4 Parks + 5 Staples in the Baby's Head = 9 Magical Days!! (9/17 The Last Hurrah!) [Archive] - Page 3 - The DIS Discussion Forums

thecapells

05-27-2009, 07:08 PM

Okay, so get everyone back in the spirits, What Time Is It?
Partytime! :cheer2:

You guessed it, as we left the Animation Courtyard, music resonated from the Sorcerer’s Hat.
High School Musical 3: Right Here, Right Now had begun.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDaySeven/Disney20081356.jpg

The kids grabbed a seat up front and Mom, X, and I hung back.
We weren’t through the first song before DD and DS returned.
It was really hot, the sun was in their eyes, and they didn’t want to sit anymore.
It was “Now or Never” but the kids just wanted to “Walk Away” and I couldn’t hear them over the music unless they would “Scream.”
But since “We’re All In This Together”, we decided to make this a “Night To Remember” and head off to something else.
They had enough of this “Senior Year Musical” and told us they “Just Wanna Be With You.”

Okay, so I’m a dork.
But you’re still reading…

Anyway, it was a little after 11 so I figured we’d get a snack and head to the 12:00 Beauty and the Beast show.
DD was excited. DS, on the other hand, stared complaining that he wanted his surprises and all we had so far was stuff for X and DD.
I checked the times guide to make sure the showtime was accurate and saw 11:15. WHAT?!!?!?!?
Now, to be fair, I had 11:15 written down but changed it right before we left to 12:00 based on an update I saw online. WRONG!
We headed straight over to the show to grab seats.
Mom was furious (she hates when we have to run) but I figured we could relax once we’re seated.
I was afraid there would be nothing left since I hear you should get there ½ hour early.
However, we were able to grab decent seats and collapsed on the benches.
Mom parked the stroller and joined us in time for the show to start.
The kids were hungry, grumpy and starting to lose it but I heard great things about this show so we watched it.
It was good but I think because of our attitudes at that point, we weren’t really into it.
X didn’t want to sit still and DS was grumpy so we probably didn’t enjoy it as much as we could have.
And the fact that it was benches and not seats didn’t help at all.
I ended up having to hold DD most of the show so she could see past the really big people in front of us.

After the show, we headed over to the stands on Sunset Boulevard for some snack.
We needed to wind down so I grabbed a smoothie, a banana, and a frozen lemonade for us all to split.
We sat down in the shade of an umbrella and ate a bit.
DS was still grumpy (I think lack of sleep was catching up to him) but I told him his stuff was coming up.
He was mad that I had told him this was his day and we didn’t do anything for him yet.
Because apparently Toy Story Midway Mania wasn’t for him.
Ugh.

After snack we headed back to the Animation Courtyard (sense a pattern here yet) to finish up that side of the park before lunch.
Stay Tuned as The Incredibles spring into action!

jagfanjosh3252

05-28-2009, 01:51 PM

thecapells

05-28-2009, 04:33 PM

Whew! After much reading:surfweb:, I finally caught up. Wow, I was so sad when I saw what happened to X. But looks like he was a trouper and hung in there. I loved the part when your DD got to dance with the Prince. That is so cool.

Being a comic book fan also, It was kinda disappointing in what happened with X-Men Origins:Wolverine. I hated what they did to "Deadpool."

Yeah, I was pretty disappointed with the new movie as well.
At least I can focus on the rest of the trip report to keep my spirits up! :)
Welcome aboard though and hopefully you'll enjoy the rest of the trip!

jmskinner

05-28-2009, 07:05 PM

Being a comic book fan also, It was kinda disappointing in what happened with X-Men Origins:Wolverine. I hated what they did to "Deadpool."

Did you see the scene after the credits?

3girls4me05

05-28-2009, 08:06 PM

thecapells

05-28-2009, 08:51 PM

Did you see the scene after the credits?

Yeah, but it was silly and unnecessary.

thecapells

05-28-2009, 08:53 PM

Still here and reading.
I know it is not super nice but it may me feel good when the kids got cranky during Beauty and the Beast. Up till now it seems like they have all been on great behavoir and well..I was wondering if they were really human! We all experience at least one cranky moment at Disney don't we?

Yeah, we can't complain.
Their worst wasn't even that bad - they were tired and grumpy due to lack of food but no tantrums or anything.
And once the food was in, we were good to go.
I think the pacing of the trip helped alot.
While we did run around ALOT, we built in time to sit and relax during the meals and catch our breaths.
And they took turns riding in the double stroller next to X which also helped.

thecapells

05-28-2009, 09:48 PM

Back at the Animation Courtyard, it was time for some pictures to get everyone back in the Disney mindset!
We went into the “Magic of Disney Animation” store and everyone was confused.
I told everyone to follow as I slipped through a door and into the character area at the end of the Animation Tour.
The kids were amazed at my back-door trick and we quickly got on line to meet the Incredibles.
However, they were just heading out.
While we waited for their return, X found his nickname on a sign and got excited:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDaySeven/Disney20081301.jpg

I then found out that they weren’t returning but Frozone was coming in 5 minutes.
Just when I was about to get really mad (seeing as we were dressed as Incredibles and everything) I realized this was actually fortunate.
We have pics of the Incredibles from our last trip.
How cool would it be to get pics AS the Incredibles posing with Frozone?
It’s like bringing the whole team together!
And that’s what we did! You guys can tell us what you think…
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyPhotopass/Photopass2008491.jpg

Next stop was another little trick I knew.
We headed downstairs and then the kids lit up when they saw Sorcerer Mickey :smickey: hanging by himself with basically no line.

AUTHOR’S NOTE: This is a great place to catch Mickey with no wait and I’m not sure why there’s never really a line

The kids ran right over but the Photopass photographer was having issues.
He finally snapped this one as X was trying to grab Mickey:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyPhotopass/Photopass2008495.jpg

Luckily, I grabbed this one of DD and DS:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDaySeven/Disney20081303.jpg

And the CM was nice enough to grab a better one of the entire family!
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDaySeven/Disney20081306.jpg

Next up, I was hoping to get pics of WALL-E but we just missed him.
Apparently the WALL-E stuff was just taken down and it was decorated for Bolt.
But Bolt wasn’t debuting for another week.
So I sadly just took a shot of the Bolt screen and we moved on.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDaySeven/Disney20081308.jpg

DD found some animation screens where you could color Disney characters and proceeded to color in Flounder.
First she did it the right way:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDaySeven/Disney20081309.jpg

And then she made him all funny colors.
Everyone had fun but it was time to head out.
We had one more attraction before our 12:50 lunch ADR.
On the way out, X found Stitch on the wall.
He was really excited!!
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDaySeven/Disney20081311.jpg

This pic is even more nostalgic as we have DD in the same shot from 2006 when we went for DS’s 4th Birthday trip:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDaySeven/FloridaFeb06228.jpg

Finally it was time to venture forth under the sea.
Get out your scuba gear and join us in the depths for a grand "voyage!"

dawnbu40

05-29-2009, 06:16 AM

Awwww! The pics with Frozone and Mickey are adorable! The Animation Bldg is my favorite place for character pics. There is never a wait and its air conditioned! :cool1:

smithpack

05-29-2009, 08:53 AM

Poohsbear

05-31-2009, 07:37 AM

Great tr! Took me a few days to get caught up with it but I'm glad I found it. Great pictures. Hope X's head is ok, although it doesn't look like it phased him a bit! Really enjoy the DH and DW views, it's always interesting to hear what everyone else's perspective was.

