"I Wanna See My Castle!" October 2013 TR *COMPLETE* **NEW TR LINK!!** 7/3

[khertz]

I'm so glad you had a wonderful time at US/IoA and finally got to experience WWOHP! The pics of DS with the characters are so cute! I'm glad DH wasn't stuck on the ride too long!

Yay Disney time!! Hallowishes and Illuminations at the same time?!!? WOAH that is beyond awesome!!

I was surprised by how many characters we saw in Universal! I don't remember seeing that many before on previous trips, but maybe I just wasn't paying attention?

I was actually wrong, I realized last night as I was going to bed that it was just regular Wishes. But still pretty amazing! And I think there was another night that we were able to see HalloWishes later in the trip. On our 2009 trip with a fireworks view, we were actually able to see all 4 parks and watch the Osborne Lights dancing at DHS from our balcony!

I don't think I have it in me to do a TR...despite how much I enjoy reading them! I did write a long-ish "lessons learned while visiting WDW with a 4 month old" post on the Families board just because I found those to be helpful when planning.

I would totally recommend visiting with a 4-6 month old. I had a rough first month after the baby arrived, and booking the trip totally lifted my spirits and gave me something to look forward to! (Planning the trip at a 3am feed really does make things better!). Our DD turned 4 months on the trip and she was so easy. Our day was feed>>2-3 attractions>>nap in stroller while mom and dad take turns on rides. Repeat 2-3 times. I was surprised how much DD did seem to be interested in rides and shows--she watched the whole Nemo and America shows!

WBC has spoiled us too. We stayed at an Embassy Suites last month because I had a ton of Hilton points, but we thought the suite felt squished after the week...can't imagine staying in a regular room for a week. And it was just the two of us and a baby. We are looking at booking a 4 bedroom next fall when we visit with family.

I'll have to check out your post! I was so afraid to take Paxton any younger than a year, but now that I have done it and it wasn't so bad, I think I can handle a younger baby in the parks. That sounds like a perfect way to do the parks with a little one. I just hope it will not be too rough having such an age difference between Paxton and his eventual sibling.

When we absolutely have to stay in a hotel, we always try to go for a suite or something with a closed off bedroom. It has worked for the most part, but it is usually only for a night or two so we manage. A week would be rough! A 4 bedroom will be SO nice. SO MUCH SPACE! Biggest we have ever done at WBC was a 3 bedroom, and it was wonderful. We could probably still manage if we needed to in a 1 bedroom, but the 2 bedroom was absolutely perfect for us.

Awesome picture. I can see why P may have gotten a little spooked about that, but he sure is rolling with it.

And these are total keepers. What great shots. You really did get some wonderful shots with the action heroes. I never realized the character interaction at HS is so good.

I need to come back and finish part 3. I'm suffering from some post dinner lethargy. This darn winter weather puts me right to sleep.

His pictures with Green Goblin are one of my two favorite photo sequences of him from the entire trip! The second sequence is coming up on our next day in the parks. He really surprised me by not being scared of GG, being that I was a little scared of him myself.

I wish I could say "I know what you mean" but the last two days have seen highs near 80 and humid!! Definitely not feeling like winter weather around here.

Awww, I love the pictures of DS and Spiderman! We didn't meet any characters at Universal but I think he'd be a fun character to meet.

Oh my gosh I am DYING at his reaction to the Green Goblin That guy looks terrifying and your boy is just so happy to see him!! They are so cute holding hands.

Wolverine's got some nice muscles on him...

Ahhh that Marauder's Map looks so fun!

I am obsessed with the snowman with the Gryffindor scarf. So adorable!!

I'm glad you guys loved WWOHP so much! I don't have any plans to go back until the expansion is finished but it's definitely beyond amazing there.

Fireworks view is always the right choice. Not that I would know, but I can imagine

OH MY GOSH. How cool that you got to see both shows at once!!! That is unreal. I now want to stay at Bonnet Creek.

It was pretty cool that Spider-Man could talk. I wasn't expecting that! I was pretty surprised by all of the characters we saw out and about. I guess I never paid attention before, or they just have more of them out and available now.

I love the one of them holding hands! I was so shocked that Paxton was so interested in him. Dude is SCARY!! I even had the post up on the computer last night and he kept wanting to look at those pictures. Every time I would scroll past, he would tell me, "No. No. Go back!"

