Two OCD Workaholics and Two Grateful Kids (almost) Left it All Behind (A Trip Report)

[ChrisMouse]

Ok, so I posted this on the end of my pre-trip report, and realized that instead I should start a new thread since I am no longer working on a PRE trip report (ok, mini sad sigh there...*sigh*). Post-Disney blues aren't in full force yet, but I'm sure they'll come on strong as I finish this report.

So...posting this again now as the first post in my "Trip Report"...so here goes nothing (or everything!)

I can't believe the trip we planned for so many months is now over. We're back, we're exhausted, but we had a truly wonderful time.

I took 822 pictures (in addition to my photopass photos, of which there are 268 before edits). I have food porn and other terrific photos to share, and am excited to begin my trip report.

Highlights...(as a preview of things to come)

My kids are crankier than your kids...or...Don't see Wishes on your arrival day.
Lovebugs? What lovebugs? and other DIS thoughts
Florida weather--or...how to swim through the air
Character breakfast at CP...or...100 year wait for the 100 acre wood
Planes, trains, peoplemovers, clammobiles, doombuggies, boats, gliders, rockets, simulators, coasters, logs, and automobiles
Toy Story Mania...my new obsession
Even a 7 year old sometimes needs a stroller (esp. at Epcot)
I guess kids can't drink their way through the World Showcase
This way to the famous cricket....be still my beating heart
Mulan's Kiss: and 42 other magical character interactions for a 5 year old
"Where's Boo?" said the 5 year old to the big blue monster
Peter Pan as the Rooster Crows
As the sign in the bus says..."Turned my pumpkin into a princess at the BBB"
"You mean THAT catsup, Madam?" said the CRT server down his very long...long...nose.
Absolute Gluttons at Goofy's Candy Company
and...
the best of all...
Pirate and Princess Party Friday night...my best night EVER in the MK.
See, honey, the people on the DIS really are REAL.
Yes, Captain Jack, I guess my 5 year old DID steal the rum.
A dead camera battery in the middle of the P&P parade, and YES, I missed close up photos from the best fireworks spot for the best fireworks show EVER (still trying not to weep over THAT!)

Can't wait to share with you all.

Settle in, grab an imaginary Dole Whip with me, and make sure your seat belts are fastened.

 

[ChrisMouse]

In case you haven't been along for the ride all along, here's a link to my pre-trip report.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1809931

In the pre-trip report I explain why DH and I are two OCD workaholics, and why our poor neglected kids really needed a trip to Disney World. The pre-trip report will also explain why I went through a tube and a half of antibacterial gel every day, and why I felt the need to add Lysol and bathroom cleaner to my GardenGrocer order before the trip.

Incidentally, I would like to start off the report by shouting out a HUGE thank you to all of you on the DIS who responded to my questions (sometimes idiotic, although I certainly didn't ask what time THAT PARADE might start...)

Thanks to Robo for the maps that led me to good spots for fireworks, and to all of the OKW folks over on the Vacation Club boards who answered my endless questions about bus stops, refrigerator sizes, laundry facilities, and the quantities of paper goods I would find in my room.

Thank you to all of you who speculated about lovebugs with me (more on that later!) Who wondered about exactly how hot it might get in May (thanks to Hydroguy for the historical temps...hope your trip was great, too, Hydroguy...think I remember you were going in May)

Thanks to everyone who suggested magical things to do and see...who suggested ways to teach my kids to spread and find the magic. As a result, there was WAY MORE pixie dust for us in Florida.

Thanks to everyone who provided their favorite eating spots, who commisserated with me on what ADR's I should secure...who helped me to make charts and spreadsheets to determine if we should do the Dining Plan (more on that later, too!)

Thanks to everyone, I had a terrific trip.

So I dedicate this trip report to all of you. People who STILL answered my questions even though they maybe answered them ten million times before. People who might have shaken their heads at my crowd worries, my weather worries, my worries about lines or about souvenirs.

