Our FROZEN filled trip TR About This Page:

[Colexis Mom]

Great day at the Studios!

[saibot0001]

Glad you all enjoyed the Frozen package! Sounds like another fabulous day. My most favorite part was seeing Abby with Ralph and Vanellope! Her excitement in those pictures is pure happiness! Love it!

[elisa1006]

I hadn't read much about the Frozen offerings being as we won't be at Disney to experience them. However, I loved reading about your day and hearing all about the activities. Glad the crowds weren't too bad and yáll were able to enjoy your day.

[JoJayMom]

Sounds like a great Frozen Day!!! I was excited to hear all the details of the package.

[CinderAbby]

Originally Posted by shazza

Thanks for the detailed report of how the Frozen Package works. Sounds like everything went well for you, even finding shade for the parade (love the photo of the hand ( Abby's? ) waving at Kristoff.

Also great that Abby had another wonderful experience with Vanelope and Ralph - she really loves them and it shows. She sure does do well with waiting when it is something she wants to see (at least that's how it seems), and I had to smile at her not wanting to miss the FP times - I can get like that, and just have to let it Go ...

(It seems like I am stalking your report - I just happened to wake up after a long nap and and find your update )

I know you're not stalking me Sharon. It's just the timing - and someone has to be first at responding - might as well be you . The Frozen package really worked well for us. I'm very glad I got it when I did as it eventually sold out. That was Abby's hand waving to Kristoff. It wasn't until we got home I realized that happened but it's okay - her hand was only in the corner waving, not covering the whole lens.

Abby absolutely loves Ralph and Vanellope. I don't know why but she does. I think the reason why she does so well waiting here is typically we're the first people in line and the way the building is set up, she has plenty of space to move around in. She's not confined to a really small area - and even when the line actually opens (we start in the really big main part of the building and then the line opens about 10 or 15 minutes before the meet starts) Lenny and I make sure she's got the entire corner to move around in so we take up something like a 5 foot by 3 foot area for her and no one is crowding her.

Abby's not one to "let it go" - she's more like a dog with a bone at times. She's gotten better with some things, others not so much but we'll (hopefully) get there.

Originally Posted by nanajoyx2

Darlene, you may have explained this before, but why did Lenny have a separate reservation number?

You really do fit a lot of things into your days. I wish we had the strength to stay at DHS for the Frozen fireworks. In fact, my group didn't wait at any park for fireworks this trip. The kids were more interested in getting back to OKW in time to use the pool each evening before it closed.

When we go to Disney, we get a king handicapped room and the connecting double bed room. The CM booked it with two different reservation numbers instead of one family with one reservation number. I don't know how or why but that's what she did - and with FP+ and MM this year, it was a pain to make sure he was on everything I did.

We were getting tired but since we didn't run and race, it wasn't too bad. Plus too we had all those sweets at 8:30 to help us through but it did make for a long day.

Originally Posted by KMB733

The Frozen package sounds like a lot of fun. I love the Olaf on a Stick! Great pictures from the parade and the fireworks!

Thanks Kathy. Others might think differently but for us, it was worth it and fun. I'm glad you like the photos.

Originally Posted by lauriep

You really got the most out of this day and the Frozen package. Looks like it was really worth it for you, as much as Abby enjoyed it. Love the Vanellope and Ralph photos-- as usual, Abby is extra-animated for them. I expected that the Trading Post and Fun area would be crowded. Very glad they weren't!

Yes, the package was totally worth it for us Laurie. I too thought the funland and trading post would be crowded and was very surprised when no one was there. When it opened, I thought it was the only location to get all the Frozen merchandise (and it might have been hence the crowds) but I saw much of what was in there on other stores or areas of the park. The one exception being the MB's but I didn't look for them elsewhere either.

As for Ralph and Vanellope, I don't know why she's like that with them and not other characters. Maybe she relates to Ralph and wrecking things - she does do it at times and not always on purpose - I don't know. It is so much fun to see though.

Originally Posted by DMA

Love all the details of the Frozen package! Sounds like a great time!

It was a great time and we're so glad we did it. Thanks to Dani S here on the boards, I knew about it otherwise we might have missed out.

Originally Posted by lfredsbo

You guys sure fit a lot in your park time! Sounds like you made the most out of the Frozen package! Glad you all enjoyed it!

We did make the most out of it without overindulging too much. I enjoyed it so much I've contemplated trying to do the Wishes dessert party next time we go for Lenny. I didn't feel we did too much that day but I guess in relation to what's actually at the park it was a lot.

