The Return Trip With DD: Non Sugar Coated Version

[jennymouse]

Cast of Characters:

Jessica: My 32yo daughter, surgical tech and mother to my two grand daughters.

Skye: My 11yo grand daughter who loves animals and WDW. Has been to Disney several times and loves the thrill rides.

Haley: My 2yo grand daughter. Loves dolls and coloring, a girly girl soon to be princesses wanna be. 1st trip to WDW.

Me: Trip planner, financier, DVC owner at BCV, and babysitter when not working.

I posted a trip report three or four years ago detailing my trip from hell with Jess. It was awful and I swore at the time I’d never take her back. But, although I haven’t forgotten how hurt I was over that trip, I have forgiven and life must go on. Besides, I needed someone to do the thrill rides with Skye since Haley couldn’t go on them. Oh, and Jessica is on good crazy pills now and not nearly as mean as she used to be. Okay. I’m on good crazy pills too. There it’s out. As Zzub would say, don’t judge me.

This was to be a short trip for a few reasons. Like I said, I haven’t forgotten the last trip with Jess yet….which was much too long at 9 nights. Jess & I both have newish jobs and couldn’t take a longer trip. The Haley factor played a big part too. I’ve never taken a trip with a 2yo before and didn’t know how it would be. So we went over Thanksgiving for November 23rd through November 27th.

I was afraid the crowds would be horrible so even tho I’ve been several times and know the ropes, I subscribed to Tourguide Mike to get some tips on avoiding those crowds.

Then promptly committed the ultimate sin according to all planning guides: spending Thanksgiving Day at Magic Kingdom.

But I’m jumping ahead of myself a little bit. We’ve got to get there first.

And we were flying again.

The last trip with my daughter began with her throwing a fit in the Atlanta airport over a delay due to weather. I’m fairly certain the Delta people in Atlanta still have Jess’s picture posted in their break-room using it as a dart board so I had to get us to Orlando without going through Atlanta. Thankfully, Delta has direct flights out of Lexington to Orlando now.

At the Lexington airport our trip began eerily familiar when Jess ducked into the bar for a cold one or two before the flight. I hung out at the gate for our Noon-thirty flight with the grands and tried my best not to let my thoughts go back to that other trip. I even considered ducking into the bar for a drink myself but was having too much fun pointing out airplanes to little Haley and watching the amazement in her face as she’d watch one take off.

Haley’s been on some long road trips so I wasn’t much concerned about her getting antsy on a 3 hour flight. I planned ahead and brought a backpack with new books, snacks, and a couple little toys to keep her busy. I’d lurked on the Families Board here on the DISboards and soaked up all the tips I could on taking at 2yo to Disney and on airplanes. One of the tips I got was to give her some Benedryl about a half hour before our flight to help her ears and make her sleep.

That would prove to be a big mistake.

Haley gets fussy when she’s sleepy.

She got sleepy about an hour into the flight.

Jess gets stressed and angry when Haley throws fits in public.

My apologies to my fellow passengers on that flight.

Haley finally succumbs to sleep right when it’s time to deplane. She doesn’t like to be woken from her slumber either so we waited until everyone else had gotten off before we woke her. I sat and tried to ignore all the dirty looks from the other passengers as they filed down the isle past us.

I think what goes around comes around and am sure that the same will happen to those who gave the dirty looks. Skye was such an easy going baby, toddler and still is. Jess was a little angel when she was a kid too. So I’m sure that Jess and I both gave our share of dirty looks too which is why God blessed us with Haley who is anything but an easy going child. What goes around comes around. Remember that.

The last trip to WDW I took Jess on I’d sprung for a stretch limo to take us to & from the airport. This time we were using Disney’s Magical Express. I’ve learned my lesson about spending too much of my hard earned money on people who don’t appreciate it. This was going to be a bare bones kinda trip….sort of. We were going to drive to Florida but I had a very good Ebay sale. Let me brag a minute. I bought four old circa 1880 English ABC plates for $50 and turned them around on Ebay for $889. I used that money to pay for our flights. It wasn’t to indulge my girls. It was so I wouldn’t have to be trapped in the car with them for 13 hours in case things went wrong. Like I said earlier, I haven’t forgotten. I feel it was money well spent. Especially since it felt like I’d spent $50 on the fare instead of $900. Found money, not out of the paycheck money. Not much of the paycheck money goes to WDW trips. That’s what Ebay is for.

I’m a little nervous about this whole Magical Express thing. Especially since we’re arriving the day before Thanksgiving Day. The line to the DME counter wasn’t too bad; the line was longish but it did move fast. I think it was when the corralled us into the cattle shoots that was the lines for the busses that the Magic went out of it for me. The wait was longish too. Almost a half hour. Haley was getting tired of just sitting in her stroller but we were trapped in there and couldn’t leave the line to keep her moving. She’s happy when she’s moving. As if the CM’s didn’t notice Haley getting fussy, they let all the others lines that hadn’t been waiting as long as we were go first. I know it’s free but I don’t think I’ll be doing Magical Express any more. I like the towncar service much better. I like having someone with my last name written on a card standing at the bottom of the escalators to whisk me off to WDW. That’s also money well spent. Ebay money tho, not paycheck money.

This was sort of a spur of the moment trip. Spur of the moment to us is booking two months ahead instead of the regular DVC booking of 11 months or even 6 months. Since I booked early and it was a busy time of year I couldn’t get all four nights at my DVC home, Beach Club Villas or my other favorite, Boardwalk Villas. I could’ve gotten all four nights at OKW or SSR but I decided to save my points and stay the first two nights at POFQ and the last two at BCV 1BR. I just like the Epcot resort area best. I like being able to walk to Epcot & MGM. I’m sure that I’ll eventually stay at the other DVC resorts, maybe, but right now I don’t want to. Nothing against them; I’m sure they’re nice.

We arrived at POFQ shortly. It’s a really neat resort. Actually, it’s the first time I’ve stayed at a moderate. I’ve stayed at a couple of the value resorts and several of the deluxe resorts, but it’s the first time for a moderate. I loved the feel of POFQ. It’s small & intimate, the band that played at night, the beignets, the landscaping and the colors. Festive but relaxed at the same time. If you ever get the chance, try it out.

I got us checked in and bought our passes while the girls explored the lobby area and gift shop. I met up with them and they all had smiling happy faces; even Haley looked like she knew we were doing something special. Our room was ready so we went and checked it out.

I forgot to mention that this was a combination birthday & Christmas gift to Skye & Haley who both had birthdays the previous week. And I did mention the fact to the CM who booked our ADRs and to the CMs who booked our accommodations. POFQ was the only one who did anything special for the girl’s birthdays tho. There was a card for Haley signed by Mickey in the room when we got there. It kinda made for an uncomfortable moment tho since both girls had birthdays last week. Although Skye wouldn’t dream of admitting it without my probing she’s already feeling as if her new sister is taking much of the attention that now has to be shared between two girls. I wasn’t expecting anything special and I know if I want anything special I need to make the arrangements and pay for it but it never hurts to mention it right? Well, that’ll learn me, durn me.

