Kids' Birthday Trip to WDW

This is the first time I've done an actual trip report. I was giving daily updates, until my phone was dropped in the sink. We were in the world to celebrate our son's 10th and our daughter's 8th birthdays.

We had originally booked the Boardwalk resort back in September, but decided to switch to the Grand Floridian. What a great decision!!!

We travelled from the Lehigh Valley to the Philadelphia Airport on Friday, Feb 8 for a late afternoon flight. This was the day of the big East Coast snowstorm. Because of the forecast, I didn't have work. My wife only had a half day, and our kids were dismissed early which gave us a head start. We left our house (in rain) and had no issues, actually arriving in Orlando early.

We took the ME to the GF, the first stop (which never happens for us) and we entered a jam packed lobby. That seemed to be the theme of the trip. Much bigger crowds then we had anticipated. It really had no effect on our trip though.

We were given a room in Sago Cay overlooking the marina. What a great location. It was a very short walk to the bus and monorail stops. At first I was unimpressed with the resort. That feeling didn't last long. Guess I was tired from the trip. We went to bed soon after and were up the next morning at 6 am to head to HS for opening.

EDIT: I mixed up days 1 and 2!! Here is the real day 1 morning.
I headed straight to TSMM for FPs and my wife took our son and daughter to sign up to fight the dark side later that afternoon! They picked the 3:40 show, so we had plenty of time to enjoy the park and breakfast later the morning at 1900 PF before havong to return to HS.

The kids knew we had ordered them a cake, but didnt know what kind. They had done one for me for my 40th, and I was hoping this would top it. The bakers at the GF have always been great.


Happy Birthday by coachwnh, on Flickr

After breakfast, we headed back to the room to rest. We had a dinner at Coral Reef that night and the Illuminations Fireworks Cruise after that. We didnt want to be exhausted on day 1.

After a little rest, we returned to HS for the 3:40 Star Wars Jedi Training Academy show. Our kids fought Darth Maul. Of course they won!!!

Untitled by coachwnh, on Flickr

 

[coachwnh]

Breakfast at the castle on Tuesday morning (February 12) was by far our best dining experience at the castle to date!! My wife and I ordered the steak and eggs and they were awesome. The eggs had a chipotle kick!!! As always, the princesses were great with the kids.


Untitled by coachwnh, on Flickr



Untitled by coachwnh, on Flickr

My favorite is usually Jasmine....


Untitled by coachwnh, on Flickr

but today, it was Ariel!


Untitled by coachwnh, on Flickr

It was a great day so far, and it was just after 10 o'clock! We still had Be Our Guest ADRs for later that afternoon. So after we finished breakfast, we headed into Fantasyland and waited for my brother and his family to call and let us know they had arrived.

 

[coachwnh]

We spent the afternoon doing what we could until the crowds got too big. We decided to head back to the resort to relax and have the kids do some school work (some vacation, right?). My brother said they had landed and checked in at the GF. They were going to head to the MK as we were leaving. On the way out we decided to get FPs for the Princesses since they were together with each prince this week for Valentine's Day.

After a little work and rest back at the resort, and a Sam Adams or two, we headed back into MK for our 5:30 BOG ADR. When we entered the park, we decided to take the train since it had just pulled in. I figured I would get off at Frontierland to get some FPs for BTMRR and meet my brother and his family there to do the same. My wife and kids would continue to the next stop and meet me at BOG. It worked out well. We arrived at the same time at BOG and checked in about 15 minutes early.

In the few minutes we waited, we took more pictures!!


Untitled by coachwnh, on Flickr

In no time at all, the buzzer went off and we were seated in the ball room. We had eaten there twice before, but its amazing each time you enter that castle. We had a seat in the back by the snowy forest window. The host who seated us did an excellent job at explaining the details that went into building the restaurant.

I had ordered the salmon and the shrimp and scallops the last two times, so I ordered the pork chops now. Its something I don't usually get, but they were good. My favorite so far is the salmon. My wife had the steak, and after a little taste, I know thats what I'll order in July!!! The potato leek soup is outstanding, but this time I ordered the French onion soup. I had never had that before (ever), but I always thought it looked good. It was fantastic. Whats unbelievable is that we were too full for dessert. That didn't happen on our previous visits. In fact, on our first trip, someone ordered a second!!! Our kids were given a special birthday treat though(The Gray Stuff).


Untitled by coachwnh, on Flickr


Untitled by coachwnh, on Flickr

Our server was the best we have had at BOG. It was nice that it wasn't as crowded as it was during Thanksgiving and Christmas. I like talking with the servers when we are at WDW. We had time to do that at this dinner.

After dinner, we met the Beast. He's always a kind host!


