Trip Report

Day 1:    We drove almost 13 hours and stopped in Daytona for the night.  The boys loved the activity books I made and took the long drive very well (we started at 3AM so they slept for the first 4 hours of the trip)  J We got some good sleep for the next day.

Day 2:    Woke up around 5AM and started to WDW.  We got to AoA about 6AM and check-in went very smooth.  They had our Lion King suite ready for us. BONUS! So we dropped off our bags and changed into our swimming gear.  We headed out to Blizzard Beach by 7:45.  We were the first family there and hung out until the booths opened at 8:30.  We still had to get our tickets activated (military tickets) and add the water parks option.  While I was doing that a Cast Member was talking with my DH and DS’s.  She asked if we would like to open the park and of course we said yes!!  We tapped our magic bands and went in.  She told us the story behind the park and walked us to the Captain’s Cabana.  They asked who would like to be the first down the slide and my DS9 was eager but wanted me to accompany him.  Another Cast Member took us to the chair lift up to Summit Plummet and showed us a hidden Mickey along the way.  DS9 then braved Summit and I followed J DH, DS4 and DS6 were waiting at the bottom.  As DS9 started down the slide they dropped the rope and opened up the rest of the park.  The rest of the day was tons of fun and we tried most of the slides and played in the wave pool a ton.  Around 1:30 we were pretty spent and decided to head back to AoA for lunch and some rest before our Hoop Dee Do ADR.  We ate and while I was excited to try many of the different food options at AoA, this was our only lunch/dinner meal here.  We unpacked and then headed to Hoop Dee Do.  The show was amazing and fun for the whole family.  By the end of the night everybody was tired and ready for bed.

Day 3:  We woke up early and ate breakfast at AoA then headed to MK via bus.  We arrived around 7:45 for a 9AM opening.  We were about the 5^th family there.  We were chatting with a few of the Cast Members about nothing in particular when about 8:20 one asked us if we would like to open MK.  Of course we said yes!  We waited by the gift shop and then were taken inside.  We got a ride to the castle and got some pictures taken.  Then we went back to the train station and met the Mayor and dancers.  Once the train arrived we went out onto the railing and waved and did the countdown.  Afterwards they gave us Fastpasses for the Mickey greet since he was only there for the show and left quickly afterwards.  They also gave us a coupon for (1) picture printed out.  After all of that we had missed the wave of people so we had to modify our TP slightlyJ.  We were supposed to hit 7DMT but by the time we got there it was already a 120 minute wait.  It was ok though because I had FP+ for another day ;).  We rode most of Fantasyland and Tomorrowland had an amazing day.  We watched FoF parade and loved it.  At 4PM we had ADR for Crystal Palace and enjoyed a break and some great meet and greets.  Afterwards we hit a FP kiosk to see about getting our 4^th FP.  While I was searching through the machine my DS9 was chatting with a Cast Member.  I’m not sure exactly what he said but when I was done she had given him a little yellow slip of paper which said….Fastpass for Patrick and his family for 7DMT because he is Mickey’s #1 Fan!  I couldn’t believe it J  We thanked her over and over then headed straight to 7DMT.  It was a blast J  We found a spot for the MSEP, Castle show and Wishes.  Afterwards we were all exhausted but completely filled with Magic!

Day 4: Another early day headed to HS for Star Wars Weekends.  Our plan was to enjoy the opening show, parades, and fireworks but mostly stay away from the expected chaos and spend most of our time on sunset and the playhouse Disney areas.  The park was very crowded but we did manage to hit TSMM first thing after RD.  Then we hit it again with FPP.  We headed to RnR next but the wait was already 25 minutes.  Since we were doing a child swap and it would have taken a long time we decided to skip it and head to ToT.  We were excited because it was the first time we were all tall enough to ride as a family.  DS6 was not thrilled but DS4 and DS9 wanted to repeat.  It was still walk-on so we went again.  The second time around DS4 was a little rattled so afterwards we moved on to LM.  We had FPP for Star Tours, which surprisingly (to me) never really had a wait above 10-20 minutes, and ToT.  We also had lunch ADR at H&V Play and Dine.  Tons of fun!  The parade was a bit of a downer.  Combined with a small meltdown of DS4 and a short stint at the baby care center, and the fact that so many of the adults wanted to see the parade, my DS6, DS9, and DH could not see any of it we pretty much missed the whole thing.  My DH’s fav show in all of WDW is Fantasmic so we hit the first shoing in case the boys couldn’t make it to the last show.  We got great seats and were picked to do the trivia game before the show.  They gave us free boxes of popcorn for playing J  The show was stopped for rain for about 10 minutes but then resumed.  As we were leaving we could see some of the Star Wars fireworks in the distance.  All in all another great day!

