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

[BippityBoo]

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.

We bought it at the very large gift shop on Main Street (sorry, don't recall the name!) It was not expensive and he still has a blast playing with it! I wanted to buy it to remember Mickey's house in Toontown before they shut it down

The quality of the shrimp was so surprising! It was very, very good! You should get it next time! Glad to hear you like the tuna!

MS just has that overall "vibe" of the lights and the people, but FL would be ideal if space was really limited at MS.

Well, I wish I could tell you more about Dinosaur, but I have no idea what it is like I am going to be brave and try it again. You should try it too!!

Thanks for reading

 

[cdotla]

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!!

Sounds good! I look forward to reading about the end of this Trip, and I will check out your PTR once you post it! I am actually glad that you aren't starting it til mid-May as I am getting behind on my Dissing trying to get ready for my own trip! By the time we get back you should just be starting your PTR, which will be perfect timing!

 

[DisneyJo]

My girls have always been too scared to go on that ride so I've never been, but I think I would ride it the same way you did

 

[BippityBoo]

Sounds good! I look forward to reading about the end of this Trip, and I will check out your PTR once you post it! I am actually glad that you aren't starting it til mid-May as I am getting behind on my Dissing trying to get ready for my own trip! By the time we get back you should just be starting your PTR, which will be perfect timing!

OH great! So glad it will work well with your schedule! Since we are going during Christmas, there are SO many new things to research and plan for. It will be nice to be able to get advice from everyone. Also, like I said, lots of stuff going on in our lives during the Summer and Fall, so it should be fun to document!

When are you going back to WDW!? Are you writing another TR?! Can't wait to read along/hear about it

My girls have always been too scared to go on that ride so I've never been, but I think I would ride it the same way you did

It is not a girl ride AT ALL! Although, my daughter just said she could not wait to go back on and she is as girly as it comes...I guess all I can say is that we all need to suck it up and just get on already! (and keep our eyes open)

 

[heaven2dc]

I can't believe I didn't find your TR until it was all over!! I had so many comments to make while reading through it but too late now

First of all your kids are so adorable! They were true sports through all the rides and CM encounters - you must be very proud! Plus you have a wonderful calm way of writing - it's hard to explain but you definitely wrote with the spirit of Disney and I can tell that's exactly how you experienced this trip.

A co-worker is leaving on May 2nd with his wife & 2 little girls (4 & 11) and are staying at Villas at Wilderness Lodge. I rented points for them from a wonderful DVC member costing under $700 for 6 nights (he donated the Friday night's stay and saved us more money). I am so excited for them as this is their first visit with the girls and you have given me so many more tips to pass along to them - thank you!

We are going November 28th for 5 nights and taking my 3 yr old grandson (all my kids plus their respective bf's and gf's) and we are staying at Boardwalk Villas with a boardwalk view. But after reading your report and looking at the WL, we all voted to stay their next time (and I've been to WDW only 3 times and always stayed at BWV by renting points but are ready to experience some place new).

I wanted to comment really quickly about how gracious you were to giving up your spot to those two little kids at HS for the parade. In the end, you were rewarded with a wonderful experience after all. Great job on the report and pics

P.S. Every time I think of your experience on Dinosaur, I have to chuckle to myself. Being a mom sometimes overwhelms us and we react differently than if we weren't

 

[mickeysgirl17]

Wow. I didn't realize dinosaur was that scary. I was gonna let DD7 ride it next month with DH and then switch so I could ride with her (while we take turns staying with the baby- 11 months) but I'm having 2nd thoughts. Maybe DH will have to ride by himself.

 

[kaysmommie]

I was so sad reading about your last morning at WL the worst day of the trip. I agree they have an awesome gift shop at WL. I love the souvenirs you picked out too. Well at least you had AK to look forward to before driving home. Cute pics with the Pooh characters. Dinosaur my least favorite ride in all of Disney. Too bumpy dark and loud for me. Don't blame you for putting your head down. I can't wait to hear more about your day .

