Family Disney Vacations

July 4th at Disney World

noreply@blogger.com (Disney Family) — Tue, 14 May 2013 19:35:00 +0000

Oh I already know, it's going to be hot and humid and crowded, blah blah blah. I'm still totally psyched!

I mean, come on, July is supposedly the most crowded month because it's the month when 'most' kids have the entire month off from school and the week of July 4th is THE most crowded because parents don't need to take as much time off of work because of the holiday... and CHECK THIS OUT, I managed to get the following ADRs:

Mon. 7/1- Be Our Guest 8:05 pm
Wed. 7/3 - Chef Mickey's 7:30
Thurs. 7/4 - Biergarten 6:45
Fri. 7/5 - 'Ohana 7:10

I purposely did Biergarten on July 4th because my plan is to see the Magic Kingdom's 4th of July fireworks on July 3rd ;) So, on the 3rd, we have dining reservations at Chef Mickey's for 7:30 pm. Immediately after dinner we can watch the fireworks from either:

the breezeway between the Contemporary Resort and Bay Lake Tower
OUR ROOM at Bay Lake Tower
The Top of the World Lounge at Bay Lake Tower
if we have enough time, maybe the beach at the Polynesian :)

Then on the 4th of July, we'll be in Epcot to catch Illuminations - it starts at 10 pm instead of 9 pm and has a special holiday ending! The only thing I couldn't work out was making it to DHS. Disney’s Hollywood Studios will have a special 4th of July fireworks presentation at 10:15 pm.

I am SOOOO STOKED!

Gearing Up Again

noreply@blogger.com (Blogging Queen) — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 16:37:00 +0000

I can't believe we are almost at the 2 month mark until our next WDW vacation! We have never been there over the 4th of July, so I'm excited to go - despite the heat and humidity I am anticipating. We'll be resort hopping again too!

June 30 - July 3 we will be at Port Orleans Riverside.
July 3 - July 6 we will be at Bay Lake Tower, in a one bedroom villa with a theme park view. However, I did put us on a wait-list for the Beach Club Villas :)

We will also eat at Be Our Guest for the first time! Although I couldn't get a reservation earlier than 8:05 pm, we're still all looking forward to it!

We are going back to Chef Mickey's too. Some of you may know CJ and I don't really like Chef Mickey's, but the last time we were there it wasn't too bad and the kids loved it!

Disney During Christmas Week

noreply@blogger.com (Disney Family) — Sat, 09 Feb 2013 17:50:00 +0000

In 2012, we took our first trip to WDW during Christmas week. We arrived on Dec. 27th and checked out on Dec. 31st. Since we drove, we did get 5 full days out of the trip. The one I question I always get is, "was it crowded?" Well, what do you think?

Yea, it's crowded. It's also completely AMAZING there during Christmas week - this coming from ME, Christmas is my least favorite holiday.

If you have never been to WDW, I do NOT recommend your first visit be during this time of year, I don't care how sappy you are about the holidays and how magical you think it will be. If you don't know how to navigate the parks and crowds, you'll be miserable!

Don't worry though, I'll be posting my top tips for taking a WDW vacation during Christmas week - stay tuned!

We're Back From Disney

noreply@blogger.com (Disney Family) — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 19:38:00 +0000

We have been back from our Disney trip since January 1st. It was a blast and returning to 'reality' really stinks!

So what did I do? I booked another trip - but I'll get to that later. For now, I just want to outline what's coming:

Reviews! Lots of them! Port Orleans Riverside, Disney Quest, 1900 Park Fare, and Chef Mickey's to name a few.
My thoughts on Going to Disney during "Christmas Week"

On Disney Vacation Trip Reports:

Finish our March 2012 DisneyMoon Trip Report
Give a summary of our October Trip
Start (and finish) our December 2012 Trip Report

All Packed for Walt Disney World!

noreply@blogger.com (Disney Family) — Wed, 26 Dec 2012 00:40:00 +0000

Amazingly I got us all packed (for the most part) without the boys noticing! We head out tomorrow. We're driving and of course the weather all along the east coast is going to be crappy. Snow, sleet, rain from here in Pa to probably Maryland, then rain, some heavy rain at times, severe thunderstorms, hail, wind gusts up to 45 mph, and oh, maybe tornadoes...fun...

