Princess Katie's 4th Birthday Trip to WDW About This Page:

[GFHoneymoon1194]

Princess Katie's 4th Birthday Trip Report aka The "Mom, I need a princess card" trip
Who went: Nancy (me), Bob (dh), Katie (4yo dd), Robby (20mo ds) and Lila (cute little mil enjoying her 3rd childhood and last trip to WDW)
Dates: Monday Aug 26 through Fri August 30

Preplanning:
In preparation, I printed white business cards with a faint crown watermark. The text was: "A Real Princess Celebrates Her Birthday at Walt Disney World. Thank you for making the magic for Princess Katie's 4th birthday. You have made her dreams come true." You will see LOTS of references to Princess Cards considering we handed them out to almost every person we met. Look for an approximate running count...

Day 1 Monday:
As the limo was coming at 4am, Bob and I decided to stay up the whole night rather than oversleep. I'm better with sleep deprivation than he is..but it was like an adult slumber party. We kept the Disney Channel on the whole time. I took my shower at 2am [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img] I thought I was doing well with packing lightly...until I saw the bags all sitting on the porch waiting for the limo. And the two strollers didn't help. Phil, our limo driver was great...he even did a Dunkin Donuts stop for me [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

Katie's first limo ride:
Katie was amazed at the big car. She gave her first Princess card to Phil the limo driver (1). She liked the fact that we could see each other. Katie entertained us by acting more goofy than an almost-4yo going to WDW. Her rendition of "Twinkle Twinkle" was a show stopper. We were literally sitting back laughing with the driver - she was out of control in a cute way. Then we picked up my mother in law. (Note: call around if you need two pickups. There was a $110 rt difference between companies.) The limo company did something really neat: they used our car seat for the trip to the airport then stored it for the week. It was waiting in the limo on our return trip. A very nice perk!

Da Plane! Da Plane!
My kids' first plane trip was a dh family reunion in April. I was shocked at how different Robby was during this plane trip. He was the plane flirt. Katie gave the stewardess a Princess card (2) - the whole plane clapped for her birthday [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img] We colored and played with the travel magnadoodles. Robby thought moving the window shade up and down was a game. Katie fell asleep AS WE LANDED! The kid has timing!

Checkin:
We finally arrived at Port Orleans French Quarter via the Mears shuttle bus around 12:30pm (3). By this point, the adults were starving and the kids were crabby. We took all the luggage to the room via bell porter Todd (4). Our refrigerator and 3 bedrails came shortly thereafter (5). Next time I would get one more for the foot of the bed. Our rooms were on the first floor (building six) by the river...very peaceful. We were able to get connecting rooms so the kids could run back and forth from Nana's room. Then it was off to the food court (6 & 7). Yes we bought souvenir mugs and promptly hydrated ourselves. At first Katie thought the giant Mardi Gras masks were scary. The chicken fingers during the whole trip were just great - very crispy and good white meat.

The Magic Kingdom :
Our first of many Disney bus rides (8) took us to Magic Kingdom. Our first order of business: autograph books and good thick pens on Main Street. We went to City Hall to get a birthday pin (9).

As we started walking up Main Street, Katie just stopped in her tracks and stared at the Castle. It looked so beautiful. For some reason I seem to remember it being more pink color - when did they decorate it like a birthday cake? 95? I was disappointed to see a huge crane ruining the skyline. It never moved the whole time we were there. Kinda like road maintenance that turns a 4 lane into a 1 lane even though you never see a worker.

We took pictures in front of the Partners statue - yes I did look at the hidden mickey on his ring [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img] By the time we got to the Castle it was time for Cinderella's Surprise Celebration 4:10pm. As Cinderella came out onto the stage, Katie covered her mouth in awe. Gotta learn how to share these pictures. I had that parent worry - will her next action be happy or crying? Luckily it was happy...big huge smiles. The show is wonderful - early kids can sit close up where Cinderella can look them in the eyes and wave. I liked the fact that the Princesses all had Princes too. The Villians were scary to Katie...Robby loved em all.

