IvyandLace
Certified pixie dust user
- Joined
- Jul 27, 2000
- Messages
- 758
"...to all our family
and post trip thoughts
Our plan today: sleep in; Downtown Disney shopping; leave for airport in Tiffany Transportation van ~2:15pm; arrive Greensboro, NC at 6:47pm
Our weather today: another beautiful sunny day
Of course, no one else wants to realize that their wonderful vacation trip has an end-I am an idealist, you know!-but today was our last day. Reality hit us when we woke up. It was very bittersweet to pack up my Snow White dress and Halloween candy, know that the celebration was over and wondering if Id ever get to wear it here again. (I reminded myself that I could always wear it around the house!)
We had slept in, and, after packing, we stumbled to the bus stop for a trip to Downtown Disney. Everyone was feeling better except for JP who was still pale and nauseated. What a sad way to end his first WDW vacation! We who had our appetites (mainly Ariel, Jack and myself) snacked at DTD, and everyone had a fun time both browsing and buying. (Poor JP was just trying to keep standing, I think!) I dragged Harry to see the Pin Traders Store, and we had a good time greedily eyeballing all of the many variety of pins available there. (A word of advice: dont be surprised if you get hooked on pin collecting/trading even if you dont think you will! I never would have imagined Uncle T becoming a pin collector, but he was extremely addicted by the end of our trip! Also if you see a pin you like somewhere, dont assume that youll find it elsewhere. This is especially true with any limited edition pins. We ran into this with the Halloween pins. Grab them while you can or you will miss out.)
We, of course, spent most of our time in the World of Disney store where the motto is (or should be) A few souvenirs might hurt the budget but will always ease the Im leaving-Disney blues. After buying myself a 100 years of Magic CD and a cute magnetic bumper sticker that read Walt Disney World. Been there. Done That. Going back!, Ariel and I became secret agents as we hunted for the best snowglobe to get GM as a thank you present. We decided on a 100 years Mickey snow globe that played the Mickey Mouse March and had it sent to her to complete the surprise. We also frequented the Disney Days of Christmas and the Lego Store where Harry had fun playing with the newest motorized Lego cars.
All too soon, it was time to head home one last time to meet our Tiffany Transportation van. I bought Harry a vanilla milkshake from the food court, gazed longingly at the line of families at the start of their vacations that were waiting eagerly to check in, and boarded our van. We chatted quietly among ourselves as our bus driver tried, unsuccessfully, to convince us to visit Universal Studios next trip. We politely but firmly told him that we are strictly Disney people.
At the airport we checked in without problem but had a laugh when Jack and Harry were pulled for a search-Jack appeared annoyed but resigned while Harry, of course, looked on with interest. After a new quiet lunch at an airport restaurant-our meals ranging from water to chicken noodle soup and club sandwiches-we stopped at the airport Disney Store. They had comparable prices and some different varieties of merchandise; Princess M bought gifts for family and friends back home while the rest of us just window shopped.
We parted ways after many hugs, kisses, laughs and promises to see you at Thanksgiving!. My flight left on time in the first downpour I had seen since I left the airport in Greensboro, NC ten days ago! I couldnt believe our trip had ended. My flight was direct, and it was so nice to be home in 1-½ hours! Unfortunately, the rest of the group didnt have such luck-they were delayed at the Orlando Airport due to rain and didnt get home until after midnight three hours later than planned! Though no one wanted to leave the kingdom of Walt Disney, it was nice to get home and start planning our next trip! Mickey misses me after all
Post Trip Thoughts
1. Expect your second trip with kids to be different. It was a little sad to see that everything was not as new and exciting as last trip. But, in the same breath, I was pleasantly surprised to see that the kids were still into getting autographs and pictures of all the characters. They also enjoyed finding Hidden Mickeys and collecting pressed pennies. It was fun to see their knowledge of both the parks in general and Walt Disney himself increased their enjoyment of Walt Disney World.
2. We split up more this trip because everyone knew more of what was available and were not so overwhelmed. As a result, everyone had more opinions this trip over what they wanted and did not want to do. It was a little difficult since we all wanted to be together (and not miss anything!) but many times it was better for our group if we did split apart or compromise on our original plans.
3. We almost always tour commando-style, and this trip was no exception. However, we did seem to take more time at things that caught our attention instead of rushing to the next thing on our list. We spent much more time with the characters this trip because they were much more available around the parks. We also seemed to visit the Magic Kingdom more than the other parks this trip which was a little surprising. Because our trips spanned more than a week (our longest trip to WDW so far!), we had more flexibility in our schedule to add non-park days that included DisneyQuest and Blizzard Beach. I would highly recommend having time away from the park not only to recharge your batteries but also to enjoy all the other attractions that the World has to offer.
