My AP-ALOOZA Continues (WE RENEWED!!) ~ NEW TR link posted!

[JulieODC]

t is tough traveling with new people, but I have definitely found that it is worth it for Aria when there are other kids there (or her grandparents) as she just loves having them around. Such as Dugette's Izzy - we needed more "play" time for the two of them because I just know Aria loved having her around (and TheMaxRebo's crew as well). I find that I really need "us" time as well though. Usually that'll include no-DH time hahaha. In October we had DH's parents there for the first 4 nights, but then they left and we had 4 nights with DH (then he left and we had 2 nights just Aria & me). That was perfect!

ANywayyyyy

Thanks! I sure hope so. We all have colds ATM so not too happy about that, hoping they just stay "colds" though and nothing progresses. Also not liking the snow that keeps coming on the forecast for the next week!

Are you flying down a day early? I'd be armed with every possible flight alternative possible (PVD, BOS, MHT, Hartford, layovers, etc!!!!). Though, I was really worried about our January travel and possible snow (and started stalking the 15 day forecast on Accuweather), and it turned out to be just fine (we did have a delay coming back due to thunderstorms in Florida though!).

We also ended up in the ER a week before our trip with DD (she broke her collarbone), and I was SO afraid of us all getting the flu! Luckily, we did not...but DD did have a fever one day, and I wished I had brought our thermometer!

 

[Imagineer5]

Are you flying down a day early? I'd be armed with every possible flight alternative possible (PVD, BOS, MHT, Hartford, layovers, etc!!!!). Though, I was really worried about our January travel and possible snow (and started stalking the 15 day forecast on Accuweather), and it turned out to be just fine (we did have a delay coming back due to thunderstorms in Florida though!).

We also ended up in the ER a week before our trip with DD (she broke her collarbone), and I was SO afraid of us all getting the flu! Luckily, we did not...but DD did have a fever one day, and I wished I had brought our thermometer!

Yes, 2 days early actually. We leave 1/30 and the cruise departs 2/1. I did that for the weather, but now am excited about the full day (1/31) in Miami, so really hoping no storms come and screw that up (though of course, making the cruise is the top priority).

Awww wow a broken collar bone? how did that happen? That is sad. I bet your trip was still amazing! Thanks for the reminder on the thermometer. I have a ton of meds packed but hadn't added that!

 

[TheMaxRebo]

the meet and greet with safari Mickey and Minnie looks so cute - I love when characters meet together

Sorry things weren't so great at Sanaa ... your wine flight looks good though - looks like pretty generous pours for a flight. Ugh, I always hate being out with other families where the kids are not being watched/controlled and you want to say something but know it isn't your kid, etc. (*quick - thinking back to when we met up and if my kids ever were the "not controlled kids" before I say anything more *)

that's surprising that your dish wasn't spicy at all - I recall when we went (thank you again so much for the recommendation) that there did seem to be a decent amount of legit spicy options. I know often they try to tone things done to appeal to more people but having a few spicy options definitely fit the location

So sad to hear about your room. I know they said they had no other options, but to not be able to sleep because of the noise from service areas is kinda not acceptable. I generally am not one to make a stink, but I think after that first night I would have felt I had to say something. ... and then to hear that wasn't even the reason you won't go back there Very sorry to hear this.

Definitely think a margarita was in order

That kids pool area looks awesome! the splash area and just the jungle gym type structure and slide - Aria must have been in heaven!


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Your trip plans sounds really good. I've only been to Miami for work reasons (not with the family) so don't have much to add - other than with the weather we have been having in the Northeast, sitting on the beach and vegging sounds pretty nice

smart to have the spare carry on for wine, beer, etc. - that would definitely be our plan. Sounds like you have a lot of the check-in details down so that is good. Hope the kids club works out well for Aria.

Your excursion sounds awesome - the ruins I think would be neat to see and the history of Mexican chocolate sounds fun ... and you get back in plenty of time for a nap and to enjoy the boat.

I read several reviews that included the brunch at Palo and they all have raved about it (read mixed reviews for dinner there but only positives about the brunch) so that should be really nice - and some nice time alone with Andrew

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I've heard really good things about Cabana Bay and it just seems like a fun place and the price point isn't crazy compared to other options (though, obviously not my $ so easier to say )

 

[Dugette]

Whoops, I forgot to come back and comment further yesterday!

That’s too bad that the daycare weeks off didn’t line up with your plans. Glad you have the grandparent help ready, though.

Looking forward to hearing about the Palo brunch. We’re planning to book that too (and nursery time for Izzy).

Oooh, a lazy river – that does sound nice!

Haha, that would be awesome if there was a cheap military rate to hop on our cruise! That would be so much fun!

