MagicBands + Margaritas + Muggles + Minions = TRP. New TR link is up! 10/31

[addictedtothemouse]

Well, it really depends on how much privacy you want. With the 1B, at AKV, you'd have 2 in the master bedroom sharing, 2 in the living room on the pull out sofa sharing and 1 in the sleeper chair. In a 2 studio situation, you have 4 double beds to work with so only 1 person has to share a bed. For me it would come down to how comfortable folks are with sharing beds (given your group I imagine that's not an issue) versus the shared space to hang out and relax, a larger balcony to share and the washer and dryer. If you will be in the room a lot, the 1B might be better but if it's just for sleeping, maybe the studios.

If you go for a 1B, you'll need to decide Jambo or Kidani. Really depends on what you are looking for. Pro to the Kidani 1B is it has 2 bathrooms, if you go for Jambo it's only 1. that said, if you are looking at standard view, I prefer Jambo as at least you'll get a pool view and if lucky, a reclassified Savannah, over at Kidani in the standard view...it's parking lot. BUT we use the balcony a lot and view is a big deal to us, it's not to a lot of other folks. If you are going for Savannah, then it's just personal preference. Jambo is closer to food and "action" so if that's a big deal, I'd factor that in too. We actually prefer the pool at Kidani (even though we didn't stay there) and didn't find the walk to be an issue at all. But with a 3 year old you may not want to walk as much and the counter service restaurant is at Jambo.

No matter what you do though it is a magical magical place!

I'd had DME deliver my bags many times without me there, both in deluxe, DVC and moderate. That's the "magical" part of it, right? If you need to call, that's fine but they should market it that way.

Thanks! We definitely want the view, and Jambo feels like "home" from staying there before. So the real question now is one bathroom or two?

That was one of the reasons for using DME, so I wouldn't have to worry about my luggage.

 

[eandesmom]

Thanks! We definitely want the view, and Jambo feels like "home" from staying there before. So the real question now is one bathroom or two?

That was one of the reasons for using DME, so I wouldn't have to worry about my luggage.

Well, sounds like all girls, and all family, yes? So perhaps less of an issue to share (or more depending on the females I guess . It is sort of a split bath but kind of a funky layout. The vanity is HUGE, lots of mirror space. Toilet is separate. Only real issue is that to get to the toilet you have to go through the rest of the bath...which is where the shower and tub are. And of course in the master there is a nice mirror as well.

 

[eandesmom]

And....once again I am crazy behind on my updates! Before I get to New Years Eve (ok New Years Eve morning lol) I thought I’d do a little update on my other upcoming trips!

I've been a little bit busy firming up and tweaking some plans

DL Band Trip

We are under 30 days!!!!!!!!!!!!! And finally found out which day the band will be performing. They will be marching, somewhere, at sometime on

EASTER

Yep.

Sigh.

That does tweak things a little. It means the following for sure

Saturday (arrival). Drop Evan off with the group early am, head to airport late morning. Land around 4:30, hit grocery store on way for adult beverages and a few breakfast items (I'm going to pack a few things too) check in to studio. Dinner most likely at DTD, preferably Trader Sam's if we make it before they kick kids out. If it is warm enough, Eric may want to swim.

Sunday (Easter). Park Day. Check out of studio and into 1B. Breakfast either at Steakhouse 55 or Ralph Brennan’s. REALLY hoping for Ralph Brennan’s but it will depend on the performance time. Dinner most likely counter service in park but will wait to figure that out until we know performance time (supposed to know by 4/1). Original plan had been to have an Easter dinner in the villa, but now that it’s going to be a park day and given that we do want Easter breakfast somewhere because 1) it's Easter and 2) we will be without a full kitchen until that night we figure that we will not want to also take time during the day to go to the grocery store. I don'[t see church happening this day either which is a bit of a bummer but it is what it is. However there appears to be a fun Egg Hunt so we will look into that.

Monday. Given the performance schedule, Monday will probably not be a park day. At least it won't for my folks, they plan to visit with friends at least in the afternoon. Mom and I "may" look at a spa visit in the morning but nothing is booked yet. I am not sure what I want to do with my day. It will partially depend on where my folks are headed to meet their friends. Once they firm up their plans, I will firm up mine. Or let Eric plan the day

Tuesday will be a park day, we will be getting Evan after lunch.

