My better late than never TR

[kschafer]

I forgot to mention that I had also lived in Ames for a short period when I was little - hard to keep track of the towns since we moved about 6 times from the age of 4-9.

I can't wait to see TSM when my DS15 and I are there in December! I'm wondering if he will like the Great Movie Ride (I liked it when I saw it for the first time in January/February this year but parts were boring for me too).

What a great extended family you have - how lucky you are!

Ames is such a nice town, I sort of miss living there. It's not too big but full of opportunities since the university is there.

TSM is AWESOME This may have been the multi-generational hit of the trip!

Thanks - I do love my family. I feel pretty lucky (if you ever met my in-laws, you would know why I am especially grateful for my family!)

 

[kschafer]

Day 2, Tuesday, June 10 continued

When I left you, we were enjoying the coolness of the Muppet Theater. Have I mentioned that it was HOT. It had been a cool spring in Iowa and the heat of Florida (which I would have been acclimated to if it had been August in Iowa) was really getting to me on our first day!

My plan at this point was to go get fastpasses for Rock n Roller Coaster and Tower of Terror to use after the Block Party Bash. Recall that I love thrill rides, DH is fond of them too, so the plan was to send the kids on TSMM with Grandma and Grandpa while DH and I ride RnR and ToT. At this point in time, I am hot, tired, thirsty and the kids are getting a bit restless and cranky from the heat too. Keep in mind that we have more Disney days planned so I decided to not walk across the park and save the thrill rides for another day.

My younger brother and his family decided it was naptime and they headed back to the house. My Mom went with them (did I mention that my Mother has just had angioplasty a week earlier? She was NOT going to let that stop her vacation plans!)

The rest of us decided to let the kids blow off some energy at the Honey I shrunk the Kids playground. This is a really cute area complete with giant climbing areas, slides and spraying water…

The kids had a blast while the grown-ups got some refreshment and tried to stay in the shade. This was the best we could find...

I had heard that it is hard to keep an eye on your kids in this playground but honestly, if your kids are old enough to walk, you don’t really need to see them at all times. There is only 1 way in and out so lots of parents were getting a break near the exit while the kids run off some energy (why can’t we have some of their energy!)

After leaving the playground, we wandered around a bit. I wanted to do the backlot tour but the line was pretty long and we didn’t want to risk missing Block Party Bash. The line said only 5 minutes for Star Tours but I think I was the only one interested. The next times for Indiana Jones and Lights, Motors, Action were too close to parade time. We found ourselves in front of Sounds Dangerous. We figured this might be a good way to kill a little time.

I know, I know!! Those of you who have been in here are wondering WHY I am taking my chicken-sh** kids! I knew this was dark, I didn’t know it was DARK!!! For those who have not been in here, it is pitch-black, can’t see your hand in front of your face dark. The lights went out and Patrick about freaked! It is impossible to leave this show once it has started so we were stuck. Luckily I had a small flashlight in my backpack thanks to the packing suggestions on the Dis. I gave it to him to hold down in his lap and it was enough to hold him till the end.

I love Drew Carey, this attraction (darkness aside) stinks! There is however one great thing about it, the area you end up in when the movie is over. It has lots of things for kids to play with and is wonderfully air conditioned. There are even little booths you can sit in that are cool and private (I recommended this to my SIL as a convenient nursing spot without having to go all the way to the front of the park)

It was finally time to go claim our spots for the BLOCK PARTY BASH. We exited Sounds Dangerous and asked a CM where a good spot would be. He suggested on the steps of what will soon be the American Idol attraction is a good shaded spot. The steps were already filling up so we found a spot next to them (in front of those little statues). I went and got some ice cream and we waited…

Coming up next, the bash...

 

[kschafer]

Block Party Bash is not a traditional parade. It rolls down Hollywood Boulevard and stops. They perform then pack it up and turn toward Indiana Jones, stop and perform again. We could hear the noise while the first performance as going on. CM’s came along with hula hoops for the kids to play with…

Patrick is a master hoola hooper!!...

This really nice CM helped Caroline who really wanted to try…

Finally, the toy story gang went by…

And the Monsters Inc gang stopped pretty close...

We had one of the army men who narrate and one of the trampolines in front of us…

I have heard lots of people complain that if you don’t have a “float” in front of you, the parade is not fun, I disagree. There is a lot of interaction with the dancers that I think you wouldn’t get with the characters. This is a great spot to catch the show because the path is a little bit narrow with a railing on the opposite side that they don’t allow people to stand by. Since there is no audience on the other side, all the performers were focused on our side.

The Incredibles gang show up at the end too...

Heads up! At the end, they shoot little nerf balls into the crowd. You can see them in the air in this pic...

