Magical Grand Gathering Trip with Pics. Completed

[AZMickeyfans]

YEAH for the new PTR!!! I'm so excited!

CUTE Family. My daughter is a dancer too so she got really excited when she saw your daughters dance picture!

Love all the shirts.

I'm in for this one!!!

 

[AZMickeyfans]

Totally feel for you on the costume drama. No one can make a decision and when they finally do they change it 3 days later. We go back and forth between costumes and t-shirts for dh and myself.

 

[AshleyMWC]

Great PTR so far! I have read about your adventures at the Poly, and having stayed there for the first time last year, I can definitely understand why you love it! My DBF and I are staying there this year- it is his first time there (I was there with my Mom last year)

Good work on the MNSSHP costume research- it's hard to find adult costumes that don't like something you'd see standing on a street corner! Why do these companies assume we all want something super short and tight?!?!

I can't wait to hear more about yoru plans!

 

[kaysmommie]

YEAH for the new PTR!!! I'm so excited!

CUTE Family. My daughter is a dancer too so she got really excited when she saw your daughters dance picture!

Love all the shirts.

I'm in for this one!!!

Totally feel for you on the costume drama. No one can make a decision and when they finally do they change it 3 days later. We go back and forth between costumes and t-shirts for dh and myself.

Thanks and welcome to my trippie. So your DD dances too, how old is she. I will just come check out your pretrip, I was looking at the title the other day . The costume selection is just not fun this year. LOL last year I picked for them, Tink & Peter Pan. I wonder if our days overlap at all.

Great PTR so far! I have read about your adventures at the Poly, and having stayed there for the first time last year, I can definitely understand why you love it! My DBF and I are staying there this year- it is his first time there (I was there with my Mom last year)

Good work on the MNSSHP costume research- it's hard to find adult costumes that don't like something you'd see standing on a street corner! Why do these companies assume we all want something super short and tight?!?!

I can't wait to hear more about yoru plans!

Hello and welcome! You and DBF are going to have so much at Disney & the Poly. I'm sure he will love the Poly too. My DH first trip was in 2002 when we took DD then 2 years old. At least your going back there this year. We stayed there in 2006 and 2007 for 8 nights so I shouldn't complain, but I just love it there.
As for the costumes if I were in my 20's and hadn't had kids (belly)yet then I might consider a tasteful short and tight costume. But some of the ladies Alice costumes look like something you would wear on Hollywood Blvd . Anyway I'll be able to read your pretrip too.

 

[AZMickeyfans]

Thanks and welcome to my trippie. So your DD dances too, how old is she. I will just come check out your pretrip, I was looking at the title the other day . The costume selection is just not fun this year. LOL last year I picked for them, Tink & Peter Pan. I wonder if our days overlap at all.



.

She just turned 8 and dances on her company/competition team. Sounds like she does the same dances your daughter does!

Yep I believe our days will overlap! Getting close!

 

[kaysmommie]

She just turned 8 and dances on her company/competition team. Sounds like she does the same dances your daughter does!

Yep I believe our days will overlap! Getting close!

I just came over to your pretrip and posted over there.. Our DD's have alot in common. Actually so do our DS's.

 

[AZMickeyfans]

I just came over to your pretrip and posted over there.. Our DD's have alot in common. Actually so do our DS's.

I saw that! Thank you! A dancer daughter and a shy son! How cute!

So you are staying at CBR. I keep debating a few days there for the Pirate pool for ds and DH. They are pirate FREAKS !

I love the look of that resort. You are going to have such a good time there.

 

[kaysmommie]

I saw that! Thank you! A dancer daughter and a shy son! How cute!

So you are staying at CBR. I keep debating a few days there for the Pirate pool for ds and DH. They are pirate FREAKS !

I love the look of that resort. You are going to have such a good time there.

Were keeping CBR for sure. I think I have switched 6 times total . I wanted to stay at BC because my friends are staying there but then switched to WL to have some space and save some $$. Then we decided we needed to book a moderate. So CBR it is for the new pool. I booked preferred and am hoping for a Nemo room.