Can't wait to read more!

thecapells

05-31-2009, 03:22 PM

I am still here and loving the TR. I love that you included that picture of your DD when she was X's age in front of stitch. I was just looking at older pictures of my kids today and on the verge of crying because they grow up so fast. Your DD has definitely changed so much since that picture. She is absolutely beautiful. It is so bittersweet watching them grow.

She definitely seems all grown up now even though she's only 4.
But watching X throughout the trip definitely reminded us how she was back then!

Great tr! Took me a few days to get caught up with it but I'm glad I found it. Great pictures. Hope X's head is ok, although it doesn't look like it phased him a bit! Really enjoy the DH and DW views, it's always interesting to hear what everyone else's perspective was.

Can't wait to read more!

He's a trooper and had a grand time.
Since then he's become an even bigger Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck fan.
He came home and starting playing with the stuffed Mickey and Donald and calling them by name!

thecapells

06-03-2009, 07:34 PM

We were getting hungry but still had one more attraction left in the Animation Courtyard area – Voyage of the Little Mermaid.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDaySeven/VoyageLittleMermaid.jpg

And yes, grumbles sounded from the direction of DS – “where are my surprises?”
I explained this was the last bit for DD and the rest of the day was for him.
And did you happen to forget 2 rides on Toy Story Midway Mania?
It was just one of those days…

There was no wait to get in so we headed for the loading area and remembered how this was one of the emergency restrooms stops from 2006.
That is, just after we piled into a crowded loading area, DS announced he had to go potty – NOW!
Mom ran out and barely made it back before the show started.
Aaah, the things you remember from Disney :)

The show began and was a bit more dark and violent than I remember.
Sebastian and the black-light puppets were a blast – I love how they do that.
But X was a little freaked out when the wind and water picked up.
DS and DD seemed to enjoy the show – DD especially enjoyed seeing Ariel sing, get her legs, and then kiss Prince Eric.
Ariel is, after all, her favorite princess.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDaySeven/VoyageLittleMermaidAriel.jpg

The show ended and we all piled out.
I’ve always really liked this show – much better (IMHO) than Beauty and the Beast thanks to the effects.
And I love how they blend actors, puppets, and animation into one show.
It’s almost like the pre-cursor to Fantasmic! on a much smaller scale.
A definite must do for anyone.
By now we were famished and it was time to eat under the stars – a special treat for the kids (and me!)

WillowBelle

06-03-2009, 09:08 PM

When we were there in 2006, about 5 minutes into the VOTLMermaid show my DD5 announced she had to go "potty". She and I filed out of the theater leaving my oldest DD with DH - never did get to see the end of ths show :sad1:. Maybe this year.

thecapells

06-04-2009, 09:09 PM

We headed out of the Animation Courtyard, past the Sorcerer’s Hat, and down Commissary Lane.
Mom and the kids parked the stroller while I went to grab Star Tours Fastpasses.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDaySeven/StarToursFastpass.jpg

When I got back, we headed into Sci-Fi Diner. Here’s a promo shot…
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDaySeven/SciFiDinerPromo.jpg

I love this place but this was a first for the kids.
We had to explain to them how these things called “drive-ins” used to exist where you parked your car to watch a movie.
And sometimes the waiters and waitresses came to your car via roller skates.
They didn’t believe us but when we were seated they were very impressed.
From the cool car tables to the stars in the night sky to the huge movie screen, they found a favorite restaurant.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDaySeven/Disney20081319a.jpg

We had a 12:50 ADR and were seated very quickly.
And with the Deluxe Dining Plan, you definitely get your money’s worth here.
We got Onion Rings and Spinach and Artichoke Dip for the adult appetizers and then we each got the bacon chedder burger and fries.
I looove the burger here.
Mom had a lemonade but I opted for the chocolate shake – yes, it counts as a drink here.
DS had a hot dog with a chocolate shake and a fruit cup for dessert.
DD had a burger with a lemonade and fruit for dessert as well.
For the adults, I had cheesecake while Mom had the apple crumble for dessert.
We were so full by the end of the meal, that the waiter packaged up the desserts in “to go” cups for us to take on our way.

The kids had a blast watching the old Sci-Fi “B” Movies and commercials but I think their favorite was the Tom and Jerry cartoon.
And the atmosphere is amazing – everyone had a good time and it was definitely perfect timing with the kids being a bit grumpy today.
DS even tried to "drive" us away...
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDaySeven/Disney20081320.jpg

DS rated this his favorite restaurant along with the T-Rex Café and can’t wait to go back!
From our pickiest eater, that’s saying something!
Too bad X fell asleep on Mom half way through the meal.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDaySeven/Disney20081321.jpg

That would change the afternoon plans somewhat but it’s Disney and we’d make do.
Mom put X in the stroller and went to find a shady spot.
She was pretty wiped and figured she’d take a break while watching X.
But the rest of us had a date with the Stars and our Tour was about to leave! Grab your fastpass and meet us at the shuttle before take-off!

dawnbu40

06-05-2009, 07:10 AM

Aww the SciFi pics are great! Its so nice to hear that a family actually enjoyed that restaurant since so many people on the boards bash it!

thecapells

06-05-2009, 07:26 AM

Aww the SciFi pics are great! Its so nice to hear that a family actually enjoyed that restaurant since so many people on the boards bash it!

I've always loved it - it has great theming and the food is actually pretty good.
We try to vary our foods throughout the week and stay away from burgers and fries (as you can see with the variety of meals we've experienced).
However, Sci-Fi and Cosmic Ray's are two places where burgers are allowed.
And the burger is HUGE and the milkshakes are awesome.
It's like a good diner back home with the added bonus of a movie screen.

In general, I've always thought the food choices at DHS were minimal.
The buffet at Hollywood 'N' Vine is good, but I wasn't impressed by Prime Time, I've heard horrible things about Mama Mia's, and don't want to spend 2 credits for Brown Derby.
We had a horrible meal at ABC Commissary in '06, Backlot Express and Studio Catering seem just average and that about covers your choices.
Given that, Sci-Fi is almost like a staple for us at that park.
Like I said, Sci-Fi ranked the #2 restaurant of the vacation for DS and in the top 5 for DD (after her princess meals).
And Disney is all about the kids so if they like it, you know we're going back.
Heck, I went myself went I came back on my conference trip - but that's a different trip report. :)

jmskinner

06-05-2009, 07:46 AM

thecapells

06-05-2009, 07:55 AM

Finally caught up. Enjoyed seeing all the kids enjoy the shows. We just saw Playhouse Disney a couple of weeks ago. Sadly, with DS now being 10, he didn't enjoy it and didn't know much about the shows. Wish we had gone to WDW when he was into Bear in the Big Blue House and those other shows.

I love how you throw in all the potty breaks.:rotfl: Kids do have great timing don't they?

Glad you're back! Yeah, DS (at 7) probably won't want to go back to Playhouse Disney next time - he's basically outgrown it.
We did do the show with Bear last time in 2006 and I actually thought this one was better.
Then again, I prefer Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Handy Manny and Little Einsteins to Stanley and Book of Pooh.
I think Bear in the Big Blue House is the only thing we miss.

