We Survived! 9 days of land & sea - with a 3 year old! -9/1- NEW PIC I HAD TO SHARE!

[Tnkrbelle565]

Another great update! Love the pic of your son looking at the train. You are doing a great job if you are just learning how to use that camera

 

[amandaw]

Another great update! Love the pic of your son looking at the train. You are doing a great job if you are just learning how to use that camera

Thank you! That picture of him is another one of my favorites from this trip. Thanks so much for the encouragement on my camera skills! I took a class 2 weeks prior to us leaving for vacation, so that I would at least have the basic knowledge & techniques down & could finally get off of "Auto"!

 

[NateNLogansDad]

Thank you! That picture of him is another one of my favorites from this trip. Thanks so much for the encouragement on my camera skills! I took a class 2 weeks prior to us leaving for vacation, so that I would at least have the basic knowledge & techniques down & could finally get off of "Auto"!

It worked!

 

[NateNLogansDad]

Yay! I'm glad everyone seems to be enjoying it. I was intimidated to do a TR on here, but I'm really glad I'm doing it. It's like reliving our vacation all over again!

I really am enjoying it. Your pictures are VERY nice to say the least Only thing I would have changed so far is going into Mexico! There's a ride in there that my family has to do whenever we get to Epcot called Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros. Picture small world with Donald Duck and some skeletons

Sorry...didn't mean to cut in! Carry on

 

[amandaw]

Tip of the Day: Bring a big water bottle from home. If you are staying at Club Level (at least this was the case at Wilderness Lodge), they do not put out plastic bottles of water in the Club. But, you can ask for water. They will bring out this big, glass bottle of water that is corked. Oh yes, fancy schmancy water. Have them uncork it & fill up your water bottle from home. This will help you ensure your family stays hydrated in the park & you won't be buying water all day!

So, it was finally our day to head to the Kingdom. Put on your walking shoes, because we have a lot of ground to cover!

We woke up at 6am & started getting ready. We ate breakfast in the Club, for the first time. Since we are not big breakfast eaters, this was perfect for us. Ed was able to have a toasted bagel with some peanut butter & a side of fruit. Reid had a muffin & fruit. Everything was very fresh!

We headed out to the boat dock at about 8:15am. When we got to the dock, there was a very long line waiting for a boat to Magic Kingdom. But, we were actually able to make it onto the first boat that came. I was so happy that we were able to make it onto this boat because we were able to get to Magic Kingdom just in time for this.....



This was Reid's first time seeing the Rope Drop show & he was very excited about it, as well.



Then, it was time to start making our way into the most magical place on Earth. Well, I think this says it all:



We made our way on to Main Street & I immediately felt the magic take over! I hope there never comes a day when I walk on to Main Street & I don't feel the excited butterflies that take over. That would just be a sad, sad day. Anyway, I had to stop and take the mandatory castle shot:



We kept straight, and walked right through Cindy's house.



We were on a mission! And where did that mission take us? Here, of course!



After Reid's first trip in December, he decided Dumbo was his & Mommy's ride. I'll show his ride with Daddy in a little bit. So, Reid & I went to wait for Dumbo. Even though we got there at Rope Drop & went straight there, the wait was 25 minutes. Not horrible, I know. But, it just always amazes me how that ride gets such long waits. Now, while Reid & I were waiting in line, Daddy was on his own mission: obtain FP's for Peter Pan. We did finally make it on to Dumbo:



This was the best shot I could get of the construction going on in the expansion:



After Dumbo, Ed took Reid on the carousel because there was no wait. I didn't get any good shots of them on it, though. It might've had something to do with the fact that I struck up a conversation with another lady who was there with her husband and they had brought their 2 boys for their very first trip. After the carousel, we made our way to:



Reid liked this ride when we came in December. But, it quickly became one of his favorites on this trip. For his 3rd birthday this past March, we gave him the movie, Peter Pan. Ever since then, he has been obsessed with it! Almost everyday, he asks to watch the movie. And just about every other night, we read the book for a bedtime story. So, we used our FP's & didn't have to wait long at all to get into our Pixie Dusted pirate ship & take off for Never Land! After Peter Pan, we had to hop on over to my absolute (sentimental) favorite ride in all of WDW:



