No Request was too Extreme: A Post-Deployment Disney Trip *Completed

[Dugette]

Store full of toys and our kid wanted the foam ball…

Ha, sounds about right!

Headed out the door, Alex walked Landon up to Baymax one more time for him to get a final glimpse. And it was then that Baymax’s handler, an awesome Cast Member whose name started with an M (I think) saw us standing there and decided to casually walk over and say hello. When Baymax finished greeting the family in line, M called Baymax over, and started to play around with him for a minute.

To other guests walking by, it appeared like the CM and Baymax were just having a bit of fun between meet and greets, but really they were giving us the chance to let Landon get a good look from a safe distance.

Very cool that he did that! Great CM!

The Contemporary Resort!

Ooooohhhh.....(we've never stayed there, so interested to see it)

Turning our attention to the inside, I took photos of the interior.

Looks pretty nice!

Hey, is that a sleeping kid? If so, that's nice too!

I’m normally not a person that’s really affected by smells, but I guess my super sensitive pregnancy senses made me more susceptible than normal. Either way, I had to open the door and stay outside because I’d gotten a headache.

I believe it - I normally am not sensitive to smell at all, but I definitely was when I was pregnant with Izzy. Glad you had a cupcake to help with it!

 

[khertz]

All caught up!

Aww, I miss MEK on the boards! I keep up with her on FB, but her TRs were so fun. That's great you got to meet up with her. We did so a couple times a few years ago, but the last few times we have gone we have seemed to just miss her.

Although a rainy day at Disney is better than a sunny one at home, it's still just not as enjoyable to walk around cold and wet.

Pretty good though that you could watch the parade and hustle to your room to watch the fireworks from your balcony! Can't beat that!

Not too shabby staying at not one, but TWO monorail resorts AND a bonus park day! We loved our stay at the Contemporary, and enjoyed staying in the garden tower. We thought the main tower might be more fun, but then realized it would probably be too busy for our taste. Those sinks were a complete joke, I totally agree.

 

[musicalgirl2010]

I've so enjoyed reading your trip report! I'm planning a trip in Early March next year! And I have to tell you Landon is adorable!

 

[afwdwfan]

The CM checked for us, told us another family had already moved into the room (Man, that was fast!) and so if the keeper hadn’t retrieved it, then the ball would be lost forever.


A couple minutes on hold while the CM tracked down the right person and…

The ball was recovered!

Wow... so much drama over an antenna topper ball!

I'm glad that Landon's new toy was found!

Alex had been itching to stay at the Contemporary since he first saw it in 2010. Honestly, it’s never been one I’ve wanted to stay at before. I prefer a warmer theme than the Contemporary gives off, but I read marDgreen’s TR a few years ago when she stayed in a 2 bedroom Bay Lake suite, and I realized I should give the resort a chance.

Definitely my dream resort too... I've always wanted to stay in the "hotel that the monorail goes through" since my first trip when I was 3.

One of the things I like best about my resort stays is that when you make it back to your “home” and leave the lobby area, the world becomes quieter and calmer. Usually, it’s just you and your family walking the halls or walkways; you kind of get the chance to breathe for the first time since leaving a crowded park and a crowded bus.


It’s where that park decompression starts.

Here at the Contemporary, you’re right smack dab in the middle of the hustle and bustle until you get inside your room.


And I didn’t care for that much.


I like my room to be separate from shops and food.

I can see your point there, and I kind of agree.

My favorites that I’ve tried probably go:

Chocolate peanut butter
Red Velvet
Butterfinger
Marble

You have great taste. I would agree with this 100%. But when you consider the fact that I always get the chocolate peanut butter cupcake and maybe taste a bite of whatever DW gets...

We agreed, though, while waiting for our laundry, that I would give the Contemporary another shot if – and only if – we got a theme park view. I told him I could deal with being in the tower if I could escape to my balcony and see Thunder and Space and the Castle.

Like I said, I've always wanted to stay in the Contemporary, but I don't think there's any way I'd be satisfied if I stayed there and didn't have one of these rooms. I really don't even think Contemporary would ultimately be my favorite resort, because in visiting it, I've noticed some of the things you've mentioned that somewhat turn me off of it. But if I could pick any room in any resort to stay for a dream trip, it would without hesitation be a theme park view room in the Contemporary.

