The Skeptical First-Timers made it back home, here's the TR! Completed!

[solana131]

Thanks for sharing your trip with us! You have definetly inspired me to be more relaxed about making hubby love it like me. I can't wait to walk in your footsteps

 

[momabaarjo]

Oh Aimee...I am so excited for you that David finally came around and you will get another trip! Whew, I only had 5 pages to catch up reading...sorry I have been a little awol from your TR...trying to get everything ready to leave! Here are my thoughts....

SOARIN? I am so glad that you said that it was just okay...I thought I was the only one that was underimpressed by the attraction. I thought it was neat but not enough to ride several times during a trip.

WS at NIGHT...I have to agree that you have to see the WS both during the day and night! I think I like the night better...the buildings are incredible. I had to laugh a the picture of Ian in Morocco playing on the phone! I am hoping that a Kim Possible mission will keep my boys engaged...but I am spreading out WS over a couple of afternoons and evenings so that will help!

Your picture of Spaceship Earth at night. I made sure that the first time we enter Epcot is through the front...although it will a hassle since we are right out the international gateway! I was like David...I got lost in all those little inscriptions as you came in on those rocks?!

Love your laying around day...I am trying to figure out how to put more pool time in for the kids since the weather so far is looking good!

FORT WILDERNESS? That is what got him going...makes sense though! I almost after reading your review canceled the date night I had planned with Jeff at the Yachtsman to take us all to Hoop...but that afternoon I have a late lunch at Via Napoli that afternoon and then planned the evening as relaxing. Anytime you want to head north we would give you a cabin to stay at...Jeff can show David some great fishing spots! I am praying that my dh and sons do not see any fishing signs while we are out and about...part of the reason we are staying at the BW...I get enough fishing and rustic stuff in our normal everyday life.

POR is nice...I think Ian would love the pool there and Allison will like the boats to DTD!

 

[onelilspark]

Just caught up I'm glad your husband finally saw the light! Hopefully you get to go back sooner rather than later!!

 

[FosterA]

Thanks for letting us relive your trip with you. I really enjoyed reading about it. Hopefully there will be a PTR in your future for us to read.

Well thanks for reading along, it sure makes it more fun when you know somebody is at least reading it! I'd love a PTR and I'll be sure to pop back up when it happens!! Thanks

Thanks for sharing your Trip, kind of bummed as it was a well written TR and oh it was fun guessing David WoW moment! I agree we have stayed at the poly and felt it was not worth the $$, we have stayed at the CBR, POR and found them to be just fine.


Hope you and your family have a wonderful X-mas..

awwwww, thanks Have a great Christmas yourself!

Waaaah .. it's over ??

You did an awesome job on your TR .. I had a great time reading it !

I agree with no hoppers .. we never hop .. it's just too much work and my guys have no patience to go park to park. (although I plan on hopping one day this next trip because we are getting 3 day park hoppers and want to do AK and DHS in one day).
I also don't do the DDP. It't not worth it for us and I don't really like the stress of ADR's. I'd rather just walk up to a CS and grab a bite than sit around waiting for a ressie and waiting to order .. waiting for the food.. waiting for the bill .. too much down time for us. My guys get bored and obnoxious !

I hope you guys get back there sometime soon !
Thanks for sharing your trip with us !

Loved having your reading along! We have alot in common it sounds like with thinking hoppers aren't really needed and that CS is easier

Double post...I double posted because this was the last TR I was on before going to bed. I hit reply and after watching it "load" for about 5 minutes, I gave up and went to bed. Awoke this morning to find it on the same screen and thought "wow that's crazy!" so I hit reply again. Of course it posted both of them.

I didn't see a double post and even if I did, that's ok!

Great TR and the first ever that i've read in its entirety from start to finish .

wow, that's cool. I'm glad I kept you entertained. I loved having you reading along Thanks!!

 

[heathsf]

Wow is it really over?? You finished so quickly, I want to read more! I think you guys had an amazing first family trip. And you're definitely not a newbie anymore! You've got two trips under your belt and with all the research and planning you did for this one, you're a pro! I loved following along with your planning and your TR, so make sure I know when you're writing a PTR for your next trip because I definitely want to follow along. I'll probably still be working on the TR from my August trip in 2013

 

[skier_pete]

well of course Pete, that's the best thing about ending my TR, more time to read other reports. I love reading on yours! Look forward to your updates!