Hopefully by the time we are back, we will be able to see the HP expansion at US. I really can't wait to see what they do with it!! I was so blown away by WWoHP. It was frustrating not going the past few years and trips to see it, but the payoff of finally getting to see it this year was definitely worth the wait!

This was only our second time being spoiled by a fireworks view at WBC, and it did not disappoint!!! I believe most of the towers have a showroom available on a top floor to go watch the fireworks from, even if you don't have a view from your balcony. That's what we did last year, and this year my parents were given that option in the tower they stayed in. It's really fun to be able to watch the fireworks in your pj's and head right in to bed when they are over! I'm sure it's nothing like watching from the Top of the World lounge at BLT, but it'll do for me.

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Wow. I didn't realize the Universal had all these Marvel Comic characters available for meet and greets! Even though their appearances are based on the comics and not of the movies, I bet Disney is pulling their hair out that this is happening since their studios are making a lot of the films for these characters.

Green Goblin has to be my favorite! I never liked the way they dressed up the version in the films. Spidey could use an upgrade in costume though - holy spandex!

Awesome views of the fireworks! And great pictures! With tripod.

 

[disneybarbie]

That's so funny about Paxton not wanting to meet a Minion, but fine to meet the Green Goblin.. I don't think I would have been brave enough to meet him!

Sounds like a great start to the WDW part of your trip! I really like having a split stay vacation, that way there's something to look forward to when one part comes to an end



Emma x

 

[jwgm2012]

So excited to start reading your trip report - I just "picked" it out today and I feel like you're my "brotha from anotha motha"... truly I think you're my lost long YOUNGER sister! First, I'm an avid and sometimes obsessed NO Saints fan - so I'm also of the Who Dat Nation and one of the greatest experiences of my grown-up life (aside from my wonderful trips to WDW) was watching the Saints play on New Year's Day two years ago. Ahhh what a thrill! I've been to a few NFL games since then and honestly nothing compares. Second, Transformers and Jurassic Park movies are my go-to on Friday-media-room-night. I LOVE those movies! I'm honestly one of the biggest girly, girl type of woman you'll ever know but those movies, the soundtracks, the sound of the Transformers transforming, the T-Rex roar when he shows up the first time behind the truck - make my heart beat like none other!

I'm loving your report and just had to comment on how "cool" you are! LOL... Can't wait to read the rest - you're account of Universal has me really considering making a side trip there on our next vacation. I think because our kids are older and of course because of Transformers and Jurassic Park - we'd really enjoy it on different level from Disney because really, nothing compares to WDW.

Thanks for writing - gina

 

[khertz]

Wow. I didn't realize the Universal had all these Marvel Comic characters available for meet and greets! Even though their appearances are based on the comics and not of the movies, I bet Disney is pulling their hair out that this is happening since their studios are making a lot of the films for these characters.

Green Goblin has to be my favorite! I never liked the way they dressed up the version in the films. Spidey could use an upgrade in costume though - holy spandex!

Awesome views of the fireworks! And great pictures! With tripod.

I didn't either! I was happy too that at least Paxton knew who Spider-Man was, even if he didn't know the rest of them that were out. It was pretty weird seeing Captain America out and lots of Ironman merchandise too, given that I keep remembering in the back of my mind that they belong to Disney now.

Since I'm not a comic book enthusiast but I do enjoy most of the movies, all I have ever seen of Green Goblin is from the Tobey Maguire Spider-Man movie. I didn't even realize who it was at first! Definitely looked way scarier in the park.

The view was awesome! And DH was extremely happy to have that tripod right about then, of course.

That's so funny about Paxton not wanting to meet a Minion, but fine to meet the Green Goblin.. I don't think I would have been brave enough to meet him!

Sounds like a great start to the WDW part of your trip! I really like having a split stay vacation, that way there's something to look forward to when one part comes to an end



Emma x

As you can see, I wasn't heading up there with him either!! He was freaky looking! Definitely didn't think Paxton would just walk up to him like that.

I thought the split stay was going to be way more of a headache than it was. And you're totally right, it gives you something to look forward to for the rest of your trip!

