Disney World Trip Report! 5/14 - 5/22 - Updated with Budget

[mellymel]

Disney World trip report - will be updated throughout the trip

Day 1 (5/14)
We had an afternoon flight to Orlando on Delta airlines - it was great

We landed in Orlando and took a shuttle to Sixt car rental which I got on Hotwire. Never heard of them before. Horribly long wait for the shuttle and at the rental counter. At least they gave us a full size SUV instead of the full size car we booked online! We got a Chevy Traverse with only 6 miles on it.

P and K family rental - We rented two car seats for the kids through them. They are awesome!! Our guy was early for car seat delivery but sixt was so slow we let him go deliver another car seat while we waited to get ours. He delivered and installed car seats for the kids and the total price is $81 for the entire trip. Car seats are super clean and very nice. This is so convenient compared to hauling our giant and awkward car seats wth is through the airports like we did on a separate family trip. Highly recommend P and K!

Rental house - HomeAway. The house is awesome and exactly as described. The kids went for a night swim as soon as we got settled in. I will share the link to the exact rental home after our trip.

We did not go to the parks yet as we landed at 6pm and it took a while to get rental car, etc.

Tomorrow is MK.

[mellymel]

Here is a picture of the kids swimming last night

[mellymel]

Day 2 (5/15)

Today is DD's 3rd Birthday!! We are awake early for a breakfast reservation at CRT. Hopefully lots of fun updates to come later!

[Amy]

Have a great time!

[ribollita]

Have a great trip! I hadn't heard of the car seat company, very cool! I love that they install them for you.

[mellymel]

Day 2 (5/15) continued

We left our vacation house around 8am and drove to MagicKingdom. We rode the ferry into MK and DD fell in the ferry and skinned up her knees Slightly bad start to the day.

We arrived before 9am but the rope drop ceremony was already happening and we got into the park. We made our way to Cinderella's Royal Table for our 9:20 reservations for DD's birthday. DD refused to interact with any of the princesses. DS got the kids breakfast and DD shared our food. I need to look back at our reservation bc I am pretty sure we paid for a meal for her so I will need to get a refund on hers if that is true. DH ordered the traditional breakfast which was good and I got the caramel apple French toast which was good but way too sweet so I only ate a little bit.

DD was served a birthday cupcake. We sat and watched the princesses come around for a bit and then DD said she wanted to leave and ride the carousel, so we did. I think my kids just aren't into character interactions so much so I am glad we didn't make very many reservations!

From there we rode the carousel, then we did It's a Small World. We then used our Fast Passes for Thunder Mountain Railroad and did rider swap. DS loved it! After that, we got Mickey ice cream sandwiches. We did Haunted Mansion which scared the kids a little bit, oops. We went to a gift shop and then rode Peter Pan's flight (FP). We then met Pluto and also Mickey Mouse and then came back to the house for naps and swimming in early afternoon.

DS is napping and DD needs to but is refusing even though she woke at 5:30 am!

No idea what we will do tonight. Depends on how the kids hold up.

Overall it feels like we didn't ride/do much and it was SO FREAKING HOT and the kids were acting like they were dying from the heat so we didn't push them too hard.

[dcrunnergirl52]

Sounds like a great, but hot trip so far.

[zarapipe]

That's a great pic of you all!

[mellymel]

Day 2 (5/15 continued, again)

After a long afternoon of swimming and napping, we returned to MK around 8pm. Rode the monorail into the park. Are dinner at Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe (meh). Did the Tomorrowland Speedway and then watched the Wishes fireworks show - wonderful! Had time to ride Barnstormer with DS twice. Made our way out of the park via ferry.

The kids are not sleeping much at night. I think they are too excited!

Next up: Animal Kingdom

[curbsideprophet]

Hope you have a great trip!

[mellymel]

5/16 Day 3

Animal Kingdom

Arrived around 9am and walked around in the Pangani Forest Exploration trail for a bit until our 10:25 FP for Kilamanjaro Safari.

After that, DD saw Baloo and King Louie and wanted to meet them so DH took her to do that while I got DS a chocolate covered frozen banana. While we were waiting, a lady came out with an owl and was talking about owl facts as an introduction to the Flights of Wonder bird show. We were already going to be late for our Nemo show FP so we stayed for the bird show. DS fell while at the show, into the bench in front of us, and hit his mouth and his lips and gums were bleeding :(We thought he knocked out a tooth because of all the blood). It turns out he was OK but we left the show because he was having a hard time calming down.

We walked to Flame Tree for lunch which was good but the birds are everywhere and it scared the kids.

After lunch DH and DS rode Dinosaur and DD and I got pics with Donald Duck. Then we rode Triceratops Spin.

Then the kids were melting down and it was so hot so we left. We missed all of our FPs (Expedition Everest and the Nemo show).

I pretty much hated Animal Kingdom and don't care to ever go back.

We redeemed the day by having friends over who live in the area for dinner and swimming!