Yep, Ian really wanted to do a waterpark this time and I might consider it. Normally I don't like waterparks that much but of course I'm sure Disney's is amazing. WE live 20 minutes from Schlitterbahn waterpark which is supposedly the biggest or best waterpark in the country (according to travel channel) so I feel like we do enough of that. BUT......I'm all about the detail and theming and I bet Disney's are way nicer, maybe not as big, but so much cleaner and cuter I bet

Thank you for the flattery...I am always glad to hear that people enjoy reading what I write.

Wow - 20 minutes from Schlitterbahn. That's cool. I want to go there someday before I am too old and creeky for all those water rides. My wife is not a thrill-seeker, and neither is my daughter, so I have to find an excuse to get down there. (Two good friends from college - one living in Houston and the other in Boston, MA keep trying to get me to come down for SxSW...but its too much money for my wallet. Maybe in a few years...) From what I know of Schlitterbahn, mostly from the travel channel, it is pretty impressive. But I would probably put Blizzard Beach on par with it. Some of the slides at BB are absolutely HUGE, and not just the insanity of Summit Plummet. I think though it might not beat Schlitterbahn, its still worth checking out.

Typhoon Lagoon is different. They've got some decent slides, but not really a lot of them. The feature there is the 5 foot waves at the wave pool. If you go in November again, only one will be open. Usually it will be BB, but this past year only TL was open. We actually have ONLY been to TL with our DD, though we were hoping to this past trip til they flipped the rehabs. She couldn't get enough of the shark reef. Stay tuned in my TR for lots of TL pictures! (We bought a waterproof camera.)

Maybe we'll be running into you in 2013. I don't yet know when we are going to go, but would seriously consider the same week again as well. If we overlap, we will have to meet at Jellyrolls. (Though I am not sure how we will be dealing with DD for that - perhaps hire a sitter service.)

 

[FosterA]

Aw, it's all over. I've been following along since I read your PTR, and I'm so glad that your kids seemed to like it so much! It sucks being sick on vacation, but you did sick at Disney very well! (I was sick on our November trip last year, and I'm certain I was NO FUN TO BE AROUND)

I don't know much about FW, but if your DH liked it that much I think you may be obligated to stay there next time! Hey, when DH is happy, everyone's happy, right? I HAVE read that the bus system can be irritating and confusing, so have a car if you're going to stay there. You should go over to the resort forum - they have a FW thread and it's FULL of information on how all that works. Then you can drop a few "interesting tidbits" on your husband in the upcoming weeks, like "oh, did you know Fort Wilderness has...." before you spring another trip on him.

Thanks for sticking with me through the very end, starting with my PTR! You are so right...I will be dropping tidbits here and there for David to warm him up for the next trip. You know...showing him photos of FW and POR and such. Plus, I'm working on my scrapbook so that will be good to refresh his memory about Disney in a few weeks. All part of the big plan....

I loved reading your report, I'm kind of sad it's all done.

ITA with you on the hopper tickets. Being Disneyland passholders, we did a lot of hopping because California Adventure and DTD are RIGHT there, just a short walk across from each other. So, our first trip to WDW, we got the hoppers without even thinking. Total waste. WDW is way too spread out, the travel time between parks is a huge time waster. We will ship the hoppers in the future.

Thanks for reading my report! We liked all the parks and found that there is so much to do at each one that you can easily fill a full day and not have to hop. We're the type that if we get "done" at a park before it closes we'll just hang at the resort

Thank you so much for taking the time to do your TR. I've been following since the beginning and was particularly interested since you stayed at the resort we (well, really I) picked for our trip next year. We will also basically be first-timers, it's been decades since DH and I have been! I was in High School

I'm a lot like you with the planning! My kids are young so we won't spend all day in the parks so dithering on what to do next is a time waster. DH is really going for the kids and me, although he's pretty easy to please as long as he can get a beer. The fact that the volcano pool was a big hit with your son ensures that my pool-crazy kids will have a good time!

