Welcome home to Zip A dee doo dah days!!! Updated 7/10 The Plan!

[flipflopmom]

If you run across this entry elsewhere, please let me know. I am now horrified of where it might be!

After long days, I promised Dh a morning to sleep in. The girls REALLY needed it, also. I however, was awake at 6. Since I wasn't going to get anyone else up until at least 9, I walked around BLT, checked my email, walked around BLT some more, straightened up the room, showered, etc. It's kind of hard in a studio, I really would have liked to go out on the balcony, but I was too restless for that, and the pillows from the pull out were around the door.

So, I roll the sleepyheads out of bed, and we head BACK to the Poly for Ohana breakfast. It is soo much fun! Plus, we found out Stitch is a HOKIE!Ohana breakfast review

After brunch, we went to the pool. Now, I never took pics of the BLT pool, b/c I don't like leaving the camera unattended. But it is really fun! The huge twisty waterslide-which daredevil loved, a zero entry end with water spouts, pool games, etc. It is a fun place to be. The Commando mommy in me had problems with the girls wanting to swim, I mean their grandparents have a pool, they can swim all summer. Granted, it's not this fun. I need to do a better job of making this a vacation for every one, and not just a trip to Disney. DH commented he needed to go back to work to get some rest. Since he only gets 2 weeks off a year, and takes 1 as a vacation and the other 5 days sporadically, I need to be more mindful. Plus, that was a promise for buying DVC that we would slow down. I think we did that, because he got in a quick nap or some pool time every day, whereas last year at Pop, we opened and closed parks, without breaks, 5 days. Still not enough for him, maybe it will come with time.

Sorry for the reflection, there!

After pool time, and playing a little ping pong by the pool, it was time to get ready for our much anticipated dinner at Yachtsman. It was an incredible experience, and we sat at Regis' table. For more information, read here:
Yachtsman

We had never been to this resort area before, and it is very nice. So nice in fact, that we are thinking of adding some time at the Boardwalk or Beach Club villas at the end of a BLT stay. That's the great thing about DVC, we're not stuck to one resort. So one year, we want to do BLT with a few days at AKL at the end, and save our AK time for the end, and then one year do BLT with a few days at BW or BC at the end and save Epcot/DHS for then. Of course, DH wants to skip a year at WDW and do Hilton Head for a week.... that will come later. I think we need to make sure we spend as much time at WDW while DD2 - Sophie- is still in awe of princesses and characters as possible. I really feel like we missed out by not taking Anna Kathryn until she was 9, but finances and birth of her little sister just didn't make it possible.

Here is a picture we took on our way out to the boat.

We got onto a VERY crowded boat, and made our way to DHS for EMH.

 

[flipflopmom]

Our DHS backstory: We don't LOVE TSM. It's fun, but we didn't get the whole mob scene. So we decided to skip it. Anna Kathryn and I had ridden ToT and RNRC last year, ToT upset both our tummies! I was ready to try again, until I read about the new drop sequence for Summer Nightastic. Since Anna Kathryn wasn't sure if she wanted to do it again, and I read how much more intense it is, we decided to skip that, too. She REALLY wanted RNRC, though.

DH is a Star Wars fan, so a trek on Star Tours was his must-do. And since Sophie is now tall enough, the whole family could experience it together. I skipped it last year in order to save time rider swapping, since SW isn't really my thing.

Sophie is Ariel's biggest fan, so VOTLM is her must do here. I REALLY want to see the Beauty and the Beast show, but, I didn't have to this trip. We decided that with only a few must do rides, and all the great things I had read about the PlayHouse Disney dance party only held on EMH nights, we would make this EMH night our ONLY trip to DHS. After the crowd on the boat, I started REALLY second guessing this choice!

As soon as we walk in, I checked the times board. RNRC - 60 minutes. NOPE. We don't wait an hour for anything! And FastPasses were gone. VOTLM and ST - 5 -10 minutes. JACKPOT!

