Our 2nd Shot at the Dream Team -TONS OF PICS. 10/28 New PTR LINK

[stagemomx3]

Sorry about the Jedi training. I refuse to go to it because I don't like the choose just a few kids things.

 

[lorican]

I am loving reading about your trip, especially since we were there at the same time. I kept scouting the lobby to see you or the boys but never did. I totally agree with giving the boys some opportunities...Even 8 boys 4 girls would have been okay.Silly...Good for your boys for being good sports about it.

Your pictures are fantastic. I'm looking through mine and they pale in comparison. (I'll cherish them anyway)

 

[carissanboys]

As a mom of all boys, I can understand your frustration. So sorry they didn't get chosen, but that's great that they took it so well

 

[Hanover]

My ds7 lives for Jedi Training. We flew down to WDW specifically for Star Wars Weekends last June. The year before, he'd seen Jedi training for the first time and was not chosen after a few attempts. He spent the year talking non- stop about Jedi training, even making his own Jedi training signs and conducting training for his friends. Last June we went to every single training session of the day, trying to get chosen. They chose many more kids during SWW, but it's also much more crowded. He was finally chosen the last child of the last training session of the day. He was thrilled beyond belief. We have been to WDW a few times since and he's managed to get picked once each time. We only allow him do do it once each trip so other kids get a chance. He bought a Jedi robe last summer and we noticed in October that the kids wearing jedi robes, Star Wars shirts, birthday pins, etc were chosen more often. He's worn his Jedi training shirt or SWW shirt and his robe in Oct, Dec and April and got picked in the first training session of the day. We get there early and get a spot up front in the middle on the short side of the stage. There were probably about 25 kids last week trying for the dozen spots. One girl was chosen while her 3 brothers weren't (and they weren't very happy for her).

We were chosen to open up Animal Kingdom on 4/26. We had never been very close to the turnstiles or at AK opening before so I was shocked. I guess being around the corner at AKL helped get us there before the masses. DS7 waved at some of the CM's walking by about 8:40 and they waved back. We didn't think anything of it since DS7 is always talking to anyone and everyone while ds10 is the shyest kid I know. About 10 minutes later, one of the CM's comes up behind us, taps ds7 on the shoulder and asks "how would you like to help open the park today?" He said "sure" and they took our annual passes and put them through the turnstiles and brought us to a room near guest servcies where they lent them little safari shirts to wear and gave them shakers to help "rile up the crowd." They each got a magical memories certificate for doing it and their names announced. DS10 didn't want to stand in front of the crowd at first, but changed his mind and was a good sport about it. They took the kids shirts and shakers back and led us to the rope drop area where Minnie and Goofy did their opening show with Mickey. Several people around us asked us if we paid to open the park, and one woman said she was mad they were next to us and didn't get picked. She said had their kids in matching outfits and had gotten there before us hoping to get chosen.

We lucked out with 3 other dreams last week: dream fast passes on 4/27 at DHS at One Man's Dream, dream fast passes on 4/29 while at Conservation Station and Dream ears crossing a bridge at Epcot on 4/28. On our other trips in the last year, we got dream fast passes once at Epcot at the Mission Space game. This trip we also had a near miss of lanyards at the TOT. We were in the left room and the right got them.

 

[Jeanine3kids]

As a mother of 2 boys and 1 girl, I think it is very wrong that your sons did not get picked and your right about a lot more things going on for girls my DS6 is always complaining about his sisters activities however we have taken him to CRT and Princess story book breakfast and he had a blast. AT Crt they give the boys a sword.

 

[dddisrunner]

Great first day Diane I think it's funny how everyone has different ideas of what constitutes hot and cold weather. I think 83 is too hot for walking around Disney, you thought it was just right, and obviously some others thought it was too cold. LOL

The weather can be tricky! I guess it depends on where you're from and what you're used to!

Sorry about the Jedi training. I refuse to go to it because I don't like the choose just a few kids things.

Thanks! The boys really were so good about not being chosen, I thought about skipping it but they wanted no part of missing it!

I am loving reading about your trip, especially since we were there at the same time. I kept scouting the lobby to see you or the boys but never did. I totally agree with giving the boys some opportunities...Even 8 boys 4 girls would have been okay.Silly...Good for your boys for being good sports about it.

