We survived a snake, killer bees, crazy pigeons and the in-laws!

[DisneyMomx7]

With this being our fifth trip in three years you might think some of the magic would be fading, but not at all. Weeks before the trip I still couldn't sleep, couldn't wait to get packing and watched the Disney plannng video (all the old ones) so many times they are about worn out. Of course I spent many hours on the DIS, and of course I changed resorts and ADRs more than almost anyone I've seen.

We were FINALLY settled - YC waterview room July 12-19, Poly gv room July 19-23, and HRH Club Level (hopefully deluxe room) July 23-27.

The in-laws were coming with us - their first trip to Disney in 20 years. They would be staying the first week with us at YC, in a garden view room. I requested a view of the wedding chapel for them and crossed my fingers. They had no clue about Disney so I planned our days and ADRs without any input from them and hoped for the best.

Now I would say that I definitely get along well with my in-laws. However since they live three hours away its fairly easy to say that. I will also add that when I had my last child my MIL came to "help", stayed five weeks, and strangely enough that was the only time in seven pregnancies that I experiences post partum depression - coincidence I think not!

Anyway I digress.

We were leaving out of Philadelphia, Air Trans, on the 7 am flight. We like to take the first flight out and have the whole day in Orlando. Its our tradition to stay the night before at the Hilton Philadelphia Airport Hotel. We arrived at the Hilton about 4:30 got settled in our room and went down to the restaurant and had a nice dinner. We then (the tradition continue) went back to the room and let the kids pick a movie to watch and unwind (LOL). They picked Yours, Mine and Ours but were still not ready to fall asleep - so we ended up getting Curious George also. It was not a good nights sleep as everyone was too excited to sleep and there's something about the first night in a hotel that makes my kids crazy.

Stayed Tuned for Part II - Arrival day.

 

[DisneyMomx7]

Part 2 - Arrival Day

We were up before 5 this morning, everyone still to excited to sleep. We dressed quickly, got the shuttle to the airport and had a quick counter service breakfast. For some reason they kept changing the gates on our flight and another flight. I was in line for the breakfast and DH told me they change our gate to the one right next to it. Fine. So as we're scrambling to feed the kids they announce that gate is boarding - I'm grabbing all the breakfast stuff to take on the plane and DH is grabbing all our carry ons. We are just about to board when dd asks "Is this plane going to Orlando" - what a silly question, kids? Uh - no the woman tells her its going to Atlanta. Apparently DH misunderstood with the all changing of the gates and almost had us headed for Atlanta. This is why I do all the Disney planning. So of course we are all making fun of him when they do announce our fight.

We always fly so the kids are used to it, bring enough junk with them to keep themselves occupied so the flight was uneventful. THanks goodness. We got to ME and were on the bus within 20 minutes of landing. Not bad. We were the last resort to be dropped though. We went to CBR, BWI, BC and then finally YC.

Check in went smoothly. CM was just okay, not particularly friendly. I asked her if our waterview room had a view of the lake and she said yes. Unexpectedly she said our room was ready! It was only 10:30 am so we really hand't expected that. We get to the room, I tell everyone don't touch anything until I look around and check out the view (they know the drill). Our "waterview" room had a view of the wedding chappel and you would have to completely lean out the balcony to the right to catch a glimpse of the lake. I immediately called the front desk and asked if there were any other rooms available. THe supervisor was very nice and said she had another room but it was on the first floor and would have a patio instead of the balcony. No problem - we'll take it! Suprise that room is ready too. We checked in and we loved the room. Now some may not have liked the location. We did not have a view of Illuminations, but we had a nice view of the marina and Boardwalk. THe part I liked about the location was that we were directly across from the laundry room (5 people - 16 days, you get the math) and also very close to the side exit so we didn't have to traipse through the lobby just to go to the pool. Perfect.

We went to Beaches and Cream and they were just getting ready to open. I couldn't wait to try B&C since we had never been. We all loved it and stuffed ourselves with burgers, shakes etc. Then the kids wanted to go swimming. We hit Stormalong Bay for the first time and the kids went crazy over it. They swam for about 1/2 hour when they skies darkened and we knew we'd better get out. Plus I had all the unpacking to do so it was actually good for me or I'd be the "mean" mom making them get out of the pool for such mundane things as unpacking and grocery delivery.