Yes, that's right: It's a Small World! It's sentimental to me because on my very first trip (summer 1987), I was 9 years old & my Dad & I rode this probably close to 20 times. After the first 2 times, the family didn't join us any more. I'm so happy that Reid also loves this ride & as soon as he gets on the boat he starts singing the song. Would you like to hop in the boat with us & see some of my favorite scenes? No groaning! And yes, you have to. It'll only take a few seconds:







Okay, I'll end the torture now. I'm sure most of you already have the song going on a continuous loop in your brain by now. So, we headed out of there (much to Ed's delight - he REALLY hates that ride) and were headed to Reid & Daddy's ride: the race cars. I know a lot of people complain about how unexciting this ride is. But, to my little boy you could swear it's a fun-filled, high speed ride down the Autobahn. This time, it was my turn to be on a mission: FP's for Buzz Lightyear. When I got back to the speedway, there had been practically no wait for the guys & they were already off. Because the wait time was so low, I sent them back again:



Once they guys were done with their second trip on the Autobahn, we headed on over to one of Ed's favorite rides:



It's Teacup Time! Like I stated above, Ed loves this ride. He especially loves seeing just how fast he can spin us until I say something. Reid also loves this ride & spinning fast. Now, I know I'm biased, but I always love watching Reid's face on this ride because it really and truly is just pure joy. I'll let y'all decide for yourselves:





It truly warms my heart to watch my son emit pure happiness. After Ed & Reid spun me silly on the teacups, we decided to keep it up & headed to another spinning ride:



While walking through the FP line, I overheard a man (probably in his 40's) comment to his wife, "How many of these **** fastpass tickets are they going to give to people?". Cracked me up! For us, riding this can be just as bad as the teacups because Reid likes to control the car. He doesn't really care about shooting the gun. It takes all Ed & I have to stop him from spinning us the whole time, so that we can try & score some points. We have a tendency to be a bit competitive on this ride. Once we were done saving the galaxy from the Evil Emperor Zurg, it was time for us to get more FP's. So, of course, we got another set for Buzz for later that day. Then, it was time for more important matters - lunch!

We headed back to Fantasyland and went into the Pinocchio place. It was an absolute mad house in there. They wouldn't let you get a table until you had all of your food and party. So, that was not fun having to keep all 3 of us in line. And this is where I encountered one VERY rude guest. So, we ordered & stood in line for our food. Food received, we were trying to make our way back out between two lines with the food & 3 year old in tow. There was this woman, her husband & their daughter standing in one of the lines waiting to order. Well, the woman & her husband were blocking the way for people coming out with food. He could see me, she could not. Three times I said, "Excuse me". Neither one of them moved. I then said it a little louder. The husband moved, she did not. Even louder, I said "Excuse me, can we please get through with food?" She moves. As soon as I pass her, she says, "YES, you CAN but why are you yelling at me?" Well, I heard her. I about lost it! I turned around & yelled back at her, "Maybe because you're blocking the whole walkway!" We finally found a table. Just as I was starting to calm down, who came & sat at the table next to us? Oh yeah, you guessed it. It just got me all work up again. Ed suggested I get up & give her a hug. He knows how to help settle me down when my feathers are ruffled, which happens quite easily. I have to say, the food there was not worth all the commotion, but whatever, we left full.

After that ordeal, we went across the way & obtained more FP's for Peter Pan for later that afternoon. We then headed back to Buzz to use the last set of FP's we had got. After that, we slowed it down a bit on this:





Once we were off, we starting making our way to meet up with a couple of old friends. Who were they? Well, you'll just have to come back for the next installment to find out!

 

[amandaw]

I really am enjoying it. Your pictures are VERY nice to say the least Only thing I would have changed so far is going into Mexico! There's a ride in there that my family has to do whenever we get to Epcot called Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros. Picture small world with Donald Duck and some skeletons

Sorry...didn't mean to cut in! Carry on

Thanks so much! I am so glad I took that digital photography class before our vacation. That was, hands down, the best $60 I've spent in a long time.

Believe it or not, in all my trips to WDW, I've never done that ride! I had every intention of doing that with Reid this trip, especially since he loves Donald. But, he was busy being Sleeping Reid & we never got around to it. That's why we have to go back again....right?

 

[emma212010]

Great update!! Reid is too cute on those teacups!!! Sorry about the commotion in Pinocchio's place! Some people can be so rude I'm glad the rest of your day went well though! It looks like you guys had so much fun!! I'm excited for the next update!!