Wow, I didn’t realize BLT was a lower point amount – not bad! How’s Wilderness Lodge Villas? I know it’s not walking, but at least boat access. I’m assuming GFV is too many points. Or you could do an arrival night at a value, then move to DVC for the rest, if that offsets the extra cost over BLT?

Hmmmm, smart to have the “family trip” (cruise) be a Disney trip in disguise.

With a deal like that, you should have talked Andrew into a more expensive boat! (I know, budgets and stuff, yada yada…)

I think you can do December under $2k. We did a couple of week-long trips for $1400 total (2009 and 2011).

Hope your colds go away soon! Izzy came home from daycare today with a cough and a hoarse voice – she sounds so different!

 

[khertz]

Playing catch up this weekend!

First off, all your cruise plans sound amazing. I have never cruised on any cruise line before, but a Disney cruise just sounds like so much fun! And yay for getting to extend your May trip.

Okay, back to WDW. It must have been SO frustrating at that lunch with a wild kid you can't say anything to that is affecting your enjoyment of the meal. I have always thought that Aria seems so well behaved in your TRs, so that had to make it even more frustrating. Of course, she's not perfect, no toddlers are. Mine certainly isn't! But running around a restaurant would earn Paxton a trip outside and a spanking. Actually, we wouldn't have gotten to that point because he knows he has to stay in his seat at a restaurant. Simple concepts. Working with kids on a daily basis, I see this all the time. Just the other day, one of our patients came in with his mom and brother, literally screaming at the top of his lungs and running around the nurses station in circles. His mother didn't say a word, but I absolutely did and told him screaming like that is not allowed inside of our center. He quieted down somewhat, mostly because I'm sure it surprised the heck out of him! Kids aren't born knowing how to act in public. That's why they have parents!!!

Anyway, sorry for the rant. And sorry your room was so terrible. I know all about those delivery truck noises all night long from our stay at the Wilderness Lodge. So annoying!!!

Looks like the pool time was fun though. So obvious that Aria is a little fish and loves being in the water! She is always all smiles in your pool pics!!

 

[schmass]

That really stinks about the daycare closure dates not lining up with your vacations! But nice that you are extending your May trip for a few days!

Ah, Palo brunch - I'm so jealous! Enjoooooyyy!!!

Your cruise is coming up so quickly and I'm so excited for you guys!

 

[Imagineer5]

the meet and greet with safari Mickey and Minnie looks so cute - I love when characters meet together

Sorry things weren't so great at Sanaa ... your wine flight looks good though - looks like pretty generous pours for a flight. Ugh, I always hate being out with other families where the kids are not being watched/controlled and you want to say something but know it isn't your kid, etc. (*quick - thinking back to when we met up and if my kids ever were the "not controlled kids" before I say anything more *)

that's surprising that your dish wasn't spicy at all - I recall when we went (thank you again so much for the recommendation) that there did seem to be a decent amount of legit spicy options. I know often they try to tone things done to appeal to more people but having a few spicy options definitely fit the location

So sad to hear about your room. I know they said they had no other options, but to not be able to sleep because of the noise from service areas is kinda not acceptable. I generally am not one to make a stink, but I think after that first night I would have felt I had to say something. ... and then to hear that wasn't even the reason you won't go back there Very sorry to hear this.

Definitely think a margarita was in order

That kids pool area looks awesome! the splash area and just the jungle gym type structure and slide - Aria must have been in heaven!

LOL no your kids were awesome! Remember the middle school aged boys running around the top of the world lounge and literally playing in our sofa area?! That was crazy, but no your kids are very well behaved. And like I mentioned in a comment - I definitely understand when a kid (esp young ones) are misbehaving at mealtime - BUT it is the parent's job (IMHO) to handle it! Not ignore it and thus, assume this is absolutely fine behavior for everyone to experience.

The Naan sampler still had a few spicy sauces, but none of the vegetarian options are spicy.

I should have had them move me anywhere else after that first night in the room - looking back on it I wished I had. They honestly shouldn't even have that room available for guests though with all the noise issues.

The pool really was fantastic, and the reason I *would* consider staying at AKL again!

Your trip plans sounds really good. I've only been to Miami for work reasons (not with the family) so don't have much to add - other than with the weather we have been having in the Northeast, sitting on the beach and vegging sounds pretty nice

smart to have the spare carry on for wine, beer, etc. - that would definitely be our plan. Sounds like you have a lot of the check-in details down so that is good. Hope the kids club works out well for Aria.

Your excursion sounds awesome - the ruins I think would be neat to see and the history of Mexican chocolate sounds fun ... and you get back in plenty of time for a nap and to enjoy the boat.

