Magic moments, making memories and mickey ice cream

[saraheeyore]

Oh you teaser! Here I am trying to scroll down but the next post isn't there yet! Your photo of the Disney gate actually brought a tear to my eye, it's just one of those images!

We've not eaten at Wolfgang before so might give that a whirl next time - always on the look out for good recommendations where children are concerned even though mine are a bit older than yours.

Don't leave it too long for the next update...

yes we always need a disney gate picture although i think last trip we couldn't manage to get it as we were too far back on bus. so much easier on a minibus
wolfgang pucks is the best. went twice would have been 3 times but they were refurbing it

 

[saraheeyore]

well were where we going that we needed to be up so very very early today


This was the only day we were heading out of disney and we had a car booked for 5.15am



today was the day we was going to get early entry into Harry Potter world at Island of Adventure thanks to virgin holidays

we were supposed to be getting picked up at 6.15 for a 7am start but Universal had changed the hours because it was a grad night so it was now a 6am start


As we got outside the front of the hotel the car was waiting for us already so we got in and headed for IOA
When we got there is was pretty desserted apart from staff wondering about and wasn't really sure were to go, I had been to Universal before but not IOA and it was with my parents. We saw signs for IOA so followed them and then a nice guy asked us were we were headed and why we were there so early and we explained and he said to follow him and he would show us which way we needed to be. he then continued chatting as we walked along i swear its an awful long walk along there and we are used to walking. An old guy then asked what we were doing and this younger guy walking with us explained and the older guy moaned that we couldn't go in yet but the younger guy said we could. Makes you feel really welcome. right? well it gets worse.
We carry on walking and pass the older guy again as he was in a little truck so he got ahead and he was talking on a radio. Younger guy leaves us as he works at Universal and we carry on. Next thing woman in truck comes after us practically yelling at us saying we shouldn't be in here and we can't go in till 7.45am. Its about 5.30ish at this time. We explain the Virgin thing and she says they are not doing it. We try and explain we got a phone call last night to say it was and the virgin sign is up but she's not listening. She was rude and was refusing to listen to guess what we have to walk all the way back.
Well we get all the way back we had Abbie in pushchair and carried Luke at this point as it was a long way. We got back there and see a virgin person and another group of brits heading to IOA so we quickly catch them up and find out yes we can go in so off we go again all the way back.
We explained that they had sent us back and the virgin lady is mad as she said they change their hours and then don't have things ready (guess this is not first time). So we walk past rude lady again still driving around truck and she didn't even look at us (and we looked at her) as we went past. An apology would have been nice but i guess not.

Luckily after this our day got better but I have to say we probably won't go back to Universal for a long time if at all.

We got our early entry passes. poor group in front of us didn't manage to get theirs quite so easily (not sure why). There was about 20 or so of us and at 5.50am we were led up to Harry Potter World. It was still dark and of course very quiet so took a few pictures before we went in for breakfast

complimentry breakfast was rather good. There was orange and coffee to drink and then toast, porridge and pastries. Maybe not the most exciting breakfast but we all really enjoyed it. Kids were happy to have toast for breakfast.

they were having fun in there

we then walked around harry potter world and took some more pictures

snow on roof looks great

shop windows were great the things in them move and kids were quite facinated for a little while

Luke really loved the train

nobody about as we walk up to hogwarts

Harry Ron and Hermione in Hogwarts castle. They tell you what you need to do etc

we lasted a while in here but kids were not that interesed (well actually Abbie was not that interested) as they are too young for Harry Potter really but we wanted to see it

Abbie had other plans. Ok maybe this is why you should not let 4 year olds be involved in planning as they tend to plan your day for you. She had one ride that she was planning to visit and that was "Cat in the Hat" i had showed her it on you tube and she thought it was great so guess this was were we was going next.

think she was excited
Luke however fell asleep on way over there. he always falls asleep at the best times doesn't he
continued in next post

 

[saraheeyore]

she's still excited in this one

plans change as she saw this first and decided she needed to go on it twice

guess this is other advantage of getting into Harry Potter early as everyone was now in there and well there was nobody hardly in Seuss Landing unless they were walking to Harry Potter

after doing first ride twice a few more people appeared but still so very quiet so we did this twice

and then this which is not quite the same as cinderellas carousel

then of course it was time for this

she went on with her dad first and came out with a great big hat

then she went on with me and decided she wanted a stuffed cat in the hat so we ended up letting her get one of them too. she loved the ride even though its pretty fast. Queue was so disorganised though people were just going were they wanted not being told were to go.

