'OHANA means CHUNKY! An Aug 2017 Family TR THE END 4/26 - The Last Day and Trip Epilogue!

[Monykalyn]

I forgot what thread you put your sister's Etsy store on - I got the cards yesterday (ordered a Birthday one for my MiL too, along with the custom for my DD) and OMG they are beautiful!!!!
Just had to put this in here!

 

[kastoney]

i would still say skip it unless Casey really really wants it. Has she grown out of the princess phase yet?

She's sitting next to me on the couch in an Elsa costume if that answers your question I'm now sure if she even knows that CRT exists, but she's never really been enamored with character meals.

Here's my little solo adventure in Epcot. I had a great time, and it was a nice break from having to manage the group all week! I love my family but Disney is also a place where I enjoy being by myself too!

How awesome you got some time to yourself. I'm sure it was much needed!

I walked around what was left of Innoventions and did the little Glidden color wheel thing where you paint with the "magic" paintbrush.

I never remember that this exists. Casey loved the old stuff in Innoventions so I'm sure she'd love it. Is it in the same one Baymax is in or the other one? Asks the person who wouldn't know East from West unless the sun was setting.

Meanwhile here's what everyone else was up to that afternoon:

Shocked to see this

And yes. Sophie finally got to meet Mulan in her Mulan outfit!! Perfection!

Oh so happy for her. She looks perfect and both of them look amazing!

They also went to meet Anna and Elsa on the way to Mexico. Love Mimi's "awed" expression!

Her expression is everything!

But no one looks as terrified as Chunkysis! Hahahaha.

Was she putting on the face for the camera or is that real?

 

[chunkymonkey]

LOVE all the family pics, especially the one of all the guys!

Thanks! The guys one is the best!

Look how happy you all are!!!!!

I know...it's like I'm with my real family, LOL!

This is such a sweet picture! I love her expression--so happy

It is! It was a magical moment for her, I'm sure.

Awwww, this should be in a frame for sure! My husband would NEVER actively seek out a PP picture!! Love it!

It is so cute! I'm pretty sure Steve was the one who got them to take the picture, because he's the only one who knows that there's a PP photographer in that spot!

I love some Disney solo time! Looks like fun!

Great photos as always too.

Thank you! Solo time was such a rarity on this trip that I forgot how much I loved it!

I had no idea they’d even give out a rider swap at Frozen! That’s neat!

I can relate to loving some solo time! As a mama of 5, it’s nice to get away for a bit

I think they will give out a rider swap for most rides in the park it seems!
Wow 5! That's amazing, big families are so fun! I'm sure you do value your solo time though!

I somehow missed the update before CRT, but caught up now. As always I'm amazed at how well you coordinate with everyone. Happy you got some good solo time.

Thank you! I'm happy I got some solo time too! It's the little things...

Great pics! and Sophie and Mulan-perfection!

Bet you were ready for a bit of alone in the park time too

It was a really fun picture day!
And yes, that bit of solo time was much needed and I was grinning from ear to ear!

I think Epcot is my favorite park for a little solo time. I try to spend time alone in WS exploring the countries, taking as long as I like.

That photo on FEA is priceless! The bromance pictures are pretty cute, too!

I always do solo time at Epcot! It's my favorite, so much to see and do and shop and wander around.
I should probably frame both pics, side by side, Guys and Gals...lol!

I imagine I'll want some "steal away", me time when we do the big family gig, Oct, 2019. There comes a point when it becomes too MUCH family time.

Haha I'm sure! As someone who usually goes to WDW on adult-only trips, this was a big change for me, but it was a lot of fun too!

Aww, look at you!

I was having a magical moment myself!

Fun photo shoot with the guys. Looks like they had a good time too.

I think they did! Finally... a breather for them!

 

[chunkymonkey]

I couldn't agree more

I knew this post would resonate with you

Yay!!! And doesn't she look just absolutely adorable!

She does!

Of course! Her outfits are perfection, and I always love seeing them

She literally preps like months before a trip. We just booked for September, and she's already purchased a bunch of outfits!

She really likes doing that.

Can't imagine why!

So sad they got rid of that. Never got to try it. Looked like a huge time saver.

It's the one thing I miss most...more than Wishes...

"yet" being the operative word.

I kinda like it pearl-free!

Huh. I haven't been in a while, so I don't remember the names, let alone which I prefer.
Must fix that next trip.

