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

[Dugette]

Sweet savings on your car rental!! And yay for BoG lunch with TheMaxRebo and family!

That fairy grotto is adorable! I love that Aria is showing Goofy around too.

Since Dug has somehow managed to watch enough Tinker Bell movies to identify the fairies rotfl2, I showed him your mystery fairy picture and he thinks it is Silvermist.

Glad she had a fun meet with Tink!

Well, they are pretty BLUE flowers – worthy of a picture.

So glad the wait for the train was worthwhile. Looks fun!

Well, Mickey and Minnie do always need to stick together.

How sweet with Pooh!

Hmmm, do you have your own seat on Splash at DL? Or is it just one big bench? Hard to tell from the photo, but people look really crammed in.

Oh, that is a cute light! Hope you can find it.

 

[JulieODC]

Awesome deal on the rental car!!

Looks like a great morning -- that Fairy land is so cute! So many good rides for toddlers too!

 

[Imagineer5]

Sweet savings on your car rental!! And yay for BoG lunch with TheMaxRebo and family!

That fairy grotto is adorable! I love that Aria is showing Goofy around too.

Since Dug has somehow managed to watch enough Tinker Bell movies to identify the fairies rotfl2, I showed him your mystery fairy picture and he thinks it is Silvermist.

Glad she had a fun meet with Tink!

Well, they are pretty BLUE flowers – worthy of a picture.

So glad the wait for the train was worthwhile. Looks fun!

Well, Mickey and Minnie do always need to stick together.

How sweet with Pooh!

Hmmm, do you have your own seat on Splash at DL? Or is it just one big bench? Hard to tell from the photo, but people look really crammed in.

Oh, that is a cute light! Hope you can find it.

Thanks - I will be looking at WDW this trip hoping to find two - I think they would be cute on a tiny shelf on either side of the picture that will be the centerpiece of her big girl room? Bring in a little whimsy? If not then I'll call up Disneyland and see if they can mail me them. Or maybe just book another trip there.

Hahha thank you for identifying her!! I've seen a bunch of the movies but I guess I wasn't paying attention as well as I should have been!

The train was really great, Aria LOVES trains so I HAVE to ride the MK one at least once this upcoming trip - it will be down when we go in October! And I'm thinking we finally have an excuse to get a train set to set up at Christmas time, so I'm looking into those. Leaning towards the Hogwarts Express hahah

On splash each "row" had a back rest so you aren't really on top of each other, they are probably just hidden in the picture.

Awesome deal on the rental car!!

Looks like a great morning -- that Fairy land is so cute! So many good rides for toddlers too!

Yeah I'm happy I keep getting a lower rate, makes my decision to keep the car that much more worthwhile!

There are wonderful rides there, I just wish more had FP (and the crowds hadn't been so crazy).

 

[Imagineer5]

Sorry for the fast pace, but I have it all written up so might as well post it.

On other trip-news, I was able to make my October FP yesterday, though for some reason it allowed me to book FP for ME over the weekend (I counted and triple counted and no, Monday was 100% the 60-day mark, so the system was just being screwy). I ran into an issue due to me being naughty with Andrew's MB. Since he had 7 days of FP booked via the AP (max you can book without having an on-site stay) the system only allowed me to book 3 of our October days with his MB. (I called technical support, they said that you can only have 10 days booked total for each on-site stay, and those first 7 counted towards it). So I did the 3 days in October for the hardest to get FP - i.e. two days at MK including 7DMT and A&E, and then the 3rd day I chose an EPCOT evening where we plan to ride Soarin'.

For October, I also sent my DVC points guy the final payment for VGF & BCV.

Also, Southwest opened up flights for early next year, which means I could book flights for our Cruise & Key West time! But I haven't yet. Why?? Well if this month "worked" (I'll know in about a week or so...) then I will be too pregnant to go on the cruise (past their 24-week cut off) and we will have to cancel the cruise. If it didn't work then I'll be booking the flights and planning the trip, but I haven't really spent any time planning in case I had to cancel. Sorry for the TMI but there you have it!

Moving on to Disneyland again!!

