Let the Memories Begin--A Mother/Son Adventure of a Lifetime!-update 8/6-17 the end!

[jeremysdisneymom]

When Michael and I were on our anniversary trip in February, Living with the Land is the first ride we went on - and I am pretty sure we were the first riders of the day. No one else in our boat - none in any boat in sight. We shoulda made out

My girls love that ride too - and we are going to do the Behind the Seeds tour in April - they have been asking to do it for a while. I am hoping that I get an annual pass discount!

Geez, that would have been funny! I bet the ride operators would have gotten a good laugh. It is no telling what they see during the day.

I have seen where you can get the discount. They always have it for DVC but not 100% sure for annual pass. I need to get our plans finalized with my boys this weekend so we can meet up.

 

[jeremysdisneymom]

Let's keep this report moving on! We are now at 29 days until we leave for Disney and the excitement is starting to build. The pictures from F&G opening day yesterday was enough to make giddy! I can hardly wait. I am starting to get in trip mode now that things are dying down at work and home. I plan to go buy a new camera this weekend. I am getting things caught up at work so I won't be overwhelmed the week we leave. Excitement is in the air!!!

Poolrat Pat is the only person who rememberd the snoring story from our last trip and guessed correctly! We will be spending the last 3 nights of our stay at Kidani with a Savanna View!!!! I was over the moon happy when things had calmed down at work enough for me to check the DVC website on Sunday and see that they had availabilty all 3 nights. I quickly called and got switched from OKW to AK. I couldn't be more happier. We loved AKL in the summer and Jeremy loves the pool at Kidani.

For those of you who missed the snoring story. Last year we arrived at Disney mid morning and headed directly to AKL. We ate lunch and at 1 p.m. we still had not gotten a text that our room was ready. Jeremy wanted to swim so I went and got our bag of swimsuits out of the car and he and I changed in the restrooms and headed to the pool. Tom wasn't feeling it so he was going to sit in the lobby with my phone and let us know when the text would come.

Jeremy and I enjoyed the pool until about 2 pm when the skies opened and it started pouring rain. We changed and found the rocking chairs to enjoy looking at the Arusha savannah. I sent Jeremy to find his dad and he comes back to let me know he found him but he was asleep in the lobby! Okay, I could have died at this point. When Tom goes to sleep he snores---VERY LOUDLY. I sent Jeremy back to wake him up.

Guess what, he was already awake as the snoring was getting so loud that a cast member came over to check on him. Once again, I could have died!

I left you with Jeremy and I on Day 2 of our trip. We had just gotten on Spaceship Earth when I knew it was going to happen. While I enjoyed the trip with just Jeremy, there were a lot of times I missed Tom for selfish reasons. It is nice where there is 3 of you to have your own ride car, long seats, etc. and not have to share with strangers. This was one of those times. They put Jeremy and I behind a woman and teenage boy. When it came time for the picture they take as you start the ride, the boy started waving his hands in the air really crazy and right in front of Jeremy. I knew it was going to block Jeremy's face. When we got to the end of the ride, sure enough Jeremy's face was the boy's hand. This is the only time Jeremy really reared an ugly side the entire trip and he was really upset and "honked" off as I would put it. He wanted nothing to do with planning his future and kept going on and on about how the kid had ruined his trip. Geez, I sat there thinking I wonder how many times I will please you this trip and ride this ride so there will be more times to get your picture. But, he was upset and making me more angry by the minute. We quickly got off the ride and he got a nice talking to in the corner. Once his mood was better, I let him do one game.

He likes the body game so I made him get in the longest line and wait his turn. He needed some punishment and time to cool off. At the end of the game, he was much better and really never reared his ugly side again.

Our fastpass time was up so we went and soared over California in the first row, I might add! I love Soarin. It is probably my favorite ride on property.

After Soarin' we were filling a little hungry so Jeremy and I enjoyed some early morning dessert from Sunshine Seasons. I think we split a piece of Strawberry Cake and Chocolate Cake.

We took our time leaving Future World as it was getting close to opening for the World Showcase. They had a stage set up for a gospel concert once the holiday festivities started.

There were some cute topiaries set up on the way to World Showcase.

And a better picture without the monorail track in front.

