Magic Filled First WDW Trip as DVC Members About This Page:

[Cam22]

We’ve been back for 10 days and we’re already anxiously planning for next year’s trip!

Our Party: Cam (45), Luke (43), and Stefanie (18)
Our Journey: Wednesday, June 9 through Friday, June 18 [Good temps most days along with evening rain between 5 PM and 7 PM every evening]
Our Lodging: The Villas at Wilderness Lodge

Day One:
We flew out of Nashville on a packed plane, but Stefanie did better than ever. I found a helpful hint from someone on PassPorter about Earplanes. Wonderful Idea! She also got a deck of cards, coloring book with pencil, and wings from Southwest that made her smile really big. BTW – Stefanie is a very special kid; she is a survivor of Hurler’s Syndrome, a genetic disorder that is usually fatal by ten. She is approximately the size of a 6 year old, and is mentally handicapped, but extremely precious. We arrived at the Wilderness Lodge at about 7:15 P.M. Check-in was a breeze and we headed to the Whispering Canyon Café for our 7:30 priority seating. That was so much fun! Stefanie was starved, but wanted to join in all the hoopla. Last stop before going to bed was the Mercantile gift shop for an autograph book and pen, which we somehow managed to forget at home.

Day Two:
We got up early to take advantage of the Extra Hour at Magic Kingdom. We spent most of the day in Tomorrowland, Fantasyland, and ToonTown. Our very first ride was Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, one of Stefanie’s favs. Best moments: Philharmagic (incredible 3D), and both the afternoon and evening parades. We had a great spot for the SpectroMagic parade right outside of Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe. Mary Poppins and Snow White both shook Stefanie’s hand during this parade. Big smiles! Stefanie also met Cinderella and made both their days when she said Cindy was her favorite character.

Day Three:
Another early morning for the Extra Hour at Animal Kingdom. I love giraffes so I was excited to see several as we began the day with Kilimanjaro Safaris. Due to rain we have previously not seen the Jungle Jammin’ Parade, but we got to this year. It was GREAT! Magic moment: Stefanie was shocked when Pocahontas spelled her name correctly. Of course, like most females, I love Tarzan Rocks! When AK shut down we moved on Downtown Disney. Wolfgang Puck Express has a wonderful Cheese Quesadilla! Yummy!

Day Four:
Repeat of the early wake up call from Mickey to use the Extra Hour in MGM Studios. We are Star Wars fans so we had extra incentive. Luke was able to fast pass Tower of Terror and then ride Rock ‘N Roller Coaster, so he made both rides in the first hour we were there. Incredible! Stefanie and I went shopping and she picked out an artist drawing of Tigger for her dad for Father’s Day. The whole process as she worked with a cast member and artist was precious. Her dad loved his gift, too! We were surprised with a Fantasmic Dinner package when we made our ps at Hollywood and Vine. I think it was magic, even though they told us they just happened to have an extra. I had tried to get the package, but had been told none were available. Fantasmic was fantastic! We saw it last year standing up in the very back so to have great seats was a big bonus.

Day Five:
An extra 1 and ½ hours of sleep! We were in Epcot for the day. Stefanie got a Donald Duck pin (another of her favs) for being a cutie! She saw the cast member several more time later in the day, and would said, “Remember, Mom, he thinks I’m cute.” And she is! She loves the Garden Grill and we have a cute picture of her standing in the booth, trying to see characters before they got to us.

Day Six:
We were tired so we stayed at the Lodge for most of the day. My sister lives in Orlando, so she and her kids joined us for the day. We swam for awhile until a really serious thunderstorm blew in. That night was mine and Luke’s favorite restaurant, Boma at Animal Kingdom Lodge. I teach high school English and one of our novels is African, so I was excited to get some of the recipes for dishes. Maybe I’ll try them out on my students. I also go to see more giraffes.

Day Seven:
We spent the day at Blizzard Beach. The refillable mugs are a great money and time saver. Luke survived the Summit Plummet; actually, he loved it! After cleaning up, we headed back to MK for dinner at the Crystal Palace. Then we managed to make most of Adventureland and Frontierland before stacking out a new spot for SpectroMagic. We were right at the start this time. After that we quickly walked through the shops on Mainstreet, avoiding crowds, and made it to an excellent spot outside the Crystal Palace to watch Wishes again! So much better this time as Cinderella’s Palace was right in front of us! Magic moment for sure!

Day Eight:
Stefanie and I met my sister and her kids again; this time in Downtown Disney. We also visited Saratoga Springs, our home resort. I am impressed! We ate supper at San Angel Inn in Epcot. If you love Mexican cuisine, this is a place for you. Try the Chocolate Chimichanga. Yummy! I’m sure it is low in calories. I was too tired to stay and see Illuminations again; very disappointing because our spot on Sunday had not been very good.

Day Nine:
Back to Downtown Disney to visit Disney Quest. BTW – We stopped at Wetzel’s Pretzels, which are very yummy, but the cast member who waited on us was so much fun. Wonderful personality! We played Ride the Comix and I actually beat Luke this year. In fact I was number one. Not bad for someone who is usually uncoordinated. Supper was at Chef Mickey’s, another of Stefanie’s favs. Feeling better than the night before, we hopped on the monorail to stack out a spot at Epcot for Illuminations. So moving! I love it every single time! On the way back we got to ride in the front of the monorail. We had to wait as several other families had the same idea, but it was worth it to see Luke smile! Stefanie wasn’t so sure she liked it from the front.

Day Ten:
How can it already be time to go home? We laid by the pool for a couple of hours and then it was time to clean up, pack, and catch our Tiffany Towncar to the airport. The flight home was made interesting by the professional wrestlers who sat across from us (we were at the very front and seated backwards, too). Stefanie’s ears bothered her some, but soon we were back in Nashville. From there it’s a 2 and ½ hour car trip home. We talked and talked about all the fun we’d had. So as I said at the start we’re in the early planning stages for next summer’s trip. I can’t wait!