We spent a little time getting our fanny packs packed and since the forecast was predicting temps in the low 40’s we all put on our Cuddle Duds (Google is your friend if you don’t know what Cuddle Duds are.) then headed off to the bus stop to catch the bus to Epcot. It could’ve been just that we were anxious to get to the park but it did seem like it took that bus a while to get there. Haley loved the bus rides by the way and enjoyed picking out the characters on the signs inside. I’d bought a neat lightweight stroller than folded flat & easy but could still recline and it was just perfect for the trip. It also slid easily under the seats of the busses for storage so didn’t take up space. That was a tip I learned on the Families Board that did work well.

Just when we were getting ready to enter the turnstiles at Epcot Jess realized she didn’t have her pass. She swore she put it in her jacket pocket but it wasn’t there now. This could’ve been the makings for a very bad moment. In the past I wouldn’t said something about her being irresponsible or rolled my eyes, or even sighed heavily and that’s all it would’ve taken for a very bad scene to unfold. But I didn’t do any of those things this time. Instead, I said no problem. I have the receipt right here and all we have to do is go get the ticket replaced. See, we’re learning….

We had to wait in line at guest services but they gave us a one day pass to get in and told us we had to go to guest services at POFQ to have another Key/Pass combo issued.

By now it’s already time to head for our San Angel Inn ADR so we hightailed it over there. It was a madhouse. We had to wait in line behind all the people being told that they were booked solid. I got our vibrating light-up when they’re ready for us thingy and we took Haley on her first ever Disney ride in Mexico while we waited. We got to go around twice before the pager called us. Haley loved it! She loved it so much she didn’t want to sit down in the highchair so Skye took her on it again after we ordered our food. Skye is a very mature 11yo and has been to Disney many times so we felt comfortable letting her take her on the ride alone especially since we could see the entrance/exit from our table. Jess & I ordered a margarita and relaxed a bit. If we’d known what was going to happen next we would’ve savored that moment a bit more.

When our food arrived we fixed Haley a plate from our dishes and Skye & Haley came back. Haley still didn’t want to sit down in the highchair but accepted Skye’s offer to let her sit on her lap although she was still crying a little. I was taking a big ol’ drink of my margarita when over top of the rim of the glass I see Haley pick up her plate of food and toss it on the floor. The plate broke with a big crash.

Silence came over the restaurant and everyone was looking at us. In a blur of long blond hair flying, Jess, grabs Haley and takes off out of the restaurant. I’m apologizing to the staff and fellow dinners and take big gulps of the margarita and woofed down a couple bites of the food. Jess & Haley still didn’t reappear so I told Skye to finish her dinner while I went and found them. I look first in the bathroom but they weren’t in there. I looked around the marketplace area and didn’t see them there either. I didn’t want to leave the building but decided to look just outside to see if they were there.

Just as I walked up the ramp to go out the doors I found them. Sitting there side by side on a ledge? Bench? Underneath one of the glass front display cases set into the walls where the expensive Mexican folk art is displayed. They were both staring straight ahead. Jess with her hand on her forehead and elbow on her knee. Haley looking guilty like she knows she’s in trouble until she sees me and cries Nana runs to me like I’m going to save her. I told Jess to go in and finish her dinner and I’d take Haley back to the room. She and Skye could do some rides and watch Illuminations if they wanted to. We’d talked before we left that if Haley needed to be in bed at her regular time, I’d be the one to take her back. I was just in WDW in February and it had been a while since either Jess or Skye had been so I wanted them to have fun.

I took Haley to her stroller which we’d left outside and while getting her situated in it I’m talking to her and trying to get her to understand that we were on vacation at a special place and we were going to have so much fun, but she had to be a good girl or else she’d be spending it in our room. Of course, I don’t know how much of that she actually understood….

We rode Spaceship Earth on our way out of the park. She didn’t know quiet what to think about that. She seemed to enjoy it and didn’t appear to be afraid. When I volunteered to take her back to the room I forgot that it would be a bit of a challenge getting her and the stroller, plus a backpack full of stuff, on the bus by myself but I made it. I couldn’t help but think that if we were staying at BCV it would’ve been just a quick walk home.

Back at the room Haley told me she was hungry.

So, we walked to the food court and she was a perfect little angel eating her chicken strips and I tried one of the heavenly beignets from the bakery area that I’d been hearing about all these years. Bellies full, we go back to the room and I fill the tub with Nemo bubbles and let her play and wind down then put Haley in the JoJo’s Circus pajamas I’d bought her for the trip. She love’s the Playhouse Disney characters and especially JoJo. She was out like a light as soon as her little head hit the pillow.

Shortly after nine, Jess & Skye came back. They’d attempted to ride Soarin’ but the line was too long but they did do Mission Space and Test Track. I sent Jess to Guest Services to get her pass/key situation taken care of so we wouldn’t have to deal with it the next morning. We had an early breakfast reservation with Cinderella at the castle and didn’t want to be late!

[melk]

Enjoying your report so far. I too, know the sometime frustrations of traveling with a 2-year old! But you just do it, and it does make for some great memories!

[mmeb144]

Funny report! I can't wait to read the rest. I'm glad that you were willing to sacrifice so that your daughter and her older daughter could have some fun.

Marie

[WDWLinda]

I know how trying (and also rewarding) it can be to travel with a toddler, and sometimes that's NOTHING compared with how trying it can be for a mother/daughter to spend time together. Sounds like you've been burned with that before. I'm glad you gave it a second try and hope it all turns out fine. Your daughter and grandkids are very lucky to have you - I hope they appreciate it...although sometimes I think people also bite the hand that feeds them out of resentment, and also its easy for us to revert back to our old ways (selfish, immature, moody) when we're around our parents...OK, enough psycho-babble...I just hope you had a good time!

~Linda

[VanniGirl]

Looking forward to the rest of your report - I appreciate your honesty.

[dismom9761]

I too am enjoying the report as is-no sugar coating.I can't wait to hear the rest. :)

[jennymouse]

Thanksgiving Day, 2005

This is the first time I’ve been away from home for Thanksgiving and the first time I haven’t cooked the turkey dinner for our family since my mother passed. Thanksgiving isn’t my father’s favorite holiday and he doesn’t really like turkey so he didn’t mind my leaving for the holiday at all. He and my brother had plans to go out for a steak dinner this afternoon. I booked a nice Thanksgiving dinner at the California Grill and had been looking forward to it until the previous nights experience at San Angel Inn.

It was a rough night sleeping with Haley in a full sized bed. Since she was either strapped into her stroller, plane seat, or bus seat, I think her little body was trying to gets its exercise while she slept. Poor thing even fell out of bed once. I had given up on sleep by 5:00am and decided to get up and get my shower out of the way. The shower part was easy enough, but when I turned the blow dryer on to dry my hair, Jess woke with an “It’s too early for that, Mom.” I shut the dryer off, dressed and snuck out of the room to explore and grab some much needed coffee.

We were in building three and fairly close to the lobby & food court area but I took the long way to check out more of the resort. As I walked around I couldn’t help thinking about the real New Orleans and the people who suffered and were still suffering and said a silent prayer for them all. I was the only idiot up at this hour it seemed; at least the only one wandering around the property.