A little closer to get a good look at the decorations--very pretty!

Looking towards the American pavilion.

We stopped in the Duffy shop (or at least that is what I call it) and looked around. Maybe someday I will buy me a Duffy Bear since Jeremy is too old for one. I did buy him the book for a stocking stuffer. It is a cute story.

Then, it was time to head around the world in 80 days--or at least one afternoon!

 

[MEK]

Congrats on getting switched to Kidani. That's awesome! I would be very excited too!

Another great update and two back to back. You go girl!

It looks like such a gorgeous day in Epcot. What a great morning!

 

[DisMomAmy]

I remember that story about Tom snoring at AKL! Yay for getting Kidani for three nights!! And another yay for under 30 days!! I'm right behind you... we're at 42!

Fun Epcot day - I'd love to explore with just Zach sometime. I hope someday I get a chance to take each of the boys on a mother/son trip. Alex is a ride, ride, ride boy, but Zach likes to check out all of the little things. That's why we often split up.

Bummer about that boy waving his hands in front of Jeremy. That would have bugged me too!

 

[Poolrat]

That stinks about the SE picture. Every trip has a snit and hopefully that was it.

I love seeing the bright blue skies. I have to wait until July and any pictures really help me get through it.

 

[EastYorkDisneyFan]

How did I miss you starting this TR? Just finished reading it to this point.

 

[martinolichfamily]

Yay for AKL! I would love to stay there sometime!
Great update again!

 

[MeMom]

I'm with you on the F&G pictures. I wish I could run down there this weekend, soak in some sunshine, and take some flower pictures!

And hug a palm tree, of course.

The snoring story cracks me up, since I can relate. If I were to fall asleep in a lobby, I would probably wake up to a cast member who had already called an ambulance and stretcher to take me somewhere fast.

Hooray for that savannah view! That is awesome - and definitely something to be excited about!

 

[Kat in GA]

Yippee for getting AKL! Have you stayed at OKW? I wish that was in our budget when we go in May/June - but. It's just not!

I think that my girls would be just as upset as Jeremy - I think the reason they want to ride again and again is to see how goofy they can make their pictures.

Yes - let's get our plan figured out - would LOVE to see you again in April!!

 

[jeremysdisneymom]

Congrats on getting switched to Kidani. That's awesome! I would be very excited too!

Another great update and two back to back. You go girl!

It looks like such a gorgeous day in Epcot. What a great morning!

I know...I am on a roll here lately!!! Hope to have another one up Monday. My computer gives me fits here at home.

It was a beautiful morning in Epcot. Actually, we had great weather the entire trip. I think there was only two nights we wore jeans.

I remember that story about Tom snoring at AKL! Yay for getting Kidani for three nights!! And another yay for under 30 days!! I'm right behind you... we're at 42!

Fun Epcot day - I'd love to explore with just Zach sometime. I hope someday I get a chance to take each of the boys on a mother/son trip. Alex is a ride, ride, ride boy, but Zach likes to check out all of the little things. That's why we often split up.

Bummer about that boy waving his hands in front of Jeremy. That would have bugged me too!

This mother/son trip was lots of fun. We still talk about it a lot. Tom was laughing the other day and said he thought Jeremy and I didn't want him to go with us in April. I told him we did........we needed someone to drive. LOL Hope you get the chance to do go sometime with each of your boys!

Jeremy and I had another mother/son adventure today while Tom was at work---we went to the circus!!! It was lots of fun too.

That stinks about the SE picture. Every trip has a snit and hopefully that was it.

I love seeing the bright blue skies. I have to wait until July and any pictures really help me get through it.

After April, we are not planning to go back to WDW until 2014 (if I can last that long) so I will have to live through your many trips!!! Glad my pictures help!

That was the only snit on that trip!!

 

[jeremysdisneymom]

How did I miss you starting this TR? Just finished reading it to this point.

Glad you are here! I hope to have it done in the next 3 weeks so the updates are going to start coming a lot sooner. We leave in 27 days!!!

I see you had a DL report. I am going to check it out. We are heading there in 2013.

Yay for AKL! I would love to stay there sometime!
Great update again!

