This trip report is a little late, but I enjoy reading all your trip reports so much, so I decided to post mine!
Cast:
DH, 30 - 2nd visit to WDW
DS, 28 months old - 2nd visit to WDW
Me, 30 - Disney-obsessed since 1st family trip in 2003, 6th overall visit to WDW, first 4 visits were in college, Probably 50+ visits to Disneyland
This was our first WDW onsite vacation, yeay! Our first family WDW trip was in May 2003, stayed at the Hilton in Downtown Disney. We enjoyed that visit, but vouched to stay onsite next time, and earlier in May. However, our May 2004 trip ended up on a busy and hot week (week after Memorial day) because I was going to be in a wedding in Cocoa Beach the Sunday prior, so we didn't really have a choice.
Saturday 5/29/04 -
Departed Colorado Springs at 7 am, brief layover in Atlanta, arrived at MCO on time around 230. Stroller tray cup holder was missing at gate pick-up, so we had to wait at the gate for about 20 minutes until they found it. Picked up our bags, found the Hertz shuttle right away, but the shuttle stopped at another terminal for 10 minutes before heading over to pick-up. Picked up a Toyota SUV, and off to Cocoa Beach we went.
Sunday 5/30/04 -
Was a bridesmaid at a friend's wedding, Went to the beach and Ron John's afterwards.
Monday 5/31/04 -
YEAY! Off to the Contemporary. We left Cocoa around 11, arrived at the Contemporary to check-in around noon. A room was ready for us in the South Wing, and our request to be as close to the main building as possible was met. We were on the 3rd floor, about 6 rooms in. We had the cheapest view, but we loved seeing that monorail from our bedroom. We liked the room a lot, the only thing I didn't like was the bathtub condition. It looked very old, like it couldn't get very clean anymore.
Roamed CR a little bit, headed to SOG to buy APs around 130. We then went to AK, arriving there around 230. We normally would've avoided AK on a Monday (EE day) but since it was open until 8 pm this day, we thought it might be okay in the late afternoon. We activated our APs with no problems. The heat was killing us, we'd had a relatively colder winter in CO and the 90+ degrees 100% humidity really hit us hard. We got a fastpass for the safari, went to Rafiki's to see Rafiki and Stanley. Let DS pet the animals, and headed back over on the train. Still too early for our FP so we walked around a bit and we really regretted it with the heat. Finally time for our FP and we got on the safari which was pleasant. We enjoyed this.
We headed over to Camp Minnie and Mickey but DS saw Princess Atta, Stitch, and Lilo on the way so of course we stopped there first. We then went to see Goofy, Mickey, and Minnie. A little girl in front of us got her earring stuck on Goofy and it got torn off her ear! She ran away crying and screaming with a bloody ear. So when it was our turn, I think Goofy and escorts were extra extra nice to us because we had seen the incident.
We then went to wait in line for the last show of Festival of the Lion King, we waited about 30 minutes, we thought the show was okay, not really what we'd expected. Headed over to Rainforest Cafe even though our PS wasn't until 745 because the heat was really getting to us. They honored our 745 PS at 645, we were seated within 5 minutes. We showed our servers our Vacation Kingdom Lunch vouchers, and she suggested we use 1 child voucher and 1 adult voucher. We had tons of food with both vouchers, bill total was over $115, and both vouchers had cost us around $43.
Tuesday 6/1/04 -
We walked to MK, got there around 915 am. Got a FP to Pooh and waited for the Toontown opening. Wow! DS was starting to get antsy waiting but it was great when the characters ran out to welcome us. Walking in the "parade" to Mickey's house with all the characters was really fun for DS. Went to see Mickey, we were second in line, then went over to see the Pooh characters, brief 5 minute wait for that. They let DS go see Pooh, Eeyore, and Tigger twice since he didn't want to leave.
Went to ride Pooh on FP, then walked over to Goofy's Country Jamboree. DS had fallen asleep in the stroller so he got a quick 30 minute nap while I waited in line. I couldn't believe people cutting in line. Families would just hop over the rope. Crazy. Went to see the jamboree (around 1130) which we enjoyed. DS loves Toy Story so it was really great for him. We walked over to Tomorrowland and let him see Buzz. Monorail back to CR, used Q&C vouchers for lunch from the Food and Fun Center. Took lunch back to the room and relaxed a bit.