Wednesday will be a park day with a very special DISmeet after lunch! Lunch will be at the Blue Bayou.

Thursday will most likely be a park day as well as our flight doesn’t leave until 8. We do have breakfast booked at Storytellers.

I did go ahead and order the photopass pre-buy. Yes, I am that crazy despite the drama from the NYE trip. DL is still on the “old” site and right now it’s just mom and I so should be pretty simple (HA!). I've also done a little shopping. Sigh. BOTH boys have outgrown almost everything since Christmas. After some serious purging at the moment Evan has 1 new pair of shoes, 2 new pairs of jeans and flip flops on the way. He needs another pair of shoes though. Eric is going to get by for a little bit, he's far less picky than Evan but I need to get him some stuff too. Good news is that shorts and swimsuits are ok. For me, I'd love a pair of capri's but whether I actually go shopping and even look is another story. I may get a new swimsuit. Which I need like a hole in my head but I kind of want. I should be ok on clothes, but I actually need to get all the spring/summer stuff out and go through it to see. Which I guess will have to happen the week of the 5th as I have a business trip to Arizona. I also want to see if there is a good running route for a DL stay so if anyone has one, let me know. Ideally 3-5 mile-ish.

Girls Flower and Garden Trip

We have made a few changes here. First we found out that there will be special fireworks at DHS during Star Wars weekends. We moved our Cali Grill reservation so that we can be at DHS on the night they are offered during our trip.

We also booked a very special experience. DVC is pushing "membership magic". Which, I have to admit as time goes on, is getting some fun perks. This one was for spa bookings. DVC normally gets you a 15% discount. But on Tuesdays from 5-8 it can also get you

• A glass of wine
• A $25 service upgrade/enhancement
• A free product sample.

They had Mary Ellen and I at glass of wine! We changed our Beaches and Cream dinner, to a lunch and booked ourselves for some pampering!
Right now we have several DISmeets scheduled, firming up some of the details but it is going to be a very DIS filled trip I think!

½ Marathon DL Trip

I had the chance to meet with Ann for coffee on Friday. It was a GORGEOUS (though a bit windy) day here and we were able to sit outside at Starbucks and enjoy the sun and just chat about the race, training, life, kids, upcoming trips, race costumes, all kinds of stuff! So much fun. The time just flew

No major changes here so far. We have decided on transportation (town car) and the general need for a few dining reservations (probably for dinner both Friday and Saturday and then a post race breakfast, the rest will be counter service). ADR's for Cali though won't be until the end of June. We do still need a flight there but have plenty of time and are watching fares. My training has been going relatively well though my various injuries have slowed it down just a little. I have been being much more aggressive with PT and massage and am definitely seeing improvement. Jeff and I did run 9.1 miles yesterday which, while closer to the 15K than I'd have liked, given that I took a full 6 days off from running before that, I think will be ok. I will only have a short run either tomorrow or weds before the actual race. It was SO gorgeous here, it was just incredible. It went really really well so I am pretty excited for Saturday which is definitely a training run for the ½. The week off and focus on rehab and strength made a pretty huge difference. Of course it's nice today and then the rain is supposed to hit and last through the weekend. Which is a CRAZY weekend on so many levels, the race being just one aspect of it. Boo for rain! Tempted to get a new jacket but I don't want to break it in at the race so will just pray it's dry and suck it up if it isn't. Other than that we are registered for a 12K in April and an 8K in May and I’ll just continue training. I did learn where my threshold was for replacing my shoes. Sadly it was earlier than I’d hoped and well, some of those injuries were definitely due to waiting too long to swap. Lesson learned!

Fall F&W and Southern Caribbean Cruise Trip

We hit our ADR day for the pre-cruise stay over the weekend. Right now I think this is what we are looking at. Basically it was anything Jeff wanted and requested, I really had no strong feelings about anything. LOL! His feelings were somewhat surprising and somewhat not.

