[richaimg]

Day 1 – October 11, 2003

Met all the in-laws (10 of us total) at the airport, had an uneventful trip and arrived in Orlando at 2:30 p.m. We were met by Tiffany Town Car Service (as recommended by DC’ers) and while they were waiting for us – with a large passenger van so we could go in one vehicle – our driver wasn’t particularly helpful with the luggage and didn’t speak very good English. But he did stop at a grocery store for us – which was a great tip from all my DC research. We bought some fruit, cereal and milk and a case of bottled water. It really saved us some money.

We arrived at Coronado Springs Resort where check-in seemed to take FOREVER. There wasn’t a line, just a very slow CM. Finally we got our room assignments (Ranchos 7B) and were on our way.

I have to tell you that we were not that happy with CSR. We were close to the pool and a bus stop, but our room was definitely showing wear and it was just too far of a walk to get to El Centro. (Sorry all you CSR fans) We bought the mugs with free refills, but we never seemed to be around while the snack bar at the pool was open and a 10-minute walk to AND from El Centro to get a cup of coffee in the morning seemed like a lot. Or we would have to remember to bring our mugs with us to the parks so we could get refills on our way back in the evening.

Anyway, I digress, after we got settled we all headed straight to MK for our PS at Tony’s Town Square. We had a nice dinner (the only one we would have all week) and made it out to Main Street in time for Wishes.

As the fireworks started it started to rain a little. But DH and I each a child on our shoulders and we were all amazed by the show. (Yes, I even got a tear in my eye) As soon as the fireworks were over it started POURING down rain. We headed right out of the park and got completely drenched on our way to the bus stop.

IMPORTANT TIP: Pack an extra pair of sneakers!

I had read this on DC and boy was I glad we all had extra shoes! (Some of the In-Laws spent their evening in the laundry room drying their shoes)

Then it was back to the hotel and bed…

Aside from getting soaked it was a magical start to our week!:)

[richaimg]

Day 2 – October 12, 2003 – Magic Kingdom

Early wake-up today because we have 8:05 PS for CRT!!! We had a 6:00 a.m. wake-up call from Mickey. DS was asleep, but heard Mickey’s voice on the speaker phone – sat up and said “I’m ready to get dressed!”. Amazingly everyone else was ready on time and we made it to MK for the opening, which was really fun – seeing the characters arrive on the train and the countdown to open the gates. The looks on the kids’ faces were priceless! Disney “Magic” at work! I wished we could have gotten PS’s for a non-early entry day, but at least we got in…

We were seated right way, we had 2 tables and got our breakfast (it was OK, but not great) and then the Princesses started arriving…DD is 5 ½ and was totally enthralled. DS is 3 ½ and was happy to sit there as long as the Princesses didn’t talk to him.

DD was beside herself. She beamed at each Princess as they made their rounds. The Princesses were Cinderella, Snow White, Belle, Aurora and Mary Poppins. While they didn’t stay at the table very long they were each very attentive and we never felt rushed.

About halfway through breakfast my DD said to me “Mommy, this IS a dream come true!” Well, I got very choked up…that made the whole trip worthwhile to me…I’ll remember that moment for the rest of my life!

After breakfast as we were leaving the castle the Fairy Godmother was downstairs signing autographs. (I was amazed at how many characters we saw during the week.)

We spent all day at MK. The crowds were pretty heavy, but we didn’t really wait that long for anything.

DS is totally obsessed with Buzz Lightyear, so that was going to be our first stop. But as we went past Mickey’s Philharmagic I noticed there wasn’t a line, so we walked right in. It was wonderful! We all loved it. Anyone who goes – remember to look behind you at the very end!

DD and my FIL rode Cinderella’s Carousel, we all hit the Tea Cups and then headed over to the Buzz Lightyear Spin…and DS totally chickened out and refused to go in. We rode with DD while MIL & FIL stayed with DS. What a great ride! Very addictive. I knew my DS would love it, but it then became a battle of wills that would last for several days.

We road the Indy Speedway and then saw Buzz in front of Cosmic Ray’s so we stopped for an autograph. When we finished up with Buzz, Alice and the Mad Hatter were out, so we got their autographs too.

We then decided to go back to the hotel for lunch and a nap.

After naps we went straight back to MK. Hopped right on the Railroad to Mickey’s Toontown.

The kids got lots of autographs in the Hall of Fame tent – Pooh, Tigger, Chip, Dale and Minnie. Chip and Dale were a lot of fun, they really played with the kids (and each other!).

After Toontown we headed back to the castle for Wishes. Just as spectacular the second time!