A big wave to your DH from the swampy bayous of Galveston County! I'm glad he appreciated how immersive WDW can be in the end. He would probably enjoy POR next time and I believe that resort has a piano bar he may like since he appreciates musicians. Also, Boatwright's food has gotten some good reviews lately.
Have you read MickeyNicky's food reports? She and her husband really enjoy POR. If you haven't read her reviews, yet, I would definitely recommend it

Thanks a bunch for reading along I hope you have a super trip when you go and YES!! the kids will go nuts at the pool I'm definitely leaning more towards POR for the next trip versus FW because we wont have a car and I think FW might be a bit of a pain without a car. Anyway.....thanks for all the tips!

Great job on the TR Aimee. I felt like I was right there with you, and it was a very entertaining read.

I hope you do get back to the World someday soon! It sounds like everyone in your family has figured out how they best experience it, whether it's thrill rides, exploring the World Showcase, or just riding in boats, eating fried chicken, and checking out the decorations around Fort Wilderness.

It was great to have you along! I'll be awaiting your next PTR too (even if I just stalk and lurk)!

Thanks for sharing your trip with us! You have definetly inspired me to be more relaxed about making hubby love it like me. I can't wait to walk in your footsteps

awwwwww Thanks!! yes, if I have any advice it is to think that your husband wont have a good time at all and then it will be a super bonus if he loves it! Just focus on you and your kiddo having a great time first and foremost

 

[FosterA]

FORT WILDERNESS? That is what got him going...makes sense though! I almost after reading your review canceled the date night I had planned with Jeff at the Yachtsman to take us all to Hoop...but that afternoon I have a late lunch at Via Napoli that afternoon and then planned the evening as relaxing. Anytime you want to head north we would give you a cabin to stay at...Jeff can show David some great fishing spots! I am praying that my dh and sons do not see any fishing signs while we are out and about...part of the reason we are staying at the BW...I get enough fishing and rustic stuff in our normal everyday life.

POR is nice...I think Ian would love the pool there and Allison will like the boats to DTD!

Yep, David would much prefer your cabin over WDW I'm sure! It's probably cheaper to spend a weekend there than at the Poly right? Does your cabin have a volcano pool? I do have to say though that I've seen some photos of your rustic place in your report and I think it would be super fun to have a cabin to get away to!

Just caught up I'm glad your husband finally saw the light! Hopefully you get to go back sooner rather than later!!

Thanks for reading along!

Wow is it really over?? You finished so quickly, I want to read more! I think you guys had an amazing first family trip. And you're definitely not a newbie anymore! You've got two trips under your belt and with all the research and planning you did for this one, you're a pro! I loved following along with your planning and your TR, so make sure I know when you're writing a PTR for your next trip because I definitely want to follow along. I'll probably still be working on the TR from my August trip in 2013

I know, I was a speed demon on my report. I'm just a nerd, that's all. Now I have more time to read yours though

Thank you for the flattery...I am always glad to hear that people enjoy reading what I write.

Wow - 20 minutes from Schlitterbahn. That's cool. I want to go there someday before I am too old and creeky for all those water rides. My wife is not a thrill-seeker, and neither is my daughter, so I have to find an excuse to get down there. (Two good friends from college - one living in Houston and the other in Boston, MA keep trying to get me to come down for SxSW...but its too much money for my wallet. Maybe in a few years...) From what I know of Schlitterbahn, mostly from the travel channel, it is pretty impressive. But I would probably put Blizzard Beach on par with it. Some of the slides at BB are absolutely HUGE, and not just the insanity of Summit Plummet. I think though it might not beat Schlitterbahn, its still worth checking out.

Typhoon Lagoon is different. They've got some decent slides, but not really a lot of them. The feature there is the 5 foot waves at the wave pool. If you go in November again, only one will be open. Usually it will be BB, but this past year only TL was open. We actually have ONLY been to TL with our DD, though we were hoping to this past trip til they flipped the rehabs. She couldn't get enough of the shark reef. Stay tuned in my TR for lots of TL pictures! (We bought a waterproof camera.)