We left off deciding to go back for some pool time!! We were lined-out at DL, and needed a little time to enjoy the DL pool. We made a quick stop at the room to change (Aria continued to sleep!), and then we headed down to the pool area.

Lynda stayed with the napping Aria and I went into Trader Sam's (we weren't mad enough at the Uh Oa! to write them off completely! my drink was calling for me) and I ordered two of the Piranha Pool's and then headed back out to meet up with Lynda.

Shortly after getting settled, Aria woke up and was ready to play in the pool! A quick restroom run and swimsuit change and she was ready to play!

She was squealing with delight over these fountains!! SO glad we carved in some more pool time today!

After that fun we went back to the room for some quick showers (and I also did a quick & dirty packing job, as we had to leave the next day!) and then went out again heading for DCA! We entered the park via the Grand Californian entrance and were slightly waylayed to dinner by the Pixar parade that was going on, but it was neat to see it as it started to go by. We checked in on time though and were seated immediately.

Once we were seated, we had a decent view of the parade, so Aria enjoyed watching that and having some bread.

I love this picture!!

Then it was like...72 degrees...so of course we needed sweatshirts!

The restaurant is really pretty, though it does look a little Olive Garden-esque...

Our view of the parade

The parade looked super cool actually, so on my next trip I definitely want to plan to watch it!

Back to dinner...Aria hadn't really had much to eat this day so she was thoroughly enjoying dinner.

The World of Color package included an appetizer (salad or soup), entree, and dessert platter. I did not get Aria a kid's WoC package, so she ended up sharing my meal. We had the soup, and Lynda had the salad! I think it was Minestrone, which was OK - Aria loved it.

I enjoyed a wine flight hehe!

Sorry for the half eaten pic! But I had a chicken dish with noodles. Aria really enjoyed this too.

Lynda had a vegetarian pasta dish, which was delicious according to her!

This however was the highlight - our dessert platter!!

Self explanatory I think, but there was some pudding, tiramisu, chocolate covered macaroons (which are french, not sure why there were here but they were good) and some chocolate cakes. Aria really enjoyed these, too, as did I!

 

[Imagineer5]

After dinner, lynda wanted to see about riding Screamin' again but it was already closed getting the pier ready for World of Color, so instead we hopped in line to ride the Mickey's Fun Wheel. The non-moving side had a much shorter line, and I'm glad we hopped in that line! Phew that thing goes high up! About half of the cars "swing" along an oval shaped track, and they can get going really fast! It did not look very fun! haha

We were seated in a car with a mom and two kids, and Aria was more excited to watch the kids than see what we were riding, which was maybe a good thing!

I took some view pics!

Aria loved that there were characters on all the different cars, and enjoyed pointing each one out.

Looking down at the World of Color infrastructure

Then Aria was excited to be running around!

We had some time before we had to line up for WoC so we decided to have some fun over at the Bug's Land again.

She loves this ride! haha!

Then the lines were too long for anything else, so we headed back to grab a spot for the World of Color! But first I snapped a picture of the Maleficent sneak peek we did 2 days prior.

We had our World of Color "tickets" from the dinner package - but the place was PACKED! I also thought I had read that strollers weren't a problem, but it was so packed that we had to take the stroller down the stairs vs. use any sort of ramp. The CM's didn't really know where to send us, so we ended up all the way at the water's edge in the splash zone. The view was pretty good though so we just decided we'd have to get wet! Our fault for not getting there super early (though we did get there 30 minutes before the show started).

Pretty view of the wheel

Waiting for World of Color to start!

Then the amazing show!! Due to being in the splash zone I didn't take many photos with my Canon, so most are from my iphone. The photos never do this any justice, but WOW!

Look at this!! just amazing

Balloons!!

It was GORGEOUS. Aria loved it too which was fun. There was a really sad part where there were Lion King scenes and then Mufasa dies and Simba is crying over him, and Aria started tearing up. It was the sweetest thing (I did too!). Then they moved on thankfully to happier parts. It was pretty neat to see how affected by it she was though (as we all were).

