Memories of Little Green Men and Sardines (6/8-17, 2010) **FINAL UPDATE 2-25-2011**

[ForTheLoveOfDCL]

Alright Hope I have waited patiently for your report and PICS!!! Get to it girl.....

 

[photographymom517]

Alright Hope I have waited patiently for your report and PICS!!! Get to it girl.....

Oh, Michelle, Michelle...I'm so glad that you are patiently waiting!!! Because I am very frustrated & about to not be patient!

Seriously, I am just so frustrated with my computer! I considered posting an update this evening, minus the photos...but since I am OBSESSED with photography, there's no possible way I could do that & be able to sleep tonight!

I know I promised I would start Tuesday, then posted a boring update about my planning book instead! I was going to promise tomorrow evening, but I have to help a friend move out of a house & into another house all weekend. She's changed the plans a million times, but has to be out of her old house this week, so thats where I was all day today...and I am exhausted!

Soooo...I will promise an update, complete with pictures & good information since you all waited so long! My promise is now for Monday morning. I will make a huge attempt to do it sooner, but Monday morning at the latest!

Since I made you wait so long, I'll share one bit of information from my report with you right now...I didn't get my DOONEY!!!!!!!!

Now that everyone is impatient AND depressed...I promise to start my trip report (for real!) by Monday! lol (and its not as bad as it sounds about the Dooney...you'll find out why in my report!)

 

[SoonerGirl]

Since I made you wait so long, I'll share one bit of information from my report with you right now...I didn't get my DOONEY!!!!!!!!

Oh no! That's very sad news

 

[photographymom517]

Oh no! That's very sad news

I know Michelle! Isn't it horrible? I do have tons of pictures of them though, so I'll share them on my trip report once I get to it! If anyone is going to the parks & wants to know which prints are available, all prints are everywhere!!!

 

[DevonsDisneyMom]

Hope you are killing me here girl!!! I want to see pictures and here all about your trip!!!

 

[photographymom517]

We left home around 10:25am and arrived at the airport at 11:21am. It was amazing to me how simple it was this time around!!! As you all know, I was super-stressed out about flying & the whole process traveling with a toddler, stroller, and so much luggage! Since I had already printed out boarding passes (through Southwest) at home the day before & we had a ride to the airport, we were able to check our luggage right at curbside!!! Probably not amazing to most of you who are frequent fliers, but very exciting to me!

(Last trip, we had a million places to go in the airport before we got to the gate. It wasn’t bad, but it definitely took A LOT longer than this time!)

We left our luggage at the curb & went straight to security! It was quick & easy, even with the stroller & 3 carry-on bags. We got to the other side of the airport via the "fake monorail" and ate at McDonald's & Sbarro Pizza. We got to the gate at noon so we walked around the airport since our flight wasn't leaving until 1pm.

We went back to the gate at 12:25pm and stopped by the desk to get our stroller a tag to be gate checked. I took our son over by the window to watch the planes take off since all of the seats were already taken. We were actually able to watch them load our luggage onto the plane which was kind of neat to see! We began boarding the plane at 12:35pm. They first boarded “A” group and then did family boarding. It was a huge relief to me because I was worried about getting good seats. Even with only “A” boarding before us, we still were right beside the wing. I’ve always wanted to sit up near the front…maybe someday.

Our flight was on time, the weather was great, and we took off about 10 minutes early. Our son did fairly well on the flight. I didn’t notice the 2 ½ hours go by because I was just trying to keep him occupied. We watched part of Mickey Mouse Choo Choo Express and colored. He ate some snacks & just sat there for awhile. I sat by the window & kept the shade open. He liked looking out the window. It was nice because the flight attendant brought him a little packet…it had a little coloring sheet, a few crayons, a sticker, and a set of Southwest wings. I watched the other children’s faces as she handed them their packet & they were so excited! Since our son is still too young to understand a lot of things, I watched other children’s reactions to things a lot during our trip…I think that’s one of the most magical parts of any vacation!

We arrived at MCO at 2:50pm.

We aren't even at the parks yet & I already found my favorite character...GOOFY!!!

