Pre-Trip What Am I Getting Myself Into...

Hello everybody!! My name is Kelli, and I have been a long time "behind the scenes" follower of the WDWMagic boards. In all honesty, I didn't even know the "Trip Reports" thread existed until after my most recent trip (throwing it way back to November 2013) when I was going through serious Disney withdrawals!

So now, almost 4 years and 2 kids later, we are going back!! I can't even contain my excitement! My husband (Tim) was pretty much getting so sick of me talking about all my make believe plans that he told me to just book it! He's the best! (But seriously, he shouldn't have made me wait 4 years) ;)

Getting down to the details:
I literally got butterflies and couldn't stop smiling when this popped up on my computer
MM.PNG

I mean, seriously, who doesn't love seeing the main mouse himself!

The Who:
Me (Kelli) & my husband (Tim)
IMG_0498.jpg

Circa 2013 at Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights (why, oh why did they have to get rid of this!? :bawling:)
And our sons SJ (will almost be 3)
IMG_2873.JPG

and H (will have just turned 1)
IMG_2866.JPG

Gotta sport the Mickey gear in our house!

The When/Where:
January 8-13, 2018 @ Disney's Pop Century Resort

The Why:
Let's get real, who really needs a "why" to go to Disney...I sure don't!! But, one of the main reasons we decided to take this trip is because kiddos are free until they are 3, and we had to take advantage of that!

So much has changed since the last time we were there (only part of the New Fantasyland was done), and I can't wait to see it completed. I also can't wait to try all the things my Disney friends (AKA - you guys!) have seen and tried that I missed all those years.

But, most importantly, it is all about the memories. I cannot wait to see the look on those sweet faces when they see the castle or Mickey Mouse for the first time. I'm not normally a sap, but those cast members on Main Street USA better have their mop and bucket ready, because I am pretty sure I may turn into an emotional wreck. :cry:

So, to all my WDWMagic friends out there, I am looking for any and all advice that you can give me when it comes to going with kids (hence the title of the PTR). I feel like my hubby and I (ok, maybe just me) are crazy for bringing them this young, but I know people do it, and I know it will be worth it. What do you suggest for dining/stroller rental/shows/rides/etc.?

Thank you again for the help! And thank you for allowing me to live vicariously through your trip reports over the years. I'm hoping that I can return the favor in the future! :)
 

LisaBelle

Well-Known Member
Just discovered your report! Your children are adorable and it sounds like you have great plans! The lobster roll is delish! Definitely try it. My kids (now 17 and 22) have always loved Cosmic Ray's, they have a variety of options. Your trip is super close! Have a magical time and I will be following along.
 

Bullseye1967

Is that who I am?
Premium Member
I did peek at the Columbia Harbour House menu...I want that lobster roll!

Thanks for the suggestions!


LTT is awesome! We try to eat there every trip. Instacart from Publix is very easy. The baby care center at AK is on the left of the tree of life just before you cross the bridge. It is the biggest one of all the parks. Your kids are soo cute! I am late catching your PTR but can't wait for your TR!
 
Last edited:

MeeskaMooska0714

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
So sorry I haven't updated in a while! I'm trying to get everything squared away before we go to Disney World in ONE WEEK!!! :joyfull:
We have had lots of fun in our house lately getting ready for the trip! This was my favorite from last night:
SJ pointing to the Bluetooth speaker (he is not talking much yet)
Me: Do you want to listen to music?
SJ: (getting really excited and clapping his hands)
Me: Ok, we can listen to music, but you have to dance!
Tim (from another room): Please don't let it be Disney again! :rolleyes:
Cue "Tiki, Tiki, Tiki Room" Radio (Moana starts playing)
SJ: (starts dancing and clapping)
Me: #parentingwin

They may not behave all the time, but you know you are raising them right when they love Disney!! :p

Anyways, I do have a question regarding my pre-order for BOG lunch. I want to order SJ the grilled cheese kids meal, but it also comes with turkey noodle soup (which I know he won't eat). I can't substitute this online, because it isn't the side item, it's just part of the meal. Is this something that can be changed when we get there, or will we be stuck with a turkey noodle soup? I know Tim will eat it, because he eats everything, but figured I would ask the experts first!