 

[Grumpy's Wife]

I know this is the last day of your trip but I just stumbled onto your trip report. I've read the whole thing through and thoroughly enjoyed reading it.

Landon is adorable! I look forward to reading more.

 

[amazingact21]

How cool you got to stay at both the Poly and the Contemporary in the same trip

I think I feel a lot like you about the room and the place ... it's cool to be that close and have the monorail go right under your feet really, and the rooms were big and cool - but just not sure if it was my cup of tea. And yeah, the sinks are kinda ridiculous - unless you are bathing a baby in them

Wonder if renting points to stay at the Bay Lake Tower with a Theme Park view could be a good option for you in the future - might be best of both worlds

Glad you got the ball back! Less glad about your dinner that night ... but on to the absolute best part of staying at the Contemporary - the easy trip to the Magic Kingdom!

Staying at both those resorts was a dream come true! I don't know if/when we'll ever get to do something like that again, so I'm really happy we can say we did it once.

I just felt the design and style of the room was very impersonal, but the rooms at Bay Lake seem warmer so perhaps Alex can convince me to try there in the future.

It's wonderful how close the MK is to the Contemporary. Ideal for families with young kids.

Ha, sounds about right!

Very cool that he did that! Great CM!

Ooooohhhh.....(we've never stayed there, so interested to see it)


Looks pretty nice!


Hey, is that a sleeping kid? If so, that's nice too!


I believe it - I normally am not sensitive to smell at all, but I definitely was when I was pregnant with Izzy. Glad you had a cupcake to help with it!

We were so grateful for that nice CM. Disney magic at its best!

The rooms were huge, and while not a Wishes view, the balcony provided a very peaceful sight. If we didn't have kids and just wanted a quick getaway trip, I could see Alex and I enjoying the resort a lot more.

Ahhh, yes, a napping Landon. I sure do miss those days. He cut out naps right after we moved here, and I miss that quiet time on the weekends.

All caught up!

Aww, I miss MEK on the boards! I keep up with her on FB, but her TRs were so fun. That's great you got to meet up with her. We did so a couple times a few years ago, but the last few times we have gone we have seemed to just miss her.

Although a rainy day at Disney is better than a sunny one at home, it's still just not as enjoyable to walk around cold and wet.

Pretty good though that you could watch the parade and hustle to your room to watch the fireworks from your balcony! Can't beat that!

Not too shabby staying at not one, but TWO monorail resorts AND a bonus park day! We loved our stay at the Contemporary, and enjoyed staying in the garden tower. We thought the main tower might be more fun, but then realized it would probably be too busy for our taste. Those sinks were a complete joke, I totally agree.

I miss MEK's trip reports, as well. I'm hoping one day she returns to them.

I think I'd like the Garden Rooms a lot better. It was just too hectic in the tower. You open your door and BAM, the whole resort is right in your face.
Your room had those silly sinks, too? Crazy.

 

[amazingact21]

I've so enjoyed reading your trip report! I'm planning a trip in Early March next year! And I have to tell you Landon is adorable!

Thank you! I think temperature and crowd wise, early March is a good time to visit. It's still chilly so you're not sweating through the normal FL humidity, and the spring break crowds haven't descended down onto the parks yet. I hope you enjoy that time of year in the parks!

Wow... so much drama over an antenna topper ball!

I'm glad that Landon's new toy was found!

Definitely my dream resort too... I've always wanted to stay in the "hotel that the monorail goes through" since my first trip when I was 3.

I can see your point there, and I kind of agree.

You have great taste. I would agree with this 100%. But when you consider the fact that I always get the chocolate peanut butter cupcake and maybe taste a bite of whatever DW gets...

Like I said, I've always wanted to stay in the Contemporary, but I don't think there's any way I'd be satisfied if I stayed there and didn't have one of these rooms. I really don't even think Contemporary would ultimately be my favorite resort, because in visiting it, I've noticed some of the things you've mentioned that somewhat turn me off of it. But if I could pick any room in any resort to stay for a dream trip, it would without hesitation be a theme park view room in the Contemporary.

I'm just glad we got that antenna topper back. Evie now plays with it, and just the other day she's gnawed one of Mike's horns off and Landon FLIPPED OUT. Because, you know, that's still his toy.
If someone had told me a foam ball would be a favored toy in our house, I'd have said they were nuts. But there it is, still at the top of the toy box...


