Mom's At It Again! ***Updated 4/30/2009~Trip Report Link**

[mommytothreeboys]

Well...It's Magic Kingdom time! Although I would not call MK my favorite park, it is definitely the most magical. There is just something about walking down Main Street with the castle in view....*sigh*.

Now for the lists! (did I mention that I am a list-girl? I live my life by a list!)

The "Definitely Do" List

Jungle Cruise: I know I may take some heat for this one, but I LOVE the corny humor on this ride! I giggle out loud every time! Yeah, it's scripted, yeah, it's cheesy....but sign me up!

Pirates of the Caribbean: My boys love all things Pirates so this ride is a no brainer!

Swiss Family Treehouse: This was closed for refurb on our last visit and my DH was very sad. He's looking forward to sharing this with the boys.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad: We are a roller coaster family, so this one won't be missed.

Splash Mountain: I got more soaked on this than on Kali...go figure!

Tom Sawyer Island: My DS11 especially loves this place. Isaiah is an outdoor boy at his core and loves to explore. Our plan is to devote a considerable amount of time here as we kind of rushed last time (we had an ADR). Plus...DS13 was not feeling well on the afternoon we did the island and he spent the whole time in a rocker on the dock!

Haunted Mansion: A personal favorite of mine and I'm excited to see the updates.

It's a Small World: Yes...we torture our children with this ride. It wouldn't be right to skip it!

Mad Tea Party: I will definitely sit this one out, but Jeff will ride with the boys. NO THANK YOU!

Buzz Lightyear: Our family LOVED this ride and I expect that we will ride it multiple times if at all possible. DS13 (Daniel) has mentioned using our whole second MK day to ride Buzz!

Monster's Inc. Laugh Floor: This was a new attraction on our last trip and the lines were really not manageable....or we didn't feel like managing them! We really want to see it this time around.

TTA: Now I see that this will be running a limited schedule while we are there due to the Space Mountain refurb. It was something we skipped last trip so I'd like to do it if we can.


The "Let's Skip It" List

Country Bears: The audio was horrible when we saw it last trip and my boys just weren't all that into it.

Pooh: My youngest DS is 8 and Pooh is just too young for them. We did ride it last trip.

Stitch's Great Escape: We all agreed that this just wasn't good. My DS11 will, however, spend a considerable amount of time in the Stitch store!

Indy Speedway: The line is just too slow moving and we have a very similar ride at our local amusement park. The only reason I would do it again is for the great pics you can get of Space Mountain!

Magic Carpets of Aladdin: Again, really just a carnival ride.

Astro Orbiter: See above!

The "If the Lines Aren't Too Long and We've Done All the Must Dos" List

Peter Pan: We liked this ride, but for the popularity of it, thus the long wait, it's definitely a maybe.

Riverboat: I had this on the skip list, but was outvoted! I'll admit, the breeze is nice and it can provide a welcome break on a hot afternoon. We'll see!

Cinderella's Carousel: Again, I lost! My DH ( of all people) made me put this on the maybe list! LOL!

Mickey's Philharmagic: This was our favorite of the 3D experiences, but we have seen it so won't spend a lot of time making sure we see it again. It's probably the highest on the maybe list, though!

Snow White: Personally, Snow White is my FAVORITE Disney princess, but we did this last time and feel alright about not seeing it this trip if it doesn't fit.

ToonTown: Now, remember, my kids are 8, 11, and 14. We toured ToonTown last trip, but really don't feel the need to go through Minnie and Mickey's houses again. We rode the Barnstormer last trip, but it's a little tame for us! We WILL spend some time in the large gift shop here, though. And probably ride the train.

Carousel of Progess: Ok..this one is just boring in my opinion. DH and I have seen it, but the boys have not so we may try to do it for that reason.

Dumbo: We all agree that we'd like to do this, but won't wait in a long line for it!

Tiki Room: Another case of mom being outnumbered! I could totally skip this, but the rest of the family wants to do it. I hate birds...they freak me out...I think I mentioned that in an earlier post about the Flights of Wonder show at AK. I know they're not real, but still.....


There you have it! PLEASE give me feedback! This is a totally interactive PTR and I welcome your suggestions and input!

OKAY....here are the "just for fun" MK pics! (MY favorite part!!)

I always wanted a little princess!! LOL!

AARRGGHH!!

