PhD family trip Jan 4th to 11th

[DisneyPhD]

Trip report Jan 4th to 11th 2006 3rd and last trip for these AP. DVC members, but 1st time at SSR.

PhD family, Me (DW and mom 34 years old) DH 34 years old DD Little PhD 4 year old , will be 5 the end of March. This is her 8th trip to Orlando, 7th to WDW.
Baby PhD 17 months old. 3rd time to WDW. 1st time walking. Actually she just started walking a few weeks ago, and preferred to scoot most of the time on this trip.

Wednesday Jan 4th. Up at 4:00 am to leave the house at 4:45 am. Everything goes fine, and we end up sitting at the airport gate from 6:15 to almost 9:00 am before the flight takes off (7:50 take off time) They were waiting for a crew member to come. Still don’t know why they didn’t load us 1st then just take off when the crew member arrived, instead of waiting for her. When the plane rose above the clouds and the bright sun showed through, all us Detroiters breathed a collective sigh of relief. We were on our way to the sunshine state.

We get to Orlando just fine and get our rental car ( Alamo, a mid size SUV for $179 for 8 days, not bad deal.) It turns out to be a Saturn View and we were able to fit all our luggage, stroller and car seats in it fine (something DH was worried about.) We normally stop to shop, but the car was so full and we were running late so after lunch at Chick-fil-a we head to SSR to check in. Check in goes fine. Got many welcome homes from every CM we meet. The resort is very nice. We ended up in a first floor room in The Springs, building 35. It was a good location for us. We were pleased to find a towel animal (Minnie mouse) waiting for us in the room. We were thrilled with the warm weather (and knew it wouldn’t last all week) that we changed and headed to the pool. 3:00 on a Wednesday, member time. CM playing games with the kids, playing music and having a good time. My oldest even played and had a great time. The smaller slide is great for little kids. She loved it.

We had ADR for Ohana’s early tonight 5:00. So we headed over there in the car. Both girls fell asleep on the way there. DH decides to drive around and see where the road Contemporary is on goes to past MK. We take that for a while and then turn around. We let them sleep in the car for a few min and then the baby wakes as we take her out. Little PhD stays asleep in the stroller, and then goes back to sleep in the chair at Ohana’s. They didn’t have my food allergy listed (milk and eggs) but the chef came out and said they would make every meat special for us since they brush the beef with butter. It was all very good. After a while we decided DD had to wake up, we weren’t paying for $13 for her to sleep the whole time. DH took her for a walk and to the bathroom. This did the trick. She loves Ohana’s so I was glad she didn’t miss it. She had fun with the games and we all enjoyed the meal. We coxed DD to eating by saying we could go to MK if she did, so by time we were done it was only 6:30.

Off to MK we go on the monorail. It was busy, but not too bad. We road a few rides in FL and tmw land. The fire works were going off as we left small world. It is rather an interesting experience watching them from FL as they are going off in front and in back of you. You tend to get a bit of whiplash. The longest wait was the monorail back to Poly to get the car. We waited and then when the doors opened our car was full already. We didn’t know what to do, people were pushing us on so we got on. It was so full no one could move an inch. I was wearing the baby in the Bjorn and I was worried about people squishing her legs hanging out in front of me. They didn’t seem to care at all about it. My face was about 1 inch from this big guys armpit. Thank God it wasn’t really hot out. I normally am not bad in crowds, but small spaces get to me. This was a little of both and I had to do some deep breathing not to freak out. Thank God some people got off at Con. A ton got off at TTC, instead of using the direct line.

Back to the rooms girls were asleep. The fold out couch worked great for Little PhD as a bed, we didn’t even fold it out, just put the leather ottoman next to it so she wouldn’t fall off (she is a roller in her sleep.) The pack and play fit fine next to it, in front of the window. I have to admit that I didn’t sleep too well. I started getting obsessive about being on the 1st floor and felt very vulnerable, especially with the baby in front of the sliding door. All in all, the studio at SSR fit our family of 4 fine. The biggest problem was the lack of storage space and drawers. It made for a very messy time, but I tried not to let it bother me.

More later. Sorry so long. I tend to add little details people in simlar situations might be interested in.

 

[DisneyPhD]

Babies are natural alarm clocks, so I was up at 7:00 when she was. Normally I am very tired and try to coax her back to sleep, but not today. We showered and dressed and were waiting for the bus at 8:30. One for MK came shortly, but was full when it got to the bus stop (the last one on the route) Some people made it on, but our group and a few others didn’t (standing room only) Another couple told us they were going to the 1st stop across the way because this keeps happening(they said it was the 3rd bus that was full by the time it got to stop #4). Not 2 min later another MK bus pulled up and we were sitting on it with only a few other people. EMH started at 8:00, but we made it there just a few min before 9:00. Off to FL to hit the big stuff. It was a little chilly, the high was going to be mid 70’s, but the sun was wonderful and we were dressed for it. DD really wanted to wear a skirt, so I let her over her jeans. That appears to be the look on Disney Cannel lately anyway (but I can’t figure out why.)

