This trip is a wish my heart made (May 2012)

[WishnDreamer]

Welcome to my pre-trip report.

Table of Contents
Arrival Day-First Flight & Magic Kingdom *** Liberty Tree Tavern dinner
Day 2-Epcot *** Akershus brunch, Chefs de France dinner
Day 3-Hollywood Studios *** 50s PrimeTime Cafe dinner
Day 4-Epcot *** 1900 Park Fare breakfast
Day 5-Break Day, Downtown Disney, with a Side of Winter Summerland? *** Boma breakfast
Day 6-Magic Kingdom *** Tony's Town Square dinner
Day 7-Animal Kingdom *** Rainforest Cafe dinner
Day 8-Magic Kingdom *** 1900 Park Fare dinner
Departure Day- *** Chef Mickey's breakfast

I have not been to Disney World since I was a child. I have wanted to go back ever since and we are finally taking our children, DD8 & DS7. Also on the trip is DH & DM. We are flying out early Friday May 4-Saturday May 12.

We told the kids for Christmas, giving them a mountain of gifts that was things they would need for Disney World, everything Disney of course: pj's, swimsuit, sunglasses, pressed pennies, lanyards with pins, autograph pens, crocs, customized maps, dvd, & a countdown chain. Each item had a clue. And the whole pile had a clue that said, "Each gift in this pile is a present but also a clue to an even greater surprise that is awaiting you." DD figured it out by the second clue. They are excited about Disney but even more excited about the flight. DH was apprehensive about telling them so early. But I wanted them to help plan. The countdown chain has really helped.

The trip evolved from staying offsite to staying at a value to renting DVC points. We are staying at Animal Kingdom Lodge.

I am very excited about AKL. The kids will love the animals, talking to the CM's from Africa at the firepit in the evening, the zero-entry pool, movies at the pool at night, and the many other activities for kids throughout the day. We are looking forward to a little bit of downtime at the resorts to relax.

 

[WishnDreamer]

Up & at 'em by 5:15. I think I am just going to have the kids sleep in their Disney shirts & shorts the night before. Anybody else with an early flight doing this?? Brush their teeth & out the door. Eat poptarts on the way if they don't fall back to sleep, though with the excitement I don't think they will.

We arrive at MCO at 10:00 AM and will take Magical Express to AKL. We just got our luggage tags Wednesday!!! We'll eat lunch at Mara, the counter service at AKL and then head to Magic Kingdom by about 12:30. I can't imagine another way to start our trip and I can't imagine convincing my kids to spend the day at the resort. If we were getting in later we wouldn't consider going but I think we will have plenty of time for a leisurely afternoon. I don't have much planned but to enjoy the ambience of Magic Kingdom.

First up, getting Mickey ears from Le Chepeau!!! We may grab a FastPass to meet Mickey depending on return time.

Next up, we hope to catch the Dream Along with Mickey show & the Celebrate a Dream Come True parade.

Then off to Liberty Square where DD hopes to meet her favorite, Princess Tiana.

We will also try to meet Woody & Jesse back by Splash Mountain. If we have time, we will try a ride with a short wait, then grab a FP for Splash Mountain, before heading to 5:10 ADR at Liberty Tree Tavern. Yum.

After dinner, we'll hope that FP for Splash is open, then take the train to the front. DS loves trains. And then head back to AKL for Epcot RD the next day. Epcot is my favorite park. Really looking forward to it.

 

[WishnDreamer]

On our first full day, we will have breakfast in our room and then head to the bus to make it in time for rope drop at Epcot, my favorite Disney park. The plan is to head straight to Soarin'.

Then on to Figment & Imageworks & back for another ride on Soarin' with FastPass. If by some chance Test Track does not close for it's scheduled refurbishment before we go, we will head to Test Track instead. My son was soo excited about Test Track before we found out it was closing.

The we head to a 10:45 ADR at Princess Storybook Dining at Akershus Royal Banquest Hall in Norway.

I chose this for a few reasons. First, we are on the dining plan and I didn't want to use 2 credits for CRT. Second, we can meet most of the princesses without long waits in the parks. I also like the free picture that comes along with it. I originally booked dinner but the more I looked at the menu the more I thought we may not like it, so we switched to brunch.

After brunch, we'll ride Maelstrom and explore Norway, doing the Kim Possible mission and then move on to China. Perhaps we'll meet Mulan.

