Up, down and all around...a trip we will NEVER forget - COMPLETE 1/19

[CJsMom]

Thanks so much for your fun trip report! Have a great time on the next trip - can't wait to read all about it and see more pictures of Henry on his second trip to WDW!

 

[momplus3plus4]

a

 

[cheerful chickadee]

I'm so glad I found your trip report, I love your style of writing and your massive amounts of pictures, I felt like I was there with you guys! You remind me of myself I'm kinda crazy with the camera (I have a Rebel XTi) but my family IS NOT patient with me taking photos of any and everything (meanie bo-beanies). The main reason I appreciated your report is because of Henry and seeing what a great time he had even after being sick for the first bit. We'll be taking my DD on her first trip in May and she'll be 19 months at the time, I'm a tad worried of how she'll react to certain things like characters, 3-D shows and etc. My older ds was 7 on his first trip so we've never had to drag along diaper bags, strollers and all that baby paraphinalia. I'll be looking forward to your future TR's!

Congrats on buying DVC, luckies!!!

 

[OhMari]

Hi,
I can't believe you finished this.
I'm still waiting for our photopass pictures.
Long story not worth telling.

I wish we could have met. We were at the same parks on the same days.
Animal Kingdom
and the Magic Kingdom day.
I saw the time clock picture on Main Street and we were just
finishing up our Keys to the Kingdom Tour.

Great pictures.

That event however, really encouraged us to go visit Kennedy Space Center on this upcoming January trip, and to plan our December trip dates around another launch (and Mousefest). Hopefully we will get to see that launch! I am very tempted to surprise Joe with getting tickets to Kennedy, or renting a car and traveling to near by town, that day to see the launch closer up. I know he would LOVE it. We'll see...we've first got another TR to write before I can start on those PTR plans.

Here is a tip. Sign up on Kennedy Space Center web page.
They will e-mail you when tickets go on sale to see the launch.
I took the gamble and purchased the tickets.
You have to spend the day at the Center but it was well worth it.
My boys never stop talking about it.
We had the nite launch, so the day was a lot longer, but if it it a day launch, you won't have to wait so long.
The only downside, it took 3 1/2 hours to get back to Orlando.
It should have only taken 1 hour.

 

[Mocharilla]

It's over! I'm so torn if I'm glad to have read it all or sad that it's over.

I hope you're having a great time in Disney! (I'm sure you are!)

We always fly NWA, too, because they're much cheaper. It's only a 2-hour no-layover flight for us, so we've never lost luggage or had issues with the food, and when it's $100/ticket cheaper...

Can't wait for your next TR!!

 

[brookelizabeth]

Hi everyone!
We arrived at SSR earlier today, and BRRRRRRRRRRRRR it's coooooooold! But, still warmer than Minnesota. Tomorrow is supposed to be cold too, then it should warm up.

Today we explored a bit, attended the much anticipated GF Tea (!!!) and went to MK!

We are EXHAUSTED from adventures in flying, so we turned in early. Joe is nearly asleep, I'm watching TV and spending sometime online-straight from the King sized bed in our 1 bedroom villa. LOVIN' IT!

We've already taken about 100 pictures, I haven't downloaded them yet, but hopefully will get to that tomorrow to give ya'll a sneek peek!

 

[IluvXU]

Enjoy every moment!

 

[Perkins5]

Hope you have a great time. I really enjoyed reading your last trip report and can't wait to hear about this one. Your son is sooo cute!!!

 

[brookelizabeth]

I have really loved reading your TR. Thanks for sharing your trip with us!

I hope you have a magical time in Disney!!!

Thank you!

I just saw a Steak n Shake commerical and thought of you! I've also got several light fixture pictures already....

Brook, it was a great trip report! I am sorry that it is over, but it looks like the next one is just around the corner! Have a great trip!

Thank you! It was a blast to write, I'm looking forward to writing the new one too.

See you in just a few days!

Have a great time! I can't wait to read about the next trip

Thanks! I can wait to write the TR because that would mean the trip was over! But, when that time comes, it will be fun to write!

Thanks for sharing your trip with us, both ups and downs. I've enjoyed reading. Sad to see it come to an end but you go back tomorrow!!!!

Something to look into if you try to do a launch in December. I have heard that there are organizations that will pick you up at your hotel in Orlando/WDW, take you to Kennedy, have reserved spots for launch viewing and include admission to Kennedy. From what I hear, not having to deal with the traffic and crowds for viewing are worth the cost and it can save the cost/hassle of renting a car too. Worth looking into maybe?

