Eventually she agreed to sit with me and she whispered “Mickey no get me.” Poor thing. But by the end of the trip she seemed to be okay with them being near her. I had to be holding her, but she seemed to come to terms with them. Hopefully this trip, there won’t be any hysterics. We’ll eat our Mickey waffles, get some pictures with Alex (maybe Lauren) and characters, twirl our napkins in the air, and have a great time (I’m hoping). Here’s some photos of our emotion filled visit last year:

Alex excited to see Pluto:

Lauren “Mickey no get me”:

Notice how Lauren is looking at something with concern. No doubt a character. I love how her shirt says “It’s a happy day.”

After breakfast, we’ll probably look around in the Contemporary shops. For some reason, we had never done this until our last trip. I don’t know why. They have some really neat stuff. Like this:

Then we’ll hop back on the monorail (Yippee) and head to the Poly. If our rooms weren’t ready before, we’ll check on them. I’m hoping they will be ready by this point. If not, we’ll explore the lobby some more, go for a swim, buy our mugs at Captain Cook’s, or look around in Boutiki. The options are endless! If our rooms are ready or were previously ready, we’ll go hang out in the rooms for a little bit and then do the above mentioned activities. We’re basically planning on hanging out at the resort until the early afternoon.

Our dinner ADR at T-Rex is at 4:15. We’ll most likely head to DTD earlier in the afternoon and look around in some stores. One of which will no doubt be the Lego store. Alex LOVES Legos! I’m almost afraid to take him into the store. He could spend hours in there I’m sure. Of course we have to hit the World of Disney and the toy store that’s there (why can I never remember the name of the toy store?). Knowing us (we’re always early) we’ll check into T-Rex around 4:00. I’m really excited about eating here again! The food is good but the atmosphere is awesome! And I have got to have those Meteor Bites for dessert! You know why I like those, don’t you? Donuts are kind of like cake. Donut holes are parts of a donut. Meteor Bites are Donut Holes. Therefore, Meteor Bites are like cake (did you follow my reasoning there?). And if you’ve been following along, you know that my biggest weakness is cake. I’ve been dreaming about these Meteor Bites y’all. They’re calling to me all the way from Florida!

Here’s a couple pics from T-Rex:
Waterfall outside:

The bar area:

After we eat, Lauren wants to Build-a Dino (Alex made one last year). So we’ll let her do that and then we’ll leave DTD. Our trip report that Mike wrote last year, (We have a folder that has trip reports in it from every year we’ve taken a Disney trip. Comes in handy when we’re trying to remember stuff.), says we left DTD at 5:15. I’d say that would be a good estimate for this trip as well. We’ll drive back to the Poly, park the van, walk to the TTC and hop on a monorail to go to MK.

And then we’ll see this beauty:

Last year, we let Alex pick the first ride in MK. He picked Pirates (Arrg! Good choice me Son!). I’m guessing our first ride is probably going to be either Buzz, Pirates, Haunted Mansion, or Barnstormer (all four are favorites of the kids). Last year we rode Pirates, Aladdin’s carpets, Haunted Mansion, Small World, and Buzz so I’m sure the kids will be interested in hitting these rides again. We don’t really have a plan for what we want to ride each day. We make a general list of what everyone must ride, would like to ride, and rides that people are interested in but don’t have giant urge to go on. We do the must do attractions first. Once their off the list, we move onto the would like to ride list. And if all those rides get done, we move onto the interested ride list. I know one thing; we have got to go in the Emporium. Mama likes to shop when in Disney! Mike let me go into Mousegear by myself one time. Never again. I just can’t control myself at Disney! And I’m sure the children will beg for a balloon and we’ll give into their request.

After we’ve had our fill of MK we’ll head back to the Poly via the monorail, visit Captain Cooks for some snacks and mug refills (got to get my Gold Peak Tea!) and relax in our hopefully connecting rooms.

We’re going to need the rest for early entry at DHS the next morning (Which also happens to be Star Wars weekend. Help me!)

Up Next: Yo ho! Yo ho! A Pirates Life For Me! – Another OT Post

 

[Brave teacher]

I love your updates.

