The Many Adventures of...A Family With a New Baby! Jan - Dec 2016! New 11/7!

[Tygerlilly]

I kind of wish we were doing HS this trip to try H&V. Plus Piper is obsessed with Disney Jr. The food looked pretty good and the characters look fun.

They look like they're having so much fun so far (minus the characters for Maya). Can't wait for more!

 

[Dugette]

That is great Izzy says she wants to try it out again!!! It's the one ride Aria has adamantly said she won't ride, and I dont' want to push it because my rule sort of backfires here - she has to try it once but doesn't have to go again- which has kept her from any tears when trying all the new rides (which she's mostly loved!). So i can't really make her ride it again haha!

Izzy was adamant about not riding it ever again in her life, so this decision to ride again came out of left field. Not sure if she actually will, though. We were talking to her Disney-loving preschool teacher the other day and Izzy told the teacher her favorite ride was Test Track and the teacher said her favorite ride was ToT. Izzy kept repeating, "I don't like that one" after that. It's not a favorite of ours anyway, so whatever happens is fine.

so Dugette found Dug had been spending his time in the midst of the Star Wars stuff

Ah, that makes sense.

Maya slept through it all

So, yeah, she actually slept through a Jawa that decided to lift up the blanket that was covering her and see if they wanted to trade for her or something. I'm not sure you saw that, but I think I have a mediocre picture of it. I couldn't believe they actually chanced waking a sleeping baby, but I guess it all worked out okay.

The only thing I could think of to trade were all the paper dubloons Aria picked up at the Disney Junior show. Dugette said she had read they won't trade for those (because everyone else tries that too!) but alas, they did trade Aria for her beloved Dubloons!

I am glad they did that! I know they turned people away frequently at that time - Izzy had traded her (broken) sparkly Elsa light-up crown with them earlier and they took a LONG time deciding if they wanted that...and it seemed up their alley from what I know about them wanting shiny things.

I love how happy the lady in the background looks while watching this.

Donald was dancing off to the side haha

Hilarious photo! I don't even remember that at all!

Then we finally had a break and headed up to the buffet. I held Maya in my left arm, Aria wanted to hold her own plate, and I used the pre-printed allergy menu to pick things for Maya from the buffet. So basically I helped Aria pile up her plate, put safe things on one plate (held in left hand) and then things for me on a third plate in my right hand, so Maya couldn't reach and touch it. Poor Aria's first time dealing with her own plate resulted in tripping and it falling on the floor - but we had just started at the buffet so not much fell at least. We went back through and got her food again while a CM waved me off when I tried to help pick stuff up.

That sounds hard. I have a hard enough time getting my food and Izzy's. For what it's worth, I was trying to help out where I could and I remember taking Aria through at least a couple buffets with Izzy and me, but I was apparently in my own world on this one or something, sorry. I had no idea it was Aria's first time holding her own plate...she always seems so experienced and capable.

Then Minnie came! Not sure what she is doing here lol!

Hey, something I remember! Characters kept coming up from behind where Izzy was sitting and I made a joke about them surprising her. Izzy thought that was a great idea and wanted to be surprised, so I told Minnie...and Minnie is sneaking up on her.

We were finding anything to do to pass the time haha

I remember what I was doing to pass that time...getting through that insane crowd you showed to get Izzy to and from a bathroom.

Well, loved everything but the nightmare before christmas stuff. Dont stone me, I hate that movie!

Oh, I am so relieved I'm not alone on this! I had never seen it, but I found it was available on the plane ride out on this trip, so I watched it. And I kept waiting to love it, since everyone does, and I just...didn't care. Not into it. Don't get it.

I had a little scare where she walked up behind me without me knowing and I fell over her - so I was worried about her of course and also about the baby, but she was kicking and Maya was okay so all was fine.

Yikes, I didn't know that happened! Very scary! Glad everyone was okay.

Oh, and Dug is working on getting our pics/videos on DVD for you. I think one is done, but it will take a few? I'll get them to you when they're ready. If you want to steal any of the 400+ I added to a FB album back then, feel free.

 

[amazingact21]

Your pictures from the Minnie's Holiday Dine were great. It looked like there were some great character interactions and plenty of good food options. In a few of the pictures, you can see the guests at the table next to you smiling at the girls. I thought it was sweet that their pure joy at interacting with the Disney characters wore off on strangers.

