Our 1st trip as a family of three!----Update 11/3 Our Favorites/Trip Wrap-Up

[tinkgurl]

Awww...you are bringing back all kinds of memories for me! I can't wait to share them with you!

I think the Lightning McQueen and Tow Mater area is cute. I just wish the line was shaded or something. We had to wait in a long, HOT line out in the sun!

Love the pic of DD in the car. Isn't it amazing how the littlest things can entertain them for hours?

I got all teared up reading about the little boy meeting Woody. That was a great CM working that day!

 

[LilAnn]

Hmm, just wondering why Buzz has to "stamp" his signature...
Cute pictures though, and I loved the story of the boy with Woody - how awesome!

I don't know, but DD kept talking about how he stamped it instead of writing it as well. Thanks, I love being able to witness moments of Disney magic!

Great update!
for the little one for being so brave with those characters!

I love the story of the magic experienced by the family ahead of you. I must admit I can think of several occasions where I teared up watching another family receive extra pixie dust!

It must be so much fun to be a cast member and to be able to actually help make a moment like that happen. I actually don't know who was more excited, the little boy, or the parents seeing that their boy was going to meet Woody.

Buzz has to stamp because he can't sign. Just look at his hands!

What a great update. Love the story about the little boy dressed like Woody. That was definately some Disney magic. I probably would have cried if I saw that.

I know what you mean about Buzz's eyebrows. They can look a bit menacing to a little girl. Madison gave him a hug when she met him, but she said it kind of hurt!!! He is made of hard plastic.

I definitely had tears in my eyes and a huge smile on my face. I know I was being all nosy peeking around the corner, but I couldn't help it. I wanted to see his reaction.

I bet he hurts! It's just like hugging Sully! I remember one year, we came across Sully and Mike and all I felt was some sort of hard contraption - I guess it's what helps make Sully so big?

Loved it. That's great what they did for that little boy.

Those are moments that will make a family's trip.

The pics with the cars characters turned out great and I love the pic of your daughter in the sci fi car....too cute!

What a touching moment for that family, disney magic at it's best

I feel like there are always little Disney moments happening all around us at the parks. This felt like a pretty big one, though. I wish I could have gotten her all alone in the car, or a pic of her in the driver's seat and me and my husband in the back.

Buzz does look a little crazy, huh? Oh well. Where is Andy's room? I will have to do this with DS, he says the one character he wants to meet is Woody. Which means we'll have to get in line 8 times and see Buzz a lot, as is our luck, but that's okay.

That story about the little boy and Woody is adorable. That's so amazing that they brought Woody back out for him!

I love your conversation with your DD about money. DS is like that too. We were walking through the gift shop at the zoo and he wanted something so we were just like, "we don't have any money, do you have money?" and of course he said he had some in his piggy bank at home, and we were like, "well, maybe next time" and then for like, a week, whenever we went anywhere DH would always catch him shoving all the coins from his piggy bank in his pockets! Whoops.

When you head to Toy story Mania, Andy's room is right across from it. And it's somewhat air conditioned in there! We came across both Woody and Buzz together when we went in August. I am not sure of the timing of the characters. Woody is also at the MK near Big Thunder Mountain, or was it Splash Mountain? Also, if your DS really wants to meet Woody, try to hit up the big Move It, Shake It, Celebrate It parade at the MK. Many of the characters get off the floats to dance in the streets and at some points you can join in as well. DD loved dancing with Jesse.

What a great update!

They do SUCH a great job making Lightning and Mater look real that it can be kind of scary to a toddler ... or a 25-year old. Haha. If they were just there as props, it'd be a different story. But they really make them look and sound so realistic!

Oh wow! I thought I read somewhere that the car was gone from the front of Sci-Fi Diner. That's why I didn't look for it. I would've like to take a pic of it, but seeing your DD take so many pics definitely makes up for my not being able to see it myself!

I had to copy and paste the "I have 2 dollars" part of the update and send it to Weird! Seriously, if only! Haha, we could go to WDW so much more often!

I got teary-eyed reading about that magical moment for the little kid wanting to see Woody! Oh to be a CM! What a wonderful job to spread some magic!

And I agree ... Buzz's eyebrows make him scary! Did he react when DD was pushing the buttons?

Right? If only it cost $2 to go to Disney instead of hundreds/thousands. haha. Also, if only I lived farther south, maybe we could go more often.

