[gabes_mommy]

After the boys got up from their nap we were going to take Gabe outside to run around and play by the fountain again and we opened the door.....and it was raining outside. Oh well! We still had a few hours before our dinner reservation at the Whispering Canyon so we decided to head to Downtown Disney.

We drove to DD to save time and parked at the Westside because I wanted to go to the Virgin Megastore. We spent quite a while at the Virgin Megastore and bought Gabe a bunch of books in the children's section and DH bought some CDs. After that we walked around a bit and checked out the other stores in that area. It was still raining at this point so we decided to head over to the Wilderness Lodge a little early to check it out.

We had never been to the WL before so I was getting really excited on the drive over.

WOW! The WL did not disappoint. What a gorgeous hotel!!!! We decided that we definitely want to stay there for our next trip. I will forego my lovely POFQ for a visit there.

We arrived at the WL about 45 minutes before our reservation so we decided to walk around before checking in at the restaurant. I really wanted to see the geyser so we headed outside. It turns out we missed the geyser by minutes but we decided to try to see it after dinner.

The pool area and everything about the WL is so amazing! What are the rooms like? Are they nice?

The baby was in awe of the gorgeous view:

[gabes_mommy]

A shot of the WL from outside by the pool:

[gabes_mommy]

After a while we checked in at the Whispering Canyon and were told that it would be about a 20-30 minute wait. DH found a comfy spot to sit in the lobby and I let Gabe run around and play. I think this was Gabe's favorite part of the whole trip. He LOVED the bridge in the lobby and ran and crawled back and forth over it for the whole half hour we had to wait. There were some others kids and toddlers there too and they all had such fun playing together.

[gabes_mommy]

Finally our buzzer for dinner went off and we headed over to be seated. DH immediately taught Gabe how to spin the lazy susan on the table so that kept them both busy while we waited for our food.

[gabes_mommy]

There were two little girls sitting at the table next to us and they loved Gabe. They were both staring and smiling at him and the older one (she was 3) came over and was talking to him. It was really cute and he enjoyed all the attention - he is such a little flirt.

Both DH and I ordered the skillet. Everything was great - I especially loved the pulled pork and the mashed potatoes. I drink a lot so I was harrassed by our server quite a bit asking for refills and she eventually brought me out a huge jug of diet coke.

After dinner it was about 5 till 8:00 so we rushed outside to see the geyser. What a let down! It only shot up in a thin stream about 6 feet in the air. An older couple were watching too and they told us it is usually much grander. Maybe it was broken or they tone it down after dark?

Overall we enjoyed the Whispering Canyon and we loved the Wilderness Lodge. I can't wait to stay there someday!

We headed back to the hotel to put Gabe to bed. Gabe was pretty lively though and played peek a boo with the bathroom curtain for at least 30 minutes from his Portacrib. (We set up his crib under the closet rod so we can close the curtain at night to give him a quiet, dark spot to sleep). I wish I had gotten some pictures of this - it was so cute.

After the little man fell asleep DH and I watched TV and ate ice cream I went and got at the food court.

Day 2 was a very full and fun day! I always enjoy Epcot and the Wilderness Lodge was fantastic.

[gabes_mommy]

Day 3 - our last day

We got up around 8:00 and finished packing everything up and DH loaded the car while I got Gabe up and ready for the day. After we were all packed up we headed to the Food Court for the last time to get breakfast. We had our usual bacon & egg croissant. After we had full tummies we said farewell to POFQ and headed to Animal Kingdom.

Animal Kingdom is probably my favorite park - I love it! We got there and walked to the gates (folding the stroller down for the tram is a pain so we usually walk). We made it through the bag check and gates pretty quickly, but then we hit a wall - a wall of people. I have never seen AK so crowded - it was PACKED! We knew we wanted to see to see Festival of the Lion King so we checked the schedule and saw that the first show was at 11:30. We had about an hour and a half so we headed towards Africa to check out the wait for the safari. The standby line was way too long so we checked out the Animal Trail. Even the Trail was wall to wall people. You had to actually wait in line to see the animals. It was crazy, but we enjoyed the animals, especially the meercats - they are so cute!

After the path we headed back towards Camp Minnie Mickey. We stopped to browse in a shop and I noticed that Gabe was covered in vomit. Poor baby had just thrown up on himself. Thankfully we were right next to the Baby Care Center so we headed in to clean Gabe up.

The Baby Care Center was so nice! It was clean and big and had areas for feeding, changing, and a playroom. I was very impressed. We changed Gabe's clothes and gave him a little sponge bath and we were ready to go. It was almost time for the show so we zipped over to Camp Minnie Mickey.

Festival of the Lion King was great. One of the stilt performers was right next to where we were sitting and he kept waving and winking at Gabe - it was great, Gabe loved it.

After the show Gabe was still not doing well and he threw up a little again so we decided to head out and head home.

I was sad to leave AK early but we needed to do what was best for Gabe and it was nice to escape the massive crowds.

We stopped on the Osceola Parkway to get gas and McDonald's for lunch and then we headed back home. We made great time and were home by 3:30 that afternoon.

Overall it was a short, but wonderful trip. Traveling with a 15 month old was challenging at times though and we made the difficult decision to not take Gabe back to WDW until he is older. I am a huge WDW lover so this breaks my heart but I know it's for the best. Gabe just does so well with his regular schedule and traveling is just too hard on him.

I can't wait to take him back when he is older though. By the time he is 4 I'm sure we'll have annual passes and go all the time.

Thanks so much for reading my report!!!!

[Willbegone]

Loved the TR! You will probably change your mind before he is 4 and go back! We took Aidan at 4 months and I thought we would wait awhile before going back but we are going back in November, he will be 22 months then so we will see how it goes.

[WishIWasThere]

Enjoyed your TR! Sorry your baby got sick, thats always hard.

[unamadreditre]

I just found this TR.... I absolutely love little Gabe. I miss those days of chasing wild toddlers........ now I find myself chasing wild teens. Not as fun.

[gabes_mommy]

Originally Posted by Willbegone

Loved the TR! You will probably change your mind before he is 4 and go back! We took Aidan at 4 months and I thought we would wait awhile before going back but we are going back in November, he will be 22 months then so we will see how it goes.

I'm sure you're right. We just want to wait until he is ready for the rides so hopefully by 3 - we'll see.

[gabes_mommy]

Originally Posted by WishIWasThere

Enjoyed your TR! Sorry your baby got sick, thats always hard.

Thanks. I just noticed your DD's name - so pretty, I love Elyse.

[gabes_mommy]

Originally Posted by unamadreditre

I just found this TR.... I absolutely love little Gabe. I miss those days of chasing wild toddlers........ now I find myself chasing wild teens. Not as fun.

As a former high school and middle school teacher I can imagine.

[gabes_mommy]

Originally Posted by KarenWDWCP

Oh, your son is adorable! And I love the plaid pants he wore on your MK day! Too cute!

Thank you! I'm a sucker for anything plaid.

[gabes_mommy]

Originally Posted by dixie

Gabes mommy those are just the most delightful pictures of Gabe. The ones with the characters (especially Mickey) are just magical.

Thank you Dixie. The best part of the trips are the memories and pictures you have to keep forever.

[MickeyMcFizzle]

You took some great photos!