When WoC ended, it was pretty tough to get out of the park with the stroller at the bottom of about 6 different sets of stairs, but we took turns carrying the front up and got out of there. We headed back out through the GC hotel and went straight to sleep. The next morning we had to get up at 3:30AM for our ride back to the airport!

 

[Imagineer5]

That morning came way too quickly, but I was able to let Aria sleep a little longer while Lynda and I finished packing the rest of the stuff from the room, then I put Aria still in her jammies into the stroller so she could just relax. The Super Shuttle was perfectly on time and we were at the airport before the counter even opened to check our bags...

We had a pretty long flight to Atlanta, then had to get off and find our next leg of the flight - unfortunately no direct flight home. In Atlanta, we had the RUDEST flight attendants tell me that I wasn't allowed to pre-board, unless I had a car seat, which I did, then they acted all righteous like I was trying to pull something over on them but I did end up getting to pre-board thankfully.

Love this pic

Aria started using her new suitcase right away!

Overall the flight was fine, Aria had a bit earlier nap than usual but at least she did get some sleep in. With the ipad and a couple toys, she was kept entertained and happy!

Thanks so much for reading my TR on Disneyland these last few months! I look forward to starting on the June one soon, then August! Eek!

Overall for Disneyland - we had an absolutely fabulous time. Lynda was a great traveling partner. My only complaint was the number of rides down - if I had been able to change our flights (ie used Southwest) then I would have to be there when more rides were functioning. Indiana Jones being down STILL irks me! Aside from that though, it was such an amazing trip. Since there had been nearly 6 months from our last disney trip (December to WDW), there was a noticable difference in how much fun Aria was having - on the rides, meeting characters, even doing so well at restaurants! It is the reason I was so so excited to go back so quickly, to WDW in June, because i just needed more of that awesome time spent with Aria!

And it's also why I don't want to spend all of 2015 out of WDW - so I'm really hoping to pull together the funds for a couple trips next year.

 

[TheMaxRebo]

yeah for getting a good deal on the car rental ... very jealous of that price as we need a minivan and they are so much more!

And so glad you got the BOG FP to work out ... We didn't do the food yet as Judi was like "I don't know what i am going to want then now ... and who knows what the kids will want" so we might wait or add it later/closer to the day

The Tink meet area looks really cute. I wonder if the originally planned Pixie Hallow for NFL would have looks similar - or at least elements of it

The train ride looks really cool and way bigger/longer than I initially thought it would be. Great - especially with the lines for the river boats

That's interesting that the Jungle Cruise you found to be better there than in WDW given that you would have thought they would have taken what they learned and done it better when building the WDW one but maybe just didn't work out that way.

The Roger Rabbit ride is definitely one I want to do if we ever get to DL

Splash Mountain looks so different being single file like that. Funny that their Splash is Single and Space Mountain is two people where as WDW has the wider Splash and single rider Space. Is the big drop as big on the DL Splash as WDW? That would be pretty intense I would think single file

Oh - best of luck in not being able to go on the cruise

If you don't mind me asking, how pricey were the other drinks at Trader Sams? I mean, I assume not as crazy as the Uh Oa - but were they all a little pricer or was that really an outlier?

That's cool that you can see the parade from your dining seats ... and Aria does look quite content with bread and parade

Gotta love wine flights! And interesting that yours had white and red wines, usually they are one style only.

Dessert platter looks really good - and really nice set up for sharing

ah the lure of bigger kids - always keeps little kids attention ... clearly they are so cool!

Very cool view of the World of Color infrastructure. Wonder if that will be something similar to the night time show they are going to have at Animal Kingdom. Hope something similar or as good in its own way as it looks like such an amazing show

Thanks for writing up the DL trip ... really enjoyed seeing the difference compared to WDW - really bummed about so many things being down. Also lines seemed rather long (which may be related)

 

[khertz]

What a great trip! Really enjoyed following along, once again. It's so fun to see how kids grow and change and enjoy things more (or sometimes less) from trip to trip. I sure do miss DL now, though!! We have grand plans for a WDW trip in October next year, then again for Mardi Gras in 2016 with extended family, and possibly DL for fall 2016. Fingers crossed! And I'm also keeping them crossed for you that everything "worked" this month!! We will be at that point soon ourselves, right after Italy!

