PhD family trip Jan 4th to 11th

[DisneyPhD]

One word about my kids ages. DD who is almost 5 years old was so great the whole trip. Her behavior was just perfect. No problems at all. She was so excited to be there and so much fun, even if it was her 7th trip to WDW (one was just to Orlando and Vero beach, no parks.) It was nice not to have to worry about naps and potty training or diapers. Great age for a trip. However do I wish I waited to take her until now? No way. Still a great age to take a child to WDW. She had lots of magic and got to do a number of new things this trip (and not be overwhelmed or pressured to have fun because we were only doing this for her!)

The baby 17 months. Her 1st and 2nd trips at 7 month old and 9 months old were easier for us. However she had more fun on this trip because she could do more. We had a number of meltdown moments, no fun for anyone (sorry to those around us, expect the cranky women at the next table at LTT!) She still enjoyed the trip, but it was a bit of work for us. Do I wish we didn’t bring her or waited? No way! Hopefully next trip the food allergies (for her and me) won’t be as big an issue and she will have a bit more understanding of consequences. (so we can bribe her! ) It was so cute to see her enjoy things. Her vocabulary just grew so much. Belle, Eeyore, Pooh, JoJo, were all first time words for her and the list goes on. It was great to see the girls enjoy things together too. She did pretty well with the traveling, but it is sure nice to be home, she eats and sleeps much better here that is for sure. She started walking about a month ago, but went back to scooting for the most of the time on the trip. Once we got home she has been walking all around the house. However watching her take some steps and scoot around WDW was just precious memories forever. The pictures are great too. Oh that remeinds me. Got to work on posting some!

Thanks so much for reading everyone!

 

[DisneyPhD]

Oh a few things I forget to mention.

Crocs. I saw them everywhere. All over the place. My whole family had a pair each (not the baby, they don't make them small enough) and we were very comfortable. DD refused to wear any other shoes. When we were there in May I saw like 5 pairs the whole time. (and I was looking.)

Also those shoes with little rollers in them. Saw them in kids ages 6 to 10 or so all over the place. Everywhere. I didn't see any major problems with them (like kids rolling over people or being unsafe.) They look like fun. I wonder if they make them in my size?

 

[DisneyPhD]

Lets see if I can post some pictures now!

 

[agotta]

OMG!!! What cuties!! You daughter in her belle dress is just scrumptious!! You look like you have lost weight since the photo in your signature. You look great!

 

[DisneyPhD]

Here are some more.

 

[DisneyPhD]

OMG!!! What cuties!! You daughter in her belle dress is just scrumptious!! You look like you have lost weight since the photo in your signature. You look great!

Oh, you are just too nice. Why yes I have. Having to miss out on all the fun food for Christmas and on vacation will have that effect! Thank you! Trying to decide what others to post.

 

[nucpharm29]

What cute pics! DD is sitting here with me this am, and she saw the picture with Aurora and loved it. I'm excited we're doing the Princess Storybook lunch in Norway, so she can see Aurora. Your 2 DD's are just precious--I was thinking about taking DD's princess dress with us, and now after seeing your pics we're definitely taking it, at least for the pic. You have a lovely family. Hope to see more!

 

[fizz13]

Well those costume pics brought the tears out, never have i seen a cuter Belle Wonderful report and well done for handling your toddler as well as you did, it is a tough job normally, but in WDW (under the scrutiny of certain other people )it seems tougher. Glad you had such a good time,

Claire xx

 

[Tigger&Belle]

So glad you had a great time!!! Lucky you that you can return before long. Who knows when I'll be back after this trip, but the good news is that we leave tomorrow. I'm about ready to burst, or will be when I get everything packed up. I don't relax until I'm on the plane. The good news for me is that not only will I not be pushing a stroller, I also won't have to deal with a picky eater. Of course a teenage DD sometimes isn't any easier, but at least if she gets fussy I can go do something by myself and leave her to sulk.


I loved your descriptions of your kids--the name "babyPhD" cracked me up (remember, I'm a cheap date LOL).

Thanks for the detailed reports!

 

[DisneyPhD]

Thanks everyone! I think they are pretty cute myself! I am glad we brought the costumes.It was fun. The baby doesn't mind costumes at all (unlike her big sister when she was that age.) I wish a had a Belle one for my oldest DD. Maybe next year.

As far as the negitive looks and comments from people. Part of it was I was still suprized at her behavior, she has been such a good baby. Can't last forever though! We just weren't prepared for it. DH and I both found the meals later in the trip were better because we learned to prepare and cope with it better.

Tigger&Belle, have a great trip. I am so happy for you. The crowds should be great this time of year (read no crowds.) Bring both warm weather and cold weather cothes, we had a bit of both.

I expect a trip report!