We went straight to Magical Express and since I already had our packet of information from ME, the CM told us to go straight into the line for CBR! Simple yet again…now we are on our way!!! I was so excited that everything was going so smoothly & quickly! Well…this was short-lived because I overheard a couple talking. They were in the front of the line, had 2 young children, and were complaining about how long they were standing in line for the bus. We probably watched 10 buses come & go, but all were for other resorts. We waited in line from 3:25-3:57pm. I didn’t think it was all that bad, but it wasn’t busy there AT ALL so I was completely confused. Also, last trip, we walked into our AKL line and immediately boarded a bus, so I guess we were spoiled last trip!!! Our son sat with his dad & I sat across from them with the carry-on bags. After about 20 minutes, he decided he wanted to sit with mommy, so I let him walk across to my seat & he sat on my lap. We watched the video & he fell asleep. We arrived at CBR at 4:45pm!!! We were the second stop after Pop Century. I really liked the look of Pop and will probably stay there someday! I have quite a long list of resorts I’d like to try out! We decided that we want to stay somewhere different until we try at least 5 resorts, then we might stay somewhere we’ve already stayed. (I want to go back to AKL so bad already!)

[/COLOR]

 

[photographymom517]

My first “magical moment” was at check-in! We arrived at the Custom House and luckily I remembered that I had completed online check-in a few days prior to our arrival. There were about 3 other families in the Custom House at the time (all from our Magical Express bus!) and only 1 family ahead of me in the online check-in line. I had my ID & planning book in my Vera tote all ready for our check-in & was actually glad that another family was waiting in front of me. It gave me time to take pictures of the inside of the Custom House. I knew I wouldn’t be back inside the CH again throughout our trip. I think I only took about 5 pictures all together. It was nice to not have a long wait and my son’s favorite cartoon, Phineas and Ferb, was playing on the tv in the little sitting area. I told my husband that they could sit & watch, but they both decided to stand. I guess after an hour drive to the airport, 2 ½ hours on a plane, and 35 minutes on the Magical Express bus, we were all relieved to have the opportunity to stand!

As I said, my first magical moment occurred at check-in. I always look at the CM’s name tag because I think its interesting to see where they were originally from. Only this time, I immediately noticed something else…I saw “Hope” on her name tag! She had asked for my last name & had the reservation pulled up by the time I got to the counter. So when I approached the counter, she noticed I was looking at her name tag & smiled & said “yep, I just noticed as well!” I thought it was funny because we both noticed almost at the exact same time. I know, probably not a huge deal to most of you, but I rarely find someone with my name! I also read underneath her name tag & it said she was Italian. My dad’s family is Italian, too. I thought it was a very interesting way to begin our vacation!

The check-in process was extremely fast. I’d like to say it took less than a minute, seriously! She asked if I had any changes & I said “no” and she asked if I had any questions and I again said “no.” She then handed me my Disney Welcome Packet & I carried it outside as if it were a fragile glass box! Lol I think I was like a kid on Christmas morning because I just stared at the packet for about 5 minutes (it was probably more like 40 seconds or so!) I was just soooo extremely excited to finally be there after reading about CBR on DIS for so long!

Oooooh, I forgot to tell you my OTHER magical moment! I’ve never put in a request with a resort before. Last trip, when we stayed at AKL, we paid for a savannah-view room, but I didn’t request a certain floor or room. I’ve never thought to do that in the past (not sure why), I just always take whatever I get. Well, as you all know, I had requested a King room in either Aruba 51 or Jamaica 45. I also called back to request a corner room. I learned through DIS that the corner rooms provide more space & I also thought it would be nice to have those 2 huge windows!

Well…at check-in, I learned that I was given most of my requests!!! We had a King bed room in Jamaica building 46. I was a little disappointed when I looked at the map. It looked like bldg 46 was staring right at a parking lot, actually it looked surrounded by parking lots! And there was a huge building in the way of walking to the bridge…which was bldg 45. We were also on the 2nd floor which I wasn’t sure about because of our son’s stroller. I knew from DIS that no elevators exist at CBR.

