Marriage: The Trip Report - Update 2/28 - Final Thoughts & Link to Disneyland TR!

[MeMom]

This trip Henry VERY much had an opinion about rides and what we did! Sometimes we should have not asked his opinion and just went forward...but, we didn't learn that trick until almost the end of the trip.

He was determined that he was going to ride Peter Pan instead of go on a second ride on Small World when Julie, Claire, and her mom showed up a little late for the first one.

That is very cool about showing your kids New York! If you ever need ANYTHING from here for that sort of thing-let me know! I'd be more than happy to send you a Statue of Liberty hat laughing, a picture, anything! This City has so much rich history, it's amazing. The architecture downtown by Wall Street is so beautiful.

Anything you can ever get for free that could be shared with eight year olds, I'll be happy to have.

Henry wants to add smilies -->

Hellooooo Henry!!!!
Hope you guys are having a Fabulous Friday up there in the north.

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

Looks like you guys had a great time on the Flying Blankies! (Well, except for a little bit of camel spit ). I'm wondering how many times Henry dragged you on them afterwards. I once dragged my mom onto Star Tours 33 times in one trip! (Yes, she is a very wonderful and patient woman )

 

[BerrysGirl]

I love the picture of Henry making a friend in line. I was an only child too and that was totally me! I could even make friends in the grocery store! My mom would be super jealous to hear how much he likes the spinning rides. She could never get me on them! Can't wait to hear more

 

[brookelizabeth]

Looks like such a fun evening. I had no idea there was camel spit involved in the flying carpets ride. No wonder kids love it!

I am so glad spring has finally sprung (except for the allergies!). Love all your NYC pics!

Thankfully they don't have anything on the spinning Dino ride...I can only imagine what might "launch" from that ride.

I am sooooo glad spring is here too. The winter days were just dragging on!

I need to know the tips for Buzz! I never score well at all on that ride. I love that you get Henry's picture with Zurg every trip.

I didn't get any pictures of me with the kids on Mother's day either if it makes you feel any better.

The two big targets that I know are both in the first room, with the volcano. There is a target on the volcano - if you hit that it "erupts", and the other one is a rotating circle thing above the exit door. You can only get it when you first enter the room due to the angle. I have no idea what they get you, but I always hit both of those as much as I can and get a decent score!

I just completely forgot about getting a pic with Henry on Mother's Day. All well! The next day we did take this one:

LOL! We are pirates!

Aww, look at all those cute kids at the egg hunt!!

The NYC pictures are great. Is that a magnolia tree? We have one of those in our front yard and it's starting to open up. So pretty!

I do think it's a magnolia tree-I recall someone telling me that...but I'm not 100% certain. They are beautiful!

Great update Brook! I love those pictures of the flying carpets!!! So neat with all the colors blurring by
And that picture of the brownstone with the yellow flowers---enter that in a photo contest---PLEASE That is one amazingly beautiful photo
I understand about the busy life and schedule. Cant wait to put all that craziness on hold soon!!! Counting down with ya

Thank you! I really like the blurry ride pics at night-I had about a dozen more, but I refrained from posting them all. And thank you on the brownstone pic too! I just loved that building-looks straight out of a movie, doesn't it? My iPhone even took that pic-not too shabby!

Lovely Easter and Mother's Day pictures. And I just had to say that I Magnolia Bakery...one the few places in this life that has truly lived up to the hype.

I'm not huge on baked goods-I have to be in the mood...but Joe on the other hand....! We have some good bakeries in our neighborhood too. I really enjoy the variety at Magnolia, they have some awesome bars and cookies!

Love your update! I can honestly say I have lived though almost every one of those moment. The only exceptions were we needed to get a pink elephant and Jack wanted to get "spit on" himself.

I really enjoy the Central Park pictures. I haven't really spent much time in central park but have always wanted too. I was in my teens and early 20's when I lived near or in NYC. It was more of a shopping and nightlife place for me way back then.

Oh and I'm pretty sure those are Cherry Blossom trees.

We had a pink elephant last time I believe!!

We got to Central Park quite a bit during the weekends. I love their playgrounds. I know Central Park hasn't always been as nice as it is now though. When you visit next time you'll have to go exploring! It seems no matter how much time I spend in there, we can always find a new nook!

