The Many Adventures of...A Family With a New Baby! Jan - Dec 2016! New 11/7!

[cindianne320]

Welcome home! Glad your trip went well!

 

[DisneyMom2Many]

Love your trip report! We have done Disney with a 6 week old and are doing it again, with most likely a 6 week old, in June. One quick question, where do you get the super cute Disney outfits that your girls are wearing in some of the pictures?

 

[amazingact21]

Sounds like a long week! I'm sure it was nice to be able to shop and dine in peace without little kids to corral, but I can only imagine how much you missed your family. It's hard to go a long time without your kids. (I tell my husband all the time that I could never do his job and be gone so long.)

 

[mousehappync]

Glad your trip is over-- I can only imagine how hard to be away from the kids! Solo time is nice, but that many days was difficult, I'm sure! It sounds like you had fun, though-- nice to see family who are so far from you! Bummer about your soup-- Sounds like your restaurant luck wasn't ideal thus trip!

 

[Imagineer5]

I made it home just in time for Aria to get a stomach bug - so my 1 normal work day last week (Friday) I had to leave early to pick her and Maya up. The rest of the weekend was spent dealing with that - now she seems to be 100% and I got the bug overnight. But alas I'm at work today because I have no more leave to stay home This stinks!!

Welcome home! Glad your trip went well!

Thank you!

Love your trip report! We have done Disney with a 6 week old and are doing it again, with most likely a 6 week old, in June. One quick question, where do you get the super cute Disney outfits that your girls are wearing in some of the pictures?

Aw thanks so much, and congratulations!!

Oh man, they are from all over the place. Kpea, Matilda Jane (not Disney, just cute outfits), lots of customs - Princess tutu dresses are from Primafashions, then I have some custom made by Laura Kae Designs, a friend of mine just started up Mischief & Wonder and she has a number of super cute things, then Nicole Rose is a designer too. All of these can be found on Facebook! I have a whole closet facebook page and it's sort of my obsession :-D

I also have a ton of upcycles although I have kind of gotten away from that style, but there are a few resale groups for those on Facebook too.

Sounds like a long week! I'm sure it was nice to be able to shop and dine in peace without little kids to corral, but I can only imagine how much you missed your family. It's hard to go a long time without your kids. (I tell my husband all the time that I could never do his job and be gone so long.)

It was especially hard because I had a whole trip planned to Seattle for April 2017 for the family but we cancelled that due to Baby #3, so there was a lot I wanted to experience with them. But no, I have no intentions of doing that again anytime soon! I tried to appreciate the time I had away though, knowing it would be a long time before I have that freedom again!

Glad your trip is over-- I can only imagine how hard to be away from the kids! Solo time is nice, but that many days was difficult, I'm sure! It sounds like you had fun, though-- nice to see family who are so far from you! Bummer about your soup-- Sounds like your restaurant luck wasn't ideal thus trip!

Yeah it was a lot all at once, for sure. I did have one little tag-along though, and it was kind of nice to get a little time to focus on her and how she is doing, kicking, etc since I don't get a lot of time like that at home.

 

[Imagineer5]

Going to work on an update since nothing is working here at work. I'm back to the living - yesterday was a baaaaad day for me (actually all weekend someone was super sick). I got the stomach bug or norovirus or something - had to reschedule my 3hour glucose test (yes I failed the 1 hour again...twice) and that was supposed to be for today. I went in to work yesterday but let's just say I can think of few things worse than what happened at work yesterday being sick. Wont go into details but I did leave around noon despite having NO leave. I'm feeling slightly better today. Maya STILL hasn't gotten any of the sickness any of us have had, but I am not holding my breath that she won't be next.

Anyway back to May!

I last left off with us cooling off in the spray area. We had our first FP for...Test Track! After no time at all we were designing the car- actually I let Aria choose all the options just to see what she would come up with.

It always seems to take a bit of time after designing the car to board, since you're all lumped together, but after maybe 10 minutes we were in the front row of our car.

Our funny little car did pretty well in the first competition, and got 2nd place in the 2nd one

And then we zoomed outside

This has never been a huge favorite of mine, but Aria absolutely loved it so I have found a new love for it, too

Aria was steadfastly refusing to nap afterwards, so instead we hopped in a fairly short line for Baymax on our way to the next destination.

