Princesses, Slushes, LEGOs, and a maxed CC - Sept 2009 1st Timer TR

[crocko]

Very cute pix. And those children are still cutie pies. I'm glad Samantha started warming up. How can anyone turn Tigger away?

No kidding. The rest of the trip, she got real excited anytime she saw Tigger somewhere.

Adorable pictures of the kiddos ! I love the one of them saying the castle is this big sooo cute ! Glad to see that Samantha warmed up to the characters , or it could have been a long painful trip for her and you guys Can't wait to read more

Yeah...we were a little worried, but I also knew that it would just take some time for her to get used to them....luckily, she progressed quickly during that first meal.

I'm in--subscribed to it! I enjoyed reading your PTR so I am looking forward to reading the actual TR. We are taking our DD for the first time next September to celebrate her 4th birthday!! We are so excited. Looking forward to reading on.

BTW--your children are adorable! I love the pictures from your PTR and day one's posting of the kids sleeping. Little angels!

Is CP worth the 1 TS credit on the DDP? I am considering doing it because I would LOVE to get some pictures of the castle without a lot of people.

Awesome news about next year's trip....it's gonna be great! Is CP worth a TS credit? For me personally, the breakfast buffest are worth it, just because I love breakfast buffets and usually eat plenty. Plus, eating with characters running around is always cool. And yes, the best way to do CP is on a 9am opening day and try to get a ressie time before the park opens. Very cool!

Those last 2 updates were so great!! It's good to know that you didn't think 'Ohana was that great--you're the second person who's said this. I'll keep that in mind. I REALLY like the "the castle is THIS BIG" picture!!! SO cute! It looks like your family is really having a wonderful time!

Oh--and Jambo House is set up with the Lobby in the middle and 4 halls branching off (and curving) from that. The front two halls are very short, but the back two are longer. None of them seemed too extremely far, though. We were near the end of one of the front halls, and we could get down to the lobby in just a couple of minutes.

Yeah...'Ohana was okay and for some probably better than others...I just didn't enjoy it as well this time around. Biggest problem is that the waits between skewers coming around takes too long.

Sounds like Jambo House isn't quite as "long" as Kidani Village...so that's nice. On the other hand, we were at Kidani's lobby often and Jambo's lobby a few times...and Jambo House lobby is definitely more "active" (and louder). At Kidani, I think you get a more quiet/peaceful atmosphere.

 

[crocko]

Day 2 (Magic Kingdom Day)
Chapter 2 -- When can we go see Ariel?


Our bellies are full from the Crystal Palace and our bounce is in place thanks to Tigger. The park is now officially open, so let’s get on some rides. Where to? Fantasyland, of course – with a nice walk by the castle along the way.

First ride? We had this planned in advance. We wanted the kids’ first Disney ride to be Peter Pan’s Flight. With the park already open for 20-30 minutes, I was worried that the line could have already gotten pretty long. I was pleased, though, to see that we only had about a 5-minute wait.

I love this ride and so does Bridgette. The kids? I think Joshua liked it okay, but Samantha was not a big fan. We quickly found out with her that dark rides and villain rides were not in her repertoire this time around. So, the darkness of the Peter Pan ride + Capt. Hook was a little too much for her.

Next…Dumbo! Both kids were very excited about this ride. For their very first ride, we made them sit with us, but on Dumbo we let them sit with grandma and aunt Mary.

With two rides done, Samantha was itching to get to see Ariel. Thus! Time to get on her Ariel dress:

And then to get in line. On this day, I would say that the Ariel’s Grotto line was probably our longest line of the day….probably around 20-30 minutes or so (Dumbo was a little less). Luckily, there is a splash pad area right there, so while we waited in line the kids played around (Joshua is a huge fan of all the Disney splash pads)

Once we got close, we called the kids back over and waited anxiously to see Ariel. Before I show the pics, let me just say….this was THE BEST Ariel I’ve ever seen. I’ve seen some before and we saw other Ariels during parades and at a character breakfast. The other ones are okay…..correct me if I’m wrong, though….the girl at Ariel’s Grotto this day was SPOT ON!

