The Heat and the Force were with us on our quick visit to the World! 6/10-6/14

[ScrappyRN]

So Star Wars Weekend came and went quickly, but we were only at Disney for 4 days so what did I expect? We had a great time, but more importantly DS had a magical time.
The cast of characters were.....................

Me(39)-Disney obsessed Mom, wife and RN.
DS(8)- Disney nut like his mom, Star Wars and Batman know it all!
DM(63)- Disney enthusiast, DVC member
DSis(43)- along for the ride

Location- Wilderness Lodge Villas, studio, thanks to DM! First time for all of us at the Villas, DS and I stayed at the Lodge with DH in Oct. 2009.

Plan of attack..............
6/10- arrival
6/11- HS for SWW
6/12- Epcot
6/13- MK
6/14- AK and departure

 

[mickeystoontown]

Joining in! I'd love to read all about your Disney adventures.

 

[ScrappyRN]

Mickeystoontown

 

[ScrappyRN]

So back in Oct. we took DS out of school so we could go to Disney and let him experience the MNSSHP that he so loved and requested to do again. When we(or should I say me), decided he needed to experience a SWW, we knew it would be a long weekend trip because he couldn't miss too much school again this year.( NJ schools don't get out until late June).

So when the 3 of us women looked at our calendars, 6/10- 6/14 worked best. On the 10th, DH and I picked DS up at school around 1130 am, this way he was only missing full days Fri. and Mon. DH dropped us off at DM house where my DD had already left work early and picked DSis up on the way. He drove us to Philly Int. Airport and dropped us off at Southwest for our 210PM flight. We got through security really quick, they had a special line for people traveling with children. But myself and DM had to have our bags searched. Mine was the pressed penny tube in my backpack and DM was her full sized sunscreen, she knows better than to take that carry on.
While we waited for our flight DS and I shared a Happy meal, I ate the cheeseburger, he the fries. Our flight left a few minutes late, but after a smooth ride we got to Orlando on time!!!!

DS wanted to sit next to his Aunt on the flight down.

On our way to ME, DS wanted a ppicture with this guy

When we arrived at ME our bus was there and we hopped on!!!

One of the few pictures of me this trip.

DS was very excited to show his Aunt and MomMom the WL because neither had ever stayed there. And DS was itching to get in the pool.

We passed this on our way. My first WDW entrance sign photo, had to take one, being a Diser and all!

When we arrived at the lodge, DS went right for the TV as we went to check in and buy our park passes. This went fairly quick, then we headed to our room to put on our suits so DS could show everyone the pool.

The room was really nice. The red diamonds on the pillow shams were made up of little mickey heads. The only complaint was the bathroom. Only a pedastool sink, so not alot of counter space for things, only a small 3 tiered shelf outsid the shower. The shower was handicap, so no tub. And only 1 small soap dish in the shower, so we had to lean our bottles of shampoo and things using the handicap bar. DS had fun sitting on the seat while he showered, it allowed him to bring in a few toys to play with.
We headed to the pool around 6PM, but first we got some food from Roaring Forks. DSis and I shared the Roast beef sandwich, DM got the salad and DS got PB and J( one of the few things he'll eat). After an hour or so we headed to the room to change. DS and I went to explore the Merchantile where he got a Buzz and Woody magnetic set( still amazed he still loves those guys), I got milk to keep in the room for cereal, and DS discovered Vinylmations. I allowed him to pick one. When we got to the room he opened his Vinylmation and liked it so no trading for us. We watched some Stacy, DS played with his new toys and we went to bed around 10pm. We have a long day tomorrow at HS.


Will DS meet Anakin? Will he get into JTA? Will the women survive the crowds?

 

[ScrappyRN]

So I told everyone that we needed to be at the bus no later than 715A for the 8A opening of DHS. We did get to the bus stop by 715A. DS had already eaten cereal in the room, while DM, Dsis and I ate some pastries from Roaring Fork. We waited and waited and waited for the bus to HS. Finally at about 745A the bus arrives, there is a crowd behind us and not everyone is getting on. We were about the 3rd family waiting so we did get on, Thank God or I would have been fuming. Why does Disney not have extra buses to the parks with early EMH especially to HS that day since it was SWW? Anyway we got to HS right at about 8A and I knew we had to get in line for JTA. So DSis took my backpack so I could go right in with DS. We walked quickly towards Sounds Dangerous and the line was already really long. So we hopped in line and I told DS we's just have to wait and see if he made it in the show. Luckily a CM came by shortly to get a count of the kids waiting, and she told us we should get in one of the late afternoon shows!!!