Your pictures are fantastic. I'm looking through mine and they pale in comparison. (I'll cherish them anyway)

Thanks so much Lori! I am sure your pictures are beautiful! Yes, I don't mind that girls got chosen but I def. think they should have chosen more girls than boys! Thanks for your sweet comments!

As a mom of all boys, I can understand your frustration. So sorry they didn't get chosen, but that's great that they took it so well

Thanks Carissa, I was really proud of them!

My ds7 lives for Jedi Training. We flew down to WDW specifically for Star Wars Weekends last June. The year before, he'd seen Jedi training for the first time and was not chosen after a few attempts. He spent the year talking non- stop about Jedi training, even making his own Jedi training signs and conducting training for his friends. Last June we went to every single training session of the day, trying to get chosen. They chose many more kids during SWW, but it's also much more crowded. He was finally chosen the last child of the last training session of the day. He was thrilled beyond belief. We have been to WDW a few times since and he's managed to get picked once each time. We only allow him do do it once each trip so other kids get a chance. He bought a Jedi robe last summer and we noticed in October that the kids wearing jedi robes, Star Wars shirts, birthday pins, etc were chosen more often. He's worn his Jedi training shirt or SWW shirt and his robe in Oct, Dec and April and got picked in the first training session of the day. We get there early and get a spot up front in the middle on the short side of the stage. There were probably about 25 kids last week trying for the dozen spots. One girl was chosen while her 3 brothers weren't (and they weren't very happy for her).

We were chosen to open up Animal Kingdom on 4/26. We had never been very close to the turnstiles or at AK opening before so I was shocked. I guess being around the corner at AKL helped get us there before the masses. DS7 waved at some of the CM's walking by about 8:40 and they waved back. We didn't think anything of it since DS7 is always talking to anyone and everyone while ds10 is the shyest kid I know. About 10 minutes later, one of the CM's comes up behind us, taps ds7 on the shoulder and asks "how would you like to help open the park today?" He said "sure" and they took our annual passes and put them through the turnstiles and brought us to a room near guest servcies where they lent them little safari shirts to wear and gave them shakers to help "rile up the crowd." They each got a magical memories certificate for doing it and their names announced. DS10 didn't want to stand in front of the crowd at first, but changed his mind and was a good sport about it. They took the kids shirts and shakers back and led us to the rope drop area where Minnie and Goofy did their opening show with Mickey. Several people around us asked us if we paid to open the park, and one woman said she was mad they were next to us and didn't get picked. She said had their kids in matching outfits and had gotten there before us hoping to get chosen.

We lucked out with 3 other dreams last week: dream fast passes on 4/27 at DHS at One Man's Dream, dream fast passes on 4/29 while at Conservation Station and Dream ears crossing a bridge at Epcot on 4/28. On our other trips in the last year, we got dream fast passes once at Epcot at the Mission Space game. This trip we also had a near miss of lanyards at the TOT. We were in the left room and the right got them.

WOW! You certainly were sprinkled with lots of pixie dust, that is awesome! I agree, if my boys were chosen we would not have gone back the rest of the trip!

As a mother of 2 boys and 1 girl, I think it is very wrong that your sons did not get picked and your right about a lot more things going on for girls my DS6 is always complaining about his sisters activities however we have taken him to CRT and Princess story book breakfast and he had a blast. AT Crt they give the boys a sword.

I was more upset about the way the Jedi Master handled the situation, then because the boys didn't get picked. I just think he should have chosen more boys, but it all worked out in the end! That's great about the sword for your DS. Thanks so much for posting!

 

[dddisrunner]

Day 2 part 2

Ok so we left off with the total bust at Jedi Training Academy! After the boys weren't chosen, we moved to the back so the parents and sibling of the children who did get chosen could see better. We stayed for most of it and then left right before the kids fought Darth Vader. We headed over to the the Great Movie Ride but we fastpassed Star Tours first! The line for the GMR wasn't to bad so we were on within about 6-7 minutes! The only stinky part is that we were in the way back. It was nice to just sit and relax for a minute! Bryan and Matthew went to Rockin Rollercoaster to use the FP from this morning and Eric and I FP the Tower of Terror! That kid cannot not get enough of this ride, he just LOVES it!

