There is NO random dancing at Disney! A June TR *NEW 9/19 *FINAL THOUGHTS*

[DisMomAmy]

Two great updates!! Sounds like a hot, but nice morning/afternoon at MK. We always enjoy a mid-day break too.

We still love Buzz, even with TSM at DHS.

We have been trying to make it to TSI for a couple trips now and haven't gotten there for whatever reason... I can't wait to finally check it out one day. Zachary will love it!

Lost child!! I'm glad he turned up.

Can't wait to hear about dinner!!

 

[cjackearl]

Subbing! I just read everything so far and I love it! I remember Splash Mountain being my favorite ride when I was very young, and it's still stuck with me

Welcome! Splash was really fun.

Great Update!!!! We got wettest on SM when another log game down the hill and the water splashed us. So we were wet at the beginning. That was surprising.

Also, I don't think they do FP for HM any more??? I thought they got rid of that. Maybe I read that wrong.

We did so many of the same things that day. We must have passed each other.
Can't wait for more.

Ooh, that would make sense too. I'll have to check with DH. Maybe he said there were no fast passes for HM and I took it to mean none left. I was going to try to update later today, but photobucket isn't letting me into their site, so probably tomorrow.

Those expressions look like they sum everything up nicely.

You're right.

Splash Mountain was the perfect ride to go on after TSI and your little dude did well taking a nice nap.

I actually wish we had gotten a little wetter, but ANY wetness at that point was welcome.

I'm all caught up thanks to your handy links! I'm loving your trip report so far.

I feel like my DD is a giant because she just turned 3 in May and is already 39.5 inches tall.

I can't wait to hear about your magical evening!

Hi! Thanks for making it over here. That's great that your little girl is almost 40". It definitely gives you more ride options in WDW. Ian probably wouldn't have ridden most of the 40" cut off rides anyway, but I was sad he missed out on Soarin'.

Oh great update!!! I just LOVE Splash! Seems like the afternoon went well for you all! TSI was fun for us as well, we went our last day at the MK...
I can't wait to hear about dinner!

Yes, Splash was very different from what I'd imagined, but in a good way and I really liked it! Dinner update coming probably tomorrow.

TSI is one of the things I am really looking forward to this trips. I dont know why we have never done it, but we will fix that real soon.

You're not kidding lady! You must be bouncing off the wall by now. I bet your son really likes TSI. Make sure you visit the fort.

Two great updates!! Sounds like a hot, but nice morning/afternoon at MK. We always enjoy a mid-day break too.

We still love Buzz, even with TSM at DHS.

We have been trying to make it to TSI for a couple trips now and haven't gotten there for whatever reason... I can't wait to finally check it out one day. Zachary will love it!

Lost child!! I'm glad he turned up.

Can't wait to hear about dinner!!

Hey Amy! We got a little better at breaks as the week wore on...TSI is a good place for kids to use some energy and just explore and be kids.

 

[Sunset Cliffs]

Yep, Sanaa was on the 16th!! How funny is that? Isn't the lodge gorgeous? Yea, the heat was a big energy sucker at times during this trip. Oh, and welcome home! How was your trip?

Our trip was so much fun! McCall, ID is beautiful and it has the cutest little town. I am blessed with wonderful in-laws and Todd's family is a lot of fun. Dylan had a bit of a hard time sleeping on this trip and he was in our room, so that means none of us slept, so I feel like I'm still a little tired, but I'm trying to get caught up. I can't believe we were at AKL at the same time! We love that hotel and make a point to spend at least a couple of hours there just enjoying it.

 

[cjackearl]

I forgot to mention an interesting coincidence. We hopped on board our nearly empty bus back to the Beach Club where who should be sitting across from us? The family with the no longer missing son! They were staying at the Yacht Club. They looked like they were ready for a break! Anyway, we went back up to our room and I made a call to Disney dining to see if we could move our 5:35 ADR at Kona Café back an hour or so. Unfortunately, there was only one time available and that was 9:20. Um, no I don’t think so. No swim or rest for us. Oh well. We hurried a bit to get ready, caught a bus to the MK and the monorail over to the Polynesian. We checked in with a few minutes to spare and were soon being seated. The hostess first took us back to look at the desserts and then to our table. Our server, whose name I didn’t get, was attentive but not overly warm. The restaurant itself is beautiful, but it felt crowded. That may have been why I didn’t take any pictures until dessert, so I apologize. The food? Awesome! Honestly, probably the best of the whole week. Madeline picked the shrimp and scallops, panko breaded shrimp with pan seared sea scallops. George and I were both torn between the same two things, so we each ordered one and shared. I picked the tuna oscar, which was seared rare tuna topped with tempura fried jumbo lump crab and fried green tomato. George got the miso glazed mahi-mahi with soba noodles and bok choy. Ian had the grilled chicken strips and Amelia got the kids hot dog meal. Everyone was very happy. I've read that the steak is wonderful here also, but if you like seafood, this place is a great value. The tuna portion was huge, and I've rarely seen such large shrimp or scallops served in Disney World. Next was dessert and the girls knew exactly what they were going to have because they'd been drooling over pictures for weeks. The Kona Cone!