This is how Dan spent his time on Tom Sawyer Island.

Bad boys, bad boys..whatcha gonna do......??

 

[carissanboys]

Tom Sawyer Island: My DH11 especially loves this place. Isaiah is an outdoor boy at his core and loves to explore. Our plan is to devote a considerable amount of time here as we kind of rushed last time (we had an ADR). Plus....DH13 was not feeling well on the afternoon we did the island and he spent the whole time in a rocker on the dock!

Sully and I have yet to make it over there. Chuck took the younger two on our first visit while Sully and I rode the coasters. I'd like to get over this time.

Mad Tea Party: I will definitely sit this one out, but Jeff will ride with the boys. NO THANK YOU!

We've never done this one. I try to steer the kids clear of it.

Monster's Inc. Laugh Floor: This was a new attraction on our last trip and the lines were really not manageable....or we didn't feel like managing them! We really want to see it this time around.

We had fun with this last time, but that was partly because my dad played a role in it.

Country Bears: The audio was horrible when we saw it last trip and my boys just weren't all that into it.

Never done it and no plans to do so. I use to have their album though!

Tiki Room: Another case of mom being outnumbered! I could totally skip this, but the rest of the family wants to do it. I hate birds...they freak me out...I think I mentioned that in an earlier post about the Flights of Wonder show at AK. I know they're not real, but still.....

We've never done this one either.

Great pictures!

 

[mommytothreeboys]

As I sit here in the frozen tundra that is upstate New York, I am trying to think warm thoughts! So, of course, my mind goes to DISNEY! I'm gonna take a little break from the Must Do Lists and talk about my DISNEY BOX! This box sits in our computer room and is a place to collect all things related to our upcoming trip. Some things I have yet to purchase...some things are saved from our last trip. SO.....What's in the box, you ask?? I'm gonna tell you and then you can let me know if there is something in YOUR box that I need to get for mine! Sound like a plan?? Cool...off we go...!

The first item I put in my box was the over-the-door shoe holder that I got for our last trip. I got it at the Family Dollar for something like $3. It was actually a tip I had gotten from someone on these boards and it was a LIFESAVER! We were staying at POR and there is NO bathroom counter space to put stuff on. This handy-dandy little item was used to store all of our bathroom supplies, like deodorant, hair ties, combs and brushes, razors, hair spray, make-up, etc....as well as sunscreen, lotions, etc. It has 20 individual compartments so it was plenty for each boy to have one, Jeff and I each had one, and the rest were for stuff we all used. I've included a pic for your viewing enjoyment! Although it is intended to be hung over a door, the hardware that it came with was not wide enough to hang over the bathroom door at POR so I hung it on the closet pole in the sink area. PERFECT!!

Next in the box were the small plastic pouches we got last trip to put our KTTW inside. They attach to our lanyards and were great to have. The only problem is that we only have 3...I think 2 ripped or something so we didn't save them.

Also in the box are several rain ponchos I picked up at the dollar store. We did not have any need for them on our last trip, but better to be prepared!

The next item in the box is a pop-up hamper I also picked up at the dollar store. Again, indispensable in a small room with 5 people! Kept the clothes clutter under control! I've actually started taking this on our camping trips as well because it serves the same purpose in the tent and since it is mesh, it lets those wet, nasty camping clothes breathe a bit!

I purchased small containers of bubbles that have a key chain attached so they go right on the boys' lanyards. These are perfect for killing time in line!

I also found a small bottle of Tide at Target...for my last trip. Never used it! Something about being on vacation and doing laundry!! I'll pack it again though just in case! (Just for size reference..it is 13.5 ounces, good for 4 loads, and fits nicely into a quart sized ziploc bag!)

Model Magic! This stuff is awesome! I buy the sample packs so you get several colors. The boys played with it on the plane for our last trip. I purchased more for this one and it went right in the DISNEY box!

I'm not sure what to call the next item in my box, but they are kind of like small coin containers. We used them to put quarters and pennies in for the pressed penny machines. Each boy got one and they just put them around their necks or in a pocket. (I tried to carry as little of their stuff as I could get away with!)

Not yet in the box, but I know I want to purchase, are small mister fans. I got them for our last trip at KMart and we did use them quite a bit. They are not very sturdy though so they were ready to be disposed of when we returned. Here is a pic of one similar to the ones we had and I'd like to get again.