It's all too sweet for me really, but when it's that hot out you kinda don't care!

That stuff is hard to not buy.

I may have bought something...

Me too. I've done orange... but don't like how I feel afterwards.

Me too! I did it once and I can't do it ever again. Green all the way! literally.

Ariel looks a little.... stunned.

She just misses you.

Everyone got some great PP pictures!

Glad the kids got to meet so many princesses, they really hit the jackpot today!

It was definitely a great day for pictures! I think everyone realizes how it's their last day in the parks and they really want to make the most of it!

I forgot what thread you put your sister's Etsy store on - I got the cards yesterday (ordered a Birthday one for my MiL too, along with the custom for my DD) and OMG they are beautiful!!!!
Just had to put this in here!

Aww thank you! I'm so happy you like them!

If anyone is wondering, her Etsy store is here: The Paper Crown

She's sitting next to me on the couch in an Elsa costume if that answers your question I'm now sure if she even knows that CRT exists, but she's never really been enamored with character meals.

Haha that's so cute! It might be worth to check it out once, you never know!

How awesome you got some time to yourself. I'm sure it was much needed!

Absolutely needed!!!

I never remember that this exists. Casey loved the old stuff in Innoventions so I'm sure she'd love it. Is it in the same one Baymax is in or the other one? Asks the person who wouldn't know East from West unless the sun was setting.

I think this is the....side that is closer to Mission Space. LOL I'm bad with directions too. It's opposite form the Baymax side.

Shocked to see this

I know! Can't comprehend why she'd do this.

Oh so happy for her. She looks perfect and both of them look amazing!

It's such a sweet picture! She had a her own magical moment!

Her expression is everything!

It is! I love these expressions!

Was she putting on the face for the camera or is that real?

Haha It's definitely real, she wouldn't have known that there was a ride pic because I didn't tell her and there wasn't one on the Maelstrom which she went on years ago. She probably doesn't remember much about the drop. It's not even a drop, it's like an incline.

 

[pkondz]

Can't imagine why!

It's the one thing I miss most...more than Wishes...

I get that.

I kinda like it pearl-free!

Really! Why, if I might ask?

It's all too sweet for me really, but when it's that hot out you kinda don't care!

And you can't beat the price point.

I may have bought something...

Oh? Care to share?
Or is that coming up later?

She just misses you.

Poor thing. I've neglected her so.

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Hurrah for some solo time! It has to be a bit overwhelming at times to be “in charge” of such a big group and used to doing your own thing. WDW is so great in that regard because it’s so easy to split up and get back together later. Looks like a fun afternoon at Epcot - that’s where I’d head for “me time” as well. Tell your sis I was a little scared the first time on Frozen as well. The anxiety of not knowing what will happen gets to me, haha. All in all I don’t hate that ride nor do I think it ruined the spirit of WS like I was worried initially. Gives me hope for Ratatouille and the rumored Mary Poppins attraction. Love the bromance shoot!!

 

[Tracy161]

She literally preps like months before a trip. We just booked for September, and she's already purchased a bunch of outfits!

It would require months of prep for sure! Excited to see what she comes up with for September

 

[wdwnut61]

Yay for alone time it's nice to be able to take your time and not feel any pressure to hurry up.
Sofie's picture with Mulan is beautiful.
Love all the family pictures such great memories.

 

[StarWarsMomofGirls!]

Still rock'n the bun!

And yes. Sophie finally got to meet Mulan in her Mulan outfit!! Perfection!

Perfect! I love when they match the princess. I love Mulan as a princess to meet. She always seems close to her animated version.

I just love it. They look so happy.

They also went to meet Anna and Elsa on the way to Mexico. Love Mimi's "awed" expression!

It's always about Elsa! Anna is fun but Elsa is the show stopper.

I love the solo time. I am hoping I can do a little one night when we are in Disneyland.

But no one looks as terrified as Chunkysis! Hahahaha.

Ha! Too funny.

Adorable!

Both of these are too funny! But seriously great photos of them!

 

[MeghanEmily]

Here's my little solo adventure in Epcot. I had a great time, and it was a nice break from having to manage the group all week! I love my family but Disney is also a place where I enjoy being by myself too!

Nice! I'm sure this was exactly what you needed to refresh!

Baymax takes great selfies!

