Princess Buttercup meets the World - Now complete

[jeepgirl30]

Princess Buttercup meets The World - pre trip - I moved this from the main forum.

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Princess Buttercup Meets the World

First, I’m writing this pre trip 2 months pre trip but posting one week prior.

Cast: Me, 30something working mom, Disney and planning freak.
DD6 – First time to Disney, loves all things Princess, Pink and Girly

Background: I need to give a bit of info on who we are to help convey the whole feel of this trip, the reason the family is split and why we went where we did. I’m an event planner for work and love to plan trips. I go a bit overboard. DH and I took our first trip to Disney together back in ’98. We had been married for just one year but had dated many. He had never been to the World and I had only been there as a child. My parents took us on many family vacations but always very, um, well economical. I had the mom that would try passing me off as 2 when I was 13. I hated it. We never stayed onsite and always drove which took longer than the actual time at Disney.

So when planning my first trip I thought I went all out while remaining budget smart. We stayed at Coronado. I fell in love all over again, with Disney. Oh okay, with DH too. We spent a lot of time at the boardwalk and vowed we’d be back as often as we could and someday stay at a more upscale resort although we did like CSR and would return there. Being an event planner I immediately went back to work telling my boss I found a fantastic venue and booked an event at CSR for the next spring! I meant the most wonderful person at CSR for events. If anyone is interested PM me and I’ll tell you all about her. I did another event at CSR the following year then when my convention services extraordinaire moved to GF I went with her! In the mean time I attended 3 events outside my own all at Disney. One I stayed at CSR, one I stayed at the Dolphin and one at CB. DH came with me to the Dolphin and also the GF. We agreed we liked CSR the best. In between all those events, 2 kids came along. Our princess was born in 2000 and our DS was born in 2002. I lost my job in 2004 and finally got back into event planning in 05. We always knew we wanted to take the kids to Disney but we wanted to wait until they were out of diapers, could handle walking somewhat and would remember some of it. This is our feelings for our family. When DD came I immediately started planning her first trip and revised it every year!

Unfortunately things popped up that just didn’t make it possible. DH is a bit unflexible so he doesn’t travel real well. In fact when I book our flights somehow those darn airlines always put us in separate rows, gee honey really I don’t know why. So when I traveled for business I didn’t bring DD as DH would have to take care of her outside his normal comfort zone. It worked better to let grandma be grandma and know the child was safe. Then DS came along.

For the 1st 6 months of his life he was the easiest child ever. Then his true nature came out with the horns. Okay not really but sort of. At 15 months he was literally scaling our furniture and hanging from chandeliers. At 18 months we had our first trip to the ER and surgery. He knocked out 4 teeth, breaking the bone and splitting his gum in the process. DS looks and acts just like DH. If anything in his world changes he becomes completely unglued. Not the typical tantrum but something crazier. You can not reason with him at all. You know at the play centers where they have the shoe racks? Well it’s an issue if he can’t have his shoes side by side, alone. No other shoes can be near his and his can not be any other way but side by side. I’ve had moms come up and offer to move shoes for us because he just can’t deal. Now he is not a bad child but he does show many signs of OCD. His hands can not get dirty and he freaks when he sneezes. He also does not sleep well if he does not have his bedding. We went to the beach and mommy had to walk him in his stroller all night long because he would not calm down any other way. We were staying in a condo with another family so I did not feel sleep training would be appropriate.

