May 2011: The kids are getting 3rd visit surprise! Now w/pics!

[Lidian]

DH agreed to our 2010 plan only because I got sun poisoning our first day in 2009 and missed out on so many things. When I was out of the room, I was struggling to remain upright from being so ill. Walking was making me motion-sick. So he felt bad and agreed to come back in 2010.

We drove down and spent a full week on property at CBR in a Pirate room with a lake view. We had a 2nd floor room, that no matter which stair case we took, it was a forever walk (it seemed). We didn't mind, I was just thankful to be there. We had 4 day MYW tickets + WPFM.

On arrival day, we spent the day at DTD and hit DQ. I wanted to do DQ before anything else, since it had the roller coaster simulator. DD wasn't sure if she was ready for a coaster (she more than hit height requirement), so I figured it would be better to simulate one instead of standing in line only to have her chicken out upon boarding. I knew what kind of melt downs she could have ... so I thought this would be the safest bet for everyone nearby.

I allowed her to create the roller coaster, but threw in elements that I know she'd see (loops, corkscrew, and a big hill). She designed the rest. Once in line, she started to get antsy. I kept reassuring her that it would be okay, that I wasn't going to force her on, but I really felt she should give it a try. Once we got to the front of the line, she was in tears (she wasn't crying out loud, just tears rolling down her face), and we stopped to talk. One of the CMs saw her crying and came over to comfort her and explained that it had a STOP button she could push if she got too scared. She wiped the tears away and said she was ready. The CM led us to the bay, and the CM who was settling us in was from Lenoir City, TN - which is essentially next door to us. We chatted about how it was a small world and about LC a bit. She showed DD where the big red stop button was and started the simulator up. Before long, I heard DD, but wasn't sure if she was laughing or crying (I couldn't see her face). Once it was over, she was yelling "AGAIN!"

I don't recall what order we did the parks in, but I know we did 2 parks, took a day off, did 2 parks and took a day off.

At Epcot, DD got to pick an animal for Miyuki's candy show. She picked a bunny.

They got to see an owl up close in AK:

And DS loved the drums:

Most of our 2010 footage was actually on video. I had the video recorder, so we didn't take many pics (DH was in charge of the camera).

We didn't do autographs in 2010, but we did meet a few characters. The kids wanted to spend more time doing things (rides and shows), so they agreed to pass by characters with long lines. We'd usually wave to them as we passed and check back later.

There was very few things we didn't accomplish in 2010 ... Muppet*Vision was closed for refurb, Ellen's Energy broke down during the pre-show, and we missed out on hitting a few rides due to time, but we caught them in 2009. We hit everything on our MUST DO list except for M*V and Ellen's.

I didn't care much for the WPs, as it was too cool outside for me to want to be wet. Once in the water, it was fine ... but getting out and moving to another area ... it was cold. I mostly stayed with DS in the kiddie area while DH and DD did some slides and older kid stuff. We did one family ride, and I hurt my hand on it (it scraped a wall - like a cave wall or something) and it was pretty nasty ... but I survived. One of the family slides was down for refurb (I think it was Teamboat Springs or something like that?).

We spent a lot of time at the pool. I kept a lounge chair at the pirate playground with DS, and DH spent time in the pool with DD. She liked the slide.

The only problem we really had in 2010 was we were very unlucky with buses. It always took 30+ minutes to hitch a ride. We waited for an AK bus our first day for nearly 2 hours. We chatted with a CM who was there, and he refused to leave until he saw us board a bus. He kept radio-ing someone begging for a bus to AK - we were the only ones waiting for it at our stop. It was EMH that day, so odds are, the buses were full before they got to our stop. We never complained, but we did decide to drive to our ADRs at other resorts. The rest of the week was much better, we waited 30-45 mins for a bus the rest of the week. Yeah, that still bites, but again, we didn't mind. It gave us time to visit with each other. I truly do believe that our bad luck with buses was a fluke. We'd stay at CBR in that same room again anyday - but first we want to check out all the other resorts!

Up next: 2009 and sun poisoning

 

[lbuzz52]

your CBR bus comment has me nervous...
I'm from the state
I wish DD was big enough to do sum of all fears. that looks fun!