YOU are all to be thanked for my terrific trip. Thanks for putting up with my silly questions. And in honor of you all, I will be paying it forward. It's my turn to answer all of those questions for new people on the board.

But FIRST...I need to really start this trip report.

Ready?

 

[LegoMom3]

I'm here, I'm here!!

Thanks for linking us over from your PTR!


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[ChrisMouse]

Saturday, May 10th

We live in Colorado, and we had to get up at the crack of dawn. Keep in mind, that despite my 4 weeks of packing, my husband was STILL freaking out and packing TWO LAPTOPS and paperwork (yes, for work) at 11:30 pm the night before. So despite my best intentions, we were up late and then up early and tired. But we were super excited, and the kids were in bed early, which helped.

My son:

My husband and daughter:

It's a pretty long plane trip to MCO from DIA, but we met some really nice people on the plane. The mom had her TGM binder out and was doing some last minute research (a woman after my own heart, and it looked from a distance like HER planning put mine to shame!) Her son and mine became fast friends, which was fun. Ironically, we were on the same flight home on the 17th. Glad they had as much fun as we did!

Quick word on TGM--we had VERY good luck following his advice, and when we veered from "the plan" we did NOT have good luck. The longest lines we stood in were for the bus to and from the resort. Our longest line was when we waited 15-20 minutes for Soarin'. Using the Fastpass system and my general "best times" from Mike, we hardly waited in line. Not sure how his advice works during a busier time, but we did great with it and will use it again.

We arrived at MCO around 2:20pm and made our way easily through the airport to the Magical Express and our first Disney queue line I was all set to take a photo of the bus for my scrapbook, but we were transported in a yellow Mears bus instead, which was a little disappointing, but who cares? We were headed for Disneyworld!! It was hot (93) and muggy (yikes!) but we really didn't care.

We found the line, bus trip, and check in at Old Key West to all move very quickly. I think it took around an hour and fifteen minutes, but we had a lot of luck. I think I would advise people to plan on 1.5 to 2 hours for this. When we pulled into OKW, it was a real thrill to see that "Welcome Home" sign.

Our groceries were delivered by GardenGrocer about 10 minutes after we checked in. This couldn't have gone better. Everything we ordered was perfect, and the groceries and water were really a lifesaver for us. We ate in the room A LOT due to lots of different factors, so I know if we hadn't ordered the groceries our trip would not have been as great. I could not believe how much water we went through. It was amazing. My husband thought I was ordering too much...but it was just about right.

We instantly loved the resort. The sandcastle pool slide, the theming, the quiet relaxation--it was just awesome. The cast members were all fantastic, the room was comfortable, and we loved it immediately. It really is our vacation "home". However, you can understand that we didn't want to spend TOO much time there right away I DO have to admit that I immediately tore into the bathroom and kitchen cleaner I had ordered and quickly cleaned the kitchen and bathroom areas. It made me feel better After we had been so sick before the trip, I just couldn't risk it.

After my mini cleaning fest, we loaded up on water and headed for the Magic Kingdom (against Mike's advice) because I HAVE to do the MK on my first night. I just have to see that castle...*sigh*

PLUS, the Jungle Cruise was going down for refurb on Sunday, so Sat. was my only chance to enjoy one of my favorite rides. Here's a peaceful look at that lovely green river

We also grabbed a quick dinner in Pinocchio's Village Haus, and were quite pleased. We had mini pizzas and salad. It was pretty good!

Everything would have been GREAT if we hadn't overstayed our energy levels. We just couldn't help ourselves...despite our early morning and long plane trip, we stayed for Spectro and Wishes, with the two crankiest children in the Magic Kingdom. They were really bears. I was "that mom" who kept her kids out way past the "magic moment" when you are about to pass the point of no return. I am so thankful that we were surrounded by compassionate tourists from England who were kind to us and our children despite the crankiness. I whipped out the glow sticks and my kids and the kids from England had at least a few magic moments while we watched the parade and fireworks.

