Party of 5's First family trip to WDW! Just back from POR 6/16 *update 8/13 thoughts

[cjhinch]

Well, I sure feel silly! I had no idea I had missed so many updates! You move fast, and I LOVE it! LOL I went back and got caught up, and I am pretty sure that Lauren had on of the same FGIT that Allie had back in September. Not the one who was doing her hair, but the one that does the makeup/nails! I prefer the fairytale princess hairdo as well, and Allie says that is what she wants again next time we go (which is not next year like she thinks! )

I can totally relate to how you and dh were feeling when you couldn't find/reach each other at MGM. You are both mad at each other, but it is really noone's fault.

Now you have got me nervous about the PSB Lunch. I haven't even looked at the menus.....I guess I should be doing that!

Again, I love seeing pics of your kids. They have such great smiles, and it sounds like they must get along well because you haven't had any complaints of bickering! Mine bicker WAY too much.....the 10 year old with the 4 year old the most! Very frustrating! LOL

 

[ampc3]

wow- sorry about the "rain incident" but it sounds like an amazing day!

It was a great day until the rain... at least that was the only really bad rain all week! WE loved HS.

No other way to say it... that is terrible. When I was probably in HS that same type of thing happened at MK (before cell phone days) and my parents were not too happy with each other. Dad had us kids in line for Splash Mountain and mom was well not with us... it does dampen the mood- no pun intended.

As for choice C- HS is so hard to do if you take a break in one day.... so many shows, things only in the PM. I would have chosen C too.

Glad you liked your lunch and all the stuff you did though!

Thanks! We did have a great day, there is just soo much to see there with all the shows, that is another hard park to really plan for!

Sorry about the rain issue. It could happen to any family that has to split up. You would think that you would be fine with cell phones, huh? That was so cool that your kids got picked for Jedi Training. I wanted my DS to do it but he didn't want to even try to get picked.

WE had problems with our cells alot throught out the trip never showing missed calls etc.. My Ds loved the Jedi training, it is alot of fun for them!

Well, the day started off well, didn't it?

I love the HSM pic of Lauren! That is too cute!

Hurray for riding TSM, and Joey and Lauren getting picked for the Jedi Training Academy!

We loved eating at Sci-Fi last June -- those clips always crack us up -- we did the same thing, put the kids up front and we sat in the back.

That rain storm was horrendous, wasn't it? Glad you were able to meet back up eventually!

I read somewhere the big hat got struck by lightning -- did you hear anything about that?

I wouldn't doubt it about the hat, there was thunder and lighting everywhere! Thank goodness that was the only bad storm all week.. We would have totally missed it, if we would have left right after ToT...

You can't have a plan for everything, you did the best you could with a rotten situation. The park looked packed, sounds like y'all had a great time until the rain....

We just love HS, yes even best thought out plans don't always work out in the end..

Hi! Just checking in and enjoying your TR. We are going to WDW in August, so we're living vicariously through you folks while we wait.

Looking forward to more report updates!

You will have soo much fun in August!!! Thanks for joining us!

Hi, I'm LOVING your report. I'm subscribing so as not to miss a thing! I tried to do a PTR myself but it didn't seem to catch on so I deleted it!
Well, happy writing...your fans await!!!
P.S. thanks for answereing my PM so fast, I will check it out for my next trip.

Thanks for the kind words and coming along You should do a TR when you get back, it is alot of fun and helps getting over the PDD... Post Disney Depression...

Too funny about the rain and separation. It's only funny to me because it sounds like our family. DH is always giving me grief about not answering my phone, so that would be me, and DH would be you leaving the not so nice message about "where are YOU!"
Great installment. And you are not a bad mommy for taking your kid in the rain and lightning. It just gives her a great story. "remember that time..."

Our phones totally didn't work right! Thanks, and that is true she will have some memories of that for sure!!

Well, I sure feel silly! I had no idea I had missed so many updates! You move fast, and I LOVE it! LOL I went back and got caught up, and I am pretty sure that Lauren had on of the same FGIT that Allie had back in September. Not the one who was doing her hair, but the one that does the makeup/nails! I prefer the fairytale princess hairdo as well, and Allie says that is what she wants again next time we go (which is not next year like she thinks! )


I can totally relate to how you and dh were feeling when you couldn't find/reach each other at MGM. You are both mad at each other, but it is really noone's fault.

Now you have got me nervous about the PSB Lunch. I haven't even looked at the menus.....I guess I should be doing that!

Again, I love seeing pics of your kids. They have such great smiles, and it sounds like they must get along well because you haven't had any complaints of bickering! Mine bicker WAY too much.....the 10 year old with the 4 year old the most! Very frustrating! LOL

Thanks for joining and coming along!! That is neat about the FGIT, they all seemed soo nice. I didn't realize there would be more than one working on them.
I'll have to come by and check out your PTR...

so true about no one's fault. We were just really frustrated with the whole thing and not thinking ahead.. We knew the rain was coming.. Live and Learn.

oh no, believe me my kids fight! They were great the first part of the trip, but little by little after day 4 they started going back to their "old ways"
We had to have some "talks" along the way....