Maybe we'll be running into you in 2013. I don't yet know when we are going to go, but would seriously consider the same week again as well. If we overlap, we will have to meet at Jellyrolls. (Though I am not sure how we will be dealing with DD for that - perhaps hire a sitter service.)

Can't wait for your TR segment on TL!
That's cool that you've heard of Schlitterbahn. It is really spread out though and it's tons of walking in the heat. We usually go in May right before school lets out when it's only open on the weekends and it's really nice and not crowded. Come july or Aug....ugh!

 

[Chicago Mo]

IT CANNOT BE OVER!!!!!
I AM SO EXCITED FOR YOU THAT YOU CAN GO BACK!!!!! Did they have any comparison to 6 flags???
And yes reading everyone else TR has kept me off mine!!
Plus the more i procrastinate on my own it means my trip is still alive! LOL
We will probably have a return trip in 2013 too!!

 

[skier_pete]

Can't wait for your TR segment on TL!
That's cool that you've heard of Schlitterbahn. It is really spread out though and it's tons of walking in the heat. We usually go in May right before school lets out when it's only open on the weekends and it's really nice and not crowded. Come july or Aug....ugh!

Actually, I never thought of that, any month that I would actually want to GO to Texas, they might not even be open. I better remember that for the future. Us Northerners don't need actual warm temperatures to go in the water. IF we did we'd never swim!

Schlitterbahn is sort of all over the travel channel...they must've paid someone off for that! They do seem to have a lot of slides, though. As I said, Blizzard Beach I think is very comparible, but I wouldn't be surprised if the slides at BB were even longer than those at Schlitterbahn - it's been 14 years, but I remember many of them just seem to go on forever. The Disney water parks are also somewhat compact, at least compared to the Theme Parks. That combined with the ability to travel throughout the parks via "lazy river" makes for somewhat less walking than a day in the parks. (You still have to climb all those steps to ride the slides, though - unless at BB you take the chairlift.)

 

[kittylady1972]

Finally made it back to read the last few installments of your trip report. So awesome! I love reading individual reports because it really helps me plan out my next trip and now I really think we just might have to try Hoop de Doo this time around as something different. It might be tough, since our November trip is going to be REALLY short and different so I'm going to really have to pick and choose what we do. I know my kids really want to see Fantasmic! since we missed it in June...so that has to be on my list as well. With only 5 nights to plan out, that trip plan is going to be interesting for sure!

I'm looking forward to when you start planning your next trip in 2013. Just think, by then the new Fantasyland stuff will be done!!

 

[reelmom]

When David told you that you could start planning another trip, did you tell him that you already were? It drives my DH crazy that I am always planning another trip. It doesn't matter if we don't have any clue when the next trip might be. There is always planning in the works. I do hope that you will be able to go back. Sooner rather than later.

 

[Cin]

Wow. Wonderful trip report! I feel like I was almost there. I loved how your last full day worked out with David wanting to return and getting sprinkled with pixie dust at Fort Wilderness. I haven't been there, but I know my DH and he would love it too because it's so outdoorsy and non-Disney like. Can you believe the Disney magic as you lay on the beach your last night watching the fireworks? That is so cool. I have been to WDW 3 times, but you saw and did more on your 1 trip that I have done on all 3 so far. Awesome planning! I wish your report weren't over, you have a great writing style and it's lots of fun to read and I feel like I was there. So you are already planning your next trip? Gotta love Disney.

 

[Tink_and_Eeyore]

Great trip report!

I promise, with his reaction to Fort Wilderness, you will absolutely love it.

My whole family went one year, kids and grandkids, and we stayed in the cabin. They are absolutely lovely. Roomy and clean, lots of space for a family, and full kitchen. As much as your husband enjoyed Ft. Wilderness, it will be an absolutely lovely vacation for all of you.

Yes, we rented a golf cart for the whole week - it really wasn't terribly expensive. And, we drove to Disney so had the van there the whole time and never moved it. Drove in, parked and didn't drive it again until we left.

