Trip Report Can we do it again?!- My nephew's first trip

I'm happy to say, I'm back! I just got back from a trip with my 9 year old nephew, his first trip!

Where?- All-Star Sports
When- July 14-17
Who- Me (Katie) and my nephew T

This trip came about pretty quickly when the Disney+ discount dropped for the summer. I already had a solo trip booked and paid for, so could I swing ANOTHER trip less than 2 months later? I went back and forth (for about an hour ) time was of the essence! My friend had just booked a trip with her son who just turned 10 and it made me think of my nephews. I really wanted them to experience Disney as a kid, and now I had limited time because the oldest was already 9! So, I paid the deposit and then talked to my sister. After some thought, they gave it the green light and the countdown was on! This trip would be with the oldest nephew, T, and next summer I would take his younger brother. 2 DISNEY COUNTDOWNS JUST MONTHS APART?! I could hardly contain my excitement! My nephew was excited but not as excited as me!

Here is T!

 

[KappleB2]

Forgot our fun ToT pic!

Our next stop was Star Wars launch bay and first up was BB-8. I wish I had caught the name of the CM calling people into the room. She explained that someone inside would translate, since he only speaks droid. Then she asked why T wasn't learning droid! What are these schools doing? It was a great interaction.

Next up was Chewy! He apparently hit some traffic and was running behind but we waited as it was cool and out of the sun. Chewy was so excited about T's first visit button!

Then we visited Darth Vader at the Disney Visa meet. This was another fantastic interaction! First, Darth Vader come around the corner to bring you into the room. He asked T something about the Resistance and right away he threw me under the bus!

We took a few more photos just T and then picked up our stuff to go out. At this point, Darth Vader got right in my face and we had a stare down! We turned around to go and he followed us out the door!! Talk about a core memory! This is the kind of magic that Disney can do, and exactly why I wanted this trip to happen.

By this time we were hungry. We had some chicken tenders and after all that Star Wars, needed a Wookie Cookie.

I like the Backlot place. All the cool themeing. It just doesn't fit like it used to.
Our next LL was Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway. T didn't really have an understanding of this ride before we went on. And I realized it's kind of hard to explain!

Not one bit camera shy

We love Goofy! Especially when he gets shocked at the end!
The LL's were really working for us today. Next up, Slinky Dog!

 

[erstwo]

This whole trip is so sweet!

I love that ROTR was open before early entry. I’ve been so many times when it was ‘down’ at early entry - I’ve started to wonder if they were making it up - but I guess not! Maybe it’s just a difficult ride to get started in the morning?

Can’t wait to read more & find out his favorite memory/ highlight of the trip!

 

[KappleB2]

We Haven't Seen Mickey today!-

We got off MMRR and it was time for Slinky Dog! I don't ride this very often because I just don't like it enough to stand in line. That said, I forgot how fun it was!

From here we had some time before our next Lightening Lane and were talking about what to do next. T realized, we haven't seen Mickey today! Wait time wasn't too long, so off to Red Carpet Dreams we went!

I love that this kid loves to meet characters.

We did A LOT of back and forth this day. It was time for Toy Story Mania, so back to Toy Story Land!

I'm happy to say, T loved this ride! I wish we had time to go again after he got the hang of it.

 

[cgersic]

I remember my first time on Midway Mania - I couldn't stop laughing long enough to get many good shots in. Sooo much fun! And I WAS able to turn around and get to ride it again. Ah, the good old days!

 

[KappleB2]

School started back and I've hardly had a moment to think! So where were we?

We got off Midway Mania and had some time to kill before T's reservation to make a Droid, so we explored Galaxy's Edge some more. At this point it had already been a long day, it was hot, and T was getting a little whiny. We needed something to cool off, so he tried some blue milk. He thought it was pretty good! I'm not a fan.

While exploring we encountered Kylo Ren and some stormtroopers. T was so excited! We followed them all around until they went back to the stage.

I like this one!

Then it was droid time! He said he wanted it all black, like the one's in Rise.

We had a great experience! Tested it out at the little mat thing they have for the droid's then headed out, JUST in time. It did THIS as we stepped up to our bus stop.

Strong winds and lots of rain. The bus arrived a few minutes later and the rain stopped. I mobile ordered a pizza on the way and picked it up to take back to the room.

We ate and I know I showered and napped. T played quietly with his droid and recharged for the evening.

 

[KappleB2]

One last night...