I thought there HAD to be an organization like that! We tried to find something like it for the November launch, but the only one we could find would pick you up and even if the launch was canceled due to ANY reason (even weather), your money was gone. And it was over $100. We just didn't feel comfortable with that sort of situation - do you know of any others?

I love the "corrected TR" portion of your last post! And about the previous post - what a bummer about all the problems you had with NWA. Not a fun way to end a trip. Hope you have better luck this time around. It will be interesting to see what happens to airfares when Southwest starts flying out of MSP...

Have so much fun!!! I can't wait to hear about your trip and all your new adventures. This TR was a blast to read and made even more special after our meet!

And enjoy Ikea! There's just something about that place!! We were there on Saturday after Junior requested a stop there on our impromptu trip the Cities. (After having Thursday and Friday off due to the cold temps and knowning he had Monday off for MLK Jr. Day, and with DH having to volunteer at something in the Cities, we decided to ride along and go to the MN Zoo while DH was busy. Beat being trapped in the house for another day!)

Do you know when Southwest starts flying out of MSP? I look forward to that time, I'm very curious on how the other airlines will react too.

What a fun impromptu trip to the Cities! I love the zoo - haven't been there in years though. Hmmm...maybe something to mark down on the list for the near future. The Como Zoo is always so much fun in the summer too. And free - big bonus!

Henry had a GREAT time at Ikea. Running and shrieking...I also came to the conclusion that my baby is very ready for his toddler bed instead of a crib.

have a great time on your trip and i for one will be anxiously awaiting another trip report. thanks for sharing

Thank you for reading!!

I love, love, love Henry's silhouette!

I am sad that your TR is over, but looking forward to your next one and seeing what you think of DVC and SSR! I hope you have a fabulous time this week!

I love the silhouette too! It's such a unique thing. I plan to get one of him every year (will do December 09 so there is more visable change) and then put them in an album.

So far DVC and SSR are GREAT! Lots of pics and details coming in about two weeks!

Great trip report - thanks so much for writing it! I enjoyed reading it a lot!Looking forward to the next one.

Wishing you safe, smooth travels (hear that Northwest!!!)

Thanks for letting Northwest know! And thank you for reading!

I've been reading your trip report from sometime in the beginning. A great read! Thanks for taking the time to write it and can't wait until you return and tell about the next one. Hope this one has fewer restroom visits. Have fun!

Oooooh, I hope this one has fewer bathroom breaks too!

Thank you for reading along!

Brook - Our two DDs are almost 8 years apart but we have their WDW silhouettes hanging on the wall facing each other. I think it is the best souvenir we have ever brought home too!

Oh, I love how that sounds! They are so unique and special and captures a moment in time.

Thank you thank you thank you for the wonderful trip report!!!!! Looking forward to the next one!

Have a magical trip!

Thank you for reading!

I love all the souvenirs, especially Henry's silhouette! I'm still absolutely amazed that they did it freehand Crazy!

I really am sad to see this report come to an end, but I'm really looking forward to the next one! This is a trip you'll never forget for so many reasons, especially because of buying into DVC. Now on all future DVC trips you'll always be reminded of this one - the one that really started it all Did you ever start a pre-trip report for your next trip? I just want to make sure I didn't miss anything! Have an amazing time!!

I know, I can't believe they do the silhouettes freehand either. It's an awesome talent!

I never did a pre-trip report for this current trip (January) because there is no way I could keep up on two reports. I shared a few tidbits here and there, but most of it has been kept a mystery!!

Hi Brook!
What a great end to a great trip!! With a few minor bumps and bruises on the way....but that's what makes memorable, right? Looking forward to the next trip...I hope you have wonderful weather, I hope you enjoy your first DVC experience, I hope no one is sick and I hope you share it all when you get home!! Safe Travels!!

Take care!!
Kristen

Exactly! All the bumps made the trip unforgettable (and incredibly commical at times!).

I will be sharing the trip when we get back -and a few tidbits throughout the stay too.

I can't beleive your TR is over...I have enjoyed every post! But I guess you needed to finish it before you start your new one!!!! I hope your trip is wonderful! We just got back from WDW on Friday and I am already wanting to go back!! I know you will enjoy SSR...like you, we just recently purchased DVC and stayed on SSR on developer points. Have fun making new memories!!! And take notes so you can start your TR as soon as you get back!!!!

Yep -that was my goal, get this TR done before leaving for this current trip. I just barely made it!

Thank you so much for reading along! Taking notes and looooots of pictures for the new TR.

And so far, we really like SSR!