I can't believe we will be there in a week! So much to do before we go, I feel like I will never be ready!
 

riverside

Well-Known Member
So sorry I haven't updated in a while! I'm trying to get everything squared away before we go to Disney World in ONE WEEK!!! :joyfull:
We have had lots of fun in our house lately getting ready for the trip! This was my favorite from last night:
SJ pointing to the Bluetooth speaker (he is not talking much yet)
Me: Do you want to listen to music?
SJ: (getting really excited and clapping his hands)
Me: Ok, we can listen to music, but you have to dance!
Tim (from another room): Please don't let it be Disney again! :rolleyes:
Cue "Tiki, Tiki, Tiki Room" Radio (Moana starts playing)
SJ: (starts dancing and clapping)
Me: #parentingwin

They may not behave all the time, but you know you are raising them right when they love Disney!! :p

Anyways, I do have a question regarding my pre-order for BOG lunch. I want to order SJ the grilled cheese kids meal, but it also comes with turkey noodle soup (which I know he won't eat). I can't substitute this online, because it isn't the side item, it's just part of the meal. Is this something that can be changed when we get there, or will we be stuck with a turkey noodle soup? I know Tim will eat it, because he eats everything, but figured I would ask the experts first!

I can't believe we will be there in a week! So much to do before we go, I feel like I will never be ready!
Maybe when you pay you can modify it?? Not sure but I'm just throwing it out there. I always pre-order but haven't had to substitute anything so I'm not sure how that works.

I'm 5 days out & haven't packed a thing!! I keep waiting to see if the forecast is going to change. Looks like pants & sweatshirts are in order!! I'm not complaining though after the weather we've had the last few weeks!!
 

MeeskaMooska0714

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
GUYS!! I just realized I never even included our actual plans! #pretripreportfail :facepalm:

January 15: leave Michigan late afternoon / arrive in Florida around 7:30pm
I'm really wanting to head to Disney Springs this night, but it will all depend on those boys of ours!

January 16: MAGIC KINGDOM!! I hope they have their mop and bucket ready because I tear up just thinking about this day! :cry:
We have FP to meet Mickey first thing, then POC and SDMT, followed by BOG lunch ADR. Not sure what we will be doing after lunch, but the plan is maybe a couple more rides and then back to the hotel for a rest. Then it is off to Animal Kingdom for ROL!!! I'll be thinking about you @prfctlyximprct!! Hoping to grab dinner at Flame Tree BBQ this night as well.

January 17: EPCOT!
We have FP for Disney Pals Character Spot, Soarin' (can't wait to try out the new version!) and Figment. Throw in a Via Napoli lunch ADR as well! I cannot wait to try this, thanks to @Doc Disney and @Tuvalu :hungry:
There are EMH at Magic Kingdom this night, so we plan to hit those up and watch HEA! I loved Wishes, so we will see how this compares!

January 18: Hollywood Studios
This day is a little up in the air for us. We have a FP for TSMM, Star Tours and the Frozen show, but not sure if we will use them all. We want to make it to the Disney Junior Show at some point, but we also have a lunch ADR at Beaches & Cream (one of my all time faves!). I plan to only spend a couple hours at Hollywood Studios, and then I don't think we will revisit the remainder of the trip. EPCOT has EMH this night, so we plan to spend our time there, hopefully checking out some of the Festival of the Arts stuff!

January 19: Animal Kingdom / PANDORA!!! :eek:
I cannot wait to ride Flight of Passage!!! We start our day with KS, then FOP, then EE for fastpasses! Tim is not too keen about doing rider swap, but I've told him a million times that he needs to do it! He loves thrill rides, and I know he will love this. Besides, we need to have fun on rides for us too! We also plan to see FOTLK (I think this is my favorite show in all of Disney World!). I saw The Lion King on Broadway (in Toronto) when I was in high school, and it was A-MAZING!! It is coming to Michigan twice this year, and I really want to see it again (HINT HINT: anniversary gift!!)! We will be ending our trip in Magic Kingdom this evening. We have a late lunch / early dinner ADR at The Plaza. I plan to stay in Magic Kingdom as late as we can...I don't want this day to come!!!

January 20: The Tragical Express
NOOOOOO!!!! When I think about this trip, I know that I am going to basically snap my fingers and it will have come and gone! This vacation is so different from our past WDW visits. We could do whatever we wanted and be on our time, but now we are on the schedule of two sweet little boys. It's bittersweet, but I know that the memories we create will be unforgettable!

