WL Flag Family Of The Day pics added! - Birthday Magic and Disney Diva Hair.

[DisneyTiger]

Awesome updates! I've never seen a trip report with someone going to the tea party either! Actually, I don't think I really knew about the tea party! Aubrey looked so precious. How many days do you typically stay on your vacation? You are giving me lots of ideas, but I'm not sure how to schedule it all in. Do you make an actual day by day schedule? I'm thinking of doing an Excel spreadsheet and try to map out what we will want to do, but I don't want to go crazy and become the schedule Nazi - kwim? I know you said you were much more laid back this trip, but what kind of schedule did you make, if any?

Haha! You're not the first person to tell me that about the tea! I've actually scheduled it on two other trips and never ended up doing it. But, like I said, it's something that I think will be a tradition for us now.

I have done both kind of trips - the commando, planning every second trip to the laid back, do whatever we feel like kind of trip (which is what this trip was like), and everything in between. This past trip was by far my favorite. Basically, what I did was I read a TON and wrote down little notes of things I wanted to do - ie: hiking the trails at WL, watching the EWP... things that you would not necessarily plan your day around... and just made them fit into our days. I would google things like "Secrets of WD" and try to find a bunch of little things to do and notice while taking things slow. We made ADR's and that's about the most planning I did. We picked which days we were going to which park but even that was flexible. Like with the whole missing Fantasmic fiasco, we had to rearrange our schedule a bit to fit it in on another night but since nothing was really set in stone, it didn't send us into a tailspin. So my advice is to get your ADR's set and figure out some other activities that you want to do. Just have the mindset that if it doesn't go exactly as planned, then it's OK! I've just set myself up for disappointment so many times on past trips. I didn't want to have to deal with that again. And it kind of keeps you on your toes! Good luck with the planning and I'd be happy to offer any other advice if needed

The tea party sounds so wonderful! That's great that you were able to make it in! I love reading about your experiences with Aubrey. You're doing things I can't wait to do with my DD.

We were so lucky to get in! I am very grateful for that I have dreamed (and continue to dream) about sharing these wonderful things with my kids. I just can't wait to make more memories with them!!!

Great TR!! I started reading this past wknd. All caught up now.
We usually go this time of year (every other year) and I'm having withdrawals!! Even tho we've been several times, we love that there are still things we haven't experienced yet. More reason to continue going back. Like the tea, I would love to do that with my girls!! We did do the BBB last time and they loved it!! Your FGIT looked like she did a wonderful job!!

Love the pic of Aubrey with the fan!! So cute!!

Welcome!!! Thanks for reading along! I'm glad you've enjoyed things so far. That's what is so wonderful and magical about Disney - there is always new to do/see. So many people ask me "Why are you going BACK to Disney?!" They just don't get it. It's not just a vacation. It's a feeling. A feeling you get when you're there that is pretty much impossible to explain to someone. We will continue going back to Disney for as long as my legs can get me around the parks, and even then I'll have no problem renting one of those handy scooters I highly recommend the tea! It was a great mother daughter experience that I will never forget!

OMG! I'm so glad Aubrey had a great BBB experience! My daughter also had Susan as her fairy godmother her first visit to BBB! She is the sweetest and takes so much time talking to the girls! I was hoping to see her again last year but we weren't as lucky with our fairy godmother experience. Here is a picture of my daughter (Alyssa) with Susan in 2008!

Ok, I am freaking out that we had the same FGIT!!! Susan was awesome!! And her long grey hair just made her look more FGIT-ish to me Sorry you didn't have the same kind of experience the second time. I am worried about that. The bar has been set really high with Susan. So cool! Thanks for sharing that pic!!!

 

[DisneyTiger]

Hello everyone. Sorry I've been a little slow with my updates lately. Geez, May is a CRAZY month! It seems like I am always busy doing something for the kids or planning some end of the year party or graduation gathering. Can't wait for summer

Anyway, when I last left you, Aubrey and I had just wrapped up our wonderfully girly afternoon tea. We took the boat back to WL and headed up to our room. We had been gone for a good 2 hours - the tea took forever! But we enjoyed every second. The boys had been swimming the whole time and were now resting in the room. I decided to take Aubrey down to the beach to play for a bit because there was no way I was letting her anywhere near that pool with her new $60 do! I have been going through all of my pictures and I really don't have any from the rest of this day I went through these moments of not wanting to lug my camera around so this was probably one of those times. I did, however, get a pic of Aubrey playing checkers in the WL villa lobby. They had a fun little sitting area with tables, rocking chairs and a fire place. I decided to stop and play a round with Aubrey. Here she is acting like she knew what she was doing...