3girls4me05

06-05-2009, 12:10 PM

Glad you're back! Yeah, DS (at 7) probably won't want to go back to Playhouse Disney next time - he's basically outgrown it.
We did do the show with Bear last time in 2006 and I actually thought this one was better.
Then again, I prefer Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Handy Manny and Little Einsteins to Stanley and Book of Pooh.
I think Bear in the Big Blue House is the only thing we miss.

I agree. My youngest is a Little Einstein's fanatic so this was a HUGE hit for her but I must admit I miss my friend Bear. He is one cool dude. Cha Cha Cha!
Love how X can fall asleep just about anywhere.
Oh and aren't you from MA? There is still a drive in in Wellfleet (down the Cape). We go every summer when we are at the Cape. My girls call them "the pajama movies". Still as much fun as when we were kids.

thecapells

06-05-2009, 12:43 PM

I agree. My youngest is a Little Einstein's fanatic so this was a HUGE hit for her but I must admit I miss my friend Bear. He is one cool dude. Cha Cha Cha!
Love how X can fall asleep just about anywhere.
Oh and aren't you from MA? There is still a drive in in Wellfleet (down the Cape). We go every summer when we are at the Cape. My girls call them "the pajama movies". Still as much fun as when we were kids.

Nah, I'm originally from NY - hence the comment about a good diner! :)
And now we live in Northern Virginia.

As for X falling asleep anywhere - it definitely came in handy.
We were hoping that would be the case as we didn't want to return to the hotel in the middle of the day for naps.
We tried that on our last trip and it took a big chunk out of the day getting all the way back to the front gate, waiting for buses, etc.
Not to mention that the kids woke up grumpy since the naps were short.
This time it was much easier and when someone got tired, they fell asleep in the stroller.

thecapells

06-06-2009, 12:51 PM

http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDaySeven/StarWarsOpening.jpg

Can’t you just hear the music?
I must admit, I’m a Star Wars fanatic (moreso than Disney).
And this is *MY* ride.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDaySeven/StarTours06Sign.jpg

I’ve dreamed of flying down the trench since I was 4 ½ staring up at the big screen with my mouth hanging open in awe.
Wow, did that movie change my childhood.

So, with a full stomach, we headed towards the huge AT-AT towering over a simple Ewok Village :ewok:.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDaySeven/StarTours06AT-AT.jpg

I miss the Snowspeeder and Skiff props that used to be here.
I hear they’ve since been moved to the Backlot tour and from there only Walt knows for sure…

We headed through the Droid Room and had to stop to see Admiral Ackbar at the controls while C-3P0 and R2-D2 frantically worked to prepare our speeder.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDaySeven/StarTours06Artoo.jpg

http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDaySeven/StarTours06Threepio.jpg

And then we walked up the ramp to see R5-D4 being repaired and soon it was time to head to our speeder.
The pre-show, as always, was great and I love seeing Chewbacca :chewy: and Ackbar sitting in the shuttle trying to make themselves comfortable.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDaySeven/Disney20081322.jpg

The doors opened and it was our turn.
This was a momentous occasion as back in 2006, we saw this attraction during a “test flight” where the simulator was not on.
This is something you can ask to do if there aren’t too many people waiting and you have young ones in tow.
But this time, we were about the get the entire experience!
Our rookie pilots strapped themselves in (with some help from Jedi Dad) and we were ready to fly! May the Force Be With Us! :yoda:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDaySeven/Disney20081323.jpg

http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDaySeven/Disney20081324.jpg

Well, the speeder pilot (Rex) was new and took us for a bumpy ride.
We even missed our tour to Endor as we were detoured through an asteroid field and into a space battle.
After tailing some X-Wings through a mess of Star Destroyers, we followed them through a narrow trench and launched some torpedos into a small crevice.
It was just like shooting wamp rats back home in our T-16’s. :thumbsup2
And the small moon (that's no small moon) exploded!

Rex was able to get the speeder clear and land us back at the Rebel Base without further incident.
DD was a bit shook up but DS was excited when we landed.
He even made a replica of the ride out of LEGO once we got back home.
I have always loved this ride – who hasn’t dreamed of flying through the trench to destroy the Death Star along with Luke?
Rumor has it that this ride may get a face lift with the stuff from the new movies so that might be cool.
But, honestly, it can stay this way forever and I’d be happy.

We headed off our amazing adventure and right into Tatooine Traders – a fine mix of scum and villainy from around the galaxy (and some cool toys too!).
Now if we don’t pretty much walk straight through here, we may never leave as they have some cool stuff for us geeks.
So we headed out and took our Star Wars pictures in the desert sand:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDaySeven/Disney20081330.jpg

This has become tradition as well since 2006 when DS, in his Star Wars shirt and watch, showed us how to drive the speederbikes...
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDaySeven/StarTours06Tatooine.jpg

Next time, we’ll need a pic of all 3!!
And then the Ultimate Dork Photo Opportunity!
Who would NOT want to ride on an authentic speederbike!!
Luckily Mom was waiting for us outside with the still-sleeping X and took some great shots of us on the speederbike across from the attraction.

First DS got his shot to zoom through Endor:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDaySeven/Disney20081326.jpg

Then DD wanted to play with the Ewoks :ewok:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDaySeven/Disney20081327.jpg

And then we needed the group shot.
What better way to pass the torch of geekdom and educate your children on the greatest movie ever than to share a speederbike ride with them!
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDaySeven/Disney20081329a.jpg

It was finally time to depart the moon of Endor for good.
And off in the distance we could seen the balloon rising from the swamps of Florida where Yoda’s “cousin” Kermit was born.
It’s time to play the music!
It’s time to light the lights!
Better grab your seat and stay tuned…

Happy Elf

06-06-2009, 01:18 PM

Great update! I am married to a Star Wars geek! He was quite sad to give up his "Star Wars Room" (for all his SW toys)when our DD was born. But is thrilled, because she is finally tall enough to ride Star Tours with him on our upcoming trip!

TheCapellsMom

06-06-2009, 02:43 PM

What my DH failed to mention is that X can fall asleep in any location- as long as the stroller is in constant motion or MOM is in constant motion! At SciFi diner, I rocked him to sleep while eating a burger & trying not to miss my mouth! I know he's finally deep asleep when he starts drooling on me!:rotfl:

So, just to fill you in briefly, while DH, DS, and DD went to Star Tours , I spent a few minutes getting over my jealousy then carried the sleeping X in one hand and pushed the double stroller with the other, till I found a shady spot to sit. I parked the stroler in the shade, locked the wheels, and gingerly lowered the sleeping baby down...only to have him scream at me! So- I pushed him around for about 10 minutes in circles, and when he was finally down for the count, I found another shady spot to rest.

My plan was to read my book while the baby napped but after half a paragraph, it was obvious that I needed a nap too! I'm paranoid so I put my feet up on the stroller so I would feel it if somebody tried to roll away with my kid- and dozed for about 20 minutes or so.

Then I headed over to the speederbikes and got on line because there was a 10 minute wait just to get photos. The rest of the family arrived just as I got up to the front of the line- perfect timing!

JLovesDisney

06-11-2009, 02:56 PM

thecapells

06-11-2009, 07:34 PM

Long time lurker here- Just wanted to say I'm loving your TR! I'm glad you had a great time at Sci-Fi! I've been there twice, one time was great, one time was not so great. Thinking about going there next trip- still not sure about it!