We got back to the room, I called garden grocer and they were there within an hour. Loved them and will definitely use them on our next trip. I unpacked and DH went to look out for in-laws who would be arriving on ME. They finally got there and had had a bit of pixie dust themselves - they were bumped up to business class on their flight, they loved the resort (thank goodness) so all was well.

We unpacked and went to dinner at Coral Reef. Another grandslam everyone was happy, like their food, kids loved their expensive glowing blue whale drink and all was right. We got through the first extended family dinner with no melt downs and arguments so I was feeling pretty good. I had hoped to have a first tier seating but we were the farthest tier from the tank and still were able to see enough to keep the kids entertained.

We didn't have anymore plans so we just walked through Epcot, rode the boat ride in Mexico (no line) and listened for a while to the BIlly Joel impersonater band. We went back to YC, kids swam and then we crashed for the night. We were getting ready for EMH am at MK. Stay tuned.

 

[3DisneyBuggs]

Great report, waiting for more!

 

[MayButterfly]

can't wait to hear more!

 

[jaycns]

Thanks for the start! Now I am just greedy wanting to hear more!!

 

[missj1975]

Great report so far, can't wait to hear about all 15 days

 

[GreatBiscuit]

Great Title and starting post - looking forward to MANY more!

 

[exwdwcm]

enjoying your report! how old are your kids?

 

[Ozymoe]

I am really enjoying your report! I too, am waiting for more, more MORE...

...and (as a mom of six)...I had post partum depression with the birth of my son (at age 38)...and my MIL did not come to help...neither did my mom...hmmmm...maybe that is why I HAD post-partum depression lol!

 

[newman7501]

More, more I want to hear more! Please

 

[UtahMama]

I want to use Garden Grocer too...for Pepsi products and water (stuff too heavy to fly with). I didnt know you could call once you're there. Guess that makes perfect sense! I've only seen posts of people who shopped online before going.

Glad you had a good experience at Coral Reef too! We're going in Sept.

See? your TR is helping us plan our oun trips!! Thanks Awfully!

UtahMama

PS!!! OMGosh That Golden Retriever in the above post looks like my Clifford!!!!!

 

[KathyRN137]

Looking forward to more....perhaps I will run into you during Marathon Weekend '07

(Hey, it could happen!)

Kathy

 

[DisneyMomx7]

Utah Mom - sorry if I confused you. We did order online we just called when we were ready for them to deliver.

This is my first trip report so thanks all for the encouragement.

Part 3 - MK Day

Today was EMH at MK. This is the only EMH we use. I think I shocked the in-laws when I told them they had to be ready at 7:15. This was our first time taking a bus to MK (always used monorail or boats from GF) so I didn't want to take any chances. We got there for the opening and DH and I always tear up at the 1st opening of MK each trip, but I think even the in-laws were a little misty.

We've always been lucky - except for our first trip (pre-DIS) my kids have always gotten to wake up Tinkerbelle. I hadn't told the in-laws about it and I think they thought I was crazy pushing the stroller full steam ahead. I didn't run or knock anyone over, just walked quickly to Tinkerbelle Treasures - yes we got lucky again! Kids got to wake up Tinkerbelle, got their magical moments certificate and we left. In-laws were overwhelmed and couldn't get over it. We tried to do as much as possible before the regular crowds got it. Between 8 and 9:30 we were able to Wake up Tinkerbelle, Small World (MIL's favorite ride), Peter Pan, Winnie the Pooh, Haunted Mansion and Buzz Lightyear. DH and DFIL then left to go get fastpasses for Splash Mt. and DMIL and I took the kids to wait for the opening of Toontown. WHen we were there in January dd (7) got picked to ride the rollercoaster with Goofy. You can be sure other dd (8) and ds(5) hadn't forgotten that. They were aiming for Goofy. Pixie dust did hit us and ds was picked to ride with Goofy. Now here is the strange thing - out of all the times we were in MK this trip, this was the only time Goofy rode with someone. Every other time Goofy said he wasn't riding today. Strange. Anyway, since DH and DFIL were getting the fastpasses they didn't get to see ds ride with Goofy. In January when dd got picked DH was back at the resort (sick) and didn't see her ride either. I'm beginning to think I need to send him away when the kids are trying to ride with Goofy, he might be our bad luck charm!

