"It was the time of our lives!" WL Jan 10-15 2010 NEW: 5/17 PTR LINK UP!! PG 44

[BippityBoo]

On our way, we saw that Winnie the Pooh and Friends were taking pictures so we got in line! I say “line” it was really just about 2 people in front of us.

The characters were so cute! The kids really enjoyed meeting them.

Pooh

Tigger

Eeyore

Next, we tried out TriceraTop Spin. We had never been to Dinoland before, so all of this was new to us. We found the ride fun, but nothing like Dumbo or Aladdin’s Carpets. Of course, my DD loved “driving” the dino up and down, so she had a great time.

After our ride, I checked the wait time on Dinosaur! It was only 10 minutes, so my DH and Abby went in to try it out.

I was a nervous wreck the entire time waiting for them to get out. First of all, I had never ridden the ride myself, so all I had were the WDW books (which say that kids are terrified) and my friends (who say that kids are terrified)

My poor DS had to put up with me pushing him up and down the ramp in his stroller to pass the time. I walked back up and asked a CM where the exit was. I wanted to snap a picture of them when they were exiting. He ushered me into the gift shop and told me to wait there. I looked a few toys and shirts, but my heart was pounding so hard I could not concentrate. And they play such SERIOUS music it was driving me crazy!!

Eventually, they did get off of the ride and both of them were smiling ear to ear, which was great! My DH said it was pretty scary for kids, but that Abby took it very well and only closed her eyes once (when the big dino comes out and they take your pic). Here is their picture (my DH has the green shirt and is pointing and Abby’s head is down)!

He was telling me that they sat right up front, so it made it way more intense because the Dino is right in front of you and swoops down.

The plan had been that I would ride with Abby a second time if she liked it. I was so worked up from waiting for them, that I did not know if I could handle it. I am pretty chicken I might add

Abby was acting like she wanted to go again and my DH was encouraging me with the whole “We are in Disney…They are not real dinosaurs…It is just pretend” bit.

So, I gave in and off we went!

I will not spoil the ride for any of you but let me give you a re-cap of my experience…

We got put in the front row of the car.

I was very, very nervous.

When the car started forward to begin the ride, I put my head down slightly.

When the ride started, I put my head down the whole way.

When the ride ended…my head was STILL down.

Take a look---

That’s right everyone, I can not tell you one SINGLE detail of this ride because I LITERALLY DID NOT LOOK THE ENTIRE RIDE

The idea of being with the dinosaurs coupled with my worries for my daughter got the best of me and I chickened out. I was also worried about her the entire ride. She did great and was yelling at me to open my eyes the whole time. As you see above, she did duck when the big Dino came, but only because I encouraged it.

Next time, I will look….maybe

UP NEXT: Should we have done the Safari first? Where is the best baby center in all of the world? Stay tuned!

 

[SOUTHERNtinkerBELLE]

Your Dinosaur pics are soooo funny! Even though I've ridden it many times, I still get freaked out when the big dino pops out - of course the huge flash from them taking your picture doesn't help much either!

 

[Charlefours]

Katie, all your photos of WL make me want to stay there so badly! I cannot wait to stay there--perhaps next time! We almost picked there for our trip in September, but knew it would be out-of-reach for others coming with us most likely. It just has the feeling that is so up my family's alley.

Dinosaur: you know the funny thing I discovered but I do not remember: I went through our first trip notes, I did a decent job of jotting some notes down but not many. I wrote down what our favorite ride is from each park, well for AK I had down Dinosaur!! I could not, and still do not, believe it!! I have no plans to ride it on our next trip.

 

[BippityBoo]

Your Dinosaur pics are soooo funny! Even though I've ridden it many times, I still get freaked out when the big dino pops out - of course the huge flash from them taking your picture doesn't help much either!

OH my gosh, all I remember was the VERY loud screaming and then a gush of wind! I can not imagine what it looks like Hopefully when we go in December, I can do an adults only ride with my hubby and sister in law. I really do think that I was more scared for my daughter than myself! Or at least I hope so Giving it ONE more try.

Katie, all your photos of WL make me want to stay there so badly! I cannot wait to stay there--perhaps next time! We almost picked there for our trip in September, but knew it would be out-of-reach for others coming with us most likely. It just has the feeling that is so up my family's alley.