I read several reviews that included the brunch at Palo and they all have raved about it (read mixed reviews for dinner there but only positives about the brunch) so that should be really nice - and some nice time alone with Andrew

**********************

I've heard really good things about Cabana Bay and it just seems like a fun place and the price point isn't crazy compared to other options (though, obviously not my $ so easier to say )

Thank you for your input! Yeah I am SO excited about EVERYTHING! Every day is going to be so different and new - neither of us have spent time in Miami, the Keys OR cruised, so it is fun to do something completely different. I am really looking forward to Palo brunch as well - yeah the brunch definitely sounded like the way to go!

Whoops, I forgot to come back and comment further yesterday!

That’s too bad that the daycare weeks off didn’t line up with your plans. Glad you have the grandparent help ready, though.

Looking forward to hearing about the Palo brunch. We’re planning to book that too (and nursery time for Izzy).

Oooh, a lazy river – that does sound nice!

Haha, that would be awesome if there was a cheap military rate to hop on our cruise! That would be so much fun!

Wow, I didn’t realize BLT was a lower point amount – not bad! How’s Wilderness Lodge Villas? I know it’s not walking, but at least boat access. I’m assuming GFV is too many points. Or you could do an arrival night at a value, then move to DVC for the rest, if that offsets the extra cost over BLT?

Hmmmm, smart to have the “family trip” (cruise) be a Disney trip in disguise.

With a deal like that, you should have talked Andrew into a more expensive boat! (I know, budgets and stuff, yada yada…)

I think you can do December under $2k. We did a couple of week-long trips for $1400 total (2009 and 2011).

Hope your colds go away soon! Izzy came home from daycare today with a cough and a hoarse voice – she sounds so different!

Hahahha that is a good idea I am thinking we'll end up at Shades just for the price point for the trip, or possibly even offsite. 2K is going to be tough with my dislike for CS eating (though I'll have the TiW again to help out a bit with TS costs). And wanting to be close to MK. BLT standard view rooms are really inexpensive - good idea spending the mid-week days at a DVC and then moving. Maybe I'll look into 3/4 nights at one and then move to Shades for the weekend (we actually are planning on flying down Monday or Tuesday after our big holiday party weekend).

Playing catch up this weekend!

First off, all your cruise plans sound amazing. I have never cruised on any cruise line before, but a Disney cruise just sounds like so much fun! And yay for getting to extend your May trip.

Okay, back to WDW. It must have been SO frustrating at that lunch with a wild kid you can't say anything to that is affecting your enjoyment of the meal. I have always thought that Aria seems so well behaved in your TRs, so that had to make it even more frustrating. Of course, she's not perfect, no toddlers are. Mine certainly isn't! But running around a restaurant would earn Paxton a trip outside and a spanking. Actually, we wouldn't have gotten to that point because he knows he has to stay in his seat at a restaurant. Simple concepts. Working with kids on a daily basis, I see this all the time. Just the other day, one of our patients came in with his mom and brother, literally screaming at the top of his lungs and running around the nurses station in circles. His mother didn't say a word, but I absolutely did and told him screaming like that is not allowed inside of our center. He quieted down somewhat, mostly because I'm sure it surprised the heck out of him! Kids aren't born knowing how to act in public. That's why they have parents!!!

Anyway, sorry for the rant. And sorry your room was so terrible. I know all about those delivery truck noises all night long from our stay at the Wilderness Lodge. So annoying!!!

Looks like the pool time was fun though. So obvious that Aria is a little fish and loves being in the water! She is always all smiles in your pool pics!!

LOL I'm glad you get it too! And that is great you said something to the kid - I just hate that! At Aria's ballet class there is a mom who brings her 2 year old son and he spends the whole class running around, crying, zooming his trucks around loudly, or watching movies on the ipad with the sound as high as it can go - it's SO irritating all the parents have to listen to that while trying to watch our kids in the class (though a window).

Yes pool time is SO much fun now! I used to wonder why people would go to Disney and spend the day at the pool vs going to the park, and now I know why! And when she is so happy, I sure am too!

She is overall well behaved, but that came from the last 3 (!!!) years of eating out a lot and reprimanding her (usually by removing her from the restaurant and putting her in timeout) when she was naughty. Now she knows how to behave, still with prompting, but certainly would never consider the behavior that we got to watch at Sanaa. She obviously still has her moments and if she was 100% perfect all the time I'd be worried lol!

That really stinks about the daycare closure dates not lining up with your vacations! But nice that you are extending your May trip for a few days!

Ah, Palo brunch - I'm so jealous! Enjoooooyyy!!!

Your cruise is coming up so quickly and I'm so excited for you guys!

