Trip Report The mistakes that I learned from..Trip back in time..

Friends, I've been thinking,

I need a major distraction, and also, I received too many compliments for my laid back style..
I'm going to continue on the trip report binge and do a comparison of our 2015 trip here. It won't be as long.. I promise. If you want to follow along with my madness, you are welcome. I've had a rough past few days and need something to keep me busy.

So here it goes.. first I should change the title though..
ETA- actually its easier to do in a separate thread.

So here I am....

 

[mlegerto]

Great update. I know it can be a bit odd to NOT spend your time in Disney at a theme park, but sounds like T knew exactly what he wanted to do and you being his mum chose to listen and you had a wonderful night. Sometimes unmade plans are the best kinds!

 

[blreinsel]

Isn't it crazy how kids can read us? It's so sweet that he wanted you to feel better and showed you how thankful he was that you followed his lead!

 

[21stamps]

Great update. I know it can be a bit odd to NOT spend your time in Disney at a theme park, but sounds like T knew exactly what he wanted to do and you being his mum chose to listen and you had a wonderful night. Sometimes unmade plans are the best kinds!

Agree! I actually did schedule pool time, I was ok with it.. as long as it didn't interfere with other plans.lol. It did, and I don't regret it.

Isn't it crazy how kids can read us? It's so sweet that he wanted you to feel better and showed you how thankful he was that you followed his lead!

It really is crazy. He's kind of a sensitive kid (to a fault sometimes), and he can read me much better than I actually would prefer him to.

 

[21stamps]

Ok, another Magic Kingdom Day!!

..or not.

T wasn't having it. I was actually a little worn out as well, so we collectively decided to have a pool day.

We had breakfast at Captain Cook's again. This time we ate there instead of taking it to go. Sat outside and watched the world wake up. It was nice.

What was even more nice? Everyone else seemed to be at the parks! The pool was not crowded at all!!

Pool photos incoming..

 

[21stamps]

We swam all day!! (And I had a few delicious adult beverages)

We did break for lunch.. and a Dole Whip.. changed out of our suits.. walked to GF and back...
Had an early dinner at Trader Sam's.. shopped a bit..
And then back into our suits for marshmallows again.

We watched the Torch Lighting Ceremony, and after, T wanted to play in the sand..


Then we relaxed and started to watch the movie on the beach (I don't even remember what it was), T was falling asleep, so we went back to the room. He sat in my lap as we watched the EWP and Wishes.
He went to sleep immediately after, i followed shortly.

It was a WONDERFUL day!!!


This photo pretty much sums up that day (He was yelling "Hi Mommy! In this photo).
He was having so much fun! ..and so was I.

 

[21stamps]

I don't want to spend too much time on this, but I just feel like I should say something..

After the tragedy last June, I looked at the photo above maybe 50 times. My heart still breaks for that poor family. I can't even imagine the pain, suffering, shock, and horror of it all.

Yes, as my son was sitting at the water's edge, playing in the sand, I knew that alligators were in that water. Although I "knew" it, I didn't give it a second thought. The same way that I know sharks are in the ocean, or crocodiles, or venomous snakes, are most likely in bodies of water that we are in.. I "know", but I don't worry.

I have my issues with the new fences and new beaches at WDW, I don't expect everyone to agree with me, and I fully respect if you don't.
But the beaches at the MK resorts have always had a special place in my heart.. I am so glad that my son was able to experience them once, before the change.

 

[MySmallWorldof4]

I don't want to spend too much time on this, but I just feel like I should say something..

After the tragedy last June, I looked at the photo above maybe 50 times. My heart still breaks for that poor family. I can't even imagine the pain, suffering, shock, and horror of it all.

Yes, as my son was sitting at the water's edge, playing in the sand, I knew that alligators were in that water. Although I "knew" it, I didn't give it a second thought. The same way that I know sharks are in the ocean, or crocodiles, or venomous snakes, are most likely in bodies of water that we are in.. I "know", but I don't worry.

I have my issues with the new fences and new beaches at WDW, I don't expect everyone to agree with me, and I fully respect if you don't.
But the beaches at the MK resorts have always had a special place in my heart.. I am so glad that my son was able to experience them once, before the change.

Oh my gosh! When I saw that photo the first thing that came to my mind was that incident especially because it looked like it was later in the day as well. Cannot believe it is just about 1 year. We were there the following week and it was on my mind an awful lot that trip.

