Let's see what this family does flying solo - the POST trip report!

MEK, Kristin told Dylan when we got home. He likes knowing the secrets, so he was good with it. Of course, he still thinks privileges are skewed in favor of his little sister, and he's probably not entirely wrong...

312 days. Fortunately, there's Summer and football season to occupy me before then. Then, after Thanksgiving we have the planning stages, but by about February it really starts to get tough.

I am glad Dylan knows the truth now! But you MUST frame the picture. Just soooooooooo funny!

When my boys where that age they swore that everything was skewed in the favor of girls. And, yup, they were right! ;)

I hear you about February - its my least favorite month living here in the North East. Everything starts to draaaaaagggggggg!

By the way - we visit Bethlehem fairly often as my MIL lives there.
 
Jon, I just have to say that your trip report has been one of the most entertaining I have ever read here on the DIS. I have laughed, I have shed a tear or two and I've smiled from ear to ear. I'm so glad that you, Kristin, Dylan and Emily have found a "new home" at the CSR. And I can't wait for the dribblings you'll still be adding here and, hopefully, a PTR. :)
 
I really enjoyed your TR, kept me enthralled for days.

Your children are so cute, loved their reactions to everything. I will look for you again when you write next years TR.:cool1:
 
It was AWESOME reading your TR and following along with your family's adventures! I really look forward to future TRs. I had a really great time here. You're just very good at story-telling.
 

so sorry your trip report is almost over - I really enjoyed reading it and you have a great writing style that keeps people engaged. Your kids are adorable. I have a post trip question for Kristin - what was your favorite alcoholic beverage of the trip? (my daughter and I are making a list of what we want to try!). I'm glad you like CSR - its on my list of resorts to stay at!
 
I have a post trip question for Kristin - what was your favorite alcoholic beverage of the trip? (my daughter and I are making a list of what we want to try!). I'm glad you like CSR - its on my list of resorts to stay at!

My favorite drink of the entire trip was the Very Berry Punch. They pretty much had it at all the restaurants that had that standard drink menu book.
A close second would definitely be the Grey Goose and Gran Marinier slushies at the France pavillion.
Enjoy!!
 
Before I get into all of that other nonsense (which I'll probably stretch out a few more days), let me extend a sincere THANK YOU to everyone who followed this Trip Report. Kristin was begging me to write one for a while now, and after my Pre-TR fizzled out due to lack of interest on my part, I wasn't sure I could be inspired enough to pull this off.


When I first started this, my followers were limited to Kristin, my co-worker Flighless Duck and his family, and a small spattering of others here and there. Then, thanks to an unsolicited link placed by MEK on her own Trip Report (which I will be reading next!), this thing just blew up. I am really at a loss for words at the fact that we're near 10,000 views. Sure, about 5000 are from me, and 2000 are from Kristin, but still...wow. THANK YOU all for taking the time to read what I have to say, and thank you even more for not just saying, "what an idiot! Who cares about his trip?" and clicking away. This has been an amazing experience, an outlet for creativity that I don't get as much as I used to, and an opportunity to relive what was the best vacation of my life.

For all of you who have posted on this TR who have TRs of your own, I WILL read yours. I swear on my awesome retro Epcot shirt! It may take me some time, but I'll do it. You can be sure that I'll have some wiseacre things to say there, too.

Wow, what a ride. There's more to come, but again, I really appreciate everyone who made my first TR what it became, and ensuring that I'll be documenting many more trips to come!




Not enough smileys to express how I feel,

nilla

and probably about 100 posts from me asking stupid questions :rolleyes1
 
I've been lurking away for a few days now, and I just had to pop in and say something.

Truthfully, I only started reading because your screen name is the same as one of my dogs names. LOL. But I found your writing captivating. You're a great writer, and very funny.

I'm glad you and your family had such a great trip. As much as I look foward to my next trip with my fiance, I ultimately am dreaming of the day I get to take my kids.

Thanks for the entertainment and laughs.
 
Thanks again for all of the compliments! We appreciate them all, even if I am too lazy to reply to all off them :)

Katmark - thank you again for all of your help with CSR. Extremely beneficial.

MEK - DISmeet at Musikfest? Bethlehem Brew Works? Disneyland Bethlehem in 2025?
 
Even though this was our fifth yearly trip in a row as a family and we've become seasoned vets at this WDW stuff, there were still quite a few firsts for us. Here are some of them:

- First trip with just us

This was our first shot at a full trip without the support of any family members. We missed them dearly, but we did pretty well on our own. Kristin and I are about 98% on the same page when it comes to this vacation, and we're the perfect team. The kids can be a bit of a roadblock at times, but for the most part are extremely agreeable and easy when we're here. Let me emphasize "when we're here" :)

- First direct flight from Allentown

It sucks having to drive home for over an hour after a long flight, following a long vacation. This year, we were able to get dropped off and picked up at an airport 10 minutes from our house. Much, much easier, and alleviated a lot of the aggravation of other trips.