 

[BippityBoo]

I can't believe I didn't find your TR until it was all over!! I had so many comments to make while reading through it but too late now

First of all your kids are so adorable! They were true sports through all the rides and CM encounters - you must be very proud! Plus you have a wonderful calm way of writing - it's hard to explain but you definitely wrote with the spirit of Disney and I can tell that's exactly how you experienced this trip.

A co-worker is leaving on May 2nd with his wife & 2 little girls (4 & 11) and are staying at Villas at Wilderness Lodge. I rented points for them from a wonderful DVC member costing under $700 for 6 nights (he donated the Friday night's stay and saved us more money). I am so excited for them as this is their first visit with the girls and you have given me so many more tips to pass along to them - thank you!

We are going November 28th for 5 nights and taking my 3 yr old grandson (all my kids plus their respective bf's and gf's) and we are staying at Boardwalk Villas with a boardwalk view. But after reading your report and looking at the WL, we all voted to stay their next time (and I've been to WDW only 3 times and always stayed at BWV by renting points but are ready to experience some place new).

I wanted to comment really quickly about how gracious you were to giving up your spot to those two little kids at HS for the parade. In the end, you were rewarded with a wonderful experience after all. Great job on the report and pics

P.S. Every time I think of your experience on Dinosaur, I have to chuckle to myself. Being a mom sometimes overwhelms us and we react differently than if we weren't

HELLO!!! Thank you for reading, I am so happy from all of your wonderful compliments

I know that sometimes I can get pretty lengthy and detailed, but I am hoping to print out my TR as a sort of "scrapbook" to remember our trips by. It is a great way to journal and share info at the same time! I am so happy that you liked it! I have many fun things to talk about in my upcoming PTR (to start May 17th!) LOTS of planning to do, so I hope you join in with me!

WOW! What a great deal that you got your co-worker!! We are thinking of renting points in the future. My brother in law is a DVC member, so I am hoping he will work with us. Seems like it saves LOTS of money! I will have to come to you for advice when the time comes

I can not say enough about the WL!! There is always something entertaining going on for the kids weither it is an event, swimming or just taking in the scenery. Even though it is chalk full of things to do, it is still SOOO relaxing. I can not explain it, you just relax RIGHT when you walk into the building. Your grandson would love it, but the best part is that the adults do too! On that note, our next stay will be at the BW! I think it seems so neat and pretty!!!

Dinosaur was very scary, but my daughter talked me into looking next time. We will see, I don't know if I am brave enough! ha! You are right, being a Mom makes you and automatic scardey cat So nice to "meet" you and weclcome to my TR

Wow. I didn't realize dinosaur was that scary. I was gonna let DD7 ride it next month with DH and then switch so I could ride with her (while we take turns staying with the baby- 11 months) but I'm having 2nd thoughts. Maybe DH will have to ride by himself.

Well, it is very real and VERY loud. It is also pitch black dark inside with backlighting and strobe lights. SO, depending on how brave your DD is, I am sure it will be a little scary. However, my daughter (who never really rode anything until this trip and who is super girly normally) did so well and rode it twice!! She told me lastnight that she could not wait to go back to WDW and ride Dinosaur again I think as a mom, it made me much more nervous than I needed to be. I think it would be a good plan (if time permits) to have your DH ride first and to make the decision if she can handle it. Also, a good friend of mine (Sara here on DIS) gave me a great tip. She kind of makes fun of the dinos like "Look! He seems pretty hungry! Maybe he skipped breakfast!" and fun things like that to take away the seriousness of the ride.

Hope that helps! Let me know what you end up doing

I was so sad reading about your last morning at WL the worst day of the trip. I agree they have an awesome gift shop at WL. I love the souvenirs you picked out too. Well at least you had AK to look forward to before driving home. Cute pics with the Pooh characters. Dinosaur my least favorite ride in all of Disney. Too bumpy dark and loud for me. Don't blame you for putting your head down. I can't wait to hear more about your day .

