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]

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

Don't be too sad..you have an amazing trip coming up!

 

[MySmallWorldof4]

I just saw reread the EMM parts of the TR and WOW, 13 rides by 9am! I could see my kids wanting to taking SDMT about 10 times in a row easily. Or more. I wouldn't say no to that either. What I don't get is that on Disney's website it says EMM takes place from 7:45 until 10am, but park hours are from 9am on the day I have it booked. How does that work? Do they not let others into Fantasyland until 10? I saw by your pics that by the time you guys were done eating crowds showed up.

 

[21stamps]

I just saw reread the EMM parts of the TR and WOW, 13 rides by 9am! I could see my kids wanting to taking SDMT about 10 times in a row easily. Or more. I wouldn't say no to that either. What I don't get is that on Disney's website it says EMM takes place from 7:45 until 10am, but park hours are from 9am on the day I have it booked. How does that work? Do they not let others into Fantasyland until 10? I saw by your pics that by the time you guys were done eating crowds showed up.

And we arrived at the gate almost 15 minutes late! I've read other people say that they arrive at 7:30. You could do even more if you arrive then.

Fantasyland is only closed off til 9, but it take a few minutes for people to get back there. An hour sounds like a minuscule amount of time, but when rides are literally walk ons, it really isn't! When we came out of breakfast the crowds had descended, but even then we did Barnstormer, tea cups, and the little mermaid with minimal waits.

Oh, I should add-The BOG ppo people are not allowed on the rides before 9 either.

 

[21stamps]

12/3 Continued..

Time for a bike ride and exploring Ft Wilderness!

This trail was so pretty and peaceful. Yes, we can ride bikes at home, but this was such a nice part of our trip. Away from the crowds, just all around good quality time together. Best part- no worrying about FP times

Visited the Ranch. Unfortunately, T was too young to go horseback riding, and too old for a pony ride . I momentarily debating on telling a small fib about his age, so that he could participate in archery, but I decided against it. 8 will come soon enough.

This picture does not do the carriage justice. Was absolutely stunning.

The sun was super bright.

 

[21stamps]

Left the ranch and made our way to the beach and the General Store.

Ft Wilderness has sand volleyball courts. We didn't play, but I thought that was really neat. T spotted a checkers board so we did stop for 2 games there.

My humble son won. Can't tell, right

 

[21stamps]

Got back on our bikes, explored a little more, admired the decorated golf carts..

Then made our way back to Wilderness Lodge. Goodbye Ft. Wilderness! We had a wonderful morning there!!!

Back. Now time for lunch at Roaring Fork before Mini Golf.

 

[MySmallWorldof4]

Got back on our bikes, explored a little more, admired the decorated golf carts..
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Then made our way back to Wilderness Lodge. Goodbye Ft. Wilderness! We had a wonderful morning there!!!

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Back. Now time for lunch at Roaring Fork before Mini Golf.

Sometimes it is the days not in the parks that make for the most fun.

 

[21stamps]

Last year we did both sides of Mickey's Winter Summerland. We loved it! T especially loved the water spitting snowman. But, this year he asked if we could play golf instead. This kid is obsessed with golf. (He doesn't know that I booked and cancelled a lesson at WDW)
I'm a sports nut, but not golf!! I indulge him with lessons and camps, and eventually maybe I will learn to play so we can go together, but never in my life have I been interested in Golf!!! My father is an avid golfer, my husband was an avid golfer, I'd rather sit by a pool with my girlfriends and drink mimosas on a Sunday morning!!!

Anyway, I offered a compromise to T. Showed him photos of Fantasia Gardens.
He wants to go there instead of Mickey's Winter summerland again.

Ok. Off we go.

He looked so deep in thought, I had to snap this photo. I asked what he was thinking about. His reply "I'm in my Golf Zone, mommy. Let me just concentrate on how I'm going to get 5 holes in one. I need to be in my zone."

I could NOT hold in a laugh. Even the Uber driver laughed. T was not happy about our laughing. Lol

We're here. 20 minute wait. Ok. We'll just walk around and take photos.

