Trip Report Nephew #2's first trip!

Hello again! Last summer I had the privilege of taking my oldest nephew to Disney World for the first time!

This summer was his brother's turn! Here are the details!
Who? Me (Katie) and C
Where? All- Star Music Resort
When? May 31- June 3


I tried to make this trip as similar to T's trip last year because you know they would compare. My nephews are only 19 months apart and are very close, but are very different. Was this the most magical place for C?

 

[KappleB2]

Day 1: Travel Day- His first car trip!

This trip had been planned for a year and we were all so excited that it was finally time! The night before we left, I picked up C so he could sleepover. I tried to get him to sleep early as we had a long day ahead of us, but he was too excited!
We finally got to sleep and before I knew it, 4:30am was here. I did all I could before moving C to the car, but it was raining cats and dogs so he woke up. We pulled out just after 5am and C was already talking a million miles a minute! He was so excited! I did eventually convince him to try to sleep, I would wake him up if there was anything exciting.

The first excitement was his very first stop at Buccees! We grabbed some snacks (a roadtrip essential) and I got some breakfast (delicious burrito) and then we were back to it.

Eventually we made it through Georgia and into Florida! Of course we had to take a picture and try some juice.

Not long after we were into Florida C started asking about the pool. This night we were staying at the Ramada by Wyndham Kissimmee Gateway. It is basically across the street from Disney property and is clean.
But our first destination was Disney Springs. I explained that we would look around, get some dinner, AND THEN go to the hotel and swim. So he just asked about swimming for a couple more hours!

I have never driven to Disney Spring before and got turned around a couple of times. My GPS was very confused! Eventually we parked and were off the find some dinner!

 

[BigDis]

Let the fun begin.

 

[ajrwdwgirl]

Sounds like a fun trip!

 

[Zipadeelady]

Yay! Happy to follow along. I can't believe it's been a year since your last trip.

 

[cgersic]

Sweeeeet!! This is such a fun idea and I can't wait to follow along!

 

[littleroo]

I am here!! I loved your TR with T last year! (He looks so much older this year). First trip to Buccees is a great start!

 

[rshell68]

Oh I can't wait to hear all about this! I loved following your trip last year!

 

[KappleB2]

Day 1 cont.

We made it to Disney Springs! We went through security and this brought up lots of questions. Why do they do that? Does everyone go through here? I explained any time we entered a Disney place we would go through. He couldn't believe it! I think he was concerned we would get stopped. I reminded him we would rather take that extra step than have someone come in and try to do bad things. But every time we entered a park he couldn't believe we had to walk through again.

He and his parents like to watch cooking shows so he is familiar with Guy Fieri. When I told him he had a restaurant there was no question that was dinner! Off to Chicken Guy!

He was more interested in his milkshake than the chicken. I really liked the chicken and like to try all the different sauces! After we ate it was time to shop! He had some spending money and it was already burning a whole in his pocket. But he also needed to know if we could swim yet

We strolled over to World of Disney where I labored over what new ears to get. I love that those are the kind of heavy decisions to make on vacation. He picked out a Darth Vader hat and a rubber playground ball with Mickey on it.
Stopped Goofy's Candy Co. , grabbed a Mickey Bar and walked by the Legos outside the Lego store. We did not go in because there was a long line just to enter! We also got to see an amphicar and watched the Rainforest Cafe volcano.

Finally (for him) it was time to go to the hotel and swim! As I said earlier, we were not staying at Disney tonight. We got to the Ramada Inn and unloaded what we needed. Our room was spacious and clean, but no view this time. When I stayed there before I was able to see all of Disney's fireworks from my room! It was great! The sun was setting and there was a bit of a breeze this night. I even had goosebumps while I sat and read my book.

After pool we showered and got settled. C is not a good sleeper at home. I am happy to say that was not the case on this trip! I had been awake since 4:30am and all the excitement for him wore him out. Were both asleep before 10pm and slept straight through the night with Disney in our dreams.

 

[KappleB2]

Day 2- May 31st: Hollywood Studios Day!

Since we had driven all day the day before, and had to move hotels, I had prepared myself for a little bit later start at the parks. I am a die hard rope drop, nap and back for fireworks girl. With that in mind, I still woke up at about 6:45am. I took some time to get myself ready before waking up C. We got our park stuff ready and grabbed a muffin and went over to All-Star Music.

