May 2010 Pre-Trip Report--Bay Lake Tower, here we come! *TR link posted! 6/8*

[ladybugmom]

Yay for the great introductions!! 30 is not so bad! I turned 30 in August and it was very traumatic for me then. But it really hasn't been that bad--I promise!!

 

[RachelNinja]

Haha, I'm so glad you let us know that that mustache isn't natural! We wouldn't have known otherwise

It's so great that you're off at 3pm so you can get Allison and Luke. That's the kind of job I'd love to have because even though I'm off at 3, I still have to do lesson plans at home. My DBF Weird gets off at 5 but doesn't have to do work outside of the office, so it might actually work out then. I take care of the kiddies from 3-6 until he gets back and takes over while I work on plans or grading.

Hmm, maybe I shouldn't worry so much about that because we're not even engaged yet ... haha. But I just thought it was great that you get to spend time with your kids. My mom was a SAHM, and I absolutely loved having her there for me.

Haha, I love how your kids are 9 and 8 and they love Tower of Terror, but I'm just plain ol' terrified ...

Oh, lastly, I just have to randomly say that I think I'm so cool now because I actually know the pronunciation of dachshund. I used to say "dash-und."

 

[Bridora]

Yay for the great introductions!! 30 is not so bad! I turned 30 in August and it was very traumatic for me then. But it really hasn't been that bad--I promise!!

Thanks for the reassurance! I'm sure it won't feel a bit different, it's the thought/sound of it that's so bad.

Hmm, maybe I shouldn't worry so much about that because we're not even engaged yet ... haha. But I just thought it was great that you get to spend time with your kids. My mom was a SAHM, and I absolutely loved having her there for me.

Haha, I love how your kids are 9 and 8 and they love Tower of Terror, but I'm just plain ol' terrified ...

Oh, lastly, I just have to randomly say that I think I'm so cool now because I actually know the pronunciation of dachshund. I used to say "dash-und."

There's nothing wrong with daydreaming!

Last year was Luke's 1st on Tower of Terror. The themeing gets me every time, which is one of the reasons I like it so much!

 

[leamom2princesses]

Thanks for the intro's B. My 9 yr old is a girly girl too. I wish I got off at 3pm. That would be great! I'm really looking forward to your report on BLT! It looks really nice.

 

[princess_momma]

I can't believe it!

Yesterday and today were like that here...and just when I was thinking we might have a "proper winter" this year...

Luke had a Basketball game today and left the house in his jersey--short sleeves & shorts...no jacket or long pants...of course it was sprinkling when we got out and he didn't like his legs getting wet.

Crazy! Ours are usually like this--crazy blizzards and then some nice weather where you don't even need jackets!! I like it because I would just die if it were straight winter for months.

I love your "proper" intros!! When is your birthday exactly? (I'm a fan of birthdays ) I think it's just hard/weird switching decades. I personally don't want to turn 20 and I know that's young. I like being "in my teens" instead of "in my 20's". But for the record, you don't look 30 at all! So I think you would be safe if you wanted to stay 29 for another couple of years!

I'm SO happy that both of your kid's favorite ride is Tower of Terror!! You sure raised them right! That is the greatest ride EVER!! Make sure you guys go on it A LOT for me!!

Oh and also, I love the "eat, drink, and be scary!" sign in the picture with Luke!! That's great!

 

[Bridora]

Thanks for the intro's B. My 9 yr old is a girly girl too. I wish I got off at 3pm. That would be great! I'm really looking forward to your report on BLT! It looks really nice.

I just started getting off work at 3 back when school started in August and I am loving it! It is great. I cannot wait for BLT--I hope I have enough time to explore it...I am thinking picture overload!

Crazy! Ours are usually like this--crazy blizzards and then some nice weather where you don't even need jackets!! I like it because I would just die if it were straight winter for months.

I love your "proper" intros!! When is your birthday exactly? (I'm a fan of birthdays ) I think it's just hard/weird switching decades. I personally don't want to turn 20 and I know that's young. I like being "in my teens" instead of "in my 20's". But for the record, you don't look 30 at all! So I think you would be safe if you wanted to stay 29 for another couple of years!

I'm SO happy that both of your kid's favorite ride is Tower of Terror!! You sure raised them right! That is the greatest ride EVER!! Make sure you guys go on it A LOT for me!!

Oh and also, I love the "eat, drink, and be scary!" sign in the picture with Luke!! That's great!

I like it that way, too. It's nice to have "winter" for a week or so, then some warmer days...they always talk about the crazy Arkansas weather and how if you don't like it, just wait a bit and it will change. I like it just fine that way. I don't like tornadoes, however. (this guy looks more worried to me than sad, don't you think?)

My Bday is March 8. You are too funny! Thanks--let me know when I'm too old to be 29, ok?