So DS waited patiently, looking at the map. I chatted with the surrounding adults, a couple from Illinois and a couple from Virginia Beach. DSis and DM found us in line after they entered and got our passes to head to TSM to get FP and then to ride RR and DSis rode ToT. Finally at 9A the line starts moving and DS gets his ticket to be in the 4 or 430 P show.
So next of course we head to find characters. First were thes guys

Alls DS has been saying for months is that he wants to meet Anakin. We found the lines by the old Al's Toy Barn for this guy

and I got talking to a cast member from NJ while in line and asked her when Anakin was coming out and where, so she pointed right next to us and in 20 minutes. So after seeing Capt. Rex we got in the line for Anakin. DS was so good while waiting. It was already smoldering hot and we were not in the shade. We get to see Anakin, and ladies I must say he was really cute!

He spent a good time talking to DS and told DS to listen to his father! DM and Dsis got to us when DS was meeting Anakin, and they agreed that he was easy on the eyes!
So now DS is thrilled, his wish came true and I'm so glad we made it to SWW.
Next we all headed over to ride Star Tours

and then DSis went to see AI while DMom went to get a spot for the SW parade and DS and I went to find this guy

Now when we saw TS3 I was surprised that they chose Lotso to appear. I won't spoil it if you haven't seen the movie yet.
So after that we found DM who tried to find a shaded spot for the parade. We were up against the railing in front of the hat next to a bench with an umbrella. Of course people started to park themselves in front of us, but as long as they sat I would have gotten great shots from the parade. Of course there was a group of rude people that stood in front of us, so we had DS sit in the sun so he could see and I tried to get the best pictures I could. None of them are worth posting. Ds was excited that Boba pointed his gun at him.
After the parade we all went to Pizza Planet per DS request for lunch. It was really crowded but DM found a table while I got our food.

After our lunch of pizza and salad and a little break form the heat we set out to find more characters and ride TSM with our FP. DS rode with his aunt and I rode with DM.
DS didn't want to wait in line for Chewy, his line was always long, but it was shaded. So we set out to see Jedi Mickey. This line was by TGMR and was not shaded. So DS and I waited while DM and DSis went on the ride. We waited about 20 minutes while Goofy and Donald were appearing and then Goofy left and they announced Donald would be leaving shortly and and Minnie would be coming out. So a few people in front of us didn't want to see Minnie so they let us in front of them and when we got up there Donald stayed with Minnie to see my DS before he left. So the wait was worth seeing both of them, even if we never got back in to see Jedi Mickey. DS was happy that we passed by later and saw Mickey as a Jedi.

I really wish they'd put all 4 of them in the shade somewhere so the young kids could see all 4 at once like at Epcot CC. It was really hot and the amount of adults waiting to see them made the kids wait longer because they were the worst, each need their picture separate and then together, ect.
Next up were these guys

while in line to see C3PO and R2D2 they announced Luke would be coming out, so DS wanted to see Luke so I snapped a quick photo of him with R2D2 and C3PO in the background and then we got to meet Luke. He was thrilled. Then another ride on Star Tours before we met DM and DSis in the shade to wait about 20 min. before DS needed to report to Jedi Training.
Now DS has fought Vader 3 other times so he was glad to get to fight Ventress. I was neat that they had Ahsoka training the kids that weren't on stage, DS was in his glory.

They gave all the participants a SW toy plus the certificate when they finished which was really nice. DS got a Luke toy

After this we were all hot and tired. DS had seen a video of the hoopla on you tube, so he was ready to go back to eat and swim. So we headed back to the Lodge.
I was happy that DS was happy, but not sure if I'd do SWW again.

 

[15isto2]

Subscribing

 

[ScrappyRN]

Sat. was warm and muggy from the start! We got to
Epcot around 9A. I love Epcot, but hate all the walking. You can see the humidity in this photo.

We started out by DS, DM and DSis going on SE(one of DS's favorites) while I went to Soarin for FP. I met them back at SE. Apparently DS's photo didn't come out on the 1st ride, so they had to ride twice, luck for them,LOL! We headed to TT but stopped at Mousegears 1st. DS really wanted this hat,

but I knew that after 5 min. I'd be the one carrying it, so I told him we's get one later. This did not sit well with him, "But Mom I really want this hat, I promise I'll wear it all day." I'm sure you've all heard something similar at some point with your children. My reply again was NO, we will get one later. So little mister mopey was not happy with me at htat point.
We waited about 15 minutes to get on TT, a favorite of everyones.

Then headed to Univ. of Energy. We decided not to go on UoE, didn't want to wait 10 min. then spend 45 min. on ride. DS saw MS. He really wanted to ride, we had never riden before because DM rode the original ride and got sick. So I've always aoided this ride. So DSis and I decided to take DS on the wimpy side while DM sat out this one. We loved it! Maybe someday I'll try Orange, but Green was fine with us.