Pool day looked like an awesome day!!!!! Hooray for happy T and mom!

 

[21stamps]

Oh my gosh! When I saw that photo the first thing that came to my mind was that incident especially because it looked like it was later in the day as well. Cannot believe it is just about 1 year. We were there the following week and it was on my mind an awful lot that trip.

Pool day looked like an awesome day!!!!! Hooray for happy T and mom!

Oh wow, it would have been on my mind a lot that week too! That must have been strange going during such a huge tragedy.

The photo was taken around 7pm..just before the marshmallows.

I was at Macy's 2 nights before our 2016 trip, doing some last minute shopping. I was looking for a crossbody bag that was inexpensive and not leather, but still semi decent looking. Basically something that would not get ruined by me throwing it at my feet during a ride. I asked a saleswoman for help..and explained what I needed. She said that her family used to go to Disney often and asked where I was staying. When I told her GF she was horrified. She said "No! No way could I stay there after what happened to that poor boy, how will you be able to enjoy it? I couldn't do it!" Then went on to proclaim how Disney should have built the fences years ago, and that they are liable for his life...and that the family should have sued. And.. why did Disney allow aligators in their lakes?! They should have better control.
Full on tangent.

Um, lady, I'm just here for a handbag.
So, I smiled politely, and told her that it was very sad, but I am looking forward to our stay. I also told her that I disagree about the fence, and that sometimes a horrible tragedy is just that- a tragedy...and as a result, I don't think Disney is liable. I told her that my son has sat at the edge of that Lagoon, that I have swam in that Lagoon, and that I am no more afraid of their beaches now than I was a year ago.

She looked at me in horror like I was an absolute monster for saying such things.

 

[MySmallWorldof4]

Um, lady, I'm just here for a handbag.

That's what I would have said. We stayed at the cabins the following week and my kids asked about the fences. Seeing them made my stomach turn because I kept thinking of that poor baby.

Well enough of that. Back to awesome TR!

 

[21stamps]

That's what I would have said. We stayed at the cabins the following week and my kids asked about the fences. Seeing them made my stomach turn because I kept thinking of that poor baby.

Well enough of that. Back to awesome TR!

I was just in a mood that night anyway..4 stores to find a dumb crossbody bag. Who knew what I was looking for would be so hard to find?
Anyway, tip for anyone who may be searching for the same- I purchased a small Kipling bag. The material is perfect for amusement parks!

Wait, before I get back to my report.. I want to know about the cabins!! Did you have a car there? If not, was it difficult to get around? I'm still not sure where the Chip n Dale campfire is.. the place was huge! But we loved the property! I'd like to stay there someday.

 

[MySmallWorldof4]

I was just in a mode that night anyway..4 stores to find a dumb crossbody bag. Who knew what I was looking for would be so hard to find?
Anyway, tip for anyone who may be searching for the same- I purchased a small Kipling bag. The material is perfect for amusement parks!

Wait, before I get back to my report.. I want to know about the cabins!! Did you have a car there? If not, was it difficult to get around? I'm still not sure where the Chip n Dale campfire is.. the place was huge! But we loved the property! I'd like to stay there someday.

Yes. We always drive down so what is great is we park our car right next to the cabin. We also rent a golf cart so we use that to drive around the resort and use it to go to the watercraft. Since my oldest is old enough to babysit, my dh and I will take mini jaunts to pick up pizza at the take out area of Trail's End to bring back or go to the Mercantile to pick up souvenirs.

We did the campfire once but found it too chaotic the night we went so only did it once.

 

[21stamps]

Yes. We always drive down so what is great is we park our car right next to the cabin. We also rent a golf cart so we use that to drive around the resort and use it to go to the watercraft. Since my oldest is old enough to babysit my dh and I will take mini jaunts to pick up pizza at the take out area of Trail's End to bring back or go to the Mercantile to pick up souvenirs.

We did the campfire once but found it too chaotic the night we went so only did it once.

Can you use the golf cart to drive to the bus stop or launch and leave it there until you return?
Oh and I always hear people talk about Trail's End.. we didn't walk over, but it looked like there was a restaurant across from where we played checkers (in front of a store) is that Trail's End?

 

[MySmallWorldof4]

We may do deluxe again someday, but we can go more often by going moderate. It is a no brainer for us and now the kids beg to go there. I was surprised they liked it as much as they did initially because they had been deluxe spoiled. But they love it and who am I to argue.

