The Cajun and Yankee trip to Disney (with three little ones too!)

[w-family]

First Attempt at TR and since I have loved reading everyone else’s decided to give it a try. (as told by the Cajun!)

This is our cast of characters.

DH-Yankee from Rhode Island and she loves Disney and talked me into buying DVC and have not regretted it for a minute.
DD6-My first born and the only wedding that I’ll have to pay for! She loves Tinkerbell and the Princesses. She is Mini-Me, the good and bad.
DS4-The most affectionate boy in the world and loves everyone. He loves Buzz Lightyear and Pirates.
DS22months- He is the last of the children and thankfully, we did not have him first or we would only have had one child!! He is a tank and will try our patience and sanity many times on this trip. He loves “Micka Mouse”.
GPD-My best friend from N’awlins and Godfather to my boys. We have vacationed together before so not too worried about any issues.
GPG-My best friend’s wife and Godmother to my daughter. I am to blame for their marriage as I offered him to her for $10 and two mixed drinks about 15 years ago and it is a miracle that either one of them still speak to me!!!
Me-Originally from N’awlins and came up to RI for school and met DW on the golf course and have been together for 11 years, married for 9. LSU alum and love those Tigers!!

We had been planning this trip for about a year and our plan is to stay at all of the DVC resorts. We tried to get into BWV and BCV but both were booked thanks to the F&W which we have been to before and loved it. We did the basic DDP and discussed the ADRs and made reservations for:

Saturday night 5:20 for Ohana at the Polynesian
Sunday night 6:15 for Boma at AKV
Monday night 7:20 for California Grill
Tuesday night 6:20 for LeCellier in Canada
Wednesday night 5:45 for Chef Mickey
Thursday night 4:10 for Mama Melrose to get the Fantasmic Package
Friday night since we had a Signature Meal at CG and were out of TS, we decided to “Eat and Drink Around the World” at Epcot for the F&W. Can’t wait for the Louisiana Kiosk!

DW made a countdown link chain for the kids to pull off daily to see how close it was until Disney and we started at over 50 and they really seemed to fly by. We also ordered the maps from Disney for the kids and they loved getting them in the mail. Found Garden Grocer from a thread here and ordered groceries at a much better price we probably would have paid at OKW. We also purchased the Annual Passes as we are going to be heading down next August for another week and it was a great deal with the DVC discount. DW is a planning nut and had us 90% packed two weeks prior to the 11th (I was the other 10%) so we would not be running around like headless chickens the night before.

Saturday 10/11
Flight out of Providence, RI (Warwick) for 6:45 AM so we were up at 4:00 and my Brother in Law offered to bring us to the airport. Poor soul was afraid to go to sleep in fear of oversleeping so he stayed up all night watching cheesy B-movies! We got to TF Green and DW gets very stressed out about Security but we made it through without any issues. The line for DD (Dunkin Donuts) was crazy so we went to TGIF and had breakfast which is not a bad deal for Airport food.

YES we were that family on the plane. Plane was completely booked as the last guy on took the seat I had DS22m standing in so I had to hold him for the entire flight. He screamed and cried from take off until we landed pretty much all of the flight. DW and I kept passing him back and forth like a “hot potato” to see if one of us could get him to stop crying and tried everything from books, snacks, movies, drawing and playing with no luck. DW told me after the flight she was about to cry and kept apologizing to everyone around us. As we landed he stopped crying and was looking out the window.
Use ME with no issue and were on the bus within 30 minutes from landing at MCO. Arrived at OKW before 11:00 and there was a slight drizzle on the windshield of the bus which is typical Florida weather.

OKW
DW handled the check in while I kept the children from breaking anything and DS22m kept climbing in and out of the cabinets in the lobby by the TV (they were very dusty). DW had some issue with our check in as she explained that the GPs were arriving from N’awlins later and we wanted to pay for our DDP separately so we could go eat. DW got balloon toys for the animals and the room was not ready but we were told we could leave our carryons with Bell Service and they will bring them up once our room was ready.

