Surprise! We're NOT going to Disney! 9/18-9/25 <<Update 3/24 Page 21>>

[that's nice]

You're gonna eat where?

The girls finished up their shopping in Oken's and I finished up drinking my Cigar City. We were only staying in DHS for a half day but the day was still young. We walked over towards the Playhouse Disney show. There was no line and the doors were still open. Perfect timing. After parking the stroller, we walked right in, found a seat and were waiting for the show.

Gabby was excited!



So was Bubba!



Ummmm... and so was Juliana.



The show began and Gabby was loving it. Even though Juliana was older than Gabby when she saw it for the first time, watching Gabby during the show reminded me so much of Juliana.





Christopher is a huge Jake and the Neverland Pirates fan and was dancing along with the show.



It is hard work watching a Playhouse Disney show so it was time for some adult drinks and some Mickey lollipops for the kids....



Drinks in hand, we walked toward RnRC.. hopefully the wait wouldn't be too long.



When we got there the wait was 60 minutes. Way too long for us but the single rider line was only 20. We were going to go for it. Juliana is big enough that she can ride in a separate car than us. The line went fast and Melody, Juliana, and I all got to ride at the same time.

I went for the sleeping pic...



Melody was going for the eyes closed look...



...and Juliana went for the 'Hey, I'm riding this ride by myself' look.



Mel's mom was kind enough to hang out with Christopher and Gabby.... and also kinda enough to suggest that Juliana gets a tattoo when we got off of the ride.

It only took a few minutes for Juliana to pick out what she liked.





Finished product.


Did anyone think it would of been anything other than a Frozen tattoo?

Christopher was good during the transfer... playing with water bottle sprayers.



It was just past 1 o'clock and almost time for our lunch ADR. Now we were eating at a restaurant that Melody SWORE she would never step into after the Disaster of 2009 (or whatever year it was when we were there last). According to her, it was the worst meal she ever had in her life and would never eat there again. Well, when we were looking at places to eat, she saw that H&V had Jake (one of Christopher's favs) and Sophia, another favorite in our house. She was adamant that we eat there. I tried to remind her about what she said about H&V and she didn't want to hear it. I gave in and booked our lunch here.

It only took a few minutes after checking in till we were led to our table and were almost immediately met by Jake.



And Sophia.



We had time to grab the kid's food before the next round of characters arrived.





Some of my pictures were messed up from lunch. I'm not sure if it was a camera setting or 'user error' but I wanted to show you this one of Gabby absolutely hating meeting Doc.



She was fighting to get out of Melody's arms and wanted nothing to do with Doc.

The aftermath..



We all enjoyed lunch here. It wasn't the best buffet we ever had but they had solid offerings and we all had second helpings.

I quick picture on the way out...



Our time in DHS was up... it was time to head back to BLT to freshen up and get ready for an exciting evening at MK! I mean we've been in WDW for over 24 hours and have been getting teased by the views of the Magic Kingdom from our room, but have yet to step foot in it.

But before we could walk over to the MK, it was time for someone to do a little homework. She was missing school for this trip ya know?





Up next... The highs and lows of the MK

 

[KatMark]

You're gonna eat where?

The girls finished up their shopping in Oken's and I finished up drinking my Cigar City. We were only staying in DHS for a half day but the day was still young. We walked over towards the Playhouse Disney show. There was no line and the doors were still open. Perfect timing. After parking the stroller, we walked right in, found a seat and were waiting for the show.

Gabby was excited!



She has such a beautiful smile (when she shows it to us).

So was Bubba!




Looks like Bubba wanted to get up NOW!

Ummmm... and so was Juliana.



Hi Ana.

The show began and Gabby was loving it. Even though Juliana was older than Gabby when she saw it for the first time, watching Gabby during the show reminded me so much of Juliana.





Guess I'll see this ... if I ever have grandkids.

Christopher is a huge Jake and the Neverland Pirates fan and was dancing along with the show.



Looks like he's really enjoying himself.

It is hard work watching a Playhouse Disney show so it was time for some adult drinks and some Mickey lollipops for the kids....



Christopher and sugar. Uh oh.

