March 2012: The Year I Almost Survived Spring Break

[sjs314]

WOW I forget my reasoning now as to why I was going to MK on the 7th but your crowds were huge on the 6th. DHS was not busy on the 6th just as I thought. Maybe I need to start predicting crowd levels.

We ate at CHH for lunch too and it was not busy at all.

 

[oopsiDAISY]

Just dropping in to say...you are EVIL! I now have a firm addiction to a particular FB activity...

 

[sandym718]

Well, Sheila must have hit it right by doing DHS on the 6th!!! We were at AK and it was PACKED too - looked just like your MK pictures, "wall to wall" people. I don't think I've ever seen POTC at 25 minutes!!

I'm sorry your CHH lunch was not good. We love it there and had a great dinner there this time. The apple "crisp" (which isn't, it's more of a, I don't know, tart?) is one of my favorite things. I love the chicken there too.

Backing up a bit...sorry about your 1900 experience, that sounds awful. We tried it for the first time this trip. Other than a less-than-stellar server (which was the same almost everywhere the entire trip), we had a great experience. Didn't notice any rudeness, and trust me...we stood out there, LOL. Those who drove over did make a few jokes about having to park in Timbuktu since we were "lower class". I'm in total agreement about the GF - it's beautiful. We always visit, since DD gets her hair braided at the Ivy Trellis. Very lovely. But NO desire to stay there at all. Last year, because of discounts, we actually could have saved about $100 by staying there rather than the Poly. But NO WAY! The Poly has such a relaxed, friendly feeling and the GF just feels too stuffy to me. We'll just visit!!

 

[Lidian]

WOW I forget my reasoning now as to why I was going to MK on the 7th but your crowds were huge on the 6th. DHS was not busy on the 6th just as I thought. Maybe I need to start predicting crowd levels.

We ate at CHH for lunch too and it was not busy at all.

Where's you crowd calendar site? I'm totally signing up.

Honestly, I've never seen lunch crowds like we saw that week. I prefer to eat around 11AM, as it's my normal lunch time (and same for kids) .... so to see EVERYONE in the park eating at 11 ... it was insane!

Just dropping in to say...you are EVIL! I now have a firm addiction to a particular FB activity...

I'm really not sure what you're talking about.

Well, Sheila must have hit it right by doing DHS on the 6th!!! We were at AK and it was PACKED too - looked just like your MK pictures, "wall to wall" people. I don't think I've ever seen POTC at 25 minutes!!

I'm sorry your CHH lunch was not good. We love it there and had a great dinner there this time. The apple "crisp" (which isn't, it's more of a, I don't know, tart?) is one of my favorite things. I love the chicken there too.

Backing up a bit...sorry about your 1900 experience, that sounds awful. We tried it for the first time this trip. Other than a less-than-stellar server (which was the same almost everywhere the entire trip), we had a great experience. Didn't notice any rudeness, and trust me...we stood out there, LOL. Those who drove over did make a few jokes about having to park in Timbuktu since we were "lower class". I'm in total agreement about the GF - it's beautiful. We always visit, since DD gets her hair braided at the Ivy Trellis. Very lovely. But NO desire to stay there at all. Last year, because of discounts, we actually could have saved about $100 by staying there rather than the Poly. But NO WAY! The Poly has such a relaxed, friendly feeling and the GF just feels too stuffy to me. We'll just visit!!

Sorry you dealt with a packed AK! I think AK was another "best" park for that day, too ... but I wasn't about to give up a 1.something MK for it. Guess it didn't matter in the end.

We love CHH, so I was very sad to have such a bad experience. We'd definitely give them another shot ... but if our next experience is bad, then we'll look elsewhere for lunch.

I didn't care for the apple tart-crisp thing. It really just didn't taste right. The apples weren't too bad ... but the "dough" was ... I dunno. It wasn't good at all. Maybe it was stale? I'd be willing to try it again perhaps ... if they don't have any better desserts.

Yes, Timbuktu parking sounds exactly right. I was astonished at the long walk. It really set the mood for me, I suppose. And then the snooty staff.