Dinosaur: you know the funny thing I discovered but I do not remember: I went through our first trip notes, I did a decent job of jotting some notes down but not many. I wrote down what our favorite ride is from each park, well for AK I had down Dinosaur!! I could not, and still do not, believe it!! I have no plans to ride it on our next trip.

I think I remember reading about that in your Report. If anything, just plan some time around exploring the WL and maybe eating there, even if it is just a CS. It is wonderful just to people watch and relax.

HAHA favorite ride?! You must have been looking during your ride

 

[klacey1]

Katie, I admire your ability to enjoy the last day at Disney!! We spent our last night at the MK and then, even though we could have squeezed in a few hours before our flight on the final day, I didn't want to. I just wanted to sulk about leaving Glad you could enjoy the day!! Love the pic of you and Abby on Dinosaur! I've done that on plenty of US rides-- know in advance something's going to pop out at me? Yep-- bow the head a good minute in advance!

 

[disney<333]

Checking out of WL so soon? Those 5 night trips go by so fast. I just love the WL lobby and I can't wait to stay there again. I think I might check out AKL first though. Yay, for AK. Your AK weather looks a lot nice then mine. The Pooh characters are too cute. I bet you all must of been excited to run into them. Your picture on Dinosaur is so funny! I LOVE it. I'm sure Abby will get a laugh from it. Trust me, if I rode it I would of been like you or worse. I chickened out at the last minute.

 

[mom2mek]

Oh Katie, I was totally laughing out loud at your ride picture!!! It is probably a lot MORE scary without watching it! You should try to look next time! I actually find that if I'm trying to tell my kids about how "silly that dinosaur looks", or how "that dinosaur must have missed breakfast and just looks really hungry", etc, etc, than I don't get nearly as nervous! Good for you for trying it though! I'm sure Abby was happy you went with her!

The WL pictures are so nice! I hope I am able to try out that resort sometime. We have eaten at WCC but I know we would love to stay there someday too. If only it fit 5 to a room. I guess I could leave Shawn at home! JK!

Sara

 

[kcandbella]

That is SO funny about you on Dinosaur! I am glad Abby liked it and wasn't as big of a chicken as her mother!

The WL looks so awesome...I want to stay there someday! Your experience there makes it seems so heavenly. It's too bad you couldn't add more days to your trip, but at least there is one to look forward to!

 

[jwwi]

OH My! That is so funny! I can't imagine how bumpy it must have felt with your eyes closed. Really a great picture!

Our first floor room did not have a view, just a patio, lots of trees/bushes. But it was so hot on that trip, so we really never went outside to hang out. It was so close to a door that let you out to the walkway to the pool. And so close to the lobby and gift shop. You can see the opening to the hall on your picture of the "walkway to the buses" It is the first opening on the left, and I think it may have been 6 to 7 rooms away from that entryway. Truly Magical......... It was an upgrade, I had standard view booked.

Congratulations on the Saints winning the Superbowl, so exciting for your team.

 

[SoonerGirl]

Great pictures of the WL! I would really like to stay there someday - my list of resort wants just keeps growing and growing

Your ride photo from Dinosaur is too funny! The one where they take your pictures has never bothered me much - it's the one that comes straight down at you at the very end that scared the heck out of me! I saw it the very first time I rode, but ever since then I close my eyes when we are getting towards the end of the ride so I don't have to see it

 

[onelilspark]

We took my Grandma on Dinosaur. The picture is hilarious!

 

[disney2mom]

We do have the ornaments monogrammed at the Christmas store in Magic Kingdom. I always pick a Mickey ear ornament and have our last name and the year put on it, they are beautiful!! My kids always pick one as well, you have to give them at least one day so I suggest buying it at least a couple days before you leave so you will have it back in time.

I love L!! This will be our third stay there, it is my favorite resort! My daughter also had a caricature of her made as Belle at our last visit, I know my son is going to want one this year!

 

[Believeinfairytales]

Ya got me missin' the Wilderness! I so hate that last day, walking out knowing it will be awhile before you will make it back. Boo hoo! So sad!

And I hate those last few hours in the park, knowing soon you'll make the long trek home. Bittersweet times.

Love your reaction to Dinosaur! It doesn't matter how many times I'm on that ride, I find it scary! It is SO realistic to me! Good for Abby making it TWICE. She's such a trooper!

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

My stomach is in knots just reading this installment and I am too distraught to comment any further. (I still have nightmares about THAT ride.)