So, back to this trip, when I got my current job I started saving money through ING for a family trip. DH did not know about it. We talked and he said to start looking into it. I got pricing and it all looked reasonable. But then we started talking about how hard it is to travel with DS and while the money isn’t outrageous its not that readily available either. DS is only 3. But the princess is ready and has been. So I mentioned a girls only trip. At first DH was like no way, family should stay together. DH never did family trips as a child. Then his Steelers season ticket bill came in the mail. I calculated frequent flyer miles and showed him how cheap I could do a 3 night stay at a value with DD. Considering it was less than his steeler tickets, he said GO! I went back and forth about not taking the boys. Then free dining came out and I booked, DD and I at All Star Movies for 3 nights, 2 day regular non hopper tickets, $500 total. I booked CRT as soon as I could. I booked the frequent flyer seat and paid for my ticket so another $225. Then the guilt hit. I told DD about it and she was so happy but said we needed to say “the D” in front of DS so his feelings weren’t hurt. DH and I talked and rethought taking the boys. However at this point I didn’t want to add close to 1K for only 3 nights but to change the tickets would be crazy. So as I write this we are still flip flopping. I love my wild child DS but at the same time I really want to take the princess by herself and really give her a magical trip. She is always hearing “honey just wait until I get your __ settled”. Insert either DS or DH depending on which is having the issue. She has her moments but for the most part she is an easy child that you can actually reason with.

Our last conversation I explained to DH that DD still believes in the magic and really deserves to have the full attention and a trip all about her for a change. I told him that he and DS would not want to see every princess all day long but she would. At this point I think we are on the same page and agree its girls only. I do still feel guilty every night I tuck DS in bed but have already planned to do a full trip either next year or the following with all of us. DS is planning on going camping with his “bes fend Boppa” which is Best Friend Poppa. He thinks he is the cool one because his big sis isn’t going. Hopefully later in life he still feels that he got the better deal. I know my father is beyond thrilled.

I’ve never did a true scrapbook just a photo album. But I really want to have a special autograph book for my baby so I’ve been reading the scrapbook threads and finding great ideas. I have started to buy her tinkerbell gifts and am even planning when to give her each thing. So far I have a princess swim suit which I’ll have in the car she’ll see when we get up and head to the airport. I also have a Cinderella costume that Tink will leave out on our first night so she’ll be able to wear that for the first park day and first breakfast at CRT. I also got her an Ariel sundress, shoes and purse. In May I had a tradeshow in Orlando so I bought postcards and had a coworker sign one for my DD from Cinderella saying how excited she was to meet her.

I’ve been reading the guide book to her and to my surprise she wants to go to Epcot and have dinner with Pooh. A few weeks ago I called and changed our tickets to hopper passes. I have all our ADRs set to include the requested Pooh dinner. I have our agenda sketched out but am really trying to not over schedule! I keep flip flopping about BBB at DTD. I want to spoil her but I wanted to do ‘Ohana our first night so she could see the fireworks and we have early ADRs at CRT so I don’t want to have too big of a first day. Our flight is early so I want to give her a chance to relax before dinner. However she does want to go to DTD and shop. I told you she was a true girl.

So now I’m at less than one week and know we made the right decision for us, GIRLS only! DS is still so excited to go camping and fishing with his poppa and keeps asking when he gets to go all by himself. DH is thrilled because DS leaves Sat night and DD and I leave early Sunday and the Steelers are at home on Sunday. He can go to the game as early and stay as late as he wants.

I ordered more stuff from Disney shopping last month but it is just now shipping out. I also just ordered Crocs for myself but am now seeing that won’t ship until tomorrow. I’m off Friday and probably will not get any of it in time. I’m sure hoping the pixie dust comes early…

Watch out Disney, here we come!

 

[jeepgirl30]

Pre trip part 2

Cast: Me, 30something working mom, Disney and planning freak.
DD6 – First time to Disney, loves all things Princess, Pink and Girly

I decided to take Friday off work so I could pack in peace and run errands for the trip. I took DD6 to school early and we walked around the track a few times. As we are walking we start going over our itinerary. A lady comes up behind us and says “oh sounds like someone is going to Disney”. I said yes, we leave on Sunday. She says “oh, she isn’t in school yet?” Of course I instantly get defensive and say the school has already been notified and was fine with it since it was just a short trip. She was like “whatever, I would never take my kids out of school”. I wanted to punch her but since DD was with me I fumed in silence!

I went home to clean and pack and felt like I got nowhere!

Finally Sunday morning comes! Yea this is it baby! We had an early morning flight and DD got up without any problems. She is my lil morning baby. I had a gift bag with a new swimming suit in her car seat with a note from Tinkerbell saying “see you soon”. She was over the moon. She had to run back in to show daddy.