Originally Posted by Cam22

The Frozen package looks like it was so much fun! Abby seems to be having the best time in all the pictures. You all got so much done this day, but I can definitely imagined you all were tired by the end.

Wait for the rest of the trip and pictures. Abby did have a blast this trip but it wasn't only this day. We were tired by the end of the night but it was worth it IMO.

[CinderAbby]

Originally Posted by Jakesmom1118

Sounds like you guys had a really fun day!!! I just smiled so big when Lenny wore the Olaf shirt! I'm glad Abby got such a good visit with Ralph and Vanellope. She looks so happy in the pictures. Thanks for sharing!!!!

Sent from my KFTHWI using Tapatalk

Thanks for reading along. I'm glad you're enjoying it. I actually laughed at Lenny when he came back wearing the shirt. It was totally unexpected (I guess he's finally getting the Disney magic ). We did have a great day from all the Frozen stuff to Ralph and Vanellope but make sure you come back for more happy pictures.

Originally Posted by wheezie

I how excited Abby gets about Ralph and Vanellope! I remember in one of your previous TRs how they spent all of that time with her, and gave her the fridge magnet. Disney magic at its finest!

Sounds like another great, exhausting day!!

Can't wait to read more!

Yes, that was just last year with the magnet - and it still hangs proudly on the fridge. Abby still talks about dancing with them last year and now this year too. It was a great, exhausting, magical day and I couldn't agree more about Disney at it's finest.

Originally Posted by DawnK

Wow.....I can't keep up with you all. You get so much done in the parks!! I love how much Abby loves Ralph and Vanellope!!! What a great 2 days so far!!!

It has been so far Dawn, but you'll have to come back and see if it continues or not. I don't know how I keep up with myself. I read the TR and actually sit here and question Lenny "did we really do that much? It doesn't seem like we did" and I don't know why. Maybe because with Abby and my jobs, I'm just so use to constantly moving that's why it doesn't seem so much to me.

Originally Posted by Colexis Mom

Great day at the Studios!

It was Marnie.

Originally Posted by saibot0001

Glad you all enjoyed the Frozen package! Sounds like another fabulous day. My most favorite part was seeing Abby with Ralph and Vanellope! Her excitement in those pictures is pure happiness! Love it!

The whole vacation was pure happiness so you'll have to come back and read more. It was another fabulous day and we really did enjoy the package. Totally worth it for us and not a single regret over the expense.

Originally Posted by elisa1006

I hadn't read much about the Frozen offerings being as we won't be at Disney to experience them. However, I loved reading about your day and hearing all about the activities. Glad the crowds weren't too bad and yáll were able to enjoy your day.

I'm sorry to hear you won't be able to experience Frozen but I'm glad though you enjoyed reading all about it. Maybe between now and then, Disney will extend some of it longer than the end of this month.

Originally Posted by JoJayMom

Sounds like a great Frozen Day!!! I was excited to hear all the details of the package.

It was a great Frozen day. I hope you enjoyed reading all about it.

[CinderAbby]

Monday morning, I was up at 6 and I got Lenny and Abby up at 6:30. We got ready and headed to Epcot today as we had a breakfast ADR. We got there at 8 for our 8:15 breakfast in Norway so we went as fast as we could to get there. There was quite a line once we finally reached Akershus and we didn't get seated until sometime after 8:30 (at least 10 or 15 minutes after we checked in). I'm not usually a breakfast person and don't normally get hungry until later in the day but not this day. I was hungry before we even got to Epcot so I wasn't thrilled with the wait time - especially when people who checked in after us got seated first. A few minutes after we were seated, they had the "Princess Procession" around the restaurant and Abby so badly wanted to join in but kept saying it was for little kids. I told her so what, she's a kid and she could go with them if she wanted so she finally got up to take part. My photos unfortunately aren't that good from it. We were seated in an area where the sun was coming through the window just right it was affecting my camera (or maybe the sun was just affecting my brain so that I didn't move to get a better shot). Abby saw all the princesses in just a few minutes and to me, it felt a little bit rushed for some reason. She was happy though so to me, that's what matters in the end.





The food as usual was good. We got a few things from the buffet line and we ate what came on the platter but then asked for just some more eggs. We didn't really feel like anymore of the potatoes, bacon or sausage.When we were done eating, the Princess Procession was happeing again and Abby needed no encouragement to join that time.

