[timkelmom]

This is my first TR ever, so please be patient with me. I will add photos as soon as I can. I am having trouble resizing. My DH is trying to help me, so as soon as we figure it out, they will be here. Now on with the show....

Cast: Me-timkelmom
DH-timkeldad
DS-timkelson-12
DD-timkeldaughter-9

Our drive from Atlanta, GA where we had been visiting family was smooth and uneventful. We arrived at FW by 3:00 p.m on check-in day. Check-in went great. We know someone who works at FW as the rooms operation manager, and he helps provide us with the site we like. We were good to go. This is where we got our first bit of FW news. My DH was asked to sign a form that said we would not pool hop. To this he replied if FW had a more enticing pool with slides and such, maybe people would not be as tempted. The cm told us that beginning some time next year FW will be getting a pool make over. She told us that it will have better theming and a larger kiddie pool.

She didn't know how long it would take or when it would begin, but she did mention that guests would possibly be allowed to use the WL pool during the refurb. as WL and FW are managed by the same people.

We arrived at our site and set up quickly. We do this regularly, so we have it down. Kids and mom were very excited to be at our favorite place in the world.

We headed for the bus to the Settlement Depot where we would have dinner at Trail's End. This is our first night routine every time we come. Dinner was really good as usual, the prices went up however. We did catch a break though. They only charged us a child's price for our 12 yr. old.

While at dinner we got the scoop on things planned for FW. We spotted the drink fountain and someone filling up their mug. My DH went to ask a cm about it. He was all too happy to fill us in on this new development and many other things.

First, he told us that the refillable mugs were always good. We can use them time and time again, trip after trip. THIS IS ONLY GOOD AT FW. Please don't go to another resort and tell them you heard mugs were good forever. I think this is because FW is huge. Right now there is only 1 drink refill station at the resturant. This is not convenient to most RV sites, so we would probably not refill as often as other resorts where you can just go down to the food court. The mugs can also be refilled at WL in their snack bar, should you be visiting over there. We bought 2 mugs as there are plans to add another drink station by the pool once it is refurbished.

We then got talking about the resort in general. This is where the good stuff came up. Mind you that this was all only from one cm, so I don't know how accurate the info, but exciting nonetheless. He told us that a 5 year plan for FW/WL was to refurbish and reopen River Country to FW/WL guests only. This would be our swimming fun spot. There is much to be done and some things to be torn down. Everything would not be the same as it once was, but pools and lazy river would be open to guests. He didn't know about water slides.

This would be in conjunction with a boardwalk that they are planning to build between the 2 resorts. This boardwalk would be like the kind at the shore. It will have shops, games, and resturants. It would be on the lake. I think this will be awesome.

Again none of this was confirmed by anyone in authority. Just a cm who works in Trail's End. He seemed pretty certain. I asked him if these were just rumors and he said that there has already been actual planning.

I guess we'll have to wait and see.

After dinner it was off the MK to pick up our season passes. We were disappointed to find out that you do not get free parking with FL season passes as we would like to do a couple of day trips. We can get around that however.

With passes taken care of we chose not to visit MK this evening and headed back the the RV for a good night's sleep. DH has to work tomorrow (tell you about that later) and the kids and I wanted to get an early start.

So, that's it for day 1. Sorry it got so long, had a lot of details. Day 2 MK to come.

[Dana]

Those plans for FW/WL do sound exciting. I would love to hear a disney cast member confirm this and expand on the details. I wouldn't completey take the word of one cm, but that's just me. I find the mug tidbit interesting of course as always, but will not be giving an opinion on that. As for the pool hopping, I must disagree with your husband. Yes, perhaps people won't be tempted if the pool was better, but you do know what you are getting when you book to stay there. You could always choose a resort with a better pool. It's kinda on you when you book to stay there I think, but again, just my opinion. I am really looking forward to the rest of your report and definately looking forward to those pictures when you get them resized.

BY the way, I love how you listed your cast with tinkle in from of each person's name...nice little twist over the DD, DS thing...very cute!

[cinderbella]

Great TR so far! It would be nice to see some of those changes at FW..I have never stayed there but the cabins look like they would be so much fun to stay in!
I can't wait to hear the rest!

[daisyd]

Welcome Home timkelmom!!! It seems like you just left for your trip and you're home already

Great start to your TR! I love the FW scoop!