 

[Imagineer5]

yeah for getting a good deal on the car rental ... very jealous of that price as we need a minivan and they are so much more!

Yeah I have been watching the car rental threads and it looks like people are finding them for around 300 for a week+ - not 155 but more reasonable than the 600 they were getting early on! Another thing to consider is the "emerald aisle" at National, they apparently have SUV's very often to choose from. I'd think that would work - all three can be in 1 row, no?

And so glad you got the BOG FP to work out ... We didn't do the food yet as Judi was like "I don't know what i am going to want then now ... and who knows what the kids will want" so we might wait or add it later/closer to the day

Yeah, with Olivia I could see her being annoyed that you chose for her, but Aria I always just choose for her for the most part so she won't give me any flack. And since I don't eat much else that they serve, it didn't seem too difficult to choose!

The Tink meet area looks really cute. I wonder if the originally planned Pixie Hallow for NFL would have looks similar - or at least elements of it

I wish that there was a true Pixie Hollow left at WDW, and that they had other fairies than just Tink. Current fave is the pirate fairy, it would be neat to meet her! However, I do love that MK offers a FP to meet Tink though!

The train ride looks really cool and way bigger/longer than I initially thought it would be. Great - especially with the lines for the river boats

It was a decent length ride, and it is always a good thing to think that waiting 30 minutes in line was worth it!! (esp coming from someone who sees 15 minutes on the sign and goes elsewhere!!)

That's interesting that the Jungle Cruise you found to be better there than in WDW given that you would have thought they would have taken what they learned and done it better when building the WDW one but maybe just didn't work out that way.

The Roger Rabbit ride is definitely one I want to do if we ever get to DL

Splash Mountain looks so different being single file like that. Funny that their Splash is Single and Space Mountain is two people where as WDW has the wider Splash and single rider Space. Is the big drop as big on the DL Splash as WDW? That would be pretty intense I would think single file

There was definitely something about being on one of the rides that Walt himself rode and designed, I guess that is what makes it more special than the one at WDW, which is basically just a copy.

I haven't compared the length of drops at DL vs WDW. SO I just looked it up! Here you go! Looks like the drop is "sharper" at DL!

The Similarities:

•On both rides, you follow the story of Brer Rabbit and his attempt to escape from Brer Fox. The attempt results in Brer Fox throwing Brer Rabbit, and you down the waterfall into the Briar Patch.
•They both have intense drops, one more intense than the other but still intense!
The Differences:

•Walt Disney World’s ® Splash Mountain seats riders in on a flume ride, while the ride at Disneyland has guests sitting in a single file line. This is the biggest difference between the rides. The Orlando version allows more people to ride the ride at once, which usually translates to shorter wait times.
•In addition to the side-by-side seating in Orlando, the version also has special effects such as Brer Rabbit hopping away. The Disneyland ride does not have such audio animatronics.
•Disneyland’s version of Splash Mountain is typically wetter than Disney World’s ®. That means during the drop and splash down at the bottom, guests will get a bigger splash than in Central Florida. Depending on your preferences, you may find this appealing. You can, however escape the soaking at Disneyland if you sit in the back three rows.
•Walt Disney World’s ® version moves a little slower through the scenes than Disneyland’s does.
•Disneyland’s final drop is sharper and at a bit more of an angle.
•At Walt Disney World ® guests can enjoy a much longer queue than in California. In fact, it seems to go on for days compared to Disneyland’s with Brer Frog providing a bit of a back-story while you wait. The storyline is also easier to understand than the original Disneyland version.

Oh - best of luck in not being able to go on the cruise

If you don't mind me asking, how pricey were the other drinks at Trader Sams? I mean, I assume not as crazy as the Uh Oa - but were they all a little pricer or was that really an outlier?

I think they were around $9-10? Pricey sure, but what I would expect to pay at any resort not just Disney/ And of course delicious! So the $40 drink shocker was truly a shock considering 1-it wasn't nearly as delicious as the others we had tried!! and 2- the others were fairly priced IMO!

