Just mom and her 2 little boys 10/19-25, MNSSHP, lot of character meals

[MJAJmom]

The parade had so many lights, pretty amazing that the characters and dancers jackets had lights on them. The boys liked the parade, MJ like the Boo To You parade better.

After the parade we walked over to main street in front of the castle. Since the boys weren't too interested in the fireworks, I thought we could ride Buzz instead. That made them happier. It was a walk on ride. Love the low crowds in October.

Since the park was now closed, I knew the monorail would be mobbed, so we walked through FantasyLand to kill time. Then the boys found something that would now be called their favorite thing to do at WDW.

Can you guess what that was???

 

[cdotla]

Great report! I have also headed out solo on a trip with my daughter and I know how special these trips can be! Can't wait to read more!

 

[MJAJmom]

Well, hard to believe it, but now the boys have fun their most fun thing to do at MK. Let's see.... could it be a really fun ride??? No....... Could it be an awesome show????? No......... Could it be one of their favorite movie characters???? No.....

Well then, what silly thing could it be???

As we were wondering around FantasyLand, we walked around the backside of Cinderella's Carousel. There were 3 boys and a girl trying to pull a sword out of a stone. My boys were intrigued, they had to try it.... And try it.... And try it..... They pulled as hard as they could, but that sword would not budge. The couple other boys pulled too, but nothing. Then their little sister gave it a try..... And the sword pulled up out of the stone!!! How did she do that?

The boys were amazed, they all had to try again. And when it was the little girl's turn.... the sword pulled up again. "Oh I know how she did it, let me try!! they all said. Just hilarious watching them pull with all their might.

Of course, there was a CM about 25yards away with a controller that makes the sword pop up. Thankfully, one time the sword pulled up for MJ, he was thrilled!! Which then made him need to try it even more times.

We killed 25 minutes pulling the sword, until they basically kicked us out because they were closing up. I've never seen my boys so excited about something!! It was their most awesome thing ever, they said!! Please, please, please mommy can we do it again tomorrow!!!

Well, of course you can!! We are coming back to MK tomorrow for early EMH!! And that is next up....

 

[MJAJmom]

so jealous! I would love to take my 2 on a mommy trip!

Hi Princesslily, looks like you've got a trip coming up pretty soon!

I'll have to admit that this wasn't originally planned to by a mommy only trip with the boys. I really wanted DH to come. He had to stay home to manage our 2 teenage stepsons who are now living with us because they aren't doing well in school ( long story......).

Now I'm really so happy that I went!

 

[MJAJmom]

Right in the middle of my trip report, we get a major distraction. We bought a yellow lab puppy. MJ named him Marley. They've been reading Marley and Me at school and the dog theme books were featured at the elementary school bookfair.

He's just adorable, he's 14weeks old and already pretty huge. He's mild mannered which is very nice, but still a puppy, getting into everything and wanting to chew everything.

Just had to share a few pictures! Most of my free time these last 2 days have been spent with the new puppy!

 

[cdotla]

Cute puppy! I suspect your time will be spent more and more with it these next few days!

So funny about that sword! I will have to get my kids to try that next trip. I did not know a CM controls it and actually can make it lift! Cool!

BTW - can you tell me where ImaginationWorks is located to get that picture of the flying Mickey over the castle. That is fantastic! Is it just open to Disney Visa holders? (Unfortunately we can't get this card in Canada )

Enjoying your TR! Can't wait for the next update!

 

[Pinga's Mommy]

Sounds like a fun trip. I tried to picture a trip with myself and my two girls (7 & almost 3) without my husband. Oh I can picture the drama.
Your pictures are great and your boys are so cute!

 

[princesslily]

Your puppy is so cute! I remember when my puppy was a baby!

 

[MousekaMaddi]

wonderful, fun - imformative report, thanx for writing and showing us your 2 cuties!! Fun pix too!

 

[MJAJmom]

Great report! I have also headed out solo on a trip with my daughter and I know how special these trips can be! Can't wait to read more!