Drinks in hand, we walked toward RnRC.. hopefully the wait wouldn't be too long.



When we got there the wait was 60 minutes. Way too long for us but the single rider line was only 20. We were going to go for it. Juliana is big enough that she can ride in a separate car than us. The line went fast and Melody, Juliana, and I all got to ride at the same time.

I went for the sleeping pic...



Melody was going for the eyes closed look...



...and Juliana went for the 'Hey, I'm riding this ride by myself' look.



Fun pictures!

Mel's mom was kind enough to hang out with Christopher and Gabby.... and also kinda enough to suggest that Juliana gets a tattoo when we got off of the ride.

It only took a few minutes for Juliana to pick out what she liked.





Finished product.


Did anyone think it would of been anything other than a Frozen tattoo?

Not what I was expecting.

Christopher was good during the transfer... playing with water bottle sprayers.



Told you...lolipop--sugar and Christopher

It was just past 1 o'clock and almost time for our lunch ADR. Now we were eating at a restaurant that Melody SWORE she would never step into after the Disaster of 2009 (or whatever year it was when we were there last). According to her, it was the worst meal she ever had in her life and would never eat there again. Well, when we were looking at places to eat, she saw that H&V had Jake (one of Christopher's favs) and Sophia, another favorite in our house. She was adamant that we eat there. I tried to remind her about what she said about H&V and she didn't want to hear it. I gave in and booked our lunch here.

I remember that. And I can promise you that I will never eat there again.

It only took a few minutes after checking in till we were led to our table and were almost immediately met by Jake.



Christopher should have had on his Jake outfit.


And Sophia.



Gabby's not crying.

We had time to grab the kid's food before the next round of characters arrived.






Of course the big kid had to get in on the action.

Some of my pictures were messed up from lunch. I'm not sure if it was a camera setting or 'user error' but I wanted to show you this one of Gabby absolutely hating meeting Doc.



She was fighting to get out of Melody's arms and wanted nothing to do with Doc.

The aftermath..



There's the Gabby I know.

We all enjoyed lunch here. It wasn't the best buffet we ever had but they had solid offerings and we all had second helpings.

I quick picture on the way out...




Cute...although it looks like Gabby is still trying to get away.

Our time in DHS was up... it was time to head back to BLT to freshen up and get ready for an exciting evening at MK! I mean we've been in WDW for over 24 hours and have been getting teased by the views of the Magic Kingdom from our room, but have yet to step foot in it.

But before we could walk over to the MK, it was time for someone to do a little homework. She was missing school for this trip ya know?




She's a good girl getting it done.

Up next... The highs and lows of the MK

Oh dear...highs AND lows.

 

[jenseib]

ugh! You made her do homework...you are so mean!!!!

glad lunch was good. We have never tried it there, but my sister loves it. I have heard mixed reviews but seems to be getting better lately.

 

[TheMaxRebo]

I think the Disney Jr shows is pretty well done - but those adult beverages were definitely warranted

I totally thought we were done with H & V but then they had to go and add Doc and Sophia so back on the list is goes - glad to hear it went better than the last trip.

 

[RunnerMommyof4]

Love it homework at WDW. Our kids might gladly do that Your report is great especially since we are leaning towards BLT for our 1st visit. Can't wait to keep reading!

 

[Chicago Mo]

OMG that face Gabby has after Doc is priceless! BUT you have even better happier pictures with her meeting the good characters!
Christopher and the spray bottles? He looks like the cat who ate the canary! I LOVE IT! Well What did Melody think of H&V this time?!

 

[that's nice]

She has such a beautiful smile (when she shows it to us).

She has gotten better... but Mel brought her to Costco last week and she wouldn't acknowledge numerous people who were talking to her. She wouldn't even go near my brother this week.

Guess I'll see this ... if I ever have grandkids.

You missed the perfect opportunity to see it with us!

Christopher and sugar. Uh oh.

He's the same whether he eats sugar or not.

Not what I was expecting.

Were you expecting a Minnie or something?

I remember that. And I can promise you that I will never eat there again.

It was decent this time. I'd eat there again.... but wouldn't rush to.

Christopher should have had on his Jake outfit.

