Just Keep Swimming - March 31-April 7, 2013 - Closing Thoughts (Updated 5/17)

[jecskc]

Intro

When: March 31-April 7

Where: Bay Lake Tower, March 31-April 5 and Animal Kingdom Lodge April 5 and April 6, 2013.

Who: Me.

(this is a photo from my last TR since the new photobucket is being stupid and is taking FOREVER to download photos. I dont wear the black boot any more.)

My name is Susan and I design irrigation systems for a landscape architect. I am hopelessly addicted/obsessed with Disney. I very much enjoy our time there with my family. I am also known as Scooter Mom and I did have to use a scooter again this trip due to a very bad ankle injury last year resulting in surgery and several months of recovery. I still struggle with it and even though I am much better and getting around a lot more, I still needed the scooter for the parks.

My DH

He works in management for a chemical company and tolerates my obsession and sometimes enables it as well. I think he loves it as much as I do. Well, maybe not that much, but he really seems to enjoy it.

My DS

He is 13 and getting into those teenage years where there is pouting and moping. But we are getting through it. For the most part, he is a really great kid though and he makes me laugh all of the time.

My DD

She is 10 and my closest Disney ally in the family. We are always discussing our upcoming trips and counting down. She always looks forward to the trips as much as I do. Shes a sweetie.

Here they both are at Chef Mickeys

Why: Spring Break duh

We came up with the trip report name as we were trying to navigate the crowds. We were singing Just Keep Swimming from Finding Nemo as we happily plowed our way through the crowds. We conquered them - the crowds. We did everything we wanted to do and never waited more than 20 minutes for anything. Even when the crowds for the day were rated a 10. We were so proud of ourselves. Come on along and I will tell you about it. Sing along with me ..

Just keep swimming
Just keep swimming
Just keep swimming swimming swimming
What do we do we swim, swim, swim

 

[KatMark]

I'm here; I probably won't be able to catch up until we get back. But saving my spot in the meantime.

 

[Pixie Princess]

Yay for Chef Mickey!!!! On the night of the MK 40th fireworks I was quoting Nemo as well, but I was saying "swim down! Swim Down!" as the people trying to get out of MK were batting the hordes trying to get in. Can't wait for more vicarious living!

 

[pellegirl]

I'm here!!! Finally a trip report over Spring break. That is the only time of the year we can go and not going this year I am intrigued as to how you managed the parks so well with crowds. We have done ok in the past but always looking for more tips. Can't wait to hear more!

 

[RobDIS]

We were there a few of the same days as you (3-7th) and I've been singing Just Keep Swimming to myself all day!

We also didn't have too much trouble with crowds, but I think the days we were there they were "only" 9s. Looking forward to your report!

 

[jecskc]

I'm here; I probably won't be able to catch up until we get back. But saving my spot in the meantime.

Hey Kathy !! Looking forward to reading yours when you get back !! We were leaving as you were arriving !!

Yay for Chef Mickey!!!! On the night of the MK 40th fireworks I was quoting Nemo as well, but I was saying "swim down! Swim Down!" as the people trying to get out of MK were batting the hordes trying to get in. Can't wait for more vicarious living!

Hey Lm !! We really enjoyed Chef Mickey's. Every time we got into a crowd, DD would get behind me and hang on and we would sing ...Just keep swimming ......

I'm here!!! Finally a trip report over Spring break. That is the only time of the year we can go and not going this year I am intrigued as to how you managed the parks so well with crowds. We have done ok in the past but always looking for more tips. Can't wait to hear more!

So happy you are here !! I hope I can provide some tips along the way that help you manage the crowds better next time you go. Reading lots of TR's myself has provided so much good info. I have learned so much from reading others' experiences. We have been for Spring Break 3 times and every time we had a blast. You can still have a lot of fun even at peak times. You just have to manage your trip well.

 

[SRiley1985]

I'm in! I can't wait to hear about conquering the crowds. We are going in July for the first time this year (8-9 crowd level) and I'm scared

 

[MEK]

Thanks for the heads up. Looking forward to another TR!

 

[jecskc]

We were there a few of the same days as you (3-7th) and I've been singing Just Keep Swimming to myself all day!

We also didn't have too much trouble with crowds, but I think the days we were there they were "only" 9s. Looking forward to your report!

Haha. So you know exactly how we felt, then. I think even the 9s and 10s are manageable if you get to the parks early and use fastpass wisely. There were a couple of days where we didn't get to many attractions because we got to the parks later.

I'm in! I can't wait to hear about conquering the crowds. We are going in July for the first time this year (8-9 crowd level) and I'm scared

Don't be scared !! You can do this and still have a great time. You just have make the things you REALLY want to do a priority. And rope drop. I know not everyone wants to get up early, but it really paid off for us on several days. Plus, in July it will be so much cooler in the morning.

 

[jecskc]

Thanks for the heads up. Looking forward to another TR!

Hey Mary Ellen !! I hope you are enjoying Hilton Head. We were talking at dinner during our trip about maybe checking that out this summer. It is only about 2.5 hours away from us. I hope you do a TR or at least a mini-TR and tell us all about it !!

 

[Tricia's mom]

yea Love your reports.

I know the just keep swimming thing... That's so funny ... We kept saying that too.... Hahaha

We waited more than 20. Minutes though.

 

[rachel09985]

Got your message and I am in!!! Looking forward to reading your trip report!!!

 

[jecskc]

yea Love your reports.

I know the just keep swimming thing... That's so funny ... We kept saying that too.... Hahaha

We waited more than 20. Minutes though.

Hey Janet !! I think it was more crowded when you were there. We could have waited more than 20 minutes, we just chose not to and came back and do them later when we had a fast pass or right after rope drop.

Got your message and I am in!!! Looking forward to reading your trip report!!!

Hey Rachel !! I am so happy you are here !! How is Corey doing ?? All better, I hope !!

 

[hlrababy]

Hey Susan!! So excited to read about your trip. I am now singing it in my head....

just keep swimming

just keep swimming.....

I think I will go watch Nemo

 

[emmysmommy]

Hi Susan! I saw your updates on the live thread but I want to join in here!

 

[scottny]

Okay I am here and ready to read.

Looking forward to it.

 

[jecskc]

Hey Susan!! So excited to read about your trip. I am now singing it in my head....

just keep swimming

just keep swimming.....

I think I will go watch Nemo

Hey Heather !! I loves me some Nemo. Dory is my favorite !! And the little pink squid. "Awwww ...... you made me ink !!"

Hi Susan! I saw your updates on the live thread but I want to join in here!

Hey Brenda !! Thanks so much for joining in !! I am doing a full dining review as well. I will get that started tomorrow !!

Okay I am here and ready to read.

Looking forward to it.

Hey Scott !! Thanks for joining !! Glad to have you here !!

 

[jojosam]

The Nemo reference caught my attention! Can't wait to read more!

 

[jecskc]

The Nemo reference caught my attention! Can't wait to read more!

So happy you are following along !!!

 

[wdwgirl03]

Joining in! It's always fun reading TRs by people who were there at the same time. And the same resort!