My Dad's First trip with his Grandkids!

[crystal1313]

So by sheer luck, we actually saw the boys start off on GRR! I couldn't believe our timing!

Look, it's mom and Nana!

Then we ran over to the other side to watch them down the big hill! We missed a photo, but caught one on the other side

After GRR, DS6 asked to ride Screamin. He had worked up his nerve. He has been waiting to be tall enough for this ride since he was 3. My mom sat this one out. Here is our first ride:

At the end, DS was sad it was over! Yay! He loved it He immediately wanted to go again. So, we did. At this point my dad called saying he was back and asked where to meet us. Here is ride number 2

After that DH and I got a call that we needed to sign more paperwork for the house! Ugh. we all walked over to the Grand hoping we could just use their business center, but you needed a key card. Bummer. I was tempted to ask, but DH didn't want to. He's weird about that stuff sometimes. The worst they could say is no! So we called our hotel. They don't have a business center, but were really nice and said we could print our docs using their computer.

My parents attempted to go ride Splash Mtn with the kids and we headed back to the hotel. My poor parents walked all the way there and the line was really long, then both boys had to go potty after they got in line, so they ditched the idea and got stuck in the parade on the way back. We planned to have an early dinner and decided to order Tony Roma's to go since it was right next to the Ramada. Food was ready super fast, was delicious and we had so many leftovers! It was great.

Initially we planned to go back, but we were all exhausted! We watched the fireworks from our room and headed to bed. We planned an early night the first night so the kids wouldn't get over tired, I just thought we would be in the parks until 6-7, not back at 4-5. Oh well!

Next up, day 2!

 

[djmeredith]

I followed your TR link from our July thread, and I'm loving it! Your pics are great. You've inspired me to go ahead and attempt my first TR. Can't wait to follow the rest of yours!! -Dondra

 

[crystal1313]

Yay!! So glad you like my TR and so excited to read yours!!! I loved the pics you posted in the July thread. Can't wait to read and see more pics!!

 

[DisneytheKid]

Enjoying your trip report! Looking forward to reading more

 

[crystal1313]

Thank you! I'm enjoying putting it together!

I forgot to mention how much my parents loved Cars Land! Especially Flo's with all the great music they play. My parents were born in the 50's and they were lovin all the songs. They also loved the food

I'm hoping to get my moms photos tonight, so I might go back and add a few here and there.

 

[crystal1313]

Day 2!

We were up early again and hit DL this time! First up was grabbing FP for Space Mtn, my favorite ride of all time!! DS6, DH and my dad wanted to ride Star Tours. DS4 has been on Star Tours many times, but he truly thinks we go into space, so he wasn't willing to ride it this time. The stand by wait was 25 minutes I think, not bad! Mom and I didn't really care to ride or not, so we asked DS4 what he wanted to do. He picked It's a Small World. So we separated. Getting up to IASW, the line was small! But it was sure hot! And the people in back of us continually ran into us, at one point a tween girl totally ran into my mom and I finally said, excuse me! Jeez. I will never understand that. We are strict with our kids and we never let them get that close to others in line. Anyway, we had a great ride in the AC! My mom liked all the additional Disney characters and so does DS4.

I totally got sunburned the first day (I always remember to re-apply for the kids, but not myself) so I bought the cute hat I'm wearing and my dad bought a Mickey baseball cap when we entered the park that morning!

After IASW, we met back with the boys near the DVC Flying Saucer. It was nice and shady there. Found out DS6 was picked as the Rebel Spy! Awesome Then my DH wanted Starbucks and my dad wanted a coffee. So off DH went. DS4 decided he wanted to ride the Rockets with me. They make me a bit nauseous. But he was excited so off we went! My parents took DS6 on Buzz and we waved to each other in line.

On the Rocket finally! Yay

We met back up at the flying saucer and sat around for a bit, waiting for our Space Mtn FP. We were hungry! My dad was sweet and bought the boys popcorn. We all had a bunch of snacks and water to be hydrated.

It was time for our FP window and DS4 was not so sure about it. He had never been on Space before. Last trip in December he conquered the Matterhorn. My dad was actually the one who talked him into it. I was glad we had a fastpass because he really had no time to talk himself out of it. He liked the inside of the space station.

Before I knew it, we were boarded and ready to go. My fried works on Space and he was the person who checked our lap bars. He was so sweet and gave us a pass to go on any ride in Disneyland! Score! He was excited my parents had joined us this trip. Off we went. DS4 clung onto me for dear life. I had my arm around him and holding his other had. He did really well! No tears!

You can barely see the top of his head.

Next we were off to eat lunch and ride Spalsh Mtn, another ride DS4 had never been on yet!!

 

[RHMH]

OMG !!! Love your trip report...What a Beautiful Family.. Great Pic's

 

[crystal1313]

Thanks Bob!!

 

[Dismamx2]

Great trip report Crystal, love your photos

 

[Cheshirecatty]

Oh my goodness Crystal…..as I looked at your pictures, I kept thinking to myself, where is Crystal's Mom? She didn't mention that she had a sister coming on the trip….THEN it hit me----that IS your Mom(I notice stuff like that because my Mom was older when she had me!) I know, I'm a dork, but you look like sisters---how fun!

