The Drive, the Dream and DVC - A March 2011 Birthday Surprise TR(NEW 11/9 p. 32 END)

[Disney Mommy 3]

yes, you are quite busy!!! Plus you didn't add your full time job on that list!!!

 

[Mndisneygirl]

yes, you are quite busy!!! Plus you didn't add your full time job on that list!!!

Yeah, that's just a given. Lucky for me, I'm not as busy at that job right now. We were supposed to be handling a first degree murder case, but my judge got sick and is on medical leave again. So we had to reassign it to someone else. I'm bummed because it would have been very interesting, but it also would mean that I couldn't take any time off for a few weeks.

 

[brookelizabeth]

Your BBB pictures had me in tears! I just love that experience, it's so incredibly sweet! Your princesses look beautiful.

Akershus looks delicious. I'm going to drag my boys to a princess meal next trip!

And seeing all those topiaries...ahhhh, how I miss Epcot!

 

[Monny2AE]

Those BBB pics were fantastic! What's the age limit on BBB...I'd love to be pampered too!

I guess that's why they have Grey Goose Slushies for the moms!

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Your BBB pictures had me in tears! I just love that experience, it's so incredibly sweet! Your princesses look beautiful.

Akershus looks delicious. I'm going to drag my boys to a princess meal next trip!

And seeing all those topiaries...ahhhh, how I miss Epcot!

Aww, thanks Brook! It was so cool to see how excited they were and how they felt so beautiful!
I think you should take the boys! My DH always is happy to see Jasmine...

Those BBB pics were fantastic! What's the age limit on BBB...I'd love to be pampered too!

I guess that's why they have Grey Goose Slushies for the moms!

I think they want us "older" people to go to the spa. It's about the same cost!!

Oh that GG slushie really made my day! I think something like that is an Epcot must-do!

 

[Mndisneygirl]

So, this would be our last full day at WDW. Yup, I was a little bummed, but I knew it was going to be a big day! I was excited - Magic Kingdom early EMH!!!! I love this - we can get so many rides in without long lines!!
So I got up early. Nobody else did. I got ready and started to make some noise, opened the curtain to the GORGEOUS savannah. It was tough getting them going - even with those French chocolate croissants for a breakfast treat!
We drove over to MK, thinking it would be faster. Not necessarily. I have to remember that driving to MK is a multi-step process. At least the buses let you off near the actual entrance. When you drive, you have to park at the Ticket and Transportation Center and take the boat or monorail.

We decided to go monorail. I kept asking where to go for the EMH entry since we were resort guests. We had to go all the way to the end and show our room keys. It was jammed! We barely got to a monorail before they released the herds at 8:45!! I guess it wasn’t too early anymore!

We got to MK and find out that they’d been letting people (ANY PEOPLE!) in since 8!!! It must have been because of the high crowds they had that week. So, it really wasn’t much of an EMH, but we still got in there pretty early. 

We got our traditional Castle picture.

Notice the girls' hair is still up in their BBB do. Hardly moved at all while they slept!

We headed straight to Fantasyland.

Doesn't look that crowded in some of these pictures.

Paige's favorite princess!

It's nice that they put up signs telling people what's coming behind those ugly walls!


We did something we hadn’t done in a loooooong time. DUMBO!!!

It had been forever and I never want to wait in long lines for it. It was showing a 40 minute wait. We waited 40 minutes. I really was willing to do this mainly so I could look over at the FL expansion construction and take some pictures!!

okay, we've all seen these signs a million times. I noticed the picture of what not to do - and joked, okay we can't do "this" and stuck out one arm and one leg like in the picture. It was so silly. It became a running joke on the rides.

I rode with Paige in a purple elephant (boy that would sound weird anywhere else!). Purple is her favorite color.
Sarah and DH rode together in a lime green elephant (Sarah's favorite color).

Going up...

I'm sure that's a lot further along now (this was almost 7 months ago!!!).

Gee, it doesn't seem that crowded here!


DH went and got FPs for Peter Pan and then we rode IASW around 10:55.

I won't bore you with my lousy pictures of IASW. You've all been there, right?

We looked for Rapunzel and learned they do a little show where Belle’s storytime used to be. People were waiting up to 2 HOURS in line to get in and meet her and Flynn!!! Uh, no thanks. I'll just snap a few shots from here.

cont.

 

[Mndisneygirl]

The park was very crowded by now - we headed to Tomorrowland to hop on the People Mover - even that had a line (thankfully it moved fast!). Took a few pictures from up high.

Look at them, all sweet and cute together! No one could tell from this picture that they fight all the time at home! HA!

I love the castle view from up here!

Hello Space Mountain that I've never ridden. Maybe someday...

We headed back to FL

We used our FPs for Peter Pan.

The girls rode together. They were starting to do this a bit more on this trip, which was nice so Dave and I could ride together once in a while.

