[hiner]

Hi All,

Finally got a break to start writing our trip report. Weather was absolutely perfect, only rained twice which was not bad since we were eating dinner the one time and sitting in the airport to come home the second. Crowd levels posted by Touring Plans was not too accurate. Only had to use Fast Pass about 3 times and waits were about 15-25 minutes long, depending on the attraction. Ok here goes.....

Tues 5/10:

Left work at 12:30, woo hoo. Ran home and packed last minute things, vac'd the house quick, watered the plants and finished the notes for our dog sitter. DH came home and we both went to pick up DS from school. Had about 1 1/2 hours until limo came so had DS start his homework. Had a little bit of a rough start due to excitement but he got a good amount done. It was 4:30 when we put the dogs in their room and brought the luggage down, 4:15 limo arrived and we were on our way. Arrived at the airport about 6:30, check in and grabbed something to eat. Boarded the plane on time but the flights were backed up on the runway. Sat about 45 minutes and finally took off. Landed a little after 11:00, got our car and headed to Albertson's for water, juice and snacks. Got to CBR after 12:00am and checked in. We had requested Jamaica, Aruba or Trinidad N. with ground floor.....got Barbados 2nd floor. The computers were shut down for the evening and they said we could request to be moved in the morning when the computers were up. Got to the room and it stunk like mildew and the floor was wet in front of the fridge from a coffee spill. How do I know, stupid me walked through it with socks and proceeded to pat the floor to find the wet spot. In front of the fridge, yuk. Called front desk and explained what we found and they advised they would call us first thing in the morning to give us a new room. Pulled out what we would need for the next day and went to bed.

Wed 5/11:

While in the shower, front desk called so had to call them back. They asked that we come to the Custom House. Went to the Custom House and explained everything, they will move us but do not know where until about 3:00pm. Went back to the room for them to pick up the luggage and headed to Typhoon Lagoon. Got there for the rope drop, pretty funny watching families running for a spot. We knew exactly where we were going, right behind the Life Guard above the wave pool. It is the perfect spot if you have older children to watch them in the pool and you are right next to the entrance to the Mt. Trail or the trail going throught the cave. Lathered up with sunscreen and headed to the pool....brrrr was it cold until you got use to it. Went on all the slides and tube rides, along with the lazy river. Of course we also went on Crushin' Gusher about a dozen times. It was awesome, never laughed so hard. DS and I tried the Shark Reef but backed out once we hit the water (freeeeeezing) and DS paniced with the snorkel. We went to the gift shop on our way out and the CM at the counter asked how our day was, told her it was great. She asked if we did Shark Reef and I explained what happened. She then went in a drawer and pulled out 2 posters "I Survived Shark Reef" and put our names on them. Of course put them in our hotel room window for all to see. Headed back to the resort about 2:30 and we were assigned to Trinidad N. Went to the room and it was perfect, 1st floor courtyard/waterview. What an upgrade! Only about a 2 minute walk to OPR. Our bags arrived and DH and I unpacked while DS went lizard hunting. Took showers and headed to Chef Mickey's for dinner. Awesome dinner as usual, but DS was not interested in the characters as last year. He said that he had their autographs already and didn't want any pictures with them, so DH and I had our pictures taken then. Started to downpoor while eating. After dinner we decided to go to the gameroom in the Contemporary. Hung around for about an hour and went back to CBR. Rain stopped so DS went swimming in the main pool for a while and then we went back to sleep.