Around 9:15 is when we were finally out of breakfast and with the way I'd planned our FP's this day, our first stop was Test Track. I didn't have a FP for it - I had gotten it for Soarin' - but knowing how quickly the line builds up, I wanted to get a DAS time for it. As I approached the CM at the stand by line with my DAS, she saw it and sent me over to the FP line but before I did, I noticed her name was Marquette. Last year when we were at Sea World trying to get on the flume ride, the girl that helped us out was named Marquette so I was wondering if this was the same girl. I didn't go back to ask though. I just continued to the CM at the FP entrance who filled out the DAS for me. After I put that away, we then headed to our first FP - Imagination. There was no line when we got there and I knew it would be a ride I wouldn't need a FP for anyway but I wanted control of what I got - I didn't want Disney choosing for me. Especially if we wanted to try for a fourth FP. There's not much I can say about Imagination. Abby likes it, and it's someplace to sit down for a few minutes. Afterwards, Abby played for a few minutes in the What If labs. She wanted to create her own Figment but the keyboards weren't working correctly so you couldn't name it and then send it home via email. She was disappointed but she moved on to the next thing. We were only there a few minutes before Abby wanted to move on to the Land.



As I mentioned, I had a FP for Soarin but it was still a little bit early so we rode Living with the Land first. The more I ride it, the more I like it. Yes, there are a couple of parts that are a little boring, but I like the greenhouses as I like to see what they have growing in there. Today I saw some big pineapples. I saw other stuff too but for some reason, the pineapples stick out more than anything else (I even took a photo of them).



After getting off our boats, we could use our Soarin FP so that was our next stop. I still enjoy the ride, but it's definitely showing it's age. All sorts of spots that shouldn't have been there were showing up during the film. It didn't necessarily take away from the ride but to me, it was somewhat of a distraction. After we landed, we decided to go see Nemo and Friends. It was raining a little bit as we left and Abby was concerned that we wouldn't be able to ride Test Track at all because of it. I told her we could use the return time at any time we wanted up until park closing and that chances were the rain would stop and the sun would come out again. She was then okay with it and I never heard anything else about it.

At Nemo, the ride was posted at 25 minutes but we didn't even wait more than 10 to get on. We were able to walk through most of the queue and the first time we stopped was for the CM letting people with FP's through. Even after that, we walked through more of the queue before we had to stop again. I forget who rode with whom (Abby likes to ride alone at times) but we enjoyed the ride and it was over before we knew it. I am happy to announce though that I didn't lose anything on the ride this year. We then tried to get into Turtle Talk with Crush but the CM said he was sorry but they couldn't fit any more ECV's in the queue for the show and that we could go back in a few minutes for the next show. That wasn't a problem IMO and we didn't mind. We went and explored the Nemo tanks for a few minutes and then went back. We were led to the waiting area and not too long after, it was time to go into the theater. Abby isn't a small child but she's still a kid so she still likes to sit on the floor with everyone else. She even raises her hand to ask a question when it's time. This year (once again) Abby got picked to ask a question. I was able to turn my camera into video mode and record it. I just love when those "magical" moments happen because they're the ones Abby talks about over and over again - and they're why I keep going back.


(This is a video link, not a photo)

After Turtle Talk, we had to go visit with Bruce and this year, there was a Photopass Photographer in there taking pictures. We waited in line to get them and only spent a few minutes in there looking around because it was really crowded.

We went from the land to the sea. Our next stop was space - SSE to be exact. There wasn't much of a wait so we were sent directly to the wheelchair entrance and by the time Lenny got off his scooter, they were ready to lead us to the ride vehicles. Abby chose to ride with me this time and Lenny sat behind us. I'm pretty sure I stayed awake during the ride but I don't remember actually paying attention to it. I know when it came to the video portion, Abby answered all of the questions and I did get a couple of photos of it so I did pay attention then (well somewhat, I don't remember what she answered).




After SSE, we used our last FP for the day at the Character Spot. Abby said she wanted to see characters this year and again, since I wanted control of my FP and in Epcot, we're limited to how and what we can choose, I figured the character spot would be a good use. The line was only about 15 or 20 minutes long when we got there but we were the only ones in the FP line so we really didn't have to wait too long.




We saw Mickey, Goofy and Minnie this day and after visiting with them, Lenny wanted to go to the Visa cardholder M&G. Thankfully Abby walked out ahead of us because I convinced Lenny otherwise with my question of "we just saw Mickey, Goofy and Minnie. How do we explain it to Abby if any of them are in the next M&G?" Abby will not talk to me about the characters so I don't know what she thinks of them - if she thinks they're real or she's afraid to admit to me she knows they're not. I don't push the issue because in the long run, it's really not important.