We wandered around a bit, and decided maybe we should get some lunch. DH went and got some FPs for Big Thunder Mountain RR! I stopped into Columbia Harbour House and got the hummus sandwich that I’d been wanting to try. Dave and the girls went to Pecos Bills and I met them over there. DH got a BBQ pork sandwich and Paige got a cheeseburger. That looked pretty good of course I would have loaded it with toppings!! Next time. Sarah didn’t like anything (must not have had chicken nuggets as an option there!) so she just ate fries and some chocolate cake! Only on vacation!

We were going to go to Jungle Cruise next, but it was a 50 minute wait and too soon for us to get any more FPs. The girls and I went through the Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse. DH was texting his sister and they were all over the park, so we didn’t know if we’d meet up with them.
We decided to shop on Main Street before heading back to the AKL for some afternoon relaxation (read: pool time!). The girls bought some stuff for their friends as well as themselves! We headed to the TTC and the car around 1 or 1:30. We got back to AKL to swim by 2:30! It was really nice out and I enjoyed some hot tub time while DH and the girls swam. I headed back to the room first and did a little packing. The girls and DH stayed and did a craft by the pool and came up around 4. It doesn't appear that I took any pictures by the pool that afternoon. I'll have to double check, but I didn't upload any to photobucket.


Did you think we forgot about those BTMRR FPs? No, they were burning a hole in my pocket so we headed back to MK by 4:30!! We did have dinner reservations too! Any guess as to where we were eating??

up next - a transportation adventure!! When will we learn?

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

I can not believe you have NEVER ridden Space Mntn. You need to do it at least once! too many times in a row will kiiiiill your neck!!! Great pix & update...are the Belle and Ariel & Eric like a slider along the walls?

 

[Mndisneygirl]

I can not believe you have NEVER ridden Space Mntn. You need to do it at least once! too many times in a row will kiiiiill your neck!!! Great pix & update...are the Belle and Ariel & Eric like a slider along the walls?

Well, I should clarify. I have never ridden SM at WDW. Many many years ago, when I was about 16, I rode it in Disneyland. I'm tempted to try it again, but I have to convince someone else to go with me. I will NOT be going alone!!! Once would be enough. My neck is bad enough anyway! I just listened to a segment on the podcast about facing your fears and trying things outside your comfort level. That's partly why I'd like to try it. I sort of remember it from when I was young and used to go on more roller coasters. I know it won't kill me.

There are others I have never done. I'm working on getting the family to go on Splash with me. When we've gone in winter it's been closed a couple times. Last time I tried, but no one wanted to get wet. I'm sure on a warm day we can do it. I just want to see the inside! It looks so cute from all the videos and pictures.
I doubt I will ever do Tower of Terror or RnR.

Belle etc. were just signs/displays hung up on the walls to make it pretty and tell what was coming back behind there. They didn't "do" anything.

 

[Lady Lallie]

Lovely update. I have a hankering to ride a purple elephant and watch Beauty & the Beast!

Oh siblings. I have to tell you, I fought really bad with my brother while we were growing up. I won't give you details because I don't want to worry you but we were very unkind to each other and we may not be super close siblings but you should have seen how excited he was for me when I told him I was having a baby...what I'm trying to say is that it will get better.

I couldn't decide what I wanted for dinner and your Pecos Bill tale has me deciding CHEESEBURGER. Yum.

 

[jenjolt]

What a great morning!! WHile you didn't get there as early as I'm sure you would have liked it sounds like you accomplished A LOT!! That is so awesome!!

Love the pictures of your girls! SO pretty!!!!

Thanks for the construction pictures!! Can't wait to see what has been done since I went in June!

 

[Lovemy3babes]

Sheree, my girls went to BBB on our last trip. It's fun to be pampered like that. I think both of them are grown out of that stage now though.

Oh what a bummer on EMH. Darn crowds! I hope you get to go on Space Mountain someday! And I had to laugh out loud at your fighting comment. It's hilarious how siblings can look like they love each so much in photos but really fight like cats and dogs. Same thing in my household! Ha!!!

 

[SoonerGirl]

It's hilarious how siblings can look like they love each so much in photos but really fight like cats and dogs. Same thing in my household! Ha!!!

I don't know what you people are talking about, my children never fight.....

 

[MEK]

Fun Update - the girls' hair still looked so pretty! I can't believe it didn't get messed up while they were sleeping.

Despite the crowds I think you got alot done in the MK!

How was the hummus sandwich? I absolutely loved hummus and chick peas. It just doesn't sound like it would be too filling!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Lovely MK morning even with the crowds! I would have escaped for pool time as well, though!

Sheree, I can't believe you have never ridden Space Mountain -- even I have ridden it once to say that I have.

 

[onejellyshelly]

Ok all caught up. I am reading your trip report when I should be packing for mine!!! We leave in three days. Can't wait to read more.

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Great update!

The girls hair still looks so cute. I can't believe it stayed in overnight!

Looks like a great morning. You've got to ride Space Mtn. But yes, only once!!

You are so right -- only at WDW is french fries & chocolate cake an acceptable lunch!!

Can't wait to hear about the rest of your day!

