Tomasella Disney Family Trip

Travel dates: May 4th to May 10th
Travel Method: Spirit Airlines, DME
Resort: Wilderness Lodge
Cast of Characters, John, 73 Trip Reporter, Norma Jean 62 Trip Planner
Daughter Jen 37 Son-in-law Matt 38
Grandsons Aiden 7, Jonathan 5, Collin 2

First of all I have to apologize. We’ve been on two trips where I haven’t written a trip report. The lame excuses are; for the first trip I forgot my notebook home and there were a gang of us and it would have been a hassle keeping track of everybody since some were going off in different directions. On the second trip I told NJ to pick me up a note book about a week before the trip. The morning of our trip I asked for it and she forgot where she put it. So there you have it. But it’s not as bad as “the dog ate my trip report.”

We’re trying something different this trip. We usually fly out in the early morning but this trip we’re going to take a Saturday evening flight at 6:30PM. It will save us 60 dollar a person. This flight price is available to Spirit Airlines 9 dollar club members. We’ll get to Orlando about 8:40. If Magic Kingdom has Wishes at 10 we’ll try to make it.
Our daughter and her family are going to drive down. They plan to go to Lego Land before going to WDW.

We’ll all be staying at the Wilderness Lodge. We stayed there in December. We usually like to stay at a different resort on trips other than our Christmas trips but we weren’t sure we could get all our days at the Boardwalk for all of us and NJ didn’t want to take the chance of losing our WL reservations.

A quick note about that Christmas trip. We usually go the first week in December but decided to go the second week because of the Pop Warner football playoffs are always that week. I’ve seen threads that said the first week is a good week to go but after going the second week in December we intend to do that week from now on. Crowd levels were really low and we were able to negotiate the parks without a problem.

Departure Day
Left home at 3PM and arrived at the airport at 3:30. Atlantic City is not a big airport so going through security was a breeze. We wanted to get here early so we could sit together. Spirit Airlines charges for seats. The last trip in December going and coming back we did not sit together. Our flight was scheduled for 5:40PM but when we arrived at the airport there was a small delay and was now scheduled for 6 PM. Our arrival time was 8:20. A couple years ago it used to be a 2 hour flight now its 2 hours and 20 minutes. I think the airlines are extending flight time to same fuel. Some trip reports the writers indicate leaving late but making up time in the air.
While waiting (I have to watch how I word this) an older couple sat down across from us. I didn’t pay much attention to them but after about a half hour NJ pointed out to me the carryon they had was a satchel with a small dog in it. Coincidentally they sat right across from us on the plane. The dog never barked once the whole trip.
We landed about 8:10, 15 minutes later then our arrival time. Since we wanted our luggage right away we didn’t use the yellow ME labels. It didn’t take long for our luggage to arrive and we were on our way to ME. We zipped right to the staging area and I looked outside and there was only one bus in front of the building. I looked to my right and there was a really long line against the wall. After 15 minutes a bus arrived and it was ours. I keep watching that other line grow. Maybe this is why some people don’t like ME. (Magical Express-not me). I don’t know where they were all headed but a bus pulled up and a cast member started to let them board. He had a counter in hand and stopped the line after a certain count. I’m sure the ones waiting to board were getting upset by now. We sat for about another 10 minutes until another family arrived and the driver closed the luggage compartment and we left. Each bus must have a check list of who they have to pick up at the airport because we’ve jumped on the bus with no one else and the bus did not wait and took off.

While we were waiting on the bus our daughter sent a video. They never told the kids they were going to WDW. NJ had bought and wrapped three of the Mickey spinners you see at the parades. When they stopped to eat dinner she asked them where they wanted to go on vacation and handed them the presents. The look on their faces was priceless.

We were the second stop and arrived about 10 PM. We checked in (NJ had done the on line check in) and headed down to Roarin’ Forks to get a bite to eat.