we seem to have a lot of pics of the back of me from universal must have been walking fast that day. Hubby is normally in the front

sleepy chilled out little boy

We walked round the rest of IOA but we are not a fan of huge rides and the kids are small so there really isn't a lot else for us to do. We had purchased a 1 day/2 park ticket though so we decided we would head across to universal

have to love this globe thing

We decided we needed an early dinner due to having breakfast early as kids were hungry now Luke was actually awake. We ate in a diner place but couldn't tell you what it was called as I have no idea. We had burgers and chips, the kids had chips and chicken nuggets (suprise suprise). Was very nice though for burgers.
We then headed for Barney as it wasn't long till next show and we really needed to do something for Luke today. Well both the kids loved this show. Its very typical barney kinda makes u cringe but the kids love it

see the cat in the hat toy

loads of things fell down. It snowed and leaves fell down and i think something else. We have a leaf but i can't remember what else we got from there and what was from other places (she has a bag of collectable strange stuff)

We did barney play area after, which had water and sand play bit which we stood at for ages while the kids played and a train to play in

Abbie then decided to do her first rollercoaster. woodywoodpecker which i thought she wouldn't like but she loved it.

they then did the simpsons which scared her loads. really pleased i didn't do that one

They did ET which i was hoping to go on with her after but she hated that as well and as I am not really that keen on riding alone I didn't bother. We decided to head back to hotel at 3 ish with us being there that early but met this guy on the way out

 

[saraheeyore]

will update tomorrow as I need to get more pictures uploaded first

 

[saraheeyore]

May 7th Saturday

squirrel at resort there was loads of these
.

MK was opening at 8am today because of early closing as it was grad nights so our plan was to do a couple of hours and chill a bit in the afternoon and go to fantasmic later. I was hopeing it would be quieter at MK because of the early closing and it was EMH and fantasmic ay hollywood studios so maybe everyone would be there.
We got to Mk just before opening and watched the rope drop show again before we went in. Mary Poppins was waving to Abbie for a while as we didn't rush into park straight away

the park was so much quieter than the Wednesday and we headed straight for fantasyland and rode winnie the pooh and then the teacups and then this

yes i know we should be in dumbo line and not messing with this first but it was really really quiet so we wasn't actually worried

she was really happy to be on here

I however was kinda more interested with this

we also then rode peter pan and snow white and went to ride small world but it was shut they were having problems with it

So we decided to do the carousel instead well just me and Abbie as Luke was starting to fall asleep but we saw Mary poppins near it so Abbie needed to go see her first

she started off by telling Abbie she had seen her when she got off the train and waved to her. Can't believe she recognised her when they must see so many children each day. (I know the dress,sunglasses and hat may have done it)

She loved that Mary Poppins had remebered her and she still tells everyone that now

we rode the carousel twice and could see sleepy head stood with his Dad who actually looks asleep as well

We were going to do haunted mansion next but as Luke was asleep we decided that me and Abbie was going to go on something else before leaving for breakfast so we decided to do flying carpets and we were so glad we did

We got on carpets and Aladin and Jasmine walked by and walked round the ride and then next thing we hear is Jasmine asking if they can ride with us. So they climbed into the back of the carpet and I got my camera out quick and took this

they asked Abbie a few questions, were she was from and some other stuff. Unfortunitley she went really quiet so I had to keep giving her answers so she would say a little.They said they had just been to England for the royal wedding . They thought Abbie's carpet flying skills were great they loved the jerkyness and that she doesn't leave the button alone for a second so you go up and down and up and down in jerky fashion. Jasmine also got spat on my the camel right in the face. That made the rest of us giggle. They then walked Abbie across to have her photo taken

She also got a magic moment certificate which they both signed. She was beaming.
Pretty sucessful 2 Hours in MK i think. a magic moment, character meets and most of fantasyland rides rode that has to be good going

We walked across to Chef Mickeys for breakfast to see these guys and to eat of course

would be nice if Luke would stop eating when characters some round once in a while

he has stopped eating in this one

 

[saraheeyore]

we did think about going back to MK as we had had such a great start there but we really didn't want to tire kids out too much either today as we wanted them to manage Fantasmic later
We went to get the monorail back to MK just because we had said we would go on it today but they were having problems with that so we walked back to MK and then decided we would go on the boat across to TTC just to let kids ride on it

The monorail to Epcot was working so we decided to go there on the monorail and then we caught bus back to hotel (I know this is a really long way of getting back to the hotel but the kids love going on different transport. if you have young ones you will probably get it)

We were going to try and get the kids to have a sleep but this wasn't going to happen and we decided best thing was to just let them play in the hotel room for a couple of hours to chill out.

