I've been bitten by the Disney bug....PTR October 2011 We Leave Tomorrow! 10-20-11

[cgerdon02]

Hello Everybody! My name is Candace and I'm pretty new to the DIS, well I've been watching the forums for a while, but just recently started posting My family and I are planning out our VERY FIRST ONSITE Disney trip, and I've got it bad..... Since my DH gave me the green light to start planning I have turned over a new leaf, and have begun to plan every aspect of this trip....

Here's the cast of this grand adventure:

Starting with myself of course My name is Candace (already said that) and I am 26 years old. I am a SAHM and have three absolutely amazing kids. I married my high school sweet heart and we are having a wonderful time raising our children together.

My high school sweet heart, is DH Kevin. He is 27 and is the pastor of our church (only three years old) and also works part time at the post office delivering mail.

Next up is DS Isaac who is 6. He is currently in Kindergarten and has such a sweet sensitive personality. Isaac had a obsession with Cars and DH and I watched that movie way more times than we ever cared to. It has mysteriously disappeared over the last few years, and I believe DH had something to do with it. Now he is really into Pirates of the Caribbean.

DD Ava is 4 and she is soooooo funny. No seriously, she marches to the beat of her "own" drum. She's strong willed but is so sweet too. Ava's favorite Disney Character is....Cinderella, Aurora, Belle, Tinkerbell, Ariel, Snow White....yeah yeah, you get it. If it's a princess or fairy, she LOVES them. Here is a pic of her and DH last year on our visit to MK. They are on the Buzz Lightyear ride.

And last comes DD Violet. Violet is soon to be 2, and is just soooooo much fun right now. She's at the age where she learns something new everyday. Violet's favorite Disney character is "Poo Poo" rotfl:Winnie the Pooh)

Here's some other pics of the family trip last year, just so you can put a face with the name

This is Isaac, Ava & myself on our way in to the MK.

Next up is super dad who had to walk around quite a bit with the girls like this...

and here we are at T-REX in DTD...I'll continue this tonight when I get back :)

 

[MARsMama]

Your children are adorable!! Looking forward to reading your PTR as it unfolds
I, too, am a sahm to 3 kids, but am 12 years ahead of you My youngest is 6, oldest is 11. We will also be in WDW in Oct of this year. So exciting!!!!

 

[Kari-B]

Your family looks very cute. Our daughter's sound similar is the funny, strong willed department!

 

[cgerdon02]

Your children are adorable!! Looking forward to reading your PTR as it unfolds
I, too, am a sahm to 3 kids, but am 12 years ahead of you My youngest is 6, oldest is 11. We will also be in WDW in Oct of this year. So exciting!!!!

Thanks so much! I think they are pretty cute too Looks like your three are spaced out about the same as mine Just enough years apart to keep you in diapers for a LOOOONNNNGGGG time!

 

[cgerdon02]

Your family looks very cute. Our daughter's sound similar is the funny, strong willed department!

ahhh another strong willed one I'm always trying to figure out new ways to outsmart her

 

[MARsMama]

Thanks so much! I think they are pretty cute too Looks like your three are spaced out about the same as mine Just enough years apart to keep you in diapers for a LOOOONNNNGGGG time!

Yep, we bought diapers constantly from 1999-2008, when we finally got Ds2 trained. Some years needing two different sizes at once Even now we have to purchase Goodnites, we lovingly refer to as night underwear.

 

[cgerdon02]

Okay back from dance and baseball.... I think I left you with some photos of our family's vacation to Disney last year. (which only some worked and the others posted links) Still new to this so if you have some pointers in the picture department, I'd love to figure out what I'm doing wrong

Just as some background info, last year by best friend and her family moved to Orlando of all places!! We went down in October to visit them, and went to Magic Kingdom, Typhoon Lagoon, and Hollywood Studios. MK & HS was a blast, but I think we could have done w/o Typhoon Lagoon. There just wasn't much to do there for my kids... We also live very close to a theme park called Holiday World and Splashin Safari, and it is absolutely amazing!! Free Soft Drinks, Parking and Sun Screen. But the water park is out of this world!!

They did have a good time in the kiddie area, but after that, we were ready to go.... Here's a few pics from TL (If they work)

Isaac & Ava trying to get me to chase them....