We took our time and headed out with the crowd. I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was. Everyone was nice and we only waited about 10 minutes for a bus back to the resort.

A truly Magical day!!
:) :) :)

[richaimg]

Day 3 – October 13, 2003 – Animal Kingdom

We had a great day at AK, but it was HOT and HUMID and CROWDED!

We headed straight to the Safari to get FP’s, and saw Goofy on the way, so we stopped and got an autograph. While we waited for our FP time to roll around we walked the Pangani Forest trail which was really nice. My FIL really enjoyed the gorillas! We rode on the Safari and saw lots of animals – Rhinos, Lions, Elephants, Giraffes, even a Cheetah. The kids really enjoyed this ride (everyone did).

After the Safari we spilt off from the rest of the group (by this time we needed a break from everyone) and went to the Festival of the Lion King. This was a really fun show. We were in the Lion section (totally by accident) but DD and DS were happy we were on “Simba’s Team”. The show was really fun and interactive. A must see!

We decided to beat the heat and crowds and came back to the resort for lunch. The food at CSR was just OK. I thought it was overpriced for what you got, but we managed. We took our time with lunch and went back to AK. By the time we got there the crowds had thinned out and there were lots of characters at the entrance – Suzy and Perla, and some of the country bears. We took the train to Rafiki’s – got his autograph as well.

We had great seats for the parade and then walked the Maharajah Jungle Trek. The tigers were amazing – we stayed and watched them for a long time. As we left there was a CM practically begging people to see “Its Tough to Be a Bug” – so we walked right in.

After a long, hot day, it was back to the hotel to relax and hit the sack.

While we all liked AK, one day there was definitely plenty.

[richaimg]

Day 4 – October 14, 2003 – Disney MGM Studios

We took our time this morning and had breakfast at the hotel. We got to the park and got FP’s for Voyage of the Little Mermaid, then went straight into Playhouse Disney, no wait. The kids REALLY liked this show. DH and I were prepared not to like it, but it was very entertaining – all the hit songs from the TV shows. It was great to see all the little ones get up and dance.

By the time we got out of there it was time for the Little Mermaid. Another great show, DS got a little scared, but the scary part only lasted a minute.

Then we headed over to Pizza Planet. DS was THRILLED! This was like Nirvana to him. The pizza was better than I expected, but the lines were outrageous. DH and BIL managed to snag a table outside, so it wasn’t too bad.

After lunch we went over to Al’s Toy Barn (kids couldn’t understand why we couldn’t go inside) and got pictures and autographs with Buzz, Woody and Jessie.

Hit Muppets 3-D (again no wait aside from the preshow)- DS didn’t want to go, but once he got there he decided that he liked it. We saw the parade and then DH, DD, SIL and I went on Star Tours. DD said “it was awesome!”

Then we headed across the park for the Beauty & the Beast show. 4 for a Dollar (?) were opening the show. They were FANTASTIC! Then of course the actual show was fabulous too!

Everyone but DS and I went on the Backlot Tour. I was afraid he would be scared, so we relaxed and had an ice cream. Just the two of us, it was nice, got to hear about Disney from his perspective.

Our plan was to meet back up and see Fantasmic, but by the time we got there the CM told us it was standing room only. So we decided to come back early another night and rode the Rock N Roller Coaster (walked right on) and meandered our way out of the park before the crowds from Fantasmic.

Another great day!:)

[DisneyTeacher]

Originally posted by richaimg
About halfway through breakfast my DD said to me “Mommy, this IS a dream come true!” Well, I got very choked up…that made the whole trip worthwhile to me…I’ll remember that moment for the rest of my life!

I had so many moments like that during our trip last summer, it makes all the time and money spent worth it.

Sounds like a wonderful trip so far, keep up the great report!!

[Dana]

Your trip sounds like a success. Your DS is at a tough age to please. They are so paticular about what scares them and what doesn't and not usually to willing to try anything to see if it's scary. I took my DD at that age and she was exactly the same. (she's nine and can still be that way...refuses to go on Haunted Mansion and ToT) I can feel you on the mug issue at your resort. I had the same experience at All Star Movies. I purchased the mugs, and was so far away that it was easier to buy a bottle of soda for the room and just use the mug that way. I never brought the mug to the park with me becasue I frankly didn't want to haul it around all day. I only carry a waistpack or a small back pack. I didn't want to get my stuff sticky. I can't wait to hear the rest of your report. How did your DS do at the parades? Did he love them or what? Your DD's moment at CRT made my eyes fill with tears. Those moments alone are worth every single penny you spend on WDW. Can't wait to read on.