That was fun! After a restroom break, we went over to get some FastPasses for Pooh’s ride. Then, how about a ride around Cinderella’s Carousel.

Samantha enjoyed this ride a lot.
Next, on to Philharmagic and the kids’ first Disney parks 3D show. I did Philharmagic for the first time last December and thought it was really good. After seeing it for the 2nd time, I feel the exact same way. I absolutely love Donald and that Disney took him through scenes of several great Disney movies. Great 3D (or should I say 4D) effects. Joshua liked this show quite a bit.

Next up was It’s A Small World….I’ve ridden this ride many times and still enjoy it, but from what I could tell, Joshua and Samantha were mesmerized by all the little dancing kids and animals. (Although, at the end of the ride, Samantha decided she would pose for me by sticking her finger up her nose)

Note about IASW. When I was on this in December, it had undergone the new "Disney character" treatment, in which several famous Disney characters could be seen at different points in the ride. Halfway through the ride this time, it hit me....where are the Disney characters? I know I didn't just miss them because they were easily noticed. Interesting to know that Disney took them out...anyone have news on that?




Up next: Will Joshua survive a 50-foot drop?

 

[mommyof2Pirates]

just got caught up again on your reports. I am loving them. We cancelled our CP adr for dinner before we went and I do regret that. I remember from years ago the characters were so much fun. Maybe next time. I would agree that ariel looks amazing. So right on! I have seen others that really dont look as much like the "real" ariel. This one was perfect. Well it seems that you are having a wonderful time so far. I cant wait to read more.

 

[California Jenn]

Getting caught up. Sounds like a wonderful first day and first set of rides!

The picture of DD looking for Ariel is priceless. So magical

Glad to hear you enjoyed both the food and character interaction at CP.

 

[SoonerGirl]

Hi John I can't believe I missed the start of your trip report! What kind of a neighbor am I???

I'm so glad that it didn't take Samantha long to warm up to the characters - I love the pictures of her with Tigger, really cute!

About IASW - I don't remember the Disney characters in it last summer, I thought they were just added to the one in Disneyland, but I could very well be wrong, my mind is slipping in my old age

 

[jordanyosh]

It looks like you got alot done. I've heard the Ariel (isn't there only one..) at the Grotto is the best in many TRs. They must use the friendliest one at the Grotto. She ain't bad looking either.

I thought they only added the disney characters at the DL IASW as well....

 

[longing2Batdisney]

I love the picture of Samantha and Tigger!! and you are spot on Ariel is great and she is really beautiful!!! and I love the shot you did with Josh and Samantha with the castle great view!!

looks like a great morning so far!!!

as for IASW when we went in May I remember seeing Aladdin and Jasimine seems like I point out another character or two but just don't remember at the moment...it was very sublte the characters were set into their country as you would imagine...and I did not take any pictures...I am the worst about taking attractions pictures!

Hey Hey Shannon is going in a short time she will have to be vigilant and give a report!!!

enjoying traveling with your family....helping with my disney withdrawals
Thanks! Connie

 

[crocko]

just got caught up again on your reports. I am loving them. We cancelled our CP adr for dinner before we went and I do regret that. I remember from years ago the characters were so much fun. Maybe next time. I would agree that ariel looks amazing. So right on! I have seen others that really dont look as much like the "real" ariel. This one was perfect. Well it seems that you are having a wonderful time so far. I cant wait to read more.

We were having fun. We got a lot done before lunch, but things definitely go slower with two little ones then when it is just me and Bridgette.

Getting caught up. Sounds like a wonderful first day and first set of rides!

The picture of DD looking for Ariel is priceless. So magical

Glad to hear you enjoyed both the food and character interaction at CP.