At Bell Service, they were flat out but I watched the Bellman that was working, instead of asking who was next just wait on whoever walked up to him in front of people already waiting. Sometimes I feel that courtesy and manners are left outside of the gates of Disney. I stood at the counter and watched two parties after me walk up and drop their bags at the Bellman’s feet and leave while I am standing at the counter with my bags and we just wanted to go to MK with the kids. Finally the young lady, Marrissa, who was answering the nonstop ringing phone at the counter, gave us a ticket and we left for MK. She told me that OKW was completely booked and DW said some guy walked in after her looking to make reservations and he was told the same thing that they had nothing available.

Headed to MK for the first day!!

 

[VanniGirl]

Can't wait to read more!

 

[w-family]

Headed over to MK to pick up our AP and were at the gates for about 1:00. The kids were more than ready as we walked down Main Street. DW loved the looks on their faces as we walked down Main Street and DS22m was looking for “Micka Mouse.”

The boys love Corndogs so DW wanted to go to Casey’s for DS4 as DS22m was not on the meal plan and he would mooch off of everyone else. The meal would have been $10.49 which included the drink, a full sized milk (Casey’s does not have kids meals) and a dessert. There were no seats available and a CM told us that across the street by the Noodle Station had plenty of shaded seats available. We had our pick of seats and had a great view of the Castle. Once we got the boys settled in, I headed over to Cosmic Rays as I heard rave reviews for the Chicken and Rib Combo platter. *DDP tip, if you do not ask for a large drink they will give you a regular size and it is included in the price. DD6 wanted what else, Chicken Nuggets for her lunch. Warning, I get lost in my bathroom and have a terrible sense of direction, so even with a map, I headed for CR which was a little bit of a hike from the Noodle Station/Terrace seating.

CR was crowded as high time for lunch. Lines were busiest at the ends and the middle was not too bad. CM was nice and I ordered the C&R combo with large drink and carrot cake and the chicken nuggets with milk for drink, grapes and carrot stick for DD6 and noticed that the milk was half the size of the one we got from Casey’s for DS4. Headed back to the Terrace and got lost on the way but made it back and ate lunch. DS4 and DS22m split the Corndogs, DD6 ate most of her meal and DW and I split the C&R combo which was perfect for splitting. Green beans and mashed potatoes were good and the chicken and ribs were not dried out. Another Courtesy alert, Watched some guy cut in front of me at the condiment station while I was waiting for Catsup. There is a line for a reason schmuck!

After lunch we rode the TTA to get DS22m acquainted with the rides and it is a good start as the lines move fast and a good view of the park IMO. DS22m was wide eyed the whole ride. *Packing tip, we packed all of the sunscreen in the checked bags and did not throw any in the diaper bag for the kids so we tried to keep the kids out of the sun as much as possible as it was HOT! I was amazed at the number of “Beet Red” kids sleeping in carriages while the parents kept rolling along in the hot sun.

Stopped at Donald’s Boat as DS22m was getting cranky due to it was around his normal nap time and he had been up since 4:00 and did not sleep at all on the plane. DD6 and DS4 liked the Boat but DS22m did not care for it at all as the ground was hot or he was just cranky, so we threw him in the carriage and slowly headed back to see if our room was ready.

Bus #9 for OKW was waiting and I called the number on the card they gave to DW and our room was ready!! Room #2632 and we could head straight there and did not need to stop at HH. I had requested a room at Bldgs 11-14 when we booked this so I was a little surprised to not get any of the requested Bldgs. When DW saw the number she said, “I bet that is on the 3rd floor.” Sure enough, we were on the 3rd floor. Another TIP we found out is that only the newer bldgs at OKW even have elevators and we had the 3 kids and the GPs, who both had bad knees, so this was going to be fun.
Room was nice and clean but DW thought it was “old and worn.” Attempted to get the kids to relax before we headed to Ohana for our 5:20 dinner reservations with no luck because, we were at Disney for crying out loud!! Put 22m down for about 1 ½ hour nap, (Thank God) while DD6 and DS4 were bouncing off the walls, but we told them to go into the other bedroom and relax and watch Disney TV. Received a call from the GPs that they were at MCO and on there way to OKW.