Also yet to be purchased, autograph books. Last trip I made one for each boy. Not sure yet if I will do that again or buy them.

I also need to buy a suction cup soap holder for holding our toothbrushes. Again, POR has limited counter space and this was a great thing to have! All of our toothbrushes fit nicely and stayed off the sink, floor, etc!

Well...that's all I can come up with right now. I can't wait for your feedback and to hear about your DISNEY boxes as well as suggestions for additions to mine!

Next installment...Yes, No, Maybe-Epcot Edition!

 

[Planning fanatic mom]

Your box is great and gave me some ideas. The one thing in my box that you don't have is a hand held Yahtzee game. It fits in my day bag, and we play it while waiting in line. One person can play, or we all take turns and play the same game. It really helps to pass the time. I don't know how many people said, "Wow, what a great idea." It is small and very light.

Just a thought. They have so many nowadays. They are also pretty cheap.

 

[carissanboys]

I love your box idea! I'm always finding something around the house and thinking - "I need to put this somewhere so I don't forget it on our trip." I'll have to find a box to use.

And I also need to start looking for that door shoe holder.

We have an autographs book that we purchased on our last trip and continue to use on this trip. We just have one since Owen is really the only one who gets his picture taken with characters and cares about getting autographs.

 

[mommytothreeboys]

Your box is great and gave me some ideas. The one thing in my box that you don't have is a hand held Yahtzee game. It fits in my day bag, and we play it while waiting in line. One person can play, or we all take turns and play the same game. It really helps to pass the time. I don't know how many people said, "Wow, what a great idea." It is small and very light.

Just a thought. They have so many nowadays. They are also pretty cheap.

Great Idea! I actually think my in-laws have one of these we could borrow! They can play with it on the plane as well....thanks for the suggestion!

I love your box idea! I'm always finding something around the house and thinking - "I need to put this somewhere so I don't forget it on our trip." I'll have to find a box to use.

And I also need to start looking for that door shoe holder.

We have an autographs book that we purchased on our last trip and continue to use on this trip. We just have one since Owen is really the only one who gets his picture taken with characters and cares about getting autographs.

I didn't have a box for our last trip either. I decided this time that it would be helpful to have it all in one spot....AND I feel like I'm doing something even though it's too early to pack!

I am going to look at what's available for autograph books online. I made them last time because I make albums and wanted to be able to remove the page and put it on an album page with the pic. I used photo safe scrapbooking paper and used a 3-ring type book so the pages wouldn't look "torn out". I still have them from that trip and may just use those and add new paper....not really sure about that whole thing yet.

 

[mommytothreeboys]

Called this AM to make my one and only ADR for our character breakfast at Ohana. Yay! Got a 7:50 on our first MK day. WOO-HOO!! The first time I called, my phone battery died right at the end of the conversation so I had to call back and start all over...UGH! But I still got what I wanted so it's all good! Now that is out of the way, I need to readjust my park itinerary because of our adjusted flight plans....NO...still no tickets, but at least a plan!

My real installment is on its way soon. Gotta work on the pics!

 

[carissanboys]

Yay for making your ADR!

By the way - I went to Target yesterday and they had an accessories hanger in the clearance area. It's not the same as yours, but similar. I'll post a picture of it on my PTR soon. I thought of you when I bought it!

 

[Planning fanatic mom]

YEAH!! on the ADR. I guess this means that you are about 90 days out.

Very Cool. (Is it me or is the hippie smiley icon gone from the choices? I really liked this one.)

 

[mommytothreeboys]

Yay for making your ADR!

By the way - I went to Target yesterday and they had an accessories hanger in the clearance area. It's not the same as yours, but similar. I'll post a picture of it on my PTR soon. I thought of you when I bought it!

Yay for the accessories organizer!! I just love stuff like that!

YEAH!! on the ADR. I guess this means that you are about 90 days out.

Very Cool. (Is it me or is the hippie smiley icon gone from the choices? I really liked this one.)

Actually yesterday was exactly 90 days!! WOO-HOO!!! (Still seems like forever away though!)

And the hippie smiley is still there...they just changed the ones that come up automatically...you have to hit the little button in the bottom left that says "more" and you'll find it!

 

[carissanboys]

Just a tip about the smileys - if you bring up the complete list - print it out and then all you have to do is type the smiley code each time you need it instead of clicking on more (I don't know about you all, but it takes forever for the box to come up when I do that).