Yeah, I love that picture, too. I wonder what goes through their minds sometimes when they see certain things at Disney World.

Hi John I can't believe I missed the start of your trip report! What kind of a neighbor am I???

I'm so glad that it didn't take Samantha long to warm up to the characters - I love the pictures of her with Tigger, really cute!

About IASW - I don't remember the Disney characters in it last summer, I thought they were just added to the one in Disneyland, but I could very well be wrong, my mind is slipping in my old age

My mind could be slipping, too, but I feel fairly sure I saw them last fall.

It looks like you got alot done. I've heard the Ariel (isn't there only one..) at the Grotto is the best in many TRs. They must use the friendliest one at the Grotto. She ain't bad looking either.

I thought they only added the disney characters at the DL IASW as well....

I love the picture of Samantha and Tigger!! and you are spot on Ariel is great and she is really beautiful!!! and I love the shot you did with Josh and Samantha with the castle great view!!

looks like a great morning so far!!!

as for IASW when we went in May I remember seeing Aladdin and Jasimine seems like I point out another character or two but just don't remember at the moment...it was very sublte the characters were set into their country as you would imagine...and I did not take any pictures...I am the worst about taking attractions pictures!

Hey Hey Shannon is going in a short time she will have to be vigilant and give a report!!!

enjoying traveling with your family....helping with my disney withdrawals
Thanks! Connie

Ah ha! You saw them, too! So, possible that they were added after the summer last year, but have been taken away sometime since May.....interesting!

 

[mommyof2Pirates]

yes I would agree with that. I felt like we wasted so much time with potty breaks (they seem to take forever with young kids) and just having to deal with them in general takes extra long. exp: parking the stroller/hopping out of the stroller/arguing about which ride to go on or what to do (they always seem to have a different idea in their minds then what the plan was). I think that is my biggest advice or comment to anyone going for the first time with kids that has been there as adults: Be prepared and understanding that this trip will move at a much slower pace!

 

[MagicShell]

I love Fantasyland. Philharmagic is my favorite. That Ariel is very pretty, I'm glad your daughter enjoyed meeting her.

 

[aaaateamsgrandma]

Absolutely love Samantha in her Ariel dress. And how good was your Ariel you had. She ws absolutely spot on for sure. I must admit I love Philarmagic. I think that is the best 3D show Disney has. Maybe because I love those characters the best. It is totally great.

I make my family do IASW and they all moan and groan (along with COP) but they do it for me anyway. Such team spirit we have. I was glad to see the little dollies with a fresh coat of paint. I thought the last time before the May visit they actually looked kinda scary.

BTW, it never pays to tell children to pose for a picture. See what you get? Quite priceless nonetheless.

Ginny

 

[stacikristine]

Samantha is such a cutie in her Ariel dress! And the pic of you and Joshua (where he's wearing sunglasses) is great! I agree--that Ariel is right on! Very good pictures... The one of her looking down and hugging Samantha is my favorite

 

[Charlefours]

Thanks for the info about CP--I will definitely add it to our list. I really like the idea of doing one character breakfast buffet so it will either be CP or Akershus b/c DD loves the Princesses too. Have you eaten there before?

Ariel's Grotto is sure to be one of my DD's favorite spots. Ariel is her longstanding favorite.

Oh--love the shot of the Dumbos flying with the castle in the background--just lovely!

 

[jenny105]

How did I NOT notice that you had started your TR?? I wandered over to your PTR earlier today, thinking you had disappeared...and then I read your signature. Great start!

 

[crocko]

yes I would agree with that. I felt like we wasted so much time with potty breaks (they seem to take forever with young kids) and just having to deal with them in general takes extra long. exp: parking the stroller/hopping out of the stroller/arguing about which ride to go on or what to do (they always seem to have a different idea in their minds then what the plan was). I think that is my biggest advice or comment to anyone going for the first time with kids that has been there as adults: Be prepared and understanding that this trip will move at a much slower pace!