We had a good rotation of FL and got fast passes for Winnie the Pooh before heading over to Toon town at 10:00 when it opened. DH took Little PhD to ride on Goofy’s Barnstormer while baby and I shopped. Baby said Eeyore for the 1st time while we were shopping (she was looking at a stuffed one) I had left her lovey and blanket at home and I was still kicking myself about that. We had a snack of fruit cups and headed in to see some princesses in the Judges tent. After that we filled a “My Little Pony” box with all we could we decided there was more we wanted so we filled a 2nd box and got one of everything big (just one pony, we have many already) and multiple of everything small. We ended up getting baby a stuffed Ariel doll because she loved it (we have a lot of Eeyore at home already). I brought the girls Minnie hats from last year, but baby would have nothing to do with it this time. I guessed I missed that mark.

After Pooh we headed over to Columbia Harbor House for lunch. The cast member there was good about getting me an ingredient list for food allergies. Turns out the fish is egg and dairy free (my favorite) but the chicken is not. There is a cold grilled chicken kids meal that the baby was able to eat. I had a nice chat with a women in line in front of me who was traveling with her family. She was deaf so we talked in ASL (I am fluent, but haven’t used it much lately.)

We headed back to the room, baby fell asleep on the way. DD and DH played outside while baby slept and then they went swimming. After we all went shopping (we needed food!) I brought my glasses that had fallen apart the night before, and we were not able to find the screw. I only wear them at night (contacts during the day) however it is nice to see before bed too. We found a sunglasses hut at the same strip mall as the Publix and DH ran in while I checked out at the store. They were able to fix them! Thank you Sun Glasses hut!

After the food was back in the room we took the car to Epcot. Parking was easy this time of day. We went straight to the land for our ADR at Garden Grill. We heard they changed the menu back to more like the old one, and were willing to give it one more try. Once again baby PhD did not do well at the table (little was great.) She did ok with the characters. The chef was good at replacing things so I could eat most of the meal. The steak was very good along with the pork. The catfish had some milk powder in it, but I tried it anyway, I just had to. The food isn’t as good as the original, but much better then last year May and we did like it. The thing we found that baby PhD liked the most was the audio animatronic chickens in the Living with the Land ride. They yelled at them for around 5 min, cluck cluck. She loved them! The wait for Soarin was really long. The girls loved playing with the light up sidewalk by innoventions and we left before Illuminations was over. The drive home was easy. Rest up for another great day tomorrow.

 

[DisneyPhD]

The weather was going to start getting cooler today until Sunday. However this did not cool our enthusiasm at all. We were ready to have fun. Back to MK by bus. This time we headed over to tmw land. DD and DH rode the tomorrow land speedway while baby and I shopped around. DH road stitch while the girls and I went on TTA. As I got in line and was about to ride it myself (DD passed on it.) I remembered that we were going to meet another Dis member at the Winnie the Pooh playground. I contacted DH and we headed over the right at 10:30. We never did meet up (sorry Tommysgirl). DD was having a great time playing around with kids there. 2 little girls in general. They were just having a blast. They left and DD said they went to tea cups and could we too? Sure so that is what we did. She saw them there, and they talked for a few min. Then we headed over to use our FP for Peter Pan. Guess who was behind us? When we got off there they were. We all decided to ride small world and then it was off to lunch at LTT.

As we were sitting in LTT guess who walked in? You got it. It turns out they were the nicest family with 4 little girls from New Jersey. (Grandma and Grandpa were here too.)