We're leaving here around 7:30-8am, hopefully we'll get out of here before the snow/sleet hits us and then by the time we get near NC/SC the worst of the thunderstorms and wind will have passed. If you want to stay in the loop, I post real time updates and photos on my blog - Disney Family's Adventures and Plans as well as my Disney Facebook Page so keep up with me there :)

Checked In To Port Orleans Riverside

noreply@blogger.com (Disney Family) — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 19:05:00 +0000

I just completed the online check in for POR! I cannot believe we'll be there in just 10 days! I am soooo excited, I feel like I could burst!

WDW in 16 Days!

noreply@blogger.com (Disney Family) — Tue, 11 Dec 2012 13:56:00 +0000

Not sure why my little countdown thingy says 15 days, it's actually 16 BUT we are leaving in 15 days, so I'll take it! Keeping this from the kids is killing me! The only one who could possibly find out by reading these blog posts or seeing something on Facebook is Olivia and she has never really bothered to pay attention to either site. I hope this isn't the time when she decides to start reading!

I cannot wait to take in the view of all the parks and as many resorts as we can see! I just LOVE this photo of Mickey and Minnie:

Disney Trip Itinerary for December 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Disney Family) — Wed, 28 Nov 2012 15:55:00 +0000

Since it's just the 5 of us going, we were just gonna "wing it" and take things day by day. However, after reading about how it's near impossible to get dinning reservations this time of year and even eating quick service can be a hassle, I decided it's best to have a plan, or at least some dining options.

Below is our itinerary. Some ideas are far fetched, meaning it'd be awesome if it works out (like being in the MK at 2am for EMH, lol) and some practical.

Wed. Dec. 26 - leave around 2pm. The drive is anywhere from 16-18 hours, depending on traffic and pit stops. We're driving straight through, CJ and I will take turns at the wheel.
Thurs. Dec. 27 - Arrive hopefully before 10am. Check in at POR. Playing it by ear this day. QS at the resort, then maybe DHS, hope to see the Osborne lights! Not sure about dinner. Taking the day slow beause of the long travel time.
Fri. Dec. 28 - EMH at MK (8-9) hopefully we'll be up early enough to get there by 7:30am! When it gets too crowded, back to the resort for a nap! Dinner at 1900 Park Fare at 4:20pm. Back to MK - open until 2am ºOº
Sat. Dec. 29 - Happy Birthday CJ! Sleep in (if we wound up staying at the MK late the night before) QS at resort or maybe DTD. This is our 'down' day during the day anyway. Dinner at Chef Mickey's at 9:05 pm (YUCK! But the only time I could get. CJ and I hate Chef Mickey's but he kids love it and we haven't been there since seeing the poo on the floor...) Then, here's where it gets FUN! DHS because the park has EMH 10pm -1am and IF we make it, we might pop over to the MK because that park has EMH from midnight - 3am. Hahaaaaaa, I'd love to do this, let's see if we can all make it!
Sun. Dec. 30 - Pack up and leave POR - gotta head over to AKLKV for a one night stay there. Surprise for the kids - Bayou Pirate Adventure booked! They need to be at the dock at 9am - think they'll make it? LOL :) While they are on their adventure, CJ and I can get packed up and checked out. After their adventure, drive to AKLKV and check in. RELAX!!!! Head to Epcot. Dinner at the Biergarten at 7:15pm. Maybe we'll get a peek at the Candlelight Processional, but I did not book the Candlelight Dining Package. We don't want to feel rushed on our last night.
Mon. Dec. 31 - Since we are driving we don't have a set time to leave :) Check out of the resort and head to AK. Big lunch at Yak and Yeti at 1:30pm. We're just going to take our time, but plan to be on the road by 4pm or so. We have a hotel booked in Pooler, GA - we plan on sleeping there. We don't want to be out on the roads too late on New Year's Eve.
Tues. Jan. 1 - Back on the road :(