That's as close as she would get!

Inside Out line was over an hour long, so we skipped that and instead headed to Nemo!

First a stop outside to get my photo with the Finding Nemo sign

We rode the ride, which Aria has always loved, and headed straight over to Turtle Talk - there was really no crowds or wait for anything today! Aria decided to sit on the floor with the other kids, but stated she would NOT be raising her hand to ask a question lol!

Afterwards, we hung out in the Shark play area for a bit, before leaving. After grabbing the stroller, a CM started blowing bubbles so Aria got in some exercise chasing after them! Love these extra touches!

And then we headed into The Land, to ride Living with the land, again with no wait! Great afternoon! It was about 3:30PM at this point, and while before FP+ there typically was no wait for LwtL, it seems like it's hit or miss now. This is a favorite though. Aria was being a stinker and decided to sit across the bench from me.

I love how they change up the greenhouses ALL the time (seemingly anyway) - it's always slightly different.

Our next FP was up - the Character Spot, so we headed that way. There was a pretty decent stand by wait here, so it was nice to have the FP this time!

I find the multiple rooms pretty crazy, if I was a CM I feel like I'd totally mess that up and open up the wrong door or something.

Soon we were meeting the main man himself, Mickey! He greeted Aria by twirling her around

Then checking out her outfit

Goofy was okay - he is always more memorable at Cape May than here, for some reason.

Although maybe that has to do with the fact that Minnie is next and Aria was too excited to see her!

Afterwards we were both dragging quite a bit from our very early morning, so we headed next door to Club Cool

Aria remembers the Beverly VERY well and knows not to get that one!

Our final FP was supposed to be for after dinner as we were leaving the park - Spaceship Earth, but I was SO tired, I knew that even the 7:30FP time wasn't going to cut it tonight. Thankfully I was able to move it up to immediately, so we went over there for a quick ride.

It's always a favorite too!

We were STILL early for our ADR for dinner at this point, but decided to meander our way over there. We made a bathroom pit stop for a change of clothes for Aria. On the way, I happened across the Jardin de Fiestas booth again, and this time tried the Elderflower Watermelon Sangria, which sounded refreshing. It was pretty good!

We stopped and smelled the ...orchids, which were so stunning I had to take some photos!

A passerby asked if I wanted a photo together, so I took him up on his offer

And by 4:50 we checked into our 5:25 ADR as we were hungry and super tired!

 

[Imagineer5]

So where were we eating? With the princesses of course! You can see Aria was really dragging by this point:

But we got a second wind when it was time to meet Belle and head inside for dinner.

Soon we were seated. I ordered our drinks (wine and chocolate milk!) and then we headed up to the appetizer buffet. I am really not a fan of the food here, but we seem to keep coming back, probably because the price tag is more palatable than CRT

Buffet photos:

I MUST be feeling better, as the sight of that salmon and the brown cheese would have had me running to the bathroom yesterday.

Our plates: and I wasn't thrilled with the flavors from basically everything.

My main dish came though and looked much more appetizing - Fylt Pasta - House-made Potato-Cheese and Herb Ravioli with Wild Mushrooms, Leek Cream Sauce, Tomato Jam, and Balsamic-Onion Reduction

Aria's plate was the Meatballs - served with Mashed Potatoes, Corn, and choice of one (1) Beverage *

She normally LOVES meatballs, but I think the sauce caught her off guard so she didn't do too well eating this meal.

After we had a chance to start on the entrees, the princesses started coming around, which was great timing.

Cinderella was up first!

She didn't spend too much time with Aria, but Aurora did! She was very chatty and loved talking about all her friends on Aria's dress

Snow White was very sweet. Aria and she talked about animals and meeting them in the forest.

And Ariel and Aria talked about how much they love swimming

And she showed her her broach which was sweet and different

After she left we just had to wait for dessert. Aria sat on my lap and we took a photo

Then dessert came and she was ejected from my lap - she wasn't happy about that!

I don't remember exactly what these were, but they weren't very good. I liked the chocolate one the best, and that was the only one Aria would try.