[mickaholic4077]

It sounds like you had a great time. Your report is very nice. I would like to know,though,what your experiences were to make you think your only nice dinner was Tony's Town Square.

[richaimg]

Thanks for the kind responses!

Dana - DS LOVED the parades! And the fireworks...he desperately DID NOT want to see Fantasmic! - thought it would be scary, but once it started he loved it - now it is the highlight of his trip (but that will come later in the trip report) As for the mugs, we were able to throw them in the bottom of the stroller, so not too big of a deal, but it was still a hassle to get a "free" drink!

Mickaholic4077 - Tony's was the only table service restaurant we ate at the whole trip! Everything else was counter service on the run...we just had too big of a group and small kids to worry about, sooooo....NEXT trip we'll eat where I want!

I'm still working on the rest of my report...I'll try and post more soon.
:)

[richaimg]

Day 5 – October 15, 2003 – Epcot

First, I neglected to mention the continuous battle trying to convince DS to go on the Buzz Lightyear Spin (he is completely obsessed with Buzz). Well, DS desperately wanted a Buzz Spinner (squeeze him and the lights around his head spin around) and being the bad parents that we are, we told him he could have one AFTER he rode the ride (we knew he would love it). He kept telling us “No, I don’t want to ride” but every morning when we left the hotel he had to make sure that we had our Birnbaum’s guidebook with us so he could look at the PICTURE of the Buzz ride. Talk about frustrating!

So we went to Epcot with our trusty guidebook.

We entered the park without much of a “plan”. We went right onto Ellen’s Energy Adventure (DS was a little scared of the dinosaurs, but not bad). Then we headed to Test Track and Mission: SPACE. There wasn’t much of a line for Test Track, so most of the adults went on; I stayed with my MIL and the kids. DH liked the ride and thought DD would be fine, so we got FP’s for later. The others went to get FP’s for Mission: SPACE, the lines were very long and their FP time was for MUCH later.

We had plans to meet some cousins who live in Orlando at 11:00 in front of the Mexico pavilion, so we headed over there. Met the cousins, had a mini family reunion and did some of the countries with them. The kids loved the boat rides in Mexico and Norway. They each got a passport that we then had stamped in each country. We went into China to see the film (which was wonderful!) and when we entered the CM told the children that Mulan and Mushu were there! Mulan addressed DD as “Soldier” and asked how old they were, etc. We were the only ones there! So the kids were able to take their time and had the characters all to themselves! (The counter-service food in China was GREAT too!)

We made a quick pass through Germany, then on to Italy where we found people (can’t really call them characters…) all dressed for Carnival, complete with masks. The costumes were so beautiful! They were all really nice; they would stop and pose for pictures and took time to interact with the children, giving hugs, etc. DD thought this was very neat!

I don’t remember exactly where or when, but we saw the “living statue”. AMAZING! A crowd of people were all around her and one at a time people would go stand next to her to have their picture taken. She really made the men suffer! One man went up to her and she changed her pose to “kiss” him on his bald head. Well, DD wanted a turn and the “statue” crouched down and hugged her. She was really wonderful!

We ended up skipping the rest of the countries because we had PS’s for the Ice Cream Social at Garden Grill. All 10 of us were there, we had 2 tables next to each other. Our ice cream came right away and the kids waited patiently for the characters to come see us. First were Chip and Dale. Again, they were so much fun. Dale drew on DS’s placemat and when DD called him Chip he hung his head and looked sad until I told her it was really Dale. As soon as she called him Dale he brightened right back up. Pluto came next and finally Mickey! This was the first time we had seen Mickey other than in a parade, so it was a big deal! I have the cutest picture of Mickey with DD and DS on either side. This was a great way to see more characters, and only about $6 a person…

After ice cream we wanted to see the Circle of Life and Food Rocks, both right there in the Land. The rest of the crew was going to go get FP’s (for all of us) for Honey I Shrunk the Audience and were to meet us in front of Mission: Space. So we went to see Circle of Life, but skipped Food Rocks so we could meet everyone. Well, we get there to find one SIL…the rest aren’t back yet. So we waited and waited (I’m starting to get angry) SIL wanted to ride Mission: Space. There was no line, so DH went with her while I waited with the kids. Finally MIL and FIL show up and said SIL #2, BIL and their daughter went to get FP’s for Honey…but there was no line so they just decided to go in. (WHAT?) Would it have killed them to come back and tell the rest of us (who’d been waiting) that there wasn’t a line and we could ALL go??? Anyway, they show up just before DH and SIL #1 and want to know where THEY are! So by the time DH comes back I’ve had it. SIL #2 wants to know what everyone wants to do now; I said “I don’t know…I thought we were ALL going to see Honey…” She doesn’t think she did anything wrong, etc. etc., I’m VERY angry at this point. My kids have been waiting around for way too long…I say to DH (loudly) that OUR kids need to ride something NOW and I think SOME PEOPLE are is totally inconsiderate and I’ve HAD IT!