Lunch at liberty Tree Tavern. This was by far our worst meal. Not because of the food, service or restaurant in general. For the most part I love LTT. Baby PhD chose this moment to exert her full force of todlerhood. She was tired and hungry, but didn’t want to eat and only wanted to be held. If I put her in her chair she would scream bloody murder. As she was doing this I was telling her to “hush now because no one wanted to hear that during their meal.” A couple next to us was being seated and the women said “Tell me about it” very sarcastic manner, she wasn’t joking with us. Well this was only the start of her criticism and complaining. They had a young boy, around 6 or 7 years old. He was not having the world’s best time and the mom belittled him and picked him apart the whole meal. I never saw any bad behavior or even complaints from him. However mom never stopped. He had lost his sunglasses. He wasn’t mature enough to have sunglasses, they ripped on him for 5 min for this. (I guess I will never be mature enough for sun glasses, I am always loosing mine.) She complained about how spoiled and selfish her child was (hello, who spoiled him?) Then they started threatening that if he didn’t start having fun they were going back to the resort for spa treatments and they were NOT HERE FOR THEM. Then she started in on every other person at WDW. The problem was people took kids who were too young (my children, especially my baby). She couldn’t believe people let their children dress up in costumes at the parks, that was for home. She was appalled at all the babies around and she never knew anyone that had to hold their child on their lap for the meal. (She never had to do that.) She wanted to know when it was appropriate to take babies to restaurants in the 1st place. I was holding baby PhD because she would scream bloody murder every time I tried to put her in her chair. (She was fine on my lap, but I wasn’t the most happy.) If I strapped her down she would stop in about 5 min, but I didn’t want the rest of the place to have to deal with that. However looking back I really should of. The person it would have bugged the most was the negative women next to me anyway. I felt so sorry for her poor son, he wasn’t having a good time most likely because he had no idea HOW to have a good time. His example set by his parents was complain about everything and everyone else. DH couldn’t hear her, but he knew I didn’t like what she was saying. He later said he was afraid I was going to say something to her about it. When he heard from me just what she was saying he said he wished I had. She never looked over at us or I would have. This lady still gets on my nerves just thinking about it. As bad as it was to sit next to her, I am just happy I don’t have to ever see her again (or be her, can you imagine being such a negative person? No wonder they weren’t having fun!)

This day was the perfect example of how you meet the nicest and not so nice people at WDW (just like on the Disney web sites on the internet sometimes too.) The other family we had been running into the whole day “my friends” as DD called them was seated just a few tables over from us. When lunch was over they came over to visit with DD (who btw was perfectly behaved, as she was the whole trip.) They had a great time visiting and talking and we exchanged addresses so the girls could be pen pals.

The meal itself was good. I wasn’t able to eat the pot roast (DH did) but the salmon was excellent and the chef made gravy and mashed potatoes for DD’s to eat with out milk (with turkey.) We had a male waiter who was efficient, but not the most friendly. We later found it helped a lot when the waitress made a big deal over the baby. She was perfectly happy then.

After lunch Little PhD took her 1st trip on BTM with her dad. She loved it, but passed on riding it a 2nd time with me. Baby played in the splash mountain play area and then we walked on POTC and as I knew, baby feel asleep. She napped in the stroller while big sister and dad did Tiki room and ate a mickey ice cream bar. As we were walking out of MK we were trying to decide to stay for the parade or go back to the room. We saw the family we had made friends with earlier so we sat with them and had a great time. Baby PhD woke up right as the parade was starting and all the girls had so much fun playing and watching it.

Back to the room for a rest, MGM tonight. We ate dinner in the room, take out from Artist Palate, (yummy, the chef there was great about what I could eat.) The girls just ate food from the store. It was a much needed easy meal after the few really bad ones with the baby. We bundled up in the warmest stuff we had and headed off to MGM by car and got there in time to see the Osborne lights (really great btw) and then get a seat for Fantasmic. This was DD’s 1st time seeing it. (we normally aren’t at MGM in the evening.) She liked it. The one thing I didn’t bring was my warm hat (had coats and mittens) I really wish I had. If you go in Jan, bring warm things too.

 

[agotta]

Hey!! Sounds like you had a lot of fun. I am sorry we didn't meet up, although I looked for you!! We had a blast too! OH and it looks like we were both there for Osbourne on Friday. Wasn't that awesome?

 

[DisneyPhD]

They were just picking up the orange cones as we drove to AK. (around 8:30 or 9:00) Dressed for the cool weather(High in upper 50’s) we were all set. Chilly for FLA, but still better then MI and we were enjoying it. We saw Lilo and Stitch on our way in. Stopped and got fast passes for the safari and then headed over to dino land. Stopped in to see pooh and friends at the old boat launch. Road what my DH calls Dino Dumbo and then went to take DD on Primeval whirl, but found out the height requirement is 44 inches. I rode dinosaur while the kids played in the dino dig and then DH rode. Glad DD didn’t go with us, even though the height requirement is only 40 inches. That ride would of sacred the pants off her. Expedition Everest looks great. Too bad we missed the AP holder previews by a few weeks. I think AK is going to be much more crowded after that opens. Safari ride was good. The baby loved it. Lunch at Tusker house. (Had a problem with the food, the CM told me the chicken sandwich had no dairy or eggs on it, when I got it, it had ranch dressing on it. I took it back and the manager said ALWAYS talk to the chef directly. He gave me roasted chicken instead, saying there was dairy in the sandwich. Too bad, I really wanted the sandwich.) Once again baby PhD tested the table limits. We decided that her big sister had adopted the Ariel doll and that baby needed her own. What was I thinking only getting one anyway? We were trying to decided between Belle and Cindy when baby said “Belle” well that was easy enough. I wanted the Belle one anyway! Her vocabulary expanded so much during this trip. After we headed into Camp Mickey, everyone loved the Lion King show (baby too.) We saw Koda and Kenai on the way out and headed right to Pocahontas. Both kids liked it and then off see Tarzan Rocks. A show we haven’t seen in many years, I always thought the singers just butchered the songs from the movie, but thought the kids would like it. They did. They baby loved it (she loves rock music, go figure?) I must say that Tarzan himself was hard not to appreciate, and the singers are a bit better now. We even saw the parade on the way out. Something we have never seen because we are normally gone from the park by this time in the day. Encountered some rude people, but that happens sometimes. We did notice a large amount of tour groups, following around flags. Some even had the Brazilin flag on it. However we didn’t notice any of the notorious behaviors. Back to the room for a rest. By time we are ready to go out we are feeling tried and decide to drive over to the outlet mall to check out the deals at the character shop. I found a number of T shirts there that I had paid full price for in the parks on previous trips, but I got a few more different ones for only 12.99 and got DD’s a few new shirts for $5 each. (along with a few other deals.) After we were tired and decided to grab a bite at McDonalds. Not the most exciting Saturday night ever, but we had fun. Back to the room early for a good nights rest. We needed a easy night by this time in the trip.