But while at the Custom House, I was so excited to finally be at Disney, I said it was absolutely fine! She must have seen some disappointment in my face though because she did ask me “is that ok” twice. But I reassured her that this was great & I said I was very happy with the location. I was just secretly hoping that I would be…I knew there was no way I was changing rooms after unloading 3 carry-on bags, a stroller, 2 bags of groceries, a tired & hungry husband, and a 2 year old who was probably more tired & hungry than both of us put together! lol

Since we were having our 3 larger pieces of luggage delivered to our room by ME, we had 2 options. We could wait about 10 minutes for Bell Services to transport us by van to our room or we could just get on the Internal Shuttle Bus. We decided that we would wait. So, we parked our stroller beside a bench & sat down while our son explored a little bit. I also went back inside the Custom House to get maps. I always get 2 sets, one to use in the parks and one to take home for my scrapbook! I love to compare maps from year to year & see what’s changed.

While we were waiting, I was also people watching. I noticed a few families waiting for ME to take them back to the airport. I noticed how tan they were & how they looked exhausted. I also was looking at their souvenirs! Many of the younger kids were dressed in Disney apparel complete with ears and some were carrying stuffed animals. After seeing how exhausted they all looked, I vowed to throw out my plans…well, some of them anyway. I figured if we were going to look like that after 10 days, I didn’t want to be stressed out by following a schedule. Yes, me…little miss OCD, decided to throw out my plans!

Bell Services called our name & we were on our way! I felt almost spoiled because I’m used to doing everything myself. I’m the lady who you see at the grocery store carrying a child in an infant carseat with 5 bags of groceries & a purse! All the nurses at the hospital (when I had my son) told me to accept help when it was needed…honestly 2 years later, I will tell you that I never once have! I don’t like to intrude on others & I just prefer to do everything myself. I know, its weird. Anyway, bell services retrieved our groceries from where they had them stored & loaded our bags & stroller into the van. (They actually got our groceries so fast that I didn’t even see them put them in the van!) Off we went to Jamaica 46. Our bell services driver was Elvis and he was very knowledgeable about Disney. He first asked where we were from & if we had any questions. He told us about the buses, Old Port Royale, and some general resort information. I know he told us a lot more than that, but honestly after 10 days of vacation, I can’t remember what exactly. I do remember that he knew his stuff! He was also very polite & even tried chatting with our son (who you will later find out talked to not one CM throughout our trip!) Thanks to DIS, I already knew most of what he was telling us, but I was polite & listened & thanked him for the information. I think that travel day can sometimes be overwhelming & definitely tiring, so it was nice to have reminders of the things I already knew!

Did I ever tell you that we all need to become CM’s one day? I cannot even begin to tell you the amount of information I learned from DIS for this trip!

All of the CM’s that I ran into the entire trip were extremely helpful. They seriously have all of the answers!!! And if, for some reason, they don’t know an answer, they will find out within minutes!

Back to arrival -- when we arrived at our building, we were in Jamaica 46. I realized that this location was AMAZING!!!!! I cannot even begin to tell you…if you’re staying at CBR, request room 4664. It is honestly the best room!!! I will show you from the pictures where our exact location was. If you’ve previously stayed there, you might be able to figure out from my description, but I like to learn from pictures!

If you look at this picture, our room is the corner one on the second floor clear to the left...under the first dormer.

Building 46 is perfectly located between the bus stop & the Jamaica village. If you look at the map of CBR, it makes it look like bldg 46 is surrounded by parking lots. Technically, it is, but if you stay at the back-side of the building, you never even know a parking lot exists near you! We were on the corner room facing the courtyard right beside building 44. So, if you are standing on our balcony, you only see the Jamaica village buildings & part of the courtyard. If you walk down the hallway towards the steps, you can sort of see the bus stop through the palm trees. It was less than a 3 minute walk to the bus stop & this turned out to be amazing!!!