I KNOWWWWW and now we have a blizzard! LMAO! where are you again in MA? Are you getting hit tomorrow!?

 

[Imagineer5]

Finishing up my daily notes for the upcoming trip! Can't believe we leave THIS FRIDAY!

Almost all of you are FB friends with me and I know you saw the photos (thanks for liking them! ) but in case you missed it, we celebrated Aria's 3rd birthday this past weekend. Andrew's sister and husband didn't come due to a couple inches of snow but everyone else made it and we had a really nice weekend. My parents ended up surprising us with all of their dogs LOL, but even that went fine. My friend Lynda gave Aria her very first Disney ticket as her AMAZING 3rd birthday gift, and we went to a bouncy house place, had pizza and a Jake cake and just had a wonderful time. Friday morning Aria will get some Mickey waffles and open the rest of her presents before we head to the airport.

We are, however, getting a BLIZZARD tomorrow (Tuesday) with 20-30" of snow expected. and more snow expected Friday. So freaking out a bit here about our flight down. I told Andrew if the flights haven't recovered by Thursday for the storm, we are getting in the car and driving to Florida!



Thursday February 5th

Castaway Key! I think this is what Andrew is most looking forward to! I can’t wait to check out the island, spend a little time on the beach and maybe do some snorkeling. Today we might push back Aria’s nap until later so we can just hang out at the island together, or put her to sleep in the stroller, or send her to the nursery…I’ll just play that by ear on how we are feeling.

Obviously the cruise plans are so loose because we just don’t have our navigators and a lot of it will just be based on how we are feeling. Such a different sort of vacation for me but hopefully I can relax a bit and enjoy not having to uber plan.

Friday February 6th

Today we disembark, boo. I read that the doors don’t open until 7:30AM so we’ll grab a quick breakfast and then head off. We may bring all our luggage with us, or let them deliver it, I am still unsure about that, but we want to get to the car ASAP to start making our drive to Key West!

My goal is to be in the car by 8:30 (if we get off at 7:30 we’d be in it by 7:45…but I don’t want to plan on that). I ordered a SunPass (Florida toll thingy) and will add our rental car to the account, because there are cashless tolls that we’d have to rent a toll transponder from our rental car company so it was cheaper just to sign up for one myself. It’s about a 170-mile drive to Key West but I bet the speed limits are much lower – we have a 2/3 way stop planned though – the Dolphin Research Center in Marathon. So we’ll visit there and have lunch there and then hop back in the car for the final hour drive, and Aria can nap then.

We’ll get to Key West around 3-4 and possibly visit the Butterfly Conservatory which is just a block from where we are staying. I made reservations at the Banana Café for dinner because they have bananas foster and I couldn’t pass that up! We are staying just off of Duval St. so the plan is to just park the car this day and walk during our short visit.

Saturday February 7th

Full key west day! I wrote down a fun creperie with great reviews for breakfast, Blue Heaven for lunch (well, dessert, as we are going for their Key Lime pie) and we’ll probably go to the Key West lighthouse along with either the Harry Truman little white house or Ernest Hemingway’s home, and otherwise just shop and check out the town. Neither of us have been to the Keys, so we plan to just take it all in.

For dinner I have Latitudes reserved, which is at a resort on a private island – included in dinner is a boat ride from key west to the island and the sunset is supposed to be amazing!

Sunday February 8th

This morning we will head out of Key West pretty early and start traveling back east – our first stop is going to be in Islamorada at Robbie’s for a Kayak rental though! We plan to do a half-day rental of a 3 person kayak and there are two state park small islands to kayak to, and also a Mangrove area we can visit. If the weather isn’t good we’ll scrap that idea and go to Marathon’s Turtle Hospital instead.

Then for Aria’s nap, we’ll continue driving a bit east to Key Largo where we are staying for our last night. Probably spend the early evening on the beach and find someplace for dinner.

Monday February 9th

Today we fly home, but not until much later! So our plan is to check out the Key Largo area (maybe go to John pennencamp state park) for the morning and then make our way to the Everglades – we have an airboat tour planned!

From there we’ll head to the airport to drop off the rental car and fly home, boo! Assuming no snow storm keeps us “stuck” In Florida hehe

 

[Imagineer5]

Friday August 29th

The plan for the day was a before park opening Hollywood & Vine breakfast with Aria’s favorite characters, then spend some time at DHS, head out after lunch and drive to DTD for some shopping during nap time (dangerous I tell you!!) and end the day with a dinner at T-Rex, which was another new-to-us-restaurant! (BTW, after visiting here, if you are counting – we have Monsieur Paul, Tokyo Dining, Turf Club and Trattoria al Forno left in terms of Disney TS to visit).