 

[DisneyPhD]

Hey!! Sounds like you had a lot of fun. I am sorry we didn't meet up, although I looked for you!! We had a blast too! OH and it looks like we were both there for Osbourne on Friday. Wasn't that awesome?

Sorry I never saw you either. I don't even remember seeing any lime green or anything like that. I loved the lights, much better then on the back lot IMO. It even seemed more christmasy chilly. The "snow" didn't suprize me that much, but don't try to taste it. Learned that one the hard way.

 

[agotta]

Sorry I never saw you either. I don't even remember seeing any lime green or anything like that. I loved the lights, much better then on the back lot IMO. It even seemed more christmasy chilly. The "snow" didn't suprize me that much, but don't try to taste it. Learned that one the hard way.

LOL, I didn't tell DH it was going to snow, but once it started I told him not to taste it, lol. I guess some lady came up to him and said, WOW it melts. He laughed and said of course it melts. I guess she thought it was paper. I told him then, it was soap.

 

[DisneyPhD]

Off to MGM, but decided to take the bus since we aren’t sure about the marathon route. Good thing we did because the bus knew just how to avoid the problems. Talked with a nice college student who had walked the half yesterday with his parents and aunt. His dad was also doing the full one today. Met a young boy who had done the kids 5k run, but was very frustrated that 2 young boys were tripping up all the other kids during it. We also heard that someone collapsed and died of a hear attack after finishing the half yesterday (some said they heard that on the news.)

The runners were just coming though MGM as we get there. It was pretty amazing to see. We saw one woman in a racing wheelchair. I was so impressed. Kim Possible, Ron, Hercules and Meg were there to cheer people on. We crossed the path of runners to head over to play house Disney and then right into Little Mermaid. Went in the great movie ride for the 1st time with DD, she however was not all the impressed. Saw Jasmine, Aladdin and Snow White urging on the runners after. We walked through the Narina exhibit, but didn’t realize it mostly is a movie. I told DH to hang back and we would take our time, I couldn’t see the show at all (I am not a tall adult) but he did hold DD on his shoulders so at least she was able to see. DD saw JoJo and Mickey and headed for lunch. Baby was way to cranky to take to lights motors actions so I walked around with her in the stroller while DH and DD went to see it. The marathon was through by 1:00. The very stubborn baby stayed awake almost the whole time. I took DD to Beauty and the Beast show while DH waited with baby in the stroller napping. This was a real treat for me because it was ASL interepted and they did such a wonderful job. I just loved it. They were so skilled, as much fun for me to wacth then the show itself! She rested some more while Dh took DD to HISTK play set. Baby woke up and we brought her in for a while too. We saw WWTBAM and DH was always close to making it in (always #3 on the list), but never did so we decided to see the next show. Once again he didn’t. Oh well. One of these days when it is just us and no kids we are going to go play that all day until one of us makes it in the hot seat! We made our way over to where the parade started and found a good seat in front of sounds dangerously (a great place to view the parade btw, it is only 1 person deep so people can’t crowd in front of you.) Hoping to see the Little Enstine gang, but no luck.

Instead of going home and getting the car we decided to take the boat to Epcot, stopping at Beaches and Cream on the way for dinner. We had a lengthy wait for the boat, and then once we got to Beaches and Cream it was a 45 to 1 hour wait to get in. We walked back to Yacht Club Galley and got right in. We were seated right away and the waitress was so nice and attentive to the kids they were really well behaved. We found it helps a lot if the waitresses pay lots of attention to the baby to keep her happy. The chef was great about what we could eat and the kids split Mickey pasta with no problems. I had a roast beef sandwich and it was great. I got a glowing ice cub in my drink, that is fun. I even had strawberry gelato for dessert. (dairy free.) DD had a chocolate puzzle to put together and “paint”. She loved it. It was a very nice meal (one of the nicest of the whole trip.)