Day 1 May 5th
We decided that we would go to Epcot today since the rest our party was driving down from NJ. We left for the bus stop at 8 and an Epcot bus was pulling out. 10 minutes later an Epcot bus arrived and a family got on and spoke to the driver and then got off. The child in the family said “Mom, I told you this bus was going to Epcot”. A second Epcot bus pulled up while we were loading before any other park bus arrived.

Got to Epcot about 8:30 with the usual Fort Wilderness stop. We had to renew our annual passes so we went to the ticket window. The cast member was very slow. The process usually takes 5 minutes and she stretched it to 15.

The park opened at 8:50. I like the new entry machines they have now. I didn’t have a problem the whole trip but after a couple days NJ did and my daughter’s family had problems the last two days.

We headed to Sornin’ and it was a walkon. We got fast passes when we got off and went into Sunshine Seasons to get something for breakfast. We got the adult breakfast platter and the bread pudding to share. The breakfast platter is plenty for two. It has 2 pieces of bacon, sausage and French toast, scrambled eggs and potatoes. The bread pudding was also delicious. NJ got a coffee which was very hot so instead of going on Living with the Land we head off to Spaceship Earth.




Then back to The Land for Living with the Land which I always enjoy since I love gardening. We got off the ride at 10:15. Our daughter Jen sent NJ a text. It was a picture of the WDW arch.
They made it from NJ in 15 hours. We were worried they wouldn’t be here in time for our 5 o’clock reservation at Rain Forest.

We left Epcot figuring their room wouldn’t be ready and they could put some things in our room. There was one other couple at the bus stop when we got there. After 15 minutes (I was trying to keep track of times since I was doing a trip report) I asked them how long they were waiting and they said they were there 15 minutes. Three Riverside buses passed while we were waiting. 5 minutes later our bus arrived. It took only 10 minutes to get to the WL.

The kids were all excited but the 2 year old had a fever. We spent time looking around. Got drinks at Roarin’ Forks. Went to the small playground at the lodge. We were still full from breakfast so NJ and I skipped lunch. We decided to take DD and the 2 yr old GS on the boat to the MK and then hopped on the monorail and circled the resorts and then took the boat back to the WL. Son-in-law and other 2 grandsons went in the pool. It was 2 o’clock so we went back to the room to get ready for dinner at DTD.

We got to DTD around 4 and NJ and I went to World of Disney to look for a Mickey ring. We looked all week but she didn’t see anything she liked at the price we could afford. The rest of the family headed for the Lego store since the middle one loves legos.
T-Rex is next to the Lego store so my SIL asked about wait time and they said they could seat us right away. So we decided to eat there and cancel ressies at Rain Forest.

NJ and I split a ribs and chicken dinner and the boys had corn dogs and mac and cheese. Matt had a glocamole burger and Jen something flat bread. Dinner was pricy. Two of the boys got chocolate milk and they came with tops and straws. When they asked for refills they did not come with tops and when Jen removed the top on the baby’s and got ready to place it on the new cup the baby spilled the little bit he had remaining from the first on her dress. Needless to say, she was upset that the waiter did not bring the refills like the original. Don’t remember what discount we had but I think it was our DVC membership.

After dinner we went back to the Lego store to get something GS2 (GrandSon) wanted. We stopped at Ghiardelli’s for ice cream. I had a hot fudge sundae, NJ a root beer float and the kids and Jen had cups and Matt a banana boat. When Matt got up to throw away his trash a bird landed on the seat of his pants. The man at the next table noticed it and Matt didn’t even feel it. The bird stayed there for a good minute until NJ was going to take him off and he flew away.

We headed to the bus stop because they were exhausted. Matt was holding GS3 and they both fell asleep on the bus.