DS was not about to take a nap so we went shopping. Went to the outlets and bought some cheaper Disney souvenirs. Headed back to CR for our 6 pm Chef Mickey's PS. Chef Mickey's was okay, but we got stuck in the very back corner and the charaters had just gone by when we were seated so we didn't see them until we were almost done with our meal. Also, we didn't think that the food wasn't very good. Let DS play in the playground a bit, then back to the room.
Wednesday 6/2/04 -
Rode monorail to MK, big mistake. Line was very long and they were checking the monorail cars for something, who knows what? We had to wait for the next monorail, so it took about 20 minutes before we even got on. Got to MK around 945, rode Buzz a couple of times, rode some Fantasyland rides, DS took a short nap before our 1130 Crystal Palace PS. We checked in at Crystal Palace around 1120, but we weren't called until 1150 or so. They seated us at a 2-person table and we asked about getting a slightly bigger table. At first the host said no, but he returned and moved us to the table next to us.
Restaurant was 3/4 empty at this time, so that was good. Character interaction was wonderful this early. DS got to pose with all 4 characters at once, and they each stopped by 2 or 3 times during our meal. Food was good.
Our itinerary had us going back to the hotel for a break, but none of us felt like it, so we rode the monorail to Epcot, walked around WS, saw Princess Aurora, Belle, and Jasmine. Took the boat to MGM where DS got to see the parade, watch Playhouse Disney and went to Millionaire (I got on the board #4 but never got to #1). Back to Epcot where we rode the Mexico ride 3 times (DS insisted), used Q&C vouchers for Sommerfest (they gave us everything on the menu!) and saw part of Illuminations. We were tired and did not want to deal with the crowds so left early. Got to CR and we got our second wind so we went out by the pool and saw the Electric Water Parade, cute, but I'm glad we didn't go far to see it.
Thursday 6/3/04 -
Slept in, scrapped the getting to MGM by 930 idea. Monorail to Poly, had a late breakfast at Ohana's. Food was good, but they were really getting ready to close so DS was only able to see the characters briefly. This was the only time during our trip that we were able to use Breakfast vouchers, too bad because I bought enough for 3 breakfasts (we'll have to use them next time). Took the bus from Poly to MGM. Long line for Playhouse Disney but we waited in line since I told DS we'd see it again. Went to see Lilo and Stitch.
Back to CR, rest, pool break. Drove to POFQ for dinner, used Q&C vouchers, food was great, big portions. Went to Wal-mart to check out souvenirs but only got 1 goofy beanie. Got a few other snacks.
Friday 6/4/04 -
Today was layoff day back at work so I was very nervous. I made arrangements to call my manager but with the time difference, I wasn't going to find out until lunch time or so. We planned on MK this day, but we got a late start so we scrapped our plans. Monorail to Epcot, walked around while I tried to call people at work to get the scoop! T-mobile cell service at Epcot was intermittent. Walked up to Garden Grill with no PS, seated within 5 minutes. Food was ok, got a discount with our APs. DS was charged at first, but we asked about it because he was only 2 (turns 3 in January), he removed the charge.
It was really loud in there so I guess I didn't hear the phone when my manager called. I called when we got out and my job was fine. We lost 2 people in our group out of about 40 (1 volunteered) so it was sad, but it could've been worse, they were cutting 15% of the company. Walked around Epcot a little bit more, went back to CR. Bought e-ride tickets for that night (9 to midnight).
Rested, but no swimming because it rained and the pool was closed. Took the monorail to MK around 5. DS did not nap all afternoon but he finally napped on the monorail, and a little bit while we were at MK. Got our wristbands at Tomorrowland, no line at all. Walked on Pirates of the Carribean, had a snack at Columbia Harbor House (used 1 Q&C, food was okay). Saw Wishes, it was great. Walked on to Peter Pan and Pooh. Walked on to Buzz about 6 times YEAY. Went to Haunted Mansion (about 8 minute wait), DS
was terrified. I tried to tell DH he would be but he didn't listen. No line for Philharmagic, back to Buzz 2 more times. We were starving by then but Pecos Bill's had closed at 11. We walked through the castle where DS got a picture with Goofy but was turned away at the Minnie line, he was heartbroken (geez, he'd seen tons of characters by then!). Went to get hotdogs and fries at Casey's and we were so hungry that they tasted scrumptous. Walked back to CR, nice relaxing walk!
