[Batgirl]

Well, we were in Florida visiting the grandparents at their timeshare in Kissimmee this past week and were not originally going to go to Disney (just there in May, planning a long trip next October, worried about crowds, etc.). But we couldn't help ourselves! The day before Thanksgiving we hit MK with our two DSs (6 and 2) and had a great time.

First, it was cold for Florida (started out the day at about 45 degrees), which was actually great because apparently people decided to stay in a little later in the morning. We took the monorail (both to avoid the cold boat and because our 6yo loves the monorails) and the line moved promptly. We got to the gates at about 9:45 and went straight to get fast passes at Stich. We then headed over to Buzz Lightyear, which we got through in pretty good time (about a 15 minute wait). We had hoped to stop at the bakery on Main Street on the way to Tomorrowland, but the line was distressingly long (well out the door), but after Buzz we got coffee and excellent hot muffins at the Launching Pad (who knew they heated the muffins when it is cold? Yumm!). Dr. Teeth and my 6-year-old went on Stitch ("Gross! He spat on me", said my 6yo), while my 2 year old and I went on the TTA twice (he loves it).

After checking for a nice sweatshirt for me (unsuccessfully) at Star Traders (the day was warming up, but it was still quite chilly in the shade), we went to get fast passes for Pooh. Having about an hour before our return, it seemed like a good time to do Mickey's Philharmagic (no wait -- amazing), after which I subjected everyone to Small World. We had time for a Carousel ride (again, no wait!), and then Pooh, which our 2yo loved (an advantage of being so young the last time he rode it--it was new again!).

We had lunch at Columbia Harbor House, which we had really learned about from DC (thanks all!), and had never been to before. The food and atmosphere were great, and it's so large inside--no problem finding a table, even though MK was quite busy by that point. We were so impressed with CHH that we are going to try and go back on our next trip.

After lunch we went and got fast passes at Splash Mountain and killed time after that at Tom Sawyer Island. It was nice by then and the kids had a great time exploring the caves and tunnels. Splash Mountain (sans 2yo and me) was next, and then we circumvented the parade to get over to Tomorrow Land, have a snack, and then stand in the loooong line to Astro-Orbiter, which despite many, many trips to WDW we had never been on. The wait was interminable, but it was worth it. What a surprise that an essentially familiar ride (similar to Dumbo, Flying Carpets) could be so impressive in that setting--very high in the air (great views), and it certainly felt faster than the others. The kids really loved it. After that we spent the rest of our day shopping and heading out (the day really wore the kids out).

Overall we were able to hit everything we wanted to without rushing. We are firm believers in fast pass and it worked out for us. For the first time we rented a stroller which worked out quite well. (We had decided not to bring ours, since our youngest is approaching three, but this was a mistake. Parents of older two year olds out there beware!) There was a pretty big crowd at MK (we estimated a 7 or 8 on a scale from 1 to 10), but it was much better to deal with in the cool weather than in the heat of the summer (we were there Memorial Day weekend and it was hot and very crowded, not a good combination). One more thing to note--we called the main dining number on our cell at 4:30 to make dinner reservations at a resort (so my DH's parents could join us) for that night and were politely informed that every single restaurant at the resorts was booked until at least 9:30! Another reminder that planning is key during the holiday season. But it was no problem--we ended up at Kobe Steak House at the Crossroads--always a favorite.

[missy H]

Glad you had a great day! Loved reading your trip report it makes our trip seem closer!

[daisyd]

What a great day! Thanks for sharing

[Dopey]

Thanks for sharing your great day with us. I am putting Astro Orbiter on my list for next year!

[lovemysons]

Oh how fun! Sounds like it was a great day. I agree, dealing with crowds is much easier when its not 100 degrees and humid out. Thanks for sharing!

[Dana]

Sounds like a great day trip. Thanks for sharing.