Nov 2010 -- Even our Stroller has Christmas Lights! New 12/22 Lessons Learned #222

[kaoden39]

They are actually pretty good.

 

[Marshay]

1. We really did like SSR. It was certainly very nice to be able to park close to our room; move our luggage in and out of the room ourselves w/o waiting for and paying bell services. I would definitely ask for Springs section again. Next time we are at SSR, we will plan more nights at DTD, esp one for Jerry!

2. I enjoyed our meal at Liberty Tree Tavern and look forward to eating there again. I didn't really enjoy Turf Club (the steak).

(I'm lifting this photo from Mike R. on DIS)

3. Going at Christmas time is absolutely wonderful and I hope to do it again soon. Next time I want to really just focus on the Christmas activities and displays.

(This photo was lifted from Corey Dorsey on-line)


4. I had my eye on this purse at World of Disney.

but I wasn't sure I wanted to $95 for it (even if it would be a birthday present from Jerry).

So glad I waited for Black Friday sale, where it was on sale, plus I got 10% cashback from Ebates. And then I 'upgraded' to:

5. Even though I've been to WDW about 30+ times, I need to pay attention to the roads and signs!!

6. As I now have met 2 people that I knew in the parks and starting to have some Dismeets, I really need to behave myself you never know whom you may run into!

7. I need to slow down my Disney days even more for Jerry (replace kids with Jerry in sign below)

8. I need to take a vacation with just Rachel so we can speed up our Disney days and do more!

9. Don't pack/buy as much snacks/food. Even though we scaled back a lot, we still had tons of food left over. We tend to do most of our eating in the parks, so we really don't need THAT many snacks. And if we run out, then we'll just have to buy another Caramel Apple!!

10. I need to continue to walk that fine tightrope with Rachel about pushing her to try something new (Primeval Whirl) and backing off so she doesn't freak out.

11. We loved the Autotrain and esp the Family Bedroom -- we are so not into being crowded like sardines and strapped down like psych patients in our SUV! And Jerry really appreciated the AT, too. It really extended our vacation.

12. On our next trip we will probably have to reconsider all our evening plans. Rachel at 5 years old is too old for the stroller but if we want to stay out late, then she'll fall asleep and needs the stroller.

13. I enjoy trying new restaurants and doing new activities on each trip. This keeps WDW fresh and exciting for everyone.

I'm sure I am forgetting more of the things I wanted to share with you and remind myself, but those are good for now.

THANK YOU so much for reading my TR. It is always fun to know that you are enjoying my photos and stories and to get your thoughts.

Now in the New Year, I will need to start our "Disney Days" for our May trip! I hope you'll come along for the ride!

 

[Mrs D]

Very nice TR! Thanks for sharing.

And your girls are cuties!

 

[Mindy5767]

1. We really did like SSR. It was certainly very nice to be able to park close to our room; move our luggage in and out of the room ourselves w/o waiting for and paying bell services. I would definitely ask for Springs section again. Next time we are at SSR, we will plan more nights at DTD, esp one for Jerry!

4. I had my eye on this purse at World of Disney.

but I wasn't sure I wanted to $95 for it (even if it would be a birthday present from Jerry).

So glad I waited for Black Friday sale, where it was on sale, plus I got 10% cashback from Ebates. And then I 'upgraded' to:

9. Don't pack/buy as much snacks/food. Even though we scaled back a lot, we still had tons of food left over. We tend to do most of our eating in the parks, so we really don't need THAT many snacks. And if we run out, then we'll just have to buy another Caramel Apple!!

10. I need to continue to walk that fine tightrope with Rachel about pushing her to try something new (Primeval Whirl) and backing off so she doesn't freak out.

12. On our next trip we will probably have to reconsider all our evening plans. Rachel at 5 years old is too old for the stroller but if we want to stay out late, then she'll fall asleep and needs the stroller.

13. I enjoy trying new restaurants and doing new activities on each trip. This keeps WDW fresh and exciting for everyone.

I'm sure I am forgetting more of the things I wanted to share with you and remind myself, but those are good for now.

THANK YOU so much for reading my TR. It is always fun to know that you are enjoying my photos and stories and to get your thoughts.

Now in the New Year, I will need to start our "Disney Days" for our May trip! I hope you'll come along for the ride!

1. We have never stayed in the Springs section. We love the Grandstand so much that I request it every time. The pool there has a horse starting gate water play area that Heidi loves, and I love the pool bar/quick service.

4. I have the Dooney & Bourke pink and green minnie purse.

I sent my sister a photo of it when we were at Disney in August, basically showing it to her and saying how great it was... not even hinting... and she actually got it for me for my birthday! What a great sister!