I always cry!! I am such a big baby about it!!

Don't they have a wonderful shop?! I am glad you said that because I do not have too much to compair it to and you have stayed at many different Resorts.

Dino was SOOOO bumpy!! I was thrown around and really shocked by it! Abby told me lastnight she could not wait to go to WDW again to ride Dinosaur~! Like daughter, like father I guess

 

[stacikristine]

Hey Katie! Once again, I'm SOOOO sorry that I've been gone for weeks. But your updates are fantastic! I have so much to comment on...

I'm glad that your family liked the Country Bears so much. It's one of the only things I remember from my first trip (when I was 2), and it's one of my grandparents' favorites. Michael and I opted out since there was so much we wanted to do this trip, but I'm sure we'll go again sometime.

WOW! How neat that Abby got to meet Jasmine, Tiana, and Daisy! How perfect that you were able to see all of them (and others) on your last day in the MK. I'm sure those little meets meant the world to your girl.

I'm glad that you didn't let them use your phone. If they really wanted to use your phone, they would have asked the CMs. But since they didn't want to talk to them, it's probably a sign that they weren't needing it to call their mom.

Aw, it's so sad that it's your last day in the parks! I know what you mean about trying to soak every last second in the lobby up. We just sat on the comfy couches and tried to think about anything but leaving. It's so sad to leave...

Haha--I was laughing SO hard at your picture. That is too funny. It is super scary, though. Michael and I agree that it's the scariest ride at WDW! Maybe next time you can ride with your DH (since family could stay with Aiden) and then you can hold his hand and open your eyes at times.

I'm sad to read about your last little bit in the parks! But at least you'll be back SUPER soon!!

 

[WDisneyMom]

I just loved your TR!! and of course now I am rethinking WL...we had a reservation there and now it's at CR for Oct and then I was thinking POP because of the refurbed rooms but now you make me reallyyyyyyyyyyyyy want to stay at WL! I know you have mentioned several times you would only stay in a standard room if it overlooks the lobby....that's not a guarnatee is it? I would love to have a room that overlooks the lobby...it's so pretty!!

 

[cdotla]

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!!

Yes, I have definitely put WL on the list. I would love to do it around Christmas time!

Can't wait to hear all about your birthday celebration at American Girl. I have been to the LA and ATlanta stores twice each, but my DD has never been. American Girl has been a staple under our Christmas tree for 2 years now, and my daughter is really at the perfect age now I think to really enjoy a visit there (she will be 7 later this month). I am thinking of either taking her to NY in late Nov/early Dec, or next April for her birthday. I will be very interested to read your report!

Although I am resisting, my daughter wants to bring her American Girl with her to WDW this month. Did you let your daughter bring hers? Did you find it was a waste? I can't imagine wanting to lug a doll through the Parks. Maybe I could let her bring her doll just for one visit to the MK. Any thoughts/advise?

Also - I would be very interested in hearing more about how you used the WDW app for your park touring. I have resisted purchasing it up til now as the thought of walking thru the parks with my head down reading my iphone sounds silly. However, I am ready to be convinced...how did it help and how often did you use it?

 

[BippityBoo]

Hey Katie! Once again, I'm SOOOO sorry that I've been gone for weeks. But your updates are fantastic! I have so much to comment on...

I'm glad that your family liked the Country Bears so much. It's one of the only things I remember from my first trip (when I was 2), and it's one of my grandparents' favorites. Michael and I opted out since there was so much we wanted to do this trip, but I'm sure we'll go again sometime.

WOW! How neat that Abby got to meet Jasmine, Tiana, and Daisy! How perfect that you were able to see all of them (and others) on your last day in the MK. I'm sure those little meets meant the world to your girl.

I'm glad that you didn't let them use your phone. If they really wanted to use your phone, they would have asked the CMs. But since they didn't want to talk to them, it's probably a sign that they weren't needing it to call their mom.

