Looking forward to a crowd-free Disney Trip! **Update 9/4**

[stephielela]

I'm sorry you are having so much trouble with airfare. It's very confusing, and I do fly a lot! What I do is book early (with Southwest), when prices seem ok, but not as cheap as I would like, and then I keep an eye on it. If the price goes down, I get back online and "change" my flight, and get a credit that I can use later. Between the 5 of us we fly a lot, so it's not a big deal for us. For our cruise in May, we have already gotten about $230 in credits between the 5 of us. Jack and I will have earned just about enough points from SW by our last flight in May that we will each have to buy a few points, but then our September flights will be free. We have to basically pay $50 each, which is not bad at all. Of course, we have to wait until after our last flight in May which is the 21st to book, so I won't have firm arrival/departure day plans till then.

I do tend to agree though that airfare may not go down much this summer with all the gas prices going up etc. The lovely thing about SW is that the bags are still free, 2 per person...

 

[lbuzz52]

I'm torn between the fried chicken and the chicken pot pie at 50's. Last time I was torn between the pot pie and pot roast and went with pot roast. It was good but once I smelt my dads pot pie I was wishing I had gone the other way. I hoping to use some kind ofind trick to talk my dh into the fried chicken thistime. I'm not a big fried chicken person but all the reviews I see are trying to sway me.
I would never flame you for Cosleeping. I actually think it's a really sweet thing and am dreading the day when my kids are too old for it. My daughter loves sleeping in our bed and even though she's never had a problem sleeping in her room, she would sleep with us every night if we would let her. My husband says she's got crazy good aim while she's sleeping though so it's a no go for us at her age. James has no interest in it and never has.
I am not sure if we are going to so the water park either. Dh wants to go solely for the lazy river. I think he'd be fine if I give him a couple hours in the hot tub. And the reviews are mixed as to which is best for the smaller kids. if we do it at all we are going to add it at the gate.
Airfare is said to be cheapest on tues, wed, or sat flights. Also, the cheapest airfares are released on tues late Afternoon/night or Wednesday. They go back up by the weekend. I agree with pp that if you find one you are comfortable with you should go with it and watch for the price drop later for an adjustment credit. Many people say that the websites log your searches so I always clear my cookies between airfare searches.

 

[photographymom517]

We did both water parks last year. Blizzard Beach had a lot of activities for children. It was its own area and Jeremy would have stayed there all day if I let him. Granted he was older than most of the children there but it would be perfect for your son. I am not sure the height restrictions but the teamboat springs is a family raft ride. You could all ride together. The ski lift is fun and your son would like that. I also prefer the wave pool at BB. It is much calmer. Both parks have lazy rivers and there really wasnt' much difference in my opinion.

I did not care for a lot of the rides at TL. Some seemed very short in length. The wave pool was a nightmare. It was very easy to get knocked down. Jeremy hated it and actually ran away from it after a few minutes. I did like the shark reef (I think that is what it is called). It is where you swim and they are below you. Not sure how that would work with a little one. I know Jeremy is a good swimmer and he was able to snorkle over on his own just fine. I know they say that once you get in there you have to keep going.

As far as cost, we did the water park option last year. I think it was about $160 more which paid for itself as we were planning on going to both water parks. We went bright and early when the water park opened and left usually around lunch time. After 3-4 hours, we were worn out plus it was getting crowded. The first few hours was nice as it was a basic walk on for everything.

Hope this helps and Good luck!

Thank you! Honestly, I think that was the most anyone has explained the water parks to me. It REALLY helps me knowing that Blizzard Beach has the family wave pool, the kiddie area, and the wave pool. I wasn't sure what to do since we've never been to either water park before. Honestly, I don't do slides. My son loves them & I know he'll get upset if he sees them & isn't allowed to ride them. However, since Stormalong Bay has water slides for kids & adults, I don't think it will be as big of an issue. I'll just explain to him that we'll go on the water slides later. He usually is ok with it if I tell him he can do something later.

While my husband & son love the water slides, I only wanted to go to the water park for the lazy river! I was afraid we couldn't do it because of Luke's age/height so I'll definitely look it up. I saw the lazy river at Blizzard Beach on the Travel Channel the other day & it looked like children younger/smaller than him were on it.