Off to Epcot, the girls passed out in the stroller after listening to Beatle’s music in England. We decided instead of waiting until after Illuminations was over and holding the sleeping girls and the stroller in a crowded bus we would leave early. I realized it was Sunday night at 8:15 and there was a new Desperate Housewives and Greys Anatomy on so I was on board. When we were in sight of the bus stop, one pulled up, loaded some people and pulled off as we were walking up to it. I took this as another one was coming, it wasn’t. We had a nice chat with the people behind us while we waited. The next bus that came was OKW (SSR and OKW share a queue at Epcot), but it wasn’t until after Illuminations was over that another SSR bus came. We didn’t get home until 9:50. At least I got to see all of GA! I really wish we had the car this night. Oh well. It was our only really bad bus experience with SSR. I won't say the busses are terrible there, but I was sure happy for our car. If we stay there again (or OKW) I am getting a car. Parking right near our room was very nice also.

 

[DisneyPhD]

Another MK day. I notice DD’s eye looks a little puffy when we woke up, but on the bus there I realize it is rather red. Oh no, I’m thinking pink eye. Not to the point she would be sent home from school, but enough to concern me. What were we going to do? I brought my cell phone with me today so I decided to call our pediatrician nurse line a bit later. We head over to Adventure land, get fast passes for Jungle Cruise and do the Magic Carpets. Walk though the tree house (carrying a 20 pound baby the whole way and DH carrying LittlePhD on his shoulders.) I used the hip carrier more this trip and it worked very well for us. DD road BTM again once again with dad, he gives her strength. Then we took train to Toon Town. I called my nurse line while the kids enjoyed the play area. She called me back right away and stated, “You are in my favorite place ever!” and she got every excited when she heard the train whistle blowing in the background. I don’t know why but I always feel better when my Doctors and nurses like WDW, like I am in better hands or something! She didn’t think it was pink eye, but for us to keep a close eye on it and if it gets worse at all to give her a call with a pharmacy phone number and they would call a script in for us. I felt better. DD rode Barnstormer again while I exchanged the Belle doll we bought for the baby (it had a tear in the leg we didn’t see when we bought it.) We toured Minnie’s house, baby loved the pop-up cake. We made our way to FL and saw the Sword in the Stone ceremony before heading over to CP for lunch.

Once again crazy moments lead to a not so great lunch. It wasn’t too busy, and I took DD to the baby care station to nurse before heading in to eat. While in line outside to check-in, DH and DD were surprised by Tigger sticking his head out the door by them and blowing a raspberry. After checking in they were waiting for our name to be called and playing the “Dave” game where you try to sit on as many benches as possible. Tigger must have seen them because he popped out another door, sat on a bench then ran back in. As we were getting seated DD was in front of tigger and was shyly waving at him. Well he couldn't see her and triped over her. This did not help to get the meal off the a good start. The line for the food was long. DH went to get some while I waited for the chef to tell me what was safe to eat. It took a bit (10 min or so) but baby was miserable waiting. When the chef took me thought the line I then had to wait again to get some food for us. I don’t know just why it took so long, everyone going at once. The food was good and I was happy I could have all the meats and fish. It was good food but we didn’t over eat. Once again soy ice cream for dessert, but at least there was something. I can’t believe how many wonderful desserts I passed over on this trip. Did a bit more around MK and then left for back to SSR. I had a massage scheduled for 4:00 and I was looking forward to it. Baby slept in the room while I read a book and DH watched football while DD watched a DVD on the portable player (this worked out well.) I went over to the spa early and checked in. It is very nice. Got my robe and slipped in the hot tub for a few min before hand. Did you know that Minnie has her own locker in the Locker Room? Showered and headed up to the waiting room. I was in there relaxing with a few other women when a man walks in. He has a seat and relaxes some and then seems to realize that he is only wearing a robe and sit up right away. I wasn’t looking though, but it was funny. My massage was very nice. I didn’t upgrade to aroma because I just didn’t think it was worth it. I was nice and relaxed when I heard my DD calling me on the walkie talkie as I was getting ready to come out. They were at the pool and ready to go home. The poor baby was fine until she saw me and then wanted me to hold her (all soaking wet.) DH took them back to the room while I got some take out food.

