Oh, Great, Mom's on her Disney kick again - 1st time ptr

[Jdougherty]

DD Loved the "Finding Nemo" show, she got very into it. I suggest getting thier early as they actuall come out into the audiance for certian things during the show. It was a very neat show

 

[Jasperann]

DD Loved the "Finding Nemo" show, she got very into it. I suggest getting thier early as they actuall come out into the audiance for certian things during the show. It was a very neat show

I agree with this. We got there 45 mins before the show and had great seats. There is a part of the stage that comes out into the crowd. The best seat is probably where you can see that part too. We were next to it, if we were way down by the stage I think it would have been horrible. Next time I want to get in front of the part that comes out into the crowd.

 

[2princesses2princes]

THANKS so much. I am starting to get super excited. You know it's bitter sweet when Disney makes changes, we hate to see things go that we love and enjoy, but then when new things come and are so awesome it's worth it. Dan and I saw almost everything when we were there in 04, then when we went in 07 we took a very slow pace, too slow for my liking at the end, but we missed a ton, our kids missed out on a ton, plus we were only there 5 full days and this time it will be 7 full days so hopefully we can see all we want to see or at least close to that. So many new things like Nemo, that I can't wait to check out but also so many oldies that I can't wait to experience with the kids.

Our first trip there was just Dan and I, it was our belated honeymoon. Our 2 kids at the time were 3 and 1 they stayed with my inlaws back at home. While watching Wishes, I cried. I could not wait to share that moment with my kids. Then when we went in 07 we almost missed wishes, we were on our way out and stopped at Caseys' Corner for a snack, I got some AWESOME pics of the kids and Dan out on the porch looking up at the sky. Brings tears to my eyes, at that time I was upset that we weren't sitting all together in this perfect setting, it was a rush job, but now those pics are priceless.

Sorry for the ramble.

 

[pinkxray]

THANKS so much. I am starting to get super excited. You know it's bitter sweet when Disney makes changes, we hate to see things go that we love and enjoy, but then when new things come and are so awesome it's worth it. Dan and I saw almost everything when we were there in 04, then when we went in 07 we took a very slow pace, too slow for my liking at the end, but we missed a ton, our kids missed out on a ton, plus we were only there 5 full days and this time it will be 7 full days so hopefully we can see all we want to see or at least close to that. So many new things like Nemo, that I can't wait to check out but also so many oldies that I can't wait to experience with the kids.

Our first trip there was just Dan and I, it was our belated honeymoon. Our 2 kids at the time were 3 and 1 they stayed with my inlaws back at home. While watching Wishes, I cried. I could not wait to share that moment with my kids. Then when we went in 07 we almost missed wishes, we were on our way out and stopped at Caseys' Corner for a snack, I got some AWESOME pics of the kids and Dan out on the porch looking up at the sky. Brings tears to my eyes, at that time I was upset that we weren't sitting all together in this perfect setting, it was a rush job, but now those pics are priceless.

Sorry for the ramble.

I find it tough to find a good pace at Disney. I want to relax and enjoy the resort pool and exploring, but at the same time I want to be in the parks doing everything there is to do. We missed way too much last time so I need to change something. I am definitely doing park hoppers this time so hopefully that will help. Also no waterparks this trip.

We did the Pirates and Pals firework cruise last year but we never saw Wishes from MK. DH just doesn't get the difference. "We did see the fireworks".

But we didn't see them from Main Street! (This is probably exactly how I looked when I said it too)

The pictures with everyone looking towards the sky are probably great shots. Sometimes we do need to just forget the plan and enjoy the moment.

 

[20thingamabobs]

Thank you for your support and suggestions. And with that I have a question. Would you recommend that we try to hit ITTBAB at the time we planned on getting the FP or go later in the day? This is close to the top of the list for must do attractions, so we cannot miss it.

First, LOVE the Nemo show. It's really well done and the music/songs and the costumes are awesome!

