President's Weekend trip review........long, sorry!!!

[Tiggerfan14]

Can't wait to hear more, we took our son , he has been a few times. and he was 13, we took his best friend with us too. and he was miserable the entire time.
Now he is currently working down there on the college program. He calls the other nite and said i can't believe that people can be miserable down here! ITs Disney!.
I had to laugh.

 

[antree]

Enjoying your trip report. I too just got back from Disney and had an 11yr whine and have melt downs in front of the whole park. I guess it's a girl thing.LOL.

Maria

 

[OhMari]

Enjoy reading your reports. We went when our youngest dd was 10. She was at the age where she enjoyed everything. I'm sorry to hear that your dd had some whiney moments. Hope you finish your report.

 

[bsusanmb]

Great trip report, you have a great writing style, and wonderful sense of humor. When DD's were 7, 12, 19, DH and I took them to WDW - never again. 7 year old whined the entire time, "I want a camera..." DD's wanted to sleep all the time and swim, "I'm bored"
Now the older two have children and we are all going on family trip in Oct to SSR. I will have to remind them of that one trip when they drove me over the edge!

Keep the reports coming, I love them!

 

[Pryncess'mom]

Saturday again dawned beautiful. There is nothing so beautiful as a bright sunny morning, with a blue sky sooo blue it's hard to describe, palm trees swaying in the breeze, and knowing the fact that it's below freezing at home!!!! AAAhhhhh, florida!!

Anyway, I knew if I was going to get through the day with Jordan, she needed some down time, and the boys don't get moving until 11 anyway, so DH and I loaded up 2 suitcase of dirty clothes and hoofed it to the laundry. I sorted, loaded 3 machines and tried to get change from the change machine. No dice. DH went into the arcade and tried 2 machines before he finally got some quarters. $2.00 to wash, $2.00 to dry and $1.00 to buy a box of detergent. This is highway robbery!! It cost me $15 to wash clothes. I probably hadn't paid more than that for half the clothes in there, but, it had to be done! While loads were washing, we went over to Captain cooks and bought breakfast to share, along with the newspaper we brought from the room. Soon enough, we were back in the room, clean clothes in hand (or suitcase!!) Kids were all moving, so we headed out.

We had planned to go to AK today, just for a few certain things. I'm really sorry everyone, but this park it not on my list of things I have to do. If I didn't have park hoppers, I would have skipped it altogether, but the boys wanted to do EE, and I wanted to see FotLk, and eat at Flame Tree BBQ. All goals were met. The crowds were really large, and the narrow vegetation lined walkways seem so claustrophobic to me. I love the FotLK show though, so I braved it out. Flame Tree was really good too. Boys liked EE. I would have liked doing this, but the princess was in a royal snit again. We had driven the rental car, so boys headed out to go back to MK. Jordan wanted to see DinoWorld since they had just finished learning about dinosaurs in school. We walked around there for a bit, then headed out. We went back to resort to rest. We had ADR's for Concourse Steakhouse and just wanted to rest a bit. Since it had been about 11:30 when we got to AK, it was now about 2:30. DH went right to room, DD and I went into Boutiki. They have some pretty things here (also pretty expensive!) but we did get the soundtrack for Lilo and Stitch 2 for $12.99. Not too bad!

Boys came back, we watched the same 7 cartoons on the Disney cartoon channel. You know, you would think that with the amount of animated cartoons Disney has made over the years, they could show more than 7 cartoons. While the band cartoon is funny, especially when Donald keeps dropping flutes, after the 3rd or 4th time, it looses it's novelty!!

Got ready for Concourse Steakhouse. Because we were on the dining plan, we had booked places new to us. We took the monorail over, and checked in about 10 minutes before our time. We only waited about 5 minutes. When they took us to our table, Jordan started in. You see, the whole time we had been waiting, while only 5 minutes, was plenty of time for Ryan (DS2, 15 yo) to annoy her by taunting her about the characters coming over while we were eating. Our table was the very last one in the steakhouse and only separated from Chef Mickey's by some plants. We could see Chip and Dale and the worst one.....Goofy. She ordered nothing, and ate nothing. But the rest of us enjoyed it.!!