And now I am sitting here trying to continue this TR and I cannot for the life of me remember what we did this night! The pictures usually jog my memory but since I don't have any, there's no jogging going on. Jason is usually so good about remembering every little thing so he's my go to guy. Unfortunately, he's sound asleep so I will have to continue this tomorrow. Man, I must be getting old!

I do have one pic from the night and it's of the kids right before we went to sleep. They were snuggling in the bed and we were so curious to see how Aubrey did sleeping with her hair.

I am so sorry for the tease, but I am going to take some ginko now and try to remember the rest of the evening. Sleep tight everyone and I'll be back tomorrow with a more exciting update!!!

 

[FoundNemoLostDori]

I am absolutely loving your trip report. I just came upon it and have finally caught up. You have a beautiful family, and you've provided lots of laughs and a few misty-eyed moments as well. Loved reading about Brendan's antics! How do you rate the Wilderness Lodge? It looks lovely, and I've considered staying there.

 

[BippityBoo]

Can't wait for the exciting update...

 

[ccgirl]

Just back from my trip and the first thing I had to do was get caught up on your TR. LOVE IT!!!! We ate at 1900 Park Fare so I remember the tea. For some reason, I thought it was like $100. Am I thinking of something else? Anyway, my trip wasn't as magical as yours I'm afraid....going thru pics and getting ready to write TR. Anyway, if the tea was that inexpensive that is definitely making the list next time! Thanks for the great update and taking the time to update. Can't wait for more.

 

[DisneyTiger]

I am absolutely loving your trip report. I just came upon it and have finally caught up. You have a beautiful family, and you've provided lots of laughs and a few misty-eyed moments as well. Loved reading about Brendan's antics! How do you rate the Wilderness Lodge? It looks lovely, and I've considered staying there.

Thank you so much for reading along and I'm glad you're enjoying it!! We enjoyed WL but honestly, it didn't really blow me away. I felt like I was at home with all of the oak trees and wilderness feel and when I'm on vacation, I like to be "away" from home, ya know?! But the location was great! AKL will always be my fav

Can't wait for the exciting update...

It's coming soon! Promise!!!

Just back from my trip and the first thing I had to do was get caught up on your TR. LOVE IT!!!! We ate at 1900 Park Fare so I remember the tea. For some reason, I thought it was like $100. Am I thinking of something else? Anyway, my trip wasn't as magical as yours I'm afraid....going thru pics and getting ready to write TR. Anyway, if the tea was that inexpensive that is definitely making the list next time! Thanks for the great update and taking the time to update. Can't wait for more.

You are so funny! Glad you're all caught up! I can't wait to hear all about your trip!

The tea you're thinking of is called the Girls Perfectly Princess tea party and it's $200 I just don't know that I'll ever do that. I love my princess and all but $200?!? Also knowing that we can just do the afternoon tea thing for around $40 makes it a no brainer! I highly recommend it.

 

[DisneyTiger]

Hi everyone! I am so sorry I've been MIA lately. What a crazy month this has been. I am counting down the days until summer!!!

So, I talked to Jason trying to get him to help me remember what we did on this night and he seems to remember that we didn't do anything. So, as sad as it is, I am going with that. I guess we just hung around the hotel and had an early night Oh well, onto day 5...

We had a breakfast ADR at Ohana This is one of our favorite breakfasts. I love Lilo and Stitch and I love the Poly so it's a win win! The check in process was painless and we were seated pretty quickly. We had a good table location right by the center where all the characters pass. Here is Aubrey waiting for our food. Notice her hair. It held up pretty well during her sleep!

I remember that Brendan was especially "active" for this meal so it was not as enjoyable as it could have been, but we still had a good time. Our waitress was a bit flighty and kept forgetting the things we asked for. I ordered a Coke (yes, I am one of those people that drink Coke with breakfast) and she walked by our table 3 times with it on her platter. She finally remembered that it belonged to me Then we ordered extra bacon because at that point, that was all that would keep Brendan happy. She brought it to the table next to us It was actually pretty funny and she kept apologizing.

Anyway, the food came and it was delicious as usual. Then it was time for the conga line. Here is Aubrey leading the pack...