Oh, by the way, I already finished the first KK book. I can't wait to get the next one. Are there only 3 in all? It was a total fast read and I can't wait to go back and see all the attractions in a new light. I thought of you whenever they mentioned meeting up in VMK, though.

I think it would be awesome to be a CM and make those wonderful moments happen.

Andy's room is located directly across from TSMM. I believe the line opens at 10am. Last year, we were the 3rd family in line and we got to meet Woody and Buzz together!!! This year, we're on the hunt for Mike and Sully. I guess they hang out by the Backlot Tour...we'll have to take a peek.

I think I mentioned it earlier, but prepare Madison for hugging Sully! He looks soft and cuddly, but he feels quite different. Mike look like a big ball of green plastic! although, I loved meeting them!

Awww...you are bringing back all kinds of memories for me! I can't wait to share them with you!

I think the Lightning McQueen and Tow Mater area is cute. I just wish the line was shaded or something. We had to wait in a long, HOT line out in the sun!

Love the pic of DD in the car. Isn't it amazing how the littlest things can entertain them for hours?

I got all teared up reading about the little boy meeting Woody. That was a great CM working that day!

We were so lucky that we didn't have to wait that long to see Mater and LIghtening. It was super hot when we went too. I think our hottest wait was the one for Woody and Jesse.

I can't wait to start your whole journey and see how the little guy reacts to everything!

 

[Whisker Biscuit]

Great TR!

 

[Dancegrl624]

I think I mentioned it earlier, but prepare Madison for hugging Sully! He looks soft and cuddly, but he feels quite different. Mike look like a big ball of green plastic! although, I loved meeting them!

I will have to do that. Sully definately looks big and cuddly. I think my fav characters to hug are Pooh and Friends. They are like big stuffed animals!!

PS..Do Mike and Sully sign autographs? I thought I read somewhere that they didn't (due to their hands). If they don't, do they have a stamp like Buzz??

 

[petals]

missed some of your trip report days there.. all caught up now though.
Luvin the character pics and your little's one minnie sunglasses are super cool!

 

[LilAnn]

Great TR!

Thank you!

missed some of your trip report days there.. all caught up now though.
Luvin the character pics and your little's one minnie sunglasses are super cool!

Aw, glad that you are still reading along. She has quite the collection of sunglasses!

 

[LilAnn]

I will have to do that. Sully definately looks big and cuddly. I think my fav characters to hug are Pooh and Friends. They are like big stuffed animals!

PS..Do Mike and Sully sign autographs? I thought I read somewhere that they didn't (due to their hands). If they don't, do they have a stamp like Buzz??

Stitch is pretty cuddly too! Oh, and Chip and Dale! Hmmm, I don't remember if Mike and Sully sign autographs. I actually saw them a few years back when I took a trip with one of my good friends and we mostly just took pictures with them. I'll have to find the pic, but I think it would be really hard for them to sign.

 

[RachelNinja]

Oh, by the way, I already finished the first KK book. I can't wait to get the next one. Are there only 3 in all? It was a total fast read and I can't wait to go back and see all the attractions in a new light. I thought of you whenever they mentioned meeting up in VMK, though.

There are 3 books at this moment. I think Ridley Pearson is going to write at least 5 of them. One of them is supposed to be on the cruise line, I think? I think even in KK3, they make mention of this, that they're trying to get the holograms on the cruise line.

The next one is supposed to be out April 2011, but I wouldn't bet on it. KK3 was supposed to come out Sept 15 (I remember specifically because it was my birthday and figured it'd I'd pre-order it as a bday gift to myself!), but then it didn't come out until this past April. They kept pushing it back. B&N even had to cancel my order because it was pushed back so often!

 

[SoonerGirl]

What a fabulous story about the little boy and Woody, I think I would have been teary eyed too!

Jared tried to hug Buzz the first time he met him and he said the same thing - 'he kinda hurts'

 

[LilAnn]

There are 3 books at this moment. I think Ridley Pearson is going to write at least 5 of them. One of them is supposed to be on the cruise line, I think? I think even in KK3, they make mention of this, that they're trying to get the holograms on the cruise line.

The next one is supposed to be out April 2011, but I wouldn't bet on it. KK3 was supposed to come out Sept 15 (I remember specifically because it was my birthday and figured it'd I'd pre-order it as a bday gift to myself!), but then it didn't come out until this past April. They kept pushing it back. B&N even had to cancel my order because it was pushed back so often!

