Making the most out of a Birthday button! 8/28-9/4

[ScrappyRN]

This trip was a surprise trip for DS's 9th birthday. We had been to the world in Oct. 2009 and June 2010. We kept telling him that we didn't know when we'd get back to Disney and he believed us!
The Cast
Me(39)- Lover of Disney, would live there if I could. Conquered my fear of Splash Mtn. this trip
DH(39)- tolerates that his wife and son are Disney lovers. Enjoyed the food and a fishing excursion this trip.
DS(9)- Loves Disney. Rode Space Mtn. for the first time this trip and it is now one of his favorites. Enjoys teasing Mom that she is a chicken when it comes to Splash Mtn. and really enjoyed seeing me get soaked! Also like the animation class at HS.


So we really weren't planning a trip after June, but when they offered free dining and I kept telling DH about free dining and low crowds at the end of Aug., he in a moment of weakness said,"If you want to go then book it." So I waited a few days, and he didn't recind his offer, so I booked it!
Now this is a really big step for DH. He is not the Disney addict that I am. He doesn't like that Disney is not a relaxing vacation, he usually is complaining about the walking by day 2, and I am a planner and we have to stick to the plan(for the most part).
So DH and I decided that this would be a surprise b-day gift for DS. DS LOVES Disney like his Mom!
So as the weeks led up to our trip, I secretly was printing autograph cards, making a passport and planning what to pack. Packing was the hardest because I had to do it all the night before so DS wouldn't get suspicious. DS did see me try to sneak a suitcase to my bedroom and he asked if we were going to Disney. I said why would you ask that, and he replied ,we take that suitcase when we go to Disney. I got around the situation by saying that I was moving the suitcases from the basement to the closet in our bedroom. He bought that to my happiness!
So the morning arrives when we are to leave and DH and I go into his bedroom at 730 A to wake him up. DH says, "Get up you're late for school." DS wakes up and we say just kidding. So we present him with a birthday bag and tell him that we forgot to give him a present(his birthday was a few days before we left). Inside was a sign I printed from a Disigner that said

He was very excited and even more when he found out he needed to get dressed because MomMom and PopPop were on their way to pick us up to take us to the airport.

 

[cjnix29]

Awesome...I love surprise trips, and I can't wait to read all about it!

 

[heaven2dc]

Love your son's expression! Can't wait to read all about your trip!

 

[mickeystoontown]

Oh I love the expression on your son's face. We surprised our son with a trip to Disney a few years back and I remember how hard it was to plan, pack, etc. without him catching on.

Looking forward to hearing all the juicy details.

 

[TiggerFan3590]

Love a surprise trip... Your son's face was priceless.... Can't wait for more....

 

[ScrappyRN]

welcome everyone! Thanks for joining>

 

[ScrappyRN]

So after the BIG Surprise, DS is worried he doesn't have time to pack his things, this being toys and Nintendo DS. So I assure him that I have his backpack ready, but he wanted to add his Woody from when he was 3 and his new and improved Buzz from this year.(Toy Story made a comeback in our house with the release of Toy Story3)

So my parents come to get us and take us to Philly's airport. DS is a very picky eater, as you will see, but he loves these

When we arrive at the airport there was no one waiting at the outside bag check, so we checked our bags right away and headed to security. Philly has a family line to get through security and again, no line. The Disney Magic is with us already!!!
DS made a stop in the croc store for some new jibbitz and then we headed to our gate

The departure board had our flight being delayed 5 minutes, but we boarded early and were in the air on time.

We arrived at MCO around 1PM and after the ride on the fake monorail, we saw some troops returning from Iraq. I got choked up thinking how happy those families were to be able to hug their loved ones.
We headed to the ME

and after a 5 minute wait got on this

and headed home after stoops at the Poly and GF.

I had done on-line check in and when I reserved our trip I requested any room, just not 1st floor. So when I go to on-line check in counter, guess where our room is? 1160(I think). I politely ask if we could have a room not on the 1st floor. I am then told this a room upgrade. But I respond by saying that's great, but we'd rather not have 1st floor. So he checked in the computer and comes back with a room on the 4th floor, with the upgrade!! More Magic for us.
I paid for standard view and this is what we got

Double score, nice view(we could see the lake a little and bunk beds for DS)
We settled in a few minutes then headed to the pool and a quick service at Roaring Fork.