I didn’t notice until most of them had been grabbed up. The army guy nearby reached into his pocket, looked right at us and said “hey kids, yeah you, catch” and threw one to us (If you knew me well, you would be SHOCKED to hear that I actually caught it). So nice!!

They packed up and moved on and the Monsters and Bug's Life floats went by...

At this point, we decided it was getting time to head out, after all tomorrow is our Magic Kingdom day! But first, we had some TSMM fastpasses, but not enough for everyone (remember, I WAS saving our fastpasses for the big rides then didn’t). So Dad, Daniel and I decided to go back to the van while the others used the fastpasses. We stopped and got our first photopass pictures (Daniel wasn't really interested)…

Just as we got to the van, it started to rain. A few minutes later is was POURING (and I had the umbrellas in my backpack) Greg and Patrick were soaked by the time they got to the van. This was the day my brother was taking shelter somewhere and saw a lightning bolt hit the sorcerers hat, scary I’m sure but pretty cool!

Stay tuned, tomorrow is MAGIC KINGDOM

 

[Happy Elf]

We enjoyed the Honey I Shrunk the Kids playground too! Hannah loves to look at the pictures of her playing on it!

Great pictures of the Block Party Bash! I'm looking forward to seeing that sometime!

 

[kschafer]

We enjoyed the Honey I Shrunk the Kids playground too! Hannah loves to look at the pictures of her playing on it!

Great pictures of the Block Party Bash! I'm looking forward to seeing that sometime!

It is nice that each park has some type of play area for the kids to run around. Standing in line is tough on them and Mom's and Dad's need a break too. Block Party is so much fun! The kids get to dance, toss balls with the performers, are encouraged to scream and generally have a ton of fun. I hope you get a chance to see it.

I saw on MeMom's TR that you are a teacher and going back to work next week. Good luck with that adjustment. I only had 7 weeks with my first and 10 weeks with my second and that didn't seem like enough! 3 months must have been nice.

 

[Happy Elf]

I saw on MeMom's TR that you are a teacher and going back to work next week. Good luck with that adjustment. I only had 7 weeks with my first and 10 weeks with my second and that didn't seem like enough! 3 months must have been nice.

Thanks for the good thoughts! I was very lucky this time around...it worked out because he was born in July, so my days didn't start until school started! I am trying to feel good about it...I know my kids are in great hands while I'm gone (my MIL watches them), but I still wish I could stay home longer!

 

[kschafer]

Thanks for the good thoughts! I was very lucky this time around...it worked out because he was born in July, so my days didn't start until school started! I am trying to feel good about it...I know my kids are in great hands while I'm gone (my MIL watches them), but I still wish I could stay home longer!

I was surprised that it was still hard to leave my second one even though he was going to the same sitter who we love and are so grateful to be a part of our boys lives

The one thing that really helped was knowing that the boys could be together even when we couldn't be with them. They have a really special bond now.

 

[kschafer]

Anyone out there? It's been a little quiet.

A busy day today - usual weekend chores, getting ready for Halloween and probably more car looking. We finally heard from the insurance adjuster yesterday and the van has been declared totalled (what I suspected would happen) It was towed to a collision center yesterday morning because the insurance needed to look under it. I went and cleaned it out. As I was leaving, I was crying because I knew it was goodbye. It sounds silly I know but it was my first new vehicle that I choose all the features of. I loved it and will miss it because they have changed the design so I cannot get a true replacement. I'm sure I will come to like the new van...eventually

Day 3 update coming up tonight or tomorrow morning

 

[punkin413]

wow......looks like mr. potato head is having some eye issues.

i believe the block party stopped at the same point with you guys that it did with us. we were right in front of that same trampoline, except we saw the first show up on the main strip. very cool that the army guy threw you a ball!

 

[Megablocks]

Hey! I followed you over here from MeMom's report (imagine that!)

I meant to tell you after I read it that I am sooo sorry about your accident, and I'm so glad that you were able to walk away from it. I totaled a car too, but it was my mom's. I still feel awful about how it happened. I was driving her car due to mine spending a few weeks in the shop (a snow plow put a huge dent in my passenger door ) A cab driver took an illegal left turn and everyone had to slam on their brakes--I slammed hard but somehow didn't stop fast enough, and dented the front in pretty badly. Nowhere near as bad as your's, obviously, but it was still deemed totaled. So glad that you are okay, aside from the ribs.

Thanks to you, I think I might write a belated TR of my own. We went in April, and I was a lurker for a long time before I finally registered. I'm looking forward to more, the place that you stayed at looks gorgeous and your kids (and nieces and nephews) are so cute.

 

[kschafer]

i believe the block party stopped at the same point with you guys that it did with us. we were right in front of that same trampoline, except we saw the first show up on the main strip. very cool that the army guy threw you a ball!