It was also only about a 10 minute walk to OPR. Granted, if you aren’t a walker, you won’t enjoy this. But I can assure you, at our most exhausted point, we still did not mind walking to OPR. Maybe its just the relaxing atmosphere of the resort or the gorgeous scenery or the thought that you don’t ever want to leave…but whatever the reason, the walk just doesn’t feel like 10 minutes. We had to walk down the hallway, 2 sets of stairs (maybe 10 steps all together), past the back of building 46, in between Aruba 51 and Jamaica 45, across the bridge, through the “island,” across the bridge/deck area, to OPR. It is a very peaceful, serene journey & it was probably one of my favorite parts of the trip! See, it doesn’t take much to make this girl happy!!!

View from outside our room to the left.

View from outside our room to the right.

Another view of our room...its the corner one on the 2nd floor.

 

[photographymom517]

When we arrived at our room, I immediately took pictures before we unloaded our bags. Our suitcases hadn’t arrived yet anyway, so we decided to take a walk & explore the resort. We were also starving. We aren’t huge fans of flying & our nerves always make it close to impossible to eat before leaving the airport. I, personally, eat whenever I’m nervous so those peanuts disappeared on the flight within minutes! Not a huge fan of Cheese Nips so I just saved them for my son.

Pictures of our room!

Of course on the walk to OPR, I took tons and tons of pictures.

Jamaica's "beach area" and playground...the village pool is to the right of the playground

Our son loved these little areas...everytime we walked across the bridge, he would stop at every single one & just run around. He was sad in the evenings because they put a padlock on the gate across each one. I would tell him that his special gate was locked & he would just keep walking until he got to the next one...then he'd try to open that gate & I would tell him his special place was locked. It was cute!

View of OPR from the bridge.

Boat Rental area

This turns out to be another one of our son's favorite places at the resort! He loved this fountain!

We went to the food court area & had our very first experience with the Disney Dining Plan. I can honestly say that I’m glad I researched it ahead of time & also that I asked questions on DIS. It’s really not that difficult of a process, but if you aren’t familiar with how it works, you may be overwhelmed with the choices.

After going to each station & viewing our choices, my husband ate at the Bridgetown Broiler. He got the Roast Turkey with corn, mashed potatoes with ham, and a roll. He also got a red Powerade and chocolate cake from the Grab & Go Market. I got the Individual Cheese Pizza from the Pizza & Pasta Shop and then got grapefruit juice & chocolate cake. Our bill total was $30.08 but we used 2 meals from the QSDP. This was at 5:56pm.

My son's pizza (I gave it to him because I wasn't very hungry but he didn't eat that much of it.) I didn't get a picture of my husband's food because I'm the one who gets the napkins, silverware, drinks, etc and by the time I got back to the table, he had eaten half of it already!

After hearing about the dining plan, I was impressed with the drink choices. I thought it would be more limited than it was. I wasn’t very hungry so I ate my cake. Our son ate the pizza & loved the grapefruit juice. He didn’t like the chocolate cake so my husband ate it. My meal wasn’t that great, I’m not a fan of Disney pizza. I mostly got it for my son because he loves pizza no matter where its from. My husband said his was really good & we were both surprised that it came with so many sides.

Pictures from our trip back to the room!

Our son also found a new friend on our trip. He actually found this bunny at least 2-5 times every day, even on the days when we were barely at the resort! I thought it was cute because he loves animals & always finds stray animals back home!

Once back at our room, we changed into our swimsuits & called home. On the way to the village pool, we ran into bell services who was delivering our luggage. I was honestly relieved to see our 3 suitcases on the cart! My husband’s swim trunks were in the suitcase, so he walked with us to the pool, then went back to the room to change after the luggage was delivered. After swimming for awhile, our son noticed kids running to the playground, so he decided to run over as well. We let him play for awhile. My husband went back to the room and about 15 minutes later, my son and I went back as well. I unpacked our luggage while my husband helped our son get a bath.

At 9:52pm, we all went down to OPR to get & fill our refillable mugs (a GREAT investment regardless of how much time you spend at the resort!). They were $13.49 each, I looked at the sign, but since we had the dining plan, the mugs were free. We also each got an M&M cookie (used snack credits but our bill would have been $3.98). It was relaxing to sit outside by my son’s favorite resort spot (the fountain) and eat our cookies. We also got ½ gallon of milk since I purchased cereal through Garden Grocer to eat for breakfast & snacks.

