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In other AMAZING news, we are leaving for Florida on Thursday! For 2.5 weeks! I know! Crazy! I am slightly concerned about the whole staying with in-laws for 2.5 weeks thing, not because I don't love my in-laws (because I do), but because staying with ANYONE for 2.5 weeks could be challenging.
For any would-be home robbers out there, Josh is staying here for a huge chunk of that time and then we have house guests for the rest, so don't even think about it.
Anyway, our schedule is psychotic for the trip. We are going to Sarasota for 3 days, then Orlando for 6 days, then back to Sarasota for 2 days, then back to Orlando for DISNEY (more on that later) for 2 days, then back to Sarasota for 3 days, then on to Fort Lauderdale for 3 days. And then home. Phew. I'm exhausted just writing that. I'm hoping for good weather and well-behaved kids. If I have the well-behaved kids part, it can rain every single freaking day for all I care.
Most exciting out of that whole trip is that rite of passage for parents and their children- Disney! I am ridiculously excited. RIDICULOUSLY EXCITED! I keep picturing Gabe's little face when he sees the castle, when he rides It's a Small World, when he sees BUZZ LIGHTYEAR! He may pee his pants. Seriously. We decided, after not much consideration at all, to leave Josie with my in-laws. I've been shocked, honestly, at the amount of flack we've gotten about that decision, when to us it was a no brainer. Josie would think it was fun, she definitely would, and you know, maybe she'd be great. But in our minds, we are going for 2 days, and trying to make the most out of those 48 hours. This means non-stop walking, rides, long and possibly hot days, and crowds. Josie won't remember, and she doesn't know characters and she is hesitant about rides. She isn't going to love it the way we KNOW Gabe is going to love it.
We never get to spend one on one time with Gabe, and I am looking forward to every little second I get to spend alone with him. I plan on inhaling that tiny little person, holding the tiny little hand, eating up every word he says. I cannot wait. He is at this perfect age where he is excited about everything, but scared of nothing. He doesn't get spooked by scary rides or pirates or ghosts, and he loves all characters, girly or boyish or in-between. It's going to be awesome.
I have my encyclopedia of Disney information, and we're going at what should be one of the best and least crowded times of the year (first week in December), and we're making all our final reservations and plans now, but I'm still looking for more advice. We've done Disney without kids before, but never before with little ones. Please do share all your tips! In return, I'll share any secrets I learn while we're away! In particular, did you have a favorite hotel that didn't cost a fortune? Also, is there a way to get cheaper park tickets? Those suckers cost a fortune!
Oh also, did anyone take preschoolers to Disney Hollywood Studios? We're considering it just because of the Toy Story ride, but I hadn't planned on it initially. Should we just do Magic Kingdom for 2 days?
Friday, November 12, 2010
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7 comments:
I see no reason for people to give you any crap about leaving her. Disney is not for 2 year olds. There will be another time. I think you have planned it perfectly.
I wish you safe travels and no medical issues!
Here's a great blog that includes TONS of info from a family that saves up to go to Disney every year. There's a lot of other money saving tips on the main blog but this link goes straight to their massive collection of tips on what to do and how to save money while there.
http://www.couponingtodisney.com/disney-world-training/
There is an incredible playground in the Studios, assuming they haven't moved it. it's based on Honey I Shrunk the Kids and it's non-electronic and pretty peaceful. There are great things to climb and opportunities to get wet and there are places for adults to sit. it's worth spending an hour or so to decompress.And for free entertainment try the lego store in Downtown Disney.
The Toy Story Mania ride in HS is one of my all time favorite rides. If you choose to go there for this ride, head straight to the ride, do not stop for anything, no matter what! I've spent a lot of time at Disney in the past 1 1/2 years which is unusual. I have favorites in every park which doesn't help you much. For Gabe, definitely an entire day at MK. I'd almost say wing your second day.... See how much you get done at MK and which types of rides he likes (and which ones he doesn't.) Definitely download an App for your phone with wait times. It's very, very helpful. If you can't find one that looks good, e-mail me and I'll find my phone and let you know which one we use (I can't remember off the top of my head.) I have lots of info in my head but not sure what you're looking for. If you have a more specific question, let me know.
When we first took the kids, they were 4 1/2 and 6 1/2 and I can't imagine taking them much younger than that - you are totally right not to bring Josie! They are now 5 1/2 and 7 1/2 and still loving every time we go. We're heading back at Christmas (my husband is Navy and stationed in Tampa for the moment.)
I know someone who posted on Facebook they were going into have their baby and their house got robbed. I now blog things AFTER the fact & talk in FB after the fact.
And that is why I will only announce baby 3 after giving birth.
I've never done Disney with the kids, but we did do this past summer Seseame Place in PA. LOVED IT!
Have a great trip with no injuries!
We were at Disney in Feb. Honestly for staying in the resort the All Star Sports is decent. You spend so little time in your room anyway and it's the most affordable there. We love the dining plan it saved us so much money on food. We did the quick service, table and one snack. It was enough for all 4 of us for the time we were there. I did pack extra snacks and water cause water is crazy expensive in the park.
I agree with what someone already said if you go to Hollywood go straight to the Toy Story ride. If you have to get a fast pass go do something else then come back to ride. Playhouse disney is near there I'm sure your little guy would love that show and there are characters there to get pictures taken with.
MK when you get there go straight to Mickey's Toon Town to meet Mickey and the other Characters. The waits are far less first thing in the morning then you have the rest of the day to ride rides. My kids love the teacups, goofy's barnyard roller coaster and dumbo which are in that area. To see everything in MK you'd need 2 days, there are still things we've yet to ride or see there and we've been a few times in the last year and a half.
Honestly I'm so excited for ya'll. Disney is so much with small kids it's going to be a great time for you guy's.
not to plug my company, but I hear the Harry Potter Wizarding World at the orlando universal studios is really, really cool. But Gabe might be too young for Harry Potter.
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