Untitled by coachwnh, on Flickr


Untitled by coachwnh, on Flickr

After dinner, it was time to head to meet the princesses. Our fast passes were almost set to expire and the lines had been long there all day. Besides, after dinner, we needed a long walk!

 

[coachwnh]

When we made it to the princess meet and greet, even the FP line was long. But, there was nobody in line to see Mickey and Minnie. So, thats what we did.


Untitled by coachwnh, on Flickr


Untitled by coachwnh, on Flickr

Since it didn't take long and it was only 7:30, we decided to use our passes to meet each prince and princess. We didn't want to miss Wishes, however, which started at 8.


Untitled by coachwnh, on Flickr


Untitled by coachwnh, on Flickr

They were all fun, but Flynn and Rapunzel were our favorites!

Untitled by coachwnh, on Flickr


Untitled by coachwnh, on Flickr

We made it out by 7:55, and watched wishes from Main Street!!! After Wishes, we walked (against a large, exiting crowd) to meet my brother and his family at BTMRR. As we were walking, a women stopped us and said they were leaving and she had four FPs for Under the Sea and Peter Pan if we wanted them. We said thanks and yes! We are usually the one's giving our passes away at the end of a long day. After using the passes for BTMRR and Under the Sea, the kids (and parents) were tired. We had an ADR at 8:05 the next morning and the kids were doing the Pirates cruise from the GF at 9:30. We had a little birthday party scheduled for them at Goofy's Candy Kitchen in DTD the next day as well. So it was going to be another early and busy day. We then regifted the Peter Pan FPs to a grandmother and her granddaughter and told them they could ride twice and we made our way out.

 

[olinecoach61]

Awesome report, love all the pics! Kids look like they had a blast.

 

[imagination30]

LOVE! , Love! the disney nerd shirts! they are so neat. ( i so need one )

 

[Figgy1]

So glad to see your kids had a great time!

 

[coachwnh]

LOVE! , Love! the disney nerd shirts! they are so neat. ( i so need one )

My wife always finds cool Disney stuff online. There is so much out there!!

 

[coachwnh]

So glad to see your kids had a great time!

Thanks. Parents did too. What's not to like, right!!!

 

[coachwnh]

So its now February 13, and once again we are up early for an 8:05 ADR with my brother and his family of five at the Grand Floridian Cafe. Our son and daughter were going on the Pirate Cruise with their cousins that morning and the parents were going to enjoy some quiet time!!

After we ate, we went to the Marina to check everyone in. The kids were very excited.

Untitled by coachwnh, on Flickr

They had done the Pirate cruise from the Beach Club, but this was a first from the GF. Having their cousins along made it even better!




Untitled by coachwnh, on Flickr


Untitled by coachwnh, on Flickr

My brother wasn't feeling too well, so he headed back to the room to rest. We did the same. We had two hours of freedom!!!

The kids returned with tales of adventure!!!


Untitled by coachwnh, on Flickr

It was now time for a little birthday party at Goofy's Candy Kitchen.

 

[DisneyPrincess5]

Awwww what a great report. It looks like you guys had great fun. I could have SWORN they were twins!! Then in their Pooh and Tigger photo, I thought "wow what a cool bedroom this kid has!", then I realized its a meet and greet AT DISNEY not his room. I need to go to sleep!

 

[coachwnh]

The party wasn't anything big. The kids pretty much loaded up on sugar by making slushie drinks and chocolate covered everythings!!!! They all had a great time.


Untitled by coachwnh, on Flickr

We decided to head back to the resort for a swim. It was getting hot (89 that afternoon)! My brother still wasn't feeling better, but he made a brief visit to the pool, then a longer visit to his room!! Although I was enjoying my double captain and cokes as the kids played in the pool, my brother was beginning round two with breakfast (if you know what I mean). And as I'm sure you are all aware, the stomach bug is like the gift that keeps on giving. Three of us, in some shape or form, would get it over the next five days. For those of you who had followed the live trip report I had started on February 8, this is the night I lost the phone in the sink!!!!

At least I didn't feel bad until well after midnight, as my wife and I had date night planned for later that evening. It was supposed to be at the new French restaurant, Monsieur Paul, and although it was still hot and sunny, the forecast was for thunderstorms that night. The kids were scheduled for The Sandcastle Club at the BC. We didn't feel like getting stuck in the rain, so we asked the concierge to check for Citrico's or Narcoossee's for the same time. We decided to switch to Narcoossee's and the kids were able to spend their time at the Neverland Club (which is their favorite anyway). Glad we made the change, because it poured that night!!!!!!

My only bad dining experience at a signature came at Narcoossee's a few years back. I was happy to be trying it again, however. I had the filet and lobster which I also had the last time. Much better. Its now on the schedule for July!!! We watched Wishes from the deck outside as the rain poured down. After Wishes, we grabbed the boat to the Poly to get the kids. They are never happy when its time to leave!!!