We had Hollywood and Vine Fantasmic dinner package for dinner so we headed thereat around 4ish. We waited ages for a bus for some reason and thought we were only just going to make it but when we go to park hubby realised he had forgotton park tickets he only had Luke's card so we could get back in room
We stayed outside park while he went back for tickets but it took him just over an hour and we were an hour late for ADR. We went to Hollywood and Vine and explained and they said no problem and we got straight in. I thought we had no chance but maybe they just wasn't busy. The buses to HS were really bad that night not sure why.
Had a walked round HS and kids kept knocking on these doors for some reason

we popped into disney junior dance party as they are now doing them a few nights but it was nothing like EMH one. There were loads of adults chasing mickey and pulling on him so the kids had no chance. The kids danced to a few songs but it was chaos in there

we went to fantasmic with an hour to go even though we had the tickets and pleased we did by the time we parked stroller and got lights for the kids it was filling up fast but at least we were in the reserved section which wasn't so full but a lot more in there than we thought.

I actually have no photos of fantasmic as I had a little boy sat on my knee the whole time. Hubby recorded it though but I have nothing to post on here.

Buses back were insane it took us ages to get back the queue stretched back miles and i sweat the whole of port orleans FQ and Riverside (share bus) was at HS that night. Have to say we met a lot of nice people on the buses we were offered seats everytime we stood with kids and when my daughter fell asleep on the bus this night stood up a nice lady held push chair for us

 

[lbuzz52]

Wow, that's a long flight! I think I'd be whiny too lol!
My 2 year old was the same way. He was quite a handful the morning of the first day. I think he was overwhelmed. Eventually we found something that caught his interest and he was good after that!
Looking forward to more!

 

[lbuzz52]

Sorry. Missed the seCond page!
What a magical morning. I can't believe Mary poppins remembered her! And she must have been over the moon with jasmine and Aladdin rode with her!

 

[saraheeyore]

Sorry. Missed the seCond page!
What a magical morning. I can't believe Mary poppins remembered her! And she must have been over the moon with jasmine and Aladdin rode with her!

yes i can't believe our luck that morning we were so lucky

 

[loobzuk]

what a fab day for Abbie, getting to ride with Jasmine. Loved the photo of her walking hand in hand with Jasmine. We've booked the Fantasmic package too. We saw it on our first trip in 2005 but had to sit separately as there was very little space so it will be nice to be in a reserved section and sit together.

Horrible start at Universal/IOA, guess those staff members got out of bed the wrong side that day. At least you got to see what you went there for though and without the usual crowds. My DD is really looking forward to WWoHP, I'm not looking forward to the huge number of people that will also be making their way there in August!

 

[saraheeyore]

what a fab day for Abbie, getting to ride with Jasmine. Loved the photo of her walking hand in hand with Jasmine. We've booked the Fantasmic package too. We saw it on our first trip in 2005 but had to sit separately as there was very little space so it will be nice to be in a reserved section and sit together.

Horrible start at Universal/IOA, guess those staff members got out of bed the wrong side that day. At least you got to see what you went there for though and without the usual crowds. My DD is really looking forward to WWoHP, I'm not looking forward to the huge number of people that will also be making their way there in August!

lol just get there as early as you can in August its supposed to be mental most the time but we didn't really see that at 6am

 

[saraheeyore]

well gues what came today in the post

MY PHOTOPASS CD

so pleased to have got it. plus we have some really nice pictures

 

[saraheeyore]

will interupt my trip report a little to post a few of these from the days i've already written

 

[saraheeyore]

 

[saraheeyore]

Abbie's Magic Moment

 

[saraheeyore]

ok now back to trip report

Sun 8th May

This was our first Epcot day and the plan was to do just future world. We got there just after 9am and went straight to get soarin fastpasses before going for breakfast in Norway (yes i know not futureworld but breakfast doesn't count)
The Akerhaus Norway princess breakfast is great. It was our first time doing this one and we were suprised how good value it was. The food was great, the characters were great and you also get a free photo.

would have been nice if he would stop eating for photos but i guess not

princess parade. this is were snow white kidnaps all the girls takes them into another room and doesn't bring them back

ok so she found her own way back

Ariel called all the little boys tiger sharks and made a fuss of the boys luckily my little boy really doesn't care that much for characters as its very girly in there. There was quite a few boys in there with sisters not looking too impressed. Boys do get included more in CRT but i think this is so much better for being all girly and princessy

Food wise there's a big cold buffet with fruit pastries and a few different things (bagels as well luckily for Abbie) and then they bring plate with hot food to you table with eggs,sausages,bacon,potatoes.