Now to your question. If it was me I would wait to do ITTBAB until later. We usually do Everest first then head to Dinoland U.S.A. before seeing the first showing of Nemo. This timing works perfectly, every time, no matter the season or crowds (knock on wood - don't want to jinx myself). We have minimal waits in Dinoland and this showing of Nemo is less crowded then later in the day. So, I figure, you doing the Safari first should take about the same amount of time as us riding Everest first. Then we do Primeval Whirl and Dinosaur which is what you have planned too. Then we head to Nemo which starts around 11:00am. You'll arrive early enough that you may have to wait in line briefly then head in to get a good seat. After Nemo, I would go ahead and do Everest and Kali River Rapids, you'll have to walk past them on your way to ITTBAB anyway. If you need to, you can get a Fast Pass for one of these attractions instead. Then I would do ITTBAB. This is just a suggestion, we tend to follow this plan and it always works really well. ITTBAB is only about 7 minutes and the theatre holds a lot of people so the line tends to stay pretty short throughout the day. But, it's whatever works for your family!

 

[Jasperann]

I forgot to mention the other day... we had an ADR for 8am for Donald's Safari Breakfast and we got to the gates around 7:40 and there were about 15 other family's that were there ahead of us. So when we were let in they were all in front of us, and it didn't really matter that our ADR was for 8am, we were seated by around 8:25 or so. Getting their earlier than that is a must if your family wants to see all the characters before rope drop. We were leaving breakfast as the masses were arriving at the safari.

 

[2princesses2princes]

I forgot to mention the other day... we had an ADR for 8am for Donald's Safari Breakfast and we got to the gates around 7:40 and there were about 15 other family's that were there ahead of us. So when we were let in they were all in front of us, and it didn't really matter that our ADR was for 8am, we were seated by around 8:25 or so. Getting their earlier than that is a must if your family wants to see all the characters before rope drop. We were leaving breakfast as the masses were arriving at the safari.

Thanks for that tip. We plan to get there early, but it all really depends on the busses. We can try our best to be out for the busses by 7am but I doubt a bus will be there that early. I am not too worried about seeing the characters at AK for rope drop. Epcot, and MK is a must though.

 

[2princesses2princes]

Ok, so first off we made another big payment on our trip. We are over halfway paid off, definitely behind where we planned on being by this point, I was hoping to have it paid off by Nov 1st, but thankfully we have til the end of December to pay it off. Things got a little crazy after I was off for my back surgery.

So next up is our plans for our first day at Epcot

Epcot 1
Be at bus stop by 8am
Rope Drop 9am, be near right side/innoventions west
Soarin (send dan ahead for FP for all meet at escalator then ride as well)
Living with the Land
Circle of Life
LUNCH Sunshine Seasons (Soarin again?)
The Seas with Nemo & Friends
Turtle Talk with Crush
Journey Into Imagination with Figment
Captiain EO??????
Character Spot
Innoventions??? Depends on time
Station Cool
Check Spaceship Earth
Test Track/Mission Space ride if time allows
Mexico start Kidcot stations
Norway/Maelstrom
6:30 DINNER at Akershus
China
Scope place for Illuminations/ Watch Illuminations
Back to hotel


If I'm totally off my rocker please tell me. When Dan and I went we did all of this with time to spare, well what was there in 04 anyway. Then in 07 we did next to nothing because we had my inlaws with us and they were slow moving, and one of the kids wasn't feeling well that day, and I was a CRAB I dont' recall why, just that I had a HUGE attitude that day.

 

[pinkxray]

You certainly have a full day planned. There is no way I could get DH and DD to go from being out the door at 8am and staying out until 10pm. Even I think I would get tired.

The only thing I noticed was that you have Honey I Shrunk the Audience what isn't open anymore. Captain EO is there now. (Don't know if that will still be open by your trip though)

 

[2princesses2princes]

You certainly have a full day planned. There is no way I could get DH and DD to go from being out the door at 8am and staying out until 10pm. Even I think I would get tired.

The only thing I noticed was that you have Honey I Shrunk the Audience what isn't open anymore. Captain EO is there now. (Don't know if that will still be open by your trip though)

Like I said I am probably off my rocker for even assuming we can do all of this. We do have a day 2 that would allow to fill in any gaps. We went from open til close each time last time in 07 and the kids did awesome and so did we. I am hoping it will be the same. I have back up itineraries for days we need a midday break though. I am being prepared for that just in case. I will change, that I totally forgot that Captain EO took over, and DH has no interest in seeing it. What do you think?

