Pirates, A Need for Speed, the Hoop and more... Updated 5/31...FINALLY!!!!

[Dizney73]

Wow... that is an amazing photo! Sorry to hear of the hiccups in your arrival. Hope you felt better quick!

Can't wait to hear more!!!

Thanks! I actually didn't take the normal 1000 photos that I usually take or take advantage of Photopass this trip. I think that my family was happy about it! Most of the photos that i took were with my cell phone and I must admit that I am over the moon now because i learned that i can easily upload my cell photos via a text message to Photo Bucket!!! So much easier!!!

 

[Dizney73]

Sounds like arrival day went fairly well, with the exception of the ME wait. I hope you felt better and wasn't ill over your vacation....
can't wait to read more

The ME wait was terrible because of course we are all so excited about getting there... but hey, it's free. But we really are renting a car in August and it was planned way before this wait! LOL and sick... I am still sick!!!

Sounds like your arrival day went ok apart from the ME tickets and not feeling well. Hope you were feeling better afterwards.

Love the photo of AKL and yay on getting an ideal room location!

Po sleeping on the plane made our flight wonderful for both our family and all those on the plane!!!! I have learned that if there is something I am going to forget when going to Disney... the ME tickets are probably the easiest to replace! I once forgot socks on a freezing January trip and had to spend $12 on 2 pairs of Mickey Mouse socks and wash them out everyday because I was too cheap to buy more than 2 pairs!!! I still am dealing with the chest cold that I came down with but probably because i didn't let it interfere with my Disney Magic too much...

 

[PlutosRHM55]

I'm joining up!

Awesome report so far and its only the first chapter Haha I've stayed at Animal Kingdom Lodge, though it was at Kidani Village and it was awesome. I haven't found very many who stay there. I can't wait to see some of Jambo House since we always stopped there on the bus. And I think you should give Magical Express a second chance because I've done it twice already and couldn't go without it. The wait may be long, but try to enjoy the video they play for you and the old Mickey cartoons. It turns into a real fun experience then, but it may differ from person-to-person. Can't wait to read more! Update soon!

 

[Disneyfreak616]

I'm here!

I LOVE AKL!!!!!

Can't wait to hear more!

 

[mpetti]

I am in and can't wait to read more. We are staying for the first time in August at AKL so I know I am going to enjoy your TR. Thanks.

Maryann

 

[Dizney73]

I'm joining up!

Awesome report so far and its only the first chapter Haha I've stayed at Animal Kingdom Lodge, though it was at Kidani Village and it was awesome. I haven't found very many who stay there. I can't wait to see some of Jambo House since we always stopped there on the bus. And I think you should give Magical Express a second chance because I've done it twice already and couldn't go without it. The wait may be long, but try to enjoy the video they play for you and the old Mickey cartoons. It turns into a real fun experience then, but it may differ from person-to-person. Can't wait to read more! Update soon!

Thanks for coming aboard! We have actually stayed at the AKV on every single stay at WDW since 2007!!! We stayed at Kidani twice... and we do love it, especially the pool area for the kids! But we love the location of our Jambo House Pool View room even better... and even though we didn't even play on it this last trip... the kids love the playground at jambo, too!
And Magical Express??? We have used it every single stay since it began... we have given it lots of chances! It is free... and that is what it comes down to. Sometimes you are lucky enough to be one of the last people to board and have a quick departure. This time... we were one of the first and so we had to wait ... and wait... and wait for the bus to fill before we could leave. We will most definitely use it again... but we really are renting a car for our August visit because WE NEED IT TO GET TO OUR DREAM CRUISE!!!

I'm here!

I LOVE AKL!!!!!

Can't wait to hear more!

Thanks for joining! We love AKV too!!! We keep saying that we will stay at another resort NEXT time... but we don't!!! The kids just love the animals!! I said to dd, Shasha, that maybe next year we would stay at the Boardwalk or Bay Lake Towers... and she responded, "You mean a hotel without animals???" So I guess AKV it will be again!

I am in and can't wait to read more. We are staying for the first time in August at AKL so I know I am going to enjoy your TR. Thanks.

Maryann

Thanks so much for joining in!!! We will also be at AKL (Jambo House) in August!!!! We are staying in our usual Value room, pool view requested, August 8- 16 before our Dream Cruise!!! We have 2 other families joining us... they are staying at CBR.

 

[Dizney73]

I honestly thought that I would be posting a few days ago but LIFE sometimes just gets in the way! The weather was beautiful here for a few days and my dad rebuilt an old swingset that we received from a friend who no longer had a need for it while we were in WDW... Sunny, warm weather + a new swingset= kids wanting to be on it ALL the time!!