I got the chocolate fondue, which was oh so yummy and huge. I shared a lot of it with George. He was very happy with the macaroons, which I hate, and I really liked the pineapple and kiwi.

Ian got the ubiquitous Mickey sundae, which he was happy to have over and over again.

Dinner over, we were heading back to the Magic Kingdom.

Waiting for the monorail with a fogged up lens.

We actually went around the monorail loop twice. The speaker in our car wasn't working properly so we couldn't hear the stops. As we were pulling away, Madeline said to me, "There goes the Magic Kingdom." "I didn't hear the announcement!" "Mom, didn't you see the castle?" Smart alec.

We first picked up our rental stroller. Did you know its still possible to do ninja karate moves from a stroller?

Making our way up Main Street.

Madeline asked nicely so we let her have the whole bunch of balloons.

Tonight we started in Fantasyland, with a spin on the tea cups.

I didn't get any pictures on the tea cups, but here's Amelia in front of them.

I wanted to see some Donald Duck, so we walked right in to Mickey's Philharmagic. What a great show! Ian left his glasses on mostly and I loved watching him reach out for things. After the 3D movie we hit It's a Small World. I took quite a few pictures here, but I won't subject you to all of them. If you've ever read The Kingdom Keepers this ride takes on a different feel, but thankfully all the nice dollies stayed put.

Next, we walked right on to Snow White's Scary Adventures. I warned Ian that the wicked witch might pop out and when she did we'd say, "Boo!" to her. He looked a little worried, but agreed after being assured there were no downs and it wasn't fast. Every time that witch popped out we yelled Boo! at her. After the ride Ian said he really liked it. He'd been worried that a flesh and blood witch was going to chase our car, so the actual ride was no big deal.

Where to next? How about the Haunted Mansion! My girls had been scared last trip so we didn't ride, but this time I'd been assured everyone would ride with me. Yippee! We got in a very short line and soon were in the stretching room. I did NOT remember the guy hanging from the ceiling!! I would have prepared my kids because that scared me, but they seemed ok. We boarded our Doom Buggies, the girls with George and I with Ian. I really like the Haunted Mansion and its over the top theming. I kept looking at Ian to see how he was holding up. He was checking it all out, but didn't seem scared. We laughed at our hitchhiker, but in the other buggy Amelia was beating on the one that happened to be sitting on her lap. We got off and asked everyone what they thought. Madeline liked it but once was enough, Amelia did NOT like it, too scary, and Ian..............wanted to ride it again right NOW!! I couldn't believe it. The boy who was traumatized by Goofy's Barnstormer wasn't even fazed by the Haunted Mansion. We told him we'd try to make it back, but we had some Buzz Lightyear fast passes from that morning to use.

We could see that Spectro had started and we stood there for a minute deciding what to do.

At this point Ian looked around in wonder and said, " I didn't know you were going to let us stay up late and go on rides!" He's clearly a Magic Kingdom at night fan too.

We chose to skip Spectro this time and head back to Tomorrowland to ride Buzz. I stunk just as much this time through, but still enjoyed it. We thought maybe we'd see Monster's Inc. Laugh Floor, but there was still 20 minutes until the next show. Tomorrowland was so deserted, it was strange. We all began to feel a little "peckish" and I was determined to try a snack I'd read about for months. A Dole Whip! The stand, in Adventureland, wasn't too mobbed. George, Madeline and Ian went to the restroom and found a bench while Amelia and I stood in line. George and I got floats, Amelia got a regular Dole whip, Maddy had a pineapple/vanilla swirl and Ian had regular vanilla. The pineapple soft serve was so delicious and refreshing. It lived up to its hype, but I wouldn't do the float again. I didn't like the pineapple juice on its own very much. After our snack, it was time to go. It had been a long day, but tomorrow we could sleep in. We were staying at the resort. It would be a Beach Club day!

Next Post: Resort Day and DTD Evening

 

[Charleston Princess]

I agree that Kona's food is just wonderful!!!