I think next trip I'm going back to the chocolate peanut butter. It's time I take a break from taste testing for a trip. Although, I have found a local baker here who makes a S'mores cupcake that is to die for. It's so good that Alex requested a dozen of them rather than a cake for his birthday.
So, at least I'm making due until I get back to DHS...


I would definitely tell anyone thinking about making that dream stay at the Contemporary to just take the hit and get a theme park view. It would be so much more worthwhile.

I know this is the last day of your trip but I just stumbled onto your trip report. I've read the whole thing through and thoroughly enjoyed reading it.

Landon is adorable! I look forward to reading more.

Thank you for joining and reading! I appreciate it!

 

[amazingact21]

March 1st 2015 Part 3:


It was my family’s final night at Walt Disney World.

What a sad sentence to write.


I knew the trip would be short, what with only 4 nights, but I felt like I blinked and it was gone.

Here’s my theory: The more trips you take to Disney, the shorter each one feels.


Anyone agree?



Anyways, moving on….Alex, Landon, and I hopped off the monorail when it entered the Magic Kingdom station and went to take a gander at the train station all lit up.


Were we ready for some more Magic Kingdom fun?



Absolutely!


But no before we got some shots of the train station.

“Alex, take some pictures.”


Easy enough request.


Right?


Yes.


Except…


There was a huge group of young girls all dressed up nice taking photos in the same spot as us.


Alex gave me an exasperated look and whispered, “I’m not going to hold the camera up and start taking pictures; I’ll look like a complete creeper!”

“No, you won’t! This is Disney, they’ll know you’re not taking their photo.”

“Alicia, it’ll still look weird.”


“Just do it, nobody’s thinking like that.”


Reluctantly, Alex took a pic.
f1 by Alicia Wolchick, on Flickr




“Okay, maybe you do look a little strange.”

I scored a famous Alex look for that one.


Fortunately for me, Alex was in a generous mood (probably due to having checked into his dream resort and all) and did his best to get another photo by holding the camera higher.

f2 by Alicia Wolchick, on Flickr





All right, enough awkward train station moments. Let’s head inside!

f3 by Alicia Wolchick, on Flickr



It never gets old.


Rounding the corner and catching sight of Cinderella’s Castle.


It’s one of those little things you experience on a trip that you don’t really think about but that always plays a major role in shaping your experience. What would a Disney vacation be without walking onto Main Street and seeing that big beautiful icon up ahead?



I’m not sure what compelled Alex and I to head towards Tomorrowland, but apparently that’s where we went.
f4 by Alicia Wolchick, on Flickr



I won’t lie, I think Tomorrowland is best at night.



Alex and I weren’t focused on anything in particular (obviously, since I can’t remember why we were there in the first place) so we were just walking around, taking in the hustle and bustle of the park. One of us needed a bio break, so we walked over to the ones near Space Mountain and stumbled upon the dance party that was underway.


And oh my goodness.


Thank heavens we did.


Because a certain little boy with glasses got so excited!





Landon LOVES music of any kind. Give him nursery rhymes, give him modern country, give him hip hop, give him electronica, give him soundtracks, give him classical and he will JAM OUT. He demands the radio on in the car and sings all the time.


Just the other day, we were waiting in the check out line at the BX (the Walmart of military bases) and he bursts out singing “Exs and Ohs” by Elle King. A dozen people were privy to a 3 year old belting out, “Exs and Oh oh oh’s they haunt me….!!!” At the top of his lungs.

Me, I was beat red from embarrassment. Landon…he was owning it.


So, a dance party in the middle of the Magic Kingdom?

That had Landon’s name written all over it!




I can’t tell you the number of people who turned and watched my son shake his little booty all across that dance floor. I recorded a video and sent it to my brother, who’s a big music junkie and spends all his paychecks going to festivals across the country. I think I said something like, “I found your future concert buddy.”


Alongside Landon, there was a guy in the older teenage age group, I’d guess, who was jamming out just as hard. He was having a ball dancing with anyone and everyone. It was fun to watch him have dance offs with Mr. Incredible and try to get the adults in the crowd involved.