- First stay at Coronado Springs

What can I say that I didn't say already? After staying at both Port Orleans and Wilderness Lodge, CSR is our hands-down favorite. Not enough good I can say about it, and really nothing negative. The conventioners weren't really any issue, and actually a source of human when viewed with fabricated disgust. We'll be here again next year without a question, and possibly even beyond that.

- First time purchasing the Photo Pass CD

I think the amount of pictures I posted says it all, and that's not even a quarter of them! We were EXTREMELY pleased with this and will certainly get it again next year.


Restaurants:

- Grand Floridian Cafe

Not as good as expected. The food was decent, but not great. It was nice, too, but not really anything out of the ordinary.

- Jiko

AWESOME food and a really nice atmosphere, though it'll be tough to justify the double Dining Plan hit it requires. I can't say anything bad about it, but we won't rush to go back there. If you don't mind using two full service meals on it, definitely give it a go.

- Cape May Clambake

I liked it, Kristin loved it. She already decided we'll be back there next year. Not may favorite, but still really good.

- Toy Story Pizza Planet

Pizza: great. Atmosphere: no. I said it before, but really, how hard would it have been to put in a rocket-shaped crane game filled with little green aliens??

- Pepper Market

TONS of variety, though we always got the same thing - steak burritos. Very, very good. I don't quite get the whole "server brings your drinks" thing, though. What's the point? Make it a standard counter service, IMO.


Shows:

- Fantasmic

Bleh. It was cool, but not really worth the overhead (the wait, the hype, the crowds) it required. We'll be hitting Hollywood Studios on non-Fantasmic days for the next few years.


Attractions:

Animal Kingdom

- Flights of Wonder

Amazing! Really educational, and very interesting what those birds can do. Highly recommended. We'll be back there next year, no doubt.

Hollywood Studios

- Lights, Motor, Action! Stunt Show

Very cool! I think Dylan will demand it again next year.


Emily, having reached some height marks, also rode Tower of Terror for the very first time. She seemed to enjoy it when she was on it, but did not want to ride it again. Of course, she had her hands up during the drop. We'll see how she does next year.

Epcot

- Mission Space: Orange Team

The ONLY way to ride this ride, IMO, now that I've done it. Truly an experience!

- Sum of All Thrills

A very cool gimmick attraction, and lots of fun, too. We'll definitely hit this every year.

- Other Innoventions Stuff

We spent much more time in both Innoventions buildings this year, and probably will for years to come. Great interactive fun, and you learn something, too. A nice break from simply sitting on rides.

Magic Kingdom

- Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor

Kristin and Dylan saw this before; Emily and I did not. Hilarious! Sort of like Turtle Talk with Crush, but a much bigger audience and much less child-centric humor. We'll definitely make it a point to see this every year.


Emily also got the sword out of the stone for a family first. Also a family second, when she got it out a second time later in the trip :)

Characters:

- White Rabbit, Sorcerer Mickey, Marie, Green Army Men, The Beast, Fairies I don't know the names of, and Stitch. We also saw DeVine for the first time.



As you can see, there's always something new to do at WDW, even if you do visit yearly. We have some new restaurant visits planned for next year, but I won't let the cat out of the bag until next year's Pre-Trip Report ;)
 
Great list! You're so right, it doesn't matter how many trips you take, there is always something new to experience. Thanks so much for sharing your trip and your beautiful family with us and thanks to Mary Ellen for pointing me in your direction! Loved this TR!!! :goodvibes
 
Yeah, I would say every trip you take could be a trip of firsts, cause you can never just do it all!

Wow...after reading about that Clam Bake? I'm very tempted to try that on my next trip. I LOVE seafood. But I'll be going with my sister....and she's not s big fan....maybe on another trip? I can't believe it's cheaper than Boma too! With snow crab legs!
 
Here are our post trip top tens for attractions:

Jon

1. Haunted Mansion (new #1 - sorry, Splash!)
2. Splash Mountain
3. Expedition: Everest
4. Dinosaur
5. Toy Story Mania
6. It's a Small World
7. Soarin'
8. Test Track
9. Tower of Terror
10. Great Movie Ride

Kristin

1. Tower of Terror
2. Expedition: Everest
3. Splash Mountain
4. Soarin'
5. Test Track
6. Carousel of Progress
7. Pirates of the Caribbean
8. It's a Small World
9. Toy Story Mania
10. Spaceship Earth

Dylan

1. Splash Mountain
2. Rock 'n Roller Coaster
3. Space Mountain
4. Expedition: Everest
5. Tower of Terror
6. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
7. Mission Space: Orange Team
8. Test Track
9. Toy Story Mania
10. Soarin'