 

[laashley]

Wow! Tiana & Naveen and Daisy on the same day. We will definitely have to see them (through much hunting I am sure). Looks like overall it was a very magical trip. The WL is so beautiful. Your room had it's ups and downs. The studios at the WL villas are close in price. Wonder if the noise level is better? Really want to go one Christmas and stay there! So excited for you for your upcoming trip.

What app do you have for the wait times & was it accurate? I downloaded the undercover tourist one yesterday.

 

[longing2Batdisney]

so sad the last day...and to leave such an awesome resort!
but, you guys will be back so very soon...
dinosaur is one of my favorite rides...you will have to ride with DH next time so you can see the ride(the only way I can ride certain rides is with DH...don't know why...makes me feel safe I guess)! I know you will love it! the worse part is the end when they take your picture...

Connie

 

[cdotla]

I will have to try your trick in Adventureland! I only have experience with Main Street and Frontierland. I agree, get over the crowd for the awesome view!!

Whoops! I meant to say Frontierland, not Adventureland!


Laughing with you about the Dinosaur photo - that is too funny!

My stomach is in knots just reading this installment and I am too distraught to comment any further. (I still have nightmares about THAT ride.)

So sad Katie that your trip (and trip report) is coming to an end. Like others have said, your photos and descriptions are definitely selling me on WL.

 

[BippityBoo]

Katie, I admire your ability to enjoy the last day at Disney!! We spent our last night at the MK and then, even though we could have squeezed in a few hours before our flight on the final day, I didn't want to. I just wanted to sulk about leaving Glad you could enjoy the day!! Love the pic of you and Abby on Dinosaur! I've done that on plenty of US rides-- know in advance something's going to pop out at me? Yep-- bow the head a good minute in advance!

Thank you! I wanted to sulk, but I am glad in the end we went to AK. I know for a fact that there is no way I could handle US rides!! I am glad that you use my riding method! haha~

Checking out of WL so soon? Those 5 night trips go by so fast. I just love the WL lobby and I can't wait to stay there again. I think I might check out AKL first though. Yay, for AK. Your AK weather looks a lot nice then mine. The Pooh characters are too cute. I bet you all must of been excited to run into them. Your picture on Dinosaur is so funny! I LOVE it. I'm sure Abby will get a laugh from it. Trust me, if I rode it I would of been like you or worse. I chickened out at the last minute.

Yes, because of our December trip, we cut this one short. The 5 nights do go by so quickly. I want to try out AKL, especially while the kids are still young! Fun! Ewww your weather was bad! I am sorry that you chickened out. I think you should do it, just be prepared for the worst! ha!

Oh Katie, I was totally laughing out loud at your ride picture!!! It is probably a lot MORE scary without watching it! You should try to look next time! I actually find that if I'm trying to tell my kids about how "silly that dinosaur looks", or how "that dinosaur must have missed breakfast and just looks really hungry", etc, etc, than I don't get nearly as nervous! Good for you for trying it though! I'm sure Abby was happy you went with her!

The WL pictures are so nice! I hope I am able to try out that resort sometime. We have eaten at WCC but I know we would love to stay there someday too. If only it fit 5 to a room. I guess I could leave Shawn at home! JK!

Sara

HAHA I laugh every time I see it too!! Yes, the bumping up and down and the dino screams...yikes! What a GREAT tip for making the ride more fun. Thank you SO much!! I think it will work great. She liked it, but that will help for sure!

I can see how 5 would be totally cramped (even if they allowed it). Yes, leave the hubs at home. HA!

That is SO funny about you on Dinosaur! I am glad Abby liked it and wasn't as big of a chicken as her mother!

The WL looks so awesome...I want to stay there someday! Your experience there makes it seems so heavenly. It's too bad you couldn't add more days to your trip, but at least there is one to look forward to!

I know! She is much more brave. The WL was beyond our expectations. We are excited about our December trip!!

OH My! That is so funny! I can't imagine how bumpy it must have felt with your eyes closed. Really a great picture!

Our first floor room did not have a view, just a patio, lots of trees/bushes. But it was so hot on that trip, so we really never went outside to hang out. It was so close to a door that let you out to the walkway to the pool. And so close to the lobby and gift shop. You can see the opening to the hall on your picture of the "walkway to the buses" It is the first opening on the left, and I think it may have been 6 to 7 rooms away from that entryway. Truly Magical......... It was an upgrade, I had standard view booked.

Congratulations on the Saints winning the Superbowl, so exciting for your team.

