Wait, weren't you just at Disney World? An August '14 Pre-Trip Report *updated 8/24*

[TheMaxRebo]

I like the plans. I am hoping they change the FP+ to four, etc., before we head out there at the end of May, but I'm not counting on it.

My only concern is your "watching Wishes" from the beach at the Poly. I don't know what it will look like by August. It was a mess in March. I posted pics on my TR. It was very sad to see all the trucks, etc., on the beach.

Thanks for your thoughts! I do hope they roll out the changes to FP+ relatively soon - I would be hopeful they have them out by your trip as they would want some "testing" time before summer, I would think.

Thanks for the reminder about the construction at the Poly - and that may/will definitely impact our decision. To be honest that is definitely something I see us skipping - but we do love that view so my inclusion of it was probably more "wishful thinking" than reality

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Pre Trip Report: Part 10 - Disney Jr. Live: Princess and Pirate Adventure​

This past Saturday we surprised Peter and Olivia with going to see Disney Jr. Live - Princess and Pirate Adventures!. And I really played it up telling Olivia for several days ahead that we had a surprise for them. We even got them new t-shirts just for the event ... ok, so maybe I was excited for this too.

Before I continue I will warn you all that we only had our cell phone cameras with us and our seats were under a bit of an overhang which messed with the lighting, etc. .... basically, please excuse my less than stellar photos


So we arrived at the Westchester County Center in White Plains, NY (after a slight detour to buy some diapers and wipes as we realized we forgot the diaper bag at home .. whoops!) and the giant banner hanging our front gave away what we were there for. The kids were pretty excited ... and excitedly practicing their AAAARRRRRGGGGHHHH!!!!!

We then stopped at the souvenir stand for some overpriced, er, I mean wonder filled light up toys for the kids (seriously, each of these things was more than the tickets we got!) - but Olivia was happy to get a flashing Magic Amulet and Peter got a light up pirate sword (that also made a metal clanking noise when you pushed the button).

We then got some snacks (cotton candy and waters, along with some granola bars we brought with us), then found our seats and waited for the show to start:

and Peter practiced with his sword:

About 10 minutes before show time they have a little pre-show with Doc McStuffins which was pretty cute ... but mostly just to keep the kids from getting too rowdy before the show started.

Then the main show started as none other than Mickey and Minnie made there way out! I was actually pretty excited for this as the promotion for the event mentioned that Mickey and Minnie would sit this one out to watch the adventure so I thought they wouldn't be there at all - but the were and were used to kinda set up the show. They then "argued" (in song form of course) which were better - Princesses or Pirates!

This led to the first segment which was focused on Sophia the First. Which led to my major disappointment for the show - the fact that Tim Gunn was not there to play the role of Balliwick, whom he voices in the cartoon. But they had all the main characters and Olivia was very excited and kept pointing out everyone and what role they play on the show, etc.

At one point Sophia casts a spell to make the cupcakes supersized (and disaster ensues):

Fortunately, Cinderella shows up to teach a lesson on how princesses stick together or something or other:

After the conclusion of that story they had a fairly long intermission. When we returned, Mickey and Minnie set up the next part which was focussed on Jake and the Neverland Pirates.

This part all the kids in the crowd were really into and singing along with all the songs. Peter really loved this part and was just memorized by it. At one point they call Tinkerbell who helps them get Peter Pan who flies in and saves Jake. Hook then gets trapped by Tick-Toc Croc, but Jake and friends use their pixie dust and save Hook sending the message that heroes help anyone in need.

Afterwards, Mickey and Minnie returned to close the show with a song and dance number that featured all the main characters from the show:

They sang that song that goes "You can be ... who you want to be!" .... which I always add to with "as long as it's ... a pirate or a princess ... since that what we have all this stuff to sell you!"


In total, it was actually a pretty well put together show with some inventive sets, a ton of characters and moved a nice pace. And to see how much Olivia and Peter enjoyed it, it was totally worth the price. Honestly, I think the evening will be one of those memories that sticks with me fondly as they grow older.


Afterward we went across the street to the City Limits Diner for some late snack food - we got some mac & cheese, lobster wantons, zuchini fritters, and french fries. Kids got chocolate milk and I got a Brooklyn Brewery Black Chocolate Stout. Everything hit the spot and my beer tasted like Tootsie Rolls which was great as this was also my dessert!

TTFN

 

[KatMark]

What a fun afternoon! I remember taking the kids to the circus or Disney on Ice and those souvenirs costing more than the tickets. You can tell your son was having a blast with that sword.

 

[Leshaface]

Such a great review of Aladdin! Sounds like the three of you had a really nice time. Did Olivia enjoy it? I've only seen one broadway show and that was the Lion King back in 2001 in LA. I still remember it being the best thing i'd ever seen!