I am sooo excited. I might just spend a whole day doing nothing but sitting on the balcony! I love watching the animals. You most definitely have to stay there some time.

I'm with you on the F&G pictures. I wish I could run down there this weekend, soak in some sunshine, and take some flower pictures!

And hug a palm tree, of course.

The snoring story cracks me up, since I can relate. If I were to fall asleep in a lobby, I would probably wake up to a cast member who had already called an ambulance and stretcher to take me somewhere fast.

Hooray for that savannah view! That is awesome - and definitely something to be excited about!

I have been giddy ever since I saw the pictures of F&G. I have never been so I can't wait to see them in person.

I am sooo excited about the savanna view. I loved it so much the last time. I can hardly wait!!!

Yippee for getting AKL! Have you stayed at OKW? I wish that was in our budget when we go in May/June - but. It's just not!

I think that my girls would be just as upset as Jeremy - I think the reason they want to ride again and again is to see how goofy they can make their pictures.

Yes - let's get our plan figured out - would LOVE to see you again in April!!

No, we have never stayed at OKW.

Jeremy actually loves SE. He comments throughout the entire ride (not bad either..it is mom see this, see that, etc.) He did get to plan his future.....many times after. I knew we would be on that ride much more and that is why he upset me so much that morning.

Are you leaving on the 6th or 7th? What are your plans for those days?

 

[EastYorkDisneyFan]

Glad you are here! I hope to have it done in the next 3 weeks so the updates are going to start coming a lot sooner. We leave in 27 days!!!

I see you had a DL report. I am going to check it out. We are heading there in 2013.

Those are from 2010 and 2011 if you want me to complete one of them just put a post on it . Also if you have any questions about Disneyland I can try my best to answer them.

 

[jeremysdisneymom]

Those are from 2010 and 2011 if you want me to complete one of them just put a post on it . Also if you have any questions about Disneyland I can try my best to answer them.

Would love to hear all about your trips! If you don't want to finish one of those, why don't you do one for your 2012 trip! I will be there for the entire thing. Would love to read all about it.

 

[jeremysdisneymom]

Before I update the trip, I had a little exciting news to share. After having worked basicly 11 days straight, I was in desperate need of a break and my house really needed my attention. So, I took the day off Friday. After I dropped Jeremy off at school, I came home and went to the mailbox to get Thursday's mail before I started cleaning. Imagine my surprise, when there was not one but two pieces of mail from Disney!!! The photopass card for the April trip was there plus the Welcome to your first Disney Cruise brochure from Disney Cruise Line! I almost skipped the whole way up the driveway. I was sooooo excited!!!! What a great way to start the day! Tom laughed at me when I talked to him later. He said I sounded like a little school girl!!! I was so excited.

Okay, enough giddiness and on with this trip!!!

Jeremy and I started our normal trek around the World Showcase---to the left!!! I am not sure why but we always start on the left! Does anyone else always have a side they start with? We have never started on the right!

First up, Mexico and the Three Cabelleros!

I think we rode that ride 3 times!! Jeremy loves it and actually it is quite fun to me also. Very festive. We looked around in the shop for a while but didn't purchase anything.

Jeremy's snack wasn't lasting him and he was getting hungry. So, we did something we had never done before. We ate counter service in Mexico! Not sure why we have never eaten there before since we are big Mexican food fans but we hadn't. Trust me, it wasn't the last time this trip nor will it be for trips in the future!

I ordered a nachos with churros to share on the dining plan. I should say that we shared the nachos but Jeremy had the churros all to himself. Jeremy went and got us a table and when I got there he was giggling and smiling like he had done something. I asked him what was up and he said nothing. When we got to China, I noticed I had a new picture on my camera. It looks like he thought it was too funny he had took a picture of a bird! Silly boy!

We saw the film in China and explored the pavilion. I bought a new lipstick clutch in the store.

Alright, maybe I am confused! Is China next or Norway? My pictures show Norway then China. Any hoo, here is China!

And now, Norway!

We explored the store and shop but Jeremy wasn't in the mood for Maelstrom so there was no viking ride this trip!