Afterwards, we hightailed it out of EPCOT - we were VERY eager to get to our room and unpack and go to SLEEP!! I was so glad that we had caught that earlier SE FP as it was only 6:30 by the time we were done with dinner. We caught the monorail to the TTC, and walked over to the Poly then on to Shades. I was a bit taken aback at the gator signs and the fact that I had to walk past these open ponds each time we walked to the Poly. This was before the GF incident too, but I still give that pond a stare down every time I have to walk past it!

We stopped by the front desk to grab our room keys, and then headed off in search of it. It was thankfully on the same level as the lobby which I had requested, and overlooked the smaller Magnolia pool. It's just a "standard" room, but I was very pleased by the size -

Those little half-walls come in very handy when you want a little separation between you and a pack n play! There is a full-size pull out couch in that area along with a table and 4 chairs. Lots of space in this room!

For those curious, lol, the bathroom is pretty standard but there is a separated toilet area.

There is a mini fridge and giant closet as well in the room. The beds and pillows were comfy too, and soon after packing, getting the next day's park bag ready, and putting on some Disney shows, we were in bed and relaxing! So nice to get an early night's sleep after getting up at 3AM.

We had another early morning the next day...and we were checking out something that would be one of my highlights of ALL of my Disney trips I've ever taken! But that update is for another day!

 

[mousehappync]

Ugh, I am SO sorry about your illness. I'm glad you left work, even with no leave--not good for you, coworkers, OR baby bean to have to try and push through that. Crossing fingers and toes Maya doesn't get it!!!!

This has never been a huge favorite of mine, but Aria absolutely loved it so I have found a new love for i

I'm with Aria-- I LOVE the zooming!!

That's as close as she would get

Haha-- but he's so squishy! I just really, really wanted a Baymax hug in January,and he was just very weird and not very huggable. Sad!

And then we headed into The Land, to ride Living with the land, again with no wait! Great afternoon! It was about 3:30PM at this point, and while before FP+ there typically was no wait for LwtL, it seems like it's hit or miss now. This is a favorite though.

Also a favorite! The weird wait bump on this one bums me out-- we now really N,y ride if we have a FP, which just seems like a waste.

This is such a cute picture!

Aria remembers the Beverly VERY well and knows not to get that one!

Tell her JH LOVES the Beverly. Don't ask me why, but he drinks cup after cup. Weirdo.

We stopped and smelled the ...orchids, which were so stunning I had to take some photos!

These are GORGEOUS!! And Aria matches them!

ssert came and she was ejected from my lap - she wasn't happy about that!

I don't remember exactly what these were, but they weren't very good. I liked the chocolate one the best, and that was the only one Aria would try.

That looks like a tired girl! I STILL can't believe how much you packed into your travel day-- you're a machine! The Shades rooms look like such a great space for the value-- and fantastic location! That is certainly a great job perk!

Hope you recover really quickLy!!!!

 

[Tygerlilly]

I'm. I failed my 1 hour too. I get to skip the 3 hour and go right to testing since I just dealt with this a little over a year ago. But in true crazy pregnancy chaos, I found out I'm anemic on top of it! Fingers crossed for you that all is well!

Looks like you guys had an fun (although long) day!

 

[Imagineer5]

Ugh, I am SO sorry about your illness. I'm glad you left work, even with no leave--not good for you, coworkers, OR baby bean to have to try and push through that. Crossing fingers and toes Maya doesn't get it!!!!


I'm with Aria-- I LOVE the zooming!!



Haha-- but he's so squishy! I just really, really wanted a Baymax hug in January,and he was just very weird and not very huggable. Sad!



Also a favorite! The weird wait bump on this one bums me out-- we now really N,y ride if we have a FP, which just seems like a waste.


This is such a cute picture!


Tell her JH LOVES the Beverly. Don't ask me why, but he drinks cup after cup. Weirdo.


These are GORGEOUS!! And Aria matches them!



That looks like a tired girl! I STILL can't believe how much you packed into your travel day-- you're a machine! The Shades rooms look like such a great space for the value-- and fantastic location! That is certainly a great job perk!

Hope you recover really quickLy!!!!

I think it's a good thing Aria wasn't too into Baymax as I've heard of other people getting that cold reception. Dugette & Izzy weren't able to get him to fist bump them? So weird!

That is weird about the Beverly! LOL! I tricked her into trying it a couple years ago and she still remembers how bad it is!

