WDW with a Toddler, or A Tour of WDW Play Areas - May 2012 - *FIN 5/30*

[amazingact21]

LOL, I knew you'd appreciate that. It can go along with your outfits spreadsheet!

I didn't realize you used to live in Louisiana. Whereabouts? I'm from about a half-hour outside New Orleans. We're going "home" (I still consider it home) Memorial Day weekend, and I can't wait!

My family was military, so we were at Barksdale AFB for two years, and lived in Bossier City (outside of Shreveport.) While I don't consider it my "home" it's where I finished high school, and because I ran the roads every weekend, I remember the city really well, and my best friend still lives there. I bet you're excited to be going back for Memorial Day!

 

[Elleshoodat]

My family was military, so we were at Barksdale AFB for two years, and lived in Bossier City (outside of Shreveport.) While I don't consider it my "home" it's where I finished high school, and because I ran the roads every weekend, I remember the city really well, and my best friend still lives there. I bet you're excited to be going back for Memorial Day!

Awesome! I'm with you on "running the roads." There wasn't much else to do in my hometown, lol. Yes, I am super excited to be going home. We're trying to get all of our flying in before DS turns 2 and we have to pay for him on Southwest. Plus, it's crawfish season!

 

[MHTeacher]

I think your lists are a great thing!

I love coffee mugs---just sitting on a Saturday morning, drinking coffee from my Mickey mug, and reading the DIS....It's a great day!

One of the best souvenirs I ever bought was a watch---just the classic black band with Minnie on the face. I wear it every day-a constant reminder-and it always makes me happy when I look down at it!

 

[Elleshoodat]

I think your lists are a great thing!

I love coffee mugs---just sitting on a Saturday morning, drinking coffee from my Mickey mug, and reading the DIS....It's a great day!

One of the best souvenirs I ever bought was a watch---just the classic black band with Minnie on the face. I wear it every day-a constant reminder-and it always makes me happy when I look down at it!

YES! I'm a morning person, and sometimes I'll get up before the baby on Saturdays so I can have my coffee while reading the DIS in peace. It's my Mommy Time.

 

[tofubeast]

I keep crossing my fingers that this ugly storm above our state blows far far away by the time you make the drive to WDW. crossing fingers.

 

[Elleshoodat]

I keep crossing my fingers that this ugly storm above our state blows far far away by the time you make the drive to WDW. crossing fingers.

Thanks. I am right there with you. Weather.com is saying there's a 30% chance right now (I'm sure it will go up as we get closer), but even if we do get some storms, I'd rather be at Disney World spending time with my family than at work.

 

[Elleshoodat]

I can hardly believe our trip is almost here, but tomorrow we go to Disney World!!! We've tweaked our plans a bit in the last week or so, but here is what our final itinerary looks like:

Day 1, Wednesday 5/2:
We will leave home after lunch and make the two-hour drive to WDW. Hopefully DS sleeps most of the way since it will be his normal nap time. After checking into POFQ, unpacking and resting or exploring a bit, we will get all dolled up for our portrait session and head over to the Poly.

After our 5 p.m. mini session, we will have dinner (DH wants to drive over to the Crossroads for Buffalo Wild Wings) before returning to POFQ to explore and maybe swim. I hope to get DS to bed at his usual bedtime ... and I'm crossing my fingers he sleeps well even though he'll be in a strange place.

Day 2, Thursday 5/3:
Animal Kingdom rope drop is 9 a.m., so I'm hoping to leave the room by 8:15, 8:30 at the latest so we can drive over. We may not make it for the actual rope drop, but hopefully we will still beat the midmorning rush.

Must-dos:
• Kilimanjaro Safaris
• Maharajah Jungle Trek
• Pangani Forest Exploration Trail
• The Boneyard
• Affection Section

Maybe-dos:
• Finding Nemo – The Musical or Festival of the Lion King
• Expedition Everest
• DINOSAUR

We will probably leave the park in the early afternoon, and I doubt we will return. We'll spend the rest of the day at POFQ, swimming or taking the boat to Downtown Disney. Early night this night, as the next day is Magic Kingdom day!

Day 3, Friday 5/4:
We will definitely be at Magic Kingdom for the opening ceremony and 9 a.m. rope drop. In fact, I'm planning to take the resort bus this day so we don't have to go through the TTC.

