Our First Trip as Parents! December 2012 TR - 8/6 OMG a TR link!

[afwdwfan]

We walked outside to the bus stop so we could catch a bus back to the MK, then realized, “Wait! We’re at GF you can only do the monorail or boat.” We decided to wait and see just in case there was a bus. And there was! The monorail was still down so they were bussing people to the MK. Is there always a bus to MK from GF anyway?

I thought they did offer bus service at all of the monorail resorts, but I don't know that for a fact. I do know that WL offers bus service in addition to the boats...


It is a good thing your DH decided to ride the Goofy coaster. He'd better get used to it, because you'll all be riding it a lot in a few years. It is definitely way too short though, especially if you have to wait 20 or 30 minutes.

I had one of those Goofy Glaciers too... a very nice use of a snack credit on a warm afternoon!

 

[Leshaface]

I thought they did offer bus service at all of the monorail resorts, but I don't know that for a fact. I do know that WL offers bus service in addition to the boats...


It is a good thing your DH decided to ride the Goofy coaster. He'd better get used to it, because you'll all be riding it a lot in a few years. It is definitely way too short though, especially if you have to wait 20 or 30 minutes.

I had one of those Goofy Glaciers too... a very nice use of a snack credit on a warm afternoon!

Okay, I wasn't sure if they offered bus service to MK, since they have the Monorail and the boat service. Geez, must be super nice to have 3 options of transportation I didn't know that about WL. In fact, that's one reason we never considered staying at the WL is because of the boat transportation to MK. Hmm, maybe that will get back into our list now! Thanks for mentioning this.

You're so right! Maybe DS will be too scared to ride Haha I doubt it! DH and I love all thrill rides, so i'm sure the thrill gene will be running through his blood

 

[afwdwfan]

I didn't know that about WL. In fact, that's one reason we never considered staying at the WL is because of the boat transportation to MK. Hmm, maybe that will get back into our list now! Thanks for mentioning this.

I've gotta say though, I loved the boat when we stayed there last year. It took a little bit longer than the bus, but you don't have to fold the stroller.

 

[Leshaface]

I've gotta say though, I loved the boat when we stayed there last year. It took a little bit longer than the bus, but you don't have to fold the stroller.

Don't you have to fold the stroller up though if it's a full boat? Or no?

 

[dizneeat]

I can't believe how much your DS has grown and how cute he is.

Love the new update, your GF pics are wonderful and I adore the gifts your mom got for her grandson!

 

[Leshaface]

I can't believe how much your DS has grown and how cute he is.

Love the new update, your GF pics are wonderful and I adore the gifts your mom got for her grandson!

It's so weird to see his one month pic and 4 month pic together. It seems like just yesterday I took that one month photo of him. Crazy how time flies!

Yay! Under 2 weeks for your vacation!

 

[afwdwfan]

Don't you have to fold the stroller up though if it's a full boat? Or no?

Potentially, I guess this could be the case if it is crowded enough, but we never ran into that scenario. There was always room either near the front or the back of the boat, and I'd always just head straight to one of those areas and stand with the stroller. I was never asked to fold it.

 

[DanieD0909]

Our little girl was born on 9/26...just a bit before yours! She also got the squirt for Xmas (and the Bambi, thumper, dumbo, and simba...just a bit spoiled from her Grammy). Anyways...in the last two weeks she just started playing with the squirt and can turn its head now and sorted move the feet...hope your DS is playing with him

 

[franandaj]

Love the updates! DS is too cute! He is growing up quckly!

 

[Leshaface]

Potentially, I guess this could be the case if it is crowded enough, but we never ran into that scenario. There was always room either near the front or the back of the boat, and I'd always just head straight to one of those areas and stand with the stroller. I was never asked to fold it.

Oh good. I wasn't sure if it got full, if you would have to break it down, but glad to hear you never had to do that.