I went down to talk to HH to see if there were any 1st or even 2nd floors available. The very nice CM informed me that there were NO rooms available on the 1st or 2nd floor as they were completely booked up?!? Now, I can see if we checked in late in the day but we were at OKW before 11:00 and in our room by 2:00, so you mean to tell me that everyone else already checked in on the 1st and 2nd floors?!? Whatever!

We called the GPs and told them to meet us at Ohana as it was getting close to our reservations and while utilizing the Disney bus service you are at there mercy. Of course, while we are walking up to the bus stop the GPs arrive. Now after all of the pleasantries, blah, blah, blah, we now have to walk them to the room and drop off their bags and then go back to the bus stop (Bldg 26 is a nice Bldg as very close to HH and the 1st Bus stop for the resort for every place except DD) to catch the bus to MK to get the monorail to the Polynesian. Yes, we were 20 minutes late for our reservations!!

 

[w-family]

When DW went to pick up the AP for us she forgot (I forgot to remind her) to get the DDE/Tables of Wonderland card for the 20% discount on drinks and items not covered by the DDP. Marla at Ohana was great and when we told her of our oversight with the DDE/ToW card she and another CM went somewhere and when they sat us (within 10 minutes) we were told that we were all set for the discount and to just pick up the card tomorrow!!!

DW got the Pina Collava and loved it and I got the Capt Morgan Mai Tai and it hit the spot after a long first day! *TIP, if you do partake in the libations and are on the DDP, you can use your non-alcoholic drink as coffee after dinner.

Food was excellent but with a sweetness running through everything, which I guess is the pineapple and Hawaiian vibe. The welcome bread was very good and sweet. GPG, asked for butter but I don’t think the bread needed anything.

Only issue, if it is one, is that they brought out all the sides at once. Salad was good but dressing was sweet for me and when DW went for more it was gone. Potstickers were great, Sticky wings were good (sweet) 22m loved the noodles, DS4 loved the broccoli (glad I wasn’t sleeping with him in his room!!). They brought out three sauces for the meats, but I was too busy drinking my Mai Tai to listen to the waitress. Being from N’awlins, I like my food spicy and the only knock, if you call it one, is that everything had “a sweetness” to it. Just my personal preference.

Now on to the meat and please do not fill up on the sides. Turkey, Pork, Chicken, Steak and Shrimp!! I thought the Turkey and Pork were a little dry but loved the Shrimp and Steak. And they will keep bringing it out until you say “No Mas!” Sorry, I don’t know the Hawaiian terminology. DD6 loved the Sticky Wings. *TIP, if you are unsure if the kids will like the food offerings, you can order kids meals for them and still let them pick off of your plate.

Ohana had a great show that got the kids involved and kept them busy, so that us adults could relax and drink. Bread pudding was excellent and it is GPD's favorite dessert. We did not feel rushed at all. We got back to OKW at around 7:45 pm which was perfect for jammies and bed for the mutts.

We had ordered our groceries from Garden Grocer and would highly recommend them as their prices and choices are much better than the offerings at Disney. We picked a 7-9 pm window for the delivery, but I received a call while heading to Ohana at around 5:00 that they were running early and were coming by now?!? Thankfully, GG said he could leave the groceries with BS for us and when we were ready, they would bring them up to us. DON’T forget the margarine! Cost us $3.25 for four stick of margarine and we only used one. Once we got settled in from Ohana, I called BS and they said they would bring the groceries in 20-30 minutes. 5 minutes later we get a knock on the door and GPs luggage arrived. In about 15 we get our groceries and everything was accounted for.

Cried through LSU gettin’ “Taken behind the Woodshed for good old beating” by Florida in the Swamp. (Thank you Ole Miss!) Did the Defense forget to get on the plane? Went to bed for 11:00 and Day 1 was a success without a major meltdown, and for 3 kids that had been up since 4:00 AM, we were happy and exhausted.

