Live from the HOJO Kid's Suite

[IFlossU]

Just wanted to check in while we're taking an afternoon break to say "Hi", and see if anyone has any questions. I probably will only be able to check in in the afternoon, but I'm happy to help answer any questions. We're here until Thursday.

A little about my family. It's myself, DH, and 2yr old DS. This is our first trip to DLR. Hubby and I haven't been since we were kids. So we're still figuring it out. Thanks to all the advice offered on these boards I feel so much more prepared, and "In the know." Which has made for a smooth & happy time so far.

Sunday May 9th

We arrived yesterday afternoon around 3:30. HOJO check-in was a breeze, and our room was ready to go. The kid's suite is amazing. I love that my son can nap in the next room and hubby and I can still chat, and have a bite to eat. I also LOVE having 2 bathrooms. Didn't think I would care so much about that, but it's great! Only downside is we did get a 7th floor room with skylights, which lets a ton of light into the room, so DS was up at first light. Also a little challenging to get him to nap when it's so bright in the room. Next time I will request a room on a lower floor. Also the freeway noise is pretty loud. I came prepared with ear plugs, but it was still was bothersome for us last night. Our neighborhood is so quiet, it's hard to adjust to the noise of the freeway. However, I think it's worth it for the room, and I wouldn't hesitate to stay here again.

Last night we headed out to pick up our tickets. Used LMT with no problems. Then it was over to Rainforest Cafe for dinner. Downtown Disney was crowded, I assume due to Mother's Day. But it was very nice that most of the CMs wished me a happy Mother's day as I walked by.

Dinner at RFC was pretty intense for my 2yr old, especially since he hadn't gotten his afternoon nap. All in all the atmosphere was fun, but I wouldn't eat there if I didn't have kids. Too expensive and food was just ok.

We called it a night after dinner.

Mon. May 10th

We did DCA this morning. Arrived at 9:20, they let us in at 9:30, waited for rope drop at Grizzly rapids. Walked with purposed to TSMM (along with the masses). At 10:05 the wait was 10 minutes. At 10:20 the wait was 25 minutes. We rode 2x in a row. We all LOVED IT!!

After TSMM we hit the ferris wheel, Monsters Inc., Bugsland, Playhouse Disney. They were all walk-ons. Monsters we rode 2x in a row because there was literally no line at around 11:30.

Since this trip is primarily for our 2yr old we're not going to be doing many "adult" rides so I won't have much information about those rides. Maybe Indy

DCA seems to have very light crowds today. The weather is perfect sunny and upper 60's. Seems like we picked a great week to visit.

Tonight we'll head back to DCA until close and then over to DL until close.

I'll report back either later tonight or tomorrow afternoon.

 

[Brancaneve]

I'm glad you are enjoying yourselves. It's always nice to look for the positives and then "file" away in your brain the things you will skip out on next time. I agree with you on RFC!!!

 

[Tablefor5]

So cool, thanks for the update. I am interested in the kids suite since we have one reserved for our Sept trip.
I am thinking of requesting the 7th floor, light doesn't bother us...and we tend to sleep-in too long if its dark, so a wake-up light will be better for my family
I hope to hear more from your trip and the kids suite, when you get a chance.
Have Fun!

 

[IFlossU]

Back for todays update

Evening of Mon. May 9th

After our afternoon naps we arrived back at DCA at 5:00. We found a spot for the Pixar Parade over near where it starts. There were still plenty of good viewing spots minutes before the parade. The parade was excellent.

5:30 parade was finished so we headed to TSMM again. Line was at 40 minutes so DH decided to ride Screamin'. With a single rider pass he waited about 5 minutes and we headed back to TSMM at about 5:45. A this point the park closed in 15 minutes and the line was still 30 minutes. We decided to wait it out. We loved that ride. Rode it 3x that day!

It was now approx. 6:30. Grabbed a quick bite at Plaza Inn and we were off. At 7:00 we hit Buzzlightyear and then headed to Nemo since the parade was happening. Waited 30 minutes for Nemo. My DS LOVED IT! Had his face pressed against the window the entire time.

Park was now closed so we called it a day.

Tues. May 11th

Magic Morning at 9:00. We arrived at 8:25 and were first in line at gate 13.

We did most of Fantasyland before 10:00. At 10:00 waited 20-30 minutes for Casey Jr. definitely not worth it. Even DS wasn't into it.

Headed over to Small World. Less than 10 minute wait. Made it to Toontown for 11:00 opening.

Immediately rode Roger Rabbit and Go Go Gadget Coaster. DS loved both. Visited Mickey around 11:45 (10 minute wait). Checked out Toontown and then caught Railroad back to Main St.

We have discovered that our son isn't afraid of any rides. In fact he seemed bored with Snow White's Scary Adventure, and loves anything that spins or goes fast. Tea cups were a big hit!!

Back to HOJO for afternoon break.

HOJO is great! We're still loving our room. We brought food for breakfast and lunch so we've saved a bundle only buying snacks & dinner.