We again took desert to go, stopped by the Poly to put things in fridge, and headed over to MK.


More later........................

 

[Beana9802]

This is an awesome trip report! Very well written.

I have a funny story. About 13 years ago, my cousins and I were taken by our aunt and grandmother to Disney when I was 13, Girl Cuz was 15, Boy Cuz1 was 18, and Boy Cuz2 was 3. We were there for several days and getting on each other's nerves. Grandma decided to take us shopping off property at the outlets, and we fought the entire time. She got so fed up with our antics that she GROUNDED us! I think we were the only ones to be grounded for part of their Disney Vacation. We had to stay in our hotel room, and couldn't go anywhere, not even to the pool. Heh..

Anyway...keep the posts coming, great story!

 

[Disney owl]

Great reports, keep tham coming

 

[Pryncess'mom]

The weather Saturday had been very nice, so we were still in shorts and Tshirts. As we headed over to MK, the boys decided to hit the mountains again. We asked Jordan what she wanted to do. It was probably about 7:30 when we got there, and folks were lined up for Spectromagic at 8. We headed over to Tomorrowland first. FP for Buzz, over to Fantasyland. Jordan and I rode the carousel. Carousels are my favorite ride and this one is great! We could see Spectromagic coming up Main St. through the castle, so continued on to Small World. Jordan wanted to do Snow White, so off we go. No wait. When we came off, we headed back to Buzz. By now, we were bushed, so we began to make our way out. Another lovely boat ride back to the resort, and settle in for the night, after another viewing of the wonderful 7 cartoons!!

Sunday, Day 5 was overcast and cooler. Capris and Tshirt fit the bill. We got several combo meals from Captain Cooks to share, then headed over to MGM. We all were together. The bus wait at the Poly I felt was kind of long. After all, it was a holiday weekend. We waited at least 20 minutes for an MGM bus. When it finally came we loaded on and headed over to the Grand Floridian. We were stopped, waiting for people to board when all of a sudden people began screaming and pointing to the front of the bus. An older man fell and was holding a young baby. I don't think the baby hit the pavement, but people were very upset. CM's were there right away to escort them inside, and we never did hear anymore news about them . The bus ride to MGM was somber. People were holding their children very close to them. When we got there, we headed in. The boys took of for RnRC, as i was heading to the stroller rental line (yes, it had come to that. She is 8, and not petite, but I was tired of listening to her, so into the line I head) I needed a FP for the stroller line! As we get to the line she says she has to go to the bathroom. I turn to look for DH to get him to stand in the line, I can't see him. So we head to the bathroom, where she promptly changes her mind as soon as we reach the door. Back to stroller line, which is now 5,000 people longer than before!! After about 10 minutes in the line, we are awarded a lovely stroller. Now I begin to look for DH, still can't see him. Waste 10 minutes standing there waiting. Finally he comes, he was waiting for us on the other side. OK, now that we have killed 30 minutes, head to Beauty and the Beast stage show. We have never seen this, and seating is taking place. We find seats near the top of the bottom center section. Jordan needs the bathroom again. (She has been doing this for 2 days. Her stomach hurts, she needs the bathroom, then when she gets there she can't or won't go. )Nice CM lets us go out the exit, and tells us to come back in that way. Bathroom is just around the corner near ToT. Back to show to find almost whole bottom section full. No way to reach DH, who is saving our seats, so we sit on the top bleachers. This was a very enjoyable show. Even got smiles from Jordan!! The ultimate test. I'm sure all the performers feel so much better now that Jordan has given this the OK!! When we herded out of this, we headed over to Litttle Mermaid. Line is not too bad, wait about 20 minutes. But now DH has to use the bathroom!! I really think we saw more bathrooms than anything on this trip!! We wait until he comes back then enter the line. Line moves, next show starts, line moves, etc... we are in the area for the next show! In the waiting area. Jordan's stomach starts hurting again. I explain our situation to wonderful CM, gives us directions the the nearest bathroom, AND FP to come back whenever we want!! Bless you, CM! Again, we hit the bathroom, and Jordan doesn't go. Since we are right by the Narnia exhibit, we get in this line. Wait about 5 minutes. The royal pain in the a** I mean, royal mind, changes yet again. Out of the line. We head down towards backlot tour. DH wants to do Lights, Action Motor cars or whatever it is called. I send him in alone, and Jordan and I head back to the entrance to look for something I can buy for her stomach. We did find Imodium, which I forced down her throat. (close enough!!)We walked around taking pictures of the NY street, along with San Francisco. This was new for us, and really neat. I heard a CM on the backlot tour say they are also doing a Chicago street. With a snack from Herbie's whatever it was, we sat down to listen to the stunt show. Sounds really neat from the outside!! As I was sitting there waiting for DH, I thought to myself that the crowds had really diminished. There were people around, but not too bad. Well, then the show let out, and it looked like a stampede. Millions of people must have been in that show! I finally had to stand on a park bench so DH could see me! Then, it was kinda like salmon trying to run upstream. We tried to head over to Little Mermaid, and finally made it. We were in time for the next showing with our FP, so we headed in. I go right to the back of the room so we can sit in the back of the auditorium. (Insert Jordan's whining sequence here )She doesn't want to do this. By this time, I've had it. I asked her not to lean on me, and she should stand by her dad. Luckily, DH, who while not always the most astute of DHs, figures out I'm at the end of my rope!! He talks to her, and keeps her occupied until we enter the show. I love this show! DH did not remember getting wet, but wet we did get. Mom, I said I didn't want to get wet, remember. How could I forget!! Over to Animation Court. DH and boys did this several trip ago and saw Emperor's New Groove being drawn before it's release. We walked right in and sat down. This met the royal approval also, after some bumpy starts. Walked around at the end, really neat things in this exhibit. Glad we made it through. Chicken Little available for autographs and pictures. Of course, we skip that part!! As we head back to the Sorcerer hat area, the boys beep us. They are right across the court, so we meet up and all get in the Narnia line. After 10 minutes, Jordan and I get out, and they continue through. I did spend some time talking to a really nice CM who was at the beginning of the Walt Disney attraction. After they came out, we headed over to Sci-Fi for our ADR's.

