I Like Warm Hugs! - Mommy/Toddler Trip ~ Updated 6/20: New Trip Report Link!

[Dugette]

Is Izzy wearing a nightgown/sack? That's adorable!

That's a muslin Aden & Anais sleeping bag. We also have some fleece Halo sleep sacks for colder weather. She's been wearing them since she was little and we have kept her in them, as it seems to be a way to signal bedtime and also it would make it harder for her to climb out of the crib, if she ever tried.

Aw too bad that's a cute skirt. Nice try mom!

Thanks, just glad I had a back-up.

I love how resourceful you are with the luggage rack. Such a fantastic idea...if for some reason we don't have enough counter space (which would honestly be super sad for 3 adults in a one bedroom ) i'm using this idea.

Yeah, hopefully you have counter space in a 1-bedroom (probably in the kitchen? is there a kitchen?) But this worked well enough for Pop Century!

Man, that was quick to get the luggage tags

It really caught me off guard to see that so soon. It was still in the first half of our vacation, after all.

What a good little bus rider you have.

Not bad, but she did need a lot of reminders on sitting in her seat.

Ooh a cliffhanger with Woody

I think this is going to be the type of cliffhanger where there's no dramatic rescue and we just tumble over the cliff.

 

[Jackiemarie21]

Don't you hate it when your toddler doesn't understand your hard work that going into planning these wardrobes! Oh well, she is naturally adorable, no need for a sparkly skirt!


Looks like a pretty smooth start to the morning! Can't wait to see what Woody wants!

 

[Dugette]

Don't you hate it when your toddler doesn't understand your hard work that going into planning these wardrobes! Oh well, she is naturally adorable, no need for a sparkly skirt!

Aw, thanks! I can't believe how committed she was to NOT wearing that skirt. I mean, I was really trying and she won the wrestling match. Toddlers!

Looks like a pretty smooth start to the morning! Can't wait to see what Woody wants!

Yeah, it wasn't too bad, all things considered. Until Woody fouls it up.

 

[AprilRenee]

Yep I totally feel the same way about Caden. He does SO well if I set out the expectations for him (we always discuss "the plan" before EVERYTHING) and then 100% expect him to abide by them. However he's still just a 2 yr old and he wants to be good. He really does (most of the time). So I try to be very understanding of him still figuring it all out while still holding him to expectations. I don't get mad (most of the time lol) but I also don't just let him do whatever he wants.

I actually had a much more experienced mom mention that that's what she does with her toddler (she has teens too) and that she just tells him what she expects and he rises to it. I took it to heart and I think that's been the thing that has made toddlerhood so enjoyable for us.

 

[Dugette]

Yep I totally feel the same way about Caden. He does SO well if I set out the expectations for him (we always discuss "the plan" before EVERYTHING) and then 100% expect him to abide by them. However he's still just a 2 yr old and he wants to be good. He really does (most of the time). So I try to be very understanding of him still figuring it all out while still holding him to expectations. I don't get mad (most of the time lol) but I also don't just let him do whatever he wants.

I actually had a much more experienced mom mention that that's what she does with her toddler (she has teens too) and that she just tells him what she expects and he rises to it. I took it to heart and I think that's been the thing that has made toddlerhood so enjoyable for us.

Makes a lot of sense. I agree about toddlerhood being enjoyable (hope I'm not jinxing myself ). People are always complaining about the terrible twos and all, but I am having a great time with her at this age. I'm sure part of that is luck and part of that is all of this helping her learn how to behave. Going into a place with lots of kids and parents (like WDW) I always feel like I see two really strongly represented groups: 1.) The parents who are yelling at their little ones and 2.) The parents who are completely ignoring their little ones' bad behaviors. Makes me sad.

Okay, this is a tangent, but the discussion made me think of it. Maybe a year ago, I was in Target grocery shopping and saw three different sets of a mom with her kid (all older than toddler, though). They were all distinctly different in how they were interacting with their child (and none of the kids appeared to be a troublemaker).

1.) Kid wanted certain things and mom consistently snapped, "No!" and "You can't have that!" to everything without consideration. Kid was sad.

2.) Kid wanted certain things and mom sat down with him and read the ingredients and explained why he could not have them. Kid was disappointed.

3.) Kid wanted certain things and mom told her she could pick one thing. She picked a package of cookies and mom got excited with her about eating them later. Kid was very happy.