Our little girl was born on 9/26...just a bit before yours! She also got the squirt for Xmas (and the Bambi, thumper, dumbo, and simba...just a bit spoiled from her Grammy). Anyways...in the last two weeks she just started playing with the squirt and can turn its head now and sorted move the feet...hope your DS is playing with him

Oh wow she got all of them! Fairly recently, he's been able to grab for squirt and 'play' with him by throwing his arms up and down, but hasn't been able to twist the legs or head just yet. He does keep pushing his dumbo though to hear the noise, which is so cute to hear. Especially if I leave the room for a little bit and then hear his Dumbo go off.

 

[DanieD0909]

So cute!!! I love spying on them when they think they are alone!!

Funny story...we went to visit my mom and her boyfriend...she was playing with them and just sort of started acting up and what not...she didn't think I was still in the room...I just said hey...hey...hey (in that mommy tone)...her head whipped around so fast!!! Moms here...oops better behave!! Lol!!!

 

[heathsf]

Yay! So glad that you're still able to make it to DL! Are you planning on doing RD that Thursday morning and staying there all day? You're not doing DCA right? You're going to get everything done at DL if you're there all day. That will be very nice I have a feeling you're going to be bored with DTD. It is so small compared to WDW's. I'm sure you'll love the World of Disney there though.

You'll be in Universal City, so does that mean after the wedding, you'll be going to Universal studios? Or just driving around that Sunday? I'm not too familiar with that part of LA.

Yup, we're only planning to do DL. I've read that it's so easy to park hop but I really don't want to feel like we have to run all over the place to get everything done. I've just accepted that there will have to be future trips back to DL in order to see everything, so for that one day I just want to soak up all the magic and have a fun/semi-relaxing day. Our plan right now for the last morning is to just sort of see DTD and have breakfast somewhere (maybe Earl of Sandwich after your last TR!) and then leave. I was really hoping we could start off on Wednesday night with some drinks at Trader Sam's but I think it's just going to be too late if we want to do a RD at DL. Our flight lands after 9pm PST so by the time we get the car and drive down... we'll have to see.

We are not going to Universal, that's just where the wedding happens to be. If Bobby agreed to a second theme park day, it definitely would have been spent at DCA, no ifs ands or buts about it We'll probably try to hit up the "must see" touristy things like Grauman's Chinese Theatre (which will just make me wish I was in WDW!! ) and seeing the Hollywood sign.

 

[heathsf]

Their treats counter was very impressive

I'M DROOLING!!!! And it's 5:52 am right now.

 

[monica23535]

I really enjoyed this update Lesha!


Great pictures of the GF, I love it there at Christmastime.

I really don't know why they made the Barnstormer ride so short! Surely letting the riders go around the track one more time wouldn't have killed them lol

That last picture of Calvin is so stinking cute!! I could just eat him....he had better watch out hehe

 

[Pinkocto]

Calvin is so CUTE!!!!

Love the GF pictures, I think that place is so gorgeous. What happened to all your moms purchases? She was bag-less.

Glad lunch was still good. I at first didn't see the arm so was like when you said hair and salad in the same sentence

 

[blabbermouth]

GF and Christmas decorations just go so well together! Looks like you had a fun time there. I'm surprised by how often Calvin seems to be awake and happy, very lucky!

 

[Leshaface]

So cute!!! I love spying on them when they think they are alone!!

Funny story...we went to visit my mom and her boyfriend...she was playing with them and just sort of started acting up and what not...she didn't think I was still in the room...I just said hey...hey...hey (in that mommy tone)...her head whipped around so fast!!! Moms here...oops better behave!! Lol!!!

Exactly! I used to be able to walk into a room without him noticing me, but now that he's getting older and is more aware of things, i'm finding myself kind of sneaking around him because if he sees me he'll start whining!

Yep! He knows the sound of my voice too! it's so cute!

Yup, we're only planning to do DL. I've read that it's so easy to park hop but I really don't want to feel like we have to run all over the place to get everything done. I've just accepted that there will have to be future trips back to DL in order to see everything, so for that one day I just want to soak up all the magic and have a fun/semi-relaxing day. Our plan right now for the last morning is to just sort of see DTD and have breakfast somewhere (maybe Earl of Sandwich after your last TR!) and then leave. I was really hoping we could start off on Wednesday night with some drinks at Trader Sam's but I think it's just going to be too late if we want to do a RD at DL. Our flight lands after 9pm PST so by the time we get the car and drive down... we'll have to see.

