The Star Wars, Cinderella, Disney lovin fam's take on DW. **Pictures included**

[purpledisneyprncess]

Well hello everyone!!! My family & I just recently came back from a (road) trip to Disney. It took about 18 hours to get down there, and then the trip back was about 19...hit some traffic. We had a wonderful time, and this was the third trip to Disney but my first time crying as we were leaving. Needless to say, for me, this trip was my best yet.

Who we are:

ME, AKA Mommy-- Loves the classic Disney Princesses. It all started when I was a little girl. I loved watching Sleeping Beauty, Snow White, Cinderella...those Disney princesses are my favs!!! And as I got a little older, Aladdin, Pocohantas, Lion King came out and I was a fan of the non-princess movies too. I me some Disney!!! I never went to Disney World as a child, my first trip happened by circumstance. 3 years ago I had a work convention in Orlando, literally 10 minutes from Disney and I decided I was going to visit DW while there. How can one (Disney lover at least) go to Orlando and NOT visit the parks? Soo...after some convincing on my DH's part, we decided we were going to take our kiddos and make the drive down. Since that trip in 2011, we then went in 2012 and this past 2013 trip, 3/29-4/5.

Daddy-- Loves Disney as well. He never went to DW as a child either, and had no clue how much he would fall in love with it. He was able to feel that Disney magic us DIS'ers know exists! Daddy loves Mickey and I think Goofy was his other favorite.

DS who turned 7 while on our vacation. He is mommy's buddy- very awesome 7 year old. Has a love for all things Star Wars. Must do Jedi Training each time. Favorite character: Donald Duck. Is a good big brother, loves teaching his sis new things and (most times) is patient with her.

DD 4 years old--- she is a fiery, sassy, outspoken girl...mommy's best friend. She looks like me, acts me, and is a mini-me. She is a very good younger sister, learned the art of sharing with her brother and really admires him. Her favorite?? Cinderella of course!!! Although this trip, she really took a liking to Ariel at the Grotto and stated she is going to be Ariel this Halloween. (We met her at the Grotto and she brushed her hair with my daughter's fork.. Stay tuned for that in this trip report)

Now that you know a teeny bit about the 4 of us, I can start you off with my report.

Our road trip began Thursday night about 9:30. We drove straight through, with a few stops for gas, bathroom breaks and eating. The planning behind this road trip was a little stressful. I wanted to make sure I packed enough healthy snacks, foods and water without overdoing it, but making sure we got a good variety of stuff, and things that would no go bad on the ride down.

We got to Orlando by 2pm on Friday. Drive was typical, a little traffic on I-4 in FL but was to be expected. The Welcome Center in FL is great, even has free cup of OJ that we each got. We then headed on to our hotel.

We stayed in Downtown Disney at the Wyndham. Love it there! Our first park of the trip was Saturday, 3/30 at Hollywood Studios. This was our 1st choice b/c my son, an avid Star Wars Fan REALLY wanted to do the Jedi Training. We ended up driving our car to this park-- this was the only time we drove. Rest of the time used our hotel's bus transportation. You don't realize how much faster and more convenient it is to drive, but....we didn't want to pay $15 a day. No thanks. Hollywood Studios didn't have magic hours that day and that is 1 reason why we chose it. Since we were not staying "On property" we didn't get Extra Magic Hours. Hence the reason of planning around that to not be in the park those days.

Stay tuned for our day at Hollywood Studios.

Can anyone guess what character we first ran into at H/S? Hint: It was on our way to get FastPasses for the TS ride..it was to the right of the Sorcerer Mickey Hat.

I have to finish making dinner or else I would just keep typing away!!! This feels nice to recap our trip. I am already trying to plan our next one..and hoping it is either this summer, maybe August OR early fall.

 

[Gracefulskinny]

Sounds like a great start! Looking forward to following along!

 

[purpledisneyprncess]

Thanks, glad you are here!!! I am going to upload pictures as soon as I get them into photobucket. That is the easiest way I think?

 

[purpledisneyprncess]

So before I begin with our first day, Hollywood Studios, I wanted to throw in a pic of the Welcome Center Free OJ area... I definitely fit the bill of a tourist...or weirdo, you choose....while snapping away at Orange Juice!

[/IMG]

While at that rest stop in Florida, we sat at a picnic table and ate our lunch that I packed. Egg salad sandwiches, apples, and I think we also ate some pretzels. Funny how my memory is a little foggy. That wasn't even 2 weeks ago! After our little "tag game" we did get the kids ice cream from the vending machine since they REALLY wanted it. I figured it was a nice treat, and they were very good in the car thus far.
So at this point the kids want to play tag. After spending all those hours in the car (Which when we finally got out of the car, it felt like we just got off a long elevator ride!), I was happy to run around a bit, even if people were staring that a grown woman was running around the park area..being chased by my kiddos was fun. I was heading to Disney where we would ALL be kids again and I just started a little early. Thanks to DH for the pic.