I laughed when you mentioned the ski lift -- my mom was just talking to me about it the other day because she wasn't allowed on it because she had her camera! So when you mentioned it, I thought of her! She wouldn't pay for a locker to keep her things in because my dad had paid for a locker the day before. She's so silly sometimes! I just read about the lockers & they give you back $5 when you return the key, so I don't understand why she wouldn't do it! I think she just wanted an excuse to walk around taking pictures!

I think I just need to do more research. We'll most likely decide once we're already at Disney if we have some free time & need somewhere to go. I don't want to schedule too many things but at the same time, I don't want to have tons of free time when there's so much to see & do! THANK YOU sooooo very much for the information! It was truly helpful to compare the 2 water parks & I will keep what you said in mind when deciding!

 

[photographymom517]

I'm sorry you are having so much trouble with airfare. It's very confusing, and I do fly a lot! What I do is book early (with Southwest), when prices seem ok, but not as cheap as I would like, and then I keep an eye on it. If the price goes down, I get back online and "change" my flight, and get a credit that I can use later. Between the 5 of us we fly a lot, so it's not a big deal for us. For our cruise in May, we have already gotten about $230 in credits between the 5 of us. Jack and I will have earned just about enough points from SW by our last flight in May that we will each have to buy a few points, but then our September flights will be free. We have to basically pay $50 each, which is not bad at all. Of course, we have to wait until after our last flight in May which is the 21st to book, so I won't have firm arrival/departure day plans till then.

I do tend to agree though that airfare may not go down much this summer with all the gas prices going up etc. The lovely thing about SW is that the bags are still free, 2 per person...

Just curious, how long are the credits good for? I've researched alot through Southwest because I love their flights!

I'm signed up for Rapids Rewards & also their newsletters. I couldn't find my number the other day & was going crazy looking through past trip information! Turns out that I found it & I need a TON more credits to qualify for a free flight. I sort of figured that since we basically only fly once per year.

Here's a question for you that I'm not sure of...my parents go to Disney every year & so do we...if I could convince them to fly via Southwest, could we use each others credits? We have different last names since I'm married so I'm not sure if they would let us. How does that work? They refuse to fly through anyone other than AirTran and I have NO idea why. Oh, I asked my mom the other day & she said Southwest has bigger airplanes! She's way more of a chicken when it comes to flying than I am!!! I get nervous but I also think its exciting & as soon as we land, I want to go again!

One of the main reasons I try to get them to change from AirTran to Southwest is free luggage! Why on earth would you want to pay for it when someone else offers it for free??? They each take a backpack & camera bag with them but they still check 2-3 bags. I can convince anyone in the world to do anything, except when it comes to my parents! They refuse to listen to me!

I don't think the prices for airfare will drop either, but I do have some hope! I got an email from airfarewatchdog this morning for $188 RT (which would be around $564 for all 3 of us!) "Full price" through both airlines is currently anywhere between $800-1100 so its half price! That would be amazing! With this current deal, you have to fly by June 22nd, so I'm assuming this is the deal for 90 days out. You have to travel out of our airport on Mon/Tues/Wed and travel out of MCO back home on Tue/Wed/Thurs...so this is the PERFECT deal if only it were for September! I would have to change the trip dates to Tuesday through Thursday instead of Wednesday through Friday but that is completely do-able! So lets hope this same deal is released in June!

 

[photographymom517]

I'm torn between the fried chicken and the chicken pot pie at 50's. Last time I was torn between the pot pie and pot roast and went with pot roast. It was good but once I smelt my dads pot pie I was wishing I had gone the other way. I hoping to use some kind ofind trick to talk my dh into the fried chicken thistime. I'm not a big fried chicken person but all the reviews I see are trying to sway me.

Yum! That chicken does look good! I've heard a TON of great things about the chicken pot pie too! I'll probably choose between the two as well. Luke asks for chicken for every single meal (although he's been asking for fish recently too). Last trip we shared our QSDP with him so he was able to order a few regular meals as well. We always have extra TS credits because sometimes I don't eat a full meal & would rather just snack on something small (like a chocolate croissant ) I think we're paying OOP at the PTC so I'll let Luke get an adult meal if he wants...and I already know he'll want that chicken!

I would never flame you for Cosleeping. I actually think it's a really sweet thing and am dreading the day when my kids are too old for it. My daughter loves sleeping in our bed and even though she's never had a problem sleeping in her room, she would sleep with us every night if we would let her. My husband says she's got crazy good aim while she's sleeping though so it's a no go for us at her age. James has no interest in it and never has.