Since we had previously been to the village pool & saw the playground/beach area, I let my son get a huge red Mickey shovel. I also got a Cutester Vinylmation. When we got back to our room, I put the Vinylmation away in the drawer. I was thinking about just waiting until I got home to open all of my Vinylmations…I thought it would make the “Disney magic” last longer. But after I found out the next day about Vinylmation trading at the resorts & parks, I decided to open it! I was so excited when I opened it! It was the light blue colored one with the silver gemstones. I loved it & was excited because it would match the one I have back home…the blue/pink one with the fairy godmother!

I don't have any pictures from the pool or walking back to OPR or the giftshop because I left my camera back in the room. I do have pool pictures, but they are later in my trip report!

Also, prior to our trip, I had told my husband that I read somewhere on DIS that a black bear had been spotted somewhere on the grounds of the Caribbean Beach Resort. He insisted that it wasn’t true. He said that there was no way a bear would be roaming around in Florida.

WELL -- upon arrival, there were a bunch of papers laying on our table. One was this:

GUEST UPDATE
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

Dear Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort Guest,

Thank you for being our Guest. As many of you who have stayed with us before know because of the size and nature of our property, several areas around Walt Disney World Resort can attract a variety of wildlife. Recently a Florida black bear was seen in the vicinity of Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort.

As a protected species, the Florida black bear is managed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and may only be relocated under their direction. The safety of our Guests and Cast Members is our top priority and we are currently working with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to develop a plan to take appropriate action.

Since wildlife that associates people with food sources may lose fear of humans, we have increased our efforts to remove trash and have increased monitoring of the area. We are also asking Guests to secure all food items in their rooms or cars. Guests should avoid any contact with bears and if necessary, seek shelter indoors until the bear leaves the area.

If a bear is sighted, please call Security at 407-560-7959.

Should you have any questions or need additional assistance, please feel free to contact the Front Desk.

Sincerely,

The Cast of Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

Honestly, after reading it, I wasn’t even worried about a Florida black bear. I just had to say “TOLD YOU, TOLD YOU, TOLD YOU” about a million times like a little kid!!! Haha! Needless to say, my husband wasn’t thrilled, but he did admit that I was right.

DAY 2 To Follow...We end up completely off schedule already...where will we end up going???

 

[photographymom517]

Just a quick side note about my pictures...I felt bad that I promised I would update earlier this week & never did...so I worked on my report all week as much as I could, entered the food info/prices into a spreadsheet last night, and uploaded my pictures today.

BUT since I wanted to make sure to post this evening, I didn't have a chance to edit any of my photos. So I apologize that they aren't the greatest. I will edit the others before posting them.

I also just realized today that most of them were taken in horrible quality...only 460x600mp!!! Its ok for the Internet, but not good to print even 4x6 pictures. Instead of getting upset, I just told DH that we'll just have to go back again soon!

 

[Tinkermom76]

Great update Hope. It is so nice to hear about WDW since I still have over 5 months to go.
I am so glad you got the room you wanted and had such a great location!!!
Can't wait for the next installment

 

[DevonsDisneyMom]

Yeah for starting your trip report!!! Great start! I can not wait to read more. Geese, it's been so long since I stayed at CBR that I forgot how beautiful it is!!!

 

[SoonerGirl]

Yay, you started!!!

I loved looking at all of your pictures of CBR, brought back great memories of the time we stayed there, we were in Jamacia as well and loved the location, that walk across the bridge to OPR was so pretty!

A black bear on the CBR grounds?! At least you were able to pull out the "I told you so's" I love it when I can do that!

 

[wdwgirl03]

Awesome start! I love all the resort pictures. I've only ever seen it from the ME bus. haha

A bear on the grounds...YIKES! That is kind of crazy.

It's funny you said something about saving all your vinylmations to open until you got home. I was thinking yesterday how I should do that on our August trip (well, save one of them) to have a little surprise for when I get home. Don't know if I'll be able to do it though.

Can't wait for more!

