The Super Planner dropped the ball---6/20 ADRS and November 2008 mini trip report

[disneylovinfamily]

I love the Hoop-de-doo, have went to it twice and will be going back! Sci-fi is fun for the atmosphere, my niece loves it, the food is okay. My parents went to Boatwrights our last trip and said the food was good. I enjoy Yak and Yeti, but I order Pho and do not explore that menu much ( which is unusual for me!). I have never tried Tutto Italia so can't comment on that. My family just did not get into Spirit of Aloha. Enjoy your trip and if you have time try the beignets at POFQ ( it it about a 5 min walk from POR to POFQ) they are yummy!

Thanks for the tip about the beignets, I will have to do that! YUMMY!

 

[reyasmommy]

Wow! You're SUPER creative and talented. I'm jealous. I can't even thread a needle.

And I'm not sure if your kids could get any cuter. So adorable.

 

[evildiva]

Nikki! I found you! I am so excited to read about your trip to Disney with your family. I especially love the EPCOT themed outfits for the little ones. Good luck with your ADRs. I ate at Yak and Yeti this past April, I made my reservation for about 30 minutes before the parade started and asked to be sat upstairs by the windows of the parade route. What a great place to see the parade, the biggest plus was the air conditioning.

 

[disneylovinfamily]

Wow! You're SUPER creative and talented. I'm jealous. I can't even thread a needle.

And I'm not sure if your kids could get any cuter. So adorable.

Thanks so much! I think they are cute, but hey I'm a little biased

Nikki! I found you! I am so excited to read about your trip to Disney with your family. I especially love the EPCOT themed outfits for the little ones. Good luck with your ADRs. I ate at Yak and Yeti this past April, I made my reservation for about 30 minutes before the parade started and asked to be sat upstairs by the windows of the parade route. What a great place to see the parade, the biggest plus was the air conditioning.

Hey Katie! Welcome to the ride! I am nervous about ADRs this time, I have been seeing many people not get what they want I have rarely had a problem. MIL and I are splitting the list so we are likely to get everything---I hope!

Good tip on Yak and Yeti! We at there last time and I really liked it. FIL missed that trip and I knwo he would really like it. I am pulling for it to make the final cut

 

[disneylovinfamily]

Well, my countdown calender stuff is down from the attic and up. I just need to decorate the main board for this trip, then I can take pics and show ya guys!

OFF TOPIC Tomorrow we are taking the kids to see Thomas the Tank. I will post some pics and a mini trippie on that too, for those of you that can't get enough of my kids

 

[Raecheal]

ADR help, from your list, sadly we've only ever been too Spirit of Aloha Dinner
.
The story line was a bit boring, but the dances and firemen were incredible to watch and the food was amazing. They were two little kids seatted at the table next to us.. they seemed to be interested in the show about 75% of the time.. after that the kids just chatted with anyone sitting around them.

Were gonna try Sci Fi and Ohana's are our upcoming trip the first weekend of August.

 

[disneylovinfamily]

ADR help, from your list, sadly we've only ever been too Spirit of Aloha Dinner
.
The story line was a bit boring, but the dances and firemen were incredible to watch and the food was amazing. They were two little kids seatted at the table next to us.. they seemed to be interested in the show about 75% of the time.. after that the kids just chatted with anyone sitting around them.

Were gonna try Sci Fi and Ohana's are our upcoming trip the first weekend of August.

Thanks for your input. I don't really care much about the story--I am an action kinda girl. i think the kids would be interested. ANything that is romotly like tv turns them into vombies

Actually we had our ADR meeting last night and made our decisions but you must have patience. First up is a mini trippie that I promised.

 

[disneylovinfamily]

On Monday morning, the kids and I awoke early and ran to the store for rations for our family Disney planning session that night. I was in search of the elusive Mickey shaped burgers but had no luck at Walmart or Giant. BLAST! We then returned home and waited. Poor kids, if I heard “when is daddy, rara and papa going to be here” one more time I was going to gag them and stuff them under their beds. FYI, Daddy stayed in Baltimore (about an hour away) the night before because he worked really late.