Afterward, we will head back to Future World, grabbing a FastPass for Mission Space before checking out Innoventions East & Spaceship Eart. Then we'll use that Mission Space FastPass.

I am REALLY playing this one by ear. Not too sure my kids or even myself can handle it.

Then it's off to Innoventions West. I can't wait for my kids to try the different cokes at Club Cool.

Dinner is 4:40 ADR at Les Chefs de France. We hope we get to see Remy.

Then back to AKL for some R&R before that all important rope drop at Hollywood Studios the next day.

 

[francis6306]

Yay! I'm in!

We are going in June, and I booked Akershus for a brunch as well. I can't wait to go! We did CRT last year and while it was wonderful and perfect, I'd like to wait until my youngest can really enjoy it before we go back.

We'd love to stay at AKL one day as well! It looks like a vacation destination all by itself!

 

[WishnDreamer]

I am so glad you are joining in. Much better than talking to myself! Thanks!

 

[WishnDreamer]

Up EARLY in the morning for rope drop at Hollywood Studios. Breakfast in our room again & then on our way.

Where else would we head but Toy Story Midway Mania to ride & FastPass this popular ride so we can go again later too. I know the kids, especially my son, are going to LOVE this one!

Then it's off to Rock 'n' Roller Coaster for daddy & kiddos. Grandma & mom are going to enjoy the sights for awhile. Next up, Tower of Terror. My mom hasn't decided if she is going to ride this or not. Frankly, neither have I, though most days I lean toward yes. I just really hope we don't drop all the way down.

Next up, back to Toy Story Mania to use that FastPass then the boys head to Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular while the girls take in Beauty and the Beast.

(I was going to put the Indiana Jones picture in but Beauty & the Beast is so much prettier! LOL)

Finally, we will do Star Wars with a FastPass we pick up earlier.

Then we will take a break back at AKL, lunch counter service & some pool time, heading back to the park a few hours later for Lights Motors Action Extreme Stunt Show.

Then we'll fill some time seeing characters before heading to dinner at 50s PrimeTime Cafe which was insisted upon by a great friend of mine. It looks like it's going to be great fun.

Finally we will finish the day with Fantasmic as requested by DD.

Originally, I was planning a 3/4 day at Hollywood Studios and skipping Fantasmic. I hated the idea of an hour wait for a show. But after telling the kids about the trip and planning with them, this was DD's #1 pick, so on the list it went.

The 1 thing missing from the plan that I would really like to see is Muppet Vision 3D.

This is the 1 day I am so tempted to push my family through and stay the whole day in the park. It is hard to plan everything you'd like to do with the show times. For instance, we still didn't see Voyage of the Little Mermaid or The Great Movie Ride. We'll play it by ear while we're there and see what happens. Whatever happens, we have a character breakfast for 9:15 the next morning so we will want to be rested.

DD8 says this is going to be her favorite park because of Rock 'n' Roller Coaster & Tower of Terror, but I think it's going to end up being DS7's favorite too. What little boy wouldn't love Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular & Lights Motors Action Extreme Stunt Show?

 

[MelMel11]

Count me in!!!

 

[WishnDreamer]

Count me in!!!

Yay! I am glad you're here too. If anyone has ANY suggestions for me, I'm open to them.

 

[WishnDreamer]

As I am writing this we have 32 more days til we go to the World!!

Day 4 is Epcot-my favorite park again! And my favorite part of it-World Showcase!
But first, 9:15 breakfast ADR at 1900 Park Fare with some of my favorite Disney characters, Alice & Mary Poppins!

It's probably crazy but I am really looking forward to those cute Mickey waffles. I am not a big breakfast person. I would much rather have a nice dinner, but my husband likes breakfast, so we have 6 dinner ADRs and 4 breakfast ADRs and will do counter service lunches. We have 4 character meals in all.

After breakfast, it's our first chance to go on the Monorail! I know the kids will be thrilled. Maybe if we're really lucky we will even catch the new Avengerail.

When we arrive at Epcot, I want to grab a Kim Possible FastPass and finish up Future World. The only things on my list we didn't get to see were Nemo & Turtle Talk with Crush. Then it's off to Canada and around the World Showcase, trying out Kim Possible Missions along the way to keep the kids entertained.

One thing we definitely plan to do as we walk around Epcot is stop & smell the roses, or the flowers of the Flower & Garden Festival. What a beautiful time to visit! I didn't even plan it that way, but I am glad there is something special going on while we are there but that doesn't really draw huge crowds.