 

[stephielela]

I am LOVING your TR!!!! Maybe I will request that room number for my parents since I want them to get a king (as a surprise) I love hearing about your son's reactions, since DS will be about the same age when we go! Looking forward to more!

 

[Spartangirl]

CBR looks so pretty! I love all of the pics of the grounds. A black bear at the resort.....wow! That would be crazy to see!

Looking forward to more...

 

[photographymom517]

Great update Hope. It is so nice to hear about WDW since I still have over 5 months to go.
I am so glad you got the room you wanted and had such a great location!!!
Can't wait for the next installment

Hey Natalie! I'm glad you liked my report of our first day! We really did have a beautiful location. As I said, I was worried when I saw all the parking lots on the map, but since we faced the courtyard, the views were gorgeous! After seeing the resort, I don't think it would have even mattered if we were surrounded by parking lots...they have so much landscaping & so many palm trees near the parking lot, I'm sure those views are pretty too!

Yeah for starting your trip report!!! Great start! I can not wait to read more. Geese, it's been so long since I stayed at CBR that I forgot how beautiful it is!!!

Reese, I was going to PM you last night & tell you that I posted about our first day but my laptop battery died right after I posted the last picture! Wait until you hear about Day 2...its interesting!

CBR really is a beautiful resort...I missed AKL but loved CBR!!! I think I just love all of the Disney resorts! I could never pick a favorite!

Yay, you started!!!

I loved looking at all of your pictures of CBR, brought back great memories of the time we stayed there, we were in Jamacia as well and loved the location, that walk across the bridge to OPR was so pretty!

A black bear on the CBR grounds?! At least you were able to pull out the "I told you so's" I love it when I can do that!

Isn't Jamaica gorgeous?!? I loved it there! The yellow & blue are so pretty together on the buildings & the landscaping at the whole resort is just amazing! My son actually made up a little dance that he did every single time we walked across the bridges! I wish I would have videotaped it, but the only evening I videotaped was when I had him in his stroller. Darn it!

Yes, I did admit saying "I told you so"...

Awesome start! I love all the resort pictures. I've only ever seen it from the ME bus. haha

A bear on the grounds...YIKES! That is kind of crazy.

It's funny you said something about saving all your vinylmations to open until you got home. I was thinking yesterday how I should do that on our August trip (well, save one of them) to have a little surprise for when I get home. Don't know if I'll be able to do it though.

Can't wait for more!

Sometime whenever you are at Disney, you need to take a little trip to CBR just to visit! You could probably spend a few hours in the evening just relaxing there. You could walk through one of the villages, to OPR, and swim in the pool. They also have boat & bike rentals there!

Before we even left on our trip, I was thinking that I should save my Vinylmations for when we get home. But when I bought my second one at the gift shop, the CM showed me the "mystery box" and the little clear box & explained trading to me! I had heard (through DIS of course!) that Disney had a day where a HUGE Vinlymation trading event occurred...but I didn't realize you could trade at any time! At pretty much every gift shop that sells Vinylmations, they have 2 boxes...one is a big black case with around 30 Vinylmations in it. Its called the "mystery box" because you can't see through to see which Vinylmation you are getting. You choose a number & they trade your Vinylmation with the one in that #'s case. OR there is a clear case with 3 Vinylmations in it & if you see one you like, you just ask the CM to trade it with yours. All you need is the Vinylmation, no box or card. I ended up opening all the Vinylmations I got on our trip & you will later find out if I traded or not!

I'd say to maybe save one for after you get home from your trip...but trading is just as much fun as guessing which one you have in your box when you originally buy it!!!

I am LOVING your TR!!!! Maybe I will request that room number for my parents since I want them to get a king (as a surprise) I love hearing about your son's reactions, since DS will be about the same age when we go! Looking forward to more!

If I didn't mention it already, the room number was 4664. It is an awesome room!!! The views are great & the king bed was wonderful to have with our son. It was funny when bell services dropped us off, he asked if we wanted a play-yard or anything for our son...and when we said "no," he said "Oh, just squeeze him in the middle then!" and I said "actually, yes that's what we're going to do!" and we all laughed!