We made it to the airport and through security in no time. I even stopped and bought myself Crocs. Yep I did it. I bought the ugly shoes! Once again I did something I swore “I will never do” and bought them. I’m so glad I did. DD has 3 pairs so I felt like I should join her.

We got on the plane and ready for take off. We sat and waited, and waited and waited. I started thinking huh this is weird. Checked the watch a few times and yep, we are late. Finally the pilot comes on and says “well folks there seems to have been a security issue land side, at this point I don’t have details but no flights are allowed to take off, we’ll update you when we can”.

Great. So DD and I just chat a bit. She has no idea or cares. However I start noticing other planes are in fact taking off. The plane to my left has come and gone already. We were in the bulk head and DD was in the window seat. I look out to see a police car pull up to the front of our plane. Not airport security but the police. I look at the man beside me and say “not a good sign”. Soon the pilot comes back into the cabin, walks to the back and escorts a young couple off the plane! Yikes. Then he makes an announcement “okay obviously folks it was OUR flight and the couple I have escorted out had something in their luggage security did not like. I do not have details on what that was but we have recovered 2 of their bags and are searching for the 3rd, we need to unload all baggage until it is found”. Total delay was 1 ½ hrs. No big deal for me but for a child that is a long time just sitting! She did great though and we were off. I had made her a binder with activities so she got busy on those. I also brought her DVD player so she was set.
Next up: We arrive!

 

[jeepgirl30]

Part 3 – Day 1
Finally we arrive in Orlando! Magical Express was not bad, its free! We waited about ½ hr in the All Star Movies line before boarding. The other lines seemed to move much quicker but it could have been I’m just not a patient person.

The ride to our resort was quick. They play a little promo so the kids are entertained. We did stop at the other All Stars and got to Movies around 12:30. Our room was not ready but I expected that. I was told we were upgraded to preferred but was a bit confused. I had requested Dalmatians building but didn’t think that was preferred. We went to change and check out the pool. I had packed our suits in our carry on so we were good to go. One little problem, no towels! The lifeguard gave us one so we were fine. They have a box with lifejackets for the kids. There are no signs but these are available free for the children’s use.

We swam for a bit and decided to see if the room was ready. It still was not so we decided to head to downtown Disney and have a look around. DD really wanted McDonalds and hey, its vacation! We did have the DP and ADRs for Ohana that night but figured we’d do a snack and pay OP for McD’s.

We took the bus and no issues. We used Disney transportation the entire trip and had no issues. Yes there were times we had to share a bus with the other All Stars and one night at MK it was a bit of a wait but overall I don’t mind the buses.

Anyway we headed DTD and hit McDonald’s. Our McD’s has iced coffee but this one did not, bummer. I tried the new snack wrap. UCK! DD had a kids meal and was excited for the crown. We shopped a bit and noticed a lot of little girls walking around in princess dresses. I had packed 2 for DD and she asked if it was okay for her to wear one when she changed. I said of course, its vacation! We went back to the resort to see if our luggage was in the room. We got back to the resort around 4:30 and got our room.

We were in Pongo building 3rd floor. I was a bit concerned but the room was very clean and bright. There were 2 full size beds. The main room was fine but there really isn’t a lot of space at the counter sink (no storage) or in the bathroom. It was perfect for my dd and I however I’m not sure I’d do a value for when the boys come next time! It is really hard to change in that bathroom and no privacy. I’m not knocking All Stars, we really did like the resort but I think I would prefer to spend the extra money for at least a moderate next time. Also after this trip I can see how nice a monorail resort would be for a family with kids.

When we got to our room our luggage was not there so I called. When I checked in the CM said the luggage would be delivered whether I had gotten a room key or not so I could go ahead to DTD and if it was ready it would be delivered and waiting. I called bell services and they said they could not deliver it because we had not been to the room yet. It showed up within 20 min of me calling.

