Thanksgiving @ WDW 2009; Crazy and Lovin' it! - Page 10 - PassPorter - A Community of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel Forums
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Too funny. We probably crossed paths! We ate at Ohana's as well, but much later, then headed over to MK. We knew about the ferry since we had to go from POR to SOG the night before to pick up our Armed Fores Salute passes. After breakfast we hit MK as well (with only 2 of 3 kids since the oldest was still at college). We stayed until 7 or 8 that night.
We rode Buzz, Stitch, Blue Line, PotC, BTMR, HM, HoP and I can't even remember what else. Busy, busy, busy....
SM was down for a while so we missed it (got it on Thanksgiving Day)
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Mothers of boys work from son up to son down!
Mom to 3 boys - 18, 11 and 9
Last edited by EasyAS123; 12-07-2009 at 10:55 AM..
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How did I miss this trip report Well I'm all caught up now, and I think I started just in time! Looks like a great start to your vacation, and I can't wait to read more
Just got caught up with your report.
Everything sounds wonderful. I think your pics are great. Sorry your camera kept messing up. Not something you want to happen while you are there.
Can't wait for more.
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.
Yeah, I think we did pretty good for day 1. I'm normally borderline comando and with seven people (including small kids), I had to let go a little.....
Quote:
Originally Posted by Colexis Mom
What a great day you had! Great pictures too!
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Originally Posted by tootogether
Awesome day! Looking forward to reading more...
Thanks for reading!
Quote:
Originally Posted by debrabrown
How cool you found out your dad had been to Disney before! Glad you had a good experience at the Poly but bummer about the alarm clock. Sheesh, Good reminder to check the clock at hotels!!
I still can't believe I never knew that my dad had been before.... Yeah, before that clock situation (and it happened again after I thought I turned it off) I never would have thought about previous guests having the alarm set for odd ball hours- but there is more of that to come......
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Originally Posted by DawnK
What a great trip so far. When Winston said..."wake Mickey up I'm here!" I just laughed that was really funny.!!
Awesome day!! Great pictures! Can't wait to hear more!
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Originally Posted by lazanya
What a great day!
Thanks!
Quote:
Originally Posted by EasyAS123
Too funny. We probably crossed paths! We ate at Ohana's as well, but much later, then headed over to MK. We knew about the ferry since we had to go from POR to SOG the night before to pick up our Armed Fores Salute passes. After breakfast we hit MK as well (with only 2 of 3 kids since the oldest was still at college). We stayed until 7 or 8 that night.
We rode Buzz, Stitch, Blue Line, PotC, BTMR, HM, HoP and I can't even remember what else. Busy, busy, busy....
SM was down for a while so we missed it (got it on Thanksgiving Day)
I bet we crossed paths at some point also......
Quote:
Originally Posted by honeybee723
How did I miss this trip report Well I'm all caught up now, and I think I started just in time! Looks like a great start to your vacation, and I can't wait to read more
Quote:
Originally Posted by KMB733
Looks like a wonderful start to your vacation!
Thanks!
Quote:
Originally Posted by disneydreamer33
Just got caught up with your report.
Everything sounds wonderful. I think your pics are great. Sorry your camera kept messing up. Not something you want to happen while you are there.
Can't wait for more.
Yeah, the camera acting up was a bummer, but I'm just thankful it was a quick and cheap fix!
My photopass CD arrived today, so I'll share a few photo pass pics from day 1 at the Magic Kingdom...... You can see how none of the kids ever look at the camera at the same time... I LOVE the one of Winston by himself and I'm so glad the photographer did that, I was so suprised to see that pic when I got home and viewed my photopass pics...... And as you can see with Woody and Jessie, Winston refused to be in a lot of pics; that became the norm for the most part......
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.
And a few more for good measure..... This was actually one of the best group shots and it wasn't the full group as my dad sat this one out..... Winston just refused to cooperate! They met Daisy on the way out of the park.... Winston enjoyed the characters and autographs the first few days, but it died out shortly into the trip....
Sunday November 22
Animal Kingdom
We had gone to bed around 9pm the night before, but a few hours into sleeping, that stupid alarm went off again! It was around 10pm, I have no idea what kind of time schedule the person who stayed here before us was on! I turned it off and went back to bed. It went off again during the night! (Can’t remember the time) So, I unplugged the stupid thing and that was the end of it! We woke up early and had breakfast in the room. We had a few hours before we needed to catch the bus, so we had plenty of time to walk around and explore resort this morning.My dad enjoyed sitting by the pool with his coffee each morning.
And Dillon was excited to finally start collecting some pennies. He had bought a penny book from last year. He shared his collection with Austin and Austin loved helping him seek out penny machines!
We rode the bus this morning and Winston was SO excited. He called it a school bus for the duration of the trip. He was also super excited to ride the “alligator” everyday (the elevator). I think if all we did was ride the “school bus” and the “alligator” every day and never entered a park, he would have had the time of his life! It was about 8:45am when we arrived at Animal Kingdom. We made it for the opening ceremony.