Day 5: We had ADR for Askershus at 8Am for a 9AM park open.  We got there around 7:30 got seated around 8:10.  All three of the boys love the princesses and really enjoyed the meet and greets.  The meal was hit or miss for them but DH and I enjoyed it.  We finished quickly and left right at 9AM and headed straight to Soarin’.  Again excited because a first time for the whole family.  Everybody enjoyed it.  We headed to Living with the Land and it is one of my and DS6’s fav rides.  We then headed to Nemo and hit the ride then the Turtle Talk.  The only rough part was when DS4 and DS6 decided to have a royal rumble during the show.  I hate that the parents are separated from the kids because it was a bit difficult and awkward to get to the front in order to remove the DS4.  Afterwards we had a bit of a family timeout.  We had FPP for test track and it was our first time riding it.  We all had a bunch of fun designing the car and riding in it.  For some reason our timing was thrown off and we missed a few of the things we wanted to do like Ellen’s, Captain EO, Figment, and Innovations.  We did manage to hit Mission Space, Spaceship Earth, Malestorm, and one of the innovations.  We did hit Club Cool for a minute or two and I got DS4 and DS9 to try Beverly ;) I have pics too!  We had ADR for Teppan Edo for dinner and were very excited.  We really enjoy those types of meals.  We were a bit disappointed in the meal though.  The service was great and the food tasty but not the best we have had.  Also our chef seemed to be new and although very nice a bit clumsy.  Afterwards we got a nice spot for Illuminations (between the two stores right at the sport between Future World and World Showcase.  It was a great show as always.  Then time to take an exhausted family back to the room.

Day 6:  I thought I was doing good with an 8AM ADR at Tusker House with a 9AM open but they decided to change to park hours and open at 8AM.  We decided to keep the ADR.  We only had one day planned for AK but it went very well (Thank you TP!!!)  After breakfast we hit Kali River Rapids and walked on.  In fact we entered the queue the same time as a FPP family and ended up on the same raft.  Had a great ride, the whole family loved it!  Then we headed to Festival of the Lion King for a 10AM show.  We waited for about 30 minutes but enjoyed the show (It’s my fav).  Afterwards we headed to KS with a FPP.  We saw a ton of animals and the driver was great J Then we headed to Dinosaur and the Boneyard for a while.  My boys love the Boneyard.  We had a late lunch at Pizzafari and then headed to Everest.  It was just me and DS9.  Then back to KRR for a FPP and then to Dinosaur for a FPP.  Then we played at the Boneyard for a while.  Called it an early night around 6PM and got a little needed downtime at the room.

Day 7: Off day kinda.  Slept in a bit and had breakfast in the room.  Then headed to GF for a 9:30 pirate cruise for the boys.  The boys all got vests and bandanas and were off.  We were a bit concerned about DS4 and asked the Cast Member to give us an honest report because we were also considering Jedi Training later.  The boys left happily and DH and I took the monorail to the Contemporary.  We did a bit of not distracted shopping and had some coffee.  When our time was up we took the monorail back and waited for our pirates to return.  We got glowing reports from the Cast Members (apparently they only misbehave for us) and then headed straight to DD.  I was nervous about parking but we parked right behind the Cirque Du Solei BG with no problems.  There seemed to be a bunch of empty spaces.  I got some tickets and we started walking towards the marketplace.  We had some time so we decided to check out DQ for the first time.  It was fun and we did the Jungle Cruise (didn’t seem to work well but the boys liked it) and the Pirates ride (a ton of fun for all!) Then we headed to the video game area and the boys all had a blast.  After about 1.5 hours we headed back out towards the infamous Lego store.  It is like my boys idea of heaven.  It was a bit of a walk but we made it and they got their fix.  We checked out the Disney Store and then headed back to T-Rex for our ADR.  Had fun there and ate too much.  Then it was time for the show.  It was our first time seeing the show and it was great!!!  DS9 loved it most.  DS4 fell asleep but not from boredom, more like exhaustion.  After the show we headed back to the room for rest.