We are not going to Universal, that's just where the wedding happens to be. If Bobby agreed to a second theme park day, it definitely would have been spent at DCA, no ifs ands or buts about it We'll probably try to hit up the "must see" touristy things like Grauman's Chinese Theatre (which will just make me wish I was in WDW!! ) and seeing the Hollywood sign.

It is ridiculously easy to PH and you'll see why when you get there. DCA is literally right across the esplanade from DL. It's so much different from WDW, that's for sure.

Aw man! That would be awesome if you could get to Trader Sams. Such a cool place. Or if you're really trying to get somewhere for drinks, the Grand Californian is much closer and they have a nice, relaxing lounge. I believe it's called the Hearthstone Lounge, and you can enter the hotel via Downtown Disney. I'm pretty sure it stays open until 11pm. Your drive from LAX to DL should be easy and you shouldn't hit traffic so you should get there in less than 40 minutes.

How sad am I? I've never done Grauman's Theater. I have 'seen' the Hollywood Sign from freeways and somewhat from the Hollywood Bowl but that's pretty much it

I'm so excited for you and i'm anxious to hear what you think of DL.

Their treats counter was very impressive

I'M DROOLING!!!! And it's 5:52 am right now.

Pfft, you're telling me. I can look at this at any time of day and want all of this!

I really enjoyed this update Lesha!


Great pictures of the GF, I love it there at Christmastime.

I really don't know why they made the Barnstormer ride so short! Surely letting the riders go around the track one more time wouldn't have killed them lol

That last picture of Calvin is so stinking cute!! I could just eat him....he had better watch out hehe

Seriously right?! The wait can be so long and then once you board, you're already unloading Craziness, and i'm sure kids are like WTHeck!

That's one of my favorite pictures of DS too! All happy and cute

Calvin is so CUTE!!!!

Love the GF pictures, I think that place is so gorgeous. What happened to all your moms purchases? She was bag-less.

Glad lunch was still good. I at first didn't see the arm so was like when you said hair and salad in the same sentence

My mom learned rather quickly to use the stroller as a bag holder for all her purchases And that's okay because that stroller is pretty nice and has a good amount of room for storing things

I didn't even realize I took a picture of the food with an arm in the way! You'd think I would have caught that, but I was completely oblivious.

GF and Christmas decorations just go so well together! Looks like you had a fun time there. I'm surprised by how often Calvin seems to be awake and happy, very lucky!

He actually did better than we thought for being alert on this trip. He pretty much slept when we wanted him to sleep and was awake for other things that we wanted him to be awake for, so it really worked out

 

[Leshaface]

I left us off in the big souvenir tent, where DM was purchasing way to much stuff. So if you can recall, I had really wanted to ride Dumbo with DS, which was the whole reason of coming over to Fantasyland. However, it was already 3:45pm and do you know what tonight is???

MICKEY’S VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS PARTY!!!

Our original plan was to head back to AKV around 4 to get DM and DS situated for the night, since this was our date night. It was too late to ride Dumbo if we wanted to stick to our schedule, so we headed out knowing that the next time we came to MK, we MUST ride Dumbo.

It didn’t take us too long to catch a bus to AKL. We started discussing what would happen next. Since the first bus stop was at Kidani, DH would get the stroller off the bus for me and I would take DS back to the room to feed and him and get myself ready for the night, while DH and DM would take the bus to the Jambo house and go the Mara to get some dinner for DM so she wouldn’t have to leave the room that night. It worked out well! By the time I got back to the room, changed, and fed DS, they were walking through the door. DH did a few things and about 5:45 we were on the bus back to the MK!