[/IMG]

 

[emmysmommy]

Hi there!! I want to guess at your first character meet - Minnie??

That's so cute - playing tag with the kids. Get that energy out!

I look forward to hearing about your first day at DHS!

 

[purpledisneyprncess]

Hi there!! I want to guess at your first character meet - Minnie??

That's so cute - playing tag with the kids. Get that energy out!

I look forward to hearing about your first day at DHS!

Hi there!! Yeah it definitely got the energy out!! But throughout the trip my one foot became swollen, I walked so much and I'm used to walking a lot even at home, so that was puzzling why the top of my foot swelled up and looked bruised...hurt too! It's better now but it was weird. Anyways, sorry to be lol So before I tell who the character was that we first met up with, I have a couple pics of the journey to HS!!
I was so excited I snapped a quick pic of a WDW sign...we were getting close.

[/IMG]

And closer!!!!..

[/IMG]
Here is our parking pass:

We are here!!!

[/IMG]

[/IMG]


Emmymommy, it wasn't Minnie but you were close...because right after our first meet, we ran right into Minnie!! Here is who my daughter and I ran into, while my DH and DS were signing up for the Jedi Training and riding Star Tours. This meet was on the way to us girls grabbing FP for TSMM.
We ran into...............

STITCH!!!!!!!!! One of DD's FAV'S!!

I really love Hollywood Studios-- even though it could be a 1/2 day park for us, it's not too big to where we feel overwhelmed, and the kids really enjoyed it. My son as I previously stated is a HUGE Star Wars fan, so riding Star Tours and then doing the Jedi Training makes him very happy, and in turn, makes mommy very happy to see him over the moon. And, my daughter likes the Beauty & the Beast show (We all do, even daddy loves it), plus the Voyage of the Little Mermaid show is a must too. All pics and more of our TR to come. I do have to get back to work now.. (DARN!)
Stay tuned for more....... later in the day a couple of people go up to the Army Guy and say "Andy's Coming"... does he drop? does he run away? what does he do???

 

[gratefuldad7623]

Daddy-- Loves Disney as well. He never went to DW as a child either, and had no clue how much he would fall in love with it. He was able to feel that Disney magic us DIS'ers know exists! Daddy loves Mickey and I think Goofy was his other favorite.

Daddy here! Some more about me. Ive always loved the classic Disney characters, Mickey, Goofy, Donald Chip 'n Dale, Jiminy Cricket... Fox & the Hound was my first favorite Disney movie as a child. More recently I have to say The Lion King is my fav. I never thought I would love the Disney Parks as much as I do now. I have to thank my purpledisneyprncess for opening our lives to this wonderful place. & I applaud her for the amount of planning and hard work in preparation. Cant wait to get started on the next one.

 

[luckylady]

Cute picture of DD and Stitch. Can't say I blame you for getting out of the car and running around, that's along ride for you.

 

[purpledisneyprncess]

^ It def. was a long ride-- although I didn't mind it too much, and am even thinking about planning another Disney road trip soon(ish).

So after DD and I got pics & hugs from both Stitch and Minnie, we headed on to get FP's for TSMM.
This is about 20 minutes into the park opening and it's a little crowded this way...

Okay, so out of the 6 signs below, guess which 3 our family did at HS!!

 

[Gracefulskinny]

Good to know about the welcome center! DH and I will have to remember that for the next time we drive down.

But throughout the trip my one foot became swollen, I walked so much and I'm used to walking a lot even at home, so that was puzzling why the top of my foot swelled up and looked bruised...hurt too! It's better now but it was weird.

This type of thing can happen. The way it was explained to me is that it has to do with circulation. If you sit not moving much for too long and then immediately get up and do a lot of action it can cause your ankles and feet to swell. It can also take a while to go back down. If it happens again try elevating and icing your ankles and taking some advil. That should help make the swelling go away faster.

If it becomes a more regular problem there are pressured socks you can wear to prevent it. Don't ask me what they are called though. I only know that they exhist.

Great start!

 

[purpledisneyprncess]

Good to know about the welcome center! DH and I will have to remember that for the next time we drive down.



This type of thing can happen. The way it was explained to me is that it has to do with circulation. If you sit not moving much for too long and then immediately get up and do a lot of action it can cause your ankles and feet to swell. It can also take a while to go back down. If it happens again try elevating and icing your ankles and taking some advil. That should help make the swelling go away faster.

If it becomes a more regular problem there are pressured socks you can wear to prevent it. Don't ask me what they are called though. I only know that they exhist.