Later...........................

 

[AmyBennett]

I have to say, I'm getting a bit nervous, as we are going for 9 days in March w/ 8yo DD. She is an only child and the queen of whinning. I just thought maybe some Pixie dust and Disney magic would cure this. Keeping my fingers crossed and Loving your report. BTW, where in south jersey are you? We are currently in PA but from s. jersey... Just curious.

 

[Pryncess'mom]

Amy, we are in Cumberland county. And, I honestly feel most of Jordan's problems were overtiredness and the constipation. If you let your DD get plenty of rest, and maybe tke some stomach meds with you just in case, she should be fine!!

Anyway, let me start by saying this trip was 2 weeks ago now, and my brain is starting to get a little fuzzy on some things! Since I am almost done, I will perservere, although I am now typing with 6 fingers ( I sprained a finger last night, the night before my big bowling tournament, and can not type with all fingers!!)

We checked in early at the SciFi. I was excited about this place. I read the reviews, which are mixed, but the look was really unique. We did have to wait about 1/2, they were running behind schedule. While in line, DD stomach started to hurt again, so we found the restroom. The ABC commissary and scifi share restrooms, so you need to walk down a hallway along the side of scifi. Jordan had been doing the whining sequence about not wanting to be here, but when she actually saw the inside, she decided it would be ok.
I used Deams Unlimited to book this trip, and all my ADR's were made by them. When they finally called us to our table, they tried to seat us at one of the patio tables at the back of the theater, yet there were cars empty on the floor. When DH saw this he said he didnt' want to eat here if we didn't get a car. The hostess (who wasn't the friendliest!!) asked if we had made a ressie. I told her yes, at least a month ago, so we trudged back to the podium and she went through the spiel with the assigner. Seems we did actually have a ressie number which was overlooked, and we were finally seated properly DS1 &2 in front seat, DD & I in second seat, DH in back seat (story of his life, according to him!!) I should have figured out that from the beginning this was a less then perfect meal! It was so dark in our car, I could barely read the menu. Other cars around us seemed much brighter. DH had talked to Jordan while we were waiting and explained that stomachs shrink when you don't eat, and that may be the cause of her pain, and that if she ate something, she might feel better. Lo and behold! she actually ordered something! The lousiest chicken nuggets in Florida. The boys enjoyed their ribs, but the rest of us were not impressed. After leaving, the boys decided to head back to MK. We were headed there too, but at a more leisurely pace.