Thursday arrival after red eye: Will just try to do a walk in for a breakfast, if not maybe head straight over to see if Kiosks have soft openings as rumored to be the case. Probably our dinner plan as well. Right now the Mediterranean Market at the Dolphin (or Swan, I forget which one) is my leading candidate for breakfast if we get there in time. If we do, we may just go straight to breakfast after leaving bags iwth bell services and then check in after depending on how close the timing is. It is very likely we will not make it and then IF we feel we have to have breakfast (versus kiosks) then Captain's Grille is the only nearby option that has breakfast till 11:30. Which we both could live with. In any event, an ADR for this doesn't make sense, we will need to wing it.

Friday. Most likely run and then hit the bakery, F&W kiosks for lunch and then Raglan Road for dinner (and avoid the local crush for F&W as the first official night). I booked the RR ADR…but via Open Table. This way, no CC hold and easier to cancel and not stress about changing my mind morning of and missing that 24 hour window. We may well decide to just eat at the kiosks all night.

Saturday after cruise. Right now planning on Sanaa for dinner (staying at AKV). Question is whether to make an ADR or not. While I think our chances of being able to walk in are decent, it is a Saturday night. It is also during food and wine though! Problem is, if we change our mind, as we will be on the cruise we won’t be able to easily cancel (or know if we will have internet connection…really don’t plan to pay for it although I guess you never know). Thoughts?

Sunday after cruise. Raglan Road for brunch. We may be fooded out after the cruise but we loved it so much this past trip (spoiler!) that Jeff really wanted to go again. And to go for dinner too. Both of which were fine with me! I plan to book this on Open Table once it gets to 180 days. Dinner at F&W.

Monday after Cruise. Boma for Breakfast and F&W for late lunch before heading to the airport. Same question here...do we we really need an ADR?

I've had 2 of our September flights drop a little in price so have a small credit at Jet Blue and Alaska respectively. I almost got another credit on the April trip but we have 5 tickets on that flight and only 3 were available at the lower price so it can’t be reduced unless it can match all 5. Oh well!

Up next, New Years Eve!!!!!!!!!! Let's get the party started.

 

[KristiMc]

How exciting for the Band trip. Hopefully someday I will get to see one(or both) of my kids marching down Main St. I think this would be one of my favorite mommy moments (combining marching band and Disney!) My oldest is in 7th grade and plays trumpet. I'm pretty sure he is going to continue. My youngest is in 4th and started playing violin this year. He likes it but does not love it so he is thinking of switching to drums next year. I have already told them that I would sign up to be a chaperone on any Disney trip .

The Southern Caribbean cruise sounds great! I'm hoping to book Alaska for June 2015 when they are released this week. I'm going to have to go back and read your report again.

 

[eandesmom]

I just realized I completely forgot something in the last update!

After the BEST DISNEY DAY EVER (according to Kolby), when we’d arrived back at the room Mel was hanging out reading iwtha glass of wine, kids were in their room winding down with a little TV. We said good night to all.

And then went out!

Well, Jeff and I did.

First though we checked to see if what we wanted to do was even an option.
I placed a call, checking on hours. I was told

"We close at 11 but if you are quiet, you can stay till 11:30 and I won’t tell anyone"

DEAL!

So we went!

To the hot tub!

And spent a lovely 30 minutes soaking and chatting with a super nice couple that were also owners. A perfect end to a perfect day and we slept like rocks afterwards. One odd note, I did realize after getting back up to the room and changing for bed, that my legs were BRIGHT red. It went away and didn't itch or anything but wow, really does make you wonder what chemicals they are using in those tubs!

It was New Years Eve!!!!!!!!!!!! A day I think we were all very excited for, but also one we were a bit nervous about. Crowds, Drunks in the World Showcase, Lines, Park Capacity Closures were all things on my mind as we woke up. We had all been up pretty late the night before, having Kolby's "best Disney Day ever" and did not feel the need to hit rope drop or rush out the door. Instead we got up, had coffee, made breakfast and packed lunches. I had deliberately left this morning open, figuring we would kind of play it by ear. At dinner (I think we had discussed my idea, which was to hit Animal Kingdom in the morning as it was likely to be the least crowded. Or we could have a lazy morning but the pool or whatever folks wanted. Having not made it to AK yet, everyone really wanted to do that. No resting for this crew!

Arriving at AK a few of us were up for a picture by the tree















Where to first?

Well now THAT’s a silly question! We had 4 teenage boys!



Single rider line or bust!

Kolby hated it. NOT!