Glad to have you aboard!
Especially since it looks like we lost everyone else.
I guess my Star Wars dorkiness scared everyone away.
Too bad 'cause it just gets worse with our next stop... ;)

thecapells

06-11-2009, 07:41 PM

And now let’s get things started.
It's time to get things started!
On the most Sensational, Inspirational, Celebrational, Muppetational
This is what we call Muppet*Vision 3-D!

We headed over to the Muppet Fountain while Mom went to find a shady spot to sit with the sleeping X.
She ended up reading her book in the ABC Commissary while X had a much-needed nap.
DS, DD and I were off to the show!
Here’s some shots from 2006 since I didn’t repeat them this time around:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDaySeven/Muppetvision06.jpg

http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDaySeven/Muppetvision06Sign.jpg

Once at the plaza, the kids had fun exploring the detail of the “Piggy Fountain” as they called it.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDaySeven/Disney20081331.jpg

As usual, there was no line so we headed inside…
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDaySeven/Muppetvision06Poster.jpg

I love the holographic “3-D” Poster on the way in…
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDaySeven/Disney20081332a.jpg

And then there’s my favorite sign in all Walt Disney World.
For those who have ever been turned down for a ride because they were too small, Muppetvision is your revenge!
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDaySeven/Muppetvision06Entrance.jpg

And the additional detail of the spot where someone bashed their head is priceless!

Once inside, we got to watch most of the Muppetvision pre-show.
And for those who haven’t sat for it, definitely make a point to do so.
This is probably the best pre-show in all of the parks.
It has terrific details with the props scattered across the room including the Swine Trek from Pigs in Space:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDaySeven/Disney20081336a.jpg

and even a picture of the Jim Henson Muppet himself:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDaySeven/Disney20081334a.jpg

And that’s not including the great site gags like the seemingly random large colorful squares hanging from the ceiling in a cargo net.
[http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDaySeven/Muppetvision09Jello.jpg

But don’t those squares look like giant Jell-O cubes?
Now why are there Jello-O cubes in a cargo net?
Hmmmm, what’s the significance of “a net full of Jell-O”?
How about “Annette Funicello”?
Gotta love Muppet humor.
:rotfl:

And then there’s the amazing video that spans a row of TV’s.
Stop and think for a moment how hard it is to stage puppets with that kind of timing and you’ll get a whole new appreciation for the video.

And then all of the Muppet props from Gonzo’s crate of weird things to a case of Lou Zealand’s Swedish fish.
Definitely read everything in this place.
Nothing was put here by accident or without purpose.

Finally, the doors open and the real fun begins.

From the animatronic Penguin Orchestra to all of the bad puns and 3-D sight gags, this show is a blast. Literally.
Miss Piggy sings “Dream a Little Dream”, and most of the muppets cameo at one point or another.
Doctor Bunsen Honeydew and Beaker (yeah! Beaker) develop a new 3-D creature who runs wild.
He even decides to run away with Bean the bunny.
Which leads to a great search of the theatre including Waldorf and Statler in the balcony and a real-life Sweet-Ums who comes into the theatre!

Finally, Bean is found and talked into coming back as long as he can help with the finale.
Ah, the finale.
Sam The Eagle has prepared a 3 hour Patriotic celebration. Kermit gives him a minute and a half.
Soldiers, musicians, archers, dancers, and anything else you can imagine start running into each other.
Fireworks are flying in all directions.
Then the Swedish Chef in the back of theatre starts shooting at the 3D creation.
The penguin orchestra gets mad and breaks out a canon to shoot back.
The Swedish Chef is not to be outdone and ends up blowing the theatre to smithereens!
The finale shot of Kermit on the 3-D ladder of a firetruck is a great shot.
Think about this one for a minute – where are they controlling him from??
And check out all the 80's clothes on the guests wandering by. :)

At last, we are invited to leave the theatre which is now in shambles.
But, this is the Muppets – did you expect anything less?

On the way out, you drop off your 3-D glasses and I tried to hide our next stop from DS and DD since I wanted it to be a surprise.
It was time to get our motors running and get out on the highway…
Make sure you join us before we’re “Real Gone!”

lovedonaldduck

06-12-2009, 02:13 PM

Just read the whole report. Sounds like you guys had an amazing trip, can't wait to hear about the rest of it.

Poohsbear

06-12-2009, 03:48 PM

Especially since it looks like we lost everyone else.
I guess my Star Wars dorkiness scared everyone away.

Haven't lost everyone! :) Nothin's scared me away yet.. cept maybe the time I have to wait to go myself :rotfl2:

jmskinner

06-12-2009, 04:21 PM

DisneyMom5

06-13-2009, 10:50 AM

Love it! Muppets 3-D is one of my favs. We saw it first on our honeymoon in 1991.

Really great pics, even the old ones.
My 3 yo (who does NOT remember her only trip to WDW 2 years ago)
saw your pics and said "That looks like Dizzzzzewald." We're so proud!

ImaDVCwannabe

06-13-2009, 05:01 PM

When are you guys going?
(I'll have to make sure I'm done by then - I didn't realize a TR would take this long).

Oh I'm sure you will be. Our trip isn't until August of 2010:sad2:

thecapells

06-13-2009, 08:55 PM

Glad to see everyone's still here!
I guess that means I better get to the next segment...

thecapells

06-14-2009, 02:14 PM

You haven't lost me either. I never get the emails of the updates, just when someone else posts so I didn't realize you had updated. Your wife needs one of my shirts, which by the way my DH ordered for me. It says, "I Love My Geek". I wore it last year to SWW. My DS has to ride ST every time we go, usually twice. I loved how you described it and Muppetvision 3D. I have never noticed the height requirement sign. Keep the updates coming.

I'll have to get one of the shirts for her!!

Love it! Muppets 3-D is one of my favs. We saw it first on our honeymoon in 1991.

Really great pics, even the old ones.
My 3 yo (who does NOT remember her only trip to WDW 2 years ago)
saw your pics and said "That looks like Dizzzzzewald." We're so proud!

That's awesome! I think DS is about ready to help start planning our next trip - it's like passing on the torch... :)

thecapells

06-14-2009, 02:28 PM

As you exit Muppetvision you are more or less pointed towards Luigi’s Garage.
This is the new area for Meet & Greets with Lightning McQueen and Tow-Mater.
I was looking forward to this as the kids loved the movie Cars and these were their favorite characters.
DS is a Lightning McQueen fan and DD loves Mater.
X also loves cars so I was a bit sad he was sleeping.
I called Mom from her solitude and she came over with DS’ wardrobe change.
After all, if you’re gonna meet #95, you have to dress the part!
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyPhotopass/Photopass2008503.jpg

And DS had to meet Mater as well…
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyPhotopass/Photopass2008499.jpg

Then DD had her turn and ran over to her favorite…
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyPhotopass/Photopass2008502.jpg

Finally, we had to get a picture of both kids (and again I wished X was awake):
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyPhotopass/Photopass2008504.jpg

And don’t forget dear old Dad!
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyPhotopass/Photopass2008506.jpg

The setup here was really very cool.
It was obviously themed to Luigi’s Tire Shop from the movie.
And both Lightning and Mater’s engines were running.
Occasionally they would roar a bit louder and their eyes would move a bit.
They didn’t talk but it definitely was a neat photo op.