Thurs 5/12:

We had a PS at Cape May Cafe for breakfast. Had never been there and it was great! Something for everyone. We had parked at Beach Club so we decided to go to EPCOT for the day. Got to the park around 10:00 and went to Future World. Got a FP for Test Track, there was a 35 minute wait but at Test Track, that can turn into an hour. DS and I went on MS and had a blast. Soarin' was great too, only if you are in the two lower seats you have feet dangling down. As long as you don't look up, it does not effect the experience. Went back to Test Track and then went to Living Seas. Turtle Talk was the best. You are just amazed at how they can do the interaction with the crowd. A definate must see for kids of all ages!!!! Hit Imagination and Universe of Energy. Spent some time in Innovations playing the games and building robots. I built 2 and DS built 1. Stuck them in our hotel window too. Started to get hungry for dinner and decided to go to the ESPN club. Waiting maybe 10 minutes and got a great seat for the show. The guest was none other than Adam Vinatieri of the Patriots (MJD you would have loved it). We are huge Steeler fans, but we still had fun. Tons of Patriot fans there. It was great. Walked the Boardwalk, went back to the car and then back to the hotel. DS and DH went swimming for a while and then crashed.

I know you want me to go on but I have to return to work now. I will get back to all in a bit.

[llama]

Great start - keep it coming. I had to laugh about Typhoon Lagoon - that is EXACTLY the same spot we head for. It's such a perfect location. Can't wait to read more.

[Dana]

Sounds perfect so far. I can't wait to read the rest. Welcome home!

[Erin]

Awesome so far!! The crowd level sounds perfect! Very nice!

[lovemysons]

Sounds like you were pleasantly surprised by the crowds & the room upgrade. That's soo cool about the shark reef posters!

[missy H]

Welcome home- So far so good can't wait to read more!

[BuzzLightyear]

Sounds awesome ...........so far

[MissDisney]

is there anything in the whole world like getting out of work/school/the house as you are on your way to WDW??? Sounds like the trip starts off smooth!

[hiner]

Ok I finally have another break here. So hectic since we've returned, work, school, school trips and baseball.....never ends.

Anyway, forgot to mentioned that Minnie's Butterfly House in EPCOT was a blast. Hard to get the butterflies to land on you, but we tried. Also, Imaginations jumping fountains were working this trip and DS got slammed in the face with one. That was hysterical, the look on his face.

Anyway here goes.....

Fri 5/13:

We got up around 8:00, showered and went to OPR for breakfast. DS just loves the chocolate croisants. We had a PS for the 10:00 Magic Tour at MK. Got to MK and to City Hall right on time. Greg, our CM for the tour, was fantastic. We started out trying to find a map that Peter Pan left for us. Once we found the map, Greg sprinkled us with Mickey dust and we were on our way to find Hook's Golden Hook, which Peter took. We started in front of the castle and off to Tomorrowland bouncing like Tigger. We were asked our favorite characters and mine was Tigger so being he is more energetic than Donald or Cinderella, he was chosen for us to act out. We bounced our way to Tomorrowland with people look at us like we were crazy, then off to sneak up on Sonny and surprise him in the Starlite Cafe. A break came for a bit and off again, now to Frontierland, pretending we were Dory and talking out loud like her and others alike. We ended at Liberty Square where we were met by Wendy and Peter. That was a highlight for my DS and another little girl in our group of 5. Pictures and autographs, while others came over wanting them and they were all to ourselves. We all decided to go on It's a Small World for the end of our tour. While walking there, people were trying to get Peter and Wendy, but they were all ours and we were on a "special mission" as Wendy put it. Walked right on ITW with them, got sprinkled with more Mickey Dust, and during the ride, Wendy was giving us little tidbits about the ride. Did you know that there are only 2 American dolls in the entire ride? Well our tour was over, hit Haunted Mansion and had lunch at Columbia Harbor House...love those tuna sandwiches. Went and got a FP for Splash Mountain, went on Thunder Mt. and Pirates and then headed back to Splash. The parade was about to start so took some must needed rest and went to Tom Sawyer's Island, DS loves it there. Got a snack at Aunt Polly's and decided to go to Tomorrowland. Rode TA, Indy Cars, Space Mt. and Buzz. We had a PS at O'Hana's at 6:00, it was coming up fast. Took the boat to the Poly for dinner. While waiting to be seated we looked around the resort, beautiful. We had one of the best seats in the house, right by the window with the castle dead center in the distance. Too bad we didn't have a later PS then we could have watched Wishes, oh well. DS was not too thrilled about dinner, but ate a little. He did the coconut race and enjoyed that very much. Didn't realize we could have ordered something seperate for him until we got the check and overheard another table ordering. Now we know for next time. After dinner, we took the monorail back to the parking lot and off to the hotel. The boys went swimming and then we concked out.

