Anyone want to read about our super quick whirlwind road trip to the world?

[KathyM2]

I am so happy that she got to ride the monorail! My kids were 6 & 8 years old when we stayed at WL & we all LOVED our water taxi trips to MK... so much more relaxing than the bus. It's all good. You are still at the happiest place on earth

Yes...I was glad it all worked out and we got on the monorail!! ONE day I'd love to stay at a monorail resort...but actually after that experience I'm now thinking the CR would be awesome because you can actually WALK to MK...how amazing would that be lol

 

[KathyM2]

We got to the Poly around 6:15pm. Our ADR was for 6:45pm. Again...like with everything during the planning...I had agonized over whether 6:45pm was too late for dinner...since at home we are used to eating around 5:30pm or 6pm latest...but I figured if we got hungry earlier we could always have a snack...and that way after dinner would be the perfect time to go back to MK for a few hours. Anyway...it worked out perfectly...when we got there a little early...we checked in to see if they could seat us. They gave us a pager and said they'd try to get us in a bit early. We wandered over to check out the pins and stuff and just as we were paying for a new pin for DD, our pager went off. So we were seated at around 6:30pm which was great. As we perused the menu...I had a really hard time deciding! DD was easy...she got the kids hamburgers...with bacon added...like everyone right now she is going through a bacon craze.

I ended up getting the Island Sunset drink...a treat...which was a rummy fruity drink of goodness....I did consider one of the giant in a pineapple drinks...but decided I didn't want to be too full for our night time park-ing....But then there was the food lol. I couldn't decide. I had heard great things about the potstickers...so I knew I had to try those. I love anything tempura...so I also went for the volcano roll. Since DD wouldn't even try any of it...I had...a mountain of food. But it was sooo good!! I wanted to eat it all but had to force myself to stop because I didn't want to feel sick. I just loved the potstickers and especially the sauce that came with them...I could have drank that stuff with a straw lol. Sadly...we had no room for dessert...but we knew if we wanted something sweet later there would be lots of opportunities at MK that night. We finished up our dinner...took a quick look around the lobby at the Poly...where there was still some construction....and hopped back on the monorail to head back to MK.

 

[ariane37]

Hi Kathy! Just found and read your TR I remember you from one of the March planning groups as DH and I went earlier in the month for a quick anniversary trip.
Sounds like you and Alexis really had a great time! My first thought was "ooh, 1 park day, that's tough ". But after hearing your reasoning and seeing how fun your arrival day/night was, I think it was the perfect decision for this trip. With HDDR you managed to make arrival night "Disney" w/o doing a park

And that cupcake Wish I'd seen it while we were there! From your description I think I'd LOVE it. Unfortunately I'm sure it'll be gone by our Nov. trip.......

 

[ksinniger]

I'm enjoying your mother-daughter trip report. I plan on taking my now 11/will be 12 year old daughter on a mommy & me trip in August, and my biggest fear is that after a full week together, we'll end up hating each other! So I totally get you wanting to avoid th melt downs.

 

[jandlinz]

Yippee for the monorail! I know my kiddos love to ride it. I remember going to Disney when the driver would let you sit in the front of the monorail if you asked nicely. My sister and I would always ask. We usually got lucky and got to sit up front. When I took my kids I wanted them to experience it, but they no longer allow it. The kids still really enjoyed the ride! My oldest son even got a monorail set for Christmas from my mom one year. They love to play with it.

 

[KathyM2]

Hi Kathy! Just found and read your TR I remember you from one of the March planning groups as DH and I went earlier in the month for a quick anniversary trip.
Sounds like you and Alexis really had a great time! My first thought was "ooh, 1 park day, that's tough ". But after hearing your reasoning and seeing how fun your arrival day/night was, I think it was the perfect decision for this trip. With HDDR you managed to make arrival night "Disney" w/o doing a park

And that cupcake Wish I'd seen it while we were there! From your description I think I'd LOVE it. Unfortunately I'm sure it'll be gone by our Nov. trip.......

Helloooo and welcome!!! So nice to have you. Yes I was in some planning groups...I only booked the trip less than 2 months out lol...but I think I did a fair bit of planning despite that fact lol. And yes...the cupcake cup was so good. Hopefully they will keep it around a while. I'm not sure if that was the only place they sell them or not...maybe they will have it somewhere if not there. Well worth it I thought though.

I'm enjoying your mother-daughter trip report. I plan on taking my now 11/will be 12 year old daughter on a mommy & me trip in August, and my biggest fear is that after a full week together, we'll end up hating each other! So I totally get you wanting to avoid th melt downs.