There was a light fog to the still dark morning and walking around POFQ was like walking around in a dream. It reminded me of the scenes where New Orleans is featured on the Worlds Most Haunted Hotels show on the Travel Channel with the dimly lit street lights, wrought iron fences, the narrow brick paved streets, and ivy covered architectural elements. It would’ve been scary had it not been for the Disney World air. You know what I’m talking about? Even the air at Disney has that magical charge to it that you can’t find anywhere else in the world. It all added up to a very magical experience and perhaps the most magical part of the trip for me personally; certainly worth missing a couple hours of sleep for.

As I got closer to the lobby & food court area the music grew louder and while still in my magical waking dream, I slipped in the food court and purchased a Styrofoam cup and helped myself to a cup of coffee. One sip of that let me know that I was indeed at Disney World…yuck. It was enough to bring me out of my dream like state. I took my coffee outside and sat and watched POFQ wake up as the mug-men began to venture out and to the food court. I watched closely their faces to see if I could see signs that they too had experienced this magical place just as I had moments before. I think one or two may have from the smiles on their faces. It was now about 6:45 and Mickey was due to make the wake up call at 6:30 so I headed back to the room to see if Jess needed help getting the girls ready.

We had a big day planned with breakfast at the castle, and dinner at California Grill!

[TLinden16]

Wow. That was quite an eventful first day. I hope things slowed down.

[fizz13]

Well I'm glued to see if this turns out harmonious or all out war. Great report so far, :thumbsup2

Claire xx

[Ozymoe]

Looking forward to more, JennyMouse! I remember your "less than magical" trip. I am hoping that this one turns out better for all of you!

[babytrees]

OHHHH!!! I am glued now!!

[RadioFanatic]

great report so far! is there anyway to get to the old report? I admit, I'm sadistic - I really would love to read it.

[dutton]

I am so impressed with how calm and patient you were in Epcot. It could have been a total meltdown! I can totally relate to the early morning Magice of Disney. Reading your description led me right back!! I am so interested in the rest of your trip. Overall, would you go again for thanksgiving? I am trying to find a time for my whole family w/o taking too many school days off.

Thanks

Suzanne

[jennymouse]

When I arrived back at our room, Jess had just gotten out of the shower, Skye was in the shower and Haley was still sleeping. As I've mentioned before, Haley doesn't much like to be woken from her sleep. Even with kisses as I was doing this morning. Her face was scrunched up as she squirmed then burrowed down in the covers. I kissed her again and told her it was time to get up. Just as she started to cry in protest, I told her it was time to get ready to go have breakfast with Cinderella at the castle. :wizard:

She sat up and looked around; remembering where she was, then started kicking the covers off. She was raring to go. She knows who Cinderella is, but she calls her Ella. We watch the movies at home and I played the planning DVD for her several times. She knows what a castle is too and thinks every building with a flag on top of a roof is a castle. I got her dressed and we were soon ready to head out the door. I'd thought about getting her a princess gown for the occasion but decided against it. She's just a little too young to appreciate it and it wasn't out of the realm of possibility that she would refuse to wear it.

Every guide book and Disney site was saying to stay away from Magic Kingdom today, but I ended up with the Cinderella breakfast at the perfect time so we were going anyway. I was probably over analizing it but I figured that since everyone was advising against it, the planners wouldn't be there and since there had been extra magic hours the night before I figured the people who followed the EMH days wouldn't be doing MK again this morning. We could always leave if it got too crowded.

The character breakfast bus arrived promptly and we were soon at the Magic Kingdom. I love the Magic Kingdom the first thing in the morning and the 8:05 am ADR was perfect for getting us in to see it. The Christmas decorations were awsome but I think I'm one of the people who like the undecorated WDW best with the everyday music and appearance. It was still a bit foggy too, and the castle seemed almost hidden until we were right upon it. Haley, mouth wide open in wonder, looked straight up at it and I can only imagine what might be going through her little head.

We parked the stroller and I went to check us in at the podium. Soon we were inside and we were all excited. Skye was pointing out Cinderella's mice friends upon the ledge. The CM was directing everyone to get in line to have their picture made with Cinderella when she appeared.

I was holding Haley when Cinderella came out and heard Haley's breath catch as she saw Cinderella for the first time. Skye and Haley got their picture made with Cinderella then we were soon headed upstairs to breakfast.


When I called for the ADR, the CM asked me if we were celebrating anything special and I did tell her that it was a birthday trip for the girls. I really had thought I would find some pixie dust sprinkled on the table but there was none. I was glad that I didn't mention it to the girls before we got there. I didn't say anything to the waitress either because it would only kill the magic of the moment. And besides, it wasn't technically their birthdays.

Our table was next to the window and Haley was so into watching the princesses circulate that she behaved herself and even ate a bite or two. She was shy with the characters when they came to our table. Skye seemed to enjoy having her pictures taken with them all and I couldn't help remembering the trip she and I took and coming here for breakfast. She was totally into it at 6 years old.

The breakfast was yummy and we ate our fill. I did buy the expensive photo with Cinderella. It was presented in a very nice folder. It was 8:45 so we left to do the rope drop to Fantasyland. I love how they tease the kids with Mickey and friends waving to them from deeper into Fantasyland. Haley was pointing and saying "Dares Mickey Mouse!" She was so fired up! I'd told Jess that her and Skye could go off on their own and do the mountains and I'd do Fantasyland with Haley, but they wanted to experience Haley's first time with her too.

The rope dropped and we beat a trail to Dumbo and while we weren't the first riders since we didn't run and trample slow moving children, we didn't wait long. My plans for the day was to do what we could before the heavy crowds came and then go back to the resort and swim if it was warm enough or let Haley get a nap. I had notes on how I was going to tackle Fanastyland from the touring plans at Tourguide Mike and followed it closely and had no lines at all. I'd share what rides we did and what order
but I don't want to be taken to the woodshed over it by a few of the more militant TGM'ers. It worked so well tho that I'd begun to think that the crowds on Thanksgiving Day at MK was all a myth.

It truely wasn't as crowded as they were predicting it would be. I was talking to a couple during one of our breaks who said that they'd been there all week long and it was much more crowded on Tuesday. As an aside, Friday was the day recommended by the Unoffical Guide and everyone and saw several big groups headed to MK that day so I have a feeling it was much more crowded on Friday than Saturday.

After we'd gotten most of the rides done we went to Mickey's Philharmagic. I was expecting Haley to refuse to wear the magic glasses but she sat in my lap the whole time and watched that movie with them on. This kid was just full of surprises at every turn on this vacation. At home she goes to restaurants all the time and we never have a problem with her, but not here....

We were done with Fantasyland around 10:30 and that included Philharmagic. We went to Splash and got fastpasses then went to the Haunted Mansion. Haley did just fine on it and learned about ghosts. While I saved our place in line, the girls got pictures made next to the old hearse with the invisible horse by one of the Photopass photographers. When we got home we were surprised to find a ghost in them!

After the Haunted Mansion we did the baby swap thing at Splash Mountain. I let Jess & Skye go first and I took Haley to the little play area under the bridge. I could tell she was getting tired tho and was thinking we might ought to head back to the room to let her get her nap in. But when Jess & Skye came back from riding, Skye wanted to go again so she and I went for our turn with the baby swap pass. It still seemed to take a while as the crowds were getting pretty heavy in that area.