 

[mkluvsmickey]

I totally feel your pain on the costume dilemna - such a pain. I ordered Samantha a Jasmine outfit (Disney costume but not from Disney shopping). It didn't look skimpy in the picture. Well - the material is totally see-through and the top is super duper short. She really had her heart set on wearing it so my mom is going to "fix it up" a bit. Sam will have to wear leggings under the pants and my mom is going to sew a lining in the top with a little bit of something hanging down to make the top a bit longer. Such a pain!

Sorry about your costume - the tink one looks cute but I can how it couldn turn out to be too skimpy. I like the queen of hearts outfits too but the 2nd one looks really short. I think my mom and I will just wear t-shirts to the party this year.

And I am doing the same thing at the party this year - I am staying until the end even if noone else wants to! We left way too early last year and I don't want that to happen again.

 

[mom2mek]

I feel your pain on the costume thing too! I can't really get my group of adults on board with wearing costumes, so I'm having Shawn whip us up a shirt design. It's a work-in-progress right now, but I will post it in my pre-trip! HA! (Guess I have to do one now, huh?) I liked the poofy Queen of Hearts one, but the 2nd one looks really skimpy! You wouldn't want to drop something and have to bend over to pick it up! Plus, it looks like the stockings would almost be a "must" to pull it off! Ewww...stockings? In Florida? I think not!!!

I think you should make Tom and Thomas be Tweedledum and Tweedledee! How cute would that be? (yes, I know...my husband would never go for it either). What about your hubby just wearing a t-shirt that has a playing card on it? And Thomas could be the Mad Hatter!

Right now, I will have 2 witches and 1 Sir Peter the Knight (from Narnia) with me at MNSSHP!

 

[kaysmommie]

I feel your pain on the costume thing too! I can't really get my group of adults on board with wearing costumes, so I'm having Shawn whip us up a shirt design. It's a work-in-progress right now, but I will post it in my pre-trip! HA! (Guess I have to do one now, huh?) I liked the poofy Queen of Hearts one, but the 2nd one looks really skimpy! You wouldn't want to drop something and have to bend over to pick it up! Plus, it looks like the stockings would almost be a "must" to pull it off! Ewww...stockings? In Florida? I think not!!!

I think you should make Tom and Thomas be Tweedledum and Tweedledee! How cute would that be? (yes, I know...my husband would never go for it either). What about your hubby just wearing a t-shirt that has a playing card on it? And Thomas could be the Mad Hatter!

Right now, I will have 2 witches and 1 Sir Peter the Knight (from Narnia) with me at MNSSHP!

I think I've given up with the costumes. I guess I could see if I could find a better Tink at the costume store. I thought about Mad hatter for Thomas but couldn't find in in his size. if you see one please send me the link. then mabe DH and I both could be cards, great idea Sara!! I have to work on that one but I thik Thomas really wants to be Wall E now , darn. Thomas would love to be Knight, where did you find that costume? Your kids are going to have so much fun at MNSSHP. you decided to do a pretrip! Send me a link when you start.

I totally feel your pain on the costume dilemna - such a pain. I ordered Samantha a Jasmine outfit (Disney costume but not from Disney shopping). It didn't look skimpy in the picture. Well - the material is totally see-through and the top is super duper short. She really had her heart set on wearing it so my mom is going to "fix it up" a bit. Sam will have to wear leggings under the pants and my mom is going to sew a lining in the top with a little bit of something hanging down to make the top a bit longer. Such a pain!

Sorry about your costume - the tink one looks cute but I can how it couldn turn out to be too skimpy. I like the queen of hearts outfits too but the 2nd one looks really short. I think my mom and I will just wear t-shirts to the party this year.

And I am doing the same thing at the party this year - I am staying until the end even if noone else wants to! We left way too early last year and I don't want that to happen again.

Samantha's costume sounds very cute though I guess I know why your concerned because they ones they sell in Disney, Jasmine & Ariel are kind of skimpy. Kaylee would have no problem with it but I sure would, LOL. Good thing moms can sew . Looks like Tom and I are wearing Tshirts.

 

[Alysa]

I love your report!!! Your kids are so cute! My DD loves dancing too! We are going to be in Disney the same time as you, and we are having similar costume dilemma's. I was trying to talk DS into Mushu to go with DD and DH's costumes but no go.
Can't wait to hear more!
Cheers!