Hi Cdotla, I checked out your trip report on your mother/daughter trip. Your DD is beautiful!! I love the princess pictures at BBB and her outfits each day were adorable. Sounds like your time was precious. We're an all boy family, so there will be no princess breakfasts or BBB for us - makes me sad.

Cute puppy! I suspect your time will be spent more and more with it these next few days!

So funny about that sword! I will have to get my kids to try that next trip. I did not know a CM controls it and actually can make it lift! Cool!

BTW - can you tell me where ImaginationWorks is located to get that picture of the flying Mickey over the castle.

The place is actually called Image Works, I had to dig for my picture receipt. It's at Epcot at Journey into Your Imagination. It's on the left side of the building. It's a gift shop and photo shop. You'll see a whole bunch of sample pictures on the wall. You can do flying pictures, surfing, put the castle behind you, all sorts of really fun pictures. It does take a long time from start to finish, so be prepared.

 

[MJAJmom]

Sounds like a fun trip. I tried to picture a trip with myself and my two girls (7 & almost 3) without my husband. Oh I can picture the drama.
Your pictures are great and your boys are so cute!

Hi Pinga's Mommy, you're right next door to us. We live in Austin, you're in San Antonio - cool. Love the river walk there.

Your puppy is so cute! I remember when my puppy was a baby!

Thanks, little Marley is so soft and cuddly, you just have to scoop him up and snuggle with him.

wonderful, fun - imformative report, thanx for writing and showing us your 2 cuties!! Fun pix too!

Hi MousekaMaddi, thanks for joining. This is my first trip report to write. I guess I underestimated how much time it would take. It's mostly the pictures that take so long... sorting through all the pictures and photopass pics, uploading them, crop/resize. But I am having fun writing it, it's like I'm reliving the trip again!!

 

[MJAJmom]

For our April trip, I brought a single stroller from home. The boys took turns riding in it, and sometimes I/DH would carry AJ around while the other pushed MJ in the stroller. That worked out well.

Since it was just me travelling alone this time, I knew that I needed a double stroller to get around. I've never owned a double stroller and certainly didn't want to plunk down $250-450 for a great stroller just for this trip. At first i thought a side-by-side umbrella stroller would work, they seemed pretty lightweight and quick to fold up. But when I put the boys in it, they seemed flimsy and were just too hard to push and turn with 80lbs inside. Then I tried out some jogging strollers, but I didn't like the one wheel in front and they seemed kinda squished inside. I searched around at consignment stores hoping to find something, but no luck.

I don't like the hard plastic Disney rental strollers, they just seem uncomfortable. Thankfully a week prior to leaving, I stumbled onto Orlando Stroller Rentals. Their double stroller seemed really innovative with the 2 pivot wheels up front. Kinda like a jogging side-by-side stroller. I called Shannon the owner, I had questions about how older kids would fit in it and how easy was it to drive. She assured me that her older kids were in it and it was great. OK, let's do it then!!! Crossed my fingers and placed my order.

It was really a nice airport adventure not to have a stroller to lug around, fold up through security. When we got to the GF hotel, I asked for the stroller at the baggage desk and out it came. Oh yeah, that looks cool!! The boys hopped in and off we went to find our room. I was so surpised and relieved at how easy it was to push and turn. It fit throught the doors throughout the hotel and fit through the door to our room. There was a nook next to the desk in the room and that's where it was parked each night. It had such a sturdy feel to it and I did not get worn out pushing it (now pushing 2 boys up the hill ramp to get on the monorail from MK was a workout!!)

Here is a picture of the stroller:

They put a big ID tag on the back of the stroller, so I didn't even bother attaching the stroller tag I made. I did bring a cup holder from home and attached it in the middle (It does not come with any cup holders or stroller cover). Here is the back, the mesh pockets were handy for storing stuff.

Now the coolest thing, to fold it up you just grabbed the straps at the back fold of the seats and give a little yank. It folds quickly and effortless in half. That was amazing.

I can't say enough good things about this stroller and how it made our trip so much easier. I highly, highly recommend it to others!! It was $85 for the week - worth every penny to me!!!