We got showers and headed to Ohana for dinner. As we walked up to the bus stop the bus started to pull away, I ran and he stopped. The driver actually got out of the bus and said “Cinderella, I would never leave without you!” It was really sweet. DD felt like a real princess because so many people made comments to her. I was not sure how long it would take with transfers so we ended up getting there a bit early. No problems, we checked in and shopped a bit. My DD talked to a couple other little girls all looking at the princess cell phones. They were having a great time so I just let them all talk. Then they had to leave so DD and I went in for a pre dinner drink. She had some smoothie and I opted for a mojito. She did not like her smoothie after a couple sips. DD only drinks milk or water. We were seated at a window seat and the food started coming! I asked for a kids meal for her because I wasn’t sure she’d like the other stuff. She didn’t. She ate maybe 2 bites anyway. I did the dining reviews so I won’t go into much detail here but once the fireworks started we had these 2 girls probably early twenties pull up chairs and sit right beside us. I had turned my chair sideways so the one girl was sitting right behind my chair and the other was actually at our table. They were talking in normal voices through the entire thing comparing the viewing here to the previous night on main street. I didn’t like it but didn’t want to be rude so I didn’t say anything. DD didn’t care so I tried to ignore it.

DD feel asleep on the bus back to the resort and woke up to another Tinkerbell surprise!

 

[jeepgirl30]

Part 4 – Magic Kingdom here we come!

We had a wake up call but didn’t need it because my lil one has always been an early riser. She woke to a new Cinderella dress, a frilly pen and a couple glow sticks from Tinkerbell. She had a costume she wore the night before but I had bought her another Cinderella dress for her breakfast at the castle.

I made sure she answered the wake up call though which she laughed and laughed when she heard. I asked who it was and she said “I dunno but we are already awake how silly is that?”

I was so excited for CRT. I have never been to the castle and was just so excited for her. Again, we were way early. I have this problem I am always early. I don’t mean like 5 min, more like ½ hr. I can not stand the thought of being late for something, I have major anxiety attacks if there is a possibility for being late so you’ll see the theme on this short jaunt that we are always way too early!

We had no problems with the buses and of course many comments to the “princess”. She had gotten a little Cinderella purse the day before and she asked if since it was vacation and she had her hair fixed, could she wear lipstick too? It was cute because I’ve been saying “you want chocolate, sure its vacation, you want ice cream sure its vacation, you want to jump on the beds, sure its vacation…” so my smarty pants said “mommy, since it IS vacation…” so I said “sure”! She looked so adorable, I’ll post pics eventually!

Anyway, we get to the castle way early and I tried to check in. They said to come back at 8:20. Our ADRs were for 8:40 and we got there at 8:15. So we walked around a bit and went back at 8:25. I don’t know what happened but major pixie dust was sprinkled on my lil princess. The hostess looks down and says “oh, you’re here!” and she calls someone over and tells him to look and says “here they are”. He smiles at DD and then says to me “we have a very special table waiting for you, let’s go to the front of the line” then tells DD “follow me Princess”. We walked by a fairly long line and I was completely confused as to what was happening but loving it for my DD. He signals to the photographer and says “we have an emergency here and they need to be next”. He took DD’s autograph book that I had made for her and made a big fuss over it showing the photographer and a couple other CMs. He told me I could make a killing for it on Main Street. So DD gets to meet Cinderella and we were then whisked to our table. Climbing the stairs I was wondering what we were in for and was so happy to see a lovely window table for two! At this point I got a little sappy and had a few tears but no one saw. DD was in complete awe. I still have no idea what happened that we got to cut the line and feel a little guilty but it was magical.

I know there are many mixed reviews on the dining forum about CRT but I have to say every penny was totally worth it. The experience of dining in a castle was wonderful. DD and I both felt very special. The princesses all came around. My DD has always been very outgoing and has never been shy. Well she picked this trip to test out shyness. I asked her what was going on and she said “Mommy, it is a bit overwhelming you know” and she was right. Jasmine, Belle and Snow White all stopped by to talk with her and get their photos. When they say her book they all commented.

DD was wearing Crocs with her dress and the one kept falling off her foot while she was eating. The Fairy Godmother came over and said “oh you are just like Cinderella, always losing her slipper”! It was cute.

