Life Could Be a Dream- A May 2011 PTR

[TeresaG]

I'm sticking to you being very brave. I'd probably do it too in your situation, but I'd be nervous. My kids are a little older and further apart so that does make it a bit easier.

I have a Maclaren double side-be-side and I love it. It's really easy to steer and can handle a lot of stuff hanging off the bars without tipping over (we tested it on our last trip ). It even distributes the weight difference really well (my son is 45lbs and my daughter is 25lbs ). It's not the easiest thing to fold up, but that's what DH's are for no?

 

[jenbear123]

Your Epcot day sounds really relaxed. It will be nice to just stroll around after being reunited with your DH. I hope the Cantina isn't too busy at lunch for you so you can enjoy the new restaurant!

 

[jc040404]

Epcot during F&G is so pretty! All the Pixar stuff is too adorable this year.

Your plans sound great! Which exactly are these chewy bars? I fiinally managed a real trip into that shop and tried something. It was ugly, but so yummy! I couldn't remember what it was that you liked so much though.

All the strollers crack me up! I've only managed three at a time though. My favorite is our Aria. It's lasted since my four year old was around seven months and is a dream. I would not reccommend ANYONE get our double jogger. I'm so glad Andrew is old enough to walk for himself. It was nice to retire, but we'll probably be bringing it back in June. I'd definitely pick the city mini, too. If he were younger, we'd have one of those. Hope you find the perfect stroller for the boys! It's an adventure in itself!

 

[All7OfUs]

All such wonderful plans for your EPCOTday! The boys should do fine napping in their strollers for you, esp. if you find a quiet out of the way place to park and sit for a while.

 

[kaileighbug]

Your plans look great. How awesome your husband gets to join in the fun.

 

[Minnie_Mom]

Just catching back up! Sounds like you have got a great plan so far! I agree that AK would probably be the easiest park to navigate alone. Also, check out the Disboards podcast show from 3/30. They did a segment on Kids at Epcot, more specifically toddlers. They talked about a lot of great spots to let little ones play in the World Showcase. You might find it helpful!

As for the great stroller debate, I am probably no help! We have a Bumbleride Double and absolutely LOVE it in every way, but Jonathan refuses to take it to Disney because he does not want to take it on the buses. Since he is the one lugging the stroller on and off, he decides which stroller is packed. We normally use our single Maclaren and just rotate in and out. I however would love to have our double so that they could both nap without going back to the room!

Can't wait to read more!

 

[PirateKate]

This is me. We are taking our single Graco. The big one. I really think Kara needs a stroller that lays flat for napping. I have the sit and stand dlx but the seats only slightly recline. I sold the stroller I loved because I bought the sit and stand. Now I dislike the sit and stand. I do have a double jogger I love but DH says NO WAY to taking it(we will be using the buses), and you can't get around in stores for anything.

Woes of a Momma!

Trip plans are sounding GREAT!

I think the sit and stand looks like a neat idea, but I can see how it wouldn't be good for napping at all. And I would imagine that both of my boys would want to be the one standing or sitting. It wouldn't matter which, whatever the other one was doing, is what each would want.

I have a double jogger stroller, but it is horrible to maneuver. It has to be tilted back in order to make any turns and is really heavy and hard to fold. It's funny how there are so many different strollers out there, yet each has its own special problem.

Superb plans, I must say! Can you please take a picture of the chewy caramel bar on your trip so I know exactly which one to get? Sophie is a caramel fanatic. I envision most of her snack credits being used here. She saw a picture of the caramel brownie and almost peed in her pants.

I hear you on the stroller. I really wanted to rent one from orlando stroller rentals, but was shot down. Since we are driving, Scott couldn't justify the cost when we have several perfectly good strollers that we can throw in the car. Not bringing the humoungous graco double. Not brining cheap umbrella. Not bringing full size single. So we are bringing our awesome, superduper, phenomenal maclaren quest (with newly purchased cup holder caddy) and borrowing a friend's lightweight peg Perego. I would much rather have a double, but this is best we are going to get! I need to get another cup holder for the peg Perego. Why do these high end strollers not come with cup holders? It just doesn't make sense. I am looking forward to the next trip where we will probably only bring one stroller!