I love the picture of your little boys on Day 2---in their hats, looking up---incredibly adorable!!!

Love your cute hat(envious)---I can't wear one, as I look hideous in them!

Did you find yourselves dragging, or doing less than usual because of the heat? I HATE that when it happens!!!! Also, I hate when anyone invades my personal space---Your poor Mom! My Hubby always stands behind me to "protect" me from clueless/obnoxious people, as that is my biggest pet peeve!

 

[WDWJonasGirl]

Crystal, I'm enjoying this so far!!

 

[crystal1313]

Oh my goodness Crystal…..as I looked at your pictures, I kept thinking to myself, where is Crystal's Mom? She didn't mention that she had a sister coming on the trip….THEN it hit me----that IS your Mom(I notice stuff like that because my Mom was older when she had me!) I know, I'm a dork, but you look like sisters---how fun! I love the picture of your little boys on Day 2---in their hats, looking up---incredibly adorable!!! Love your cute hat(envious)---I can't wear one, as I look hideous in them! Did you find yourselves dragging, or doing less than usual because of the heat? I HATE that when it happens!!!! Also, I hate when anyone invades my personal space---Your poor Mom! My Hubby always stands behind me to "protect" me from clueless/obnoxious people, as that is my biggest pet peeve!

Thanks everyone!! Hoping to find time to update tomorrow

Karry!! Lol. I'll tell my mom you thought we were sisters I'm an only child. And I hope to age as gracefully as my mom!!

I'm typically not a hat person either! But I love this one and have worn it quite a few times since the trip!

Yes, we were really dragging and did not get as much done as I had hoped. But we went at everyone's pace and didn't push things. We had a lot of breaks and tons of water! We went through almost a case a day! Plus we would get free water at CS locations and Starbucks too.

We had quite a few experiences with people invading our personal space which I found odd since it was so hot!

We also saw a ton of people with dogs in the park too. Dogs that are not service dogs. No vests or anything (little tiny dogs. One lady was carrying one in a fanny pack type thing) It was odd. Having a son who is super allergic to dogs it made me a bit nervous. I'm never concerned about service dogs because they are all so well trained. I did write DL and they actually called me and asked more info and said they would talk to security managers and front gate managers about. I thought it was awesome they called me. (I also wrote to commend a couple of CMs too. I always write for positive things. Hardly ever for negative)

 

[crystal1313]

Finally have time to update! So we were headed to Spalsh Mtn and realized we were hungry. DH suggested Big Thunder BBQ. I really wanted to try it, but honestly was SO hot, I wasn't in the mood for hot food at all. Plus, I knew the kids wouldn't eat a lot and that it would be pricy compared to CS. We thought about it, then decided to hit Hungry Bear since it was right by Splash. I have NEVER seen Hungry Bear so packed! Wow. DH and my dad orderd while my mom and I found a table. We got one of the last tables with any kind of shade. It was hot! We were upstairs, almost at the very end of the patio. It was awesome seats. We could see the train go by and all the boats on ROA. It was a bit distracting for the kids, but really fun too.

DS4 decided to feed the ducks his remaining popcorn and accidentally threw the whole popcorn bucket down I ran downstairs and luckily it wasn't in the water, but it was in an area roped off. I didn't want to leave trash laying around, so I quickly climbed over and got it (which was tricky in a skirt). I thought for sure someone would come put and get mad at me for crossing the barrier, but no one did. I felt better and DS4 was so relieved he did not litter!

I got the turkey sandwich and it was yummy! DH and my dad got the chilli hamburger I think. I cannot remember what the boys got, but I know they ate it! LOL. (Eating with the kids is hit or miss. they either hardly eat at all or eat everything, so we were happy they ate and didn't waste their food)

Next up is Splash! DS4 had never been on it. He is in a bunny phase right now and loves anything with bunnies, so that's how we talked him into it. He would see Brer Rabbit. I'm glad we had that special pass because the line moved so quick, he really didn't have time to change his mind. When we got to the loading area I was surprised to see the SR line so long!! It was clear up to the exit ramp, wow!

I asked the sweet CM if DS4 and I could sit in the back because he wanted me to sit next to him. Before I knew it, we were off! Every little hill DS4 would ask if it was the big hill. He really liked all the animatronics.

(I love the look of pure happiness on DS6 face!) You can barely see DS4 head again! I should have had him sit on my side but I wasn't even thinking. I just wanted him to feel safe. He did great again and no tears! He was very proud of himself after the drop:

We hit up Pooh's Corner afterwards to fulfill our promise of a treat if DS4 rode Splash. My dad bought DS4 a bundle of Mickey Head suckers and DH bought DS6 an Olaf treat (I think it was like a Tigger Tail, marshmallow dipped in caramel and frosting?) and he also bought a PB sandwich for us to share. The PB sandwich was super yummy! But really rich. I didn't try the Olaf treat as I am not a marshmallow fan. DS6 ate about half and saved the rest for later.