December WDW Trip Finalized!

noreply@blogger.com (Disney Family) — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 18:16:00 +0000

We finally have a rough itinerary planned for our December trip! At first we were just going to go with the flow BUT then I read around on some Disney forums and facebook pages and realized that unless we want to eat only quick service meals at completely odd times, we'll probably never eat. We already know it will be super crowded when we're there, we don't want to be stressing over meals as well. I'll include a day to day breakdown in my next post.

Our dates are December 27th to December 31st. We are staying at Port Orleans Riverside from the 27th to the 30th:

Since we are Disney Vacation Club members we would normally stay at a DVC resort but we only had a few points left to use this use year - not enough for an entire trip. However, I forgot to bank the points when I was supposed to so we wound up with enough points for one night at a DVC resort, or lose them. The only problem was availability. Animal Kingdom Lodge - Kidani Village, was the only resort available so we booked it for our last night, December 30th.

Win a $100 Disney Gift Card

noreply@blogger.com (Disney Family) — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 21:38:00 +0000

I feel so fortunate to be able to go to WDW so often with my friends and family so I have decided to give one lucky winner a $100.00 Disney Gift Card!

If the winner is in the USA, I will ship the gift card. If the winner is not in the USA, an online gift card will be sent via email. Either way, it's $100.00 to spend on Disney stuff!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Booked Our Return Hotel

noreply@blogger.com (Disney Family) — Wed, 07 Nov 2012 19:46:00 +0000

OMGs, it is starting to feel REAL! When we booked the trip to WDW for over Christmas week, I don't know why, but I just felt almost robotic. Maybe that was because we had just returned from there? Like I said, I don't know why.

It's completely different now! Yesterday we booked our return hotel. See, next month (OMG NEXT MONTH!) we are driving down because we cannot afford to fly 5 people there and back. We plan on driving straight through. Leaving on the 26th in the afternoon, allowing for plenty of stops, taking turns driving, and hopefully reaching our destination late morning on the 27th. However, on the way back we will stop for the night. We leave WDW on the 31st - I do NOT want to be out on the road too late on New Years Eve. So yesterday, we booked 'our regular' hotel spot - The Red Roof Inn in Pooler Georgia.

We plan on hanging out in WDW until late afternoon on the 31st, then hit the road, stopping in Georgia for the night. We'll then continue on home the next day. I can't wait to be there to see this:

Happy 'Not So Scary' Halloween!

noreply@blogger.com (Disney Family) — Wed, 31 Oct 2012 17:59:00 +0000

Wishing everyone a safe and fun Halloween!

Upcoming Disney Trips!

noreply@blogger.com (Disney Family) — Wed, 24 Oct 2012 19:47:00 +0000

I just realized, we have 3 Disney trips to plan - all coming up within the next 13 months! I feel soooo lucky to be able to go as often as we do - with the right plan of attack, I'm proof that it IS possible!

December 27-31, 2012 - our first time in WDW during Christmas week. Yes, we are aware that the crowds will be ridiculous! We are staying 3 nights at Port Orleans Riverside and 1 night at Animal Kingdom Lodge - Kidani Village. Just the 5 of us!
June 30-July 7, 2012 - our first time in WDW over the 4th of July! This trip is still in its planning stages but we hope to spend 3 nights at the Art of Animation Resort and then move to Bay Lake Tower. Just the 5 of us!
November 2013 - dates have not been specified but since Thanksgiving is on the 28th in 2013, we want to go the week prior - our dates depend on the airline fly days and prices. We want to stay 2 days at Art of Animation Resort (and these 2 days visit Universal) and then move to Bay Lake Tower. The 5 of us and my mom and grandma!