It was in Norway that Jeremy decided it was time to give a KP Mission a try again. We did this back in 2009 when we took the trip with my mother. The trip I would never dare want to repeat. It wasn't fun and my mother did not find humor in any of the things we did, including KP. She tends to talk down things for a long time afterwards and that is where some of Jeremy's hesitance to ride certain rides comes from and was also one reason he would not do KP again. So, we got a communicator and was on our way.

We stopped by Germany and picked Tom up a bag of caramel corn and Jeremy spent some time looking at the trains.

The storytellers didn't start until after we were gone but I had to get a picture with the Nutcracker.

(continued in next post)

 

[jeremysdisneymom]

We tend to never spend any time in Italy. I need to explore that pavilion more this trip!

I love this picture!

So, I guess we were headed to Japan for the KP Mission!

Jeremy indulged me on his missions so I have pictures wherever there was a clue. So, if you don't want the spoiler, you might want to scroll down!

There was some clue on this rock!

Photobucket just froze up on me! So I am going to post this and if I can get it working again I will continue. If not, more to come tomorrow!!

 

[jeremysdisneymom]

It looks like photobucket is going to cooperate!

After Jeremy helped save the mission in Japan, he wanted to continue on to another. The next one was in France so off we went.

On the way, we ran into fellow Diser Kat in Ga, Katrina! We had been texting and was hoping to meet up as we missed each other in the summer. It was so nice to finally get to meet her and her nice family.

We tentatively made plans to meet up at DHS the next day and see if we could Jeremy on ToT and if not, she could watch Jeremy while I rode. I can tell you now for those of you that know Jeremy, it never happened! He says he will in April but I am not placing any bets on it!

After our nice visit, it was time to help Kim in France.

There was something it did this time on the Eifel Tower. But for the life of me I cannot remember what!

Jeremy was having so much fun with these missions! I love the excitement and happiness on his face.

After the France mission, I told him it was time for a break saving the world.

We didn't spend much time in Morocco as we had explored it a lot in the summer.

I wanted to get back to the American Pavilion and see the show and possibly finally get to see the entire Voices of Liberty show.

When we got there, a show had just started so there was going to be a wait but we didn't mind. We were delighted that the Fife and Drums came out--another new thing for us!

I loved the tree in front of the American pavilion.

There were pretty trees inside as well!

Yay, the Voices of Liberty!!! How amazing!!! Loved being there for the entire performance! One of the members came up and talked to us afterwards. He was from Philly and talked about the rivalry between them and the Cincinnati Bengals.

We watched the American Adventure--in the front row!! I indulged Jeremy this time. It was still good even being up soooo close!

Up Next:

Can anyone guess what Jeremy wanted to do in the afternoon?
Oh my, this is the best dinner ever!!! I can't believe we have missed this over the years!

 

[eandesmom]

Every trip has a meltdown of some sort, and each person on the trip does too. If that's the worst, well, it could be worse!

Fun morning though.

Poor Tom on the snoring, it is kind of funny but probably better that you weren't there to be mortified live. Congrats on your move, Kidani savanna view, I can't think of much better than that!

Looks like Kim redeemed herself on the 2nd go round, without your mom and you had a lovely lunch in Mexico.

YAY for Mickey Mail!

 

[MEK]

So excited that you got your cruise documents. I am going to book my 10/2013 cruise as soon as I get one more AAA rebate certificate (from my credit card). I have a Disney visa, but the AAA rewards are better so I figure each time I get a reward I will just mail it to the AAA agent and use it towards the cruise.

What a great time in Epcot. I absolutely love that picture of Jeremy in front of the Christmas tree in the United States. How the heck did you get all of that in one picture? Nice!

I love the China movie and I am long overdue to see it again.

Yeah for a DIS meet!

Looks like Epcot wasn't very crowded. Nice! You got a lot of great pictures of Jeremy.

OH - and I love the KP missions, but I definitely think they are better after a couple adult beverages. Did you do the one in Germany? My absolute favorite!

 

[EastYorkDisneyFan]

Would love to hear all about your trips! If you don't want to finish one of those, why don't you do one for your 2012 trip! I will be there for the entire thing. Would love to read all about it.

The only thing is I'm not going this year, I just haven't taken it out of my sig yet

 

[wildviper]

Great reports. They help us plan for our next trip. Thank you