The cabin is as comfortable and "Disney" as was our stay at the Yacht Club. I loved being able to get up and make a pot of coffee, go out on the deck, before the kids were all up and just greet the day.

Seriously, research the cabins. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

 

[FosterA]

IT CANNOT BE OVER!!!!!
I AM SO EXCITED FOR YOU THAT YOU CAN GO BACK!!!!! Did they have any comparison to 6 flags???
And yes reading everyone else TR has kept me off mine!!
Plus the more i procrastinate on my own it means my trip is still alive! LOL
We will probably have a return trip in 2013 too!!

I know, it's sad that it's over. I really liked doing a TR but then again, it's nice to have a little more time to read everybody else's! So get moving on yours!
Well nobody really had any comparisons to Six-Flags luckily but it was funny because the other day our little bitty town had a carnival and there was a haunted house called "haunted mansion". Dave was like "see, we could have saved the money and just come here".

Actually, I never thought of that, any month that I would actually want to GO to Texas, they might not even be open. I better remember that for the future. Us Northerners don't need actual warm temperatures to go in the water. IF we did we'd never swim!

Schlitterbahn is sort of all over the travel channel...they must've paid someone off for that! They do seem to have a lot of slides, though. As I said, Blizzard Beach I think is very comparible, but I wouldn't be surprised if the slides at BB were even longer than those at Schlitterbahn - it's been 14 years, but I remember many of them just seem to go on forever. The Disney water parks are also somewhat compact, at least compared to the Theme Parks. That combined with the ability to travel throughout the parks via "lazy river" makes for somewhat less walking than a day in the parks. (You still have to climb all those steps to ride the slides, though - unless at BB you take the chairlift.)

Are you saying you wouldn't want to come to TX in July and August? Actually, it's hot here every month except for maybe Dec, Jan, Feb which is when it's pleasant. The other 9 months are roasting.

I do like the sounds of that lazy river after walking the parks though! Can't wait for you to get to that part in your TR.

Finally made it back to read the last few installments of your trip report. So awesome! I love reading individual reports because it really helps me plan out my next trip and now I really think we just might have to try Hoop de Doo this time around as something different. It might be tough, since our November trip is going to be REALLY short and different so I'm going to really have to pick and choose what we do. I know my kids really want to see Fantasmic! since we missed it in June...so that has to be on my list as well. With only 5 nights to plan out, that trip plan is going to be interesting for sure!

I'm looking forward to when you start planning your next trip in 2013. Just think, by then the new Fantasyland stuff will be done!!

Thanks so much for sticking with me 'til the end. I hope you have a great trip and find a way to squeeze it all in to 5 nights!

When David told you that you could start planning another trip, did you tell him that you already were? It drives my DH crazy that I am always planning another trip. It doesn't matter if we don't have any clue when the next trip might be. There is always planning in the works. I do hope that you will be able to go back. Sooner rather than later.

Oh, I know. He has no idea that I've already been doing my research. Mainly trying to decide where to stay when we go back. I already know what week we'd go and that gave me lots of grief when planning this trip so now that's out of the way. I just don't feel complete unless I'm planning a trip.

 

[Chicago Mo]

I loved being able to get up and make a pot of coffee, go out on the deck, before the kids were all up and just greet the day.

I Love this statement....

 

[FosterA]

Wow. Wonderful trip report! I feel like I was almost there. I loved how your last full day worked out with David wanting to return and getting sprinkled with pixie dust at Fort Wilderness. I haven't been there, but I know my DH and he would love it too because it's so outdoorsy and non-Disney like. Can you believe the Disney magic as you lay on the beach your last night watching the fireworks? That is so cool. I have been to WDW 3 times, but you saw and did more on your 1 trip that I have done on all 3 so far. Awesome planning! I wish your report weren't over, you have a great writing style and it's lots of fun to read and I feel like I was there. So you are already planning your next trip? Gotta love Disney.

Thanks so much! I do think Dave loved FW because of it being so "un Disney". It seemed so secluded and rustic and "natural".
It was nice having you read along, thanks!!

Great trip report!

I promise, with his reaction to Fort Wilderness, you will absolutely love it.