Later on in the shopping trip, I saw #3 again and they looked like they were having the best time together, laughing and talking and smiling. I remember thinking I hope to have a relationship like that with Izzy when she's older. I know the moral of this story is not to give the kid everything they want - I think I am actually somewhere between #2 & #3 most of the time - but it's treating the kid as a real person with valid opinions. But still being a parent. If that makes sense.

 

[AprilRenee]

Makes a lot of sense. I agree about toddlerhood being enjoyable (hope I'm not jinxing myself ). People are always complaining about the terrible twos and all, but I am having a great time with her at this age. I'm sure part of that is luck and part of that is all of this helping her learn how to behave. Going into a place with lots of kids and parents (like WDW) I always feel like I see two really strongly represented groups: 1.) The parents who are yelling at their little ones and 2.) The parents who are completely ignoring their little ones' bad behaviors. Makes me sad. Okay, this is a tangent, but the discussion made me think of it. Maybe a year ago, I was in Target grocery shopping and saw three different sets of a mom with her kid (all older than toddler, though). They were all distinctly different in how they were interacting with their child (and none of the kids appeared to be a troublemaker). 1.) Kid wanted certain things and mom consistently snapped, "No!" and "You can't have that!" to everything without consideration. Kid was sad. 2.) Kid wanted certain things and mom sat down with him and read the ingredients and explained why he could not have them. Kid was disappointed. 3.) Kid wanted certain things and mom told her she could pick one thing. She picked a package of cookies and mom got excited with her about eating them later. Kid was very happy. Later on in the shopping trip, I saw #3 again and they looked like they were having the best time together, laughing and talking and smiling. I remember thinking I hope to have a relationship like that with Izzy when she's older. I know the moral of this story is not to give the kid everything they want - I think I am actually somewhere between #2 & #3 most of the time - but it's treating the kid as a real person with valid opinions. But still being a parent. If that makes sense.

Totally 100% makes sense to me! I'm usually between 2 and 3 too.

I think you hit the nail on the head there at the end "treating the kid as a real person with valid opinions. But still being a parent" I think that sums up both my parenting style and my teaching style too actually. I fully respect my students and their opinions, but I'm still the boss. And they respect me for it.

I'm really trying to do the same with Caden. Sometimes I'm tired and I just say no. But even then the hurt in his eyes (or the tears) make me stop and explain my reasons behind whatever.

And yeah, I'm loving this age too!! It's a bit exhausting with all the emotions. But he's so much fun!!! I just love (almost) every minute of it!!


Tonight he was so funny at bedtime. A few days ago I taught him the "high 5, to the side, down low...too slow" thing and always bop his head on "too slow"
Well tonight i told him we only had 4 more days til Disney and held up 4 fingers above us. He put up 4 fingers by my hand and goes "4 days!!!" And then "high 5!" Then he goes "down low...too slow" but bops his own head. Bahahahaha. I died. It's just so much fun! They're hilarious!
(Sorry! Tangent! Lol)

 

[Dugette]

Totally 100% makes sense to me! I'm usually between 2 and 3 too.

I think you hit the nail on the head there at the end "treating the kid as a real person with valid opinions. But still being a parent" I think that sums up both my parenting style and my teaching style too actually. I fully respect my students and their opinions, but I'm still the boss. And they respect me for it.

I'm really trying to do the same with Caden. Sometimes I'm tired and I just say no. But even then the hurt in his eyes (or the tears) make me stop and explain my reasons behind whatever.

And yeah, I'm loving this age too!! It's a bit exhausting with all the emotions. But he's so much fun!!! I just love (almost) every minute of it!!


Tonight he was so funny at bedtime. A few days ago I taught him the "high 5, to the side, down low...too slow" thing and always bop his head on "too slow"
Well tonight i told him we only had 4 more days til Disney and held up 4 fingers above us. He put up 4 fingers by my hand and goes "4 days!!!" And then "high 5!" Then he goes "down low...too slow" but bops his own head. Bahahahaha. I died. It's just so much fun! They're hilarious!
(Sorry! Tangent! Lol)

Yeah, the emotional roller coaster can be draining, but it's mostly quite fun!

Cute story!

 

[RGirl]

Hey there! Managed to start and read through your TR tonight (yeah, I am livin' large on New Year's Eve! ) - what a fun mother-daughter trip! I am well-acquainted with such trips as an only parent to a Disney-loving daughter.