Well, I just got a BN coupon in my inbox so I think I'll use it to buy the 2nd book. Are they all good? I've never been on a cruise, so that would be interesting to read about too. I wonder if Ursula would then make an appearance?

What a fabulous story about the little boy and Woody, I think I would have been teary eyed too!

Jared tried to hug Buzz the first time he met him and he said the same thing - 'he kinda hurts'

It was such a great moment to witness! I just love Disney magic! I guess it would be asking too much if Buzz had a soft squishy space suit. I mean, his action figures don't tend to me soft.

 

[lexmas]

Somehow I missed that you read the first kingdom keepers book! I LOVE those books! I have the 3rd one but I haven't started reading it yet...I keep waiting to be in the right mood because I know I will enjoy it so much! The 3rd one is like 3 times as long as either of the first two. I think after DD's surgery, I'm going to relax and kick back with it. I can't wait!

 

[LilAnn]

Somehow I missed that you read the first kingdom keepers book! I LOVE those books! I have the 3rd one but I haven't started reading it yet...I keep waiting to be in the right mood because I know I will enjoy it so much! The 3rd one is like 3 times as long as either of the first two. I think after DD's surgery, I'm going to relax and kick back with it. I can't wait!

I actually just started reading them. I just ordered the 2nd book and can't wait to read that one too. I also can't wait to visit Disney and see it through new eyes!

 

[LilAnn]

So with our autograph book with Buzz’s stamp mark firmly intact, we said goodbye to Pixar Place and made our way to the front of the park. We were starting to melt and wilt in the heat and made the executive decision to (shocker) head back to the hotel for lunch and some pool time.

However, we did make a little pit stop on our way out. We took turns entertaining our little girl at the Kidcot stop right outside Rockin’ Roller Coaster while the other one rode a fave ride – the Tower of Terror. The wait time was only 10 minutes, so how could we not go on it?

Unfortunately, my husband got stuck in the elevator with an entire school group of teenagers. He said it wasn’t too bad, except that even though they weren’t speaking English, he knew they were talking about him. He doesn’t understand Spanish, but even he can understand that when they start throwing the word “chino” around, he knew they were talking about him.

I didn’t encounter any large groups of teenyboppers, but I did encounter some people trying to cut the line in front of me. I guess they assumed that just because I was by myself, I wouldn’t care? I just remember that they kept giving me side looks and would try to edge around me, and then finally succeeded at that one point where everyone waits for the big doors to open. I guess they were just in a hurry. I don’t know. Then again, one of these guys (a pretty tall guy too) was wearing cut-off jean overalls. So who knows what they were thinking in general?

Okay, I think I got way sidetracked there. Let’s just say that we both enjoyed our TOT ride and after a quick boat ride, we were back at the Dolphin hotel. We spent some time swimming and relaxing in the pool before we had a late lunch/early dinner at the Fountain. (some of these pics I had to borrow from the internet).

Who doesn’t enjoy swimming around in a pool when it’s 90 degrees outside?

We had passed by the Fountain every day on our way to the pool, so today we decided to stop by and give it a try. I think it’s meant to be similar to Beaches and Cream at the Beach Club. I had all good intentions of trying the ice cream there, but actually was way too full after our meal to even attempt dessert.

We started off with a simple appetizer of tortilla chips and salsa, which ended up being so big that we took the leftover chips back to the room and munched on them through the rest of our trip! I think I had a BLT, my husband had a chili dog and our little girl asked for a hot dog. I have to say, we were pleasantly surprised by this meal. It wasn’t expensive and it was pretty good for “diner/soda fountain” type of food. The fries were delicious! I was pretty sad to miss out on the dessert, but DH was content since he had ordered a decadent shake to go with his meal. Sorry for the lack of pictures, but since I hadn’t planned on doing a TR, I didn’t think of taking any pics.

With our tummies full, we headed back out into the heat to visit the MK. Luckily since it was late afternoon, it wasn’t quite as hot by then. Once again, we didn’t have a set game plan that we were following, which just gave our trip a completely different feel. It was so nice to just go with the flow of what our little girl wanted. Of course, I had to trick my little girl onto some of my favorite rides.