While they went to the room, NJ and I sat by the fireplace in the Villa’s. I probably dozed off for a minute and Jen came down and said she could not find her camera bag with her video camera and camera and extra lens. She said she had placed it on the floor in the back of the car. We went to the car with her and looked all over. She thinks maybe at one of the stops along the way one of the boys knocked it out of the car and didn’t put it back in and somebody picked it up. They decided to drive to WDW to save on plane fare for 5 and now they are looking to replace equipment valued at about the same price. Needless to say, everyone was upset. So we decide to call it a night about 9.

Miles walked 4.60

Day 2 May 6th
Today is Hollywood Studio day. Got up a little before 6 and went to Roarin’ Forks for coffee and to sit in front of the fireplace in the main lobby and work on my trip report notes. About 7 I went back and got NJ her coffee and a second cup for me. This will be my routine for the morning for the rest of the trip. NJ was up which is unusual since she likes to sleep late. She said she couldn’t sleep because of the camera issue. Daughter’s family was ready by 8:15. We had to wait for Matt because he had a work call and two HS buses came and went. We got to the park about 9:15 and I went ahead and got fast passes for TSM. There wasn’t anyone else in line. We decided to go see Jack Sparrow since the wait time for TSM was 45 minutes. It’s a cute show and the character is quite life like.

After JS the wait time was still 45 so we decided to go through the queue since the kids would probably enjoy seeing all the games they play in giant size. The time actually was 40 minutes. We then went to the Backlot Tour. After that we got lunch at the counter service just outside the exit. Jen brought peanut butter and jelly for them while NJ and I had a vegetable flatbread which one sandwich is enough for two. NJ gave half of hers to Jen. It was very good.

After lunch the kids went into Honey I Shrunk the Kids playground for a while. Our fast pass window opened up so we went back to TSM. Being a good sport (Ahem), I have to mention NJ beat me both times. Then we went to Star Tours. I watched GS3 while everyone else went on because I get an upset stomach even on the new version.

Now it was off to T of T. Jen, Matt and GS2 went on but GS2 did not like it. There was a 40 minute wait for R and R so Jen and Matt went on while NJ and I watched the kids. We went back to the other side of the park to the Great Movie Ride. Since GS3 had fallen asleep I sat this one out and watched him.

I was now about 4 so we started to exit the park since we had dinner reservations at O’Hanna’s for 5:20. On the way out one of my and NJ’s favorite side shows at the park was just starting at the Hat. Mulch, Sweat and Shears. If you haven’t seen this you should check the park guide for times. They usually perform back by the stunt show. We watched for about 5 minutes and left.

We got the bus for the Polynesian and checked it a little before 5. We were seated about 5:10. As usual, the food was great. Tables in Wonderland saved us 40 dollars. After supper my daughters family wanted to go back to the hotel and get some pool time but it was a little chilly for us. Since they don’t have park hoppers NJ and I decided to go to MK. We strolled the main street shops where NJ looked for her Mickey ring again but came up empty. We went back to the hotel and got coffee and sat in front of the fireplace in the main lobby till about 9 and went back to the room. In bed by 9:45.
Miles walked 4.15

Day 3 May 7th
Jen texted NJ last night that she went out to the car to get the kids homework and lifted the seat that was folded down with a compartment underneath and there was her camera bag. She is so relieved. Pardon the space between sentences but something happened and the font size went small and I had to make it larger to match and ended up with the spacing. I’m old school and don’t know how to fix it.

We promised the kids we would get them pancakes this morning but Jen had already made them breakfast. We went down to the bus stop to catch the Epcot bus. There was already a big line. While we waited 3 DTD buses came and nobody got on any of them. Four MK buses, 2 Animal Kingdom and HS buses. I mentioned before it’s about a 30 minute round trip for one bus so we should have to wait as long as we did. When the bus arrived everyone that was there before us started cheering. We had people standing in the aisle before the Fort Wilderness stop. Luckily only 3 people got on.