Next, we rushed back to Star Tours for DS’ next surprise.
His surprises were coming at light speed now (pun intended) and he was loving it.
He liked how the trip was no longer about princesses.
However, I was a bit sad as about now I realized we would be skipping a bunch.
Luckily, the kids didn’t realize we missed anything! ;)

I had originally planned for 1 ½ days at the Studios but we ended up spending a full day at Animal Kingdom instead.
So, checking the schedule, that now meant we’d be missing Meet & Greets with Kim Possible as well as Monsters Inc.
We met Mike and Sully back in ’06 so that wasn’t a big loss but Kim Possible and Ron would’ve been fun.
We also were going to have to skip the Journey Into Narnia: Prince Caspian exhibit.
The kids saw the previous one and didn’t quite get it since they haven’t read the books yet.
I liked it because I loved the books as a kid so this was a bit of a disappointment.
Lastly, we’d be missing Buzz and Woody in their new area over by Toy Story Mania.
Again, we saw them in ’06 when they were at Al’s Toy Barn so this wasn’t a total loss.

AUTHOR’S NOTE: I was able to catch Buzz & Woody, Mike & Sully, and Prince Caspian when I came back in May for my conference.
But that’s a different trip report :yay:

Now we headed back into the stars for some training - Jedi Training that is!
Grab your lightsabers, don your Jedi robes, and May the Force Be With You! :yoda:

dawnbu40

06-14-2009, 02:54 PM

Great photopass pics! Too bad X had to miss out on the fun!

WillowBelle

06-14-2009, 05:14 PM

Another reader still here :upsidedow. Sometimes it just takes a bit before I come out of the shadows and comment.

My DDs love both Muppet Vision and Star Tours. My youngest DD got a bit shaken up in 2006 when we went, she was five then. I've talked her in to giving the ride another try when we go in a few weeks. She's 8 now. I explained to her that she wasn't strong enough to keep her center of balance while being shot into outter space that she would do better this time. Keep your fingers crossed, if I'm wrong she is never going to forgive me :rotfl:.

jagmom

06-15-2009, 01:29 PM

I can't wait for your next update!

TiggerCL

06-15-2009, 03:34 PM

I've read your entire TR today - it's fantstic! Thanks so much for sharing and I love those Incredible outfits! princess:

thecapells

06-15-2009, 09:23 PM

I can't wait for your next update!

I've read your entire TR today - it's fantstic! Thanks so much for sharing and I love those Incredible outfits! princess:

Welcome aboard to you both!
And since you asked, I better get to work on the next update!

thecapells

06-15-2009, 09:32 PM

So we headed over to the 4:00 Jedi Academy show.
I love that they made the stage out of the Endor bunker – it fits right in with the Ewok Village and the AT-AT.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDaySeven/Disney20081342.jpg

The show started as a Jedi jumped out onto the stage and did some practice maneuvers with his lightsaber.
Then he chose the lucky few to don their Jedi robes and attend the training session.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDaySeven/Disney20081343.jpg

Now we opted not to bring DS’ Halloween outfit (we dressed up as the Star Wars gang) and now I regret it.
He surprised me by jumping up and down and really trying to get picked.
They ended up picking the kids on either side of him. Poor DS. :sad2:
But I guess they didn’t want a Jedi Lightning McQueen among the ranks.
In hindsight, it probably wasn’t a bad idea since we had to bail early to catch the Indy Stunt Show.

So after the selections and the costume changes, all the Jedi were given a lightsaber and a spot on the stage.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDaySeven/Disney20081345.jpg

They learned the practice maneuvers just in time!
The Imperial March theme kicked in and two stormtroopers ran on stage forcing the Jedi padowans back!
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDaySeven/Disney20081348.jpg

The padowans were a bit shaken up but held strong behind their Master as he spoke to the troopers.
Then they retreated and took up positions surrounding the blast doors.
The doors opened and smoke streamed out.
From the portal appeared the Lord of the Sith himself – Darth Vader! :darth:

http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDaySeven/Disney20081349.jpg

He approached the Jedi padowans
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDaySeven/Disney20081350.jpg

But they were ready for battle!
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDaySeven/Disney20081390.jpg

In fact, the Jedi Master challenged the Sith Lord to a duel against his padowans.
I sure hope they learned their lessons well!
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDaySeven/Disney20081351.jpg

Darth Vader even warned the crowd as they started to cheer for the padowans. http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDaySeven/Disney20081354.jpg

Several battles ensued with the children performing their lessons and driving the evil lord back.
And I’ve read that during Star Wars Weekends (and in Disneyland), Darth Maul appears with Darth Vader to attack the rebel scum.
Once the show became repetitive, me and my Jedi Knights took our leave.
A 4:20 Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular was about to start and DS was really looking forward to this.
After a quick change into my Indiana Jones attire, I grabbed DS and DD by the hand and fled the scene.
Grab your whips and fedora hats and hope there’s no snakes!

ADDENDUM: Oh, and since I mentioned it, here’s the gang in our Star Wars garb from Halloween 2007.
Mom and Dad were Padme and Anakin with our kids Luke and Leia.
X had the cutest R2-D2 costume. I think DS would’ve been picked if had this on…
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDaySeven/Halloween2007003a.jpg

jmskinner

06-15-2009, 10:03 PM

ktmetke

06-15-2009, 10:49 PM

Loved all the MuppetVision detail you wrote about.....lots to look at the next time we go!!

dawnbu40

06-16-2009, 05:22 AM

I love the family Halloween picture! Reminds me of when the orginal movies came out (yes I'm old :rotfl:) and my little brother and I were a Jawa and Princess Leia.

DisneyMom5

06-16-2009, 09:38 AM

You are a good man. My dh would flip if I pulled out a costume change for every character. LOL :thumbsup2

Hey, he loves me AND he takes me to WDW, so I don't complain too much. ;)

castmemberb4

06-16-2009, 10:52 AM

Oh my gosh I'm all caught up ! Can't remember if I've posted on your TR before I've been so far behind. But I'm actually reading in 'real time' now:thumbsup2
You're doing a great job with posting fast and using lots of pictures, I love TRs with a lot of pictures. I'll bet you're writing stuff in your head the whole trip and taking photos to match. I do that with my photo journals.
Are you going to do a mini TR for your conference trip?
Lynn

mum24grlz

06-16-2009, 01:11 PM

Phew! I made it through all 30+ pages - great TR. Love the details :thumbsup2 :thumbsup2 Can't wait to read more :)

All7OfUs

06-17-2009, 11:27 PM

So sorry to have been out of the loop for a while- real life has its ups and downs; we've had a downer kind of month.

But, am glad to be caught up with most of the reports I've been part of, and feeling like life is S-L-O-W-L-Y returning to normal. Once I get back to Blank-a-Stan, it will be even better. :thumbsup2

Too bad DS wasn't picked for the show. My kids never wanted to be "on stage", except DD for the Pirate Tut. It does look like fun , though. Hopefully, the Indiana show, and all it's excitement made up for it.

thecapells

06-18-2009, 10:34 AM

So sorry your DS wasn't chosen for the academy. That is rough on little ones. Actually you answered one of my questions for the academy. I had wondered if Darth Maul was only there during SWW, and I guess that is the only time he appears. He puts on a great show, walking around staring the crowds down.

Glad I could answer your questions.
I hear Darth Maul is a staple at Disneyland but not at the World unless it's Star Wars Weekends.