It kind of made me feel like I was getting a glimpse at an adult Landon.


The guy was so fun to watch, just for the simple fact that he was having fun and not giving a hoot what folks thought. And he paid Landon a lot of attention.


Those two together were quite the sight to see.

The Incredibles kept trying to get close to Landon to dance with him, but Landon did better from a distance.





Here’s the guy I was just talking about dancing around with Landon:





I loved that time.

No, we weren’t riding rides. No, we weren’t watching any shows. No, we weren’t taking in all the tiny Disney details.

Some might say we were wasting our expensive ticket doing something we could do anywhere else in the world, but for Alex and I, that was worth it.


My emotions already out of whack due to the pregnancy, I was tearing up watching Landon. Just because he was so unlike me in regards to personality. He did not care that other people were watching him. He didn’t care how he appeared.


He was just a kid getting into the music.


I remember looking at him and thinking, “I hope you never lose this side of you, Landon. I hope you’re always this outgoing and friendly and willing to do whatever makes you happy.”


It was a sappy mom moment.

One that I still love to think back on.




Eventually, the three of us did break away from the party and stopped in a restaurant for some water.


Dancing makes you thirsty!



Landon suddenly insisted he help push his stroller around.





We got him to let go long enough to ride Dumbo one time, but then it was right back to the handle.
Such fun for me…


He moved that sucker all around Storybook Circus and then past the Tea Cups…onward towards the back of the castle.



f5 by Alicia Wolchick, on Flickr


I love how the carousel looks at night.


There’s a lot of things I love in Magic Kingdom at night.

I guess it’s safe to say I just love that park at nighttime.



Alex and I were feeling peckish after that lackluster dinner and all that moving and grooving, so we decided to stop in a first for us, Pinocchio’s Village Haus.

Pizza sounded really good to us, so we got a flatbread to split along with an order of garlic knots.

f6 by Alicia Wolchick, on Flickr


And, surprisingly, the food was really good! Alex and I were pleasantly surprised, and we made a mental note to return there on future trips.


We just wish they’d kept those garlic knots around instead of replacing them with breadsticks. They aren’t as good.


Since it was so late, we sat outside and people watched without interruption.

It was a peaceful little break in the night.




With an amazing view:




After awhile, Alex informed me it was getting near fireworks time and asked what I wanted to do.

I was enjoying our little time away from the crowds and wasn’t really feeling the Main St madness. I remembered seeing some awesome photographs taken of Wishes from the Tangled bathrooms, so I suggested we go over that way and see for ourselves how the view was.



Alex pushed the stroller while I walked with Landon. We neared Peter Pan on our left and Small World on our right when Landon suddenly pointed to the entrance and said, “Boats!”

Huh?


We looked down at him.

Landon wasn’t really talking at the point, so he was pointing to the Small World entrance and babbling, “Boats! Boats!”

Then he started trying to drag me towards the attraction.

Landon wanted to go on Small World!


Better yet, he was showing interest in a Disney ride of his own accord!


That was a first! How exciting!

Alex and I were in shock. This was completely new and supremely awesome.


Unfortunately, the fireworks were just five minutes away, so Alex picked Landon up and told him, “I promise, buddy, once Wishes is over we’ll go on Small World.”


Landon seemed okay with that answer, and moved on to standing around while Alex and I relaxed on a ledge.

Soon, the show started.

The music was piped in and we had the area pretty much to ourselves:





The fireworks were a lot closer back there, so I was a little worried Landon would be afraid of the noise, but I had nothing to fear.


If anything, my son loved Wishes MORE because of the bangs.

Landon signed a lot of simple requests because he wasn’t talking, and one of them was the sign for again. The accurate motion for this is to kind of flip your four fingers into the palm of your left hand, but Landon never mastered that.


Instead, he just pushed his right thumb into his palm.
(So long as we knew what it meant that’s all that mattered.)

And during Wishes, after every firework would disappear, Landon asked for them again and again.





Overall, the Tangled bathroom spot was a pretty good location for Wishes.








I loved the spot if for no other reason than the lack of crowds. It was so peaceful watching from inside the Magic Kingdom but from a sitting position and not having to worry about being shoved or skirting around kids on their parent’s shoulder.


New Wishes viewing spot?

I think so!