 

[Lidian]

your CBR bus comment has me nervous...
I'm from the state
I wish DD was big enough to do sum of all fears. that looks fun!

Please do not get nervous over the buses at CBR. Any resort can have an "off" day with transportation. The CM we talked to said he has never seen it take longer than 20 minutes for a bus to arrive, so we do truly feel it was a fluke. We wouldn't hesitate to go back to CBR in a heartbeat.

Where abouts are you from? I dunno how familiar you are with East TN to pinpoint where I am.

Your DD will be there one day.

 

[Lidian]

In 2009, DH suggested we take a vacation. Our first vacation. I asked him where, and he said he didn't care. I mentioned WDW, and he said "too expensive". I called AAA and asked for a quote for WDW and called DH back with the numbers. He said "book it"!

So I booked our trip and talked to the TA a bit. When she found out I had never been, she recommended Birnbaum's Guide. I stopped by the office and picked up a copy and then hit the library for some books. Once mom found out we were going, she wanted in. So we booked a room for her. Then her friend found out. So we added Ann to mom's room. Then Ann's DS and his GF wanted in. So now we have 8 people - 6 adults and 2 kids - in two rooms at ASMovies.

I was not happy with my TA that year. She made me cranky. We were going to stay at Cocoa Beach for a few days after WDW, but she never booked the hotel - and then they all filled up (shuttle launch). She got us a different hotel on Ormond Beach, which was fine - I didn't care what beach ... I had never been to the beach before, so was just pleased to see the ocean for once.

So anyway ... we took two vehicles and drove down to WDW. We had adjacent rooms (the TA didn't request adjoining as I had asked - but the reservations were linked, so they put us next door to each other).

Once we got settled in, we went to DTD for some dinner. We enjoyed Rainforest Cafe and then walked around and did some light shopping. After we got back to the resort, we checked out the pool.

The next morning, we visited Epcot. Crowds were light, we hit AM EMH that day:

DH with the backpack, DS in the yellow shirt with Mickey ears, DD in the pink hat, Ann in the orange shirt, and I'm busy taking a picture of the "big golf ball".

DD and DS loved the fountains:

Yes, DD is trying to catch water with her face. The kids were SOAKED!

DS was scared of Pooh.

But he got over fears of characters once he met Donald.

DD traded her first pin with this wonderful CM at the American pavillion:

DD and I got henna tattoos:

As you can see, I was soo busy making sure 7 other people had everything they needed for the day and sunscreened, I forgot about myself. This pic was taken around 3 or 4 maybe? I know that it got worse. That night, no one was able to sleep since I camped in the bathroom. I thought I had a bug or something, but when I talked to my dad the next day, he was certain it was sun poisoning. DH looked me over, saw all the blisters, and was certain too. I was miserable ... and the heat made it worse.

Anyway, back on track ... we at lunch at Akershus. We missed IllumiNations because I felt so ick. Mom and Ann stayed, but our little family went back to the resort. DH got us all some dinner from the food court and I turned in early while they watched TV and played games. (I think I was asleep by 9.)

Yes, I really do have a hard time staying on track.

We had no knowledge of how to tour the parks. All I knew is what Birnbaum taught me. I knew to FP stuff like Soarin and Test Track, but really didn't know that they were serious when they said FPs would be gone early.

We did Soarin standby with Babyswap since DS was too short. I already knew he was too short, but the CM's asked if they could measure him anyway. I didn't argue and agreed, but told them I knew he was too short. He was. So DH took him to Living with the Land while the 5 of us (we had mom and Ann) rode Soarin. Once we were done, DH took DD on Soarin and the rest of us went on Living with the Land. DS wasn't too pleased to ride it twice.

Afterwards, DH, DD, Ann, Ann's DS, his GF, and myself went to FP Test Track and/or Mission:Space. The line for TT was horrid, so we grabbed FPs. There was no wait for M:S, so we walked right on. The girls rode green and the boys did orange. (They were perfectly fine. I, however, got a little queasy from the 3D effects.) Once our window for TT was up, we all rode.