In Fantasyland, it was Cinderella's carousel (10). The horses have strong leather straps so Katie could for once ride alone without Mom holding onto her back. Dad and Robby shared a horse. As the only one who stood, I can tell you it goes at quite a clip lol. My mil's favorite ride is Small Small World so we were off to make her happy. Katie loved SSW....it was def a repeat ride (11 & 12). The adults appreciated the fact that it was air conditioned. Since the kids had not slept since 3:30am when we woke them up to leave, I was amazed that they hadnt crashed yet . Especially considering their stupid parents opted not to bring the strollers. Robby didnt survive the Disney bus trip back to the hotel. We made it back to the room around 7:00pm....and within minutes both kids were in pajamas and sound asleep.

Alone time!!
At mil's insistence, Bob and I took the ferry from French Quarter over to the Riverside Mill for dinner. Such a peaceful ride - def a must do if you stay at Port Orleans. You are really transported to a different world when you see the "mansions" of Riverside along the river. The Riverside Mill is all wood and timbers but very large. At peak times, the voices echo and create quite a bit of background noise. But the meal was outstanding and very reasonable. Spit roasted chicken, corn and red beans 'n rice! Dinner for 2 was about $18 with mug drinks. They have a milk and cookies story time for kids. We brought mil back some Chicken Noodle soup and rolls - she said it was one of the best c-n soups made outside a house. By this point we were exhausted and decided to go to bed.

To be continued....Tuesday at Cinderella's Royal Table.

[PS - I LUV WDW]

Thanks for the report! What a great idea with the birthday 'business' cards!

[luvnwdwgal]

Great trip report so far, can't wait for some more!! [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

[tikibird]

Woo Hoo, a new trip report! [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

Sounds like your little princess had an awesome birthday trip - love the idea of the cards!

Looking forward to more.....

[GFHoneymoon1194]

Princess Katie's 4th Birthday Trip Report aka The "Mom, I need a princess card" trip

Day 2 Tuesday:
Princess Katie's day started at 7am - a full 12 hours after she fell asleep. Even Sir Robby Drums-alot woke at 7am...with at least one nighttime nursing session. The adults got up around 630. Bob and I arm-wrestled for first showers. I brewed hot water in the room for cappacchino. Chugged that down...ahhhh. Bob helped [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

Breakfast with Cinderella
Well we finally got out of the room and to the bus stop (13). I thought I had allotted enough time. Wrong. I forget that these buses have several stops...we felt like it was taking forever. Then we had to do the bag check. Finally...we were in Magic Kingdom. And it starts to rain. Katie and I ran ahead to get to the Castle. Do you know that a soon-to-be 4yo just cannot keep up with a 5'9" adult on a deadline? I think she got about 4 raindrops on her due to the speed I made her run LOL. (Pause to self flog for not bringing strollers again!)

We check in at the breakfast desk for our 9:35am seating (14 & 15). Bob, Robby and Nana come into the lobby just as I finish our info. They were a bit more wet. (Note: Make sure you know where this desk is PRIOR to the breakfast. We checked this out on Monday afternoon.)

While waiting, you can greet the Fairy Godmother in the lobby. The line was soo long that we were called to the feast before we got a chance to meet her (which turned out to be a good thing..keep reading). If you have strollers and need to bring them with you, you must take an elevator. I would suggest parking the strollers - otherwise you would miss the chance to walk up inside the winding staircase to the second floor of Cinderella's Castle. Katie grew more excited with each step! To actually be IN Cinderella's Castle. Good thing that Mom was not excited at all about the idea. (DH: SHE IS LYING!!)

At the top of the stairs, you are ushered into a large room with regal columns, colorful hanging flags, beautiful vaulted ceilings..all surrounded by large 2 story leaded glass windows looking out onto Fantasyland. Remember to breathe as you take in the scene.

Lady Kathy (16) our server, brought us to our table near the windows. The table was beautiful with rich shades of green and purple and blue. Katie put on her princess tiara after a potty break. We all sat down and a wonderful breakfast was placed before us. The chocolate muffins are just the right balance of sweet and breakfast. It took me a minute to realize the cheese stuffed bread was the french toast I'd heard about. Lady Kathy brought Katie a birthday cupcake with a candle. She was happy - I saw any chance of her eating breakfast go down the tubes. Robby happily munched on pancakes and scrambled eggs.

Katie saved the first page in her autograph book for Cinderella (17). Then Princess Aurora (18). Snow White was an absolute doll...she kissed Robby's forehead and left a nice print (19). Belle and Cindy shared the spotlight for some pictures (20). Katie loved Mary Poppins "fluffy" hat (21). She had a great English accent. Lady Katie signed the autograph books and Princess Katie said goodbye to a few of her "royal subjects" (22, 23, 24).