We headed for Dino land. My dad, Austin, and Madilyn rode Prime Evil Twirl. Prime evil was listed at 5 minutes, but they walked right on. They all three enjoyed it. I rode Triceratop spin with Winston, Wesley, and Dillon. We also walked right on. Up next was a bathroom break. Then off to Dinosaur. Wesley and Dillon didn’t want to ride. I didn’t care much for it last time and was hesitant to put Winston on such a jerky ride. So, the four of us sat out. We were going to browse the gift shop, but now Winston needed a potty break. By the time he used the bathroom, they were off Dinosaur. The wait time was listed as 20 minutes, but it was less than 10. Madilyn and Austin loved Dinosaur and my dad thought it was ok, too jerky.
It was now a little after 9:30am and I noticed kids playing in the bone yard. It didn’t open till 10 according to the times guide, but they had opened early. So, we headed in. The kids (especially Austin and Winston) loved this place. At about 10, I told them to finish up. At this point, Austin finally found the actual bone digging section. He was NOT leaving. I gave him another 10 minutes and finally dragged him out. He was in tears, he thought he almost had that bone out and he was worried that other kids would put sand back over it. I promised him we would return. And from that point on, he asked me every 10 minutes or so if it was time to go back to the bone yard. He could have spent all day here. Dillon spent a little time in the bone yard organizing his pins and pennies...
It was now close to 10:30. We got fast passes for Expedition Everest. We stopped for ice cream also. Austin and Dillon each got a sprite. Austin also got a Mickey bar. I got a diet coke. My dad got an almond bar and Dillon got a strawberry bar. Madilyn and Wesley each got a coke. And then we made it just in time to see the 10:30 Flights of Wonder show. I really enjoy this show and I think my dad did too. The kids weren’t that into it today.
It was now almost 11am. We sat down for lunch at Yak and Yeti counter service. Last time, we LOVED this place. I got 5 orders of orange chicken between us. I got two kids egg roll meals with both sides as fries. Austin ate the egg rolls and I split the fries between the kids. The orange chicken didn’t have enough sauce, it was dry, and the rice was yuck! I was really disappointed; this had been our favorite CS place last year. We tried the mango pie, and didn’t care for that either. Maybe it was just an off day, but yak and yeti was yucky today. Oh well… It was now 11:25. We made a run for the 11:30 Nemo Show. Yea Right! It was filled to capacity, I should have known.
We tracked back to Asia and rode Kali River Rapids. It was listed at 20 minutes, but it was only a five minute wait. Wesley didn’t want to ride and I don’t care to get wet. So, my dad, Madilyn, Austin, Dillon, and Winston rode. They all five loved it and they weren’t even that wet.
It was around 12 and the next Nemo show was for 1pm. I told Austin we would go to the boneyard for about 30 minutes before heading to the Nemo show. So, we did that. This time, he spent the entire 20 minutes digging up that one bone. He cried again when we left, he thought he was so close to getting that bone out! We arrived at the Nemo Show at 12:30 and it was already at standing room and the line was long and expected to fill to capacity before we could get in. Ugh! Last year we walked in at the last minute and had great seats. Next time, I’m definitely doing the Tusker House lunch package! The CM said we needed to be there a minimum of 45 minutes early to get seats. That wasn’t realistic, so I just gave up on Nemo for this trip…
We now headed to use our Expedition Everest fast passes. We had 7 fp’s. Wesley and Dillon won’t ride and Winston is too short. So- I rode with Madilyn and Austin. We walked right on with the fp’s. Then my dad rode with Madilyn and Austin. It was a great ride, we all enjoyed it! I absolutely love this roller coaster and I was so thankful my dad was there so I could ride also! While my Dad was riding EE w/ Madilyn and Austin we browsed the gift shop and Dillon ended up purchasing a stuffed Yeti. He and Austin treated this stuffed Yeti like a member of the family the rest of the trip. They both loved it! (It was cute) Dillon spend his own money ($20.19)
Next we headed to the Safari. We got Safari fp’s and then took the train to Conservation Station. Winston loved the train ride and cried not to get off! We stopped for some ice cream and sat on a bench. Madilyn and Wesley had a strawberry bar. Winston had an almond bar. Dillon had a sprite. Austin had a Mickey bar. I had a frozen banana and didn’t care much for it. Then we went inside and met Rafiki. We looked around at the spiders and stuff. We then went outside where they were doing an educational animal show. Winston cried to go in the petting zoo. My dad took him in there while I watched the show with the big kids. Next we all went in the petting zoo. It was now time to head back on the train. I thought Winston would be excited to ride the train again. WRONG. He wanted to go on the playground. What playground? I didn’t see one! He was acting crazy and insisting we go to the playground before riding the train. Finally, I put him down and said show me the playground. He walked over to the animal show, but he could not find what he was looking for. I let him walk around a while to prove there was no playground we were keeping him from. He was just exhausted. Finally, I dragged him back to the train. Once on the train he stopped crying. He loved riding the train. I tried to be proactive and as we approached our stop, I explained that we would need to get off so that the other boys and girls could have a turn to ride. He looked at me and said can we ride it one more time? I said no, and that he was not to cry, but to walk off the train like a big boy and we’d ride another train (ie: Safari). It seemed like this was working, he got up to walk off and wasn’t crying and then he threw himself to the ground and put a death grip on the train. So, I dragged him off again. Last time we never made over here and I personally wasn’t that impressed. I could skip it, but would go if the kids wanted. I’m pretty sure we will be back, if only to meet Rafiki! (and for Winston to ride the train, lol)
We made a pit stop before the Safari to buy a disposable camera for Wesley and Dillon. I had used up their pictures when my camera was messing up on the first day and they wanted a camera for the Safari. When I seen the camera’s were $17.99, I suggested they share one and they agreed. We headed for the Safari and used our Fp’s to basically walk on. Once we got on the Safari, Winston was excited again (I called it a train ride, and he went with it). We all really enjoyed this ride. I love the Safari! When it was time to get off, Winston (and Austin) cried to ride again. It started raining while on our safari. The stroller was a little wet since I hadn’t covered it.