Wow, that viewing area for the show looked crowded! I'm sure it was no worse than Main St. at night, it just seemed that way in the photo. But I'm glad to hear the show was worth the wait and was entertaining. And I agree with you 1000%. The Nightmare Before Christmas is not good. I don't understand the hype. It's one of my sister in-law's favorite Disney movies, and I just can't bring myself to admit that I don't like it to her.

Yikes! Sorry to hear Maya gave you a scare, but I'm glad everyone was all right.

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Glad you enjoyed Minnie's Holiday done. I do like all the characters in their holiday garb. I think a lot of the buffets get a bad rap but if you like it that is all that matters!

Ok, but after you indicate you don't like Nightmare Before Christmas I am now questioning you opinion on everything

Sorry about the scary fall but glad everything was ok!

 

[Imagineer5]

Great update! So scary about the fall though!

Thanks! yes, but thankfully all was fine

Your TR is really making me want to do a December WDW trip!

I'm with you, not a fan of Nightmare Before Christmas!

I'm glad that you were all okay after the fall!

I know, I am dying to fit in a little november trip to see the holiday decorations. :-D

Sounds like a good time.

Thanks!

I kind of wish we were doing HS this trip to try H&V. Plus Piper is obsessed with Disney Jr. The food looked pretty good and the characters look fun.

They look like they're having so much fun so far (minus the characters for Maya). Can't wait for more!

DHS is only going in 1 morning and we're skipping H&V next week, but still happy to have a little time there. I can't wait for all the construction to end!

Izzy was adamant about not riding it ever again in her life, so this decision to ride again came out of left field. Not sure if she actually will, though. We were talking to her Disney-loving preschool teacher the other day and Izzy told the teacher her favorite ride was Test Track and the teacher said her favorite ride was ToT. Izzy kept repeating, "I don't like that one" after that. It's not a favorite of ours anyway, so whatever happens is fine.


Ah, that makes sense.


So, yeah, she actually slept through a Jawa that decided to lift up the blanket that was covering her and see if they wanted to trade for her or something. I'm not sure you saw that, but I think I have a mediocre picture of it. I couldn't believe they actually chanced waking a sleeping baby, but I guess it all worked out okay.


I am glad they did that! I know they turned people away frequently at that time - Izzy had traded her (broken) sparkly Elsa light-up crown with them earlier and they took a LONG time deciding if they wanted that...and it seemed up their alley from what I know about them wanting shiny things.


I love how happy the lady in the background looks while watching this.


Hilarious photo! I don't even remember that at all!


That sounds hard. I have a hard enough time getting my food and Izzy's. For what it's worth, I was trying to help out where I could and I remember taking Aria through at least a couple buffets with Izzy and me, but I was apparently in my own world on this one or something, sorry. I had no idea it was Aria's first time holding her own plate...she always seems so experienced and capable.


Hey, something I remember! Characters kept coming up from behind where Izzy was sitting and I made a joke about them surprising her. Izzy thought that was a great idea and wanted to be surprised, so I told Minnie...and Minnie is sneaking up on her.


I remember what I was doing to pass that time...getting through that insane crowd you showed to get Izzy to and from a bathroom.


Oh, I am so relieved I'm not alone on this! I had never seen it, but I found it was available on the plane ride out on this trip, so I watched it. And I kept waiting to love it, since everyone does, and I just...didn't care. Not into it. Don't get it.


Yikes, I didn't know that happened! Very scary! Glad everyone was okay.

Oh, and Dug is working on getting our pics/videos on DVD for you. I think one is done, but it will take a few? I'll get them to you when they're ready. If you want to steal any of the 400+ I added to a FB album back then, feel free.

Yeah I'm surprised the Jawa would do that too lol but thankfully she was out!

I was glad to figure out the buffet this trip with both girls, and definitely didn't expect you to do anything in addition to getting food for izzy too! I was just trying to explain it to anyone wondering how to do it with two lol.

THanks I couldn't remember the minnie interaction, that is cute!!

I am NOT a Tim Burton fan or any of that sort of movie making, so yeah, def not into that movie.