You're right.... but remember how hot it was? The poor kid would of been dying.

Of course the big kid had to get in on the action.

Gotta get in at least one picture.

There's the Gabby I know.

She was NOT happy.

She's a good girl getting it done.

It was like pulling teeth most days.

Oh dear...highs AND lows.

Maybe I should of came up with a different teaser. But you'll see where I'm going with this eventually.....

ugh! You made her do homework...you are so mean!!!!

I know, aren't we?

glad lunch was good. We have never tried it there, but my sister loves it. I have heard mixed reviews but seems to be getting better lately.

Overall the reviews are better than they were. But this is DHS, there really isn't that great of selection anyways.

 

[that's nice]

I think the Disney Jr shows is pretty well done - but those adult beverages were definitely warranted

The best part of the show was watching my kids... I mean, that's what it's all about right?

Can you tell me when adult beverages aren't warranted? (You don't have to answer this... more of a rhetorical question)

I totally thought we were done with H & V but then they had to go and add Doc and Sophia so back on the list is goes - glad to hear it went better than the last trip.

Yup, and Jake... thats what sucked us back in. It was good... Like I said, I'd eat there again.

Love it homework at WDW. Our kids might gladly do that Your report is great especially since we are leaning towards BLT for our 1st visit. Can't wait to keep reading!

Hello! I can't tell if you are new here since they changed the DIS so if you are! (and if not, I just made myself look like an azz)

Her teacher doesn't believe of giving her homework to take on vacation and said she could make up the important work when she got back. However, she was asked to keep a journal of each day on vacation. Considering how long we were gone for, she had a lot of writing to do!

OMG that face Gabby has after Doc is priceless!

She did NOT like DOC

BUT you have even better happier pictures with her meeting the good characters!

She was ok with the rest of them... as long as she wasn't too close to them.

Christopher and the spray bottles? He looks like the cat who ate the canary! I LOVE IT!

Yea, the face of someone getting into mischief.

Well What did Melody think of H&V this time?!

She liked it... especially the dessert.

 

[afwdwfan]

The show began and Gabby was loving it. Even though Juliana was older than Gabby when she saw it for the first time, watching Gabby during the show reminded me so much of Juliana.

I can see how this would be. I'm glad you guys enjoyed it.

Christopher is a huge Jake and the Neverland Pirates fan and was dancing along with the show

Was he going crazy trying to get the gold doubloons?

...and Juliana went for the 'Hey, I'm riding this ride by myself' look.

I can't believe she's old enough to ride by herself.

Did anyone think it would of been anything other than a Frozen tattoo?

Not really.

Now we were eating at a restaurant that Melody SWORE she would never step into after the Disaster of 2009 (or whatever year it was when we were there last). According to her, it was the worst meal she ever had in her life and would never eat there again.

You're right. Sounds very familiar.

Well, when we were looking at places to eat, she saw that H&V had Jake (one of Christopher's favs) and Sophia, another favorite in our house. She was adamant that we eat there. I tried to remind her about what she said about H&V and she didn't want to hear it. I gave in and booked our lunch here.

You're not booking lunch. You're buying a fastpass for the characters.

She was fighting to get out of Melody's arms and wanted nothing to do with Doc.

The aftermath..

Poor girl!

Do they watch Doc McStuffins at home?

We all enjoyed lunch here. It wasn't the best buffet we ever had but they had solid offerings and we all had second helpings.

Good to know. My theory with our breakfast was that it is just hard to screw breakfast food up. I'm glad lunch was good too.

 

[that's nice]

I can see how this would be. I'm glad you guys enjoyed it.

These are the little things that make a Disney trip so worth it.

Was he going crazy trying to get the gold doubloons?

but of course!

I can't believe she's old enough to ride by herself.

I know but it makes the waiting in line go by so much faster.

You're right. Sounds very familiar.

Told ya.

You're not booking lunch. You're buying a fastpass for the characters.[/QUOET]
That's how I had to look at of Chef Mickey's dinner at close to $60pp.

Poor girl!

Do they watch Doc McStuffins at home?

Sometimes. Juliana is growing out of the Disney cartoons. So Gabby doesn't get much of a choice. She likes Mickey, Jake, and Sophia the most.