Aw, it's so sad that it's your last day in the parks! I know what you mean about trying to soak every last second in the lobby up. We just sat on the comfy couches and tried to think about anything but leaving. It's so sad to leave...

Haha--I was laughing SO hard at your picture. That is too funny. It is super scary, though. Michael and I agree that it's the scariest ride at WDW! Maybe next time you can ride with your DH (since family could stay with Aiden) and then you can hold his hand and open your eyes at times.

I'm sad to read about your last little bit in the parks! But at least you'll be back SUPER soon!!

Thats ok! I know life gets busy I am SO glad that you remember Country Bears at 2! My son is 2 so that makes me feel so hopeful that he will too!! The characters were awesome! It got to the point that I felt like they were real too

Those kids were really strange. It was an odd moment on our trip, but looking back, I know I made the right decision!

We love to sit on the couches too! A lot of people were always sitting in the WL especially because you just lay back and look UP and see all of the amazing details of the design. SO not easy to leave!

Dinosaur was so scary to me, but I am happy to hear that you guys agree too! I am hoping for the opportunity to ride again. You are right, I will need to be RIGHT up on my husband. Don't think I can go on any other way

Hope you will join my PTR on May 17th!

I just loved your TR!! and of course now I am rethinking WL...we had a reservation there and now it's at CR for Oct and then I was thinking POP because of the refurbed rooms but now you make me reallyyyyyyyyyyyyy want to stay at WL! I know you have mentioned several times you would only stay in a standard room if it overlooks the lobby....that's not a guarnatee is it? I would love to have a room that overlooks the lobby...it's so pretty!!

Well, it is really not a guarantee at all. I did ask for the room that we eventually got because I read it had the best view of Wishes from the room. IT DID but it also had the noise When we stayed at the Grand Floridian in October of 2008, I also got the room I asked for. If you are going at a slow time, they can usually give you what you want. BUT not many people get so lucky. It is a toss up!

The lobby view I am sure has it's fair share of noise being that it is over the lobby, but all in all it is so nice to watch everyone. AND the noise stops at night. Also, there is a tv/couch/fireplace corner right down the hall that you can enjoy. Search for the WL thread here on DIS...it has LOADS of info. I just make sure to add my request to my ressie and then follow up with a fax a week before we get there. HTH

Yes, I have definitely put WL on the list. I would love to do it around Christmas time!

Can't wait to hear all about your birthday celebration at American Girl. I have been to the LA and ATlanta stores twice each, but my DD has never been. American Girl has been a staple under our Christmas tree for 2 years now, and my daughter is really at the perfect age now I think to really enjoy a visit there (she will be 7 later this month). I am thinking of either taking her to NY in late Nov/early Dec, or next April for her birthday. I will be very interested to read your report!

Although I am resisting, my daughter wants to bring her American Girl with her to WDW this month. Did you let your daughter bring hers? Did you find it was a waste? I can't imagine wanting to lug a doll through the Parks. Maybe I could let her bring her doll just for one visit to the MK. Any thoughts/advise?

Also - I would be very interested in hearing more about how you used the WDW app for your park touring. I have resisted purchasing it up til now as the thought of walking thru the parks with my head down reading my iphone sounds silly. However, I am ready to be convinced...how did it help and how often did you use it?

OHHH my DD LOVES AG!! I am excited to post pictures of her party!! All of her stuff is coming in the mail already! She is getting Josephina from my MOm and a few fun accessories from us.

We would LOVE to go to the AG stores! We have not been yet, but are probably going to take a trip to NY next Thanksgiving (2011) and I want to save it for then. I am so glad I have another AG obsessed mommy to talk to

My daughter will be 7 on May 2nd. Sounds like they are close in age! I am dying to read about your NYC visit because you can give me advice!! Are you going to write a TR? Please do

This is the first year she has asked me to bring her AGs to the parks. She did TRY last trip, but now she is really pushing it. Now that I bought her AG that Belle dress, she will really want to bring her to the MK. I think that we may just let her. I am so nervous to lose her or damage her, but I have read AGPrincess's TRs (have you read them?) and she brings her AG dolls with her. She has a rule of one doll in the park and keeps a close eye on them. It is so cute, she takes pics of the dolls on the rides or in the lobby. You should check them out (let me know if you can't find them and I will send you the link).