 

[crystal1313]

Afterwards, I believe we went and got BTMR FP. It was only about an hour until we could use them. We decided to go check out Fantasyland because DS6 really wanted to see Olaf at the Elsa & Anna meet n greet. We headed over there and Olaf wasn't moving. He was just sitting there. DS6 was upset because we had told him Olaf talks. I discretely asked a CM if Olaf was working or not and she said that Olaf was daydreaming today. It was super cute, because he really did look like he was daydreaming. DS6 really thinks Olaf is real an wanted to know why he wasn't melting and where his storm cloud was, etc. Some tough questions to answer! I love that he is still so innocent

Then DS4 spotted the carousel and wanted to ride. He loves carousels! The line was super short and we only had to wait one cycle. DH and my dad sat this one out. LOL. My dad took photos. I really need to get their camera and take the photos off of it!!

Anyway, you can see how happy DS4 is and the silly faces DS6 kept making.

Things start to get a bit blurry here and I cannot remember exactly what we did next. I think we headed back to Frontierland to wait for our FP window to open up. DS4 had been on BTMR before, but didn't like it. Luckily, he had forgotten about that and we tried it again. We decided to ride 3 and 3 so DS4 and DS6 wouldn't slide around too much. I wish I had taken photos. My dad and I rode with DS4 and my mom and DH rode with DS6. It was SO fun! We loved the new effects and it was fun riding with my parents because as a kid BTMR was our favorite family ride. I remember riding over and over again at night!

I think we had pulled Space Mtn FP at some point in the day and headed back to use them. My dad and DS4 decided to sit out the ride this time, so we had 2 extra FP. Unfortunately, the PP photo of all of us didn't show up and it's the wrong photo of strangers (even thought I looked at our photo and confirmed that was it, ugh). DS6 and I used the extra FP. Here we are. I have no idea what DS6 is looking at! LOL.

Here we are waiting to meet up with everyone after riding Space

At some point we headed over to DCA. DS6, DH and my mom all had to use the restroom so DS4 and I waited in the esplande. My dad decided to go back and rest.

DS6 wanted to ride Screamin and DS4 wanted to ride Goofy's. So DH took DS4 on Goofy's and my mom and I headed to Screamin with DS6. We were all going to meet at Cars Land after.

(the kid next to me was so sweet! Screamin was his favorite ride and he was so excited to be riding! He was adorable and I hope my boys are as sweet and friendly as this kid when they get older)

We headed to Cars Land. DS6 was in a picture taking mood!

(pretending they are on the zephyr, LOL! DS6 idea

and found a PP+ photographer along the way

Now pretending to hold Mickey's Fun Wheel, also his idea!

To Cars Land Next!

 

[Cheshirecatty]

OK, Crystal….it looks like you all are having so much fun!!!!

We like to sit on that top patio at Hungry Bear, ALL the way to the end---it feels like you are (mostly) away from the masses!

That is hilarious, that you talked your DS4 into Splash Mt., because he would be able to see Br'er Rabbit! I ask for the back seat all the time(and I'm not traveling with little ones!)

By the way, my Hubby drags me over to Pooh's Corner several times each trip for a Mickey shortbread cookie,(and at least once to eat "Breakfast", which could be a cashew pretzel rod!)

Maybe I should use that as a bribe to get him over there, if he will ride King Arthur's Carousel(he gets sick on attractions which go in a circle!)

How did you all like BTMMR? Did you find it to be so much smoother, than before? We sure did---we couldn't believe the difference(although we kinda miss the old bumps/jerks)!

 

[crystal1313]

Hi Karry!!Yes, DS4 is totally bunny obsessed right now! He has 4 Thumper plush, LOL! That and the bride of a sucker worked! (Kid also loves suckers. Will pick a sucker over any other treat! )

My dad is the same way with spinning rides! He doesn't do teacups, etc because of it!

We LOVED BTMR! It feels faster to me, I know it isn't...but it feels like it! I also love the end! They did a great job! And DS4 loved it. He calls it the fast Choo choo!

 

[RHMH]

WOW!! So much fun

You look like you were texting on the Splash Mountain ride.. The Photo Pass Shot of DCA is really pretty.

Give us more.... We need a Disney fix.

 

[crystal1313]

WOW!! So much fun

You look like you were texting on the Splash Mountain ride.. The Photo Pass Shot of DCA is really pretty.

Give us more.... We need a Disney fix.

LOL! It does look like I was texting! I was just hanging onto DS4 for dear life!

I'll try to update later today if I can!!

 

[djmeredith]

Love the update, especially the photos! Hungry Bear was packed when we went as well. Everything I had read before going led me to believe it was a quiet, out of the way place so I was surprised to see it so full. The food was good though.

 

[pepe3penelope]

Hi! I just read your TR up to through the 2nd day! Enjoying how your family spent the time.

Your hotel sounded great. You must have really loved the space. Do they also have a kitchenette?

Your family photos are beautiful. All of you looked soooo happy! Can't wait to catch up!