Went to Star Tours first. I must say, it made my stomach hurt! I get motion sick very easily, but daredevil thought she was supposed to hold up her arms and squeal every time it looked like you were going fast! After that was OVER, we walked by the Muppets 3D movie. (I am getting Deja' vu. Not only do I remember typing this, I remember seeing it. Did I edit and forget to save? Where oh where did I post it?)

Muppets had NO line. Now I see why. That show is so dated, and, frankly, we found it lame in comparison to our fav. Philharmagic, that we suffered through it to proclaim NEVER AGAIN!!!

On the way to VOTLM, Sophie needed to walk a bit. After all, she had been very well behaved during dinner, and needed to stretch her legs. This area of DHS was surprisingly quiet, so we let her. BIG MISTAKE. She ran right to the squirting water hydrant and got soaked. Oh well, it's vacation, right? I heard another child in a stroller go pass and ask "Mommy can I do that?" Her mommy had an emphatic NO!

So after a trip to the bathroom to wring our her clothes and try to dry her off, we headed to VOTLM. Now, Sophie has her Daddy wrapped snuggly around her little finger, and he wanted to buy her new clothes so she would be dry. A playdress and a pack of undies would have been $40! She was dry enough! We were lucky, they were loading a new hoard of people into the theatre, and walked in. I had to hold Sophie, Anna Kat sat beside me, and DH had to stand. But, it was worth it not to wait for the next show. The girls in the family this show. It is really fun!

So we left the theatre, and went over to the Playhouse Disney party. Goofy, Pluto, Mickey, Minnie, JoJo and Handy Manny all come out to dance with the kids. ChaCha Slide, Electric Slide, Macarena, Cotton Eyed Joe, Limbo, etc. They DO NOT stop to pose for pictures, and it really can come off as rude. I wish the CM's would tell people, so kids don't get their feelings hurt when the characters walk away. I knew this and didn't try, but some kids looked really sad. I understand it, though, as it would defeat the purpose. It's not a meet and greet. The girls had a blast! Their momma did a little dancing, too!

 

[flipflopmom]

So, after a while in the dance party, we decide to check out the wait time for RNRC. We trudge that way, and find the wait to be 70 minutes now. Another Uh. No. So, Anna Kathryn says "Mom, I don't mind the wait." Hello, honey. We do. I explain to her that it is 10:15 or so by this point. We would be waiting until 11:30.. "But MOOOOMMMM". and then THE TEARS. Oh the TEARS! She was absolutely heartbroken. I mean not her drama temper tantrums that we occasionally see, true heart break. I feel like the WORST MOM EVER..

Sophie had so been feeling the magic, and Anna Kat had, too, and even cried when we pulled up and she saw the castle for the first time. She'd commented on how much fun WDW was. But, the sparkle was occasionally missing. I know it's her age, and the fact that so much was new to Sophie. I also think she enjoyed the one on one time with each of us during rider swaps, and felt special that she could do things her sister couldn't.

So, to try to salvage the night, I promise her I'll bring her back, and the 2 of us would ride RNRC, all the while trying to figure out exactly how I would fit this in. I suggested that we go back and dance for a bit. They did, and she promptly cheered up. We came out, and she asked for popcorn, so we got one for the 2 of them to share, and a couple of waters. On the way out, more tears in the eyes. We check the wait board, it was down to 40 minutes. I looked at DH and said - we'd spend that much time traveling to and from this park, let's just go. So he and Sophie parked on a bench with their popcorn, and at 11pm, DD and I head over to RNRC. We were done and back to DH and Sophie by 11:35, so thankfully it was a little faster than posted! Sophie had fallen asleep in the stroller, so we made our way to the bus stop, where it is PACKED! I stand, holding this dead weight sleeping beauty again, and we finally make it back to BLT. WHAT A NIGHT!

 

[flipflopmom]

After a late night, it was very hard to roll everyone out of the bed in time for our ADR at Tusker House at 8:05. You can tell from Anna Kat's eyes that she needed more sleep! Here they are on the bus ride over:

As expected, Tusker House was great!Review

After Tusker, we went straight to the safari. Our guide was WONDERFUL, you could tell he really, really enjoyed his job and the animals. It was just the most amazing experience! The giraffes were right at our jeep, and we saw a baby elephant, that had only within the last few weeks been introduced to the savannah. I had read about it on the Disney blog, and was very excited to see it!