 

[IamTrike]

Wow the concierge level and WL looks really nice. We really like that resort but have never done concierge.

You mentioned coming back during flower and Garden to take pictures. We've been at all different times of the year and while everything is beautiful then, I think it'd be hard to pick a time of year to come to Disney when there isn't a ton of stuff to shoot.

Our first stop was in Mexico.

We didn't really stop here, just a quick walk-through.

I'll second the suggestion others have about riding the 3 Caballeros. You really must do it, so it is absolutely a reason to go back

We were then off to Germany, where I knew Reid would want to see the miniature train display.


Now I love the details that Disney puts into so much of their work, as I'm sure all of you do as well. I noticed for the Flower & Garden festival, they had added miniature topiaries to the miniature train display!

Wow We'll have to look for those if we head back next year.

After this, Reid really wanted to go & ride Golfball Earth again. So we headed back that way to ride. We then went & rode Journey into Imagination one more time. We decided to ride The Land & see how he liked it. He actually enjoyed it, especially the part where you see the fish in tanks & the baby alligators. He is obsessed with alligators! We then started making our way back to the world showcase. Here's us setting out on our way:

That is such a good ride.

After Illuminations, we made the mad dash to get out of the park & onto a bus. There was a bus already there for Wilderness Lodge & we were able to cram ourselves, stroller & bags onto it! We made it back to our room to find these guys waiting up for us:

That was very nice of them to wait up. I hope they didn't get into an mischief.

Tip of the Day: Bring a big water bottle from home. If you are staying at Club Level (at least this was the case at Wilderness Lodge), they do not put out plastic bottles of water in the Club. But, you can ask for water. They will bring out this big, glass bottle of water that is corked. Oh yes, fancy schmancy water. Have them uncork it & fill up your water bottle from home. This will help you ensure your family stays hydrated in the park & you won't be buying water all day!

So does the "fancy water" taste like the rest of the water at the resorts?

So, it was finally our day to head to the Kingdom. Put on your walking shoes, because we have a lot of ground to cover!

Ya'll are quite the commando family even with a 3 year old.

We made our way on to Main Street & I immediately felt the magic take over! I hope there never comes a day when I walk on to Main Street & I don't feel the excited butterflies that take over. That would just be a sad, sad day. Anyway, I had to stop and take the mandatory castle shot:

Amen to that.

So, we headed out of there (much to Ed's delight - he REALLY hates that ride) and were headed to Reid & Daddy's ride: the race cars.

I am inclined to agree with Ed.

 

[amandaw]

Great update!! Reid is too cute on those teacups!!! Sorry about the commotion in Pinocchio's place! Some people can be so rude I'm glad the rest of your day went well though! It looks like you guys had so much fun!! I'm excited for the next update!!

Thank you! I guess it was just the heat of the day, crowds & hunger that lead to her & I having quick, heated words. We really had a great vacation. In fact, at the end, Ed & I both said this was our best vacation ever. I'm hoping to do the next update tonight!

 

[amandaw]

Wow the concierge level and WL looks really nice. We really like that resort but have never done concierge.

It was really nice. I don't know that I would ever do it if I didn't have the 40% discount, though.

You mentioned coming back during flower and Garden to take pictures. We've been at all different times of the year and while everything is beautiful then, I think it'd be hard to pick a time of year to come to Disney when there isn't a ton of stuff to shoot.

I know, you can always find different things to shoot at Disney. We normally go while the Christmas decor is up and I would like to go back again to shoot some of that stuff now that I have a decent camera & sorta know what I'm doing!

Wow We'll have to look for those if we head back next year.

Seeing those little details really put a smile on my face that day!

That was very nice of them to wait up. I hope they didn't get into an mischief.

They didn't get into any mischief........that night.

So does the "fancy water" taste like the rest of the water at the resorts?

The "fancy water" was soooooooo good. I know, it's just water, right? But, when they bring it to you in the bottle, it is so cold & just so fresh & clean tasting. If you've ever tasted Fiji water, that's what it reminded me of!

Ya'll are quite the commando family even with a 3 year old.

Yes, indeed! Reid has never been one to take naps. He just has bounds of energy & doesn't sleep much. So, we can pretty much go, go, go with him. When he's tired, he will go to sleep no matter where he is. I'm thankful that he has no problem sleeping in his stroller.