But today it is chilly and drizzly so no excuses today!
Just an FYI... we were not using a dining plan. Instead, we used Disney's 25% off QS meals before 11:30 am and the tables In Wonderland card.


Mickey's wake up call greeted us early this morning at 5:30 am! Hey... we needed to get an early start toour day if we were going to enjoy the parks this week before Easter without huge crowds and long lines! My kids are naturally early risers so it was quite easy to get out of the room, to the bus stop and to the Magic Kingdom by 7:30 am. For breakfast we bought a pack of bagels and cream cheese and some chocolate milk and PopTarts the night before at the hotel. I brought Maxwell house coffee bags and powdered creamer from home (in our carry on bags). I just love to eat breakfast while sitting on the balcony listening to the silence of the resort and watching the sun rise ever so slowly while turning the sky from orange to pink and purple and... holy cow... it's starting to turn blue! We are going to be late!!!!

There weren't very many people up and out this early in the morning. This is our park strategy year round actually... it is just that due to the larger than normal crowds the park opened earlier than normal. We like the Extra Magic Hours in the morning and use them all of the time. DH, DD and myself all have annual passes so we use the park hopping aspect of them to create the perfect days We casually walked "right down the middle of Main street U.S.A!" I love my first glimpse of the Cinderella Castle... it just never seems to get old! We love to wave to all of the Cast Members who are waving to us and wish THEM a magical day! This is the best time to snag one of those Photopass photographers and get pictures with no one else between you and the castle... but we passed all of those up this time and just danced our way up through the castle gates smiling all the way!

DH went off to ride Space Mountain while I took the kids on the Dumbo Dash... there really wasn't a need to dash since there were only about 10 people in line when we got there The kids focused on the Dumbo going up and down while I gazed over the wall getting small glimpses of the Fantasyland of the future! Beast's Castle is really under way and looks so cool! I really couldn't take my eyes off of it! We left the stroller parked in our prime Fantastland parking spot and headed over to the 5 minute line for Peter Pan. Shasha and Po couldn't wait to ride in the pirate ship this time... since they watch Jake and the Neverland Pirates every morning!!!
We hopped over to Winnie the Pooh and took our time playing in the interactive line while we waited for Daddy to join us. We rode the Tomorrowland Speedway on a whim while traveling over to ride Buzz and on the way back through Fantasyland we hit up the teacups and the carousel while DH ran to Splash Mountain for some fast passes.

We met back up at the Haunted Mansion... I really liked the new ghost illusions. We took our time walking down the boardwalk to get to Splash Mountain and waited about 5 minutes till our FP time. Before lining up we hit up Big Thunder Mountain Railroad for some fastpasses Since Po is too small to ride we took advantage of the parent swap... and VOILA... Shasha gets to ride two times in a row without even a wait! I went on with her first and when we got off Daddy took her back on while Po and I bought some Mickey Head gummies to snack on while scanning dropping logs for our two favorite people in the park. We were snacking and dancing and scanning... repeat process... and we missed them I don't know how...it must have been when we were cracking up at each boat as it came down the BIG hill! Then it was off to BTMR for Parent swap passes... after an hour of waiting around Po WAS NOT a happy camper!

We thought we would eat in the Magic Kingdom but Shasha really wanted to eat lunch at the Electric Umbrella over in Epcot while watching the fountain... so OFF we went! It was about 10:30 am when we walked against the HUGE wall of people enetering the park for the day! Whew... we had a very magical morning and now we were going to eat while saving 25% off with our QS coupon!
Oh... and who doesn't like to ride the monorail all the way to Epcot? We love it!

I took the kids over to the Electric Umbrella and found a seat outside with a perfect view of the fountains and DH, our fastpass runner, ran over to grab some fastpasses for Soarin' since we had an Epcot ADR later that night! It was 11:15 AM and we got the last three fastpasses for the day!!!! Our time was for between 8:17 PM and 9:00 PM!!! Whew!!! That was a close one!

Then Daddy went inside to get 2 chicken tender meals, my meatball sandwich ( I just love the meatball sandwich) and his burger. We love this place beacuse they have free refills on their drinks. And it was hot already and we needed to rehydrate lots!!!

After a relaxing lunch while watching the water... it was back to the AKL for some rest so we could come back and use those fastpasses later in the evening!!!