I thought the cherry blossom trees were the ones with the smaller, bright pink flowers? These are HUGE sweeping trees with a pale pink flower-the petals are pretty big. But I have NO idea honestly! I've just always called the brighter pink ones the cherry blossoms!

Great update! I love the MK in the evening.

I have to ask, what kind of Sandals are you wearing here. They look cute and super comfy! I have to know!

They are Keens! I got them off Amazon and yes, they are very comfy. I've had Keens before, just a different style. I was a bit wary of purchasing these, since I had no idea what they looked like in person, but I was very happy when they arrived. They are more feminine than I expected with the style of the cutaway.

Hi, am reading your latest post first! Love all the pics of Henry and how much fun he was having during the Easter hunt!

Cool pics of Park Ave and Central Park! We were debating a trip to NY before Disney World but have decided to leave it this time round.

Back to your Trip update and yay for flying blankies!!! Lol at Henry getting you on both rides!

Wow on the score on Buzz Lightyear - I def have to read up on some tips as am normally rubbish at shooting games!

If you ever make it here for a trip, let me know! I can help you plan it! I love this City and am blessed to live here. I often forget how much is right at my fingertips.

I posted the 2 Buzz tips that I know of in an above comment. I always go for them and end up with a decent score. I've beat Joe with those tips several times in a row now. Muahahhahaha!

What a great evening!! Got to love both Aladdin's carpets and Dumbo!! Love your pictures that you got, WOW!!!! Very nice!!!

I really love your picture on the Peoplemover of your feet!! How cute!!

YAY for such a high score on Buzz!!!

Can't wait to find out how you used your FP!!

Hmmmm....smores...next time make me one too LOL!

I always get a pic of our feet on the Peoplemover, it's so fun to look back on them. If I think about it, I'll post an update here with all the years of our feet, and Henry behind bars. I'll be making him do that for many years to come!

It was really fun making the s'mores over our stove! Henry has requested them DAILY since then though!!!

 

[brookelizabeth]

Great update. I love the feet picture on the peoplemover. So cute. It is too funny that Henry kept trying to squirt you with camel spit.

Henry looks like he had a blast at the easter egg hunt! Fun times!!

Henry was just determined to soak me with camel spit! It was fun! And thankfully he wasn't quite sure how to line it up-so I only got nailed twice in 2 rides!!! In a couple years I'll probably come off soaked.

Mmmmm, camel spit. My favorite! (yes, I actually DO know what it's like to be spit on by a camel.) NOT!! I'm glad it brought a good old belly laugh from Henry. Too bad you didn't see Mickey and Minnie during your Dumbo ride! That would have been a cool picture to get.

Feet pix- yay for feet pix! And for a high score on Buzz!

good point! You know what real camel spit is like!!! Oh too funny. I've ridden a camel before in the Negev Dessert in Israel, but I don't recall mine ever spitting....thankfully! He was a good, stinky, 'ol thing.

He was determined that he was going to ride Peter Pan instead of go on a second ride on Small World when Julie, Claire, and her mom showed up a little late for the first one.

Anything you can ever get for free that could be shared with eight year olds, I'll be happy to have.

Hellooooo Henry!!!!
Hope you guys are having a Fabulous Friday up there in the north.

That is very true about him insisting on Peter Pan! That wasn't the first, or the last time! Thankfully we tour in such a way that we just go with it. On our shorter trips we'll have to balance it a bit more-giving him options, but more dictating what we do (just letting him think he's in charge! LOL)

I will keep it in mind about your class! If I see anything fun/educational I'll pick it up for you! I remember Jackie sending you cotton for your class, I don't think your kids would like some NYC dirt and grime... but really, if you think of anything like that too, let me know.

Henry is having a Fabulous Friday! He's now down for his nap. I think later today we'll adventure out to the mall. I'm in the mood to SHOP!

Looks like you guys had a great time on the Flying Blankies! (Well, except for a little bit of camel spit ). I'm wondering how many times Henry dragged you on them afterwards. I once dragged my mom onto Star Tours 33 times in one trip! (Yes, she is a very wonderful and patient woman )

33!!!!!!!!!!!!! OH MY GOSH!!!!!! That's hilarious!!!!!!!!!!! We didn't get anywhere near that! Wow, oh wow. 33!