 

[mom2mek]

I think I've given up with the costumes. I guess I could see if I could find a better Tink at the costume store. I thought about Mad hatter for Thomas but couldn't find in in his size. if you see one please send me the link. then mabe DH and I both could be cards, great idea Sara!! I have to work on that one but I thik Thomas really wants to be Wall E now , darn. Thomas would love to be Knight, where did you find that costume? Your kids are going to have so much fun at MNSSHP. you decided to do a pretrip! Send me a link when you start..

Michael's is this one.

Yes, I know...he will be hot. I'm going with a back up plan of t-shirts! LOL! And he won't be bringing the helmet in the park with him.
The smallest it went was a 4-6 which is probably too big for your little guy.

I did find this Mad Hatter one, but again, at 4-6 it's probably too big for Thomas:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000TG54LK...e=380333&creativeASIN=B000TG54LK&linkCode=asn

 

[kaysmommie]

I love your report!!! Your kids are so cute! My DD loves dancing too! We are going to be in Disney the same time as you, and we are having similar costume dilemma's. I was trying to talk DS into Mushu to go with DD and DH's costumes but no go.
Can't wait to hear more!
Cheers!

Mushu sounds very cute, too bad he won't listen . Thomas says he is being Wall E and that's it. I can't imagime it being comfortable.

Michael's is this one.

Yes, I know...he will be hot. I'm going with a back up plan of t-shirts! LOL! And he won't be bringing the helmet in the park with him.
The smallest it went was a 4-6 which is probably too big for your little guy.

I did find this Mad Hatter one, but again, at 4-6 it's probably too big for Thomas:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000TG54LK...e=380333&creativeASIN=B000TG54LK&linkCode=asn

I think the 4-6 is big according to the size charts. Thomas is only 42 inches and it fits up to 48 which would fit Kaylee. I will make sure he doesn't see that knight costume or he will have a cow for sure. It's really cute though.

 

[mom2mek]

Mushu sounds very cute, too bad he won't listen . Thomas says he is being Wall E and that's it. I can't imagime it being comfortable.
.

That is too cute Nichole! I can't imagine it fitting in a stroller (does he still ride in one), but it's really adorable! I love Wall-E!

It'll be great - whatever you decide! There are some really good designs over on the DISigns board for MNSSHP shirts! Let us know what you come up with!

Sara

 

[kaysmommie]

Here is my Itinerary so far...


We are driving and leaving after school/work and probably spending the night halfway to orlando at a hotel.

Arrival day: Plan on getting to Caribbean Beach Resort around noon to check in, swim and have lunch. Hope our room will be ready no later than 3PM. We want to go to DTD for dinner and do some shopping. Also Goofy's Candy Co to make some treats.

Day 1 Sunday: Rope drop for AK, hope to see the Nemo Musical (a first for us), ride EE and KRR. Also plan to see characters and take the train to Rafiki's Planet Watch. This also will be a first. Hope we can ride Dinosaur and Tricertop spin. Then have Lunch and take a short break.

Return to AK around 4PM maybe earlier to see the parade, another first. then meet up with friends at FOW at 5:00 for GG Safari dinner. It's a buffet at Tusker House and sounds really good. Here is a description. My DGF really pushed for this Safari and I'm glad because I'm really looking forward to it now.

Safari Celebration Dinner
This special event begins with an end of day Kilimanjaro Safari ride. You'll meet your guide in Disney's Animal Kingdom's Asia section and be taken on your tour.
Following your Safari is dinner in the Tusker House Restaurant. Featuring African inspired cuisine, your all you care to eat dinner is served family style.
While enjoying your meal, Disney Characters will be available for photos and fun. As an added treat, you'll get an up close look at a few of Animal Kingdom's exotic species.
Birthdays and special occasions will be given recognition.

Day 2 Monday: Rope drop at HS. Plan to ride TSM, maybe TOT, see Playhouse Disney and B&TB. Thomas wants to see LMA and the cars characters. Kaylee wants to go to the Animation Studio again. We plan to leave around 2 or 3PM latest.

Dinner at chef Mickey's with friends, followed by GG Fireworks Cruise. Here is some information in case anyone is interested.