After seeing the characters, we finally got back to Test Track to use our DAS time. As we approached the FP line, I saw Marquette was there and was surprised to see her. It was something like 5 hours later and I didn't expect that she'd still be there but she was. After she looked at our DAS, I just had to say something. "I have a strange question for you. Did you work at Sea World last summer?" She said "yes, how do you know?" I then explained that I remembered her name because it was so unique and that she had sent us around to the other entrance at the flume ride when we were at SW. She said she remembered that and she was surprised that I did. I'm not because I wrote about her last year in my TR and it is really a unique name - although I didn't tell her I wrote about her in a TR for an Internet blog site. After I said good bye to her and we got inside, Abby said she wanted to design car so we let her. It looked pretty interesting but if I'm remembering the results correctly, hers came out first overall at the end of the ride.

[CinderAbby]

We left the building and as we walked away, I heard some sort of announcement over a PA system. All I remember hearing was "inclement weather, inaccurate data and may close at any time." I didn't really understand the other things that were being said but from what I did understand, I was very glad we had chosen to ride TT when we did and not later. I don't even know if it ever did close down or not. I don't remember the weather and I don't have any notes about it raining.

We'd done almost everything in Future World but we had one last thing Abby wanted to ride - Universe of Energy. She just really finds Ellen and Bill Nye the Science Guy funny so she enjoys this attraction. We got there, Lenny parked his scooter, I got him the wheelchair and as we were headed in, the outside CM took us to a side door to let us in. I was thinking "great, a shortcut." Yeah, well it turned out not so great. She let us into the preshow area almost at the end of the preshow - part of the ride Abby really enjoys so she wasn't too happy. When it ended and all of the doors opened, the inside CM had seen us and he gave me a strange look when I approached him near the ride vehicle without Lenny. I explained to him that Abby is Autistic and the preshow is actually something she loves to see and that we had missed almost all of it. I asked if we could stay in the preshow area for the next one to start so we could see the whole thing before riding and he told me it wasn't a problem. "Stay as long as you like, even if it's all day" he told me. I thanked him and went back into the big room to be with Lenny and Abby. I rolled him over to a bench where Abby and I sat down and since we had a few minutes, I called home to mom. We didn't have long to wait for the next show, maybe 10 minutes, and Abby was very happy to see the show from the very beginning. When it was over, we moved into the next room to board the vehicle. I know after this I saw the next show and I saw most, if not all, of the dinosaurs. After that, I'm pretty sure I went out like a light because I don't remember seeing anything about the solar panels or wind farms. I also don't remember seeing Ellen win at Jeopardy. It's weird because I don't even remember waking up. Usually when I fall asleep during an attraction, I know I've done it and I remember when I wake up (or what has woken me up) but this time I don't. Sometimes I feel groggy too but I don't remember even feeling that.

Anyway, after my Twilight Zone episode of UoE, we finally went to World Showcase and started with Mexico. Lenny's scooter was starting to get drained of battery so the first thing we did was look around for a plug to use. We did find one in that main room that you walk into. Lenny plugged in the scooter and we walked to the Mexico ride. We went at Lenny's pace and took a few minutes to get there so he was okay with doing it (there were no other guests or CM's to hurry us along like at other attractions). The CM obviously felt bad for Lenny and let us walk down the wheelchair ramp since he was using both of his canes to walk with. We went on the ride and Abby gets the biggest kick out of Donald's antics. It's kind of a silly ride but just like Small World, we enjoy it. If Abby didn't like it so much, then I know we wouldn't enjoy it either.




After we got off the boat, we walked with Lenny back to the scooter. It hadn't been plugged in very long so I asked if we should do the boat ride a second time. Abby was all for it but Lenny stayed with the scooter as he didn't want to leave it unattended for too long even though it was plugged in. Abby and I left him and went back to see the Three Caballeros once again in Mexico City. We went and found Lenny again but he seemed content to sit there and let the scooter charge up so I asked if I should take Abby for a third ride and Lenny said to go ahead. This time as we went back though the pavilion, I saw Mexican Donald behind the fountain so I asked Abby if she wanted to see him. She agreed so we got in line. She didn't want to get out of line to go get her autograph book though so I made her stay in line and I went to get it (I had left the backpack with everything in it on the scooter with Lenny). After I got back, Donald had to leave for a few minutes to go have some nachos so we just stayed there to wait. The line wasn't overly long - there might have been a half dozen or so people in front of us - so we knew it wouldn't take too long to see him. Besides, the way I looked at it, it gave the scooter more time to stay plugged in which would be a good thing. As Abby and I waited, we talked about what we wanted to do next. At first Abby said she wanted to see China, but then she said she was hungry. It pretty much was already dinner time by then so we decided to have dinner after leaving Mexico but before doing anything else.