Your plans look great for your trip. Do you use easywdw to plan your park days? I completely forgot about FotLK being moved! Do you know when the move took place? I'm glad that I was able to catch it in October in the new theater then! Festival of Fantasy Parade?! Geez, i've been out of it for a while it seems..need to get it together before January.

So glad the kids enjoyed Disney Junior Live! That stout sounds delicious

 

[TheMaxRebo]

What a fun afternoon! I remember taking the kids to the circus or Disney on Ice and those souvenirs costing more than the tickets. You can tell your son was having a blast with that sword.

It was a fun time - it was a bit of a last minute thing so very glad the kids enjoyed it.

I went into it knowing a) the souvenirs would be expensive and b) I would let the kids each get one. Thankfully they were both good about not wanting more than one thing

Such a great review of Aladdin! Sounds like the three of you had a really nice time. Did Olivia enjoy it? I've only seen one broadway show and that was the Lion King back in 2001 in LA. I still remember it being the best thing i'd ever seen!

I think Olivia did enjoy it - right after she said she only liked parts of it (I think in the moment she gets fixated on the scary parts and that makes her think she didn't like the whole thing .... heck she said he didn't really like Frozen right after we saw it for the first time and now she loves it)

Your plans look great for your trip. Do you use easywdw to plan your park days? I completely forgot about FotLK being moved! Do you know when the move took place? I'm glad that I was able to catch it in October in the new theater then! Festival of Fantasy Parade?! Geez, i've been out of it for a while it seems..need to get it together before January.

I used a couple of sites as far as crowd calendars go, including easywdw to help plan what days to go to what parks. Beyond that the main planning resource I have used in the thread on the disboards that goes over priorities for FP+ in each park, etc. that I found super helpful.

So, the last performance of FOTLK in it's original location was back in January. The new Theater is still being built (behind Tusker House) with an expected opening in June or July (though some reports have it potentially being sooner)

If you haven't seen the Festival of Fantasy Parade - check it out! (unless you want to be surprised). It is really cool with a bunch of new and very cool floats!

So glad the kids enjoyed Disney Junior Live! That stout sounds delicious

The kids really, really enjoyed it ... very fun to experience it with them. The stout was very good - though, one was enough for me as it wasn't beery enough for me

 

[Imagineer5]

Aww sounds like such a fun time with the kids!! Wish we weren't missing it, but I guess Disneyland will just have to do...

OK so i posted about it in the DVC group without much help, so I called BLT and the CM I spoke with said that when I check in, my Magic Band will be given access to the lounge (I was worried about this - in the past I have been given a KTTW card which states "DVC member" even if I was renting points and I always just showed that to get up to the lounge! She then said that yes, i can bring up guests. So, my plan is the 1st night I am there I'll head up to the lounge and check to be sure my Magic band lets me up (without showing a DVC member card) and also ask about bringing guests up.

Maybe we can exchange cell #'s? The 26th would be perfect to meet up! I'd love to meet Judi and the new little one too, but if she would like a night to relax that would work too! I can let you know on the evening of the 24th how it works out. If for some reason they don't allow me up to the lounge without a membership card, then maybe we can plan a meetup for the Poly or someplace like that and see Wishes from there. -let the kids play in the sand!

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Aww sounds like such a fun time with the kids!! Wish we weren't missing it, but I guess Disneyland will just have to do...

OK so i posted about it in the DVC group without much help, so I called BLT and the CM I spoke with said that when I check in, my Magic Band will be given access to the lounge (I was worried about this - in the past I have been given a KTTW card which states "DVC member" even if I was renting points and I always just showed that to get up to the lounge! She then said that yes, i can bring up guests. So, my plan is the 1st night I am there I'll head up to the lounge and check to be sure my Magic band lets me up (without showing a DVC member card) and also ask about bringing guests up.

Maybe we can exchange cell #'s? The 26th would be perfect to meet up! I'd love to meet Judi and the new little one too, but if she would like a night to relax that would work too! I can let you know on the evening of the 24th how it works out. If for some reason they don't allow me up to the lounge without a membership card, then maybe we can plan a meetup for the Poly or someplace like that and see Wishes from there. -let the kids play in the sand!

Yeah, I suppose Disneyland can work as a 2nd rate substitute

Thanks for looking into BLT, etc. and so much for offering. I sent you a PM with some more info and my cell #

 

[teekathepony]

The Disney Jr. Live looks like such a great show! The kids look like they had a great time, love the pic of the two of them on the steps in front of the banner. Dinner after looks really good too. Beer that tastes like tootsie rolls? Well I'm intrigued!

 

[amberg93]

Looks like you had a great time at the show! I watched a lot of Sofia in Mexico instead of going out and partying, so it grew on me

But it does seem like it would be a great memory for both you and the kids to have. And way to be great parents and get them the light up things, my mom would have told me that I didn't really need it So A+ parenting.