Thanks for the photos and videos - I was thinking of a blu ray disc player which holds more, you're right, I'll need to burn a few DVDs. I haven't looked for them yet sorry but i will get to it when we get home

Your pictures from the Minnie's Holiday Dine were great. It looked like there were some great character interactions and plenty of good food options. In a few of the pictures, you can see the guests at the table next to you smiling at the girls. I thought it was sweet that their pure joy at interacting with the Disney characters wore off on strangers.

Wow, that viewing area for the show looked crowded! I'm sure it was no worse than Main St. at night, it just seemed that way in the photo. But I'm glad to hear the show was worth the wait and was entertaining. And I agree with you 1000%. The Nightmare Before Christmas is not good. I don't understand the hype. It's one of my sister in-law's favorite Disney movies, and I just can't bring myself to admit that I don't like it to her.

Yikes! Sorry to hear Maya gave you a scare, but I'm glad everyone was all right.

Aw yeah, it was a great time and definitely a positive energy. LOL on not admitting not liking that movie!

Glad you enjoyed Minnie's Holiday done. I do like all the characters in their holiday garb. I think a lot of the buffets get a bad rap but if you like it that is all that matters!

Ok, but after you indicate you don't like Nightmare Before Christmas I am now questioning you opinion on everything

Sorry about the scary fall but glad everything was ok!

A few above have agreed with me lol!! I am just not into that sort of movie? The animation totally creeps me out. I'm also SO not into halloween so that's probably a reason too.

 

[Imagineer5]

3 DAYS!! (Or in Aria's words, 3 Sleeps!) I can't believe we're so close. The reports of craziness at Pandora have me both happy I added in a little time on Day 1 (Friday) and worried that it'll be CRAZY but I read if you have FP's they will let you in - and thankfully we do! I've also been practicing with Maya to touch her head on a stick for 32" so she can ride the Speedway, but she only ducks and runs away, so who knows if she'll get to ride hahaha. Aria needs to stand nice and tall for the 44"-ers but I think she'll make it fine. Depending on the shoes (but leaving the cowboy boots at home). She is REALLY excited to ride Flights of Passage!

So moving on to Day 2 from December! Today we had plans to do a PPO Akershus, followed by EPCOT time and then the afternoon/evening at Disney Springs.

The morning started off a little rougher though - I was up well before my alarm (by 5) which is the time i get up for work but still! So i got a kick start to the day and showered, organized stuff, got girl's clothes all sorted etc. Aria eventually got up so she got dressed in her Snow White dress, then Maya also eventually got up lol. We were all ready early and decided to just head out to the car and go to EPCOT. It was rainy and chilly this morning. On the walk to the car, we took some photos in the Shades lobby-

When we arrived at EPCOT, security wasn't open yet and we had to park in the CM parking which was sort of awkward. After 20 minutes or so, security tables opened up so we eventually got in, then were first in line over by the tapstiles. I was texting Dugette to see where they were and I think their bus had just showed up now. The girls had some time to run around and play. Maya didn't let the rope stop her from attempting to run into the park - the CM's didn't think ti was as cute as I did

We took this photo to send to Andrew

Aria popped in

Right before they let us in, Dugette & fam made it! There was quite the line to get in by that time so that worked out well. We sort of split up, letting Dug take his time while we fast walked to Akershus - we had a plan to hop on FEA after breakfast so we wanted to be one of the first tables seated

But, when we checked in, they didn't want to check us in until Dug arrived. We had to insist we didn't need a photo with him in it (sorry Dug lol) and they eventually let us check in.

SOon we went in to meet Belle, and Maya was not thrilled with that!

Best photopass shot?! Ugh

Then we were seated and Dug joined us. We ordered drinks, let the server know of Maya's allergies, and then went up to the buffet where I did the repeat of holding Maya and Aria doing her own plate. There really isn't much at this buffet that I (we) like, so it only took a minute.

I want to comment that I was TERRIBLE about wiping down the high chairs and tables for Maya. I feel like she definitely got a little of her allergens a couple days due to this and I've been very good about it since.