PIO, Evan’s hair made me think of your recent update. LOL!



Eric's looking for...???



Apparently I needed a nap. Or more coffee?



Not Melissa's favorite



Jeff's looking at whatever Eric was!



And last but not least, Q!



While we were getting our mountain on and looking for the Yeti, the rest of our group arrived. EE was not on the approved list for Freight Train, Spartacus or Tiberius (currently the nicknames for the baby) nor was it on Dad's approved heart list of rides and so the rest of our crew took the time to get some nice TOL pictures.













Mountains conquered and trees captured, we finally met up with ALL our crew! This was the first time we'd actually seen Kerri and Eric! Or at least that most of us had, obviously mom and dad rode the bus over to AK with them.

With a short wait time, Kerri encouraged Eric to go on his first Disney ride. Now, I don’t know if it’s his first Disney ride EVER but it was his first Disney WORLD ride ever.

I'm not sure it's what I would have chosen but that’s how the chips fell.







He looks bored.

But hey, it got ALMOST all of us in one picture!

At a few points in the day, Pat and I texted back and forth. She too was in the park but our paths never ended up crossing that day.

Continued in next post

 

[eandesmom]

Continued from previous

Afterwards, the mandatory shopping poking around at Chester and Hesters and a bio break ensued. The boys seemed to like this guy







Man, you’d never know Evan had gotten a haircut 2 days prior would you?
Talk about bed head







Camera shy they are

At this point in the day the boys had something they REALLY wanted to do. It really wasn't on my list. Not that day anyway. Most of the adults took a similar pass.

In fact, while they waited in line, Mel, Jeff and I took off to go get a coffee. We did make it back in time to watch their adventure.

There they go!























Wonder why it wasn't on my list?









It was nice out. But not THAT nice!

I am pretty sure Big Eric was equally as wet (they’d conned their Uncle into joining them) but somehow he got out of the photo. It was 11 and the minions were hungry so we handed over the food. Mel wanted to check something out for herself, there was an "allergy" kiosk. So off we went.



If memory serves she got a bar, and wasn't thrilled.

Baby Freight Train, his parents and my folks had not packed lunch so a stop of a different kind was in order. While the hungry people ordered, we hung out with this guy.



I think Jeff still needed another coffee



Exciting dining pictures huh!

Continued in next post

 

[eandesmom]

Continued from previous

We cut the kids loose to single rider to their hearts content and once the other adults had finished, all went together to something Kerri could do!





After this we all got a little scattered. Dad really wanted a T shirt he'd seen at Dinosaur. The rest of us poked around a little bit and at some point, apparently people posed for pics. Clearly I missed this particular Kodak Moment!

















The T shirt thing took so long...Jeff bought the boys a snack.











And with that, it was time to go. We'd hit all the headliners that had been on our agenda, it had been super casual, just a nice few hours in the park. We arrived around 9 and left at 1. We had a long night ahead of us but first, had other plans.

But not without a final Kodak moment!

















It was a super fun, yet super relaxed morning. We knew we'd have several more options to come back to AK if we wanted and as a result no one felt pressured at that moment to really try hard to hit as much as possible. Despite the fact that it was New Years Eve, we sure didn't feel the crowds at AK, and I am fairly sure MK had already hit at least the first level of closure, possibly Epcot as well, it was the absolute perfect choice for our day.

 

[MEK]

Note to self - absolutely do AK if I ever visit on NYE's. It looks like everyone had such a great time (well, maybe except when Jeff was T-shirt shopping ). Sooooooo many wonderful PP pictures and yay for getting several group shots.

I also really like that you guys split up and did single rider on EE. Looks like everyone from your group is having a blast. I'm not so sure about all the other folks in the cars.

Great morning.

And your trip plans - boo to marching on Easter Sunday, but you like you said - it is what it is. I'm sure your readjusted plans will work out just fine.

There was something else I wanted to comment on re: the trips.

Oh, wait, I remember - I am SO jealous that you are having such great weather. It really does make running SO MUCH BETTER. It was so cold when I ran this morning, and my sock was kinked, so I came back with a numb toe. It had turned completely white. Hey - but at least the sun was out.

Great update!

 

[jedijill]

I agree with MEK...AK was the perfect choice for NYE...it didn't seem crowded at all and you got all the big hitters done!