And holy cow! Look at sweet newborn Landon! Swoon!

I will do my best to get a picture of the chewy caramel bar. No guarantees, cause they don't last long around us, but I will try. Sophie will love the caramel store! The smell alone is irresistible to a caramel fanatic.

Why don't the high end strollers come with cup holders? That doesn't make any sense to me, either. Although, actually, come to think of it, most of my strollers don't have cup holders. Oh, well.

See that's the thing for us, too. Since we are driving, it is so easy just to throw a stroller in the car that it's hard to pay to rent one. Everyone seems to think highly of the City Mini, though.

Wasn't Landon cute, then?

Yes pls this has been on my list since your last TR and I have been searching for a pic! TIA

Okay, I will do my best. Maybe I'll even get a shot of the display case, too, with the official name of the chewy caramel bars.

 

[PirateKate]

Only 9 days until your trip! I look forward to reading your Trip Report when you get back! And then you have a MNSSHP trip in October too! That's on my list of things to do with AP's, someday. Halloween, Christmas, and Flower and Garden Festival. Since we usually go in January, there aren't many flowers at that time, and sometimes the grass isn't even green due to cold weather! The pictures I've seen are so beautiful!

It's sure coming up fast. I've got a long list of things to do before we leave. I think that three Disney trips a year would be perfect. One in May to see the Flower and Garden Festival and one in October to see all the Halloween and Food and Wine stuff, and one in December to see all the Christmas stuff. That's reasonable, right? Oh and maybe a nice Disney cruise in February, to break up the winter a bit.

I haven't been in January very often, but I don't think it would suit me. I usually figure if the weather is going to be cold, I at least want to see all the Christmas stuff.

I'm sticking to you being very brave. I'd probably do it too in your situation, but I'd be nervous. My kids are a little older and further apart so that does make it a bit easier.

I have a Maclaren double side-be-side and I love it. It's really easy to steer and can handle a lot of stuff hanging off the bars without tipping over (we tested it on our last trip ). It even distributes the weight difference really well (my son is 45lbs and my daughter is 25lbs ). It's not the easiest thing to fold up, but that's what DH's are for no?

I am a little nervous about it, but it would be much worse to be at home alone. And it should be fun. It will definitely be fun once the boys are older. Then, we'll go to Disney World every time Jeremy goes on a business trip.

I've heard great things about the Maclaren. I didn't know it was hard to fold up, though. Unfortunately, I'd probably get stuck folding it up often, since Jeremy is frequently at work during the day.

Your Epcot day sounds really relaxed. It will be nice to just stroll around after being reunited with your DH. I hope the Cantina isn't too busy at lunch for you so you can enjoy the new restaurant!

I think it will be a very relaxed and happy sort of day. We'll take things slow and do whatever we please. I hope the Cantina won't be too busy, but at least we aren't trying to get a table at night right before Illuminations. I think that could be bad.

 

[PirateKate]

Epcot during F&G is so pretty! All the Pixar stuff is too adorable this year.

Your plans sound great! Which exactly are these chewy bars? I fiinally managed a real trip into that shop and tried something. It was ugly, but so yummy! I couldn't remember what it was that you liked so much though.

All the strollers crack me up! I've only managed three at a time though. My favorite is our Aria. It's lasted since my four year old was around seven months and is a dream. I would not reccommend ANYONE get our double jogger. I'm so glad Andrew is old enough to walk for himself. It was nice to retire, but we'll probably be bringing it back in June. I'd definitely pick the city mini, too. If he were younger, we'd have one of those. Hope you find the perfect stroller for the boys! It's an adventure in itself!

I'm eager to check out all of the new Pixar things. Carter would love to see a Buzz Lightyear topiary.

If I remember correctly, the name was Werther's Chewy Caramel Bars. If you tried something ugly, but yummy, there's a good chance that was it. I'll try to get better food pictures this trip. I don't think I had hardly any from December. Somehow, Carter and Landon never seemed willing to wait while I took picture.