 

[MJAJmom]

The forecast for today is rain. Hard to tell how to plan. Outside it's very cloudy and the clouds are pretty dark. I did not have a stroller cover, but did have an extra poncho (bought us all ponchos last night). I packed up the ponchos in a bag and off we went. I decided not to take the stroller just in case it was really pouring down, I didn't have a great way to cover the kids in the stroller.

Today our plan is early EMH at MK and lunch at Liberty Tree Tavern. I love the early morning EMHs, we can get so much done with minimal crowds. We get on the monorail for rope drop at 8am. Again we head straight back to FantasyLand. With both boys walking and not in a stroller, it takes us what seems to me like FOREVER to get to the back of MK. MJ wants to ride Snow White, so that is first up. They thought the witch was scary but wanted to ride it again, pretty much no wait. We did Dumbo and then the Carousel. Of course, we tugged on the sword a few times, but nope, that sword never did raise up.

Since it was 8:50, we headed over to AdventureLand. We wanted to do Jungle Cruise. AJ liked that one from last time. We stepped right on and began our cruise. Such a corny ride, the driver is so silly with the jokes. MJ's favorite part is the headhunters at the end "where 2 heads are better than one". AJ likes the elephants and crocodiles.

As we walk to the POTC ride, Captain Hook and Mr Smee are nearby. We've never met them before. Gotta admit, hook is a little creepy looking!

Mr Smee grabs the pin lanyard that MJ is wearing and runs off with it. While MJ is laughing, he's also getting concerned if he's going to bring it back or not. While Mr Smee signs his autograph, the boys examine Captain Hook's hook arm. Of course, now MJ wants to buy a hook!!

Luckily it stays cloudy, no rain yet and doesn't look like it's going to rain. I knew I should have brought the stroller. Now we get on the POTC ride, both boys just love to see Jack Sparrow. We walked over to explore in Swiss Treehouse, getting some exercise climbing all those stairs. Walking around we saw Frontier Donald Duck. Wow, I thought he was pretty hard to find! There was about 6 people ahead of us in line. Donald was dressed in a coon skin hat and suede jacket - awesome!!

Today, the boys weren't dressed in matching shirts. Being the first time making shirts, it took me much longer than I thought to do these. So I didn't have time to get in 1 more set. Funny, it felt like they were dressed wrong today. The pictures look funny because they are not dressed alike. Weird!

MJ has done a great job with his pin trading. He is managing his own lanyard and searching out CMs with pins. By now, we've already traded all the pins I brought. I have more at the hotel room, just didn't bring an extra stash. It's 11am and we have a lunch ADR at 11:45. MJ desperately wants to go back to the hotel to get more pins. I really wanted to, but knew to get to the GF and back with both boys walking would take a long time. Then they'd get upset that we'd be heading back to the hotel to take naps. Oh, what to do, what to do.

So we decide to head back to the hotel, and then we'll just play there. I'd blow off the lunch at LTT and we'd just catch a quick lunch at Gasparillas. They'd be more happy playing the games anyways. Then we'll just stay at GF, take naps and maybe come back early for MNSSHP. To the monorail we go!!!

Next up, an afternoon at MK and MNSSHP. Question - will it rain or not rain???

 

[cdotla]

Hi Cdotla, I checked out your trip report on your mother/daughter trip. Your DD is beautiful!! I love the princess pictures at BBB and her outfits each day were adorable. Sounds like your time was precious. We're an all boy family, so there will be no princess breakfasts or BBB for us - makes me sad.

The place is actually called Image Works, I had to dig for my picture receipt. It's at Epcot at Journey into Your Imagination. It's on the left side of the building. It's a gift shop and photo shop. You'll see a whole bunch of sample pictures on the wall. You can do flying pictures, surfing, put the castle behind you, all sorts of really fun pictures. It does take a long time from start to finish, so be prepared.

Yes, it is kinda hard to do Princess things with boys, but I think your trip with the boys sounds every bit as fun as my trip with my daughter was. Just a different kind of fun! I have a boy as well who at 3 yrs old has already been to WDW 2 times. I have just as much fun with him!