And here comes Brendan and Jason. Oh, this is one of my favorite stories. So, if you notice in the picture, Jason looks like he's trying to hand me something. Well, he is. For some reason, he decided that he needed to hand me the video camera right at this moment. You can also notice to the right of the picture that Mickey is right behind he and Brendan. So, this is me trying to get a picture of Brendan and Mickey in the conga line but Jason decided to shove the video camera at me instead. This is the shot I got...

Can I tell you how mad I was MEN!!!

Here is a shot of Aubrey drinking that yummy juice that they serve. I think it's orange, pinapple, and guava. YUM!

Then it was time for the characters to come. The kids were so excited because they love this movie. Here comes Lilo!

Love this one...

Up next was Pluto...

Then Stitch! I love this pic of him giving Aubrey a hug...

I love this pic too. Who am I kidding, they're ALL cute!

Alright, so now Brendan is getting REALLY restless and we are ready to get this show on the road. But where oh where was Mickey He was nowhere to be found and I was not in the mood to wait. Aubrey was getting a bit restless too so she started taking some pictures. This one of me and Jason actually came out pretty cute...

Finally we see Mickey making his way around the tables VERY slowly! We actually thought about leaving before he got to us but I knew I would regret that so we waited, and waited, and waited. Finally it was our turn!!!

Breakfast was done and we were ready to get the heck out of there! We walked through the lobby and the kids spotted the coloring table and TV. We let them stop for a while to color a picture...

We headed out to catch the monorail to MK. Check out this precious pic of Aubrey and her daddy...

And here is Brendan waiting to get on his most favorite ride of all, the monorail...

I have to say that I still get an eerie feeling every time I get on a Monorail after that horrible accident last fall. Gives me the heebie jeebies!

And here is a picture of Jason on the monorail wearing his favorite shirt. I still laugh at this. Love it!

 

[DisneyTiger]

We made it safely to MK and had the kids stop for a few pics...

And here is my little supermodel. LOL

We walked into the front gates and saw that two CM's were jump roping just outside the fire station. Aubrey wanted to join in...

Brendan wanted to join in too but he couldn't get the hang of it. Jason decided to help him out. Can you imagine how hard it is to jump rope holding a 40lb boy! Jason said it just about killed him!

Ok, sidenote... Do any of you watch Flipping Out on Bravo? I think this CM looked exactly like Jeff's ex-boyfriend Ryan! Alright, just had to ask.

Then we spotted some bubbles and we all know that nothing amuses children more than bubbles, even in Disney World!

The plan for this morning was to hit Toontown, see Mickey and Minnie's houses and ride Barn Stormer. Brendan decided he wanted to give us a break and push Aubrey. Such a gentleman!

We made it over to the country houses but it was INSANE! Jason took Brendan to the little play area but Aubrey was determine to go through Minnie's house. How could I say no. Here is a funny pic of her at Minnie's sewing maching. She's sitting ontop of the fabric! I guess she thought that's where she was supposed to sit and honestly, I didn't even notice until later when I was going through the pictures. It was just so crazy in there that I focused on taking the picture and getting out!

Now it was time for Brendan's very first roller coaster ride. He had been asking for weeks before our trip to ridea roller coaster. Now it was time to see how he would react! The weather was looking dreary all morning and it started to drizzle. We walked into the Barnstormer but decided to wait for the rain to stop before we went out into the uncovered area. We killed some time watching the chickens...

The rain slacked up enough for us to get in line. Brendan was SOOOOO excited! He loved watching the train fly by. I just kept thinking "this kid is going to freak out once he gets on".

But... he didn't! He absolutely LOVED it! Aubrey on the other hand, was not a fan. Brendan laughed the whole time. He was hooked! I wish I could have gotten a picture of his reaction.

 

[vamassey1]

Wonderful pictures of the kids with the characters at breakfast. They do look like they are really having a good time.

Town Square looks so empty! Danielle can't pass up a chance to jump rope or hula while in the world. It's a amazing how the simple things entertain them so much.

We made a point of seeing Mickey and Minnie's houses since we really don't know what will happen to them in the future. I wish we had ridden Barnstormer but the line was always too long. I love that little roller coaster.

Sounds like Brendan is ready for some more trill rides.

 

[SnowWhite09]

Great update DisneyTiger - can't wait to read more!

 

[Believeinfairytales]

I love your TR! I've spent the last couple of days getting caught up - there's so much I want to comment on, but I cannot even begin to think of it all right now. We'll just sum it up with saying that Aubrey looks GEORGEOUS with her new hairdo and she is just the cutest thing ever. Brendan is such a cutie, too, and I think Mom and Dad are awesome for providing their children with such awesome, bonding experiences!