And, in case you were thinking it….Yes, that made for the 4th night in a row that we watched the fireworks.
My dream of a vacation.



As promised, we took Landon on Small World afterwards.
Twice.


My feet were killing me by that point, so I made us all bid ado to the Magic Kingdom. Like every trip, leaving the parks for the final time is heartbreaking but a necessity.

Staying at the Contemporary and having sore feet, the only logical thing to do is take the monorail back home, right?



Naturally.



So, Alex and I took the footpath back.


Yeah.


Alex really, really wanted to see what the walk was like, and he felt like it was a rite of passage staying at the Contemporary.


You stay at the only Disney resort within walking distance to the Magic Kingdom, you walk!


It was long.


I’ll say that.


Easily doable first thing in the morning when you’re bright eyed and refreshed.

Not so fun when you’re at the end of the trip, hot from dancing in the Florida heat, and 6 weeks pregnant.

But it was what it was.



We did it.


And then it was time to go to bed so we could wake up and do one more Disney activity before leaving property.




Up Next…We’re Always in Denial on Departure Day.

 

[Grumpy's Wife]

That looked like a great viewing place for the fireworks. I'll have to remember that for our next trip.

 

[Dugette]

Here’s my theory: The more trips you take to Disney, the shorter each one feels.


Anyone agree?

Maybe that's why the tickets are cheaper per day for longer visits? They magically make each day shorter?

Alex gave me an exasperated look and whispered, “I’m not going to hold the camera up and start taking pictures; I’ll look like a complete creeper!”

“No, you won’t! This is Disney, they’ll know you’re not taking their photo.”

“Alicia, it’ll still look weird.”


“Just do it, nobody’s thinking like that.”

This is where I would just whip out my phone and take pictures OF the girls for TR purposes. I have no shame, I guess.

I won’t lie, I think Tomorrowland is best at night.

I love all the lights and the general vibe of the area.

Because a certain little boy with glasses got so excited!

Awesome - love those unexpected moments!

Just the other day, we were waiting in the check out line at the BX (the Walmart of military bases) and he bursts out singing “Exs and Ohs” by Elle King. A dozen people were privy to a 3 year old belting out, “Exs and Oh oh oh’s they haunt me….!!!” At the top of his lungs.

Me, I was beat red from embarrassment. Landon…he was owning it.

Izzy loves music too. Dancing, singing, playing instruments, you name it. They'd get along well. But might fight over center stage.

My emotions already out of whack due to the pregnancy, I was tearing up watching Landon. Just because he was so unlike me in regards to personality. He did not care that other people were watching him. He didn’t care how he appeared.


He was just a kid getting into the music.


I remember looking at him and thinking, “I hope you never lose this side of you, Landon. I hope you’re always this outgoing and friendly and willing to do whatever makes you happy.”

Totally relate to this. I've been saying a lot lately that Izzy is like my personality opposite. I'm definitely an introvert, but she is SOOO outgoing! If she can be the center of attention, she's thrilled. She runs up to strangers at Target to say hi. I cannot believe she's my kid sometimes. But I hope she always can hang onto this attitude of "people are just friends waiting to happen." (within reason, of course)

I guess it’s safe to say I just love that park at nighttime.

Everything Disney is always even better at night. Love all the lighting - feels extra magical.

Better yet, he was showing interest in a Disney ride of his own accord!


That was a first! How exciting!

Alex and I were in shock. This was completely new and supremely awesome.

Very cool! Glad you all enjoyed the fireworks view and then got to ride.

So sad that it's your last night, though! But what a magical trip it's been.

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Here’s my theory: The more trips you take to Disney, the shorter each one feels.


Anyone agree?

hmmm, interesting thought. I think I can agree and maybe has to do with planning and just knowing more of what is to come ... like I know I look really forward to the first time we get to each park so I am eager for those days to come, but then you are that much closer to the end of the trip. Maybe on your first trips you don't know everything that is still to come so you don't have that sense of wanting to get to those things you've planned as much

Glad you enjoyed the Dance Party - I think it is cool they have them and just something for people/kids to do to burn off some energy and just have fun (though I do think having the adult Incredible characters sort of bump-and-grind to hip-hopish music is a little creepy)