That's cool that you can see the parade from your dining seats ... and Aria does look quite content with bread and parade

Gotta love wine flights! And interesting that yours had white and red wines, usually they are one style only.

Dessert platter looks really good - and really nice set up for sharing

ah the lure of bigger kids - always keeps little kids attention ... clearly they are so cool!

Very cool view of the World of Color infrastructure. Wonder if that will be something similar to the night time show they are going to have at Animal Kingdom. Hope something similar or as good in its own way as it looks like such an amazing show

I am SO excited to see what they do at AK for the nighttime show - it is sort of what I picture as well! on our next DL trip, I will plan for two nights watching WoC! Totally worth it.

Thanks for writing up the DL trip ... really enjoyed seeing the difference compared to WDW - really bummed about so many things being down. Also lines seemed rather long (which may be related)

Thank you for reading!! Yes, you are right - despite the wonderful time we had, it was still irking me about the ride closures, and the crowds were tough. We still managed to have a great time though and want to go back, so I guess that is good! It also helped traveling with Lynda - she is a very positive person so I never got overly flustered over it all like I might have with Andrew who can be gruff and impatient at times (as can I for sure, but you put us together and it might not be pretty at trying times).

What a great trip! Really enjoyed following along, once again. It's so fun to see how kids grow and change and enjoy things more (or sometimes less) from trip to trip. I sure do miss DL now, though!! We have grand plans for a WDW trip in October next year, then again for Mardi Gras in 2016 with extended family, and possibly DL for fall 2016. Fingers crossed! And I'm also keeping them crossed for you that everything "worked" this month!! We will be at that point soon ourselves, right after Italy!

Yay! BTW I can't wait to hear all about your Italy trip (once you take it that is!!) good to hear about your upcoming trips. Maybe Mardi Gras? I like early October and I know you like late October so unless we do a super extended trip that overlap won't happen lol.

Next years plans are totally up in the air, with the Feb. cruise and August-September possible Europe trip, which one won't happen if we do end up having a baby, possibly both depending on how ambitious we are about bringing a young baby to Europe. And with my NEED to take Aria to disney ... a few times... of course! haha

Anyway thanks so much for reading along!

 

[Dugette]

Well, that sounds complicated with the FP+ reservations for your next couple trips. I guess you can add the other October ones in as you use the August ones, though. Good luck with all of that!

And good luck in a week or so! I guess it’s sort-of a win/win – you get either a baby or a cruise. Or you fudge your dates with the doctor a bit and get both…ha ha.

Those Pirahna Pools look really good! Pool time looks like a blast too.

Nice that you had a view of the parade from your dinner table. Yum, dinner looks good, especially that dessert platter! Mmmmmmm.

Wow, quite the view on the Fun Wheel. And other kids are always the most fun thing around to watch!

World of Color looks gorgeous. That is interesting about Aria tearing up at the sad part. I’ve been noticing that with Izzy lately – she seems to really be developing empathy and I have to assure her that things are okay (like when Anna freezes to save Elsa – she gets so sad, but then SO happy when she thaws). It’s neat to see them developing those emotions.

Ugh, 3:30am?! Wow, I think I’d just stay up, ha.

Loved the DL TR! Looking forward to your August PTR posts and then we’ll have to figure out the June report! Man, I don’t know how you juggle all these trips and reports!

 

[Imagineer5]

Well, that sounds complicated with the FP+ reservations for your next couple trips. I guess you can add the other October ones in as you use the August ones, though. Good luck with all of that!

Yes that is the plan if DVC doesn't update soon! It's been 3 days and normally it would be updated by now but it still doesn't have him on the august ressies. Not too worried though, they should not be hard to get ones anyway.

And good luck in a week or so! I guess it’s sort-of a win/win – you get either a baby or a cruise. Or you fudge your dates with the doctor a bit and get both…ha ha.

LOL thanks, that is how i am looking at it too! I don't know about fudging the dates part tho... lol! (I know you were kidding!)