So excited to start reading your trip report - I just "picked" it out today and I feel like you're my "brotha from anotha motha"... truly I think you're my lost long YOUNGER sister! First, I'm an avid and sometimes obsessed NO Saints fan - so I'm also of the Who Dat Nation and one of the greatest experiences of my grown-up life (aside from my wonderful trips to WDW) was watching the Saints play on New Year's Day two years ago. Ahhh what a thrill! I've been to a few NFL games since then and honestly nothing compares. Second, Transformers and Jurassic Park movies are my go-to on Friday-media-room-night. I LOVE those movies! I'm honestly one of the biggest girly, girl type of woman you'll ever know but those movies, the soundtracks, the sound of the Transformers transforming, the T-Rex roar when he shows up the first time behind the truck - make my heart beat like none other!

I'm loving your report and just had to comment on how "cool" you are! LOL... Can't wait to read the rest - you're account of Universal has me really considering making a side trip there on our next vacation. I think because our kids are older and of course because of Transformers and Jurassic Park - we'd really enjoy it on different level from Disney because really, nothing compares to WDW.

Thanks for writing - gina

I started reading this response, and no kidding, when I got to the line about you being a big Saints fan, I turned to my DH and said, "I love her already!" It's so fun finding random TR's of people and then you start reading and realize you have so much in common!!! I can't believe it, but I've never been to a Saints game. I always mean to make it work every season, and it we just never end up going. My aunt has season tickets and my DH always says to ask her to use them, but yeah right, she is an insane Saints fan and never misses a home game!

I surprised one of the doctors at the hospital when I was talking about leaving early that day to meet DH at the movies to see Fast & Furious 6. I definitely enjoy big action movies a lot more than romantic comedies or other "girly" movies. Transformers is one franchise I was really surprised that I fell in love with, and YAY Mark Wahlberg is in the next movie!!

But anyway... Thanks for commenting & reading along!

 

[MEK]

I am just a little jealous that you are having 80 degree weather. Only a little.

I forgot to comment - so butter beer tastes like caramel? Now you've got my attention. I think I might like that!

Part 3 - Yay for a fireworks view! I can see why you ditched the rest of the family for that! Nice pics!

Glad you got Paxton's sleeping situation all worked out!

 

[khertz]

I am just a little jealous that you are having 80 degree weather. Only a little.

I forgot to comment - so butter beer tastes like caramel? Now you've got my attention. I think I might like that!

Part 3 - Yay for a fireworks view! I can see why you ditched the rest of the family for that! Nice pics!

Glad you got Paxton's sleeping situation all worked out!

The weather has been crazy this week! Yesterday we had a high of 79 degrees and it was humid as all get out, so we had the a/c running. Today it dropped into the 40's and we are cranking the heat for it to drop into the 30's tonight. Louisiana weather for you... I never know how to dress Paxton for the day!

Well, the actual butterbeer tastes like liquid butterscotch, it's the foam on top that tastes like caramel! It's really quite delicious.

While it would have been pretty convenient to be close to our parents considering our plans to let them babysit Friday night, you just don't pass up a fireworks view.

Gotta say, I was a little nervous about how he would do in the big beds without an actual bed rail, but it was no big deal at all!

 

[wdwgirl03]

So late, but subscribing.

 

[khertz]

So late, but subscribing.

Welcome, Sarah! Happy to see you here.

 

[TruLovesKiss]

Wow, I can't believe that Paxton was not afraid of the Green Goblin! lol, that's too funny.

I liked reading about Universal since we have never been there but I'm REALLY looking forward to the Disney part of your trip! Yay!!

Your Wishes and Illuminations photos from your balcony were just amazing! The fireworks view was definitely a good pick!

 

[mandas08]

Great updates. Your character pics were awesome!

 

[Imagineer5]

I thought I had commented then came back and saw I didn't even read all your updates! Whoops!

First, character interactions were amazing. How awesome for a little boy - I don't know who any of them are (ok i do know who spiderman is LOL) but it looks awesome nonetheless. Sounds like a perfect amount of time to do what you wanted and just spend the 1 day there, I guess I'm still undecided whether to go next October or not - we cut that trip to 8 nights. Guess it will depend on her height by then.

Anyway...

The bonnet creek fireworks view room looks amazing. I'm still going to look into "renting" a reservation there for next August, vs the BLT that I think I've settled on. Just to see the overall price difference. I love the location. Sounds like a perfect evening and great start to Disney.

 

[leshunlenese]

Yah! You made it to Disney!
There is something magical about seeing fireworks from a room! It is like your own private show!