Violet having fun in the kiddie area.

Cont....

 

[cgerdon02]

So one day my DH comes home from work and says, "Let's go to Disney World." I just looked at him and wondered who had taken over my husbands body. You see he's the type that pinches every penny he can and Disney is no exception. He then proceeds to say that "the kids are growing up so fast, and I want to make memories with them." Immediately I get on my computer and start planning. HE DIDN'T HAVE TO TELL ME TWICE!!

DH can take a trip to the mall and as soon as he steps foot in that place the energy is sucked from him and he's ready to go....there's something about Disney that does the opposite in him. He turns into this superdad and is determined that everyone will have a wonderful time...like it or not! So I've actually already got the title for my TR later on....."You can sleep when you're dead." We are seriously planning on spending almost every bit of our time in the parks, or dining. I know, I know I have three young kids and they can't handle it...but my kids can sleep ANYWHERE!! Here's a pic of Ava from MK last year to prove it!

I've actually already reserved a double city mini stroller, and they recline all the way back, so we are set!! (Not to mention it's way cheaper renting from someone OTHER than Disney) I'm anxious to see how it moves...I have to say Disney strollers get around pretty good We are also planning on taking breaks to eat one TS meal a day & one CS meal a day (DDP)

After plans where underway, but before reservations had been made, we got some tag alongs.....so we have some additional cast members in this adventure!!
DH's Mom & Dad will be joining us and I am so excited. Any vacay I have ever taken with them, has been absolutely wonderful! They have been to Disney before, but FIL was sick the whole time and it's not a good memory for him (we'll fix that ) He was actually a little reluctant to come along with us, but after MIL insisted that she REALLY wanted to go (and they could rent a Harley one day) he agreed....Here's a pic of MIL and my girls.....still looking for one of FIL.

So now here are the plans:
Pop Century Resort
Arriving October 21st
Leaving October 28th (Believe it or not this is the longest vacay I've ever been on)

We are flying!!!! This is a big deal for me...my first flight EVER was last year at the age of 25.....crazy, I know. This will also be the first flight for Isaac 6, and Ava 4. They are just as excited about flying in a REAL airplane as they are about going to WDW! Violet flew with me last year (she slept the whole time round trip!!)

Here are the TS meals we are planning on:
Chef Mickey's - Dinner
1900 Park Fare - Dinner
(Can't wait to meet these two. We saw them in the parade last year and thought they were hilarious!)

Crystal Palace - Lunch
Ohana Best Friends Breakfast
Akershus w/ Princesses - Dinner
Garden Grill - Dinner
Hollywood & Vine OR Mama Melroses - What do you think?

I'd love to hear about your experiences at any of these restaurants! My ADR date is coming up fast, and I've gotta decide soon!

Next Up: The schedule for the week!!

 

[MARsMama]

We went to Crystal Palace for breakfast and it was Dd's favorite restaurant. She also loved Askershus where we at a dinner once, and only chose CP as her favorite b/c she loves breakfast most.
We also went to Chef Mickey's for dinner on Ds's birthday, it wasn't the greatest food but the kids really loved meeting the characters there. Ds says it was his favorite place to eat, so we've planned for there again, but since he's not big on the food part as much we're gonna try it for breakfast this time around.
'OHana is where I wanted to try last time, but since we decided only a month before we were going to add the DDP it was too late to get a reservation, so we missed out. It's on our list for this trip as is 1900 Park Fare and Garden Grill as we wanted a few more character meals and with different characters than what we had already seen at a meal.
I had chose H&V for a F! dining package, but after reading through many negative reviews (still not sure I read a positive one, but I might have seen one or possibly two from MANY) on here I decided to switch to MM. I've not eaten at either place so I can comment from experience, just what I've read from others.

 

[cgerdon02]

We went to Crystal Palace for breakfast and it was Dd's favorite restaurant. She also loved Askershus where we at a dinner once, and only chose CP as her favorite b/c she loves breakfast most.
We also went to Chef Mickey's for dinner on Ds's birthday, it wasn't the greatest food but the kids really loved meeting the characters there. Ds says it was his favorite place to eat, so we've planned for there again, but since he's not big on the food part as much we're gonna try it for breakfast this time around.
'OHana is where I wanted to try last time, but since we decided only a month before we were going to add the DDP it was too late to get a reservation, so we missed out. It's on our list for this trip as is 1900 Park Fare and Garden Grill as we wanted a few more character meals and with different characters than what we had already seen at a meal.
I had chose H&V for a F! dining package, but after reading through many negative reviews (still not sure I read a positive one, but I might have seen one or possibly two from MANY) on here I decided to switch to MM. I've not eaten at either place so I can comment from experience, just what I've read from others.

