Pirates, Princesses, an Evil Empire and a few Rebel Forces-UPDATED 8/05

[live4christp1]

Trip Dates: June 4 -15

Traveling Companions: DH, myself, DS (10) AKA Jack Sparrow & Jedi Knight, DD (5) AKA Cinderella & Padma

Trip Firsts: Pirates & Princess Party, Star Wars Weekend & Busch Gardens

Old Favorite: Chef Mickeys

Itinerary

June 4th - arrival day - Check in - off to MP&PP by 4:00 PM

June 5th - Epcot

June 6th - moving to resort day - Breakfast with Chef Mickey - free day for resort pool & fun

June 7th - Star Wars Weekend at DHS

June 8th - Animal Kingdom

June 9th - Busch Gardens

June 10th - Free day

June 11th - DHS

June 12th - (haven't decided yet)

June 13th - move day - free day - Downtown Disney maybe

June 14th - Magic Kingdom

June 15th - Departure Day

 

[live4christp1]

This is trip #5 for us, while we aren't yet pro's at touring the parks, we know our way around pretty good. The first year I was bound and determined we would do EVERYTHING in 4 days. Boy was I wrong! So we have gradually added days and I still don't think we have done everything at any single park.

First summer trip for us, so I know we are in for a rude awakening with the heat (well everyone except me....I'm always freezing). The crowds will also probably be a bit more than we are accustomed to. We have generally gone the 1st full week of March with the exception of last year's Spring break falling the week up to Easter......the parks were pretty crowded then and I have no desire to go back that week of the year again.

We are off-site travelers and have stayed at Westgate Vacation Villas for the past 3 years and enjoy it......we get a great deal by renting from an owner on Redweek.com.

We already have our P&PP tickets and will stop at SOG upon arrival and purchase our regular park tickets. We have a 10:15 ressie at Chef Mickey's for a late Breakfast on Friday. Chef Mickey's was our very first experience with Character dining and so far it has been our favorite. That year DD had just turned 1 and Mickey sat down at the table to feed her her baby cereal .

We are all so excited to be only 2 weeks away. At this time 14 days from now we should be in Kissimee.

 

[live4christp1]

Just a little info about our touring style. We are one park a day people from the time the park opens until it closes, no breaks, no naps, nada. Last year we ended up with an extra day and decided to go to Epcot for a few hours. DD has become so accustomed to the all day touring that she had a major melt down over this issue. Yeah, that was my kid screaming and crying all the way to the car that she wasn't ready to leave yet and it wasn't time to leave yet. For pete's sake mom, there are still people here.

We don't try overly hard to "make magic happen" like running the 100 yard dash to Tink's treasures, etc. so when something magical does happen, it really is magic. We also enjoy spreading magic as well. This year I thought it would be fun to take a couple extra plastic pirate swords (can get them for $1) and maybe some little crowns to have to give away at MP&PP. We've also been known to share nice cold kool-aid pouches with our neighbors waiting in the hot sun for the afternoon parade or glow necklaces & bracelets at Fantasmic.

DD is 110% Princess and all about Cinderella and the Princesses. She still refuses to say she is going to the Pirate & Princess Party.....and will quickly correct me that she is only going to the Princess Party. She was majorly upset to find out that she had to wear "real clothes" on this trip and could not wear her Cinderella dress all day - everyday.

DS like pirates, loves anything animal related and is an absolute walking book of knowledge on Star Wars. He is so excited to be going to his first SWW. He has plans to march in the morning parade and participate in the Padwan Mind Challenge.....this kid beats DH & I both at Star Wars Trivial Pursuit and we grew up on the stuff........yes, we were kids in the 70's.

DH loves Disney just as much as me, although he doesn't completely get the DIS and my addiction to it. I do have him convinced though that you can find the answer to any question you can ever think of Disney related or non - here on the DIS. He thinks it's a little strange that we DISers actually look for each other in the parks.

Myself - Trip planner (I'm usually already planning the next one before we leave for the 1st one) - deal finder, schedule keeper, sentimental, SAP. I cry watching Wishes on video, and also at almost any Disney cartoon, Hallmark card commercial, etc. Yes, I'll have tears in my eyes as the MK is opened for the day, when Tink flies overhead, seeing the joy in my kids faces and just all having a good time together.

 

[live4christp1]

Where has the time gone????? Oh yeah, we were in DC last week so I lost a week. We got home on Wednesday and DH said, "I'm not even going to take the suitcases back downstairs because then I just have to bring them right back up." Have been running around crazy the last two days trying to get everything done. We ran home yesterday and grabbed the mower (DH) and the weedeater (me) to take care of the yard work really quick before cub scouts and before it started to rain.

The living room looks like the dryer threw up in there as there are stacks of clothes waiting to be put into the suitcases this evening. Had to make DD a Padme outfit last night as she last minute decided she did want to dress up for SWW. Ran out at lunch to wash the van, exchange a shirt, and I need to stop on the way home and return a shirt and pick up a digital camera and whatever else we might need for the coming days. Hopefully I'll have everyone in bed by 9:00 PM as we plan to leave at 4:00 AM in the morning headed out for our greatest WDW adventure to date!

See you all in 2 weeks!

 

[live4christp1]

Had an amazing trip! Posting details as time allows today.

 

[live4christp1]

June 4th, 2008 – Day #1 Pirates & Princesses, Oh My!

The day started at 3:00 AM, needless to say we could have left at midnight or earlier because I didn’t sleep hardly at all . (Does anyone sleep the night before you leave? I’m always too excited) We were in the van and on the road by 4:00 AM. Tried to get the kiddos to go back to sleep (DD had popped out of bed by 3:15 ready to go) as today is going to be a very long day. DH and I took turns driving, he got to sleep some, I tried but I just can’t relax enough, his driving terrifies me with my eyes open so with them closed it’s even worse (don’t tell him I said that) . We drove until about 8:30 or 9:00 before stopping for breakfast (somewhere on the other side of Cordelle GA). The drive went smoothly. There was a lot of road construction in GA but it was so early that the traffic wasn’t bad. We hit the Florida turnpike about noon and shortly after 1:00 we were purchasing our tickets at Shades of Green.