 

[khertz]

Wow, I can't believe that Paxton was not afraid of the Green Goblin! lol, that's too funny.

I liked reading about Universal since we have never been there but I'm REALLY looking forward to the Disney part of your trip! Yay!!

Your Wishes and Illuminations photos from your balcony were just amazing! The fireworks view was definitely a good pick!

I couldn't believe it either!! He was so scary looking. But Paxton was not phased at all.

I'm looking forward to writing it! Universal was a ton of fun, but Disney was just MAGICAL!! DH is finally making some progress with his photo editing and I got my PhotoPass CD in the mail so I'm hoping to get started soon.

It was so nice to have a fireworks view again! It was fun the first trip, but we were usually out during fireworks time, so we didn't get to enjoy it as often. With a little one and not staying out late as much, it was really great to still get to enjoy the fireworks.

Great updates. Your character pics were awesome!

Thanks!

I thought I had commented then came back and saw I didn't even read all your updates! Whoops!

First, character interactions were amazing. How awesome for a little boy - I don't know who any of them are (ok i do know who spiderman is LOL) but it looks awesome nonetheless. Sounds like a perfect amount of time to do what you wanted and just spend the 1 day there, I guess I'm still undecided whether to go next October or not - we cut that trip to 8 nights. Guess it will depend on her height by then.

Anyway...

The bonnet creek fireworks view room looks amazing. I'm still going to look into "renting" a reservation there for next August, vs the BLT that I think I've settled on. Just to see the overall price difference. I love the location. Sounds like a perfect evening and great start to Disney.

The height thing was big for us, and when we originally decided to add Universal, we thought he would definitely be 40". And then, he wasn't. But we still decided to go ahead with it, and I think it worked fine for a day. Had we tried to do a second day, I think Paxton would have been too bored. And it was good that we did it first, because then we could go to Disney where he could ride so much more instead of coming from Disney where he was used to riding so much and had to spend a lot more time not riding in Universal later. Plus, he is perfectly happy with play areas and character meets at this age too, so it made up for not being able to ride.

As long as you have a car, Bonnet Creek is every bit as convenient to get to and from the parks as a Disney resort. We are so used to not having access to EMH by now that it doesn't bother me anymore. So for the price and the location, Bonnet Creek is just about the best you can do for offsite.

Yah! You made it to Disney!
There is something magical about seeing fireworks from a room! It is like your own private show!

It was such a perfect way to cap off our first full day of vacation!! Getting to enjoy 2 fireworks shows in my pj's and head straight to bed after...doesn't get much better than that!

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Aww darn. I was hoping you purchased the Spiderman photo so I can finally see what actually is on the green screen, lol. Still very cute photos.

So funny that DS had no problem with Green Goblin and yet ran away from a Minion. Also strange that all these Marvel characters are owned by Disney.

Awwww I miss the Disney sign already!!!

Now THAT is seriously mega cool to see Wishes and Illuminations simultaneously! OMG!!!

 

[khertz]

Aww darn. I was hoping you purchased the Spiderman photo so I can finally see what actually is on the green screen, lol. Still very cute photos.

So funny that DS had no problem with Green Goblin and yet ran away from a Minion. Also strange that all these Marvel characters are owned by Disney.

Awwww I miss the Disney sign already!!!

Now THAT is seriously mega cool to see Wishes and Illuminations simultaneously! OMG!!!

I should have had DH take a picture of the screen! I didn't even think to look. I wonder if they really have that many people who buy that photo??

I know, it is a bit weird to see members of the Avengers around Universal. I was looking all around for Thor. Unfortunately he was a no-show.

It was sooooo amazing!!! It is so great that we can still enjoy a theme park view even though we are technically offsite while at Bonnet Creek.

 

[DDuck4Life]

I should have had DH take a picture of the screen! I didn't even think to look. I wonder if they really have that many people who buy that photo??

I know, it is a bit weird to see members of the Avengers around Universal. I was looking all around for Thor. Unfortunately he was a no-show.

It was sooooo amazing!!! It is so great that we can still enjoy a theme park view even though we are technically offsite while at Bonnet Creek.

What are you talking about I was walking right next to you all day.