SO--this year, ONE doll brought to WDW and she can ONLY come to MK. Sound reasonable?

 

[WDisneyMom]

Well, it is really not a guarantee at all. I did ask for the room that we eventually got because I read it had the best view of Wishes from the room. IT DID but it also had the noise When we stayed at the Grand Floridian in October of 2008, I also got the room I asked for. If you are going at a slow time, they can usually give you what you want. BUT not many people get so lucky. It is a toss up!

The lobby view I am sure has it's fair share of noise being that it is over the lobby, but all in all it is so nice to watch everyone. AND the noise stops at night. Also, there is a tv/couch/fireplace corner right down the hall that you can enjoy. Search for the WL thread here on DIS...it has LOADS of info. I just make sure to add my request to my ressie and then follow up with a fax a week before we get there. HTH


Thank You!!

 

[WDisneyMom]

oops!

 

[cdotla]

I am so glad I have another AG obsessed mommy to talk to

My daughter will be 7 on May 2nd. Sounds like they are close in age!

Are you going to write a TR? Please do

This is the first year she has asked me to bring her AGs to the parks. She did TRY last trip, but now she is really pushing it. Now that I bought her AG that Belle dress, she will really want to bring her to the MK. I think that we may just let her. I am so nervous to lose her or damage her, but I have read AGPrincess's TRs (have you read them?)

SO--this year, ONE doll brought to WDW and she can ONLY come to MK. Sound reasonable?

Yes - I definitely think I fit the category of AG obsessed mommy - LOL! I love the books in particular and the plain old fashioned manners the brand inspires.

Wow! Our daughters were born within a couple days of each other. Katie turns 7 on April 28. And I am a week later on May 5, so Abby falls right btwn us!

Yes, I think I will let her bring ONE AG doll with us on this trip. I am getting her doll the Snow White dress to match the dress she will be wearing for BBB, so that would probably be the day to bring her doll to the park.

And yes, I will be doing a TR! As a matter of fact, I have a PTR on the go now...hop over! The link is in my siggy!

 

[BippityBoo]

Yes - I definitely think I fit the category of AG obsessed mommy - LOL! I love the books in particular and the plain old fashioned manners the brand inspires.

Wow! Our daughters were born within a couple days of each other. Katie turns 7 on April 28. And I am a week later on May 5, so Abby falls right btwn us!

Yes, I think I will let her bring ONE AG doll with us on this trip. I am getting her doll the Snow White dress to match the dress she will be wearing for BBB, so that would probably be the day to bring her doll to the park.

And yes, I will be doing a TR! As a matter of fact, I have a PTR on the go now...hop over! The link is in my siggy!

How did I miss your PTR?! It looks so cute already and I have only read the first post! I am off to catch up on it.

PS: I don't think I ever answered your iPhone app question. I downloaded these three apps:

1) WDW Dining
2) WDW Maps (or something titled like that)
3) WDW Wait Times

I used the Dining App about five times and it was nice to be able to pull up the menus and briefly go over what we wanted before we ordered. So, I would say it was worth it. Saves time for Mom (or whoever is ordering) and the other parent takes the kids to find a seat without having to stand and decide in front of the cramped menu/cashier area.

WDW Maps was NOT worth it. Never used it once and already knew where everything was.