 

[21stamps]

We may do deluxe again someday, but we can go more often by going moderate. It is a no brainer for us and now the kids beg to go there. I was surprised they liked it as much as they did initially because they had been deluxe spoiled. But they love it and who am I to argue.

I thought Ft Wilderness was considered a Deluxe. I care less about the "category", and more about the resort size, convenience (to whatever park/place we are spending more time at), and amenities.I would choose POFQ over OKW or SS all day long.
I think Ft Wilderness looks like a fun place to stay, we enjoyed spending some time there during our bike ride, and we didn't even explore half of it. Plus, easy access to MK.

 

[MySmallWorldof4]

Can you use the golf cart to drive to the bus stop or launch and leave it there until you return?
Oh and I always hear people talk about Trail's End.. we didn't walk over, but it looked like there was a restaurant across from where we played checkers (in front of a store) is that Trail's End?

Yes. You park the golf cart near the launch area for the watercraft. There is lots of golf cart parkng. You take the keys with you and go. Trail's End is next to Hoop Dee Do. The watercraft pretty much drops you right there. I assume that is where you were. We like it. It is a simple buffet that we enjoy. Metal cowboy plates. When I eat off them it reminds me of Little House on the Prairie. I was a fan. I can find lots of food to eat and I do vegetarian now. Lots of kid choices too. It is also the best financial buffet deal on property. Nice to have a buffet without characters too.

 

[MySmallWorldof4]

I thought Ft Wilderness was considered a Deluxe. I care less about the "category", and more about the resort size, convenience (to whatever park/place we are spending more time at), and amenities.I would choose POFQ over OKW or SS all day long.
I think Ft Wilderness looks like a fun place to stay, we enjoyed spending some time there during our bike ride, and we didn't even explore half of it. Plus, easy access to MK.

Access to MK is a main reason also. There is golf cart parking for the bus area to go to other parks also. The pool isn't fancy but it has a nice slide that is just like Hilton Head's slide.

 

[21stamps]

Yes. You park the golf cart near the launch area for the watercraft. There is lots of golf cart parkng. You take the keys with you and go. Trail's End is next to Hoop Dee Do. The watercraft pretty much drops you right there. I assume that is where you were. We like it. It is a simple buffet that we enjoy. Metal cowboy plates. When I eat off them it reminds me of Little House on the Prairie. I was a fan. I can find lots of food to eat and I do vegetarian now. Lots of kid choices too. It is also the best financial buffet deal on property. Nice to have a buffet without characters too.

We rode our bikes to this shop. Hoop de Doo and Trail's End are close by?
I was scared to get lost, so we didn't ride all around property.. just the stables, past the cabins, and down this road to the store for a souvenir.

 

[MySmallWorldof4]

I would choose POFQ over OKW or SS all day long.

We stayed at OKW twice. The first time we got upgraded to a 2bdrm from a studio. Talk about a nice upgrade.

We liked POFQ also and will go for meals there once in a while. Need those beignets.

But we won't stay at OKW because it is just too hard to take buses with a stroller and whiny kids. It is still easier to take our own vehicle especially to TTC which we hate!!! So it seemed to make sense for us to stay in MK area because TTC is the worst lot. FW fits the bill.

 

[MySmallWorldof4]

We rode our bikes to this shop. Hoop de Doo and Trail's End are close by?
I was scared to get lost, so we didn't ride all around property.. just the stables, past the cabins, and down this road to the store for a souvenir.
View attachment 194036

Oh. This is the Mercantile. Trail's End is not over there. You would have needed to make a right turn out of there and just driven straight ahead and pulled through onto the golf cart road. The regular road for cars ends at a T stop there where you can only make a left or right if you are in a car. With a cart ir bike or if you walk, you can go straight through to The Settlement area.

 

[21stamps]

We stayed at OKW twice. The first time we got upgraded to a 2bdrm from a studio. Talk about a nice upgrade.

We liked POFQ also and will go for meals there once in a while. Need those beignets.

But we won't stay at OKW because it is just too hard to take buses with a stroller and whiny kids. It is still easier to take our own vehicle especially to TTC which we hate!!! So it seemed to make sense for us to stay in MK area because TTC is the worst lot. FW fits the bill.

I was not a fan of OKW. Stayed there once years ago. I just felt like I was too far from everything.. and we drove!!.. I also just felt it was too similar to something non Disney. I remember enjoying the bar there though.