And as you can see from my pictures, we were nicely dressed (which appearance should NOT have mattered). So it wasn't like we were coming in wearing ripped tanks and shorts and having our rears hanging out. We didn't look trashy or like we wouldn't be able to pay our bill. I don't know ... I guess it was maybe because we weren't covered in diamonds and wearing high-fashion clothes?

I have no desire to ever, ever go back to GF. Period. DD wants to go back for breakfast to see Alice ... but not going to happen. I just can't fathom dealing with the snootiness of the staff.

I've always wanted to stay at the Poly. It's at the top of my list for Deluxes. It's actually #1 to be honest, followed by BC. Then again, I'd be happy at any Deluxe if we could scrounge up the funds.

 

[Princesswikki]

I love your dress in the chef mickeys post! Where did you get it?!?

 

[Lidian]

I love your dress in the chef mickeys post! Where did you get it?!?

Thank you! I picked it up at Target (on sale, too!) a week or so before our trip!

 

[solana131]

Oh... wait for the one in update 3 ...

And I'm used to 7s .... and with the park being a 1 ... that's what was my shocker. But you're going when it's probably 9s or 10s! I don't envy that.

If you get there early, you'll get more done. Just remember, RD is your friend.

Yep you are right.....that picture of FrontierLand scares me

Oh well, too late to change my mind now. We'll deal with it.

 

[Princesswikki]

Thank you! I picked it up at Target (on sale, too!) a week or so before our trip!

Score! I am going to browse my target. In hope of finding it!

 

[MHTeacher]

Sorry MK was more crowded than you'd planned. It's so frustrating when the lines are so long.

That shot of FrontierLand was scary---It reminded me on the same area during our 2009-2010 New Years Eve trip.

 

[mblc14]

ok...caught up for now...just need to keep it that way.

Sorry about the crowds, ours really didnt seem that bad at all. But, our only experience was at Christmas before Spring Break. Your pics remind me of our from that first trip....people EVERYWHERE!!!

LG joked about the "no dancing" pic on the train too...

I think we were failry lucky to do MK on the EMH night because we got so much done that first night. But never Peter Pan. It always had at least a 30-40 minute wait, and we werent doing that, that late.

Can't wait to read more about this day...

 

[DMGeurts]

I know, I know - I am a bad, bad friend...

I can barely keep up with my own TR this week, and I know I can't keep up with yours... but I'm gonna try.

Ok - first of all - I know exactly what you are feeling when you let dd ride SM by herself, it's the same feeling I had when I let V go meet the princesses while I stood in the fairies line... You have all these irrational thoughts run through your head, for what seems like forever, and then they come bouncing back to you, with a new photopass card in their hand - to prove to you that there was no need to worry... You've taught them what to do, and we sometimes have to remember that they are smart kids, and if in any situation they are not sure of, they'll find a CM. But I remember how terrified I was too...

OK, the JC... Um yah - I can see why you like it, it's soooo "Liddy"... but we only ride it because it's one of those rides you just have to do because you're there, it's really not a favorite of ours.

I saw that HM in Philharmagic for the first time this trip too - LOL And... I took a picture of it. LOL

I dunno how we ever waited in lines with out internet???

Yay!!! I am to the part where you talk about MEEEEEEE.....

I KNEW it - you were stalking me... I could FEEL it as we were walking around Adventureland....

OK - I am dying to know... How in the world are we "easy" to spot? In a sea of Dole Whips - what made ours so special that you could see them???

OK - now I'm off to get sappy... You do realize that you have the most wonderful children I have ever met, every time we saw them over the course of our trip They were always so sweet. And to see them wtih my girls - it just melted my heart... It was like they were kindrid spirits all along.

I agree, we should have given your DH the camera... but then we'd have a bunch of pictures of half our bodies anyways. LOL

LIddy, I am pretty sure they put the "no dancing" rule on the train because of you. Way to ruin it for the rest of us.

How cool that you got to play the scorcerer game... We never did.


OK - must go clean again...

D~

 

[Lidian]

Yep you are right.....that picture of FrontierLand scares me

Oh well, too late to change my mind now. We'll deal with it.