I am loving reading along and can't wait to hear more!

 

[TheMaxRebo]

First off - Happy New Year! You had a pretty eventful 2014 with the new job for Dug, the price-glitch trip to Hawaii and I think you may have gone to Disney World as well .... but here's to 2015 being even more memorable!

Those BLT fries look good but definitely messy ... also not sure about the cold lettuce with the hot fries - but I am sure they were worth a try and a nice larger snack

Glad Izzy did well with Pirates - definitely one where it starts off pretty dark and then the canon fire so can set the tone to be kinda scary and negative

I don't get the CMs with wrong information ... or at least if you don't know for sure say that and try to figure it out or something. Glad the internet came through for you and you had some nice meet & greets! We also did Tink as a kinda spur of the moment decision and it turned out to be a really fun meet. And that video with Mickey doing the choo-choo train is really cute - Izzy has such a big smile on her face

So cute the birthday message for Izzy - very fun. I mean, doesn't take the place of cheese mind you, but still cool!

And free cheese is the best cheese of all!

"She won that battle." ... definitely have to pick and choose the battles - and as long as she was dressed at the end of it I'd say you both won

I didn't even know about that special rope-drop show with Olaf ... cool that they really tried to make the whole day seem like an event

While everything with FP+ isn't perfect and I know a lot of people feel that it changed/"ruined" their way of touring the parks ... just the elimination of things like the Toy Story Mania stampeded is a huge positive in my book. Still recall one trip where I was in the herd trying to get the paper FP- for it and overheard another dad who had come up for air exclaim "This isn't a vacation - it's a trip to Disney World!"

 

[Dugette]

Hey there! Managed to start and read through your TR tonight (yeah, I am livin' large on New Year's Eve! ) - what a fun mother-daughter trip! I am well-acquainted with such trips as an only parent to a Disney-loving daughter.

I am loving reading along and can't wait to hear more!

and thanks for joining in! Man, if you thought YOU were living large on NYE, you'll be really impressed with what I did: saw your post and after the ball drop decided to read your CA road trip to DL report! I actually read the whole thing last night, but was too tired to post until tonight. I'll go over there and say hi soon. I love reading about other mother/daughter trips like this!

First off - Happy New Year! You had a pretty eventful 2014 with the new job for Dug, the price-glitch trip to Hawaii and I think you may have gone to Disney World as well .... but here's to 2015 being even more memorable!

Happy New Year to you too! I hope 2015 is another great year. I have to admit that I'm getting REALLY excited about our May plans - Disney Dream cruise with WDW weekends on each end, the first of which has Flower & Garden (never been during that) and both weekends are Star Wars Weekends!

Those BLT fries look good but definitely messy ... also not sure about the cold lettuce with the hot fries - but I am sure they were worth a try and a nice larger snack

Yeah, they weren't bad. Not necessarily something I'd rush back for, but nothing I regret either. And it was perfect, since I wasn't particularly hungry for a full meal.

Glad Izzy did well with Pirates - definitely one where it starts off pretty dark and then the canon fire so can set the tone to be kinda scary and negative

I was a little worried she'd be scared, but she hung in there well!

I don't get the CMs with wrong information ... or at least if you don't know for sure say that and try to figure it out or something. Glad the internet came through for you and you had some nice meet & greets! We also did Tink as a kinda spur of the moment decision and it turned out to be a really fun meet. And that video with Mickey doing the choo-choo train is really cute - Izzy has such a big smile on her face

Yeah, that CM - she apparently was so convinced she was right that she wasn't going to double-check. Oh, well, thanks to the internet for my FP+, haha. I'm glad we did both of those meets - always a treat!

So cute the birthday message for Izzy - very fun. I mean, doesn't take the place of cheese mind you, but still cool!

It was a lovely prelude to cheese!

And free cheese is the best cheese of all!

Very true.

"She won that battle." ... definitely have to pick and choose the battles - and as long as she was dressed at the end of it I'd say you both won

For sure on picking the battles. And, you're right, as long as she left the room wearing clothing, no big deal. And nobody called her a boy that day, so I guess between the shorts and the pink socks, it worked out the same.