Then the boys and Bryan head back over to Star Tours to use their fastpasses! Of course when they were done we spent about 15 minutes in the gift shop Eric couldn't decide what he wanted so we told him we would come back later or another day, and surprisingly he was OK with that! We were all starving and decided to eat at Toy Story Pizza Planet! I know alot of people don't like it here but we really enjoyed it! The boys shared a meal and Bryan and I shared a meal and it was the perfect amount of food for us!

Eric being silly!

Matthew with his cookie! YUM!

Matthew trying to get in the way of the picture!

After our yummy lunch, we headed to The Magic of Disney Animation, I was so excited to finally get to draw, I had never done this! In honor of Earth Day we drew Jiminy Cricket!

Here is mine...

Here is Eric's with a little help from Bryan...

Here is Matthew's, not too bad for 8 years old!

We had so much fun!!! After the class we stopped and took a picture in front of this scene....

Then we traveled back over to the Tower of Terror....

Here is the standby wait time....

Thankfully we had fastpasses! Eric purchased a room key to the Hollywood Tower Hotel and thought that was the neatest thing ever!

Now it was my turn to ride Rockin Rollercoaster with Matthew! While we were inside, Bryan took this picture of Eric in front of the guitar!

We were starting to get a little tired so we left to go swim at the AKL! We waited about 10 minutes for our bus and we were off! Here is a pic. of the boys on the bus on the back! I think it is so cute with the back of their heads like that!

Coming up next...Over the river and through the woods to Kona Cafe we go!

 

[NMAmy]

I am SO far behind! I'm glad you had a good time at Restaurant Marakesh. I that place. AND I have the same exact picture of the sign out front.

It's a bummer the boys didn't get chosen for the Jedi Academy. Next time, you'll need to take Caitlin with you. Darn girls.

I just love your pictures, Diane. You all just look so HAPPY and that makes me smile. Can't wait to read more!

 

[Tanya90210]

Sorry the boys didn't get picked for the Jedi Academy.... Glad to see he liked ToT... It's a blast

 

[kaysmommie]

Loved the update and pictures! Sounds like you had a blast except the boys not getting chosen for Jedi training. I agree with you they need to pick way more boys than girls for this. Also it stinks because the CM knew your boys were hoping to get picked because of their shirts and enthusiasm. My DD would probably like it since she plays Star Wars with the boys at school she has to be Princess Lei (spelling). But I think it's time for Thomas to get some of her pixie dust . SOunds like AKL was really quick with the buses. Did you always have seats too? Please post pool time pics if you have any. Who knows I may upgrade if possible. Edited to add, I love your Jiminy pictures, there really good!

 

[IluvXU]

Great Day at MGM.... you got a lot done before your break! Sorry about the Star Wars thing... I agree there is a lot for girls, and this should be more of a boy thing! I hope someday they have a boy meal!

BTW your boys are just too cute! Love the picture with the key....

 

[dddisrunner]

I am SO far behind! I'm glad you had a good time at Restaurant Marakesh. I that place. AND I have the same exact picture of the sign out front.

It's a bummer the boys didn't get chosen for the Jedi Academy. Next time, you'll need to take Caitlin with you. Darn girls.

I just love your pictures, Diane. You all just look so HAPPY and that makes me smile. Can't wait to read more!

I wish we did have Cait with us! Thanks Amy! We really were very happy!

Sorry the boys didn't get picked for the Jedi Academy.... Glad to see he liked ToT... It's a blast

Thanks Tanya! TOT thrills him and scares the bejesus out of him all at the same time and I think that's why he loves it sooo much!

Loved the update and pictures! Sounds like you had a blast except the boys not getting chosen for Jedi training. I agree with you they need to pick way more boys than girls for this. Also it stinks because the CM knew your boys were hoping to get picked because of their shirts and enthusiasm. My DD would probably like it since she plays Star Wars with the boys at school she has to be Princess Lei (spelling). But I think it's time for Thomas to get some of her pixie dust . SOunds like AKL was really quick with the buses. Did you always have seats too? Please post pool time pics if you have any. Who knows I may upgrade if possible.

AKL bussing is AWESOME, we never stood and neither did anyone else we traveled with! That is so cool that Kaylee likes Star Wars. I wouldn't want to keep a little girl from being chosen, I just think more boys should be then girls! Thanks for posting Nichole!

Great Day at MGM.... you got a lot done before your break! Sorry about the Star Wars thing... I agree there is a lot for girls, and this should be more of a boy thing! I hope someday they have a boy meal!

BTW your boys are just too cute! Love the picture with the key....