Also, late night snack foods are the best. Though how did your beer end up tasting like a tootsie roll exactly?

 

[khaleesi]

Plus, if you aren't picky about which show to see, there are tons of ways to get reasonably priced tickets to various shows that are playing.

Good to know!!

... of course this is all new thinking as the recent announced change allowing a "rolling 4th FP+" as well as park hopping changes some of my initial thoughts.

How long was I asleep?! This is the first I've heard of this. Interesting!! Your plans sound fun!! And YAY to Tusker House breakfast!!! Definitely one of my favorite things from my trip!!

At one point Sophia casts a spell to make the cupcakes supersized (and disaster ensues):

Supersize cupcakes sounds pretty amazing to me. I can't possibly imagine where the disaster comes in. Haha.

Looks like a fun afternoon!!! I adore Sophia.

Hope your wife is feeling good!!

 

[TheMaxRebo]

The Disney Jr. Live looks like such a great show! The kids look like they had a great time, love the pic of the two of them on the steps in front of the banner. Dinner after looks really good too. Beer that tastes like tootsie rolls? Well I'm intrigued!

It was actually a pretty well put together show - wasn't sure how they would do it but was pretty impressed. Dinner was fun - not the healthiest, but hit the spot!

Looks like you had a great time at the show! I watched a lot of Sofia in Mexico instead of going out and partying, so it grew on me

But it does seem like it would be a great memory for both you and the kids to have. And way to be great parents and get them the light up things, my mom would have told me that I didn't really need it So A+ parenting.

Also, late night snack foods are the best. Though how did your beer end up tasting like a tootsie roll exactly?

Sophia the first or partying out in Mexico ... tomato/tomahto - basically the same thing

yeah, I almost went back on my initial thought and not buy the light up toys since they were $25 each, but the kids did really enjoy them and I think by pre-agreeing to 1 thing it made it much easier vs. them wanting everything

So the beer was brewed with cocoa and coffee and somehow that mixed with the malt they used wound up tasting like a tootsie roll

How long was I asleep?! This is the first I've heard of this. Interesting!!

I don't think they have revealed exactly what date the changes to FP+ will take effect but they are adding a rolling 4th FP+ (that becomes available after you use all 3 of your first one and adding the ability to park hop

Your plans sound fun!! And YAY to Tusker House breakfast!!! Definitely one of my favorite things from my trip!!

We did it for the first time last trip and really liked it - good mix of "different" food but also standard Disney breakfast food ... plus Krispy Kreme donuts!

Supersize cupcakes sounds pretty amazing to me. I can't possibly imagine where the disaster comes in. Haha.

Looks like a fun afternoon!!! I adore Sophia.

Well, the issue was that they were so big and wound up getting into everything and just making a big mess more than just being big.

Hope your wife is feeling good!!

Thanks! She's doing ok, though gets tired at times and find things just uncomfortable at times. Emma is definitely moving around in there and making her presence known

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Pre Trip Report: Part 11 - Happy Easter!

​

Hope you had a wonderful Easter or Passover or just a good day and/or week!

We had a very nice day today. First, the Easter Bunny delivered for the kids:

and we are the best/worst parents ever since we let the kids have a Cadbury Caramel Creme Egg for breakfast:

Olivia and I then went to church - Judi had gone last night for the vigil (she sings in the choir).

Then we were off to a local restaurant/inn named Le Chambord. First up, family pictures:

Then the Easter Bunny came out and led the kids on an egg hunt:

After a while the Easter Bunny whispered to me the location of the golden egg which I then pointed out to Olivia. She was rather excited to have found it:

Her prize for finding it was a 2lb solid milk chocolate bunny:

We then went in for bunch which was really nice (sorry, no pictures). Nice selection and really nice dessert area - Olivia loved the chocolate fountain.


Then back home and after Peter napped we went out for some fun with the bubbles that they each got in their Easter baskets:

The rest of the day was mostly relaxing, keeping up on the latest stand-by wait time and FP+ disappearing drama for the Anna/Elsa meet and greet, I think the kids watched Frozen twice ... you know, the usual.

Hope everyone had a wonderful day!

TTFN

 

[teekathepony]

Happy belated Easter to you and your family! Looks like a very nice Easter for you all. Love the ship bubble blower, that caught my eye! Lol

keeping up on the latest stand-by wait time and FP+ disappearing drama for the Anna/Elsa meet and greet

Oh yes, I was keeping an eye on that too!

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[Disney Khaleesi]

Finally catching up after our trip!

It looks like the Easter Bunny(ies) spoiled Olivia and Peter rotten! And oh my goodness-will Olivia ever finish the 2lb bunny she won at the egg hunt? It took me two months to eat a chocolate frog from from WWoHP! I doubt I'd ever be able to finish that, let alone little Olivia!