Day 2, Sunday at AK, Bed Bugs? and the Dream Team.

 

[w-family]

Day 2, Sunday at AK, bug bites and the Dream Team.

At 5:00 am, DW and I heard from DS22m's pack ‘n play, “Micka Mouse” in his sleep which was to be our alarm clock while on vacation. GPD woke up and cooked eggs and biscuits for the kids and we had coffee and cereal.

Wanted to get to AK for rope drop and made it there by 8:40. We were on the bridge to Discovery Island with a great view of the Tree of Life. Could not actually see the rope drop but saw Mickey Mouse on the Tree of Life and the kids all wanted to be on our shoulders. We left the GPs at the room as GPG stated she had a bad night sleeping on those beds?!?

Headed to the Safari first and there was a 10 minute wait if that. This was by far the best safari ride I have ever been on at AK! I have never remembered seeing so many animals and the kids loved it. After the safari we headed through the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail which the kids loved towards the Wildlife Express Train to Rafiki’s Planet Watch.

When we got off of the train and made our way to the Affection Section, DW noticed people in the Conservation Station bldg so we headed in and YIPPEE, The Dream Team were giving out AK Fast Passes!! You get FPs for six rides.

Jiminy Cricket, Pocohantas and Rafiki were signing autographs and taking pics. DS22m was ready to head outside and loved the Affection Section (Petting Zoo). He did not want to leave and people were asking me if he was laughing or crying as he was so excited.

DW then suggested that she would take the boys to Dinoland and the Boneyard and DS6 and I could use our Fp for EE! We took off before DW could reconsider, got to the Fast Pass entrance and then heard the worst five words at Disney, “We Are Experiencing Technical Difficulties” What?!? So they are handing out FPs for all those that were waiting in line and didn’t know when the ride would be back up and running.

So we called DW to see how she was doing and DW told us to go on KRR because we had a FP for it also. Meanwhile DW said that DS22m was in the sandpit throwing sand at everyone so she had to drag him out kicking and screaming (better her than me) DD6 loved the ride and we got wet!

We had lunch at Restaurantosaurus. DW had the Mandarin Salad and I had the Cheeseburger. Kids had the Chicken Nuggets and for desserts we had Choc Cake, Carrot Cake and 2 cookies for the kids. DW did not like the Salad as way too much dressing. After lunch DW was going to take the older kids on Dinosaur with the FPs we got from the Dream Team so I stayed with DS22m.

We get a call from the GPs and GPG said she had bites all over her back and feet!?! EWWW!! Now I had read previous threads of bed bug issues at Disney and even brought a small light to check the beds but did not think this would happen. So, GPG called down to the front desk and they were going to get someone over to the room and, low and behold, they had another 2BR on the 1st floor, in the same bldg, if we wanted it?!? But we would have to come back to the room to pack up and move even though they told GPG that someone from BS would come and help, which they never did.

So we head over to Dinosaur and of course while DW, DD6 and DS4 are going on the ride, DS22m is climbing around he trips and busts his lip on something so now he is bleeding from his mouth and screaming. He calms down a little and a nice lady is sitting close by and is trying to help me calm him down and she has one of those mist fans. So I told her I had one also and she plays with DS22m and sprays him. OMG, you would have thought she had acid in the dang thing. He starts screaming bloody murder and the lady feels horrible but I get him to calm down.
Then DW comes back with the other two and she is furious. Now a little background, DW has been either pregnant or nursing for the last 4 trips to Disney so she hasn’t been on any thrill rides (or drank while at Disney) in awhile. She said the kids got up to get into the Jeep and informed her that they did not want to ride. I guess the queue scared DS4 into thinking they were going to bring back a dinosaur. After holding DW down from bodily injury to the lil ones we decided to head towards KRR so that DW and DS4 could use their FPs.

I sat with DD6 and DS22ms and he loved the Monkey Island while we waited for DW and DS4 to finish KRR. I got some good pics of them on the ride and she was sitting with an LSU fan and they were talking about the horrible game the night before. After they finished the ride it was getting close to DS22m nap time so we decided to head back. We get a call from GPG and she said that we needed to get back in order for them to switch our rooms. So we left AK to OKW because we had ADRs for Boma for 5:45.