After the loud and sleepless (for me, Aria slept fine) night before, we were up and ready early for the drive over to DHS. Love those super close parking spots, I believe we were the 2nd car there!

Proof!

Since we were coming back on Sunday and focusing on the Frozen fun (Oaken’s, the sing a long, the parade) the plan was to do all the other things today we wanted to do. I had Fastpasses for TSMM of course, along with Disney Jr show and VotLM. Before meandering to the turnstiles we checked out the sand Olaf sculpture which was super cute!

Then headed to the early breakfast line where there was a line forming. A CM came around and handed out these Olaf things which kept Aria entertained

We had an 8:05 reservation and unlike MK, they did not let us in around 7:45 to have a little time to take photos, instead it was a mini mad-dash to park the stroller and get in another line for the check in podium.

And finally we were led to a little table but on our way we had a very quick meet with Jake as he was heading across the restaurant. I snapped a quick pic and Aria was excited to see him!

Then we were seated and our server informed us the characters would be there right away so we shouldn’t go up just yet for food. She was right and I turned around to see Doc McStuffins heading around our corner. Aria was excited to meet her (though she doesn’t really love that show)

Here you can see who has her full attention at all times! haha

And then who came over - JAKE!! Oh.my.goodness I am so SO glad I booked this, and now it is a MUST DO for every trip from here on out! Seriously, how excited Aria got to meet Jake, and the hugs she got from him just melted my heart. Of course her Jake and the neverland pirates dress was a hit with him and he twirled her around, kissed her head, and gave her about 100 hugs! He even kept hugging her while he signed her autograph page. He knew he had a HUGE fan right there!

Eventually he had to move on to the next table, and we had a break to go up and get some food!!

My plate – YES these tater tots are AMAZING. (Though IMHO the tater tots at Tusker House are the best at Disney). Top left was a puffed thing with chocolate sauce, then a croissant, chocolate muffin, and a vegetable frittata slice.

Aria’s plate somehow got jam packed with food – lots of fruit, the yogurt, hard boiled egg, salami, and a little puffed thing and of course the mickey waffle. She probably just ate the salami, a little yogurt, the egg and 1 bite of waffle. All that wasted food boo!

Anyway then they had a little dance party with Handy Manny and Sofia (somehow Aria does know who Handy Manny is, despite never watching it at home). She ran right up and wanted to be a part of it!

You can see here in the photos that it was pretty empty around us which was really nice to have that extra space (though it looks like Aria was taking advantage and standing on the seat, whoops)

Then Handy Manny came over for some hugs and was not disappointed!

Sofia came over next and danced with Aria, then posed for some photos. At the time, Aria was not a HUGE Sofia fan, but that has since changed and Sofia is on par with Jake as her favorite!

 

[Imagineer5]

continued...

Jake came over to our side for his own dance party, but now Aria got too shy to go on up! Once it was over though she asked me over and over again where Jake was and was sad he was gone…so I asked our server if she could meet Jake one last time before we left. Thankfully since it wasn’t busy, she was able to make that happen so we waited at the entrance for a minute – Aria enjoyed seeing all the characters here – I love how they have Jake, Doc, Sofia and Mickey/Minnie – they really should replace Handy Manny with Mickey IMO.

Then it was time for one last meeting with Jake (for today anyway)

And now it was just about 9 and time to head towards TSMM for our FP! But first we had a date with Woody & Buzz! And with a bathroom for a quick outfit change lol!

There was maybe 1 family inside so we had no wait at all to meet Woody & Buzz!

Peeking around the corner

They were awesome and it was so fun now that Aria wasn’t afraid of Buzz haha! They were playing around a lot and at the end Woody walked us outside.

Then we headed across the path to TSMM! There was hardly a wait but we passed the time playing with the 3D glasses of course.

I was too focused on making sure Aria didn’t fly around the car while we turned and then showing Aria how to pull the string for photos, but you can see from the scores that she did actually make some points! Very cool.

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Hope you enjoy your time at Castaway Cay! I don't think I've read a single bad review of that day in people's TRs. Not sure how it would work with Aria but read a bunch where they go bike riding and rave about doing that. Also seems like the different beaches wind up with different levels of crowds so might want to compare before you pick one.

Your plan for the Keys sounds really nice - especially all your meal choices Specifically Latitudes sounds really cool, at least the setting you describe.

Best of luck with all the snow! Hopefully you will be ok with Friday ... goodness knows the next couple of days are going to be a mess! The warning on my phone uses the phrase "Crippling and potentially historic storm"

*************************

We thought we had sworn off the H&V breakfast as we weren't crazy about the food compared to others and it is actually a little pricier than CP, etc. and my kids were kinda over the characters ... and then they had to go and add Sophia and Doc so maybe we will revisit it on a future trip.