[mellymel]

5/17 Day 4

Epcot

Today we went to Epcot. We arrived around 10am. We did the Living Seas with Nemo, Bruce's Shark World, Turtle Talk with Crush (so cute) then we took the boat across the lagoon for lunch. We walked to Japan and ate at Teppan Edo. It was quite good and the kids enjoyed it. After that, we got ice cream in Paris and DD wanted to meet Belle. The kids played in a little playground - the musical garden - while DH and I ate Dole Whips with coconut rum. Then we walked through the world showcase and then went to Imagination with Figment. Then we did Living with the Land. It started thunderstorming while we were on the rides. Our stroller got soaked! Then we had FP at 5pm for Test Track but it was shut down for inclement weather so we left.

I am bummed we didn't really get to stroll around the World Showcase much and try other foods (I wanted a Cronut!!) due to the rain but we had a fun day overall.

We had Panera for dinner outside of the parks.

[curbsideprophet]

Sorry you did not like AK.

[mellymel]

5/18 Day 5

Magic Kingdom again!

Currently in line with DS for the 7DMT, 55 min wait right after rope drop! Eek. DH took DD to the carousel, her happy place. It is a little cooler here today after the thunderstorms all night so I think it will be much better.

[wesleycrusher]

I like Animal Kingdom but it always seems more warm and humid there than any other park. I think the size (more walking) plus less indoor attractions to take a break from the heat make it absolutely miserable when it's hot out.

[TBM]

May 18, 2016 9:45:05 GMT -5 wesleycrusher said:

I like Animal Kingdom but it always seems more warm and humid there than any other park. I think the size (more walking) plus less indoor attractions to take a break from the heat make it absolutely miserable when it's hot out.

We are local, and all we heard from locals when we moved here, (like every single person that we met asked if we had been to WDW yet), was not to go to AK pretty much March through October, with the preferential time being January. Besides it being better for the humans, they said that the animals are much more active then.

[mellymel]

May 18, 2016 9:45:05 GMT -5 wesleycrusher said:

I like Animal Kingdom but it always seems more warm and humid there than any other park. I think the size (more walking) plus less indoor attractions to take a break from the heat make it absolutely miserable when it's hot out.

Yes I think this was the problem. The oppressive heat and humidity just made all of us super crabby and we didn't have a good time at all. Oh well. We are having fun at the other parks.

[mellymel]

5/18 Day 5, continued

We started our day at Magic Kingdom. We arrived at rope drop, got a family photo on Main Street, then went immediately to Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. It was a 55 minute wait already so DS and I got in line and DH would ride with him later on rider swap. While DS and waited in line, DH took DD to ride the carousel and then to Dumbo. 7DMT was super cute and fun. DS was excited to ride twice.

After 7DMT we all rode Barnstormer and then we went to Tomorrowland and got ice cream. After ice cream we had a FP for the Buzz Lightyear ride. After that we used our FP for Jungle Cruise and then we are lunch at Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn.

After lunch we used our FP for Pirates of the Carribean. Then we left around 2pm because it was getting so hot and the kids wanted to go swimming at the vacation house. We swam for a while and then around 5:30 or 6 we headed over to Boardwalk to catch the ferry to Epcot for dinner and IllumiNations.

We made it all the way around the world showcase and then ate dinner in Mexico at the San Angel Inn restaurant. Before dinner we rode the boat ride through Mexico. Dinner and margaritas were delicious.

Then we walked to a spot to stand and watch IllumiNations. It was good but I loved the fireworks at MK so much better.

[mellymel]

5/19 Day 6

Disney's Hollywood Studios

Today we arrived at DHS around 8:45 and we immediately went to registration for the Jedi Training Academy for DS. While I was in line for registration with DS, DH took DD to meet Olaf. DS got an 11:40 time slot with check-in at 11:10 so then we walked over to the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and did rider swap for it. DS said he wanted to ride so I took him. It ended up scaring him a bit so DH just rode it alone after we got done.

After the Tower of Terror, we walked around for a bit and then we went back for the Jedi training. DS was doing alright at first but after standing around in 90 degree weather and super high humidity with the Jedi robe on just during check-in, several kids started melting down and bailing. Then DS did the same. I have no idea why they make the kids check in 30 minutes in advance and stand around like that. DS bailed and was in tears. I am so bummed for him because he has seriously been looking forward to this forever. We made sure he knew this was his only chance to do it and he said he was sure he didn't want to

After that, we walked through the Star Wars Launch Bay and then went to lunch. We had reservations at Hollywood & Vine for the Disney Junior Dine & Play with Sofia the First, Doc McStuffins, Jake (the pirate), and Handy Manny. Lunch was a buffet and it was just OK. The kids weren't really into the character meet and greets (they get excited about it but then when the character arrives they are too shy to interact). DH almost died when our bill was $142 before tip for a mediocre buffet lunch. Not worth it at all in our opinion.

After lunch we let DS build his own light saber. Then we used FP for the Frozen sing-a-long which was really cute.

After the Frozen singalong, major thunderstorms came through so we left. We are currently at our vacation house trying to get the kids to nap so that they aren't crabby for dinner later. We plan to head over to Disney Springs for dinner and shopping tonight.

Overall, DHS was better than Animal Kingdom but a bit of a disappointment on the way the Jedi training went down (that was really the only reason we went there!).