So far, my son's reactions are cute...wait until you hear about our first few park days...

CBR looks so pretty! I love all of the pics of the grounds. A black bear at the resort.....wow! That would be crazy to see!

Looking forward to more...

CBR is very pretty!!! We loved the walk to the main building because it was so peaceful & serene to just take in the beautiful atmosphere!

Yes, the black bear does sound scary...luckily we never ran into him! BUT we did see some snakes which I wasn't a fan of! It was (kind of) funny the night we saw the first moccassin snake. My son had previously found bunnies, squirrels, lizards, etc. He would always point & stoop down to get a closer look & he would usually tell me which animal he was looking at. I was so used to him saying "bunny" that I saw him stoop down & just kept walking. He says, "Snake...mama...snake" and I looked down as I was walking & came about 2 centimeters from stepping onto a black snake! I'm not afraid of much, but I hate snakes!!! And of course, the evening this happened, I was alone with my son because my DH had stayed in the room.

 

[ForTheLoveOfDCL]

Hope---very cute photos.....did u tell your son he had to leave his binky behind with Mickey? LOL Wish I would've had a Disney trip when we made my DD(now 10) at 1 give up hers....we had to tell her that she had to give all that up for the new babies coming inot the world. Worked..we mailed them away. But she would have been more cooperative if we were leaving it with a princess...LOL
Waiting for more!

 

[lledman]

Great start, can't wait to read more

 

[ChildAtHeart82]

Yay! Welcome back! I'm a little behind on my DIS subscriptions, but I am now caught up on your TR! I didn't realize CBR was so pretty. Maybe we will stay there some trip.

 

[photographymom517]

Hope---very cute photos.....did u tell your son he had to leave his binky behind with Mickey? LOL Wish I would've had a Disney trip when we made my DD(now 10) at 1 give up hers....we had to tell her that she had to give all that up for the new babies coming inot the world. Worked..we mailed them away. But she would have been more cooperative if we were leaving it with a princess...LOL
Waiting for more!

Thanks Michelle! I'm glad you liked the photos! It was very hard to choose which ones to put on here. I might do an update with only photos to add to my Day 1 description!

I know, I know...the binky...I knew I forgot to mention something in my update! lol See, my son just turned 2 in May. Around 18 months, I had him completely done with binky or "INK, INK" as he calls it. It was hard to even do it at that point because he's around my nephew alot...who is over 2 1/2 & STILL has his binky. I have my opinions about that, but I'll keep it to myself...like the kid has it 24/7, not just occassionally, 24/7 & it drives me insane! So, my son is allowed to have "ink, ink" two times per day...once for naptime & once for bedtime. And as soon as he falls asleep for either, I take his binky & he doesn't see it again until the next day at naptime. Well, my DH was laid off for awhile last year & during that time, my DS decided to "take advantage" of daddy and get his binky back! My DH thought I was just being horrible taking it from him (since he's "still a baby"...) so I didn't obviously win that argument! I actually had his binky gone AGAIN about a month ago, then my DH was laid off again, and it all started again!

I vowed that he was NOT allowed to have it on our vacation except for on the plane & maybe if he was really, really, really cranky & there was nothing else to make him content. That plan went flying out the window when he became scared of everything...rides, shows, characters, etc. (I know, I'm giving away part of Day 2 or 3!) He ended up having it alot during our first days there but actually by the time we were done with vacation, it is completely GONE!!!

I know, its a really long explanation for the binky, but as you can tell, it bothers me soooo much!!! I was recently at a birthday party (a FIRST birthday party) for a little boy & his mom told me she took his binky at 8 months! I told her that was amazing & I was so proud of her! She looked at me like I was insane, but then I explained my nephews & my son. Oh, and btw, my other nephew is 3 1/2 and he still gets his for naps...yikes! I HATE binkys!!! I vowed at birth my son would never have one & look where that got me!

And yes, I did tell him that I left his binkys with Mickey Mouse!!! You'll find out more about that at the end of my trip report!

Great start, can't wait to read more

I'm glad you like the report so far! I'm really hoping to write Day 2 by sometime mid-week!