4. We would definitely recommend putting time into your itinerary for your favorite things.
5. Things we wouldnt go without on any trip to WDW: snacks, good footgear, duct tape (a wonderful anti-blister remedy!), refillable mugs, my Passporter and my Passporter lanyard (Uncle T and I used these to hold our annual passes, room keys, receipts and credit cards-iso convenient!), Brita-filtered water bottles, quarters and pennies in mini M&M holders (for pressed quarters and pennies, laundry and video games), and raingear.
6. Things we had planned to do but didnt get to include renting Water Mice, exploring Epcot and Animal Kingdom more leisurely and riding Kali River Rapids and Dinosaur all together, and eating at Ohanas on our last park day.
7. We were disappointed because
*Typhoon Lagoon, Crystal Palace and Carousel of Progress were all closed!
*MGM parade had that loud MC! I cant believe how she ruined the parade for us.
*Splash Mountain broke down regularly while we were there.
*The left side of Space Mountain (the best side to ride in our
opinion) was only open one time!
8. Our favorite restaurants included Teppanyaki for is food and entertainment, Columbia Harbor House for its peaceful environment, Le Cellier for its pretzel bread and inventive menu, and Sci Fi for its great shakes and burgers, affordable meals and creative environment. Some of our group also enjoyed Konas Café for its great desserts and Hollywood and Vine for its food variety.
9. Our favorite rides/attractions included Splash Mountain, Buzz Lightyear, Space Mountain, Peter Pan, Pirates of the Caribbean, Winnie-the-Pooh, Tower of Terror, Rock-n-Roller Coaster, MuppetVision 3D, One Mans Dream, Safari, Test Track and all of Blizzard Beach.
10. It never ceases to amaze me of everyones opinions on Walt
Disney World. From shows and attractions to parades, restaurants and resorts, you may be surprised what you find yourself liking or NOT liking. Dont let preconceived ideas or other peoples experiences cloud your own. Every trip brings new favorites. Always experiment with something new-there is so much to experience and enjoy!
I thank you, dear reader, for your special gift of time.
It took me many months, you know, but that is not a crime!
You followed us through kingdoms that were magically displayed;
You listened to our favorite meals and where it was we stayed.
You laughed with us and cried with us-perhaps you shared a smile
On hearing how each day was spent, mile after mile.
You hold with your own heart now a precious piece of mine
For I shared with you my family and our World thats just divine!
And now its time to say goodbye to all our family!
Ill be back to Disney soon even if I just take me!
Our plan today: sleep in; Downtown Disney shopping; leave for airport in Tiffany Transportation van ~2:15pm; arrive Greensboro, NC at 6:47pm
Our weather today: another beautiful sunny day
Of course, no one else wants to realize that their wonderful vacation trip has an end-I am an idealist, you know!-but today was our last day. Reality hit us when we woke up. It was very bittersweet to pack up my Snow White dress and Halloween candy, know that the celebration was over and wondering if Id ever get to wear it here again. (I reminded myself that I could always wear it around the house!)
We had slept in, and, after packing, we stumbled to the bus stop for a trip to Downtown Disney. Everyone was feeling better except for JP who was still pale and nauseated. What a sad way to end his first WDW vacation! We who had our appetites (mainly Ariel, Jack and myself) snacked at DTD, and everyone had a fun time both browsing and buying. (Poor JP was just trying to keep standing, I think!) I dragged Harry to see the Pin Traders Store, and we had a good time greedily eyeballing all of the many variety of pins available there. (A word of advice: dont be surprised if you get hooked on pin collecting/trading even if you dont think you will! I never would have imagined Uncle T becoming a pin collector, but he was extremely addicted by the end of our trip! Also if you see a pin you like somewhere, dont assume that youll find it elsewhere. This is especially true with any limited edition pins. We ran into this with the Halloween pins. Grab them while you can or you will miss out.)
We, of course, spent most of our time in the World of Disney store where the motto is (or should be) A few souvenirs might hurt the budget but will always ease the Im leaving-Disney blues. After buying myself a 100 years of Magic CD and a cute magnetic bumper sticker that read Walt Disney World. Been there. Done That. Going back!, Ariel and I became secret agents as we hunted for the best snowglobe to get GM as a thank you present. We decided on a 100 years Mickey snow globe that played the Mickey Mouse March and had it sent to her to complete the surprise. We also frequented the Disney Days of Christmas and the Lego Store where Harry had fun playing with the newest motorized Lego cars.
All too soon, it was time to head home one last time to meet our Tiffany Transportation van. I bought Harry a vanilla milkshake from the food court, gazed longingly at the line of families at the start of their vacations that were waiting eagerly to check in, and boarded our van. We chatted quietly among ourselves as our bus driver tried, unsuccessfully, to convince us to visit Universal Studios next trip. We politely but firmly told him that we are strictly Disney people.