I love the pics with baby Simba!

Jill in CO

 

[Poolrat]

So funny- I knew we were in the same park but we never crossed paths.


It is also funny because I had to consult my pictures but we had virtually opposite days. I was more thrown by no regular FP and that ultimately changed what I did mostly on principle.

Looks like you really got the crew together and got some great rides in. Love the family and the Simba pictures.

Can't believe the boys went on Kali- you are right it was not THAT nice.

Sorry the DL Easter plans got a bit skewed but I am sure you will tweak and work around it all.

All the other plans are coming together nicely. I am still trying to get all my vacation approved.

 

[KatMark]

Your plans continue to look great.

How nice that you and Jeff got a little more "solo" time by enjoying the hot tub.

Okay, how close is Eric to overtaking Jeff in height? I cannot believe how much he has grown!

It looks like the perfect morning at the Animal Kingdom, and you all accomplished quite a bit.

I love the EE rides and all the different faces. Funny that Eric and Jeff seemed to be looking at the same spot.

Jeff definitely looked like he needed another cup of coffee.

I can't wait to hear what you do next.

 

[Chilly]

Hot tub time, now it really was the best day ever!

Are you eagerly awaiting the 2015 cruise announcement today or will next year be cruise free?

Looks like the boys are having fun with their cousins, that is probably what my DH was like as a kid as he's got an older brother and 2 male cousins and they hung out a lot as kids.

 

[PrincessInOz]

Wow! Easter Parade?? I'm sure you'll have fun! The plans at DLR are really starting to firm up, aren't they? Just Monday to plan for now. Sounds like you have a very fun DisMeet planned.

I'm so jealous....you're going to Flower & Garden AND Food & Wine in the same year! Well done.




Awesome! You got the hot tub almost to yourself. It really was the perfect day.

PIO, Evan’s hair made me think of your recent update. LOL!

At least he doesn't resemble Cousin It!




Love all the Photopass pictures of your crew. The ones with Simba are fantastic.

 

[Mndisneygirl]

I am jealous of all your travels this year! I agree - F&G, F&W, Cruise, AND DL!!! Awesome!

So we have officially signed on for a NYE trip! DH wants to spend NYE at MK. Based on what you're saying, I'm thinking we'll need to spend the entire day there, yes? I'm planning on making some ADRs that day to build in a restful meal or two in the park so we can take breaks. Hoping for Crystal Palace breakfast and BOG dinner. I'm going to need to make some spreadsheets for all the deadlines between the ADRs, the FP+, the cruise...OY!
I have a strong feeling that we won't be watching fireworks from the Poly beach next trip. Sounds like too much work going on there.

I can't wait to hear about how you spent the rest of the day and your NYE!

 

[afwdwfan]

We are under 30 days!!!!!!!!!!!!! And finally found out which day the band will be performing. They will be marching, somewhere, at sometime on

EASTER

Yep.

Sigh.

Yuck... less than ideal, but your plans look good. It certainly is a shame that you won't be able to have a more laid back Easter day, but it looks like fun either way.

They had Mary Ellen and I at glass of wine!

Why does this not surprise me? A nice little perk!

Where to first?

Well now THAT’s a silly question! We had 4 teenage boys!

We don't have any teenage boys and it is still the same answer.

I'm not sure it's what I would have chosen but that’s how the chips fell.

Nothing wrong with Dinosaur! It really is a pretty impressive ride that is underrated...

Unless dinosaurs just bore you to death

At this point in the day the boys had something they REALLY wanted to do. It really wasn't on my list. Not that day anyway. Most of the adults took a similar pass.

I tend to pass on this one too. I'm just not a fan of walking around soaking wet, unless the ride itself is worthwhile...

We cut the kids loose to single rider to their hearts content and once the other adults had finished, all went together to something Kerri could do!

I'm glad that the boys were being responsible enough to handle it. And even on NYE.

It was a super fun, yet super relaxed morning. We knew we'd have several more options to come back to AK if we wanted and as a result no one felt pressured at that moment to really try hard to hit as much as possible. Despite the fact that it was New Years Eve, we sure didn't feel the crowds at AK, and I am fairly sure MK had already hit at least the first level of closure, possibly Epcot as well, it was the absolute perfect choice for our day.