 

[coachwnh]

Havent finished this yet. will return to add the final 4 days (I hope tomorrow) Thanks

 

[coachwnh]

Sorry havent finished, so here goes.

February 14. We headed to MK for opening at 8 am (EMH).


Untitled by coachwnh, on Flickr

My brother and has family hadnt done story time with Belle yet, so thats where we decided to go. It was a great time. My son was picked to play the part of Belle's father, Maurice. He loves when he gets picked!!


Untitled by coachwnh, on Flickr


Untitled by coachwnh, on Flickr

My brother and I both got picked to be the suits of armour!!!


Untitled by coachwnh, on Flickr

In all, four of our kids were able to participate in the show. It was a great time!

From there, we headed to Under the Sea. We had picked up FPs as we walked to Belle. It was the first time for my brother's family. After the ride, we walkd to meet Ariel.


Untitled by coachwnh, on Flickr

After meeting Ariel, we headed to get FPs for Peter Pan. We had a late breakfast ADR at Chef Mickey's, so we wanted to see as much of Fantasyland as possible before we needed to make our way to the Contemporary. After getting our passes, we all went to Its a Small World. I still remember the first time I rode this ride. I don't remember many other details about that trip over 20 years ago, but I remember that ride and how I realized I was really at Disneyworld!!


Untitled by coachwnh, on Flickr

After riding, my brother said they had never done Mickey's Philharmagic. So we headed there next. We see that show a few times each trip, and it never gets old!

It wasn't that much longer and we would be able to get another FP, so we rode the carousel then got passes for Pooh. We got extra FPs for Dumbo as well. The morning was going great!

After riding Peter Pan, it was time to use our Dumbo passes. Now that its over water, this is one of my favorites in all of the MK (especially at night). We were riding during the day, but that was fine too.


Untitled by coachwnh, on Flickr

We had enough time to head back over to Pooh, then walk back through Storybook Circus to catch the train to the entrance and head to CM for breakfast. At first we were going to walk, but the kids wanted to ride the monorail. So, thats what we did.

 

[coachwnh]

I have to say, that breakfast at Chef Mickey's wasnt very good at all. Sure, the kids had a great time. They love it there. Its there favorite in all of WDW, but I just don't know if I can do it anymore. And the many unsupervised, out of control kids did not help. It was the most chaotic I had ever seen it there!

Anyway, the kids got to meet their favorite, Mickey Mouse, and get a special birthday treat. If they are happy, we are happy.


Untitled by coachwnh, on Flickr


Untitled by coachwnh, on Flickr


Untitled by coachwnh, on Flickr

I know it can get crazy in WDW, but after seeing so many Disney meltdowns from kids and adults alike, I will not let the kids know (or at least I try not to) when Im not happy!!!

We finished up, then took the monorail back to the GF for some rest. We were planning on heading into the MK later that afternoon for the Dessert Party. Unfortunately, it was starting to look like rain.

 

[coachwnh]

Well unfortunately, it was no longer looking like rain, it was raining. We had been in Disney for six days without rain, so I guess I shouldn't complain. Besides, we were in Disney celebrating the kid's birthdays. Who would actually feel sorry for us?

Before heading back to MK for the night, we grabbed a quick dinner at Gasparilla. I had the Floridian Club Sandwich. It was pretty good.

We headed back to the MK and walked up Main Street USA. The kids wanted FPs for Buzz, so thats where we went. We wanted to stay dry, so we figured we could do TTA and COP. After that, we headed to Monsters, Inc Laugh Floor. I got to play Randall. I was told to disappear, so I hid. Thats a lot of pressure in that spotlight, but I guess it could have been worse. Has abyone ever been that guy?

The rain had finally slowed down, but we still had time before the Dessert Party, so the kids wanted to do Stiches Great Escape. Its not one of my favorites, but they like it. And to be honest, it doesn't bother me as much as it used to.

We then headed to check in at the party. We were meeting up with my brother and his family. It was their first dessert party. I was getting nervous that with the wind, fog, and rain, that there was no way Tinkerbell would fly. I was right. We watched wishes 4 times on this trip, and only saw her once! Although it wasnt really rainy, it was very windy that week. The fog really hid the fireworks, too. I felt bad for them and anyone else who hadn't done the dessert party before. The view that night was the worst I had ever seen from the party. The kids had such a great time. Im still glad we were able to do it!!!


Untitled by coachwnh, on Flickr

It was Valentine's Night, and I was totally convinced that someone would get engaged during wishes, but I didnt see a thing.

Anyway, we walked around MK for a bit more, then headed back to the room. We planned on sleeping in the next morning. We needed a late start after so many long days and early mornings.