 

[2princesses2princes]

So you all know my dilema with surpsing the kids and what not. My 8yr old not wanting to know when, but then wanting to know the month, and how much I really want to do the fun countdown type of stuff? Well I know that Disney countdown is out for that reason, but what if, what if we do a countdown til we get to go see Uncle Derek and Aunt Melissa? We plan on going there on the way home from Disney for a day. They are in North Carolina and the kids are super excited about seeing them. They know we hope to stop and see them sometime, but they don't know if it's on the way down or back. The kids will find out on Christmas they are going in February, but how about when we get down to 30 days or so, we do the countdown til we see Uncle Derek and Aunt Melissa just so we can do a countdown of some sort???? Right now we aren't sure if it will be Feb 19 or 20, but by then we'll have the concrete decision. Do you think that will give away too much to my 8yr old?

 

[DIS_Indoctrination]

Like I said I am probably off my rocker for even assuming we can do all of this. We do have a day 2 that would allow to fill in any gaps. We went from open til close each time last time in 07 and the kids did awesome and so did we. I am hoping it will be the same. I have back up itineraries for days we need a midday break though. I am being prepared for that just in case. I will change, that I totally forgot that Captain EO took over, and DH has no interest in seeing it. What do you think?

I saw Captain EO when I was about 7 at Disney Land, and I didn't like it at all. I couldn't figure it out, was it a music video or a short film. Why were all those people dancing so strangely, were they paralyzed on one side of their body? Was I supposed to be scared, impressed, entertained or what. Were they acting like zombies, or aliens, or just idiots. I still remember it vividly. For years, I tried to figure out what the point of it was. Unless you're a huge Jackson fan, it's a waste of time & memory storage bank in your brain.

Hey, but that's just my opinion.

 

[Jdougherty]

I like the idea of a count down till you see your brother. I think it will build some anticpation and still give them something to look forward at the end of the trip.

Your epcot day looks good but keep in mind EPCOT IS BIG. there is a nice place to watch Illumination near Moroco , bathroom and benches with a view. I also noticed that you have norway for dinner. I'm norwiegn and I don't eat some of the food they serve. Be warned that its different. When they say seafood it includes herring but if your like my grandfather and uncles you'll love it!

The interaction with Belle is AWESOME, I was in tears with DD and DS.

 

[Jasperann]

My first day at Epcot was similar to yours. Except we got there just after rope drop and just got fast passes for Soarin. We got living in the land, seas, figment, and Soarin done before lunch, then went on to grab a fast pass for Test Track went on Ellen's Ride, Spaceship Earth, Innovations, and then on to the WS.

But we were tired at the end of the day!!! Our DD 6 and our DS 3 were asleep on the sit an stand before we were out of the park. It was so hard to try to wake up DD for the bus. She had to be awake, because our hands were full with the backpack, stroller, and DS. So I annoyed her all the way back to the Fort. She was so mad at me!

We ended up doing three days in Epcot (because we love it so much), but we took it at an easier pace the other days. I don't think I will be doing it so hard core next time. I really don't want to annoy my kids to keep them awake. It was too much for our family.

 

[2princesses2princes]

I like the idea of a count down till you see your brother. I think it will build some anticpation and still give them something to look forward at the end of the trip.

Your epcot day looks good but keep in mind EPCOT IS BIG. there is a nice place to watch Illumination near Moroco , bathroom and benches with a view. I also noticed that you have norway for dinner. I'm norwiegn and I don't eat some of the food they serve. Be warned that its different. When they say seafood it includes herring but if your like my grandfather and uncles you'll love it!

The interaction with Belle is AWESOME, I was in tears with DD and DS.

Eeeewwww Herring is nasty!!!!! My family likes it, like my Uncle and my dad and my Grandpa used to. But me, no thanks. I realize some of the food is different, and we are willing to try different. I think have the dining plan for free makes it easier to do this, if we dont' like it we'll know better for next time. There has to be something there we will like enough to eat. Right?

 

[2princesses2princes]

My first day at Epcot was similar to yours. Except we got there just after rope drop and just got fast passes for Soarin. We got living in the land, seas, figment, and Soarin done before lunch, then went on to grab a fast pass for Test Track went on Ellen's Ride, Spaceship Earth, Innovations, and then on to the WS.

But we were tired at the end of the day!!! Our DD 6 and our DS 3 were asleep on the sit an stand before we were out of the park. It was so hard to try to wake up DD for the bus. She had to be awake, because our hands were full with the backpack, stroller, and DS. So I annoyed her all the way back to the Fort. She was so mad at me!