 

[brookelizabeth]

I love the picture of Henry making a friend in line. I was an only child too and that was totally me! I could even make friends in the grocery store! My mom would be super jealous to hear how much he likes the spinning rides. She could never get me on them! Can't wait to hear more

Henry is getting to be very much like that - last night we went out for pizza and the hostess in the restaurant quickly became his friend. Anytime she'd come close to our table he'd shout out a "HI!!!!!" It was cute.

 

[brookelizabeth]

We just got off the Peoplemover and we had those FPs from Stephen. Where to go?

Joe and I had only ridden this on our honeymoon -- and this would be Henry's first flight. And this might be blasphemous to say on the DIS, but while we enjoyed the ride during our honeymoon, it wasn't something that we felt like was a MUST DO. We never felt it was worth getting a FP for or waiting in line for.

However! We DID want to ride it, and we had those "freebie" FPs. We wanted to do something together, this was the perfect time! I had zero memory of the ride, other than just thinking it was fine/cute/whatever, so it was like I was riding again for the first time.

Into the line we went! We handed our FPs over to the CM, who Henry quickly made friends with. We chatted with her a bit while standing there--and just before we moved on, she handed us back our FPs and SEVEN more! They were good until the next day too!

We boarded our ship and were off to Neverland!

And....I gotta say...this ride is GREAT! We loved it! My, how opinion changes once a little one is involved! Henry was mystified with the flying ship and seeing Peter Pan and Captain Hook. He sang "Tick, tock, tick tock!" through the ride after seeing him for the first time.

This was a big hit, and we knew we'd be back on before our trip was over.

But now, it was time to ride It's a Small World just across the path. I believe this ride was down for refurb during our last trip, and even though Henry has ridden it several times, he had no memory of it.

As we were sitting in our boat, waiting to launch, Henry noticed the "castle girl", the CM ride operator up in the little castle bridge above the ride. He started waving at her and blowing her kisses. She responded as soon as she saw him and just played it up with him -- he LOVED it. It was completely adorable.

When we got back to the load area, Henry instantly started waving at his castle girl again. She noticed him and played it up again with him. She motioned to another CM who asked us if we'd like to ride again-and before Joe or I could respond Henry shouted out a "Yes!" So....off we went! And we got our own boat! Henry was ALL GRINS and blew many kisses to his new girlfriend. It was a fantastic magical moment!

After our second spin through, we knew it was time to go. We were all getting tired and it was very late--waaaaaaaay past Henry's bedtime. We slowly made our way up toward the Castle and through it

I didn't notice it at the time, but is that a Hidden Mickey in the path???

Once on Main Street we stopped to browse and use our snack credits.

Joe purchased Butterfinger Fudge.

Henry got some jellybeans and I chose a chocolate croissant from the bakery...

told you it wouldn't be long before I had one. None of us wanted those things at that hour, but we brought them back to the room for the next day and later in the trip.

We got back to the Boardwalk after 12:00 am. I cannot recall, but I'm pretty certain that hour Henry was fast asleep on the bus! Joe and Henry went straight to bed, meanwhile, your crazy host did a bit of Facebooking and DISing until 1 am.

Finally, the end of our first full day at Disney.

Yes, we are only done with the first full day. Can you believe that? 12.5 more to go!! I'm thinkin' I need to pick up speed...just a bit! LOL

 

[glennbo123]

Wow, lots of updates. You're on a tear again!

I love that story about Henry and the "castle girl"! So cute.

I also love that picture you took through the castle, where you can see Main Street and the train station in the distance.

 

[thegreggersmom]

Great update! I am impressed that Henry lasted so long. Guess he's becoming a real New Yorker.

Your photos are gorgeous! What camera do you have?

 

[chloe770]

So cool about the extra FP's. Henry is a good little people person.

I know I'm gonna lose DIS cred's here ...but I love It's a Small World. It is one of 2 rides that I really remember ( the other is Dumbo) from being a little girl @ Disneyland. I probably rode it 50 times from birth to age 4 or 5. From an adult perspective it is kinda lame but it's a childhood memory for me.

Yum on the butterfinger fudge. Good choice

 

[KatMark]

Love that you got additional fast passes. The way you used to feel about Pepter Pan is the way we feel now (unnless the line is really short or we get on first thing when the park opens, we pass it up; perhaps after having grandchildren we'll love it again).

I love that Henry has a girlfriend on It's A Small World. However, was that song running through your head ALL night long after riding it twice in a row?