And yes. Sophie finally got to meet Mulan in her Mulan outfit!! Perfection!

Amazing!!!

And Mimi's shocked expression with the Frozen girls is adorable!!

But no one looks as terrified as Chunkysis! Hahahaha.

 

[DVCGreg]

Day 1 Part 1: And so it begins...an MK morning

When I'm in Disney I usually have an internal alarm that gets me up early, not like race-day early but usually around 7am. But of course on that morning of our first day all I wanted to do was sleep. It was no help that we had a connecting room to CT1 and her family because Caylee and Bryan absolutely LOVED to wake us all up when they woke up. It is actually really cute to be woken up by your niece and nephew who think your room is a new playground. So as I was awoken by their banging on the connecting door, I opened one eye and asked Steve to call the bellhop to deliver our Garden Grocer order and then promptly pulled the sheets up over my head to catch another 10 minutes of shuteye before my niece and nephew decided to pull them off me. It was 8am. Yawn.

Today was a late start, since we had such a late night (later than I anticipated) but we still had to make it to breakfast at Crystal Palace by 10:20am. Chunkysis, who was sharing the room with Steve and I, was already up and about, laying out her outfit for the day. So I got up, showered, and when I got out the groceries had been delivered. We texted everyone to come to our room to pick up the stuff they ordered and that we'd all meet at the monorail by 9:30am. I knew they started the bag check at the monorails now so I thought we should get there with ample time to do so. We found out that Sienna's crib wasn't delivered until 2am which is when she finally went to sleep, and I'm assuming when everyone else in that room did too. Poor family, but Disney calls!

I reminded everyone to wear their magic bands. Chunkysis reminded everyone to bring their 1) Autograph books 2) Sharpies 3) Pennies and quarters for the pressed penny machines. She was on top of that every day. Good thing though as the parents wouldn't have remembered half the time. I also remembered to leave a mousekeeping envelope. My sister hand-makes these for our trip and she handed a bunch of them to every one else too. Each envelope is a different Disney print which is very cute.

We're ready to go!

Where is everyone else?

Amazingly we were all at the entrance to the monorail by 9:35am. Not too shabby. This was after I sent a couple of "Where is everyone" texts at 9:25am.
To my surprise monorail bag check was not too bad. They still had to check like every stroller and bag but it wasn't as painful as I thought it would be because there were far fewer people on line. The best part was being able to skip the park bag check lines which are usually much worse!

Waiting for the monorail

We got on a monorail and got to MK and reached the turnstiles. It's nice that the strollers can fit on the monorails and this was always why my family preferred the monorail over the buses.
At the ticket entrance I had to show the kids how to scan their band, Mickey to Mickey, and do their fingerprint. All the kids seemed to forget which finger they used all the time, I realized. But the first time was the easiest...and we were in!

I was carrying Eva and upon first turning onto Main Street. she saw Cinderella's Castle for the first time. She had a smile on her face.

She was impressed.

So was Caylee.

Whew!

Bryan and Sienna had the same stoic look of "I'm hot and what's going on?" most of the time, haha.

We had a few moments before breakfast so we got some PP pictures. The PP Photographer was very impressed with CS's outfit so she made her knee on the ground in the center. LOL.

After pictures I managed to herd them all through main street and into Crystal Palace in time, although CS wanted to keep taking pictures, but there was plenty of time for that later!

It was hot. Definitely humid, so it's a good thing our first thing to do is...EAT!

We were shown to our two large tables next to each other. It of course takes us 10 minutes to figure out where everyone wanted to sit as some of the kids wanted to sit next to each other and their parent and since this isn't Twister, not every kid can have their wish. Finally it was decided the older kids would sit together with the younger ones next to their parents. This was a trend at every restaurant we went to.

Of course everyone wants to sit next to me. Cos I'm the cool aunt.

(substitute aunt for mom)

4
I'm not a regular aunt, I'm a cool aunt.

Orange juices for everyone and coffees for the adults (yes!) we headed up in batches for the buffet. I told them Tigger was only a few tables away so we had to coordinate their return in time.

Pics of the buffet. I tried to get more but Eva and Sophie wanted to follow me so I had to help them get food too.

Sorry I should have taken pictures when the food was replenished but I just wasn't there at the right time.