Saturday 6/5/04-
Our last full day at WDW, aw. Monorail to Epcot, walked around about a half hour before our 1130 PS at LeCellier. Food was great, used 2 VKL vouchers, which saved us money, but the portions were small, in my opinion. I was glad we got 2 separate meals instead of sharing. Walked around WS.
Boat to MGM. Went to see Buzz, but we missed Mike and Sully again, we'll have to catch them next trip. Went to see Jedi Mickey. Went to the backlot ride. I'd forgotten how worthless that attraction was. We walked around to see the Star Wars characters. DS was terrified of the storm troopers but now he talks about them all the time. Went to see Millionaire (I was #2 on the fastest fingers question, darn!).
Boat ride to BC, walked around and went to Beaches and Cream for dinner. Used Q&C vouchers, food was good, dessert was awesome. Walked back to Epcot, walked around and did the Norway and Mexico rides.
Sunday 6/6/04 -
Departure Day, we hadn't planned anything but since we had APs, and DS was begging for the Buzz ride, we braved MK at around 1030 am after everything was packed and luggage was in the car. We got a FP to Buzz (wait was already 20+ minutes), walked on to Pirates, had lunch at Pecos Bill's, used 2 Q&C vouchers. Food was good but we would only have gotten 1 piece of pie so we shouldn't have used the vouchers. Time for our FP to Buzz, and then it was time to go. Monorail back to CR, left CR for the airport around 2.
It was a wonderful trip (except for the heat), we can't wait to go back in December!!! DS is already counting down to the next time he gets to ride Buzz. We've already gotten our tickets, airfare dropped to $183 last week. We have Contemporary Tower (yeay) overflow reservations from SOG for $179 so we are psyched. All we need is a cheaper rental car rate!
Cast:
DH, 30 - 2nd visit to WDW
DS, 28 months old - 2nd visit to WDW
Me, 30 - Disney-obsessed since 1st family trip in 2003, 6th overall visit to WDW, first 4 visits were in college, Probably 50+ visits to Disneyland
This was our first WDW onsite vacation, yeay! Our first family WDW trip was in May 2003, stayed at the Hilton in Downtown Disney. We enjoyed that visit, but vouched to stay onsite next time, and earlier in May. However, our May 2004 trip ended up on a busy and hot week (week after Memorial day) because I was going to be in a wedding in Cocoa Beach the Sunday prior, so we didn't really have a choice.
Saturday 5/29/04 -
Departed Colorado Springs at 7 am, brief layover in Atlanta, arrived at MCO on time around 230. Stroller tray cup holder was missing at gate pick-up, so we had to wait at the gate for about 20 minutes until they found it. Picked up our bags, found the Hertz shuttle right away, but the shuttle stopped at another terminal for 10 minutes before heading over to pick-up. Picked up a Toyota SUV, and off to Cocoa Beach we went.
Sunday 5/30/04 -
Was a bridesmaid at a friend's wedding, Went to the beach and Ron John's afterwards.
Monday 5/31/04 -
YEAY! Off to the Contemporary. We left Cocoa around 11, arrived at the Contemporary to check-in around noon. A room was ready for us in the South Wing, and our request to be as close to the main building as possible was met. We were on the 3rd floor, about 6 rooms in. We had the cheapest view, but we loved seeing that monorail from our bedroom. We liked the room a lot, the only thing I didn't like was the bathtub condition. It looked very old, like it couldn't get very clean anymore.
Roamed CR a little bit, headed to SOG to buy APs around 130. We then went to AK, arriving there around 230. We normally would've avoided AK on a Monday (EE day) but since it was open until 8 pm this day, we thought it might be okay in the late afternoon. We activated our APs with no problems. The heat was killing us, we'd had a relatively colder winter in CO and the 90+ degrees 100% humidity really hit us hard. We got a fastpass for the safari, went to Rafiki's to see Rafiki and Stanley. Let DS pet the animals, and headed back over on the train. Still too early for our FP so we walked around a bit and we really regretted it with the heat. Finally time for our FP and we got on the safari which was pleasant. We enjoyed this.