Just the other day, we were waiting in the check out line at the BX (the Walmart of military bases) and he bursts out singing “Exs and Ohs” by Elle King. A dozen people were privy to a 3 year old belting out, “Exs and Oh oh oh’s they haunt me….!!!” At the top of his lungs.

haha, that is great, and reminds me of my kids, especially Peter who loves to sing but generally gets the words wrong. His latest has been belting out Imagine Dragons Radioactive, though he think instead of the line "radioactive" it is "baby I what to, baby I what to"

Sounds like a nice time with the fireworks. We have done the fireworks from more right behind the Castle and have enjoyed it (feels like you are "inside" the fireworks as they are going off in front of and behind you) but not by the Tangled Toilets - have to remember that for the future

Walking to the Magic Kingdom from the Contemporary is definitely better than walking back ... pregnant or not. I get what Alex was saying, but taking the monorail to the Contemporary is pretty cool too

 

[amazingact21]

That looked like a great viewing place for the fireworks. I'll have to remember that for our next trip.

I really enjoy watching the fireworks from the Tangled bathroom area. I did it again later in the year, and there's something to be said for being able to sit while watching the show. While you don't get the castle view, it's much more relaxed!

This is where I would just whip out my phone and take pictures OF the girls for TR purposes. I have no shame, I guess.

I love all the lights and the general vibe of the area.

Izzy loves music too. Dancing, singing, playing instruments, you name it. They'd get along well. But might fight over center stage.


Totally relate to this. I've been saying a lot lately that Izzy is like my personality opposite. I'm definitely an introvert, but she is SOOO outgoing! If she can be the center of attention, she's thrilled. She runs up to strangers at Target to say hi. I cannot believe she's my kid sometimes. But I hope she always can hang onto this attitude of "people are just friends waiting to happen." (within reason, of course).

Izzy and Landon would get along very well together. While Landon loves the spotlight, he's a sucker for older girls. His best friends are the girls who he can follow around and who give me instructions. He'd like nothing more than for Izzy to direct him around some toy instruments or tell him which slides to go down at a playground.

hmmm, interesting thought. I think I can agree and maybe has to do with planning and just knowing more of what is to come ... like I know I look really forward to the first time we get to each park so I am eager for those days to come, but then you are that much closer to the end of the trip. Maybe on your first trips you don't know everything that is still to come so you don't have that sense of wanting to get to those things you've planned as much

I'm sure that plays a major factor into Disney vacations. You look forward to those days for so long, that once they arrive and you KNOW what to expect they seem to fly by.

haha, that is great, and reminds me of my kids, especially Peter who loves to sing but generally gets the words wrong. His latest has been belting out Imagine Dragons Radioactive, though he think instead of the line "radioactive" it is "baby I what to, baby I what to"

Sounds like a nice time with the fireworks. We have done the fireworks from more right behind the Castle and have enjoyed it (feels like you are "inside" the fireworks as they are going off in front of and behind you) but not by the Tangled Toilets - have to remember that for the future

Walking to the Magic Kingdom from the Contemporary is definitely better than walking back ... pregnant or not. I get what Alex was saying, but taking the monorail to the Contemporary is pretty cool too

Kids crack me up. The older Landon gets, the more amused I am by what belts out of his mouth. (Although, there's a part of me that misses the pre-talking days. Seems like the only time he's quiet now is when he's sleeping.)

I would have been perfectly all right experiencing that monorail ride back to the Contemporary...

 

[amazingact21]

Real Life Update:

Hi everyone! I’ve been hustling and bustling to get this February report wrapped up, that I haven’t really talked much about how my family has been doing this summer. Part of that is because I’ve been recording our German adventures over at my blog and felt it was a bit repetitive to post everything here, as well. Another reason is due to time. Between keeping up with the two kids, editing my photos, writing updates, and editing blog posts, I tend to push my real life posts to the back burner.


But, it’s a 3 day weekend for Alex and a rainy day (the first in almost 2 weeks, a rarity here) so I have some free time to waste.



Today marks 4 months my family has been in Germany. I can safely say it does not feel like it has been that long! We only get 36 months here, and I think it has begun to hit Alex and I that we won’t have enough time to see and do everything we want. There’s too many awesome sights and experiences to fit into 3 short years!


However, we’ve been doing our best. This summer has been full of trips and excursions.