We've got a history with ToT. We were all, with the exception of DH, afraid of it before we got on. I didn't even ride it on my 1st visit...maybe not even on the 2nd, I can't remember....(do you remember Jundland?) Then the kids were afraid of it. I'm pretty sure Alli rode it without backing out the 1st time she tried it, but Luke had to exit out the chicken door (which is an elevator and I find that soooooo funny!) the 1st time he went through the line. I don't think he rode it until his next trip. But it's all good, because we are all ToT fans now. Next mission: convert them into Everest fans!

Thanks! I just love that sign, too--it's one of my favorite decorations!

 

[Bridora]

Don't you just love how, no matter how many times you've been to Disney, there are still things you haven't experienced?

My DH and I were talking about this the other night. Hardly a day goes by without us talking about Disney World, but that's beside the point. This particular night I was telling him that I had just found out they have changed the way kids get picked for the Jedi Training Academy. Instead of the CM randomly choosing kids out of the audience there is now a stand-by line on first come, first served basis. (I've also heard the age restrictions are ages 4-12). This seems to be a good idea, depending on how long the line gets, that is. For the last two years, Luke has been trying to get in. Allison got to "fight up Darth Vader" back in 2006. She was 6, but Luke was only 4 and didn't want to do it. In 2008 & 2009 Luke tried for a spot, but wasn't chosen. Had we been there earlier and staked out a spot, I'm sure he'd have had a better chance, but shows like that aren't really things we plan on...more like things we walk by at the right time. Back when Allison did it, it was only there during Star Wars Weekends, so maybe that's why she had better luck being chosen. Here are a couple shots of Allison Vs. Vader:

She told us later that she had been scared while she was up there. Very brave girl!

All that being said, I think this will be Luke's year. I am putting that on my mental list of "Things to Do". Don't tell my DH. He doesn't like having a "plan". Unless it's an ADR or a Reservation # from WDW.

Another thing I (the kids--had a request for this yesterday morning, in fact) would like to do is drop by the Honey, I Shrunk the Kids playground. The last time we were there was also in 2006, before the kids had seen the movie. They still loved the play area, though. (Give the kids a playground and a swimming pool and they're happy, right? ) Now they've seen the movie and can't wait to go back and play on/see all the things from the movie. I grew up with that movie and it was so much fun to experience it. I even got to ride on Anty. (was that his real name, or one I made up?) Here's what the kiddos looked like last time they were there:

They were so little!


I've never done a rope drop before. Normally DHS would not be my rope drop of choice. Not that I don't think it would be a good one, but because it's highly unlikely we'd ever make 2 rope drops in the same trip. We are an Evening Extra Magic Hours family. We stay in the parks until they are shut down, and then tend to sleep in past park opening the next day. If we would even attempt a rope drop it would have to be the 1st day, assuming we had not stayed out late at Downtown Disney like usual, and I would want it to be at Magic Kingdom. But rope drop at DHS on Star Wars Weekend? I think it would be so much fun if it includes Stormtroopers and other Star Wars characters.

One Man's Dream is something I'm pretty sure we'll do this year. I had mentioned it to Max before and it turns out it's something he's wanted to do as well. With the kids being older now, they might even be interested in parts of it!

And, I will once again try for the Animation Studio. Last year we watched the show with Mushu, but didn't do the actual drawing part. We walked up to the class twice. The first time a class had just gone in and no one wanted to wait 30 min. for the next one. So, we got in line to meet Dug & Mr. Fredrickson from Up. After meeting them we headed back toward the Animation class, but we saw Frozone. We had never seen him before and wanted to meet him, but we missed the next class while doing so. Instead of waiting any more, we just left. Maybe this time...

So, if my mental list for DHS was written it would include:

1. Jedi Training Academy

2. Honey, I Shrunk the Kids Playground

3. Rope Drop show with Stormtroopers

4. One Man's Dream

5. Animation Studio

These are only wishes for things we haven't done before. This doesn't include things we will most definitely be doing. No list is needed for:

Tower of Terror
TSM
Star Tours
Great Movie Ride (unless you count asking for the Cowboy show, which we figured out the kids have never seen!)
Backlot Tour

I realize that was a list, but it's not a mental list, you see.

Please, no "mental" jokes!

 

[wdwgirl03]

Great list! My sisters and I used to love the HISTK playground. A couple trips ago we even went in there just for kicks. haha!

 

[RachelNinja]

I think that even at my age, it'd be very intimidating to face Darth Vader! Of course, I do have fears about pretty much almost everything!

Here's hoping that you get to try Animation Academy and One Man's Dream! I agree with you that there are always new things to try or look for. It never gets old!

 

[leamom2princesses]

Great list! Ours would be very similar except with RnR added in. We are most definitely rope drop folks and sometimes Evening EMH too. I hope Luke gets to do the Jedi training this year. I'll keep my fingers crossed for him.

 

[ladybugmom]

Oooh--I hope Luke will be able to do the Jedi Training!! That would be soooo much fun! I like your list!! The Animation Studio is also on my To-Do list!!

 

[Bridora]

Great list! My sisters and I used to love the HISTK playground. A couple trips ago we even went in there just for kicks. haha!

