I want to go back to my happy place (with pics)! Celebrating the twins 5th bday TR - UPDATED 1/2 About This Page:

[debrabrown]

All caught u. Glad your cheques were returned. Whew!

What a fabulous day you had at AK! Cool you got to see both Nemo and FOTLK!

I love your title to your DHS day - no stopping for nada... head straight to TSMM! Isn't it the best ride?!

Good for your girls that they got to meet Princess Tiana. I agree with you about BTMRR. It made me a little as well. My almost 7-year-old Abby is a little roller coaster queen after our trip!

Have a Merry Christmas!

[chezp]

Thank goodness those cheques were returned. Looks like you guys are having fun!

[floydfamily4]

Originally Posted by debrabrown

All caught u. Glad your cheques were returned. Whew!

What a fabulous day you had at AK! Cool you got to see both Nemo and FOTLK!

I love your title to your DHS day - no stopping for nada... head straight to TSMM! Isn't it the best ride?!

Good for your girls that they got to meet Princess Tiana. I agree with you about BTMRR. It made me a little as well. My almost 7-year-old Abby is a little roller coaster queen after our trip!

Have a Merry Christmas!

I loved TSMM but would not wait for an hour for any ride so I am glad we were there early. It is an awesome ride and the creativity just amazes me. Those disney folks - I tell ya!

Originally Posted by chezp

Thank goodness those cheques were returned. Looks like you guys are having fun!

I am so thankful our checks were returned. As my kids say "this was the best vacation ever!!" Of course they just turned 5 so I hope they have more to come in their lives but we all really enjoyed it!!

[floydfamily4]

Back to Magic Kingdom!

On Friday we went back to the Magic Kingdom for our second day. Even though we spent an entire day there earlier in the week we still had so much to see. We never even made it to Tomorrowland or seen the fairies. So our strategy this morning was to be there for rope drop. Didn’t happen but we were within a few minutes. Then we were to go over to the Toon Town rope drop area so we could see the fairies without a ridiculous wait. Once we made it to the area we found one other mom standing there. DH told us to go ahead and ride a couple of things and come back while he waited. We went to the restroom and then on the Tea Cups. I glanced over and saw maybe 4-5 moms and kids and decided we better reconnect with DH. Once the CM’s came over to get us ready we were actually pretty excited. My kids aren’t really into the fairies but my DD felt a strong need to get Tinkerbell’s signature before we left because otherwise I might have skipped the whole fairies scene. Once we were making our way I was surprised at how many women were willing to step over, in front of, and around my kids! It was very aggressive and I actually found myself responding to it. I’m not proud of it but I was thinking “wait a minute we were here and waited and we should not have to wait behind you!” I didn’t say anything and kept my issues in check but it was not fun. I ended up being in the line right behind the woman who was at the rope before us. Crisis averted. We waited our turn and went on in to meet the fairies. There was Fawn, Tinker, and the guy (I cannot remember his name!). The