The plan is to leave the park after lunch so DS can nap back at the resort (and hopefully Mommy and Daddy, too!), then return to the Magic Kingdom in the evening. I don't know that we will make it all the way to Wishes, as much as I'd love to; we will play it by ear.

Must-dos:
• Dumbo
• it’s a small world
• The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
• Peter Pan’s Flight
• Tomorrowland Transit Authority/PeopleMover
• Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
• Carousel of Progress
• Walt Disney World Railroad
• Jungle Cruise

Maybe-dos:
• Mickey’s PhilharMagic
• Pirates of the Caribbean
• The Haunted Mansion
• Magic, Memories & You
• Wishes

Day 4, Saturday 5/5 (my 32nd birthday!):
This morning after checking out, we will hit Epcot for a few hours before making the drive home (booooo). Rope drop at is 9 a.m., and we have a Via Napoli ADR at 11:30 a.m.

We have a few must-dos, but for the most part will take it easy. Probably soon after lunch we will get on the road and head home so DS can nap. But again, we will follow his lead.

Must-dos:
• The Seas with Nemo & Friends
• Journey Into Imagination with Figment
• Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros
• Flower & Garden exhibits, especially the playground

Maybe-dos:
• Turtle Talk with Crush
• Soarin’
• Living with the Land
• Spaceship Earth
• Innoventions

 

[tofubeast]

Day 1, Wednesday 5/2:
We will leave home after lunch and make the two-hour drive to WDW. Hopefully DS sleeps most of the way since it will be his normal nap time. After checking into POFQ, unpacking and resting or exploring a bit, we will get all dolled up for our portrait session and head over to the Poly.

Hope the session goes well!! I hope you share the pics with us!!

Day 2, Thursday 5/3:
Animal Kingdom

Must-dos:
• Kilimanjaro Safaris
• Maharajah Jungle Trek
• Pangani Forest Exploration Trail
• The Boneyard
• Affection Section

Maybe-dos:
• Finding Nemo – The Musical or Festival of the Lion King
• Expedition Everest
• DINOSAUR

What about Camp Minnie to see characters? Your son might like Triceratop Spin as it is just like Dumbo. My friend's 2 yo loved Lion King, so I think we are going to do that with our DD. I think it is 25 mins, so shorter than Nemo.

Day 3, Friday 5/4:

The plan is to leave the park after lunch so DS can nap back at the resort (and hopefully Mommy and Daddy, too!), then return to the Magic Kingdom in the evening. I don't know that we will make it all the way to Wishes, as much as I'd love to; we will play it by ear.

What time is Wishes that night? Hoping you guys get to make it.

Must-dos:
• Dumbo
• it’s a small world
• The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
• Peter Pan’s Flight
• Tomorrowland Transit Authority/PeopleMover
• Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
• Carousel of Progress
• Walt Disney World Railroad
• Jungle Cruise

Maybe-dos:
• Mickey’s PhilharMagic
• Pirates of the Caribbean
• The Haunted Mansion
• Magic, Memories & You
• Wishes

Don't forget to consider the Tea Cups. He might love it if you don't spin. Also, don't forget the carousel in FL.Also Aladdin's magic carpet ride and Tiki room.

Day 4, Saturday 5/5 (my 32nd birthday!):
Happy Early B'day!!

Must-dos:
• The Seas with Nemo & Friends
• Journey Into Imagination with Figment
• Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros
• Flower & Garden exhibits, especially the playground

Maybe-dos:
• Turtle Talk with Crush
• Soarin’
• Living with the Land
• Spaceship Earth
• Innoventions

I'd try Turtle Talk if you have time and Living with the Land.You are going to have such a great time!!! Enjoy yourself tomorrow. Lucky girl!

 

[MHTeacher]

Have a safe and magical trip!

 

[amazingact21]

You're leaving tomorrow! You're leaving tomorrow!!!!

That's so exciting! I hope departure day goes smoothly, and that you all have an awesome trip! Make lots of memories with your DS and DH!

 

[Maestra99]

Almost time to hit the road!!!

Best wishes and pixie dust for a magical trip!!!

Side note: good call on Buffalo Wild Wings! It's my DH's all-time favorite and we try to eat there while in Orlando, though we go to the one on I-Drive. Enjoy!