I think it will be nice to be done with strollers altogether, but I probably still have at least two or three years to go. Of course, Landon thinks he could do without one already. I'm just glad I don't have three little kids and aren't trying to pick a triple stroller.

All such wonderful plans for your EPCOTday! The boys should do fine napping in their strollers for you, esp. if you find a quiet out of the way place to park and sit for a while.

Does the French bakery count as quiet and out of the way? We did that last year, when they both feel asleep. It was really nice. We got coffees and some sort of pastry and had a great time while they slept.

Your plans look great. How awesome your husband gets to join in the fun.

I'm really glad Jeremy gets to come with us for the last couple days. It all worked out wonderfully.

Just catching back up! Sounds like you have got a great plan so far! I agree that AK would probably be the easiest park to navigate alone. Also, check out the Disboards podcast show from 3/30. They did a segment on Kids at Epcot, more specifically toddlers. They talked about a lot of great spots to let little ones play in the World Showcase. You might find it helpful!

As for the great stroller debate, I am probably no help! We have a Bumbleride Double and absolutely LOVE it in every way, but Jonathan refuses to take it to Disney because he does not want to take it on the buses. Since he is the one lugging the stroller on and off, he decides which stroller is packed. We normally use our single Maclaren and just rotate in and out. I however would love to have our double so that they could both nap without going back to the room!

Can't wait to read more!

I'll have to check out that podcast. Sometimes, just an out of the way space is better for them to play at than an actual playground, since there would be no big kids running them over. We had good luck in Canada one night. For some reason, no one was there and Carter got to play.

A Bumbleride! I always think the colors on those are so pretty, especially the blue and green one. I'm glad I'm not trying to take a stroller on the bus this time. Driving does make strolling a bit easier.

I was hoping Landon would start walking before this trip so that he and Carter could switch in and out of an Ipo around the resort and maybe Downtown Disney, but I don't think it's going to happen. Maybe by October.

 

[PirateKate]

]

 

[KatMark]

I missed the first part of the Epcot plans and had to go back and read but am now all caught up. The plans sound great.

We love Sunshine Seasons...it is our favorite too. We also like the Fish & Chips from United Kingdom. We aren't big Illimunation fans (it is last on our list of the night shows we want to see) and it is probably difficult with little ones.

 

[Minnie_Mom]

I'll have to check out that podcast. Sometimes, just an out of the way space is better for them to play at than an actual playground, since there would be no big kids running them over. We had good luck in Canada one night. For some reason, no one was there and Carter got to play.

A Bumbleride! I always think the colors on those are so pretty, especially the blue and green one. I'm glad I'm not trying to take a stroller on the bus this time. Driving does make strolling a bit easier.

I was hoping Landon would start walking before this trip so that he and Carter could switch in and out of an Ipo around the resort and maybe Downtown Disney, but I don't think it's going to happen. Maybe by October.

I had a hard time deciding on a color for my stroller and in the end just went with black... It's exciting... I know!

You never know about Landon's walking. Both Porter and Audrey Anne started walking at WDW! Crossing my fingers that Landon is just waiting to create a magical moment for you!

After a pleasant afternoon of naps and rides, we will stop for dinner somewhere. Possibilities include, but are not limited to Sunshine Seasons, one of our favorites, or Tangierine Cafe, something new, or maybe even Yakitori House, if we are in the mood for sushi.

Yummy... Tangerine Cafe is my favorite CS in Epcot... but, Sushi is a good choice, too!

Dinner will be a spur of the moment decision, based on wherever we happen to be and whatever we feel like at the time.

Of course, before the day is through, we will have to stop by Jeremy's favorite, Club Cool. We will not give Carter or Landon Beverly and watch them make a horrible face.

You guys are such good parents!

As the night goes on, we may wander through World Showcase. Even if we have already been through it, it's much more magical at night with all of the lights on.

We will not try to watch Illuminations. After so many failed Illuminations attempts in December, we will not waste any more time on it in May. We will not try to watch Illuminations.

We may find an out of the way spot for Carter and Landon to play at. Canada is a good possibility or maybe the UK.

The rose garden in the UK was one of the spots mentioned in the podcast!