kids enjoyed it and I was glad we got it out of the way and could enjoy the rest of our time at MK. After that we went on Barnstormer again which the kids loved. We decided to take a train ride around the park since it was still kind of early. We decided to head to Tomorrowland when we got back and hit some of the attractions over there. We did Buzz, Astro Orbitor, Monsters Laugh Floor, and Tomorrowland Transit Authority. We headed back to Cosmic Rays for lunch. We split the ½ chicken and ribs with some extra sides. It was a great amount of food for the price. After lunch we headed over to see Mickey’s Philharmagic again which was just as cool as the first time! Then DD and DH went to redeem fast passes for Space Mountain which they were testing and running that day. DS was too short and Mommy was too scared! I planned to take DS to Tom Sawyer Island but we detoured to the Haunted Mansion. There was no wait and I had never been. I knew DS wouldn’t be scared so we jumped on our doom buggy and off we went. I actually thought it was a little spooky and won’t likely be running back to ride again. We headed over the Island and got a call from DH and DD that SM was down so they were on their way over to meet us. We took our raft over to the island and DS and I started to explore. It’s very interesting over there. I thought DS would enjoy it but he actually didn’t like the caves and dark places. Go figure. DH and DD found us and we all explored a little together. After getting back across the river we headed for Frontierland to check out the Tree House which was closed by time we made it over there on Weds. Whew what a lot of stairs for not a lot to see. Again, glad I did it but won’t be rushing back over on our next visit. We rode Aladdin’s carpets again. We then went to check out Pirates. This was the 1 ride I wished we didn’t go on at all. I thought I did a good job researching things but it was a dark and negative ride. I don’t understand having a kids ride with the drunken pillaging pirates. Totally my mistake – I should have read more but I just didn’t want my 4 year olds exposed to that. Once we left we decided we needed to find something fun and light to get that picture and song out of our heads. So, we headed for IASW and the carousel. DD wanted IASW and DS wanted to ride the carousel so we split up. We decided to try to fit in another Buzz ride before heading out. Tonight was a MVMCP night so we were heading to DTD for dinner and final shopping. DD had picked out a Princess Tiana doll set and was not so patiently waiting for us to buy it. We were able to ride Buzz once more and then take a final restroom stop and head for the gate. We stopped to watch the Castle Lighting ceremony which was beautiful and then out we went. We took the monorail this time over to the TTC. It was crowded but fine. I love that we didn’t have to breakdown the stroller. Once at the TTC we walked to the van (we had a AAA diamond pass for the week) and we were off to DTD. Now in my planning I knew that I wanted to go to WPE and EofS for a meal. I chose Wolfgang Puck Express but DH thought it might be too uppity for the kids and it wouldn’t be a good choice. Of course he hadn’t looked at a menu when he made this proclamation but OK. So I find a table outside at Earl of Sandwich which was no easy feat and send him inside the very crowded restaurant. It was Friday night of the beginning of Thanksgiving break so yeah, it was crowded. He comes back after quite a bit and informs me that he’s seen the menu at WPE and thinks I was right and that was a better choice. Really!!?? So, now we go over to WPE to stand in THAT line. Once we were close to ordering I went to look for a table and after a little waiting saw a family getting up for a great table. DH had a flatbread of some kind with a fabulous soup, the kids split Mac & Cheese and a veggie and I had pasta. Overall a very nice dinner. Afterward we headed over to Goofy’s Candy Co. What a nightmare! OMG, there were so many people and the staff seemed overwhelmed and unable to provide any real assistance. We did get a pre-made Mickey head rice crispy treat. We then went to the Make Your Own T-Shirt place which we didn’t find anything we liked well enough to pay the crazy prices for. Finally we went to the $10 or less store and I found a Mickey head cookie cutter and the kids found some trinkets. We talked to the CM who told us where we could find the Tiana doll without having to go to the World of Disney store and I was thankful. He even told me where in the store it was so I was able to go and get it and come right out. The kids were playing on a statue when I arrived. It was late and we were all melting down so back to the townhouse we went. We had to pack up for check out and get ready for breakfast with a friend in the morning. It was going to be a long night!

[floydfamily4]