Those early morning flights are wonderful until about 5/6PM when you're just dragging. So nice to get a full day in though, that's for sure!

I'm. I failed my 1 hour too. I get to skip the 3 hour and go right to testing since I just dealt with this a little over a year ago. But in true crazy pregnancy chaos, I found out I'm anemic on top of it! Fingers crossed for you that all is well!

Looks like you guys had an fun (although long) day!

Oh really? With Maya I failed the 1 hour and passed the 3 hour, so that is why I am taking it vs. going right to testing. But I'll be almost 32 weeks by the time I take the 3 hour lol, so not much time to test and deal with it all if I fail it anyway. He said I was anemic too...hmm..I haven't really done much to help with that though. What are you doing for it besides iron pills?

 

[schmass]

I hope that you're feeling better, and hope that Maya doesn't get it next! Poor Lola can't catch a break - I feel like she has been sick for most of 2017 so far. Good luck with your glucose test!

Looks like a great arrival day - several rides and a princess meal!

Your room does look like a nice size, especially for just the two of you!

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Looks like a productive afternoon - even if you were dragging a bit by the end.

Nice you got the meet in with Baymax even if Aria wouldn't go up close. The high-speed car racing attraction? That's fun - the big squishy guy? no thanks!

I agree about Living with the Land and how there are always a few different things in the greenhouse area - always filled with hidden Mickeys too!

Sorry you didn't like the food at dinner better. We find breakfast to be the best there and also prefer lunch to dinner ... and we do keep going back as, like you mention, the price point is much better than CRT!

You room looks pretty darn big - and I did notice those little half-walls - gives a little separation for sure!

 

[Tygerlilly]

Oh really? With Maya I failed the 1 hour and passed the 3 hour, so that is why I am taking it vs. going right to testing. But I'll be almost 32 weeks by the time I take the 3 hour lol, so not much time to test and deal with it all if I fail it anyway. He said I was anemic too...hmm..I haven't really done much to help with that though. What are you doing for it besides iron pills?

I'm almost 33 weeks now and my first daughter came two weeks early, so I'm guessing I only have to test for 6 weeks or so. It's not too bad, just annoying to remember to test.

As far as anemic, the pills are the only thing I'm doing for it. They're awful, but if it keeps me from needing a transfusion, I'll suffer through taking them.

 

[Imagineer5]

I hope that you're feeling better, and hope that Maya doesn't get it next! Poor Lola can't catch a break - I feel like she has been sick for most of 2017 so far. Good luck with your glucose test!

Looks like a great arrival day - several rides and a princess meal!

Your room does look like a nice size, especially for just the two of you!

I was dragging yesterday but am feeling much better today, thanks! Maya was a stinker last night. We added a new allergy to the list - almonds - and I think she is getting over that. I'm sorry Lola has been so sick. Maya had a cold from like November - January and then it FINALLY ended, only for the rest of us to get sick in some way.

Looks like a productive afternoon - even if you were dragging a bit by the end.

Nice you got the meet in with Baymax even if Aria wouldn't go up close. The high-speed car racing attraction? That's fun - the big squishy guy? no thanks!

I agree about Living with the Land and how there are always a few different things in the greenhouse area - always filled with hidden Mickeys too!

Sorry you didn't like the food at dinner better. We find breakfast to be the best there and also prefer lunch to dinner ... and we do keep going back as, like you mention, the price point is much better than CRT!

You room looks pretty darn big - and I did notice those little half-walls - gives a little separation for sure!

Lol, seriously, she loves the thrills but meeting Baymax not so much? (And she's usually great with the characters as long as they aren't villains). Breakfast is decent, although the cheesy potatoes are honestly the only thing I truly enjoy.

I'm almost 33 weeks now and my first daughter came two weeks early, so I'm guessing I only have to test for 6 weeks or so. It's not too bad, just annoying to remember to test.

As far as anemic, the pills are the only thing I'm doing for it. They're awful, but if it keeps me from needing a transfusion, I'll suffer through taking them.

Oh good. Question - will they have to test the baby in the hospital once she is born?

 

[Imagineer5]

WWYD? I have my June dining booked and days planned out. I really want to try out the new breakfast at Trattoria al Forno with Ariel/Eric and Rapunzel/Flynn. We'll be staying offsite so can drive over but I just can't seem to fit it into our plans?