Finally around 10:30 Daddy got home and Rara and Papa soon were up too. Speed racer, that’s Mark, left after them and arrived before them by about 15 minutes. Thanks goodness because he needed to take a shower before we left. Finally it was time to go but not before the paparazzi, I mean mommy took a few photos.

We drove and drove and drove until at least, could it be? Yes, it is! I see Thomas! And there he went, no parking---off to satellite parking. Russell announced him displeasre with a screaming whine “you are leeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaavvvvvvvvvving Thomas!!!!!!!!!!!” I assured him, we just needed to find the parking, which I was not sure we would EVER find! Finally after driving thorough an Amish farm and field (yes we were supposed to do that) we arrived at parking lot, James. Whew! Ok time for some more shots while we wait for the bus.

Thomas drove past the satellite parking. Had to defuse another melt down---Thomas is leeeeaaaaaaaaaaaaavvvvvvvvvvving us! “No honey, he is just taking other kids for a ride. “you get us tickets with your money mommy?” Russell asked. With my fingers crossed, I said yes. You see, I had called earlier in the am (while I was waiting for everyone) and was informed they were sold out but had a few on a first come, first served basis. From the look of the crowds, it was not looking good.

Finally we arrived at the railroad and Russell’s happy place! It was super busy and I decided, I was even more glad that I had said NO to a weekend trip to see Thomas. We made a bee-line for the ticket counter. I am perfecting my fast walk for Disney because as PeterPanicAttack says “running in Disney is a no-no.” We arrived at the ticket counter and low and behold, YES! They had tickets! Thank goodness, praise the Thomas gods, we had TICKETS! Well, $108 dollars later we had tickets to ride the 12:45 train. But first we HAD to find Papa something to eat. HE is much like a buzzard and has to be fed constantly and if there is food, he will sniff it out. On the way, I took advantage and snapped some more photos. I can’t help myself!

We got some fries and sodas and then went to wait in line for Thomas---YEAH!!!!! Where are the fastpasses? We have been much to spoiled by Disney. We caught ourselves asking this question a lot that day! Finally we saw Thomas puffing towards the station. Russell screamed “put your hat on Rara, we are going to ride on THOMAS!”

We boarded the open air car and Russell was in heaven; total bliss! I gave him the window seat; well he kinda pushed me out of the way. Who knew a three year old could be so strong???? While we waited for the train to go, 3 conductors passed by and every time Russell said “is that topa happ? (that is Sir Topham Hatt for those that are not fluent in Russelleze) and every time we said no and then he would say “oh, is the ducalor?” (translation=conductor) and we would say yes it is honey. He was so cute! The people behind us though it was a hoot!

The whistle blew and we were on our way for our 22 minute ride on Thomas! The ducalor came and took our tickets and we asked if we could get his picture with the kids. Of course he said and bent down with them. Another conductor ran up and bent down and “said two for the price of one.” I’ll take it, I love a good deal!

We chugged along and soon were headed back; I think we got shorted because it was definitely not 11 minutes before we turned around! “you like this dady, you like this papa?” Russell is so considerate of others feelings! Of course they told him it was the greatest!

Don’t wanna go over my picture limit so you will have to wait for part two to hear about the rest of our journey to see that very useful engine!

 

[disneylovinfamily]

We raced down the length of the train (7 passenger cars were in front of us) and got in line to take our picture with Thomas. Russell was beside himself with happiness! Afterall, Thoams did come all the way from The Island of Sodor just to see HIM! We waited for a few families and were put in the line to the right of Thomas, DRAT! I wanted the center line. Oh well my baby was getting to see his hero! He really could have cared less about the pictures and just wanted to stare at him. I actually got much better pictures after we were out of line. While I was taking some, Thomas blew his whistle to let them know he was going to take some more kiddies on a trip. At that moment, I took one of my favorite shots of all time. Russell covered him mouth with pure excitement at the fact that he just heard Thomas whistle. It was the cutest!