So our tickets are taken care of, off to grab lunch and check in to the hotel. The kids are so excited that they hardly eat anything. We get to our room a little before 3:00 PM. We had booked two nights at the Best Western Lakeside and all I will say is, “I will not stay there again” DH rested some more while I got the kids ready for Mickey’s Pirate & Princess Party. DD is going as Cinderella and DS as a pirate. We left the room shortly before 4:00 and are going through the gates to the Magic Kingdom about 4:10. They had CM’s posted out front to place your arm band for the party as you came into the MK. The family fun day parade was going on at Town Square so we watched a few minutes of that and headed over to Adventureland. We walked up just as they were coming out to do the Pirate tutorial so we got right in the front as he was laying down the rope. DS was among the 4 kids picked from the audience to participate. He had a fantastic time and this was just the start to a wonderful trip full of magic for all.

Following the show we headed to POC, the wait time was only about 5 minutes. We love this ride and it is so cool inside, a nice break from the Florida heat. As we passed JC the wait there on standby was posted at 10 minutes so not to bad for afternoon. We headed up to Splash Mtn. but decided to wait until our following day at MK (kids didn’t want to get their costumes wet) and we hopped on BTMR doing rider swap, DD didn’t want to ride. The wait here wasn’t very long at all either, I can’t remember what was posted but it was under 20 minutes.

Following this we headed over to Toontown to see the Princesses. Walked through Mickey & Minnie’s houses and went inside for Princess meet and greet. This line was about 30 minutes long – we saw Cinderella, Belle, & Aurora here. DS made a great show of removing his pirate hat and bowing to the Princesses, it was fantastic and the Princesses just played right along. DD was ecstatic at seeing Cinderella (her favorite). The Princesses took lots of time with each kiddo.

Next we moved on to Goofy’s Barnstormer (DD did not like this, her first roller coaster). And at this time we are getting close to 7:00 PM and the kick off time for the MP&PP. They are starting to close Toontown for entry by guest without armbands as we head out. We decided this would be the best time to ride the speedway and were correct, virtually walking on to the ride with no wait (we also snagged beads at the entrance to the speedway), we also got on the Astro Orbitor with only about a 10 minute wait, the first time we have ever done this ride as the line is usually so long. (Now I can say "we have done everything in the MK") The dance party is rocking in Tomorrowland as we stand in line and the kids had fun dancing along and DS wasn't to embarrased that mom was doing the YMCA with them. Next we went on Buzz with about a 5 minute wait. DD is suddenly afraid of all rides and I have to virtually carry her on to everything. She has always enjoyed them in the past. Not sure what's going on with her but I can see some problems ahead.

Coming soon: Parade, fireworks, Jack Sparrow & fun!

 

[live4christp1]

Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger spin was a blast as always. DD has suddenly decided she doesn’t like this ride either……what am I going to do with her? If my memory serves me correctly, this was our last ride of the evening. We went over to Fantasyland and let the kids dance in Sebastians Under the Sea Dance party for about 10 minutes, they had a blast and the kids were all so cute out there dancing. Next we headed over toward Adventureland and snagged a spot for the parade (actually right around the edge of Liberty Square with the bridge to Adventureland right behind us). We picked this area so as soon as the parade passed by we could shoot across the bridge and into the waiting area for the Captain Jack meet & greet. It was around 8:00 PM and the parade was scheduled to start at 8:30. I hopped across the street to grab a couple of sodas at the funnel cake place and boy was that a mistake, I barely made it back across the street in time for the parade, there were only about 5 people in front of me and it took about 25 minutes to get two drinks . The parade was fantastic! We all loved the real horses and the pirate ship was super! It was also great to see Tink in the parade . This spot was a great choice and worked out with us getting in line for Captain Jack only about 4 back. We had to wait until the parade was over of course before they started taking people in again but the wait wasn’t to bad. Captain Jack does a great job interacting with everyone, both kids & adults, although DD wasn’t terribly excited about seeing him, she’s kind of afraid of him. After finishing up here we headed over to Main Street for the fireworks. Ran in Casey’s and got DS a hotdog and DD & DH French fries and came out just in time for the start of the fireworks. The fireworks at the Pirate and Princess party were great! After watching the video I think they shoot off a lot more at one time than in Wishes and Tink does fly from the castle in this show as well, but the Wishes fireworks are still my favorite, I think it’s the soundtrack that goes with it (I told you I was a sap).

The rest of our evening was spent getting pictures. We headed back over to Tomorrowland to get Pirate Mickey, Pluto, Goofy & Donald. The characters were having a blast dancing to the music from the dance party. The lines for the characters were really long and we spent most of our time waiting. The wait was well worth it though for some great shots and great video. Pirate Mickey grabbed DD as she was walking away and leaned her back to kiss her and kissed her and kissed her for the longsest time. You can see a picture in my photo pass link. It was the cutest most hysterical thing I've seen. They were all great though once we made it to them, it was lots of fun. DH did go ride Space Mountain while we were doing this as he hates waiting in the character lines.