Next was a pit stop so DS enjoyed this for a moment

then we headed to use our FP for Soarin'

DM and sis were getting hungry so they headed to WS while DS and I rode Nemo and did turtle talk. Always fun, but they need to redo Crushes talk, the bikini top is getting old.
DS and I then headed to WS, where we saw this on the way

We started in Canada, and DS started his mask there. DS didn't want to do a passport this trip. So it was nice to sit in the shade while DS colored his mask, but he was taking forever and I knew we'd never catch up with DM and DSis.

So I texted DSis and said not to wait for us, we'd meet up with them later. We hit every country along the way with a few character M&Gs. DS begged me for a sword in UK and I gave in, but now I was on his good side after the Goofy hat incident in the morning!

I did get my Grey Goose slush in France, and it was so cold and refreshing on such a hot day. It was a little hard to manage backpack, autograph book and slushie but I managed. I also finished my drink while in line to meet these guys

DS loves Aladdin and Jasmine, they always interact with him and make him laugh. So on we went and stopped in each country at Kidcot. DS likes to say hello and thank you in the different languages. We got popcorn at America and met quite a few characters and we took a break in the shade in Italy to watch the players there, their show was really cute.

In China, we stopped to eat. I got eggrolls and DS just wanted a drink since his nutricious lunch of popcorn filled him up. Then on to Norway for Maelstrom and KP mission.

We did the Fiesta Tour in Mexico before heading out of WS. We stopped at Club Cool to get a cold drink. I think we got MezzoMix. I don't have the heart to give DS the Beverly!

After Club Cool DS wanted to ride MS again, so we did that again before heading to the monorail. DSis said her and DM were going to Downtown to get something to eat. So I figure DS and I can take monorail to Transportation Center and get bus to Downtown. When we get to Transportation center I find out we have to walk to Poly to get bus. Now I'm hot and tired and I know DS is really tired but we managed and hopped on the bus to meet DM and DSis at EoS to get supper.
Next was some shopping at WoD and Lego. I got my Chamilia charm and DS got a few legos and yes I bought him the Goofy hat he wanted so badly.

We decided not to go back to Epcot for Illuminations and headed back to the lodge for a swim and some ice cream!

Next up- Our day at MK. My favorite place in the World!

 

[mickeystoontown]

Goodness gracious! You guys got a lot done while in Epcot. Good to hear that the sword got you back in good graces with your son.

 

[heaven2dc]

What a full day you had!! I love getting a lot done but it must be especially hard with the heat. My oldest DS would love to go during SWW so I may have to surprise him and his gf with a short trip next year.

Your DS must be in heaven with his sword AND Goofy hat - what a great mom you are

 

[ScrappyRN]

Sun. the 13th we went to my favorite place in the World, Magic Kingdom. Again it was a scorcher! We took the boat from the Lodge to MK. just love the boat ride, so relaxing. We got to the park to see the morning show and once we entered we headed straight for BTMRR, with a stop in front of this 1st

We got FP for Splash, it was down that morning and hopped on BTMRR for 2 rides

I Love this ride and so does DS. We then backtracked toward Adventureland for a ride on PoC, walked right on and then a traditional ride on Aladdin.

DSis and I rode in the back while DS sat up front. DM sat that one out. I wanted to do JC but DS did not have that on his list of must dos, and being this was his special weekend trip we went along with his plan. I was surprised that DS asked to see thes guys

but according to him he was glad to see a boy with a princess! These 2 were great! DS told Prince Eric that even though he had long hair, the Prince still wasn't cool! This started a great interaction about how of course the Prince is cool and much cooler than Naveen who was around the corner. So Prince Eric gave my DS a message to give to Naveen. He was to tell Naveen that Eric said he's not cool. So of course I was glad that this would spark DS's interest to see Tiana and Naveen. I wonder if this is a running joke between the Eric and Naveen guys?
So now we HAVE to find Naveen and we do right around the corner while DSis and DM sat in the shade and enjoyed some pineapple from Aloha Isle.

I must say these 2 characters are the BEST! When DS said that Eric says your not cool to Naveen it sparked up a story from Tiana and Naveen about how Eric was just mad because Naveen put extra hot sauce in Eric's gumbo and he got all red and sweaty, ect. Tiana was so cute and really made sure DS got close to her and they both got down on his level. Great, great great is all I can say.
Next up was a ride on HM for DSis and I, DS doesn't like the elevator ride, so he sat out with my DM and had a drink. I love HM is all I can say.
So now DS wants to see if Splash is up and thank God it is. It's his absolute favorite, but not mine. I did go on it once last year, only because it was just DS and I in MK because DH was sick last year. So when we get to the ride I said I go get FP for BLSRS while the 3 of them rode Splash. So I ran to Buzz while they headed to Splash and I got back in time to see this

Of course they all called me chicken, but hey I don't like that last drop, so I can be a chicken in their eyes.