Off to Epcot for the evening. Hit Spaceship earth on the way in and then over to Mexico for a ride and over to Norway. We decided to watch Illuminations from Norway and grab a bite to eat. I went in the bake shop at Norway because I had heard there was some vegan treats there (egg and dairy free). When I asked, the CM said he asked the chef and the only thing they had with out milk was the bowl of fruit. I was disappointed as I read the apple strudel was vegan. I headed over to Germany where I was able to get a very dry and boring hot pretzel. All that yummy food in Epcot and I was eating a dry pretzel. Oh well. At least I had some treats in the bag for DD and myself. We met a very nice group of women sitting next to us and DD made a friend on the other side of us. Once again, you can meet the nicest people at WDW. Both DD’s liked Illuminations, but it was a bit loud for the baby. I squeezed over for another little girl to sit next to me and she covered her ears the whole time. So happy we had the car for the ride home where the girls slept in their car seats comfortably.

 

[scoutsmom99]

Sounds like you guys enjoyed a nice lesiurly trip to WDW.

 

[DisneyPhD]

Thanks, almost done with the last 2 days. So sad to think it is over. Oh well at least we have memoires and pictures. (will post those a little later.)

Thanks for reading I know it is long.

 

[dismom9761]

I have really enjoyed your trip reports.Thanks for posting them/

BTW-I totally understand the toddler stage.Tonight we went out to eat for the first time in weeks and my toddler did not appreciate it.

 

[amarberry]

Hey Disney PhD! Glad to hear that you had a good trip. I'm enjoying your trip report. Can you tell me a little bit more about how you obtained information about the food allergies at CS restaurants? It sounds like you were provided an ingredient list at CHH, but talked to chef's at others? I'm a little nervous about eating at CS restaurants with my DD and her egg allergy on our upcoming trip and would love to hear more about your experience.

Thanks!

 

[Minniespal]

Enjoyed reading your reports ~ Thanx for posting.

 

[nucpharm29]

DisneyPhD--great to see your trip report! You have me all excited about our trip next week . This will be our first trip with 2 kids--I guess my only fear is the 2 year old meltdown in the afternoon. DD is so excited right now about going to "Mickey's house", that I hope that in itself plus a little ice cream will keep her at least tolerable. This is also our first trip where I'll be nursing a little one--that also has me a little worried. I know it shouldn't, but I"m such a modest person, I just can't nurse anywhere. Thank goodness for the babycare centers. Did you find those helpful? Oh, you said that you used the pool? How warm was it that day? We're from up in the frozen tundra of Wisconsin and 70 degrees to us is a major heat wave, even in the spring. But I figure it might be a little chilly for the pool . I asked you a question over on the new mommies thread about your stroller. Sounds like you had a great trip! Now it's time to plan for the next.

 

[DisneyPhD]

Epcot all day! Drove again, as much as I liked busses in the past, I had enough for this trip. We had the car, lets use it. It helps that we have been so many times we know the back roads and where to go with out getting lost. EMH, but we got there just a few min before 9:00. However that helped because there was a long line getting in, and a short one if you had a resort key.

DH headed over to the Land to get fast passes for Soarin. We went in the Living Seas. Nice to not have to wait to get in, but I sure missed the front of the building. Enjoyed the “fishies”: and Nemo things. Baby loved the mantarays. The line for Turtle talk is long, the 1st show is at 10:00. We don’t get into the 1st show and baby isn’t a happy camper. I got out to the stroller (in May they let us take it in, not now, things are always changing at WDW) to get some snacks for her. The people in line with us look a little worried. I knew that she was bored and once the show started she would be fine. She was and we sat right up front. Oh goody, another ASL interpreter! This show is never the same twice and this was a perfect example. There wasn’t anyone deaf there, but I had a nice chat with another CM who was watching the interpreter (I think she also did some at WDW.) The funniest thing was when Crush came out with a bathing suit top and asked what it was. One kid yells out “breast cover” it was so funny to see the interrupter sign that! It was a very funny show. Last May Dory wasn’t in it, I loved her contribution to the show! Very cute, you must see it! We laughed so hard.

DD road Soarin with daddy. She loved it, but said it made her tummy feel funny. (she didn’t appear sick at all.) She didn’t want to do it again so I decided to save my fast pass for later. JIYI was next, both girls loved the “play area” at the end of it. We were hungry so we decided to make the walk to Beaches and Cream. There was a short wait. Turns out the kids buns don’t have dairy in them, but the adult burgers do. So I ended up with a kiddy burger. It wasn’t bad, but wasn’t as good a normal burger. I asked, but there are no non dairy ice cream, smoothies or treats. The kids enjoyed the meal and DD loved her milkshake.

Back to WS and over to France to see Belle, the Beast and Aurora (with no line at all) DD was scared to get out of the stroller. Belle was so sweet and coaxed her out, knowing she was shy because of the beast (he is really big!) I wanted baby to say Belle (she has been all trip) but I don’t think she recognized her in the blue dress. Actually she called all princesses Belle (and said it to Aurora, go figure!) We looked for Jasmine and Aladdin in Morocco, but they weren’t in the back but out front with a long line. Both girls were getting tried. We headed in the movie at France (something we all love) and both girls really enjoyed it, until they fell fast asleep. Then DH and I had the nicest stroll around WS, where I was disappointed to find all the Italian ice to be milk based. (I could have had some shaved ice in Japan, but didn’t want to back track.) Instead DH and I had the nicest “Dave moment” cuddling on a bench between Germany and the African out post.