It definitely seems like it was a great morning. Being able to relax, not standing at the turnstiles an hour before RD and getting that much done by 1 on NYE must have felt great!

 

[eandesmom]

How exciting for the Band trip. Hopefully someday I will get to see one(or both) of my kids marching down Main St. I think this would be one of my favorite mommy moments (combining marching band and Disney!) My oldest is in 7th grade and plays trumpet. I'm pretty sure he is going to continue. My youngest is in 4th and started playing violin this year. He likes it but does not love it so he is thinking of switching to drums next year. I have already told them that I would sign up to be a chaperone on any Disney trip .

I am NOT chaperoning! Actually there aren't any parent chaperons, it is all school staff. Lots of parents going though and taking the rest of their family. In theory we should be doing this again in 4 years, they plan to keep it part of the "rotation" for the marching band which means Disneyland, Victoria BC, Ireland, Victoria BC every 4 years in April. I'm a bit jealous. I got to do the Victoria parade many times and did get to go to Europe with the concert band but the Disney thing is a total score and new for our HS to add into the line up. Eric plays trumpet and definitely plans on Marching. Evan is just bummed that they will be in Ireland together. LOL!

The Southern Caribbean cruise sounds great! I'm hoping to book Alaska for June 2015 when they are released this week. I'm going to have to go back and read your report again.

Good luck! That is today, right? I'm not even going to look, it's best that way. Right now our hope is Aulani for spring break 2015, cannot swing that and a cruise for the gang, that much I know though I sure wish I could!. It's kind of crazy, I would love to take the E's on one more cruise or back to WDW before Evan graduates HS and with the band Ireland trip in the mix for 2016...it's most likely going to have to be one or the other and probably spring break 2017.

Note to self - absolutely do AK if I ever visit on NYE's. It looks like everyone had such a great time (well, maybe except when Jeff was T-shirt shopping ). Sooooooo many wonderful PP pictures and yay for getting several group shots.

it was actually my Dad who was looking for a shirt Jeff does have his own shopping adventure but we've not quite gotten to it yet.

I also really like that you guys split up and did single rider on EE. Looks like everyone from your group is having a blast. I'm not so sure about all the other folks in the cars.

Seriously, they were probably like, who are these crazy people?

Great morning.

And your trip plans - boo to marching on Easter Sunday, but you like you said - it is what it is. I'm sure your readjusted plans will work out just fine.

It is a boo. Boo to spring break falling on easter. It's never happened before and probably never will again. I just REALLY hope that we can make the brunch at Ralph Brennan's work out, it is much more of a special occasion type brunch.

There was something else I wanted to comment on re: the trips.

Oh, wait, I remember - I am SO jealous that you are having such great weather. It really does make running SO MUCH BETTER. It was so cold when I ran this morning, and my sock was kinked, so I came back with a numb toe. It had turned completely white. Hey - but at least the sun was out.

Great update!

Well it's short lived, we are back to rain today although it is in the low 50's so not horrible. Supposed to be that way all week, including Saturday for my race which is a drag as my rain jacket pretty much sucks. But boy was it nice while it lasted!!!!

I agree with MEK...AK was the perfect choice for NYE...it didn't seem crowded at all and you got all the big hitters done!

We really did, the lack of fast passes, or even hitting rope drop, was a total non issue!

I love the pics with baby Simba!

Jill in CO

Aren't those cute? I have no idea when they went and got those, obviously it wasn't the whole crew.

So funny- I knew we were in the same park but we never crossed paths.

Yeah, I remember we were updating wait times via text but seems like we were at opposite ends...

It is also funny because I had to consult my pictures but we had virtually opposite days. I was more thrown by no regular FP and that ultimately changed what I did mostly on principle.

So what did you do??? I have to admit the lack of FP's was a total non issue that morning.

Looks like you really got the crew together and got some great rides in. Love the family and the Simba pictures.

It was such a mellow morning, I'm glad it got captured on film, it was just fun and relaxed.

Can't believe the boys went on Kali- you are right it was not THAT nice.

No it wasn't! I had that sweatshirt on all morning. And we had some wind too.

Sorry the DL Easter plans got a bit skewed but I am sure you will tweak and work around it all.