Next up was lunch at CHH. DSis and I got the Tuna, DS chicken and fries and DMom had the shrimp basket. The food, atmosphere and portions are always good here. It was nice to sit in the cool building for a while.
Next we head to Buzz and the Laugh Floor. DS LOVES these 2, not as much as Splash, but pretty close.

So it's probably about 1pmish, DSis and DM head back to the room. DS and I stayed to see this guy

an ride this

DS likes the TTA, he first rode in back in Oct. and now it's on his must do list. I like that it gives you a few minutes to sit and relax and see the park at the same time.
After this we headed to Main St. and stopped to get a vinylmation, and a little R and R

I don't know what show was on, but it was really cute to see all the kids lying down and so interested when there are all those rides and adventures right out the door!
We headed back to the Lodge by boat for a quick swim before getting ready for dinner.

MK night con't next post.

 

[heaven2dc]

I loved the pic of your DS on TTA - just chillin'! Also loved the one with Princess Tiana Great interaction with the characters!

 

[ScrappyRN]

Welcome, Heaven2dc, Mickeystoontown and 15isto2! Thanks for joining.

 

[ScrappyRN]

So after a brief swim and shower at the Lodge we headed to the POLY for our 525p dinner ressie at 'Ohana!!!! I love the food there and wanted DSis and DM to have the wonderful bread pudding.
We got seated as soon as we got there. Not the best table, but that was ok.(We were behind the cooking station) I got the Magical Star, Dsis got a Sangri and Ds got a Toy Story cup. We weren't on the dining plan so this was OOP. DS is very picky so he ordered a PBand J with fries. The food was fabulous. DSis didn't like her Sangria. And our waitress was awful. DS only ate 1/2 of a PBandJ(they sent out 2 Uncrustable sandwiches) and a few fries. So I asked for a box, the waitress said they Can't do that and proceeded to put our scraps of food on the PBandJ. Now if she hadn't done that I might have encouraged DS to eat more or have gotten a paper towel in the bathroom and put it in my purse. They charged $16.99 for PB and J and wouldn't let us take it? I understand not being able to take the regular food because it's all you can eat.
So anyway, DSis asked for coffee when dessert came and the waitress said she didn't have time for that. What? Now myself and DM have worked in food service before and this isn't acceptable. So DM got the managers card and called him after we returned from our trip. She didn't want to make a fuss and ruin DS's trip. I did leave a 20% tip, but shouldn't have based on service, but the other cousins were lovely and not rude like the blonde headed waitress. So 'Ohana got a thumbs up for food, but a thumbs down for service.

So we headed to MK with full bellies and rode BLSRS. DS got a great score

Then I think we did the Laugh floor again and then DSis went on SM while DM went to get parade spot on the hub and DS and I did the Laugh Floor again(alls he really wants to do is get up on the screen in the show).
DS did this while we waited for the parade

The Light parade was awesome, here's a few shots

We kept our spot for the fireworks, again AWESOME, even better than Hallowishes

I think we did one more ride on Buzz before we turned in for the night.
We never hit Fantasyland or Toontown this trip. I knew we were coming back in Aug. so I didn't feel the need to fight the crowds and construction on this short trip.
Up next our last day:[.

 

[ScrappyRN]

So our last day was June14. We headed to AK. In Oct. DS and I had ridden EE for the first time and we LOVED it. So the plan of attack was to ride EE first. We stopped for a few pictures on the way

and then walked right on EE. I rode with DM and DS rode with DSis. I did but the picture so I'll post that later.

Next we headed to Dino land were we rode Dinosaur and Triceratop spin. DS was about 1/4 inch shy of being tall enough for Primeveal Whirl so DSis rode alone. We saw Nemo and first for DSis and then headed to ride Kali River because we needed to cool off. DSis is the only one who got soaked! Next DM and DSis headed back to the lodge while DS and I went to camp Minnie and Mickey. He rocked it out with these guys

and then we went to see this pretty lady

Then it was time to head back so we could catch the 200PM ME to the airport. We got a bite to eat at Roaring Forks and then changed our shirts before getting on the ME. When we got to the airport DS likes to ride the people mover so I let him take a ride when I heard my name from behind. One of my good friends from home has a house on the east coast of FL and they were supposed to fly Spirit out of West Palm or Ft. Lauderdale, but the pilots were striking so they had to find a new way home and Orlando was the cheapest on SW. So they were on our same flight home! DS played his game while we waited to board

After a smooth flight home, my DD picked us up at the airport. Until next time we'll have sweet dreams of Disney!!
Coming next photo pass pix.

 

[ScrappyRN]

Here's some of our photopass shots.

 

[ScrappyRN]

Does Naveen and Aladdin look similar to anyone else besides me?

 

[heaven2dc]

Does Naveen and Aladdin look similar to anyone else besides me?

They do look similar - if only we had a close up of Aladdin.

 

[ScrappyRN]

This is the best I can do