Aria with Jake sounds super cute and glad she enjoyed it so much and that she got so many meets in with him

Great job by Aria on TSMM!

 

[schmass]

I KNOWWWWW and now we have a blizzard! LMAO! where are you again in MA? Are you getting hit tomorrow!?

We live just north of Boston (about 7 miles), so YES we are definitely getting hit tonight!

What a fun morning you two had at DHS! So many great pictures with the characters! Aria's Buzz dress is way too cute.

Your final cruise plans and Key West sound great! My mom swears the best ice cream she ever had was in Key West - I'll have to see if she remembers where it was. But Bananas Foster and crepes sound delicious, too!

 

[Dugette]

I can’t believe you leave so soon…yay!

Aw, that’s so sweet that Aria got her first Disney ticket for her birthday! And appropriate. I hope she enjoyed the Jake cake!

20-30 inches?!? And people think Minnesota’s bad. We have barely any snow left on the ground here and it was like 40 degrees today (though more snow and cold is coming this weekend, but nothing like what you guys have coming). I hope your flight down isn’t an issue. Your comment about jumping in the car totally reminds me of a TR I loved a few years ago where school closed down for a few days due to snow (East Coasters) and they jumped in the car and just went on a last-minute trip to Disney! So awesome! (If you need some reading material during the snowstorm, here’s the link to that TR: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2398095 She also has a bunch of other TRs listed in her signature and I think at least a couple are for Disney cruises. I don’t think she’s very active on the DIS anymore, but I always was impressed at how they travelled internationally and dined out and stuff with their boys from a young age!)

So, how does that work? You can send her to the nursery to nap even if she is over 3? Just curious.

Maybe you’ve seen it, but I found a site the other day where there are lots of (past) Navigators uploaded. I think it’s like the Disney Cruise Line Blog or something? Kinda handy – I need to go through that more for our itinerary.

The Keys sounds fun. I don’t know much about it at all, but I can’t wait to hear about your trip there. And that dinner on a private island sounds awesome! Love it!

My in-laws did an airboat ride in the Everglades after their recent (non-Disney) cruise. Said it was the highlight of their trip. Sounds fun!

Back to August! Your breakfast is making me think that maybe I should expose Izzy to more Disney Junior shows. She’s so addicted to Mickey Mouse Clubhouse that she doesn’t even know there’s anything else. But then, if she knew of the others, she’d want to meet Jake and all and we already have a list a mile long of characters she will want to meet.

Anyway, so glad that Aria had a great time, especially with Jake (and that he was so good with her too). Very sweet. Oh, and yay for him coming back again before you left.

Izzy would love that little Buzz dress! Super cute. Just the other day, Izzy was saying she wanted to wear Woody and Buzz and I realized that she doesn’t have anything with them (except Buzz pajamas). Guess I’ve got to get on that.

Hmmmm, Woody walked you outside when it wasn’t crowded? I bet he was gearing up to recruit more visitors, like we had happen a couple days later.

Yay for Aria scoring some points on TSMM!

 

[Imagineer5]

Hope you enjoy your time at Castaway Cay! I don't think I've read a single bad review of that day in people's TRs. Not sure how it would work with Aria but read a bunch where they go bike riding and rave about doing that. Also seems like the different beaches wind up with different levels of crowds so might want to compare before you pick one.

Your plan for the Keys sounds really nice - especially all your meal choices Specifically Latitudes sounds really cool, at least the setting you describe.

Best of luck with all the snow! Hopefully you will be ok with Friday ... goodness knows the next couple of days are going to be a mess! The warning on my phone uses the phrase "Crippling and potentially historic storm"

*************************

Yes Castaway Cay is definitely a HUGE reason for choosing to go with the DCL over somewhere else. I read that during the blizzard up in the NE, they were unable to dock at CC due to high winds and seas! So sad! I didn't tell DH about it and I am not worried about it (my only worry is just GETTING to FLORIDA! haha) but that would be so sad.

Latitudes sounded pretty cool - looks like there might be some rain so we may scratch it, we'll see. It's right up ANdrew's alley though and the sunset views sound so peaceful, we'll see.

So far, Providence airport has returned to normal operations. But they are calling for high winds and a little snow tomorrow.

We thought we had sworn off the H&V breakfast as we weren't crazy about the food compared to others and it is actually a little pricier than CP, etc. and my kids were kinda over the characters ... and then they had to go and add Sophia and Doc so maybe we will revisit it on a future trip.

Aria with Jake sounds super cute and glad she enjoyed it so much and that she got so many meets in with him

Great job by Aria on TSMM!