This will now forever be known as “THE EPCOT INCIDENT”.

Well, my outburst had the desired effect. We split from the group and had a lovely evening just the 4 of us. I took DD on Test Track while DH let DS play in all the cars, we went to the Living Seas where we saw a group of scuba divers that waved to the kids, rode Spaceship Earth, and DH took DD to see Honey I Shrunk the Audience while DS and I did some shopping. Then it was off to grab a seat for Illuminations. We got great seats right along the lagoon and we all really enjoyed the show.

It was a good day all-in-all, this was the only major problem we had with the in-laws all week, so we counted our blessings!

Just realized how long this post is - SORRY!:)

[tiggerlover1971]

Great trip report !!! Sorry to hear about the Epcot incident I think thats why we enjoyed this last trip ( my october trip ) most ( no other family members to drive us crazy ) :whistle: :laugh

[richaimg]

Day 6 – October 16, 2003 – Downtown Disney & MGM

We’ve now spent one full day in each park, so everything from now on is “bonus” due to our Fairytale Package.

We took our time this morning and headed to Downtown Disney to do some shopping. I had never been to DTD before; the whole area was really nice, although we didn’t see everything. We reluctantly took the kids to McDonald’s for lunch. They were thrilled of course.

I was disappointed to find out that there is no bus service from DTD to any of the parks, so we took the bus to the hotel and then connected to the bus to MGM. It wasn’t too bad. We actually managed to hook up with the rest of the group and then hit some of the things we missed our first day, most notably “Indiana Jones”. Again, DS didn’t want to go, thought it would be scary, but he loved it! DD wanted to ride Star Tours again, so we did that and then let both kids pick out a bunch of Star Wars action figures. (I’m happy to report that they play with them a lot!).

Our main objective was to get to Fantasmic EARLY. The in-laws all wanted to do the Backlot tour, but there was a wait, so DH and I decided not to go. We took the kids to the “Honey I Shrunk the Kids” movie set to play for a little while and then we went to Fantasmic. The rest of them didn’t see the necessity to be that early (we were about 90 minutes early) so they did their own thing and ended up not even seeing Fantasmic – lines were too long by the time they made it over. (Haha – I told you so!)

We had really great seats right in the middle and about 20 rows from the front. We got hot dogs and chips for the kids and DH and I had Caesar chicken wraps, which were pretty good. We met a really nice family behind us from NY whose kids were about the same ages as ours, so they played and we talked until the show started.

Fantasmic was truly amazing! This was the highlight of our trip. I never regretted for a minute getting there so early. We would have loved to do a dinner package, but couldn’t get PS’s. I’ll definitely try again next trip. This is a definite DO NOT MISS! I can’t stress that enough. It was incredible. The kids are still talking about it – well, we are too!

Even leaving after the show wasn’t too bad. We stayed in our seats until most of the crowd thinned out, then headed to the exit. We didn’t even have to wait long for a bus.

Wonderful Disney magic!!!

[llama]

Great Trip Report!:) I've enjoyed reading it. The "Living Statue" is outside of the France Pavillion. She is SO great. We never miss her - and don't worry - all of us have had "EPCOT INCIDENTS" - you gotta love those relatives!

[richaimg]

Thanks for the feedback! This is my first trip report....so I'm never sure, too much detail...not enough :dazed

The "Epcot Incident" is funny now...at the time - not so much :devil

Oh well, live and learn! Next trip will be just the 4 of us!!

I'm trying to attach a pic of the kids with Mickey at the Ice Cream Social - hope this works! :)

[cbeccaboo2]

What a wonderful trip report. I enjoyed every word. I to want to see Fantasmatic (spelling?). Your little ones are adorable by the way with Mickey. That picture is a keeper and needs a frame. I don't blame you for being upset with the inlaw. At least it only happened one time.

Thanks for sharing your wonderful trip.

Becca

[MickeyRon]

Awesome trip report!!! We were there at the same time... actually at MGM on the same day... Thursday... However, we opted not to stay for Fantasmic... Did not think our 5 yr old would be able to handle it... :(

We too had In-laws with us... I am glad you only had the "epcot incedent" We had the Vacation Incedent! I did not let it ruin our vacation, but it could have... :cry:

We too have decided the next trip is us 4 and no more!! :laugh :laugh