Good to know. My theory with our breakfast was that it is just hard to screw breakfast food up. I'm glad lunch was good too.

I know but our H&V Disaster experience was at breakfast, so it is possible.

 

[ashw100]

That's funny I said the same thing about Hollywood & Vine an I have a ADR for May. Sounds like it was good for you guys, hoping the same is true for us. Glad the kids like Disney Junior, even Juliana. I think it is a pretty good show for the little ones.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

It is hard work watching a Playhouse Disney show so it was time for some adult drinks

Und genius!

I went for the sleeping pic...

Now we were eating at a restaurant that Melody SWORE she would never step into after the Disaster of 2009 (or whatever year it was when we were there last). According to her, it was the worst meal she ever had in her life and would never eat there again. Well, when we were looking at places to eat, she saw that H&V had Jake (one of Christopher's favs) and Sophia, another favorite in our house. She was adamant that we eat there. I tried to remind her about what she said about H&V and she didn't want to hear it.

There you go, trying to insert facts into an argument again.

She was fighting to get out of Melody's arms and wanted nothing to do with Doc.

The family moments you'll cherish forever...

But before we could walk over to the MK, it was time for someone to do a little homework. She was missing school for this trip ya know?

Aw, but Dad! That's un-American!

 

[Dugette]

Joining in! I actually subscribed to this report forever ago (back when it was actually "subscribing" and not "watching"), but I just got around to reading it all over the last couple days. Love it! We are doing our first Land & Sea in May (also on the Dream), so this has been very helpful! Also, you have an adorable family!

 

[Steppesister]

Your kiddos are just so darned cute! Even a shot of character meet gone bad aftermath is cute. What's really unbelievable is how much they've all grown up. Seems like just yesterday I was reading a TR with a little blonde 5 or 6 year old. Weird.

Of course she got a Frozen tattoo. What else is there?

 

[that's nice]

That's funny I said the same thing about Hollywood & Vine an I have a ADR for May. Sounds like it was good for you guys, hoping the same is true for us. Glad the kids like Disney Junior, even Juliana. I think it is a pretty good show for the little ones.

I hope you are right and H&V is as good for you as it was for us.

The show is cute. Plus it is nice to sit down and relax for a few minutes.

Und genius!

There you go, trying to insert facts into an argument again.

Oh, I thought that is what you were supposed to do in an argument.

The family moments you'll cherish forever...

Exactly... just like leaving your keys in your carry on and having to shuttle back to the airport to get them.

Aw, but Dad! That's un-American!

We were mean huh?

Joining in! I actually subscribed to this report forever ago (back when it was actually "subscribing" and not "watching"), but I just got around to reading it all over the last couple days. Love it! We are doing our first Land & Sea in May (also on the Dream), so this has been very helpful! Also, you have an adorable family!

Thank you for reading!!!!

Oh, I wish we could go back on the Dream. It was so awesome! Are you doing the 3 day or a different itinerary?

Your kiddos are just so darned cute! Even a shot of character meet gone bad aftermath is cute. What's really unbelievable is how much they've all grown up. Seems like just yesterday I was reading a TR with a little blonde 5 or 6 year old. Weird.

I know, time is flying... but who am I to tell you that?

Of course she got a Frozen tattoo. What else is there?

Ummm a Frozen 2 tattoo?

 

[Dugette]

Oh, I wish we could go back on the Dream. It was so awesome! Are you doing the 3 day or a different itinerary?

We're doing the 4-night itinerary. Can't wait!

 

[that's nice]

We're doing the 4-night itinerary. Can't wait!

Awesome! I wish we did the 4 night... now I'm jealous!

 

[that's nice]

Magic Kingdom 1.0


We were back at BLT and we were making Juliana do her homework. I was itching to get over to Magic Kingdom- probably more than the kids were. I had to do something while I was waiting, so I walked out to the balcony and took a few pictures.













Sorry for all the pictures, but it was the first real chance I had to get out there and enjoy the view.