Bag check lines were very long and they had 5 inspectors. I looked back after we got through and it was still long and scores of people were headed our way. I went ahead for fast passes for Sorin. Met up with the rest of the crew and went on Living with the Land. We got Danish after the tour and after Sorin we had to leave because today was our day to go on the African Trek Tour that we received as a Christmas present. I’ve mentioned in a past trip report that if you don’t know what to get someone who has everything, Disney has a number of tour packages that a Disney lover would enjoy.

We made it to Animal Kingdom about 11. The tour starts at 11:30 so we headed to the checkin at the entrance to the safari. After a brief introduction they dressed everyone (12) in harnesses. We started down Pangani? Trail and wearing ear pieces we were able to identify different animals along the way. After a short walk, the guide opened a gate which led to a hiking trail. We walked along until we came to the hippo pool where they hooked us up to bar that ran along the edge so we could look over without falling. We hiked some more till we came to a rope bridge. An Indian Jones type bridge with boards missing and broke.
We were hooked up again and walked this bridge one at a time for about 75 yards until we came to a platform. There was another rope bridge about 50 yards long to get to the other side. Each time passing over the road the safari trucks take for their tour. We were now over the crocodiles’ where the guide gave us information about them.

A truck was waiting for us to take us on our personal safari tour. We mingled in with the regular tour trucks besides stopping off to the side to have a closer look at the animals. After about an hour we stopped at a pavilion for lunch. It is now about 2:00. They gave us a stainless steel canteen with 6 individual containers of mostly African style foods. One container had two types of dried meat, 1 with 2 shrimp with an odd sauce on them, one with sushi and crunchy thin and white vegetable under the sushi, pureed tomato mixed with something, one with yellow pieces that looked like egg salad and one cup of fruit. They also had a fruit juice to drink. The guide did explain what each dish was but I didn’t pay attention. NJ would probably say for the thousandith time that I need a hearing aid. There is a long walk way off to the rear of the pavilion and we went back there where someone was feeding hay to the rhino back there. The rhino walked right up to the truck but the feeder made sure she got back in before he got there. He didn’t eat long and when he left two antelope standing by went over to eat hay. Two ostriches came running by, which didn’t disturb the antelope.

We boarded the truck again and toured more of the savahana. We did not see any lions out and about. The guide said the best time to see the lions is one of the last safaris. They are moving around late in the day.

We went back to our starting point to gather our things. They gave all of us a stainless steel water bottle to keep when we started the tour. We also got CD’s of our tour which came to our house the day after we got home. It was about 2:30 so we headed back to Epcot to catch up with the rest of the family. NJ texted Jen to find out where they were and they were at the Coke pavilion which was perfect since we wanted to see the butterfly exhibit which is right there.

After the exhibit we met the family at Norway where they went on the boat ride and the kids liked it. We walked around the gift shop while we waited. I love the smell of that cologne in there but I don’t wear cologne or I definitely would buy that.

The Three Caballero’s were coming out at 4:10 so I went down to Mexico to save a spot in line. I was about 6th in line. The three boys had on Three Caballero tee shirts NJ and their Mom made for them and the TC’s made a big fuss over the boys.

We had a 5:20 reservation at Via Napoli but the kids were hungry so Matt asked the matre’d at Mexico if any times were available. She said she could seat us right away so we cancelled the Via Napoli. I wasn’t impressed with the menu at Mexico. They only had 5 entrees to choose from and none appealed to me. Since we had just eaten lunch a couple hours ago NJ and I ordered off the appetizer selections. I had a 3 taco’s combination and NJ had a melted cheese dip. Matt and Jen split a dinner for two and the boys had quasidias? Matt and Jen thought their food was very flavorable. It was grilled steak and chicken with a bowl of beans, a bowl of rice and vegetables on the platter. NJ said her cheese dip was very oily. The boys are used to quesadillas since Jen makes them at home. They came with rice and green beans which they did not eat. The only thing they had for a discount was a DVC membership card but it would only cover 4 people so I told the waitress to use it on Matt and Jen’s dish and the kids but she used it on NJ’s and my appetizers. I didn’t feel like making her change the checks so I let it go.