Old cathedrals, castles, festivals, and popular nature trails…all locations we have explored and enjoyed. The kids have been growing up way too fast; Landon now reads his books from memory and Evie is crawling all over the place. Alex and I just celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary and both our birthdays.



With such a busy past couple of months, you’d think we’d settle down and ease into fall in a leisurely way. But no, we’ve got even more exciting events planned!


In September, my mother is flying in to visit!

Yay!

I’m really excited to see her again; the longest we’ve ever gone apart before this has been 3 months, so I’m definitely in need of some mother/daughter time.


The main reason my mom is coming over is to meet her newest grandson, my brother’s child. So, she’s going to spend 2 weeks with us and 2 with them. We’re picking her up from the airport in Frankfurt and are going to visit the zoo while we’re there. That should be a fun day out for the kids.

We’ll also be returning to a few of our favorite spots to show my mother, and we’ll be taking a day to trip to a popular castle with my brother and his family.

A busy month, for sure!



And then, in October, Alex and I will take the kids to a massive pumpkin festival that boasts over 4,000 different pumpkins and we'll celebrate Evie’s first birthday.

I can’t believe my daughter is almost 1!

How time flies…



Originally, Alex and I were planning on taking Evie to Disneyland Paris for her birthday. We’d all but booked the room and tickets when out of nowhere, we learned that Alex had won a trip!



Apparently, when Alex signed up for the base’s fantasy football league, it entered him into a contest for 2 tickets to an NFL game in London, along with hotel, transportation, and a city tour.


Originally, the game Alex won was for the Giants and Rams, but Alex asked if he could push the trip back a week and the contest runners were fine with that. So now, he gets to go to the Redskins game.

Which just so happens to be his favorite NFL team. Ever.



Alex grew up in Maryland, so naturally the Redskins would be his favorite team. It has always been a dream of his to see one of their regular season games.

And he won the ability to not only see them, but to see them in London!



After speaking with the trip organizers, Alex decided to add the kids to the package for a small sum, so now all 4 of us will be headed to London for 2 nights/3 days.(The organizers haven't given us a specific itinerary, so we don't know anything other than the hotel we are staying at and the time we are departing.)


London’s always been number 1 on my bucket list of places to visit, and I had made Alex promise to take me there at some point while we lived here. Who would have imagined it would happen 6 months into our tour and for practically free?!?!



Of course, we had to forgo Disneyland Paris for the time being. The park is fairly close to us (about 4 hours) and we could have squeezed in a quick overnight trip, but Alex and I came to the conclusion that the first time we go, we want several days to take everything in.


So now, we are tentatively planning on going to the park around April for Landon’s 4th birthday, which would also coincide with DLP’s 25th birthday. (I think it’s 25, it might be 20, I’m not sure on that front.)

While not ideal having to wait such a long time before we get our Disney fix again, we’ll probably appreciate having more time to devote to the two parks and Disney village.


And then, the following summer, Alex and I are tentatively planning on returning to the states for a visit with our families. We always planned on going home one time while over here. Ideally, we’d go halfway, around next fall, but we’re hoping Landon will be in preschool by then and we don’t want him to miss a lot of days.
Plus, there’s no telling where Alex’s job with take him by that point. (Meaning, there’s a good chance I’ll be manning the fort for a few months again.)


I’ll be excited to go back to my beloved Florida, and seeing everyone will be nice. And the greatest thing about going home? Our families live right by Disney! So, I’m sure when we do venture back over the pond, we’ll take a few days and hit up Disney World.




Right now, those our two major trips in the works. There’s no telling where we’ll be by this winter. There’s a Disneyland Paris Half Marathon tempting me next September, and Italy is just south of us….

So much to see and do, not enough time!


Well, that about sums up our life at the moment. Next up is more Disney talk!

 

[vamassey1]

Store full of toys and our kid wanted the foam ball…

Of course this is what usually happens.

Once inside Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Alex and I got our first look at the park without the Sorcerer’s

My first sight was without the hat so I was happy to see it gone.

The now non-existent animation building.

I really miss this place too. We could spend a good bit of time here.

Headed out the door, Alex walked Landon up to Baymax one more time for him to get a final glimpse. And it was then that Baymax’s handler, an awesome Cast Member whose name started with an M (I think) saw us standing there and decided to casually walk over and say hello. When Baymax finished greeting the family in line, M called Baymax over, and started to play around with him for a minute.