9. We always end up over-packing on the food & snacks too. We have cut down more and more with each 2 bedroom villa trip, but we STILL end up with leftover pudding cups and applesauce. I don't know why we think we're going to eat all that? On the road, its hard to get into the cooler, and once we're at Disney, we usually end up snacking and eating in the parks or resorts or at DTD.

10: Rachel is 5 and she went on the primeval whirl? wow... Heidi is 8 and she was still almost 2 inches too short to go on it. She IS tiny, but we were all disappointed. I was going to ride that for the first time! I had gathered up all my nerve, and then Heidi was too short. We could have done rider switch, but then my sister said the line was too long.... 30 min... then later it was worse, we should have gone with it. When we entered the queue for the Kilamanjaro Safari, it said 40 min, and it was barely 30.

12. at 5 Rachel is not too old for a stroller. I've seen children at Disney in strollers who were much older than that. Heidi fits in the stroller and we ended up renting one on a couple of occasions because she got too tired and got the "carry me's".

13. It amazes me how many new things there are to do even with as many times as we've been there, and 3 times were just this year. We did American Idol for the first time this trip. We ate at Mama Melrose and Kona Cafe. We tried San Angel Inn too. We canceled Trails End because we had ended up eating a late lunch and weren't hungry enough for buffet. We ended up really not eating much dinner. We all shared a single hot dog and had some s'mores at the Chip & Dale Campfire.

I'll be looking forward to reading the whole trip report from the beginning and seeing your other reports too.

 

[Marshay]

Very nice TR! Thanks for sharing.

And your girls are cuties!

Aww, thanks!! I'm glad you enjoyed it!

1. We have never stayed in the Springs section. We love the Grandstand so much that I request it every time. The pool there has a horse starting gate water play area that Heidi loves, and I love the pool bar/quick service.

4. I have the Dooney & Bourke pink and green minnie purse.

I sent my sister a photo of it when we were at Disney in August, basically showing it to her and saying how great it was... not even hinting... and she actually got it for me for my birthday! What a great sister!

9. We always end up over-packing on the food & snacks too. We have cut down more and more with each 2 bedroom villa trip, but we STILL end up with leftover pudding cups and applesauce. I don't know why we think we're going to eat all that? On the road, its hard to get into the cooler, and once we're at Disney, we usually end up snacking and eating in the parks or resorts or at DTD.

10: Rachel is 5 and she went on the primeval whirl? wow... Heidi is 8 and she was still almost 2 inches too short to go on it. She IS tiny, but we were all disappointed. I was going to ride that for the first time! I had gathered up all my nerve, and then Heidi was too short. We could have done rider switch, but then my sister said the line was too long.... 30 min... then later it was worse, we should have gone with it. When we entered the queue for the Kilamanjaro Safari, it said 40 min, and it was barely 30.

12. at 5 Rachel is not too old for a stroller. I've seen children at Disney in strollers who were much older than that. Heidi fits in the stroller and we ended up renting one on a couple of occasions because she got too tired and got the "carry me's".

13. It amazes me how many new things there are to do even with as many times as we've been there, and 3 times were just this year. We did American Idol for the first time this trip. We ate at Mama Melrose and Kona Cafe. We tried San Angel Inn too. We canceled Trails End because we had ended up eating a late lunch and weren't hungry enough for buffet. We ended up really not eating much dinner. We all shared a single hot dog and had some s'mores at the Chip & Dale Campfire.

I'll be looking forward to reading the whole trip report from the beginning and seeing your other reports too.

The Springs was just so nice since we were able to walk to Turf Club, the snack area and the boat. But I think we would also enjoy the Grandstand in warm weather and the Paddock section with that new pool would be good too when it's done..

We would also like to try the Treehouses sometime when the girls are older.

Your pink and green purse is sooooo cute!! So many kudos to your sister for getting it for you.

I hear ya on the snacks!! This time we tried to just do breakfast foods and still had things leftover.

In July, Rachel went on Tower of Terror. She did not like it and says she will never go on it again! She was too short (by mere centimeters) to do Primeval in July.

If you go back and read this trippie, you'll see that we put Elie on Goofy's Barnstormer this trip!!

Well, Rachel is really too TALL for our stroller. She is about 49" tall and really, her legs are hanging out all over. She really doesn't need the stroller if we keep a relaxed pace. She just needs it to keep up with mommy!

How was the chip and dale Campfire? I would like to do that sometime, too.

We love Kona!! We've always have had an incredible meal -- whether B, L or D.

