Dreams Come True - Our 1st Family WDW TRip Report - Completed w/Photos - Updated 10/7 About This Page:

[debrabrown]

Cast of characters:

me: 39 (been to WDW 5 times - 1st time was when I was 6)
dh - 43 (found disney through me!)
ds - 2
dd - 4

Stayed at CS resort Sept 21st - 29th in 9B Cabanas (thanks passporters!)

Overall impressions of CS:
Atmosphere/grounds - A
(loved the plants, the pool was very nice, the hammocks, and the overall feel)

Room - B
(loved the location and proximity to everything. The hot water for the inroom sink was really hot really fast and the cold never got too cold)

Food - D
(did not care for the pepper market and the general chaos...the mayan grill was a fiasco the one night we had dinner there and the food was horrible)

Resort Location - A
(15 min to MK and Epcot, 25 to DTD...never had to wait long for a bus either to or from the parks)

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Friday - arrival day

DME was very fast and efficient. I was amazed. We were off the plane, through check in, on the bus and to our resort within about an hour or so. Kids did not nap on plane or in the bus. We checked in quickly and napped when we got to our room. Bummer was my DH sent our costumes to the resort and they were no where to be found. Still don't know where they are! He will check with the postal service tomorrow. THe manager credited us for the MNSSHP party and an additional $150 dollars so that was very nice. We decided to make the most of it and go anyway as the kids would not know the difference. Hardly anyone was dressed up and it was sooooo blistering hot. We would have melted! To tell you the truth, the MNSSHP was NOT a good 1st impression of Disney for the kids. Abby was freaked out by the scary music. We had a hard time finding the trick or treat spots and it was PACKED! The kids did meet princess Minnie at her house and that was neat! We also met Goofy right at the entrance. I had to run and get the autograph books from the nearest store as we were not prepared!! Anyway, we stayed for the fireworks and the music also freaked out my daughter. She told us she was done listening to the scary music. The fireworks were cool though and we assured her MK would not be like this the entire time. She was very excited to see CIndy's castle and wanted so badly to go inside. little did she know we had ressies for CRT the following night! All in all, MNSSHP did not work for us. THe heat, the crowds, the scare factor were all a little much. The scary music plays sooo loudly through the park! Maybe I should have prepped Abby more?! Anyway, we skipped the parade and went back to the room for a good night's sleep.

A review of CRT to come ....and it's a good one! THE highlight and magic moment of our trip.....

[Colexis Mom]

Great start Deb Sorry they couldn't find your package and the kids didn't enjoy MNSSHP Hopefully things pick up from here

[Tiggerbelle]

I'm sorry your DDs first experience at MK was a scary one! I hope she likes it better during the day. Hurry back with more!

[Nimros]

Sorry MNSSHP was not all you hoped it to be - but I'm glad you shared your impressions.

Looking forward to more...

[tammyd_rn]

Sorry your little ones didn't like MNSSHP. It was a little crowded I agree since I heard they weren't sold out for the night. Can only imagine what it is like when sold out. My DS really liked it and he was really intrigued with parade and the characters in halloween costumes.

[mcc0313]

Sorry about the whole MNSSHP mix-up...first lost package and then the kids scared...

I cannot wait to hear what their reaction is the next day...

Waiting for more...

[Jookiba]

Glad you got to go but sorry you had to miss the MNSSHP.

Hope you come back to continue the TR!!

[debrabrown]

OK...let's get the trip on a brighter note here!

Saturday -

Slept in and our DD really wanted to swim so we thought we would hang at the resort and enjoy the awesome pool. The kids napped then as part our our "homemade magic" we woke the kids up with a special homemade invite from Cindy asking our kids to meet her at the castle. Our DD was THRILLED to say the least! The CRT was THE magic moment of the trip. How amazing to be in the castle!! Cindy was the friendliest princess we met on the trip. She took her time with the kids and really fussed over our DD. For once in her life she was speechless!! Our DD loved dressing as Cindy too. We got her all decked out at the Emporium and toild her the dress was on hold for her just for the dinner.

We took our pics and waited until we could be seated. The food was pretty lousy but the atmosphere more than made up for it. after dinner the FG and Suzie and Perla came out for a really fun show. they sang and the mice danced with our DD. THat was the 2nd time my DH and I had to choke back the tears. our DD LOVES the mice and she was so funny - saying "Just so you know...there are mice in this castle!" Hee, hee! It was fabulous and in our minds, worth EVERY penny.

After the dinner we checked out a few rides then got in position for the Spectromagic parade which is spectacular. My kids were soo in love with the lights and the music and the floats. it was really magical for them! Even our DS was calling out the characters he knew. This time, I did cry. It was such a cool thing. My DD said "Mama" after the parade and hugged me tight for a long time. disney magic at it's best!!

I was so excited about the day...I didn't sleep well at all! I should have had a drink!


Sunday --

Chef Mickeys - and passporter friends - you ROCK! We got to ride the monorail from MK to Contemporary with the captain! Even our Dd thought it was cool. The breakfast was yummy. It just took a lonnngg time to get all the characters to sign our books and take pics - probably 90 minutes!

After breakfast we headed to MK for a character extravaganza! Chip and dale by the train station, PInocchio and his dad, Foulfellow and Gideon, Aladdin w/the genie and Jasmine and passporter friends strike again - PP, WENDY, CH AND SMEE right where you told me they would be!!! My kids were in HEAVEN!!! It was awesome...

We caught the afternoon parade by, where else, casey's Corner - hot dogs in hand and rain ponchos on! Who cares though! Our DD was excited to see all the princesses on the float and the beast! Wahoo! The "evil" women of Disney were also cool to see. Late naps then a swim followed by pizza (ordered from Pizza Hut!) eaten on the beds while watching Snow White. Nothin' better!

DTD and WCC next.....

[Tiggerbelle]

Oh good! The next two days more than made up for your arrival day! I'm glad your DD's first impression of MK didn't affect her enjoyment at CRT. Sounds like she had a great time!!! Can't wait to hear what happened next!

[Starla4436]

Sounds like the balls finally rolling...two magical days in a row. And by the way the official best way to see a parade in MK is with a hotdog for Caseys Corner in hand

[mcc0313]

So glad their second day at the MK was not marred by their scary evening...

Aren't those happy tears so great....I expereinced those (many times as well)...

I think probably the best part of the trip is seeing the joy in your children's eyes and you sound like thiers is just beaming out...

Can't wait to hear more...

[LoriMistress]

Great trip report; keep on writing.

[stefffe]

character meals....... they will be a priority for us love the TR...please keep going

[Colexis Mom]

Great updates

[MickeyMAC]

Great trip report