It would have been so cool to play in there when I was younger...Not that I didn't already imagine I was actually in the movie...

I think that even at my age, it'd be very intimidating to face Darth Vader! Of course, I do have fears about pretty much almost everything!

Here's hoping that you get to try Animation Academy and One Man's Dream! I agree with you that there are always new things to try or look for. It never gets old!

Well, at least you can't be chosen & forced into the Jedi Training Academy! Nope, never old...plus they are always updating or adding...

Great list! Ours would be very similar except with RnR added in. We are most definitely rope drop folks and sometimes Evening EMH too. I hope Luke gets to do the Jedi training this year. I'll keep my fingers crossed for him.

Thanks! I'm not going to push my luck on RnR with the kids. I've only ridden it once, but they DO NOT want to ride anything that goes upside down. We may joke around with them about putting them on rides, but I try to assure them that if it's something they DO NOT want to do, there's no way we'd ever make them do it. So until they are ready for it...no RnR.

How do you do rope drop AND EEVM? Naps?

Luke appreciates your support!

Oooh--I hope Luke will be able to do the Jedi Training!! That would be soooo much fun! I like your list!! The Animation Studio is also on my To-Do list!!

He is ready for Jedi training! Thanks! I've seen so many other DISers' great drawings that I really really really want to try it! I cannot draw, so it will be fun to see how well mine turns out. I hope you get to go, too!

 

[DisneyMomma09]

Your list looks great! I love TSM! I am especially looking forward to riding ToT and Rock and Rollercoaster as I could not ride them on our last trip because I was pregnant!

We were at DHS for Star Wars Weekend in June 2008. We did not do too many of the activities, but did see some of the characters. It was pretty busy!

 

[Bridora]

Your list looks great! I love TSM! I am especially looking forward to riding ToT and Rock and Rollercoaster as I could not ride them on our last trip because I was pregnant!

We were at DHS for Star Wars Weekend in June 2008. We did not do too many of the activities, but did see some of the characters. It was pretty busy!

Thanks! TSM is sooo much fun! Even the queue hasn't gotten old for me yet. for getting to ride ToT and RnR...did you get pictures of yourself being all sad outside the entracnes?

It is pretty busy during Star Wars Weekends, but I think it's so much fun that I don't mind...

 

[Bridora]

I hope you all have a wonderful day!

 

[RachelNinja]

Happy Saturday to you too! What a cute cup! I love that there are so many different pictures on it.

 

[Leleluvsdis]

Joining in... Can't wait to read more especially about the Richard Petty Driving. DH wants to do this SOOOO badly!!! Hopefully within the next couple trips he will be able too. He also want's to do the bass fishing as well, so we'll see what he makes a priority lol

 

[elizablake]

You've go quite a day planned at HS! DD loves that playground. I think it's one of the best in Disney although it is a bit easy to lose your kid there. We are totally rope drop people. Who knows you may see the error of your ways and join the rope drop club.

Are you going to see Fantasmic? I don't think I saw it on your list.

I think it's great that Disney now has a sign-up sheet for Jedi training. That way the kids who it is really important to won't miss out. DD would raise her hand when the CMs ask for volunteers but wouldn't get much out of the experience if choosen. It makes no sense for a kid like DD to get choosen over Luke.

 

[Bridora]

Happy Saturday to you too! What a cute cup! I love that there are so many different pictures on it.

Thanks! I bought that mug last year at World of Disney in DTD. Coffee + Disney =

Joining in... Can't wait to read more especially about the Richard Petty Driving. DH wants to do this SOOOO badly!!! Hopefully within the next couple trips he will be able too. He also want's to do the bass fishing as well, so we'll see what he makes a priority lol

Hi! Thanks for joining in. I'm excited about the Richard Petty, too! I know DH is-he's been wanting to do it for a while, also.

You've go quite a day planned at HS! DD loves that playground. I think it's one of the best in Disney although it is a bit easy to lose your kid there. We are totally rope drop people. Who knows you may see the error of your ways and join the rope drop club.

Are you going to see Fantasmic? I don't think I saw it on your list.

I think it's great that Disney now has a sign-up sheet for Jedi training. That way the kids who it is really important to won't miss out. DD would raise her hand when the CMs ask for volunteers but wouldn't get much out of the experience if choosen. It makes no sense for a kid like DD to get choosen over Luke.

We lost Luke at the Dig Site in AK a few years back...I'm thinking it was in 2006--when he was only 4. Kids just go crazy for those places.

We saw Fantasmic in 2006, too. (Wow, what is it with 2006 lately?) Don't plan on seeing it again. It was a good show, but an awfully long wait. We did the Dinner Package back then...and that's enough for us, for now.

I think our problem with getting Luke into the Jedi Training Academy was that we were not there early enough to stake out a great spot on the front. We weren't in the back, but about on the 2nd layer of people. And your DD has just as much right as Luke does to get chosen!

 

[Bridora]

Today my ticker says 4 months!!!!!!


Ahh, getting closer and closer.....