Once we got home from DTD we had to pack and bathe the kids, etc. I put them in the tub and started packing our clothes. DH was helping...well sort of J I wanted to organize the suitcases based on what we would need and what could stay packed until we were home in TX. Easier said than done but I got it mostly figured out. I had packed an extra bag in case we were over the weight limit so I could use that bag as well. We got it mostly done and then went to sleep knowing my DH had a friend coming for breakfast. This was not a good idea! He was originally supposed to meet us at Epcot later and just spend the day touring with us around Epcot but he had some afternoon issue. So, DH asked me if he could come over for breakfast instead. I told him that we had to check out at 10am so it would need to be around 7:30am. Fine. Not so much. He didn’t arrive until after 8am. I had already eaten with the kids and was trying to get them dressed and ready to go. It was good to visit with him but the timing was really challenging. Of course the housekeeping company arrived before we were out and I felt rushed. Nonetheless we hung out for a little bit and got moving around 10:30am. After realizing that I had left my wallet and money in a hidden drawer in the house we were on our way. When we got to Pop I realized just how much stuff we had. We had 5 bags and a double stroller and 2 kid’s car seats. Yeah a lot of stuff! You may remember that we decided to stay the extra day after coming from the AK so I was pretty excited about staying “on property”. The plan for the morning was to get checked in to the hotel, have DH take the van back to the airport and take the DME back to Epcot where the kids and I would be touring. Seemed simple enough. Once we were checked in we need to go over to our room in the 50’s section. It was a long walk (to me) from the lobby. DH met us over there (no car seats in the van) to take care of the bellman and make sure everything was ok. Once in the room and getting all the luggage, etc. stacked up it was very tight. I didn’t realize that the hotel had a door that opened to the outside. While I loved the theming outside the room felt very much like a motel. My DS looked around and said “mommy there is only 1 bathroom so we’ll have to share.” For him it was just an announcement as if I didn’t notice. Gotta love that kid! I realize that I was spoiled staying in the 3 bedroom/3 bath townhouse for a week. My DH said “well, you wanted to stay on property, how do you like it?” I know that I packed for the space I had and I would never have packed that much for a stay in such a small room. Lesson learned. So after DH headed off to the airport I decided to take the kids over to Epcot on the bus. It took us almost an hour to get to Epcot. I was missing our mini-van already. The kids and I were excited to sign up for the Kim Possible mission and to meet Princess Jasmine. DD kept reminding me that she was the only princess she didn't meet and take pictures with yet. Today was the finally opportunity so I made sure to ask a CM in Morrocco when I could expect her out to greet. We went into Innoventions and checked out the stuff there and then made our way over to the countries so we could do the Kidcot stations. It was a lot of fun. They really got into the KP mission. We were near the end and were around a corner in the UK. Out comes Winnie the Pooh and Tigger on there way into a character greeting location. It was a great, private moment with WP and Tigger! They were playful and it was so cute. Then, my DS says to Tigger “we can’t play with you right now –we’re on a mission!” I about died! They just sort of shrugged and handler cracked up. It was priceless. After our mission we went to meet Jasmine and Alladin over in Morrocco. We timed it pretty well and there were just a couple of families ahead of us. Eventually we met up with DH in China. The rest of the night is kind of a blur. I know we must have had dinner but I don’t remember where and what It was a nice night and I was glad we had time to come back and check out some of the countries but especially that we were able to do the KP mission. The kids are still talking about their mission to save the world! Tomorrow is our last day at WDW

[debrabrown]

Glad they liked the mission! Cute picture of them with the masks, too. Hope you had a great last day!

[B.M.]

Sounds like a great time at MK (glad you got to meet the Fairies) and a great time exploring World Showcase(glad you got to do the KP mission).

[lazanya]

Great time at MK and Epcot!

[Cam22]

That is priceless that they were on a mission and couldn't visit any longer with Tigger and Pooh! Great update!

[islandgirl]

Great time at MK and Epcot!

[chezp]

What great times at Epcot and the Magic Kingdom - love all the character meets!

[Colexis Mom]

Great updates and pictures!

[floydfamily4]

Originally Posted by debrabrown

Glad they liked the mission! Cute picture of them with the masks, too. Hope you had a great last day!

I didn't know what to expect at the Kidcot stations but it was really worth the stop. I wish I had taken the time to do a little more "teaching" at the countries though.

Originally Posted by B.M.

Sounds like a great time at MK (glad you got to meet the Fairies) and a great time exploring World Showcase(glad you got to do the KP mission).

MK is such an awesome place for a 4 year old! I wasn't sure about the KP missions but they LOVED it so much. I totally recommend it!

Originally Posted by lazanya

Great time at MK and Epcot!

Originally Posted by Cam22

That is priceless that they were on a mission and couldn't visit any longer with Tigger and Pooh! Great update!

I cannot tell you how that tickles me everytime I think about it!

Originally Posted by islandgirl

Great time at MK and Epcot!

Originally Posted by chezp

What great times at Epcot and the Magic Kingdom - love all the character meets!

Originally Posted by Colexis Mom

Great updates and pictures!

It was great to meet the characters and especially the fairies. I am amazed at the wait times though, its kind of crazy but they are definately a hit.

[floydfamily4]

Checking out and heading out!