Thank you to everyone for following along on this crazy adventure! Please, if you are there and you see us, do not hesitate to introduce yourselves!
 

riverside

Well-Known Member
GUYS!! I just realized I never even included our actual plans! #pretripreportfail :facepalm:

January 15: leave Michigan late afternoon / arrive in Florida around 7:30pm
I'm really wanting to head to Disney Springs this night, but it will all depend on those boys of ours!

January 16: MAGIC KINGDOM!! I hope they have their mop and bucket ready because I tear up just thinking about this day! :cry:
We have FP to meet Mickey first thing, then POC and SDMT, followed by BOG lunch ADR. Not sure what we will be doing after lunch, but the plan is maybe a couple more rides and then back to the hotel for a rest. Then it is off to Animal Kingdom for ROL!!! I'll be thinking about you @prfctlyximprct!! Hoping to grab dinner at Flame Tree BBQ this night as well.

January 17: EPCOT!
We have FP for Disney Pals Character Spot, Soarin' (can't wait to try out the new version!) and Figment. Throw in a Via Napoli lunch ADR as well! I cannot wait to try this, thanks to @Doc Disney and @Tuvalu :hungry:
There are EMH at Magic Kingdom this night, so we plan to hit those up and watch HEA! I loved Wishes, so we will see how this compares!

January 18: Hollywood Studios
This day is a little up in the air for us. We have a FP for TSMM, Star Tours and the Frozen show, but not sure if we will use them all. We want to make it to the Disney Junior Show at some point, but we also have a lunch ADR at Beaches & Cream (one of my all time faves!). I plan to only spend a couple hours at Hollywood Studios, and then I don't think we will revisit the remainder of the trip. EPCOT has EMH this night, so we plan to spend our time there, hopefully checking out some of the Festival of the Arts stuff!

January 19: Animal Kingdom / PANDORA!!! :eek:
I cannot wait to ride Flight of Passage!!! We start our day with KS, then FOP, then EE for fastpasses! Tim is not too keen about doing rider swap, but I've told him a million times that he needs to do it! He loves thrill rides, and I know he will love this. Besides, we need to have fun on rides for us too! We also plan to see FOTLK (I think this is my favorite show in all of Disney World!). I saw The Lion King on Broadway (in Toronto) when I was in high school, and it was A-MAZING!! It is coming to Michigan twice this year, and I really want to see it again (HINT HINT: anniversary gift!!)! We will be ending our trip in Magic Kingdom this evening. We have a late lunch / early dinner ADR at The Plaza. I plan to stay in Magic Kingdom as late as we can...I don't want this day to come!!!

January 20: The Tragical Express
NOOOOOO!!!! When I think about this trip, I know that I am going to basically snap my fingers and it will have come and gone! This vacation is so different from our past WDW visits. We could do whatever we wanted and be on our time, but now we are on the schedule of two sweet little boys. It's bittersweet, but I know that the memories we create will be unforgettable!

Thank you to everyone for following along on this crazy adventure! Please, if you are there and you see us, do not hesitate to introduce yourselves!
The only day our schedules match is the 16th at MK. I'll be sure to look out for you!!--& the chair of course!!
 

LAKid53

Official Member of the Girly Girl Fan Club
Premium Member
So, there has been a small change in plans. We've switched our dates and pushed our trip back a week later. We will now be arriving in the World on January 15 and boarding the Tragical Express on January 20! Flight prices were the major reasoning behind this switch. I lost my BOG ADR, but hoping I will snag a new one soon!!
Nothing else to report, but I do have to share a Halloween pic!! :)
Dash and Jack Jack are here to save the world!!!
View attachment 242318

Omg, your boys are adorable!
 

KatieLVT

Well-Known Member
You just made my day! I saw where you mentioned Lion King was coming to Michigan this year and I immediately hopped online to see when/where. I'm in the Detroit area. I saw it's coming to East Lansing in July. Yay!! I've seen it twice and LOVED it (cried both times during the opening sequence like a weirdo!) and now I want to take my son. So, thank you for tipping me off to that!. Enjoy your trip...it will be here before you know it! Oh, also your boys are seriously the cutest!
 

MeeskaMooska0714

Well-Known Member
Original Poster

Register on WDWMAGIC. This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.

Back
Top Bottom