We ended up doing three days in Epcot (because we love it so much), but we took it at an easier pace the other days. I don't think I will be doing it so hard core next time. I really don't want to annoy my kids to keep them awake. It was too much for our family.

You know you got me thinking, a lot. We did great when we went on our own, but with the kids that might be too much. So I am thinking that maybe I should do a little rearranging. We only have 2 days at Epcot though, so we have to fit quite a bit in. The thing is that we hope to make rope drop the following day for MK, so I am thinking that maybe we could cut the first day at Epcot short. If we leave on Friday like our plans are for now we could stay late at Epcot Thursday cuz we can sleep in on Friday. Or even if we stay til Saturday our Friday would be MK and if we already made rope drop once we can sleep in. Thanks for helping me to see how busy and crazy this idea might be.

 

[Jasperann]

You know you got me thinking, a lot. We did great when we went on our own, but with the kids that might be too much. So I am thinking that maybe I should do a little rearranging. We only have 2 days at Epcot though, so we have to fit quite a bit in. The thing is that we hope to make rope drop the following day for MK, so I am thinking that maybe we could cut the first day at Epcot short. If we leave on Friday like our plans are for now we could stay late at Epcot Thursday cuz we can sleep in on Friday. Or even if we stay til Saturday our Friday would be MK and if we already made rope drop once we can sleep in. Thanks for helping me to see how busy and crazy this idea might be.

Your welcome.

Two days at an easy pace will be enough time to see the whole park I would think. Even if one day you focused on Future World/Innovations and the second day focus on the World Showcase. That is basically what we did on the other two days. We rode a few rides before the WS opened up on the day we did the WS then we did a couple Kim possible missions. They were fun, the kids really enjoyed them and we got to see the country's really well without the kids getting 'bored'. The day we did Future World, we were out of the park by 6 and went swimming and then to DTD for a while. It was nice.

But we are not a mid day break type of family... My kids do really well from open to close as long as we take it easy and give them some time to run in the play areas. It is the going and going and going that wears them down. Your family sounds a little like mine, so maybe it would work for you too.

 

[Jdougherty]

Breakfast at norway was really good!

They should have "hot" entres; I think DMIL mentioned a baked fish and a pasta dish that they like alot at the evening meal. I'd have to look up the childerns menu. They should also have the standard "kid" fare too .

this is from the website:
"Mustard Glazed Salmon, Sauteed Chicken Breast, Vegetable Stuffed Pasta, and Braised Lamb and Cabbage. Or try the Scandinavian special meatball dish made of pork, beef and capers called kjottkaker"

My grandmother makes that meatball dish and it's very good.

Allears has a somewhat current menu
http://allears.net/menu/menu_nor.htm


I know Herring is icky.....................

But I'd brave eating something new if DD and DS get to spend time with Belle like last time. WELL worth it.

I would split Epcot into 2 day if possible.

 

[2princesses2princes]

Breakfast at norway was really good!

They should have "hot" entres; I think DMIL mentioned a baked fish and a pasta dish that they like alot at the evening meal. I'd have to look up the childerns menu. They should also have the standard "kid" fare too .

this is from the website:
"Mustard Glazed Salmon, Sauteed Chicken Breast, Vegetable Stuffed Pasta, and Braised Lamb and Cabbage. Or try the Scandinavian special meatball dish made of pork, beef and capers called kjottkaker"

My grandmother makes that meatball dish and it's very good.

Allears has a somewhat current menu
http://allears.net/menu/menu_nor.htm


I know Herring is icky.....................

But I'd brave eating something new if DD and DS get to spend time with Belle like last time. WELL worth it.

I would split Epcot into 2 day if possible.

Epcot is split in 2 days for us. It's jsut figuring out what to do each day and that. We have always been an open to close type of group, but I am thinking by the end of an entire week we wont be enjoying much.

 

[Jdougherty]

We are open to close too but this last trip (in July, I was crazy) by the end of the week DD and DS needed a morning off to sleep in and just run around the room.

If I had older kiddo's that liked the Kim Possible stuff I would plan a morning off, and than do Kim Possible and world showcase the rest of that day and Future world the other day. We dive in large tank at "The Living Sea" almost every trip. That takes up a large chunck of our Future world day. They start divers around 3pm I belive and they are in the tank for about an hr. (2-3 dive sessions on most days) Most Divers LOVE playing with little kids at the windows. I have Video and pictures playing with DD at 9months on our last dive there.