DD next wanted to see Princess Minnie so back over to Toontown Fair to meet her we go. This line was also long but we started talking to two college girls who are CM’s through the college program and they gave DD & DS more jewels and beads. (we had collected a few more here and there on our own). Once inside it was Princess Minnie & Dopey. Now I love Dopey and we all had to get a picture with him but I just don't get why he was in with Princess Minnie???? Seems like they could have had a few other princesses in there instead. DS did his customary removal of the hat and bow to Priness Minnie and she just went nuts, she grabbed him and is just covering him with kisses and hugging him, I didn't think she would ever let him go . It was so much fun!!!! There are pictures of this also on my photo pass link....don't you just love those photo pass photographers???? They grab the best shots! It’s getting really late and we hurry back toward Liberty Square/Fantasyland connection to get a picture in front of Cinderella’s carriage. All the rides there were walk on but there was a long line for the pictures, ended up being the last thing we did for the evening. It was about 12:30 when we exited the park and about 1:30 by the time we were all in bed so almost a 22 hour day to kick off our vacation . The party was great fun but it seemed to be either choose to ride or choose to get pictures & watch parade, fireworks. Haven’t decided yet if it’s something I would want to do again. We opted to do the pictures as this party is the only time to find some of the characters in these outfits.

Coming up next: 7:00 AM Wake up for Epcot

 

[live4christp1]

Notes about incorrect information we were given or overheard.

At Shades of Green when we were purchasing our tickets someone else asked them if there was a charge for parking at the waterparks. The CMs told them yes, they thought so but everything I've read said that there is no charge for parking at the water parks. Haven't been so I can't say for sure. Someone please provide correct answer if different.

When talking to the CM about our tickets we told them that we were going to MP&PP that evening and already had those tickets. They said, "they won't let you in until 7:00 PM". But having checked out the details through the DIS and getting lots of great info on the party, I knew in fact we could go in at 4:00 PM and that is precisely what we did with no problems at all.

 

[live4christp1]

THURSDAY JUNE 5TH, 2008

It’s not so easy getting everyone out of bed this morning – our long day yesterday has caught up with everyone (well to exclude me – didn’t sleep good at the BW) . Finally have everyone ready and off to Burger King for some breakfast. Have to take DD a poptart as she hates Burger King and they don’t really have anything she likes for breakfast, but everyone else likes it. We get to Epcot by opening and DD & I head toward Soarin’ to get some fast passes while DH & DS go on Test Track . Okay, fast passes are secured so we head back toward Test Track to meet up with the boys. DD plays in the fountains while waiting until she gets a face full of water and she’s done. Did I tell you she is 110% princess? She finds a nice CM to do some pin trading with after she calms down over the water issue. We walk over toward Mission Space as you used to find Space Mickey or Goofy here for pictures but they were not there this year. She still has to have a picture in front of Mission Space. DH & DS come off TT and DS and I go on Mission Space, we asked for child swap as I’ve never done this ride before but DH has and likes it. DS opts for the full throttle or whatever it’s called (most G’s). I’m a bit apprehensive about this ride but it turns out to be no biggy, couldn’t even tell we were spinning, just felt the G’s pushing on you. After the ride, DH & DS go on and we are off to Soarin’ for our Fast Pass. We do child swap here as well. Soarin’ has got to be my favorite ride at Epcot and I could go on it again and again and again.

Time is tick, tick, ticking away and DD hasn’t really got to do anything so we head over to the Living Seas to go to Turtle Talk. There is no wait to board the clam mobiles (DD is very suddenly afraid of these as well, I think taking her on the Barnstormer was a mistake, now she is afraid of everything that moves). Turtle Talk was great fun, but very crowded compared to the one we went to last year (later in the evening). We look around for a bit following the show, the manatees were off exhibit last year when we were there so it was nice to see them back. We start to head out and the kids find the machine that makes the little tags, they both got a Mickey Mouse head with their name engraved on the back, $12 for the tag & chain, it is a pretty nice souvenir.

We decide to head over to the Imagination Pavilion and do HISTA and JII. The kids love JII where the skunk sprays you and they enjoy some of the activities in the galley after you exit the ride. We passed on HISTA as the wait was an hour, will come back later.

OFF TO THE WORLD SHOWCASE

 

[live4christp1]

7/22 - SADLY our photopass pictures have expired. Will try to add some from our digital pictures soon and our photopass CD that just arrived last week.

Want to see our photo pass pictures? Here they are, let me know what you think.

http://www.disneyphotopass.com/shar...2-41e6-b50d-9eef2e4003d1&site=WaltDisneyWorld

Will work on my report some more today as time allows.

 

[live4christp1]

Total pictures = 1,618 and 7 hours of video tape.

244 photo pass pictures
1200 digital pictures
5 rolls of 24 35mm camera
2 (kids)disposable cameras at 27 each

 

[live4christp1]

Sorry it's taken so long to post more, I get caught up in the CB . I often feel like I'm just rambling too and not so sure it's even helpful to anyone or of interest. Still though, it's kind of like journaling our trip and I enjoy it.

We enter WS from the left coming to Mexico. DS stops to play in the fountain along the way and is soaked, I mean he is dripping wet, good thing he wore Crocs today. We sat down in the sun for a few minutes and let him drip dry just a bit. We also get to see Donald in his Three Cabalaros (probably did not spell that right) outfit, which is a first for us. We go into the Mexico pavilion and the ride inside is a walk on with no wait. This is a nice relaxing ride that we always enjoy going on. We enjoy spending a little time looking around at the stands inside, the kids try on hats and play with the noise makers. DS is intrigued by the wooden animals that are being carved but not enough so to let go of any of his $$$. We exit and head on. Stop at Norway to look in the old church, visit the bakery and then take a trip back in time with the Vikings. We have to tell DD we are just going on a boat ride because she is so scared of everything. Well, we are going on a boat ride, we just didn’t mention it has a little hill in it. She survives though and although she doesn’t volunteer to go back on, no ill side effects. Everyone has fun in the gift shop trying on the Viking hats and I got some good pictures (black mail pictures) with DH & DS with braids. DH is getting hungry and we discuss our options, he likes Chinese but the kids don’t. He looks at the menu and decides he would rather do something else so we walk on over to the American Pavilion for lunch. DS is upset that we are skipping China, etc. so we have to assure him that we will double back. Having visited DC a few weeks prior and upon touring the National Zoo I’d tried to explain to DS about touring it by following the path around and not bouncing back and forth from one area to another (doubling back) DS was irritated that now I was recommending that we double back. Oh well.