When we got back to the play area, Jess said Haley tried to bite another child that was playing there too so she took her and put her in the stroller. She had a meltdown but she was now fast asleep in the stroller. I have to say, I'm glad I missed that! Haley's been having a biting problem lately and it only started when she started going to this new daycare. It's like some sort of bite fest there every day with either her biting or another child biting her. The last day we picked her up from daycare she had a bad place on her hand that looked like a bite but the daycare worker said it wasn't but that this little boy pinched her with his whole hand. The skin was even broken and it looked awful. It just broke my heart to see where she'd been hurt so bad. I've done searches on the internet and we've been trying everything we could think of to solve the biting problem but nothing seemed to work. I'm happy to report now that we've switched daycares and while Haley did bite once when she first started there, she's not biting anymore and seems to just love her new "school" whereas before I would find her crying when I'd get there to pick her up.

Anyway, back to our story. It didn't make sense to leave the park and go back to the room because she would wake up before we even got there. We talked about going to another park but decided it wasn't too bad where we were so I took Haley in her stroller to that quiet area right at the exit to Splash. At least it was quiet until the train whistle blew! It didn't wake her up tho, thank goodness.

We had decided to split up at that point and when Haley woke I took her to see the Country Bears, we took a ride on the train around the park, went and saw the Tiki Birds and even rode Pirates. It was lunchtime and I tried to get Jess on her cell phone from my cell phone to see if they wanted to meet up for lunch. I couldn't reach her for some reason so Haley and I went to Casey's and got a hotdog and fries to share. I don't get to eat there very often because Jess & Skye don't like hotdogs so this was a treat for me.

After lunch Jess got me on the cell and we met up. We discussed going to the room but we still didn't want to leave. We also discussed our dinner ADR at California Grill and decided that we didn't want to take the chance of Haley acting up and disturbing everyone else's dinner and to tell you the truth, I didn't want to spend $200 on a dinner we probably would probably have to cut short. I left the girls on Main Street shopping while I ran to guest services to cancel our ADR. I hope another family with no ADR was able to use it.

We continued touring the MK getting fastpasses where we could but mostly doing the lesser attractions that didn't have long lines. We ended up eating our Thanksgiving Dinner at Columbia Harbour House. That was our first time there even tho I'd heard many good things about it. It was very crowded in there but just as everyone on the DIS say we went up stairs to find only one other family there. Before long another group of adult came up and one man was wearing a Kentucky sweatshirt and we struck up a conversation with them. It was a very pleasant Thanksgiving Dinner even tho it wasn't quiet what I'd planned. We were together and happy and getting along and that was more important than eating TG dinner at the California Grill. Thankfully, there wasn't a charge on my credit card bill for not cancelling 24 hours early as they hadn't even taken my card info when I made the ADR.

After dinner we did a little shopping. I'd promised Skye a Tinkerbell watch for a combination birthday & Christmas gift and we found a nice, but expensive one that we fell in love with. I bought it for her with the money I'd saved by not having dinner at California Grill and she was thrilled. Normally I wouldn't advise such an expensive watch for an eleven year old but she's always been very responsible with her things and takes great care. She even has her baby rings safely tucked away in her room. We got Haley some winter outfits and a stuffed Tinkerbell. They each had their own spending money so we shopped quiet a bit.

It was soon time to get a spot to watch Spectromagic. Jess & I took turns walking around with Haley because she wasn't going for just sitting in her stroller or even in our laps and waiting for very long. When the parade started Haley just loved it of course. She got lots of attention from the characters and had a ball even tho she was barely holding her little eyes open. When it was over, we decided to head out of the park instead of waiting for Wishes. I offered to take Haley back myself since the park was open until midnight, but even Jess & Skye was ready to go back. We'd been at Magic Kingdom since before opening and we were all ready for our beds.

Our day was truely wonderful I'm happy to report. Very unusual for us! :teeth:

[VanniGirl]

Sounds like a great day you had :)

Looking forward to the rest.

[jennymouse]

great report so far! is there anyway to get to the old report? I admit, I'm sadistic - I really would love to read it.

I don't have the link to it anymore and the DISboards search only goes back a year I think. Let's just say it was ugly, very ugly.

[jennymouse]

Overall, would you go again for thanksgiving? I am trying to find a time for my whole family w/o taking too many school days off.

Thanks

Suzanne

I would definately go at Thanksgiving again. We had no problems seeing and doing everything we wanted to do. It was crowded at times but we just avoided the crowds by arriving early, following Tourguide Mike's touring plans and avoided EMH's. It wasn't too hot for touring either!

[Pamlur]

I clearly remember your first trip, and still have the picture Skye sent me. I'm so glad this one went better, I had worried about you and Skye.

[jennymouse]

Hi Pam! How are you doing?! You should see Skye now; she's grown up soo much. Wears a size 10 shoe!lol

[Pamlur]

I'm doing great, thanks! We had kids and grandkids at SSR a couple of weeks after you were there (Dec 8-17) and had a blast. Wore this gramma out, though.

[jennymouse]

Friday, November 25th

Haley slept better or at least not as active in her sleep. I still couldn't sleep past 5:30 tho, but I rarely sleep past 5:30 at home either. I skipped the shower this morning because we were planning on spending some time at Stormalong Bay this afternoon and I'd rather shower afterwards. What greeted me as I opened the door was horrifying.

My heart stopped in my chest at the ominous envelope that someone had tried to slide under my door. I quickly shoved it in my fanny pack to avoid looking at the details until I'd had my immiation coffee flavored substance.

POFQ wasn't as foggy this morning but still wonderfully silent. The CM at the food court hadn't opened her register yet but gave me a syrofoam cup and told me to help myself to some coffee. Rank as it was I drank it and sat outside and looked over the room charges and watched POFQ wake up. There was fairly large group of...well, I must be getting old, I can't remember if they were band members or what, but they gathering together to go to MK to perform. From other things I'd been hearing I was beginning to think MK was going to be pretty darn busy this day. That was okay because me and my brood was going to Epcot.

Hopefully to ride Soarin' for the first time. I had a plan. I had Tourguide Mike tips. It was my mission and I chose to accept it.

We also were switching resorts today so we had to get our stuff together and call bell services to come and get it. Come and get it! That reminds me of my grandmother, God rest her soul, who used to go out and ring the big ol' cast iron dinner bell and yell, Come and get it! when it was lunch time to my grandfather & uncles who were out working on the farm. In later years, she used the car's horn, which although had better results wasn't near as cool to my young eyes.

When the food court opened I got some pastries to feed the girls because there wasn't a scheduled breakfast meal this morning, then went back to the room to get the girls up and going. On the way I thought about busting through the door doing my Sargent Carter inpersonation, "move IT, move IT, move IT!" For those of you too young to know who Sargent Carter is, "Well, gaaaaarly" he was Gomer Pyle's sargent in the TV series back in the 50's/60's. But I didn't do that of course.