Thank you!

I appreciate that alot! I know alot of people completely freak out when you mention cosleeping! So much that I usually don't even refer to it as cosleeping -- sometimes people make it feel like a bad word or something!

I'm the type of person who is definitely opinionated...but I am also very, very respectful of other's choices. I totally recognize that everyone is different & has their own opinions especially when it comes to raising children. I am like you, I would never flame anyone for their sleeping choices regarding their children!

Luke is starting to kick us throughout the night too! This past week was especially bad since Luke & I were both awake mostly every night coughing. Poor little guy was tossing & turning & couldn't sleep. His toddler bed is right beside ours & he usually goes back & forth from beds all night.

My niece is only a year old & she has always slept in her own crib. I think as a toddler, she will continue sleeping in her own bed as well. She shows absolutely no interest in sleeping with her mom. However, my nephew who is 3 has slept with his mom since Day 1! The two of them are like day & night when it comes to just about everything including sleeping. I think it just depends on what the child wants to do.

I am not sure if we are going to so the water park either. Dh wants to go solely for the lazy river. I think he'd be fine if I give him a couple hours in the hot tub. And the reviews are mixed as to which is best for the smaller kids. if we do it at all we are going to add it at the gate.

Airfare is said to be cheapest on tues, wed, or sat flights. Also, the cheapest airfares are released on tues late Afternoon/night or Wednesday. They go back up by the weekend. I agree with pp that if you find one you are comfortable with you should go with it and watch for the price drop later for an adjustment credit. Many people say that the websites log your searches so I always clear my cookies between airfare searches.

THANK YOU for that info!!! It really helps! I will continue checking my emails from airfarewatchdog and in addition, I will check the individual airlines websites on Tuesday & Wednesday. I heard that before but I couldn't remember if it was Tues/Wed or Wed/Thurs. I did know to never check on the weekends -- there are never deals!!!

We have always left on Wednesdays to get a cheaper flight. Its always worked out great for us. Alot of people don't understand why I won't fly Sunday to Sunday -- so I just tell them to get online & check rates! Then they figure it out!

I have my Internet browser set to erase cookies after every session, but thank you for that tip! I had no idea they tracked it, but I should have assumed that they do! LOL

 

[lbuzz52]

I have never flown southwest because it's not in our town. But I have have to deal with flight credits on a couple different airlines for guys at work when they completely changed their flights. They were good for one year and there were ways you could extend it but it was a pain. They were not transferrable inthat case.
Sorry my phone is jumping around when I type.

[COLOR
="SeaGreen"]Just curious, how long are the credits good for? I've researched alot through Southwest because I love their flights!

I'm signed up for Rapids Rewards & also their newsletters. I couldn't find my number the other day & was going crazy looking through past trip information! Turns out that I found it & I need a TON more credits to qualify for a free flight. I sort of figured that since we basically only fly once per year.

Here's a question for you that I'm not sure of...my parents go to Disney every year & so do we...if I could convince them to fly via Southwest, could we use each others credits? We have different last names since I'm married so I'm not sure if they would let us. How does that work? They refuse to fly through anyone other than AirTran and I have NO idea why. Oh, I asked my mom the other day & she said Southwest has bigger airplanes! She's way more of a chicken when it comes to flying than I am!!! I get nervous but I also think its exciting & as soon as we land, I want to go again!

One of the main reasons I try to get them to change from AirTran to Southwest is free luggage! Why on earth would you want to pay for it when someone else offers it for free??? They each take a backpack & camera bag with them but they still check 2-3 bags. I can convince anyone in the world to do anything, except when it comes to my parents! They refuse to listen to me!

I don't think the prices for airfare will drop either, but I do have some hope! I got an email from airfarewatchdog this morning for $188 RT (which would be around $564 for all 3 of us!) "Full price" through both airlines is currently anywhere between $800-1100 so its half price! That would be amazing! With this current deal, you have to fly by June 22nd, so I'm assuming this is the deal for 90 days out. You have to travel out of our airport on Mon/Tues/Wed and travel out of MCO back home on Tue/Wed/Thurs...so this is the PERFECT deal if only it were for September! I would have to change the trip dates to Tuesday through Thursday instead of Wednesday through Friday but that is completely do-able! So lets hope this same deal is released in June!