Next we headed over to Camp Minnie Mickey. We were able to get in at the last minute to the Festival of the Lion King. It started as we entered. There was ample seating remaining. Madilyn was complaining, but once the show started she remembered how much she liked it last year. Austin loved it! Winston was too tired to enjoy anything at this point. The boys were getting tired and didn’t enjoy it as much as last year either, but I still consider it a must see because I love this show!
Afterward, we stopped for a snack. Madilyn got lays chips, Winston got bbq chips, and I got a chocolate cone. Austin HAD to have a hot dog. It wasn’t covered on the dining plan, but I got it anyway (and one for Dillon also). Wesley didn’t want anything and my dad got a turkey leg from a different stand. I remember he said they looked better than they tasted.
We spotted some characters that we had to meet before leaving: Minnie Mouse, Trek, Goofy, and Thumpers girlfriend (not sure her name). Winston’s mood perked up when I gave him an umbrella. He was good to go the rest of the night! After meeting the characters, we headed out of the park. I realized we had forgotten tough to be a bug, but everyone was ready to go, so we left.
It was a little after 6pm when we returned to the resort. As soon as we got off the bus, we headed to the food court for dinner. Dillon had a chili cheese dog. My dad had a bacon cheeseburger. Madilyn and Winston split a chicken nugget meal. Wes had chicken nuggets also. Austin had pizza and I had chicken parmesan. It was all yummy. I really fell in love with the free dining plan this week! It saved us a small fortune! Once back in the room, we all took turns showering and we were all asleep by 10pm. (the alarm was unplugged, so no worries of it going off)
The weather today was… H80/L64 with a little rain/sprinkles
The best thing today was… meeting Minnie and Thumpers girlfriend, this rejuvenated the kids…
The worst thing today was… missing the Nemo show
The funniest thing today was… how excited Winston was to ride the “school” bus.
Today we tried… The bone yard
And the result was… a hit! If I could do it over again, we’d have spent more time here; it was a highlight for Austin!
The most magical moment today was… Dillon sharing his stuffed Yeti with Austin even though he spent his own money on it; He’s such a great big brother and it thrilled Austin to no end!
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Well I'm all caught up now, and I think I started just in time! Looks like a great start to your vacation, and I can't wait to read more 
Liz 
Great pictures too! 
Good reminder to check the clock at hotels!!
This was actually one of the best group shots and it wasn't the full group as my dad sat this one out..... Winston just refused to cooperate!
They met Daisy on the way out of the park....
Winston enjoyed the characters and autographs the first few days, but it died out shortly into the trip....
My dad enjoyed sitting by the pool with his coffee each morning. 
and Winston was SO excited. He called it a school bus for the duration of the trip.
He was also super excited to ride the “alligator” everyday (the elevator). I think if all we did was ride the “school bus” and the “alligator” every day and never entered a park, he would have had the time of his life! It was about 8:45am when we arrived at Animal Kingdom. We made it for the opening ceremony. 
Up next was a bathroom break. Then off to Dinosaur. Wesley and Dillon didn’t want to ride. I didn’t care much for it last time and was hesitant to put Winston on such a jerky ride. So, the four of us sat out. We were going to browse the gift shop, but now Winston needed a potty break. By the time he used the bathroom, they were off Dinosaur. The wait time was listed as 20 minutes, but it was less than 10. Madilyn and Austin loved Dinosaur and my dad thought it was ok, too jerky. 
The kids (especially Austin and Winston) loved this place. At about 10, I told them to finish up. At this point, Austin finally found the actual bone digging section. He was NOT leaving. I gave him another 10 minutes and finally dragged him out. He was in tears, he thought he almost had that bone out and he was worried that other kids would put sand back over it. I promised him we would return. And from that point on, he asked me every 10 minutes or so if it was time to go back to the bone yard. He could have spent all day here. 
Dillon spent a little time in the bone yard organizing his pins and pennies...
Deb
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