DS was itching to use some of the gift card money he got from a friend for his B-day(I held onto the card until after the surprise) so we stopped in the Merchantile and he pick 2 new vinyls. He started collecting them on our June trip. He really wanted the superhero Mickey, but he knows that you take a chance when you buy them. So this is what he got

Yes, the one he wanted is on the left. WOW, we got a lot of magic today already.
About 430P we got showered and ready for our 640P ressie at CMC. We took the boat from WL to MK and then got the bus to BC. When we were on the boat it started to rain, and by the time the bus came it was pouring. Now I figured we'd see this every day, being that it was August.
Our first Birthday button moment was on the bus. The bus driver had everyone sing Happy Birthday to DS. When we were done, he yelled out Thank you! How fun was that.
We arrive at BC and the rain is now sideways. We check in at CMC a few minutes early and received our pager. About five minutes later we were seated and we enjoyed our meal. Love the food here. Dh ate about 5 lbs. of crab legs! We tried everything, but DS had a roll and butter and pizza.

No happy birthday song here from the wait staff, but that's ok. We headed back to the bus to get back to MK, with a picture stop here first

As soon as we exited the bus at MK, the WL bus pulled up and back home we were heading without a wait!!!
Could we get this lucky with transportation all week?
Will the birthday Magic continue?

UP NEXT- getting wild at AK. Would DS be tall enough to ride Primeval Whirl this time?

 

[mickeystoontown]

Wow! You really were blessed with a lot of Disney magic! Seems as if everything is going smoothly so far. Glad to hear that you guys enjoyed Chef May Cafe. We may be giving it a try next trip.

 

[ScrappyRN]

Wow! You really were blessed with a lot of Disney magic! Seems as if everything is going smoothly so far. Glad to hear that you guys enjoyed Chef May Cafe. We may be giving it a try next trip.

We've done dinner and breakfast there. I must say if you like crab legs and steamed mussels and clams than dinner is what you should try. Breakfast was ok, but characters are at breakfast and not dinner. Thanks for joing in.

 

[15isto2]

The oics of your DS finding out he was going to disney are priceless

 

[ScrappyRN]

The oics of your DS finding out he was going to disney are priceless

It was really fun that morning! I compare it to the moment my DH said, "It's a boy!"

 

[ScrappyRN]

So we started off the day with a few quick bites in the room. DS had cereal while DH and I had granola bars/Nutrigrain bars. We headed to the bus stop a few minutes later than I wanted, DH still doesn't get the magic of rope drop. I made this to put mousekeeping tips in daily

We didn't have to wait too long before the AK bus showed

We got to AK around 910A. And there were little to no waits to get bag checked or get through turnstiles. We head to Dino Loand because DS wanted to see if he finally reached the 48 inch mark to get on Primeaval Whirl.(DS takes after his Mom and is tiny for his age)

See no crowds!! Well, DS missed the 48 inch mark by about 1/4 inch So we didn't let him sulk, we took him here

Wallked right on, so didn't have time to take alot of photos of the que area.

We got FP to return later and DS got a Yeti vinyl in the store as you exit EE.
Next we decided to head toward the Maharaji Jungle Trail, with a stop for a few pics along the way

I had heard and reaad about the fruit bats, but was still surprised at how large they really are. They had watermelon out for them to eat.

The Tigers were all trying to sleep in the shade.
Next we took a spin on KRR, and got a little wet. Even though it was warm, I didn't want to get soaked. This was a 1st for DH. He rode the similar ride at Six Flags a few weeks before, but he definitly noticed the great themeing here.
We went to see a few characters, DS loves to get autographs and I make him a book using Natalie's Disigns.

We decided to bypass the Safari and take the Train to the Conservation Station we saw this on the way

and these guys after our train ride

We looked around a little and went in the booth to listen to sounds of the rain forest which was cool. Then we took the train back and went to see the bird show(on my list of to do things and the boys humored me)

UP NEXT- a 1PM lunch at Y&Y, would we see any birthday Magic today?