Yeah, when Aria was a baby we went to H&V and even at 8 months old, it was a bit odd to have the characters they had. We revisited last summer though I think? or 2 summers ago? Once they added in Sofia and Doc along with Jake. Aria knows these characters way better than any others really (well besides Frozen of course) so maybe that is why it is so much fun. I will say that one day (forgetting my trips here) we went to H&V lunch and I remember thinking that it wasn't worth it compared to before-park-opening breakfast.

We live just north of Boston (about 7 miles), so YES we are definitely getting hit tonight!

What a fun morning you two had at DHS! So many great pictures with the characters! Aria's Buzz dress is way too cute.

Your final cruise plans and Key West sound great! My mom swears the best ice cream she ever had was in Key West - I'll have to see if she remembers where it was. But Bananas Foster and crepes sound delicious, too!

Hope you had a fun snow day (or days?). Aw thank you!! Yes we saw a TON of characters. DH's idea of a hellish day but we had fun and were able to do some rides & shows as well.

Hmmm please let me know if you find out!! I could go for the "best ice cream ever!!" though yes you're right, I will be eating quite a lot of yummy treats!

I can’t believe you leave so soon…yay!

Aw, that’s so sweet that Aria got her first Disney ticket for her birthday! And appropriate. I hope she enjoyed the Jake cake!

20-30 inches?!? And people think Minnesota’s bad. We have barely any snow left on the ground here and it was like 40 degrees today (though more snow and cold is coming this weekend, but nothing like what you guys have coming). I hope your flight down isn’t an issue. Your comment about jumping in the car totally reminds me of a TR I loved a few years ago where school closed down for a few days due to snow (East Coasters) and they jumped in the car and just went on a last-minute trip to Disney! So awesome! (If you need some reading material during the snowstorm, here’s the link to that TR: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2398095 She also has a bunch of other TRs listed in her signature and I think at least a couple are for Disney cruises. I don’t think she’s very active on the DIS anymore, but I always was impressed at how they travelled internationally and dined out and stuff with their boys from a young age!)

So, how does that work? You can send her to the nursery to nap even if she is over 3? Just curious.

Maybe you’ve seen it, but I found a site the other day where there are lots of (past) Navigators uploaded. I think it’s like the Disney Cruise Line Blog or something? Kinda handy – I need to go through that more for our itinerary.

The Keys sounds fun. I don’t know much about it at all, but I can’t wait to hear about your trip there. And that dinner on a private island sounds awesome! Love it!

My in-laws did an airboat ride in the Everglades after their recent (non-Disney) cruise. Said it was the highlight of their trip. Sounds fun!

I have scoured every navigator but I don't want to "plan" on a specific activity and then it isn't listed, so just trying to play it by ear. Also my idea of fun is different from DH's so I am hoping we can go over it together and both decide on some fun things to do.

Since writing that about the nursery, it sounds like it might be one or the other. Since she is registered for the kids clubs I don't think she can use the nursery. I did read that is a fairly new policy, along with being more stringent on ages (I guess they were lax on potty trained 2 year olds using the kids clubs, or older kids going to the tween clubs). So we'll just save that $$ and plan for her to nap where we are.

She absolutely loved her Jake cake and is still enjoying it nightly! Glad I got the smallest "sheet" cake possible! They said it served 8-10 and we still have some in the fridge and she's had a small slice each night since her party lol!

That is so cute about that family! I'll have to bookmark it, though the last 2 days at home were busy with sledding and snow angels and fort-making! what a fun way to spend the week heading up to a trip!

Back to August! Your breakfast is making me think that maybe I should expose Izzy to more Disney Junior shows. She’s so addicted to Mickey Mouse Clubhouse that she doesn’t even know there’s anything else. But then, if she knew of the others, she’d want to meet Jake and all and we already have a list a mile long of characters she will want to meet.

Anyway, so glad that Aria had a great time, especially with Jake (and that he was so good with her too). Very sweet. Oh, and yay for him coming back again before you left.

Izzy would love that little Buzz dress! Super cute. Just the other day, Izzy was saying she wanted to wear Woody and Buzz and I realized that she doesn’t have anything with them (except Buzz pajamas). Guess I’ve got to get on that.

Hmmmm, Woody walked you outside when it wasn’t crowded? I bet he was gearing up to recruit more visitors, like we had happen a couple days later.

Yay for Aria scoring some points on TSMM!

Hahah it was a natural progression from Mickey to the rest of Disney Jr shows. There is one called the Adventures of Kate and Mim Mim that is new but on at like 8PM and she is obsessed with the previews but I don't even think she has seen the show. I should record it for her

Yep Woody was definitely going out to look for some more people! so funny because I remember having to plan out how best to see them without a 40 minute wait, but now it really isn't that bad. She also has a cute Jessie upcycle and I'm trying to find the pic of her wearing it but FB isn't loading grr.