Those Pirahna Pools look really good! Pool time looks like a blast too.

Nice that you had a view of the parade from your dinner table. Yum, dinner looks good, especially that dessert platter! Mmmmmmm.

Wow, quite the view on the Fun Wheel. And other kids are always the most fun thing around to watch!

World of Color looks gorgeous. That is interesting about Aria tearing up at the sad part. I’ve been noticing that with Izzy lately – she seems to really be developing empathy and I have to assure her that things are okay (like when Anna freezes to save Elsa – she gets so sad, but then SO happy when she thaws). It’s neat to see them developing those emotions.

Ugh, 3:30am?! Wow, I think I’d just stay up, ha.

Loved the DL TR! Looking forward to your August PTR posts and then we’ll have to figure out the June report! Man, I don’t know how you juggle all these trips and reports!

Thanks for reading along!! The last day was definitely fun filled, so glad we carved out the pool time (and nice that it was so easy & quick to do, since we can walk everywhere).

Yeah not starting June until you're all done with December LOL so let me know and we will figure it out

 

[JulieODC]

Good luck this month! I'm sending lots and lots of good vibes your way!

I love all the outdoor dining there seems to be a DL!

Amazing views from Mickey's Fun Wheel...and your pictures of the wheel all lit up are awesome!! Looks like a really cool show too!

Glad you had a smooth trip home, and such a great trip!! Can't wait to hear about your next adventures!!

(p.s. I got the job offer, and we're moving back to MA...metrowest area probably, but TBD!)

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Yeah I have been watching the car rental threads and it looks like people are finding them for around 300 for a week+ - not 155 but more reasonable than the 600 they were getting early on! Another thing to consider is the "emerald aisle" at National, they apparently have SUV's very often to choose from. I'd think that would work - all three can be in 1 row, no?

Ah ok. We are paying $295 weekly rate but are there for 10 days ... so that plus fees, etc. brings it to about $600 - so now I feel ok

Thanks for posting what you did about the differences between the DL and WDW Splash Mountains - that must feel pretty steep coming down that big hill on the DL one!

The drink prices for the other drinks seem about what you would expect - probably made the shock on the price of the Uh Oa that much more, well, shocking

thanks again for the DL TR!

 

[Imagineer5]

Good luck this month! I'm sending lots and lots of good vibes your way!

I love all the outdoor dining there seems to be a DL!

Amazing views from Mickey's Fun Wheel...and your pictures of the wheel all lit up are awesome!! Looks like a really cool show too!

Glad you had a smooth trip home, and such a great trip!! Can't wait to hear about your next adventures!!

(p.s. I got the job offer, and we're moving back to MA...metrowest area probably, but TBD!)

Yeah, I think for the most part Disneyand has much more mild weather compared to WDW (though our first two days were 95 degrees, in May, so that is not 100% true...) but leads to a nice atmosphere to be outside all the time.

Congratulations on your job and move!! EEK! Keep me updated. DH grew up in Holliston, and it is only 45 minutes away from us! it would be fun to meet up!

Thanks for the good vibes LOL and for reading along

Ah ok. We are paying $295 weekly rate but are there for 10 days ... so that plus fees, etc. brings it to about $600 - so now I feel ok

Thanks for posting what you did about the differences between the DL and WDW Splash Mountains - that must feel pretty steep coming down that big hill on the DL one!

The drink prices for the other drinks seem about what you would expect - probably made the shock on the price of the Uh Oa that much more, well, shocking

thanks again for the DL TR!

Wowzers, are you locked into that rate? Have you been watching the AUgust car rental thread?? IMO you should be able to shave off 200-300 off that rate if you aren't locked in already. That is a lot!

I'm glad you asked so I actually looked it up - I thought DL Splash was more fun, but there is the reason why! haha! Though I will say, for Aria's first ride on it in the future, I think the side-by-side configuration at WDW would be better!

 

[Imagineer5]

This time in 2 weeks!!

Friday August 22nd!