The weather is sunny and gorgeous today, and the park seems alive with people but definitely managable. We'll head back to DL this evening.

 

[Just2DisneyKids]

I love your daily 'live' updates! Sounds like you are having a great time and lovely weather! I'm a bit jealous! We will be arriving in about 2 months with very warm weather and very crowded parks. But, of course, still worth it and we can't wait!!!

 

[jenniferrose]

Great updates! Hope your afternoon/evening was just as magical!

 

[emacat]

Great reports! Thank you and have a great time!

 

[Karenann*]

Great pics...love those smiles! I'm heading down in July when the park will be busy so I am learning all about planning here too. Enjoying your travel notes. Thank you!

 

[rentayenta]

Fun report- keep it coming.

 

[Gisele]

Thank you for your real time trip report. I am enjoying reading it. Keep up the good work.
It sounds like you and your family are having a wonderful time, as it should be.
Does your DS enjoy Led Zeppelin too? he he!

~~~~~ Continue to have a most magical time! ~~~~~~

 

[IFlossU]

Today is another gorgeous day. Weather couldn't be more perfect.

Evening of Tues. May 11th

Arrived back at DL at 5:00. Wait board said 15 minutes for Matterhorn so we headed over. Ended up waiting 10 minutes. DS took it all in stride, but later admitted he was scared.

Rode Teacups again at DS's request, stopped for dinner at Rancho del Zocala? Really likes that place. Nice and quiet outdoor seating. Great for our busy boy!

Then off to Pirates. There was little to no wait. Back over to Buzz (10 min. wait), and decides to finish off the evening with Nemo since DS loved it so much. Line was only 15 minutes at 7:30.

After Nemo park was closed but we stopped to get DS a lightsaber. He's a huge Star Wars fan.

Called it a night.

Wed. May 12th

Today is kind of a free day for us. We've ridden the rides DS can do, and now we just want to revisit some favorites. So we started off with TSMM Caution that ride is addicting!

9:20 arrive at park. 1st through rope drop. Wait for TSMM was 40 minutes by 10:05 We entered from the "left side of pier" this morning, instead of grizzley side. I don't know if it was that much slower, or there were just that many more people, but WOW! Busy!

Hopped over to DL, did a little shopping, hit Buzzlightyear ride at DS's request (5 min. wait @ 11:15) then went over to watch Jedi training. This scared our DS more than anything so far. Darth was just a little "too real." So we cut out early.

By this time we can tell DS is starting to have DL overload. The lines are starting to get to him, and he just seems kind of done. We decided to head back early for some rest. Stopped at Blue Ribbon bakery for sandwiches & sweets to go. Did a little more shopping on the way out, and now we are back for our nap.

We'll give it one more shot this evening and see how DS handles it. We would like to try the jungle cruise, and DH and I would like to do Indy. Today is our last day in DL, and even though it is kind of overwhelming at times, I hate that it has to end.

 

[kkmcan]

Your trip sounds like such fun! I love how you followed your ds's lead. It makes for a really nice trip. I forget sometimes that the reason we like DL so much is if the kids want to ride a certain ride 2-3 times in a row and there's no massive line, we do it. When we get hungry, we eat. When we get tired, we rest. When we feel like getting wet, we ride a wet ride.

No real life worries, just fun. Dh and I get to say "yes" a lot instead of "no" like at home. No, you can't buy that. No, we aren't going out for dinner tonight. No, you've got homework- no friends today. It's so nice to indulge the kids and ourselves.

Love the trip report!

 

[Queen Elisabeth]

Great report!

Is there anything that you could compare to the freeway noise as a frame of reference? I'm trying to get an idea of whether or not it will bother us.

I'm glad that you guys have had such a great trip so far!

 

[IFlossU]

Thank you for the kind comments. We are having a great time, and I'm sad because now it's over.

We did follow DS's lead. I figure with a 2yr old it was in everyone's best interest. This was his "special" trip. From now on we'll be bringing his little sister (she stayed w/Grandma this time, still an infant), and he'll be sharing the experience with her. So we wanted this one to be just for him. DH & I will always have some special memories, and can't wait to make more with our daughter as well.


As far as the traffic noise...I've read so many mixed reports on here, bothers some, doesn't bother others But to DH & I it is VERY LOUD! To me it would be like trying to sleep in your car while it's parked on the freeway. During waking hours it doesn't bother us, but at night it has kept us up. Neither of us has had a good nights sleep even with earplugs. With that said, I would stay here again in a minute. The noise is unfortunate, but the HOJO, and the kid's suite are totally worth it. We're just very spoiled by our silent environment at home.

Hope that helps

 

[kkmcan]

We have a small black portable fan that we travel with to drown out noise- kind of a white noise thing. I wonder if that would have worked.


I can't stand when there's so much noise and I can't sleep.

 

[DisneyMomma81]

Great live report ~ sounds like a great time in the parks. We love HoJo but haven't stayed in a kids suite or any room facing the highway. Great fotos!