Loved all the MuppetVision detail you wrote about.....lots to look at the next time we go!!

Thanks and welcome aboard!

I love the family Halloween picture! Reminds me of when the orginal movies came out (yes I'm old :rotfl:) and my little brother and I were a Jawa and Princess Leia.

Yeah, we had fun that year.
We're definitely cashing in on the campiness and doing the family dress-up for as long as the kids will let us!
We have a great one planned for this year...

You are a good man. My dh would flip if I pulled out a costume change for every character. LOL :thumbsup2

Hey, he loves me AND he takes me to WDW, so I don't complain too much. ;)

It's actually alot of fun and makes the pics that much better.
The more interesting trick was to plan the days so we'd have the least costume changes.
So it definitely added another aspect of planning as we didn't want to bring an entire suitcase with us everyday!
And yes, events and atttractions were changed to other days just to make the clothes work... ;)

Oh my gosh I'm all caught up ! Can't remember if I've posted on your TR before I've been so far behind. But I'm actually reading in 'real time' now:thumbsup2
You're doing a great job with posting fast and using lots of pictures, I love TRs with a lot of pictures. I'll bet you're writing stuff in your head the whole trip and taking photos to match. I do that with my photo journals.
Are you going to do a mini TR for your conference trip?
Lynn

Glad you're enjoying it!
And now that you said I was going fast, of course I go missing for a couple of days.
I'm back now and hope to post again tonite.
As for the trip, I usually make a photo movie of our trips so I take pics geared towards that.
And I definitely plan to follow this up with a "detour" trip report as well as my conference trip report
(although I have to decide whether or not to include Islands of Adventure in that one as well).
I guess the trick is to keep writing trip reports until it's time to go again!!
It keeps you in the Disney mood and lessens the after-vacation depression! :)

Phew! I made it through all 30+ pages - great TR. Love the details :thumbsup2 :thumbsup2 Can't wait to read more :)

Glad you're enjoying it!
Hopefully it sounds okay if read all in one session....

So sorry to have been out of the loop for a while- real life has its ups and downs; we've had a downer kind of month.

But, am glad to be caught up with most of the reports I've been part of, and feeling like life is S-L-O-W-L-Y returning to normal. Once I get back to Blank-a-Stan, it will be even better. :thumbsup2

Too bad DS wasn't picked for the show. My kids never wanted to be "on stage", except DD for the Pirate Tut. It does look like fun , though. Hopefully, the Indiana show, and all it's excitement made up for it.

Entirely understandable.
And Indy was definitely a blast!
I hope to get post about it tonite...

quest4dl

06-18-2009, 11:13 AM

Haven't chimed in for a while but I've been lurking and following along your great trip report!

We did the Jedi Training at DL last year and it was a highlight for my boys. On the boards here, I was advised to make a sign and have them wear Star Wars related clothing to improve their chances of getting picked. We were also the first to arrive at the stage area (about 30 minutes early). They both did get picked and greatly enjoyed the experience - they both fought Darth Maul (older kids get him because he is too scary for the younger ones). My boys really wanted to do it again but I felt so bad for the kids that didn't get picked that I didn't feel they should take 'another turn' and use up someone else's opportunity. There did seem to be alot more spots available at DL though (about 20? - it seemed less from your pics).

penguintux

06-18-2009, 12:52 PM

I just spent the last couple days reading your trip report, and it looks like so much fun! I love that you accompany everything with a bunch of pictures :]

I can't wait for another update!

thecapells

06-18-2009, 08:38 PM

We ran over to the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular and arrived just in time.
DS, DD, and I ran down one of the aisles and I noticed some bench room so I asked if they were being saved.
Apparently not so we actually were able to snag decent seats.
The lights dimmed shortly and then *BOOM* the ceiling gave way and down came Indy.
As he meandered through the spikes on the way to the idol, DD had hopped into my lap.
She was frightened and saying “Go Indy” and rooting him on.
She was really afraid he was going to get hurt.
And then the best part…
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDaySeven/th_Disney20081355.jpg (http://s381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDaySeven/?action=view&current=Disney20081355.flv)

I’ve always liked this show.
And the kids really had fun with the “mole” who Mariann beats up during the stunt sequence.
DS loved the exploding truck and the plane fire.
I had forgotten how much you can feel the heat all the way into audience!
And they were in awe at how the set came apart and rolled away in order to get ready for the next scene.
The show ended and we are all in good spirits despite DD spending most of the show on my lap.
I had explained it was all make believe and this is how they make real movies.
It was actually a nice little education about how movies are made.

Meanwhile, Mom finally woke X up and got him changed into his Cars shirt (it was supposed to be for meeting Mater but oh well).
Then they headed over to Hollywood ‘N’ Vine to check in for dinner.
That way, by the time the Indy show ended, they’d have our table ready.
While they waited, Mom got a couple of really cute shots of X:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDaySeven/Disney20081402.jpg

http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDaySeven/Disney20081406.jpg

And they even watched the High School Musical stage roll by after a show.
And since they were there, Mom couldn't pass up a Photopass photographer!!
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyPhotopass/Photopass2008512.jpg

We arrived shortly after Mom checked in and all headed to the restroom.
As soon as we came back out, Mom sent me over to take a pic with X in front of the hat as well.
We had to show off my new Indy shirt.
Mom bought it for me before the trip - it has snakes all over it with an Indy logo on the front.
On the back, it says "I Hate Snakes" over and over...
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyPhotopass/Photopass2008519.jpg

By then our table was ready.
Stay with us for dinner and a show!
It’ll be Fantasmical! :wizard:

jmskinner

06-18-2009, 08:54 PM

You did have great seats for Inday. When you wrote "BOOM" I thought you were going to have what happened to us. We tried to see Indy last summer and it was storming so they wouldn't do the whole show with the lightning in the area. Glad you were speaking of the "BOOM" within the show.

All7OfUs

06-18-2009, 09:40 PM

thecapells

06-18-2009, 09:59 PM

Just curious... for those with little ones like yours...

Is the white bracelet on X for ID? Or is that a leftover hospital bracelet??

We used a zip tie with a tag on our little ones' shoelaces.

Just thought those with little tykes might be interested in what you did for the CMs to find you in case they got separated from you.

Good point.
So the bracelet on X's wrist is indeed the hospital bracelet.
We didn't end up taking it off until we got home.

As for child ID, we ordered bracelets from www.shanrene.com.
We got 2 rubber bracelets for each child with our phone number and an emergency number on each.
Of course, Mom coordinated the colors with the day's outfits. :)
They were really handy, inexpensive, and not intrusive at all - we used them as ankle bracelets so they were out of the way.
If you look closely, you can see them in some of the pics throughout the TR.
For example, X has a red one on in the following picture (it matched our Incredibles outfits).
You can see it right above his black sock on his right leg:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDaySeven/Disney20081402.jpg

3girls4me05

06-23-2009, 08:22 PM

Love the bracelets..I mean anklets. Great idea.

thecapells

06-23-2009, 09:26 PM

We were seated about 5:00 (we had a 4:55 ADR) at Hollywood ‘N’ Vine and had a nice table off in the corner.
The waiter gave us our Fantasmic Package tickets and explained that the tickets were only good for the 1st showing.
That was fine (and expected).
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDaySeven/HollywoodVine06.jpg

Now, before I continue, I know there is some debate about whether or not the Fantasmic Dinner Package is worth it.
For us, there is no question – worth it every time.
The rationale is as follows:

#1 With kids of 7, 4, and 2, not having to wait 1-2 hrs for a good seat is worth it.
Especially since the bleacher-style seats have no back.
Mom and I waited without the package back in 2000 and it was horrible.
Since then, we’ve done the package twice and both times showed up between 15 and 30 minutes before showtime and had good seats.
I know this may change with the cutting back of Fantasmic to 2 nights (and I heard it has) but I can only speak from experience

#2 On the Dining Plan, the Fantasmic Dinner Package is still only 1 TS credit so why not “upgrade” to the version with a reserved ticket?