Actually, Jess was already in the shower when I arrived back at the room. We never did unpack except for toiletries & stuff since we were moving after two days which was weird for me because I usually unpack and put everything away like I lived there. For the next hour or so there was a flurry of perfume, panties and powdered sugar until we were all good to go. We said our goodbyes to POFQ. I think I've said it before, but will say it again. Port Orleans French Quarter has a goodly amount of magic.

We hopped the bus to Epcot and the plan was for the girls to wait while I ran and got Fastpasses for Soarin'. Well, if I'd been wondering where all the Thanksgiving crowds were, I had certainly found them. There was a five foot wide stream of people in a line that stretched all the way to the entrance just to go down the steps to the lower level to get to the Fastpass machines. They weren't letting anyone go left towards the escelator/stairs. I did what Tourguide Mike suggested and it did seem to help even though it was such a simple thing. I got the Fastpasses and got the heck out of there.

I was a little concerned because there wasn't a whole lot to offer in Future World for little Haley. We went and did Ellen's Energy ride thing because the timing was right for our Fastpasses. I'm pleased to announce that Haley's not afraid of dinosaurs or explosions. I think we even did Journey before we road Soarin' too.

Things get foggy here because that's also when things started to go wrong again.

At The Land, we got a childswap pass then Jess & Skye joined the Fastpass line while I was to entertain Haley. Problem was, there was nothing in there to entertain her. No kids area or even any place to sit & wait unless we went in the food court area.

It was crowded in there and packed full of people and Haley wanted to run loose because of course we had to leave the stroller outside. I would've taken her to The Living Seas or something but I didn't know how long it would take them.

And it took a while.

Haley ended up having a meltdown because I wouldn't let her run wild.

She even started trying to bite me!

I corralled her in this area to the left of the Fastpass entrance and calmed her down somewhat and let her run around a little as long as she stayed in that area. Man, it took forever for them to get out of there. I'd forgotten to mention that the batteries when dead on Jess's cell and she didn't bring her charger which was okay because mine went dead too a day later and I left my charger at POFQ.

Finally, they came out and we could leave The Land. Yes, we still had the childswap pass so I could go on the ride but at that point Haley and I wanted OUT of The Land.

It was Haley's nap time but since we hadn't checked in at the BCV yet, we were homeless.

Since we hadn't had much for breakfast we were all starting to get hungary. Since we were right next to The Living Seas and we haven't had anything but fast food stuff since San Angel Inn, I suggested we go to the Coral Reef for lunch. Haley did well at Columbia Harbour and also at the castle for breakfast so we thought we'd give it a try. The big fish tank should entertain her, right?

Wrong!

No sooner than we got our food she having another meltdown. I took her out of the restaurant and put her in her stroller and soon she was asleep. Skye & Jess finished their meals and then joined me outside. Skye wanted to go on Soarin' again so her and I headed back to The Land while Jess sat with sleeping Haley.

Soarin' was pretty cool! I'm glad I went on it.

Even tho I was afraid my growling stomach would disturb the other guests. The scent of the orange groves made me even more hungry.lol

After Soarin' we met back up with Jess & Haley and walked over to BCV to check in. It was around 2 o'clock and I hoped our villa was ready because we really needed a break and to change for the pool. Unfortunately that wasn't meant to be.

I got us checked in while Jess looked for Haley and Skye a bathing suit in the giftshop. She got one for Haley but she didn't find one for Skye. They sent us to the shop over at the Yacht Club so we walked over there and found one.

Since we couldn't get in the room we went to the bathroom next to Stormalong Bay to change into our suits. Both the girls looked so cute in their new bathing suits! Jess & I had ours stuffed into the backpack just in case we didn't have access to our luggage. Haley was fresh from her nap and running around squeeling in the bathroom.

When we walked out of the restroom we were quiet a site with our bathing suits on pushing a stroller that had our backpack and shopping bags stuffed with clothes. I was just thinking that we looked like a pool hoppers and sure enough we did!lol

I stepped in behind a lady who was getting wristbands from a CM and this guy and his little boy, instead of getting behind me to wait his turn come and stood beside me. His little boy asked what where they standing there for and the father said, "Because we have to get wristbands because people WHO DON'T BELONG HERE keep trying to sneak in." He didn't say people like these people here keep trying to sneek in but it was pretty obvious he was referring to us. I didn't say a word but sort of stepped in front of him and showed my key card to the CM who gave us our wristbands and we walked on in.

We found a spot next to the shallow sandy area so Haley could play in the sand and set up camp. Skye ran off to do the slide and make friends. Although it was almost 80 degrees it didn't feel too terribly warm out.

I had Haley on my hip and walked out into the sand with her and put her down. We'd also bought a bunch of sand toys for her to play with. The sand just freaked her out! Which is odd because she's been to beaches before, it's just been a while. She was so funny. She was walking with bent knees and her toes curled up like a little ol' woman. Jess & I laughed until I almost wet myself.

She didn't want to sit in the sand and play with her toys either because she didn't want the sand on her. She sort of crouched down a little but if any sand stuck to her she'd whine and try to wipe it off. Jess was going to go get her a life jacket just in case but there was so need to, she wouldn't move from one spot. I'm telling you; this girl is totally different from any I've ever raised before.

The waiter came and Jess & I ordered a drink. I have to say, at this point I needed one. When the waiter brought it to us he tripped in the sand and mine flew off his tray and landing in the sand. We just laughed and teased him a bit about it. I bet that happens a lot there.

Haley looked like she was freezing and I felt her little arms and she was cold as a little frog so I put her clothes back on her. I think she was still a little sleepy because she wanted to sit in my lap and cuddle.

I enjoyed holding her. She doesn't let us cuddle her too much except when she's sleepy or not feeling well. We just hung out and relaxed for a little while. I kept calling to see if our room was ready and before long it was after 4 o'clock and they still were saying it wasn't ready. We needed to get cleaned up. We had dinner plans at Cape May Cafe and to see Fantasmic. Skye was back and everyone was getting cold so we got our stuff together and went to the check in desk. The CM at the desk said our room has been ready for a while now. Don't know wha t was up with that...

Anyway, we made it to our 1BR villa and Jess just loved it. It's the first time she's been with me since I joined DVC...because she's been a bad girl.lol I called and had our luggage brought up and we took turns getting showers. I made Haley a big jacuzzi tub of bubble bath to warm her little bones. She didn't like it when I turned the jets on tho.lol

After our showers we felt all good and relaxed and decided we didn't feel like rushing to our Cape May Cafe ADR and didn't know if Haley would let us eat anyway so I ordered room service. It really just felt too good to be "home" in the villa. I really do love it there and feel completely comfortable. I think just having a kitchen in the room does it.

We then couldn't decided whether we wanted to just hang out there and rest up or go to MGM. In the end we decided to go see Osborne Festival of Lights and Fantasmic. We went to the boat dock and there was a huge line to catch a boat. As many times as I've been to the BCV I've never had to stand in line for a boat. We decided to just walk.

The Osbourne Lights were wonderful and Fantasmic was great as usual. Haley loved it too and wasn't a bit afraid. She clapped her hands and pointed at the boat with all the characters. She's a true music lover and seems to enjoy any kind of musical show.

After the show Skye wanted to stay and see if she could ride R&R or ToT because she hadn't gotten to do it yet. That was fine with me so Jess stayed with her and Haley and I went back to BCVs. I was going to take her for icecream but decided she needed to get in the bed early tonight.