Hello,

I decided to browse back through my old TR and found the link to yours there. I just finished reading it. I enjoy it when someone has a kid or kids near the ages of mine. There was a lot to comment on however I can't remember it all right now. Just that Henry is adorable, So sorry you were sick at the World, glad to hear you started feeling better towards the end, your pictures are fantastic! and, oh, CONGRATULATIONS on becoming a DVC member. I had never really heard too much about it but it sounds very exciting. If you ever run out of people to take with you, we are always available..lol. Anyway, I think as I write this you are back at disney. Lucky, lucky you. Hope you have a fantastic time and would love to see a TR on that one.

Tracy

Hi Tracy!
I remember you and your adorable little ones! Thank you for reading-glad to hear you enjoyed it! DVC is so great, the more I learn about it, the more I am glad we bought it. I didn't know much when we took the tour, so I asked a jillion questions before we bought into it! The DVC guide was very helpful and patient explaining over and over again how the program worked, etc. so we could see if it was right for us.

There will be a TR coming up on this trip!!

Great Trip Report! Can't wait for the next report.

Have a safe and Magical trip.

Thank you!!!!!

Great trip report Brooke. I'll be keeping this tab open in Firefox ready for the next one.

Thank you! The TR will be coming in about 2 weeks (or so) - and little updates throughout the stay "live" from WDW!

It's that time!!!! I hope you guys have a wonderful trip and you have some special magical moments!
I love Henry's profile cutout! I wish we had done that!
Safe travels!!!!! Talk to you when you get back!!

Thank you! I learned about the profile here on the DIS - I believe in another TR. I doubt I would have ever noticed if it weren't for the DIS-it's so full of information, isn't it?

Thanks so much for sharing your trip with us Brook! You have a beautiful family

I hope you have safe travels and a wonderful time at WDW! Looking forward to your new report!

Thank you for reading!

I am so sad that your TR is over!!!! The good news is that you are on your way back down there again and will hopefully come back and write another one! Hope you have a great trip and good luck with Northwest this trip!

Oh yes, I will be back with another TR!

Thank you!

Wow, what a great trip report. I'm sorry to see it end but looking forward to your next one.

Thank you!! It has been fun to write - but I was happy to see it end because it meant this one was starting!

Thanks so much for your fun trip report! Have a great time on the next trip - can't wait to read all about it and see more pictures of Henry on his second trip to WDW!

Thanks for reading along! I'll have lots and lots of pictures!

a

I'm guessing the DIS ate your post... Or maybe I left you speechless?

I'm so glad I found your trip report, I love your style of writing and your massive amounts of pictures, I felt like I was there with you guys! You remind me of myself I'm kinda crazy with the camera (I have a Rebel XTi) but my family IS NOT patient with me taking photos of any and everything (meanie bo-beanies). The main reason I appreciated your report is because of Henry and seeing what a great time he had even after being sick for the first bit. We'll be taking my DD on her first trip in May and she'll be 19 months at the time, I'm a tad worried of how she'll react to certain things like characters, 3-D shows and etc. My older ds was 7 on his first trip so we've never had to drag along diaper bags, strollers and all that baby paraphinalia. I'll be looking forward to your future TR's!

Congrats on buying DVC, luckies!!!

That is the same camera we have - we LOVE it! Joe and I both are very into taking pictures, which is nice, because it's never bothersome to either one of us to hold each other up for pictures. We'll see how Henry feels about it has he gets older though.

Henry is now almost 17 months, he was 14 months on the November trip. It's amazing how different 3 months are! If you have any questions or anything, let me know and I can share anything I have learned.

I think I went over the 3D shows in my TR-Henry would get antsy during them (but bearable), and some of the loud noises did startle him. I think, during this trip, it will be even more so with the loud noises. He's starting to really develop and understand how the world normally sounds and what to expect....I'll be sure to report back on any extreme reactions, good or bad, in my TR.

All the baby gear is annoying...always carrying around 4393098 bags. BUT, it's still worth it!

Hi,
I can't believe you finished this.
I'm still waiting for our photopass pictures.
Long story not worth telling.

I wish we could have met. We were at the same parks on the same days.
Animal Kingdom
and the Magic Kingdom day.
I saw the time clock picture on Main Street and we were just
finishing up our Keys to the Kingdom Tour.

Great pictures.


Here is a tip. Sign up on Kennedy Space Center web page.
They will e-mail you when tickets go on sale to see the launch.
I took the gamble and purchased the tickets.
You have to spend the day at the Center but it was well worth it.
My boys never stop talking about it.
We had the nite launch, so the day was a lot longer, but if it it a day launch, you won't have to wait so long.
The only downside, it took 3 1/2 hours to get back to Orlando.
It should have only taken 1 hour.