In the United Kingdom, I definitely want the kids to check out the red phone booths. In France, perhaps we can see Servuer Amusant.

DD8 is very excited about Morocco, which she studied & did a project on in school this year.

In Japan, I can't wait to see Matsiruza. I love Taiko drumming.

The kids are very excited about Miyuki the Candy Lady.

I am also very excited to do Pick-A-Pearl with my daughter.

I am planning on ordering a Cinderella carriage necklace for her to put her pearl in. Sounds like we will be in Japan for awhile. There is lots to see & do there.

Next, the American Adventure, where we plan to stop and have a late lunch/early dinner. None of us are very adventurous eaters so I think Liberty Inn counter service will suit us just fine.

Afterward, Italy, where I hope to catch Sergio the juggler, then Germany & Mexico for the The Caballeros ride. We will skip Norway & China since we saw them on our first Epcot day.

Then we'll grab a snack and find a place to watch Illuminations.

That was a full day! Thank heavens tomorrow is a break day, but of course we still have a little fun planned. We are at Disney World after all!

 

[WishnDreamer]

After 3 1/2 park days, today will be a much-needed rest day I think. When we originally planned the trip, we were coming Saturday the 5th to Saturday the 12th. As I looked at flights, Saturdays flight down was EXPENSIVE, but a flight out on Friday was much cheaper. For my family of four it was the same price to add a night plus the dining plan as it was to fly down. I figured I would much rather pay to be AT Disney than to get TO Disney, so we added the extra day. Yay! The added benefit was a break day in the middle of the week, which I think we will all need, especially my DM. Of course, even a break day can be full of magic & fun at Disney World!

We start the day with 9:30 breakfast at Boma's. I mentioned in my previous post that we are not adventurous eaters. Originally, we had no ADRs for AKL. This seemed crazy considering the restaurants there are so highly rated & reviewed, but I knew my family wouldn't go for the African foods and flavors. When I looked at the breakfast buffet menu, however, and realized there was a variety they could try if they felt adventurous plus good-old American standbys, I decided it would be a great way to start our added break day. So breakfast at Boma's it is.

Then we will just play this day by ear, doing whatever everyone wants whenever. I figure we will have plenty of pool time but we definitely want to head to Downtown Disney for some fun, souvenir shopping and lunch.

I think DD will enjoy Little Mismatched, while DS & Dad do Ridemakerz.

I can't wait for the kids to see all the creations at the Lego Store.

My kids are probably going to think they are too old for Mr. Potato Head, but all the different parts sound so fun at Once Upon a Toy, maybe I can talk them into it.

We may even do Design-A-Tee.

I will definitely be looking out for the Living Statues. I heard they have been at Downtown Disney recently, and I am really hoping they will be there when we go. They sound like so much fun!

And even though I am afraid of heights, if my kids ask to go up in the Characters in Flight balloon, I am going to say yes. I am usually a "we'll see" mom and as my kids will tell you, that means no. I decided a while ago to have enough money set aside for spending money that I do not have to say "we'll see" to anything. My kids are going to think an alien took over me! I think it's going to feel really good.

If Daddy and the kids would like to go play mini-golf, they can head to Winter Summerland, and DM & I can have some dinner at Wolfgang Puck Express before we all head back to the resort to sit around the firepit or enjoy a movie by the pool.

Maybe we will use part of the day to catch up on our trip journals if we've gotten behind. I found these Guide to the Magic for Kids online and I LOVE them! I have not given the kids these books yet. They are going in their Easter baskets along with disposable cameras. For my daughter, there is also a pair of Mickey earrings and 3 headbands, princesses, fairies, & Minnie ears. 31 more days!!!

Next up, our first full day at Magic Kingdom! I can't wait!!!

 

[WishnDreamer]

We should be well-rested after our break day so we'll be off to our first full day of fun at the Magic Kingdom. And we'll head straight to Fantasyland where the rides I most remember as a child are. First up, Peter Pan's Flight.

Then Winnie the Pooh & Snow White's Scarey Adventures. I was so happy when I heard it would still be open when we visited!

Then it's off to another of my fond memories, It's a Small World.

Then we'll head to Adventureland for Aladdin's Magic Carpets, Jungle Cruise, Pirates of the Caribbean, & the Swiss Family Treehouse if we have time.