 

[MySmallWorldof4]

Last year we did both sides of Mickey's Winter Summerland. We loved it! T especially loved the water spitting snowman. But, this year he asked if we could play golf instead. This kid is obsessed with golf. (He doesn't know that I booked and cancelled a lesson at WDW)
I'm a sports nut, but not golf!! I indulge him with lessons and camps, and eventually maybe I will learn to play so we can go together, but never in my life have I been interested in Golf!!! My father is an avid golfer, my husband was an avid golfer, I'd rather sit by a pool with my girlfriends and drink mimosas on a Sunday morning!!!

Anyway, I offered a compromise to T. Showed him photos of Fantasia Gardens.
He wants to go there instead of Mickey's Winter summerland again.

Ok. Off we go.

He looked so deep in thought, I had to snap this photo. I asked what he was thinking about. His reply "I'm in my Golf Zone, mommy. Let me just concentrate on how I'm going to get 5 holes in one. I need to be in my zone."

I could NOT hold in a laugh. Even the Uber driver laughed. T was not happy about our laughing. Lol

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We're here. 20 minute wait. Ok. We'll just walk around and take photos.

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T is hysterical!! My husband is an avid golfer also. I want to pick it up so we have something else to do together. The most I do now is hit balls around our yard with a club that I do not know the name of.

 

[21stamps]

T is hysterical!! My husband is an avid golfer also. I want to pick it up so we have something else to do together. The most I do now is hit balls around our yard with a club that I do not know the name of.

Failed Mom moment that I couldn't hold in my laugh. It's impossible sometimes! Oh, and he gets so angry when it happens. Especially this time when a stranger laughed as well. I think the rest of the ride was spent in an "anger zone" lol. Luckily he cheered up quickly once we arrived.

I have two siblings, a brother and a sister. My mom isn't a fan of golf either. So growing up, my dad and brother, and uncles and male cousins, would go to Hilton Head for a weekend of golf maybe 2-3 times per year. My mom would take me and my sister to Chicago during those times. We'd go shopping and have a girls weekend. I always pictured the same/similar with my kids. But, I had a boy who became obsessed with golf at about age 2. He got his first "real" clubs at age 4, and has barely put them down since. I didn't buy him a full set, just a 4 club starter set. He has a putting green in his room and practices almost every evening before bedtime. I should probably learn how to play, or at least how to hold a club properly.lol

At least you're interested in learning! I never was. Let me know how it turns out! Are you going to take lessons or have your husband teach you?

 

[MySmallWorldof4]

Failed Mom moment that I couldn't hold in my laugh. It's impossible sometimes! Oh, and he gets so angry when it happens. Especially this time when a stranger laughed as well. I think the rest of the ride was spent in an "anger zone" lol. Luckily he cheered up quickly once we arrived.

I have two siblings, a brother and a sister. My mom isn't a fan of golf either. So growing up, my dad and brother, and uncles and male cousins, would go to Hilton Head for a weekend of golf maybe 2-3 times per year. My mom would take me and my sister to Chicago during those times. We'd go shopping and have a girls weekend. I always pictured the same/similar with my kids. But, I had a boy who became obsessed with golf at about age 2. He got his first "real" clubs at age 4, and has barely put them down since. I didn't buy him a full set, just a 4 club starter set. He has a putting green in his room and practices almost every evening before bedtime. I should probably learn how to play, or at least how to hold a club properly.lol

At least you're interested in learning! I never was. Let me know how it turns out! Are you going to take lessons or have your husband teach you?

Right now, he is teaching me. I have the gist. Love that T has a putting green in his room. My husband has a club usually in the kitchen and constantly practice swings in the winter in the house. I am thinking of getting my kids lessons this year. It is tougher to play summer sports though when you can only play for a few months out of the year.

We love Hilton Head and it is our beach destination. Would you believe my husband never played golf there? He feels guilty if he leaves us for a bunch of hours. Hence, we all need to learn to play.

 

[fractal]

Let's see if I can finish this trip report!

Hollywood Studios Launch Bay

It's just after 12pm and I'm getting nervous about out time and what we will actually be able to accomplish with our day and our "To Do" list.

Chewbacca's line was posted at 40 minutes, so we decided to leave Launch Bay and come back later...hoping to meet Chewy and explore the rest of the attraction.

But first- Jawas!!!

The Jawas have been a highlight of our excitement for months. T decided to bring the following items to trade, and for backups in case one got rejected-

Gold Coins from his treasure chest.
A Blue (fake) Gemstone Bracelet. (Made by T)
A Hot Wheels "super fast and super awesome" car. (This one was his backup)

We walk over to the Jawa area and it was expectedly a little crowded.