 

[jugglinfish]

I really enjoyed reading your reports. Thanks for taking the time to share with us. Your family is so adorable - what cuties!

 

[Tigger&Belle]

As far as the negitive looks and comments from people. Part of it was I was still suprized at her behavior, she has been such a good baby. Can't last forever though! We just weren't prepared for it.

Maybe I've told you before, but my youngest was by far my easiest baby--so happy, healthy, and a real sweetheart. Then he turned 13 months old, right before his first Disney trip. He turned into the child from you know where for several years. He's still a sometimes difficult child at 6yo, but has improved a lot. Not that this is what your younger DD will be like (I hope for your sake )

 

[welovedis]

Thanks for the reports! We were also in MGM on friday evening, it was a super-long day for us since we started in the MK (for the Family Magic Tour @10), then went over to MGM after an afternoon snooze, saw Osborne & rode things a bit, then we headed over to Epcot for EMH night!

The chefs were nothing but fantastic with my extensive allergies, but no terrific desserts for me either. The best I got was fresh berries & ice cream at Cape May on our last night in the world--better than nothing I guess!

 

[DisneyPhD]

Thanks for the reports! We were also in MGM on friday evening, it was a super-long day for us since we started in the MK (for the Family Magic Tour @10), then went over to MGM after an afternoon snooze, saw Osborne & rode things a bit, then we headed over to Epcot for EMH night!

The chefs were nothing but fantastic with my extensive allergies, but no terrific desserts for me either. The best I got was fresh berries & ice cream at Cape May on our last night in the world--better than nothing I guess!

Yum, that sounds good. How was the family magic tour? Funny after we did MGM and then Epcot we even breifly considered taking the monorail to MK, but I knew with 2 kids (who were already alseep.) that would of been pushing insantity.

 

[llij]

DisneyPhD,

Great trip report! It sounds like you had a very nice time (with the exception of the cranky lady and your flight home.) I'm taking notes for when I go back to WDW with a baby!

 

[Mom Possible]

Great trip report/ Thanks so much for sharing with us. I was wondering ...could you give some more details about SSR. It seems so isolated when compared to the other resorts to me. What did you like and dislike?

BTW your daughters are beautiful!

 

[DisneyPhD]

Thanks Mom possible.

SSR was nice, but I feel both that and OKW has more of a Mod feeling over all then WVL, BCV and BWV since they are set up more that way then a normal deluxe (not the rooms, but the resort itself.)

Now I don't thing there is anything wrong with mods, if that is what you are expecting. It is also really located more like one, very close to PORS and POFQ. (and near OKW.) In that was it was a bit more isolated then other Deluxe resorts. However it was also very relaxed laid back and comfortable feeling. A good escape. (The spa was nice too.)

The landscaping and the feel is great. Parking near the room is good (if you have car.) We normally don't, but were very glad we did. I think if we ever stay at either OKW or SSR again we will be sure to have one.

The pool was very nice. We got lots of welcome homes from all the cast memebers everywhere. The food court type place was nice, but I felt the store was very small for how big of a resort it was. I didn't end up buying anything there because they just didn't have what I wanted. I normally buy things at the gift shops because it is easy then at the parks. Maybe they figure it is so close to DTD they don't need it. We didn't end up spending much time at DTD, we never do when we have AP because why go there when you have park tickets any time you want?

My biggest dislike wasn't now, but when it is finished. It will be very big, too big if you ask me. I liked the springs, but I wouldn't want to stay in any of the newer places. One is across a main road and seems very isoated. It almost semes greedy of DVC. Hey, it is selling so well, lets pack as many people as we can in and make even more money.

 

[Mom Possible]

Wow thanks for so much detail. I am trying to decide SSR or Swan for a 10 day trip this June. I am leaning for SSR for the kitchen and washer/dryer in the 1 bedroom but the location and pool at the swan is sooo tempting.

 

[DisneyPhD]

Wow thanks for so much detail. I am trying to decide SSR or Swan for a 10 day trip this June. I am leaning for SSR for the kitchen and washer/dryer in the 1 bedroom but the location and pool at the swan is sooo tempting.

That is one reason I LOVE BCV! (location and pool) It really is our 1st choice for DVC (but not my home resort, VWL is.) I always wonder about Swan (if we needed to go cash because we were out of points) mostly because DH is a college professior and can get the discount that is really great. Does Swan have a refridge in the room? When we stayed at PORS last May it did and that really helped (we are so spoild with DVC.)

If you have a car the location at SSR has some good points. The pool is really very nice. Really you can't go wrong with any WDW prop resort. (inculding S&D.)

 

[Mom Possible]

Thanks for the advice. We just stayed at the Dolphin with the teachers rate and it was great. Fridge in room , very comfy. I think now that I am going to try for BCV or BWV over SSR but I know I have to be open to whatever is available.