The girls woke up and we headed over around the rest of WS. We stopped for a Mickey bar and Popsicle (at least baby and I could eat that.) We spent some time in the baby care station (Baby loved the play area) and we had to buy some over priced diapers to get us home. ($8.50 for 14!) We had 5:00 ADR’s for LeCelier that we weren’t sure if we were going to keep or not. As it turned out it was 4:00 so and the girls were well rested so we headed over that way (after DD and I rode Soarin again and the whole family rode the living with the land with fast passes.) Once again baby loved the chickens!

LaCelier was nice. We had a very nice couple with 2 little boys right next to us. The girls were a little restless, but the fuss the waitress made and the nice people around helped. We had a great chat with them, and another couple came on the other side. It was a big party. I struck out with a few things, no beef and barely soup (darn that butter) and all the bread apparently had milk or eggs in it. Well I took a chance with the pretzel because most don’t and I really wanted some (it didn’t seem to bug DD the next day.) DH and I spilt the most yummy 14 oz. New York strip steak. It was just perfect for us to split (this was an early meal.) and the girls had pasta and grilled chicken. Once again struck out with dessert, but was too full anyway. We saw O Canada after and then strolled around in England, seeing the Beatles show and playing in the toy shop. We hit the Off Kilter in Canada and the girls loved it. People were laughing at baby dancing and grooving. That girl loves music! We took our time wandering out and headed home. We had to pack tonight since we leave tmw! Oh the bitter sweet joys of the last days of vacation.

 

[DisneyPhD]

We go home but not until 6:30 (or so we thought) we were bound and determined to enjoy the time we had. I was able to get everything packed up and in the car, leaving a bag with our swimsuits out for later. We made pretty good time, leaving the room around 9:00 and drove to MK (the 1st time ever for that.) The weather was perfect. You could not ask for a better day. We got a great parking space and took the ferryboat over. I brought the girls costumes with me (Jasmine and Belle) Remember the nasty lady from LTT? Well I just had to make all the mistakes that was wrong with everyone else at MK (who were having a great time and she wasn’t go figure!) The girls looked so cute, I put DD’s on over her shorts and T shirt, baby’s over the onesies. We headed over to Adventure land for our little Jasmine to fly on the carpets. It was pretty cute. Then Country bear jamboree was open and starting in 1 min so we walked in to that. I wanted to get on the carousel while they still were in their costumes so we headed over that way, and then to Dumbo. The lines were starting to get long as we stood in Dumbo (around 11:00) and it was getting hot so DD took of her costume. We had another lunch at Columbia house (the curse of food allergies, stick with what you know is safe!) It was empty and a good meal. The park for the most part was really low crowds and we were so sad about going home. Oh why didn’t we book one more day? DH didn’t have to be at work until Friday anyway. DD and Dad road BTM again, with the baby swap card from yesterday. Baby fell asleep in the stroller, but DH wanted to ride HM and managed to convince DD to come with him. She did ok, but I don’t think she will be riding that again any time soon. Dh said it helped that I remember to get her pen flashlight out of the bag for her to take with her. Well DD wanted to swim so around 1:00 we headed back after using the Peter Pan fast passes.

It was sad to say goodbye and take the monorail back to the TTC. Once in the car we headed back to the pool and changed there. The girls had a great swim and we were doing good for time. We headed over to DTD and grabbed some sandwiches from Earl of Sandwich to go and eat at the airport. None of us wanted to leave, but we didn’t pout much and got to the airport and unpacked the rental car with no problems. DH did the self check in and the boarding pass said 9:35pm for boarding time. WTH? The flight takes off at 6:30pm. We should be home before 9:00. Oh no, sorry that flight is delayed, but we ask you are ate the gate by 6:00 for updates. The sorry didn’t seem to sympathetic at all. We were already stuck, car turned in and nothing to do. Off through security and to the gate. It was freezing in there. We ate our sandwiches and if we were leaving at the scheduled time things would have been great. Well sitting for that long with 2 young kids isn’t easy. DD watched a DVD and then went off to play with the rest of the airport posse. They were having a great time and by 8:00 the people on our flight were the only ones around. Spirit didn’t seem to care too much about getting us out of there and brought out free drinks (pop and juice) People started asking for food vouchers and the staff stated they were only offered after an 4 hour delay. Ours should only be 3 hours and 45 min (yeah right.) I talked with the staff explaining that I know this wasn’t their fault personally, but this was a major inconvenience and the 10% off full rates offered to some other people wasn’t really any compensation at all (as others already stated.) They weren’t even sympathetic and all in all Spirit really handled the situation poorly. This was around my 20th flight on Spirit and they had 2 strikes against them now, one for the flight down and one for this. Next time I fly I am looking at another airline 1st. I used to prefer Spirit. Not now. The whole time we kept thinking of all the things we wanted to do, but were sitting here. DD had a good time with the other under 10 crowd, it was a bit difficult with baby, but most people commented on wonderful she was being. The other passengers were really friendly, but the staff wouldn’t even look us in the eye. By time we boarded it was 11:00. Both girls passed out around 10:15 and getting them on the flight was not easy. We took off a little after 11:15 (just shy of 5 hours after we should have.) The staff on the airline was very good though. This got us to Detroit just before 2:00 am. Once again getting the sleeping girls and our stuff off the plane was a challenge. My in-laws picked us up (we had called and warned them ahead of time.) It was 3:00am when my head finally hit the pillow.