The WS seems to be fairly empty. There aren’t many people around at all. We go to the American Pavilion and order burgers, fries & chicken nugget kid meals. I’m glad for the info here about being able to sub the fries, soda & cookie for the kids meals. The cookie is pretty good size and is in a sealed package so you can take it for the kids to snack on later. Everyone’s tummies are full and it’s getting close to 1:30 so I suggest we go ahead and walk over to Japan for the Japanese Candy artist Miyuki at 2:00. As we get over there the story teller (Honobono Minwa) is coming out to start so DS, DD & DH go over while I wait at the candy stand. DS was chosen (there still aren’t very many people at all in WS, other than our family there might have been 5-8 people) to be a part of the story and afterwards he was given a button saying he was an official WS player. We enjoyed listening to the drums next as we waited. Each year I am so fascinated by the candy creations. Both DD & DS were chosen to get candy . DD chose a pink flamingo as flamingo’s are her new favorite animal. DS got a yellow (golden) scorpion. We took pictures of the candy and then it was quickly devoured. Okay, now to back track.

Over at the African outpost DS & DD are asked to join in the drum playing which they enjoy – they are so excited to be a part of things . In China we see Mulan and then Mulan and Mushu together. We look around some and both the kids buy one of the small marionettes, this has become sort of a tradition for them. DH loves just walking around and looking at all the different structures and details that go into each countries pavilion so he usually does this while we wait in line to see characters.

Next stop: Germany

 

[live4christp1]

** Needed to add to previous post. The very nice photo spot CM in China started talking to the kids (they were wearing their lanyards) and he gave them each the 2008 Tink pins for YOMD! We got them last year as well, they are slightly different pins. The kids were very excited to have received them!

In Germany we see Snow White & Dopey, gotta love Dopey . Check out the model train area (the trains weren’t running) and look around in the shops.

We move on to Italy and look around there. I think of all the WS countries, this is the one I have spent the least amount of time in. Still have not gone into any of the shops there. DH on the other hand has probably been in them all. I’m just not a big shopper. If there is something I want, I want to go get it and be done – don’t like to waste time just looking, I’m probably missing out on a lot by being this way but hey, I’m saving $$$$.

We walk right through America without stopping. We already ate lunch there and saw the Spirit of America Fife & Drum when we were leaving there earlier.

In Japan DH & DS decide to go in the stores and look around. DD is tired and is sitting in her stroller drinking a strawberry frozen drink so she and I sit out on the steps to wait for them to finish looking around . They aren’t gone to long and return empty handed as they have not found anything interesting to purchase.

Moving on……Morocco – As we approach there is a line waiting for the characters to return so the kids and I take a spot and wait. Shortly Aladdin & Genie come out for pictures and autographs. DS is concerned because Jasmine is not there and asks the nice CM if she will be there and she said no, she is gone for the day. DS thinks Jasmine is hot and is a little disappointed to not see her . We wait in line a few minutes and DS goes to see Aladdin & Genie. DD doesn’t like Aladdin so with the absence of Jasmine she will not go at all. Aladdin has great fun cutting up with DS, he pretends to be looking at DS’s pin lanyard and actually swipes one of the pins. DS doesn’t notice this at all, does autograph, pictures and thank you’s. He is walking away and Aladdin says “hey, do you want this back”. It was a hoot!

We walk through Morocco and look around, the WS is still very empty, has been strangely empty all afternoon…….we have been to WDW times when the crowd levels were lower but I can’t recall ever seeing WS this empty. Not complaining though. It’s a little eerie though, Morocco is almost deserted.

We make it to France. The kids like to sit and rest here by the fountains and play in the water. So DH grabs a spot on the bench and I go to the pastry shop to grab us something yummy. Decided on a piece of cheese cake and a chocolate mousse. We are all still pretty full from lunch so I figured DH & would share the cheese cake and the kids could split the mousse. The kids took maybe one bite each and they were not interested in the mousse so DH and I enjoyed it. They both were really good! The kids play in the water a few more minutes while we just sit and relax. We have missed the characters in France today.

As we reach the United Kingdom Alice is out in the garden so we get in line to meet her. DH goes on ahead to prowl the shops (see a pattern here). Alice is always so enchanting and animated with the kids. Inside the little shop they get to meet Pooh and Eeyore. Eeyore is my favorite WTP character……I always felt so bad for him. DD wonders out loud “why do Eeyore and Pluto have to put the book up on top of their nose to sign?”

We don’t really go into Canada, DS stops at the little cart out front and buys a stuffed Husky – “that’s the kind of dog he wants” he reminds me.

So our tour of the WS comes to an end. We walk back toward Future World looking in a few shops along the way. We go over to the Imagaination Pavilion again and this time HISTA is a walk in. It’s approaching 8:00 PM. I can’t remember if we ate dinner at the park that evening , (we had plenty of snacks with though so they ate something, I didn't starve them to death) I don’t think so – seems like we got Wendy’s or something after we left. We talk about what we should do for the next hour. No one wants to go sit and wait for Illuminations, DS decides he wants to do Test Track again. DD sees the characters inside Character Connection as we are passing and wants to do that so we split up with DH & DS headed to test track and DD and I get in line for meet and greet. The line here is long and slow. DD had such a great time though it was worth it. They are playing fun music so when you finally reach the characters they are all dancing around having a good time, playing with the kids. DD is ecstatic, she is jumping up and down, dancing . She has to give them all a kiss…….which makes me wonder… …..how many kisses get planted on those checks and noses a day?????? Do they wipe them off periodically?????? EWWWWW . DD wore her pink mouse ears today with the princess crown and veil down the back. Chip and Dale have great fun flipping this over into her face. We get finished up here about the same time DH & DS get out of Test Track. We look around in Mouse Gears a little longer and decide to head out as we can hear Illuminations in the background and decide we will get ahead of the crowd. The kids play on the fiber optic sidewalk as we go.