We have:

6/2
9AM flight into Orlando, I am hoping to grab a FP at AK for one of the new Pandora rides for this day. Disney Springs evening with dinner at the Boathouse

6/3
8AM PPO H&V Breakfast (we really like this one for the Disney Jr characters, and we skipped it in December), DHS morning. Pool time this afternoon, possibly going to surprise Andrew with the Garden Grove seafood buffet for dinner

6/4
Rope Drop MK (9am opening but I have it in my notes that last year they changed it to an 8am opening); California Grill for dinner

6/5
Akershus PPO BF then EPCOT (want to do this for the Frozen stuff advantage)

6/6
Crystal Palace PPO BF, MK, Ohana Dinner

6/7
AK, Sanaa lunch, Tiffins RoL package dinner

6/8
Kona, MK, Chef Mickeys dinner

6/9
Garden Grill BF PPO, then a little EPCOT time before we head to airport to fly home


I have fewer than normal ADR's (for me, anyway) but remember we'll have an ~6 week old, 18 month old, and 5.5 year old. California Grill is the only signature we're attempting this trip due to that (between Maya being a stinker and a newborn, that should be interesting).

I don't really want to drop any of the reservations we have, but I could ask Aria if she'd be interested in swapping H&V or *maybe* I could give up Kona but I'm hankering for some Tonga toast and the menu at trattoria doesn't really excite me all that much. (I don't eat meat and don't really like eggs either). I'm leaning towards fitting it in to our October plan...but that hasn't been figured out at all bc Lynda hasn't given me any input.

Here it is if you're interested:

Breakfast will begin with your choice of a mixed berry parfait or fresh fruit salad and a frying pan of pastries featuring braided breakfast bread and clam shell pastries.

“Shipwreck al Forno”
Calzone with scrambled Eggs, Soppressata, Bacon, Sausage,
Blend of Cheeses and Sunday Gravy


“Golden Frittata”
Prosciutto di Parma, Piquillo Peppers, Green Onion,
Pecorino Romano and Roasted Potatoes

“Tangled Eggs”
Tomato & Basil Scrambled Eggs,
Fresh Mozzarella, Sunday Gravy and Roasted Potatoes

“Two Eggs Poached Under Water”
House-made Fennel sausage, Parmesan, and Sunday Gravy
over Golden Polenta and Toasted Ciabatta

“Tower of Pancakes”
Seasonal Buttermilk Pancakes with Bacon or Sausage

“Royal Breakfast”
Oak-Grilled Steak, Cheesy Egg Torte, Asparagus,
Crispy Onions and Roasted Potatoes

“Swimmers di ‘light'”
Smoked Salmon Egg White Omelet with Spinach, Mushrooms,
Tomatoes, Goat Cheese and Roasted potatoes



Kids will enjoy their choice of a Mickey Pancake, Mickey Waffle or a “Little Royal Breakfast,” which will feature an egg, bacon and toast. Breakfast will also include your choice of non-alcoholic beverage such as coffee, tea juice, milk and soft drinks. Mimosas, a Peach Bellini, cappuccino, press pot coffee and more will be available as an additional charge.

The character dining experience will cost $34 for adults, $20 for children. Please note: Disney Characters join guests for breakfast only. Character appearances are subject to change.

 

[jeni16]

What about doing the Trattoria breakfast instead of Garden Grill? I've got breakfast reservations for both Garden Grill & Trattoria for our April/May trip. I'm trying decide if I really need to do both or if I should cancel one. Good thing I've got some time for Trattoria reviews to come in before I have to decide.

 

[Imagineer5]

What about doing the Trattoria breakfast instead of Garden Grill? I've got breakfast reservations for both Garden Grill & Trattoria for our April/May trip. I'm trying decide if I really need to do both or if I should cancel one. Good thing I've got some time for Trattoria reviews to come in before I have to decide.

I absolutely LOVEEEE Garden Grill, so that one is a must-do for me. H&V is pretty decent but not a must-do.

