A Day out with Thomas and Dutch Wonderland COMPLETED 7/26 - PassPorter - A Community of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel Forums
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A Day out with Thomas and Dutch Wonderland COMPLETED 7/26
Hello,
I’ve been a long time reader of various trip reports but have never posted anything. I thought I’d finally give it try and post a pre-trip report for my upcoming long weekend in LancasterPA. But first a little introduction…
I’m Holly, single mom of a very rambunctious 3 ½ year old boy Evan. He is the light of my life and a joy beyond compare. We live in Marlton, NJ about an hour from the SOUTHJerseyShore and 20 minutes from Philadelphia. I’m a computer programmer by day and in every sense of the word “a full time parent” the remainder of the time. Oh and we also have a wonderful 11 year old beagle mix named Wrigley. I hope to dig out some photos this weekend to post along with this report.
I’ve been to Disney many times and can’t wait to get Evan down there but alas – no trip scheduled at this point. I am hoping to take him after he turns 5. His birthday is in October so I’ll have almost 11 months before he will start kindergarten and hope to take him during that time frame- but nothing booked yet. But that is all for another TR on another day. This one is about everyone’s favorite “Really Useful Engine, Thomas”.
The cast of characters: Me – Holly – mom DS – Evan – 3 ½ DM – Jan DN(nephew) – Eric – 4 ½
Dates: Saturday, June 12, 2010 to Monday, June 14, 2010
Plans: Saturday, Take dog to kennel, drive out to Lancaster PA, Check into hotel, then head over the Dutch Wonderland (water park area) Sunday, Full day at Dutch Wonderland Monday, Ride Thomas the Tank Engine in the morning then head over to the Choo Choo Barn for some toy train fun. Then back home.
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PassPorter's Free-Book to Walt Disney World It’s hard to believe anything is free at Walt Disney World; but there are actually a number of things you can get or do for little to no cost. This e-book documents over 200 free or cheap tips to do before you go and after you arrive. You could save a considerable amount of money following these tips. Perhaps more importantly; you can discover overlooked attractions and little-known details most people whiz by on their way to spend money. Click here to see free sample pages from the e-book! Get this popular e-book free of extra charges when you join the PassPorter's Club for as little as $4.95. A club pass includes access to all our other e-books; e-worksheets; super-size photos; and more! This e-book is also available for separate purchase in the PassPorter Online Store for just $5.95.
Good start! Welcome to the boards neighbor! I grew up in Delran and Mt. Laurel. I remember as a kid I took an art class at a place on Main St. in Marlton. That picture of your little boy is too cute!
HI Everyone Thanks for all the warm greetings. Can someone tell me how can I post a link to my TR in my signature? Also how do I subscribe to another person's TR or profile so if they begin a new report, I can be notified. Or kindly point me in the right direction on the website. I was poking around but couldn't quite figure it out. THX.
So last year we (me, Evan, Mom and Eric) went out to do a “Day Out With Thomas” and go to Dutch Wonderland and HersheyPark. We had such a good time last year; we decided to go again this year.
Last year my sister and her family also came along for the ride but they won’t be coming this time. Last year everything went fine except trying to get the 2 little ones settled in for their naps and bedtime each day. We had one whole day of rain and had to change our plans around a little. We just hung around the hotel most of that day – thank God for the indoor pool, what a life saver.
Because of the lack of sleep and rain, we ended up cutting one day off the trip and never made it to HersheyPark.
This year we have a better idea of where everything is and the stamina level of the boys so we are cutting one day off the trip and I’m bringing a rope and a shower curtain to hang between the beds in the hotel for nap times . I think if the boys can’t see each other they will settle down much faster at bed time. Also, if there is no rain they will be more active and hopefully more tired.
I laid out our plans in the prior update but here are a few photos from last year’s trip.
Choo Choo Barn - Thomas!
Choo Choo Barn - one section of layout. A miniture Dutch Wonderland
Choo Choo Barn - sorry a little dark, this is the Red Caboose Motel
The "Real" Thomas himself DM, DN, DS and me
Eric and Evan with some new friends
Dutchwonderland and our FAVORITE ride - Monster Trucks
I'm getting hungry!
Enjoying the train ride at Dutchwonderland
my cutie pie Wrigley - sorry flash didn't go off
No not King Tut - just Evan being silly (which he does very well)
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by day and in every sense of the word “a full time parent” the remainder of the time. Oh and we also have a wonderful 11 year old beagle mix named Wrigley. I hope to dig out some photos this weekend to post along with this report. 
I am hoping to take him after he turns 5. His birthday is in October so I’ll have almost 11 months before he will start kindergarten and hope to take him during that time frame- but nothing booked yet. But that is all for another TR on another day. This one is about everyone’s favorite “Really Useful Engine, Thomas”.
Holly: 
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Pixie Dust
PassPorter Guide Author
Last year everything went fine except trying to get the 2 little ones settled in for their naps and bedtime each day. We had one whole day of rain 
and had to change our plans around a little. We just hung around the hotel most of that day – thank God for the indoor pool, what a life saver. 
Dutchwonderland and our FAVORITE ride - Monster Trucks
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