 

[Imagineer5]

Woohoo!!! Have a safe drive and an awesome first day!!! So jealous!! Can't wait to see pictures! I'm thinking about POFQ for a weekend trip in December - so I hope you enjoy your resort and can give me your thoughts on it!!

 

[tofubeast]

Have a blast!! I saw a Mickey shaped cloud in the sky this morning on my way to work, and it made me think of your trip today. Maybe it means some extra pixie dust during the trip!!

 

[MinnieLovesMickey]

Have a safe trip. Can't wait to hear all about it when you get back.

 

[Rienchen]

We walked past you guys at the magic kingdom twice yesterday, once outside dumbo and once outside columbia harbour house.
Andrew looked adorable in his plaid shorts and Mickey tshirt

 

[tofubeast]

Happy Birthday!!

 

[Elleshoodat]

I'd try Turtle Talk if you have time and Living with the Land.You are going to have such a great time!!! Enjoy yourself tomorrow. Lucky girl!

We did a combination of our must-dos, maybe-dos and some of the attractions you suggested. The best-laid plans and all that.

Have a safe and magical trip!

Thank you! We definitely did.

You're leaving tomorrow! You're leaving tomorrow!!!!

That's so exciting! I hope departure day goes smoothly, and that you all have an awesome trip! Make lots of memories with your DS and DH!

You are still there, but I'm home now. Boo. I hope you rocked the EE5K (I'm sure you all did) and are enjoying your trip!

Almost time to hit the road!!!

Best wishes and pixie dust for a magical trip!!!

Side note: good call on Buffalo Wild Wings! It's my DH's all-time favorite and we try to eat there while in Orlando, though we go to the one on I-Drive. Enjoy!

We LOVE BWW! We enjoyed it as usual, but it sure was different being there with a toddler. Usually we are watching sports and drinking! LOL.

Woohoo!!! Have a safe drive and an awesome first day!!! So jealous!! Can't wait to see pictures! I'm thinking about POFQ for a weekend trip in December - so I hope you enjoy your resort and can give me your thoughts on it!!

POFQ was pretty darn perfect. I'll write more about it in my TR, but its size can't be beat.

Have a blast!! I saw a Mickey shaped cloud in the sky this morning on my way to work, and it made me think of your trip today. Maybe it means some extra pixie dust during the trip!!

Aww, how sweet! I could've sworn I saw one, too, as we were driving on I-4.

Have a safe trip. Can't wait to hear all about it when you get back.

Thanks so much!

We walked past you guys at the magic kingdom twice yesterday, once outside dumbo and once outside columbia harbour house.
Andrew looked adorable in his plaid shorts and Mickey tshirt

Oh, how funny. I wish you would've stopped us! It would've been nice to meet a fellow DISer. I hope you're enjoying your trip!

Happy Birthday!!

Thank you so much! That is so sweet.

 

[Elleshoodat]

Thanks so much for the well wishes, everyone! Our trip was fantastic -- completely different from any trip I've taken before, but magical in its own way.

We got home yesterday evening, and today I'm unpacking and doing (loads and loads of) laundry while DH does the grocery shopping (I sent him with a detailed list, lol).

I'm planning to take a few days to decompress and gather my thoughts before starting my trip report, but I'll be sure to post a link once it's up.

I hope all of your trips are as amazing as ours was!

 

[MinnieLovesMickey]

Thanks so much for the well wishes, everyone! Our trip was fantastic -- completely different from any trip I've taken before, but magical in its own way.

We got home yesterday evening, and today I'm unpacking and doing (loads and loads of) laundry while DH does the grocery shopping (I sent him with a detailed list, lol).

I'm planning to take a few days to decompress and gather my thoughts before starting my trip report, but I'll be sure to post a link once it's up.

I hope all of your trips are as amazing as ours was!

Looking forward to hearing more about your trip!

 

[tofubeast]

Thanks so much for the well wishes, everyone! Our trip was fantastic -- completely different from any trip I've taken before, but magical in its own way.

We got home yesterday evening, and today I'm unpacking and doing (loads and loads of) laundry while DH does the grocery shopping (I sent him with a detailed list, lol).

I'm planning to take a few days to decompress and gather my thoughts before starting my trip report, but I'll be sure to post a link once it's up.

I hope all of your trips are as amazing as ours was!

Welcome back. You mentioned posting a link when the TR goes live. I think all you need to do is tell the mod for this board to move your thread to the TR boards, so you can keep it all here.