Trip Report Teaching our niece about #DDTRW!

To all that come to this happy trip report, welcome!

I will explain what #DDTRW is a bit later when it becomes a relevant part of the report. but first, a Quick back story: We, (my wife and I) have been to WDW dozens of times since we have been together. We have visited on joint trips with my family, her family and even both sides of the family at the same time. We have most often visited with just each other. But this trip was something we have been trying to do for several years now and it finally worked out! We have wanted to bring one of our nieces or nephews on a trip with just us. We love having them spend the night or an entire day with us when we are at home but we have never experienced WDW with them sans parents.

My sister and brother were always a bit nervous about sending one of their kids with us when they were younger and I cant blame them since we do not have kids and have not been through all the scenarios that could arise with a young one in tow. But now they are all over the age of 10. We originally asked my sister since her kids have AP's but she kept stalling on getting back to us, (she is still a bit overbearing with her kids). A week or so later I was speaking with my brother and he informed that they may be skipping their annual Disney trip due to his work and also having some major house projects done. We asked if we could take his daughter "C", who will be referred to as "C-Minor" in this TR since my wife is also C. He agreed without hesitation!

My parents had a trip planned and were bringing all the grand kids with them and I figured since she would be visiting again with us shortly after, that the best thing to do would be to get her Annual Pass rather than have my brother spend money on two separate park tickets. C and I decided we would pay for her AP since my brother had a lot to pay for with his house projects. Plus, this would allow us to bring her on future trips if all went with this trip! C-Minor was absolutely over the moon when she learned she would be returning to WDW just a few weeks after her recent trip. And soon after, the trip was upon us!!!

We headed out of Atlanta just before 6 am and were hoping to avoid traffic. As usual, I was up at 4 am and ready to leave at 5, but it somehow took C an extra hour to get ready

C-Minor just woke up, hopped in the car and promptly fell back asleep for the first few hours of the trip.

We did not encounter any Atlanta traffic and made excellent time on the road. We stopped in Gainseville (Fla.) to grab a quick bite at Maple Street Biscuit Company. C and her mom fell in love with this place on their last trip when they tried it. It was seriously good and highly recommend it. We ordered our food to go and hooped back into the car (with lots of napkins so we didnt make a mess).

We got back on the road and made a quick stop for my "go-go juice" at the Publix in Apopka.

Soon after we were under the arches!

A few minutes after that we were home!

Welcome to Jambo House at AKL!!

Up next, checking in to our room and heading to our first park!

Thanks for following along and sorry for the text heavy intro. Lots more pics to come!! Have a great day!

 

[MinnieM123]

Please give Akira a big hug from me. Her puppies are beautiful, and sorry to hear that the last one didn't make it. As you said, that's not uncommon with a big litter.

 

[Songbird76]

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We are currently at 7 pups. First one was delivered at 230 am. It is currently 5 pm and still going. Mom and pups are well.

Awwwww....they are so cute!!!

Edit: DD is "awwwww"ing at the pictures. She loves cuddly puppies.

 

[amjt660]

Cute puppies
Nice diversion
9 days since your last post...

You need to learn how to:

#DDTRTRW

Max

 

[wdisney9000]

Hey, I remember you... we had Geography together. Or maybe it was just from several months where this TR left off. Either way, why dont you ditch the two geeks you're in the car with and ride with me as we get back on track?

Before we get to it, a quick update on Akira's pups (no diversion, @amjt660 ) for anybody interested. It has been a loooong 2 and half weeks since they were born. We are still rotating boys and girls for feeding to ensure (or is it "insure" , @Tuvalu ? I always get em mixed up), that all the younglings are getting enough to eat. They opened their eyes a few days ago and are starting to learn how to walk.

Mom and pups are doing great and we have several deposits made already from people across the country. So far, one pup will be going to North Carolina, another to Tennessee, and one to California. I have been very strict with the screening process as Dutch Shepherds are far from your average house dog and the pups will be going to working homes only , i.e. homes that will need the dog for actual work such as hunting, protection, etc. Fun fact: the pup going to Tennessee will be with a Disney family who the DW is actually a member on these forums and they have even chosen a Disney name for the pup. I will let her decide if she wants to reveal her identity and the pups name

Now, let us dispense with the pleasantries and get to the report!

We left off at HS and we were heading out of Basline Taphouse and made our way to TSL.

All aboard for SDD!

@Longers status for P and Minor.

And next up was TSM.

C wanted to ride with me as she always attempts to best me in combat!

Not today, C! Nice try though.

My brother in law went in search of a few beers for us and all that TSL serves is Bud Light (gross), but he grabbed two anyway since we didnt want to walk back to Baseline. We drank (not so much enjoyed) our beers before Alien Saucers

It was a fun ride for what it is but definitely not anything Id wait in a long line for.