We finished dining and headed off for the attractions. I asked DD if she wanted to change but she said no. At breakfast we saw many different princess dresses and many children not in costume. It was pretty much anything goes. I don’t think any one outfit stood out from the rest. Everyone greeted my daughter throughout the meal and the day as “Princess”. She totally ate it up.

There were no crowds so we were able to do a lot of rides in a short time. We absolutely LOVED Philharmagic. Wow. I’ve been to Disney a few times mostly as an adult. I skipped all the kiddie rides so this was a first for me and what a great experience for us to do it together! Disney is such a magical place and you just feel like you fit in no matter where you are in the World.

We managed to get over to Splash Mountain. I wasn’t sure how DD would handle it but she wanted to do it. I kept telling her if she didn’t want to just let me know and she didn’t have to do it. We get to the loading area and a very unmagical experience took place. It really effected us and continues to bother DD. The line had been moving quite fast, not really much of a line just continuous walking through the maze. But it seemed to bottleneck at the loading area. At first I didn’t think too much but a woman behind me said “oh tell me she is not going to make him go”. The scene then completely unfolds and I realized a child is petrified. I can’t see the child but I hear the crying and see 2 CMs standing there shaking their heads no. The car (whatever its called!) is not moving they are not starting the ride because the child is visable a wreck. The mother is screaming and I mean SCREAMING at this child that he will go on the ride. Next thing I know the woman jumps up screams “I HATE YOU” as she runs out the exit. All you hear are gasps from everyone standing there. The CMs are in complete shock and one helps the little boy (my guess is he was 4-6) out of the car as he is crying and screaming “no, wait, no” I’m sorry to share this but it just proves that people need to set expectations prior to going about what their children can and can not do. Several times DD asked me what happened to that little boy and why his mommy would say that to him. She asked if he found her yet. I told her that Mickey’s helpers had radioed people at the exit and gave the woman a time out and that she and her son were fine. She still tells the story and I feel horrible she had to witness something like that at Disney.

But on with the show… we rode Splash Mountain with DD in total giggle mode. She loved it. So off to BTMR which we did a total of 3 times! Hey, its vacation, of course baby girl! We then rode a couple more kiddie rides and went back to the resort for a quick swim, nap and change. We had ADRs for Crystal Palace and wanted to do evening magic hours at MGM.

DD fell asleep on the bus back. DD can really rebound after short cat naps so I was pretty happy for the bus ride. I know people complain like crazy about the Disney Transportation but you know what? I love it. I have never had any issues and enjoy not having to deal with directions or parking or finding my car in the lot, etc.

Anyway we swam and refreshed and headed back to MK. We walked around a bit and rode the carousel and DD was pretty hungry so we checked into Crystal Palace early. Way too early again. The lines were insane. They came out to announce to people if they did not have ADRs there was nothing available for the night. This was around 5pm, I’d have to check our itin but I know it was early because I had tried to push it back but could not.

While we were waiting DD was explaining how she was excited but asked if we could please not tell anyone at home she ate there. I knew why. Last year she wore a pair of Winnie the Pooh socks to school and one little girl teased her all day about being a baby and how only babies like Pooh. So I told her it could be our secret. We finally got in and realized we had just missed the characters. They circulate around and they had just left our table. I told DD we could eat and by that time they’d be back around. DD all the sudden had no appetite. So she asked if she could have ice cream. I said “honey, its vacation, of course!” I told her to help her self to whatever she wanted. She kept looking at me like she didn’t believe me but decided to test me. Of course she only ate about 3 bites in total all evening. We waited over an hour. Tigger came close a few times but a couple times the parade started and then he’d pick up back on the other side. The waiter was getting annoyed I wasn’t leaving the table but in one hour we hadn’t gotten on signature. I finally asked the handler for Pooh if it was possible to just get the book signed so we could leave. Our table had been cleared and our server really was starting to make me feel pressured to leave. The handler asked how long I had been there and I told him an hour. He said “well it normally takes 1 1/2 but I’ll see” and walked off. He called DD over and got the book signed. It was a little disappointing because we didn’t get the picture. Finally the other characters all came by but the waiter reset the table with us still there!