Aria solved my question, as I talked to her last night about the new restaurant but mentioned I couldn't fit it in without cancelling something. I mentioned H&V, Akershus and some others and she said we can skip H&V as she would rather try something new. In her words "We have had breakfast with the Disney junior characters a lot, so I would rather try something new! I am excited to see what's on the menu!" so that was cute. Of course now it's booked and I can't get a reservation for that day lol but I'll keep trying.

 

[amazingact21]

I'm so happy to hear you are feeling better. Those bugs are terrible; I can't even imagine trying to go to work with one. WHILE pregnant.
Ugh, and I had gestational diabetes with Evie so I failed both my 1 and 3 hr glucose tests. Those things stink. And that orange drink...just awful.

I am really not a fan of the food here, but we seem to keep coming back, probably because the price tag is more palatable than CRT

I can see that logic. I feel like I'll end up trying there over CRT the next time we go for that very reason.

That was pretty cool that Ariel was showing off her broach. Made the experience unique.

Sorry to hear none of the food was very good. You guys were probably really hot and tired by that point, too.

I was a bit taken aback at the gator signs and the fact that I had to walk past these open ponds each time we walked to the Poly. This was before the GF incident too, but I still give that pond a stare down every time I have to walk past it!

When we last stayed at Shades (July of '15) we actually saw the gator while walking to the Poly one morning. Some of the workers told us it was no biggie and they even called out to him by name. Still freaked me the heck out.

 

[jeni16]

I absolutely LOVEEEE Garden Grill, so that one is a must-do for me. H&V is pretty decent but not a must-do.

Aria solved my question, as I talked to her last night about the new restaurant but mentioned I couldn't fit it in without cancelling something. I mentioned H&V, Akershus and some others and she said we can skip H&V as she would rather try something new. In her words "We have had breakfast with the Disney junior characters a lot, so I would rather try something new! I am excited to see what's on the menu!" so that was cute. Of course now it's booked and I can't get a reservation for that day lol but I'll keep trying.

So you're telling me that I need to try & keep both breakfasts as well . We've never done Garden Grill for breakfast yet but if it's one of your must do's then maybe I should keep it. Why do these decisions always need to be so difficult...

Glad Aria made the decision easy for you DS4 is no help when I ask him.

 

[Imagineer5]

I'm so happy to hear you are feeling better. Those bugs are terrible; I can't even imagine trying to go to work with one. WHILE pregnant.
Ugh, and I had gestational diabetes with Evie so I failed both my 1 and 3 hr glucose tests. Those things stink. And that orange drink...just awful.



I can see that logic. I feel like I'll end up trying there over CRT the next time we go for that very reason.

That was pretty cool that Ariel was showing off her broach. Made the experience unique.

Sorry to hear none of the food was very good. You guys were probably really hot and tired by that point, too.




When we last stayed at Shades (July of '15) we actually saw the gator while walking to the Poly one morning. Some of the workers told us it was no biggie and they even called out to him by name. Still freaked me the heck out.

Thank you!! I am not looking forward to the finger-pricking if I fail that 3-hour. I'm also not sure what it'll mean for when the baby comes - Aria was 8 days early and Maya was 15 days early naturally. Not sure if they would induce at some point if I end up with GD? I intend to work up until 4/14 which is 13 days from my due date, it seems like my babies like to come as soon as my body goes into non-work mode as they both came within a day or so of me voluntarily stopping work.

Wow, at the gator at Shades!! I am totally not comfortable with that, especially after what happened at the GF. I've never let Aria walk that stretch, she (and later Maya) were both in the stroller whenever we were doing that walk on our trips in 2016 at Shades.

So you're telling me that I need to try & keep both breakfasts as well . We've never done Garden Grill for breakfast yet but if it's one of your must do's then maybe I should keep it. Why do these decisions always need to be so difficult...

Glad Aria made the decision easy for you DS4 is no help when I ask him.

Oh man, it is such a favorite!! The food is just so so good (unless you have allergies and cannot partake in the sticky bun lol). I did not give that as an option to skip to Aria when we were talking about Trattoria's new meal :-D I did mention we have Crystal Palace and she said she didn't want to skip that. Honestly, I was surprised at her response, and it made me a little sad because I believe she has outgrown the Disney Junior shows. She never watches them anymore (only Elena of Avalor) - definitely over Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Sofia, etc. Sometimes she'll want to play with something Doc McStuffins but it doesn't really last too long. She's growing up!