That's when we came back to see DS playing in the fountain. DD joined him without hesitation. We made ourselves comfy on a bench. After they were done, DH took DS to get dry clothes on. Then we started our tour of the world. We missed soo many things that day, but we were not as prepared as we could be. We had no touring plan. We just rode things as we passed. We never waited for more than 20 minutes (otherwise we skipped the attraction and/or came back later).

So that's a review of our first two days ... mostly. Up next, the remainder of the week.

 

[mtgirl29]

DD was originally on Singulair ... but our new insurance doesn't cover it for some reason.

DD has an inhaler, but insurance doesn't cover it either. (It seems that our insurance just doesn't want to cover anything. ) It wasn't too expensive OOP with the 60 metered dose, and we figured 60 meters would be fine for keeping at school (she should only use it up to once a day at school). She does the nebulizer just fine, but can't figure out how to use the inhaler. Thankfully, we have a spacer for when she HAS to use the inhaler, otherwise, she'd never get the medicine.

She does Albuterol and Pulmicort in her nebulizer and takes Zyrtec (generic OTC) daily (with mucinex and/or cough syrup as needed). The inhaler is Ventolin.

I wasn't aware of the Epi-pens being kept cool. That's a neat trick on letting juice boxes keep it cool!

I'm just not sure how the best way to handle her asthma in the parks now. It had never been an issue before. We'll make it work, somehow.

Having a peanut allergy must be rough. Are they able to accommodate at WDW for your DS?

I'm very sorry to hear about pneumonia and attacks. It's definitely not fun. DD has been to the ER for treatment of pneumonia, but she's never been hospitalized for it. I hope that your little ones stay healthy and perhaps outgrow the asthma.

Wow! We do have a lot in common with our asthmatic and similiarly aged children.
WDW is awesome about the peanut allergy. The chef always comes out and talks with us. DS-Jay is getting a blood test next Tuesday to see if he can proceed with a food challenge. His blood tests have been to high in the past. 20% of children outgrown the allergy....I really hope he is one of them.
The allergist said that the older the child is when they are diagnosed with the asthma, the more likely they are to outgrow it. So we can keep our fingers crossed on that, too!!!
Cannot wait to catch up with your PTR. I thought I had subbed, but apparently I didn't....ugggh! I am going to do that now!!!

 

[mtgirl29]

Love, love, love your PTR. I really enjoyed reading about your past trip and seeing all your photos.
So sorry to hear about your sun poisoning. That does definitely sucks especially on the beginning of your trip. You are a mom like me and we always put ourselves last and worry about our family first. Well, I hope this time you remember to put on your sunscreen....
I see you are from TN. We absolutely love TN. It such a beautiful state. Our other favorite vacation place is the Smokies!!!
Cannot wait to read more!

 

[Lidian]

Wow! We do have a lot in common with our asthmatic and similiarly aged children.
WDW is awesome about the peanut allergy. The chef always comes out and talks with us. DS-Jay is getting a blood test next Tuesday to see if he can proceed with a food challenge. His blood tests have been to high in the past. 20% of children outgrown the allergy....I really hope he is one of them.
The allergist said that the older the child is when they are diagnosed with the asthma, the more likely they are to outgrow it. So we can keep our fingers crossed on that, too!!!
Cannot wait to catch up with your PTR. I thought I had subbed, but apparently I didn't....ugggh! I am going to do that now!!!

I'm hoping the blood test goes well! Fingers are crossed for Jay! I'm glad to hear that WDW is able to work with the peanut allergy.

Fingers are definitely crossed that our kiddos will outgrow their asthma and allergies!

Love, love, love your PTR. I really enjoyed reading about your past trip and seeing all your photos.
So sorry to hear about your sun poisoning. That does definitely sucks especially on the beginning of your trip. You are a mom like me and we always put ourselves last and worry about our family first. Well, I hope this time you remember to put on your sunscreen....
I see you are from TN. We absolutely love TN. It such a beautiful state. Our other favorite vacation place is the Smokies!!!
Cannot wait to read more!

DH made me promise in 2010 that I get sunblocked first in order to go back. I agreed, and it was much more fun to see Disney without the burns and blisters!! I was usually sunblocked before the kids were out of bed. It was also easier not having to coordinate 8 people!