We left and headed over to MGM for Evening Magic Hours. We got there around 8 when the park closed and only resort guests were coming in. We saw the Ariel show and DD loved it. She loves Ariel. We then went over to the Great Movie Ride. They asked for our wrist bands. I had no clue since we came in after I figured we didn’t need them but we had to go stand in line and get one. We were in a line for about 10 min. Then back to Great Movie Ride and the queue said 20 min. Let me say they lied. We were in line for close to one hour. This was the longest wait at that point. It was awful. I was pretty disappointed in the ride. It was not very exciting. By this time it was late so we decided to go back to the resort.

Although the day ended on a slightly down note, the day really was awesome! We have many wonderful memories.

Next up: MK and Epcot an action packed day

 

[jeepgirl30]

Next up: MK and Epcot an action packed day plus another tinkerbell surprise

We managed to sleep pretty late for DD, 7am! Yes that is late for her. First thing she looked for was if Tink left a little pixie dust. She was thrilled with the Tinkerbell PJs and the Ariel dress with matching shoes. The dress was a sun dress and not a costume. Tinkerbell also left PJs for her to take home to her brother.

I went and used snack credits at the food court for breakfast in the room. I had packed some cereal also so we were good to go. Again we used the bus and headed to MK.

My plan was to do space mountain and other rides we did not do the day before and maybe a few repeats then head to toon town for autographs and then over to Epcot. I asked DD if we could please be sure we did Soarin as I had never done this one yet. So that was on my plan.

Other times I’ve been to MK were either for EMH or mid day entry. This is the first time I was there for the official opening. I actually had tears watching the train pull in and the little show. I didn’t even realize they had such a wonderful opening.

At the rope drop I rented a stroller for DD. I know she is 6 and I know what some people are thinking but we did it. We were both thrilled we did. We covered so much more ground and it kept her from the shops!

We headed straight towards space mountain. DD was so excited and we were crossing our fingers she would be tall enough. She just made it by the hairs on her lil head. I have ridden it many times before but did not remember it’s a single rider type ride. DD wanted to be in front and I was a nervous wreck the whole time wondering how she was doing. She was fine but said she didn’t want to do it again. She said it hurt her tummy. I guess the bar hit her weird. But overall she did like it and was excited to tell the other kids at school she did it.

Next we did the buzz lightyear ride. She saw the Stitch ride and I said no way. She was doing great on the rides but she is normally afraid of everything so I knew that it would totally freak her out. I told her she was way too little and had to be 8. Okay so its vacation of course I can lie a bit!

We started over to toon town and she wanted to do the tea cups again. We lucked out and say Alice and the Madhatter. One of the best character interactions we had. This Alice was just perfect. She was so proper and kind and made us feel we were the only people in the park that morning. She and the Madhatter both fused and fused over DD’s book. Even though I had not created a special page for them they still loved it. I told Alice we didn’t know we’d be lucky enough to meet her but if she’d be kind enough to sign a tag we would create a page when we got home. She smiled and signed away.

DD wanted to do the tea cups alone and I was perfectly happy to let her! I am not so good on spiny rides anymore. It made her feel like a big kid too.

We then went over to Toon Town. DD saw the houses and that was that. She loved Minnie’s house. Finally I managed to get her over to the Judges tent. That was dumb! We waited in line forever to see the princesses. We needed Aurora’s signature and that was all. After waiting for about 45 min we enter the room and see Belle, Cinderella and Jasmine (I think). She said “I already met them let’s go”. So off we went! I wanted to strangle her but hey its vacation of course she is entitled to change her mind.

So off to barnstormer we went. We rode it 3 times. Then off to Epcot. DD has gotten pretty spoiled. We were very lucky with the monorail. Each time we requested to sit in front with the driver we were able. However most the drivers were really boring and never said one word to us. We had one that told us a bit towards the “too much information” but most didn’t even say hi. Still she loved it and it made us feel pretty cool.