All the other plans are coming together nicely. I am still trying to get all my vacation approved.

Approval does help

Your plans continue to look great.

They are coming along!

How nice that you and Jeff got a little more "solo" time by enjoying the hot tub.

I can't believe I forgot that, it was a lot of fun and we slept like rocks!

Okay, how close is Eric to overtaking Jeff in height? I cannot believe how much he has grown!

Oh he has a ways to go before he passes Jeff. Both boys are probably around 5'7" now, Eric might be 5'7 1/2". So he's still got probably 3 inches. He will pass Jeff, Evan may or may not. Question is whether Eric will pass Taylor. Quin was bummed all trip as he sensed Eric was going to pass him up soon. They are so funny that way! What is more odd to me than the height (and being the shortest in the house) and the ever growing feet and legs...is that both boys voices are changing at the same time. It's like they are girls...on the same cycle!

It looks like the perfect morning at the Animal Kingdom, and you all accomplished quite a bit.

It was very much a go with the flow kind of morning and the flow went really well! I was very pleased, we all were. Of course it helps that we'd set low expectations just based on the day of the year that it was.

I love the EE rides and all the different faces. Funny that Eric and Jeff seemed to be looking at the same spot.

Makes me wonder what they saw!

Jeff definitely looked like he needed another cup of coffee.

I can't wait to hear what you do next.

He does! He looks grumpy there. And possibly was a bit annoyed that we were sitting there waiting and watching other folks eat. He was likely chomping at the bit. But with poor Kerri hardly able to do a thing in the parks and us not having seen them yet, we also wanted to hang with them. So it's probably as much all of that...and the need for more coffee.

 

[Leshaface]

Glad you guys were able to partake in the hot tub on BEST DISNEY DAY EVER!

Great job at AK! And on NYE to boot!

Yep, the picture of the wet kids is the reason we haven't been on that ride since 2008 I'll pass on that!

Fantastic family photos there at the end!

 

[eandesmom]

Hot tub time, now it really was the best day ever!

Are you eagerly awaiting the 2015 cruise announcement today or will next year be cruise free?

Most likely cruise free. With the new 18 month rebooking limitation, I don't know that we will even try to book something on board as I just don't see it fitting in. I guess you never know but it seems pretty improbable. I would love to do another one with the boys before Evan graduates HS but right now we've Aulani slated for next year, the kids have their big band trip the year aft that and then POOF it's Evan's last spring break and summer.

Looks like the boys are having fun with their cousins, that is probably what my DH was like as a kid as he's got an older brother and 2 male cousins and they hung out a lot as kids.

We hung out with my cousins at that age too, at least until some of them moved away. It was a ton of fun!

Wow! Easter Parade?? I'm sure you'll have fun! The plans at DLR are really starting to firm up, aren't they? Just Monday to plan for now. Sounds like you have a very fun DisMeet planned.

Yep, just Monday and then figuring out which breakfast works best.

I'm so jealous....you're going to Flower & Garden AND Food & Wine in the same year! Well done.

it is a bit obnoxious isn't it? I can't quite believe it myself, you really could have knocked me over when Jeff was all over the idea of F&W. I proposed before or after (or both) never in a million years thinking he's pick both!

Should I mention we will get the last Star Wars weekend too while there in May? It's like the ultimate Disney year. I think I'd be pushing it though if I try to get him to go to MNSSHP but you never know. Once they announce dates I will at least "inform" him. And see if he bites.

At least he doesn't resemble Cousin It!

Just wait till later in the TR

Love all the Photopass pictures of your crew. The ones with Simba are fantastic.

They are awfully cute! I think my mom may have actually asked for a magic shot but am not positive.

I am jealous of all your travels this year! I agree - F&G, F&W, Cruise, AND DL!!! Awesome!

2015-16 are going to be lean and mean as a result. It is cool...but I do really wish it was a bit more spread out. Well at the moment I don't, at the moment I REALLY need a vacation. But my wallet wishes it for sure.

So we have officially signed on for a NYE trip! DH wants to spend NYE at MK. Based on what you're saying, I'm thinking we'll need to spend the entire day there, yes? I'm planning on making some ADRs that day to build in a restful meal or two in the park so we can take breaks. Hoping for Crystal Palace breakfast and BOG dinner. I'm going to need to make some spreadsheets for all the deadlines between the ADRs, the FP+, the cruise...OY!