I always seem to take the earliest possible flight out of Providence on Southwest, which is a 6:30AM nonstop direct to Orlando! I’ve tried taking the later flights only to toy with moving it up at the last minute. This gets us in before 10AM though, so you really have most of your day to enjoy Florida!

So this day, we should hopefully have our car by around 10AM and be at Universal’s Royal Pacific Resort around 10:30! I have a king room booked with an Annual Passholder discount, so I’ll either need to show them my confirmation email or actually figure out how to print out the tickets before checking in – guess we will see! Then I’ll get the room key & express pass. I assume that the room won’t be ready but I’ll have bell services hold our luggage and then park the car (? Valet or self parking? Not sure! Lol!). Hoping I can print the AP right at the hotel, get express pass, and be at the park by 11:30.

FYI, I reserved a standard view king room, which cost me $218 per night, including taxes. Considering it includes the unlimited express pass, and early entry, I think it is fairly reasonably priced.

I think we will head over to Universal first! Grab a bite to eat at the Leaky Cauldron.

Until Aria’s nap time we will ride the TWO rides she can ride at the park (ha!) and grab an interactive wand hopefully via Ollivander’s little wand show. The two rides she can ride are E.T. (LOVE, this was a childhood favorite from Universal Hollywood!) and Woody Woodpecker’s roller coaster.

During her nap time in the stroller, I plan to take a gazillion photos around Diagon Alley!! Go in every shop of course, and check out all the interactive wand locations. Probably grab a drink somewhere, but there is SO little info about food at Universal that I’m going in so blind! Drives me nuts haha!

When Aria wakes up, I will hop in line for the Florean Fortescue’s Ice Cream Parlor – I have a feeling this will be a must-do for multiple visits! I want to try out the Butterbeer ice cream and the Chocolate Chili, both sound amazing!

After that, we will hop on the Hogwarts Express to Hogsmeade!

We will ride Flight of the Hippogriph (another small roller coaster),

check out the wait time for the Pteranodon Flyers,

then make our way over to the Seuss area and ride all those rides.

– these include One Fish Two Fish (like Dumbo, but sprays water),

CaroSeussEl,

Seuss Trolley Train Ride

Cat in the hat

– all of these have the Express Pass entry option so there should be very little waiting for us! Then we will grab a quick bite to eat at a CS location, and then probably head out for some pool time before bed!

They have an awesome splash pad play area

Aerial Pool view

 

[Dugette]

That’s pretty awesome how early you can get to WDW. This next trip is the earliest I’ve flown out (7am), but we still don’t land until after 11am. Darn time change!

Hotel sounds nice. I’ll be interested to see your report on it.

Well, at least her two rides sound like good ones! And you have a good plan for naptime. Hmmm, interesting ice cream…

Sounds like Aria will think she’s dreaming when she wakes up from her nap – start with a train ride, then all those fun kiddie rides (with no lines)! Followed by an awesome pool and splash pad too?! Wow, she’ll have a great time!

 

[Imagineer5]

That’s pretty awesome how early you can get to WDW. This next trip is the earliest I’ve flown out (7am), but we still don’t land until after 11am. Darn time change!

Hotel sounds nice. I’ll be interested to see your report on it.

Well, at least her two rides sound like good ones! And you have a good plan for naptime. Hmmm, interesting ice cream…

Sounds like Aria will think she’s dreaming when she wakes up from her nap – start with a train ride, then all those fun kiddie rides (with no lines)! Followed by an awesome pool and splash pad too?! Wow, she’ll have a great time!

Hahha I know right?? I love your dreaming comment. It's so true - what a fun afternoon she will have! And me too. That's why I thought adding a couple nights WOULD be worthwhile - there are a few rides but not that many, leaving time for the water play areas, pool time, etc without running around. Plus, the express pass I think will really come in handy!

Of course the 6:30AM flight means we are up at 4AM...so there are some downsides...

