Second Trip In Six Months

[John Darling]

Ok, I realize that's not too uncommon around these parts, but I couldn't think of any other titles. Brain hasn't started working on all cylinders. (Not through with my first cup of coffee yet.)

As background, we took our first family trip to WDW last September. We shared a 2 bdrm with my DW's sister and her family at OKW and stayed for a week during free dining. It was, hands down, the BEST vacation we've ever had. I started dreaming about our next trip on the drive home.

Fast forward to February 09. With little effort, I convinced DW and DSIL to go back in October. Could only get them to commit to a four-day trip this year, but that's better than nothing.

Anyway, I'm a lawyer (NO JOKES please) and had a big trial in April that kept us from going anywhere on Spring Break. Well, when the case settled four days into the trial, I told DW to pack the car, we're going to Disney World for a few days. Put DS(5) and DS(2) in the car, told them we're going to WDW, and started driving. Had a wonderful, impromptu visit.

When we got home after three days at the Parks, DS(5) sobbed that he couldn't wait until October to go back. Neither could I, of course, but I held back my tears to keep up appearances.

Anyway, we're now 1 month, 1 week, and 1 day away from our 2009 Return Trip, and everyone is about to burst. I'm hoping this thread will keep me sane for the next few weeks.

Will post more details soon. Thanks for reading.

 

[John Darling]

Not bad, I guess, for the first day.

I've read a few of these PTR's, and it looks like everyone either starts off with the "cast of characters" or the itinerary. Which should I choose . . . .

Ok, the cast. There's me (39 y.o. white guy who is slowly losing his hair), DW (totally hot, awesome mom . . . but that's just one guy's opinon), DS (5) Jack (baseball fanatic) and DS (2) Nolan (big boy, he's already in size 4s!). Jack and I are the WDW freaks, DW puts up with us, and Nolan is just along for the ride at this point. Also going with us (as previously mentioned) are my sister in law, her husbad, and their two kids DS (10) Trey and DD (6) Lily. Jack and Lily were born 3 mos. apart and are best friends.

Ok, now for the schedule. We leave ATL on 10/7 after school gets out. We're driving to Valdosta, GA (on the FL border for those who haven't trucked down I-75). Staying the night there, then getting up early to finish the trip to Orlando. We're staying offsite in a 4 bdrm house with pool, game room, etc. $150 a night is hard to beat, even with free dining, etc. Of course, we booked our house long b/f Disney extended free dining anyway.

Haven't really figured out Day 1 yet. We have ADRs for 1900 Park Fare at 6, but other than that we're wide open. Maybe we'll just get settled in, let the kids swim, and get ready for four days of intense fun.

Friday 10/9 I'm shooting for rope drop at MK. (Our boys are both early risers, so that shouldn't be too difficult . . . My nephew and niece are a different story, but that's my DSIL's problem. We'll meet them at the Castle if need be). We've got lunch ADRs at CP, then we'll head back to the house for swim/nap (Nolan still takes one every day, Jack will too if we make him.) Then it's back to the MK for MNSSHP (our first). Haven't decided yet if I'll dress up or not.

Saturday 10/10 we've got 10 am ADR at Tusker House, which was our favorite breakfast last year. I made the late reservation, because I figured we'll be out late at the party the night before. Besides, neither of the boys are big animal fans, so AK is a 1/2 day park for us (flame away if you must). Personally, I think AK is my second favorite park as far as ambience/theme goes, but like many others I guess I need a few more rides to hold my attention. I think we'll try the Nemo and Lion King shows this time. I've heard good things about both.

After the nap/swim, we're going to MBYBBQ. This is another first for us. I've read mixed reviews on the boards here, but all four kids love the characters, so I think we'll have a good time. Being from the South, I'm particularly fond of beer and bbq.

Sunday morning is rope drop at DHS. Again, this is a 1/2 day park for us. There's just not that much for a 2 yr. old at this park, IMHO. We did 1/2 here in April, and it worked out fine, especially when you get there at "Lights, Camera, Action!" Got ADR for lunch at 50s PTC.

Sunday afternoon we'll probably head back to MK. It's open until 11, so maybe we'll rest a little longer that afternoon to recharge the batteries (and let the crowds thin out).

Monday 10/12 is EPCOT day. Based on what I've read, I put EPCOT on Monday, due to it being F&WF. I'd like to focus a bit more on the IP this trip. We usually get to Norway and that's as far as we go. It just seems to work out that way, for some reason. Of course, both boys are afraid of fireworks, so we have to leave before the show starts, which cuts down a bit on our ability to stick around. We have lunch ADRs at Biergarten.

Well, that's a brief rundown of what we're looking forward to. I'll try to fill in some more details later, and I'll post some pics too. Any comments/suggestions on the itinerary are certainly welcome.