Done.

 

[DisneyTiger]

Wonderful pictures of the kids with the characters at breakfast. They do look like they are really having a good time.

Town Square looks so empty! Danielle can't pass up a chance to jump rope or hula while in the world. It's a amazing how the simple things entertain them so much.

We made a point of seeing Mickey and Minnie's houses since we really don't know what will happen to them in the future. I wish we had ridden Barnstormer but the line was always too long. I love that little roller coaster.

Sounds like Brendan is ready for some more trill rides.

Don't be fooled by Main Street! It was still pretty crowded. We just happen to find this slow spot when we walked in

I am sad about losing the country houses but the new renovation should be awesome! That is, if it happens. No one seems to know when they plan on breaking ground! Oh well, it'll be worth it.

Brendan is def ready for something bigger. We'll have to try SM next time!

Great update DisneyTiger - can't wait to read more!

Thanks! Glad you're enjoying it

I love your TR! I've spent the last couple of days getting caught up - there's so much I want to comment on, but I cannot even begin to think of it all right now. We'll just sum it up with saying that Aubrey looks GEORGEOUS with her new hairdo and she is just the cutest thing ever. Brendan is such a cutie, too, and I think Mom and Dad are awesome for providing their children with such awesome, bonding experiences!

Done.

What a nice thing to say. That's what it's all about. Making memories for me and my family that will last a lifetime.

 

[splashmountainjaxson]

Your trip report is so fun to read ! Your family is super cute !

When we have a family, I can see us 'touring' just like you guys - and what a great idea about the birthday cards around the parks. How neat.

BBB looked great, and I'd love to do the tea sometime with my Mom

Look forward to reading more --

 

[FoundNemoLostDori]

What an absolutely GORGEOUS family you have! Priceless photos!

 

[DisneyTiger]

Your trip report is so fun to read ! Your family is super cute !

When we have a family, I can see us 'touring' just like you guys - and what a great idea about the birthday cards around the parks. How neat.

BBB looked great, and I'd love to do the tea sometime with my Mom

Look forward to reading more --

Thanks thanks and thanks! Before we had kids, we would talk about our first trips to Disney and what we would do. It's surreal that it's all coming true now. We are so very lucky Definitely do the tea. It was great!

What an absolutely GORGEOUS family you have! Priceless photos!

Wow, thanks so much! I happen to agree with you

 

[wed100105]

I loved your update. My favorite part was when you said you had a picture of the kids coloring and there is your DH! Too cute! I can't wait to see what happened next. TFS!

 

[DisneyTiger]

I loved your update. My favorite part was when you said you had a picture of the kids coloring and there is your DH! Too cute! I can't wait to see what happened next. TFS!

Well, I really do consider him my third child. No, really. I feel like I have 3 kids sometimes.

More to come soon! Thanks for reading along!

 

[DisneyTiger]

Just a quick update to say that I am starting to get in the planning mode for our next trip in December! I was looking at the calendar yesterday and I realized that I can make my ADR's in just a few weeks on June 6 It's crazy how that date can sneak up on you! I was out shopping today and picked up a few things. Check out these fans...

They're programable and you get get them to say different things, just like the ones at Disney. Wanna know how much these were??? $3.99. Yeah, I'm sure a lot cheaper than the ones in the parks.

I also found some cute leis today at Big Lotts. I didn't take a pic of them but they're flower leis and they light up! I am secretly hoping to get a good PIN so we can stay at the Poly If not, then we'll definitely be eating at Ohana and we can wear them then. Fun fun fun! Started my Disney bucket in the pantry... that's where I store all of the little odds and ends that I pick up during the months before our trips. DH just laughed when he saw that there was stuff in it, AGAIN!

Getting excited!!! I guess I'll have to start a PTR eventually

 

[BippityBoo]

YAY I know what you mean about full planning mode!! I just bought some swimsuits and a few extra fun things for our December trip!! I got a 40% off code in my email, but one of my friends got Free Dining! I hope you get one too!! I would love to stay at the Poly one day We are thinking during our May trip!

I love those fans...what a great buy!! Did you book your trip yet?? If so, what are your final dates?

 

[Tnkrbelle565]

Missed the last update when I had the flu

I LOVE Aubrey's shorts!!! And your Jason's shirt. WHERE did he get that???

So Jealous of your December trip. Someday