 

[ampc3]

wow! You had me on the edge of my seat with that installment!! I just wrote down on a pad I have near the computer - have a PLAN in case of separating or rain!!! I imagine you weren't the only family to get separated by the rain storm. Glad to hear you survived! I'm still in awe of your planning skills and all the rides you get done. I"m not sure I understand the whole child swap thing yet and I know we'll be doing that with our 2 year old. How does it work? YOu stand in line as a family and then you get a child swap pass while your DH goes on with the other kids and you step aside with the young one. Do you wait there until he gets off or come back later wtih your child swap pass?

Yes have a plan~ We did have a great time!

The child swap is a great perk for those with smaller kids. Most (not all) of the rides you receive your swap pass at the Fast Past return line, where you "show" your younger child. Then the first parent and older kids( if there are any) go through the FP line with there FP's.. The other parent can wait outside with the younger child. Some of the places have playgrounds or other stuff to do near by while you wait. OR you can just come back ANY time LATER in the same day to use your child swap which will then be used like a Fast Pass, and you can bring up to 2 extra people on your pass for a total of 3!
We figured out that the time it takes you to do the Land, is pretty much the same for Soarin. The time it takes to do TTA works out well for Space Mt.
The time it takes to take the train around for Splash Mt. (but there is a playground near by also) We didn't wait around for both of us to get our turns usually, b/c it was just to long for Emma to sit and wait, we usually came back later.. Good luck with it

 

[jojo0612]

and I'm loving it! Your children are adorable and looks like they are having a great time!

Can I ask what time your dinner was at O'hanna's? We are eating there for the first time in September and was trying to catch the water parade too, but wasn't sure what time it started!

Can't wait to read the next installment!

 

[Blessed_wth_Triplets]

Just joining in...LOVE it! So happy your kids were picked for ST...my boys would flip!!!

 

[nts4wdw]

Great pictures! I Love Scifi! Sorry about the rain incident! That Florida rain is something! Looking forward to DTD.

 

[mayan mama]

Great TR! We are going for our first trip in Sept.......we can't wait! You all look like your having a great time! How do you get 1st trip pins?

 

[goofy4themouse]

I am enjoying your trip report. Getting separated from the rest of the group is terrifying in my opinion. I am so thankful for cell phones. But you can't count on those if the other person isn't answering.

I look forward to reading more about your trip.

 

[Ms Sleepy]

Hi I am really enjoying you trip report, and The picture of your DS with the HSM stuff was really lovely, my DD 8 would really love it she is HSM mad, and really loves Sharpay . We are going to POR next May and are all really excited about it, it is our DD's first trip to WDW in Florida has been to the one in Paris, but from experience I know it's not the same doesn't have the same magic about it. She is already planning on the BBB and the pictures of your 2 DD's looked gorgeous can't wait to show her when she comes home from school.

What did you think about POR and the food they served there? Do you know it they offer cereal's in the foodcourt for breakfast? Sorry to be asking all these questions but as you've just come back it is all still fresh in your mind.

Thanks

 

[ampc3]

and I'm loving it! Your children are adorable and looks like they are having a great time!

Can I ask what time your dinner was at O'hanna's? We are eating there for the first time in September and was trying to catch the water parade too, but wasn't sure what time it started!

Can't wait to read the next installment!

Thank you so much for the comments. Our dinner ressie was for 6:20 we waited about 15-20 min. The kids played on the beach for awhile before the parade started, I think it started around 9ish.

Just joining in...LOVE it! So happy your kids were picked for ST...my boys would flip!!!

Thanks for finding us! Yes my DS loved the star wars thing

Great pictures! I Love Scifi! Sorry about the rain incident! That Florida rain is something! Looking forward to DTD.

Thanks, yes the food at Sci-Fi was good too.

Great TR! We are going for our first trip in Sept.......we can't wait! You all look like your having a great time! How do you get 1st trip pins?

You will LOVE your first trip! They gave us the pins on checking in, if they don't just ask for them at check in. They are the big metal type pins tho, not for your lanyard.

I am enjoying your trip report. Getting separated from the rest of the group is terrifying in my opinion. I am so thankful for cell phones. But you can't count on those if the other person isn't answering.

I look forward to reading more about your trip.

Yes it does cause a problem when the Cell phones aren't working right that is for sure!

Hi I am really enjoying you trip report, and The picture of your DS with the HSM stuff was really lovely, my DD 8 would really love it she is HSM mad, and really loves Sharpay . We are going to POR next May and are all really excited about it, it is our DD's first trip to WDW in Florida has been to the one in Paris, but from experience I know it's not the same doesn't have the same magic about it. She is already planning on the BBB and the pictures of your 2 DD's looked gorgeous can't wait to show her when she comes home from school.

What did you think about POR and the food they served there? Do you know it they offer cereal's in the foodcourt for breakfast? Sorry to be asking all these questions but as you've just come back it is all still fresh in your mind.