Love the picture of Madeline with the balloons -- too cool!

We have read Kingdom Keepers as well and ALWAYS think about that one scene when we ride It's a Small World now. Have you read the second one yet?

 

[Mickey_Mom]

Did you know its still possible to do ninja karate moves from a stroller?

That chocolate fondue looks soooo good. I love macaroons and the whole plate just looks devine. Mmmmm pineapple!

A fun filled night for sure! Too funny what rides they do and don't like eh? I've not read Kingdom Keepers but from the sounds of it, I don't want to

I hope you took lots of pics of Beach Club day.

 

[Disneyvirg]

Great update! I loved the ninja and balloon pics!

Kona sounds delish! Was it loud in there? I was surprised that it was such an open restaurant.

You guys were able to get a bunch done at your MK evening.

Can't wait to hear how your free day goes!

 

[dd50]

Free days are always a good thing on vacation. Can't wait to read more.

 

[jordanyosh]

Kona Cafe...okay my list of TS restaurants keeps growing.....your meal sounded delicious and I don't like seafood....

a resort day...was Stormalong in your plans.....hmmm....

 

[Angies1274]

Kona sounds so yummy!! and the dessert pics...mmmm.....your chocolate fondue w/pineapples and strawberries looks delish!!!

Love the ninja karate moves--too cute!!!

Glad you enjoyed the Dole Whip!! I can't wait to have my first one when we go back.

Looking forward to hearing about your Beach Club day!!

 

[Tnkrbelle565]

We loved the food at Kona too but I agree that the tables are way too close together so you feel really crowded in.

Glad the Dole Whip experience went well! I stick to the regular pineapple soft serve too instead of the float.

 

[dismagiclover]

Is that cotton candy on top of the cone on the Kona cone? That is every child's fantasy (and every parent's nightmare)
Kona is going on my list too
Leave it to the 4 year old boy to do Ninja moves in a stroller
I'm with Ian about the MK at night and I'm glad you finally got to try a Dole Whip. Yum! Can't wait to hear about your BC day

 

[stace208]

Somehow I got way behind but I am all caught up now!

That's too bad that Ian didn't like Goofy's. My kids love it, including my dd who doesn't like anything that goes fast. Weird girl.

That was scary about the missing child. Whew, I am glad he was found quickly. About the tour guide-I saw quite a few this trip and was fascinated by it. Just never would've thought to hire a tour guide... The ones I saw were uber helpful-pushing strollers and such. Interesting concept.

I loved all your pictures! The one with the balloons was super cute and ninja moves from a stroller- it! So something my ds would've done in his stroller days!

We are jealous that you guys got to meet Marie! I checked there everytime we were over that way but no luck.

Can't wait for more...I'll try to not get so behind again!

 

[Lady Lallie]

I love the ninja karate from the stroller! Too cute.

I also think it's adorable that Ian is a fan of Magic Kingdom at night.

I loved Kona Cafe, the only thing I didn't like about is that I felt like I was on display for the people in the Poly lobby.

 

[cjackearl]

I agree that Kona's food is just wonderful!!!

Yes, heavenly!

Love the picture of Madeline with the balloons -- too cool!

That picture was actually Maddy's idea. I thought it came out well too.

We have read Kingdom Keepers as well and ALWAYS think about that one scene when we ride It's a Small World now. Have you read the second one yet?

We haven't gotten to the second Kingdom Keeper yet, but are heading to the library today.

That chocolate fondue looks soooo good. I love macaroons and the whole plate just looks devine. Mmmmm pineapple!

It was very, very good.

A fun filled night for sure! Too funny what rides they do and don't like eh? I've not read Kingdom Keepers but from the sounds of it, I don't want to

Oh, you should try it. It's actually a book meant for older kids and isn't really scary. Promise!

I hope you took lots of pics of Beach Club day.

I did.

Great update! I loved the ninja and balloon pics!

Oh thanks. My kids are a little dramatic.

Kona sounds delish! Was it loud in there? I was surprised that it was such an open restaurant.

Hmmm..I don't remember actually, but yes, it was very open.

You guys were able to get a bunch done at your MK evening.

We did, but we missed Spectro and Wishes too.

Can't wait to hear how your free day goes!

Coming soon!

Free days are always a good thing on vacation. Can't wait to read more.

I totally agree.

Kona Cafe...okay my list of TS restaurants keeps growing.....your meal sounded delicious and I don't like seafood....

Yes, it was wonderful. There were a lot of non seafood choices also.

a resort day...was Stormalong in your plans.....hmmm....

SAB was at the very tip top of our plans.