Donald came back and we finally had our turn with him and then we went and rode the Gran Fiesta Tour for a third time.



Abby really enjoys this ride and I like seeing her happy so I'm more than willing to ride this multiple times for her. By the time we got back to Lenny, we had been at Mexico for almost an hour. It was about 6 and we were hungry so instead of trying to snack around WS like Lenny wanted to do originally, we just headed to the American Pavilion for the steak dinner we had read about online. It took only a few minutes to walk there and I got a big shock when we got there - most of the restaurant was empty. Being 6 - a prime dinner time really - I thought the place would be packed and it would take a while just to order. I don't think anyone was in front of me at the register and we had our pick of tables. At least we had decided beforehand what we wanted so when it was my turn at the register (after that really long wait) I ordered the steak with fries and broccoli for all three of us. We also got our usual orange sodas. I didn't care for the garlic butter that was put on the steak (luckily it didn't all melt) but other than that, I enjoyed the meal. We all did and there was no sharing that night. When we were done with dinner, we decided what to do next. Abby wanted to do both the American Adventure and the China movie and since the American Adventure had set times - and the next one was coming up - we decided to do that one first. We stayed outside to wait as long as we could because they had the air conditioning set so low it was actually cold. I called mom too while we waited.



When we did finally go inside, I had to use Lenny's extra shirt we brought to cover my arms because it was still cold. Thankfully the theater wasn't that cold and we were able to watch the show in comfort. The show definitely is moving but I really don't care for how they've redone the song. I like the way it use to sound. I know things change over time but that doesn't mean I have to like it. After the show was over, Abby decided she'd had enough for the day and she wanted to leave. We headed towards France and the IG because there was a penny we wanted. It was a Frozen design so we had to get it - a lot of our vacation had to do with Frozen and it's even in my title .

It started to drizzle so we got out the umbrellas and in searching for the penny, we found a Photopass photographer who thought a picture with the umbrellas would look cute. She took a couple of pictures and then we went on our way. Before I left home, I could have sworn someone said this machine was outside the gift store. If it was, it had gotten moved as it was inside on the day that we went. While we were there, Lenny found a shirt he liked. After we got the penny and purchased the shirt, we made our way to the car. We left Epcot and were back in our room by 9:20. Abby wasn't quite ready for sleep so she and Lenny went swimming. I stayed behind to go through all of my receipts and to get stuff ready for Tuesday. They came back at whatever time they came back at and we were all in bed (and most likely asleep) by 11.

[lsugirlinutah]

I am really enjoying your TR! I have to admit, I was surprised to hear Abby's accent (Boston? New England?) when she asked her question. I don't know why I'm surprised, but I wasn't expecting it. Very cool that you recognized the SeaWorld CM at Disney.

[lauriep]

A very nice day at Epcot. More and more I read in TRs that the Akershus character greetings are very rushed. It's too bad because it's quite expensive for just breakfast! The video clip at Turtle Talk made me smile. She asked a great question-- one I've never heard before! I know you cover a lot of ground at the parks, but I never had my battery get close to draining when I used to rent from Walker. Has Lenny always had to stop to recharge?

[shazza]

A successful day at Epcot. The Video was so cute when Crush got the question from Abby. It's been ages since we saw Crush - next trip we need to do it.

I am the only one in our family who likes Universe of Energy - thumbs up to Abby for wanting to hear the whole pre-show as well.

Looking forward to what the next day brings.

[Colexis Mom]

Great day at Epcot!

[Jakesmom1118]

Sounds like a very fun day at Epcot. I believe my DS would be jealous to be able to ride the Mexico boat ride 3 times, I can only handle it once. I think it's pretty fun to run into Marquette! You probably made her day remembering her like that. I'm looking forward to reading more!

Sent from my KFTHWI using Tapatalk

[MinneyCaT]

Somehow we have never made it on the Mexico ride

[Cam22]

What a magical moment between Crush and Abby! Sounds like you all got everything done that Abby wanted this day. I love that you two rode Grand Fiesta three times. One trip we rode iasw 8 times and Stefanie bragged on that forever. If our kids love it, it can totally change how we feel about it.