So some thoughts on the May trip and then I will comment on a few TR updates that I got behind on (dang work getting in the way
)
Overall plans sound great. I believe that Flower and Garden going on at that time - just wondering if you might want a little more time at EPCOT if it is to look at all the topiaries and the butterfly gardens ... and they have been adding more and more food and beverage kiosks as well to that. So might want to keep that in mind for meals/food as well
that is true, thanks for the reminder on the booths. Though I tend to still never eat at the booths (#1 bc I don't eat most of what is served anyway. #2 bc i hate waiting in lines lol)
Definitely think if you are going to do BBB makes sense to do that before CRT. One thing you could look to do is a pre-park appointment at BBB then right up to breakfast at CRT
I thought about that but hate to use up a precious first hour of the park opening for breakfast. I'd rather run around from 9-12 getting in a bunch of rides and then relax with lunch before Aria's nap (assuming she still takes a nap then)
Evening of doing Chef Mickey's and then the Pirates and Pals cruise sound like a ton of fun for a kid!
As far as your pass goes, I guess it depends if (how many times) you think you might go between December 2015 and April 2016. If you think that might be one or 2 trips probably makes the most sense to wait and get a new AP. BTW - is there a lot in Disney Quest for younger kids? I haven't been there so more curious than anything but seemed like something more for older kids (but I might have the wrong impression)
As long as nothing changes in the baby dept, i could see going for Aria's 4th birthday (end Jan 2016) or maybe March or even early May again - definitely more than the ZERO times I'll be able to go between Dec-May 2015 lol. I am leaning towards just getting a new one, plus I'm waiting for my little bonus to actually show up in my paycheck (could be months, who knows) before i purchase the AP.
For DisneyQuest, I do think it is geared to older kids. I just looked up info (since it's been a while!) - one thing to note is most are "group" activities so we'd all work together to complete them.
Explore Zone: (no height requirements)
Pirates of the Caribbean
Aladdin's Magic Carpet Ride (this one I think Aria would enjoy)
Virtual Jungle Cruise (she'd love this one too)
Treasure of the Incas (she'd like this one)
Create Zone:
Radio Disney Song Maker (this could be fun!)
CyberSpace Mountain (51" hieght requirement, so that isn't happening)
Animation Academy (we'll see about this one, not sure if she would enjoy it)
Sid's Create a Toy (create a virtual doll toy, then you can actually go purchase it - she'd love to do this)
Magic Mirror (take a photo of yourself then do all sorts of fun things to it)
Living Easels (she'd enjoy this too)
Replay Zone
Buzz Lightyear Astroblaster (Min height of 51", boo - this one is a LOT of fun, so we may have to take turns riding it)
Arcade (ehh we'll see)
Score Zone
Mighty Ducks (48")
Daytona (driving game, she'd prob enjoy doing it with me)
Ride the Comix (virtual reality, idk)
Invasion (all work as a team so she could enjoy it)
Since it'll be free for Aria since her ticket includes WPF&M I think it'll be a fun way to spend an hour or two, not a whole night.
OK, now I got to the revised plans, so some additional thoughts
I have always wanted to stay at Bonnet Creek so fully support that idea!
We did mini golf on our trip last October and really had a ton of fun with it (we did the Winter/Summer one) so also support that
Yeah I like the winter summerland one better, but we may just do the one we can walk to, though we will have a car so it won't really matter I guess. Bonnet Creek is beautiful and the location is just wonderful.
Love Aria's interactions with the princesses and love how excited Cinderella seems to meet her as well
We ate at Pinocchio's for the first time this last trip and, other than it being a bit crazy and challenges in finding a seat, really liked it. We too got the caprese pizza and the kids got regular kids pizzas and thought it was all rather good - a nice change of pace from regular Disney pizza.
Sounds like some nice presents you got for Aria. While they are definitely not my style, the Kincade paintings certainly are pretty
Glad Aria was more into the parades - she looks very cute waving to all the characters
. I am so bummed that the FoF parade was rained out for us so we haven't seen it yet (well, I mean, we live streamed the premier for it so we have "seen" it, just not in person) ... oh well, a reason to go back.
