Quick Trip Report - The Return to WDW

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The cast of characters

Me, 44 – certified Disney World expert and fan - figure I have stepped through the gated of MK over 45 times now (before they had turnstiles even)

Ginny – 45 – married to the fanatic and fan

Anna – 15 and huge Disney freak

Ruth 13 – Bigger fan than Anna?

Huck – turned 8 (El Ocho) on the trip

Erich – adopted son from Alabama along for the ride

Background
We have been heading to Disney for ten years now but it had been three years. Our last trip was not our best as Ruth got quite sick in the middle and my job was really hard to ignored that week. But we had racked up some Disney points and all felt the need to see Mickey again. This will likely be Anna’s last trip to WDW as part of the family where she is living at home. She is a sophomore in high school, hard to realize we celebrated her 5th birthday at WDW when she was in kindergarten. I remember our flight down with a set of parents who had teenagers going to WDW, wondering if my girls would want to go when they were that old. Um, yes.

We planned different, renting points via a DVC broker for Animal Kingdom Lodge with a savannah view. Ginny and I knew we wanted to stay on property – it was just a matter of where. Renting points was a great move and The DVC Rental Store (**************.com) was an amazing experience. What a great store.

We planned to got the first week of January, and decided that the girls would run the 5k. It would be Ruth’s first one and sounded so exciting. The crowds were suppose to be smaller leading into marathon weekend plus the weather was suppose to be ok. Rather take cool over hot. We booked four nights at AKL and then added a day at Sea World on the way down.

In late October, Ruth received a concussion that set her back significantly. She had symptoms for weeks, meaning no physical exercise. We prayed that she would be ok for the trip, with plans to forge ahead. Two things changed: I would run the 5k in her place and she was cleared for the trip the week before. Systems were all go.

The Trip
My mindsight
Have fun, don’t worry if you miss something because you will be back and you have probably already done it anyways. Seriously – it was likely the last time we all go to WDW with my oldest living here – sad but true. I was then doubly determined to make this trip special and fun.

Heading down
We drove this time – flying was too expensive and with the 5 of us – well the gas was cheaper than the baggage fees. We left later than I expected but we were of on Jan 1st. We stopped in Columbia, SC for lunch and I was surprised at how many restaurants were closed. Five Guys to the rescue. we headed all the way down to Lake Mary – 95 was crowded but I made great time. We stayed at the Homewood Suites right off I-4 – great hotel at a great price – we had a huge three room suite as everyone had a bed.

Jan 2, Seaworld, getting wet , Erich arrives and Hoop de due
Anna and I were up early – we went to the local Y – she to swim outside in a heated pool and me to run 5 miles. We came back, cleaned up and ate the breakfast again the Homewood suites was great.

Today was Seaworld – I am an absolute Disney snob BUT Seaworld is a great beautiful place. The funniest part of the day is when we got there Huck said he wanted to go to Disney (after I had spent $14 on parking) – we told him if he wanted we would go (knowing that on Jan 2nd it would be mobbed) but convinced him to stay. We had fun – the sea lions were a hit, and the new whale show was nice – Huck wanted to get wet so he and I sat on the second row – man that water plus 70 degrees was cold – had the pizza buffet for lunch – it was expensive but good and provided one of the absolute funniest, most memorable moments of the week – Huck’s comedic timing was amazing.

We finished up with the dolphin show (really good) and then off to the airport.

Erich Crowson is a Davidson grad who are family has adopted – our girls especially are fond of him. So we invited him to come down, all expenses paid and he agreed. This would turn out to be a very, very great thing.

It took as a while to find Erich but we found him and headed to Buena Vista Suites for the night. This hotel was recommended –it was just ok with the six of us – Ginny and I shared one queen, the girls another with Erich and Huck on the pull out -

That night we went to the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue – we have been before a long time ago and I had been as a kid. I know those out there who have complained of the changes due to legal issues but it was great. Our six bits was awesome, smaller than usual but very good. This video has my cast http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uun38crRaLg

Food was good (dessert was great) – we sat right by the stage and I knew we were going to be in the show. Sure enough Erich was chosen to be the Indian Brave – and he was awesome – just amazing. It was beyond hilarious.

This show and night set the stage for the rest of week – lots of fun and just plain laughter.

