The Conover Family - September 2003

Hi, just returned from Disney World and DH is already trying to plan for our next trip. He simply loved it. We simply loved it. Our trip was from 9/13-9/18. Our trip started out a little sketchy since DH is a airline employee so we travel for very little $ but travel as stand-by. The flight to Orlando were getting full due to a delays and cancellations out of DFW so we opted to fly into Tampa. We arrived in Tampa about 9 p.m., found our rental car and located our hotel for the night. The Amerisuites. The following morning we spent a few hours at The Pier. It was a really nice place to visit. After a few hours we proceeded to Orlando.

Once we made it to Orlando we located our hotel for the night, The Comfort Inn LBV. We were very pleased with this hotel. We liked that it had security and especially liked that even though we reserved a standard room at a $29 rate we got a family/kid suite. DD just loved the bunkbeds and her own tv. That evening we went to Univeral City Walk. Tried to eat dinner at Margaritaville (DH a big parrotthead) but didn't anticipate a 2hr wait, so we opted for his little snack bar the Lone Palm Airport. After a bite to eat we strolled along and really enjoyed the evening. The following morning we checked out and made our way to WDW Contemporary Resort. When we arrived we were able to get a room right away. We made minor adjustments to our wardrobe and headed off to Animal Kingdom. We were very happy that even though we made it there at noon that DD was able to meet some characters. We really enjoyed watching them interact with DD. We made our way around the park and opted to ride Kilmanjaro Safaris instead of viewing the parade. We were able to walk right up and hop on. When we exited the ride we somehow managed to time it just right since we were able to view the parade after all. What a treat! We then made our way out of the park to return to our room for our PS for Chef Mickey's. Let me tell you this is the greatest character dinner! We had PS for 6:15, when we checked in we took part of the family photo option and our table was ready. The food was delicious and plentiful. The characters were simply wonderful. DD just loved dancing around with them and we had alot of one on one time with them.

Day 2 was spent at the Magic Kingdom. We again were in no hurry and took our time. After a quick bite at the Food Center we strolled to the MK and really enjoyed the little walk. Once there we rented a stroller and as we entered Main Street we once again timed it just perfectly. Characters were in full force. DD was able to meet Aladdin, Princess Aurora and Daisy Duck. We then travelled along Main Street and headed to the Castle. DH hopped into one of the shops within the Castle and while we were waiting for him I spotted Snow White and took off to meet her. After meeting her we rode the carosel, Dumbo and then off we went to meet Ariel. After that we made our way around Fantasyland and Mickey's Toontown Fair. There we were able to meet Cinderella, Suzy mouse and Mulan. We opted not to watch the parade and take in more rides. We then headed to the train and headed to Frontierland. Word of caution though, we left our stroller at the trainstation thinking that another one could be picked up at the Trading Post in Frontierland as stated on the receipt but that was not true. So, we strolled along this side of the park and headed to Adventureland and rode the Magic Carpets and was able to meet the Genie. We then headed out of the park and as we exited we once again timed it just right to meet more characters. We were able to meet Belle and just missed meeting Jasmine. That evening we opted for dinner from the Food Center and were able to watch the fireworks and hear the music from the California Grill from our parking lot. This was truly a magical 2 days.