 

[MeMom]

Lovely MK morning even with the crowds! I would have escaped for pool time as well, though!

Sheree, I can't believe you have never ridden Space Mountain -- even I have ridden it once to say that I have.

Wait a minute, now....

aren't you the one who has never ridden Tower of Terror?



So many good pictures of Magic Kingdom!
We will be there hopefully for a couple of hours next Sunday night, pretty much all day Monday, and in the morning for a few hours on Wednesday.

 

[Charleston Princess]

Wait a minute, now....

aren't you the one who has never ridden Tower of Terror?

Oh, I have ridden ToT -- back in April 1998 with my brother -- but those were the days when it just dropped once -- it's the multiple drops that scare me. The only Disney rides I have never ridden are Mission Space and RnRC.

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Lovely update. I have a hankering to ride a purple elephant and watch Beauty & the Beast!

Oh siblings. I have to tell you, I fought really bad with my brother while we were growing up. I won't give you details because I don't want to worry you but we were very unkind to each other and we may not be super close siblings but you should have seen how excited he was for me when I told him I was having a baby...what I'm trying to say is that it will get better.

I couldn't decide what I wanted for dinner and your Pecos Bill tale has me deciding CHEESEBURGER. Yum.

Yeah, my brother and i were like that. Now we go in cycles of liking each other or not (maybe the not is just my take on it!).
Did you get the cheeseburger? Watch B&tB? I hope so!!

What a great morning!! WHile you didn't get there as early as I'm sure you would have liked it sounds like you accomplished A LOT!! That is so awesome!!

Love the pictures of your girls! SO pretty!!!!

Thanks for the construction pictures!! Can't wait to see what has been done since I went in June!

It was a good morning!! Thanks - they loved being stared at and all the attention!

I bet it looks totally different now. You'll have to ride Dumbo and take some pictures for me! I saw a time lapse recently and it looks cool! You're so lucky - going in a week!

Sheree, my girls went to BBB on our last trip. It's fun to be pampered like that. I think both of them are grown out of that stage now though.

Oh what a bummer on EMH. Darn crowds! I hope you get to go on Space Mountain someday! And I had to laugh out loud at your fighting comment. It's hilarious how siblings can look like they love each so much in photos but really fight like cats and dogs. Same thing in my household! Ha!!!

Take them to the spa now!! You mean other people's kids fight too?

I don't know what you people are talking about, my children never fight.....

Well, I guess not EVERYONE's kids fight!! I hear kids in Oklahoma are amazingly well-behaved.

Fun Update - the girls' hair still looked so pretty! I can't believe it didn't get messed up while they were sleeping.

Despite the crowds I think you got alot done in the MK!

How was the hummus sandwich? I absolutely loved hummus and chick peas. It just doesn't sound like it would be too filling!

Yeah, they put so much glue in their hair - it could last for days! MK was fun and I'm glad we got to do a lot that day. It's nice to just say, that's enough and leave, knowing we'll be back.

The sandwich was pretty good. I wasn't crazy about the carrot/broccoli slaw on it. The hummus was a little chunky/thick for me. But I usually make my own and blend it fairly smooth. I think I enjoyed the tuna sandwich there more. It's definitely worth a try though!

Lovely MK morning even with the crowds! I would have escaped for pool time as well, though!

Sheree, I can't believe you have never ridden Space Mountain -- even I have ridden it once to say that I have.

Yeah, the pool was just what we needed!
Space Mtn. is on the "possibly" list. There are some that are on the "When hell freezes over" list.

Ok all caught up. I am reading your trip report when I should be packing for mine!!! We leave in three days. Can't wait to read more.

Yay! Now really - please go pack, you're making me nervous!!! I probably won't finish anytime soon, so go enjoy your trip!! I wish I was going around now.

Great update!

The girls hair still looks so cute. I can't believe it stayed in overnight!

Looks like a great morning. You've got to ride Space Mtn. But yes, only once!!

You are so right -- only at WDW is french fries & chocolate cake an acceptable lunch!!

Can't wait to hear about the rest of your day!

Yeah - they now how to style so it stays! LOTS of product.
You'll see Sarah's eating habits don't change. She's got more meals where she doesn't actually eat a meal...

Wait a minute, now....

aren't you the one who has never ridden Tower of Terror?



So many good pictures of Magic Kingdom!
We will be there hopefully for a couple of hours next Sunday night, pretty much all day Monday, and in the morning for a few hours on Wednesday.

Oh, I know you and Brooklynn are going to have so much fun!!!

Oh, I have ridden ToT -- back in April 1998 with my brother -- but those were the days when it just dropped once -- it's the multiple drops that scare me. The only Disney rides I have never ridden are Mission Space and RnRC.

Yeah, Mission Space is one on the "when hel1 freezes over" list. So is Astro Orbiter. Especially after today, when there was a FIRE!!! RnRC is a probably never too. I don't want to go that fast AND upside down. ToT would probably have me with my head over a trash can.
I hope you all had a great weekend! We had 80 degree weather here, so we spent a fair amount of time outside!