[/COLOR]

 

[SoonerGirl]

Here's a question for you that I'm not sure of...my parents go to Disney every year & so do we...if I could convince them to fly via Southwest, could we use each others credits? We have different last names since I'm married so I'm not sure if they would let us. How does that work?

Here's our experience with SW rewards, when DH gets an awards certificate they are typically good for one year and are fully transferable. My mom and my brother have both used our reward flights before with no problem. If he has one that happens to expire before we can use it, we can pay $50 to have it reactivated for another year. One thing that I'm pretty certain you could NOT do would be to combine yours and your parents points to create a free flight, one of you would have to have enough points to qualify on your own if that makes sense.

 

[stephielela]

Just curious, how long are the credits good for? I've researched alot through Southwest because I love their flights!

I'm signed up for Rapids Rewards & also their newsletters. I couldn't find my number the other day & was going crazy looking through past trip information! Turns out that I found it & I need a TON more credits to qualify for a free flight. I sort of figured that since we basically only fly once per year.

Here's a question for you that I'm not sure of...my parents go to Disney every year & so do we...if I could convince them to fly via Southwest, could we use each others credits? We have different last names since I'm married so I'm not sure if they would let us. How does that work? They refuse to fly through anyone other than AirTran and I have NO idea why. Oh, I asked my mom the other day & she said Southwest has bigger airplanes! She's way more of a chicken when it comes to flying than I am!!! I get nervous but I also think its exciting & as soon as we land, I want to go again!

One of the main reasons I try to get them to change from AirTran to Southwest is free luggage! Why on earth would you want to pay for it when someone else offers it for free??? They each take a backpack & camera bag with them but they still check 2-3 bags. I can convince anyone in the world to do anything, except when it comes to my parents! They refuse to listen to me!

I don't think the prices for airfare will drop either, but I do have some hope! I got an email from airfarewatchdog this morning for $188 RT (which would be around $564 for all 3 of us!) "Full price" through both airlines is currently anywhere between $800-1100 so its half price! That would be amazing! With this current deal, you have to fly by June 22nd, so I'm assuming this is the deal for 90 days out. You have to travel out of our airport on Mon/Tues/Wed and travel out of MCO back home on Tue/Wed/Thurs...so this is the PERFECT deal if only it were for September! I would have to change the trip dates to Tuesday through Thursday instead of Wednesday through Friday but that is completely do-able! So lets hope this same deal is released in June!

You can't combine points, but lets say your airfare dropped and you got a credit, you could let anyone in the whole world use that credit, and vice versa. Plus I think (though I am not positive) that under the new system your points don't expire. Before, you had to earn all 16 credits within a 2 year period, but I don't think that's the case anymore.

If that other deal does come out for June, that would be awesome! I will keep my fingers crossed for you. I n return I ask that you keep your fingers crossed for a free dining promotion for the fall!!

 

[photographymom517]

I have never flown southwest because it's not in our town. But I have have to deal with flight credits on a couple different airlines for guys at work when they completely changed their flights. They were good for one year and there were ways you could extend it but it was a pain. They were not transferrable inthat case.
Sorry my phone is jumping around when I type.

Here's our experience with SW rewards, when DH gets an awards certificate they are typically good for one year and are fully transferable. My mom and my brother have both used our reward flights before with no problem. If he has one that happens to expire before we can use it, we can pay $50 to have it reactivated for another year. One thing that I'm pretty certain you could NOT do would be to combine yours and your parents points to create a free flight, one of you would have to have enough points to qualify on your own if that makes sense.

You can't combine points, but lets say your airfare dropped and you got a credit, you could let anyone in the whole world use that credit, and vice versa. Plus I think (though I am not positive) that under the new system your points don't expire. Before, you had to earn all 16 credits within a 2 year period, but I don't think that's the case anymore.

If that other deal does come out for June, that would be awesome! I will keep my fingers crossed for you. I n return I ask that you keep your fingers crossed for a free dining promotion for the fall!!

Thank you for all the information regarding the credits! Since we don't fly often, I have no idea how the rewards work. I have to look into the SW program again because when I logged into my account the other night, it shows that some of my rewards expire in 2012 & I know I won't have enough credits for a free flight by next year.