We then walked over to stand in more lines, again no fastpasses. : confused3 We went to see Sir Topham Hatt. Then we did some shopping for some new trains of course. They had a special “Day Out With Thomas 2009” passenger car which we had to buy along with $40 worth of more Thomas stuff. Not bad actually! We got ice cream because Roseanna was doing her best Papa impression of having to sniff out the food. Then Papa and Rara wanted to check out an Amish craft stand before we hit some of the other activities. Big MISTAKE! Because….on our way to the stand, we saw a tent full of train tables and toys for the kids to play with. It would take a miracle to get Russell out of there. Mark and I sat and watched Russ play while Rara, Papa and Roseanna explored the Amish stand. Luck was going against us that day because Roseanna came over begging us for a baby bunny. They had babies for $10. Sorry honey the zoo at our house is CLOSED! She was sad but at least no tears. Finally, I tried to divert Russell’s attention to a large Lego Thomas in the distance. He was not buying it for a second. I scooped him up while on the run and somehow made it to the Lego Thomas without any tears! 1 Point for Mommy! WOOHOO!

We headed over to the rides again met with the no fastpass letdown and waited in line for the kids to ride the hand crack cars. They LOVED them and rode them 3 times! Roseanna could really fly around that track! Then they rode the miniature steam train with Rara. Mark and I went and bought an engraved piece of track for Russell’s room that says just that and we are going to hang it on his door. At this point we were all hot and had done most everything so it was time to bid farewell to Thomas and head back to the bus to be taken to the car. “Bye Thomas, I see you next year!”

Once in the car, Russell asked for his new toys. We gave them to him. He said I put them here (in his little holder next to his seat), I’m tired and he put his head down and was out, surely dreaming of Thomas!

6 tickets to ride Thomas……………………………$108
souvenirs …………………………………………...$66
food…………………………………………………$20
Day out With Thomas……………………………..PRICELESS



Up next: our planning party!

 

[snubie]

I recognize Strasbourg! We went last summer and had lunch on the regular train. We had tears from Lauren as we drove right by Dutch Wonderland and did not stop.

We'll be in York late Friday night. It is a quick trip though. We arrive late Friday and are leaving for home Tuesday early am.

 

[evildiva]

What a great trip to see Thomas! Your kids are such cutties!

 

[mommyof2princesses]

Great PTR! Glad I came over to read. I need to start mine!

 

[Johnson1220]

these outfits are priceless! I love that they are both matching. You have a beautiful family, I am enjoying reading your report.

 

[disneylovinfamily]

I recognize Strasbourg! We went last summer and had lunch on the regular train. We had tears from Lauren as we drove right by Dutch Wonderland and did not stop.

We'll be in York late Friday night. It is a quick trip though. We arrive late Friday and are leaving for home Tuesday early am.

I love being close to Strasburg! We usually go at least twice a year but this was our first Thomas experience. We love Dutch WOnderland. I just tok DDs girl scout troop there this past spring. Hoping for another trip this summer. Are you going to DW this weekend?

What a great trip to see Thomas! Your kids are such cutties!

Thanks Katie!

Great PTR! Glad I came over to read. I need to start mine!

Thanks and Please start yours! I am addicted to TRs

these outfits are priceless! I love that they are both matching. You have a beautiful family, I am enjoying reading your report.

Thanks! I love matching them but I think this may be teh last trip that I get cooperation so I am going to take full advantage of it!

 

[disneylovinfamily]

sorry to my followers that I haven't gotten to the promised Disney planning party that we had last night or the pics of the countdown. I will get them in the am, I promise

 

[raraloveseeyore]

Where are you??? I am waiting for more. I can't wait to hear the next part of the journey. Sorry, just had to do that. Great Thomas pictures, even if I was in them. Watching Russell with Thomas was priceless-I'm so glad we didn't miss it.

 

[disneylovinfamily]

Where are you??? I am waiting for more. I can't wait to hear the next part of the journey. Sorry, just had to do that. Great Thomas pictures, even if I was in them. Watching Russell with Thomas was priceless-I'm so glad we didn't miss it.

always a smarty pants this one! Patience hon, patience! I am working on it as we speak! Well, really I had to pause to answer you but then, back to work on it.