After the safari, we went back to retrieve our stroller that we had left at Tusker, and the girls joined in with the musicians.

Anna Kathryn and I headed off to EE, which we only got to ride once this day. I wish we had worked it to ride it a few more times, as we love it sooo much. Our favorite ride, by far. BUT, we ended up using the Fastpasses for Kali, since the whole family could ride. DH and Sophie went to get the first set of them while Anna Kat and I rode EE. LOVE IT!

The FP return time was pretty quick, so not long after EE we rode it. Once Sophie and I were backwards heading up the hill, I knew we were in TROUBLE!!! We got SOAKED! Completely! LEft the ride, got fastpasses to do it again later, and wandered over to TOL. We never made it to the base of it last year, and I really wanted to spend time exploring.

Since we had done ITTBAB and FOTLK during EMH, we chose not to go back, even though I would have liked to do FOTLK again. Nothing in dino land appeals to us, either. When we exited the trails, which we went on the "secret" trails that start by the exit to ITTBAB, I went in search of Devine. I asked a CM, and he said "Devine will not be perfoming today. She had a mishap". Hope she's okay!

It was now time for lunch. WHAT??? No one is hungry!!!!!!!!! But off to Yak and Yeti we go, and I'm off to write that review! Stay tuned!

 

[dolfinjuls]

I'm really enjoying hearing about your trip! And you look amazing!!!

My DH always is telling me that we're going to take things slow and spend more time at the hotel/pool. And I keep telling him okay, but in my head I'm thinking how can we do that?!

The dance party looks like it was fun! I wish we were going for a pm EMH one day to try it out!

 

[ksl5f123]

How smart of you to get a spot early for the Chinese acrobats! I didn't realize how much of a crowd they would draw and we were WAY in the back. DH and I could see, but we had to hold up the kids - not easy.

We started making our way to FW. On our way, we saw people in the red phone booths in the U.K. I had gotten the numbers from Dis, so we spent a few minutes calling people. It was a lot of fun, kind of like Candid Camera. One couple was hilarious, and we ended up spending about 10 minutes talking to them afterwards, and telling them about Disboards!

about your DD getting soaked in the fire hydrant. After all, it was right there - who could resist? about your DH wanting to buy her new clothes. I am with you - she will dry.

The dance party looked like lots of fun!!! I am so glad that your DD finally got to ride RnR.

You got some great pictures from the Safari. I especially love the little elephant!

 

[flipflopmom]

I'm really enjoying hearing about your trip! And you look amazing!!!

My DH always is telling me that we're going to take things slow and spend more time at the hotel/pool. And I keep telling him okay, but in my head I'm thinking how can we do that?!

Thanks! I now have a lot farther to go, as you can tell from all the food we had. Oh well, tied those running shoes back on this morning. Rest is for the weak, right! I have bit my tongue to tell DH we need more points so we can have a longer trip to rest, but I am sure he would know that would just mean more time in the parks!!

How smart of you to get a spot early for the Chinese acrobats! I didn't realize how much of a crowd they would draw and we were WAY in the back. DH and I could see, but we had to hold up the kids - not easy. You got some great pictures from the Safari. I especially love the little elephant!

I was really amazed by those girls. They must be all cartilage and muscle! I was surprised by the crowd, too. I can't imagine holding up my girls for that long! The safari was really one of the best experiences of the trip. The guide made all the difference!

Glad you are enjoying reading along! It's fun reliving it all, and I am thinking about printing it to keep!

 

[flipflopmom]

So off to Yak and Yeti we go. Yak and Yeti lunch

Believe it or not, the heat felt good! We hung out by what the kids call the "wishing tree" with all the scarves while DH paid, we were sooo cold. Anna Kathryn said "I made a wish here last year that Poppie would get better, and it didn't come true, so I can't hang a jar".. That upset me a bit, and I told her the HE is better, we're just not.