I did feel a bit guilty because I didn’t want to be one of those parents that forces their child onto a ride as they are screaming and crying. And we had already done that once this trip with TSM. So this evening I really wanted to go on TTA/People Mover. I absolutely LOVE that “ride.” I have to go on it at least once every trip. We had already gone on this on an earlier day outing to MK, but now that it was evening, I wanted to see everything in the evening light.

What was my little girl’s reaction? Of course, I had to distract her the whole way up there. I think she thought we were trying to get her onto the AstroOrbiter. No wonder she was nervous. But once she realized where we were, this was her reaction.

Wheeeee! I guess she saw it as a roller coaster!

I was so happy that was loving the ride. That way I could relax and enjoy it myself. While we were enjoying the view of MK, our little girl spotted something that she wanted to go on. How were we going to deny any request at Disney? So off we went to the Speedway!

Here we are for our little girl’s first driving experience. DH went in a car up ahead of us so he could try to grab some pics while he was driving. Safe, I know. But the cars run on tracks, right?

If I had been on this before recently, I probably would have suggested that my husband go in the car with her. I didn’t realize how jerky the ride can get, even though you are on tracks. However, I love that you can barely see her head over the steering wheel. No wonder it was such a jerky ride – she couldn’t see!

Watch out! They let us loose on the speedway!

Meanwhile, up in the lead car. What was my husband getting pictures of?

Not sure what that was. Take two…..

Maybe he’ll get it right once we slow down to park…..

Our little girl LOVED this ride! Here she is with her driver’s license! She was so proud of herself!

Of course, DH was ecstatic that she love this ride. He has loved having a daughter, but I know he was enjoying the fact that she loved driving the “racecar.” The second thing he was dying to do with her this trip? He wanted to get her a light-up toy for the nighttime parades. So he took her to one of the little carts to pick out her toy. This is what she picked out.

A light-up Tinkerbell wand. He was disappointed that she didn’t pick out something bigger and more eye-catching. But she loved it! She even brought it out with her to see Dumbo.

Once again, she didn’t want anything to do with actually riding Dumbo. She did however, want to ride the carousel. So while DH took her for a pony ride, I took a few nighttime castle pics. I mean, who doesn’t take these?

I don’t know how he got her to actually ride a horse, but success! She was on a horse!

Looks like it’s getting dark. Almost time for Spectro and Wishes!

Once she was done going around and around on a pony, she decided to try her hand at the sword in the stone.

Oh well, maybe next time it will come out. We then headed over to the castle to watch Wishes. We got lucky and found a perfect spot. Plus it wasn’t long before the show was set to start.

Don’t you just love that moment when you hear the music and the first firework goes shooting across the sky and you hear “Starlight, starbright.” I love that feeling!

Sigh. I think I could go and watch Wishes every night. Our little girl loved them too! I think we may have spoiled her though. When we were in VA and watching some fireworks, she totally thought we were going to Disney. She kept asking when we were going to see the castle. I have to say, I love that I have passed on my love of Disney to her.

Once we were done with Wishes, the park was closing so we were following the mass crowds of people out of the park. DH kept telling me that he felt like we were cattle and we were being herded out. It was funny since you totally got that feeling. I think he even let out a “moooo” here and there. I do have to admit, that as crazy as it was getting out of the park. Disney does it well. We were out of the park and on a monorail within 10-15 minutes. Not bad at all.

Up next: Cape May breakfast

 

[Dancegrl624]

Ok, you totally just gave me goosebumps with the first fireworks picture!!! I adore Wishes and cry everytime I see it. Even when I listen to the cd I get teary eyed.

Love the pics on the TTA. Sometimes I want to put my hands up in the air too. It's just so relaxing and the view is amazing. I have to remember to take pics next time!

I love the light-up wand that your DD picked out. Right up my alley (Tink's my girl). Old Navy sells light-up halloween things and I might buy one for Madison once we get them in the store. It will be perfect for the Boo to You parade during MNSSHP.

 

[dawnbu40]

Your castle and fireworks pictures are beautiful! It sounds like a really fun evening despite being herded like cattle

 

[heaven2dc]

What cute pics from TTA and Speedway I'm so glad she enjoyed both rides plus Wishes! We always hang back after Wishes and shop while everyone else gets herded out (Disney won't throw you out if you want to buy something!).

 

[SoonerGirl]

Oh, I'm so glad your DD had fun on a few rides at MK that evening - she looks like she's having a blast! And Wishes, who doesn't love Wishes? Seeing your update makes me want to listen the CD, I think I'll have to pull that out later tonight I totally get what you mean about feeling like cattle at the end of the night too - moo is right!