Recharged and ready to go, our first stop, with a Lightening Lane, was Rockin' Roller Coaster! T was so excited about this because of the loops! Again, JUST as we approached to tap in, another down pour. There were people who didn''t have LL just standing to get out of the rain, but we were standing in the rain trying to get through!

I explained who Aerosmith was...

And gave him some tips about the ride. Like, make sure your head is back before the launch!

Eeady for it!

We were next to get on when, everything shut down. It didn't take long for all the lights to come on and other cast members started to arrive to help.
SO DISAPPOINTED. We were told we could stay where we were because of the weather or we could get a LL on the way out. They had no idea how long it would be and I overheard the CMs talking about evacuation.
T was SO DISAPPOINTED! We waited all day because I couldn't get a LL till later and now we couldn't go! He sat down and said he wanted to wait.
We did that for a few minutes and I explained to him that we could wait here for who knows how long OR we could get a LL and choose whatever we want to use it on. He thought about it for a while but chose to leave.
I don't know how long it was down, but we never got to ride. Next time he goes it will be different.
For all that we had done and as tired as he was, he handled it very well and I was proud of him.

He chose to use our LL on Tower of Terror. Great! Let's go!

From there we went to our LL for Alien Swirling Saucers. I had never ridden this before and it is so much fun!
We laughed so hard getting thrown around!


I took this because the skies were clearing but you can't tell now. i had hope for Fantasmic!

I don't love paying for LL. (I miss the old days when you sent someone with all your tickets to run and get a paper one from the machine). BUT I do think it is beneficial for HS and we were very successful this day. We rode everything except Rockin' Roller Coaster and Star Tours, because .

The rain looked cleared up so we headed back over to get a seat for Fantasmic!

As we worked our way in with the crowd we followed the lead down to some seats. We went in the row we were told when the lady in front of us kind of backed up, to save some seats. Well, the man behind me was not happy and told here to keep moving, you can't save seats! There was enough room for all of his family but one on this row and things were filling up fast. He sat in the row of ahead of us but was visibly upset.

Later, one of the people whose seat was saved came back with 2 big light up things. She gave one to T and said (loudly) to us "Thank you for being so gracious!" I thanked her as the upset man in front turned to me and rolled his eyes , clearly that was a comment more for him than us, but oh well!

Waiting for the show was fun because the crowd started the wave. T had never seen that before! He asked what it was and was so excited to do it with everybody! Then the show began!

T said he liked Fantasmic the best because it had a story. Then it was back to the hotel and bed. We would be able to sleep in a little before breakfast and hitting the road back home.

Next up, one last morning.

 

[KappleB2]

Now it's time to say goodbye....

But first, breakfast at Kona. It's my tradition!

I asked T if he wanted to ride one more thing. Yes! It was the monorail! I thought he couldn't miss that! So we took a loop.

Checking out the Grand Flo.

One last glimpse of the castle. It was a beautiful day!

And then it was back to the car and on the road.

Traffic was TERRIBLE. But it always is going home. I think part of that is because I don't want to leave!

While this trip was short, it was everything I dreamed of! My nephews and I have a special bond, and to be able to take them individually is such a treat. They get some special attention at the most magical place on Earth. What could be better?! I love being an aunt and getting to spoil them like this.

T's little brother gets to go next summer and it's already booked! Only 290 some days! Life is better with a Disney countdown.

I love reading all of your TRs. Thanks for reading mine!

 

[Tuvalu]

 

[riverside]

Such a fun & special TR!! Thanks for sharing!!

 

[littleroo]

You are an amazing aunt and T is just adorable! That innocent smile just melts my heart! I am sorry about Rock N Roll

 

[rshell68]

It is always sooo fun to see Disney through the eyes of a first timer! What a special trip! Thank you for taking the time to share.

Ps you are absolutely spot on about life being better with a Disney countdown!!

 

[Wicked Sisters]

What a great Aunt you are and you can see with all T’s smiles that he enjoyed every moment at WDW. Looking forward to your next Auntie/ Nephew trip next year.

 

[MinnieM123]

Every kid should have a great aunt like you! What a fun vacation for you both! Thank you for sharing the highlights and some excellent photos.

 

[cgersic]

Isn't being an auntie that takes the kids to Disney the best thing in the world?? One of my favorite things for sure. I just love the way his eyes are shining in the photos - you can tell exactly how he feels because we've all been there Thank you so much for sharing this trip with us - it's been a lot of fun!

 

[AVeryDifferentDisneyDad]

Fantastic read and awesome pics. I love visiting again and again through these reports!!