I definitely agree....be ready to adjust. Although, I will say, I was really impressed with the way Disney has their stroller parking setup.

I love Fantasyland. Philharmagic is my favorite. That Ariel is very pretty, I'm glad your daughter enjoyed meeting her.

Fantasyland is jam-packed full of rides and fun!

Absolutely love Samantha in her Ariel dress. And how good was your Ariel you had. She ws absolutely spot on for sure. I must admit I love Philarmagic. I think that is the best 3D show Disney has. Maybe because I love those characters the best. It is totally great.

I make my family do IASW and they all moan and groan (along with COP) but they do it for me anyway. Such team spirit we have. I was glad to see the little dollies with a fresh coat of paint. I thought the last time before the May visit they actually looked kinda scary.

BTW, it never pays to tell children to pose for a picture. See what you get? Quite priceless nonetheless.

Ginny

Yes about kids and poses. We got some great pics of them, but in most of our Photopass pictures they are being "difficult" posers.

Samantha is such a cutie in her Ariel dress! And the pic of you and Joshua (where he's wearing sunglasses) is great! I agree--that Ariel is right on! Very good pictures... The one of her looking down and hugging Samantha is my favorite

We definitely started our princess meets on a good note!

Thanks for the info about CP--I will definitely add it to our list. I really like the idea of doing one character breakfast buffet so it will either be CP or Akershus b/c DD loves the Princesses too. Have you eaten there before?

Ariel's Grotto is sure to be one of my DD's favorite spots. Ariel is her longstanding favorite.

Oh--love the shot of the Dumbos flying with the castle in the background--just lovely!

We ate at Akershus on Day 4. You will definitely want to hear the review of it.

How did I NOT notice that you had started your TR?? I wandered over to your PTR earlier today, thinking you had disappeared...and then I read your signature. Great start!

Partly my fault. When I got back, my PTR had been closed, so I wasn't able to make a post providing a TR link. Glad you had a good trip and got back safely.

 

[crocko]

Day 2 (Magic Kingdom Day)
Chapter 3 -- Is this cake or some weird trick?


After It’s a Small World, Joshua wanted to go on one more ride before we stopped for lunch.
So, over to the other side of Fantasyland to ride on some tea cups….

With the speed of this ride, we worried that Samantha might not like it, but both kids had a blast. Yay!

Then it was time for lunch….so sticking with Fantasyland, we ate at an old-favorite…Pinocchio’s. Now, I still prefer the days when this was a hot dog place, but oh well. I like pizza. The pizzas at Pinocchio’s are VERY saucy, though, which I didn’t really like. The crust, however, tasted almost like a pretzel and was very good.
The dessert? There weren’t many options and most of us chose the chocolate cake. Wow, that is a barely edible chocolate cake they serve there – actually, the cake tasted alright, but the icing/frosting was horrible….and you couldn’t get to the cake w/o going through the frosting.

Once lunch was over, back out to the sunshine…..and by my count, we had one more Fantasyland attraction to hit (note: Snow White’s ride is not counted, because after Peter Pan, we didn’t think Samantha would like it at all). Time to use our Pooh FastPasses!

She got a little scared toward the end of the Pooh ride, but seemed to enjoy it all-in-all.

Okay…in my original plans, we would spend the rest of our pre-parade time in either ToonTown or Tomorrowland. Joshua had different ideas…he really wanted to go get wet on Splash Mountain. Alrighty, then let’s go do that….

So, off to Frontierland we go. On the way, I did a double-take as I noticed Frontiersman Donald Duck was quacking about….so we took a pause to get some pictures.

Waiting in line…….(meanwhile, Bridgette took some photos…)

And then our turn to see Donald (right before he had to go take a phone call from Daisy):

See ya Donald….now we’re off to go see some Brer friends.