We will stay until the park closes at nine and perhaps a little later than that. We will walk through all of the shops and let the crowds empty out ahead of us.

We will enjoy the moment and the magic of another night at Epcot. We will remember how very, very lucky we are to be able to be there with each other and the boys.

We will then go back to Pop Century and if everyone is up for it, go for a late night swim under the stars.

Super fun... may have to add this idea to our trip!

After a fun swim, we will get everyone ready for bed and go to sleep. Big day coming up tomorrow.
Can't wait to hear what is coming up!

I missed the first part of the Epcot plans and had to go back and read but am now all caught up. The plans sound great.

We love Sunshine Seasons...it is our favorite too. We also like the Fish & Chips from United Kingdom. We aren't big Illimunation fans (it is last on our list of the night shows we want to see) and it is probably difficult with little ones.

I like the fish and chips in the UK, too (basically, I like all the CS place in the WS)! If it wasn't for the patio at Rose and Crown, we would never see Illuminations!

 

[CandleontheWater]

I'm going to have to listen to that podcast! Thank you (to whoever) suggest it!

Epcot plans look great! Just reading about it sounds heavenly! I can't wait to see the new topiaries, I'm sure they are awesome. I haven't been looking at pictures just so I will be surprised on our trip.

no Beverly for babies- you crack me up!

I think your plan not to watch Illuminations is a good one. Its probably best not to get your hopes up for something that might won't work out with the boys. If you do happen to catch a little of the show, then it will be extra special!

I'm working on this mindset for my upcoming trip. I keep telling myself that no matter what happens a day at Disney is better than a day at home. I logically know that we will be back, and I know that I've seen everything before, but I do have trouble when I get caught up in the moment, wanting to do and see everything and wanting everything to be perfect.

 

[PirateKate]

I missed the first part of the Epcot plans and had to go back and read but am now all caught up. The plans sound great.

We love Sunshine Seasons...it is our favorite too. We also like the Fish & Chips from United Kingdom. We aren't big Illimunation fans (it is last on our list of the night shows we want to see) and it is probably difficult with little ones.

Sunshine Seasons is great. I like how there's plenty of food the boys can eat. And that key lime pie. Yum!

Fantasmic is actually at the bottom of my list of nighttime shows. Too many villains and too much hassle to see it. Illumintaions is much better with just grown ups. Carter's always done as soon as the globe starts spinning.

I had a hard time deciding on a color for my stroller and in the end just went with black... It's exciting... I know!

Just black, that's a very sensible choice. It probably doesn't show any spots.

You never know about Landon's walking. Both Porter and Audrey Anne started walking at WDW! Crossing my fingers that Landon is just waiting to create a magical moment for you!

I don't know what's going on with Landon. He did his first steps a couple weeks ago and he walked twice after that and now he won't walk unless I hold his hand. Maybe he's afraid of falling. I would love a magical Landon moment at Disney World, but he'd better walk to me and not Mickey.



I like the fish and chips in the UK, too (basically, I like all the CS place in the WS)! If it wasn't for the patio at Rose and Crown, we would never see Illuminations!

I've never had the counter service fish and chips. I've had the fish and chips from Rose and Crown, so I would imagine it's similar.

I'm going to have to listen to that podcast! Thank you (to whoever) suggest it!

Epcot plans look great! Just reading about it sounds heavenly! I can't wait to see the new topiaries, I'm sure they are awesome. I haven't been looking at pictures just so I will be surprised on our trip.

no Beverly for babies- you crack me up!

I think your plan not to watch Illuminations is a good one. Its probably best not to get your hopes up for something that might won't work out with the boys. If you do happen to catch a little of the show, then it will be extra special!

I'm working on this mindset for my upcoming trip. I keep telling myself that no matter what happens a day at Disney is better than a day at home. I logically know that we will be back, and I know that I've seen everything before, but I do have trouble when I get caught up in the moment, wanting to do and see everything and wanting everything to be perfect.

I haven't been looking at very many photos of Flower and Garden this year, either. Some things do seem more magical when you stumble on to them instead studying them.

Carter's funny with cokes. Somehow he's got it into his head that all cokes are yucky and he wants nothing to do with them. That's fine by me.