We were all pretty worn out by this time, so we went back for our last ride on Kali to get wet again! This time DH and Anna Kathryn were backwards, so only he got soaked. I could NOT believe we only had 4 hours until we had to eat AGAIN! We intended to swim, but by the time we got back to the room, we just crashed for a couple of hours until time to get ready for dinner at 1900 Park Fare.

 

[Pooh&OurHunny]

Amazing report. THANK YOU so much for sharing this with us. I'm so glad I was able to read and see pictures of the Dance party. Looking at the pictures...I know now I have to take my son to the Dance party and have to bring my Canon rebel to capture all the wonderful moments. We will be staying at YC so going back would not be bad. Last time we were in Disney my son didn't make the height and I know this upcoming trip he will and he can't wait to ride the big kids ride as he watch last time.
I love your girls outfits from the AK day. I have been enjoying reading your food reviews.

 

[shelbys mommy]

I love the pics of the Dance Party! I bet that was fun! Hopefully next year they still have that!

 

[MAJ RN]

Truly enjoying your report! It is nice to see when older kids still let out their inner child and enjoy things like the dance party! Can't wait to read more.



Melissa

 

[flipflopmom]

Amazing report. THANK YOU so much for sharing this with us. I'm so glad I was able to read and see pictures of the Dance party. Looking at the pictures...I know now I have to take my son to the Dance party and have to bring my Canon rebel to capture all the wonderful moments. We will be staying at YC so going back would not be bad. Last time we were in Disney my son didn't make the height and I know this upcoming trip he will and he can't wait to ride the big kids ride as he watch last time.
I love your girls outfits from the AK day. I have been enjoying reading your food reviews.

Thanks! It makes a big difference in how long it takes to do what you want to do, also, without all the rider swaps! You'll love the Dance party!

I love the pics of the Dance Party! I bet that was fun! Hopefully next year they still have that!

It felt like VIP event, Pluto hit Anna Kathryn in the head with the limbo stick accidentally, and he hugged her, rubbed her, and drug her around with him for a while. It was fun!

Truly enjoying your report! It is nice to see when older kids still let out their inner child and enjoy things like the dance party! Can't wait to read more.
Melissa

Thanks! There were a group of girls that had just graduated high school in the dance party, too. It really is for all ages. I, too, love it when she can lose the "I'm too cool" attitude for a while, and just be a kid at WDW!!!

 

[flipflopmom]

So, we got on the monorail for the Grand Floridian. I love this resort, it makes me think of the Full House episodes when the Tanner family stayed there. It seems so elegant! Here is our review of dinner.
1900 Park Fare

After dinner, we got back on the monorail for our night at MK. Yes, this is our 4th trip to MK, but this was designated as fireworks and Main St. Electrical Parade night. We were a bit early, so we wandered around Fantasyland for a few minutes. I really don't remember exactly WHAT we did, but I think we saw Philharmagic again, it never gets old, and the girls took a spin on the carousel. Around 8pm, we asked some CM's where would be the best place to camp out. We got 2 conflicting opinions! There were already people in the hub, so we went there, close to the railing, just a bit to the left. Not much though.

Since we were an hour early, the girls hula hooped in front of the castle for a bit.

They were a bit restless, and we knew we would be in that spot for over 2 hours, so DH and DD1 went in search of treats. DD2 wanted a Mickey bar, the only one of the week, and DD1 wanted to try an Itzakadoozie!

The closer to 9 it got, the place really started filling in. We being right in front of the castle, watching it change colors!

Anna Kathryn played on her ipod touch for a while. Sophie was really entraced by all the night time toys for sale just to our right. She loves the spinning light up toys. We had bought some generic ones at Wal-Mart, but she really wanted a Mickey. We brought glow bracelets, but she really wanted a Mickey. We made glow necklaces, but she really wanted a Mickey. See a pattern. Now, since she was so sweet about it, basically just staring at them with puppy dog eyes, not begging or asking, just watching them with a little sad face, her Daddy's little finger started tugging and he got her one.

It ended up being worth it, b/c she hugged and hugged, and thanked and thanked, and hugged and hugged, and thanked and thanked. We're lucky, she is really grateful when she gets things.