It wasn't long before Juliana finished her writing and we took the stroll over to MK. It took about 10 minutes to get from the room to the gates. Not bad. Before we knew it we were there, walking down Main St. listening to the music and taking in the sights. We walked toward the castle and everyone was just so happy to be back.



Well, maybe Christopher wasn't that happy. Gabby was using his head as a foot rest.



The doors to the castle were open so we figured we'd just walk on through. We don't get to do that too often.



Looking back towards Main St.



The cloud cover was getting thicker, I was hoping our night wouldn't get cut short.

It was already after 5pm and we didn't really have an agenda- which was weird for us. And actually it felt good just to go with the flow. First stop- Cinderella's Carousel.





Next up was Winnie the Pooh. The kids really had fun playing in the waiting area.





Even Gabby was getting into the action. I miss those chubby legs.







We did go on a ride after all the playing....





The skies were getting darker, but we pushed on toward Storybook Circus.



We grabbed some child swap tickets for the Barnstormer and the rain started. It wasn't raining hard but I let the girls and Christopher go first. I took Gabby over to Big Top Souvenirs and we hung out there for a while. She was getting a kick out of all the different stuffed animals. She loved the Donald and Daisy ones...







We continued to wait for the girls + Christopher for a while. I walked over to the door and it was pouring out. Oh man... I can only imagine what is gonna happen when they find me.




Up next... What to do? Wishes? Wishes?

 

[KatMark]

Magic Kingdom 1.0


We were back at BLT and we were making Juliana do her homework. I was itching to get over to Magic Kingdom- probably more than the kids were. I had to do something while I was waiting, so I walked out to the balcony and took a few pictures.














Wow...while BLT is not on my radar to stay at, I have to say that for that view, I just might have to reconsider.

Sorry for all the pictures, but it was the first real chance I had to get out there and enjoy the view.

We will forgive you...this time.

It wasn't long before Juliana finished her writing and we took the stroll over to MK. It took about 10 minutes to get from the room to the gates. Not bad.

Really? I seem to remember you told me it took a bit longer the next day.

Before we knew it we were there, walking down Main St. listening to the music and taking in the sights. We walked toward the castle and everyone was just so happy to be back.



Great family picture.

Well, maybe Christopher wasn't that happy. Gabby was using his head as a foot rest.



Poor Christopher. And Gabby just looks like "dare say a word to me...my fist is ready."

The doors to the castle were open so we figured we'd just walk on through. We don't get to do that too often.



Looking back towards Main St.



Nice shots!

The cloud cover was getting thicker, I was hoping our night wouldn't get cut short.

It was already after 5pm and we didn't really have an agenda- which was weird for us. And actually it felt good just to go with the flow. First stop- Cinderella's Carousel.



I think Juliana would have preferred Space Mountain.



He's sure having fun!

Next up was Winnie the Pooh. The kids really had fun playing in the waiting area.





Even Gabby was getting into the action. I miss those chubby legs.



Darn...we should have done this one with Mr. Mark because he likes playing there too.



No!!!! The chubby legs are gone?




They obviously let you in.

We did go on a ride after all the playing....





I love this ride.

The skies were getting darker, but we pushed on toward Storybook Circus.



We grabbed some child swap tickets for the Barnstormer and the rain started. It wasn't raining hard but I let the girls and Christopher go first. I took Gabby over to Big Top Souvenirs and we hung out there for a while. She was getting a kick out of all the different stuffed animals. She loved the Donald and Daisy ones...



There are ducks in my stroller!



Uh oh....


It's okay, Daddy, they are smaller than the ones you make me pose with.

We continued to wait for the girls + Christopher for a while. I walked over to the door and it was pouring out. Oh man... I can only imagine what is gonna happen when they find me.

I'm guessing they didn't have their ponchos.


Up next... What to do? Wishes? Wishes?

Hmmmm...it's been so long ago I don't remember if you told me you stayed or not.

 

[Steppesister]

And what a view it was! Wowza! Very beautiful! I love how BTMR pokes out between the weinie and Astro too.

And you are right. No agenda is a lovely feeling. And that's why longer trips are so nice. That or more frequent trips than I get. Just going where you feel you want to when the fancy strikes. Tim, your kids are adorable. Cherish the chubby legs as long as you can.