Kona sounds so yummy!! and the dessert pics...mmmm.....your chocolate fondue w/pineapples and strawberries looks delish!!!

Yes, I would order that again in a heartbeat. Mmmm.

Love the ninja karate moves--too cute!!!

He's always showing his "moves".

Glad you enjoyed the Dole Whip!! I can't wait to have my first one when we go back.

And that's soon lady! I'm always a little skeptical about things that receive so much hype, but I thought it lived up to it. So refreshing and yummy.

Looking forward to hearing about your Beach Club day!!

 

[carissanboys]

It sounds like you had the same waitress at Kona that we did. Was she a middle aged lady with short hair? Glad you guys loved the food, too. Especially that bread and butter!! Yummm!

That's too funny about missing the stop for the MK. I think we did the same thing and it was right after our meal at Kona.

 

[cjackearl]

We loved the food at Kona too but I agree that the tables are way too close together so you feel really crowded in.

Yea, I thought it was kind of strange. At first I felt a little odd sitting against the railing looking out on the Poly lobby, but I was happy I wasn't in the center of the restaurant.

Glad the Dole Whip experience went well! I stick to the regular pineapple soft serve too instead of the float.

Yep, that's what I'd get from now on. The pineapple juice just didn't do anything for me.

Is that cotton candy on top of the cone on the Kona cone? That is every child's fantasy (and every parent's nightmare)
Kona is going on my list too
Leave it to the 4 year old boy to do Ninja moves in a stroller
I'm with Ian about the MK at night and I'm glad you finally got to try a Dole Whip. Yum! Can't wait to hear about your BC day

YES to cotton candy on top of the Kona Cone. Why do you think my kids wanted it so much. And staying up late is a big deal in Ian's world, especially if rides are involved.

Somehow I got way behind but I am all caught up now!

No worries. Life happens, especially in the summer.

That's too bad that Ian didn't like Goofy's. My kids love it, including my dd who doesn't like anything that goes fast. Weird girl.

Yes, I felt like mom of the year after traumatizing my poor son with Goofy's. Who would have thunk it.

That was scary about the missing child. Whew, I am glad he was found quickly. About the tour guide-I saw quite a few this trip and was fascinated by it. Just never would've thought to hire a tour guide... The ones I saw were uber helpful-pushing strollers and such. Interesting concept.

This one was talking to the parents about getting them fast passes for things, etc. If you don't have the time or interest to do the Disney research yourself I can see them being so worth the money. They do not, however, watch you children for you.

I loved all your pictures! The one with the balloons was super cute and ninja moves from a stroller- it! So something my ds would've done in his stroller days!

Thank you.

We are jealous that you guys got to meet Marie! I checked there everytime we were over that way but no luck.

It was a great spot to meet characters because not everyone could see them, so no crazy mobs happened.

Can't wait for more...I'll try to not get so behind again!

I love the ninja karate from the stroller! Too cute.

I also think it's adorable that Ian is a fan of Magic Kingdom at night.

I'm with my boy here.

I loved Kona Cafe, the only thing I didn't like about is that I felt like I was on display for the people in the Poly lobby.

We were on the railing near the door to the monorail stop, so not too many observers although there was a large crowd waiting for the lua just a little further down.

 

[Happydog]

Oh wow! WHat a nice update and what a lovely family evening you had at MK! I have been reading about several of those this afternoon, so I am so glad that yours was a magical one too!!! That Kona cone... holy cow! reminds me of the smores at Le Cellier! Great photos! Like the UP-inspired one with the balloons!!! So Ian liked HM, that is great! You know how our experience went with that one ... Maybe December!

Looking forward to hearing about the pool! Looking forward to more!

 

[dd50]

My kids would love the Kona cone.

 

[cjackearl]

Oh wow! WHat a nice update and what a lovely family evening you had at MK! I have been reading about several of those this afternoon, so I am so glad that yours was a magical one too!!! That Kona cone... holy cow! reminds me of the smores at Le Cellier! Great photos! Like the UP-inspired one with the balloons!!! So Ian liked HM, that is great! You know how our experience went with that one ... Maybe December!

Those Kona cones were well loved. They lived up to their expectations for sure, but there was quite a bit of ice cream left over. The cotton candy was gone! Yes, Ian loved the HM!! BUT he did NOT like Goofy's, so go figure. Yes, maybe December.

Looking forward to hearing about the pool! Looking forward to more!

Ahh, SAB, how I adore thee. More coming soon.

My kids would love the Kona cone.

Yes, its on the adult dessert menu, but its a kids paradise.