Wow... I guess I have more to say than I thought!
Next up... We finish the day with Rose and Crown, Pick a Pearl and Soarin'!

 

[MARsMama]

Sounds like a wonderful start to the day. I am now thinking of trying the Electric Umbrella for our CS meal at Epcot
Can't wait to hear more about your trip

 

[mermaid764]

Sounds like your first day was off to a great start!

I love the pic of your kids on the teacup

 

[PixieMama]

Day 2 is off to a great start!

I can't wait to go in Sept. and see the progress made in Fantasyland. When I was there last Oct., there really wasn't anything to see (other than bulldozers and cranes, LOL!)

 

[Dizney73]

Sounds like a wonderful start to the day. I am now thinking of trying the Electric Umbrella for our CS meal at Epcot
Can't wait to hear more about your trip

It is nice because of the free refills! The selection isn't anything compared to Sunshine Seasons over in the Land pavillion though... I love the desserts at the Sunshine Seasons! They are wonderful! But since we weren't getting dessert the Electric Umbrella was a fantastic choice... AND I was hungry for that meatball sandwich! YUMMO!

 

[Dizney73]

Sounds like your first day was off to a great start!

I love the pic of your kids on the teacup

It was a great start to the day! Thank you.. thank you... I just love taking pictures of my kids!!

 

[TanzUnited99]

Another great day!

I love the description of the colour changing sunrise. Wow you got through quite a lot at MK in the morning. We weren't thinking of hitting the parks first thing but it sounds like a good idea if you can get through rides soo quickly!

 

[PlutosRHM55]

Awesome update! Definitely looks like you had an awesome start to your first day at the parks. Though it may just be the mention of three of some of my favorite attractions at Disney that you did Even when I'm not there and they are mentioned, I'm happy And your picture of Cinderella Castle is gorgeous, I don't think anyone will ever be tired of that magnificent structure, it is awe-inspiring. I also loved your picture of the fountains and Spaceship Earth from Electric Umbrella very nice. Can't wait to read more! Update soon!

 

[Dizney73]

Another great day!

I love the description of the colour changing sunrise. Wow you got through quite a lot at MK in the morning. We weren't thinking of hitting the parks first thing but it sounds like a good idea if you can get through rides soo quickly!

Thank you... sunrise and sunset are 2 of my favorite times to just sit and watch... my children, from China and Taiwan, give kisses to the setting sun to carry halfway across to their birth mothers! And sunrise brings their mommies' kisses back to them!

We hit the parks early to avoid crowds during busy times and in the summer We do the same to avoid the heat!

 

[Corrine 1973]

What a great start to your TR, I can't wait to read more.

Your kids are super cute.

 

[Lidian]

Thank you... sunrise and sunset are 2 of my favorite times to just sit and watch... my children, from China and Taiwan, give kisses to the setting sun to carry halfway across to their birth mothers! And sunrise brings their mommies' kisses back to them!

We hit the parks early to avoid crowds during busy times and in the summer We do the same to avoid the heat!

Oh, that is absolutely adorable they send kisses through the sun!!!

 

[Dizney73]

What a great start to your TR, I can't wait to read more.

Your kids are super cute.

Thank you! I am about to finish up day 2 finally! I don't know where time goes!

 

[Dizney73]

Oh, that is absolutely adorable they send kisses through the sun!!!

Thanks... we do it so that it allows us every single day to think about what a special gift their birthmother's gave them... life! It allows me to say thank you each day as well for my two beautiful children. It also has allowed for so many honest questions that Shasha has had over the past few years to be answered. She knows her "story" and we want her to be comfortable with it, proud of it and know that her China mommy did for her what she thought was best and that she will always be loved by her and owns a special spot in her heart forever.

 

[Dizney73]

Po slept all the while we journied back to AKL! I carefully lifted him out of the stroller... he slept soundly on my shoulder while at the bus stop and on the ride all the way back to the hotel. The one thing about staying at at Jambo House is that the buses back from the parks all go to Kidani first to drop off and then back to Jambo. It may only be 5 minutes but with a tired little boy sleeping and drooling on you... it feels like a lifetime! We got off the bus and I carefully buckled him back into the stroller and pushed him back to the room. The plan was to take about an hour or so nap and then a short dip in the pool before getting ready to head back to Epcot for our 4:10 ADR at R&C. We tiptoed into the room and softly closed the door. I unbuckled the still sleeping little boy and laid him down on the bed. DH and Shasha went out on the balcony for a bit of unwinding. I carefully crawled into bed and laid down beside my Po-boy... and then just as I closed my eyes he touched my face with his little hand and whispered, "Mommy, me not sleeping anymore. Me wants to go swimming!" So much for a nap.
So, instead we all slathered up in SPF 50, put our suits on and took the convenient and short walk down to the pool (and that is why I love the pool view rooms!!) We spent about 2 hours chilling out in the pool. The kids both like to play in the shallow zero-entry part of the pool. And it is nice that I can just sit near the edge with the water brushing just to my elbows and relax while the kids enjoy "swimming"!
After enjoying a nice afternoon in the pool we all got ready for dinner and our evening of Epcot activities. We were back to the park earlier than expected and walked around admiring the Flower and Garden Festival. I am always amazed that the topiaries look so perfect! But my favorite F&G decor are the beautifully decorated banks around the edge of the water and the floating flowers drifting about... beautiful.