I am inclined to agree with Ed.

Oh, you guys! Y'all just need to open up to the cuteness of it all!

 

[NateNLogansDad]

I want to go back

 

[amandaw]

I want to go back

Me, too! Me, too! I've been trying to figure out when we can go back. But, we have a lot of changes in the year ahead for us, beginning in just a few weeks. I'm working on a plan to get us there for March 2012, for Reid's 4th bday. I'm afraid if that doesn't work out, it may not be until 2014! I just can't have that!

 

[PegIra]

Amanda,

Great report and I can hardly wait to get back to WDW to take more pictures. Hopefully we can get out around here soon so I can practice with my new camera. As a grandmother, I love childen and Reid is adorable. I'm with you, that first look down Main Street never ceases to thrill us and we will be going back the last week of December. Keep up the great repot !!

Peg

 

[broadwaybookworm]

Joining in. Your son is adorable and your pictures are lovely.

 

[amandaw]

Amanda,

Great report and I can hardly wait to get back to WDW to take more pictures. Hopefully we can get out around here soon so I can practice with my new camera. As a grandmother, I love childen and Reid is adorable. I'm with you, that first look down Main Street never ceases to thrill us and we will be going back the last week of December. Keep up the great repot !!

Peg

Thanks! I'm so glad you could come over here & take a look! The last week of December will be a great time to go & gets lots of wonderful pictures. And that gives you lots of time to get familiar with your new camera!

Joining in. Your son is adorable and your pictures are lovely.

Welcome & Thank you! I'm so glad you could join us.

 

[Tnkrbelle565]

Love the teacup pics!!! I will never get that pic because I would lose my breakfast/lunch/whatever if I went on the teacups Luckily my DH can still stomach all the rides so he takes DD on. Isn't it so sad how WDW brings out the best and worst in people?

 

[NateNLogansDad]

Me, too! Me, too! I've been trying to figure out when we can go back. But, we have a lot of changes in the year ahead for us, beginning in just a few weeks. I'm working on a plan to get us there for March 2012, for Reid's 4th bday. I'm afraid if that doesn't work out, it may not be until 2014! I just can't have that!

Do it while you can.....Disney announced that they are trying to wean people off of expecting discounted offers. They want the price to be the price eventually. It looks like the free dinning days and things like it, are things of the past.

 

[amandaw]

Love the teacup pics!!! I will never get that pic because I would lose my breakfast/lunch/whatever if I went on the teacups Luckily my DH can still stomach all the rides so he takes DD on. Isn't it so sad how WDW brings out the best and worst in people?

Thanks! I'm okay with the teacups until Ed starts spinning really fast. But, I figured out a trick on this last trip. If I just looked through the eyepiece of my camera the whole time, I couldn't tell we were spinning & I felt much better! Unfortunately, I think there are some people in the world who would find a way to be miserable no matter what their circumstances. Life's just too short to be that way!

Do it while you can.....Disney announced that they are trying to wean people off of expecting discounted offers. They want the price to be the price eventually. It looks like the free dinning days and things like it, are things of the past.

Oh goodness! Sometimes we do the dining plan & sometimes we don't, although we do like it. I really prefer it when they have the room discounts. If they do away with those, we may have to use our Hilton timeshare more for our Disney trips and may just have to stay off property. I had some unused Hilton time that I put into RCI & I'm going to try & book a DVC villa with it so we could possibly go in March for his bday. We'll see what happens! (*fingers crossed*)

 

[BookTrout]

Great trip report! You're writing it like an old pro, girl. I love, love, love all the photos; they're awesome. And I get a bit misty eyed seeing the delight on your son's adorable face. I can't wait to read more.
Sharon

 

[amandaw]

Great trip report! You're writing it like an old pro, girl. I love, love, love all the photos; they're awesome. And I get a bit misty eyed seeing the delight on your son's adorable face. I can't wait to read more.
Sharon

Awww shucks, thank you! There are days, like today, that are very challenging with my son. But, when I look upon memories, like these, it reminds me that not every day is so hard. And that all of the love & fun we share (whether at Disney or at home) is what really matters & what we'll take with us. Thanks for joining in and all the nice words of encouragement! Now, I have to go work on an update......