My whole family went one year, kids and grandkids, and we stayed in the cabin. They are absolutely lovely. Roomy and clean, lots of space for a family, and full kitchen. As much as your husband enjoyed Ft. Wilderness, it will be an absolutely lovely vacation for all of you.

Yes, we rented a golf cart for the whole week - it really wasn't terribly expensive. And, we drove to Disney so had the van there the whole time and never moved it. Drove in, parked and didn't drive it again until we left.

The cabin is as comfortable and "Disney" as was our stay at the Yacht Club. I loved being able to get up and make a pot of coffee, go out on the deck, before the kids were all up and just greet the day.

Seriously, research the cabins. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

NICE!! Your description makes me want to pack up and go now. I am going to do some serious research that's for sure. Plus, planning is fun so I don't mind at all

I Love this statement....

I LOVE that statement too! not so much for coffee but just for peace and quiet before kids get up. awwwww

 

[bbnursie]

Took all day but I read your entire trip report. Loved it! Thanks for sharing

 

[B&WMickey]

Just got caught up. You’ve done a great job.

Here are my rambling thoughts on all that I’ve just read.

I’ve got to try one of those Grey Goose Slushies. I don’t hear anyone having a bad thing to say about them.

WDW can sure take a lot out of you. It’s impossible to go full steam day after day without some serious meltdowns. Good call on taking it easy on your last full day.

The sound out of those speakers has to be incredible.

I have to say that when I retire I told DW that I want to drive the boats at WDW.

Great news about David and Hoop. We’ve never done a dinner show and I feel like it’s about time. If we did, Hoop would probably be the one.

I know you want to stay at POR but it sounds like you’ll have a hard time convincing David to stay at someplace other than FW.

You are right about POR if you are in the AB section of the resort it definitely has a rustic feel to the place. Even the rooms take the rustic look.

I take for granted that DW is a big WDW fan and I have no problem getting her to go back time after time. I’m glad to hear that David showed some genuine interest in being at WDW. It’s memories like that, that will get him to return in the future.

The ride on the monorail through the CR is probably the biggest memory I have of WDW from my first trip when I was 7. From that point forward I was hooked.

I’ve enjoyed reading you TR and hope you’ll get a chance to go back to WDW soon. Keep following my TR and I’ll keep posing pics of POR.

 

[FosterA]

Took all day but I read your entire trip report. Loved it! Thanks for sharing

Thanks for reading!!

Just got caught up. You’ve done a great job.

Here are my rambling thoughts on all that I’ve just read.

I’ve got to try one of those Grey Goose Slushies. I don’t hear anyone having a bad thing to say about them.

WDW can sure take a lot out of you. It’s impossible to go full steam day after day without some serious meltdowns. Good call on taking it easy on your last full day.

The sound out of those speakers has to be incredible.

I have to say that when I retire I told DW that I want to drive the boats at WDW.

Great news about David and Hoop. We’ve never done a dinner show and I feel like it’s about time. If we did, Hoop would probably be the one.

I know you want to stay at POR but it sounds like you’ll have a hard time convincing David to stay at someplace other than FW.

You are right about POR if you are in the AB section of the resort it definitely has a rustic feel to the place. Even the rooms take the rustic look.

I take for granted that DW is a big WDW fan and I have no problem getting her to go back time after time. I’m glad to hear that David showed some genuine interest in being at WDW. It’s memories like that, that will get him to return in the future.

The ride on the monorail through the CR is probably the biggest memory I have of WDW from my first trip when I was 7. From that point forward I was hooked.

I’ve enjoyed reading you TR and hope you’ll get a chance to go back to WDW soon. Keep following my TR and I’ll keep posing pics of POR.

Thanks for reading along and of course now I have more time to read your TR so keep on writing!
I don't think Dave "has" to stay at FW. He just liked the quiet more secluded feel after being around so much "man-made" stuff for a week. I'm sure he would like POR also. I'll let him decide once we start to get serious. The problem with the cabins is that you are paying for a kitchen and I just don't see us using it at all (I don't even cook at home!) so I hate to "waste" money on it. I'll just have to show him pics of both places more and he can decide what to do.