The flight home was the less then perfect part of the trip. Most everything else was rather good. Still wish we had planned to come home on Thursday in the 1st place. As it was I spent all day Thursday in bed with a migraine or flu (not sure which) not sure if I got it because of the plane and late flight home, or if it would of happened at WDW also. Not feeling so great today, but we are home and looking forward to our next trip. (when ever that will be. AP expire in a few weeks. However there is always a new set of DVC points every year so it won’t be too long! Maybe DL in May. We will have to see.

 

[byoung]

Thanks for the great reports.

 

[DisneyPhD]

Hey Disney PhD! Glad to hear that you had a good trip. I'm enjoying your trip report. Can you tell me a little bit more about how you obtained information about the food allergies at CS restaurants? It sounds like you were provided an ingredient list at CHH, but talked to chef's at others? I'm a little nervous about eating at CS restaurants with my DD and her egg allergy on our upcoming trip and would love to hear more about your experience.

Thanks!

At post cs places I found a cm who would either go get the chef or give me an ingreident list. At a place at MGM (near the back lot) they had just changed all the menu, too bad because the old one suited me better. I looked in the book and talked to the chef. The one palce I didn't (tusker house) the chef later "yelled" at me for not talking to him 1st. It seemed like every breaded chicken had either egg or dairy in it. Her egg allergy isn't as bad as milk so we are letting a little egg slide by.

Most cart places also had an ingredient list (pretzles ect..) the ice cream ingredients are listed on the bars so that is good. Often I would ask ahead of time so I knew when we wanted it if we could have it with out standing in line. Don't wait until you get to the front of the line. Ask a cm before then because it takes a while. Also always tell them "egg allgery" so they know on the order. The few times I didn't I wish I had.

Sit down places were much more accomdationg. CP grilled a chicken breast just for her since she couldn't have the chicken fingers. That was very nice since she is under 3 and free anyway. LaCeiler also did this for her.

 

[DisneyPhD]

DisneyPhD--great to see your trip report! You have me all excited about our trip next week . This will be our first trip with 2 kids--I guess my only fear is the 2 year old meltdown in the afternoon. DD is so excited right now about going to "Mickey's house", that I hope that in itself plus a little ice cream will keep her at least tolerable. This is also our first trip where I'll be nursing a little one--that also has me a little worried. I know it shouldn't, but I"m such a modest person, I just can't nurse anywhere. Thank goodness for the babycare centers. Did you find those helpful? Oh, you said that you used the pool? How warm was it that day? We're from up in the frozen tundra of Wisconsin and 70 degrees to us is a major heat wave, even in the spring. But I figure it might be a little chilly for the pool . I asked you a question over on the new mommies thread about your stroller. Sounds like you had a great trip! Now it's time to plan for the next.

Hi nucpharm29. Your trip is going to be great. I answered on the new mommie thread, but will here to. YES bring a stroller rain cover. We did not need it at all. Some trips though the rain cover saved the trip. No rain the whole week. Got to love that. It made the "Chilly" weather very pleasent with no rain. Bring your hats mittens and even scafs just in case though this next trip.

The pool was nice, heated and lots of fun. The Donald area was a bit chillier, but when it was 70 and over it was good to swim (as long as the wind wasn't bad.) The hot tubs are nice too. I allowed DD's to get in it one day when no one else was and they needed a little warm up. Other days they weren't cold so it wasn't a problem.

Don't worry about breast feeding. While the baby care stations are great, sometimes you just can't get to them in a hurry. If you are near them, use them. If not find another quiet space. There are a lot around (just make sure it isn't a smoking spot! ) TTA works great. I nursed in the movie for France before it started. She nursed a lot more during the day then she normally does at home. However there was some places there was no real way I could (like on the safari ride) and she got pretty made when she asked and I said no.

Keep little treats in your baby for the 2 year old. I found dumb dumb suckers worked great to avoid major meltdowns.