Bye Epcot for another year.

Tomorrow is Move Day to our resort (YEAH – GOODBYE Best Western) and breakfast with Chef Mickey – Day number 3 of our WDW vacation!

 

[live4christp1]

FRIDAY JUNE 6TH – MOVING TO WESTGATE TOWN CENTER
BREAKFAST WITH THE MOUSE

We get to sleep in today, I made our breakfast reservation late for a reason. We get up around 8:30. Get ready and load up our few things. Out of the Best Western before 9:30 – we will not be returning here, you can read my review on the Orlando Hotel Reviews .http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1864910

Heading to the Contemporary for our 10:15 with Mickey. We are all so excited. Chef Mickey’s was our first ever character meal and has been our favorite to date. Get our parking pass and enter the Contemporary, up to Chef Mickey’s we go, check in and get our little pager. Short wait, maybe about 15 minutes. It’s really empting out. We get a nice table/booth area that would have seated 6 so we have plenty of room. DD is beside herself she is so excited. Run fix kids plates. DH goes to get his plate. All the characters were great and spent lots of time with the kids. DS wanted an omelet with just bacon – WOW what a huge omelet they brought him, it hung off the plate so I got to help him eat it. We had so much food here. DD barely ate anything though…..she isn’t a big eater to begin with but add in distractions and excitement and you can just about forget about it. We stayed for over an hour, some of the characters came by several times to cut up with the kids. The place was pretty empty by the time we finished. We had some pastries (chocolate croissants, donuts, etc.) that were not eaten and our waitress brought us some plastic wrap for them and two bananas. So to answer a question I posted before the trip. They do not have to-go boxes but if you ask nicely they might just find something for you to wrap it up in. We enjoyed our meal and the pictures were good.

We plan on taking a monorail tour so we go back downstairs first so DH can take our left overs to the van. We sit in the lobby and wait and a nice gentleman (CM) comes over and gives the kids some Disney stickers and is talking with them. They trade some pins, he had a cool Black Pearl pin that DS wanted, he chatted for a few minutes and wished us a nice day. Off we go to the monorail and ask if we can ride up front. We get the 2nd one that comes. DD is terrified that it is going to fall off the track. Our driver Jim was great and gave all of us co-pilot license. He answered ALL the questions DS had and he can ask a lot . We stay on until we reach the MK and exit. We have never been on the resort ferry’s so we hop on the one to the Polynesian. The weather was beautiful and this was a wonderful and relaxing ride. We get off at the Polynesian and it is absolutely beautiful. We have never been here before. We walk around and look a bit and shop in the gift shop. They had a few unique things that I did not see anywhere else at WDW. It’s after 1:00 and I’m worried about our parking longer than the 3 hours at the Contemporary so we get back on the monorail and head back. We ended up being at the Contemporary for about 3-1/2 hours but no issues with staying over our permit.

Our confirmation for Westgate says check in after 4:00 PM but we know we can hopefully get in sooner so off we go. We are in luck and our room is ready so after a few minutes of paperwork, etc. our guide arrives to show us to our room. This year we have a 2 bedroom unit, 4th floor overlooking the mini golf, pond and one of the pools in the background. It was beautiful. This is our 4th year at Westgate and we have loved each one. The kids are excited to have their own room (even has a picture of Mickey on the wall). We unload, unpack, and are off to the pool. We swim for about 2 hours before going back to the room. We finish off the day by going to eat and making a run for groceries for the unit for our week. We decide to put off DTD for a few days and turn in early. Tomorrow is SWW at DHS and we want to be there early!



Next Installment “STORM TROOPERS EVERYWHERE!”

 

[kathleen27]

Sounds like a wonderful trip so far. What great Character interactions you had. Your photopass pictures are amazing.

The Cinderella and Pirate costumes are wonderful. How cute that your son bowed to all the princesses. I agree that you had to really choose what to do at the party. My kids chose to ride rides as it was our only day at MK. We did get my DD’s photo at Cinderella's carriage though.

I am amazed you made it to Epcot so early the next morning. I have never seen the tags you made, so I will keep an eye out for that next time. Amazing that WS was so empty.

My kids love Chef Mickey’s too.

I am really looking forward to hearing about SWW. My son and I would love to go sometime. We are big star wars fans. I did see your photos from that day, and they are amazing. I did not realize they had all those characters and backgrounds. I will make sure to show my son your star wars photos.

 

[live4christp1]

Sounds like a wonderful trip so far. What great Character interactions you had. Your photopass pictures are amazing.

The Cinderella and Pirate costumes are wonderful. How cute that your son bowed to all the princesses. I agree that you had to really choose what to do at the party. My kids chose to ride rides as it was our only day at MK. We did get my DD’s photo at Cinderella's carriage though.

I am amazed you made it to Epcot so early the next morning. I have never seen the tags you made, so I will keep an eye out for that next time. Amazing that WS was so empty.

My kids love Chef Mickey’s too.

I am really looking forward to hearing about SWW. My son and I would love to go sometime. We are big star wars fans. I did see your photos from that day, and they are amazing. I did not realize they had all those characters and backgrounds. I will make sure to show my son your star wars photos.

Thanks! Yes Chef Mickey's is still our favorite!!!!! SWW was such a blast, we would defifinately go back and do it again, and again, and again. The difference with it and MP&PP is SWW is pretty much an all day event and the character interaction was outstanding!!!!! To all of you Star Wars CM's thanks for an outstanding production!!!!! And to all the members of the 501st, great job and thanks for all the effort you put forth to be a part of this event!!!! My kids loved it!!!!