I will continue more later.

Next up...the 100 year wait for the 100 acre wood...otherwise known as the character breakfast at CP on Mother's Day.

 

[sunnyday123]

I love brand new trip reports!! But I can't see your pictures!

 

[LegoMom3]

Can't see the pics either!!........


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[dananbethany]

I love brand new trip reports!! But I can't see your pictures!

Me either - and I'm looking forward to them. We want pictures...we want pictures...we want pictures...pretty please.

 

[dreamer17555]

Join in! But no pictures for me either Can't wait to read all about your trip!

-Becca-

 

[ChrisMouse]

Ok

So can anyone point me to a tutorial for how to get pics to post correctly? They look fine to me so that's no help. I'll be a quick study if someone can point me in the right direction, and then I can get this trip report BACK on the monorail track!!

 

[Supermom3]

loved your pre-trip report and am enjoying this report too. Can't wait for more.

 

[pooksma]

See people did read your pre-trippie. I followed you here and am not the only one.

Posting pics~you have them uploaded to a hosting site like photobucket right?

 

[ChrisMouse]

Thanks for following me, everyone!!

Can you all see the photos now? If they are there, I can get on with the next installment

Let me know!

Chris

 

[sunnyday123]

I see them now!!!!

 

[pooksma]

Great photos- you have beautiful children.

 

[ChrisMouse]

First--a BIG thank you to Cheshire Figment for the crash course in photo posting!!!


Ok, back to business!

Let me start by honestly saying that Crystal Palace is really a lovely place to eat. It has nice atmosphere with all of those windows, and it is in a truly lovely location.

I chose this particular breakfast because it was my Mother's Day gift to myself. I wanted to get into the MK before the park opened and take beautiful pictures of the castle without other people in the shots. (Yes, I wanted to OWN the place!!) I'm not embarrassed to admit I like to feel SPECIAL. I wanted to stroll up Main Street without the crush. My kids wanted to see Pooh, Tigger, Eeyore, and Piglet. We got to do all of that, so it was terrific. That said, this meal took us over TWO HOURS, which was too bad.

We arrived at 7:40 for an 8:05 ADR. It was a fun atmosphere, and cast members were handing out flowers to the moms, which was thoughtful. My son, who loves flowers, quickly commandeered mine, but that was ok.

The walk up Main Street was lovely once we let the crazy commando folks go up ahead. It was such fun to see the park so empty. I got to take so many nice pictures, and my family humored me by smiling nicely in front of the castle. My husband even made me get into one of the pictures, which I rarely do (I'm always behind the camera).

We were called into the restaurant at about 8:10am. The way they check you in is really chaotic, and there just HAS to be a better way. There were mobs of people standing on the porch, and many of them had reservations for 8:30 or later, yet they had to crush in and be first in line. I just never understand that. This was, of course, not our first OR last experience being smooshed into a Disney holding area, but SHEESH. There will be plenty of Mickey waffles for everyone, people! They call you in one family at a time, so we were pretty early in the process (despite being way back in that line of people checking in for their 8:30 reservations!!) I think the theory behind checking in families one at a time could be good--this would be a good way to turn the tables faster, in my way of thinking...IF they would fill a small area at a time with families, and then right away had the characters begin to do their greetings. However, this is NOT what they did. They scattered the 8:05 families all throughout the restaurant, and we began to eat. Then the later reservation families trickled in, and they began to eat.

All well and good...and my kids LOVED the food (not that my daughter ended up eating all of the rediculous food she piled on her plate!). You can tell we don't do many buffets.

The waffles were perfect, and we had "made to order" omelettes that were just outstanding. (*Note that this is NOT obvious...it is a cast member behind the counter and is not incredibly clear that they are doing this.) My omelette was bacon, tomato, and cheese, and was outstanding. Wish I had taken a photo, but I just forgot once I got that terrific thing back to my table!) The fruit was so fresh and flavorful. And the puffed french toast lived up to its reputation. YUM.