Thanks and Welcome!! I feel your fear...our trip was in total almost 3 days together by the end...and I was sort of starting to long for...conversation with someone else lol. But for the most part we got along well. There were a couple moments where I had to remind myself we were on vacation and I should maybe just not argue about stupid things that don't matter lol. But my DD really needed this I think and it was good for us. I think/hope she will have fond memories.

Yippee for the monorail! I know my kiddos love to ride it. I remember going to Disney when the driver would let you sit in the front of the monorail if you asked nicely. My sister and I would always ask. We usually got lucky and got to sit up front. When I took my kids I wanted them to experience it, but they no longer allow it. The kids still really enjoyed the ride! My oldest son even got a monorail set for Christmas from my mom one year. They love to play with it.

Yes, the kids sure do love that monorail...not that I blame them. It's so fast! And I love when it goes through the CR...maybe because when I was young I once stayed there with my mom...and that's about the only thing I remember from that trip lol. It is too bad they no longer let you get up with the driver...times have changed. So cool that your son got a monorail set...I've seen those around the parks...but just seems like such a huge thing to try to get home...nevermind the price lol. But what a neat souvenier it would be!

 

[KathyM2]

After our dinner at Kona, we hopped back on a nicely waiting monorail back to the MK. How awesome it was to be able to get there so quickly and easily....sigh...again made me want to stay at the Poly...but then I remembered the whole "monorail is down" thing from earlier and that just puts one small check in the "con" column for breaking the bank to stay at the Poly lol.

Anyway...we got back to the MK and decided to check how the lines were on some rides that we didn't have a chance to do earlier. We walked by Jungle Cruise and thought we'd do that again if the wait wasn't too bad...but sadly...it was 40 mins...and by the look of the crowds looked like it really would be that long. So we skipped that and decided to do Aladdin instead. DD didn't want to get squirted by the camel so she didn't even tough the controls lol...so we just went around and around but not up...people were kind of looking at us strangely! Oh well. I considered getting a Dole Whip just because "gasp" I've never actually tried one!! But alas it was not to be because I was still pretty stuffed from dinner at Kona. We decided to go back to check out the line for Haunted Mansion. Luckily it was short so we did that - a couple of times. We also looked in the shop there and I got some cool HM pins and keychains. We would have liked to maybe do Peter Pan again but that had a huge line as always. We went on IASW (twice) and Ariel again. We also maybe would have liked to do Winnie the Pooh again but the line was long for that too.

We headed around to Tomorrowland and decided to check the lines for the Speedway. DD had hesitated initially and didn't want to go on because she was afraid of driving herself - even though I think she is now tall enough. As soon as I said that's ok, I can drive and we can go together, she was all over it. The wait was posted as 20 mins but I don't think it took that long. Man do I "suck" at driving those cars lol...it was a fun...but jerky ride! After we got off that, we ventured over to see what the line for Buzz was like because we wanted to see if we could beat our earlier scores. The sign said 20 mins...we decided to do it since we were unlikely to get another change. We hopped in line...it did seem like 20 mins...but we got to chatting with some people in line and that seemed to pass the time faster. We got on Buzz...and sadly..did NOT beat our scores. I blame the gun I got...I just couldn't seem to get the thing to shoot when I wanted...not MY fault of course

After that, it was getting late and I thought it might be a good idea to start looking for a spot to watch the MSEP. I told DD we might have time for ONE last ride of the night if we could find something without too much of a wait. What did she choose? The Peoplemover ) She's my kid lol. I love that ride so was happy with her choice. I thought it was a great last ride of the day...relaxing...could look around and take it all in...feel the magic . I tried to savour it as much as I could. When that was done, we started walking back towards Main Street where crowds were already lining the street and CM's were everywhere directing traffic. It was almost time but we thought maybe it would be nice to get some ice cream to eat while watching....obviously not an original idea because...it was jammed in there!! But we got in line and then...ugh. Just as we were about to get to the front of the line, DD says "I REALLY have to go to the bathroom" So I say, "can you just wait until we get our ice cream because we don't want to wait in this line again" She says ok. So we get our ice cream and then she says she really needs to go. Ugh.

So we decided to head for the restrooms around the corner...but of course...there was a line out the door and we are standing there with ice cream dripping all over the place. When DD got to the front of the line, she hands me her ice cream and I go wait just outside the restrooms entrance. By the time she got out, I was covered in ice cream. Ugh. Good thing I had wet wipes in my purse (thanks to a packing list on here I think lol) I gave DD back her remaining ice cream and told her to eat it quick because the parade would be starting soon and we didn't get have a spot to watch...and like everyone else...I was really hoping to find somewhere to actually SIT because my feet were killing me!!

