"If your heart is in your dreams, no request is too extreme." September 2015 TR

Here is my pre-trip/trip report if you'd like to see the photos! They are on page 12 and the sunset pic is at the bottom of my post for that day - not sure why it just shows up as an attachment and not in the post itself:

http://www.disboards.com/threads/ce...-updated-9-18-day-3-continued.3412663/page-12

We had good luck with the buses - there is only one bus stop at POFQ and luckily they pick passengers up there before heading over to POR which has four stops. The longest we waited was about 15 minutes but most of the time it was less than 5 minutes.

The sunset picture is so gorgeous! I enjoyed reading your TR so far!
 
9/1 Hollywood Studios, Part 1

We were up bright and early to head out to our very first park at WDW!!!

First we needed to grab a snack for BF and grab the stroller rental before catching the bus.

A bus pulls up right away around 7:20am and Hollywood studios was really close to POP, so it felt like a very short ride.

We got there to the park SO early...oops. The humidity and heat were killer already and it was only 8am. We snapped a few pictures while we waited.



My Darth Vader fan was ready!


We were let into the park early, but stopped after a short walk. Having no shade and being shoulder to shoulder for what felt like FOREVER was seriously miserable. My DH was in a bad mood, he hated the weather. I was starting to feel sick, we just wanted to be moving. Finally, they let us go and we were able to get some air.

I did not get a FP+ for RNR because I knew the kids were too short. I jumped in standby and asked for a rider switch pass for DH to use if he decided to (he didn't use it).
This ride was probably a little too intense for my first ride of the trip and first thing in the morning. I am not a huge thrill seeker and had never been on a ride that starts off so fast before. I liked the ride, but I think if I had waited a few days into the trip, I would've really enjoyed it a lot more.



Pixar Place was our next stop to use our first FP+ of the trip TSMM. I really enjoy this ride in DCA and was looking forward to it, the kids were anxious to get on their first ride. DH kicked our butts with 149,000 points.

Next, we went to One Man's Dream, this was something I had on my must do's. That was such a neat experience and I am glad we got to experience it before they remove the attraction. DD is very into Walt Disney, so she liked seeing all the photos of him and things he used.

She requested her picture be taken with this.








This attraction was one of my favorites, Walt Disney fascinates me, I am just in awe of all he accomplished during his life and the legacy he left behind.

Our Star Tours FP was next, both kids were really excited for this one and loved the queue. DS laughed at some parts in the beginning, but got really scared at others. DD wanted to go on again right away, but we needed to find our way to our lunch ressie.
 
Sorry the heat didn't treat you so nicely :-/ but it sounds like you had a good morning! RnR is definitely intense, I'm sure it woke you up that morning! Love the pic of DD with Walt!
 
I LOVE that pic of you on RnR. I'm excited to finally have my ride photos on my next trip. I was always too cheap to buy them.

It sucks that such a big Star Wars fan found the ride sort of scary. I'm sure he'll love it in the future!
 

Sorry the heat didn't treat you so nicely :-/ but it sounds like you had a good morning! RnR is definitely intense, I'm sure it woke you up that morning! Love the pic of DD with Walt!

Yep, wide awake!

I love that picture as well and I think it was neat she actually asked for it. Usually I am asking her to take a picture.

I LOVE that pic of you on RnR. I'm excited to finally have my ride photos on my next trip. I was always too cheap to buy them.

It sucks that such a big Star Wars fan found the ride sort of scary. I'm sure he'll love it in the future!

Thank you. I enjoy getting the ride photos, I think they are fun. Memory maker is a must for us, although I wish we had used it more than we did.

I'm sure he will love Star Tours next time we go!
 
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9/1 Hollywood Studios, Part 2


We were headed to our very first ADR, but we were a little early so we grabbed a PP picture and then headed around the corner to browse a store.



Soon it was time for Hollywood and Vine! It was SO hot, we were thrilled that just outside H & V, they had ice water and cups, we enjoyed that until our buzzer went off.

First character to visit us was Jake!



DS was really scared of the characters and throughout the meal kept inching his chair closer and closer to me.

Sofia was next



DD was just so excited seeing which character were there and who would be at our table next.