We headed over to Camp Minnie and Mickey but DS saw Princess Atta, Stitch, and Lilo on the way so of course we stopped there first. We then went to see Goofy, Mickey, and Minnie. A little girl in front of us got her earring stuck on Goofy and it got torn off her ear! She ran away crying and screaming with a bloody ear. So when it was our turn, I think Goofy and escorts were extra extra nice to us because we had seen the incident.
We then went to wait in line for the last show of Festival of the Lion King, we waited about 30 minutes, we thought the show was okay, not really what we'd expected. Headed over to Rainforest Cafe even though our PS wasn't until 745 because the heat was really getting to us. They honored our 745 PS at 645, we were seated within 5 minutes. We showed our servers our Vacation Kingdom Lunch vouchers, and she suggested we use 1 child voucher and 1 adult voucher. We had tons of food with both vouchers, bill total was over $115, and both vouchers had cost us around $43.
Tuesday 6/1/04 -
We walked to MK, got there around 915 am. Got a FP to Pooh and waited for the Toontown opening. Wow! DS was starting to get antsy waiting but it was great when the characters ran out to welcome us. Walking in the "parade" to Mickey's house with all the characters was really fun for DS. Went to see Mickey, we were second in line, then went over to see the Pooh characters, brief 5 minute wait for that. They let DS go see Pooh, Eeyore, and Tigger twice since he didn't want to leave.
Went to ride Pooh on FP, then walked over to Goofy's Country Jamboree. DS had fallen asleep in the stroller so he got a quick 30 minute nap while I waited in line. I couldn't believe people cutting in line. Families would just hop over the rope. Crazy. Went to see the jamboree (around 1130) which we enjoyed. DS loves Toy Story so it was really great for him. We walked over to Tomorrowland and let him see Buzz. Monorail back to CR, used Q&C vouchers for lunch from the Food and Fun Center. Took lunch back to the room and relaxed a bit.
DS was not about to take a nap so we went shopping. Went to the outlets and bought some cheaper Disney souvenirs. Headed back to CR for our 6 pm Chef Mickey's PS. Chef Mickey's was okay, but we got stuck in the very back corner and the charaters had just gone by when we were seated so we didn't see them until we were almost done with our meal. Also, we didn't think that the food wasn't very good. Let DS play in the playground a bit, then back to the room.
Wednesday 6/2/04 -
Rode monorail to MK, big mistake. Line was very long and they were checking the monorail cars for something, who knows what? We had to wait for the next monorail, so it took about 20 minutes before we even got on. Got to MK around 945, rode Buzz a couple of times, rode some Fantasyland rides, DS took a short nap before our 1130 Crystal Palace PS. We checked in at Crystal Palace around 1120, but we weren't called until 1150 or so. They seated us at a 2-person table and we asked about getting a slightly bigger table. At first the host said no, but he returned and moved us to the table next to us.
Restaurant was 3/4 empty at this time, so that was good. Character interaction was wonderful this early. DS got to pose with all 4 characters at once, and they each stopped by 2 or 3 times during our meal. Food was good.
Our itinerary had us going back to the hotel for a break, but none of us felt like it, so we rode the monorail to Epcot, walked around WS, saw Princess Aurora, Belle, and Jasmine. Took the boat to MGM where DS got to see the parade, watch Playhouse Disney and went to Millionaire (I got on the board #4 but never got to #1). Back to Epcot where we rode the Mexico ride 3 times (DS insisted), used Q&C vouchers for Sommerfest (they gave us everything on the menu!) and saw part of Illuminations. We were tired and did not want to deal with the crowds so left early. Got to CR and we got our second wind so we went out by the pool and saw the Electric Water Parade, cute, but I'm glad we didn't go far to see it.