Here’s what Splash Mountain looks like to a 5-year old:

At first, I thought we might have to get a FastPass and try after the parade, but the wait time was only 10-15 minutes

On this first ride, Joshua didn’t pay too much attention to the characters, but focused on the drops and the water, which he was enjoying. Then we got to the 50-foot plummet…..after wiping the water from my eyes, I looked toward him and he had a smile on his face. Whew, looks like the saying is true….

After Splash Mountain, time to give the other nearby mountain a try. Onward to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad!
Again, we took the standby line and it was only a 10 minute wait. We got to the point where they line you into the stalls so that you can get into the next train and an announcement came over the speaker that due to technical difficulties, BTMRR would not be running for an undetermined amount of time. Ugh! The good news....for being so close, we were given FastPasses that were good for any ride in the Magic Kingdom for the rest of the month.

Here’s proof of how close we got:

So, we left BTMRR with our FP’s in hand and went to catch-up with my parents and Samantha. At this point, it was only 2:15ish, so we decided to go pop over to Pirates of the Caribbean to get a ride in. There was absolutely no wait. Total wait time once we finished walking through the queue was probably 30 seconds. Nice!

I think Joshua liked it okay, but Samantha was very nervous throughout the ride. Dark ride + scary looking pirates and sounds = “No Thanks!”

I was at least glad to see Capt. Jack….with POTC done, the clock was getting close enough to 3:00 that we decided to go stake out a parade spot.

While waiting, I got to hear some songs from these guys (they were really fun)

Then, right about 3 o’clock, some Snow White characters came by, but we quickly noticed they were all that were coming by. Basically, we had just seen a pre-parade commercial for the fact that Snow White is coming out on Blu-ray in October. LOL!!

On this particular day, the parade started in Main Street, so it wasn’t until 3:15 that the parade got over to our side (in Frontierland). Note: on Thursday, when we were at Magic Kingdom, the parade started in Frontierland…then on Friday, it started in Main Street again.

I’ll now provide some highlight pictures from the parade (Bridgette got most of the good ones):

I put that last picture in there because Jafar was being entertaining. He turned around and stared at the dancers coming his way, until finally they were right on top of him.

Before the parade, Samantha had crashed, so she missed the whole thing. Joshua watched, but from our perspective, didn’t seem to get too into it. That’s okay.

Well, the MNSSHP was going to be starting in a few hours, so we decided that once the parade was over we would go ahead and head out of MK for the day. Our first park day, and though there’s a lot left to do, we had a lot of fun (and managed to wear out the kids efficiently)




Up next: Will we get time to check out the Kidani Village pool?

 

[chicagoshannon]

I love Samantha's Ariel dress. I haven't seen one like that before.

I'm gonna guess you didn't take Samantha on the Haunted Mansion. lol

I don't really remember too many Disney characters on IASW in May, maybe Aladin but that's all. I'll check for you next week.

 

[WrightFamily06]

Great details on MK day ! Love how you got a picture of every ride and attraction you did , I need to try and do more of that on our next trip . That Ariel was one of the best looking I've ever seen also and the pictures of her and Samantha turned out great My DS who was 2 at the time we went this year was also very scared of the dark rides , must be the age ? Your DS is very brave for wanting to do Splash Mountain , my DS who is also 5 wanted no parts of it and still doesn't ! LOL Can't wait to read more , your details are great !

 

[jenny105]

The Winnie the Pooh ride is great! I love the part with Tigger and the Heffalumps & Woozles song.

Alright for Joshua going on Splash! AWESOME ride!

 

[SoonerGirl]

Woo Hoo! Way to go, Joshua, braving the 50 foot plunge!

I gotta agree with you on the chocolate cake at most of the counter service restrauants - the icing is just too sweet or something, and there is way too much of it - yuck! I've recently learned that many of the CS places will allow you to substitue a bottle of water for the dessert on the DDP. I'm going to try that out in December because I'd much rather have a water for later than most of those desserts.