Handy Manny





Last but not least, Doc McStuffins. She pointed to DD's shirt and then pointed to her and then drew a heart with her hands. It was really cute!





We really enjoyed this buffet and the lobster mac and cheese specifically! Although, I felt bad for our server, we were extremely thirsty from being in the heat all morning, that we were blowing through our drinks like crazy. The chocolate covered strawberries were also a favorite here.

After our meal, we looked at the times guide and saw that the Lights, Motors, Action Stunt Show was going to be starting soon, so we headed that direction.

The show itself was pretty neat to see how action shots are taken for movies, we really learned quite a bit. Unfortunately, it was just so miserable sitting in bleachers with no AC and surrounded by people. DS was scared and crying at any loud noises or fire, so it really wasn't a good choice. Oops.

At this point, we needed to leave the park, we were in need of a swim to cool off. However, we promised that before we left, the kids could buy souvenirs they had their eyes on earlier in the day.

DS wanted to build your own light saber and DD wanted to build your own droid. Both kids ended up making both items. They enjoyed this experience, we had a CM helping us and he was talking in a Yoda Stitch voice and was hilarious!







We stopped to watch the Jedi Training show that was going on.



Black shirt guy in the picture was standing in one spot, our kids stood next to him in the front to see. All of the sudden several minutes later his wife shows up, so he scoots over and bumps my son out of place and gets in front of him. It was so rude. My DH asked if he could move because he just pushed our son out of view. Black shirt guys states he has been in the same spot the whole show, we corrected him and said he moved over in front of our son after his wife showed up. He realized he was wrong and said it's Disney, no need to fight. Agree 100%. All he had to do was scoot back over or step behind my son, so he wasn't blocking my son's view, instead he tried arguing with us. He did move back and my son got to move back up to his spot. It was just so silly, my son wouldn't be blocking his view, he's just a kid.

We caught a bus back to POP. Back at the hotel, we refilled our drinks, swam and got changed. We felt much better and decided to check out dinner options at POP, but nothing stood out. We decided to go back to DHS and try for dinner there.

I got an onion straw cheeseburger, fries, coke and banana & heath custard and DD got chicken nuggets, fries, cookie and a juice at Rosie's. DS was asleep in the stroller. DH got a pulled pork sandwich, beans, coke and banana & heath custard at Fairfax Fare. DH enjoyed his sandwich, my burger was just average. Our desserts neither of us were really excited about, sounded a little of an odd combination, but were surprisingly super yummy!!!!

At this point I realize that our server at H&V didn't mention anything about our FP for Fantasmic! I didn't know if we needed a ticket or something, we headed back there only to find a big line. I was worried about getting to our Frozen sing-a-long FP in time. I waited and finally get to the front, explain the situation, the CM asked how many in our party and went to get us a packet of tickets. Thank goodness I asked and thought about it.

Now it was scramble time to get to the Frozen sing-a-long, we were 3 minutes late for our FP time and they wouldn't let us in. We decided to get in standby lane, but as we entered the CM was telling everyone that we could try to get in but most likely it was full already. Ugh! We went through the line anyways, got in and there were a ton of seats, I don't know why they were telling people it was most likely full. We sit down and DS says he has to go to the bathroom...reallly?! GRRR. In his defense, we woke him up from his nap to get in line. So I find a CM and over hear her telling the CM at the front to keep sending people in and there is plenty of room. So weird. I ask if there is a restroom we can use, she leads us to a door and tells us where to go. I ask how to get back in and she says to try the same door we came out of or to go back to the front, explain the situations and they'll let us back in. Yea, easy peasy...not! After a big hassle and telling several Cms, I finally get let back in but miss the first part and DH said it was really funny. Double Grrr.


Anyway, we loved the show, the hosts are the best part!


DS still needed to eat dinner, we head to Backlot Express, but it was packed. Back to Fairfax Fare and got him Mac & cheese, applesauce, cookie and juice.