We arrived at the R&C about 3:55 and they let us check in. After receiving our pager we walked through the shops in the UK. We stopped to visit with Pooh Bear and Tigger... Po DID NOT like them! We have seen hundreds of characters... he likes to see them but hates to get close to them. So Shasha hugged them and Po bounced at Tigger from halfway across the room

We stopped in a nice shady area to wait just as the World Showcase players walked out and set up for The Quest for the Holy Grail show... we haven't ever seen it before so we made ourselves comfortable on the curb and stayed to watch. It was very funny although it obviously depends on how much the audience participates. We happened to have a VERY INTERESTING audience so the show was near hysterical. Our pager went off just before the show ended and we made our way over the desk and were seated at a lovely table on the outside patio. THIS is why the Rose and Crown is my favorite place to eat at Epcot! I just love the ambience!

The kids each ordered a specialty drink with the lightup Tinkerbell and Buzz...and a kids meal. Shasha had the Bangers and Mash and Po had the Fish and Chips. The kids loved their meals... Shasha ate most of hers and some of Po's (and some of mine)!

DH ordered the Fish and Chips and was disappointed in the portion size...for $15.99 it really wasn't much. But he finished up both kids' meals so I guess it all worked out...I ordered one of my favorites...The Sunday Roast. And it DID NOT disappoint! I must say that I liked that DH was jealous because I advised him to get the Surf and Turf (which I also love) but as usual he didn't listen.
We shared a sticky toffee pudding for dessert ... which was out of this world delicious... not huge... but wonderful! The kids were very happy with their make your own kids' sundaes!!! I should mention taht we were not on any dining plan but used the Tables in Wonderland Card instead this trip.

Then, with bellies full, we skipped back past France and to Japan! Shasha and I have been reading up on the Pick a Pearl here and I promised her that she could do it! So, with daddy's blessing we paid for a ticket, waited patiently for our number to be called and picked out the smallest, hairiest, ugliest pearl we could find!!! It was indeed some fanfare and Shasha loved it!

Would I do it again? Probably not... but only because I have a 5 year old daughter with extravagent taste! The Pick Pearl part only cost something like $15... but my little pearl chose to have her beautiful cream colored pearl which measured 7 and 1/4 set into a ring with a small diamond hugging it on each side... I didn't let her get the gold but it still ended up costing about $70 extra for the ring setting! It is beautiful... and the mean mommy that I am... I made her get it in 1/2 a size up so that right now it fits on her THUMB! I don't have a photo... but I will take one and post it later! It really is very pretty and my princess has been taught by her Godmother that "Every Girl Loves Pearls!" Shasha is no exception!

It was already getting late so we made our way back up to the Land pavillion to use our fast passes for Soarin'. The parent swap would be a really long wait for Po so Daddy took Shasha on and Po and I went to go look around the art store and Mouse Gears. Soarin' took a bit longer than even we expected... but we decided to ride Spaceship Earth since it was about 8:58 pm and no one was in line for it. We walked onto the ride... I get all excited over the new Build Your Own Future movie at the end! I let Po push any choices he wanted and we ended up with a story that i have NEVER seen before. Usually, I go on with Shasha and she always makes the EXACT same choices so we always have the EXACT same story!!!
We played for awhlile with some of the cool activities that you can nver seem to get near after riding on the Ball an walked out of there after the big crowd and hopped on the first bus that came... no big line or anything!
It was indeed a magical first day in the parks... and crowd??? what crowd? The only time we would have known that it was crowded here in WDW was when we were leaving he Magic Kingdom in the morning! Gotta love planning right!

Then... off to sleep to get a good rest for our morning at AK!

Next Up... Day Three... Pocahantas, Pirates and the Plaza!