First we took the boats to the Boardwalk area. We had never been there and wanted to walk around. We looked at the menus for the restaurants, and since by now it was quite cool, DH went into ESPN and bought a sweatshirt. We walked to the other end hoping to find skeeball, our favorite boardwalk game (we are less than an hour from the Jersey shore, the boardwalk is like our backyard, which is why I have no desire to stay there!!)We didn't find any, but did take a walk through the lobby of the resort (and DH found YET another restroom!!) The carousel horse chandelier is magnificent, and there is a small statue of Lucy the Margate Elephant over the fireplace. But this place is too much like home for us. We jumped back on the boat to EPCOT. Another lovely boatride. By now, it was about 8:00 and people were lining up to save their spots for Illuminations. We just headed right to exit and took monorail back to TTC, then over to MK. MK was open to midnight (actually 3 AM, EMH!)

We went in the MK only to be directed out a gate between Tony's Town Square the the shops, on the right. There were CM's guiding people BEHIND Main Street, exiting into the Noodle Station in TomorrowLand. Walking behind the scenes is very disappointing. Seeing trash dumpsters and delivery areas really kills the magic quickly!! anyway, we headed to Buzz and got FP. It was 8:49 and they were for 10 - 11:00. We tried to get on TTA, which Dd loves, it was broke down. But CoP was open. I love this! I only wish they hadn't changed the song! Now is the time, now is the best time....this is much catchier (my word!!) than great big beautiful tomorrow (remember, just my $.02.) There were about a dozen of us in there. Tried TTA agin after, still down. Headed over to Fantasy Land, did Snow White again, Small World. We found CM's giving out wrist bands for EMH, so we beeped the boys to tell them to get wristbands. They met up with us and took DD off our hands for awhile. We went and did PoC, and Haunted Mansion. They did Barnstormer. We traded the kid again, and she and I headed to Aladdin's Magic Carpets. When wishes began we were heading back to Tomorrow Land for out FP for Buzz. We stake out a seat on a wall outside of Ray's Cosmic Cafe, facing the castle. DD had not seen Tinker Belle's flight yet, so we stayed to watch her and the fireworks. I did get some neat pictures that turned out. I will post pictures at the end. Then back to TTA (still down) and into the line at Buzz. The fast pass line was almost out the door. We stayed in line about 5 minutes, then decided to leave. Jordan was very tired.

The boys actually stayed until about 2 AM. They rode Space Mt. TTA (it finally opened) Indy Speedway, BTMR, Splash Mt. and several other things I can't remember (you know, that brain thing again!!).

Since I thought this was my last time in the MK, I was very quiet and sad on the boat ride back to the room, I really love the MK.

 

[frankenpooh]

Thanks for the nice report! If only fatigue, bathroom issues, hunger, thirst, sunburn, etc., did not apply at Disney, then the trip would REALLY be magic, huh?

 

[AmyBennett]

Pryncess---Thank you for the the advice. I will definitely bring some type of stomach medicine and even if we have to drag her back to the hotel kicking and screaming, we will certainly make sure she gets enough rest. That is probably easier said than done though! I am thoroughly enjoying your report, so much so, I may have to do my own when we return. Oh, and we're in Camden County...not too far away.

