Trip Report The I'm Ditching the Spreadsheets....an Unrecognizable Trip!

We arrived home around 10pm last night from our Disney vacation. The planning for this trip started in March, but by September it was not even close to the original. So how did it all turn out? Did I make the correct decisions? Was this trip as hectic as the last one? Should I have cancelled so many dining reservations? Did we miss too much because upon arrival I decided to rip up the spread sheets..the same ones that I so painstakingly obsessed over?! I'm thinking about all of this as I am attempting to organize my 609,504,302 photos.

There were a few hiccups, including my Etsy order not arriving in time, sprinting to the Magical Express just as the doors closed, leaving our Elf on the Shelf in the room after check out, getting stuck on a ride, a missing boat captain, broken ornaments, and a horrible 3 hour lunch. All in all it was an amazing trip. I do not regret the decision to change from the original plans, or the second, or the 3rd, or even the plans I had when we were on the plane heading to Orlando. I decided to throw out most of them and take a (semi) wing it approach.

 

[21stamps]

It'll be the first time with kids 2 & 7 and it has been almost 20 years since hubby and I were there. Our 2 year old is a very go with the flow kinda gal but our 7 year old like a lot of structure so this will be a stretch for her but we have been talking a lot and watching a lot of youtube to prepare.

Those are great ages to go! I'm sure it will be incredible!
My 2015 trip was obviously my first time as a parent at Disney World. It's very different than going as a child or adult without kids. It is so much more magical taking your own children though . Seeing thru their eyes is incredible.

Btw, A poster on here really made an impact on me, he kept offering advice to cut back. My TA offered the same advice, my friends have the same advice, and my mother offered the same advice. But his trips really resonated and I credit him with a lot of my decisions. You may want to read one of his trip reports too. @epcotisbest He hasn't posted here in awhile, but click on his name and it should direct you.
The reports are wonderful! Laid back, but it may help you think of some good "down time" activities.

I hope you write a report when you get back! I wish I would have done so with our first one.

 

[MySmallWorldof4]

In fairness to people like you and I though, back in my childhood days Fastpasses and crazy ADRs didn't exist. Things were a lot different then. I do agree with her words to me-Disney is part to blame, but we as parents are mostly to blame. The obsessive planning is self inflicted stress.

Some people can obsessively plan, enjoy the planning, and pull off a flawless trip. I am not one of those people!

If I ever finish this stupid report.. At the end of it, I plan on listing everything that I canceled, and what "must do" items (on the spreadsheets) we ended up skipping.
It's a long list.lol.

@Frogglet i thought that I had asked a question but it isn't showing here. Will the April trip be your first time at WDW?

You know, I used to "over plan" our vacations too, especially when we took the dining plan, which we no longer do. We had to be at a certain park at a certain time. We never used the pool because I felt we were wasting money by not being in the parks. Then one day, it just hit me that maybe we didn't need to spend all day in the parks and always have a reservation to eat. My kids are not big eaters anyway. We mostly go by the seat of our pants on our trips now. I will set up a couple of ADR's to places we really like. For example on this coming May trip I have 5 ADR's for our 8 day trip. It was 4 until I found out ROL was opening. Sometimes my kids just want a pretzel for lunch or would rather have some ice cream instead of sitting down for a big meal. Counter service works just fine and we even have fun resort hopping now and trying the counter service restaurants in different resorts. It is a great way to see other resorts. That may be fun for @Frogglet.

When we went for the first time to Blizzard Beach last June we all had a blast because there was no worrying about Fast passes. We decided what ride to go on and we just went. My husband was thrilled because we didn't have a stroller. It was one of our most memorable days because it was surprisingly relaxing.

The rush-rush is so overrated.

@21stamps you did a great job this trip letting your son have some input. Your mom was right, he didn't know at 5 that he was missing anything. Hey, we live, we learn.

 

[blreinsel]

He is so stinkin cute! He reminds me a lot of my nephew. Boys that age are so much fun.. Independent but still so lovable.