I'm glad you enjoy TN. I'm actually in the Smokies!! Do you rent a cabin in Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge? I'd love to hear where you vacation at!

We married at a beautiful wedding chapel in Townsend and honeymooned in Gatlinburg. DH's best friend is getting married May 21 in Sevierville and they're honeymooning at WDW. (Which is all kinds of weird, since our anniversary is May 19, and we planned our trip not knowing they had set a date yet - or that they were honeymooning at WDW. They've picked different days to do the parks, so its very slim chance we'll run into them, but its weird knowing they'll be there somewhere.)

 

[mrssmith06]

We love Gatlinburg, that's where we got married! I was talking about wanting to go back there again just the two of us (we took the kids there during Spring break last year!)...and he said we could go the weekend of my birthday in August! YAY!!!! So I'm looking for a cabin to rent right now!!!

 

[Lidian]

We love Gatlinburg, that's where we got married! I was talking about wanting to go back there again just the two of us (we took the kids there during Spring break last year!)...and he said we could go the weekend of my birthday in August! YAY!!!! So I'm looking for a cabin to rent right now!!!

I'm so jealous! Fingers are crossed that you come across a great deal! The cabins are absolutely beautiful. We live too close to really make up for a cabin rental without making extensive plans. If we're in the mood for WonderWorks, we just drive up there and then back home. Same for Ripley's. We see all the sights and things to do in Pigeon Forge / Gatlinburg so often, that its really not new to us, so we don't feel the "need" to stay up there. Especially when we sleep better in our own beds anyway, and its FREE!

We were sad to see our favorite restaurant closed down the last time we was up there. So where are you going to write your Gatlinburg PTR so I can hop on board?

 

[mrssmith06]

I'm so jealous! Fingers are crossed that you come across a great deal! The cabins are absolutely beautiful. We live too close to really make up for a cabin rental without making extensive plans. If we're in the mood for WonderWorks, we just drive up there and then back home. Same for Ripley's. We see all the sights and things to do in Pigeon Forge / Gatlinburg so often, that its really not new to us, so we don't feel the "need" to stay up there. Especially when we sleep better in our own beds anyway, and its FREE!

We were sad to see our favorite restaurant closed down the last time we was up there. So where are you going to write your Gatlinburg PTR so I can hop on board?

LOL! Well so far I don't have much to report. Don't know where we are staying but I do know when And I know that we have to eat at Bubba Gump! Love that place!!! And ride the Sky Lift since we've never done it before! I'm not going to really plan any other activities since we only have 1 full day there, we will just go with the flow!
I really need to stay focused on DISNEY right now anyway

 

[Lidian]

We covered Arrival day and Day 1 EP ... so its on to Day 2 DHS.

I was struggling getting myself ready, however, I made sure everyone else was ready to go on time. I told DH that I wasn't going to make it and that the 7 of them should go on to the parks. DH offered to stay, but I wouldn't hear it. I decided I'd attempt going, but before we got around the corner of our building, I darted back to the room. DH checked on me and I told him to take the kids and have fun. After laying down for about 10 mins or so, I was feeling a bit better, so I walked to the bus stop. They were still waiting, so I sat down on a bench.

We had an angry bus driver. He took every turn on 2 wheels at 750 MPH. The worst part was, it was standing room only. I ended up sitting down in the aisle, and a wonderful mom offered to let DS share a seat with her little ones.

I managed to find out where the first aid station is at DHS. I got too hot and we couldn't get me cooled down in the June heat. While everyone ate lunch at H&V with Playhouse Disney characters, I cooled off on a cot with cold compress on my face in the first aid station. I missed the parade, but I did manage to hear it - which wasn't fun when I was trying to rest.

DS absolutely loves Cars. He was excited to get to meet Lightning McQueen and Mater. We were the first ones in line for the day ... and when they pulled the door up, DS got scared.

DD and DS got their faces painted:

DS made a cute Storm Trooper (is that what they're called? DH is the SW geek):

While I survived the day, it was rough on all of us. I felt bad for everyone else having to put up with me - but I think they also appreciated the more relaxed day.