Soon Aurora came by, this photo shows maya reaching for me while I tried to get a photo lol

They brought out allergy muffins and sausages for Maya which was really nice. Soon the family style food came and the potato casserole is the only thing I like but I definitely filled up on it (and we asked for seconds!) We had a lot of time to eat while waiting for the princesses, and were getting worried a bit on timing. Aria ate eggs, fruit, and salami.

But all of a sudden we were meeting princesses left and right lol - girls even had time to do the princess procession and we left by 8:50!

The girls had great conversations with the princesses! Aria then comforted Maya

Since this trip was just after Maya's 1st birthday, they came out with a birthday cupcake for her. She can have baked dary/egg so I let her have the base of it, and Aria & Izzy shared the top (best part, according to Aria). So birthday cupcakes were very well loved!

Terrible pic of the princess procession-

And then we jetted out of there!!

 

[Imagineer5]

Our timing couldn't have been more perfect, and we entered the ride just as they opened the doors

We hardly had time to check out the detailed line but it was really really well done inside

Instead of dropping stuff off at the stroller we had all our breakfast paraphernalia (and diaper bag) but oh well

As you can see, I did not have my good camera, so sorry for the awful photos. BUt here is proof we rode

I thought the ride was okay. I felt there was a lot of empty/warehouse looking space, like they sort of threw it together. And I still think Maelstrom should have stayed. A new Frozen area would have been cool. But, we enjoyed it and will ride it many times. (with no wait, I wouldn't wait longer than 15 min for it). Afterwards, the Troll was still there and we attempted a photo. Maya is such a stinker!

From there we used the Norway bathrooms to change into Frozen outfits and hopped in line to meet Anna & Elsa. This had a longer wait that we expected, but we decided to do it anyway. Dugette surprised the girls (first of many surprises!!!) with some Frozen Tsum Tsums!

Again the theming inside was top notch and we enjoyed looking around

When it was our turn, Anna was super playful - even attempting peek a boo with maya through the little fence

Then Maya turned and ran to me lol

Photopass was much better here and took lots of photos-

I think this is hilarious

They had fun with the tsum tsums

Then we headed over to meet Elsa who was fine but not as playful

On our way back to the strollers, there was a photopass opportunity

Then I think Dug started walking towards Future World and we got the girls in the strollers and headed there too. We wanted to see about a possible meetup with the Inside Out characters - the line looked to be about 30 min long and we decided to wait (I guess we were pretty free on time today lol).

Maya was also passed out in the stroller. I might have done a midline outfit change for aria (don't worry it was more like a dress over another dress and then that other one came off

There was a wide open area near the line the girls were having a blast running around in

And eventually it was our turn. Their meet area is so cute. I'm surprised they have this awesome meet up area though that is STILL there and Moana is already gone!

Joy liked Aria's dress

Dug chatted with Sadness

Joy took Aria by the hand over to the control panel to show her

Then Aria saw sadness was all by herself by the memory balls so she went over to say hi

Then we all headed to Nemo - Dug kind of lagged behind (he had a really painful back), and Maya was still asleep so Dugette took Izzy and Aria on the ride while I looked around inside - soon Maya woke up though and enjoyed the tanks.

I think Dug was annoyed at being left in the dust a few times, this one included, so Dugette & Izzy waited to ride again with him and I took A&M on the ride myself.

Then the girls got to play a bit

I think I was watching all 3 for a few minutes and thinking to myself I can't believe I'm going to have a 3rd- this is not easy keeping my eye on 3 at once lol

Maya had a meltdown

Then went to play

After this, our FP for the Character Spot opened up, but I'll leave that for next time!!

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Hope your travels are safe - and best of luck with Pandora. I will be there tomorrow (eek!) so have been really watching all the info about it. I am glad to see the wait times have been at least a little bit lower today. I have a FP for FoP but am hoping to get on the river ride standby and then FoP again during the night EMH - but we shall see!

aww - that's a cute photoe


Glad everything worked out with the plans for Akershsus and then getting on FAE. I think I like it a bit better than you (I do like all the animatronics) but agree they could have done more with it and it isn't worth the like 4 hours waits it was getting

I love the queue for the A&E meet - I think it is even more detailed than the one for FAE.

the Inside Out meet was one of our favorites - it is a slow moving line but they characters spend a lot of time with you so I think it seems worth it in the end

Good luck with the third! Once that third gets on the move it is a challenge keeping track of all of them!