It pays to be a slow eater!
By the time my royal entourage made it down the winding steps, it was between seatings and the lobby was empty...except for the Fairy Godmother (25). She was the epitome of a godmother. She was so kind to Katie and Robby - loved their cards. (Note: At Katie's insistence, I also made Robby a few "Sir Robby Drums-alot" cards. The Fairy Godmother got one of his cards too.) Katie lost much of her shyness and really opened up to talk to her. Then the Fairy Godmother did one of the most magical things of our whole trip: she gave Katie two beads-on-elastic bracelets and a handfull of pixie dust. You would have thought that Katie had won the lottery. If the Fairy Godmother of August 27th is reading....you truly are magical.

Onto the Kingdom...
It was still raining so we went into the connecting store to look for kiddy ponchos. None around. But I did buy a Castle with Tinkerbell noteholder (which was broken when I opened the package up again::sniff: [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img] and Nana bought a beautiful faux diamond band (26). But that trip sparked a mission. I have two wedding rings. One is part of my set and soldered to my engagement ring. The other is a plain thick gold band which perfectly matches in design and width to my dh's wedding band. Katie is always asking to wear my band wedding ring. So we decided to get her a ring of her own. The shop had nothing small enough for her little fingers so we went to Tinker Bell's Treasures next door. As I type, I proudly wear a thin band of hearts on my right hand - a perfect match to the ring on Katie's right hand. We bought her an extra in case she lost it. Cost of rings? $4 each. (and 27 and 28)

The rain had slowed down so it was off to explore Fantasyland. We did SSW again...are you surprised? As meltdown approached, we went in search of someplace quiet to eat and rest in airconditioning. Columbia Harbor House was the perfect refuge. We had a great corner table on the second floor...did you know there was a second floor with tables? It was so nice and quiet and clean and COOL. We just sat there and filmed Katie and Robby telling stories and more encore performances of Twinke Twinkle Little Star. I think Robby even took a cat nap in my arms.

Bob looked at his watch and we panicked. Parade Time. Thanks to the PassPorter, we knew to stand in Liberty Square to get a good view. The Dreams Come True parade was wonderful. I do hope those poor people in the snow globes have air conditioning! The kids loved seeing all the characters. And The Fairy Godmother recognized Katie and made a point of "talking" to her. She made the hand gestures "Eye C You". Katie waved and waved...with the braceleted arm of course.

The Parade ended about 3:20 and we realized we only had about 2.5 hours to see the rest of the Kingdom before the 6pm closing. We got a fast pass to Peter Pan, did SSW again (29) ...then the Carousel (30)...then the Dumbo ride (31). I sat with Katie...Bob took Robby. I don't know if it means my kids are daredevils but they loved Dumbo. Up and Down and Up and Down. It was great and the breeze felt nice too.

As we tried to exit, Card Recipient #31, the Dumbo ticket taker, gave Princess Katie a special card entitling us to go on any fastpass ride in Fantasyland...without the wait!!! That meant we could ride the Pooh Bear Ride!!!! (32 and 33) Can you see the pixie dust?? Pooh Bear was great...it was fun to see our shoes light up from the lighting. We were worried about getting on the moving walk to the hunny pots but it was fine. The speed was perfect.

Disney marketing is very smart as you exit the ride directly into the Pooh Bear store. Being weak mere mortals, we walked directly to the register with a Pooh Bear hat and stuffed Pooh and Tigger. With some of her birthday Disney dollars, Katie bought 2 Pooh light up spinner things (what are these called) for her and her brother (34). The cashier tried to get Katie to listen to Goofy sing "Happy Birthday" but Katie wouldnt listen.

Speed pass in hand, we ran to Peter Pan (35). You just want the ride to stop when you are flying over London! Bob and Nana think the ride has changed since the last time they were on it. When was it last renovated?

At 5:30 we lucked out and saw the Flag Ceremony on the way out of the park. With everything our country has endured over the past year, it was especially moving. Such reverence for our Flag. It was neat to see everyone standing with hand on heart.

Waited for the bus to go back (36).

For dinner we all took the ferry from POR-FQ to Riverside (37). Captain Martin was great. He loved the Princess card too. I honestly never expected such a reaction to the cards...soooo glad I helped Katie share her birthday. He made the boat ride very enjoyable.