 

[live4christp1]

Saturday June 7th – Disney Hollywood Studios – Star Wars Weekend

Up early this morning. The good thing is we are in the resort and can have breakfast in our room so that saves some time and money. The kids are watching WDW top 7 for the 100th time since we have checked in to the resort . Thankfully the majority of that has been in their room.

DS is going as a Padawan and DD is Padma (last minute decision that had to be created, used the top of an old prom dress and the skirt to a dress up costume some one had given her). If she would have worn the shawl I created from the overlay of the prom dress it would have looked more like the dress Padma wore on Naboo.


We arrive at the gate to DHS by 8:00 AM (Yeah)! There are already people lining up. We stop to take pictures with the Storm Trooper posters out front and then join the folks who are already in line. There are lots of kids dressed up for SWW and LOTS of adults too. We only saw a handful of adults dressed up at MP&PP but here at SWW there are a lot. About 8:10/8:15 several Storm Troopers (ST) come out and take a lift up to the top over the line area. They talk to the crowd, interact, etc. One of them spots DS and gives him the “I’m watching you” sign. There was a nice CM handing out times guides and maps specifically for the SWW and activities. At 8:30 the ST’s tell us they will let us in early if we promise not to tell anyone who let us in. Of course everyone agrees and the CM’s start allowing people in. Walking down the street ST’s are stationed atop the buildings along the route. One remarks “people on the street, I am not wearing any pants” to which everyone looks up……he replies “just seeing if your paying attention.”

We take the first street to the left (sorry DHS is the hardest for me to navigate and I don’t know what this is, it goes by Echo Lake but also brings you out to the area of the Drew Carey show) and get a little way and are stopped. If you wish to get in line for a FP for autographs for Warwick Davis and the others you can go on up to that area but everyone else must wait until 9:00. We didn’t want the autographs and decide to back track to the next street and wait at that rope as the FP line looks like it is going to be hard to navigate through. DS wants to be in the Padawan mind challenge so we need to go there first thing to sign up, we also thought we were signing him up for the parade. Finally 9:00 comes and we get in line for the PMC, first heat fills up and when I reach the desk DS gets spot #15 . They aren’t taking sign up’s for the parade and say the kids will be picked from the park…..BUMMER . We decide to head to Star Tours as the line says 5 minute wait. DD doesn’t want to ride but this is one of those that she goes all the way in with and waits outside the pod to swap. DS & DH ride first, hand DD over to DH and DS & I are off on our Star wars adventure.

Here I have to share my oh so close Dream Team encounter. DS and I exit our pod (we had been in the middle row on the pod farthest to the left when you enter the loading area) and right down the exit way are 4 members of the DT, white vests and all. Of course I get so excited and I’m telling DS “it’s the DT, it’s the DT”. We slow our pace hoping they are about to give out FPs or lanyards but alas, they just smile and step back and wish us a good day. DARN. DS has to shop in the store (where we meet up with DH & DD). While they shop, I keep my eyes on the exit area, watching to be envious of all those people exiting with DFP’s or lanyards. Shortly the 4 DT members emerge with a family of 4 (I think) and wisk them out of the building so I’m guessing it was a pretty big prize. I convey this to DH and the kids about how close we were. DS says he is happy it wasn’t us though as then he would have to miss the SWW stuff… …gotta love him. DS spends a considerable chunk of his $$$$ here and we send the packages to the front to be picked up later.

Outside we get in line and meet Chewbacca. Now he looks really real!!!! Great photo’s! The person is this costume is TALL!!!!!! We next see Luke and Leia and get in line for pictures with them and then also get Queen Amidala. We walk around toward the Toy Story Area as there are photos there as well but it seems they have taken a break. I’ll go ahead and let you know now……..we did a LOT of waiting in line for characters. But SWW was great and well worth it! It is definitely one we would do again, would like to have several days to visit this event though, due to the fact that even with all the lines we stood in, there were so many we did not get a chance to see.

MORE SWW to come later……stay tuned! SWW parade, who wins the PMC?, a duel with Darth Vadar.

 

[live4christp1]

Since we are near Pizza Planet and we had an early start this morning we decide to go ahead and grab some lunch before the parade, it is 10:55 and they are just about to open so we are first in line, get pizza, drinks & salad. Usually the kids play around in here for a bit but not today. It was nice being in there so early , there weren’t hardly any others at all, was really quiet and cool compared to the heat outside. DD has decided she doesn’t like pizza because it has green stuff in it (the spice in the sauce) – she eats a couple of bites of salad and maybe two apple slices and a few of the pepperoni’s off the pizza…..(this child will be the death of me).

Next we need to find a place to watch the 11:40 parade, people are already lining up and most of the spots in the shade are gone, as you know there are very few of those along the parade route at DHS. We find a spot and start talking to a really nice lady – her husband is in the 501st and is a ST in the parade. She tells us lots about the group and how they have to create their own outfits, have them approved by the council, etc. It was amazing all that goes into this event! The parade was great and we got a lot of great pictures. So many SW characters as well as the 3 visiting celebrities so we got good pictures and video footage of them without standing in the lines for the meet & greet.