You'll be fine! RD is your friend. Save all the low-wait stuff for later in the day. It's easier to run two adults through a mass crowd than it is two adults and two kids! So you'll be great!

Score! I am going to browse my target. In hope of finding it!

G'luck and lemme know if you find it!!!

Sorry MK was more crowded than you'd planned. It's so frustrating when the lines are so long.

That shot of FrontierLand was scary---It reminded me on the same area during our 2009-2010 New Years Eve trip.

It was very frustrating ... but nothing we could do. So we just kept venturing forth!

Yes, it was quite scary ... enjoying a Mickey bar (in an uncrowded area that was off in no-man's land) and then walking the corner to see ... THAT!

ok...caught up for now...just need to keep it that way.

Sorry about the crowds, ours really didnt seem that bad at all. But, our only experience was at Christmas before Spring Break. Your pics remind me of our from that first trip....people EVERYWHERE!!!

LG joked about the "no dancing" pic on the train too...

I think we were failry lucky to do MK on the EMH night because we got so much done that first night. But never Peter Pan. It always had at least a 30-40 minute wait, and we werent doing that, that late.

Can't wait to read more about this day...

I'm glad that you were able to cope with the crowds! It was a huge shock to us ... especially with all the sites claiming it to be low crowds.

You can't have any fun on that train. I sulked ... and the kids made us all hold hands... which made for rough picture taking.

I know, I know - I am a bad, bad friend...

I can barely keep up with my own TR this week, and I know I can't keep up with yours... but I'm gonna try.

Ok - first of all - I know exactly what you are feeling when you let dd ride SM by herself, it's the same feeling I had when I let V go meet the princesses while I stood in the fairies line... You have all these irrational thoughts run through your head, for what seems like forever, and then they come bouncing back to you, with a new photopass card in their hand - to prove to you that there was no need to worry... You've taught them what to do, and we sometimes have to remember that they are smart kids, and if in any situation they are not sure of, they'll find a CM. But I remember how terrified I was too...

I'm glad I wasn't the only one who worried "for nothing". I'm glad we have such bright girls who make the right choices!

OK, the JC... Um yah - I can see why you like it, it's soooo "Liddy"... but we only ride it because it's one of those rides you just have to do because you're there, it's really not a favorite of ours.

I saw that HM in Philharmagic for the first time this trip too - LOL And... I took a picture of it. LOL

I dunno how we ever waited in lines with out internet???

JC is totally a "Liddy" ride. They should just name it to Liddy's Jungle Cruise. That sounds perfect! It's definitely a must-do and we'd love to do it more than once, but when having to utilize FPs, it's never worked out. I want to do a day and a night ride.

I saw you saw the HM too! I saw your picture and was all "D'oh!" But there's no way I could have copied you, because my picture was first, and neither had a clue we had spotted it for the first time. Snotty little DD was all "Duh, I saw it years ago". Brat.

I'm not sure how we waited in lines without 'net either! I'm trying to think back to our 2009 trip. Maybe even our 2010 trip. Yeah ... both of them. Not sure how we waited in lines back then. I guess we actually had to talk to each other like families do.

Yay!!! I am to the part where you talk about MEEEEEEE.....

I KNEW it - you were stalking me... I could FEEL it as we were walking around Adventureland....

OK - I am dying to know... How in the world are we "easy" to spot? In a sea of Dole Whips - what made ours so special that you could see them???

I could take out all the mentions of you ... if you need me too. I don't want to over-excite you. I'm a good friend like that.

I stalked you like a cat ... a panther, ready to pounce. Meow!

Your Dole Whips were so easy to spot in the sea of Dole Whips. Yours weren't mostly eaten yet.

OK - now I'm off to get sappy... You do realize that you have the most wonderful children I have ever met, every time we saw them over the course of our trip They were always so sweet. And to see them wtih my girls - it just melted my heart... It was like they were kindrid spirits all along.

You know ... we do have a Target here.

I loved seeing our kids together! Truly amazing at how well they adopted each other! (I'm glad you loved my kids as much as I loved yours!)