 

[Imagineer5]

Quick interlude - this is our Harry Potter weekend as DH is out of town (bachelor party in NH). So last night we watched the 1st one, Philosopher's Stone, and Aria really enjoyed it (a few scary parts but not bad). When they entered Diagon Alley in the movie, Aria exclaimed "AMAZING!!" so I think she will really enjoy the park! At the end she requested we watch it again - but it was 7:30 so instead she went to bed! Today we will try to watch 2 & 3, but may only get through 2. They are long movies! Anyway back to these posts. Sorry if you find them boring, but I am finding it a good way to manage time and expectations (for myself lol) to see what I really think I can do.

This time in 2 weeks ... Saturday 8/23!

So, assuming I AM going on the cruise in February 2015 (you know what that means...) I plan to hire a babysitter this morning. Someone on the DIS recommended her - she is $15 per hour, but has her own annual pass so I won't have to worry about that. The park opens via Early Entry at 8. Reports are in that people are generally let in around 7:40, so that is what i hope happens...

At 6:30AM I plan to meet the babysitter in the lobby of RPR, to get her a room key (I added her to my reservation, so she could get the express pass and early entry). and her express pass. From there, we will grab a quick on the go bite to eat & coffees, and head to Universal to get in line at the turnstiles.

From here I'm going to judge what I do based on how I like her and how comfortable I "feel" and if Aria is okay with her. Aria is great with new people, but if she is acting weird at all then I will have them walk fastly with me straight to Gringotts and we will all get in line. This will probably add about 15 minutes to the wait, I am assuming, since we will have to park the stroller before entering the ride. If I am getting good "vibes" then I will run ahead and let them enjoy Diagon Alley while I ride - there is actually not too much for them to do, but I will be picking up the interactive wand the day before so they can do that, or she can just let Aria out and play, or grab a bite to eat at Leaky Cauldron, whatever.

http://www.**************.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/HP-and-the-Escape-from-Gringotts-2-550x476.jpg

Nothing else is open at Universal until 9, so after riding Gringotts, I am hoping I'll be out by 8:20 or so - and again depending on how things are going, I may see about the single rider line to ride again, or just go and hang out with them. We'll see!

After 9 though, I am hoping we feel very comfortable with the babysitter and I can let them go on their own over to E.T., maybe Woody Woodpecker (depending on how Aria did the day before riding it!), and there are a few kids play areas they can check out. During this time I plan to ride The Mummy (single rider) - this was a surprise favorite on our last trip (2010?).

Transformers (new since our last visit)

Rip Ride Rockit (single rider) (was closed on the last visit)

Despicable me (new since our last visit)

Then meet back up to ride the Hogwarts Express over to IoA.

From there, she can take Aria on the Flight of the Hippogriph while I hop in the single rider line for Forbidden Journey. I'll have to watch the time though as I only plan to have her for 5 hours - 6:30-11:30 and we will be cutting it close.

Hoping to squeeze in a ride on Spider-Man if possible though

And if we are doing great on time then ride the Hulk!

Then we will say goodbye to the babysitter, and head to lunch - I think we will do Mythos for lunch. I hear their fish tacos are delicious! I've eaten here once before and thought it was just OK but figured I'd give it another shot!

After lunch, spend time with Aria at the Seuss land again.

At nap time (1 or so) Aria will go down in the stroller and I will maybe go back to Hogsmeade to try out the wand movements there, or walk back to Universal if I need more Diagon Alley time, or maybe head back to the resort and get my swim suit on and relax for a bit! Hoping to spend the evening at the resort and we have dinner reservations at Emeril's Tchoup Chop which is right at the resort.

 

[Imagineer5]

I have measured aria every way I can imagine and she is just 37" lol! Idk how I thought she was taller! Oh well. I guess I'll be changing out 7dmt plans except for the meet up with TheMaxrebo's family

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Wowzers, are you locked into that rate? Have you been watching the AUgust car rental thread?? IMO you should be able to shave off 200-300 off that rate if you aren't locked in already. That is a lot!

ok just checked and saw that it looks like Dollar rates (where we had the reservation for - but didn't pre-pay or anything) have come way down and, using AAA this time instead of BJ's got a rental for $365 total - plus they had a promotion that will give us $50 back, so really only $315 all in compared to our original $607 ... thanks so much!

The $607 was a bit cheaper than what we paid last time so silly me thought that was a good rate