The next day, we awoke for a trip to MK. I told DH to take the kids and go, but he didn't want to leave me alone (or maybe he didn't want to brave the parks with the kids). The other group was going to sleep in and hit the parks later. I agreed to go.

We had a good day and was able to accomplish most of what we wanted to do. We made good use of FPs and I stayed away from most rides. I enjoyed the shows.

We waited almost 2 hours to meet the fairies. DD's #1 wish was to meet Tink. So while we didn't enjoy the wait, it was worth it in the end. She wore her fairies shirt, and all the girls loved pointing out themselves and friends. DS even helped:

DD tried to pull out the sword, but no luck:

And I was sad to see that this was the only picture I got of the kids with the castle

Once we got back to the hotel, I showered and climbed in bed.

The next day, I was feeling a little better. DH made a game to count the blisters as he sunblocked me.

We visited AK. The first thing we did was ride Kali River Rapids so we'd be wet for awhile. It took us a few tries to get into the Nemo show, but we finally did. We missed FotLK though.

And DS got over his fear of Pooh:

We mostly had a lazy day. DD went with mom and Ann most of the day, so it was just the three of us. I didn't care for ITTBAB, and neither did DS. He cried. I might have, too.

On our last day, we went to Chef Mickey's. We were tickled over how excited DS was when he met Donald ... we weren't prepared for how excited he got when he saw Mickey (sadly, this was the first time we saw Mickey all week!).

He refused to take his eyes off Mickey, I think he was in such awe.

So that's 2009 wrapped up... pretty lengthy, I'm sorry.

 

[Lidian]

LOL! Well so far I don't have much to report. Don't know where we are staying but I do know when And I know that we have to eat at Bubba Gump! Love that place!!! And ride the Sky Lift since we've never done it before! I'm not going to really plan any other activities since we only have 1 full day there, we will just go with the flow!
I really need to stay focused on DISNEY right now anyway

You can multi-task!

We have yet to try Bubba Gumps! Everytime we go up there, we've forgotten about it until it was too late. (We'd either already eaten, or the crowd was too big.) It hasn't been up too long ... I think it opened in 2008? I can't really remember ... I just know when we've always forgotten about it since we had our favorite restaurant.

 

[mtgirl29]

I'm glad you enjoy TN. I'm actually in the Smokies!! Do you rent a cabin in Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge? I'd love to hear where you vacation at!

We actually love to stay in Wear's Valley. We like to get away from all the action. We have stayed in the Smokies about 7 times in the past 10 years. We LOVE it there. It feels like our second home. Jay said today that he likes The Smokies better than Disney!! I think he is freaked out since we will be so close to the ocean (and we are staying in Ft. Myers by the ocean after WDW) that a tsunami might make it's way to where we are.
The devastation in Japan has really spooked him. I guess I need to keep him away from the news, since it is very depressing. I hope I haven't scarred him.

Kay loves your DD's Marie face painting. She said she wanted to get that done on this trip.

 

[Lidian]

We actually love to stay in Wear's Valley. We like to get away from all the action. We have stayed in the Smokies about 7 times in the past 10 years. We LOVE it there. It feels like our second home. Jay said today that he likes The Smokies better than Disney!! I think he is freaked out since we will be so close to the ocean (and we are staying in Ft. Myers by the ocean after WDW) that a tsunami might make it's way to where we are.
The devastation in Japan has really spooked him. I guess I need to keep him away from the news, since it is very depressing. I hope I haven't scarred him.

Kay loves your DD's Marie face painting. She said she wanted to get that done on this trip.

Bless his little heart for being worried!

I'm happy to hear that you love the Smokies. I can't get away from them.

Tell Kay that after your trip, she and my DD can share pics of their face paintings. DD loves Marie, and she's been lucky enough to meet her every year. Both years, she's also picked up a souvenior with Marie on it. I'd love for her to get her face painted and THEN see Marie. I'm sure the CMs would appreciate the fandom.

DD in 2009 with Marie (DS was with mom splashing in the fountains):

DD and DS in 2010 with Marie (and yes, DS stole my Anniversary button )

 

[Mommy2LittleVols]

Hi neighbor! I didn't realize how close we are to each other! We're about an hour west of Knoxville.