After splashing around (get soaking wet) on Donald's boat we decided to leave Mickey and Minnie's house for another day and take the train over to Splash Mt. Ds had been telling DFIL for a year that he was wanted to ride Splash Mt. with him and he didn't disappoint! DMIL and dd (7) decided to sit this one out. We all love this ride and so did DFIL. We bought 2 pictures so DFIL and ds could have a memento of their ride together. Everyone had basically had their fill at this point so we wandered over to Columbia Harbor House, had a nice lunch and cooled down. We finished up the day by watching Cinderellebration and headed back to YC. We still weren't used to taking the bus back and I could see DH looking wistfully at the boats and monorail. I reminded him that we would be at the Poly next week and we could use that transportation then.

To be continued.

 

[miste76]

I'm addicted... I need more!!! Can't wait to read the next post!!!

 

[KathyRN137]

Wow! Tink....Goofy....maybe if I subscribe to your report some of your will rub off on me!!

Keep it coming!

Kathy

 

[DisneyMomx7]

Part 3 - continued

Okay, so we waited for the bus back to YC - and waited and waited. This was the only time we had to wait at all so the 20-30 minute wait seemed really long. Add on three hot and tired kids and - well you get the picture. Thank goodness a bus finally pulled up as DH was about to rip out what was left of his hair. Note - DH is a wonderful husband and father, however, he works long hours (to support our Disney habit I guess), so he is much more used to the kids in small doses. He is a true Disney fanatic but still believes each time we go that once we get to Disney the kids will be angels, won't fight and everyone will be happy. That lasts for about one hour after our arrival, after that they're back to normal.

The kids couldn't wait to get back to Stormalong Bay. In-laws couldn't wait to get back for a rest. Dh couldn't wait to get back for a beer. Kids had a ball swimming. We were there for several hours and even managed to get in a little rest (not a full blown nap - just laying on the bed, watching tv and winding down) before it was time to get ready to go back to MK. We had a 5:40 ADR for LTT and just made it. LTT is a favorite of ours. Kids and I couldn't wait to get the rolls with that delicious honey butter. What's that you say NO MORE HONEY BUTTER? AGGHHHHHHH! I dream about that butter and rolls at home - why would they do that. Everyone seems to be handling that better than me. I bring up the no honey butter conversation about every ten minutes till everyone is sick of me talking. In-laws have never been so they don't know what they are missing. However the rest of the meal is going great. Kids are eating well and characters come around frequently. Goofy comes (highight of our dinner) and ds asks him if he remembers that ds rode the rollercoaster with him that morning. Goofy lifts up DH, spins him around and gives him a hug. We're taking pictures like crazy - me with my disposable camera and DH will his new camera/phone (toy). All the characters come several times and all is well. For now.

Now let me explain that DH is a SpectroMagic freak. We have the SPectromagic CD and play it all the time in the van. Unfortunately he insists that we get our spots for the parade at least 2 hours before hand. So at 7:00 when we finish dinner we have to go and get our spots. Do the math - three tired, did I mention HOT, kids waiting for two hours with nothing to do. Not a pretty sight. THe pixie dust is definitely missing. After about an hour of "you're touching me, you're bothering me" we decide to let the kids get Izkadoozie bars - they're favorite. Oh no, the ice cream bar stand has shut down. No one is happy now. DMIL and I leave and bring everyone back cold water (DH hates paying over $2.00 a bottle for water but oh well) and some sembelance of calm is restored. Luckily soon after a CM got the kids up to play some games before the parade starts. I would have given her $100 if tips were allowed she saved our sanity. Spectro was great as usual. In-laws were in awe and everyone was happy. Since DH makes us get our seats so early we always are one of the first ones out the gate (he looks for an easy exit). We are (once again) on the bus for YC. Two of the kids ds (5) and dd (7) fall asleep on the bus.

Next up - AK - the snake and the killer bees!

 

[luvmyboys]

Terrific start! Can't wait for more--- especially to see if any apsarks fly with the in-laws!!

You just may end up being my litmus test before I invite my DFIL & DSMIL next year!

 

[disneynewbee]

Great report, can't wait to hear more.

 

[MousePhanatic]

I am enjoying your trip report. Can't wait to read more!!!!

 

[scrap4u]

Great report so far! Can't wait to read more!