I'm thankful for...MICKEY!!! My Thanksgiving '08 TR!: TR Update, Last Day!

[jordanyosh]

Julie,

I am bored at work so i did some forum searching about Sunday EMH at MK. Many people like it and say it's not that crowded even during summer. However, I think that's when the EMH hours are 11pm-2am. Yours will be more like 9-12am.....I think it's a crap shoot.

 

[shebaxric]

I am a bad, bad DISer! I've been on vacation with no internet access and I've missed so many updates from my favorite TR's!

Firstly, !!! Good luck on your baby adventure! My DH and I are also trying, but we just started a month ago. I know that it can be a long road from friend's experiences, but just when you aren't thinking about it, BOOM! It'll happen.

Second, WOO HOO on your surprise one day trip! I love St. Augustine, but anytime you can make a side trip to WDW, it's totally worth it. My suggestion would be to go to MK and stay for as long as you can. That doesn't mean push yourself to the limits, just try and enjoy your day. If that means staying for an hour or two of EMH, then go for it!

Third, congratulations on getting all the hardwood in! I'm sure it looks absolutely wonderful!

Lastly, great update, but I know how indecisive relatives can be when it comes to food! My DH wants me to pick everything, he never seems to have an opinion! Then when I choose something, he doesn't want it. Go figure! I love the pictures of your DB trying to fill the role of the crash test dummy!

Okay, I'm done! Sorry for the long reply, I just had so much to reply on!

 

[SwansLoveDisney]

Love that phrase!!!!!

Oh and to answer another question....the Doorway to Dreams at the Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg I believe is a DVC/WDW planning store....I have yet to visit it myself, but would like too....may be fun to do later this year before we get ready to book our 010 trip!

Here is a link....I googled it:

http://www.shopwoodfield.com/IM/storedetail.html?store=L330

http://dvc.disney.go.com/dvc/miniSite/doorwayToDreams?id=DoorwayDirectionsPage




I tend to avoid the EMH days too now that I have kids...but I agree if I was going to WDW for one day I'd proably pick MK too!

my only experience w/ an evening EMH at MK was last June...just DH & I went and we wnet as the park was close to reg closing and people were packed in Main street...coming in, going out and waiting for parade and wishes....we flet like fish swimming up stream...it was bad!


but after that it was great! low crowds, did many rides and had a great time!

whatever you pick I'm sure will be great!

OH PS....we could do a mini Dismeet at Woodfield someday if you make it out that way....I used to work at the Gap there for 3 years before my twins were born.

J-

Thanks for the link. I would definitely like to check out the doorway to dreams someday. A Dismeet would be awesome! Ohhhh...I LOVE Gap. Well, it's a love-hate relationship...I love shopping there and I hate it when my Gapcard bill comes!

I do not like the feeling of fish swimming upstream. But I guess I could tolerate it for a little while in order to stay for EMH. Maybe?

If it was morning EMH, I'd go to MK, but I wouldn't go to a park with evening EMH (just my thoughts on this). Of course, we love Epcot more than any other park, so I might be biased when my vote is for you and your mom to go to Epcot!

I also love Epcot!!! I just wonder if we go to WDW and I don't go to MK, will I regret it?!?

I wish I could help you out. We try and avoid EMH parks in general. We did do a Sunday night EMH at MK, but it was in February. It was crowded at first and then after the first hour it just died. Fantasyland was empty. But that was February. I wouldn't expect June to be the same. Can anyone else help Julie out?

Thanks for the call for help!

Julie,

I am bored at work so i did some forum searching about Sunday EMH at MK. Many people like it and say it's not that crowded even during summer. However, I think that's when the EMH hours are 11pm-2am. Yours will be more like 9-12am.....I think it's a crap shoot.

THANK YOU SO MUCH for doing some research for me! However, I'm still undecided! I guess we have to decide just how late we want to stay out.

I am a bad, bad DISer! I've been on vacation with no internet access and I've missed so many updates from my favorite TR's!

Firstly, !!! Good luck on your baby adventure! My DH and I are also trying, but we just started a month ago. I know that it can be a long road from friend's experiences, but just when you aren't thinking about it, BOOM! It'll happen.

Second, WOO HOO on your surprise one day trip! I love St. Augustine, but anytime you can make a side trip to WDW, it's totally worth it. My suggestion would be to go to MK and stay for as long as you can. That doesn't mean push yourself to the limits, just try and enjoy your day. If that means staying for an hour or two of EMH, then go for it!

Third, congratulations on getting all the hardwood in! I'm sure it looks absolutely wonderful!

Lastly, great update, but I know how indecisive relatives can be when it comes to food! My DH wants me to pick everything, he never seems to have an opinion! Then when I choose something, he doesn't want it. Go figure! I love the pictures of your DB trying to fill the role of the crash test dummy!

Okay, I'm done! Sorry for the long reply, I just had so much to reply on!

You're not a bad DISer! I think I get that title for abandoning my TR for months at a time!

Where did you go to on vacation?

Good luck to you on your baby-making adventure! I am sure that it will happen for us, so I just have to keep trying to be patient. That's kinda hard though!

