Kay Family Trip 2007 AKA "You're going to Disney AGAIN?!?!?"

[susieq76]

Hi all. I am not a big poster here- but I am a faithful lurker. I enjoy reading trip reports, pre=trip reports, dining reviews etc. so much that I decided to contribute this year.

A little history- This is our 4th Disney trip in 4 years. As a matter of fact it has been our only vacation (other than a cruise that we combined with disney in 02) in 5 years. DH and I tried to find somewhere else we wanted to go this year- we really did. However, after much debate, the only place (other than Hawaii which we so feel the children are too young for) we really wanted to go was the world. So here we are planning another trip... and super excited about it

Cast:

Sue- me. Disney freak since childhood. Uncles lived in kissimmie growing
up and we were at WDW every year growing up. Has been to Disney
every year of my life except 2001 when I was placed on bedrest with
my twins and had to cancel our december trip.

Greg- DH. Loves disney because he loves me and our boys. Actually liked
Disney before (took 2 trips prior) but now he loves it. Favorite disney
activity- drinking aroung the world in epcot.

Tommy- DS 4. Oldest son (42 minutes older than brother) and huge Sorcerer
Mickey fan. Would love to see Fantasmic every night.

Andrew- DS 4. Easiest going ds. Loves all parts of Disney. Does not like it if
it gets chilly- at all. Partial to Power Rangers in MGM.

Patrick- DS 2 1/2. Took first Disney trip in Mommy's belly Loves
his "Bruce, Fish are friends not food". Hates the divers in the tanks
at Coral Reef- loves everything else about Disney. Would avoid
sleep the whole trip if allowed.

 

[susieq76]

Sooo.. are ya bored yet?

I started planning this trip in August. I say "I" because although DH loves our trips he does NOT love planning. He appreciates me "taking care of it" In other words he leaves it ALL up to me. While at the parks and headed to an ADR he will ask- "Why aren't we eating at that place in Germany with the big beer?" or something along that line. Truth be told though- this trip I am glad Greg is not involved in the planning since his birthday hapens to fall right dab smack in the middle of our trip Oh yeah- Mommas gonna have fun.

So where to stay? We usually cheap out and stay at All Stars. My feeling on it is- we're not in the room much so- why not. However, this year I decided to upgrade to Wilderness Lodge. I have one reason- say it with me BALCONIES. With three kids (this being the last year we could have one room there anyway) a balcony is a beautiful thing. DH and I can enjoy our beer/wine overlooking the courtyard while the kiddos rest up. This is my theory at least. Last trip we couldn't stay up a minute past them

So here we go- 1 reservation at WL Jan 20-27 for party of five with tickets and ddp. We figured we'd drive as usual and have a blast.

 

[susieq76]

Of course a few days after making my ressies what do I recieve? A Ding. $116 per person round trip Direct flight. One thing- we have to fly back on the 29th. What's that? We NEED to extend our vacation????? Okay- you talked me into it.

So now we're staying the 20th to the 29th. Yippee! Nine whole days in WDW! Its a dream come true! Now its time to start planning our ADRs....And what shall I do for Greg's birthday????

I have to admit, I can not keep a secret from my boys. I tried- and lasted about 2 days and then I had to tell them that we're going to Disney! So everyday since- oh September- my boys have done nothing but talk about Disney. Gosh I love my boys

Next up- Figuring out those ADRS

 

[susieq76]

ADRs. I love the planning, the pouring over the menus... Oh and I really love the dining plan. It always seems like DH orders the MOST EXPESIVE item at every restautant we go to. With the dining plan- I'm like- Go for it! Besides I like only worrying about alcohol for the trip. So, Where to eat?

Of course I faithfully checked the boards, the dining reviews... I really wanted to try some new places this year. I started with asking the boys.

Me- "Tommy, where do you want to eat in Disney?"

Answer- "with Mickey"

Okay- we'll start out the week at Chef Mickeys. Thus our first nights dinner will be eating with the Mouse. One down.

Me- "Andrew, where do you want to eat?"

Answer- "In Disneyworld"

Okay. In Disneyworld. Well, I surmise that means the Magic Kingdom. I'm not a big fan of buffets so- how about Liberty Tree Tavern again. That works. Day two- Liberty Tree Tavern- in DisneyWorld. Two down.

Me- "Patrick- where do you want to eat while we're in Disney?"

Answer- :"Chicken and french fries"

"No, honey, where?"

"Chicken and french fries"

Yeah, well- he's two. I figure that he can have at Chef Mickeys and we'll combine it. Three down.

Now for the difficult. The passive agressive non answering DH.

"Honey- do you have any place you'd like to eat this year- do you want to go back to Le Cellier? Want to try Yachtsman this year?"

"You plan it- just no italian place again"

Okay. Then he adds-

" Lets do the Hoop Dee Doo again. Oh and the kids really liked the fish tanks last year in the Seas. And I'd really like to go to England again."

Whoa, slow nelly. Did my DH just actually pick places to eat????? For real? I run with it. Our ADRs wind up like this:

Chef Mickeys
Liberty Tree Tavern
O'Hana
Whispering Canyon Cafe
Sci Fi
Rose and Crown (Birthday dinner #1 at illuminations time )
Hoop Dee Doo Review
Coral Reef
Hollywood & Vine (lunch)
Raglan Road (just DH & I)
Crystal Palace (for bfast our last day)

Whoo Hoo! I'm excited- now on to the kids menu debates!