The weather turned much colder that evening, a preview for the next 2 days.

Jan 3rd – Heading to MK and dinner at Whispering Canyon Café
Today was our first Disney day and headed to Magic Kingdom it was. First I got up and headed over to AKL to check in – yep at 7:45 – to get my dining plan, room keys and tickets. Back to the hotel for the rather lame breakfast – we all just laughed at it. We got a much later start than I planned – it was cold and it was crowded at MK – much more than we had hoped for. We had to scramble to make plans – riding Buzz Lightyear as stand-by then fast passing Buzz and Space Mountain. We did ride the Carousel of Progress while we waited on the girls.

We had plans to go to lunch at Kona Café but instead decided to eat in the parks – which was a mistake – mainly because of how lame the food was. In fact, MK has no real good counter service. Did I mention it was crowded. We did managed to do Splash mountain in the cold – but we left after a while to head over to AKL.

We are in Kidani Village – room 7328 and it was simply breathtaking – great space – planty of room even with six (air mattresses for the girls, pull outs for Huck and Erich, while parents get the bed) – the tub was a huge hit.

We had dinner that night at Whispering Canyon Café with friends our. ours and their 3 young children – Katie and Jonathan were a young couple we know when Jonathan was at Davidson – so seeing them and interacting was great. But Whispering Canyon was not our favorite and the one table meal that I will not repeat.

Back to MK we went – bundled up – the crowds were much less and we able to ride a bunch of things. Cold but still doable. Out of the parks by 11:30 and home after midnight – tired but having had a great day.

Wed Jan 4th – Day of slowdown
We were tired – our plan had been to go Hollywood Studios but my wife so wisely had us slow down. After a lazy morning, we made our way to the Polynesian for Ohana’s for brunch. Had reservations for 10:30 but it was closer to 11 when we were sat. I love the breakfast here – great character interaction and good food.

We headed back to AKL, where plans for the day became apparent – Disney Quest for myself, Ruth, Huck and Erich. Mom and Anna were planning to lay low for a while. We did Disney Quest for 3 hours then met back up.

We had plans for Epcot but then well we split. Erich and I headed back to Disney Quest (dinner at Wolfgang Puck Express), while anna went to dinner with our friends. Ruth, Huck and Ginny went to Epcot to see Illuminations.

I loved spending time at Disney Quest – I grew up on arcades and the chance to play old favorites plus new favorites was easily one of the highlights. Anna had an absolute blast at Kona’s. It was a great day enjoying the world of WDW outside the parks. We went to bed early, primed for the a day at Hollywood Studios.

Thursday Jan 5th – Studios and great dinner at Kona’s
Up early today for Studios – we had a goal to have to make by opening – it was downright chilly (37??) when I went to Chic-Fil-A. having a car was a huge bonus. Everyone was up and ready and we headed over to Studios. We had another ticket problem at the gate (was a re-occurring theme) – but we managed to all get over to Toy Story Mania – with some fast passes to boot. Ginny and I did squeeze in a picture of just the two of us with Donald and Daisy – priceless.

Toy Story Mania – everyone loves this ride and the queue is just great. Erich would later comment that this is his favorite ride. After this, we split up – Erich, Ruth and Anna off for Rock-n-Rollercoaster and Tower of Terror while Ginny, Huck and I hung around and did some shopping. We eventually hit Toy Story Mania again (amazing how the fastpasses go – by 10:30 fastpass time was 6:50 and the next day they were out all together by 10am) – then Star Tours, a first. Huck loved, while Ginny and I experiences some sickness – and we met up with everyone there -

Note: we should of planned ahead to get Huck in the Jedi show – it was our fault.

Lunch was at ABC Commissary – it was ok for counter food – not terrible not great – then we hit Muppets. The Muppets was one of absolute favorites 8 years ago but is really, really showing its age. Plus with 3D now so prevalent – this attraction needs some help. Still really cute.

We split up from here – not sure what Anna, Ginny and Huck did – Ruth Erich, and I had fast passes to Rock-n-Rollercoaster – which was a blast – man that ride is too fun. Ruth wanted to go again, while Erich and I waited. It took longer so I sent Rich along to the Indiana Jones show – they said it was fun.