I think it will be easier to not watch Illuminations since it won't be Christmas. I've seen regular Illuminations so many times, but I haven't seen the special ending quite as often, so that was a big draw. This time, I am going to do my best not to get my hopes up.

I think the key is a solid commitment to having fun. Sometimes fun is sleeping in. Sometimes fun is being the first ones to rope drop, which I wouldn't know about, but I've heard it's fun. When we are at Disney, we do whatever seems like it would be the most fun and we let nothing get under our skin. You know, unless your baby is sick or injured, in which case, nothing is fun and it is fine to be miserable.

 

[Minnie_Mom]

I'm going to have to listen to that podcast! Thank you (to whoever) suggest it!

You are so very welcome! It had a some good tips.

I logically know that we will be back, and I know that I've seen everything before, but I do have trouble when I get caught up in the moment, wanting to do and see everything and wanting everything to be perfect.

I have the same problem sometimes. I get so caught up in wanting to make everything perfect for Porter and Audrey Anne that I have to constant remind myself to relax and just have fun!

Sunshine Seasons is great. I like how there's plenty of food the boys can eat. And that key lime pie. Yum!

Fantasmic is actually at the bottom of my list of nighttime shows. Too many villains and too much hassle to see it. Illumintaions is much better with just grown ups. Carter's always done as soon as the globe starts spinning.

Fantasmic is at the bottom of my list, too. We are going to try this trip, but I have to admit, my I am not very committed to the idea!

Just black, that's a very sensible choice. It probably doesn't show any spots.

Ummmm, sure, no spots! I probably have the dirtiest looking stroller on my block! I keep saying that I am going to wash it, but it is the only double stroller I've got and I use it daily!

I don't know what's going on with Landon. He did his first steps a couple weeks ago and he walked twice after that and now he won't walk unless I hold his hand. Maybe he's afraid of falling. I would love a magical Landon moment at Disney World, but he'd better walk to me and not Mickey.

He could be a litlle scared. Maybe he will get so caught up on Tom Sawyer's Island that he will take off running! Maybe, if you are lucky, he'll even come back with a paintbrush! You know as a thank you for carrying him around for a few extra weeks.


I've never had the counter service fish and chips. I've had the fish and chips from Rose and Crown, so I would imagine it's similar.

I think that they are the exact same ones.

I haven't been looking at very many photos of Flower and Garden this year, either. Some things do seem more magical when you stumble on to them instead studying them.

Carter's funny with cokes. Somehow he's got it into his head that all cokes are yucky and he wants nothing to do with them. That's fine by me.

I think it will be easier to not watch Illuminations since it won't be Christmas. I've seen regular Illuminations so many times, but I haven't seen the special ending quite as often, so that was a big draw. This time, I am going to do my best not to get my hopes up.

I think the key is a solid commitment to having fun. Sometimes fun is sleeping in. Sometimes fun is being the first ones to rope drop, which I wouldn't know about, but I've heard it's fun. When we are at Disney, we do whatever seems like it would be the most fun and we let nothing get under our skin. You know, unless your baby is sick or injured, in which case, nothing is fun and it is fine to be miserable.

That is a great "Disney Attitude." I'm sure a lot more people would have more magical vacations it they could keep this in mind!

Can't wait to read what you have planned for your next Disney Day!

 

[PirateKate]

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[basketkat]

Swimming under the stars sounds PERFECT!!!! How fun!

 

[basketkat]

Wahoo for a new stroller!!!!

I love that the boys enjoyed playing in the box! My 6 1/2 year old STILL loves playing in boxes!!!!

 

[fi46re129]

We rented the city mini form orlando last year for my son and nephew (both very much pushing 50lbs and therefore pushing the 100 lb weight limit). The stroller was still wonderful! Loved it! This year however they are just too big so I am renting a BOB from Orlando and my SIL is renting the city dbl for her sons to share (last year the baby (18 months) had his own chicco umbrella-also a nice stroller but max out at 38 lbs. You will get many great years from that stroller

 

[Corjack]

YAY for a new stroller!!!!! AWESOME! Your husband is so great!

One less thing to worry about!