I agree, we should have given your DH the camera... but then we'd have a bunch of pictures of half our bodies anyways. LOL

Yes, the pictures would have been amazing ... perhaps some of the ground, some of the sky, there's a tree over there ... Some guy just walked by wearing a neat shirt ... perhaps one of us would get an elbow or knee in the picture ... if we're lucky. Silly DH.

LIddy, I am pretty sure they put the "no dancing" rule on the train because of you. Way to ruin it for the rest of us.

Oh. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to ruin it for everyone. I never noticed it before ... so it has to be new. I guess I danced too much last May ... they had to make new rules ... that carried forward to lots of places.

How cool that you got to play the scorcerer game... We never did.

OK - must go clean again...

D~

I didn't say we played. I said we trained. You won't know if we played until my next update. Stop assuming things silly.

 

[Lidian]

The sun was going down, so it was really getting chilly out (moreso than it already was). We walked the short distance over to Crystal Palace and went to check in.

The place was PACKED. There were people everywhere! I told DH I'd go ahead and get in line to check us in, since by the time we reached the front, it would be past our ADR time (because really, the line was THAT long).

I hopped in line and several CMs were wandering around shouting at everyone that check-in was for ADRs only and to only have one adult stand in line. They said all other family members could wait elsewhere and if you didn't have an ADR, too bad (they were directing people to CS places). The line was all the way down the patio. Several people tried to "cut the line" and would make a beeline for the check-in window ... but thankfully they were all caught and the CM would direct them to the back of the line if they had an ADR or send them on their way if they didn't. However, not everyone in line was willing to accept that it was for ADRs only and they were booked.

So while those silly people argued with the CM about being sat (and still turned away), it made the line move very slow. The gentleman in front of me kept me company while we waited. It was nice to have someone to talk to in line.

They had two CMs checking people in at that point, so the line started to move a bit quicker. I got us all checked in and was given a pager. I returned to the family, who was hanging around the steps. DH said that he hoped a bench cleared up soon, as I was starting to feel pretty puny. Plus, I was COLD. I was snuggled up next to DH while the kids sat on the steps (but out of the way). Finally the bench behind us opened up, so I took a spot and was joined by an older couple. Soon afterwards, a CM was calling for our party. Not sure why they gave us a pager if they weren't going to use it.

We were taken to a table where we were instructed to place the kids in the chairs so it was close to the characters. The way the CM stated it really rubbed me the wrong way -- not to mention I was feeling pretty bad. I knew to place the kids nearest the characters. That was a no-brainer, or so I thought. But the CM kind of had an "or else" tone to the statement ... I dunno. Anyway, the server came by for drinks and said she'd bring a chef out to go over DD's milk allergy.

The chef comes out and asks about the milk allergy and then says that DD can have most everything on the buffet. She started going over what was on the salad bar ... and said she could have something that had cheese in it. That's when I realized, this chef needs more training. She said that my DD could have cheese. Cheese is made from milk. I pointed this out to her, so then she said that she could have anything unless it had a creamy sauce or cheese in it and walked off. Seriously? Thank god it wasn't a life-threatening allergy. We'd have been screwed. This chef was absolutely WORTHLESS.

I sent DH to get DS a plate, and I walked with DD to the buffet to point out what was probably safe and what wasn't safe. We all fixed a plate and tried to enjoy the food while waiting for the characters.

I was really feeling ill, and I even made a trip or two to the restroom (just in case).

Sorry, no food pictures, as I was struggling to be there and I really wanted to leave. And the hostess and chef kind of put me in a worse mood....

I posted to FB this picture at 6:54:

DS is holding up a shrimp, just for the record.

First Piglet came around. I was so excited to see Piglet (as we haven't met him before).

Tigger had some fascination with me ... not sure why. But he wouldn't let me go. (Maybe he could tell I wasn't feeling well and was trying to cheer me up? I dunno.)

Then my favorite .... Eeyore!

By the time Pooh came along, I didn't want to move. I had my head down on the table, and I think I made DH take the picture...

DS wouldn't let Pooh go. He gave him tons of hugs and just wouldn't let poor Pooh leave. I think Pooh really enjoyed all the attention DS gave him.