#3 Yes, the seats are off to the side and you get to see some backstage stuff.
And, yes, the princesses are not always lit when their music is playing.
But the kids still loved the show and didn’t even notice those details.

Okay, on to the meal.
We really like the dinner buffet here.
The sliced turkey is perfect for me while Mom feasted on pastas, veggies, and salads.
The kids had mac & cheese along with some chicken nuggets.
And everyone loves the dessert bar.
Now, it’s definitely no Chef Mickey’s, but we’ve done H&V several times and have enjoyed it each time.
I think next visit, we’ll try Mama Melrose (also available with the Fantasmic Dinner Package).

After dinner (and restroom stops), we headed down towards Fantasmic!
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDaySeven/Fantasmic06001a.jpg

It was about 6:40 by the time we arrived at the Main Entrance for a 7:00 show.
The Fantasmic Dinner Package entrance used to be over by Oscar’s Garage near the entrance of the park but it’s been moved.
Now you go in the main Fantasmic entrance and stay all the way to the right.
There’s a line there with a special entrance for the Dinner Package guests.
We followed that up and picked our seats about ½ way down in the section on the aisle.
Like I said, 15 minutes before showtime and no problems what-so-ever.

15 minutes later, the lights dimmed, the music soared and out came Mickey! http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDaySeven/Fantasmic06002.jpg

After some water animation, we got treated to the Lion King segment with black light puppeteers.

Then comes the Pocahontas segment which I never really liked.
I envy Disneyland and their Peter Pan segment instead.

But the villains start taking over now as Jafar turns into a gigantic snake with his eyebeams set on Mickey!
Sorry I'm lacking in pictures but I decided I mostly wanted to watch this performance.
So I included some pics from the 2006 show along with this segment.

I love this show – it’s the best combination of fireworks, animation, live action, and water effects ever!
It’s funny cause I remember the previous incarnation of this show back in 1994.
They had “Splashtacular” in EPCOT which was a sort of fountain show.
It had Mickey and the sword and the dancing fountains and lights and the dragon.
But it was a small stage and performed in front of just a handful of people who happened to stumble across it.
And I liked that show.
This show is orders of magnitude better.
I’d argue it’s the best of all the nighttime entertainment at the parks.
The only downside is that since it concentrates on villains, it may be scary for some of the younger kids.
I know DD was holding on tight to dear ol’ Dad throughout the show.

Speaking of villains, it was about time for Magnificent to take over Mickey’s dream by transforming into a dragon!
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDaySeven/Fantasmic06003.jpg

I’m a huge fan of dragons and this is Disney’s masterpiece.
As a side note, I’ve always been surprised that’s there are only 4 Disney dragons – Maleficient, Elliot, the Reluctant Dragon, and little Mushu.
And I guess you can throw in Figment but that's about it.
By the way, I saw the Disney Dragonkind line on Main Street and, boy are those gorgeous statues…
But I digress - back in the show, everything was about the heat up. Literally!
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDaySeven/Fantasmic06004.jpg

The kids loved how you can feel the heat all the way up in the stands.
But Mickey pulls out the Sword in the Stone and vanquishes all of the villains once and for all.
After all, it is Mickey’s dream!

Then comes the ship of characters with a black and white Steamboat Willie driving them all.
I always thought that was so fitting and I love how lots of lesser-used characters show up on the ship!
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDaySeven/Fantasmic06005.jpg

http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDaySeven/Fantasmic06006.jpg

After the boat, Sorcerer Mickey appears on the top of the mountain.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDaySeven/Fantasmic06007.jpg

And he sets off some awesome pyrotechnics vanishing in the smoke!
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDaySeven/Fantasmic06008.jpg

Only to appear in a series of sparks center stage and back in his original costume!
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDaySeven/Fantasmic06009.jpg

Now that’s some imagination!

So we packed up and headed out with the swarms of other people.
About half way down the big hill, DD announces she has to go to the bathroom.
Unfortunately, there’s nowhere to go.
We tried to walk a bit faster and weave in between the crowd but, with a stroller in tow, there’s only so much you can do!

We finally got to the restrooms by the Fantasmic! entrance.
Afterwards, we headed back down Sunset Boulevard until I had to stop.
I had missed my Mickey Pop :mickeybar at the Magic Kingdom and was not going to pass it up again!
So, we got a “family Mickey Pop”.
To explain what that means, here’s me showing off my pop (and you can tell how happy I was by my cheesy grin).
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDaySeven/Disney20081359.jpg

X looked pretty excited as well
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDaySeven/Disney20081361.jpg

Then DS grabbed some bites
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDaySeven/Disney20081362.jpg

And DD had to have some as well…
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDaySeven/Disney20081363.jpg

Thus, the Family Mickey Pop was born.

Lastly, on our way out, we had to walk by photopass photographers.
And you know by now we can’t do that without stopping.
This time we tried for a romantic Mom and Dad shot but apparently there was a lighting issue.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyPhotopass/Photopass2008534.jpg

And then we tried a family shot but DD was grumpy and tired by this point and you can tell by her face…
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyPhotopass/Photopass2008525.jpg

So we headed over to the buses and back to Pop Century.
What a long day at the Studios.
The kids were in bed by 8:30 though as Mom and I prepped for Day 8.
I even headed down to Everything Pop! to get us some treats.
Tomorrow were the big "boy" excursions as myself and DD get to have our solo adventures!
But first, we had to meet the mouse for breakfast!
And I’m not referring to Mickey Waffles. Stay tuned…

PrincesaGia

06-24-2009, 12:09 AM

It took me a few days to get caught up but i have finally made it! Beautiful family and i love the TR!!!

dawnbu40

06-24-2009, 05:24 AM

Nice update! I :lovestruc Fantasmic!

lovedonaldduck

06-24-2009, 08:47 AM

luckylady

06-24-2009, 09:09 AM

I am so on the fence with Fantasmic. I'm afraid DD3 would be scared but I'd love to see the show. She didn't care for Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin or the Barbossa water screen on POTC, what do you think? Should we hold off until she is a little older?

I would hold off until she is oldr. Although you could get her ear plugs hope there is a late show and she is asleep. That way you get to see it.
Loving the trip ya'll had. Wonderful writing and I can't wait to read more.

thecapells

06-24-2009, 07:30 PM

I would hold off until she is oldr. Although you could get her ear plugs hope there is a late show and she is asleep. That way you get to see it.
Loving the trip ya'll had. Wonderful writing and I can't wait to read more.