Please bear with me while I rant for a moment-This part annoyed me. I can not stand rude people!!!! I just can't. Where these rude and entitled people come from I have no idea. It does seem like they all go to Disney World at the same time. Maybe a "how to be a jerk while on vacation" conference going on? Every week?
So anyway, there was not a queue for the Jawas. It was literally people pushing their way. We hung back and waited for the crowd to disperse a bit.
Problem with that- more people coming and push right by us. After maybe 10 minutes we seem to be next to meet them. I'm standing with my phone ready- T starts to walk towards a Jawa..
A family walks up and literally pushes their kid in front of him!! What? Seriously?
Ok whatever. They go. Now it's our turn.

T finally walks up with the bracelet. He was so excited!

Then within a few seconds another little kid runs up..parents do not correct him. I'm a little angry now, I ask the mother if she can ask her son to move 2 feet so I can get 1 photo of my son and the Jawa and then they can do their thing.

T and the Jawa move a few feet, so now I have photos in front of the door instead of the cool background.lol. Oh well. The photos also came out blurry but I didn't have time to snap more. It was so hectic. Kiddo was thrilled that the Jawa liked his bracelet..so the interaction ended in a Win.
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Rude people sux!

 

[fractal]

We hurriedly tried to catch the SW stage show.
Seeing all of the characters together was pretty neat. Especially BB8.

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Ran into a few more Stormtroopers on our way back to Launch Bay. Once again T looked away when they spoke to him..but loved every second of it!

The roaming Stormtroopers have to be one of my new faves at WDW!!!


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I am starting to get worried though, the time is now 5:13pm.
Dessert Party check in is at 5:45.
Looks like the Frozen show isn't happening. I obviously don't think we're going to have an opportunity to explore the other side of Launch Bay.
Chewy and Toy Story Mania are 2 things that must be accomplished!!! Walk fast kiddo!! Let's do this! (I didn't know how it would be possible, but going to try)

We get to the entrance of Chewy's queue.
Wait time says 30 minutes.
Oh no. How is this going to happen..AND Toy Story?

I hold kiddo back from the line, crouch down to eye level, and ask him which is more important- Chewy or the Toy Story ride?
Words can not even describe the look on his face. Dumbfounded would be the closest description. Then sadness when he realized we couldn't do both.
Darn you Hollywood Studios!! 2 consecutive years you are my biggest Disney parenting moment fail!

As we're standing there and T has a few silent tears, a CM walks up and says "Hi guys, come with me."
What? Where?
He says "Just come on." Then he asks T for his name, and if he's a Star Wars fan. T looks a little confused while we're walking around the ropes to another CM, just before the entrance to Chewy's room. What?? Is this happening?? Am I receiving Pixie Dust???

YES!! We did receive Pixie Dust!! Thank you Thank you to that dear wonderful amazing Disney Cast Member!!!

He told the female CM that we needed to go next. He must have heard our entire conversation!! Now I had tears on my face!!!
Nothing like this has ever happened before!

T and Chewy!!!

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Stopped on the way out for a photo with another Jawa, this one doesn't trade.

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Now we're running to Toy Story. Goodbye wonderful CM!!! Thank You!!!!

Awesome! Good karma for how you dealt with those rude people!

 

[fractal]

Arrived at Space Mountain at 5:25

Our FP still worked!!!

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My kid does NOT walk on moving walkways. He just won't. He stands and waits to be moved. It's minorly infuriating, especially when I'm a super fast walker, but it is what it is. He won't move.
If you see him. Veer to the Left. Don't get stuck...if you do- You'll be there for quite some time.


Next Up for our 2nd FP- The Jingle Cruise!
We have been looking forward to this one!
It oddly was not quite what we expected.

I've been on the Jungle Cruise before, kiddo never has. We were even more excited that it would have a Christmas twist that I've been reading about.

So here's what happened-

We get on our boat and settle in. It was packed full and we were in the very back.
The announcer must have been having technical difficulties because we could barely hear her.
A woman across from us calls out "We can't hear you"
The announcer says "Ok. So I'll stop."

Wait, What?! The ride just started.

Everyone looked at each other a little bewildered. Someone up at the front asked what was going on.