 

[tinkgurl]

Aw..I just loved everything about this update! From the TTA...to the racecars..to the pic of the back of the Castle.

The Little Guy WANTED to ride Astro Orbiter. I said no way. Not until he's bigger!

 

[RachelNinja]

Well, I just got a BN coupon in my inbox so I think I'll use it to buy the 2nd book. Are they all good? I've never been on a cruise, so that would be interesting to read about too. I wonder if Ursula would then make an appearance?

I personally think none of them beat the 1st book, but that could be because I love that it takes place in MK! The 2nd book takes place in AK, and I've only been there once in my entire life, so I couldn't really picture everything that happened. It is kind of fun that way though because when I see pics on TRs of places that are mentioned in KK2, I get really excited to know that Finn and the others were there!

Haha, for some things, it caused a different kind of reaction. I had never been to One Man's Dream before, so I read it in KK1 without knowing what it looked. When Weird and I went in April, it was slightly creepy because I "knew" what happened there!

I know I'm going to be reading every book that comes out though. I just need to know what happens to the characters!

 

[LilAnn]

Ok, you totally just gave me goosebumps with the first fireworks picture!!! I adore Wishes and cry everytime I see it. Even when I listen to the cd I get teary eyed.

Love the pics on the TTA. Sometimes I want to put my hands up in the air too. It's just so relaxing and the view is amazing. I have to remember to take pics next time!

I love the light-up wand that your DD picked out. Right up my alley (Tink's my girl). Old Navy sells light-up halloween things and I might buy one for Madison once we get them in the store. It will be perfect for the Boo to You parade during MNSSHP.

I love Wishes too! If I watch videos of it, I always get goose bumps and just so happy! What cd do you have that has the music for Wishes? I need to get one!

I need to remember to take more pics on TTA next time. I was kicking myself that I had just put the camera away on one of the rides, and then the ride stopped in SM with the lights ON! I I wish I had gotten a photo of the tracks.

Old Navy always has such fun seasonal stuff. I need to get some of those collectible tees with the 30% discount!

Your castle and fireworks pictures are beautiful! It sounds like a really fun evening despite being herded like cattle

Thanks, it was the best I could do with my little point and shoot. I would love to get a really nice camera one day after seeing everyone else's disney pics. Every day was a fun day in Disney!

What cute pics from TTA and Speedway I'm so glad she enjoyed both rides plus Wishes! We always hang back after Wishes and shop while everyone else gets herded out (Disney won't throw you out if you want to buy something!).

We debated that too, but the stores were also packed and our little girl was pretty sleepy. So we just followed the herd of people out.

Oh, I'm so glad your DD had fun on a few rides at MK that evening - she looks like she's having a blast! And Wishes, who doesn't love Wishes? Seeing your update makes me want to listen the CD, I think I'll have to pull that out later tonight I totally get what you mean about feeling like cattle at the end of the night too - moo is right!

Which cd to do you have? Is it the 4 parks on 1 cd that you posted a pic of on your TR? I need to get one. I do have to say, that even though we felt like cattle, it was pretty efficient.

Aw..I just loved everything about this update! From the TTA...to the racecars..to the pic of the back of the Castle.

The Little Guy WANTED to ride Astro Orbiter. I said no way. Not until he's bigger!

Eek! I don't think I want to ride Astro Orbiter - soo high up! Looks like your little guy was way more adventerous than my little gal! She would ask us if we were in line for a ride each time since she was afraid of all rides!

I personally think none of them beat the 1st book, but that could be because I love that it takes place in MK! The 2nd book takes place in AK, and I've only been there once in my entire life, so I couldn't really picture everything that happened. It is kind of fun that way though because when I see pics on TRs of places that are mentioned in KK2, I get really excited to know that Finn and the others were there!

Haha, for some things, it caused a different kind of reaction. I had never been to One Man's Dream before, so I read it in KK1 without knowing what it looked. When Weird and I went in April, it was slightly creepy because I "knew" what happened there!

I know I'm going to be reading every book that comes out though. I just need to know what happens to the characters!

Oh, I can just imagine how creepy the book could be in AK. I was already all creeped out imagining Maleficient in the first book all over the place. I think my book will arrive today, but I have to work tonight so I guess I'll just have to wait a bit longer before I start reading it.