Review of CP:
Overall, the food was good. But honestly, I don't remember much about it. I know I enjoyed items on my plate and didn't enjoy items. There were a ton of options on the buffet. The characters were good, and we didn't have to wait long to see them all. Service was not too pleasant. The chef was ... well ... not-so-bright. The server was almost non-existant. Would we go back? Yes. Would we go back if we have a severe food allergy? NO!!!! Odds are high that I'll book this for our next trip. The kids enjoyed it, DH seemed to enjoy it. I just talked to DH... neither of us can recall much about the food ... we don't recall it being bad, nor good ... so ... whatever that means. It didn't leave an impression.

After we settled up our bill, we headed back to the park.... some pictures of the "topiary" statues inside...

After fully leaving the restaurant, I snapped some pictures of my current view... the castle at night:

It was probably about 8pm ... so we had been at CP for about two hours when you factor in first arriving, waiting, eating, and leaving.

DH asked how I felt and I just mumbled at this point. He made the executive decision to head back to the room. The kids whined a bit, but I think they were tired and cold, too, so they didn't carry on much.

We made our way out the park ... not getting a chance to try out the new Sorcerers game. On our way out, we saw a new bus driver ...

He's "Earning his ears". Lots of people stopped to take a picture (which I think offended the new driver) ... but it's not everyday when you get a great sign like that! (And yes, my picture is horrid.)

We waited forever for a bus, which was packed full (and left people standing). We were lucky to take two seats in the VERY back of the bus. I had DS in my lap and DH held on to DD (who was standing). The bus driver gave NO warning when the lights came up as we neared the first stop. Everyone went blind for a bit ... DS just put on his sunglasses and made an announcement that it was all better. Everyone "awwww'ed" him.

Once we arrived to our stop, we trekked back to our room, cleaned up, and got ready for bed. We had an EARLY day tomorrow ... a very early day. Plus, we were meeting up with Kouga again.

Perhaps tomorrow we can dance....

 

[Lidian]

The alarm went off early. And I mean 5:30AM early. I got up and started to get ready first. Then I slowly started to wake up the gang. DH was a bit cranky ... but he'd get over it. We had a HUGE day planned and we had to arrive on time.

On time for what you ask?

Well ... you'll have to see!

At 7:18 AM I posted to FB that we were on a bus to ourselves. Yep, everyone else was still snoozing, or getting ready ... but we were insane and were heading to a park.

Let me back up for a moment ... Earlier, DH had to go to guest services to sort out an issue with our park tickets. While there, he asked what time the buses started running. We were told the parking lots opened about an hour (or less) before the park and buses started running about 45 minutes prior to park opening. I knew that couldn't be right ... so I told DH we'd try for a bus for the next AM and if one didn't come within a few minutes, we'd grab the car and drive.

Sure enough, as soon as we set foot outside, we see a bus drive by (it wasn't the one we wanted, so no worries).

This day, I was feeling MUCH better. Plus, I was super excited for our action-packed day! We didn't have to wait long before a bus shows up ... and even after circling the resort, we were the ONLY ones on board. It was so much fun to have a bus to ourselves!

We arrive around 7:30 AM .... One of my favorite sites for one of my favorite parks (okay, so they're all my favorite .. that's allowed, right?)...

We were about the 7th or 8th family in line as we watched a CM hang up the sign...

DD wanted to take a picture of me ...

I look much better, right? (Lie and say "yes".) DH was already whining about the wait, but I was okay with it. I was excited to snap a picture of an empty park ... AND ... enjoy a character meal I was very much looking forward to! I couldn't wait for DS to meet the characters!

The kids did well at entertaining themselves while we waited. In the meantime, they finished hanging the sign (it was giving them major problems this AM):

Several other families arrived and were shocked at the line for the breakfast. I heard one family really throwing a fit that he had to wait in line for his 8:30 ADR. No offense ... but we had an 8:05 ADR, he could get over it and wait in the back.

Soon a CM arrived and started verifying everyone was in the correct line. Those who didn't have breakfast ADRs were directed to the normal lines (and were a bit happier to not be in a long line lol). Then again, I'm not sure I could handle waiting nearly two hours for a park to open at the gate. Eeek!