 

[disneylovinfamily]

As promised and not a moment sooner, I give you……….



OUR DISNEY CELEBRATION!



First let me unveil the mother of all countdown calendars. 3 trips ago, I made this little beauty myself which took at least 20 hours out of my life. Back then the countdown started at day 225 so that is how many clips I did. All are hand-painted by me, some with hidden Mickey’s on them. Then I punched 225 Mickey heads and then sparkle painted all the numbers. The center board is foam board and cardboard for the large Mickey head for those crazy enough to make one. We usually decorate the center piece but I kinda like it plain so I don’t have to make a new one every year so this year it is plain (I know the horror.) This year, I had to replace 5 heads since they got bent in storage, not bad, not bad. The kids love taking off the clips and getting one day closer!

Thanks to the obsession that is Disboards, I have discovered a beauty of a thread on themed Disney parties. Well I thought with the wheels turning, lets throw a Disney planning party for when we plan our ADRs So after we were done getting ready for Thomas and were not so patiently waiting for the others to get there, me and the kids did some decorating and ran to the store for some provisions. I was searching for the elusive Mickey shaped burgers but was unsuccessful! Oh well, I think I did ok. We decorated before we left so after our return from Sodor, I mean Strasburg, we were able to dive into a Disney feast.

THE TABLE

THE CHANDELIER

MICKEY CHEESE IN MICKEY BOWLS

We also had regular burgers (POO), pretzels and Hannah Montana Mac and Cheese.

After our meal, the men folk took naps and Roseanna, Russell, Rara and I played a Disney Trivia Game. Note to self, the kid questions are obviously too easy since Roseanna beat ME, the Disney queen. I might have to have her play the adult version or cut back on the Disney intake (NAH, that would be cruel.)

AND FOR THE BEST PICTURE OF THE WHOLE NIGHT! (Rara, you may want to close your eyes from the embarrassment of it all.)

This is Rara’s impression of the Cave of Wonders for Roseanna. I almost wet my pants, I laughed until I almost cried.

We liked this theme night so much, we are going to try to do one once a month to stay in the Disney mood----like we would ever not be in the Disney mood HA!


UP NEXT: We decided on our ADRs, now the waiting game until Saturday

 

[raraloveseeyore]

ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!
Did you have to show that picture?????????????

The worst part of that is that roseanna still didn't get cave of wonders!

 

[disneylovinfamily]

The main reason for our Disney Celebration was to plan out our ADRs and it went very smoothly. We always try at least one place new on a trip and everyone gets a pick at a favorite restaurant. Just to be fair to everyone. I wouldn’t want to be labeled a Disney Dictator or anything.

So there we sat and went around the table and everyone spouted off what their hearts desire was:

Rara = Crystal Palace (no surprise there! She hunts Eeyore like Indiana Jones looking for
the Holy Grail---it is her sole existence in life!)

Papa = Cape May Café (after we dined there last trip and DH bragged about all the great seafood, this was a must for him) I still can’t believe, that Papa didn’t go on that trip with us!

Roseanna = Chef Mickey’s (I was very surprised that she didn’t pick a Princess meal ) I am also counting this for Russell because he said he wanted to see Mickey, so that counts right?

DH = Le Cellier (steak, YUM! Truly a man pick and a must on all our trips)

ME = Ohana Breakfast (I have wanted to do this for ages and it has never fit in so this time it is a must!)

The others that made the cut include: Yak and Yeti (loved it last time and DH wants Papa to try the duck); Sci Fi (every one agreed it is high time we try this!); Boatwrights (though mixed reviews, we decided to give it a try); Spirit of Aloha (also mixed reviews but decided we wanted to try it once.)

So there you have it, OUR LIST! Now I just have to monitor the online booking system all week like a soldier on a reconnaissance mission and decide whether it is best to try that 1st which I am thinking and then call at 7 if I don’t have everything yet. I just hope this stays on the down low until I am able to book on Saturday. I have some really hard ADRs to obtain and I am hoping that victory will be mine!