Next up: More HS

 

[Tuvalu]

Your grammar is correct, it’s ensure.

 

[PacNWTigger]

Uh oh...the pups are almost to the age where mama isn't going to clean up after them so much anymore. Let the messiness of puppies ensue!!

I love C Minor's pose on Slinky...LOL!

 

[harleebug]

I am the guilty forum member that enjoys reading trip reports, but never writes about my own trips. Vader....his name will be Vader. DH was trying to sway me in another direction but I am not easily swayed.

 

[wdisney9000]

Uh oh...the pups are almost to the age where mama isn't going to clean up after them so much anymore. Let the messiness of puppies ensue!!

I love C Minor's pose on Slinky...LOL!

We lucked out because Akira takes after her (human) Momma and is a TOTAL clean freak. She cleans her babies constantly. Even to the point that where I have slowed her down a few times, lol. But I'm sure she is getting tired of it so we are getting prepared to start the process of potty training.

 

[MinnieM123]

Before we get to it, a quick update on Akira's pups

Oh, they are beautiful!!! Glad you're very carefully screening the potential buyers.

How is Akira doing, by the way? I know she's taking great care of the pups, but how is her health? Does she have good energy? (I can only imagine how busy and exhausted she must be, with the puppies.)

 

[amjt660]

Cute puppies - a worthy diversion

Now I know the real reason for the blue shirt - C stole all your white ones for herself!!!

Max

 

[wdisney9000]

contd....


After Alien Saucers we headed out of TSL. The park was open for about another two hours but it was really emptying out so we figured we would head towards Sunset and see how RnR and ToT looked. It was the last night of the trip for my sister and the boys and we wanted to end it on a high note for the kids.

We had stopped to grab some drinks for the kids and so my brother and I could rinse the bitter taste of Bud Light out of our mouths. I think we got Sierra Nevada.

Soon we were on RnR

P really loves his Auntie C and he can bring the goofiness out of her like no one else.

After RnR we went over to ToT and it was a walk on. We ended up riding 5 times in a row!

The CM's that were loading people onto the elevator were absolutely awesome. Each time we rode they did something different as the doors closed or while we waited for the doors to open. I would have thought theyd be tired from a long day and ready to wrap it up and I would not have cared in the slightest since it was late, but they were having just as much as fun as we were. On our last ride, we told the kids to be sure and thank them for being so great. As we loaded into the elevator the kids gave them a big thank you and the few CMs surrounded the door as it closed and gave us one last scare. It was a great way to end the night and the trip for my sister and her group.

We all walked out to our bus stops and said good night. It was a great evening and we still talk about it at family dinners and events.

Up next: morning/afternnon swim time at Stormalong Bay

 

[PacNWTigger]

We lucked out because Akira takes after her (human) Momma and is a TOTAL clean freak. She cleans her babies constantly. Even to the point that where I have slowed her down a few times, lol. But I'm sure she is getting tired of it so we are getting prepared to start the process of potty training.

Kricket did a great job in that arena too...at least she did until they started moving around too much. The puppies are now in transition to becoming poopies...at least that is what was determined in our household when they hit the age of four weeks. I have to admit though...they were pretty good about going where they were supposed to...it's just when there are SEVEN of them it builds up quickly.

 

[Songbird76]

Your grammar is correct, it’s ensure.

Tip to help remember which it is:
If you are not paying insurance on it, it's "ensure". You aren't paying insurance on the pups getting enough to eat, so it's not "insure".

 

[Songbird76]

contd....


After Alien Saucers we headed out of TSL. The park was open for about another two hours but it was really emptying out so we figured we would head towards Sunset and see how RnR and ToT looked. It was the last night of the trip for my sister and the boys and we wanted to end it on a high note for the kids.

We had stopped to grab some drinks for the kids and so my brother and I could rinse the bitter taste of Bud Light out of our mouths. I think we got Sierra Nevada.

View attachment 323358

View attachment 323359

Soon we were on RnR

View attachment 323360

P really loves his Auntie C and he can bring the goofiness out of her like no one else.

After RnR we went over to ToT and it was a walk on. We ended up riding 5 times in a row!

View attachment 323363

View attachment 323364

View attachment 323365View attachment 323366

The CM's that were loading people onto the elevator were absolutely awesome. Each time we rode they did something different as the doors closed or while we waited for the doors to open. I would have thought theyd be tired from a long day and ready to wrap it up and I would not have cared in the slightest since it was late, but they were having just as much as fun as we were. On our last ride, we told the kids to be sure and thank them for being so great. As we loaded into the elevator the kids gave them a big thank you and the few CMs surrounded the door as it closed and gave us one last scare. It was a great way to end the night and the trip for my sister and her group.

We all walked out to our bus stops and said good night. It was a great evening and we still talk about it at family dinners and events.