I like the tollbooths too, but I think it's because you hit tolls as you get closer to WDW. I know I'm almost there.

Your plans for day 2 sound great. My boys love the Lego store as well. They could spend hours in there at a time. The toy store is called Once Upon a Toy.

I totally understand the cake reasoning. I love cake.



MMMMM...cake.

 

[MaryAz]

Ok, so Day 2 is Fri the 21st right?? Sounds like a full, fun day!

 

[cinderella crazy]

Just a part of parenthood, isn't it? I think how much better we have it than our parents. We didn't have a DVD player in the vehicle, an iPod, cell phone, or Nintendo DS---we must have driven our parents insane!

I remember sitting in the car and listening to my walkman. These poor children have their Leapsters, DS, DVD and toys. And wouldn't you know it, they complain about being bored! Poor babies!

Looks like you had a fun Disney Night! Love the breakfast theme and the craft! Great job Alicia!

The girls have drawstring backpacks this time that they will be carrying. I saw the cutest hardcase rolling luggage this weekend at a luggage store in the mall. It was my first time at this particular mall and I can't remember the name of the store for the life of me. They had one with princesses and one with cars. They looked perfect for travelling.

We live about 4 hours from "K-town" and when we used to drive we hated driving through GA too. What a looooooooooonnnnnnnnnngggggg flat drive.

Unfortunately, Joe won't drive anymore...hates the 12 hours cooped up in a car. I hate to fly but I also hate to ride with him driving. I'd rather have panic attacks for 2 hours on a plane rather than 12 hours each way with him driving like a mad man.

I'm interested to see how many times the "are we there yet" and "the interstate again" are vocalized this trip.

Thanks!

I think I've seen those suitcases online. They look really cute and durable.

I think Mike calculated that we would only save 3 hours if we flew (when you add in connecting flights). For us, it's just not worth the money to pay to fly if it's going to cost so much. I can't believe they charge $50 for each checked bag! That's insane!

I will definately be keeping a notebook with me to document how many times I hear the kids say those things. Maybe they'll come up with a new saying this year.

I love your updates.

I like the tollbooths too, but I think it's because you hit tolls as you get closer to WDW. I know I'm almost there.

Your plans for day 2 sound great. My boys love the Lego store as well. They could spend hours in there at a time. The toy store is called Once Upon a Toy.

I totally understand the cake reasoning. I love cake.


MMMMM...cake.

I think that's one reason I like the tolls too. Mike just thinks I'm silly. I film the sunpass signs and us going through the tollbooth. You know you're almost to Disney when you go through the tollbooths.

That's it! Once Upon a Toy! And I'll forget it in about 10 minutes. Never fails. I don't know why I can't remember that name.

Mmmm...Cake!

Ok, so Day 2 is Fri the 21st right?? Sounds like a full, fun day!

It is Friday the 21st. Can't wait!

 

[MHTeacher]

Your day 2 plans look great----Afterall, you arrive at the Poly/DisneyWorld!

We love Tokelau---stayed there each time we've been at the Poly. We've been on the third floor and the first floor. I think it is one of the most centrally located longhouses!

Just think, while you're relaxing around the resort, exploring DTD, we'll be in a car driving toward Tallahassee to spend the night! AND then, I'll be at Disney the next day!

 

[cinderella crazy]

Just think, while you're relaxing around the resort, exploring DTD, we'll be in a car driving toward Tallahassee to spend the night! AND then, I'll be at Disney the next day!

I'll make sure that while I'm eating at Chef Mickey's I think about how I'm at your resort while your still driving in your vehicle. Of course, then I'll think about how just the previous day I was the one stuck in a vehicle with 2 children saying "Are we there yet?" and "The interstate again?!" Maybe I should buy some ear plugs.

 

[leamom2princesses]

Thanks!

I think I've seen those suitcases online. They look really cute and durable.

I think Mike calculated that we would only save 3 hours if we flew (when you add in connecting flights). For us, it's just not worth the money to pay to fly if it's going to cost so much. I can't believe they charge $50 for each checked bag! That's insane!

I will definately be keeping a notebook with me to document how many times I hear the kids say those things. Maybe they'll come up with a new saying this year.