It was funny, a little girl came over to talk to her, and her name was Sofia, but her Mom called her Sophie. They entertained each other, and my Sophie was so sweet to share her Mickey with the other Sophie. But when she did take it back when it was time for the parade, we noticed other Sophie ended up with one, too. Sorry Sofia's mom. Sofia asked Sophie if she liked Justin Bieber. HELLO???? These 3 and 4 year olds had a 5 minute conversation about Justin Bieber and sang his songs. It was scary!

Here they are: Notice the mass of humanity around us!

Now, since line cutting and parade etiquette are often talked about here, until a thread is closed, I'll share our story. I had spread out 2 camp towels for the girls to sit on beside of me. A lady walked over, kicked one to the side, and stood on the other. DH got HOT!!!! He made some comments, which I told him were not going to help, as she ignored him. He finally said "Ma'am, you are standing on our stuff. Can you please move?" She made a terrible face at him, grunted, kicked it over more, and stood her ground. I was scared of what he would do next, as he can be hot headed. He went over, spread it back out, smiled at her, and told Anna Kathryn to sit down in HER spot.

We knew that by being at the railing, we would have a lot of people in front of us standing, and DH was beside a trash can that he planned to put Sophie on so she could see. I was going to put Anna Kat on my shoulders if I had to, since there were only trees behind us and she wouldn't block anyone. The gentleman in front of us wasn't quite so understanding. There was a couple in front of him standing, he and his family were sitting. He asked them 3 times to sit down so they could all see. The 3rd time they turned around and said "Stand up yourself". Not a fun experience! Tension was high!

When it was time for the parade to start, a young couple in front of us turned to Anna Kathryn and said "there is room for you in front of us at the curb, you can see better." So very, very, very sweet of them, and she moved in front of them. She's such a shrimp for her age, she didn't block their view at all, and was careful not to raise her camera into their line of vision. The magic of Disney lives!

The next post will have pictures from the Electric Parade. It was very cool, and I loved it! Didn't miss Spectro at all! We were close enough that we could hear the characters talking, lots of fun, especially Pete and his dragon!

 

[flipflopmom]

 

[shelbys mommy]

I loved the parade, until a CM told me I could not sit on a railing, there was no one behind me & my 5 ft 1 in self could not see past the 6 or 7 guys who were over 6ft tall! So my earlier pics were great, after the CM made me get down, not so much.

 

[flipflopmom]

I loved the parade, until a CM told me I could not sit on a railing, there was no one behind me & my 5 ft 1 in self could not see past the 6 or 7 guys who were over 6ft tall! So my earlier pics were great, after the CM made me get down, not so much.

I think there must ahve been a lot of falls recently, one of the CM's at the Tiana meet and greet mentioned it, b/c they were really watching out for people that were climbing. I hate that you couldn't see!

 

[ksl5f123]

Your nighttime pictures are so good! I am still learning and a lot of mine came out blurry. Good job at getting excellent seats!

 

[flipflopmom]

Your nighttime pictures are so good! I am still learning and a lot of mine came out blurry. Good job at getting excellent seats!

I only posted the better ones. I find I don't have a steady hand, and lots of my pics are blurry. I'd love a SLR camera, but I barely take time to point and shoot! We learned the hard way last year, get there EARLY! Which is sometimes hard to do with little ones!

 

[flipflopmom]

I Wishes. Wishes is WDW to me. I bought BLT partially to see and hear Wishes. I have the Wishes soundtrack. I watch Wishes on YouTube when I am homesick. Did I mention how much I love wishes?

I was actually bummed that Wishes was being replaced for summer. The Nightastic Fireworks show was spectactular! Not the warm fuzzies of Wishes, but in your face cool! The story line is that the Pirates take over the castle in the middle. I am going to post my favorite pictures.

AND NOW... THE PIRATE TAKEOVER!!!

Notice the skull shadows on the side of the castle:

Tink flew over, and all was right with the world!

The pictures just don't do it justice, these were spectacular!!!

 

[Pooh&OurHunny]

Wonderful, Amazing and beautiful pictures. Love the new updates.