[mellymel]

May 19, 2016 15:55:50 GMT -5 chilerellanos said:

That area where they do the Jedi training is SO FUCKING HOT!

Like, the hottest place on earth hot.

YESSSSSS! Why do they do that? So ridiculous!

[ilikedonuts]

My friend's kid cried the entire day leading up to their Jedi Training Academy time. And then cried through the first half until he got so hysterical they had to pull him off stage. So props to you for listening to your kid and not forcing him.

The buffet prices are so crazy especially now that lunch and dinner are the same price!

[ilikedonuts]

May 19, 2016 19:15:20 GMT -5 BirdGirl said:

I was really annoyed with how Jedi Training was handled. I know if we go back we'll pick the latest time. We were 10:40 and it was already really hot @ 10:10.

Night time shows you can see the light sabers light up!

[mellymel]

5/19 Day 6, continued

After the kids napped we went to Disney Springs for dinner and to look around and shop. We ate a quick dinner of burgers and fries at Cookes. It was good and the kids ate great. Then we went to the World of Disney store which is huge and an awesome place to find stuff you don't see at a regular Disney store. DD fell in love with a Frozen music box so we got it for her. Then we went to the Star Wars store which we were not impressed with - you can find much better selection at Hollywood Studios. After that we checked out the Super Hero Store and DS got a SpiderMan toy.

[mellymel]

5/20 Day 7

Today we are taking a break from the parks and heading to the beach with our friends who are local. I can't come all the way to Florida without going to the ocean!

It was nice to sleep in a bit and not rush around to make rope drop!

[mellymel]

5/20 Day 7 continued

We had a fantastic day at the beach with friends today after a rough start. We drove 1.5 hours to New Smyrna Beach to meet up with local friends and as soon as we arrived a severe thunderstorm came through and lifeguards evacuated the beach! We headed to a local restaurant and had a great lunch and some drinks and then the storms cleared! We were able to spend about 3-4 awesome hours on the beach. What a nice and relaxing day. I feel so happy that we took this beach day! The kids absolutely loved it too!

[zarapipe]

What restaurant? We are going in june to that beach.

[mellymel]

May 21, 2016 6:13:57 GMT -5 zarapipe said:

What restaurant? We are going in june to that beach.

It is called Outriggers. Great drinks and food!

[egishere]

Your kids are so cute!

What flip flops are you wearing in the parks? I bought a pair of sketchers ff's this morning but I'm looking for something comfy and supportive enough to wear there.

[mellymel]

May 21, 2016 18:39:50 GMT -5 egishere said:

Your kids are so cute!

What flip flops are you wearing in the parks? I bought a pair of sketchers ff's this morning but I'm looking for something comfy and supportive enough to wear there.

Thank you!

The flip flops are the Nike Comfort Thong. I love them; they are like walking on clouds. I am super picky about shoe comfort and I was able to walk 5-10 miles per day in these every single day this week with no issues! Highly recommend.

I brought Skechers sneakers as well but it was soooooo hot here I didn't want to have hot feet too.

Zappos_Mobile Link to flip flops:
www.zappos.com/product/7525636/color/151?utm_term=SKU-7525636&utm_campaign=zappos_product_share_iphone&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=email&splash=none

[mellymel]

5/21 Day 8

DS's 5th birthday!

We were in the Magic Kingdom by 8:30 am for our Be Our Guest reservation at 9am. It was awesome to be in the park before opening. We even got to ride the carousel before our breakfast. We arrived at BOG and placed our order and sat down. After 35+ minutes of waiting for our quick service breakfast (!!) I checked in with someone to see what was taking so long as we noticed that everyone who sat down after us already had their food. Our food was then brought out quickly and our entire meal was comped (over $80) which was very nice of BOG to do. The restaurant was very pretty and we enjoyed it.

After breakfast we had some time before our first FP so I took DD to meet Anna & Elsa (45 min wait was posted but it definitely didn't take that long at all) while DH took DS on the Haunted Mansion.

We all met up again for our FP on Ariel's Under the Sea ride. Then we walked over to jump on the train and rode it back to Main Street for our FP to meet TinkerBell.

After TinkerBell it was close to lunchtime so we grabbed some snacks and I got a Dole Whip float. It was getting super hot and the kids were getting crabby so I decided to take DS on Splash Mountain (50 min wait) while DH took DD to some shops and they ate their snacks. Splash Mountain was really fun and DS loved it.

DD really really wanted to ride Dumbo so we walked all the way back over there since we had time before our next FP. It was listed as a 40 min wait for Dumbo but we went in and played in the play area which was super nice and air conditioned! We played for maybe 10 min and our pager went off and it was time to get on the ride.

After riding Dumbo we went back over to Thunder Mountain Railroad for our FP. We did rider swap so DS got to ride 2x which he was super happy about.

We left the park around 3:45/4pm because it was so hot, so so crowded, and the kids were tired and wanted to go swimming at our vacation house.

We swam at the house for a while and ordered pizza and salad for dinner while DH and I packed everything to get ready to leave to return home early the next morning.