This guy though, this guy makes the BEST omelettes! Everyone had an omelet and we all said, wow this omelet is really good. He fries the filling separately from the egg and then puts them all together. It's great.

I got an omelet with bacon, onion, tomato and some cheddar. It was really delicious and the bacon was crispy.

This was the breakfast lasagna which was layers of cake and fruit and pudding, sort of like a bread pudding with bananas and strawberries but not quite as baked. It was pretty good but not like wow good. The puffy french toast was yummy as were the Mickey waffles, of course!

Our first set of character pictures with Tigger!

Everyone remembered to get their autograph books signed too!

There are more pictures of every family but I'm just showing the ones I have on my phone or camera.

Somehow I missed Eeyore! I was at the buffet I think. Oh well. I love Eeyore though.

And finally Piglet!

We had to chase Piglet down because they forgot their autographs and at first the CM wasn't going to let us disrupt Piglet's flow but Kelly's DH's Honyee is one convincing fellow and somehow hemanaged to finagle the signatures for all the autograph books.

You'll notice that Caylee is not in these pictures because she refused take any. She did NOT like characters. She'd tolerate princesses but that's it.

We had a great time at CP. It was our first real meal after our long travel night and airplane food. It was also the first character experience and most of the kids loved it. I thought it was a nice relaxing way to "ease" everyone into the Disney experience! It took an hour and a half total for breakfast - and I had to usher everyone out because our FP for our very first ride, Peter Pan, was about to expire. On to Fantasyland!

Of course nothing is that quick...we have to make sure all the kids go to the bathroom, we have to get everything packed up, have to get the stroller. Have to figure out who actually wants to ride the stroller or who wants to be carried and who wants to walk. All that takes another 15 minutes before we actually leave the restaurant.

But no worries as I was in my Happy Place!

I love this picture of the realities of traveling with small kids...

Sienna and Eva in the double stroller, Bryan with his portable neck fan who wanted to walk on the ledge being helped by CS. Cooling towels worn by almost everyone. Stroller fans at full blast. Disney in the summer is a glamorous time!

Oh yeah, you want to know what a sweat blanket feels like? Go to Disney in August. Good times.

We finally make it to Peter Pan. Oh but guess what, we have to get the kids out of the stroller and park the stroller and then get on line. Well some of us without strollers just got one line.

Eva then decideed she wants to ride with me. So I got to take her on her first official Disney World ride!

Her first words: "I can't see a thing!"



But after she gets off, she decided she LOVES this ride and wants to go back on. I distracted her from the 70 minute wait time by suggesting, wow, Small World is only 15 minutes! So we walk across and ride IASW.

I think we took up an entire boat!

Oh look who's awake!

Coming Up, 7DMT - do I lose Cool Aunt status?
​

Great Pictures of the inside of Crystal Palace! Looks beautiful!

~DVC Greg
#dvcrentals

 

[cinderkelly]

I saw that! THanks for joining in! It's great to have you. I "met" you through Kelly, but sadly she's not around much anymore. I miss her.

Popping in to say hi! Was thinking about you today and thought I’d stop by and see what’s been happening. I had to take a bit of a DIS break, the family was feeling ignored and I got overwhelmed trying to keep up.

When is your next trip Su-Lynn??

I know I’ve got a ton of catching up to do

Miss you guys

 

[chunkymonkey]

Really! Why, if I might ask?

I don't know! Maybe I just like the carriage as-is. Or maybe it's just a matter of time before I get a pearl myself. I honestly could do without the hoopla that is the pick a pearl and maybe just use a pearl I already have.

Oh? Care to share?
Or is that coming up later?

I ended up buying this t shirt!!

Poor thing. I've neglected her so.

I think you need to make another trip under the sea!

Hurrah for some solo time! It has to be a bit overwhelming at times to be “in charge” of such a big group and used to doing your own thing. WDW is so great in that regard because it’s so easy to split up and get back together later. Looks like a fun afternoon at Epcot - that’s where I’d head for “me time” as well. Tell your sis I was a little scared the first time on Frozen as well. The anxiety of not knowing what will happen gets to me, haha. All in all I don’t hate that ride nor do I think it ruined the spirit of WS like I was worried initially. Gives me hope for Ratatouille and the rumored Mary Poppins attraction. Love the bromance shoot!!