We walked around to China. Matt didn’t feel like staying and the kids started getting tired so we headed back to the resort. When we got back we took GS1 and 2 to Roarin Forks for Mickey bars and a bag of Cheetos. NJ and I got coffee and the kid’s hot chocolate. We were in bed by 9.

Miles walked 5.08

Day 4 May 8th
Today is MK day and GS2’s birthday. Today he is 6. Same routine. We had promised the kids again today we would get them pancakes. We went down to RF and the kids said they would rather have Mickey waffles so that’s what we got. We were out of there by 8:20. Jen wanted to save what the kids did not eat so I brought the leftovers to the room. I made it back to the boat ramp just as the boat was leaving We waited about 20 minutes when the Fort Wilderness boat pulled up and he said our boat would be another 10 minutes and it was. How do you run only one boat on a morning when it early morning hours? The line for the boat was now way back to the woods.

When we finally made it to MK we headed straight to BTMR. It was a walk on. NJ watched GS3 and since it was a walk on Matt switched with NJ. We then headed to Splash Mountain which was a 10 minute wait.

It’s a little before 11 and we decided to get lunch early. We headed to Casey’s for hot dogs and corn dogs.

After lunch we went to Fantasyland. I went to Space Mountain to get fast passes. The wait time showed 10 minutes. The kids went on the carousel and we took in IASW. When you get to the sign that reads “use either side” take the left side because the right side merges with fast pass holder at the loading dock.

After IASW we had a complimentary fast pass for 6 that Matt got at the entrance because two of his tickets would not work. One of the tickets did not work at Epcot but they let them in. There was a cast member at the entrance with a computer and she said both ticket read OK. After PP it was 12:55 and we went to do Haunted Mansion. It showed a 10 minute wait but the line was past the entrance point. I asked the cast member if that was a correct time and he assured me that it was pretty close. The wait was just over 10. We got in the stretching room under the lady with the umbrella because that’s where the door opens to the doom buggies. Again, it was and enjoyable ride through the ghost mansion.

Checking time again, it was now 1:25 and the fast passes were for 1:30 so we high tailed it over to SM. NJ and I did not go on we watched GS3 again. We took him on the People Mover which he enjoyed but he was starting to doze off when we exited so we put him in the stroller and people watched.

When the crew got off SM we decided it was time for a Dole Whip so off to Frontierland we went. Matt and GS1 didn’t want Dole Whips so they took in the Hall of Presidents. So we had to enjoy our doles by ourselves. When we finished Jen took GS2 and 3 on Aladin. We were going to go on Jungle Cruise but Matt texted us he was heading back to the resort for some pool time. It was around 4 so we decide to head back also and get ready for our dinner reservation at the Hoop-De-Do.

Everybody made it to the boat dock by 5:20. We had to sign up at 5:30 for the 6:15 show. We checked in while the kids played in the playground.

We were seated right at 6:15 and had a table right up front. I know the jokes are corny but who cares when you have a fried chicken leg in one hand and a BBQ rib in the other. The food was very good again. Love the chicken, mashed potatoes, ribs, cornbread, salad, corn, wait, there’s nothing else except the strawberry shortcake. It was all great. The kids loved it. At the end they have a few audience participants and my son’s fianc, who was at Disney working in the costume department for a month, was picked as the can-can dancer.

After dinner we took the boat to MK and again my SIL had a ticket problem even though they checked the ticket and said it read OK on the computer. We got in around 8:45 and there was no place to go except stand in front of the train station. The show was in progress on the castle so we watched that and then Wishes and made a b-line for the boat to the WL. Got something to drink when we got back and I was in bed by 10. NJ packed up before she retired.