I can't believe I finished it either! I was just hoping my stamina with writing it would stay steady and I would actually finish! It was really fun to write though, and some crazy adventures to relive and tell.

I'm so sorry to hear about your Photopass pictures! I know the gal I did a share with had some trouble getting them from Disney, having to renew codes and all this fiasco. Hopefully yours come soon.

I wish we could have met up too! I kept watch for a green lanyard too. I know my path crossed with Cammie more than once, but we never saw each other either. Yet, I managed to run into the family from the airport again, and I actually ran into the woman who got her son's hair cut in front of us at Epcot on our last day too. Can't find the people I was watchin' for though!

Thanks for the tip on KSC! I will have Joe sign up on their website. I DO NOT look forward to that drive back. But, I know it will be worth it for my dear, dear, dear hubby!

It's over! I'm so torn if I'm glad to have read it all or sad that it's over.

I hope you're having a great time in Disney! (I'm sure you are!)

We always fly NWA, too, because they're much cheaper. It's only a 2-hour no-layover flight for us, so we've never lost luggage or had issues with the food, and when it's $100/ticket cheaper...

Can't wait for your next TR!!

Yes! We are having a great time so far! There have already been bumps, but we are just loving being here!

That is why we fly NWA too. It's usually so much cheaper. Plus, I have a lot of miles through them already (due to an old job that I traveled for), so I like to build up my miles there, despite me not liking their business.

This time I am better prepared to have snacks for the flight home, just in case!

Enjoy every moment!

Thank you!



Thank you to everyone for reading along - and thank you for your kind compliments on my family, our pictures and the TR in general. It was a BLAST to write and get to know some of you along the way!

Like I said above, I'll check back in throughout the week - I'll probably start the new TR off with my little "live from the World" updates, so I'll post a link here once I do that.

Talk to you all soon!!

 

[brookelizabeth]

Hope you have a great time. I really enjoyed reading your last trip report and can't wait to hear about this one. Your son is sooo cute!!!

Thank you!!!
I look forward to sharing all the soon-to-be-had memories with you all in just a couple weeks! (But, it better not come too soon!)

 

[thewesterberg]

Glad you made it there safe and sound! Have so much fun!!!

Southwest is suppose to start flying in March. At first they'll just offer flights out of MSP to Chicago.

 

[sugar1967]

I'm in! Just finished reading your last TR and am looking forward to hearing about your new adventures

 

[Charleston Princess]

Yeay! I am glad you are getting some Disney magic and made it to the GF tea! Looking forward to a sneak peek!

 

[princess&her4princes]

Hi everyone!
We arrived at SSR earlier today, and BRRRRRRRRRRRRR it's coooooooold! But, still warmer than Minnesota. Tomorrow is supposed to be cold too, then it should warm up.

Today we explored a bit, attended the much anticipated GF Tea (!!!) and went to MK!

We are EXHAUSTED from adventures in flying, so we turned in early. Joe is nearly asleep, I'm watching TV and spending sometime online-straight from the King sized bed in our 1 bedroom villa. LOVIN' IT!

We've already taken about 100 pictures, I haven't downloaded them yet, but hopefully will get to that tomorrow to give ya'll a sneek peek!

Have a WONDERFUL time!!! Can't wait to hear all about it!!!

 

[MeMom]

Hi everyone!
We arrived at SSR earlier today,

Tomorrow is supposed to be cold too, then it should warm up.

Today we explored a bit, attended the much anticipated GF Tea (!!!) and went to MK!

I'm watching TV and spending sometime online-straight from the King sized bed in our 1 bedroom villa. LOVIN' IT!

You lucky dawg, you!!!

It's 17 degrees and boring where I'm sitting.

 

[Charleston Princess]

You lucky dawg, you!!!

It's 17 degrees and boring where I'm sitting.

ME TOO! EXACTLY! 17 AND BORING! (The school is taking the writing assessment so I don't have any classes until 10:45).

 

[MissMichelle]

Have a great trip! Can't wait to read your live accounts since I will be there in just 5 days!

 

[mickeysmyboy]

Hi Brook!! I just caught up, again! That was one heck of a trip home! I can see why you strongly dislike Northwest! I hope you experience on your current trip is better!!

Have a great time!! I hope it warms up!

 

[disneydusted]

Hi Brook! It was very fun to read your post from disney!!! So exciting that you are there right now! It is nice to have people on the DIS post while they are there so we can come along too.
What has been your most exciting thing so far?

 

[william4192]

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