Up next: morning/afternnon swim time at Stormalong Bay

Haha! Love the ToT pictures...who is P blowing a kiss to in that 2nd one?

 

[wdisney9000]

who is P blowing a kiss to in that 2nd one?

A complete stranger. As P likes to say, "lets make this awkward"

 

[slipperalwaysfits]

What a fun night! I love it when the cast members really get into their jobs, like on the TOT!

 

[wdisney9000]

Day 6


We slept in a bit later than normal because we wanted to be able to stay up late since this was the day we would be going to the Magic Kingdom After Hours Party! We decided that taking it slow for most of the day would be best so we would have plenty of energy for the evening. What better way to take it slow at Disney than relaxing by the pool!

It was a beautiful morning so we dropped our bag at the pool and took a stroll around the Boardwalk. When we got over to the YC/BC side we were chatting with a CM at the gate entrance to Stormalong Bay. We were chatting about Stormalong Bay and we had mentioned its our favorite pool but we were staying at BW so we were stuck with the Creepy clown pool. After a few minutes, the CM pulled out a few wristbands and said if we wanted access to the pool we could have the bands!! C Minor was over the moon! We did not ask for access at any time. We just got lucky that we met one of those CM's that goes over the top. The CM gave us the "you didnt get these from me" spiel with a wink and nod and then opened the gate and we were in! Only problem was our bag was still back at BW pool. Of course yours truly was nominated to fetch it. The girls said they would stake out a good spot and I was off to get the bag. Soon I was back and it was time to relax!

Drinking at 11 am is perfectly normal in WDW!

The girls were all smiles!

We took several rotations of swimming and then relaxing on the sand. Minor and I played some ping pong as well.

Minor really enjoys the deluxe resort life, lol. She cracked us up several times over the trip with her comment about the deluxes having "real" lounge chairs with comfortable padding, not the "plastic strap chairs" as she called them that the values have. We had fun sending pictures to my brother (her dad) teasing him that she cant go back to value resorts anymore. But she was also soooo humble the entire trip. Not sure if I mentioned it before, but when we realized she had forgotten her swimming goggles at home, we went to the gift shop at AKL and found a pair (seen in the photos above and below). They were $16 and she commented that it was too expensive and she would be fine. So of course we bought them for her just because she wasnt being bratty and demanding goggles. C told her that we could keep them at our house after the trip and she would make sure they were packed for future trips if Minor joined us again (more to come about that soon!)

The girls practiced their hand stands and we made a few rounds on the pirate ship slide.

We spent about 4 hours there total. It was such a fun morning/afternoon of just hanging out, swimming, telling stories as we lounged around and just enjoying time together. C and I have not spent an entire morning at the pool in any of our previous trips and it was another reason we were glad that Minor was there with us this trip which made us try new things like this. We had always seen people at the pool in the morning while we had coffee on our patio and wondered why people would be at the pool so early, but now we know why. Such a great way to start a Disney day!

We made our way back to the room and showered up. Minor and I wanted to go to Epcot and C just wanted to relax in the room for awhile because her knee was in pain. She has an old injury that acts up from time to time. She wanted to make sure she would be able to walk around MK for the party. She granted us permission to go to Epcot with strict instructions to return in time to freshen up and get to MK with time to spare.

Next up: Minor and I take on Epcot in the blazing heat!

 

[wdisney9000]

Day 6 contd...

Minor and I were ready to hit some attractions at Epcot! As we stepped outside, the intense heat smacked us upside the head. It was HOT! But that woulnt dim our spirits!

Firs up was a Test Track. We had a bit of a walk since we entered through IG. C and I had discussed that we would use this trip as an opportunity to have a good "auntie and uncle" chat with Minor. She will be a teenager soon and we know she will have a much busier life with school, boyfriends and all the drama that high school brings. We wanted to make sure she knows that she will always be able to rely on us whether its a family issue or she gets stuck at a party and needs to leave but doesnt want to get in trouble and call her parents. C and I decided that we could also use Disney as a motivational tool in helping her keep her grades up which she struggled with a bit last year. I figured since we had a bit of a walk to get to TT i would use the time to chat with her. Its funny because as a dog trainer/behaviorist, I often work with powerful dogs that can rip you to shreds (and yes I get bit often) and I have no problems with it. But striking up this conversation with an 11 year old had me a bit nervous, lol.