We were actually FINISHED eating before the characters began to make their rounds. I was glad we were going to finally get the party started, and we DID. There was wild and crazy napkin swinging, and a silly little parade that my kids loved.

Woohooo...the fun had begun! The only problem was, there was a lot of sitting around in between, especially since we had finished eating. We finally got to see piglet just before 9.

And then ANOTHER parade and round of napkin swinging. At 9:30 we were finally seeing Pooh, and I asked the character "handler" how long she thought it might take to see Eeyore and Tigger. She said it usually takes about an hour from your reservation time to see all the characters Not so for us. We still hadn't seen Eeyore and Tigger by ten, so I asked for help. This request was cheerfully received, and after waiting through another parade and napkin swinging session we were assisted in seeing Eeyore and Tigger...the only problem was that Tigger was very disapproving when the "handler" explained that he needed to see us next since we needed to go. This put a bit of a damper on the experience...but close to 2.5 hours was just too long for us.

Because of this experience, we chose to cancel the other two character meals we had planned for later in the trip. I'm sure another family enjoyed those meals. We just don't do well sitting on our hands while we could be out enjoying rides...like this one...

Up next...Lovebugs? W hat lovebugs? and other DIS thoughts...
and

Florida weather--or...how to swim through the air

 

[dreamer17555]

Oh no! I can tell you that we did 8 character meals on our trip and we were always done in an hour or less. I am so sorry that you cancelled your other ADR's. It seems like Crystal Palace sorta messed everything up. I would have spoken with a manager. If nothing else they will generally give you a family fastpass for an inconvience.

Really I hope this won't sour you to character meals. They really are so much fun. And they normally don't take anywhere close to that long.

-Becca-

 

[ChrisMouse]

Don't worry...we're not really soured on the character meals We DID keep our CRT, and let me tell you, that one was like a well-oiled MACHINE. I was amazed...but I'll get to that part of the story later The ones we cancelled were a Tusker House breakfast (again with the 8:05 time, so I was nervous since we only had one day at Animal Kingdom) and Chef Mickey, which was for 5pm the night of the Pirate & Princess Party...and I wanted to make sure we were in line for Captain Jack at 6:30ish...so I was afraid we'd be late.

I think I just learned my lesson that character meals CAN sometimes take longer than you expect. And it wasn't really a BAD experience (good food, great pictures...) I just felt bad it took so long. I think our table must have been missed somehow, although the characters didn't come anywhere nearby, or we would have made sure we weren't missed...it was very, very weird. Two tables near us just left after only seeing two characters.

Anyway, I'm sure we'll try again. Because like I said, the CRT meal went like a DREAM. I'll catch up to that story soon!

 

[dreamer17555]

Aww too bad you cancelled Tusker House. We had an 8:05 and it was perfect. We were out and done and waiting by the rope before the park opened.

-Becca-

 

[LegoMom3]

Ok, first of all.....you guys are SOOO cute!! All of ya! It's nice to put a face to a username, y'know?! (although some like me prefer to bask in our anonimity... ).

Anywho, I can't believe it took so long to see the characters at CP!! We went there in '06 and it was nothing like that. We also didn't have any napkin-waving nor a parade, so I'm wondering if they've changed things around. It honestly sounds more like our experience at Chef Mickey's, where there WAS napkin-waving and what could be construed as a parade, and we didn't have as many characters come to our table there as CP....

Right.

Now I'm having a mild freak-out over our upcoming trip....


But this is about YOUR trip, not mine!!! Can't wait for more!


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[disneyhockeymad]

Just followed your link from your PTR. Loving your TR already!
Sorry you didn't enjoy your breakfast at CP, still at least you got to see the castle in all its glory without the crowds!!! And a flower... that your son stole!!!
Your pictures are amazing, I can't wait to see... and read, the rest!!!