Sat 5/14:

Up around 6:30 for an 8:40 PS at Donald's Breakfastosaurus in AK. Got there a little early and were seated immediately, that was nice. The breakfast was more fun this year than last. Our CM sat about 4/5 families all at once. The funniest was when they asked for my name, I told them Kimberly Brown and they wrote down Kimberly. The CM called out for us as the Kimberlies. Well needless to say, DH got a kick out of that one and we were the Kimberlies the rest of the trip. Also since we've been home. Anyway, the CM was fantastic, making sure any camera anyone had he took the pictures so everyone was in the photos, played the practical jokes and was great. Wish we had him last year. After breakfast we decided to hit Dinosaur...10 minute wait at 9:30/9:45 awesome. This was DS' first time because it was being refurbed last year. A few times I looked over and he was covering his ears. I laughed so hard that I was crying. Then DS went on the Primeval Whirl (DH and I don't do that one) and then DS and played some games, won some frogs and went on Tric. Spin. While on Spin we saw Lucky, boy he looked like fun. We didn't get a chance to see him up close though. We decided to head to the Safari since it was still early. Waited about 1/2 hr. DH thought the ride seemed longer than in the past, I couldn't remember though. Saw tons of animals. Went on Kali next and DS got drenched. Next we took the train the Rafiki's and DS got hungry. All they had there was a cart with ice cream or hot dogs. Well after him having hot dogs for 2 days straight I said no and set him into one of his moods. DH got a hot dog and was going to split it with him, but noooo, he wanted one of his own huge dog. Answer "No". We looked all around and asked a few questions, very interesting out there. Took the train back and got a chicken sandwich for DS at Tusker House. Saw Flights of Wonder which was really cool. We enjoyed that one very much, first time seeing it. Now off to A Bug's Life, one of our favs. After Bug's Life decided to walked on the trails around the tree. DS was amazed at all the carved animals. We didn't get to do this last year so it was nice to just stroll around. Found a great spot for the parade, didn't get to see it last year. Watched the parade which was really cool too. Decided to go on Dinosaur one last time....no wait at all...and called it a day. On the way back to CBR we stopped at AKL to look around. Giraffe's, zebras, and other animals were all out in the Savannah. The resort was nice but very far removed from the parks and we use a car while there and the parking lot is so far away from the hotel. After walking all day at the parks and then walking so far from the parking lot to the hotel, we kinda nixed that one for a stay. Now back to CBR for a swim and bed.

Sun 5/15:

Up around 7:30, breakfast at OPR and off to Typhoon Lagoon again. We all really like TL and decided to take a break from the parks. Got there at rope drop again to watch families running for their spot. Our spot....open like always, gotta love it! Lathered on the sunscreens and off we went. We had lunch again at Typhoon Tillies, not crowded and pretty good selections. Tuna was good here also. Saw Stitch this time around, boy was he funny! There was a family either leaving or arriving and he kept taking things out of their cooler. Hit Crushin' Gusher again. While DS and DH were going up to ride the 2 person tube, the entire ride shut down. I never saw CM's move so fast. Apparantly, one of the lifeguards for the adjacent pool hit the button by accident. Then I saw a CM running up, then down, two of the tubes and another ran through the third. I am guessing they were checking to make sure there was no one stuck. All checked out fine and the rides began again. DH and DS finally came down and I told them what had happened. I was sitting behind one of the guards which is why I knew what took place. We left around 2:00 to go back, relax and get showered. Took showers and decided to cancel our PS for Chef Mickey's. We are not use to all the big heavy meals. I told DH about Crossroads, which you professionals told me about, and we went for a ride. Pizzeria Uno was voted on and it was a nice change, still a little heavy for me, but it was nice. It was about 5:30 and MGM had EMH that night, so off we went. DH and DS couldn't wait to go on TOT and kept begging me to go. I told them "no way" after last year. You see, I hate elevators to begin with let alone being dropped several stories, pulled back up and dropped again. So I waited for them. Glad I did not go, they changed the ride again. DH said as they were dropping, it pulled them back up and then dropped again, leaving his stomach in his throat and his throat in his stomach. Doesn't help that he just ate about an hour before riding either, dah. DH and I went on RNR, love that ride!!!! We sang "Dude Looks Like a Lady" at the top of our lungs. Went on the Great Movie ride next. I always enjoy that one. DH still wasn't feeling too good so we headed back to CBR. DS went swimming and then we crashed.