Thanks so much! The whole Jedi thing eventually worked itself out!

 

[swwake]

Thanks so much! The whole Jedi thing eventually worked itself out!

Ahhhh I love foreshadowing!!

 

[momtotanmanandraerae]

I have loved reading your trip updates so far! I also love that you are on it sooooo fast! I have a little grip about the jedi training thing too. We were there last trip 30 minutes before hand because my ds wanted to be picked so bad. We were front and center! When it came time to pick, he was not picked. They picked two boys that I saw walk up at the last minute. I was so mad!! I think they should have a line there and the first 12 kids should get to go up there. Give rewards to the people who wait for it. This also happened during Storytime with Belle. My little girl wanted to be in the story so we got there 30 minutes before and sat right in front. There was only one other little girl there when we got there. Lo and behold, she wasn't picked. My mother was with me for that one and steam was coming out of her head!! Oh well....we liked the story anyway. Just wish there was a way to give the people that came first a fair shot!

 

[SunnieRN]

I loved seeing the drawings you did! How much fun and what a great keepsake! You did darn good Mom!
I am always afraid of kids getting their feelings hurt with things like the jedi training. I know life is not fair, but disney is so magical I think we all have kind of a feeling that things "should" work out the right way.....unfortunately as you stated there are more girl "events" and the jedi master was not as thoughtful as he could have been by picking twice as many girls as boys!
I am glad for the hint that things may look up later!!
Thanks for such a wonderful chapter with great pictures! Looking forward to more!!

 

[addicted2dizney]

Loving the trip report so far, it's like reading chapters of a good book about my favorite subject! I was out today shopping and thinking to myself... hmmmm I wonder what's going to happen next! Love the pictures! You son is so cute! They must have been crazy not to pick him, he looks like the most enthusiastic Star Wars fan!

 

[bcbmom]

Looking forward to hearing about the Kona Cafe, we have reservations in September.

 

[Trentmom]

Sounds like you had a great time at DHS!!!

I am so with you on the boy thing....

I too would love a few more things geared towards boys....


Sounds like you have some daredevils on your hands...Hoping my DS is same way...

He rode Goofy Barnstormer 3 times in a row last year.

He is finally 40 inches and am ready to try some bigger rides with him

He looks at coasters and says he w ants to go Fast, Fast...so hoping he really means it


Great pics

 

[dddisrunner]

Ahhhh I love foreshadowing!!

I have loved reading your trip updates so far! I also love that you are on it sooooo fast! I have a little grip about the jedi training thing too. We were there last trip 30 minutes before hand because my ds wanted to be picked so bad. We were front and center! When it came time to pick, he was not picked. They picked two boys that I saw walk up at the last minute. I was so mad!! I think they should have a line there and the first 12 kids should get to go up there. Give rewards to the people who wait for it. This also happened during Storytime with Belle. My little girl wanted to be in the story so we got there 30 minutes before and sat right in front. There was only one other little girl there when we got there. Lo and behold, she wasn't picked. My mother was with me for that one and steam was coming out of her head!! Oh well....we liked the story anyway. Just wish there was a way to give the people that came first a fair shot!

That stinks that you had no so great experiences either It is so hard because you just know how much your own child wants it, of course every child there probably does too! Makes for a difficult situation!

I loved seeing the drawings you did! How much fun and what a great keepsake! You did darn good Mom!
I am always afraid of kids getting their feelings hurt with things like the jedi training. I know life is not fair, but disney is so magical I think we all have kind of a feeling that things "should" work out the right way.....unfortunately as you stated there are more girl "events" and the jedi master was not as thoughtful as he could have been by picking twice as many girls as boys!
I am glad for the hint that things may look up later!!
Thanks for such a wonderful chapter with great pictures! Looking forward to more!!

Thanks Sunnie, we really enjoyed drawing! Thanks for all your sweet comments!

Loving the trip report so far, it's like reading chapters of a good book about my favorite subject! I was out today shopping and thinking to myself... hmmmm I wonder what's going to happen next! Love the pictures! You son is so cute! They must have been crazy not to pick him, he looks like the most enthusiastic Star Wars fan!

Aww, thanks so much! That is so funny about the good book thing!

Looking forward to hearing about the Kona Cafe, we have reservations in September.

Kona Cafe coming right up!

Sounds like you had a great time at DHS!!!