We then went back to futureworld and me and Abbie rode soarin. Wasn't sure if we were both going to like it but it was great and Abbie loved it too. She turned round to look at me when we was on it and she had a huge grin on her face.
We then headed across to the living seas as we knew Luke would love this. We rode Nemo which we think is great. We love the end bit were nemo and friends are in the fish tank and of course we love the song.
Luke loved all of this bit. Fish are on his list of favourite things right now so we spent ages in here looking in the tanks

Next stop was the figment ride. Luke wasn't too thrilled with this when it sprays stuff and makes you jump but he just hid a bit

The room after figment was a huge hit with the kids. Hubby and Abbie went off and i think they coloured some figments and sent them off to people at home while Luke played on this for ages while i watched him

there was quite a few kids on here and i think he enjoyed just being able to play with other kids for a little while

 

[saraheeyore]

so then we head up to here

these things never fail to amuse anyone. young or old

I'm sure putting your hands on your ears stops you getting wet

although its waaay above her head

We then went into innoventions and did the great piggybank game which is actually the first game we have ever really played in here. We usually do a few of the bits round the outside but never normally the games. We picked up a Kim Possible time as we had gone into there so we headed across to do that (yes plans change we are now going to world showcase)
passed these on the way

we would have taken more topiary pictures but Abbie was in a mood at the time and there was no way she would pose for pictures so we decided to leave them for another day

this was after some fish

so here were are we are now in the uk. you can tell by the phone boxes. we don't actually have many of these phone boxes left in the uk.(They can't be uk phone boxes anyway as they have phones in them and they are not vandalised.) we do have a post box like that at the end of our street though

maybe i'm being now but if you were in England you wouldn't be sitting outside the pub either because it wouldn't be sunny

we picked up our Kim Possible missions which was in France so not far to go

see the little bunny under the big crocodile
if not close up shot of it

we enter France and have timed it really well as marie is out

We do out Kim Possible mission but even though its really good Abbie was a little young to do it and Luke had fallen asleep. We decided we should head back to the hotel but then thought we would take a little detour first

thats the yacht and beach club bit. i have no idea which bit belongs to which but as you can see we decided to head along the boardwalk and go to the boardwalk bakery. We got the biggest cupcakes with oreos on one and strawberries on another and kids got a mickey mouse cake and a muffin

We went back to hotel for a break as Abbie was worn out and we wanted to be back at HS later for EHH later and playhouse disney dance party

 

[saraheeyore]

we had one of these for dinner at HS at the ABC

and Abbie had this

I do wonder how my DD survives on a lot less food than what my DS does. He had most the counter service meals and she just had a side of chips or she would have chips off counter service and we would put some of our chips of Luke's either way she only ate chips and mayo

we did little mermaid and went to see this guy

then it was time for a bit of dancing and balloons

this was the first and pretty much only time Luke was really interested in characters and all of a sudden he was chasing after them and wanted to dance with them

headed back after about an hour at party as kids all tired out

 

[saraheeyore]

Mon 9th May

This was out first of 2 Animal Kingdom days and we were really looking forward to taking Luke here as he loves animals
We took ages getting to Animal Kingdom it was EMH but we had left hotel just after 7 as we really wanted to see opening show but sadly we didn't make it until just after opening so we missed it
We headed off to Africa for our 2 week safari We try to follow advice and go on safari early in they day (plus at AK its either safari or everest first and I don't think my 20 month old and 4 year old are ready for that and I'm definitly not) so its always first

we saw the lion move. its always been asleep on top of rock on previous trips

really good safari as the driver stopped a few times so we could see animals and take pictures

 

[lbuzz52]

Great pictures! I especially love the one where Abbie and snow white are both holding thier dress. The dhs dance party looks like fun! I love that Disney has things to entertain all ages!