Day 8:    We woke up early (notice a trend) and headed to HS for some more Star Wars fun.  It was not a weekend but that was ok.  We had an 8AM ADR for the Sci-Fi breakfast with Darth Vader.  We were one of the first through the turnstiles but Mickey kept turning blue so we had to go to guest services.  They worked quickly to correct the issue but we were still about 10 minutes late to check in for breakfast.  Either way we were called quickly.  We entered and had a quick photo op with Bobba Fett and Darth Vader.  It was kinda funny, Vader just kept staring at us and shaking his fist.  The picture turned out great, one of my favs from the whole vacation.  We were seated and the boys immediately became entranced by the roaming characters (stormtroopers, jawas, and Greedo) as well as the Star Wars clips being shown on the screen.  The pastries came quickly and they were yummy.  The meals were tasty as well.  I didn’t care for the dessert.  None of the boys ate anything, they were just too preoccupied with the characters and the movies.  The meet and greets were the best, great interaction and although I was worried because it was dark, most of the pictures came out nicely.  Towards the end during the stormtroopers second round a clip of the emperor came on and I mentioned something about Yoda being better.  The Stormtrooper motioned for me to get up and put my hands on my head….I guess I was being arrested.  Of course my kids thought this was awesome J  After breakfast we nearly ran out to get to the Jedi training sign ups.  Even though it wasn’t a weekend and the park had only opened up within the last 5 minutes the line was already huge and a set of trainees were already robed up.  We waited for about 30 minutes and tried to help parents who didn’t realize their kids had to be with them to sign up.  When we were about 10 people from the sign ups they started counting the people in line.  I guess they were getting full already.  We signed up for the 1:50 show.  Then we moved on to Star Tours and pretty much walked on.  We watched Indiana Jones (I was picked as one of the extras), Lights, Motors, Action, The Honey I shrunk the Kids playground, Muppets, and the Jedi Training.  The kids loved it and all did great.  My DS9 got to do the force push a couple of times on the stormtroopers J.  We had ADR for 50’s (it would have been our first time) but missed it due to show conflicts and the fact it felt like it was 120 degrees.  It was the hottest day and we left the park about 5:30.  We got back to AoA and hit the pool for a couple hours before bed.

Day 9: This was our off day.  I only had one reservation and it wasn’t until 7PM.  We slept in till about 8 and then hit the pool around 10.  AoA has a great pool and the boys really enjoyed themselves.  We also did some much needed laundry.  After lunch in the room we headed to MK and thanks to some FPP I made that day, we hit BTMRR, POTC, and Splash Mt.  We had a great time and saw a few characters then took the monorail to EPCOT for dinner at Coral Reef.  My DH and I don’t like seafood but thought we would like to try because of the atmosphere.  The boys loved the aquarium and kept asking the waitress questions about it.  The food was ok and we probably won’t go again.  After dinner we headed back to AoA.

Day 10: We got up early and headed to MK.  We toured Adventureland and into Frontierland.  The best part was when my usually timid and gentle DS6 got on BTMRR he had his hands in the air the whole ride.  Afterwards we congratulated him and he said since he had defeated Darth Vader he could do anything!  We hit just about everything once or twice and then had lunch at Tortuga tavern.  My DH and I love the burritos there.  We put the boys in the pirate costumes we had bought before the trip and then we went to the Pirates League for the boys and they all had a great time.  I ended up with a Captain Jack Sparrow, and Captain Blackbeard, and an Evil Jake from the Neverland pirates.  I guess DS4 who loves Jake still wants the full face makeup like his brothers lol.  The makeup artists were great with the boys and they looked awesome.  When we were done we headed out and waited for about 15 minutes for the next Pirate Tutorial.  Jack Sparrow picked out my DS9 and three other kids to go on stage.  My DS9 went last and got to fight Jack himself.  Then my DS6 and DS4 were picked and Jack had a chat with my DS4 asking him were his mother was to let him grow a beard.  After the tutorial we headed to FPP Cinderella Meet and Greet where the boys fell in love.  As soon as the princesses verified they were good pirates they asked about their stories of adventure.  DS6 told Cinderella he loved all the princesses and she told him she would invite all of them and hold a ball at her castle.  Then he could dance with them all night.  Once we left DS6 told me I had to take him to the castle that night because he was invited to a party.  We headed to Chef Mickey’s for dinner and a birthday cake (DS4).  It was fun, not the best character interaction compared to the last time a few years ago.  The food was fine and we finished up the meal.  Afterwards we headed down for the Pirate and Pals fireworks cruise.  DS4 was getting pretty tired but he LOVES Peter Pan so we tried to tough it out.  Hook and Smee were great at the meet and greet and DS9 saved a piece of gold and gave it to Hook because “He never gets any”  Then we headed to the boat and began the cruise.  Patch was entertaining and the fireworks were awesome!  DS4 feel asleep during the show.  When we returned we were excited to see Peter Pan but he wasn’t very friendly towards my two awake pirates.  Completely in character he told them they were stinky lol.  After we walked back to MK and took the bus home to AoA. It was the longest night and made it back to the room at 11:45. 