Walked 4.63 miles


Day 5 May 9th

Same morning routine but going home today. NJ and I are going to Epcot to see more of the Flower and Garden while my daughter’s crew is taking in another day at MK.
We got to the bus stop about 8:15. 2 MK buses came, 2 DTD and nobody got on, 3 HS, 2 Fort Wildernes, 3 Animal Kingdon buses (2 back to back) After 30 minutes an Epcot bus finally rolled in. We got to Epcot about 9:15. We went right to Sorin and the wait time was 30 minutes so we got fast passes.

Time for breakfast and again we shared the adult breakfast platter. After breakfast we went to Ellen’s Energy Adventure which we enjoy. We only had a 5 minute wait before they let us in to the preshow. After Ellen we went back to Sorin to use our fast passes.

NJ wanted to look in Mouse Gears for her Mickey ring so I went to Fast Track to do the single rider. I bypassed the section you design your own car but not next time. That looks like a fun thing to do. It was a walk on for single riders and I like the new Test Track. I met up with NJ outside MG and she didn’t find anything she liked.

Jen texted us that a man took a picture of GS3 (did I mention he is adorable) and Matt told him politely to delete it from his camera and right after that a lady took his picture and Matt told her to delete it. You never know what these people want with a picture of a someone elses children.

We left Epcot to meet up with them at MK. They were at the Aladdin ride when we arrived. After Aladdin since Jungle Cruise was right there we figured we’d go on that but the wait time was 55 minutes. It was 12:45 and the fast pass return time was 1:30 to 2:30. Why were people getting in line unless the wanted to see the queue.

We used our time to get Dole Whips again and I went into Frontierland to get churros for the kids. Matt and GS2 went through Swiss Family Robinson.

We did Jungle Cruise and our guide was an older man who was not the least bit humorous. He spoke in a soft voice and did not add anything to the regular lines they usually have. Up next was a trip back to Tomorrowland. Matt took GS2 on Space Mountain again and the rest of us did the People Mover. We got off about 5 minutes before they came out. Carousel of Progress was right there and they were just letting people in so didn’t have to wait. Yes, they do need an upgrade of this ride.

The Indy car ride wasn’t crowded so NJ and Jen went with the two older boys and I was the photo taker and Matt the baby sitter. It was close to 3 so we headed over to Pirates. The parade was starting to go by in Frontierland so we watched that. We had a good view even though we stood the whole time.

Pirates had a posted time of 10 minutes but was more like 15. After Pirates NJ and I decided to get something to eat since the rest of the crew had an early dinner reservation at the Crystal Palace which they really enjoyed. We went to the Harbor House and I got a lobster roll and we both got a shrimp and fish platter. We enjoyed our dinner. After dinner we still had a little time before going back to the WL so we took in Mickey’s PhilharMagic. I was about 5 so we took the boat back to the lodge.

Magical Express was right on time and the bus was packed. Our flight was delayed about a half hour but the flight home was without any problems.

After thoughts:
Transportation I’d have to give at least a D. They should be able to coordinate better. Why have two buses pulling into a resort at the same time? Can’t the second bus stay there an extra 10 minutes to let the first bus put some distance between them? If it takes 10 minutes to get back from Epcot, why are we waiting 30 minutes for a bus? I realize they may have had to load a scooter or two but that only means they’re running one bus. Also, having one boat on an early morning hours for resorts shouldn’t be either. I know DTD opens at 8:30 or 9:30 but I saw 5 buses on two different days where nobody got on any of the buses.

Even though we stayed 5 days we didn’t make it to Animal Kingdom. Touring with children takes extra time so be aware. If you don’t go back and rest during the day they can’t make it into the late evening.

Glad we tried La Hacienda de San Angel but once is enough.

Sorry we didn’t get to see the whole act of Mulch, Sweat and Shears. If you haven’t seen them check the guide in HS because they’re funny.

Going back the second week in December just me and NJ so we’ll spend part of one day looking at the Christmas decorations at some of the resorts, especially Art of Animations.