 

[cindianne320]

I can't believe your trip is so close! Have so much fun!

Sounds like a lot of fun meets for the morning! But brrrr- your outfits make me cold!

 

[Grumpy's Wife]

The girls outfits are so adorable. I love how you change their outfit with each meet and greet. Precious!

 

[amazingact21]

I hope you are having a wonderful trip and that Pandora isn't giving you too much grief.

Maya was cracking me up in all those photos. She was not into the characters. At all. Not even the face ones, which surprised me. I feel like Evie has a similar personality to Maya, and I was banking on her cooperating this summer for the princess meets. Guess I shouldn't hold my breath...

I'm sure you're a pro on this trip with 3 kids! You seemed to do great when on day outings to the zoo and such, so I'm sure you've got this.

 

[Dugette]

She is REALLY excited to ride Flights of Passage!

I am excited to hear what she thinks!

I was texting Dugette to see where they were and I think their bus had just showed up now.

Sounds about right. This whole trip, it was SOOOO frustrating to be up and ready and waiting super early and then we'd still just barely make it there, thanks to the non-timely bus service. It was really apparent when seeing how you'd leave your room about the same time and be at the front of the line and we'd be WAYYYYYY back there.

Right before they let us in, Dugette & fam made it! There was quite the line to get in by that time so that worked out well.

So glad we got there in time to join you!

Ha, love how Izzy is just gazing at the princesses in both of these while Aria poses for the camera.

And there's Maya's "get me away from her" look.

Looks like both girls have perfected the same "snuggle into mommy" pose.

I think I was watching all 3 for a few minutes and thinking to myself I can't believe I'm going to have a 3rd- this is not easy keeping my eye on 3 at once lol

I remember being very hesitant to leave you with all three briefly (had to go talk to Dug when he got off ride), but you said it would be fine and I figured....well, practice! Hope it's going well on your first bringing-all-3 trip right now!

 

[cindianne320]

Hope you're having a fabulous trip!

 

[toomuchtv]

I've also been practicing with Maya to touch her head on a stick for 32" so she can ride the Speedway, but she only ducks and runs away, so who knows if she'll get to ride hahaha.

I hope this goes well! We never ended up making it to Speedway last month, even though my son is over 32" without shoes. He has some muscle tone and other issues, though, so doesn't stand on his own or walk yet, so I'm not sure how we'd go about measuring him anyway.

Our timing couldn't have been more perfect, and we entered the ride just as they opened the doors

You did SO MUCH better than us on this. We failed pretty miserably, though part of that is because they didn't let us into the park until 8 and our reservation was at 8:05. We did not get there in time, partially because of this and partially because my mom is short and not too fast. Then my son was NOT loving the princesses. By the time we got out of there, it was a 45 minute line.

I think this is hilarious

I love this!!!

Then Aria saw sadness was all by herself by the memory balls so she went over to say hi

How sweet of Aria! This is another thing I would have liked to have done, but we never made it. I need to make a list to convince my husband we need to go back next year.

 

[hornek2]

Love the December report. We are going same time this year with 2.5 year old for the first time!

 

[TinkLoverSam]

Love the December report. We are going same time this year with 2.5 year old for the first time!

Ditto to everything! Except it's not his first trip he went at 7weeks as well

 

[khertz]

OMG I am seeing SO MUCH of Delilah in these photos of Maya The running from the characters, the throwing herself on the floor (I think I have a similar pic of Delilah from our trip last week lol), they are so much alike!! Must be that age. It's so great that y'all get to overlap your trips and give the girls playmates in Disney!

The dinner at H&V looks really fun. The characters in their costumes are so adorable!! Can't believe those crowds for Jingle Bell though...that's nuts!!! I'm not a big Star Wars fan so I feel like this show would appeal to me more than the SW one.

Looking forward to more updates, and I hope you're having a good time on Emma's first trip!!

 

[ariane37]

Hope you guys are having a wonderful trip! I have to say the Maya meltdown picture is fabulous lol, as are most of the shots of her trying to move away from characters while in the high chair

 

[schmass]

I hope everything is going well with you - miss seeing your updates!

 

[cindianne320]

Agreed! I need some new summer reading material!