If I do end up getting a credit, I would be more than happy to let someone else (on the boards) use it rather than let it expire. I will keep you updated regarding that! I don't think I'm going to book airfare until at least June -- hoping they will drop 90 days out

Stephanie -- I will definitely keep my fingers crossed for either a Free dining promotion through Disney or a PIN code for you!!!! Wait a few months & then call Disney to check. Honestly, I would call once a month (and I think I probably will too!) I think I already mentioned it, but when I called Disney to check on PINS, my husband had one that I didn't even know about! My mom usually receives hers in the regular mail, but ours are usually secrets & we never know until we call them & ask!

 

[photographymom517]

Hey everyone! I'm hoping to post another update later this afternoon. I have been showing Luke DVD's of the parks & also videos of the rides/parades/shows on YouTube. Its really given me a feel for what he's afraid of & what he can't wait to see!!!

I apologize for not posting recently -- and I am terribly behind on my subscriptions as well! I have just been very busy with "life stuff" and also -- have some wonderful news (which some of you already know from facebook!)

I am now a Travel Agent -- specializing in Disney vacations!!!!

​

I am so very excited about this!

I also wanted to give Brook a chance to announce it herself -- but since there is alot of talk on her TR already about it, I guess I can mention it here too! I am very, very honored to be working for the same agency as Brook!!! She's such a great lady & is so very knowledgeable about anything-Disney!!! Congrats to Brook!!!!


Will post again later -- hope everyone has a magical afternoon!

​

 

[jeremysdisneymom]

Congratulations!!!! That is great news! How exciting! I can't wait to hear all about it.

 

[DevonsDisneyMom]

I did already know this, but wanted to say congrats again!!! You will make a wonder Disney Travel Agent... I hope you will let me in on any inside scoop you get!!!


As far as airfares goes, I would hold out for a bit and wait for you to get closer to the trip to buy it... I know last year whend we booked our quick August trip we got airfare 3 weeks in advance and it was was $69 each way!!! Not sure if that will be the case again this year with the rising gas prices but wanted to let you know... As far airfare watchdog goes, I bet the closer it gets to summer the more deals will be offered for your travel dates. From what I seen so far looks like all the deals are not for then 3 to 4 months out.

 

[lbuzz52]

Congrats!!!

 

[SoonerGirl]

Congratulations Hope!!!!

I'll be honest, I've been thinking about this all day, can't seem to get the idea out of my head. I tried going back to work a couple of years ago but the structure of an office and the daily commute was just too much for me in our situation. I'm at a point where I'd like to work, but need something flexible that allows me to work from home. If I could find a job involving something I truly love, like Disney, that would be perfect!

 

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

AHHHHH!!! Not you tooo!!! I'm sooo jealous! I have wanted to do that for so long, how did you go about doing it? I was thinking of trying to do it on my own (well with a friend) and make a website and stuff, but then there's the problem of actually getting certified from Disney and blah blah blah. I guess you are going to be working for an existing company? Is it from home? I want to know everything!

 

[Megablocks]

Already said it on FB, but congratulations!!!! I really think you will be awesome at it!

 

[photographymom517]

Congratulations!!!! That is great news! How exciting! I can't wait to hear all about it.

I did already know this, but wanted to say congrats again!!! You will make a wonder Disney Travel Agent... I hope you will let me in on any inside scoop you get!!!

As far as airfares goes, I would hold out for a bit and wait for you to get closer to the trip to buy it... I know last year whend we booked our quick August trip we got airfare 3 weeks in advance and it was was $69 each way!!! Not sure if that will be the case again this year with the rising gas prices but wanted to let you know... As far airfare watchdog goes, I bet the closer it gets to summer the more deals will be offered for your travel dates. From what I seen so far looks like all the deals are not for then 3 to 4 months out.

Congrats!!!

Congratulations Hope!!!!

I'll be honest, I've been thinking about this all day, can't seem to get the idea out of my head. I tried going back to work a couple of years ago but the structure of an office and the daily commute was just too much for me in our situation. I'm at a point where I'd like to work, but need something flexible that allows me to work from home. If I could find a job involving something I truly love, like Disney, that would be perfect!

AHHHHH!!! Not you tooo!!! I'm sooo jealous! I have wanted to do that for so long, how did you go about doing it? I was thinking of trying to do it on my own (well with a friend) and make a website and stuff, but then there's the problem of actually getting certified from Disney and blah blah blah. I guess you are going to be working for an existing company? Is it from home? I want to know everything!