Ruth and I scouted space for the parade and we met up on Hollywood Blvd – used a ton of snack credits on popcorn and soda – and caught the parade – I would say its ok. I liked the Pixar focus.

After the parade we headed back to the ranch – dropped off Erich, Ruth and Huck (who was super tired) while Ginny, Anna and I made our way over to ESPN to pick up our packets for the 5K tomorrow.

This took longer than I hoped but we did enjoy shopping in the expo – Ginny got some new shoes and I got compression socks.

Back to AKL and we actually hit the pool – it was maybe 68 - more like the hot tub. Huck and I did do the water slide – BRRR. Water was warm but the walk was brutal. Still fun and relaxing. My legs were tired and not too excited for tomorrow.

We had late reservations at Kona’s (7:35) and did not get seated until after 8. It was busy and it took forever – and I was mighty hungry. BUT the meal was awesome – I had the steak which was great – everyone’s meal was fabulous and the desserts were equally great. I hade Pineapple upside down cake which was the worse. Dinner was so great we decided to come back tomorrow. We missed the fireworks unfortunately – due to the late start.

We headed home, going to bed way too late for tomorrow’s early wake up

Friday Jan 6th – 5k and EPCOT day –our warmest day
The alarm rang way too early for our 5k – with running as Ruth. Seriously it was just too early – and cold. But we hoped a bus and hit the trail over to EPCOT. Cool moment of the Day number 1 – Ivan Castro – a famous runner was on a bus and I introduced myself. It started to dawn on me on how big of a race weekend this was – something far bigger than I had ever done.

We made our way over to the starting line and waited and waited for the start – it was cold, – my resting heartbeat was down to 48 at one moment.

Anna and I eventually went to the 7 to 9 minute corral and got started. I went left – the wrong way to go. Within the first 2 minutes ran into two old woman walking who were in the way – made so mad. My first mile was lousy as I weaving all over the place. At that point I relaxed, enjoyed the scenery with the last 1.5 miles in EPCOT – what a fun experience – even in the dark. I could have easily PRed the race but celebrated the ability to run the race – two years ago I would have never dreamed this one.

I finished about 90 seconds or so in front of Anna (she went right and I passed her at mile 1). She and I waited for a long time for Ginny (she started some 20 plus minutes behind us. We met up, got our clothes and headed back to AKL.

NOTE: This race and seeing the half marathon the next day made me realize that I am pretty good shape – I could run that half if I had wanted to – I was much better shape than many people

Today was a rest – split up day. Ruth really wanted to spend the day with our friends and we made that happen. They tried Hollywood Studios and it was a bust but she had fun. Huck, Ginny and Anna enjoyed a day at the lodge and the pool. The actually got sun – Bonus!.

Erich and I decided we would go off and he would pick the park – EPCOT it was. We headed over there by say 10:30 – immediate fastpasses to Soarin followed by Test Track (30ish wait). I saw were GM is renewing Test Track – good. Needs some serious TLC. But still so fun.

I went shopping at Mouse Gears (one of the best places to shop in all of WDW) while Erich did Mission Space. I can not handle that ride – we met up and started to make our way around the World Showcase – we stopped in Norway (Maelstrom – Yes) – Germany, Japan, America(did lunch (Erich got his Turkey Leg) and the show), France (picked up some pastries on snack credits) and through Canada to Soarin.

Soarin is awesome and likely one the best rides ever at Disney – reminds me some of the old Magic Kingdom ride “If you had wings” ride on super steroids. Seriously fun – we got the bottom row od the bottom car which was not great but wow.

We headed back to the ranch – I still do not get EPCOT. We joined everyone at the pool for swimming and the hot tub – great way to end the day.

I walked over to Jambo House to explore while everyone else was getting ready for dinner – ran smack into Ethan Zoran and Jenna Mosca of Survivor – they were running the half the next day as I guess sponsored celebs. Although I liked the Mara House, going into Jambo House made me appreciate the quiet of Kidani again.

Dinner was back at Kona’s with the same waiter and even better dinner. Wow – we feasted on our last night at WDW. The girls had the this great idea to hit the parks – so we added a day to Ruth’s pass and the two went off together to MK. It was so much fun to watch them take off – and they had a blast. A really awesome memory was made.