Thank you so much for the information on that awesome photo!!! I will for sure be heading there in March when we go for our next trip. In all my time on the Dis and reading all of the TRs I have never seen those photos before!

I laughed when you talked about how long it was taking and the fact that you had passed that "point of no return" with your son. My, haven't we all been there! Even though it was a long wait, that photo is definitely worth it - I love it!!!

Another great update...can't wait for more!

 

[SunnieRN]

Enjoying yout trip report and all the fantastic pictures! Your sons are so adorable! Thanks for sharing and give Marley a hug for me. He is stunning!

 

[MJAJmom]

We at lunch at Gasparillas at the hotel, the boys were perfectly happy eating there and playing on the games. They have 2 motorcycles for them to ride on and pretend. The boys play for a while at the hotel and then it's naptime.

When the boys wake up we get ready to head back to MK. This time I'm bringing the stroller, now packed with umbrellas and ponchos just in case. Today it hasn't rained yet, but it's coming at some point.

We get to the gates at 3:45pm and there are people lined up for MNSSHP. They won't let them in until 4pm, so we enter on the other side with our regular MYW ticket. We found Goofy on the bench.

I wanted to take some pictures at the Kodak Photo Shop just inside the entrance. There are several cool wall backgrounds and cut outs inside towards to back. I saw these on a Disforum thread about cool places to take a picture. (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1730599 )

These cutouts are so amazing. Not sure what they were used for in the past. The one with the 101 dalmations is my favorite.

I told MJ to make a mean face like Horace and Jasper in 101 Dalmations.

MJ wanted to make sure I took a picture of him doing his karate moves.

The boys wanted to ride POTC again, they are now singing Yo Ho Yo Ho A Pirates Life for Me during the ride, very cute. As we finish the ride, the Jack Sparrow Pirate Tutorial has started. Funny, MJ just kept repeating "that's not the real Jack Sparrow!". Festive show. Sure wish Jack Sparrow was available for meet & greet.

.

We get some popcorn for a snack and then stop by Casey's HotDogs. Since we weren't very hungry, we still needed something for eat. I've read that people raved about these hotdogs -- I must be missing something, it was just a hotdog. We headed out to TomorrowLand, and rode BuzzLightyear. Next we tried Transit Authority, very fun to see all the rides for up high.

AJ really wanted to ride the Indy Race Cars, but I wasn't sure how we were going to work the seating arrangements. Only 1 person can drive and I knew the boys would fight over it. So I tried to do a good mommy moment, and we sat on the bench to talk and discuss how we were going to take turns or we couldn't ride it at all. So into the line we went, and into the race car. MJ would drive first, then AJ would drive, then switch again. Minimal fighting, so not too bad. How about some ice cream I asked. A big yes they said!! After some yummy ice cream, we ride Buzz one more time then head over to ToonTown to start MNSSHP!! This time we will start with Minnie.

Next up.... Our second night at MNSSHP!!

 

[MJAJmom]

Thank you so much for the information on that awesome photo!!! I will for sure be heading there in March when we go for our next trip. In all my time on the Dis and reading all of the TRs I have never seen those photos before!!

Cdotla, there are so many cool places to have your picture taken. I got the idea from a thread here that listed places to take pictures. I never would have found it on my own. Several of the places we visited and snapped a picture were from that thread. Check it out: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1730599

Enjoying yout trip report and all the fantastic pictures! Your sons are so adorable! Thanks for sharing and give Marley a hug for me. He is stunning!

Hi SunnieRN, thanks and welcome aboard! Amazing, another person from the great state of Texas. Marley has been such a good puppy this week, thankfully he's pretty mellow.


Hope everybody had a great thanksgiving with their families.

 

[MJAJmom]

To start off our Halloween party, we head to Minnie's house to meet her in costume. Made sure we stopped at the bathroom for AJ so we won't have a repeat emergency pit stop while in line. We get there at 6:50pm and there is only one person in line, makes you wonder if we're in the right place. Yup, we are. Minnie comes out in her halloween costume, she's so pretty. She's got such a happy face, I love Minnie!! She's very sweet with the boys, lots of hugs and kisses. So glad that we got both Mickey and Minnie in costume this trip.