I didn't even know about that special rope-drop show with Olaf ... cool that they really tried to make the whole day seem like an event

It definitely felt like an event. Wish we could have seen better, though - Izzy had no clue what was happening from her stroller and I could only catch glimpses of Olaf on screen through the trees. Still neat, though.

While everything with FP+ isn't perfect and I know a lot of people feel that it changed/"ruined" their way of touring the parks ... just the elimination of things like the Toy Story Mania stampeded is a huge positive in my book. Still recall one trip where I was in the herd trying to get the paper FP- for it and overheard another dad who had come up for air exclaim "This isn't a vacation - it's a trip to Disney World!"

I LOVE not having to deal with the Toy Story Mania Stampede. Just so much more enjoyable. Otherwise, DHS days feel like a stressful chore. In general, I am a fan of FP+. A lot less running around grabbing FP slips for me.

 

[jc040404]

You better! Especially if you will be there anytime between May 14-18 or May 22-26, as that's the next planned visit for us (Disney cruise in between).
1

I'll try to keep up and remember! With the way our plans are always changing, I'm not even going to guess what May might bring. The MK night was planned that very morning. I am hoping to catch some Star Wars weekends for Blake this year though. He's really gotten into the stuff. I think our Jedi Mickey ADR might be earlier though. Any plans to check that out for Izzy? It looks so cute!

 

[Dugette]

I'll try to keep up and remember! With the way our plans are always changing, I'm not even going to guess what May might bring. The MK night was planned that very morning. I am hoping to catch some Star Wars weekends for Blake this year though. He's really gotten into the stuff. I think our Jedi Mickey ADR might be earlier though. Any plans to check that out for Izzy? It looks so cute!

We have ADRs for both SWW character meals actually! Looking forward to them, as they didn't exist back in 2010 (our other SWW visit).

 

[Dugette]

Okay, for those who were puzzled by my reference to Woody’s past job: when we were in NYC last April, we walked through Little Italy. All of the restaurants have a guy outside trying to sweet talk you into the restaurant in any way they can – hungry or not. Sometimes they make it hard to say no (but we resisted, since we already had specific plans).

Anyway, Woody did the same thing to us, but for a meet and greet vs. a pizza. I felt like there was something special going on, as he was so insistent and focused on us – but we got inside and it was just the normal meet and greet and you wouldn’t have even known he’d just had that interaction with us by the way he acted inside. The brief meet outside was much better, to be honest.

I don’t want to sound upset at Woody, because it was a perfectly nice meet and greet with little wait, but we were on a mission at the time and that 5 minute diversion cost us a LOT of time when we finally got to Oaken’s. The meet and greet was something I’d always wanted to do (never had been in there), but not at a crucial time of day right after rope drop on our only Frozen Fun day.

That said, here’s how it went: We got in and took a couple of very rushed shots with the cute props, as we didn’t have time to spare:







I think there was just this one group ahead of us:



And then it was our turn. Izzy was still very new to Toy Story and wanted to be held. Buzz and Woody were not overly playful. I don't think Izzy even cracked a smile (that would be different now that she loves them, I'm sure). We got a couple of not great shots and headed back out. The ones from my phone:





And the Photopass ones (at least the borders jazz them up a bit), time stamped at 9:07am:





I like that it looks like Izzy's looking at the little toys in the border on that last one!

On our way out, we saw a green army man:



Then we booked it the rest of the way to Oaken’s Trading Post. Lauren and Aria had gotten into the snow area right away without any wait. Now there was a big ol’ line. (Woody! ) I noticed that there was NOBODY waiting for the Photopass magic shot with Anna and Elsa, so we grabbed that quick before getting in line for the snow:



Time stamp says 9:11am. As usual, we took selfies in line. Izzy liked all the décor, I guess:



Speaking of décor, even the trash can was themed:



Oh, and you can see the long line we had to wait in. It’s especially fun because it doesn’t move at all until they change out the group in the snow (which feels like forever, by the way).

I did manage to capture a blurry, distant picture of Lauren and Aria (back against the wall):



Izzy was being pretty goofy by the time we were getting close (and you can see the snow-covered trees lining the place - nice backdrops, in general):



We ended up being the people right behind the last family to get in. So we had to wait another round, right at the rope. There was another little toddler girl behind us. She and Izzy were both a bit impatient and wanted to wander. However, Izzy kept accidentally knocking down the rope that was holding us back (came off really easy), so she ended up just sitting on the ground for a bit.