 

[MySmallWorldof4]

@21stamps You did the Early Morning Magic. We are planning on celebrating my oldest daughter's 16th birthday in July and saw that it is available on her birthday. Disney only has 3 rides listed though that will be open. How was the breakfast. Did they offer Mickey waffles? May sound like a stupid question, but that would be like the only thing my son would eat.

 

[21stamps]

@21stamps You did the Early Morning Magic. We are planning on celebrating my oldest daughter's 16th birthday in July and saw that it is available on her birthday. Disney only has 3 rides listed though that will be open. How was the breakfast. Did they offer Mickey waffles? May sound like a stupid question, but that would be like the only thing my son would eat.

There was only 3 rides listed when I did it as well. It wasn't a quick decision for me, I didn't know if 3 rides were "worth it". But it was! If your kids like riding things multiple times then it is perfect. Also, It's a Small World and the carousel opened early too. One thing I really loved was that you could kid either walk right up, or you could go thru the normal queue..on Mine Train there was a rope open so that when you got off of the ride, you just got right back on. But, T enjoyed being able to stop at all of the stations at Winnie the Pooh. Look at page 2 of this report..I posted everything that we did that morning. I would do it again in a heartbeat!

I don't remember if Mickey Waffles were available at breakfast. Sorry . There was a wonderful selection though.. if your son is picky he would probably still be able to find something.
Fruit, eggs, sausage, bacon, pastries, muffins, French toast, pancakes, etc etc. We both enjoyed the food.

It was a wonderful start to the day, and unless someone attends Disney After Hours, I don't know of another time where one could ride 7DMT and Peter Pan several consecutive times. It just made the day start off so relaxed..and we accomplished so much before 10am. We left the park around 6 that day I think, and we were completely satisfied with the day.

 

[MySmallWorldof4]

There was only 3 rides listed when I did it as well. It wasn't a quick decision for me, I didn't know if 3 rides were "worth it". But it was! If your kids like riding things multiple times then it is perfect. Also, It's a Small World and the carousel opened early too. One thing I really loved was that you could kid either walk right up, or you could go thru the normal queue..on Mine Train there was a rope open so that when you got off of the ride, you just got right back on. But, T enjoyed being able to stop at all of the stations at Winnie the Pooh. Look at page 2 of this report..I posted everything that we did that morning. I would do it again in a heartbeat!

I don't remember if Mickey Waffles were available at breakfast. Sorry . There was a wonderful selection though.. if your son is picky he would probably still be able to find something.
Fruit, eggs, sausage, bacon, pastries, muffins, French toast, pancakes, etc etc. We both enjoyed the food.

It was a wonderful start to the day, and unless someone attends Disney After Hours, I don't know of another time where one could ride 7DMT and Peter Pan several consecutive times. It just made the day start off so relaxed..and we accomplished so much before 10am. We left the park around 6 that day I think, and we were completely satisfied with the day.

Thanks. I did book it, but after thinking about the price I had to think about re-thinking it. It will be nice to have a more leisurely day at MK though, especially in July with the dreaded tour groups.
PS Cannot wait to hear about the ending of this trip and T's bday plans?

 

[21stamps]

Thanks. I did book it, but after thinking about the price I had to think about re-thinking it. It will be nice to have a more leisurely day at MK though, especially in July with the dreaded tour groups.
PS Cannot wait to hear about the ending of this trip and T's bday plans?

Oh I did the same! I was back and forth with it. Even my TA thought it sounded like a waste of money...especially bc we had 4 MK days. It wasn't though!!! If anything it made me feel like I got "more" of my money's worth out of that trip.
I can't wait hear your thoughts on it!

I will finish this in the next 2 days..the time from when I started this thing is getting a bit ridiculous now.lol

 

[MySmallWorldof4]

Oh I did the same! I was back and forth with it. Even my TA thought it sounded like a waste of money...especially bc we had 4 MK days. It wasn't though!!! If anything it made me feel like I got "more" of my money's worth out of that trip.
I can't wait hear your thoughts on it!