At the airport we checked in without problem but had a laugh when Jack and Harry were pulled for a search-Jack appeared annoyed but resigned while Harry, of course, looked on with interest. After a new quiet lunch at an airport restaurant-our meals ranging from water to chicken noodle soup and club sandwiches-we stopped at the airport Disney Store. They had comparable prices and some different varieties of merchandise; Princess M bought gifts for family and friends back home while the rest of us just window shopped.
We parted ways after many hugs, kisses, laughs and promises to see you at Thanksgiving!. My flight left on time in the first downpour I had seen since I left the airport in Greensboro, NC ten days ago! I couldnt believe our trip had ended. My flight was direct, and it was so nice to be home in 1-½ hours! Unfortunately, the rest of the group didnt have such luck-they were delayed at the Orlando Airport due to rain and didnt get home until after midnight three hours later than planned! Though no one wanted to leave the kingdom of Walt Disney, it was nice to get home and start planning our next trip! Mickey misses me after all
Post Trip Thoughts
1. Expect your second trip with kids to be different. It was a little sad to see that everything was not as new and exciting as last trip. But, in the same breath, I was pleasantly surprised to see that the kids were still into getting autographs and pictures of all the characters. They also enjoyed finding Hidden Mickeys and collecting pressed pennies. It was fun to see their knowledge of both the parks in general and Walt Disney himself increased their enjoyment of Walt Disney World.
2. We split up more this trip because everyone knew more of what was available and were not so overwhelmed. As a result, everyone had more opinions this trip over what they wanted and did not want to do. It was a little difficult since we all wanted to be together (and not miss anything!) but many times it was better for our group if we did split apart or compromise on our original plans.
3. We almost always tour commando-style, and this trip was no exception. However, we did seem to take more time at things that caught our attention instead of rushing to the next thing on our list. We spent much more time with the characters this trip because they were much more available around the parks. We also seemed to visit the Magic Kingdom more than the other parks this trip which was a little surprising. Because our trips spanned more than a week (our longest trip to WDW so far!), we had more flexibility in our schedule to add non-park days that included DisneyQuest and Blizzard Beach. I would highly recommend having time away from the park not only to recharge your batteries but also to enjoy all the other attractions that the World has to offer.
4. We would definitely recommend putting time into your itinerary for your favorite things.
5. Things we wouldnt go without on any trip to WDW: snacks, good footgear, duct tape (a wonderful anti-blister remedy!), refillable mugs, my Passporter and my Passporter lanyard (Uncle T and I used these to hold our annual passes, room keys, receipts and credit cards-iso convenient!), Brita-filtered water bottles, quarters and pennies in mini M&M holders (for pressed quarters and pennies, laundry and video games), and raingear.
6. Things we had planned to do but didnt get to include renting Water Mice, exploring Epcot and Animal Kingdom more leisurely and riding Kali River Rapids and Dinosaur all together, and eating at Ohanas on our last park day.
7. We were disappointed because
*Typhoon Lagoon, Crystal Palace and Carousel of Progress were all closed!
*MGM parade had that loud MC! I cant believe how she ruined the parade for us.
*Splash Mountain broke down regularly while we were there.
*The left side of Space Mountain (the best side to ride in our
opinion) was only open one time!
8. Our favorite restaurants included Teppanyaki for is food and entertainment, Columbia Harbor House for its peaceful environment, Le Cellier for its pretzel bread and inventive menu, and Sci Fi for its great shakes and burgers, affordable meals and creative environment. Some of our group also enjoyed Konas Café for its great desserts and Hollywood and Vine for its food variety.
9. Our favorite rides/attractions included Splash Mountain, Buzz Lightyear, Space Mountain, Peter Pan, Pirates of the Caribbean, Winnie-the-Pooh, Tower of Terror, Rock-n-Roller Coaster, MuppetVision 3D, One Mans Dream, Safari, Test Track and all of Blizzard Beach.
10. It never ceases to amaze me of everyones opinions on Walt
Disney World. From shows and attractions to parades, restaurants and resorts, you may be surprised what you find yourself liking or NOT liking. Dont let preconceived ideas or other peoples experiences cloud your own. Every trip brings new favorites. Always experiment with something new-there is so much to experience and enjoy!
I thank you, dear reader, for your special gift of time.
It took me many months, you know, but that is not a crime!
You followed us through kingdoms that were magically displayed;
You listened to our favorite meals and where it was we stayed.
You laughed with us and cried with us-perhaps you shared a smile
On hearing how each day was spent, mile after mile.
You hold with your own heart now a precious piece of mine
For I shared with you my family and our World thats just divine!
And now its time to say goodbye to all our family!
Ill be back to Disney soon even if I just take me!
IVY
Wow! Thanks so much for your wonderful, detailed report! You can really tell how much your family cares about eachother and loves WDW. It really shines through in your reports how magical your time together was. Thanks for sharing it with us.
) thanks for sharing your wonderful report with us!