 

[disnut1149]

Thanks for your report. It was great. I love you sense of humor. I'm taking my dgd (3 1/2) and my dd in August and I know we will have some whining with a 3 year old. I'm a grandmother now and went through a lot of the same stuff you did with my two daughters. My son seemed so much easier to take places. It sounds like you still had a great time! I don't live too far from you.
We're right outside of Philly and go to Wildwood or Sea Isle in the summer.

 

[Pryncess'mom]

Ok guys, at this point, I can't remember what I had for lunch!! And reading over the reports, I see where I made mistakes, mixing things up, soooo lets finish this thing!!

Monday morning was another really nuce day. Back to shorts. We did some breakfast platters, then hit the MK ONE last time! I told you this was my favorite park. The boys hung out with us. I don't remember everything, but I know we all did PoC, luckily Jordan had her big brother to protect her and didn't put up too much of a fuss! When we came out, I noticed that El Pirata & el Perico was open! Of course, since this was a trip to do new things, we ate! After the the boys took DD through Swiss Family Tree House. Jordan and DS1 took off to do a few things one more time. DS2, DH & I decided to head to hotel. As we entered the main plaza in front of the castle, I decided to head into castle, as I had missed it. The parade was only about 20 minutes away, so things were really crowded. DS2 headed back while I shot some great pictures of the castle. I really liked all the gold decorations. A really big improvement over the birthday cake fiasco!! We slowly made our way out, stopping to watch people and bits of the pre parade entertainment. Walking through stores to gaze at things, just enjoying the company of my DH in a magical place. Of course, boat was just pulling in, and since it was parade time, not many people waiting.

For our last night we were headed to EPCOT. DS's were eating in Mexico, and DH, DD & I were eating in Italy. Monorail over, left boys in Mexico. Since we were 1/2 hour early, we watched the entertainer in Italy a bit, and did some shopping. I had to buy some biscotti for the teacher's room for breakfast!! I checked in, and only waited about 10 minutes. Thus restaurant was much bigger than I expected, and quite noisy. The food was excellant though. After leaving, we wandered into American Adventure and saw the show there. It is so impressive, and really brings out the patriotism in one's soul to see the accomplishments of Americans. Again, we held back in the crowd, which wasn't very large anyway, to sit in the back of the auditorium. I did miss the Voices of Liberty this time, but that gives me something to look forward to next time! Into Morrocco to look around, bypassed France this time, looked around the stores in Canada, then made our way back to entrance. Tried to do Spaceship Earth one more time, but Jordan vetoed that idea!! There was absolutely no wait at all. It was about 8:30, and we were tired, so we headed back, depressed mom in the lead.

I packed the suitcases, watched the same 7 cartoon again! and got ready for tomorrow.

We had express check out, so we loaded up the car and went to Kona Cafe for a sit down breakfast. Then over to Downtown Disney to do our shopping. Usually our final day includes eating at the Rainforest, but since we had counter service meals left, we got takeouts at the Earl of Sandwich to take to the airport. A little more shopping, repacking everything, fill up the gas tank and off to the airport for our 5 PM flight home.

All in all ----- great trip. Even though the crowds were larger than our usual time, with FP use and free spirit we made out well. If we didn't feel like waiting, we hit something else. We know we will have other trips. I really think the longest we waited was about 30 minutes for Haunted Mansion one night. (and, no I can't remember which night!!)

My advice for busy times -- plan - we usually didn't do a park with EMH. Use FP for really popular rides. be flexible -- if something is moving too slow, try it later, during a parade, or fireworks, or mealtime. If you miss it completely, are you really NEVER going back again??!! Also, the shows really fit in lots of people. They are quality shows that offer a chance to sit and rest while enjoying entertainment. We also found out that things really weren't that busy near closing. The last 2 hours before park closing, we did alot of things during this time. We are night people, getting up super early to hit the parks is really not us! (Even though we accomplished alot the one day we did it)

Lastly, go with the flow---do not be the annoying person trying to walk against the crowd!! Don't stop suddenly without looking behind you, you will get run over!!

Hope this has been fun, interesting or informational for anyone. It has been fun for me reliving it! Now on the the dining reviews!!

Thanks for reading!!

deb