We parked and got a text that the room wasn't ready yet, as I expected. So we headed to the bus stop! It wasn't long for a bus and we were in Hollywood Studios by 8:45am. Earlier than I had prepared myself for, so we had extra time! Our first LL wasn't until 10:05am, so what to do? We went to Toy Story Land and Alien Swirling Saucers! This was a good plan except I realized that Rise, Slinky Dog, AND Runaway Railway were all down, so there were fairly long lines. This messed with my plan a bit but we got in line.

Say "OOOO" like the aliens do!

His first ride and he loved it!
From there we made a stop in the new Animation Courtyard. All the little character statues are so cute! I think this new area is very nice with some shade and seating. Pluto was there checking out the handprints and footprints.

From there were walked over for the first Villain's Show. We were pretty early so I took my time to look at some new Muppets stuff as we walked through the area. I like the new paint jobs. The line was crazy! And there were so many people in that area.
We sat and had some snack and talked about what our day would look like. We enjoyed hearing the announcements from the Rockin' Rollercoaster line.

C really enjoyed this show. He wasn't so sure about a show but was glad we did it! He loved watching his magic band change colors throughout the show. Captain Hook won this time!

Tower of Terror is my favorite ride but C wasn't sure. We talked about it quite a bit but he decided it wasn't for him. We took some pictures instead.

Post Villains show we wanted to use our LL for Runaway Railway but it was down. This turned into a multiple experiences LL but we decided to keep it and try later. We didn't really have enough time for another ride before lunch so I showed him the gold statues that were put up for the 50th anniversary. He liked to walk around waving his arms to get them to make noise.
C did not make any requests before our trip except a meal at Roundup Rodeo. I'll say this, I was skeptical about this as I wasn't sure it was worth the money and that he would eat anything.

 

[KappleB2]

Day 2: HS continued

We checked in and were seated about 10 min after our reservation time. They explained that we were now toys and to make sure if Andy come around not to move. We rode our hobby horses to our table.

Our server quickly greeted us and took our drink orders. Then we quickly got the tomato salad, watermelon salad, and bread.

That cornbread. With the pepper jelly. Oh, my! I'm still thinking about it. I wish I put what was left in my bag! It was gooood. It wasn't long before the rest came out. Three different meats, beans, mac and cheese, potato barrels, and corn. There was an announcement that Andy was coming and everyone froze. He loved it! And I was pleasantly surprised that he ate very well. He loved the ribs and trying the different sauces. We were not rushed, I actually think we may have had a bit too much time.
We were pretty excited when our server told us we could get all the desserts!

We agreed the strawberry shortcake was the best and the chocolate was next. C really liked the lemon blueberry cheesecake but I liked the banana creme pie next. We agreed the cupcake was last. It's not that it was bad, just a tad dry and compared to the others it was not it. On our way out the lights were going and it was dance party time.

All in all, I was very happy with this meal. The food was delicious and it was a great atmosphere. It's a little pricey for every time but I would definitely do it again.

The green army man drum corp was finishing up as we walked out.

Runaway Railway was back up and running so we used our LL. He didn't understand what this was so was a bit nervous. Especially since he knew Goofy was the driver!

Luckily, he loved it! Lots of laughter. I love this ride too!
Next up was Star Tours. Now, I can ride most things but Star Tours makes me sick.

We saw Darth Vader on the way in.
I put on a brave face and did it. Without the 3D glasses. Even then, I was a little woozy coming off. He loved it!
C was itching for a face to face with Mickey and he was lucky! We were close to where he was!
His first character greet and he was not sure what would happen. He didn't want to meet Minnie by himself.

 

[Wicked Sisters]

It’s wonderful seeing C experience everything for the first time and enjoying every minute. Cannot wait for see more of your adventures there.

 

[Tiki Traveler]

Disney through the eyes of a child! What a sweet trip!

 

[KappleB2]

Disney through the eyes of a child! What a sweet trip!

Yes we do!

 

[KappleB2]

Day 2 cont. HS

He was hesitant with Minnie, but had no problem with Mickey!

By this time we were ready to take a break. I got the room ready text so we knew we could go and get settled.
We were in building 4, the Rock Inn. Pretty much as far away from the main building as possible. Ha! It wasn't a terrible walk though. C was ready for the pool, and, as luck would have it, there was lightening in the area so no swimming today. We walked and looked at both pools and watched some cartoons before heading back out.

We still hadn't set foot in Galaxy's Edge so that was where we were headed! Rise of the Resistance had just opened (for the day!) but we had a LL for Smuggler's Run so went there first.

We were gunners. While I really enjoy this ride, I wish it was easier to do my job and look at the screen where things are happening. Grogu is a fun addition. He's so cute!