Great start!

Thank you for that info. It does make sense about it being a circulation issue. I had spent so many hours in the car sitting and then bam, walking miles a day inside the parks. Plus it didn't help that I wore flip flops instead of a supportive sneaker. I did elevate while there, and back to normal now, just a bit sore still.

I hope you enjoy the TR, as does anyone else that decides to pop in!

 

[purpledisneyprncess]

^ It def. was a long ride-- although I didn't mind it too much, and am even thinking about planning another Disney road trip soon(ish).

So after DD and I got pics & hugs from both Stitch and Minnie, we headed on to get FP's for TSMM.
This is about 20 minutes into the park opening and it's a little crowded this way...

Okay, so out of the 6 signs below, guess which 3 our family did at HS!!

So I guess no one wants to play... boo.. lol
Well.... my DD and I walked over to DS and Daddy. They were already on Star Tours so I was waiting around for their ride to end and I snapped a pic.

Next, we all went to do a Character Meet. This one of my son's favorites.
We were the 1st in line and they greeted the kids in such a cute and exciting manner!!

I have to find the other cute pic of them holding my children's hands as they walked up to area to take the pic..
And here's a pic of the Jedi Training Pass they give you when you sign your child up. Keep in mind, if you have a child that is interested in doing the Jedi Training at Hollywood Studios, you typically should sign them up in the morning first thing, as spots fill up fast and there is only a certain amount per day.

I think we did Honey I shrunk the kids next.

Then 1 of my favorite shows!!! Beauty and the Beast

Then we got hungry!

We had never eaten at Pizza Planet and based on all the bad reviews on that pizza, you can imagine my surprise when all 4 of us really enjoyed the pizza!! It tasted fresh, had a nice crust, and good flavor. We did show up early, so that could explain the fresh taste?? Not sure if some of the reviews are on pizza later in the day/evening where it got stale tasting? I don't know. But I can tell you that me, my DH and our children really loved it! I'm even a pretty picky person with food.

While we were eating my Dh realized him and DS had to go to his assigned Jedi Training Session. They make you arrive a little early. So DD and I stuck around Pizza Planet for a couple minutes more and a bathroom break. Then we got front row to see her brother on stage with Darth Vader..how cool!!!

We rode the oh so popular

Then did:

After this we took a mid day break which was really nice for our family. Last year we didn't take breaks in the park and burned ourselves out rather quickly. On the way out to the car, we did two meet and greets since we kind of walked right into them. UP NEXT, which Characters?!!! Hint: They are both boys!

 

[KristenCarll]

I'm going to guess chip and dale :]

Great report so far. I'm going to subscribe!

 

[purpledisneyprncess]

I'm going to guess chip and dale :]

Great report so far. I'm going to subscribe!

Hey there, glad to have you here!

I'm going to look through my photos for the character meet/greet pics but I have to give one more hint!! The "Boys" are not one character meet, but they were sort of near each other. Be back soon.

 

[Gracefulskinny]

I'm going to guess Donald and Goofy!

 

[wiigirl]

Great pics!

 

[purpledisneyprncess]

Great pics!

Thank you!!! More to come! ) Please stick around and I will try and update it each day. My memory isn't the greatest and I just got back from the trip so while it's still fresh in my mind, I will keep up with the TR...

I'm going to guess Donald and Goofy!

I'm going to guess chip and dale :]

Great report so far. I'm going to subscribe!

Thanks for the guesses!!!! So it was actually Handy Manny and Jake. So here is a pic of Handy Manny's back.
[/URL]
Unfortunately, a few times we were in line the characters left for break. However, it really was only 3 minutes and then returned!! So we stuck around. After Handy Manny, Jake was right next door and we hopped into that line. That was our last Character Meet at Hollywood Studios. After hugging Jake and a photo op, we parted ways with HS for a little while. We were glad that we drove in, b/c it was a very short walk (We had the AAA parking pass which got us as close as possible in terms of parking) so we got in the car and were on our way to our Downtown Disney hotel, Wyndham. We had pre-checked in at 7am this morning (We drove in and got to Orlando about 2pm Friday but I had a free room for the night at the Days Inn and then got to Wyndham at 7am Saturday to pick up our stroller from the bellhop that we got from Apple Stroller Rental then we went to HS... so we thought it would be a breeze with actual check in this afternoon. Well....not so much. The room still wasn't ready- but we did have bathing suits so we went for a swim. Then at about 4pm we went back to check in..room still wasn't ready and 4pm is when they say you can check in. So I asked if they had another room clean, in which they did.. Waola!! Our room at last!!
Here is a quick pic of the "aquatic play area" for the kids:


Also, I know this is not in order which I apologize for but the 1st part of the day at HS, I took this picture of this pretty mermaid statue.
[URL=http://s18.photobucket.com/user/bp7623/media/086.jpg.html]

I then realized it was from Tom Hanks movie, Splash..how cool!