Parade ended and we head back over toward the Star Tours area. DS decides to wait and see if he can get in the Jedi Training Academy, he doesn’t get chosen so we move on. The next couple of hours really seem like a blur. We went from one area to another, around and around getting autographs. I can’t even remember what particular order we saw them in. We saw a lot of characters that DS knows but I don’t – the bounty hunter from episode II who was a changling – she was excellent and was out walking around would really interact with the kids. Then another who had an antenna coming out the top of her head……she also did a lot of interaction and playing the part. One that looked similar to Shaak TI but different outfit and her ears or antenna or whatever were shorter. We go over and see Jedi Mickey and Princess Leia Minnie, getting in line one after another. Meet another DISer while standing in line ANG - she notices my button and asks if Meriweather made it? Yes she did (thanks Meriweather for the button!!!! I do wear it when we are at WDW). Somewhere along the way we ran into Prince Caspian and DS got his autograph. R2-D2 was out with Luke & Leia so we got in that line again but by the time we got up there R2-D2 had gone . Saw Darth Maul and he really did a lot of interaction as well. DS tried to use the force on him and they each tried to intimidate the other. There were Storm Troopers, clone troopers, bike troopers (all the various types) walking around everywhere who were happy to stop and pose for pictures, sign autograph books, etc. We also ran into several sand people and Jawas who were just mingling about and happy to sign books and take pictures. DS was in heaven. We found Darth Vadar and get in line for him. At one point they pulled DS up front for a light saber duel with him (this was at the character greeting) – the picture is in my photo pass collection. This was a highlight for DS - he got pulled from the line several times by characters to interact with them - but Vadar was the best! DH said that Vadar was almost to into the part as a little kid had been up there and tried to give him a hug and the guy pushed him away. Said the little guy looked like he was gonna cry.

After Vadar DS asks the nice CM in that area “where can I find Kit Fisto, Mace Windu, Shaak Ti, ?????” She gives us times and locations for several different ones (I think she was the one who in fact pointed us in the direction of Jedi Mickey and Princess Leia Minnie). We make sure and head over to that area, was in the area of Echo Lake. Mace and Shaak Ti were there so we got them and then Anakin and Kit Fisto come out so we get back in line and are able to get all four of them . DD was okay with Mace and Shaak Ti but she was afraid of Kit Fisto and wouldn’t go back. Shaak Ti came over and tried to convince her to come up but she wouldn’t. Anakin came over after time with DS and shook her hand and talked to her a couple of minutes. I don’t think she ever uttered a word, just looked at him.

We went back to try and get Vadar Goofy and Trooper Donald but wouldn’t have time before DS had to report back for the Padawan Mind Challenge so we go in ABC Commissary and sit down to cool off, drink some soda and eat a snack. Heading back to check in for the PMC, DS says he is really nervous, we don’t know what to expect as this is our first SWW and we don’t have any idea how this works. Along the way he stops a Jawa and asks if he can have a hug, Jawa is happy to grant request so DS is happy and says he feels better now. We check DS in he gets an arm band to wear and they walk the kids down to the area where they Jedi Training Academy takes place. This stage is where all the SWW stuff takes place. I think there were 20 kids in the event and they give them all two flags, a gold one and a black one. They are instructed to listen to the question, wait for the sound of the lightsaber and then raise the flag that reflects the correct answer. No mouthing answers our shouting answers from the crowd and no flag switching once answer is raised. Questions start off really easy and all the kids are answering correctly. Now DS was nervous, but like I said in the pre report, he is a walking book of Star Wars information – he read the Star Wars dictionary almost all the way to Florida and can talk endlessly about it . Quickly the competitors start falling away, down to 5, down to 4 and lastly down to three. DS is still standing along with a little boy and a girl. So they ask each their name and where they are from. They then bring all the kids back up for one final question which they answer correctly and they all receive a gift set of 3 coins from Hasbro.

Following this we see a few more characters, Boba Fett is one of the last. We head over to Wicket’s Warehouse to look around and it’s really empty in there. The character times are all over now but it appears there may have been some inside here are there are several scene back drops for photos. If someone knows please advise. We did see the guys from the Cantina band walking on a couple of occasions but could never locate where they were doing pictures.

We go back into ABC Commissary and have some dinner and relax and cool off. It is about 7:00 and time for the Hyperspace Hoopla but we all decide to just sit inside for a little bit where it is cool. DD is napping. The area around the stage is rather small and really congested for that large of an event and no one feels like fighting the crowd. DH decides he wants to do Fantasmic tonight and there is only one showing so we go ahead and head that way. We make it in and get goods seats in the Malificent area with no problems. As always Fantasmic is outstanding. They have changed the or added to the back drop a little, I think I like it the old way better. Still, this is my favorite show at Disney.

We head out of the park after Fantasmic, they route us out a different way and we aren’t allowed to wander back down through the shops, it dumps us out outside the gate. We go over and retrieve our packages from package pick up and the there is a huge crowd waiting at the gates, they are having some special after park hours event.

Everyone is tired but we have all had a wonderful time at our very first SWW. DH is even saying he wants to dress up next time.

Tomorrow……..Disney Animal Kingdom – conquering Expedition Everest and being drowned by Kali.

 

[live4christp1]

Just ordered my photo pass pictures and was sitting here thinking......something it wrong with my photo pass pictures...what is it......think, think, think. Hey......what happened to my Epcot pictures??????? I know we took some, actually lots with the characters in character connection. What happened to them?????? To late to have Disney look for them now, checked, they only go back 30 days. Why did I just notice this?????? I'm sure we are missing a few from SWW now that I think of it..........oh well, we have them with our own camera but the photo pass photographers get some really great and cute shots! I told DH we had to many photo pass cards. Every time I'd turn around he was handing me another........I kept telling him.......we don't need another, just keep using the same one.......so somewhere along the way we definately lost one or more photo passes so beware folks.......keep up with those photo passes. I did write our name on ours with Sharpie but it was wearing off anyway.


Lost photos...........

 

[live4christp1]

SUNDAY JUNE 8TH – ANIMAL KINGDOM – EVEREST AWAITS

Up and out early Sunday morning. Of course DD is upset that she can’t wear her princess dress to AK today. We are there right about opening and the kids visit with some of the CM’s showing insects and the like. Not really in a hurry to get to anything, we enjoy looking at different things as we pass by. We reach It’s Tough to Be A Bug and there is only a 5 minute wait so we decide to go ahead and do this. DD hates the spiders that come down…….takes a little convincing to get her to calm down. I love all the 3-D shows at WDW, I haven’t seen them anywhere else that can even come close to compare.