Then we'll grab a fastpass for Splash Mountain before heading over to the Haunted Mansion. I remember waiting forever in the heat to go in there when I was a kid.

Next, we'll grab some lunch from Pecos Bill's and head to Tom Sawyer Island. Hopefully we can relax a little while the kids explore.

Then we'll use that Splash Mountain fastpass and check out something I'm really looking forward to, Philharmagic.

Afterward, we'll head to Tomorrowland. We'll grab a fastpass for Buzz Lightyear before checking out Monsters Inc Laugh Floor. Then we'll see Carousel of Progress and Tomorrowland Transit Authority before using that Buzz fastpass. I hope he's still out so DS can meet him too!

Afterward, I am really interested in seeing the flag retreat ceremony before heading to dinner at Tony's Town Square.

The plan is to leave after our 5:20 ADR but tomorrow is a late arrival short day at Animal Kingdom so if we decide we're not too tired and would like to stay and see a few more things, that's fine too.

 

[WishnDreamer]

Animal Kingdom is the park I am least excited about. I am not planning on arriving until about 10:00. If we are up and want to leave earlier, we will but if not, that's fine too. Most days we are having breakfast in our room and that is the plan today too, but my husband likes his breakfast so if he wants to head down to Mara for some counter service breakfast, then we'll do that.

Everyone else is going to head to Primeval Whirl while I grab Fastpasses for Expedition Everest. Then we will all check out Dinosaur and the Boneyard if we have time. Afterward, Finding Nemo.

Then Daddy & the kids will take on Expedition Everest while I run to get Fastpasses for Kilimanjaro Safaris.

Then it's time for lunch at Restaurantasaurus followed by It's Tough to be a Bug. I don't know why but I am kind of excited about this one.

I am disappointed that Flik is no longer meeting but excited to see Russell & Dug. Up is my favorite Disney movie.

Afterward, we are going to head to Africa to experience Kilimanjaro Safaris. I REALLY hope we get to see DiVine along the way.

Then we'll Fastpass Kali River Rapids before heading to Festival of the Lion King, a show I am really excited about too.

Afterward, we will ride Kali River Rapids before having dinner at Rainforest Cafe. I think the kids will really like this.

And that was our day at Animal Kingdom. Only one full day left. We're off to the Magic Kingdom tomorrow.

 

[WishnDreamer]

Today we head to Magic Kingdom again.
I plan to grab Fastpasses for Space Mountain while they go on Tomorrowland Speedway, which I wanted to avoid but DS7 really wants to do it. Then AstroOrbiter if anybody still wants to do it after seeing it. Next up another ride on Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin. As soon as I can I plan to Fastpass Peter Pan's Flight. In the meantime, we want to ride Mad Tea Cups & Prince Charming's Regal Carousel, taking time to stop and meet the White Rabbit if he's out (I hope he isn't running late-heehee) and the Fairy Godmother at the back of the Castle.

Then we will ride Peter Pan & Space Mountain before having lunch at Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe & seeing Sonny Eclipse.

I hope we can find PUSH the talking trash can while we are in Tomorrowland too.

Then we want to see the Move It Shake It Celebrate It Street Party before taking a break back at the hotel for a while. I heard this was fun.

I am going to let the kids decide if they want to dress up to meet Cinderella & Prince Charming at 1900 Park Fare for dinner. I am really excited about this one. I hear Anastasia & Drizella are hysterical.

Then it's back to Magic Kingdom for a couple more rides, maybe Jungle Cruise & Pirates of the Caribbean before finding a place for the Main Street Electrical Parade & Wishes to finish off our trip. I hope we get to see Tinkerbell fly! So excited!!!

Tomorrow we have a special goodbye planned for Mickey & Minnie & the gang.

On a side note, the Easter Bunny gave the kids their Guide to the Magic for Kids books today & my daughter just loves hers. She can't wait to get it started.

26 more days!!! Can't wait!!! So excited!!!

 

[charliesmom86]

Your plans look really good..well thought out..I need to get mine in order too lol. I see in your signature..that..you are going to be in Disney World tomorrow...WOW Hope you have a blast!

 

[MickeyMinnie22]

Your plans look great with lots of good dining reservations! Subbing for next installments!! Have a magical holiday!!

 

[KapBoy77]

Soooooooooo!? How was it? Did everything go according to plan? Or did you have to tweak things while you where there?

Andre