Ok, back to the hotel: So we got into our room and started getting settled. I am one that lives out of the suitcases for the week. I stick them in the corner, and I take out our clothes for the next day and lay them on top of the suit cases. For some reason, I don't like the idea of putting them in the dresser drawers. We do leave our toiletries out in the bathroom though. Also, we had some things from our cooler that had to be refrigerated. We then took showers, and then headed over to Downtown Disney. From the front of our hotel to Earl of Sandwich, it is a 5 minute walk. My DH was right. See, I wanted to drive there and we tried that. It took 1 minute to drive but once there, NO parking!!! So he dropped us off, I went with the kids to order and get a table, and he parked back at our hotel and walked back to us in no time. OK honey, you were right!!! I got the Greek Chicken Salad- it was okay. My husband got the Hawaiin BBQ Chicken Sandwich, and my kids split the Cannonballs meatball sandwich. Here is a pic. Now we did eat here 2x on our trip and this pic might be from the 2nd day but no biggie...


We ate then walked to our hotel, got our car and went to HS. We had 5:40-6:40 fast passes for TSMM. It was nice we were able to do this ride 2x today.
So we went on..
Daughter's initial so I took a pic




On the way out, I got confused. I said to the CM...where is that Buzz/zurg jail thing that my kids take a pic in each year? She was like, ohh that's in the gift shop at the Buzz ride in MK.... Oh yeah, wrong ride, wrong park!

So after we do that ride, we wanted to head over to........

Apparently, we got there a little late. Not that we were late for the show, we were there about a 1/2 hr early but that wasn't enough time. It was mobbed. And we had to get seats all the way to the left, and 2nd row in. We were right near the sign that said we might get wet.

Well, we didn't end up getting wet luckily. But when the show was over, we had a hard time leaving. There was over 10,000 people in there (So the announcer guy said before the show started). So it was like we were sardines, ever so slowly moving towards the exit. Once we finally got out and were exiting, there were people fighting the crowd by walking towards up- we realized they were the 10:30 show people, but they were trying to get in through the exit. There was a HUGE entrance line- I think these people were trying to find a short cut. I am sure they will be turned around and directed into that long line. That's why I don't like cutters. If you didn't get their early, don't try and get past all the people that were there patiently waiting!!!!

So up next....... after Fantasmic we leave the park, go to sleep and wait for the Easter Bunny!!! Also, Easter in Animal Kingdom!!!!

 

[Gracefulskinny]

another good post! How did you enjoy Fantasmic? I'm trying to decide if its worth our time when DH and I go on our kid free trip in october.

 

[purpledisneyprncess]

another good post! How did you enjoy Fantasmic? I'm trying to decide if its worth our time when DH and I go on our kid free trip in october.

Thanks!! this was our first time doing Fantasmic and we thought it was cute. We were glad we did it this time around just so we could satisfy our curiosity and judge for ourselves if we would do it again. Most likely we will not do it again or at least anytime soon. We prefer Illuminations and the Electrical parade and fireworks nighttime shows.

Fantasmic is in an outdoor amphitheater. If you can get a good seat you might like it. Have you watched any Fantasmic videos on YouTube? How many nights are you in DW for in October? That's awesome you are getting a nice adult trip there!! For food and wine in Epcot? That is what my coworker is going to in October. They also have MNSS Halloween party. I am trying to get another trip planned soon, but right now are in the process of looking to buy a home. Guess that has to come before our next trip. Lol

 

[Gracefulskinny]

Fantasmic is in an outdoor amphitheater. If you can get a good seat you might like it. Have you watched any Fantasmic videos on YouTube? How many nights are you in DW for in October? That's awesome you are getting a nice adult trip there!! For food and wine in Epcot? That is what my coworker is going to in October. They also have MNSS Halloween party. I am trying to get another trip planned soon, but right now are in the process of looking to buy a home. Guess that has to come before our next trip. Lol

I haven't checked any out yet but I just might need to. I'm on the fence of trying not to spoil the fun of experiencing something for the first time and making sure I won't be waisting our time on something. Seriously considering just waiting until the next visit (which will be a few years) when we plan to bring DD for her first visit. (Yes I am already looking ahead to our next trip and we haven't even taken the first yet! )

We get to be there a whole blissful week! We'll be celebrating our 6th wedding anniversary while we are there. That's the main reason for the trip. We do plan on experienceing a little of the food and wine. Well, at least the food part. DH and I aren't big wine drinkers.