I think they added A&E to the float last minute so that is why they only got 1/2 the spinning area. Ideally I think they could put together a pretty great Frozen float based on the floats they have done
Good timing in getting the Ariel doll before the Ariel M&G!
A dedicated Frozen float would be wonderful, I hate how we have had bad luck getting them to be turned towards us. That is too bad that it rained out for you
Pinocchios was definitely a nice change of pace. It was a bit crazy getting a table and all that but since we just needed a little two-top it wasn't too bad I guess. Certainly not as nicely coordinated as BoG where they bring you your food!
That is awesome about the condo for May! I think the Boardwalk is a great place to be if you have two park-less days. So much to do in that area. I think your plans so great!
Your FoF pictures are so good. They make me disappointed that we missed seeing it in September. Hopefully it will be around for a while so that I get to see it at some point!
Aria is so cute meeting all of the characters.
Thank you!! That is what I am thinking too. If the Boardwalk studio isn't available, I might try out Old Key West (which takes the same number of points as BWV, surprisingly) due to its closeness to DTD. Maybe even go back to AKV with a savannah view studio since I do love the pools there, even if the location is less than ideal but that won't matter if we aren't going to the parks and staying out late.
Love the idea of doing Christmas shopping for Aria while she naps. Those are nice paintings!
Aw, thats cute with Aria wearing her Ariel dress while playing with her new Ariel doll!
I totally agree about the Festival of Fantasy parade! I am not a big parade person either, but just LOVED it. They hit a homerun with that one so fascinating!
How cute that Aria was calling out to the characters. Glad she had a good time.
Hahah the Ariel doll has still been a big hit at home, so it was a good purchase, Plus she played with it for the rest of the trip too. Seeing her watch the parade really made the whole experience that much better. It's sort of why the
MNSSHP parade was actually a bit of a let down, because it wasn't very character oriented and was a bit too creepy for her.
I forewarned Andrew about my nap-time shopping habits, and during an October DHS day I went a little overboard while he was riding RnRC.
Upcoming trip:
Thats right I forgot all about Trattoria al Forno. Interested to see how you like it.
Revised schedule looks good. Glad you can try out Bonnet Creek and keep your costs down win/win!
Hmmmm, if we take our trip as planned, it would be fun to meet up at Raglan Road or something. Then again, I have absolutely nothing planned right now, so not sure where well be that day, etc. We'll see how things work out.
LOL this is fairly up in the air too (for the next week anyway, then I'm going to book ADRs haha). I am still waiting to hear from lynda about whether there are any that she def doesn't want to do (esp CRT since I have to pre-pay for that!). Raglan Road is one I LOVE and keep skipping over, though at DTD T-Rex is a blast too. It would be awesome to meet up, let me know if you start to work on your plans!
Awww, Aria with her little ponytail and her Ariel doll watching FoF is just the cutest!!! She looks so excited for the parade. It is really one of the best daytime parades I have seen.
I am so excited for y'all to get to try out Bonnet Creek! I think you will really like it. It's so crazy to be "off property" and yet be so close to everything.
Yeah exactly! It's why I've liked Silver Lake, though Bonnet Creek looks 100x nicer than silver lake, and it is even closer to everything, so very excited for it. I hope it is still available to book this weekend.
Thank you!! She has so much fun watching the parade too.
Her boyfriend Aron is probably going to come now. He is a sweet guy and great with Aria, so that is cool (I was a little disappointed for a minute) BUT it means getting our own rooms at Shades so now we are back up to about $700 for the week, which is double what I was expecting. Sooo we chatted about the condos again (2+ bedrooms) and one that I have been dying to come up - Wyndham Bonnet Creek - is available that week in May! (1 day off - May 10-17). Splitting the cost it'll actually be cheaper than Shades. While not walking distance to the monorail, it is super close to EPCOT and I have been really wanting to check it out. So I think that is what we have decided on! 
IDK he can just be really annoying. 
and already wrapped all of Aria's presents and I finished up Andrew's gifts as well! Totally 100% ready for December to get here! haha