 

[missangelalexis]

I think your plans are sounding really great!

Sounds like a great day seeing Disney Junior live! I'm glad it was all worth it

Cute Easter baskets, the photo of the 4 of you is lovely. Glad you had a great Easter!

 

[KatMark]

Love all the photos from your Easter celebration. It looks like it was a very nice day.

 

[amberg93]

It is basically the same thing. Besides, I got my pool bar on during the day, so I was good by the night time

Ahh thanks for clearing up the beer issue. At least you liked it and it wasn't gross.

Also great Easter pictures. And lucky Olivia for getting the golden egg. I hope she shared that giant chocolate bunny though

 

[poison ivy]

Happy Easter to you and your family. Looks like a great day! Thanks for sharing.

I've been enjoying reading all fun the events that have been happening as you get closer to your trip.

That Anna and Elsa meet and greet situation is crazy!!!

I think we adults get a little too caught up in not wanting to miss out on the action when something goes viral. And I'm not sure our kids would have really cared one way or the other, had we not made such a big deal about it and brought it to their attention.

I have been guilty myself and gotten up at many the unimaginable hour to do whatever it takes. But we all have to draw the line somewhere.

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Happy belated Easter to you and your family! Looks like a very nice Easter for you all. Love the ship bubble blower, that caught my eye! Lol

Oh yes, I was keeping an eye on that too!

Thank you! The ship bubble blower is pretty cool and we thought it would be relatively easy for Peter to use ... and it was! First couple of times he tried sucking instead of blowing though - but then he got the hang of it .... until he tried to pour the entire content of his bubble solution bottle into the little tray and it went everywhere at least

Finally catching up after our trip!

It looks like the Easter Bunny(ies) spoiled Olivia and Peter rotten! And oh my goodness-will Olivia ever finish the 2lb bunny she won at the egg hunt? It took me two months to eat a chocolate frog from from WWoHP! I doubt I'd ever be able to finish that, let alone little Olivia!

Yes, the kids made out great, though we tried to not overdo it, not too many lose candies in there.

Judi's plan is to schedule a play date with other families/kids around eating the 2lb bunny so it won't just be up to Olivia

I think your plans are sounding really great!

Sounds like a great day seeing Disney Junior live! I'm glad it was all worth it

Cute Easter baskets, the photo of the 4 of you is lovely. Glad you had a great Easter!

Thanks - hopefully it works out. Also know that I need to show more flexibility than usual for this trip

Disney JR. Live was definitely worth it. Glad we decided to do it ... it was rather last minute of us with isn't the norm, but definitely happy we did it

Thank you! I am glad we got a nice family picture, although Judi commented that it looks like her ever-growing belly is crushing Olivia's head a bit

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Love all the photos from your Easter celebration. It looks like it was a very nice day.

it was a nice day - got lucky with the weather as well. Easter last year it was not nearly as nice!

It is basically the same thing. Besides, I got my pool bar on during the day, so I was good by the night time

Ahh thanks for clearing up the beer issue. At least you liked it and it wasn't gross.

Also great Easter pictures. And lucky Olivia for getting the golden egg. I hope she shared that giant chocolate bunny though

Ah, nothing better than a good pool bar. Place we went to for our honeymoon had one of those swim-up bars, we spent a good amount of time there!

Yeah, the beer was definitely not gross - though, not sure if I would have wanted more than the one. Generally enjoy it when my beer mostly tastes like beer (though the last beer I brewed I brewed with coriander and then fermented with cinnamon sticks, so I guess I like that sort of thing too )

Well, wasn't total luck with the Easter Bunny whispering to me the location She will definitely be sharing that bunny - she could barely hold it let alone eat it all!

Happy Easter to you and your family. Looks like a great day! Thanks for sharing.

I've been enjoying reading all fun the events that have been happening as you get closer to your trip.

That Anna and Elsa meet and greet situation is crazy!!!

I think we adults get a little too caught up in not wanting to miss out on the action when something goes viral. And I'm not sure our kids would have really cared one way or the other, had we not made such a big deal about it and brought it to their attention.

I have been guilty myself and gotten up at many the unimaginable hour to do whatever it takes. But we all have to draw the line somewhere.

Thank you and hope your family had a nice day as well.

I fully agree that parents add to the hype and can feel like it is "the thing to do" and that they have to get involved to fully appreciate things or they would be missing out. I mean, I think it happened with the running of the bulls for Toy Story Mania as well ... word spread that that was what you had to do, so more people did it which meant it became more important that you did it so more people did it, etc.

Hopefully things calm down a bit by the time we go ... actually, as long as we can get a FP+ for it we shall be good! At least they added that as an option versus the only way to meet them being getting a pre-park opening ADR for Akershus or waiting for 4 hours