 

[Figgy1]

Love the new avatar. Glad the kids had such a great time for their birthday!! Are you recovered from the trip yet?? LOL

 

[coachwnh]

Love the new avatar. Glad the kids had such a great time for their birthday!! Are you recovered from the trip yet?? LOL

Yes. But we are still looking ahead to June 30!!! Can't wait

 

[coachwnh]

So we had two more full days left in WDW, and we had started early each day. So we decided to sleep in on the 15th. We had breakfast that day scheduled for O'Hana.

My phone was now officially dead after the sink incident and I had hoped to use the morning to find a kit to open an iphone and remove the battey with hopes of drying it out. I asked in the shops in the GF. No luck. So I headed out solo to the Poly by boat to see what I could do. No luck there either.

Now I'm at the Poly without a way to call my wife to see when our ADR was for. Everything was in my phone. I was now lost without it!!! I thought it was 10:15, and It was about 9:45. So rather than taking the monorail back, I figured I'd hang out unitl they arrived hoping they would just meet me there. Well 10:15 came and went. Then 10:30. Now I panic. I figure they are at the room waiting on me. Then my brother shows with his family. I try to act like nothing is bothering me. Finally, my family arrives. I said I better go check us in. I asked my wife what time the ADR was for. She says, 10:50. Of course she could tell I was stressed since I totally thought we were late!! Anyway, breakfast was fun. Again, it was the first time my brother's family had been to O'Hana for breakfast.


Untitled by coachwnh, on Flickr


Untitled by coachwnh, on Flickr

After breakfast, we headed to the bus stop. We were on our way (for the first time on this trip - Day 8) to Animal Kingdom!

 

[coachwnh]

We arrived at Animal Kingdom and my brother and I headed right for EE for FPs and our wives headed with the kids to KS. When we met up, the stand by line for the safari said 20 minutes. It took less than 10 even though the line stretched all the way out of the queue!

After riding, we took a slow walk to Dinosaur. Again, the line wasn't bad, so we went on.


Untitled by coachwnh, on Flickr

When we got off Dinosaur and it was about time to get a new FP, so we headed to PW to get them. We then took a slow walk over to EE. After riding, we stopped for some ice cream!!! We then headed back to PW. Our families had different ADRs that night (we were eating at Flying Fish), so we decided to go our separate ways. We stayed in the park for a little longer (actually, almost until close which was 7 that night). We spent time meeting some characters after the parade.

The kids were getting hungry (it was almost 4), so we grabbed a snack (my wife and I got adult beverages - her the margarita and I the Safari Amber) and waited about 10 minutes for the characters from Up. There was a photopass girl there and she was great. She took a lot of fun pictures with the kids before the characters came out.


Untitled by coachwnh, on Flickr


Untitled by coachwnh, on Flickr

After the photos, we headed right to Its a Bugs Life. Whenever we go, my kids have to play with the dung ball. What kid doesn't think poop is funny?


Untitled by coachwnh, on Flickr


Running from rolling dung by coachwnh, on Flickr


Untitled by coachwnh, on Flickr

We then headed to Camp Minnie Mickey. Lines were long, but we met a few friends there.


Untitled by coachwnh, on Flickr


Untitled by coachwnh, on Flickr


Untitled by coachwnh, on Flickr


Untitled by coachwnh, on Flickr

We then headed over to meet Pooh and Friends.


Untitled by coachwnh, on Flickr


Untitled by coachwnh, on Flickr


Untitled by coachwnh, on Flickr

It was getting close to 6:30 and our ADR at Flying Fish was for 7:30, so we headed for the bus to the Boardwalk. The bus stop was jammed. I still can't figure out why one bus stops at the Swan, Dolphin, YC, BC, and the BW resorts. Anyway, we got on (we stood). I was hungry, and the kids were getting tired. We never figured we would have stayed at AK that long today.

 

[coachwnh]

We arrived right at 7:30 for dinner. There was a lot going on on the Boardwalk. My wife took the kids to watch one of the performers as I checked us in. Although it was crowded, we didn't wait long.

We had eaten at Flying Fish before, but only once. It was fantastic then, and this time was no different. My wife had the potato wrapped snapper . I had that last time. We both agree it is awesome! This time, I had the sustainable fish of the day. I also had the caesar salad - crab cake appatizer. Yum!!

After we ate, our server brought out a little birthday treat for the kids!


Untitled by coachwnh, on Flickr


Untitled by coachwnh, on Flickr

When we finished up, we were wiped out. We agreed to grab a cab for the ride back to the Grand Floridian. We had always said we wanted to try to do all four parks in one day. We tried three times before, each time on our last day, but we never got past three parks. Tomorrow, we are determined to do all four!!!