[timkelmom]

Originally Posted by Dana

Those plans for FW/WL do sound exciting. I would love to hear a disney cast member confirm this and expand on the details. I wouldn't completey take the word of one cm, but that's just me. I find the mug tidbit interesting of course as always, but will not be giving an opinion on that. As for the pool hopping, I must disagree with your husband. Yes, perhaps people won't be tempted if the pool was better, but you do know what you are getting when you book to stay there. You could always choose a resort with a better pool. It's kinda on you when you book to stay there I think, but again, just my opinion. I am really looking forward to the rest of your report and definately looking forward to those pictures when you get them resized.

BY the way, I love how you listed your cast with tinkle in from of each person's name...nice little twist over the DD, DS thing...very cute!

You are absolutely right about the pool. I think since FW was one of the earliest resorts (celebrating their 35th anniversary) theming wasn't as big of a deal. Don't get me wrong, the pool is big and always refreshing. We have never been tempted to hop. We love FW just the way it is.

Also, it is not Tinkle (common mistake on here and quite cute), it is Tim Kel, a combination of my children's names. It's been my username for a long time.

[Jen]

looks like exciting changes at FW!!

Can't wait to hear the rest of the report!

[Cavey]

Ooooo....I like these rumors. As long as it doesn't add up to a major price increase at FW.

[Dana]

Originally Posted by timkelmom

Also, it is not Tinkle (common mistake on here and quite cute), it is Tim Kel, a combination of my children's names. It's been my username for a long time.

how stupid am I? So sorry. I read it as tinkle...lolol Gosh I'm silly..lol

[timkelmom]

Originally Posted by Cavey

Ooooo....I like these rumors. As long as it doesn't add up to a major price increase at FW.

I was thinking the same thing. I like staying here because of the affordability. I would hate to see a dramatic rate increase to acdomodate for all of the improvements.

[timkelmom]

Originally Posted by Dana

how stupid am I? So sorry. I read it as tinkle...lolol Gosh I'm silly..lol

You're not stupid. No apology necessary.

[Dana]

Originally Posted by timkelmom

I was thinking the same thing. I like staying here because of the affordability. I would hate to see a dramatic rate increase to acdomodate for all of the improvements.

I can't see it. Maybe a small one, but why would they up the prices to much? I hope they don't because there are quite a few MBers who love it there. They will have to keep it below PC and the other values or it wouldn't make sense for anyone to camp there unless that are true campers and their reason for staying there. For many it's the afforability. They haven't hiked up the other resorts when changes and rennovations have been made..no more than the normal increases anyway.

[timkelmom]

O.K. on to day 2. Before I begin, I swear I am still working on pic's. My DH has been really busy. He is going to sit down with me tonight so we can figure it all out. I can get the size right, but then the kb's are still too high. I don't have photo shop or paint shop. We are going to try and do it through MS Word. We also have software that came with my Kodak camera, but I'm not sure that will do the trick.

Now..... Day 2.

On our way to FL, DH got a call to ask if he coule be in West Palm Beach, FL on Thurs., Nov. 9. His job causes him to travel a lot which is why we live in an RV. We have scheduled jobs throughout the year, but ocassionally we get a last minute call asking for his help. They only needed him for 1 day and we were already going to FL, so how could he say No.

So he left at 6:00 a.m. The kids and I were up and ready by 8:00 to start our day. Mind you we are not early risers and have never made a park opening. This was early for us. We decided this day was for MK. It doesn't seem right to me unless we begin each trip with a day in MK.

We took the boat over to MK from FW. We always enjoy the boat ride, although it can be quite slow. We arrived on main street just before the first Dream Along With Mickey show of the morning. We headed straight for the castle to see the show. This show was really cute. It had appearances by the Fab 5, Cindy, Snow, and Aurora (with their princes). Peter Pan & Wendy as well as Hook & Smee were there too. Malificent made an evil showing as well. We enjoyed it a lot.

Then it was up to the kids what to do next. They chose Tomorrowland. This turned out to be a good choice. I don't know why, but it was not very crowded. We began (with not much enthusiasm from Mom) with Stitch. I don't know why, this attraction has not really appealed to me. But, I told the kids they could choose this day's planning, so with No Line, we walked right into the pre-show room.

After exiting Stitch my dd wanted to ride TTA. While we were riding, we saw Stitch (the character) below and my DS wanted a photo. So we exited the ride and quickly (for fear he would leave) made our way to him. Got a cute photo and Stitch licked my DS's face. He thought it was great.