And he prepared a surprise too! When we stood in line to pay for dinner, the cashier said "You must be Princess Katie!" The look on Katie's face was priceless. Captain Martin had arranged for Katie to receive a birthday cookie with candle and Mickey Mouse straw. And a Steamboat Willie Pressed Penny. Thank you Captain Martin.

Bob and I had the spit roasted chicken, Nana shared her order with Robby. Katie had the peanut butter and jelly lunch box (38). And ate every bit of it! Then...drum roll please.....MICKEY BARS FOR DESSERT!!! The adults were in happy land...Robby was cautious but eager. Katie was in love. Katie then sat with the kids for Milk and Cookies and Story time. We looked for Bathing Suits in the gift shop (I got a red one) and took another ferry home (39 & 40).

I took the kids for a late night swim and Bob and Nana went to Downtown Disney in search of swim trunks. Did I tell you that BOTH Bob and I forgot to pack bathing suits. Have bunches for the kids..none for us. Wasnt even on my packing list. [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

Then time for Bed...

to be continued...Getting the Star Treatment at MGM

[mom2mudmonsters]

Loving your report. The cards were such a great idea & have seemed to add just the right amount of pixie dust to your trip.

[GFHoneymoon1194]

Can you see this picture?

[mom2mudmonsters]

I can see the picture...looks like the "Princess" is in a trance looking at the castle!!!

[GFHoneymoon1194]

One more picture...
Imagine being 4 years old and seeing Cinderella and Prince Charming walk out out of the Castle on your very first trip to WDW
I love this picture....

[Ears42]

I love the picture! I too have a Princess Katie, and we are going to DW for her 4th Birthday in December. I love the business card idea. I would love to have the file. Can you send me an email? I've sent you a private message with my home email address in it!

Great Report (Although you stole my trip report title for our December trip) Now I have to get really creative.

[GFHoneymoon1194]

I guess I should warn people my business card file is created with WordPerfect...which most people dont' have anymore. The business card paper had an instruction sheet - it should be easy to create it in Word.

[DisneyNutMary]

Great report....sounds like Katie had the time of her life.

I like the idea of the cards, if you don't mind I may use that next year, we are planning to book a cruise that leaves on DS, Tommy's 5th birthday (Aug 23) and I have been worried that his birthday would get lost in the shuffle (like it usually does, being a vacationt time birthday). This could be the way to have his birthday finally recognized.

Did you just love Port Orleans? I stayed at Riverside last September, and it stands out as my favorite resort of all, the boat ride was magnificent, you actually feel transported in time as you roll down the river.

I can't wait to read more

[GFHoneymoon1194]

Originally posted by DisneyNutMary:
Great report....sounds like Katie had the time of her life.

I like the idea of the cards, if you don't mind I may use that next year, we are planning to book a cruise that leaves on DS, Tommy's 5th birthday (Aug 23)

<font size="2" face="Comic Sans MS, Arial">Please do use the idea. I know that being happy and cheerful every single day is hard. CM deserve a thank you too. But who could afford to tip. And Katie honestly loved the cards. They gave her a way to be outgoing when she wasnt comfortable enough to do it on her own. Some of these characters are big in size or "awe factor". The first day I kept handing them to her..by the second day it was "Mom I need a princess card"...which quickly progressed to carrying her own cards in her backpack. I can send the file to anyone interested. This would be a good idea for anyone traveling with children...regardless of birthday. Find another reason for the cards or just to say Thank you for the pixie dust.

Did you just love Port Orleans? I stayed at Riverside last September, and it stands out as my favorite resort of all, the boat ride was magnificent, you actually feel transported in time as you roll down the river.

I can't wait to read more

<font size="2" face="Comic Sans MS, Arial">I did love Port Orleans. French Quarter bus service was a little spotty. But I liked the smallness of the grounds. Riverside seems soo big, especially with little kids. I liked staying at FQ then taking the boat to Riverside when we wanted the change of scenery. We were planning to do the surry bikes but ran out of time. I would definitely stay at POR-FQ again!

[tikibird]

Lovin your report, and the pictures are GREAT! [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

I think it is very sweet that Katie spent some of her birthday dollars to buy her brother a Pooh spinner - she truly IS a princess! [img]graemlins/love.gif[/img]

Looking forward to more....

[luvnwdwgal]

Love the picture! I felt the same way the first time I was there, and I was 19! [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img] [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]
Looking forward to the next installment!