Solo time is so underrated. I guess for the planner in all of us, it's a great time to let loose. I agree WDW is great to split up and get back together. Provided everyone knows where they were going. I had to keep telling people how to get back to the hotel and go to Disney Springs and stuff. #walkingguidebook

I am all for new rides. I did really like the Maelstrom though, but alas everything cannot stay the same over time. I'm really looking forward to all the new stuff they are adding to Epcot!

The Bromance shot is the best!

It would require months of prep for sure! Excited to see what she comes up with for September

She wants me to be "twinning" with her.
I told her maybe for one outfit.

Yay for alone time it's nice to be able to take your time and not feel any pressure to hurry up.

Absolutely!! It was a great break!

Sofie's picture with Mulan is beautiful.

It was such a perfect moment for her, I'm so happy she got to meet her!

Love all the family pictures such great memories.

Thank you! It was wonderful capturing those moments!

Still rock'n the bun!

The bun stayed intact all day!

Perfect! I love when they match the princess. I love Mulan as a princess to meet. She always seems close to her animated version.

She does! She is a very good meet n greet. I still need to take Chunkysis to meet her and have matchmaker find her a husband.

It's always about Elsa! Anna is fun but Elsa is the show stopper.

She certainly is! Anna is more approachable but Elsa is a Queen!!

I love the solo time. I am hoping I can do a little one night when we are in Disneyland.

You totally should! Disneyland is so amazing I love it there.

Both of these are too funny! But seriously great photos of them!

They are great pictures of "the guys!"

Nice! I'm sure this was exactly what you needed to refresh!

Definitely!! Refreshing time alone on a not so refreshing hot day!

Baymax takes great selfies!

He does! Although his arms are like a t-rex.

Amazing!!!

And Mimi's shocked expression with the Frozen girls is adorable!!

They were very cute pictures!! Love their expressions.

Great Pictures of the inside of Crystal Palace! Looks beautiful!

Thank you! We had a great first meal there!

Popping in to say hi! Was thinking about you today and thought I’d stop by and see what’s been happening. I had to take a bit of a DIS break, the family was feeling ignored and I got overwhelmed trying to keep up.

When is your next trip Su-Lynn??

Hi Kelly!! Thanks for popping by!!
Our next trip is not until Labor Day week. We'll be there from Sept 1-9th.
Maybe if Toy Story land offers previews for DVC and AP, we may head down there in June, but it would only be for the weekend. When is your next trip?

Miss you guys

Miss you too Kelly!!!
Hope all is well!

 

[cinderkelly]

Our next trip is not until Labor Day week. We'll be there from Sept 1-9th.
Maybe if Toy Story land offers previews for DVC and AP, we may head down there in June, but it would only be for the weekend. When is your next trip?

Kiya and I will be taking a mom and me trip June 28-July 3. Just so happens Toy Story Land opens on my birthday! Would love to get an AP preview on the 29th. If you decide to come down for the opening please let me know, I’d love to see you!

 

[pkondz]

I don't know! Maybe I just like the carriage as-is. Or maybe it's just a matter of time before I get a pearl myself. I honestly could do without the hoopla that is the pick a pearl and maybe just use a pearl I already have.

I get that. Big show... (usually) not so great pearls.

I ended up buying this t shirt!!

I like it!!

I think you need to make another trip under the sea!

You don't think I should play hard to get?

 

[MeghanEmily]

He does! Although his arms are like a t-rex.

Yes!!

 

[natebenma]

Solo Disney time is so great! It's nice to have a little time when you can do EXACTLY what you want!

I love that your shirt and necklace are perfectly matched and themed.

Yay for booking some fantastic Fast Passes, even if you were the only one who used a couple of them.

Excellent character pictures with you, and with your family and friends and even the guys got into it! That's really nice! And of course the picture of the Mulans is perfection.

YAY for a Frozen appetizer to your Norway meal.

 

[Steppesister]

Miss you guys

We miss you too!

 

[soniam]

Just finished reading your trip report. I have been a bad DIS friend. I realized that I hadn't even posted after our November trip. Work and life got busy. I also quit getting notices about my watched threads. So glad to hear that your dad is doing well. I'll go post on the other trip report.

 

[bcwife76]

Oh my gosh, that Mulan meet and greet is perfection!!! So gorgeous!! I love how you got to do some solo stuff on this trip, eventhough you went with ALL the family!!!

Haha, the bro-bonding pics are pretty cute, too