Next we head toward Dino-land. DS and I ride Dinosaur followed by another round with DS & DH. I will be so glad when DD is a little bigger and will enjoy these rides so we can all go together, it eats a chunk of time going round twice.

In Dino-land DS and I ride Primeval Whirl. DH hates rides that spin round and round. He was going to take DD on Triceratops Spin but she didn’t want too (evidently we brought her just so she can ride in the stroller). They are eating a snack when we get off the ride (DH is always hungry at the theme parks).

We decide to go ahead and line up for the Nemo show and we get some great seats. This show is amazing to me, I just love it…….so much more than the Tarzan Rocks show. It’s cool inside so waiting for the show to start isn’t to bad. DD decides she has to go potty (I asked her if she needed to as we passed the restrooms going to get in line) and I was afraid it might be hard to get back in but they let us go out and come back in the exit door.

Next we head to Asia and grab FP for Everest. DH rode this when they were doing soft openings the first year and then rode again last year. DS and I have never done it. DS has decided to get up the nerve to ride this year so we get two fast passes. We head over to Kali River Rapids, we’ve never done this ride and decide to go on. DD is not thrilled about the idea at all. The line isn’t to long so we set sail……DD is not happy and is making sure everyone knows it. You know that very first hill you go down…..well, DS and I just happened to be on the bad end of that and got completely soaked. The lady sitting across from us died laughing…….then we went by the sprayer and she got drenched……..she said, “I’m sorry”. Lesson here – Do not laugh at the people who get drowned, you will be next! When we got off there was only one tiny dry spot on me were I had leaned forward. DD got a little wet but not bad, DH was also pretty fortunate. DS and I dripped for about an hour.

We walk around the Jungle Trek to look at the tigers and other animals as we wait for the EE FP time to roll around. Got some great pictures of the tigers. DD is still not happy about having gone on the rapids.

Back at Everest we go to the CM to get a rider swap pass in case DS likes it and wants to go again, he and DH head off. DS loved the ride and comes off so excited so he and I go back on for a 2nd ride. By the end of the day we will log 7 rounds of Everest. He points out things to me as we go whizzing by, he is a pro at this ride now seeing as it's his second ride.

Now I’m hungry, it’s time for some lunch. We head over to Flame Tree BBQ for something other than hamburgers for a change. Only thing I don’t like here is you can’t substitute fries on the kids meal. We did substitute the jello and cookie though and then ordered the fries for them to split. DH had the BBQ sandwich and said it was good. I had the chicken with coleslaw & corn muffin. It was really good and a nice change of pace! The only other thing I disliked here is there is only outdoor seating, it wasn’t to bad though once you get past all the birds trying to bum food from you.

Next we are off to Africa. DD and I decide it will be a good idea to go ahead and find a shady spot to claim for the parade. We found one right down from the Safari. DH and DS run over to ride the safari as the wait isn’t very long and we have almost an hour until parade time. A couple of CM’s come out with a hopscotch game to set up in the street and DD is entertained by playing hopscotch while we await the parade start. She has a lot of fun playing this with a few other kids who join in. We had a great spot for the parade, DS & DH make it back in time to watch. The AK parade is my absolute favorite, it is so much fun and so upbeat you can’t help but dance along. We did see Timon take a tumble right in front of us but he was up almost as quickly as he fell. I was amazed, thought it would be a lot harder to get up in one of those, he just rolled and kept right on going.

As soon as the parade ends we shoot over to do the KS. We had a driver that was their first safari, it was a bit rougher than usual and they were really nervous. We did see a lot of animals though and DS loves this ride so much, today he got two trips.

We hop on the train out to Rafiki’s planet watch next which is almost empty when we get there. We go just to get the characters out there and are pleasantly surprised at the appearance of Jiminy Crickett . We have never seen him and this was a huge highlight for me! We also saw Pocahontas. Off to catch the train back, we barely make it on the one sitting in the station.

DD wants to see the Pocahontas show, DS isn’t so thrilled about it so he and DH go on the walking tour to see the gorillas etc. while DD and I head to Camp Minnie Mickey. Convince DD it will be okay if she goes up and sits in the front with the rest of the kids (she is really timid around folks she doesn’t know) while I sit a few rows back in the adult seating area. Have a clear view of her and she knows where I am, she turns occasionally to check and make sure I’m there. She looks so cute sitting up there with the other little girls . This is a first for her as she has always had DS with her in this type situation. She had a great time!

DH calls as the show is over and says meet them at Festival of the Lion King as they are letting people in. We make it in time for the next to the last show of the day (thought we were going to have to wait for last). We had good seats which made DS happy. This is a fun show and we always enjoy it. DH really doesn’t get seeing the same shows again each trip though, but hey, I’m going to squeeze everything I can into a day!

After FOTLK the lines at the character meet & greets are really short so we see Goofy, Donald, Minnie and Mickey in their safari outfits. DD falls down and skins her knee so we have to break out the first aid kit and band aids. We have about an hour left so DS decides he wants to do EE again. He and DH head off ahead of us. DD and I stop along the way to visit Pooh, Piglet, Eeyore and Tigger - she always gets great hugs from Tigger!

When we catch up with the boys they have ridden EE 4 times in a row. As they come off that 4th ride DH has had enough, the CM’s start calling “last ride” so off DS and I head for EE which brings him to a total of 7 rides for the day. He is excited as he has decided to conquer all the rollercoasters this year, this one down he still will need to ride Space Mountain and Rockin Roller Coaster to complete them all.

We take our time heading out through the discovery trails to look at animals and stop to shop in a few stores. Another great day! Wow! Our Disney time is going by way to fast.

NEXT STOP: Busch Gardens and hairstyles by giraffe.