I will finish this in the next 2 days..the time from when I started this thing is getting a bit ridiculous now.lol

Hey, no worries. That thing called life outside the Disney bubble gets in the way of all the "real" important things like trip reports. Contemplating writing one myself. Can you just upload pics directly from the iphone into a thread?

 

[Mr Ferret 75]

Hey, no worries. That thing called life outside the Disney bubble gets in the way of all the "real" important things like trip reports. Contemplating writing one myself. Can you just upload pics directly from the iphone into a thread?

Yes i do it all the time from an Android phone.

 

[MySmallWorldof4]

Yes i do it all the time from an Android phone.

Thanks! Guess that would make a live TR pretty easy then. Hmmm....

 

[21stamps]

Oh, and T's bday plans. As of now I booked a bounce house place for the school party, and then 2 nights at Great Wolf Lodge in a room for 6., it's only the 2 of us staying there, but we can use the extra 4 available bands for a few friends to come for a day. Compromise, right?lol. No way am I spending what they're asking on an actual bday party there. $50 per person, including adults. No, just no.

I just switched our Alaska cruise to a western Caribbean out Miami. Polar opposite itinerary.lol. I just really want to wait a few more years for Alaska ..til he can do a little more...and I think the NCL Pearl will be boring for him. The Western goes to Harvest Caye, Belize. Roatan, Honduras. Costa Maya, Mexico. Cozumel, Mexico. I'm happy with the itinerary. I am a tad intimidated by the ship size..I've never been on a ship this huge!! I think T will love it though.

Here's the Pearl.. Alaska-

Here's the Escape-

It's HUGE!!! BUT-- he's old/tall enough for the ropes course and Zipline. He will love it! (Hopefully lol)

ETA- oops, I grabbed a quick photo off of google and didn't look closely to see it was unfinished. Changing that.

 

[21stamps]

Hey, no worries. That thing called life outside the Disney bubble gets in the way of all the "real" important things like trip reports. Contemplating writing one myself. Can you just upload pics directly from the iphone into a thread?

This entire report has been from my phone. Can I use that as an excuse for taking me so long..lol. I have 89gb of photos on my phone. It will take 3 days to upload them to a computer lol. I have an external hard drive that they will go on eventually...

Please write one..as soon as I finish this then I can finally catch up on all of the TR's that I have bookmarked.. I can't wait til this is over.lol

It will be great to look back on though.

Just read your "live report" comment. Do it!!!

 

[MySmallWorldof4]

Oh, and T's bday plans. As of now I booked a bounce house place for the school party, and then 2 nights at Great Wolf Lodge in a room for 6., it's only the 2 of us staying there, but we can use the extra 4 available bands for a few friends to come for a day. Compromise, right?lol. No way am I spending what they're asking on an actual bday party there. $50 per person, including adults. No, just no.

I just switched our Alaska cruise to a western Caribbean out Miami. Polar opposite itinerary.lol. I just really want to wait a few more years for Alaska ..til he can do a little more...and I think the NCL Pearl will be boring for him. The Western goes to Harvest Caye, Belize. Roatan, Honduras. Costa Maya, Mexico. Cozumel, Mexico. I'm happy with the itinerary. I am a tad intimidated by the ship size..I've never been on a ship this huge!! I think T will love it though.

Here's the Pearl.. Alaska-
View attachment 191802

Here's the Escape-

It's HUGE!!! BUT-- he's old/tall enough for the ropes course and Zipline. He will love it! (Hopefully lol)

View attachment 191803 View attachment 191805
View attachment 191811

ETA- oops, I grabbed a quick photo off of google and didn't look closely to see it was unfinished. Changing that.