Thanks

Wow disney in Paris how cool! Your DD will love the little dancing singing show they do at HS for HSM2 also.... BBB is soo much fun! she will love it.

POR is very pretty, lots of trees etc.. it is very big tho, very spread out. If you want to be in the AB section, I would definitly request either building 14 or 18 upon checking in. The food was just ok, in my book. But to be honest we didnt' eat a whole lot there. They did have a pasta and salad bar station, that you customize your self that looked good.
They did also have a yogart and cereal bar that you could pick your own toppings and cereal etc.. HTH

Thanks for joining us from so far away

 

[DisneyJo]

How cool your kids got chosen for the Jedi Training, it looks lots of fun.

I can't wait to ride TSM but wow it sounds as though that queue gets long fast

OMG the rain sounded terrible and getting seperated too!

 

[Maria_O]

Love your trip report! Ouch about the rain and getting separated!
We're staying at POR during our first trip next January, have requested either building 14 or 18, let's see what we'll get.

 

[ampc3]

How cool your kids got chosen for the Jedi Training, it looks lots of fun.

I can't wait to ride TSM but wow it sounds as though that queue gets long fast

OMG the rain sounded terrible and getting seperated too!

Yes, you do need to get to TSM asap for FP,s and the stand by line, it is such a great ride. Thankfully that was the only really bad rain the whole week.

Love your trip report! Ouch about the rain and getting separated!
We're staying at POR during our first trip next January, have requested either building 14 or 18, let's see what we'll get.

Good luck with your room requests, just double check also when you check in. You will love the resort it is really beautiful. Thanks for joining us!

 

[ampc3]

Hi everyone, sorry I have been slow this week to get my updates going. I am working on the next installments, but have a busy weekend so don't know how much I will get done.

My neighborhood is having a 80's party tonight should be fun! I'll try and take some pictures to post.

 

[ta2edgoofy]

wow, im sorry about the rain, wind breakers are really good for that, they are lightweight and if you get a good one the rain will bead off and keep you pretty dry underneath

 

[MegansMom]

Annette--how awful that you got stuck in that horrible storm!! I know you know this now, but there was a tornado warning out at that time, and the Sorcerer's Hat at HS was struck by lightning that day! I don't know if that makes you feel better that you made it through all of that, or worse that you were out in that!!! Great update!!! Jen

 

[ampc3]

Tuesday June 10ay3 part 2


So I believe we left off coming back from that horrible storm to dry off and change clothes. We decided to just take an easy this evening and go to Downtown Disney for dinner and some shopping. We also decided we didn’t want to deal with the bus tonight, so we drove ourselves.

I knew that I really wanted to try Earl of Sandwich after reading others TR’s about it. DH loves sandwiches so this is right up his alley. The kids weren’t so crazy about their choices, they aren’t really big sandwich eaters. I am sorry no pictures to share, I am starting to notice a trend that as each day goes by I seem to take less and less pictures.

So I ordered the original earl sandwich, Dh ordered some Italian type sandwich, the kids got the pizza sandwich to split. It was all really good, prefect for what we were looking for something fast and not super heavy.

After we ate, the kids gift cards were burning in their hands to spend!
We went to Once Upon a Toy Store, Joey knew right away he wanted to make your own light saber. So Dh helped him do that, it was very cute.

The girls and I went to the other part of the store, and Emma said she wanted the make your own little pony box thing.. Ok so I ended up spending a good 25min trying to figure out the best way to fit everything in etc, I finally figured it out and got 3 ponies , the bed and ALL the little outfits and most of the accessions!

We are in line to check out and for whatever reason Emma changes her mind, and doesn’t want it! In hind sight I did keep asking her if she was sure, b/c I knew she would play with it now but not so sure once she got home. I guess I put enough doubt in her mind. She said she didn’t want it anymore.. So back in the bins it went.

Joey's finished product!

We then went over to the Lego store, it was getting late , no one had naps today so attitudes were getting cranky by all. The Lego store was soo crowded, I just didn’t want to deal with it. The girls had to go to the bathroom, and we couldn’t find one close. We didn’t realize there was one right next door at the world of Disney until a few days later..
We decided to call it a night and drive back to the hotel. The kids played with some of the things they got and then went to bed. It was probably around 10:30.

Next up: our full day @ MK

 

[Charleston Princess]

I can totally understand the indecision of children -- wait until you hear about our DtD morning!

We loved Earl of Sandwich for breakfast -- I can't wait to try it for lunch or dinner sometime!!! Your choices sound soooo good!

Joey's lightsaber is VERY cool!

Great update and you know, I can't wait for more!

 

[timandlesley]

Great update, thanks for the nice things you said about my family It was great meeting you as well. I am so happy you got to experience RNR, it is such an awesome ride, so sorry for the rain incident and not being able to reach your DH on the cell phone, we had those moments and I know how frustrating that is. So cool both of your kids were picked for Jedi Training! Can't wait to see what happens next.
Lesley

 

[DisneyJo]

I can't believe she changed her mind about the pony stuff At least you now know how to fill the box with everything