One thing I found particularly interesting was another family – I could only assume it was a mother and daughter. You may have seen them in the previous shot of the line – they were just a bit ahead of us. The daughter was in what I can only describe as a hospital bed stroller (not sure if there’s a real name for it). She appeared to be on oxygen and very frail and thin. I don’t know anything about her condition, but I found it really touching that her mom decided to take her out to build a snowman in Florida versus staying cooped up at home or the hospital. The mom basically built the snowman for her (and helped her touch it) and it was right in front of us, so I took a quick shot to share with you all (no faces, so I hope it’s okay to share):



I would have thought it was a Make-a-Wish trip, but she had waited in line right along with the rest of us, so I don’t think that was the case. Whatever the situation, I just found myself feeling so grateful to have a healthy little girl – I cannot imagine Izzy in that condition. I felt incredible admiration for the mom forging ahead and going out and doing things with her daughter that any other mom and daughter would enjoy together. I just found the whole thing a good reminder to step back and enjoy the blessings we have – Woody delaying us really didn’t matter at all, in the grand scheme of things.

Soon, it was time for the groups to change and the snow to be raked:



As we walked in, we grabbed a bucket that had two shovels in it. Someone else was lacking a shovel, though, so we gave the second one away. Izzy wanted to run away the second she got to the snow, but it was really slippery. There was a bit of an uphill when you first walked in. And, as a Minnesotan, I will just say that this was not an ideal snow. It was very hard and icy – not light and fluffy at all. Made it hard to dig, but it was still fun. I did enjoy asking Izzy, “Do you wanna build a snowman?” and then granting that request.

We settled in back about where Lauren had been (wall for parent to lean on – smart!) I built a little snowman, but Izzy did not approve and destroyed it. We finally settled into a routine where I dug up a shovel full of show and she emptied it into the bucket. Over and over. Then, eventually, she’d dump out the bucket. Here she is actually attempting to dig on her own:



Honestly, this was fun, but they could have made the sessions a lot shorter. We were done after a few minutes, but just kept on going until they said it was over. The line would be a lot faster if they shortened it too. Glad we got a chance to play in the Florida snow, though.

Lauren and Aria had already moved on to the restrooms and then to the parade package check-in, where we’d meet them after they sat and rested for a bit. Lauren had unfortunately caught the Horrible Disney World Stomach Bug and was up sick all night the previous night and still not feeling so hot. Poor thing! She powered through and made rope drop anyway, planning to stick it out for the Frozen day, if she could manage it. Such dedication! (And also it was the end of her trip and I don’t think the package could have been rescheduled anyway).

Since we still had a bit of time before we needed to check in, Izzy and I stopped for a well-reviewed snack: the Olaf Carrot Cake Cupcake! (The receipt says it was 9:50am – the line was short - and the cupcake was $5.50). We found a seat facing the ice rink to enjoy our treat and watch the skaters:





Izzy really liked the cream cheese frosting (shocker!) and I really liked the carrot cake, so it was perfect to share. Here she is enjoying the frosting:



At the end, she actually did try some carrot cake (and liked it) and she allowed me to try the frosting too. Here she is with the cupcake:



I think that I ended up eating the white chocolate Olaf head. Yummy!

I hadn’t brought any wipes in here with me and also hadn’t grabbed any napkins (oops), so I was trying to figure out how to clean Izzy up as she made a mess of herself. I didn’t want to lose our spot and carry her and our cupcake back up, but she really needed to be wiped off. I finally decided that the napkins were within sight of her and that I could bolt up there quick and grab some, keeping an eye on her sitting by herself. So I did. And all was fine, but it made me nervous to leave her sitting there alone like that. Things you have to think about when you don’t have another adult along!

Once we finished our treat, we headed out into the Florida Summer. We skipped the shopping/merchandise area altogether. (Which, considering the sheer volume of Frozen merchandise we currently have in our home, was probably a good idea).

On the way out, I stopped to ask a CM where to find the check-in for the package. She was very nice and told me where to go. And then I noticed that her nametag showed “Eagan, MN”, which is a suburb not too far from where we live. How cool to see a “neighbor” working there!

Up next: Olaf and Sven appear in our pictures!