 

[luckylady]

ve never heard of the cupcake cup but it looks relish. Going to have to try it next trip. So much done with little wait, score?

 

[allybabba98]

I had posted about Rope Drop and if it was worth it to be there for it...you (and all the other kind people that replied) have shown me how awesome it is!! Did you go over March Break? I too am a Toronto gal so I am sure you were happy just to enjoy the sun and warm weather. Great trip report!

 

[kastoney]

Hey Kathy, just finding your trip report. What a nice get away for just your daughter and you. I love the ides of only one day in the parks and maximizing activities in the resorts. Can't wait to see what you do next.

 

[KathyM2]

ve never heard of the cupcake cup but it looks relish. Going to have to try it next trip. So much done with little wait, score?

Yeah I hadn't heard of it either until someone mentioned it here. There are a few threads of favourite snacks...I sadly didn't get to try all of them but this one was a priority for me!! It was a score I thought getting so much done in the morning during such a busy time!!

I had posted about Rope Drop and if it was worth it to be there for it...you (and all the other kind people that replied) have shown me how awesome it is!! Did you go over March Break? I too am a Toronto gal so I am sure you were happy just to enjoy the sun and warm weather. Great trip report!

Welcome!! And I'm glad I could share!! If only next time we go my whole family would go along with it and not whine about getting up so early lol. Technically the days we were at Disney were the week before the actual TDSB March Break...but I know schools all over Canada, and even within Ontario vary a bit in their breaks. My DD actually missed a week of school so we could spend a total of two weeks in Florida (even though we only could spare a few for Disney while visiting my parents) It was indeed lovely to get away from the cold - this was/is one brutal winter (hopefully it really IS over now lol)

Hey Kathy, just finding your trip report. What a nice get away for just your daughter and you. I love the ides of only one day in the parks and maximizing activities in the resorts. Can't wait to see what you do next.

Welcome and thanks for following along!! It was a great getaway indeed!! It ended up being a nearly perfect day and most things went as planned. When all that planning works out...it is wonderful. I just hate when things go wrong after planning for months - that's the part I find hard about Disney's new ways of doing things...makes it sort of hard to roll with the punches and not get upset if things don't go according to plan!!

 

[KathyM2]

Since I had never actually seen the MSEP before...I actually didn't know that it started down near the entrance to the MK and went along Main Street. It was hard to tell where a good spot to stop and watch would be. I asked several CM's...where we should go...and sadly...they weren't much help. One's English wasn't great...one told us it would be going down MS not up...and just confusion. We decided to make our way closer to the entrance as much as we could before it started. We found some people who seemed....to be taking up way more room than they actually needed. We asked them as politely as they could if we could squeeze into a little corner beside their stroller. They said ok. I let my DD kind of squeeze in front of it as much as she could so it wouldn't block her view. I was kind of beside it and it was a bit annoying...but what can you do. Having been there with little kids and strollers...I know that's just how it is lol.

The timing couldn't have been more perfect. Just as we sat down the MSEP started coming towards us. It was pretty magical. DD recognized some of the characters that she had seen around the parks earlier that day. She loved how some of them really seemed to be waving at her personally!! It was a magical part of our day. I just tried to relax and take it in and be in the moment as much as I could because I don't know when we will get to do this again. While DD had begged for some glowing ears or other accessories...I had said no. They were just too much to justify something that would not get used much after this parade. Luckily we didn't have enough time before the parade started for her to really get upset about not having anything like that!!

During the parade...I was debating internally whether we should call it a day or try to stay for the fireworks and a few more rides. I was a "bit" refreshed after our ice cream and sitting for the parade...and DD seemed in pretty good spirits....BUT...it was already past her usual bedtime and we were already so close to the exit and...who knew how long it would take us to get back to WL....BUT it was our only park day...sigh...what to do???

 

[KathyM2]

We ended up leaving on a high note and strolling out at the end of MSEP. We decided we could maybe catch some of the fireworks later from our hotel or if we had the energy over at the Poly. So we strolled back to the busses. Again I tried to convince DD to take the boat but...she didn't want to. Not sure what that was about. Anyway...we got back to our room just after 10pm and we were pretty wiped!! What a magical day!! We were sad to see it come to an end. We spent some time chatting about our favourite parts of the day and things we hoped to do on our next visit...sigh...whenever that may be.