Morning Missy! I'm about to post an update with the picture of my accessories holder.

 

[mommytothreeboys]

I want to begin by saying that Epcot is probably my family's favorite park. We spend the most time here and still always feel like we've missed something or not given something enough attention. That being said...I'm going to start this post with the pictures! YAY!

I hear this ship has been removed.....sad.

I love my boys!

Riding in the front of the monorail!

My youngest pirate!

Dan trying to catch the jumping water.

Now that I have that out of my system.....ON WITH THE LIST!

The "Sign Me Up" List

Spaceship Earth: Kinda like IASW at MK, this ride is just required. It will be interesting to see the changes since it's been refurbed since our last visit.

The Seas: My DS13 has specifically requested we spend more time here exploring the tanks etc. If you've been reading along, you know my feelings about fish in general, but I can take one for the team....I guess.

Living with the Land: I know that a lot of people find this boring, but I think all the plants and the science behind them is fascinating. (Might be helpful to know that I entered college as a Biology major...graduated with a degree in Psychology, but that's a different story!) If I can look at fish for the boys, they can ride the boat with me! LOL!

Soarin: We LOVE this ride. It's definitely a favorite and we'll probably ride more than once!

Test Track: I LOVE to go fast. ( As evidenced by my 2 speeding tickets in 6 months...YIKES! ::cop: )

Mission Space: I will sit this one out, but the boys loved it and want to do it again. I get extremely motion sick, and non-spinning version or not, I'm taking no chances!

Maelstrom: This was closed for refurb on our last visit, so we'd like to try it.

Reflections of China: We did not see ANY of the World Showcase movies last trip. This is one we all agree we'd like to see.

Model Railroad in Germany: I know this is not necessarily an attraction, but I've heard lots about it and we didn't even remember to look for it last trip. We'll seek it out this time.

O Canada: A little background....we live about an hour from the Canadian border. My DS13 wants to be Canadian...I can't explain it, but it's true. He loves the Toronto Blue Jays and swears he's gonna move there someday! This one is for him!

Chinese Acrobats: We missed them last trip and I would like to see them. We'll do our best to catch a performance.

Candy Lady in Japan: I remember seeing her on my honeymoon, but we didn't see her last time. I think the boys would enjoy it.



The "Don't Bother" List

Circle of Life: Saw it...not seeing it again. Nuff said!

Honey I Shrunk the Audience: See above.

Figment: Silly and didn't keep the boy's attention. It's a skipper.

Impressions de France: I can only expect so much of my boys!! LOL!



The "Perhaps If We Can Squeeze It In" List

Innoventions: We did not even set foot in here last trip. Any feedback on this would be greatly appreciated...worth the time or no??

Turtle Talk with Crush: We LOVED this, but the boys are older and if we can't do it no one will be heartbroken.

Ellen's Energy Adventure: Again....no experience with this one at all. Any help??

Mexico Boat Ride: I say NO, but the boys and my DH like this so we'll see!

American Adventure: A possibility....haven't seen it before.

Well, there you have it....I have completed the lists for all 4 parks!! :

As always your feedback is welcomed and appreciated! Did I leave anything out? Looking forward to your responses!

 

[Villainess]

Innoventions changes often, so it wouldn't hurt to wander in there and take a peak. If someone grabs one of the boy's attention, try it, if not then move on and you can check it off your list!

I like American Adventure - it is a nice presentation, dark, cool, relaxing and a sit down theater (as opposed to China and Canada). I also like the France movie as well though!

Don't forget Club Cool!

 

[carissanboys]

I'll be back tomorrow to reply in more detail about your Epcot list, but just wanted to say that I LOVE that picture of your boys in front of the Inside Track sign!

 

[mketting]

HI Missy! Saw your DH at swim practice picking up Isiah and he saw Jared' Disney Castaway Key Keychain hanging off his swim bag and we got chatting about Disney. Its awesome you guys are getting to go again. We are going on a Disney 4 night cruise over Feb. break. We are going to go to the Disney World just one day and do AK as we have on;y been there for a couple of hours and that was before EE.


Planning the trip is so much fun isn't it.

See you at the pool

 

[mommytothreeboys]

I'll be back tomorrow to reply in more detail about your Epcot list, but just wanted to say that I LOVE that picture of your boys in front of the Inside Track sign!

