Kathy & Family - January 2007

When: January 25-26, 2007
Trip Members: Bud - Best DH and PopPop in the world
AJ - 7 1/2 grandson
Daniel - 2 1/2 grandson
Me - Planner and MomMom

After checking the school calendar for our grandson a few weeks ago, I realized that he had last Thursday and Friday off from school.....so what better to do with the time than make a whirlwind trip to the Mouse House.

After getting an ok from DH (the money maker in the family) and daughter (mom to grandsons) I was in full planning mode. We have lots of points for Starwood so it was a no brainer to stay at the Swan (can't beat the convenience and free is the perfect price), booked airfare (split the trip between 2 airlines and saved almost $150) and found a super deal on a mid-SUV. Everything was booked within about 2 hours. Now just waiting for the time to pass.

We decided not to tell AJ that we were going, figured we would just pick him up a little early from school on Wednesday and head to the airport. The bet was how long would it take for him to figure out where we were headed (it took less than 30 seconds after he got in the van). Got to the airport, thru security and had time to grab a quick bite before our flight...which of course was delayed slightly but we didn't care....we were going to see the Mouse. Arrived at MCO, went to Alamo to pick up our SUV (what a mess...took forever to get out of the garage....must have been 30 cars in line) and headed to WalMart to pick up water, juice, milk and some fruit for the room. It was pouring rain but we didn't care......we were at the Mouse's House.

Got to the Swan, check-in was quick. Got a room with a balcony, they delivered the bedrails and refrigerator and we were in business. Quickly unpacked and had the boys in bed by about 10, later than wanted but best we could do. The boys were so excited but fell asleep fairly quickly.

Thursday morning came way too early and it was raining but we were headed to Magic Kingdom to meet up with Barb, Tony and Jonathan. Arrived about 8:30 and met them just inside the gate, grabbed a quick bite of breakfast at the Main Street Bakery and then headed on into the park.

Things were very congested around the castle because of it being Media Day but we worked our way around and headed to The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (Tony's favorite ride). We also managed to ride (not necessarily in the order listed) Peter Pan's Flight, It's a Small World (first time we have ridden it since the remodeling and it is so bright and new looking), Mad Tea Party (several times for AJ, DH and Tony....Jon bailed after the first time and Barb and I didn't ride at all). We also did Jon's favorite (and mine too) PhilharMagic.

The rain had stopped and ponchos were shed, thank goodness for the warm sun. Dumbo, a quick stop by Pooh's Playful Spot (it was too wet to play but did check out the hidden submarine inside the tree house) AJ and DH rode the Indy Speedway and ended the morning at Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin.

Had lunch at Pinocchio Village Haus, if you haven't tried the Figaro fries....you've got to! They are really good (thanks Tony for the tip).

After lunch we headed to The Barnstormer at Goofy's Wiseacre Farm for a quick ride then on to the WDW Railroad for a ride around to Frontierland. The railroad is one of AJ's favorite things to do and we usually ride it a couple of times each trip, even if it is only between lands.

After exiting in Frontierland, we headed to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad for DH, Tony and AJ to ride. The stand-by time was only about 10 minutes so Barb, Daniel and I just walked around to the observation area and waited for the guys to exit. We saw the guys riding by, all holding their arms up in the air, having a great time. AJ has been riding this roller coaster since he was 3 and absolutely loves it. We've been none to ride it as many as 8 times in one day.

Next headed to the Liberty Square RIverboat for a cruise around Tom Sawyer's Island. The boat was being renovated the last two trips that we made here so AJ was very anxious to ride this trip. The boat was just off-loading as we walked up and the guys got right on. Barb and I sat and people watched while Daniel was catching a short nap in the stroller.

Our next area of exploration was Adventureland, did Pirates of the Caribbean as a walk-on.....absolutely NO line on the side we went in. Next did the Pirate Tutorial, we enjoyed it but Barb and Tony said that the cast members we saw were not the best of the group. AJ did not get picked as a pirate but did get a certificate anyway. We also met up with Cindy and her family while waiting for the Tutorial (they were trying to do all four parks in one day I think and MK was park #3 - just hitting the repeats but still quite an undertaking). After the Tutorial we waited about 15 minutes in line for the Jungle Cruise, corny but the kids like it.

AJ, Tony and DH climbed (and counted the number of steps at the Swiss Family Treehouse) while Barb, Daniel and I waited for them. I don't remember how many steps but if you really have to know, Tony can tell you because he has counted them several times, or you can make that something to do the next time you visit.

It was time for our ADR at Crystal Palace, got seated right away. Didn't even have our drinks when we got our first visitor, followed soon afterwards by the rest of the gang. Food was wonderful as usual, company was great and we enjoyed seeing Pooh, Eyore, Tigger and Piglet up close and personal once again.

After dinner, we were treated to a special viewing location for the fireworks. They were magnificent as usual and the location was perfect.

Left Barb and Tony at the front entrance, caught our bus back to the Swan, quick baths for the kids and everyone in bed by about 9:30. A long, busy day but SO much fun.

We were very honored to have Barb, Tony and Jon (he left around noon-had to go to work) to spend the day with. I can't begin to tell you the wealth of information that Tony has stored in that head of his. He has a tidbit for just about everything. I thank them all again for being part of our family for the day.

Tomorrow Animal Kingdom and MGM.......and if you've read this far, thanks.

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