We love the Smokies, too. We had Dollywood/Splash Country AP's last year and went several times. Too many times for DH's liking. He gave me the option this year for either a WDW trip or AP's to DW/SC. Hmm, I wonder which I chose?

I really enjoyed the pics and stories from your last two trips! Looking forward to a TR for this one!

Your plans look really good so far! I kind of take the same approach you do to planning - I make a list of musts and try to hit them, but I don't freak if we miss a few. Keeping everyone happy is way more important to me than making sure we see everything.

 

[Lidian]

Hi neighbor! I didn't realize how close we are to each other! We're about an hour west of Knoxville.

We love the Smokies, too. We had Dollywood/Splash Country AP's last year and went several times. Too many times for DH's liking. He gave me the option this year for either a WDW trip or AP's to DW/SC. Hmm, I wonder which I chose?

I really enjoyed the pics and stories from your last two trips! Looking forward to a TR for this one!

Your plans look really good so far! I kind of take the same approach you do to planning - I make a list of musts and try to hit them, but I don't freak if we miss a few. Keeping everyone happy is way more important to me than making sure we see everything.

I haven't had DWood AP's since DD was about 4 or 5 (which was the last time she went). But I grew up with them, and had them almost every year since DWood actually opened (we went to Silver Dollar City before Dolly took over). We did attempt Splash in 2008, but DD was suffering from sensory overload and the waterfall in the lazy pool set her into a panic and we had to leave (we had been there for maybe 2 hours in the kiddie areas before we attempted the lazy pool).

We've talked about getting them this year, but haven't decided yet. (Details to come soon on why.)

I would totally take a WDW trip over a DWood AP any year!

If you're in Oliver Springs, say "hi" to my sister for me!

With the "must do" list and a flexible schedule, I really feel like I accomplish more and always walk away with the "icing on the cake" feeling. It's great to have a realistic knowing that seeing everything is impossible if you're just there for a few days.

 

[Mommy2LittleVols]

I haven't had DWood AP's since DD was about 4 or 5 (which was the last time she went). But I grew up with them, and had them almost every year since DWood actually opened (we went to Silver Dollar City before Dolly took over). We did attempt Splash in 2008, but DD was suffering from sensory overload and the waterfall in the lazy pool set her into a panic and we had to leave (we had been there for maybe 2 hours in the kiddie areas before we attempted the lazy pool).

I don't blame her! That thing sends me into a panic, too!

If you're in Oliver Springs, say "hi" to my sister for me!

Very close!! I live in Morgan County (Oakdale, but you probably haven't heard of it).

With the "must do" list and a flexible schedule, I really feel like I accomplish more and always walk away with the "icing on the cake" feeling. It's great to have a realistic knowing that seeing everything is impossible if you're just there for a few days.

Absolutely! I just tell myself that there's always next year!

 

[Lidian]

I don't blame her! That thing sends me into a panic, too!



Very close!! I live in Morgan County (Oakdale, but you probably haven't heard of it).



Absolutely! I just tell myself that there's always next year!

It was the ONLY thing I wanted to do at SC. Poor Mom never got to take her dip in the lazy pool. Thankfully, I did hit a lazy pool at one of the WDW WPs!

I was actually thinking Harriman or Rockwood, but that's still pretty close. I haven't heard of Oakdale. I'm in Maryville, and grew up pretty sheltered.

And yes, missing things is a good excuse to go back. 'Well, we didn't see MSEP, so we'll have to come back next year for it!'

 

[Mommy2LittleVols]

It was the ONLY thing I wanted to do at SC. Poor Mom never got to take her dip in the lazy pool. Thankfully, I did hit a lazy pool at one of the WDW WPs!

I was actually thinking Harriman or Rockwood, but that's still pretty close. I haven't heard of Oakdale. I'm in Maryville, and grew up pretty sheltered.

And yes, missing things is a good excuse to go back. 'Well, we didn't see MSEP, so we'll have to come back next year for it!'

We are VERY close to Harriman! It's where we do all of our shopping and dining.

 

[Lidian]

We are VERY close to Harriman! It's where we do all of our shopping and dining.

I only know where Harriman is because of all the trips to Nashville and KY to visit family.