Yes, quite bumpy and horrible. I will look next time (or REALLY try to). I know exactly where you stayed. I will have to request it next time, sounds awesome!

We love our Saints!!!

Great pictures of the WL! I would really like to stay there someday - my list of resort wants just keeps growing and growing

Your ride photo from Dinosaur is too funny! The one where they take your pictures has never bothered me much - it's the one that comes straight down at you at the very end that scared the heck out of me! I saw it the very first time I rode, but ever since then I close my eyes when we are getting towards the end of the ride so I don't have to see it

Yes, don't you want to stay in them ALL! I really don't know if I can keep my eyes open next time or not, but I would like to! My DH said that dino was the worst!

We took my Grandma on Dinosaur. The picture is hilarious!

PLEASE post. That is too funny!!

We do have the ornaments monogrammed at the Christmas store in Magic Kingdom. I always pick a Mickey ear ornament and have our last name and the year put on it, they are beautiful!! My kids always pick one as well, you have to give them at least one day so I suggest buying it at least a couple days before you leave so you will have it back in time.

I love L!! This will be our third stay there, it is my favorite resort! My daughter also had a caricature of her made as Belle at our last visit, I know my son is going to want one this year!

Thanks for the tip! I would LOVE that!

I know, I am afraid that now we had the caricature made, we will want one each trip! ha!

Ya got me missin' the Wilderness! I so hate that last day, walking out knowing it will be awhile before you will make it back. Boo hoo! So sad!

And I hate those last few hours in the park, knowing soon you'll make the long trek home. Bittersweet times.

Love your reaction to Dinosaur! It doesn't matter how many times I'm on that ride, I find it scary! It is SO realistic to me! Good for Abby making it TWICE. She's such a trooper!

I know!! I was sooo sad that we were leaving. Don't you want to just live there?!

Abby was sooo brave. I am proud of her!

My stomach is in knots just reading this installment and I am too distraught to comment any further. (I still have nightmares about THAT ride.)

OH MY! I do too! Sorry to bring back bad memories!! I am going to try to keep my eyes open next time...don't know though!

Wow! Tiana & Naveen and Daisy on the same day. We will definitely have to see them (through much hunting I am sure). Looks like overall it was a very magical trip. The WL is so beautiful. Your room had it's ups and downs. The studios at the WL villas are close in price. Wonder if the noise level is better? Really want to go one Christmas and stay there! So excited for you for your upcoming trip.

What app do you have for the wait times & was it accurate? I downloaded the undercover tourist one yesterday.

YES! You have to hunt and hunt, but they are worth it! We LOVE the WL and can't wait to stay there again!! I hear that the Villas are VERY quiet. That would be really nice.

It is WDW Wait Times app. It was VERY accurate and I tell all my friends about it! Saved us so much time!!

 

[BippityBoo]

so sad the last day...and to leave such an awesome resort!
but, you guys will be back so very soon...
dinosaur is one of my favorite rides...you will have to ride with DH next time so you can see the ride(the only way I can ride certain rides is with DH...don't know why...makes me feel safe I guess)! I know you will love it! the worse part is the end when they take your picture...

Connie

I know!! We were all pretty sad! I am excited to go back "home" soon! I think you are right, being with my DH would help A LOT! I also enjoyed EE a lot more with him rather than without him this year. UGH the end is really bad from what I hear! I will need to be brave

Whoops! I meant to say Frontierland, not Adventureland!


Laughing with you about the Dinosaur photo - that is too funny!





So sad Katie that your trip (and trip report) is coming to an end. Like others have said, your photos and descriptions are definitely selling me on WL.

OHHH ok, I was wondering if the parade went through there! It would be great if it did, huh? Our Dino picture is ALMOST as good as my EE pic from last year...I will need to go dig it up for a laugh!

Thank you so much! I am sad that it is over too. I have LOTS to talk about in my PTR, so it should be ok. We are doing lots of fun Disney stuff soon and my daughter's American Girl birthday party is coming soon! Can't wait to post about it. You should look into the WL. Young children LOVE it and so do their parents One of the best resorts in all the World!!

 

[lbuzz52]

That Mickey house set is awesome! I'll have to try to find one next time

the tuna was good at chh- but now you have me wanting to try the shrimp

we really liked watching the parades in fl- you didn't have to claim your spot as far in advance. But I haven't watched from ms so now I'm curious as to what I'm missing.

I've yet to try dinosaur. It makes me nervous to think about it.