I had also tossed around the idea of booking an ADR for some kind of character breakfast or something the next day on our way out of town back to the grandparents in South Florida. BUT...ended up deciding to just have breakfast at Roaring Forks again and then we managed to get an ADR for Raglan Road for lunch! I know it isn't the same as going there for dinner...but it's somewhere I had wanted to try. We had a leisurely morning packing up and lounging in our room...and then sadly had to say goodbye to WL and our Disney room. It was sad!!! While checking out we asked the CM for directions to Downtown Disney. We decided to go there a bit early and browse around before lunch. BUT...the thought of driving there really freaked me out!! If you recall from the beginning...I'm just TERRIBLE with directions.

I made DD listen to the directions too. One CM promised that his directions were "idiot proof" ....I wasn't so sure...but ok...off we went. Several times I almost made a wrong turn but DD kept saying "remember what he said". Finally we got to DTD area...but man...gah...the construction...the traffic....aahhhh!! I knew that I might regret driving there...but I didn't want to have to go back to WL after on our way out of Orlando...so.... Anyway...it took forever to get in and parked and I was so stressed about not being able to find our car later.

Anyway...we strolled around a bit...DD did some looking around the shops and a bit of pin trading, we each also found some great flip flops....then we decided to go to Raglan Road and see if we could get in for lunch. They managed to get us in about 15 mins before our ADR so that was good. There were just SO many things I wanted to try and I couldn't decide. I ended up getting a chicken sandwich...it was pretty good...but after seeing so many yummy looking appetizers go by...I wished I would have gotten some of those instead. Oh well..next time . After lunch we were pretty full. We walked around a bit more...and sadly...made our way back to the car to begin the long (3 1/2 hours) drive back to the grandparents.

And that concludes our short and sweet visit to Disney. And now...I just have to live vicariously through reading all everyone's PTR's and TR's...until we get to go back again!

 

[jchurch0409]

Awesome end to the trip! Sounds like an amazing time!

 

[ariane37]

You guys fit so much in to a quick trip! Such a good time and so wonderful that you and DD got to spend time together I enjoyed reading, hope you get to go back soon!!

 

[KathyM2]

Awesome end to the trip! Sounds like an amazing time!

Thanks for reading!! Yes, it was an amazing trip - and end to the trip - though much too quick. I guess that's why I'm still hanging around the DIS dreaming about the next one ...sigh.

You guys fit so much in to a quick trip! Such a good time and so wonderful that you and DD got to spend time together I enjoyed reading, hope you get to go back soon!!

Thanks! Yes, I think we did manage to fit in quite a lot - though I'm sure there are commandos around here that would have done a lot more...lol. But for us, I think it was about right...we did a lot and saw a lot...without finishing and feeling like we needed another vacation to recover. I definitely loved the one on one time with DD...and I think she did too. I'm trying to continue doing that more with her at home even if it's only for a couple of hours at a time...she really needs it. And of course...I certainly hope we get to go back again soon too!

 

[kastoney]

Ragland Road sounds like great way to end the trip. Short or not, it's still disney ; )

 

[KathyM2]

Ragland Road sounds like great way to end the trip. Short or not, it's still disney ; )

Raglan Road was indeed a great way to end the trip! My only regret is not having the time to go there at night time because I hear they have Irish dancers and I know DD would like to see that. Oh well...gotta go back And yes...it was still Disney...just not enough of it lol! I've been trying to devise ways to get back there sooner rather than later lol..but not sure if I will convince hubby!

 

[Gracefulskinny]

I seriously find that half the drivers on that road are 100 years old and drive badly at a snail's pace...and the rest of the people are just insane...cutting each other off, not signalling for changing lanes...just scary.

This is exactly why we drive into the disney bubble and then don't touch the car again until we leave. It is totally one of the perks of staying there.

So I told her unless she could learn how to get down, she would not be sleeping on the top...mean mom that I am.

Oh what a horrible parent using logic and reason on a child!

I had no interest in touching our car again while at Disney.

This is exactly what we do! We are so the same way!

now time for Hoop De Doo

How long is Hoop De Doo anyways? Is it reasonable to hope to be back at our room by 12am if we are going to the 8:30 show?

how you know what is in a series

Just how DO you know what is in a series?

What did she choose? The Peoplemover

SMART GIRL! You just can't beat the Peoplemover.

 

[KathyM2]

How long is Hoop De Doo anyways? Is it reasonable to hope to be back at our room by 12am if we are going to the 8:30 show?

Hoop De Doo I think is about an hour and a half?? I'm only guessing but I'm pretty sure our show was 6:45 and there was a second show - probably the 8:30 show...after ours so it couldn't be that long?

Just how DO you know what is in a series?

Well, apparently there is a little number/number on the back that shows you which one out of how many are in that series? And then I guess you can look it up and see what else there is to collect? Didn't actually make that much sense to me...but she caught on right away...I must be getting old lol.