I haven't been to St. Augustine before, but I've heard great things about it and I'm excited to check it out! Is there anything that you think we should put on our must-do list for St. Augustine?

 

[DisMomAmy]

Yay for a Disney trip!!!

And you get to go this month!!

I can't wait to hear where you decide to go!

 

[SwansLoveDisney]

Yay for a Disney trip!!!

And you get to go this month!!

I can't wait to hear where you decide to go!

Hi Amy!



I can't wait to figure out where we're going!

 

[jordanyosh]

I can't wait to figure out where we're going!

this is a funny statement....

 

[MeMom]

I also love Epcot!!! I just wonder if we go to WDW and I don't go to MK, will I regret it?!?

You're not a bad DISer! I think I get that title for abandoning my TR for months at a time!


I haven't been to St. Augustine before, but I've heard great things about it and I'm excited to check it out! Is there anything that you think we should put on our must-do list for St. Augustine?

That's how I would be. If I could only go to one park for one day, it would probably have to be Magic Kingdom. I'd hate not visiting my beloved Animal Kingdom or not riding Soarin', but I'd console myself with a few rounds on Big Thunder Mountain, a funnel cake from Sleep Hollow, and an evening of Spectro and Wishes!

You were definitely in the running for the title of Trip Abandoner, but with the move and all, we cut you some slack.

St. Augustine has so much history. There's Castillo de San Marcos, Flagler College, musems, the old school, church, etc. It is a beuatiful place. There's a trolley tour you could take.

 

[SwansLoveDisney]

this is a funny statement....

I guess I get my indecisive nature from my mother!

That's how I would be. If I could only go to one park for one day, it would probably have to be Magic Kingdom. I'd hate not visiting my beloved Animal Kingdom or not riding Soarin', but I'd console myself with a few rounds on Big Thunder Mountain, a funnel cake from Sleep Hollow, and an evening of Spectro and Wishes!

You were definitely in the running for the title of Trip Abandoner, but with the move and all, we cut you some slack.

St. Augustine has so much history. There's Castillo de San Marcos, Flagler College, musems, the old school, church, etc. It is a beuatiful place. There's a trolley tour you could take.

Yum! A funnel cake! I like how you think, MeMom!

Thanks for cutting me some slack! I was pretty good this week with my DISing because DH was out of town the whole week. Let's hope I can keep it up now that he's home!

Our hotel in St. Augustine is one of the trolley stops, so we definitely plan on making good use of the trolley. I think almost all of the places you mentioned are along the trolley route. I am very excited about our trip. It's always fun to visit a new place. (And to visit an old favorite!)

 

[SwansLoveDisney]

Once again, the alarm rang at 6:40 this morning. We woke up to a VERY muggy morning. With each passing day, it was getting a little bit harder to get out of bed when the alarm rang. After one or two snoozes, I dragged my butt out of bed and got into the shower. It was super humid and it looked like rain, so I just put some mousse in my hair and put a bit of make-up on and I was all ready to go! DH was ready pretty soon after me. We packed ponchos and brought our raincoats because of the forecast of "violent thunderstorms" to begin at noon!

We headed down to the POP cafeteria for breakfast. DH got an omelette and I got the kids breakfast platter with bacon and sausage.

It amazes me that they give so much food in the children's portions and that they cost quite a bit less than the adult portions. For me, there is no need to get an adult portion of the breakfast.

After eating, we washed out our mugs in the mug wash station and went back to the room to drop off the mugs. We were at the Animal Kingdom bus stop by 8:15. I almost fainted when I realized that EVERYONE was there!!!

When we arrived at AK, I told everyone to follow me and I led them through the Rainforest Cafe entrance to the park. We pretended to look at the merchandise while we watched for the turnstyle to open. There were only 2 people in front of us at the turnstyles at the Rainforest Cafe entrance! Soon, there was a cast member there and she allowed everyone through. We made our way into the park and as far up and to the right as we could. Expedition Everest was our first destination this morning!

I coached my family on our technique for getting fastpasses and then getting into the stand-by line and I showed them our route on the map. Due to our previous 2 days' successes, everyone was pretty hyped up and ready to dash off to EE!

DH and DB were ready

DSIL was ready

Mom was ready

Dad was ready

Look at all those people behind them!

Soon, the opening show began. And as always, the opening show was super cute. And even better, it was holiday themed!

My mom wasn't interested in Expedition Everest, so she hung back a bit as the rest of us scooted closer and closer to our preferred route. The show ended and we were off!

I was so proud of my dad! He is 68 years old and he kept up with the rest of us as we speed walked/tried not to run to EE!

And due to the humidity, we were all SWEATING by the time we arrived. Not even 15 minutes into our AK day and we're already soaked with sweat. Ick!

My brother and I took everyone's Keys to the World and grabbed fastpasses and then we met up with them in line. We walked right onto the ride. I consider this a mixed blessing on EE because I LOVE the theming in the line.

We got into our seats and I took a pic before we pulled away from the loading area.

EE was, of course, a great ride. I even heard DH scream!

I try not to hold on whenever we go on any ride. Sometimes, it's really hard, but it definitely adds to the thrill factor for me!