 

[mickeystoontown]

Awww too bad your son wasn't tall enough to ride Primeval Whirl. Isn't it odd that the height requirement for Primeval Whirl is higher than the one for Expedition Everest?

You guys really hit the character jackpot. I love meeting Terk and Flik!

In all of our trips to the Animal Kingdom, we have never seen the bird show. Guess I need to add that to our list of "need to do".

 

[ScrappyRN]

In all of our trips to the Animal Kingdom, we have never seen the bird show. Guess I need to add that to our list of "need to do".
__________________
It's a really cute show and a great way to rest your legs awhile. They do ask for a few audience volunteers as well.

 

[ScrappyRN]

So after the bird show it was almost our time for lunch so we checked in about 15 minutes early and we were seated right away at a table here

Great seat by the window upstairs. Now we had never eaten here so with went with recommendations from our great waiter(Adam, I think). DH the ribs, me the Mahi Mahi and DS went with chicken bites(big surprise).

Everything was wonderful. DS got ice cream for dessert, DH ha cheesecake and I got the won tons. The won tons were okay.

We left Y&Y and went to go back on EE but it was down, they had the FP line going over the bridge toward Nemo and the SB line going back through the FP machines. So no second ride for us. We decided to catch the Nemo show, I think it was around 230P. We made it in before they closed the show. We were in the back on the metal bleachers, but it was great to get out of the sun. Birthday button moment 2- a CM comes up to DS and asks if the Birthday boy wants a special seat upfront, but only 1 other person can go. So I sent DS and DH up front and I enjoyed the show from the rear. No pics this time, I took a bunch on our last trip. So nw DS is catching on that if he wears this button everyday, he may get some extra Magic!
We headed to ITTBAB next

It was almost time for the parade, we weren't planning on watching and DS decides he wants to see more characters. We headed toward CM&M and saw these guys

this is Stitch admiring DS's light up sneakers while Lilo was prancing and showing everyone her picture in DS's autograph book.

These 2 were so funny, they spent alot of time with each family. Lilo was picking leaves and posing with them and using the cone as a dunce cap for Stitch.
We decided since it was almost parade time that we would forego CM&M and head back to the resort to swim. A few pics first

loved the detail carving on the posts while waiting to see L & S.

The last photo was on our way out of the park. We had a great, fun filled day at AK. Got it all done by 4PM.

UP NEXT- MK and how many times can we see the Laugh Floor?

 

[ScrappyRN]

So Monday started out bright an sunny! We took the ferry from WL to MK and got there before RD!!

I just love to here Good morning, good morning, ect. DS has now decided that this song annoys him. What does a just 9 y.o. know about annoying? Anyway we head through the tunnel down Main St. and turn left to get to Splash. Now I've only ridden SM once, because last Oct. DH didn't do our MK morning when it was warm enough to get wet. I love the themeing of the ride, just not the last drop. So I suck it up this time and be a good team player and decide to ride. It was walk on.

It really was fun, and have decided I'm no longer chicken! We were in the last 2 rows in the photo. DS wants to go again, I'm not up for a secon ride so DS and DH went again with no wait.

Up next is a family favorite, BTMRR. Walked on 2 times in a row

Now we head back toward Adventureland for rides on POTC, and Aladdin. I wanted to do JC, but the boys voted no What is the matter with them?

AS we get to Aloha Isle, I get my breakfast dole whip!(sorry no pics) DS and DH were each allowed one taste. They already had a light breakfast in the room. DS didn't want to see Ariel and Eric this time but did want to see these guys again

Next we head to Tomorrow land for some futuristic fun! We did DS's favorite of

DH was shown on screen as someone who likes attention(how wrong were they, he only is in photos because he knows I love having pics from our trip)
DS really wanted to get picked by Marty, but no such luck.
Next we ride

DS thinks because there is a pic of Stitch riding Buzz, that Stitch was the first to ever ride.
Birthday button moment 3AS we exited the ride, a CM says "Happy Birthday Ryan." DS thanks him and the CM procedes to ask DS about the Buzz ride and if he liked it. So DS goes on to explain to him about the ride and how fun it is. So the CM gave him a special ride pass ticket to ride any ride that day and bypass to the front of the line! DS decided he wanted to save it till later to ride Buzz again.
We went on CoP next, I hadn't been on it since 1989 and the boys had nevr been on. It was nice to sit and rest our legs. DS didn't like the smell in the theatre. I think it was from the scene with the dinner burning in the oven.
Next we decide that it's time for DS to try SM. He was afraid to ride in June because he'd have to sit alone. The wait time said 20 minutes, but it was really about 10.