Animal Kingdom Lodge Kidani Villiage Review

noreply@blogger.com (Disney Family) — Wed, 24 Oct 2012 00:51:00 +0000

We stayed at AKLKV for the first time this month. In June 2011 we stayed in Jambo House and really liked it. We had a 1 bedroom villa with a pool view then. This time we had a 2 bedroom villa with a Savana view.

The trip was pretty chaotic, as there were 9 of us (5 adults and 4 kids) and unfortunately I didn't get many photos of the room/grounds, so I will just list pros and cons, then give my overall opinion. And yes, I am comparing it to Jambo House.

Overall, It is beautiful. The rooms are amazing - especially the master bathroom, but the room decor is dark, making the room dark. The lobby is small. The walk to our room from the lobby or the buses is, I swear, a mile. (We were in room 7252, the room numbers at the beginning of the hall was like 7212 or something....ugh). There is no quick service but there is a small drink station where you can refill your mugs in the small store near the lobby. Other than that, you must take a shuttle (it's really a 12 passenger van) from Kidani to Jambo House for quick service. The pool is small but nice and there is a huge water play area for the kids.

Kidani Village is nice but definitely not convenient. With only one table service restaurant, Sanna, and no quick service. The staff was friendly and helpful. The atmosphere is welcoming. We'd stay there again, but it would not be our first choice.

Heading Back to WDW in December!

noreply@blogger.com (Disney Family) — Sat, 20 Oct 2012 18:10:00 +0000

We already booked a trip back to WDW for December 27-31, 2012. The kids have been bugging to see the holiday decorations there and so we decided to do this as a surprise. (I hope Olivia isn't reading this, LOL) Unfortunately, we have to go back "Christmas week" since that is when the kids are out of school and CJ is off from work. We already know what the crowds will be like.

As for traveling there, I have been desperately searching for decent priced flights to Orlando but during the holiday season I realize it is going to be tough.

As DVC members, we use points to book villas. We only had 41 points available to us for December, which is definitely not enough for a few days. So, we decided to book at Port Orleans Riverside - the one Moderate Resort that can accommodate a family of 5. (Yes, POR was cheaper than a family suite at ASMu or AoA)

We are staying one night at Animal Kingdom Lodge-Kidani Village only because we wanted to use the points (I screwed up and didn't bank them when I should have, so we lose them if we don't use them by Jan. 31, 2013) - it wil be a pain to move for only one night but, oh well, we are used to moving around! ºOº

We Are Back!

noreply@blogger.com (Disney Family) — Fri, 19 Oct 2012 23:34:00 +0000

We've been back from WDW about a week now and let me just say, it was the most hectic, stressful, fun trip yet! From BAD service at Whispering Canyon Cafe, to 2 puking kids and one adult with a day long migraine. Oh yea....but we still had fun!

I WILL be writing a trip report (as soon as I finish the one from March...LOL) so check out my other blog: Disney Vacation Trip Reports

Headless Horseman Falls at MNSSHP

noreply@blogger.com (Disney Family) — Tue, 09 Oct 2012 13:05:00 +0000

We were at MNSSHP last night. It had rained during the day but by late afternoon the rain had stopped. Everything was wet though and I know from experience that when the ground is wet, the walkways in the Magic Kingdom are slippery. Usually they will not have the Headless Horseman come out before the Boo to You Parade if it's wet out - it's too slippery. Last night I was very surprised they had him come out.

UPDATE: Here is actual footage of the horse and cast member falling:

We watched the parade from Liberty Square area. The Headless Horseman rode...then from where we were standing I heard a "thump" then the crowd gasp. Then...the horse...without the Headless Horseman. Seems the horse slipped and fell and the the Headless Horseman fell too :(

I got 3 videos - the first one is the horse going by without the Headless Horseman. The second one is the Headless Horseman walking with a CM, making sure all was ok. The third is the Headless Horseman getting back on the horse but then the horse walked the rest of the way.