It was then time for Fantasmic! I am a HUGE fan of this in DL, but I was very happy to know that you actually get seats to sit in at WDW. We found the dining section and like geniuses, we pick the front row. Signs warn you may get wet, we wanted to get wet because we were so HOT! Unfortunately, this was a bad bad idea. DS freaked out when the water misted us, and it was pretty much a constant mist. I pulled out his poncho and that helped until there was gun noises, fire and fireworks. He was terrified, crying and screaming the entire show. I spent the whole show consoling him. Not the way I was hoping to end the evening.


On the plus side we only waited 5 minutes for a bus and got on the first bus. Back to POP and goodnight for us.

Overall, it was a good first day, just a few hiccups. Next day is Magic Kingdom!


I apologize for the lack of photos.
 
Love that PP pic in front of the boat, never seen a photographer there before!

DD looks so happy at the character meal, love it!

Taking a break at the hotel was a good idea, sounds like you guys needed that.

Sorry about the hassle at the Frozen sing along! And that DS didn't enjoy Fantasmic and it kept you preoccupied.

It does sound like a good day though :)
 
I love reading about first trips! And yes, the Aug/Sept heat can be pretty unbearable :headache: We went for the first time during the HOT season last year since oldest DS was starting Jr. High and I knew our trips during the school year would have to stop. We managed well enough to go back last month :thumbsup2 but you have to come up with a system to deal with it.
Overall I'd say your HS day went well! Looking forward to reading about your day at MK
 
This is a good one so far... following.

:welcome: Glad to have you following along!

Love that PP pic in front of the boat, never seen a photographer there before!

DD looks so happy at the character meal, love it!

Taking a break at the hotel was a good idea, sounds like you guys needed that.

Sorry about the hassle at the Frozen sing along! And that DS didn't enjoy Fantasmic and it kept you preoccupied.

It does sound like a good day though :)

The PP was just standing there with no one, I wasn't sure how the picture would turn out since I had not seen this one either. I really like it though :)

She really was loving the characters, she could care less about eating! It was fun seeing the magic in her eyes.

Overall, a good day for sure!

I love reading about first trips! And yes, the Aug/Sept heat can be pretty unbearable :headache: We went for the first time during the HOT season last year since oldest DS was starting Jr. High and I knew our trips during the school year would have to stop. We managed well enough to go back last month :thumbsup2 but you have to come up with a system to deal with it.
Overall I'd say your HS day went well! Looking forward to reading about your day at MK

:wave:The heat sure was tough, some days were better than others, but we will definitely have to find a cooler time to go.
 
Did you hear they are changing the Jedi Training? By the end of the year there will be a new villian to fight.
 
I'm here! So excited to read all about your trip! Glad things are starting off so well. Did you love POP? We stayed there last trip. I liked it more then I thought I would and those preferred rooms are so worth it at the end of the day!
 
Did you hear they are changing the Jedi Training? By the end of the year there will be a new villian to fight.

I did hear that, I will be curious to see how they change it. My DS loves Darth and I was hoping next time we go, he'd be brave enough to fight him.

I'm here! So excited to read all about your trip! Glad things are starting off so well. Did you love POP? We stayed there last trip. I liked it more then I thought I would and those preferred rooms are so worth it at the end of the day!

Hi!!! We really loved POP, we only had one minor issue, but other wise we had a great stay there!
 
Following along!

Sounds like you guys are making the best, even with the bumps along the way.

Florida heat can be a real, you know what, we spent a pretty penny on waters during our trip, and I do not regret any of it.

I'm sorry DS got scared, hopefully this won't be a theme this trip!
 
9/2 Magic Kingdom


The day was here, it was time to visit Magic Kingdom, this was the park I was most looking forward to! We were up at 6:45am and out the door by 7:20. We caught the bus to MK right away.

The humidity was definitely there this morning, proof in my picture, my lens was all fogged up. Today was much more tolerable than the previous day.



We were some of the first few let into the turnstiles and got a great spot for the welcome show!



I'd seen the welcome show on video a few times, but nothing compares to seeing it in person. The kids adored seeing the characters riding the train. Stitch is a favorite of ours of course and he was a dancing king, getting his groove on. This was definitely the best way to start our day at MK!

Seeing the castle in person for the very first time was truly breath taking!