I am so with you on the boy thing....

I too would love a few more things geared towards boys....


Sounds like you have some daredevils on your hands...Hoping my DS is same way...

He rode Goofy Barnstormer 3 times in a row last year.

He is finally 40 inches and am ready to try some bigger rides with him

He looks at coasters and says he w ants to go Fast, Fast...so hoping he really means it


Great pics

Hi Kelly! That is so exciting that your DS will be tall enough for some new rides this time around! Being a thrill seeker he will love all the new things he can go on!

 

[dddisrunner]

Day 2 Dinner and Magic Kingdom

So we left off going back to the AKL for some swimming and R&R, we quickly changed into our suits and headed down to the pool. Sorry, but we didn't bring the camera down to the pool today I promise I have plenty though on day 4! So we swam for awhile and Bryan and I ordered drinkd from the pool bar I had something called a pina colava and it was YUMMO! After about an hour and a half we headed back upstairs to get ready for dinner! We then headed down to the lobby and took some pictures before heading out to the Kona Cafe!

Behind the registration desk...

Bryan and the boys on one of the many couches in the lobby!

We then headed to the bus stop and tried to figure out the best way to get to Kona Cafe........... We waited for a Magic Kingdom bus to come, but after about 15 minutes none came so, we hopped on an Animal Kingdom bus because that was only a 5 minute bus ride! So we go to the AK and figured we would grab a POLY bus from there. Well, as soon as we arrived at AK a Transpotation and Ticket bus pulled up so we hopped on that thinking we could take the monorail to the Poly but then I remembered that we could walk from the T&TC to the Poly so thats what we did! The whole travel time was only 35 minutes After that excursion we walked into the Poly to see this.........

Simply gorgeous! I LOVE the Poly! We then made our way over to ....

We checked in and only waited about 5 minutes and we were seated! My first priority was getting one of these!

My arm looks humongous in that pic

I LOVED the Lapu Lapu! Guys I'm sorry we did not take pics. of our meals I ordered the Terriyaki Steak with Yukon gold potatoes and broccoli all I can say is OMG! I absolutely LOVE Kona! It is a MUST DO every trip! I forget what Bryan had but he loved his meal too! The fresh hawaaiin bread and macadamia nut butter are TO DIE FOR! I am dying for some right now!

Eric being silly!

Matthew enjoying a Coke (a vacation treat)

I ordered the Kona Cone for dessert, I was feeling giddy and kidlike after my Lapu Lapu The boys helped too!

Bryan ordered the Creme Brulee...

The boys had make your own ice cream sundaes! We all LOVED our meals here! After dinner we were headed to the Magic Kingdom for some rides and Wishes! Friends of ours from home were here to and they had eaten at Ohanas for dinner so we met up with them and went by monorail over to the Magic Kingdom! Now that Eric was tall enough the very first thing he wanted to go on was Space Mountain. Our friends had fastpasses but their kids didn't want to go so Bryan, Matthew, Eric and my friends DH went on together! I was a NERVOUS WRECK for Eric to go on, I was afraid he would fly out of the seat. Bryan said he would be fine and that he would keep his hands on his shoulders so..............I let him go! I was SO NERVOUS(did I mention that?) Anyway 10 minutes go by then 15 then 20 and I'm thinking holy crap Eric flew out and their giving him medical attention , why isn't anyone coming to get me! Well I decided to go to the exit and wait! Not 2 minutes later, this is what I see...........

Do you see the ear to ear grin!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

He was so excited and I was so relieved to see him!!!!!!!!!!!!! Bryan said that because of the bucket seats he was really nestled down in there and the lap bar came all the down to meet his legs! That made me feel so much better! Also, apparently they had technical difficulties and that's why it took so long!

We gathered everyone up and headed over to Indy Speedway! I sat with my friend and her DD3 while all the boys went on! We then went over to Monsters Inc. laugh floor and had a blast because all 4 of the boys kept getting their faces put up on the screen. We laughed so hard! Then it was time for Wishes! I am sad to report we did not have a great view because it was so close to starting time. We made our way all the way down Main St. and stood right below the train station. We only watched for about 5 minutes and then left to try and beat the crowds! I told Bryan I needed a do over because I didn't really get to see it! We were headed back to the AKL within 10 minutes and were asleep by 11:30!

Coming up a Magic Kingdom morning and major deviation from the PLAN!