 

[RGirl]

Hey there! I’m still home on Christmas break, so I can respond to an update in a timely manner. I will warn you that that will soon change, and I will become one of those forever-catching-up DIS’ers.

But for now! On with the update!

Despite the nature of the meet, I think you got some really cute Toy Story PP pics!

Okay - I am loving the Frozen stuff! I have seen the nighttime stuff in other TRs, but this is the first time I have seen pics of any of the daytime things that you experienced. How fun!!!! And extra-exciting for me because we leave next week for a VERY quick trip to Disneyland for my DD’s 8th birthday, and they have just opened a HUGE new Frozen experience at California Adventure (with snow, meeting A&E, meeting Olaf, sing-along, dance party, Marshmallow, etc.) - I feel like I’m getting a sneak peek from your TR!

Awww - seeing that mom with her daughter - makes me tear up. It’s amazing how a mom can soldier on through almost anything to make her child’s life special. I bet you were really touched by seeing them at the same time that you were there.

I do have to say that I love that a Minnesotan was standing in line to play in the snow!!!!

Oh, I totally understand how you felt about the napkin situation. That is all the time for us as I am an only parent. It's hard to juggle and hard to make the right calls. But we know our kids and the situations at hand and have to trust our guts. You did just fine!

 

[Dugette]

Hey there! I’m still home on Christmas break, so I can respond to an update in a timely manner. I will warn you that that will soon change, and I will become one of those forever-catching-up DIS’ers.

Totally understand! I feel like the DIS has been really quiet lately, with everyone either on break (i.e. - not DISing at work) or actually at WDW! I'm normally a chronic catcher-upper too, but am keeping up okay at this pace. Foolishly, I've subscribed to a bunch of new TRs in this downtime and I think I am going to regret it when things pick back up and 16 people update simultaneously. So, no worries - and besides, you're going to be in Disneyland soon!

But for now! On with the update!

Despite the nature of the meet, I think you got some really cute Toy Story PP Pics!

Thanks!

Okay - I am loving the Frozen stuff! I have seen the nighttime stuff in other TRs, but this is the first time I have seen pics of any of the daytime things that you experienced. How fun!!!! And extra-exciting for me because we leave next week for a VERY quick trip to Disneyland for my DD’s 8th birthday, and they have just opened a HUGE new Frozen experience at California Adventure (with snow, meeting A&E, meeting Olaf, sing-along, dance party, Marshmallow, etc.) - I feel like I’m getting a sneak peek from your TR!

That's right - DCA is doing a Frozen thing now too! I can't say I know much about it, but sounds fun! And meeting Olaf?! Awesome! (And happy birthday to Willow!)

Awww - seeing that mom with her daughter - makes me tear up. It’s amazing how a mom can soldier on through almost anything to make her child’s life special. I bet you were really touched by seeing them at the same time that you were there.

It was so touching, and I was trying not to tear up. The mom was so strong - she was very focused on her task and her daughter's well-being. So sweet to see.

I do have to say that I love that a Minnesotan was standing in line to play in the snow!!!!

I know! Of course, it was August, so there was no snow here. I just figured - how often can you play in the snow in Florida?

Oh, I totally understand how you felt about the napkin situation. That is all the time for us as I am an only parent. It's hard to juggle and hard to make the right calls. But we know our kids and the situations at hand and have to trust our guts. You did just fine!

Funny you mention that, as I just read a response on your report about how you give Willow some independence and it's hard to make the decisions on what the right amount is - that was very helpful! I kind-of want Izzy right by me all the time, but I know that's not always the way it will be and it's strange to think about her becoming more and more independent.

 

[AprilRenee]

Well dang! I wasn't really planning to do much in Oakens. I was thinking we'd pop in, look around, and then move on with our lives. But it looks kinda fun! We may need to try a few min of ice skating! Did any of it cost extra? And was the skating a long session? (He's 2...we won't need long. Lol)

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Haha, I wonder if Woody moonlights as a DVC salesman at one of the park kiosks. That's so weird that he would be so great outside only to be "normal" inside. It's not like they generally have trouble getting people to visit.

I'm totally bummed about that Anna/Elsa magic shot. I had no idea that's what it was.

Aww that story of the little one just melts my heart. Bless her little heart and soul.

 

[amazingact21]

Hmm, sorry the Woody meet and greet wasn't more exciting. It does stink when you get distracted by something cool and it veers you off track. At least you can say you've been there and done that, now, though!