Around this time, a crowd began gathering for the first High School Musical Pep Rally of the day. We had to check this out as my DD is a big HSM fan. This turned out to be much more fun than I thought. I don't have any pic's because I (yes, I admit to knowing all the songs) got caught up in it. We were singin' and dancin' and learning the moves. All the moms and some of the dads were singing right along. It was great fun, although a bit loud. Check it out if you have a chance.

The Pep Rally was over and the crowd dispersed. We headed for CoP. We all love this attraction. We always leave singing. C'mon everyone, "There's a great big, beautiful, tomorrow shining at the end of every day." I always swear I be singing that all day.

After that, we decided to see if SM had a long line, only a 15 min. wait so on we went. Good times as always. While waiting in line for SM, DS decides BLSRS should be next. He want to see if he can get more points than mom.
So we head to Buzz ride and there is a 30 min. wait, we decide to get a FP and come back later.

Now we take the path from TL to TT. Even at 12 my DS really likes Barnstormer. We visit the houses and stop to say Hi to Mickey in the judges tent. We decide we do not want to go back to TL so we give our FPs for Buzz to a family walking by. They are very appreciative.

We decide to hop on the train and head to FL. We could have walked quicker, but the kids wanted to ride the train, so the train it is. I promised them they could plan this day and although their choices didn't always make sense, I let them.

Got to FL and headed straight to BTMR for FPs. Got them and it was almost time for the parade. We got seats and enjoyed the parade right near Pecos Bill's. We were all really hungry by then so we had a late lunch. Our timing couldn't have been better beause right when we walked outside we saw Woody and the gang walking down the street.

It was Cowboy Camp with Woody. This was cute, more for the little one's. This is more of a show, not really any character interaction except for the few kids chosen to participate. It was fun anyway.

Now it was time for our FPs. On our way passed SM we grabbed FPs for it, then on to BTMR. It was great as always. We stopped and had a Mickey bar while waiting for or FP time for Splash (yummy). Splash, predictably, was super too.

We headed over to Fantasy Land as this point. Philharmagic is one of our favorites. Only a 15 min. wait, so we jumped in line. It is still so funny, and that pie still smells so good. We then got in line for tea cups about 1/2 way there DD decides she doesn't want to ride. No problem with me, this ride is not exactly my cup of tea (pun intended). So we politely get out of line and decide we are done with Fantasy Land. I know there are more rides in FL, but my kid's don't really like any of the "kiddie" rides (as they call them).

I finally get them to Adventureland. I have been trying to steer them here all day as I am dying to see Capt. Jack. By my good fortune, who should be addressing the crowd near PoTC, none other than the fine Capt. himself. He was so funny and amazingly like his movie counterpart (I know Rowdy would say this is the real Jack). We got in the stand-by line which had a 20 min. wait (well worth it). The new additions were really nice. The AA Capt. Jack was so amazing. I couldn't believe how realisitic it looked. Just like JD. I wanted to ride again, but now wait was 30 mins.

We decide to see if the line is long for HM, so off to LS we go. When we get there, 10 min. wait. We decided to fit three of us in the doombuggy. This is not a problem, it does ruin the illusion of the ghost riding with you however.

It is now about 7:00 p.m. I decide to call DH and see when he will be home. He is on his way and should be home by around 8:30. I tell him to grab dinner as we will eat in the park. We grab hot dogs at Casey's then find seats for Wishes (I think it was at 8:00 that night). We enjoy the fireworks, I tear up as I always do when I haven't seen them in a while.

We decide to call it a night. I call DH to tell him we are on our way home. We grab a boat back to the campground DH meets us at the dock. A great day was had by all.

Day 3 coming soon.

[alilmagical32]

Sounds like your trip is off to a great start! I know an engineer over at FW.. next time I run into him I'll see if I can get any info outta him.

PS. I thought it was tinkle too! Sorry! I like the timkel thing tough! My parents named the corporation that owns their business after my brother and I-- Megre after Megan and Greg

[timkelmom]

Thanks to everyone who has checked out my TR so far. I will have day 3 up a little later. I am still having a booger of a time figuring out how to add photos. My DH spent 3 hours with me this morning trying to figure it out. He got a test photo to work a while back and can't remember how he did it.

We'll keep at it though.

[Cavey]

Originally Posted by timkelmom

You're not stupid. No apology necessary.

Hey! No building up DT's self-esteem. It's taken me months to beat her down to self-loathing. Now, I have to start all over again.