HI Missy! Saw your DH at swim practice picking up Isiah and he saw Jared' Disney Castaway Key Keychain hanging off his swim bag and we got chatting about Disney. Its awesome you guys are getting to go again. We are going on a Disney 4 night cruise over Feb. break. We are going to go to the Disney World just one day and do AK as we have on;y been there for a couple of hours and that was before EE.


Planning the trip is so much fun isn't it.

See you at the pool

Hi Michelle! Jeff told me he talked to you about my DIS obsession! LOL! A Disney Cruise sounds awesome....I don't think I could ever do it due to my seasick issue , but I hope you guys have a great time! We love Animal Kingdom....and even Jonah likes EE. You'll have to tell me all about your trip when you get back! See you at the pool!

 

[carissanboys]

The Seas: My DS13 has specifically requested we spend more time here exploring the tanks etc. If you've been reading along, you know my feelings about fish in general, but I can take one for the team....I guess.

I'd like to spend more time in there on our trip too.

Living with the Land: I know that a lot of people find this boring, but I think all the plants and the science behind them is fascinating. (Might be helpful to know that I entered college as a Biology major...graduated with a degree in Psychology, but that's a different story!) If I can look at fish for the boys, they can ride the boat with me! LOL!

We love this one!

Mission Space: I will sit this one out, but the boys loved it and want to do it again. I get extremely motion sick, and non-spinning version or not, I'm taking no chances!

I'm with you! I can't even do the carousel. No one in our family has ever done Mission Space.

Maelstrom: This was closed for refurb on our last visit, so we'd like to try it.

Both boat rides are on my list because we've never had a chance to do them before.

Model Railroad in Germany: I know this is not necessarily an attraction, but I've heard lots about it and we didn't even remember to look for it last trip. We'll seek it out this time.

We've never actually seen the trains moving both times we've looked at it.

Candy Lady in Japan: I remember seeing her on my honeymoon, but we didn't see her last time. I think the boys would enjoy it.

Miyuki is great! She is so funny to listen to as she makes the candy. We were lucky enough to get one of our creations last time.

Ellen's Energy Adventure: Again....no experience with this one at all. Any help??

I've heard lots of people say how much they love this. I think it's worth a try.

 

[mommytothreeboys]

I know this is off-topic, but bear with me!

My oldest son turns 14 today. I don't know why I'm having such a hard time with this because he's been a "teenager" for a whole year now. The only thing I can say is that I must have been living in denial all this time because this birthday is just making me feel OLD! I vividly remember being 14 myself....how did I get old enough to have a 14 year old of my own???

Well...14 years ago this morning I was looking down into the face of my beautiful baby boy and wondering just how long my mom could stay with us!! I was sure I would not have any idea what to do with him once she left. Yes..I had two younger brothers growing up, but this one was MINE! Needless to say, I figured it out and he's grown up nicely.....just too fast! Here's a picture of Dan, just for reference!

Instead of whining about how OLD I am, I decided to dedicate this post to remembering how it used to be! I was 14 in 1984, so let's travel back shall we?

1984:

In 1984, the average cost of a movie ticket was $2.50!

In 1984, Michael Jackson was on top of the charts and receiving critical acclaim for his album Thriller. Oh, how far we've come! LOL!

In 1984, the top movies were Ghostbusters, Splash, Police Academy, Karate Kid, and Gremlins.

In 1984, popular TV programs were Magnum P.I., Hill Street Blues, Dynasty,
The A-Team, and Fame. (What, no reality shows??!!)

In 1984, President Ronald Reagan was re-elected to his second term of office.

In 1984, the Cosby Show debuted on NBC.

In 1984, the Space Shuttle Discovery had its maiden voyage.

In 1984, the first Apple Macintosh went on sale.

In 1984, the Soviet Union withdrew from the Summer Olympic Games that were held in Los Angeles.

I look back at these things now and am amazed at how much the world has changed. I can only imagine what Dan's world will look like at age 38...in 2033!!

Anyway...sorry for the digression and thank you for listening to my crazy reminiscing!

Happy Birthday Dan!

 

[carissanboys]

Happy Birthday to your son!

I was 10 in 1984. Good times.

 

[sfacowgirl87]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! YAY! I love birthdays.

I was negative 3 in 1984