 

[princess@heart]

Chef Mickeys
Liberty Tree Tavern
O'Hana
Whispering Canyon Cafe
Sci Fi
Rose and Crown (Birthday dinner #1 at illuminations time )
Hoop Dee Doo Review
Coral Reef
Hollywood & Vine (lunch)
Raglan Road (just DH & I)
Crystal Palace (for bfast our last day)

Since we will be there about the same days, wanna PM me? We are eating at some of the same places, maybe we'll see each other!

Here are the places we are eating that you are also...

Chef Mickeys 1-21 7am
O'Hana 1-23 8am
Rose and Crown 1-21 7:50pm
Coral Reef 1-21 12:10pm
Crystal Palace 1-20 8:05am

As you can see, we love Table Service at Epcot!

 

[susieq76]

Oh man- we're so close!

We have
Chef Mickeys 1/20 at 6:20pm
Liberty Tree 1/21 at 6:30
O'Hana 1/22 at 6:45
WCC 1/23 at 5:50pm
Sci Fi 1/24 at 5:05pm
Rose & Crown 1/25 at 7:30pm

Coral Reef is on 1/27 at 6:20
Hollywood & Vine 1/28 2:20pm
Raglan Rd 1/28 at 8:30pm
Crystal Palace 1/29 1:00pm

Maybe we can meet up at a counter service? It would be fun to meet a fellow disser

 

[susieq76]

Where was I? Oh the ADRs. So, the ADRs are set. We're still thinking about some "adult" time off but dinners are planned & thats a relief.

Now- for what DH doesn't know - Birthday parties baby!

I decided that on his "real" birthday I would plan dinner at his favorite place- Rose & Crown- gosh we do love the beer sampler there! I got us 7:30 ressies (which means I need to nap the boys today or they'll never make it) so that we can be there for Illuminations. Now I've done this before but DH? He doesn't even know that its a good spot to view his favorite fireworks show. I really wanted to get a illuminations cruise for him- but I was just too slow I'll keep trying but I doubt it'll happen. This is next best, ya know.

Now for the 2nd birthday dinner Why a 2nd? Why so that he thinks its over and is surprised of course I love surprising my DH- he's just so cute

So, Coral Reef, 1/27- I got the Diver, I got a delicious 10" cake and hopefully with a little he'll have a surprise birthday celebration that all except Patrick- who hates the divers and cries when they come to the window- I think his 2 yr old mind thinks they're monsters or something- not sure Who knows maybe this year he'll like them.

Now for adult plans. Hmmm... gotta get a babysitter. But would you believe DH has never been to Pleasure Island? Our Raglan Road ressie is really late- so hopefully I can get a fairy godmother for that night. But I'd like another night- maybe the 23rd? After the boys go to bed- to introduce DH to Pleasure Island. I'll see what I can get.

Tours. I really think my 4 year old will love Behind the Seeds in the Land Pavillion- so I booked that for 1/22 at 11:15am. Its something I've wanted to do and I know the boys will just love letting the ladybugs go- they LOVE buggies

Now me DH has agreed to "watch" the boys at the lodge on 1/28 so that I can do the Keys to the Kingdom Tour. I am sooooo excited. I love history, I love WDW- its perfect. That's my present- hey I just turned 30 so its a great "me" present. Too bad I can't bring my camera. Anyone have any advice for this tour? I'm just super excited to do it.

I think all is planned- we have Magical Express (this my boys think is a part of Disney rides- the bus transportation They LOVE it)

I was going to buy Pirates & Princess tickets but I decided not to. It just doesn't seem "worth it" to me. I know I sound cheap- I'm not. Its just- an extra $150.00- for a day we're already in the parks- for rides we will be on during our 10 days there Just seems a waste to me. Maybe its not- but if the boys are super nuts about Jack Sparrow & co when we do the Pirate tutorial maybe I'll change my mind & add 1/26. I just don't think so.

 

[susieq76]

Its getting close now! Under two weeks- I need to start packing!

 

[minniebeth]

Susieq76, It sounds like you and your family are going to have a great time!
We also have done Disney...for the last 8 years. We've gotten to the point that we are even embarrased to tell anyonte, because that is exactly what response we get...
Go and have a blast!
We will be there shortly after you...
I'm starting to pack today...it is a long process for me!
Good luck and have fun!

 

[disneyfreak74]

I had someone ask me just today what the "thing" was with DISNEY!!! And better yet. . .How can you afford it? I just tell them that my DIS friends help with the cost. . .Hey y'all do. . .all these wonderful tips!!!

 

[susieq76]

Hi Minniebeth!

Isn't it funny? People think we're nuts- and then you meet one like you and Bam! One of my sons' therapists daughter is going to be a CM starting Jan 22. She is travelling down (on the same flight) with us on the 20th- we can spend hours chatting Disney- at least I know I'll have a fun filled plane ride!

You're in Columbus? My boss (I work in a satelight office) is based out of Bluffton- I'll be in Lima on 3/29 for 3 day training seminar (and a lot of fun)!

Sue

 

[susieq76]

Its getting close- I've started packing. I'm a little nervous- this is going to be our first experience with Magical Express. My husband hates carry-ons. What am I going to do if they loose my luggage? The boys got "Leapsters" for christmas this year. I just bought three new games that I'm hiding until our flight. That should keep them busy...