 

[khertz]

Day 3: Thursday October 24th

After a fun day in Universal Studios the day before, it was finally our first Disney day! Our alarms were set for 6:15 am, because we had a very early, very special day planned because it was DS's 3rd birthday this day!! DH and I got up and quickly got ourselves dressed before going in to wake up DS with his first of many renditions of Happy Birthday for the day. We were out the door at 6:45 am and headed to the TTC, where we arrived just before 7 am. We got our first birthday surprise, no one was manning any of the toll booths. Yay, free parking!!

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Sorry it's blurry, I was taking it on my phone as we were driving. We were the second car in the lot. We headed straight for the resort monorail, and although there was one at the station, we had to wait awhile before they would let us board. While we were waiting, Katie, Mitchell, and the in-laws caught up with us.

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It's hard to tell in the photo, but DS had woken up with some SERIOUS bedhead that morning!! I am pretty sure you will be able to see it in some of the upcoming photos. It was BAD.

We arrived at the Magic Kingdom in no time, and went right through the turnstiles. I had been pretty worried about this morning because DH and I still had paper tickets and I wasn't sure we would have enough time to upgrade to RFID this morning without missing our small jump on the crowds. We had an early ADR, but there was also morning EMH this am, so I knew our quiet time on Main Street would be limited and wanted to make sure we could take full advantage. Luckily, it was no big deal. There were a few plaid CM's with card readers available to swipe our paper tickets, and we knew we could upgrade later. We were waiting off to the side near the little gift shop. DH went to take some photos of the front before it got crowded.

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Disney pumpkins are the best kind!


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Bed head!!​

A wonderful CM came out and was chatting with the guests waiting in the breakfast line, and he found out an older boy ahead of us was celebrating his birthday. He yelled out to see if anyone else was celebrating, and we raised our hands. He had all of the birthday guests come out so that everyone in line could sing Happy Birthday to them, then he gave all of the kids a bag of Mickey confetti! I had my sister record it on my camera, and it had trouble focusing at first, so it's blurry, but here it is anyway.

VIDEO: Pixie Dusted Happy Birthday!​

You can tell that is a CM who really enjoys his job! Not so much the CM that tried to stop us as we went to rejoin our spot in line by asking in a pretty rude tone, "Can I help you??" I pointed at my stroller to show we were just going back to our place in line, and she grudgingly let me go back. Blow some pixie dust her way, Magical CM!!

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DS checking out his "pixie dust"​

At 7:45, they let those of us in the reservations line enter the park. Main Street looked AMAZING all dressed up for fall! It was definitely the right way to kick off the Disney portion of our trip.

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I LOVE this one!!​

As you can see, we went right up to the Castle to have a little photo shoot before the park opened for EMH.

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​

Again, DH was so annoyed that whoever took this cut off the top of the Castle instead of our feet! Haha. Luckily, about this time, PhotoPass photographers showed up, and their versions came out a little better.

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DH had to get a photo of his favorite


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DS with Mammy & Pappy


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I like how you can see all the FGIT in front of the Castle waving to everyone coming up for their BBB appointments & CRT breakfasts!


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Looking back down Main Street​

Continued in next post...

 

[khertz]

Day 3 Continued: Thursday October 24th

DH went around to take photos of the Halloween Hub statues. I really love these little touches, I just wish they did more to decorate throughout the park instead of just Main Street! This is especially my gripe at Christmas, but I digress...

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DS was having a grand old time, running around and getting his sillies out before breakfast! That resulted in probably my most favorite sequence of photos of him of the entire trip, followed in close second by the sequence of photos of him with the Green Goblin from the day before.

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About this time, we heard the park opening for EMH and started moving towards Crystal Palace as the crowds moved in. DH took this photo as we were heading away from the hub.

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I went over to check us in for our reservation, and I was so worried because my parents still had not made it over to us yet, and I didn't think they would seat us without our whole group together.

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Getting us checked in


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One more of the Castle from in front of CP


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My parents finally showed up as we were waiting outside with our pager ready to go. And not a moment too soon...just after they joined us, our pager began to buzz. It was time to eat!!

UP NEXT: Breakfast In the Hundred Acre Wood

 

[amazingact21]

Early mornings at the MK are the best. Main Street looks so peaceful without the waves of guests walking up and down the street.


And the Halloween decorations in your photos look great! I've always enjoyed thhose seasonal decorations, but they haven't been my favorite. However, your pictures make them look really nice. I bet they were great to see in person.