Day 11: We got up extra early and tried to wash off most the make-up lol.  The boys slept most of the bus ride to MK.  We arrived at 7AM because we had 7:30 ADR at Ohana and were planning on taking the monorail but it was down.  We waited for about 30 minutes for a bus to take us to the Poly.  It was a bit stressful because we had 9AM FPP for A&E and a 10AM Family Magic tour.  We finally made it to Ohana at 8AM.  It was a great meal and the characters were amazing.  I think it was the boys’ favorite.  We rushed a bit though and luckily the monorail was back up when we left at 8:45.  We made it to MK right as the opening show ended went straight to our FPP for Anna and Elsa.  DS9 is apparently in love with Elsa.  We got there and had almost no wait.  The boys were all sweet and really enjoyed meeting the princess celebrities.  Afterwards we went for our Family Magic Tour.  The tour guide was great and the tour was fun but DS4 was tired, and cranky and therefore not very cooperative.  DS6 and DS9 had a great time.  DH and DS4 spent most of the time just outside of the group.  DS4 did get to meet the love of his life (this time while awake) Peter Pan.  It made his day.  Pooh was down but we went to go see Mickey and get pictures at the end.  Afterwards we hit FPP for Buzz and went for FPP for 7DMT but it was down for some reason.  We thought about how if we hadn’t been gifted the earlier 7DMT fastpass we would have not gotten to ride at all.  We decided because we couldn’t wait for the ride to come up (babysitter reservation later) we would replace the FPP with Splash Mt.  After the ride my DS9 realized he lost his camera.  He was devastated.  We had given it to him for the trip and he had been taking pictures and videos like crazy.  I had put them on the computer about 5 days ago but he had lost his priceless pictures with Elsa.  We spent about an hour speaking with Cast Members around the ride and at the front of the park with no luck.  We left for AoA around 2:30.  We had a sitter from Kids Nite Out show up to the room at 3:30.  We spent another hour packing (we were checking out tomorrow L Then we headed to HS for Star Wars Weekend.  We wanted to check out the fireworks and maybe do a bit of shopping.  We hit the park, did Star Tours, RnR, Darths Mall, ate at ABC, and did some shopping.  We also got a couple of character pics with CAPT Rex, some red lady with horns, and Darth Maul.  The Darth Maul pic was very awkward.  He just paced and stared at you menacingly.  I am a nervous laughter so I am laughing in all the pics lol.  We picked out a spot for the fireworks and enjoyed the DJ Lobot dance party.  We were in the center of the road just to the right of the blocked off area.  The fireworks were AMAZING!!! The best I have ever seen.  If we did it again I would have moved back about 50 feet to the intersection of the roads though.  I got some ashes in my eyes and my neck was a little sore from looking up.  Either way they were still AMAZING!!!  Afterwards we headed back to AoA. 

Day 12:  We had 7:30 ADR at Cape May.  It was nice and the boys enjoyed it but I would have liked to sleep in at this point.  After breakfast we came back to the room and finished packing and loading up the car.  We checked out and headed to Central Lost and Found.  DS9 and I went in and the Cast Member behind the counter had us describe the lost camera.  She went to the back and came back within 10 seconds holding THE CAMERA!!!!  It still had all the pictures and was perfect.  DS9 was so happy he almost cried.  We then cheerfully went to Typhoon Lagoon.  OMG I have never seen a wave pool that big with waves that big and strong.  We hit the wave pool first and after the first wave when our kids were being pulled away by the currents we decided we needed to get life vests.  Normally DS9 doesn’t need one but he isn’t the strongest swimmer.  We all went in search of life vests and found them by the lazy river so we decided to do a loop.  We actually did a loop and a half and then headed back to the wave pool now correctly equipped.  We spent about 1.5 hours in the wave pool.  We all had so much fun, it was a great way to end the vacation.  We had to use up a few more counter service meals so we hit the palms and ate our fill.  After lunch around 3PM we changed into clothes and headed out.  We left WDW around 4 PM and DS4 was asleep by 4:10 lol.  We drove about 4 of the 13.5 hours and found a nice hotel.