Disney Tomorrow!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Disney Family) — Sat, 06 Oct 2012 03:29:00 +0000

I was able to keep up with this blog until we got to 3 days 'til Disney, then life got crazy busy! Now here we are, it's 11:30 pm and tomorrow we will be on our way!

CAN'T WAIT!

3 Days 'til Disney

noreply@blogger.com (Disney Family) — Wed, 03 Oct 2012 15:34:00 +0000

Okay - so I'm sitting here working and all of a sudden it him me - 3 DAYS UNTIL I'M IN DISNEY! Yea, shit just got real...hahahaaaaahaaa. Actually, it got 'real' last night when I got this email from Owner's Locker:

Just a quick e-mail to remind you that your Owner's Locker will be delivered to Disney's Bay Lake Tower on 10/06/2012 and will be waiting for you at Bell Services/Luggage Assistance.

Then I got this email from my best friend, Cherie:

Hey

Just a few questions…I was gonna call you but I am in a meeting and if I don’t ask now I will definitely forget!

How many pairs of shoes are you taking?

Are you taking any jeans?
Light jacket for night time?

YAY for 3 Days!!!

4 Days 'til Disney

noreply@blogger.com (Disney Family) — Wed, 03 Oct 2012 01:24:00 +0000

Only 4 days left! I, of course, am swamped at work! I am trying to get everything squared away so I can relax BEFORE we leave. Not sure that will happen - cleaning, packing, and a visit to the nail salon is in order :)

Soon we'll be here!

5 Days 'til Disney

noreply@blogger.com (Blogging Queen) — Mon, 01 Oct 2012 11:00:00 +0000

Getting down to the wire! 5 days to go! I'm already packing in my head, LOL. Need to make sure my order of Vivite and Yonka arrive, I want to take that with me (you HAVE to try those products! LOVE).

So, in just 5 days we will all be in a plane headed for HOME! Here is the view at night from the Top of the World Lounge:

6 Days 'til Disney

noreply@blogger.com (Disney Family) — Sun, 30 Sep 2012 15:35:00 +0000

First, happy birthday to ME! ºOº

I love planning Disney trips for this time of year. It's exciting - my birthday then less than a week until Disney!

Last night I ordered the groceries for our trip!

7 Days 'til Disney

noreply@blogger.com (Disney Family) — Sat, 29 Sep 2012 17:02:00 +0000

It's official, we are ONE WEEK away from being in WDW! I am completely overwhelmed.

I run my own small business so I'm currently trying to wrap up September end of month and get things situated for October. Unfortunately there are several clients who have not gotten back to me yet. If I don't have things set for them before I go, nothing is getting done until I get back. I love my job and I love my clients but I purposely planned this trip for the second week of October so things were settled and my team could just work while I'm gone. I am NOT working on this vacation. I always work on vacation - not this time.

AND.....tomorrow is my birthday so tonight I'm going out with friends to celebrate :) I celebrated my birthday at 'Ohana in 2010 :)

8 Days 'til Disney

noreply@blogger.com (Disney Family) — Fri, 28 Sep 2012 14:29:00 +0000

I woke up this morning feeling a little better - but now my son Dante is getting a cold. AHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!! Ok, deep breaths...we have 8 days to get it and get over it!

Did you hear about the MNSSHP Street Jam? My kids saw this video and have been practicing the dance moves! ºOº

9 Days 'til Disney

noreply@blogger.com (Disney Family) — Fri, 28 Sep 2012 02:48:00 +0000

I am sick! BOO! :( This weekend is my birthday, next week is going to be super busy and then next weekend we will be in DISNEY! I don't have time to be sick! Waaahhhhhh :(

Just 9 days until...