 

[kaoden39]

I would love to stay in the treehouses!!

 

[mousescrapper]

I have loved reading this report and the July one as well...it feels so much more personal too after meeting you all. You should pm your email or hm address we could have our Rachel's become penpails

I truly hope our Disney paths cross again someday in person! Is northern Virgina in route to DC? we are planning a trip there summer of 2012

love your lessons learned...I always come away w/ many too. LOVE the purse...what color did you get?

looking forward to more PTR/TR....

Scrappie (Julie)

 

[Marshay]

I would love to stay in the treehouses!!

They look like a lot of fun!

I have loved reading this report and the July one as well...it feels so much more personal too after meeting you all. You should pm your email or hm address we could have our Rachel's become penpails

I truly hope our Disney paths cross again someday in person! Is northern Virgina in route to DC? we are planning a trip there summer of 2012

love your lessons learned...I always come away w/ many too. LOVE the purse...what color did you get?

looking forward to more PTR/TR....

Scrappie (Julie)

Rachel doesn't have email but we could certainly do the snail mail pen pal! I'll send you my address. Please send yours.

Yes, getting to know a person on the boards and then actually meeting them is so cool! You can just see all the things happening even more!

Oh, yes, DC is very close ... less than an hour away, depending on traffic. We would love to join you for something! I can certainly make some more suggestions for things to do in and around DC. There are just so many great things to do in DC/MD/VA.

You just let me know when you're coming and what you like to do and I'll provide lots of suggestions for your family. We love going into DC ...we don't do it often but always have so much fun!

I *think* I got the blue purse. I honestly don't remember. I purchased it and then wrapped it up right away (it's actually a belated birthday gift from Jerry) to open at Christmas. I remember contemplating between the green, pink and blue and saying I love them all!

I also bought the D&B makeup bag they had for $15. I was really hoping it would have the fancy colorful zipper, too, but alas it did not.

 

[Trentmom]

Thanks so much for sharing your trip with us and I Really enjoyed yoru final thoughts and lessons learned

Hope you and your family Have Merry Christmas and am looking forward to your May Pre Trip

 

[Native NYer]

I loved your report!
If we ever take the train, we'll definitely reserve a bedroom.
Hope you're starting a new ptr soon

 

[Marshay]

Thanks so much for sharing your trip with us and I Really enjoyed yoru final thoughts and lessons learned

Hope you and your family Have Merry Christmas and am looking forward to your May Pre Trip

I'm so glad you were able to be here!! You've read lots of my final thoughts over the years!

Yes, Merry Christmas!! I'm going to go out and take pictures of our Christmas decorations for everyone to see. Jerry copied some things from Disney!!

I loved your report!
If we ever take the train, we'll definitely reserve a bedroom.
Hope you're starting a new ptr soon

Thanks! Yes, I would definitely want a bedroom ... but honestly, we'd take coach over driving down again if we had to. The lounge and dining cars are also very nice and there is lots of room in coach -- just not privacy.

 

[cherbear]

your final thoughts were great!

And I simply LOVE the new purse you got! I think the green is my favorite. So which one did you end up getting? I saw you say you forgot, but I'm sure you've unwrapped it by now..

 

[Harters2WDW]

This is good!

Any good tips for in the parks with the girls? We took the 5 year old in 2009 (when she was 3). But the 1 year old is a whole new story.

OK, back to reading your report...

Welcome!! Sounds like you have kids my kids' ages, too.

I think driving from Richmond sounds pretty good. We encountered the most traffic around the "Mixing Bowl" and Richmond. Everything else was pretty much smooth sailing.

I had 5yo's leapster (and handed out 2 new cartridges on the trip), DVD player, coloring books, stickers, books, etc. For the 1yo, she got coloring pages, stickers, little stuffed animals (like the kind you get in McDs happy meals) and other little toys.

They both had slap bracelets and some other small toys. I handed them out about every 20-40 minutes along the way as surprises. This seemed to keep them occupied. When the 1yo napped or was getting sleepy, I let the 5yo watch the DVD (we have a portable one).

We took 2 breaks each day so traveled from Northern VA to Ridgeland, SC in 10 hours 20 minutes (including breaks one was maybe 30 minutes and the other was 15 minutes or so and traffic jams). Then we went 5 hours (including a 20 minute or so break) from SC to WDW.

It's always a dilemma between taking breaks and getting there as soon as possible. We decided that as long as the youngest was sleeping, we would drive, even if it was lunch time. So having snacks in the car is a must.