Big Thunder Mountain RR was first on our list, 5 minute posted wait time but we walk right on. Ahh, I've missed this ride (it was being refurbished when we went to DL), seriously my favorite ride! DD was scared, but liked it. DS was not a fan. DD asked to go again and we walked right back on. She asked to go a third time, but DS and DH were ready to move on. We checked Splash Mountain, but it wasn't running.



We decided our bellies needed food, so it was off to find Gaston's, we used our snack credits and got 2 cinnamon rolls and 3 LeFou's brew. The cinnamon rolls were just okay to me, but DS and DH devoured theirs. We all loved the brew, it was so refreshing! The amazing detail and theme alone was worth the trip to Gaston's.







The kids and DH went on the tea cups at a 5 minute wait, they enjoyed their ride. After just eating, this was not my cup of tea.

We found the sword in the stone, but the kids pulled with all their might but just couldn't pull the bugger out this time.





We hit the carrousel next, and walked on. The kids were in Heaven riding the horses.



We found a PP and got another picture. I just love the back side of the castle shot!



Our Peter Pan FP time was approaching, we walked right on. DS was so nervous, even though he loved it in DL. Well, he again absolutely loved it and asked to go again, but not at a 55 minute wait.

IASW was posted at a 5 minute wait, we got in line for that. I like how the queue is inside, makes it much cooler to wait. We were boarding in no time, we all enjoyed our cool boat ride. This has always been a favorite of mine.

Haunted mansion was a 10 minute wait, but ended up only being a 5 minute wait. DS again was super nervous, he said he liked it but didn't want to go again. DD loved it, especially the ghost at the end who took our heads off.



LOVED this magic shot!


It was time for our 7DMT FP, I was most excited about FP and trying this ride. We waited about 10 minutes. I really, really loved this ride. It went faster than I expected and felt like a shorter version of BTMRR. DD loved it and wanted to go again. DS loved the mine part, but hated the fast parts. I think it's really neat that they have a ride video now.

Memory maker worth it right here, just for this shot alone. HAHAHA, this photo makes me laugh every time!


We headed to try and squeeze in Mickey's Philharmagic show, but between all the waiting, we ended up leaving as we were let into the theater instead because we were too worried about missing our BOG ADR. We planned to come back and see the show later, the kids were not happy that we made them leave.
 
The welcome show!! Just love it!

You all look so cute in your shirts!! Those are great!

We love BTMRR too! We've never thought to go there first thing, but walking on and riding several times sounds awesome to me!

Man, when we had the cinnamon roll and Lefou's brew at the same time, I was pretty sure we were gonna go into a sugar coma! We were the opposite--not big fans of the brew, but loved the cinnamon roll.

7D is so fun! What a great picture!
 
I had the same experience with H&V for a fantasmic fastpass. The server never mentioned anything so I asked. I don't remember what he told me, something about it not being for dinner but I booked the package so he gave passes to us anyway (apparently someone forgot theirs).
 
Magic Kingdom 9/2 Part 2


It was time for the Beasts' Castle!



I checked us in for BOG, they didn't give us a rose or anything, just said to go in since we preordered. The CM inside verified our order and asked if we wanted to change anything. DH decided he wanted a different dessert, so she switched that and we were in the castle. Gosh, it was gorgeous!

I was hoping to eat in the ballroom near the windows, but it was CROWDED and super loud. The kids found the west wing and wanted to eat in there, I was shocked because I was worried it might be a little too dark for them. I really enjoyed the west wing, it was more private and more quiet. The kids thought the rose was so neat!



The kids weren't sure about the thunder noises and would not believe us that it was just sound effects lol, they really believed there was thunder outside.



My croque monsieur was good, a little dry. DH enjoyed his chuck roast beef sandwich, but said it needed more sauce. Both kids did not like their grilled cheese sandwiches or soup.

I was most excited to FINALLY be trying the grey stuff cupcake. I had read about this a hundred times and was looking forward it. However, we all agreed that we liked the grey stuff that I made for a FMN better...what?! Crazy! Don't get me wrong it was still very good, but more of a cool whip flavor where mine was more oreo flavor. Also, the little edible sprinkles, I was expecting to be hard, but they were a wafer like texture, which was a pleasant surprise.