On Day 3 (Tuesday) we visited MGM, this was a early entry park but really wasn't all that crowded. Once again we were in no hurry to get to the park so we probably arrived about 10:30. Once we got a stroller we headed down the street when they announced that characters were coming out. We were able to meet Lilo & Stitch, Pooh & Piglet and Eeyore. DD was very excited. We then picked up a fastpass for The Little Mermaid and did a little shopping when it was time for our fastpass. This show was amazing! DD really enjoyed it. We then proceeded to Playhouse Disney. We waited for about 30 minutes. Some of the children were very restless but once we were in it was great. We sat down near the front to the left of the stage at the end of the row. We really enjoyed seeing DD getting up and dancing and singing along. It was great! After Playhouse we made our way for a snack when they announced more characters were on their way out. We saw Princess Jasmine and left DH in line and ran across the courtyard to see her. Since we missed her at MK DD was yelling "Jasmine wait" as we ran. It was very cute to me to see how anxious she was to meet her. She was the last of the Princesses we needed so I was glad we were able to see her there. We then meet with Pinocchio and Gephetto. While Pinocchio was signing DD autograph book Gephetto lifted DD up and gave her big hugs. She was very pleased with that. It's just amazing to me how these characters interact with children. The looks on the child's face is worth all the money spent on vacation. We then took in the Muppet's 3D show. This was really neat. DD had never been to a 3D show so I wasn't sure how she would handle it but she enjoyed it very much. We then travelled to Al's toy barn and were able to meet with Wood, Buzz and Jesse from Toy Story2. After that we played in the Honey I Shrunk playground. After a little playtime we walked around enjoying the sights and decided to amble over and pick a spot for the parade before heading back to the Contemporary. Actually before leaving the hotel dd wanted to have dinner with Mickey again so we made PS for the evening before heading to the park. We waited a while for the parade and enjoyed a little entertainment before it started. The parade was awesome. DD just loves these parades. That evening we decided to head to Epcot for the fireworks after having dinner again with Mickey & the Gang. Once again the characters were in full force and gave everyone alot of attention. The food was delicious, love those mashed potatoes. DH decided that on our next trip he'd like to take in Epcot. We opted not to visit Epcot since we felt there really wasn't much DD (4) would have enjoyed but she did enjoy seeing the lights and the fireworks.

Day 4 (Wednesday) our last day. We made PS for Ohana at the Polynesian before leaving the resort. Today we decided to do MK again and take in a couple of things we didn't do and to see the parade, once again the park wasn't all that busy. Once we arrived DD was able to meet King John and Robin Hood. We then travelled along Main Street enjoying the sights more this time. We headed to Tomorrowland where we we able to walk right into Buzz Lightyear. DD and DH really enjoyed this ride. DD didn't know what she wanted to do more, shoot the aliens or spin the car. It was alot of fun. We then headed to Astro Orbitor. She really likes making these cars go up & down, and up & down. We then took the ride that takes you around Tomorrowland, I forgot what it's called. Then we headed to the raceway. DD loves to drive. DD then wanted to do Buzz again and once again we were able to walk right in. She then wanted to ride Peter Pan but on the way there she spotted the Tea Cups so there we go. We made a big fuss when she would spin the cup. She like to make us dizzy! We then headed to Peter Pan. The line was long so we fastpass and jumped in It's a Small World. By this time it was almost time for the parade so we headed down to the hub. We planted ourselves and shortly thereafter it started. DD really enjoyed seeing all the characters in the parade. She wanted to meet Peter Pan though. After the parade we made our way back to Peter Pan's ride and walked right in with the fastpass. DH says, FastPass is the way to go! After Peter Pan we popped in to Pinocchio's village for a quick snack. While DD and I ordered DH ran to Pooh for a fastpass. We got a table near the window looking out It's a Small World. DD really enjoyed waving to the people in the boats. After our snack we jumped on over to Pooh and then Dumbo. We then headed over to Frontierland and Adventureland. We managed to catch Goofy's Country Jamboree. That was alot of fun. We strolled over the Adventureland where DD wanted to ride the Magic Carpets again. It was getting late so we decided to head on out to freshen up before our dinner PS when we ran into Cinderella and Belle again. We had to get another photo with Belle, DH hit the off button when DD met her the other day so we didn't get a photo. We then exited and headed back to our room and then to the Polynesian. We were very impressed with the Polynesian. DH would like to stay here next time. The atmosphere was wonderful! The food was delicious and plentiful. Those with children may opt to order from the children's menu though. Our DD likes to eat pretty much what we eat but the seasonings on the meats were not to her liking to much. She did eat most of what we gave her though. After dinner they brought out a plate of fresh pineapple with caramel sauce. Delicious! We were also able to view the fireworks from here. It was very, very nice. After dinner we headed back to our resort and did a little last minute shopping before heading back to our room to pack. All in all this was a magical vacation! Wonderful weather, delicious food and great fun. Thanks to all of you on offering all types of tips and pointers really helped me in my planning. I was really worried since DH was handling the saving money part and I was handling all the rest of the planning. I really thought that once we made this trip we would not be doing it again for sometime but now DH wants to go again in May and take in the cruise. So, now I'm back to planning. Thanks again!