Jdads2's Final Thoughts

[jdads2]

Final thoughts:

What a great vacation!! We manage to weasel in just enough down time to relax and recharge our fading batteries. We really did have a wonderful family vacation and even with all the hoopla around WDW this still is a “family time” vacation.

The Poly is an absolutely beautiful resort, incredibly family and kid friendly. The food is wonderful and the staff out of this world. The room was more than adequate. Five people in 1 room for 8 nights and not getting in each other’s way is either a miracle or a large room. I don’t think that I mentioned that we stayed at Tokelau on the first floor, garden view. Great room, great location!!

What more could be said about WDW? What a wonderful place, not only for the family but for couples and friends as well.

We were really spoiled on this trip. The parks and the resorts were all empty compared to what they are during peak seasons. Heck, they were even off from normal low attendance times from previous yrs. I don’t know if I can handle a 20-minute wait let alone an hour wait!! The parks were so empty that we did not need the itineraries that I wrote up. They were based on hitting attractions at specific times and taking full advantage of fast pass (this was good since I immediately lost the itineraries). Fast pass was only in use on 4 rides and no one was using them. Most rides were walk-ons or at most 10 minute waits.

I have had so much help from the folks here on the DIS I don’t know how to thank everyone. The only way I can help repay everyone for their help is by offering to help others with their own treks. So if I can answer any questions, I will.

Oops, almost forgot. The total for the trip including air and costumes for MNSSHP came to just under $6000.00. Just what the estimate was. I did not include the costumes or MNSSHP tix in the original estimate so we really came in $200.00 under budget.

Next: Planning our next WDW vacation!!!!

 

[Nanajo1]

It was fun reading your trip reports.
What a great trip! Thanks for posting.

 

[pumba]

that you did ........it just brings my next trip all that closer.........thanks again.....and start planning like I do.......

 

[mittelst]

Wow! What a great first WDW vacation! You sure did pack in a lot of activities. How did you get your 4 yo through those long days? And from how I read the trip report, only 2 visits to MK? I'm not sure my 5 yo would tolerate so many trips to Epcot :>).

Great reporting!

 

[kellyla]

I really enjoyed your reports.Sounds like you had a great time.Now back to those rewards to help pay for the next trip.

 

[erica_mutterer]

thanks for sharing....it was a joy reading and I am counting down....14 days!!!

 

[jdads2]

mittelst, It seemed as if we were at MK much more often!! Probably when we were there it was for the entire day. MNSSHP lasted until midnight and we walked out with the last of the crowd. The best advice I can give to parents of younger kids is GET A STROLLER!! Sara fell asleep more than once in the stroller and was rarin' to go after a 5 or 10 minute nap. We also mixed in some shows in order to rest our feet.

 

[LindaBabe]

And, it sounds like a great first trip, too!

 

[dmslush]

What a great trip report!!!! I can't wait until we get there!

 

[Credit Man]

I enjoyed your reports. Thanks for posting.

 

[rpbear]

Great trip reports. I really enjoyed reading them. I leave for WDW in 9 days and can not wait.

 

[LI Debbie]

A practically perfect trip report.

All we need now are some pictures!!! Glad you all had such a good time.

Debbie

 

[kbeverina]

Your reports were hysterical--thoroughly enjoyed them all! Now I'll have to head over to the Restaurants Board and check out your restaurants report. Thanks!

 

[nativetxn]

I read and enjoyed each one of your trip reports. Writing trip reports are a lot more work than one would think, aren't they? I'm so glad you took the time to write this one

So, for what time of year are you planning your next trip? October sounds like it worked out well for your family

Katholyn

 

[jdads2]

Katholyn,

We are planning on a returm trip in early October 2002. Since we returned we have been telling and showing everyone what a wonderful time we had. We met my sister down there on the last trip, it was her first trip also. Now the whole family wants to make the trek next year. That would make a total of 11-15 people. A family reunion at WDW!!!

Jackie and I are going to try to get back on our own this January. We want to try and take advantage of the annual passes. What a great excuse!!

Yes those trip reports are a lot of work, but considering how much help I got from the folks on these boards i felt it was the least I could do to show some gratitude.