Mon 5/16:

Today we planned on going to SeaWorld. Got up about 7:00, breakfast at OPR and off we went. Got to SeaWorld about 9:00. Went on Journey to Atlantis. Just be aware, you cannot take any bags on the ride. They tell you to put them in the lockers next to the entrance. Now we also have a problem with comparing other theme parks to WDW. It was good, but not WDW good. There was a really cool surprise after the big splash, but I won't ruin it for others. You'll just have to see for yourself. The boys rode Atlantis again and then DS wanted to go on Krackin, the loop d loop roller coaster. The look on his face when we saw him come around was priceless! Off now to the penguin exhibit, I love those penguins. The Shamu show was next. All I have to say is SeaWorld is awesome. They had an intro before the show, thanking the troops and requested any families of enlisted here at home or from other countries to rise. Brought tears to almost everyone with the cheers they received. I am getting teary eyed while I am writing this. Just can't explain it! Anyway, they show was good and funny. Went to the Anheizer Hospitality Center and had free beer and lunch. Saw the Clydesdales, wow are they beautiful. Off to the water show. It was ok. They had dancers in front of you while the water show was going on which was distracting. You couldn't decide who to watch...the water stunts or the dancers. Drove us nuts. Went to Wild Arctic which had walrus', polar bears and whales. Set up very nicely. Did Shark Encounter which DS absolutely loved and went over to Pacific Point to see the seals. Fed the seals and DS wanted to ride Krakin again. This time he said he kept his eyes open. Hit the Manatee attraction. I just love those gentle giants and then over to the Dolphin pool. We fed and pet the dolphins which was cool. It was now about 4:30 and we pretty much saw everything we could, so we went back to the hotel to clean up for our 6:00 PS at Gulliver's Grill. Decided to park at Beach Club since the Swan and Dolphin now charge for parking. Walked to Gulliver's and were seated right away. We decided to do both the buffet and order meals. I got the buffet while DH and DS got tortallini. Food was good here too and got to see Blue Bear and Tamon. FYI, Dolphin and Swan do not take resort keys for payment as they are not Disney owned. We weren't sure, so I had my Disney card with us, which we were also using for our resort key. After dinner we hung out at Boardwalk. DS wanted to rent a surrey bike. Quick note, make sure you getting a running start before the two hills. The hill between Yacht Club and Dance Hall is a killer. Enjoy the magician on the Boardwalk. He was hysterical. Walked around for a while and decided to get dessert at Beaches n Cream. There was no way I was not going there at least once during a trip. DH and I shared a No Way Jose, which we still could not finish between the two of us. DS got another sundae, same size, and put a pretty good dent in it. Went back to the hotel, swam and hit the beds.