DH and I are in the second row

Dad's in the front left, holding on for dear life

Next up was Primeval Whirl.

I think this ride is so much fun! My dad opted out of this ride. DH, DB, DSIL, and I walked right onto this ride as well. DB and DSIL started to get nervous as they saw that the ride looked like a busted up carnival ride. And they got even more scared when they saw what happened to the people in front of us! No one wanted to spin!

I love the signs that are all over Dinoland. I took some pics of them as we ascended the steep track.

This one says "Prehistoric prices, mammoth deals."

EVERYONE screamed on the way down the drops on this one. There was much giggling to be heard from our car!

Next up: More AK!

 

[BrooklynnsMommy]

I usually order a kid's meal because they do get a lot of food and it is quite a bit cheaper! I enjoy the preshow at AK.

 

[mrsksomeday]

I love your get up and go attitude ! Looks like you had a great plan for EE and it worked perfectly. I love the pic of your dad!

 

[julezdisney]

Great update and super great tip on the children's breakfast!!

 

[mousescrapper]

I do not like the feeling of fish swimming upstream. But I guess I could tolerate it for a little while in order to stay for EMH. Maybe?


It was so worth it in the end!

Great Update to the begining of your AK day...love the ride pictures from EE...very fun! I went on it w/ my parents during our trip in march.

I can just imagine all the giggles coming from your crew on the PW....

looking forward to more!

 

[xoktenox]

Ohhhh I hope I can get to see the AK rope drop when I go back. It will be holiday themed then too!

EE is my favorite ride in WDW! for your dad being a trooper and keeping up AND riding!

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Hi Julie! We went in early June 2 yrs ago - we did EMH for MK. It is the only time to do Fantasyland, IMHO. Then the park gets REALLY crowded about 10:30 or 11:00 am. That would be the time to go to another park. We usually stay out of the EMH parks when we don't have kids with us, we just skip Fantasyland except for MP. All of the rides aren't open for EMH, and Toontown opens an hour after the regular EMH, or at RD.

Loved your update, BTW. Your dad is a trooper! I always wish I could put my hands up on those rides, but I always hang on for dear life!

 

[SwansLoveDisney]

I usually order a kid's meal because they do get a lot of food and it is quite a bit cheaper! I enjoy the preshow at AK.

I enjoy all the opening shows, but I think I like AK best!

I love your get up and go attitude ! Looks like you had a great plan for EE and it worked perfectly. I love the pic of your dad!

I wish I had that same get up and go attitude when it comes to cleaning my house!

I think my dad thought I was crazy, but he's such a good sport!

Great update and super great tip on the children's breakfast!!

Thanks!

Great Update to the begining of your AK day...love the ride pictures from EE...very fun! I went on it w/ my parents during our trip in march.

I can just imagine all the giggles coming from your crew on the PW....

looking forward to more!

Isn't it fun to go on those rides with your parents when you're all adults?

I was laughing so hard on PW, I had a hard time catching my breath!

Ohhhh I hope I can get to see the AK rope drop when I go back. It will be holiday themed then too!

EE is my favorite ride in WDW! for your dad being a trooper and keeping up AND riding!

AK rope drop is great. I really love that one! Such a cute little show. You should definitely try for the rope drop there!

I was very impressed with my dad. I am ashamed of myself because I thought for sure he would slow us down, but he did no such thing!

Hi Julie! We went in early June 2 yrs ago - we did EMH for MK. It is the only time to do Fantasyland, IMHO. Then the park gets REALLY crowded about 10:30 or 11:00 am. That would be the time to go to another park. We usually stay out of the EMH parks when we don't have kids with us, we just skip Fantasyland except for MP. All of the rides aren't open for EMH, and Toontown opens an hour after the regular EMH, or at RD.

Loved your update, BTW. Your dad is a trooper! I always wish I could put my hands up on those rides, but I always hang on for dear life!

Thanks for the tips. I keep thinking that we will definitely go to MK. But then I think about World Showcase and how we could have such a nice day there and I wonder if MK is really the way to go. The EMH are evening EMH, so I wonder if that makes a difference?

My dad is great. He's such a good sport about everything his little girl (guess I'm not so little anymore, huh?) wants to do! I guess that's the advantage of being the youngest child and only girl in a family of 5 children!

There are some times that I can't help but hold on when I'm on a ride. Like Tower of Terror. Sometimes, my hands grab on no matter what I tell them to do!

 

[MaceysMom]

That is good to know about the cheaper kids meals. We are going to eat our breakfasts out of pocket on our trip and that looks like enough food for me!

 

[KathyRN137]

Great that everyone was there at the bus stop all bright-eyed and bushy-tailed!! Good for Dad! (I honestly find PW to be much rougher than EE!)

Those kitchy touches in DinoLand are such a hoot! I love looking at all the little details, too.

Hope you don't get soaked!!


Kathy

**Have you made a decision yet about which park you're going to on Sunday?? I can't wait to find out what you decide!

 

[jordanyosh]

Soo awesome that dad rode EE! I hope I'm as spry as he is when I'm 68

 

[DisMomAmy]

Great update - we had so much fun at AK this year!!