A kind woman offered to take our families picture for us in front of the beautiful stained glass.



We were full and hydrated, it was onward. Naturally after you visit the Beasts' castle, a visit to Belle's childhood home was due. Our FP wasn't for another 15 minutes, standby was 10 minutes. We rescheduled our FP to WTP instead for the exact same time. This was such a fun experience for us, my kids were too shy to volunteer or act out parts, but they thought it was a neat show. I had read that you can only get your picture taken if you have a part in the show, but they let anyone come up to take a picture with Belle and she gave them a book mark too.



WTP with our FP was still around 10 minutes. I thought it was interesting that the ride vehicles were different than DL. DL has bee hives and WDW has honey pots. DS wanted a blue one and that's what we got, score! Another ride that we all enjoy.

It was now time to head back and try Mickey's Philharmagic again. We waited around 10 minutes and were let in. This was a really cute movie, everyone liked it, especially Donald at the end.

The FOF parade time was nearing, we decided to grab a spot. It was getting too hot for us at this point. We were near Casey's Corner and got some ice water to dip our cooling towels in, which helped a little. I was sitting on the curb next to our stroller when a family with two little kids came up to watch behind us. I got up and let the little kids sit down, poor kids needed to use their Daddy's shirt to sit on because the pavement was too hot. The mother was holding an umbrella and where I was standing, it was shading me too, that really helped not having the hot sun beating down directly on you.

"It's too bright Mom." The child refuses to wear sun glasses or a hat.




I adore the Fall decor SO much! It is my absolute favorite time of the year!





This parade was top notch, everything was stunning! Once the parade started, you forgot about being so miserable, it just sucked you in. We ended up with a great spot, DD got quite a bit of character interaction. And now cue picture overload....











At one point Ariel was brushing her hair with a dinglehopper...like how cool is that?!



Okay this was one of my favorite parts...the freaking lost boys!!!!!! Incredible!!
























 
Following along!

Sounds like you guys are making the best, even with the bumps along the way.

Florida heat can be a real, you know what, we spent a pretty penny on waters during our trip, and I do not regret any of it.

I'm sorry DS got scared, hopefully this won't be a theme this trip!

Definitely making the best of any situation, we were still so grateful just to be at WDW.

Ugh, yea DH and I thought at one time it might be neat to live in FL, we found out real quick that it wasn't for us.

HAHA, you hit the nail on the head. DS was scared of most everything this trip.

The welcome show!! Just love it!

You all look so cute in your shirts!! Those are great!

We love BTMRR too! We've never thought to go there first thing, but walking on and riding several times sounds awesome to me!

Man, when we had the cinnamon roll and Lefou's brew at the same time, I was pretty sure we were gonna go into a sugar coma! We were the opposite--not big fans of the brew, but loved the cinnamon roll.

7D is so fun! What a great picture!

Thanks! DH and I reused ours from our DL trip and the kids got new shirts.

BTMRR was a very fun thing to do at park opening, since we missed it at DL, we were all dying to get on it. I wish DS would have loved it as much as the rest of us, but maybe next trip he will.

I was worried about sugar overload from the brew and cinnamon rolls as you had warned me before. We were worried we might not make it back there, so we decided to just go for it. Funny how different people's tastes are.

I had the same experience with H&V for a fantasmic fastpass. The server never mentioned anything so I asked. I don't remember what he told me, something about it not being for dinner but I booked the package so he gave passes to us anyway (apparently someone forgot theirs).

That's very interesting that you ended up with the same experience. I was not thrilled to have to go back and deal with it later, making us miss our FP. It all worked out, but I wish I had thought about it while we were still at the table. I had everything printed out and was prepared to show proof of the Fantasmic! dining package if needed. Thankfully, the CM just grabbed them for us without a hassle.
 
Awwww--you got great parade pictures! We're not usually parade people, but I'll watch that one every time!

When I took the kiddo I nanny and his friend this summer (in June), we couldn't sit on the sidewalk either. It was toasting our buns it was so blazing hot! We ended up skipping the parade and going on haunted mansion--shady line and inside ride! They could use some more shade trees along the sidewalks!
 












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