Already said it on FB, but congratulations!!!! I really think you will be awesome at it!

Thank you so much to everyone!!! Those of you on facebook already know the struggles that I've been having over going back to work. It is something that I have really struggled with for awhile now & this opportunity gives me the chance to have the best of both worlds! I am very, very excited about it & thank you for all of your support!!!

Also -- Reese, yes that is exactly what I plan to do! I have received a bunch of airline offers recently via Airfarewatchdog for the fall & the prices keep dropping! I almost booked for $168 round trip per person, but decided to wait until at least 90 days out! I am still hopeful that airfare prices will drop closer to our trip. I'm not booking anything until at least July. Thanks for the advice!

Nikki -- Yes, I am working for an existing company! I will PM you later.

Thank you again to everyone!!!

 

[jenneth79]

Been lurking, but wanted to say CONGRATS!!!!

 

[photographymom517]

Been lurking, but wanted to say CONGRATS!!!!

I need to head over to your PTR! I noticed that your ticker was the Beach Club -- are you staying there as well? Maybe we will run into each other! I see you are arriving 3 days after us!

 

[photographymom517]

Last year, before our June vacation, I bought a set of DVD's from ebay. It contains 2 discs -- one is Epcot and one is AK/DHS. You had to buy the MK one separate & I didn't so I'll have to go through MK with Luke another day!

I want to get an idea before we go this trip what Luke is afraid of & what he really, really wants to see. He's way too young to say "Hey mom I want to see Nemo" but I know that he loves fish, aquariums, and Nemo! I'll take into consideration what he was afraid of last year, but I also have to keep in mind that he'll be a year & a half older on our September trip -- so he might not be afraid of some of those things anymore. My husband & I are also planning to take him to an amusement park this summer (if the weather EVER gets nicer!) and I think that will be a good assessment of what Luke doesn't like & what he really loves!

So, we went through each DVD and here is what I found out!

Things Luke Likes

Dinoland at AK – he really liked when they showed the dinosaur fossils (the really big ones) and he LOVED seeing the Boneyard!!! I explained that he can dig in the sand & he said “Ok mommy let’s go there!”

Mickey’s Jammin Jungle Parade -- He really liked the music when they showed the parade & he started dancing! He immediately asked me where Goofy was so I told him to keep watching & tell me which characters he wants to see.

He got VERY excited to see Minnie Mouse!!!! He spotted her in the parade way before her float was even shown on the video! He also was happy to see Chip & Dale – on the video they show a close-up of Dale & Luke got really excited & started to jump up & down screaming “Look there’s Chip! There’s Chip!!!!” I didn’t explain the difference in their noses but he does know colors so I guess I should have. He was just so excited, I didn’t want to ruin it!

He said “Mommy I want to see Donald and Minnie.” Then he spotted Goofy on his float & said “there’s Goofy and his hat.” He also really liked the giant bird float after Goofy went past. He is very intrigued by the music from the parade – it kept his attention the entire time. He didn’t take his eyes off the video or quit smiling throughout the entire parade!!!

“There’s Donald Duck, mommy, look look there’s Donald Duck!!!” He is a favorite of Luke’s!!! In the video, Donald Duck isn’t wearing a hat so of course Luke spotted this immediately & asked me where his hat went.

Luke has a pair of Disney pj's & he wore them the other night to bed. He pointed to each character & told me who they were. But on the pj shirt, Goofy isn't wearing his hat & Donald Duck is holding his hat. Luke notices this of course & asks me where their hats are! Then he pointed to Mickey and said "Mommy that's Mickey Mouse -- but where is his house?" Oh boy -- I think that I might not be the only one missing Toontown next trip!

Back to the DVD -- next Pluto walked by with a few dancing girls & guys – Luke was excited to see him but quickly started watching what was coming behind Pluto – Mickey Mouse of course!!! He stood up & started waving & screaming as loud as he could “Mommy look look look!!!! There’s Mickey Mouse!!!!”

Next up on the video is the Lion King show – he always says “I want to go there, mommy” as soon as they start showing the first scene. When the giant sign was rolled out, he said “I want that balloon right there.”

As they went through the show, he named all of the animals & would occasionally get very excited over various parts. He also would see kids in the audience & scream “Mommy look there’s a kid!!!”