The announcer just stood there, stoic, not facing us.

An odd and uncomfortable tension could be felt. We all sat there for the remainder of the ride. We passed other boats and could hear other announcers telling jokes and all of the occupants laughing and having a good time.

We were just sitting. Staring. All kind of shocked.

We get back to the front and the announcer finally speaks!!! She turns towards us and says "Now get out."

This is part of the script, but T didn't know that. He says "Hurry Mommy, she said get out, and I don't like this ride. Let's go."

I told him that it was a joke. Which would have made more sense to him if it wasn't the only thing she's said since about a minute after we boarded.lol. He just gave me a side eye and says in a yeah whatever voice "Oh ok."

There were quite a few angry passengers, and I felt sorry for the clueless to the situation CMs who got bombarded after we all disembarked.

It was by far the strangest thing I have ever experienced at WDW. Ever.

Guess she was having a bad night.

We weaved our way thru the complaining herd and booked it to The Speedway. I am a little curious to know what happened to that CM, maybe an announcer position isn't the best for her, hopefully she got moved to a more appropriate spot. As for T, he doesn't care to go on the Jungle Cruise again, but I'll make sure to take him and I know he'll enjoy it. At the very least the experience tonight will be a funny "remember when" when he's older.lol

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Weird & rude of that Captain.

 

[21stamps]

Right now, he is teaching me. I have the gist. Love that T has a putting green in his room. My husband has a club usually in the kitchen and constantly practice swings in the winter in the house. I am thinking of getting my kids lessons this year. It is tougher to play summer sports though when you can only play for a few months out of the year.

We love Hilton Head and it is our beach destination. Would you believe my husband never played golf there? He feels guilty if he leaves us for a bunch of hours. Hence, we all need to learn to play.

Oh that's great! T decided he isn't playing football anymore (I'm still heartbroken over that) because he can't golf once the season starts. Like you said, there's only a few months to play, baseball has a reasonable schedule, but football is 10-12 hours per week starting beginning of August. He thought he wanted to play football, but he doesn't like the amount of time it takes up. We did nothing but football in Fall of '15. Last year he chose soccer, and golf. Is doing th same this year.

It will be really neat when your whole family plays together in Hilton Head!

Rude people sux!

Yep!

Awesome! Good karma for how you dealt with those rude people!

I was so grateful!

Weird & rude of that Captain.

Extremely.

 

[21stamps]

Continuing on with 12/3..

Personal opinion- I think Mickey's Winter Summerland is themed better. However, T definitely loved this course.

Look at his face.lol. Just missed.

Apparently the fences are only where there is a beach.

 

[Santa Raccoon 77]

Oh that's great! T decided he isn't playing HANDEGG anymore (I'm still heartbroken over that) because he can't golf once the season starts. Like you said, there's only a few months to play, ROUNDERS has a reasonable schedule, but HANDEGG is 10-12 hours per week starting beginning of August. He thought he wanted to play HANDEGG, but he doesn't like the amount of time it takes up. We did nothing but HANDEGG in Fall of '15. Last year he chose FOOTBALL, and golf. Is doing th same this year.

FTFY

 

[21stamps]

We complete the course. T beat me.
Then he wants to do the "kiddie side" too. So, we go back to the front and wait about 15 minutes to do the other side. We got stuck behind a party of 8!!!! All playing together...slowwwwwlllllyyy. 3 of the women were wearing high heels. It was kind of funny.
Anyway, the waiting was excruciating. We would be here for another 2 hours, and we have Chef Mickey reservations.
I finally asked if they would mind if we wet ahead of them. ( No one was playing on the hole in front. )
They said "No problem" and I had to stop myself from visibly celebrating. We skipped the 5th hole and went ahead.
Things went A LOT faster after that.

Hole in one smug face bottom right.

We finished up. Total time at Fantasia Gardens- 3 hours and 17 minutes.

 

[21stamps]

Our Chef Mickey reservation isn't until 9, so we do have a bit of time before we have to go back and get ready. We decide to walk over to the Boardwalk.

Hammocks!!! The Swan and Dolphin had wildlife signs, but no fence on their beach.

T detoured to a play area. Played for a few minutes, and finally caught up when I threatened to leave him.

It's been 6.5 years since I've been to this part of WDW!!!

 

[21stamps]

FTFY

Ha ha ha!!