The only big things I wanted to do for this party was the see the fireworks and catch the parade. I went with the MVMCP plan on Easywdw which told us to catch the second viewing for the parade and not the first. And since we weren’t catching the first parade showing at 8:30, we decided to grab some dinner and check out the rest of New Fantasyland.

We pulled up to the MK around 6:30 and quickly exchanged our etickets at will call for real tickets and went through the turnstiles where we were BOMBARADED with CM’s asking to see our tickets so they could put party wristbands on. Was actually pretty happy that there were so many CM’s there to enforce that this was a hard ticket event.

Then I saw the madness coming towards us as we were making our way down Main street.

Tons of people were exiting the park! Whoo hoo! It was a mad house trying to make our way down Main Street, but so much easier without a stroller. This was when I was happy we didn’t have DS with us. For dinner I gave us a few options. One was Casey’s Corner. So we checked that out first. No way! It was insanely busy. Second option was the Lunching Pad, where there was hardly any food options. Last option was Cosmic Ray’s. Score! Not a lot of people with a ton of options to choose from.

DH ordered some Chicken Breast Nuggets and asked if he could substitute his dessert for a side of something. The CM said absolutely so he got Chili Cheese Fries. The CM then proceeded to tell DH that he didn’t have to get a soft drink as his drink but that he could get an Iced Coffee instead. So he got an Iced French Vanilla Coffee.

I, for some reason, was craving a Deluxe Chili Cheese Dog and I got an iced tea to drink. I also got the Carrot Cake for dessert. It didn’t take long for us to get our food, but then noticed that as the CM was putting another Carrot Cake on our tray and we told him that we only ordered one Carrot Cake, and he said, “Don’t tell anyone.” What great service at this place!

Here is our tray of food. Yes. We are pigs and we know it.

And here is our view from our table

The food was excellent! And I’m not pleased to announce, that I ate every single bit of my chili dog, fries, and carrot cake. Haha!

After eating we made our way towards New Fantasyland and took some pictures along the way.

I wanted to go check out Gaston’s Tavern so as we were headed down that way, we again, got approached by about 2 or 3 CM’s asking to see our wristbands. They would not let ANYONE go through to this area unless you had a wristband on. Very cool that they were strict on this, since I’ve been reading that past parties haven’t been that strict.

Along the way we spotted these characters

The line was super long so decided to skip it. We had already discussed that we didn’t care too much about seeing characters tonight.

You can see the Beasts castle

DH’s favorite character (villain) is definitely Gaston. He loves him because he’s so conceited and doesn’t care who knows it. So a picture of DH in front of the fountain is called for.

Even though I was still super full from dinner, I was determined to try this new drink, LeFou’s Brew, I’ve been reading about here on the boards.

Apparently, this drink makes you feel more manly and confident?

Cleary, DH was in his element in this part of the park.

As for the drink, it was actually pretty tasty if you like frozen apple juice. Not gonna lie. A little rum would have made this even more delectable. But I think the drink is best on a hot day.

 

[tinkgurl]

Hey girl! Sorry I got behind. There's so much to comment on, so I'm going to sum it up:

Love the MK pictures- it's my favorite park!
I cannot wait to see the new Fantasyland! Beauty and the Beast is my favorite!

 

[afwdwfan]

Ok, a few things here...

First of all, love the bonus dessert. The CM experience at Cosmic Ray's seems like it was great for you guys! And I don't understand why you aren't pleased that you ate all of your food. That's what it is there for!!! Maybe you should have skipped Cosmic Rays and just got a pork shank instead since you were heading to Gaston's Tavern anyway... and yes, rum will make just about any drink better.


We did notice the CM's checking wristbands a little bit more this year than last. Last year we went on a cooler night. I had a sweatshirt on and my wrist band was underneath my sleeve all night. The only time I ever had a CM ask to see it was in the line for Tomorrowland Speedway, of all things. The checkpoints they had set up where they essentially blocked the entire walkway and you couldn't get through without showing it was a welcome addition, if you ask me. The only thing is it seemed like they disbanded after about the first hour or so. It seems to me like it would still be easy for someone without a band to hang out somewhere for a while and then still be in the park.