 

[photographymom517]

Oh my goodness Brook!!!!! I was just thinking to myself that you must have the first 2-3 days of your trip done -- UNTIL you mentioned that you still have 12.5 more to go!!!

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I read your other update last night and I swear that I commented, but I just went back through & I noticed that I didn't! It was late & I was exhausted so I guess I just didn't comment! LOL

I loved the story about Henry with the "Castle Girl" -- tooooo cute!!!

I love IASW! I know a lot of people aren't fond of it, but it has a lot of special meaning for me! Its a "must" for me on all our Disney trips! I loved your pictures from there, I never seem to get good ones. I just thought of something -- do you think I should leave my 55-200mm lens on there during IASW or switch over to the lens that came with the Xsi ?? I'm thinking the 55-200mm might zoom too much & I won't be able to get pictures close-up. I know at times, the boat is pretty close to one side or the other. Hmmm....decisions, decisions! LOL

After reading your story about Henry with the castle girl, I thought of Luke! (Don't I always?! LOL) Kids are just so observant! Luke just pointed & said "Hey, mommy, there's a man up there!"

Congrats on scoring all those Fast Passes!!!!

I loved your pictures inside the castle & also the shot from below (looking up towards the castle at night!) Beautiful!!!

The picture of the Walt/Mickey statue in front of the Castle at night is a shot that I always wanted to get! Its been too crowded the past 2 trips, so I'm hoping this trip will be the one!

Your Easter/Mother's Day update was wonderful!!!! I tried to get on DIS & wish everyone a Happy Mother's Day, but sadly I know I missed alot of people The holidays are just always so busy! It was the first nice weekend here in PA so we spent most of Mother's Day outside planting the garden. I plan to write a small DIS update & post pics of Luke helping (and also a few Easter pics of all the kids in the family!) Hopefully I'll get around to it this weekend!

I can't wait to take Luke on the People Mover!!!! I'm not sure what happened in 2009 (I think it was down part of the day on our MK day) and I know last year the line was too long. So this September will be a first for Luke on it!!!! I'm excited -- its just so peaceful & relaxing! And also a great place to get some pictures!!!

Did you bring a chocolate croissant back for me ?? I haven't received it yet in the mail!!!

I'm not sure what to try this year. Butterfingers used to be my favorite candy bar, but now I don't like them. Seeing the giant Butterfinger cupcakes from Starring Rolls & now that fudge from MK, I'm thinking I better try it out!

I have NEVER been on Peter Pan! I honestly don't know why, we're just always doing other things in Fantasyland & never get to it.

I am still in shock that you have 12.5 days left -- but I'm glad because I love reading your reports!!!!

 

[petals]

64 pages in and your only finished your first day I love it! And what a fantastic day you had with losts of pixie dust and free fast passes!

 

[onelilspark]

Peter Pan is one of my brother's favorite rides. He loves the colors!

Henry is quite the flirt

 

[wdwgirl03]

Whaaat, you had only ridden Peter Pan once?! It is always a must-do for us...such a classic and my dad always talks about how it's one of the rides he remembers from his trip to Disneyland as a kid! Glad you enjoyed it.

 

[MEK]

Almost 1000 posts and you are only at the end of of your first full day. At this rate you might need 4 trip reports!

I am so glad you loved Peter Pan. I remember thinking it was such cute the first time I went on it. So glad Henry loved it.

Thanks for posting the Easter and Mother's Day pictures! You got some great pics on the streets of NYC.

 

[209Disney]

I am looking forward to reading about your next 12.5 days!!

 

[Tinkerbellarella]

All caught up! Loving it so far.

 

[KristiMc]

I love Peter Pan! Second favorite ride at MK after Mickey's Philharmagic.

 

[2xcited2sleep]

I LOVE that you're only at the end of your first day. Feel free to extend this TR for as long as you like. Although I guess you do have a solo/girls trip coming up that you can write about as well. As long as I have a Brook TR to hold me over til my next Disney fix in Oct, I'm good!

So, so so glad H liked Peter Pan. That's one of my faves too. And so cute that he found a girlfriend in Small World. Adorable. I think he may be a lady killer when he gets older.

Your night-time shots are fabulous. I especially like the picture through the center of the castle when you can see the Main Street lights in the distance. Seems like the castle is never "open" when I'm in MK. I miss being able to walk through.