The concept of playing in the snow in FL still amuses me. I'm sure there were a lot of locals that got to play in the snow for the first time that summer.


I think I had that Olaf cupcake, and it was really good.
The joy of not having backup with kids...it's so frustrating when you forget something and have to make a tough decision on what to do. Looks like you handled it like a pro though!

 

[schmass]

Your Toy Story pictures came out so cute! Too bad that your plans got a little goofed up because of that interaction, though.

Playing in the snow looks like a lot of fun. That is a really sad/sweet/touching story about the little girl who was in front of you. Like you said, it is a good reminder to be thankful for what we have.

Izzy's face in the picture with her licking the frosting off her fingers is priceless.

 

[Dugette]

Well dang! I wasn't really planning to do much in Oakens. I was thinking we'd pop in, look around, and then move on with our lives. But it looks kinda fun! We may need to try a few min of ice skating! Did any of it cost extra? And was the skating a long session? (He's 2...we won't need long. Lol)

You might want to double-check on what Oaken's is offering these days. Since we were there during the official "Frozen Summer" days, I think there might have been more than there is now. But I'm not really sure, as I haven't looked into it. We didn't skate (since I only have a couple times ever and I didn't think I could keep myself up, much less Izzy), but I feel like it might have been a few dollars to rent skates? Could be wrong, though. Not sure on the skating, but I think the snow play sessions were like 10 minutes each. I cannot believe you leave tomorrow!

Haha, I wonder if Woody moonlights as a DVC salesman at one of the park kiosks.

It's Disney best-kept secret!!

That's so weird that he would be so great outside only to be "normal" inside. It's not like they generally have trouble getting people to visit.

True, it's not like they have to drag people in there. It was almost like a bait and switch Woody - one outside that was awesome to get people in the door and another inside to be in your photo. (And gotta love how Buzz isn't even looking in the direction of the Photopass photographer. )

I'm totally bummed about that Anna/Elsa magic shot. I had no idea that's what it was.

I thought of you as I posted that. It seemed right up your alley! I wasn't 100% sure of what it was, but it seemed right. Worth the minute to do it, despite Izzy not looking terribly thrilled.

Aww that story of the little one just melts my heart. Bless her little heart and soul.

I know - it sure snapped me right out of my Disney commando mindset and was a good reminder of what's important. Very touching to see what a parent will do for their child to enrich their life.

Hmm, sorry the Woody meet and greet wasn't more exciting. It does stink when you get distracted by something cool and it veers you off track. At least you can say you've been there and done that, now, though!

True, but I want to go back again now that Izzy is a lot more familiar with Woody and Buzz. I think she'd run up for hugs now. We'll be in DHS a lot next trip, though, so maybe I can get in there early again one of the days.

The concept of playing in the snow in FL still amuses me. I'm sure there were a lot of locals that got to play in the snow for the first time that summer.

I'm sure there were a lot of first-timers. Despite us living in Minnesota, Izzy hasn't had a ton of snow time either - she was a fairly new walker last winter and we haven't had a lot of snow this winter (yet, haha). I just wish the Oaken's snow was a bit easier to dig in and more fluffy vs. icy. It wore me out!

I think I had that Olaf cupcake, and it was really good.

It was very tasty!

The joy of not having backup with kids...it's so frustrating when you forget something and have to make a tough decision on what to do. Looks like you handled it like a pro though!

Thanks. It's really hard to adjust to not having a helping hand in those situations. There is another one on our AK day where I choose not to leave her, as I'd be too far away for too long. I was really missing having another adult at that one.

Your Toy Story pictures came out so cute! Too bad that your plans got a little goofed up because of that interaction, though.

Thanks. The 5-minute stop ended up costing us about 20 minutes of waiting in line that we would not have had. Everything worked out fine, though.

Playing in the snow looks like a lot of fun. That is a really sad/sweet/touching story about the little girl who was in front of you. Like you said, it is a good reminder to be thankful for what we have.

That whole sight unfolding in front of us really snapped my mindset into a different place. I didn't want to sit there and gawk, but I couldn't help but peek at this family that was so deserving of some Disney magic. I hope they had a lot more Frozen fun that day too, but at least I know they got to build a snowman.

Izzy's face in the picture with her licking the frosting off her fingers is priceless.

The kid loves her frosting!