From here we hopped line for Rise of the Resistance. The wait was posted at 65min but the line didn't *look* that long from my experience. We were doing good, moving at a good pace until it went down again. We waited it out about another 30 min and then decided to move on. Disappointing but I had hope we could try again.

It was time for our LL for Toy Story Mania so went there next. This was another one that I had a hard time explaining in a way he would understand. Ultimately I just said "shoot things!".

I ordered from Woody's Lunchbox while we were in line. I do love those turkey sandwiches!
And the kids meal is jusssstt right!

We were able to get a lightening lane for Alien Swirling Saucers so it was time for another run.

 

[KappleB2]

Day 2- The final part

I didn't realize all we had done in this day until I got in to writing this! I had promised C ice cream and he said a Mickey Bar wasn't going to cut it. I knew just where to go! So did everyone else!
We split a Mickey brownie sundae, which is not pictured because we were walking in to Fantasmic! and it was melting. Also, C had to have a light up sword, as he would call it.

After finding a seat, we ate the brownie and drank our ice cream

C was living his best life!
Last summer I discovered his brother T had never seen the wave, like in a crowd. Well, neither has C. What fun to watch him watch the wave in the crowd and anticipate it coming.

C really enjoyed Fantasmic! and actually asked if we could watch again!
We were done with the 9pm show, but the park didn't close until 10 so we had time to jump in another line. Rise was back open so we booked it back there, so hopeful it would happen!
The line was only about 35 minutes and it was well worth the wait!

I love to be on this ride with people for their first time because I remember how I felt going through the first time. I think you can see in this picture what he thought about it.
Everything was in great working order, including Kylo Ren!
When the ride was finished it was after 10pm, and C thought it was so cool that we were in the park after it closed.

We had an uneventful bus ride. Showered and went to sleep ready to see the castle tomorrow!!
Step count: 20,051

 

[cgersic]

Wow!! What a fun day and you both look like you're having a blast together! It's such a blessing being an auntie

 

[KappleB2]

Day 3- It's time to see the castle!!!

If I could only choose one park, it would be Magic Kingdom. There is so much to see and do. All the sights and sounds and smells immerse me in the magic. And I cry every time I see Happily Ever After. I couldn't wait for C to get to experience it!

I was up and at 'em, ready to go! I checked the weather as I woke up hoping for a better outlook than it looked yesterday. Rain chances didn't look too bad but it was already HOTT.
Cool.

I woke up C with some Mickey cartoons and exclaimed "We're going to see the castle today!!" He was not as eager to get up
We grabbed our muffins and walked to the bus. We did not get the first bus and I was a bit bummed that so many had beat us out but as we were getting in line at the tapstiles, I noticed a new one getting ready to open, so I lingered. Score! We went from the back of a long line right into the front of a new line!
I had a rough plan (I always do) but this morning C informed me he was going to ride Space Mountain, which was great! Except he told me no rollercoasters, so I quickly changed the plan. We were rope dropping Space Mountain!!

See the castle for the first time!

A quick pic before all the people. My bestie made this shirt for him!

We made it! We were in the first 20 in line for Space Mountain. They did not open early today but we basically walked right on! No real time to be nervous.
Before.

After

C was all good about trying roller coasters until he went to Dollywood and the big wooden coaster ruined him. Same thing happened to my best friend's daughter! We decided Dollywood ruins the things, no coasters there until AFTER Disney . Anyway, that is why I was so surprised to hear him say he wanted to ride Space! Of all the coasters, he wanted to ride the one that he couldn't see first that was IN THE DARK! I made a big deal of it, and he went back and forth about being so scared and having a great time.

Next, we went back down Main Street to see Mickey! We were there right at 9am so there was only a short line.
I loved this sign in the queue.

His face

There wasn't alot that C knew by name before we went, but he knew Jungle Cruise and could not wait for that one! So that was next! I didn't take very good pictures this day. Our skipper had some great jokes I hadn't heard before and the ride was just what C was expecting. Good fun!

 

[Tuvalu]

Em and I agree about Dollywood’s wooden coasters!

However even just looking at steel coaster Wild Eagle terrifies us. Ironically it’s 9 year old Tuvalette’s favorite ride!

 

[KappleB2]

Em and I agree about Dollywood’s wooden coasters!

However even just looking at steel coaster Wild Eagle terrifies us. Ironically it’s 9 year old Tuvalette’s favorite ride!

Mystery Mine is the no go for me. Wild Eagle is nice and smooth.