Same boat here with H&V....I've only seen one good report from that place, but Ava really loves the characters that are there. I'm a sucker for Italian though, and I'm thinking MM is going to win out....After all, we are doing a character meal EVERY other meal!! How does F! dining package work? Is it still just one TS credit? And are the seats still good for the show?

 

[MARsMama]

Same boat here with H&V....I've only seen one good report from that place, but Ava really loves the characters that are there. I'm a sucker for Italian though, and I'm thinking MM is going to win out....After all, we are doing a character meal EVERY other meal!! How does F! dining package work? Is it still just one TS credit? And are the seats still good for the show?

Breakfast for H&V might be a bit better and that's when the characters are there. We weren't looking at it for then so I don't know, we were more looking for the F! pkg.
The F! dining pkg is 1 TS credit and you do get seating for the show, but you still have to show up 45min or so in order to get those reserved seats, but from what I read it's a much better wait than if you had to wait in the regular line for seats.

 

[Becc1]

Loving your PTR report so far, your kids are absolutely adorable. We have been to 5 out of 7 of your planned ADR's and as a mother who also has 3 young kids I think you'll enjoy them all. We love the character meals not necessarily for the food but for the experience, my kids love the opportuntiy to "eat with" the characters and I love that we don't have to wait in long lines to do it! Since you older DD loves the princesses make sure she's got her princess gear on at Akershus and 1900 Park Fare. One of my favorite memories of our Disney trips has been when my DD got to dance with Prince Charming while dressed as Cinderella at 1900 Park Fare!

 

[cgerdon02]

Breakfast for H&V might be a bit better and that's when the characters are there. We weren't looking at it for then so I don't know, we were more looking for the F! pkg.
The F! dining pkg is 1 TS credit and you do get seating for the show, but you still have to show up 45min or so in order to get those reserved seats, but from what I read it's a much better wait than if you had to wait in the regular line for seats.

I'll definitely have to look into it! I think you've sold me on the F! dining package We went to HS last year, but F! wasn't showing that day. I had already told DS all about it, and he was pretty disappointed, so it's a must on this trip!

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

Hi Candace!!! I'm subbing! We're going in October as well.

Your children are adorable! Love the pics. We really liked CP for breakfast and as for Chef Mickey's, similar to MarsMama, the character interaction was worth it, but the food was so-so. The kids won't care about the food though!

We're trying Ohana breakfast this time, I've heard really good things. We had dinner there on our last trip and half of us liked it and the other half didn't?? I think Lilo & Stitch will be fun!

 

[cgerdon02]

Loving your PTR report so far, your kids are absolutely adorable. We have been to 5 out of 7 of your planned ADR's and as a mother who also has 3 young kids I think you'll enjoy them all. We love the character meals not necessarily for the food but for the experience, my kids love the opportuntiy to "eat with" the characters and I love that we don't have to wait in long lines to do it! Since you older DD loves the princesses make sure she's got her princess gear on at Akershus and 1900 Park Fare. One of my favorite memories of our Disney trips has been when my DD got to dance with Prince Charming while dressed as Cinderella at 1900 Park Fare!

Thanks so much! The experience is the reason we are going to the character meals. I am actually the pickiest eater out of my family So the buffets work out nicely for us. Also because we are traveling with a 2yo she gets into the parks free, and doesn't have a ddp, so the buffet and family style meals will ensure we all have enough food to go around. I am so excited to get the girls outfits ready for WDW!!!! But that's a later post....I'm gonna crafty, and I can't wait!!

 

[MARsMama]

F! was Dd's favorite of the night shows and from what I've read on here HS is even more crowded on those nights especially when there's only two shows a week as it is when we'll be there, so I wanted to make sure we get in. The last time we almost didn't see it as we didn't line up soon enough for the first show and missed that one. Thankfully that night there was a second show, so we decided to wait the extra time and go. It was a long wait, and the kids were good, but with only one show this time if we miss the first that will be our only shot!! lol F! dining pkg was the way to go for us!!