Erich, Ginny, Huck and I rode the monorail to the Contemporary –to shop – this has changed since we were last here. Fun time and then back to Poly for Wishes.

Back to AKL – were Ginny had packed some as we were leaving tomorrow.

Jan 7th – Huck’s Birthday at MK and the road home
Today is Huck’s 8th birthday – El Ocho – which we had planned to celebrate in Magic Kingdom. We had breakfast plans at Crystal Palace at 8:35. We left AKL, out new favorite resort by 8 but with the half marathon it took much longer to get over to ML. And of course Ruth’s ticket would not work – so we made over to Crystal Palace by oh 9 – I did get fast passes to Peter Pan before we sat down.

Crystal Palace was great – um puffed french toast – and Huck loved the signed card from Pooh and friends. We ate a great breakfast – and then hit the parks. Anna ran and got fastpasses to both Buzz and Space Mountain. We rode both (and Transit) while Huck also got a ride with Ginny on the Raceway. He got his license!!

From here we walked over to Fantasyland and did Pooh – really liked the new queue. We got surprised fastpasses to Mickey Philharmagic which we gave away, while we did Peter Pan. Erich was amazed that people wait so long – it will be interesting to see what happens with Peter Pan when the new part of Fantasyland opens. It needs some help.

Off to Frontierland – we fastpassed Big Thunder then rode Splash. In fact, Erich, Ruth, Anna and I actually did the mountain range as our last rides in a row. After Splash, Huck and Ginny went back towards Buzz while we rode Thunder and Space on fast passes – Erich timed our entry on fastpasses from the time we entered to ride on each at 5 minutes – Brilliant.

We met up Main Street – Huck was just plain exhausted – the trip had worn him down. I have this image of him sitting in Erich’s lap – just content. We finished up some shopping and left. Time to head home – tired, overjoyed and having way more than of our fair share of fun.

The monorail ride back to our car took forever but we got Erich to the airport with an hour to spare and started heading north – ending up in Savannah for the night.

Closing Thoughts
Erich asked me a great question – what have I not done at WDW – and I think I am down to 7 things:

At AK - Dinosaur, Whirl, Tough to be a Bug,
At EPCOT Crush and the ride through the land
At Studios – Idol (although I did do Millionaire) and Sounds Dangerous
What this means is that this trip was more about the experience of sharing with my family than any one attraction or thing. The mere fact that I missed all of Animal Kingdom and did not really make me sad was a sign that this trip was so much more than about a certain ride.

In fact, my most poignant memories are of laughing and sharing so much with my girls, with Huck and Erich and my wife.

Some highlights for me:

1. Watching my girls tear off from the front desk of the Polynesian together to do Magic Kingdom together.

2. Laughing at all of the inside jokes of the week – some truly priceless moments of joy and laughter. It was a week full of jokes.

3. Sharing our love of WDW with Erich and Erich being so graceful in jumping right into our wild bunch. I was more than a little worried about how bringing Erich into the mix would work out, but it really made the trip so more enriching.

4. My wife leading us to slow down – I can be such the gung ho Disney parent – she really led us well in not going commando every day – and I listened as promised.

5. Seeing WDW through a boy’s eyes – characters were not important – high scores were very important – princesses were four letter words and transformers were amazing.

6. Food – we ate well for the most part – honestly we had two bad meals at WDW all week – pretty good. I put on like say 4 pounds although they came off pretty fast. I ate very well, and enjoyed all of the food. I am officially a dining plan fan.

Finally, and most importantly redemption. WDW holds a very special place in my heart – I have a stated goal to spend a day in Magic Kingdom for every year I am alive – pretty crazy goal. Our trip in Dec, 2008 was far from magical – Ruth got quite ill which meanst she and Ginny had to become house bound and really made hard to do much of anything, my job was in real turmoil and I could not put it down and the whole trip just felt well unDisney.

This trip made up for that, and so much more. As Ginny and I looked back on this week, this is the best Disney trip ever – topping my favorites. Although other trips were more magical in some ways and we certainly have ridden more attractions in the past, this was more fun. This was a vacation to remember. It will be really hard to ever top this trip.

 

[BridgetR3]

Sounds like you had a great trip!!!

I have 2 boys so we never see princesses and we all compete like mad for top scores!