Oh my goodness! That is HUGE!! Sounds like a great itinerary though.
Our last visit to Great Wolf did not end well. We go to the one in Williamsburg. We combine fun with the waterslides with some "learning" time by visiting Colonial Williamsburg. It got super crowded by Saturday where it just was not enjoyable and some kid purposely elbowed my then 8 year old daughter in the eye. I said purposely because my older daughter was with her when it happened and described the situation. They came to get me and we looked for a lifeguard, but they could not locate the girl that did it. They got us free ice cream but my daughter was so upset that she couldn't eat it. Totally ruined the trip for us. It was our last evening at that point and as we live only 3 and a half hours away we called it quits and went home.

 

[MySmallWorldof4]

This entire report has been from my phone. Can I use that as an excuse for taking me so long..lol. I have 89gb of photos on my phone. It will take 3 days to upload them to a computer lol. I have an external hard drive that they will go on eventually...

Please write one..as soon as I finish this then I can finally catch up on all of the TR's that I have bookmarked.. I can't wait til this is over.lol

It will be great to look back on though.

Just read your "live report" comment. Do it!!!

We have our annual trip set up for the end of May after my 6 year olds last cheer competition. A week later than normal which my DH wasn't happy about, but it may mean Pandora because they officially open the day we leave. May have a soft opening then. Crossing fingers.

 

[21stamps]

Oh my goodness! That is HUGE!! Sounds like a great itinerary though.
Our last visit to Great Wolf did not end well. We go to the one in Williamsburg. We combine fun with the waterslides with some "learning" time by visiting Colonial Williamsburg. It got super crowded by Saturday where it just was not enjoyable and some kid purposely elbowed my then 8 year old daughter in the eye. I said purposely because my older daughter was with her when it happened and described the situation. They came to get me and we looked for a lifeguard, but they could not locate the girl that did it. They got us free ice cream but my daughter was so upset that she couldn't eat it. Totally ruined the trip for us. It was our last evening at that point and as we live only 3 and a half hours away we called it quits and went home.

Oh no! I'm so sorry that happened to you.
I would have been so angry! Hopefully your daughter wasn't too upset.

Our Great Wolf Lodge is directly in front of the Cedar Fair park here..less than 20 minutes from my front door, so I guess this is more of a staycaytioend. Kings Island opens that weekend..so we can go to the passholders preview night then home..then back for GWL the next day. I don't want to waste a night on Great Wolf while visiting a park that we can go to at any time.

Colonial Williamsburg is one place that I'm dying to take my son. You East Coast people have so many fabulous choices within reach!

We have our annual trip set up for the end of May after my 6 year olds last cheer competition. A week later than normal which my DH wasn't happy about, but it may mean Pandora because they officially open the day we leave. May have a soft opening then. Crossing fingers.

Oh I'll cross my finger for you!! You have to post photos!! I am loosely debating using that non expiring ticket for a pre cruise stay..just to see Pandora. I don't know if I can deal with Disney in late June though. We'd still have to spend a night in Ft Laud or Miami before the cruise, not sure if I want to waste a morning driving from Orlando. We'll see, I'm sure I'll change my mind at least 10 times over the next few months.lol

 

[Tony the Tigger]

This entire report has been from my phone. Can I use that as an excuse for taking me so long..lol.

I find myself doing alternate/combo posting – I do picture–heavy posts from my phone because uploading the pictures is easier; and then I do text-heavy posts from my laptop because it's even faster than Siri dictation.

 

[21stamps]

I find myself doing alternate/combo posting – I do picture–heavy posts from my phone because uploading the pictures is easier; and then I do text-heavy posts from my laptop because it's even faster than Siri dictation.

I'll try this!

 

[Courtney6682]

I'll try this!

Try it now
#postanentry

 

[21stamps]

Try it now
#postanentry

Ha ha. I can't do it right now, but will work in it today. Have you started yours yet? I can't wait to read it!

 

[Courtney6682]

Ha ha. I can't do it right now, but will work in it today. Have you started yours yet? I can't wait to read it!

Ok...sounds good!
No, I haven't started mine...too disney depressed lol