Also, when you do take a break -- do not let the kids eat at the restaurant (assuming you do fast food type place). Let them run around and order the food to go and eat in the car. You spend more time doing something than just sitting in thecar and time seems to go faster.

If you have other ?, let me know. Traveling worked better for us if I was prepared with lots of new toys and things to do.

Oh, and naps -- my 1yr old would just sleep in the stroller or in her car seats. We never really planned nap time for her. We did go back to the room each day for a rest, but generally, that was NOT the youngest nap time.

 

[Marshay]

your final thoughts were great!

And I simply LOVE the new purse you got! I think the green is my favorite. So which one did you end up getting? I saw you say you forgot, but I'm sure you've unwrapped it by now..

Thanks for the reminder! I did take a picture of the Disney bags I got.

The blue D&B and the make-up bag and then WoD also had a special where if you spent so much money you could get the Red bag for a small amount. I love them all! My only complaint is that the front of the blue bag is too big to safely hold my phone...so I have to keep the phone inside but then I can't hear it when it rings. Oh well.

This is good!

Any good tips for in the parks with the girls? We took the 5 year old in 2009 (when she was 3). But the 1 year old is a whole new story.

OK, back to reading your report...

For the 1 year old in the park, just have snacks, a lovey and maybe one small toy to play with in the lines. Otherwise, just take it slow, make sure to change diapers prior to getting in long lines (!!) and let her enjoy.

Elizabeth (almost 22 months) loved to do what Rachel was doing ... so if Rachel would go off to look at the seagulls at Nemo or the fountains at Imagination, Elizabeth wanted to do the same.

Elizabeth also got tired quicker than any of us (to be expected) and we just let her nap in the stroller, so the rest of us could rider switch on rides she couldn't go on.

however, then when WE were tired and went back to the room to rest, then she was awake and active.

You might want to also check out my July TR in my siggie below, since Elizabeth was only 16 months old.

but in general we followed the not *quite* so commando, let the girls wake us up, go back to rest nearly every day around 2pm and bed before 10pm, if possible.

 

[Harters2WDW]

Still reading...LOVE these shirts for the girls! Where did you find them? My 5 year old loves matching her sister. I have them fairly coordinated for the trip in March, but I really love these red Mickey shirts!

Today is Tues November 23 and our last full day at WDW.

For once, this trip does not seem to fly by. I'm not sure why, but I suspect it has to do with me not doing as much. For me, now! I know Jerry still thought I packed a lot (too much) into the days, but I honestly think we slowed down. We had only done like one or two main rides and stuck to the smaller attractions, most times. We only crossed the parks 2 times to get a FP (and I volunteered to do that) and normally we are always trying to plan out our FPs, noting the times, running all over the place, etc.

The girls wake us up at 7:15am and we talk about where we want to go today. We end up doing AK.

We arrived at 9:20am which is great for us ... until we find out that today was an EMH and the park actually opened at 8! OH well, it wasn't that crowded. I get a FP for the Safari while Jerry takes the girls to the Boneyard to play. Then Rachel and I go on Primeval Whirl. This is Rachel's first time as she is finally tall enough. In July, they wouldn't let her ride it.

Rachel enjoys it but is also scared of it. I ask if she wants to ride with Jerry and she says no. So off we go to Safari. We are almost out of the Dinosaur section, when she says yes, she wants to ride again with Daddy and literally DRAGS Jerry to the ride.

Elie and I ride TriSpin and then wait for them. Of course one 1/2 of the ride breaks down while they are waiting so this 20 minute wait becomes a 30 minute wait ... but still not bad.

Can you tell she is excited?

However, during the ride, she is like this. I do think I caught a pretty good shot!

While waiting for them, Elizabeth is just being a complete cutie! Sorry, all the pic got blurred but you'll have to trust me, she was adorable!

While waiting, a woman comes up to me and says she is a Disser, too! She was Leannmomofprincess, I think. I wished I wrote her name down. but it was cool to meet her and I gave her my special LGMH with turkey feathers!

After Primeval, we went on the Safari.

 

[Marshay]

Still reading...LOVE these shirts for the girls! Where did you find them? My 5 year old loves matching her sister. I have them fairly coordinated for the trip in March, but I really love these red Mickey shirts!

the shirts are really adorable!! I bought them at World of Disney (WoD) on our July trip. They have black sequins on them, too (not sure if you can make them out) and black ruffles on the arms and on the waist band.

I was really pleased how super sharp Rachel and Elizabeth looked by just matching them up with black skirts.

Now the shirts weren't cheap (It's Disney after all!) but I totally love them! I have the girls wear them now in winter with a black turtleneck underneath, too!