We had promised DS that we would go back to the Dino dig before we left so we determined to spend our last morning at Animal Kingdom. Boy, what a difference a week makes. It was much more crowded then when we had been on Tuesday earlier in the week. Clearly all the folks coming for Thanksgiving week were in town and ready to play. We only had a short time so we went to the Dino dig, rode triceratops, went to see the Tree of Life, and the bird show in Asia. I am glad we saw the birds of flight before we left because it was really cool. The kids really enjoyed it but were spoiled by the stroller earlier in the week. Since we were in such a hurry and knew that we only had ½ a day we wanted them to walk. AK is a big park and they are little people. It was a challenge. After seeing what we could see and getting one last Mickey ice cream cone we headed back to Pop to catch the DME over to the airport. The last day was really kind of a rush but we had promised DS so we had to go and honestly I wanted to see AK one last time too!
Once back to Pop we gathered our luggage (we were flying stand-by so we had to manage it all ourselves) and waited for the bus. We had to wait about 10 minutes and then we loaded on and got comfortable. Sitting behind me was this nice woman who asked “are you as happy to leave this place as I am?” I turned and smiled and said “oh no, I could stay 3 more days, just not at this hotel.” The ride to the airport was uneventful. We were blessed enough to not only have seats on an evening flight but to have the flight be non-stop. It was a simple ride home from a magical vacation.

Next up...final thoughts and ramblings

[floydfamily4]

These are my final thoughts, etc about our trip.
· The week we went was a perfect week as far as weather and crowds (week before Thanksgiving). It was so nice to basically walk on everything. Having such low crowds also made not “hopping” easier. Even though we had to dodge the MVMCP nights and scheduling of Fantasmic it was a great week. The weather was outstanding. You can’t plan for that but we were very thankful.
· I had been planning our trip for over 2 years. While others thought I would be disappointed because of my “planning and over thinking it”, I am glad I did. First, we had a budget and because of that I knew what we could do and what we couldn’t. We saved (I am a SAHM with some consulting opportunities and an Avon Rep) and we planned. For me, coming home with bills or regrets for overspending is not magical. I wanted to have a budget so I was not surprised by the costs. I am so thankful for allears.net because I knew what a Mickey ice cream or meal would cost ahead of time. This relaxed me. One of the reasons cited by the lady on the bus was the price of everything even on the “free” dining plan.
· I am also glad we stayed off site. While I wouldn’t have rented a 3bdr townhouse with just the 4 of us I am glad we had the space. I don’t feel like I missed anything by not being within the gates the whole time. Windsor Hills resort was awesome. The property is amazing and it is super close to WDW. I think next time we will look at a 2 bedroom condo if it’s just the 4 of us.
· I am glad I spent the money on the Princess breakfast and the Crystal Palace character meals. While it is a lot of money for breakfast it was nice to not stand in the long line to meet Winnie and Tigger in the parks. It was also a very special way to celebrate the kids birthday and start the day. We were also planning to do Chef Mickey's and Playhouse Disney character meals but I am glad we cancelled but the amount of time the meals can take is a lot. The first time I went to Disney I didn't even know you could eat with the characters so this was so wonderful.
· Having the stroller was a life saver. Sharing the costs with other visitors was genius (stroller swap). I know we would have needed one and to save the $31 per day was wonderful. I know some people would never use a stroller but I just think the amount of walking was too much for my kids. I am glad I didn’t let what others might think stop me from doing what I knew was best for my kiddos. I know we avoided many a meltdown from DS when he was tired but the princess was still rearing to go.
· Finally, I am reminded to be thankful for the many blessings my family has. We don’t have a lot of money and stuff but we have 2 healthy children who we were able to take to Disney World. I grew up pretty poor and didn’t go to WDW until I was out of Grad School and working. To be able to take my healthy, strong, wonderful twin children to WDW for their 1st trip was a blessing. I saw many a family who had to manage wheelchairs and special needs and I am just thankful. Its easy to forget how blessed we are day to day and being in a place where millions can never afford to go is a wonderful gift. My aunt and a special friend of mine were so generous in their giving to the kids that it allowed us to do the "extras" and I am so thankful to have them in our lives. As for WDW the kids loved it. DH loved it. Me, well I thought it was just as magical as it promised to be. Thanks for reading about our journey.

I finally have my photopass pictures and will attach a few of my favorites!