Tues 5/17:

Got up around 6:45. We had a 9:05 PS for Crystal Palace. We got there a little before 9:00 and CP was packed with people waiting to be seated. We were seated in about 10 minutes. CM Tony was very nice. Him and DS hit it off being they had the same names. No wait to have photos taken with Piglet, that was nice. Breakfast was good, as always. After breakfast we went straight to Splash Mt. On the way, found Flick and got the photo/autograph ops. When we got to Splash Mt., the ride wasn't working yet, no boats coming down, so we went on Thunder Mt. Splash Mt. was still down, so we started to walk down the walkway along the lake and heard the boats going down. We turned around and went back. They said the ride was still down so we sat and began to wait. A line started to form, a lot of us were thinking alike, and we were about the 10th group in line. About 15-20 minutes later they opened the ride. We walked right on, it was nice. After, we walked around some shops and then went on Haunted Mansion again. DH found the hidden mickey on the dining table and we also found the bride's hidden mickey. DS was infatuated in finding hidden mickey's on all the attractions. He was getting good towards the end of the trip. Went to see Mickey's Philharmonic and it was better than ever. Rides were very crowded in Fantasy Land so we skipped them all together. Stopped for lunch at Cosmic Ray's. Got the Queen of Hearts photo and autograph, along with Tweedle Dee and Dumb. Went on Space Mt. again and COP, one of my favs too. Next hit Stitch. Very disappointed. DH and I were huge fans of Alien Encounter so it kind of ruined it for us. Sorry to all of you Stitch lovers. Went on Buzz again and decided to call it a day around 5:00. On the way back to the parking lot, I suggested look at WL. I just could not wait to see the resort, and I really wanted to eat at Whispering Canyon. Put our name in at WC and walked around the inside of the resort, amazing is all I can say. We were seated in about 15 minutes. Our CM sat right down with us and gave us the scoop, but not about the noise or ketchup. We did not go family style, just too much food. DH got the meatloaf, I got the chicken, broccoli w/ penne and DS got the hot dog w/ fries. I was all excited for him to ask for ketchup. He did and what a surprise he got, pretty funny. It really was a lot of fun. We looked around the resort some more and back to our resort. It started to drizzle while we were looking at the pool so we headed out. The drizzle stopped and Winter Summerland was right there. You bet, we stopped and played a round of golf on the summer course. We had a ball, that is, until the horse flies started to bite. Then we ran through the last three holes. Those Imagineers are incredible. It's just amazing, the ideas those people have. Off to the resort to call it a night but, can't go to bed before swimming.

Alright, I have to go now, DH and DS are coming in left and right. See the Yankees are on right now and we have to all watch together. I will hopefully finish sometime this weekend.

[gingita]

sounds fantastic so far! can't wait for the rest!

[boucher0911]

Can't wait for the rest! I feel like I was right there with you - you are making me really want to go back again - BAD! But I have to wait until Feb!

[royorb1]

What a trip, you guys are doing it all! Congrats on a great trip.

[MJD]

Originally Posted by hiner

Started to get hungry for dinner and decided to go to the ESPN club. Waiting maybe 10 minutes and got a great seat for the show. The guest was none other than Adam Vinatieri of the Patriots (MJD you would have loved it). We are huge Steeler fans, but we still had fun. Tons of Patriot fans there. It was great. Walked the Boardwalk, went back to the car and then back to the hotel. DS and DH went swimming for a while and then crashed.

That is awesome. I would love to meet him. I heard he is a really nice guy. Did you take any pictures with him? I love the BW . Its so nice there and convienent to everything. Sounds like you had a great time.

MJD

[EmpressJenny]

Sounds like a wonderful trip, Hiner, I wish I would have run into you.

But I am really irked by the fact that you got a mildewy room and they made you sleep in it. This happened to me last September at the Poly, but I insisted on being switched immediately. Why would they not move you at once?

[Allyson]

Greg was our CM for our Family Magic Tour on Friday 5/6 -- he was SO GREAT with the kids. We totally loved the tour -- I have a picture of DS and Greg crawling across the floor to sneak up on Sonny!!

(I know I STILL haven't posted my TR...it's coming)