Magical Fireworks Voyage
This Grand Gathering event begins with cookies, snacks and beverages before you "set sail" on your magical voyage where you'll have prime viewing of the Magic Kingdom's "Wishes" and "Electrical Water Pageant."
Before you board, none other than Captain Hook and his hapless first-mate Mr. Smee arrive for some mayhem and photos. Your host for the night is "Patch" a pirate of dubious distinction. As you sail along the Seven Seas Lagoon, Patch will have you singing along and challenge you to some Disney Trivia.
Your "ship will set anchor" at the perfect spot overlooking the Magic Kingdom to view "Wishes". From there you return to the pier while Patch regales you with the story of Peter Pan. When you arrive, you'll see that none other than Peter himself is there to greet you.
As with all Grand Gatherings experiences, birthdays and special occasions will be noted.


Up Next: Day 3 & 4.

 

[kaysmommie]

That is too cute Nichole! I can't imagine it fitting in a stroller (does he still ride in one), but it's really adorable! I love Wall-E!

It'll be great - whatever you decide! There are some really good designs over on the DISigns board for MNSSHP shirts! Let us know what you come up with!

Sara

Darn, yes he rides in a stroller because I can't imagine him walking all night. That would drive me insane. I plan to bring our own stroller and maybe rent one for Epcot for Kaylee because I know she will be tired. I have to go check out the DISign board. Thanks for thinking of this could you just see me trying to squeeze Thomas and that costume into his stroller , that would be bad. So glad I m doing a pretrippie because sometimes my brain doesn't work .

 

[kaysmommie]

Itinerary Continued

DAY 3: Magic Kingdom for rope drop. Some of the rides and stuff we will be doing will include most of Fantasyland, Astro Orbitter (kids really want to ride this) . I'm so scared of heights. Buzz Lightyear, Laughfloor comedy, Toontown, BTMRR, Splash Mtn (bribed DD into riding ) Haunted Mansion, POC, Magic carpets. We might try to see the Pirate Tuctorial again. Hoping for some pixie dust for Thomas this trip.
Lunch, probably @ CHH or Cosmic Rays. We might stay for afternoon parade then take a short break. Then to Epcot for Dinner at Tuttio Italia . I'm still trying to get Le Cellier so this may change. Might walk aroung WS for a bit and watch Illuminations.

DAY 4: Epcot for rope drop. plans to ride TT, Soarin, Nemo, SE, MS (DH only). Imagination Pavillion, and ride Figment, Club Cool. Take photo in Innoventions with Visa. Also would love to ride Living with the Land since I haven't in ages. Maybe we will catch the Circle of Life movie in the Land. After that walk around world showcase and the kids want to make masks.

Dinner at Coral Reef and stay for Illuminations even we didn't stay the night before.

DAY 5: Sleep in this morning. Late breakfast at 1900 Park Fare (first for breakfast here) Maybe some pool time and a light lunch at the CBR food court. Then naps for the kids and DH, I don't sleep well at Disney because I'm always excited for the next day. . Anyway nap until 4PM and then get ready for MNSSHP. We plan to arrive around 5:30 or 6PM because I don't want everyone tired before 9 PM again . We plan to meet up with our friends. Hopefully we stay until 11PM.

DAY 6: Sleep in until whenever. Then Typhoon Lagoon with Friends. I really was looking forward to BB this trip instead but it's closed for refurbishment. Dinner at Whispering Canyon at WL. Hopefully we get there early enough to see the geyser since Thomas was looking forward to seeing it, then I had to switch resorts.

DAY 7: Our Last full day . Breakfast at Cinderella's Royal Table. Then MK for until after lunch. Break at resort pool for swim time. Then back to MK for 5PM dinner ressie. We plan to see Spectromagic this night.

DAY 8: Breakfast at Cape Maye Cafe with our friends. Followed by 10 hour drive home .

 

[Disneychix]

Hi Nichole! The itinerary looks great. i like how you are taking it easy the day you are going to MNSSHP. Unfortunatley I have an 8:05am bf planned for CP the morning we go. But we are nappers so I"m sure we'll be sleeping at some point during the day.

I like the 1st Queen of hearts costume. It says it comes with crinolin so at least you know there's another layer underneath the dress. You should dress up!
Look on ebay too. I just got DS a tigger costume of 1/2 price of Babies R Us!

 

[Alysa]

Also Goofy's Candy Co to make some treats.

Ooooooo! I've never heard of this but DD has a HUGE sweet tooth and would love it! What do you do there?