I was putting Jess, Skye and Haley in the king bed and taking the fold out sofa in the LR. I always get the fold out. I don't care as long as I get the whole bed and not have to share. I put my jammies on and got in my bed. Before long, Jess & Skye came in. They'd gotten to ride both R&R and ToT and were happy.

It wasn't long before we were out like a light.

[byoung]

Good reports.

[jennymouse]

Saturday, November 26th

Today was MGM day. I also slept in a little bit; until around 6:30 I think. Since I didn't have to worry about waking the girls up, I was able to make a pot of real coffee and watch a little TV this morning. Kinda missed my trek around POFQ tho. I guess I could've gone exploring here but to tell ya the truth I was feeling kinda lazy.

So far, Haley hadn't met any characters except for face characters...no fuzzy ones. She hadn't even met Mickey Mouse up close. I had plans to change all that today. We were all going to MGM but not together. Jess & Skye were going to go hit the Tower and Rockin' and Haley and I were going to go see Playhouse Disney and do her kind of stuff. I had a plan. :smokin:

Don't remember what we ate that morning? Haley woke up on her own and came in the LR. I asked her if she wanted to go see JoJo Circus and she was ready to go. Oh, I remember what we ate. We bought some little cereal boxes and milk at the little store in the gift shop. I fixed Haley some cereal and turned Playhouse Disney on the TV then went to go get ready. JoJo's Circus was on Playhouse Disney so Haley probably thought I meant that she was just going to see him on TV.hehe

I got ready and got Haley ready and we were out the door just as Jess & Skye were getting up. I told them they'd better get there early if they didn't want to wait in line or get far off Fastpasses, but it was up to them I wasn't rushing them. It's funny tho, because we took the boat to MGM and while we were in line waiting for MGM to open I turned around and there they were. They'd walked and got there almost as fast as we did riding the boat and we left long before they did. (did that make sense?)

They let us in the gates and onto the main street. I asked Skye which ride they were doing first and she said the Tower so I had them get to the far right of the street so they'd be on the correct side of the street when they turned the corner. Haley and I went on the far left of the street and up on the sidewalk because we were going straight and heading for Mickey Avenue to see JoJo who was supposed to be right at 9am. I was ready to hightail it up the street but when they dropped the rope everyone went right to go to the R&R & Tower and we were the only ones going straight! Heck I figured at least some people would be going but, no, just us.

Then right in front of the hat I see none other than Mickey and Goofy. Mickey had his Christmas duds on and Goofy was dressed as Santa. Haley didn't know what to think about them.lol She didn't cry but she clung to me and didn't want to interact. You could tell she wanted to but was too shy. She kept peeking at them tho.

Okay so we got some photopass pics with Mickey and Goofy, then we headed on over to Mickey Avenue and sure enough, there was JoJo and the lion out with no one else around them. We ran over there and spent quiet a bit of time with them too. She was still shy but at least she'd look at him and let him touch her. I told JoJo that she watched him every morning and that he was her favorite. We got pics there too, and just loves looking at them now that we're home. We then saw Donald Duck just down the way so went and said hello to him. We were still the only people ont he street except for characters.

Playhouse Disney show was at 9:30 so we made our way over there. I didn't want to get in line yet because I didn't want to be in the very front because I heard you couldn't see every well because of the high stage. They had a little trailer set up selling Playhouse Disney stuff so we went and did some shopping. Haley still had spending money so she picked out a big JoJo doll and a JoJo sticker book. I bought her a Playhouse Disney Tshirt.

We did a potty break and then joined the line for Playhouse Disney. We got a perfect spot just far enough back to see. It's the first time I've seen it too. She just loved it. She stood up the whole time and clapped her hands and just had a ball. She didn't want to go up front & dance with the other kids but she danced where she was.

After PD, we went and saw The Little Mermaid show and she loved that too. When we came out we ran into Jess & Skye so they went and saw The Muppets with us. Haley kept her glasses on for the show just like she did at Mickey's Philharmagic. After the show we split up again and Haley and I went to see Beauty and the Beast. She of course loved that too.

At this point we'd done the things that were most important and I wanted her to get a good nap in a bed so we got the boat back to BCV and picked up some lunch at Beaches & Cream to take back to the room. After lunch we both layed down in the bed and took a nap. I slept about an hour but she slept a long time. Poor thing, we were wearing her out. I just let her sleep as long as she wanted to. Jess & Skye came in and they layed down for a while too.

We had an ADR at Le Cellier but I didn't see taking Haley in there so I sent Jess & Skye on to have dinner without us. I think we got something at the Marketplace and ate in the room. I'd planned to do World Showcase tonight but we just hung out at the resort. We did go get some icecream at Beaches & Cream and walked around a bit. Haley liked looking at the chocolate merry-go-round in the lobby and we walked around on the beach and chased the ducks.

Oh, I had brought a bunch of glow sticks that were in the backpack so we sat out on a bench and broke them to get them glowing then gave them out to kids walking to Epcot to see Illuminations. I had bought about 50 of them on ebay years ago and still had over half of them left. I was surprised they still glowed. Some were duds but most of them worked just fine. We even gave some to people riding the surry bikes. That was another magical moment for me, just giving a little magic of the glow sticks. I've seen Illuminations countless times but that was the first time I've really just hung out down by the beach. It was really nice. I just love my home away from home. :goodvibes

After that we went back to the villa and I built another big tub of bubble bath and Haley and I both got in. After that I put Haley in her JoJo jammies and put her in bed with her JoJo doll and she went right to sleep. I unfolded my bed and turned on the TV. Before long I heard Illuminations going off so went out on the balcony to see if I could see any of it. I could see some but not a lot, but that was okay too.

Not long after Illuminations the other girls came in and watched some TV with me before going to bed themselves. It was another great day after the kinda bad one yesterday....well, not a bad day really, just stressful. Like we say a bad day at WDW is better than a good day at work! :thumbsup2


Sunday, November 27th

Well, today was our last day here. We had to catch a plane back home at 6pm but we were going to go spend the day at Magic Kingdom again first. We all got up early and packed up and was out the door at 7am. We had to stop and do the Magical Express airline checkin thing first. That was an easy convieniant process...maybe Magical Express wasn't so bad after all.

We had an 8:10am ADR to see Pooh & Friends at Crystal Palace and we were going to go to that one. We made it on time and breakfast was wonderful. We all ate good and Haley was really warming up to the characters at this point. She was cracking up at Tigger. She even ate quiet a bit here too. And no meltdowns!

We did much of what we did the first morning there except this time we split up after Fantasyland and Haley and I went to Toon Town to check out everything there. She was still too short for the Barnstormer tho, but we got to see Mickey & Minnie's houses and even some more characters. We met up with Jess & Skye and did Adventureland and ate some lunch at Pecos Bills. After a late lunch we decided we had better head back to BCV so we wouldn't be late for the ME bus.

It had certainly been a short trip. It really just flew by. But with Haley I'm thinking it might have been just right. We didn't get to do Animal Kingdom this time, but we know we'll be back. Jess & I got along pretty good this time. I know that it doesn't make for an exciting trip report but it sure makes for a much better trip!lol I don't think I could've handled Jess AND Haley having meltdowns! :sad2:

Thanks for reading!