We got to Epcot and grabbed some lunch. I just showed my receipt and was given another stroller. We did Honey I shrank the audience and then went to Soarin. Soarin was the only other attraction that lied about the wait time! It said 25 min but it was an hour. However, it was worth every single one of those 60 min. WOW. I would go back just to do it again. I got a fast pass hoping to return on our way out.

We then headed over to the World Showcase. I wanted to buy DH a stein from Germany. This is our tradition. He has one from each of our trips and any solo I did (through work). We stopped at Mexico and did the ride. Its so cute. Then DD made a mask. She really enjoyed it. I felt bad we didn’t have more time but Chef Mickey’s was awaitin’ for us that night! We stopped by France so mommy could get a sample there. I’m a wine freak what can I say. We were coming out of the shop and there she was, Sleeping Beauty. She was just standing there with NO LINE! Talk about lucking out. She looks over DD’s book and tells her she had a really hard working good fairy that must really love her. Yea she sure does. So then I realized we were really behind schedule and made a mad dash for the front entrance. It was really really hot and humid. By the time I got to the front I must have looked horrid! But we made it. So we hopped the bus and headed back to the resort to shower and change.

We hoped the bus to MK and the monorail to CR in no time and guess what? Yep, early again! DD was really excited to meet Minnie and of course Mickey but she really wanted Minnie. We looked around CR a bit and she saw some of the Minnie dolls. We put our name in for dinner and only had a few minutes to wait. There was a lot of activity so it was an easy wait.

We had the nicest hostess. She talked about DD’s book and asked us where we were from and was just very pleasant. We got our picture taken but I never did see them. Then our waitress came over and was just incredible. She explained the rotation for the characters and the buffet items and how the DP worked. Just then Goofy came over and our waitress took our picture for us.

We had a really fun dinner. The characters were awesome! DD was so excited to meet Minnie she didn’t want to go to the buffet. I assured her Minnie would be over after she came back. We went and got Donald’s autograph and he too loved her pen. Then the big cheese himself came over and gave her a bunch of hugs and turned to me, pointed to her and put his hands over his heart. It was adorable. Then Minnie came. DD was shaking! She said “oh Minnie you are so pretty I love you”. It was so precious and made the trip worth every penny. After we left we stopped by the gift shop and I bought her a fairly big Minnie doll! We took the monorail over to Epcot and got to watch the fireworks from the front of Epcot. DD hugged Minnie all night long in her sleep.

Next up: Heading home

 

[jeepgirl30]

The return home
We tried to sleep in however DH called to check on us and woke us up! He was shocked we were still sleeping at 7 am. Gee thanks honey.

We decided since we were awake we’d make the most of it. We grabbed some breakfast and then took a walk around the resort and got pictures. Overall All Stars exceeded my expectations. The resort was very clean and DD loved the icons. However, the bathroom was very tiny. I can not imagine being there with the boys too. I don’t know how people get dressed in privacy. I wasn’t worried with DD but my DH would not have had any privacy.

We then went swimming and just played around a bit and then grabbed lunch at the food court again to take back to the room and eat while packing.

We finished up packing and with sad hearts we boarded the ME to head to the airport. This time the flight was smooth sailing back home and no one was arrested off the flight!

Overall I learned a few things. 1. 3 nights is NO WAY long enough. 2. Learn to better time transportation and not arrive too early for ADRs. 3. Value resorts are a great value but next trip we’ll go moderate or hopefully CR for the monorail access. 4. If your child is easily distracted by shopping rent the stroller and get moving. 5. Disney is the most magical place on earth!

I hope you all have enjoyed my report and found some information useful in helping you to prepare your trips.

 

[OhMari]

Wow, I love reading completed TR's. I'm glad you took the initiative to move your thread, but you put yourself in the Pre-Trip boards. I am going to move you over to the Completed TR Boards.

Thanks for sharing. I'm sure your dd will remember the special time you two had.

OhMari
Moderator TR

 

[rdjm]

What a wonderful time for the 2 of you. Thank you so much for a great trip report, I have enjoyed it very much.