Recently, he has been getting very excited when I take him to the mall. This is because I have been trying to make sure he has enough time to play with the kids in the play area. He doesn’t have the opportunity as much anymore to play with kids, so I’ve been trying to take him to indoor playgrounds & the mall at least once a week. He LOVES kids!!! We went to eat dinner the other night & a family was coming out the door as we went in (they had 2 kids). Luke said “Look mommy, a kid” and then he pointed to the second child & said “Look mommy, another kid. There’s another kid right there!” He gets sooo excited, I wish you could see the look on his face when he says it!!!

There’s a really cute event for kids once a week at a local park. I really want to take Luke there this summer! We went the summer of 2009 but we missed it last year completely. Its really neat & its sponsored by the public library. Basically there are 4 different stations where adults read the kids books & they do crafts. Each child also gets a free book & a lunch (sandwich, fruit, milk). At the end, they have a drawing & the children & parents can win prizes (mostly educational things like books & flashcards). Its perfect for me – right up my alley since I LOVE reading & have made it a part of Luke’s life since he was in my belly!!!

Ok – back to the Lion King show! He was terrified of the “Be Prepared” song – the darkness, red lights, and the man’s deep voice really scared him. He ran over to me & sat on my lap. He didn’t cry & continued to watch, I think he felt safer with me. He is afraid of the dark so I do have to consider that on our trip. Most likely, he’ll sit on my lap or my husband’s lap anyway – that’s what he did last year for the few shows we did watch.

The first time I showed Luke the DVD, he watched the Lion King show the entire time. He was so amazed by it. This time, he quit watching it about half-way through & became distracted doing other things. It probably has nothing to do with the actual show though – its been a very rainy week & we’ve been stuck in the house a lot. I think he’s just bored with the same old routine (as am I!)

Next up was DHS – I skipped through High School Musical since its no longer there. The only other show from DHS on the disc was American Idol. I skipped it as well as I am not a fan! I enjoyed a few of the earlier seasons but quit watching long ago – I especially am not a fan now with the new judges...sorry to those of you who are fans!

Moving right along – the second disc is Epcot. He was very very interested as they showed Spaceship Earth!!! He said “you, me, and daddy go there” and kept screaming “I want to go there now!!!” (He wasn’t screaming in a bossy way, it was just an excited scream!) At the end of the DVD, they showed Spaceship Earth again & Luke said "Mommy that giant ball sings!" because there was music playing in the background!

Next up – The Seas with Nemo! He loves when they show the pelicans outside. He makes a strange animal sound during that part everytime, but it sounds nothing like a pelican!

He kept asking me where Nemo’s daddy was (he actually calls Nemo “Neno” – well sometimes he’s Nemo and sometimes he’s Neno – LOL) He loved this ride & didn’t take his eyes off it! I’m not surprised at all!!! Nemo was one of his very first favorite Disney characters! Before he was 6 months old, I bought him the small Nemo plush and the toddler bedding set. Its still on his bed with his Handy Manny pillowcase & Toy Story comforter!

They showed Mission Space next. He was very interested in all the different scenes they showed. He saw the Mickey Mouse dressed like an astronaut & said “Mommy I want to go to Disney to see that Mickey.” So I will have to make sure I find that Mickey & get a picture of Luke with him!!!

They then went through World Showcase on the DVD. He pointed out all of the animals they showed (the camel in Morocco, the horse in Japan, etc). He also showed a very large interest when they showed the boats going across the lagoon. We never take the boat across Epcot because we really enjoy the walk – however we will probably take the boat from BC to DHS so that Luke is able to ride the boat once. Of course, he loved anytime the video showed water – the fountains, the lagoon, etc. What kid doesn't like water!?!

One thing on my list of “to-do’s” this trip is to see each park at night. That isn’t possible with Animal Kingdom since it closes at 5pm but it is possible with the other three! I’d love to get some day & night pictures. Its been years since I’ve been at the parks at night! In 2009 we stayed at Epcot one night to see Illuminations but that was it

Things Luke is Afraid of

He screamed when they showed Dinosaur the ride – he looked terrified!!! Not to worry because we can’t ride it anyway because of the height limit. I haven’t seen him scream like that in a very long time!

As I said, he was also afraid of the "Be Prepared" part of Lion King -- but I don't think that will be a huge deal once we're actually at Disney.

He was also afraid of some of the videos I showed him on YouTube of various rides. Most of them won't matter because of the height requirements -- Luke won't be riding them so no worries!!!