We made friends with the nice family in front of us who were staying CL at BW or BC (I honestly don't recall). We saw them several times throughout the day. Then ... the line started to move as people were checked in and directed to the gates.

Isn't it gorgeous?

Soon, we were arriving at the famous ...

We checked in again and was told to have a seat and we'd be called shortly. We barely got comfortable when someone escorted us to a table!

The server came by and noted DD's allergy. The chef came by and asked questions about her allergy (what she could and couldn't have that may contain milk). He said she could pretty much have about everything on the buffet but the gravy (and a perhaps a few other obvious things). He offered to make her fresh items (in case of contamination), but I was just happy to have a chef who went over things. He then took us to the buffet and verified all the items (to make sure WE understood what they were) and claimed if it was safe or not. He came by a few times and checked on her and made sure we still understood what was safe and what wasn't on the buffet. He was a great chef.

While DH and DS were at the buffet ... we had a visitor!

I was getting antsy, as DS was a big Handy Manny fan. I knew DD was familiar with who he was, but didn't think she really knew much about him ... but she carried on a great conversation with him! (I think HM was pretty impressed, too!)

DD asked a question: Is Rusty still afraid of the dark?

I couldn't place which tool Rusty was, but looked up to see HM's response. He was beside himself with excitement. He started looking for DD's pen and started writing out a note, the entire time, it was obvious he was excited and happy DD had asked.

I was so proud of DD for asking HM a question, and I was so proud of HM for writing DD a note to answer it! It goes to show, you don't have to stick to yes/no questions with the characters!

By the time DH and DS came back, HM was a few tables over. DS started to cry, but I reassured him that we'd see HM again. DD and I were about to hit the buffet when ...

JAKE ARRIVED! I had to get up for DH to slide in, so I handed him the camera. I told Jake that I was happy to finally meet him and asked if he thought Peter Pan would be returning to Neverland soon. Jake thought about it for a moment and then shook his head yes.

Hey look, it was warm enough for shorts! lol And DS is such a clown. Sigh.

DD and I took a moment to grab food for ourselves. We came back just as June was arriving. DD loved Little Einsteins, so she talked to June a bit. I complimented her and told her that I missed her the last time we dined here because I was ill. DD handed her each of the autograph books and June seemed to be thankful for the help! (Not sure if she truly was, but she definitely let DD know she appreciated the help.)

Then the kids posed for a picture with June.

Then June ... well, it took me a few minutes to figure out what she was doing to DS ...

She loved his sunglasses!

She slid them down over his eyes, and he pushed them back up. She'd slide them back down and he'd push them back up. This went on for a few minutes before DS gave up. But June really loved DS in his sunglasses and would clap and wiggle everytime she slid them down over his eyes. DS loved the attention.

Then ... the music started up ... it was time for a dance party! Immediately DD got up to see what was going on, but DS was a bit unsure. I just sat at the table and took pictures.

DS is barely visible, but he's in the right-hand corner.

I took lots of pictures (most didn't come out), and a server came by and escorted me over to the kids. lol

They had a BLAST dancing with the characters!!

Soon, the music was over and everyone went back to their seats.

Special Agent Oso made his way over to our table. We enjoyed meeting him, and we talked about Paw Pilot a bit as well. I think he was more shocked that I was more familiar with him than the kids were. But Oso is one of my favorite Disney Jr shows... even if I don't get to watch it very much. lol

And I snapped this little presentation that was on the "dessert" bar...

I thought it was cute they had mini replicas of the iconic sights in DHS!

Since I was finished and was just wandering around (looking for HM), I asked the Playhouse CMs if they posed for pictures. They looked a bit shocked to be asked, but said they'd love to pose for a picture with the kids! They asked if I wanted it in front of the entrance board, which was great!

Brian and Emily were great! (And they actually sing!) Apparently that day, Emily was scheduled off but was called in due to a sick CM. So Brian handled the first dance party alone, but was joined by Emily for the second one (which the kids didn't participate in). They were both amazing with the kids, and you can really tell they love their jobs! I complimented them as we were waiting for our checks and thanked them for allowing us to take a picture!