Oh, how did Haley do on the plane ride back you ask?

Yep, just like she did on the plane ride there. We be taking a road trip next time.uh,huh.

[Joann]

Great report I enjoyed it alot! Thank you for doing it :wave:

[dismom9761]

Wonderful trip report! :thumbsup2 My youngest will be 2 1/2 yrs old when we go in October so I really enjoyed your views on it.We went when she was 13 mths and 18 mths and she was great.I guess we will see..... :)

[bobcat]

Even with toddler meltdowns it sounds like a great trip. At least they weren't PMS meltdowns. When I saw you went to WDW with your daughter again I prayed that you would have a magical time.

[VanniGirl]

Thanks for sharing!!

[2giddy4wdw]

Thanks for sharing!! I know how tough it can be with little and big ones!!!! :rotfl2: LOL. Look forward to future reports!! :wizard:

[fizz13]

Oh you are a fantastic grandma for sure :cheer2: I took my 1 year old, 3 year old and 6 year old in january and those meltdowns aren't fun at all. For you to give jess and Skye some time on their own while you had hayley is just wonderful of you. glad this trip was better for you and wishing you many more,

Claire xx

[Cinerama]

Sounds like this trip was MUCH better than last time....whew! Thanks for posting!

[lucky978]

I really loved reading your trip report. Thanks for sharing!

[travelin' tigger]

It had certainly been a short trip. It really just flew by. But with Haley I'm thinking it might have been just right. We didn't get to do Animal Kingdom this time, but we know we'll be back. Jess & I got along pretty good this time. I know that it doesn't make for an exciting trip report but it sure makes for a much better trip!lol I don't think I could've handled Jess AND Haley having meltdowns! :sad2:

I remember reading about the previous trip and I'm so glad everything turned out better for you and your family this time - you so deserved it!! :cloud9:

[alabamagirl]

You handled everything great! I know how those mother/daughter relationships can be (trying at times :furious: ), it sounded like you were perfectly patient. Congrats.

[kathymc]

other than a couple of minor meltdowns sounds like a good trip and much better than the last - your a good nana

[jennymouse]

Thanks for reading and the comments!

[coolkidhann95]

:confused3 :confused3 :stitch: :goofy: :stitch: :goofy: Friday, November 25th

Haley slept better or at least not as active in her sleep. I still couldn't sleep past 5:30 tho, but I rarely sleep past 5:30 at home either. I skipped the shower this morning because we were planning on spending some time at Stormalong Bay this afternoon and I'd rather shower afterwards. What greeted me as I opened the door was horrifying.

My heart stopped in my chest at the ominous envelope that someone had tried to slide under my door. I quickly shoved it in my fanny pack to avoid looking at the details until I'd had my immiation coffee flavored substance.

POFQ wasn't as foggy this morning but still wonderfully silent. The CM at the food court hadn't opened her register yet but gave me a syrofoam cup and told me to help myself to some coffee. Rank as it was I drank it and sat outside and looked over the room charges and watched POFQ wake up. There was fairly large group of...well, I must be getting old, I can't remember if they were band members or what, but they gathering together to go to MK to perform. From other things I'd been hearing I was beginning to think MK was going to be pretty darn busy this day. That was okay because me and my brood was going to Epcot.

Hopefully to ride Soarin' for the first time. I had a plan. I had Tourguide Mike tips. It was my mission and I chose to accept it.

We also were switching resorts today so we had to get our stuff together and call bell services to come and get it. Come and get it! That reminds me of my grandmother, God rest her soul, who used to go out and ring the big ol' cast iron dinner bell and yell, Come and get it! when it was lunch time to my grandfather & uncles who were out working on the farm. In later years, she used the car's horn, which although had better results wasn't near as cool to my young eyes.

When the food court opened I got some pastries to feed the girls because there wasn't a scheduled breakfast meal this morning, then went back to the room to get the girls up and going. On the way I thought about busting through the door doing my Sargent Carter inpersonation, "move IT, move IT, move IT!" For those of you too young to know who Sargent Carter is, "Well, gaaaaarly" he was Gomer Pyle's sargent in the TV series back in the 50's/60's. But I didn't do that of course.

Actually, Jess was already in the shower when I arrived back at the room. We never did unpack except for toiletries & stuff since we were moving after two days which was weird for me because I usually unpack and put everything away like I lived there. For the next hour or so there was a flurry of perfume, panties and powdered sugar until we were all good to go. We said our goodbyes to POFQ. I think I've said it before, but will say it again. Port Orleans French Quarter has a goodly amount of magic.

We hopped the bus to Epcot and the plan was for the girls to wait while I ran and got Fastpasses for Soarin'. Well, if I'd been wondering where all the Thanksgiving crowds were, I had certainly found them. There was a five foot wide stream of people in a line that stretched all the way to the entrance just to go down the steps to the lower level to get to the Fastpass machines. They weren't letting anyone go left towards the escelator/stairs. I did what Tourguide Mike suggested and it did seem to help even though it was such a simple thing. I got the Fastpasses and got the heck out of there.

I was a little concerned because there wasn't a whole lot to offer in Future World for little Haley. We went and did Ellen's Energy ride thing because the timing was right for our Fastpasses. I'm pleased to announce that Haley's not afraid of dinosaurs or explosions. I think we even did Journey before we road Soarin' too.

Things get foggy here because that's also when things started to go wrong again.

At The Land, we got a childswap pass then Jess & Skye joined the Fastpass line while I was to entertain Haley. Problem was, there was nothing in there to entertain her. No kids area or even any place to sit & wait unless we went in the food court area.

It was crowded in there and packed full of people and Haley wanted to run loose because of course we had to leave the stroller outside. I would've taken her to The Living Seas or something but I didn't know how long it would take them.

And it took a while.

Haley ended up having a meltdown because I wouldn't let her run wild.

She even started trying to bite me!

I corralled her in this area to the left of the Fastpass entrance and calmed her down somewhat and let her run around a little as long as she stayed in that area. Man, it took forever for them to get out of there. I'd forgotten to mention that the batteries when dead on Jess's cell and she didn't bring her charger which was okay because mine went dead too a day later and I left my charger at POFQ.

Finally, they came out and we could leave The Land. Yes, we still had the childswap pass so I could go on the ride but at that point Haley and I wanted OUT of The Land.

It was Haley's nap time but since we hadn't checked in at the BCV yet, we were homeless.

Since we hadn't had much for breakfast we were all starting to get hungary. Since we were right next to The Living Seas and we haven't had anything but fast food stuff since San Angel Inn, I suggested we go to the Coral Reef for lunch. Haley did well at Columbia Harbour and also at the castle for breakfast so we thought we'd give it a try. The big fish tank should entertain her, right?

Wrong!

No sooner than we got our food she having another meltdown. I took her out of the restaurant and put her in her stroller and soon she was asleep. Skye & Jess finished their meals and then joined me outside. Skye wanted to go on Soarin' again so her and I headed back to The Land while Jess sat with sleeping Haley.

Soarin' was pretty cool! I'm glad I went on it.