When we leave Minnie's house, there's just a few people in line for the Toontown Trail of Treats. On Tuesday, the line was probably 50 deep. Cute decorations along the candy trail. The playing card people were very nice.

Next along the way was Queen of Hearts, and boy does she look mean. The boys are a little bit nervous to see her, they didn't want to get too close to her. AJ had that "she's touching me" look again.

Alice in Wonderland was next along the way, but her line was long and we didn't stop. The other characters weren't in line (White Rabbit, Mad Hatter), I heard they came by later that night.


The boys have their costumes on and off all day, MJ is IronMan and AJ is black spiderman. Here is a picture of them in the stroller. As you can see, they fit pretty comfortable in there, even with their puffy muscle costumes.

Wanted to check out the dance party at Ariel Grotto, along the way we saw Tigger and Piglet so we got in their line. Their costumes were cool, Tigger always looks good. They are playful with the boys, AJ gives big high-fives to both.

We walked over to the dance party. Fun music was playing and kids were dancing and hopping around. Both Chip and Dale were there in costumes. They were dancing with the kids and playing with them. Dale grabbed MJ by the hand and another little girl and danced with them for 5 minutes, that was cool. I loved seeing the characters in halloween costumes.

When leaving, we peeked over and saw that now Pooh and Eeyore were out, so we got in line. Thankfully, the lines for everything were short tonight.

MJ was complaining and asking "when is the halloween party going to start??", I tried explaining that this WAS the party. But he was still upset and whining. Then I finally figured it out, he meant the parade. He really wanted to see the parade again. I thought since we saw it already on Tuesday, we could do different things, but since he really wanted to, we headed over to our same spot to see the parade.

While we were waiting for the parade, it started to sprinkle. Well, we made it this far along today with no rain, so that was a plus. I covered the stroller with a poncho and secured it with some binder clips that I brought along. (Read that tip on this forum too). I got out our ponchos, but the rain stopped. The parade started and MJ was so happy. We got front row seats again and the boys played with their glowsticks. About halfway through the parade, it started to rain, a bit harder. So we put on the ponchos.

Now, this is the first time my kids have ever worn a poncho. They HATE it! They wear it for a few minutes and want to rip it off their heads. Oh, this is not fun! The rain started and stopped a few times, and the ponchos came on and off a few times. Thankfully it never did really pour down hard on us. So, important tip for next time -- try the ponchos on the kids before you head out, get them used to it, or buy a normal raincoat. For us, next time I will purchase a normal raincoat for them.

After the parade, we try to find Jesse and Bullseye at FrontierLand. Bullseye is out, only 1 person in line for him. The boys think Bullseye is funny looking, he has no hands! They love giving him a high-five because you hit him on the hoof and it makes a loud noise. AJ was in high-five heaven.

Thankfully, it's not raining. We don't plan on seeing the fireworks, so we make our way over to TomorrowLand. We hop on the Buzz ride with no wait. Exiting the ride, the boys love to jump in the jailcell bars with Zorg. Each time they have to make their mean faces.

Buzz Lightyear is out, so we get our picture with him and get some treats at the candy station.

By now, it's 9:45pm and the boys are getting tired. We did a lot tonight, so I'm happy. It's started to sprinkle again, so it's time to head home. We make it to the monorail and it really starts raining. So glad we headed out when we did. Back at the hotel, it's time for bed and to get ready for our next day at Animal Kingdom.

Next up... Lessons learned at MNSSHP, will we do it again??

 

[cdotla]

Another great update!

Can't wait to hear your post-mortem thoughts on MNSSHP.

 

[MJAJmom]

Well, it's been a busy weekend. I hope that everyone had a great thanksgiving. This weekend, we put up the christmas tree, got the outdoor lights up on the house and around the fence, and put decorations in the house. Boy, that was a lot!!! I love Christmas time, it's my favorite holiday. And the boys are so excited that Santa is coming soon.

Now I can get back to writing up my trip report! Thanks for waiting!