Thursday 6/3/04 -
Slept in, scrapped the getting to MGM by 930 idea. Monorail to Poly, had a late breakfast at Ohana's. Food was good, but they were really getting ready to close so DS was only able to see the characters briefly. This was the only time during our trip that we were able to use Breakfast vouchers, too bad because I bought enough for 3 breakfasts (we'll have to use them next time). Took the bus from Poly to MGM. Long line for Playhouse Disney but we waited in line since I told DS we'd see it again. Went to see Lilo and Stitch.
Back to CR, rest, pool break. Drove to POFQ for dinner, used Q&C vouchers, food was great, big portions. Went to Wal-mart to check out souvenirs but only got 1 goofy beanie. Got a few other snacks.
Friday 6/4/04 -
Today was layoff day back at work so I was very nervous. I made arrangements to call my manager but with the time difference, I wasn't going to find out until lunch time or so. We planned on MK this day, but we got a late start so we scrapped our plans. Monorail to Epcot, walked around while I tried to call people at work to get the scoop! T-mobile cell service at Epcot was intermittent. Walked up to Garden Grill with no PS, seated within 5 minutes. Food was ok, got a discount with our APs. DS was charged at first, but we asked about it because he was only 2 (turns 3 in January), he removed the charge.
It was really loud in there so I guess I didn't hear the phone when my manager called. I called when we got out and my job was fine. We lost 2 people in our group out of about 40 (1 volunteered) so it was sad, but it could've been worse, they were cutting 15% of the company. Walked around Epcot a little bit more, went back to CR. Bought e-ride tickets for that night (9 to midnight).
Rested, but no swimming because it rained and the pool was closed. Took the monorail to MK around 5. DS did not nap all afternoon but he finally napped on the monorail, and a little bit while we were at MK. Got our wristbands at Tomorrowland, no line at all. Walked on Pirates of the Carribean, had a snack at Columbia Harbor House (used 1 Q&C, food was okay). Saw Wishes, it was great. Walked on to Peter Pan and Pooh. Walked on to Buzz about 6 times YEAY. Went to Haunted Mansion (about 8 minute wait), DS
was terrified. I tried to tell DH he would be but he didn't listen. No line for Philharmagic, back to Buzz 2 more times. We were starving by then but Pecos Bill's had closed at 11. We walked through the castle where DS got a picture with Goofy but was turned away at the Minnie line, he was heartbroken (geez, he'd seen tons of characters by then!). Went to get hotdogs and fries at Casey's and we were so hungry that they tasted scrumptous. Walked back to CR, nice relaxing walk!
Saturday 6/5/04-
Our last full day at WDW, aw. Monorail to Epcot, walked around about a half hour before our 1130 PS at LeCellier. Food was great, used 2 VKL vouchers, which saved us money, but the portions were small, in my opinion. I was glad we got 2 separate meals instead of sharing. Walked around WS.
Boat to MGM. Went to see Buzz, but we missed Mike and Sully again, we'll have to catch them next trip. Went to see Jedi Mickey. Went to the backlot ride. I'd forgotten how worthless that attraction was. We walked around to see the Star Wars characters. DS was terrified of the storm troopers but now he talks about them all the time. Went to see Millionaire (I was #2 on the fastest fingers question, darn!).
Boat ride to BC, walked around and went to Beaches and Cream for dinner. Used Q&C vouchers, food was good, dessert was awesome. Walked back to Epcot, walked around and did the Norway and Mexico rides.
Sunday 6/6/04 -
Departure Day, we hadn't planned anything but since we had APs, and DS was begging for the Buzz ride, we braved MK at around 1030 am after everything was packed and luggage was in the car. We got a FP to Buzz (wait was already 20+ minutes), walked on to Pirates, had lunch at Pecos Bill's, used 2 Q&C vouchers. Food was good but we would only have gotten 1 piece of pie so we shouldn't have used the vouchers. Time for our FP to Buzz, and then it was time to go. Monorail back to CR, left CR for the airport around 2.
It was a wonderful trip (except for the heat), we can't wait to go back in December!!! DS is already counting down to the next time he gets to ride Buzz. We've already gotten our tickets, airfare dropped to $183 last week. We have Contemporary Tower (yeay) overflow reservations from SOG for $179 so we are psyched. All we need is a cheaper rental car rate!