What a great CM! Baymax was the only character Danielle wanted to meet last trip. I'm so glad Landon got to do this.

And he was at Disney, so popcorn was definitely okay before lunchtime.

Perfectly acceptable.

Yep, we’d found Landon’s most magical place in the parks.

Danielle was 3 the first time we took her to Disney and this was her favorite show. I have the cutest pictures of her dancing around. Enjoy it while you can, they grow up too fast.

The ball was recovered!

The Contemporary Resort!

Wow!

I’m telling you, this trip was just unbelievable…

Best trip ever!

We were on the Bay Lake side, so while no Wishes view, we still had a lot of interesting sights.

Lots of great sights.

Turning our attention to the inside, I took photos of the interior.

Swanky!

It was my family’s final night at Walt Disney World.

What a sad sentence to write.

Too sad. I hate writing or saying that. Just thinking it puts a pout on my face.

Here’s my theory: The more trips you take to Disney, the shorter each one feels.


Anyone agree?

Totally.

I won’t lie, I think Tomorrowland is best at night.

Love Tomorrowland at night! It seems less crowded that other parts of the part too.

So, a dance party in the middle of the Magic Kingdom?

That had Landon’s name written all over it!

These are the special things we enjoy the most. Just watching our kids let loose and have fun. Just live in the moment.

And, surprisingly, the food was really good! Alex and I were pleasantly surprised, and we made a mental note to return there on future trips.

This does look really good.

Landon wanted to go on Small World!

But of course. This is still Danielle's favorite ride.

Overall, the Tangled bathroom spot was a pretty good location for Wishes.

This does look great. I'll have to remember to try it.

I'm so jealous of your time in Germany. If I was in Europe I would take advantage and see as much as I could too. And going to London and seeing your favorite NFL team play, that's the best of both worlds. I'm looking forward to reading about Disneyland Paris when you go too.

 

[Dugette]

Izzy and Landon would get along very well together. While Landon loves the spotlight, he's a sucker for older girls. His best friends are the girls who he can follow around and who give me instructions. He'd like nothing more than for Izzy to direct him around some toy instruments or tell him which slides to go down at a playground.

Sounds like her dream play date arrangement! (Makes me want to figure out how to squeeze in a visit to Germany sometime!)

Great to hear about all of your travels and plans (I've been keeping up w/your blog as well). So many exciting possibilities! Congrats on winning the trip to London - I hope it's everything you've dreamed of!

 

[amazingact21]

Sorry for being absent the past week or so. I've been busy showing my mom around Germany!




I just needed to pop in here for a quick second and celebrate something.






On Tuesday evening, Alex decided to force me to be spontaneous. He booked us 2 nights at Disneyland Paris!!!!




For today!






As soon as he can sneak out of work, we're all driving over and will be spending tonight through Friday afternoon at the parks.




To say I'm excited is a complete understatement. My mom and I did some mad planning while Evie napped yesterday, and we THINK we have a plan of attack. It's supposed to rain all day tomorrow, but having spent the summer in Germany, that's nothing new. I have gotten really conditioned to pushing through and ignoring European rain showers.




I am still in shock that by this evening, I'll be back on a Disney property.


A NEW Disney property, at that.






Do you guys remember your first ever Disney trip?


Do you remember how anxious and happy you were?




That's what it feels like to be going to a new resort. Ahhhh!

 

[natebenma]

OMG! OMG! OMG!!!

That's awesome!!!

Have fun with Mickey Souris

 

[natebenma]

I thought I had commented on your latest update(s), but nope!

Your last night at MK was magical! The pictures are so incredible.

Your description of Landon at the Dance Party made me smile. I'm also glad to hear he loved the fireworks and was a good sport about waiting for It's a Small World.



Thanks for sharing your adventures in Germany with us.

Sounds like you are really making the most out of your time there and have done so many interesting things.

Congrats to Alex on winning the football tickets. I love the NFL. And what a blast you will have in London.

 

[Dugette]

So excited for you!!

Can't wait to hear all about it. Have a great time!

 

[StarWarsMomofGirls!]

That is VERY exciting! Have a great time! Hopefully, we will get to hear all about it.