SHe is very much into "girls vs boys" now and despite LOVING Jake, she SAYS she only loves Izzy because she is a girl (in the show) and same with Minnie in Mickey mouse clubhouse. When it comes on she says "noooo I don't want to watch Mickey! Where is Minnie?" lol! Only Daddy can like the boys (in her mind) and she is convinced I must love Daisy because I'm also a girl.

 

[Imagineer5]

Before my next update (which will be my last til we get back!) I just wanted to update on the trip. If mother nature doesn't interfere, we leave TOMORROW!!!!!!!!!!!!! EEK!!!!!

Tuesday we got about 24" of snow and both Andrew and I got to stay home from work Tuesday AND Wednesday! I only have a few items left to pack which basically just had to wait because they are essentials that I needed today (or tomorrow morning):

Aria's toothpaste
Military ID
Chargers/ipads
milk cup
car seat
stroller
wallet
chapstick

and I need to get cash for the pet sitter.

So not too bad! Tonight Aria has ballet so that'll hopefully keep my mind off of my worry about our flight for a little while. It is supposed to snow again tomorrow and have high winds so I am SOOO worried about getting to Florida. So please think your most positive thoughts for us getting out tomorrow!!

And um, TOMORROW ARIA TURNS 3?! So exciting. She has another pile of presents to open and we'll have some Mickey pancakes for breakfast.

Okay back to August's TR:


Since we were RIGHT there, I had to just peek into Oaken’s. Then Aria saw the treats cabinet and it was snack time of course, so we had the super healthy mickey rice krispy treat coated in even more sugar! YUM!

Spoiler alert, we never did go ice skating. I intended to on Sunday but I believe you all read Dugette's report on the day and know that I got a bug and was taking it really easy that day.

Enjoying that treat as we strolled, our next destination was to meet Mike & Sulley. There was a short wait and in total I think we waited about 15 minutes but not too bad. The meet was cute, but Aria kept asking me their names so apparently we haven’t watched Monsters Inc much (though I do love the movie!)

Next up was a nearly empty Honey I Shrunk the Kids play area! Always a fun time playing in there.

I then wanted to search for where Donald & Daisy were meeting as Aria REALLY wanted to meet Daisy! Their meeting location moved to the GMR area, since the hat was all frozen-ified. We found them easily and the lines were sort of all over the place but we did end up meeting them without cutting anyone (I believe, anyway!) and Aria had a lot of fun with both of them.

Then we headed towards the Animation building – but first saw that Sofia was out meeting in front of her castle backdrop and Aria wanted to see her again!

After that we finally made it into the animation building – we were excited to head to Minnie’s new area (which is no longer her area, I guess she has moved to meeting back outside, which is unfortunate! Loved that no one knew where she meets, so there was no line hahaha)

Aria was very excited she had on yellow shoes just like Minnie!

Then we got in a fairly long line to meet Sorcerer Mickey. But it was worth it of course and Aria had a really cute meet with him. I am not sure what prompted her to lay down with her head on his lap though.

 

[schmass]

Happy Birthday, Aria!! Wow, 3 years old - so exciting!

Also so exciting that you leave tomorrow! I've been home with a nasty stomach bug for the past few days and have been watching the news, and they said tomorrow's snow shouldn't affect travel. So fingers crossed for you!

More cute photos with the characters for Aria!

I've never checked out the Honey I Shrunk the Kids playground, but it's on my list for April. I think Rory will love it!

Have a GREAT trip!

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Can't believe your trip is already here! Really hope the weather is not an issue and you get to properly escape it and have a wonderful time!

The ice skating area looks fun and I like that it is something different - but can totally see wanting to skip it if you aren't feeling 100%. We took the kids ice skating for the first time last weekend and the loved it - so definitely will be doing that again

wow, that is an impressive amount of sugar on that rice krispy treat! Very blue too

Seems like even in their normal meet area the lines aren't always well organized for Donald and Daisy and people can cut accidentally - glad you got the meets in though!

I didn't know Minnie is moving - that too bad as I really liked the set up there (and also that it often was not very crowded there - though, that might be why they are moving her). Very cute pictures both with Minnie and Sorcerer Mickey!

 

[Joyciemc]

I was WAY far behind, but all caught up now. Too much to remember what I wanted to comment on, so I'll just say: HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ARIA!!!! And bon voyage!

Oh, and I love how cuddly Aria is in her character meet n greets- adorable!

 

[Dugette]

Just wanted to wish you a great trip! Bon voyage!

 

[JulieODC]

Happy Birthday, Aria!!! And have a great trip!