I remember commenting the same thing on your TR. It was a great spot really, lots of action. The army guy throwing the ball to me was the closest I ever came to winning a dream at disney. I never even saw the dream team once.

Hey! I followed you over here from MeMom's report (imagine that!)

She sure is one popular lady!! Who can't help but love her?

I meant to tell you after I read it that I am sooo sorry about your accident, and I'm so glad that you were able to walk away from it. I totaled a car too, but it was my mom's. I still feel awful about how it happened. I was driving her car due to mine spending a few weeks in the shop (a snow plow put a huge dent in my passenger door ) A cab driver took an illegal left turn and everyone had to slam on their brakes--I slammed hard but somehow didn't stop fast enough, and dented the front in pretty badly. Nowhere near as bad as your's, obviously, but it was still deemed totaled. So glad that you are okay, aside from the ribs.

Welcome and thanks. Today was a pretty good day so I'm hoping that's a sign of things to come. Accidents stink! I must admit I have been commuting for 10 years and have occasionally wondered what it would feel like to lose control of the car. Now I know, never have to wonder again! I am a bit paranoid now about it, I hope that will go away!

Thanks to you, I think I might write a belated TR of my own. We went in April, and I was a lurker for a long time before I finally registered. I'm looking forward to more, the place that you stayed at looks gorgeous and your kids (and nieces and nephews) are so cute.

You should write one if you have the time. I am really enjoying writing this report and reliving the memories.

Speaking of writing, on to day 3...

 

[kschafer]

Day 3 – Wednesday, June 11

After having missed it by a few minutes at DHS yesterday, I was determined to make it to Magic Kingdom in time for rope drop. I of course had read about it on the Dis (Man, there's nothing like and early morning cup of coffee and Dising to start your day!) before we left so I really wanted to make it to this one!

I told the rest of the family we were leaving 15 minutes earlier than the day before. My younger brother and his family left at the same time and my older brother and parents said they would meet us there. We drove under this sign that brings happiness to us all …

We walked through the turnstiles and there was a decent crowd gathering but not so many that we couldn’t get a good view. There was a cute Mickey to greet us…

My SIL Shelby waiting for the fun to begin…

Soon the citizens of Main Street came out to sing and dance…

And finally the real Mickey showed up with a bunch of his friends…

Magic Kingdom was open and I finally took the walk down Main Street I had been waiting so long for (Yes, it was a BIT crowded!!)

We stopped to have some photopass pictures taken of my family and my younger brother Joe's family...

As we were finishing, my older brother called to tell me they were coming up Main Street. They were just outside the gates during the rope drop. I thought this was a cute pic of Caroline and my mom…

We waited for them and stopped to take our first (and as it turned out, only) photopass of the entire group…

This is among one of the best pictures of all 15 of us. Usually someone is turned away, crying or has their finger up their nose

Coming right up…Fantasyland

 

[kschafer]

Then we headed to Fantasyland. We had convinced the kids that they had done rides just like Dumbo at fairs so they willingly skipped it and headed straight toward pooh, only about a 5 minute wait. Pooh and Mickey probably are tied for my favorite characters and this ride was new since I was last in WDW. I was really looking forward to it and it did not disappoint.

Then on to Peter Pan, probably a 15 minute wait. This was the same classic I remember.

Then It’s a small World, maybe a 10 minute wait. I LOVE this ride. I know lots of people hate it but I have such fond memories of riding this when I was a kid. I rode it once with my Grandpa who commented on the amount of money people had thrown in the water. He told me he would clean it for free if he could keep the money. This was so much like my Grandpa who had a knack for finding money on sidewalks, in parking lots, etc. I really enjoyed seeing my kids ride this for the first time and sing along (how in the world did they pick up the song so quickly? )

Next we watched Mickey’s Philharmagic . What an AMAZING show!!! I loved when the corks poped! I will never forget Patrick’s reaction when Donald landed in the back wall. He ripped off his glasses and started yelling “Mom, he’s really there! He flew out of the movie!!” A little browsing while trying to decide what's next...

We took a ride on Cinderella’s horses…
My niece Caroline, brother Ben and nephew James:

Patrick and my niece Margaret:

Daniel and hubby Greg:

My niece Ellie and my Mom:

SIL Shelby and nephew Andrew:

My Dad and brother Joe (they apparently thought their horses were missing some accessories)

(I know I was there and so was my SIL Amy but somehow we escaped the 5 cameras in the group )

By this time, it was almost 11. We had 11:30 ADR’s at Crystal Palace and a few things still on our wish list. The girls headed to see Arial while the boys and I went to spin on the Tea Cups. Unfortunately, both lines were too long for the time we had. Some of the group went to ride on Snow White (do you think my scardy cat boys went? NOT A CHANCE!!) The rest of the group went to Crystal Palace while I took tickets and ran to Big Thunder and Splash mountains to get fastpasses for later.