Even tho I was afraid my growling stomach would disturb the other guests. The scent of the orange groves made me even more hungry.lol

After Soarin' we met back up with Jess & Haley and walked over to BCV to check in. It was around 2 o'clock and I hoped our villa was ready because we really needed a break and to change for the pool. Unfortunately that wasn't meant to be.

I got us checked in while Jess looked for Haley and Skye a bathing suit in the giftshop. She got one for Haley but she didn't find one for Skye. They sent us to the shop over at the Yacht Club so we walked over there and found one.

Since we couldn't get in the room we went to the bathroom next to Stormalong Bay to change into our suits. Both the girls looked so cute in their new bathing suits! Jess & I had ours stuffed into the backpack just in case we didn't have access to our luggage. Haley was fresh from her nap and running around squeeling in the bathroom.

When we walked out of the restroom we were quiet a site with our bathing suits on pushing a stroller that had our backpack and shopping bags stuffed with clothes. I was just thinking that we looked like a pool hoppers and sure enough we did!lol

I stepped in behind a lady who was getting wristbands from a CM and this guy and his little boy, instead of getting behind me to wait his turn come and stood beside me. His little boy asked what where they standing there for and the father said, "Because we have to get wristbands because people WHO DON'T BELONG HERE keep trying to sneak in." He didn't say people like these people here keep trying to sneek in but it was pretty obvious he was referring to us. I didn't say a word but sort of stepped in front of him and showed my key card to the CM who gave us our wristbands and we walked on in.

We found a spot next to the shallow sandy area so Haley could play in the sand and set up camp. Skye ran off to do the slide and make friends. Although it was almost 80 degrees it didn't feel too terribly warm out.

I had Haley on my hip and walked out into the sand with her and put her down. We'd also bought a bunch of sand toys for her to play with. The sand just freaked her out! Which is odd because she's been to beaches before, it's just been a while. She was so funny. She was walking with bent knees and her toes curled up like a little ol' woman. Jess & I laughed until I almost wet myself.

She didn't want to sit in the sand and play with her toys either because she didn't want the sand on her. She sort of crouched down a little but if any sand stuck to her she'd whine and try to wipe it off. Jess was going to go get her a life jacket just in case but there was so need to, she wouldn't move from one spot. I'm telling you; this girl is totally different from any I've ever raised before.

The waiter came and Jess & I ordered a drink. I have to say, at this point I needed one. When the waiter brought it to us he tripped in the sand and mine flew off his tray and landing in the sand. We just laughed and teased him a bit about it. I bet that happens a lot there.

Haley looked like she was freezing and I felt her little arms and she was cold as a little frog so I put her clothes back on her. I think she was still a little sleepy because she wanted to sit in my lap and cuddle.

I enjoyed holding her. She doesn't let us cuddle her too much except when she's sleepy or not feeling well. We just hung out and relaxed for a little while. I kept calling to see if our room was ready and before long it was after 4 o'clock and they still were saying it wasn't ready. We needed to get cleaned up. We had dinner plans at Cape May Cafe and to see Fantasmic. Skye was back and everyone was getting cold so we got our stuff together and went to the check in desk. The CM at the desk said our room has been ready for a while now. Don't know wha t was up with that...

Anyway, we made it to our 1BR villa and Jess just loved it. It's the first time she's been with me since I joined DVC...because she's been a bad girl.lol I called and had our luggage brought up and we took turns getting showers. I made Haley a big jacuzzi tub of bubble bath to warm her little bones. She didn't like it when I turned the jets on tho.lol

After our showers we felt all good and relaxed and decided we didn't feel like rushing to our Cape May Cafe ADR and didn't know if Haley would let us eat anyway so I ordered room service. It really just felt too good to be "home" in the villa. I really do love it there and feel completely comfortable. I think just having a kitchen in the room does it.

We then couldn't decided whether we wanted to just hang out there and rest up or go to MGM. In the end we decided to go see Osborne Festival of Lights and Fantasmic. We went to the boat dock and there was a huge line to catch a boat. As many times as I've been to the BCV I've never had to stand in line for a boat. We decided to just walk.

The Osbourne Lights were wonderful and Fantasmic was great as usual. Haley loved it too and wasn't a bit afraid. She clapped her hands and pointed at the boat with all the characters. She's a true music lover and seems to enjoy any kind of musical show.

After the show Skye wanted to stay and see if she could ride R&R or ToT because she hadn't gotten to do it yet. That was fine with me so Jess stayed with her and Haley and I went back to BCVs. I was going to take her for icecream but decided she needed to get in the bed early tonight.

I was putting Jess, Skye and Haley in the king bed and taking the fold out sofa in the LR. I always get the fold out. I don't care as long as I get the whole bed and not have to share. I put my jammies on and got in my bed. Before long, Jess & Skye came in. They'd gotten to ride both R&R and ToT and were happy.

It wasn't long before we were out like a light. for the grammer i would give u a...

5
sorry and i admit im just 10

[Ron from Michigan]

Thanks for the great report. I really enjoyed reading your report. I remember reading your previous report, so I am so glad that this trip wen't much better. I agree with you about POFQ. We have stayed there several times and really enjoy it. I just love the boats that you can take to DD.

[mskani]

I'm glad that you had a better trip this time. I also remember reading your your trip report from last time.

[jugglinfish]

Thanks for sharing the report. So glad to hear you had a good trip with your daughter and granddaughter. I have lots of memories of "girls only" trips and outings with my mom and grandma, I'm sure you'll all treasure these memories.

[Minniespal]

Enjoyed reading your reports ~ Thanx for sharing.

[CindyBeth]

:figment: :simba: :stitch: :goofy: :sulley: :tigger: :mickeyjum Enjoyed your reports!

[gopack]

Thanks for posting I love reading your reports!!

[heaven2dc]

You are a true gem - such patience & kindness! So glad this trip went better (even tho there were some meltdowns but I think you handled them wonderfully). I hope your daughter truly appreciates you (sometimes they just don't :guilty: ).

[sskem96]

Great report! Thanks for posting! We're planning on staying at a moderate next time, so it's nice to hear good reviews, especially from a DVC owner. We've only stayed at values before, so we weren't sure it'd be worth the extra $ for a mod, but planning a long trip, so the extra space would be nice. Just to let you know, my oldest was just like Haley at that age, lots of meltdowns and didn't like to be held or cuddled. Now she's 9 and all she wants to do is cuddle and wants hugs and kisses all the time, even in front of her friends. I can't even remember the last time I had to punish her. She's the easiest kid in the world now! Hope it continues that way into the teen years! Hope that gives you something to look forward to!

[Pgh janie]

I'm really enjoying your report!

Thanks for sharing. :)

[MelessaG]

I've been on hiatus from the DISboards for awhile, but I recognized your name and remembered all the sweet things you said about my trip report and I wanted to respond in kind to yours. I'm glad it was good and not as drama-laden as your previous trip. My youngest sister sounds a lot like your Jess and the stories I could tell from some of our trips...She's mellowed since then and it sounds like Jess has too. I'm glad for you. I dream of a DVC membership at the BCV, but with four kids and food to buy...it will probably stay a dream for awhile longer. I enjoyed your report!