Well DS loved it, so we got FP for later! We had a 1p lunch ressie at LTT, so we head over to Liberty SQ. a few minutes early and check in. We were seated in about 5 minutes. We all enjoyed our lunches.

I got turkey, DS pot roast and DS pizza. I had the ooey gooey cake(yummy), DS birthday sundae(staff sang), and DH the apple tart.

UP NEXT- Will DS face his fear and ride HM? Can he pull the sword from the stone?

 

[heaven2dc]

LTT food looks so good!! Love that your DS liked Space Mountain - I was concerned when I saw him sitting in the front seat but looks like he had a blast! (I'm not too fond of SM or RnR - I get headaches from both rides and don't know why ).

 

[ScrappyRN]

LTT food looks so good!! Love that your DS liked Space Mountain - I was concerned when I saw him sitting in the front seat but looks like he had a blast! (I'm not too fond of SM or RnR - I get headaches from both rides and don't know why ).

You'll see in later shots that he is enjoying himself! It's his new favorite ride. Food was really good at LTT. Thanks for joining in.

 

[ScrappyRN]

So after lunch I want to ride HM. DS does not like the elevator part of the ride, so he doesn't want to ride. I am fine with going by myself but DH says that we are all riding. So to HM we head

I just love this ride! The plan is to head back for a swim/nap and return to MK later. DS wants to see some characters and go back to the Laugh Floor. So I send DH to Lodge while DS and I stay at MK for a little while longer. DS tried this

to no avail! Then we headed to the Laugh Floor and once again, DS not chosen to talk to Marty, but 2 of his jokes were picked. What kind of horse do you ride at night? A nightmare and What kind of eggs do haunted chickens lay? Deviled eggs. So we decide to head toward the exit and see what characters are out, with a stop for some hula hooping and popcorn. We saw these guys

We took the ferry back to the lodge and DS showed off his ticket for line cutting later

and I made Ds stop for a quick outdoor shot before we changed into our suits for a really quick dip

Mousekeeping left this little set up for DS

I thought it was cute how she posed Woody with some of his games while Buzz looked on.
Quick showers after our dip and we headed back to MK, the weather was perfect in the 80's and breezy! Not as hot as I thought August would be and no rain today!
We headed here first to use our FP

DS knew what to expect so his arms were up!
Then we used his special ticket for Buzz, basically went in the FP line. Then he wanated to do the dreaded Stitch's Great Escape

Next we went on BTMRR again and took the train to Toontown. DH decided he didn't need to see Mickey and Tink so he stayed on the train and headed back to the room. DS and I saw our favorite couple

I just love all the cute stuff in the Judge's tent. Then we waited about an hour to see thes cute girls

DS showing Iridessa how to play video games

Vidia was happy to see herself in DS's book. While in line we met another nice family from Nj, so that helped us pass the time while we waited to see the Fairies. They are worth the wait. They really interact with the kids and each other. Very entertaining.
We then rode the Barnstormer before Toontown closed, it was close to 10PM now.

We get to the Tea Cups when I realize DS left his hat on the Barnstormer. So we ran back and luckily the CM had it. We had seen the Electrical parade in June so we missed that but DS wanted to see some of the fireworks and Tink told him that she would wave to him as she descended from the castle, so we had to at least see Tink. So we got a spot on the bridge but the trees were in the way once the fireworks started, but we did see Tink and DS was happy with that. So we made our way to Main St. without too much difficulty by way of Tomorrowland, through the Noodle Station and down Main.

(Our spot on the bridge before Wishes)
A quick boat ride later and back to the Lodge we were.


UP Next- EPCOT for DS and I. Fishing for DH, willhe catch the big one?

 

[Tigger822]

Wow cool birthday trip!
Can't wait to read more.
Lisa