I took a deep breath and started off by bringing up her annual pass and told her I wanted to make a deal. The deal was if she keeps her grades up (B or higher) that C and I would renew her annual pass and we would make sure she has a Disney trip or or two (or three) next year. This turned out to be a perfect segway into a deeper conversation. She agreed with a big smile on her face and went right into talking about school. This allowed me to bring up her getting older and telling her we will always be here for her. She really opened up to me and Ill spare you all the details she went into of family, friends, school, etc, but we had such a great conversation and I just let her get a lot of stuff off her chest that she obviously wanted to let out. Nothing bad, just typical 11 year old stuff. I stopped by Canada pavilion for a beer and we hung around that area for a bit and continued our chat. It made me feel so good to know that she trusted me enough to share everything with me. We continued our stroll and by the time we got to future we had really covered a lot of topics. We got to TT and wrapped up our conversation and had a nice big hug and I told how much we love her and how proud we are of her. Minor and I already had a great relationship but now I felt more close to her than ever. On that note, I told her it was time to go kick some butt on TT and then go get some good snacks in World Showcase. She agreed and we were right back in vacation mode!

Before I get back to the trip, I would like to report that Minor is doing awesome at school this year and recently made the Honor Roll!

She came by the house a few days ago to see Akiras puppies and we asked her if she wanted to claim her prize of a Disney trip for keeping her grades up. Of course she said yes and we asked her which resort she wanted. Before I even finished the question she replied, Board Walk!!!! Clever girl!

Thanks for letting me share all that and now lets get back to the trip!

We had a FP for TT and as we approached, the line for FP, it was past the actual FP entrance, which is common, but we noticed that in the standby line we couldnt even see people inside the building. We entered the line and after a few minutes we were still outside and I see man pushing his way through the line to get further up. We were still outside close to where the CMs stand and as he approached us I told him no he wasnt going past us. He gave me an odd look, didnt say a word and actually attempted to go around me. I blocked him again and shook my hood to express my former statement of "no". He said "my family is up in line". I replied that they should have waited together if they wanted to ride together. Now dont get me wrong. I am not a jerk (mostly) nor was I trying to be one in the moment and I was sure his family was indeed further up in the line. But I have seen more people doing this lately where the family gets in line and then another family member(s) catch up with them later. I had every intention of letting the man pass, but not without giving him a lesson in line etiquette first. I could see that the CMs were watching us now but they had not said anything. I am sure they dont get involved unless absolutely necessary. He explained he had split up with his family earlier and was meeting back with them. I replied that it would be easier to meet up before actually entering the line which is more appropriate and also prevents having to shove past people. He rambled on for a moment and then looked at the CM closest to us for help. She just shrugged with a "not much I can do about it" expression. He looked back at me and we had a silent stare down. I said if you can point out your family, Ill let you pass. He said he couldnt see them. Then he saw his wife standing right inside the building. He called out her name and she turned around. I let him pass and told him I wasnt trying to be rude, but next time meet up first. He moved passed us and a family behind us said they were glad I had stopped him and they cant stand when people do it. I told them someone has to put the spotlight on them and confront them otherwise they will keep doing it. Who knows if he learned a lesson, (probly not) but ill do it again if I have to.

As we entered the building and were next to the car on display, I noticed the standby line was still pretty empty. I took note of two woman who breezed right in to see if I would see them in the design studio in an effort to time what standby wait actually was. The sign outside had standby at 60 minutes. We had already been in line appx 8 minutes by my calculation. At 14 minutes we entered the design studio and as we walked in I saw the standby doors open and the two woman I took note of were right at the front and they entered the same time as we did. I could only laugh because there are many people who claim Disney does not artificially display longer wait times to move crowds around due to FP+ causing increased wait times for attractions that never needed it. Well, there was a bit of proof that it does happen. Either way, we were inside and C was ready to design a car.

I love that she chooses the rally style wheels and tires. Great selection!

C is a big fan of exotic sports cars and always cracks jokes about electric and hybrid models. Minor took a picture with the Volt and we sent it to C and said that it was Minors favorite car of all the ones on display. I asked Minor if she really liked and she said, no way I want the Corvette! lol.

After TT I definitely needed a brewski so we hopped over to Italy pavilion since Minor wanted to try some Italian sweet treats.

I grabbed an Optimator in Germany on the way.

Minor went with the Italian Icee. It was pretty tart, hence the expression, but she really liked it. She even practiced some Italian with the CM who wrang up her order. We headed into the shop for some a/c.

I thought I looked rather dashing in this hat but Minor quickly assured me I could not pull off that look, lol.

As we strolled around the shop, one of the CMs gave us a little back story on Pinnochio and its relation to Italy. It was pretty interesting. Minor practiced some more Italian with her as well. The CM was great and she helped Minor with getting her accent better.


Next up: More WS

 

[Gurt]

Congratulations minor on the honor roll

 

[Swissmiss]

I think it is great how you and C are « there » for your niece and nephews. Let’s face it, family dynamics can be tricky, so it is always nice to see adult extended family members making efforts to keep dialogue open with the younger generation - so important for when the kids hit the age when they may not wish to be so open with their parents but still understand that they still need an adult’s help. Kudos to you and C!