Next installment, hanging out with the gang from the 100 acre woods!

 

[punkin413]

I never even saw the dream team once.

well, if it makes you feel any better, i've been there 4 - yes, 4 - times since they started the "dream team" back in 2007 and i haven't won a dream yet. this december is my last chance.

I will never forget Patrick’s reaction when Donald landed in the back wall. He ripped off his glasses and started yelling “Mom, he’s really there! He flew out of the movie!!”

this is so sweet!

 

[MeMom]

I love Margaret's caddywampus Minnie ears. They're pretty cute like that. That's a nice group picture, and I know it will be a treasure to look back on in the years to come.

I never get pictures as good as those in Winnie-the-Pooh. Those are great!

Since there were so many of you guys, did any of you manage to get on Cinderella's horse on the Carrousel?

The look James has on his face on the horse is proof positive that you shouldn't hesitate to take a little one to Disney World. No, they don't remember, and yes, it is a little bit of a hassle at times, but look at him at he looks up at Caroline. That is just precious!

 

[Happy Elf]

Great update! Your gang looks so cute on the carousal! Looking forward to Pooh and gang!

 

[kschafer]

well, if it makes you feel any better, i've been there 4 - yes, 4 - times since they started the "dream team" back in 2007 and i haven't won a dream yet. this december is my last chance.

this is so sweet!

I was reading another TR (mommyofthreeboys) and they not only won dream ears but won them 2 days in a row!! And there were 20+ in their group! I guess my memories are my prize. And really, there were so many special moments, I don't feel cheated (too much )

I love Margaret's caddywampus Minnie ears. They're pretty cute like that. That's a nice group picture, and I know it will be a treasure to look back on in the years to come.

I never get pictures as good as those in Winnie-the-Pooh. Those are great!

Since there were so many of you guys, did any of you manage to get on Cinderella's horse on the Carrousel?

The look James has on his face on the horse is proof positive that you shouldn't hesitate to take a little one to Disney World. No, they don't remember, and yes, it is a little bit of a hassle at times, but look at him at he looks up at Caroline. That is just precious!

She always had a high ponytail or bun then when she put those ears on, her hair pushed it down low on her forehead. Her other grandparents gave each person in her family money for souveniers and that is what she chose, I think she wore them everyday.

I was probably the only one who knew that there is one special horse and I didn't share that info. It was a big enough challenge to get everyone in close proximity to each other. Then the question of which child got it

The Pooh pics were my hubby's. I guess his new camera was better than mine, or he had the front row. Here is one of my pics, taken just as the honey pot turned.

As someone who will not have the chance to go as frequently as SOME of you (yes, you know who you are!!) James was at a difficult age for this trip, particularly with older sisters who could do so many things. I'm sure he will go back again sometime but not until he is much older

Great update! Your gang looks so cute on the carousal! Looking forward to Pooh and gang!

Thanks. It was a great lunch. Stay tuned!

 

[kschafer]

Happy Halloween Everyone!!

Sorry I haven't gotten back to my TR. It has been a crazy week as I have been TRYING to get hubby to consider a van purchase before today. We are wanting an '08 grand caravan because they are running a $3500 rebate on them right now. Plus our local dealer has $2000 in coupons we can use. both of these offers expire tonight. My stubborn DH (although not feeling very "D" right now) thinks that if we wait, we will find a better deal. HELLO, they are a good price because they are trying to GET RID of the '08 models, the selections is not going to get better!!



As I was typing the above, hubby called to say he stopped out at the dealer in town to talk to the salesman I had been talking to and now is leaning toward taking the deal because we only have to give a verbal agreement tonight and they can start the paperwork. The final papers and loan stuff can wait until next week. IF we can get a better deal come Monday (yeah right!) we can still take it. He may have just earned back the title of "D"H again


I'll try to be back this weekend with an update!

Happy Trick-or-Treating!!

 

[sunny_stace]

Your family is beautiful and your pics are so fun! I'm definately in for the rest! I'm glad you're safe and sound after the accident and hope you have a safe Halloween!

 

[kschafer]

Your family is beautiful and your pics are so fun! I'm definately in for the rest! I'm glad you're safe and sound after the accident and hope you have a safe Halloween!

Hi! Thanks for the compliments. Welcome aboard, glad to have you!!

I saw on MeMom's thread that you are headed to WDW after our Thanksgiving. Did you say you are arriving on Nov 30? That's my birthday! I'm hoping to convince DH to take me in 3 years for my 40th and leaving the kids at home with Grandma and Grandpa. Unfortunately, since he is a high school teacher, that is a lot harder than just taking vacation days.

Hoping you have safe journeys and decide to write a TR when you return!