We're lucky enough to be about 45 minutes from the airport and it's 1 hr 55 minute direct flight. We fly Southwest too so no baggage fees. It's so funny how different the options can be when you aren't that far away. I really would rather drive if Joe would let me do the driving.

Great day 2 plan also! I can't wait to walk into the lobby of the Poly the first time knowing I'm staying ther. : )

 

[racefanof88]

Day 2 looks great . I can remember when Dallas was scared to death of the characters. I have some really cute pictures of his face when he would see one.....

 

[MiaBella05]

joining in

 

[Kelrykengab]

You are toooo funny. so far i am enjoying your story and will keep reading. We will also miss you by a couple weeks. We will be there May 1-9th (first time to CBR). Thanks for sharing! Oh and it never oocured to me to plan the counter meals! I think i will. I also, might steal the Disney theme nights at home idea and i think i will check out T-Rex....hadn't heard of that one! Looking forward to reading more .

 

[cinderella crazy]

Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate's life for me.
We pillage, we plunder, we rifle, and loot,
Drink up, me 'earties, yo ho.
We kidnap and ravage and don't give a hoot,
Drink up me 'earties, yo ho.

Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate's life for me.
We extort, we pilfer, we filch, and sack,
Drink up, me 'earties, yo ho.
Maraud and embezzle, and even high-jack,
Drink up, me 'earties, yo ho.

Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate's life for me.
We kindle and char, inflame and ignite,
Drink up, me 'earties, yo ho.
We burn up the city, we're really a fright,
Drink up, me 'earties, yo ho.

We're rascals, scoundrels, villans, and knaves,
Drink up, me 'earties, yo ho.
We're devils and black sheep, really bad eggs,
Drink up, me 'earties, yo ho.

Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate's life for me.
We're beggars and blighters, ne'er-do-well cads,
Drink up, me 'earties, yo ho.
Aye, but we're loved by our mommies and dads,
Drink up, me 'earties, yo ho.

Arrg! This be one of me favorite rides, me hearties! Last year when we went on Pirates (one of the three times we rode it) I decided to try to take some pictures with my then new SLR. Now I know what you’re thinking. “You’re one of those annoying people that take flash photography on the dark rides. Grrr!” My dear friends, I would NEVER do that. Well, I tried it once, many trips ago, but I didn’t like the way they turned out. They were not a true representation of what the ride looked like. It’s a dark ride. So when you flash, it makes it look all washed out. So I noticed the camera had a nighttime setting and I thought “That would work great!” Only one problem, you have to hold the camera real still. And as we all know, Pirates is not a sit still ride. I kept trying to take pictures and they kept coming out blurry. There was one in particular that when I saw it on the screen and I was like “Whoa!”

I’ll set it up for you. You know near the front of the ride, after you go through the Davy Jones waterfall, that area on the left where there’s one or two skeletons on the ground? And then there’s the one that’s standing up chained to the wall? You picturing it? Check this out:

Not at all what I was trying to capture but I think it kind of fits the ride. “Drink up me ‘earties yo ho! Yo ho, yo ho, a pirates life for me!”

(Now I have the urge to go watch Johnny and Orlando)

Up Next: Disney Night #2 – Haunted Mansion Night

 

[cinderella crazy]

joining in

Thanks for stopping in. Congratulations early for your 3rd anniversary!

You are toooo funny. so far i am enjoying your story and will keep reading. We will also miss you by a couple weeks. We will be there May 1-9th (first time to CBR). Thanks for sharing! Oh and it never oocured to me to plan the counter meals! I think i will. I also, might steal the Disney theme nights at home idea and i think i will check out T-Rex....hadn't heard of that one! Looking forward to reading more .

I myself stole the Disney theme night idea, so steal away. If you ever go to T-Rex, make sure you get the Meteor Bites. MMMMM.... I don't know why I plan the CS meals. I did mention before that I might be slightly OCD and I like to organize things. I don't like leaving things open. I want a plan of attack. Even if it gets changed, it still makes me feel better.

I see you're staying at CBR next trip. We loved it last year. I'm sure we'll be going back there soon.