After we settled up ... it wasn't even 9AM yet (which was the scheduled opening for DHS). What would we do? What other big activities did we have planned? Would we ever find HM again? (Seeing as how HM vanished and never came back out...) Do we finding the missing key? What incredible experience did we have this day?

No really ... I don't know the answers ... can someone help me?

EDIT:
I forgot to give my review of H&V.

It was typical breakfast fare, similiar to what you'd find anywhere else at a breakfast buffet. We enjoyed the food, it was delicious (okay, so their eggs are addicting). We booked primarily for the characters, and they did NOT disappoint. We'd go back in a heartbeat (and actually, we'll be going back in May 2013). I'm not sure if we'll book breakfast or lunch next time ... but we had a great meal, great service, and amazing characters (including Emily and Brian)! We definitely recommend it if you have little ones!

 

[oopsiDAISY]

I love your H&V post! I am serioulsy considering ADR's for here on our next trip. I like to book character meals to get the autographs without standing in line. Since we are not breakfast people, we will probably do lunch. Love the wonderful character interaction you had! AND, I am glad you were feeling better. One of our DHS days actually started earlier than yours...without a pre-park opening ADR...

 

[Lidian]

I love your H&V post! I am serioulsy considering ADR's for here on our next trip. I like to book character meals to get the autographs without standing in line. Since we are not breakfast people, we will probably do lunch. Love the wonderful character interaction you had! AND, I am glad you were feeling better. One of our DHS days actually started earlier than yours...without a pre-park opening ADR...

We had an absolute blast, and I very much look forward to taking my DN there next year! (Plus DS will still be all about the Jr characters, I'm sure!)

Wow ... starting before mine without a pre-park ADR?

 

[dara00]

I'm all caught up! Even though you say you felt awful on your ak day, it seems like you were tough and managed to have a good time. and I'm glad you were feeling better by dhs!

why didn't dd do the single rider line on EE rather than get a fp?

my ds has started making faces like yours in pictures too, lol!

 

[sandym718]

Love the empty DHS pics!! You don't see those too often

 

[Lidian]

I'm all caught up! Even though you say you felt awful on your ak day, it seems like you were tough and managed to have a good time. and I'm glad you were feeling better by dhs!

why didn't dd do the single rider line on EE rather than get a fp?

my ds has started making faces like yours in pictures too, lol!

for getting caught up!

I did have a good time. I know I was cranky and snapped a few times, but I really did feel terrible. But I wanted to enjoy AK and do some new things, even if I felt like doo.

Honestly, we just got a FP since the window wasn't far. By the time we finished the trail, the window was open. I didn't even consider the single rider line for her on EE. I didn't know they had one. But all-in-all, it probably would have been about the same wait.

Any ideas on how to get our DS's to take pictures like normal kids?

Love the empty DHS pics!! You don't see those too often

I was so excited to see an empty DHS! Everyone loves their empty MK pics, but I'll take my empty DHS pics anyday!

 

[lbuzz52]

great, now i've got another ADR to consider... i'm curious how this was timed, if you guys got out before the ropedrop crowd got to TSMM, how early they let the ropedrop TSMM crowd in, etc. i had never really considered H&V but now am thinking of how much James loves those shows.

we thought the podium people were rude when we went to 1900 last year too. and oddly enough, we did not have a dessert bar like that. we had ice cream toppings, and no ice cream. we didn't know the server woudl bring us a bowl of ice cream LOL.

those MK crowds sure don't look like a 1 to me... curious- for our trip last May, i had made a chart with the crowd calendars- both the overall numbers and the various park numbers. i went back to the history a month or so ago to compare the predictions for october to what we had seen the last two trips. well, some "prediction" numbers for 09 and 11 didn't match up. sure, they could have updated them last minute, but i checked them pretty regularly up until it was close to departure. especially because we had the addition of pixar weekend and the cars2 state farm thing etc. anyway, most were things like prediction- 2.3 actual 2.6, very reasonable. but the mk day that we hd crowd trouble was predicted a 5.5 and actually a 9.1, and our dhs day was predicted 1.8 and actually a 7.5.


oh, and what is IIRC?