That's brave. I have to admit, I wouldn't do it. This is how MK went down

On December 31, Magic Kingdom Park closed at 9:40AM due to reaching capacity, in Phase 2. The parking lot was FULL. Just after 11AM Magic Kingdom was at a Phase 3 closure. They later experienced Phase 4 closure for 11 hours.

So yeah, if you aren't in by the AM and don't have things that let you in during phase 2 or 3, you'll have to go elsewhere and best not to plan on leaving at all as there is a good chance of not getting back in.

I will be getting to our evening. We had planned appropriately, we had an ADR in the park and FP+ booked. We also had an escape plan. Had we not there is no way in a million years I'd have been in there. And truly, were it not for FP+ we really would have had to be there all day or have tried to pull FP's in the am, or just not bothered with any rides and at that point wow, it can become a long day or long night really really fast. I had a small amount of fear of not getting in but that was unfounded. We did go through the IG and it was great but oh my word, I saw pictures of the main gate and YOWZA! I will be interested to here how Pat and Carolyn's evenings were as I believe both went to DHS.

I have a strong feeling that we won't be watching fireworks from the Poly beach next trip. Sounds like too much work going on there.

I can't wait to hear about how you spent the rest of the day and your NYE!

I have a feeling I'll have a solid year off from the Poly. I'd still maybe like to do breakfast at Kona but I don't see it fitting into the anniversary trip and while it's a possibility for the F&G one, it will likely be a spur of the moment thing.

Yuck... less than ideal, but your plans look good. It certainly is a shame that you won't be able to have a more laid back Easter day, but it looks like fun either way.

Oh I think it will still be laid back...unless they are marching at rope drop or something like that. We will have 4-5 park days so we aren't going to be in a rush to see stuff. Plus I'll be back in August

Why does this not surprise me? A nice little perk!

It's terrible! So bad I booked both a massage AND a facial. I am not sure my wallet will let me keep the facial though. LOL. Pretty sure I still only get one glass of wine...

We don't have any teenage boys and it is still the same answer.

Nothing wrong with Dinosaur! It really is a pretty impressive ride that is underrated...

Unless dinosaurs just bore you to death

I actually love Dinosaur. In large part because it's Kendall's favorite ride. It used to scare Eric to death. It's just not what I'd pick for someone's first Disney ride...

I tend to pass on this one too. I'm just not a fan of walking around soaking wet, unless the ride itself is worthwhile...

In the summer, spring or even fall if warm enough...I love it. Upper 60's? Maybe even low 70's with a breeze (which is what I think the day got to eventually)...no. The kids did have sweatshirts on in the morning which tells you something.

I'm glad that the boys were being responsible enough to handle it. And even on NYE.

The morning crowd levels allowed for it. At night...

NO WAY.

Just wait!

It definitely seems like it was a great morning. Being able to relax, not standing at the turnstiles an hour before RD and getting that much done by 1 on NYE must have felt great!

It really could not have gone better

 

[elphie101]

That really looks like a perfect NYE morning - especially on that day of all days, when a rope drop would be borderline necessary, it's really great you were able to get so much done while being relaxed about it. Can't wait for the evening!

 

[eandesmom]

Glad you guys were able to partake in the hot tub on BEST DISNEY DAY EVER!

Well I will be honest. It was an amazing day. Best Disney Day ever, for me? It's up there but man, I can't pick just one!

Great job at AK! And on NYE to boot!

Seriously, in the morning you wouldn't have known it was NYE!

Yep, the picture of the wet kids is the reason we haven't been on that ride since 2008 I'll pass on that!

In the warmer weather, especially earlier in the day when I can dry off, if I've dressed for it I really like it.

Fantastic family photos there at the end!

The PP tried so hard to catch Quin jumping, it made for a fun photo. He was doing it anyway and she just latched on to it.

That really looks like a perfect NYE morning - especially on that day of all days, when a rope drop would be borderline necessary, it's really great you were able to get so much done while being relaxed about it. Can't wait for the evening!

It was hard to believe it was NYE at that point in the day.

It did change though

I am so glad the day went as it did, the morning just couldn't have been lovelier!