DW said it would be best if, after we get the rooms switched, I take DD6 and DS4 to the pool while she re-unpacks everything. Sounded good to me so I went swimming with the kids and they had a blast.

OKW has a great water slide that looks like a sandcastle and we must have went on it 10-15 times! Got back to the room and we got ready for Boma at AKL.

 

[w-family]

Just like Ohana, we had to get a bus to a park and then take another bus to AKL so it took us awhile but we left in plenty of time (GPs and kids kicking and screaming) and we got to AKL with about 25 minutes to spare. What a beautiful resort. Loved the dark woods and the African artwork. There are “verandahs” with big rocking charis on that overlook the savannah and we sat there looking around but did not see too many animals. DW went with GPs and the older kids as I had DS22m and the carriage and they walked along the savannah and they saw more animals than DS22m and I saw. DS22m and I walked around the pool and I should not have shown that to DS22m as he now wanted to go swimming. We finally hooked back up and went to check in at Boma.

It was pretty busy and we checked in 15 minutes before our ADR. Now I don’t know how they handle the ADRs but it looked like your name is printed up on a receipt and the “seaters” bring you to your table. Well I watched some guy reach across me and grab his receipt and say, “This is ours” and gave it to the CM behind the counter who seated him?!? So GPD saw this and he does it to the next CM that walked up and she just kept walking into a door that was behind the Check in stand. A minute later someone came from the dining room and took us to our table. We were seated about 20 minutes after our ADR as it was pretty busy.

Now I had read previous threads that warned that there are no lines at Boma and that the buffet is set up as Pod stations. It looked like a buffet line to me with the line starting at the far right to get plates and going left. It was not too busy and the food was great.

DW had the Watermelon rind salad and said it had a kick. This was my kind of food as most of the offerings had a bite to them. They had Potatoes with “afritude” which caught you right in the back of the throat but were good. DW like the Fu Fu.

There was a crab seafood stew which I loved and a mushroom soup which was also excellent. DW has a food allergy which Disney is attentive and excellent in accommodating. At every meal, except Mama Melrose, the chef came out and went over the menu and DW’s allergy (fin fish). Well at Boma, the chef came out and spoke to DW and she was interested in the soup and stews but you have to be careful as most are fish based. He walked with her through the entire line pointing out what she could and could not have. He came back and corrected himself on a couple of items (I had the epi-en at the ready!) and then came back a third time after she had wanted to try some of the soups and he told her that she could not have any of the soups that she wanted as all were fish based so DW went on to other offerings. About 5 minutes later the chef came back with a huge bowl filled with scallops, mussels, shrimp . . . that he made especially for her and it was excellent. Since it was so much she let me have some.

The kids loved the Macaroni and cheese. I loved the salmon and duck dish but cannot remember the name to save my life. The prime rib was good and everyone had a good time.

On to the desserts. Now we have heard about the “zebra domes” and they did not disappoint. VERY Rich! DW did not think there were a lot of dessert choices for the kids as a lot of items had “Alcohol” in them. I thought there was more than enough.

Again we used the DDP and ToW/DDE for the drinks and since we had a group of seven the automatic 18% from the ToW/DDE was a non-issue.

One thing we did notice and it is something everyone should check is what is being charged on their room card. We told the waiter not to charge the tip to the room card as it was ours and the GPs offered to cover the tips for us using our points for the trip. Well, we would tip (The GPs used a credit card) and when we checked our room charges they were also charging the room?!? Every night after dinner we had to go down to Concierge and have the charges reversed and they were very quick to do this and one of the CMs stated this happens a lot. So always check your room charges. I had heard another tip of using your kids (Non-chargeable card) when you use the dining plan so that they cannot put the tip on the room.

After dinner we headed back to OKW. Got everyone settled in for bed and prepared for DHS and TSM.

Day 3 DHS, TSM and we got Dreamed again!!