WDW Wait Times was VERY accurate when I used it. I used it frequently and it saved us lots of time...LOTS of time. Especially in Epcot where the walks can be lengthy. When we were waiting to get on a ride, I would just take my phone out and scan the other rides to see what direction we should go next depending on what the wait times were. We would have decided on a ride (for example: Carpets of Aladdin) and then see that there was a 20 minute wait but only a 10 minute wait on Pirates, so we would do Pirates instead. We got to see a lot that way, I would buy this one first of the three if there is any question. I loved it...AND still use it today when I am at home. My daughter and I love to see what the wait times are when we are driving home from school! ha! Makes it fun

 

[cdotla]

Katie - thank you so much for explaining to me about the apps. This is going to sound silly, but stupidly for some reason I was thinking that it would only be the FAST PASS rides that the wait times would be showing for.

i.e.) it would show you what the return times would be if you got a fast pass at any particular time.


I completely overlooked the fact that the app would give you the wait times for ALL rides in the park. Yes, I completely agree that this would be VERY helpful information to have. Now I will definitely get it for our trip!

So glad that you explained this to me!

 

[kaysmommie]

Yes - I definitely think I fit the category of AG obsessed mommy - LOL! I love the books in particular and the plain old fashioned manners the brand inspires.

Wow! Our daughters were born within a couple days of each other. Katie turns 7 on April 28. And I am a week later on May 5, so Abby falls right btwn us!

Yes, I think I will let her bring ONE AG doll with us on this trip. I am getting her doll the Snow White dress to match the dress she will be wearing for BBB, so that would probably be the day to bring her doll to the park.

And yes, I will be doing a TR! As a matter of fact, I have a PTR on the go now...hop over! The link is in my siggy!

Hi Katie,
Wanted to chime in on the AG thing. I think your plan on letting her bring the doll to MK is a good one. Kaylee never asked about bringing them to Disney as she was always afraid to lose them and did not want to leave it in the room. I would have let bring one if she wanted to though. The pics with matching Belle dresses will be cute too . I think I love the dolls more than Kaylee but all I had were those ugly cabbage patch kids, nothing as nice as these girls have today. Also the NYC store is the best! Atlanta is okay but if your planning on going to NYC then it's worth the wait.

 

[BippityBoo]

Hi Katie,
Wanted to chime in on the AG thing. I think your plan on letting her bring the doll to MK is a good one. Kaylee never asked about bringing them to Disney as she was always afraid to lose them and did not want to leave it in the room. I would have let bring one if she wanted to though. The pics with matching Belle dresses will be cute too . I think I love the dolls more than Kaylee but all I had were those ugly cabbage patch kids, nothing as nice as these girls have today. Also the NYC store is the best! Atlanta is okay but if your planning on going to NYC then it's worth the wait.

Nichole---Thank you so much for chiming in It is good to know that other Mommy's agree with what we decided on. I think that it will make for cute pictures too! Although, now Abby is saying that she is wishing for the Belle outfit for her birthday and that she may pick Tiana or Sleeping Beauty at BBB HAHA my child is always changing her mind! I guess I could find a sleeping beauty dress for the doll too.

Thinking of lugging around the AG doll in Epcot or AK makes me crazy! I think we will just stick to the MK. Also, I agree totally with the Cabbage Patch dolls! I was super happy when Abby picked one for her 5th birthday, but it was a "baby" cabbage patch and was much cuter than any of the ones I ever had. My grandmother bought me a $400 porcelain one when I was Abby's age! I still have it, but my cousin threw hers off of the steps and broke her face (literally) the first day we got them HAHA

 

[BippityBoo]

Katie - thank you so much for explaining to me about the apps. This is going to sound silly, but stupidly for some reason I was thinking that it would only be the FAST PASS rides that the wait times would be showing for.

i.e.) it would show you what the return times would be if you got a fast pass at any particular time.


I completely overlooked the fact that the app would give you the wait times for ALL rides in the park. Yes, I completely agree that this would be VERY helpful information to have. Now I will definitely get it for our trip!

So glad that you explained this to me!

YES! It is wait times for all of the rides, not fastpass! How cool is that Glad I could help!!