Emily

1. Test Track
2. It's a Small World
3. Winnie the Pooh
4. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
5. Soarin'
6. Spaceship Earth
7. Toy Story Mania
8. Buzz Lightyear
9. Tomorrowland Transit Authority
10. Carousel of Progress

Family Average

1. Splash Mountain
2. Expedition: Everest
3. Test Track
4. Soarin'
5. Tower of Terror
6. It's a Small World
7. Toy Story Mania
8. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
9. Haunted Mansion
10. Rock 'n Roller Coaster
 
Here are our post trip top fives for full service restaurants:

Jon

1. Biergarten
2. Le Cellier
3. Kona Café
4. Chef Mickey's
5. Coral Reef

Kristin

1. Le Cellier
2. Kona Café
3. Cape May Clambake
4. Biergarten
5. Chef Mickey's

Dylan

1. Chef Mickey's
2. Coral Reef
3. Le Cellier
4. Jiko
5. Kona Café

Emily

1. Chef Mickey's
2. Askersus Storybook Dining
3. Coral Reef
4. Biergarten
5. Kona Café

Family Average

1. Chef Mickey's
2. Le Cellier
3. Kona Café
4. Biergarten
5. Coral Reef
 
Here are our post trip top fives for counter service restaurants:

Jon

1. Sunshine Seasons
2. Flame Tree Barbecue
3. Cosmic Rays
4. Columbia Harbour House
5. Tangierine House

Kristin

1. Sunshine Seasons
2. Flame Tree Barbecue
3. Columbia Harbour House
4. Tangierine House
5. Pepper Market

Dylan, Emily

1. Sunshine Seasons
2-5: ?

Family Average

1. Sunshine Seasons
2. Flame Tree Barbecue
3. Columbia Harbour House
4. Tangierine House
5. Cosmic Ray's
 
Well, that's about all I've got. I could try to stretch this Trip Report out until next year, but I think I jumped the shark with these top ten lists :)

To wrap up, Kristin thought it was cruel for me to not let anyone know our restaurant plans for next year, so here they are:

Le Cellier (hopefully not a double meal count!)
Biergarten
Chefs de France (new for us)
Tutto Italia (new for us) or Maya Grille
Chef Mickey's
Kona Cafe
Cape May Clambake
Boma
Coral Reef
Cinderella's Royal Table

For next year, I also plan to be prominently displaying a lime green Mickey paint sample, and we also would love to get involved in a DISmeet or two. Biergarten, anyone? :)

THANKS again for reading my trip report! See you on yours, and have a magical day!
 
MEK - DISmeet at Musikfest? Bethlehem Brew Works? Disneyland Bethlehem in 2025?

:rotfl2: Disneyland Bethlehem - hahaha....I laughed out loud for that!!!!!

For the other two, a resounding YES!

Now back to read you final wrap up! I can't believe your TR is actually ending! :sad1:
 
Great ending. It's great that you found a resort that you all absolutely love. I have only stayed at CSR for 2 nights and I think it has the prettiest scenery of all the resorts.

Great ratings for all the rides and restaurants. I love your plans for next year.

I have tentative plans to be there around May 14th, but I think that's a little later than your trip.

Really enjoyed your trip report. You are a great writer and your have a beautiful family. It was fun - sorry to see it end!
 
Nooooooo! Say it isn't so!! :scared1: What do you mean it's over? What will I read at night....or in the morning with my coffee?? :eek: I have really enjoyed your TR. It was nice to have an in depth look at CSR. I also like how you followed it all up with your lists of favorites. Kristin, Emily's dresses are lovely! Can't wait to start reading a PTR for your next vacation. I hope the days til your next Disney vacation go by swiftly. I'm sure thanks to MEK you'll have a faithful list of followers here. :) Ok, now I'm going to look at her trip report and see if she's added anything different!
 
Katmark - thank you again for all of your help with CSR. Extremely beneficial.

I'm just so happy that you fell in love with it and even happier that you are going back. :)

Well, that's about all I've got. I could try to stretch this Trip Report out until next year, but I think I jumped the shark with these top ten lists :)

To wrap up, Kristin thought it was cruel for me to not let anyone know our restaurant plans for next year, so here they are:

Le Cellier (hopefully not a double meal count!)
Biergarten
Chefs de France (new for us)
Tutto Italia (new for us) or Maya Grille
Chef Mickey's
Kona Cafe
Cape May Clambake
Boma
Coral Reef
Cinderella's Royal Table

For next year, I also plan to be prominently displaying a lime green Mickey paint sample, and we also would love to get involved in a DISmeet or two. Biergarten, anyone? :)

THANKS again for reading my trip report! See you on yours, and have a magical day!

Love all the post trip lists -- awesome.

I would love to do a DISmeet iwth you...too bad we go at different times of year. (: I think we'd have a blast meeting you and your family. Maybe one of these years we will switch from September to May.
 












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