 

[cgerdon02]

Hi Candace!!! I'm subbing! We're going in October as well.

Your children are adorable! Love the pics. We really liked CP for breakfast and as for Chef Mickey's, similar to MarsMama, the character interaction was worth it, but the food was so-so. The kids won't care about the food though!

We're trying Ohana breakfast this time, I've heard really good things. We had dinner there on our last trip and half of us liked it and the other half didn't?? I think Lilo & Stitch will be fun!

I just LOVE Disney in October!! The weather is nice, the crowds are low(er), and DS has a week off for fall break, so it fits in perfectly!!

If figured since I didn't do a TR last year (or even know to do one) I would add in a few pics here and there with this PTR

I've heard lots of great things about breakfast at the Character Meals, but just so so reviews on lunch and dinner....hmmm lots to think about. Definitely looking forward to Ohana!! Hopefully I get this all hammered out soon. ADR date is in 9 days!

 

[mrssmith06]

Hi, I'm enjoying your PTR so far! Your kids are super cute!!
About the plane thing... I'm 28 and I've never been on one because I'm chicken! So don't feel bad.
My DH lived in IL when he was younger and he talks about going to Holiday World.
Your ADR's look good!!! And I bet October will be a great time to go!!

 

[cgerdon02]

Okay we'll start with my favorite park:

Magic Kingdom!

I went to this park for the first time when I was 8, Then again on my Honeymoon, and I've been three times since having my kiddos. They were all, however, one day trips and this is the first time I will be able to stay on site, so I am so super duper excited!!

So these are things we MUST do:
Splash Mountain (Our Favorite Ride)
Thunder Mountain Rail Road (Kids & DH have never ridden. I vaguely remember riding when I was younger.)
Space Mountain (DS is gonna go for it this year!)
Pirates of the Caribbean
Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin
M&G with Rapunzel & Flynn Rider
Tea Cups (Were closed last year when we were there)
Haunted Mansion
Small World
Stitch's Great Escape
Dumbo
Pooh - For Violet since it's her favorite
Mickey's Philhar Magic - LOVE it!

Here are things we WANT to do, but will survive if we do not:
Tom Sawyer Island - Never been, have no idea what to expect
Jungle Cruise - Fun, but line is usually pretty long
Peter Pan's Flight - Super long line, and still haven't figured out why
Snow Whites Scary Adventure - Heard it's going to be taken down soon, so it may not be there.... But last time my Best Friend and I took our sons on this ride and by the time we got off, they were both screaming in terror!!
Swiss Family Treehouse- One of my favorites when I was 8, but lost its appeal as I got older.
Magic Carpets - Never done this either. If we were going to wait in line, Dumbo always won out.

Okay Foodwise, the only MUST do is.....
DOLE WHIPS!!
Seriously, it's where every one of my snack credits will be spent

Some we would like to visit, but if it's crowded or closed life will go on.
Tortuga Tavern - (Was formerly the Pirate & the Parrot)- Never eaten here. Wanted to last year, but it was closed for refurb, and I've also read it's seasonal, so not expecting it to be open this year.

Also Main Street Bakery has caramel apples that are to die for!!! - Actually lets move this on up to MUST!


Well, what do you think? Have I included your favorites? Did I leave out something that is absolutely a MUST do? (Did it from memory, so I could have easily left something out)

 

[cgerdon02]

F! was Dd's favorite of the night shows and from what I've read on here HS is even more crowded on those nights especially when there's only two shows a week as it is when we'll be there, so I wanted to make sure we get in. The last time we almost didn't see it as we didn't line up soon enough for the first show and missed that one. Thankfully that night there was a second show, so we decided to wait the extra time and go. It was a long wait, and the kids were good, but with only one show this time if we miss the first that will be our only shot!! lol F! dining pkg was the way to go for us!!

I've prepared myself for the worst.....We are going on a Sunday with EMH.....gonna be crowded, I'm sure. I do believe there are two shows that night as well. I would even welcome some on and off rain this day to keep the crowds away, since nearly everything is inside....