Eli's First WDW Trip - Experiencing the World as Mommy and Daddy

Wow! I'm behind on this trip report. I'll finish this year's (unlike last year's ).

Here's the background info. The last year or so has been super busy in our lives. Of course, I had a baby. Leading up to that ultimate blessing was a very difficult pregnancy and terrible delivery. On top of that, we faced some personal problems, and I had some unexpected health complications post-pregnancy. Oh, yeah, and we built a house. This is outside of all the work-related stuff. Let's just say it's not easy to come back from a four month maternity leave and pick up where you left off teaching...and planning prom. Ugh. Anywho, this trip was a present from my husband as a way for our family to just have some quality time together and really just get to enjoy each other away from the real world. Ever since we first went to the World together, DH and I have dreamed of sharing it with a child. Dreams do come true...


The vital statistics of the trip...
We were in the World from June 12th to June 24th. We stayed at the Wilderness Lodge with a courtyard view. We had a 10 day hopper with the regular dining plan. Here are the players...


Eli - 8.5 months at time of travel, a lady's man not afraid to use those perfect blonde locks and piercing blue eyes, and a devoted fan of Donald Duck.

Lori (Mommy) - 27 years young, not quite back to my former Disney commando pre-pregnancy self, and a hardcore Disney fan.

Aaron (Daddy) - 29 years young, the original Disney commando, and Toy Story Mania record holder.

To be continued...(HOPEFULLY)

I should probably warn you that most of my pictures will have my son in them. Don't expect too many pictures of just Disney stuff. It will be Eli with Disney stuff.

 

[blackthidot]

***I will post pictures soon.***

To be continued...(HOPEFULLY)

No excuses! Let's go!

 

[wvdisneyfamily]

No excuses! Let's go!

Excuse? See the first participant of the trip. LOL The dogs have shut themselves in their house to avoid his reign of terror.

 

[wvdisneyfamily]

Day One - Checking In

We checked in at about 3:00 on Saturday, June 12th. We used the online check in. Honestly, it didn't make it any faster or slower. I did feel sorry for the poor bell hop in charge of our luggage - 8 suitcases and an assortment of random boxes and loose items. Two weeks worth of clothes for two adults and an infant = a lot of stuff. The fact that I don't do laundry on vacation makes for even more junk. Oh and, of course, all the things you need for a baby: pack and play, food, stroller, diapers, wipes, sippy cups, etc...

After checking in, we went to our room on the fourth floor and checked out our view, sprayed some Lysol (sign me up for Danny Tanner cleaning rehabilitation), unpacked a few things, and went to the pool. Perfect weather for swimming. The WL pool is incredible. In all the trips we've taken to Disney, this was the first in which we ever swam. It was very enjoyable.

After our swim, we went upstairs, cleaned up for dinner at the Artist Point, and headed back down to the lobby.

Dinner at the Artist Point was incredible, as always. We both had the smoky portabello soup. DH had the buffalo, and I had the Copper River salmon. Dinner was so filling that we had no room for dessert. This wasn't too disappointing as I'm not much on the Artist Point desserts.

We took some pics in the lobby and wandered through the Mercantile. Afterwards, we went back to our room to enjoy the courtyard view in the evening. Eli went to sleep easily that night as if he knew what kind of treat was in store for him the next day - the Magic Kingdom. DH and I enjoyed the water parade from our balcony. Then, as a surprise, we also caught the Magic Kingdom fireworks.

Coming soon...Eli's first day at the Magic Kingdom!

*Adding pics soon!*

 

[KnK]

Can't wait to read more. WL is our favorite. Easy to get lost in all the details the resort has to offer.

 

[French Quarter]

I'm really looking forward to the rest of your trip report. On our last trip (our DS's first trip), our DS was the same age as Eli and we stayed at WL too. We had a lot less luggage though travelling all the way from Canada. 8 bags?! Holy cow. You must have drove, eh?

Can I ask why you took your own pack-n-play? The one they set up for us in the room was perfect.

I want to try Artist Point sometime. I wasn't sure whether or not to take DS there. Now that I know you have, maybe I'll rethink for the next trip.

Tuning in for the rest of your trip report.

 

[Tiggerish]

What a beautiful baby boy!!!

Great view from your room. Eager to read about the rest of your trip. :wave:

 

[disneygirl1]

How cute is Eli??? Can't wait to read more!!! Nothing like bringing your child on their first Disney trip! Even 8 years later I still love the expression my my sons face when we arrive at the happiest place on earth!

 

[maggiegrace1]

How cute is Eli??? Can't wait to read more!!! Nothing like bringing your child on their first Disney trip! Even 8 years later I still love the expression my my sons face when we arrive at the happiest place on earth!

:sohappy::sohappy::sohappy:

He is BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!!!!!!!


So excited!

 

[HouCuseChickie]

Eli is such a cutie Can't wait to see pics of his first day at MK!

 

[foreverbelle]

I have never even at the Artist Point but I am glad to hear it was yummy, dif have to think about adding it to our should try list.

Eli is adorable...

And wasn't it a great surprise you being able to see the fireworks we were there a few years ago and that was such a pleasant surprise!

Can't wait to read the next installment.

 

[mouselvrmom]

I have always loved Disney, but it wasn't until I had kids to bring with me that I became the freak that I am. There is something so special about seeing the magic through their eyes!

Your son is so cute! Can't wait to read more!