I agree with luckylady.
If your little one scares easy (and it sounds like she does), the Villains get scary.
From Jafar's Snake to the animated villains on the water to the gunfight in Pocohontas to Maleficient's Dragon, it's alot for those who scare easy.
Like I said, my DD4 was in my lap shivering for alot of it.
But we tried to explain to her what was coming to prepare her and we made sure she knew it was all pretend.
That helped a bit and she enjoyed the experience overall.

akayek31

06-24-2009, 09:01 PM

I didn't know fantasmic had all of that. I am definately going to seeing it next time I am there. I will do it with or without the kids lol.

jmskinner

06-24-2009, 09:14 PM

I love Fantasmic. You did get great seats with the dining package. We have never tried, but may one day. DH isn't a big fan of the show though.:sad2:

thecapells

06-26-2009, 03:02 PM

I didn't know fantasmic had all of that. I am definately going to seeing it next time I am there. I will do it with or without the kids lol.

Oh, it's definitely an awesome show - I'd rate it the best of all the nighttime entertainment at the World.

I love Fantasmic. You did get great seats with the dining package. We have never tried, but may one day. DH isn't a big fan of the show though.:sad2:

I'm just afraid that with Fantasmic dropping to 2 or 3 nights, seats are much harder to come by.
I've heard rumors of the reserved section being filled with other people on crowded nights.
So I'm not sure if it's still worth it...

thecapells

06-26-2009, 03:13 PM

And what better way to start a day than with the Mouse himself?
But first we had to get up and that wasn’t so easy.
We got X out of his crib and put him on our bed to get dressed.
But he just curled back up and went back to sleep.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/Disney20081408.jpg

Turns out he wasn’t feeling so well – a bit of a bug I’d guess but more on that later.
He finally awoke and we headed to the bus stop.
We had hoped to grab a “Breakfast Bus.”
That is, sometimes if you are the only one travelling to breakfast at a resort (or if the driver is being nice),
they will drop you directly at the resort.
Back in 2006, we had breakfast at O’Hana and the driver took us directly to the Polynesian.
Unfortunately, we were out of luck and the driver told us to walk from Magic Kingdom.

We followed the path upon arrival and it really wasn’t too bad of a walk.
I’d say we arrived at the Contemporary in less than 10 minutes.
Then it was up the elevators to Chef Mickey’s!!
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/Disney20081409a.jpg

X was starting to feel a little better – at least good enough for a picture with his sister:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/Disney20081410a.jpg

Then we were seated in the back room (we’re now 3-for-3 sitting back here).
We actually like it because it’s not out in the middle of everything.
Once we got settled, I made several runs for food and then Goofy started the character festivities!
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/Disney20081414.jpg

http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/Disney20081415.jpg

And then Goofy went to visit X.
I love this shot because it’s not only got Goofy with his trademark ear pull but X is enthralled with him…
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/Disney20081417.jpg

Next up was the #1 Duck himself!
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/Disney20081422.jpg

DS and I were wearing our matching Donald v. Mickey shirts so we needed a picture together:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/Disney20081423.jpg

And then X needed a pic with favorite duck!
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/Disney20081425.jpg

Chef Mickey was next to make his appearance.
Unfortunately, we had blinking issues.
DD blinked in one and DS blinked in another.
This is the best we could do:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/Disney20081426.jpg
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/Disney20081427.jpg

We did get a nice shot of DS and my matching shirts with Mickey but Mom cut my arm off.
In her defense, she was holding X (who had enough of his high chair) and he was squirming all over.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/Disney20081428.jpg

Mickey’s Best Friend wandered by next.
Pluto always seems to interact the best and he usually gets right into the pictures.
That is, he either gets down to the kids’ level or makes sure he’s noticed somehow.
This time he helped DD light her birthday cupcake.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/Disney20081432.jpg

Last up was Mickey’s better half.
She took a pic with the big kids:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/Disney20081433.jpg

And then we had to get a shot of all the girls.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/Disney20081434.jpg

This was our first time at Chef Mickey’s for breakfast.
We had dined here twice for dinner – once earlier this trip and once in 2006.
We enjoyed it a lot for dinner but breakfast was really good as well.
They have the standard breakfast foods that most buffets have but there’s just something about starting your day with the Mouse.
Not to mention Minnie, Pluto, Goofy, and Donald.
I mean, we had all the Fab Five pictures complete before we even stepped into the parks!
You can’t beat that.
And then there’s the added benefit of taking the monorail to the Magic Kingdom for rope drop.
If you can’t be already inside the park like the Crystal Palace, this is the next best idea.

And then there’s the entertainment!
Besides the character photos, every 20 minutes or so, they have the Celebrate Mickey parade.
All the kids swing their napkins around, music plays, and the Fab Five parade around in all their glory.
Here’s a quick video of Mickey:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/th_ChefMickeyCelebrateVideo.jpg (http://s381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/?action=view&current=ChefMickeyCelebrateVideo.flv)

All in all, it was a great way to start off the day and well worth it!
We'll definitely be heading back this way for breakfast.

thecapells

06-26-2009, 03:18 PM

And now, for the souvenir collectors...

Much like Cinderella’s Royal Table and Akershus in Norway, Chef Mickey’s has a Photo opportunity when you walk in.
Unfortunately, this one is not included in the price but we caved and bought it anyway.
The background is a big plate with Hidden Mickeys on it and you take it upon arrival after check-in.
During your meal, CM’s approach with the entire portfolio and try to tempt you (yeah, I know – it worked).
In our defense, it’s a nice portfolio.
The cover is a nice graphic of the Chef Mickey’s logo with the Mickey and the gang:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/ChefMickey001.jpg

The inside starts with a nice stock photo of the Fab Five (with Pluto on all our fours).
There’s even some Mickey waffles in the corner.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/ChefMickey002.jpg

You can then slip the picture out of the portfolio and it still has a Chef Mickey’s matting:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/ChefMickey003.jpg

And lastly, for those of you who want a nice pic of just the characters:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/ChefMickey004.jpg

The next page in the portfolio is where they insert your picture and its once again adorned with food in the corners:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/ChefMickey005.jpg

It also comes in a Chef Mickey’s matting:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/ChefMickey006.jpg

And can be pulled out of that to show off the nice glossy finish:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/ChefMickey007.jpg

I like this picture especially since we can compare it to our 2006 trip when DS was 4:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/ChefMickeys2006.jpg

I kind of miss that Chef Mickey sign they used to place in front of the families.
But I guess this way you can see more of yourself in the pictures.

Lastly, the back of the portfolio comes complete with the song lyrics from the Celebrate Mickey parade.
In addition, you get the recipes for Chef Mickey’s Breakfast Pizza and Shrimp with Tomato Feta Compote.
Enjoy!
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/ChefMickey008.jpg

Now, back to our regularly scheduled program.
It’s time to set sail :sail: on the high seas for DS’ private excursion!
Stay tuned…

dawnbu40

06-26-2009, 03:36 PM

It looks like you all had a lot of fun at Chef Mickey's! The family pic is great! I hope X didn't come down with something! Looking forward to hearing about your oldest DS's adventure!

sweetmama

06-26-2009, 04:36 PM

Poor sweet baby. Did they give him antibotics for the staples. I know they made my daughter super sick one time when she got too hot after taking them a few days.

thecapells

06-26-2009, 08:27 PM

Poor sweet baby. Did they give him antibotics for the staples. I know they made my daughter super sick one time when she got too hot after taking them a few days.

He was on antibiotics but we think he was also overtired and dehydrated that day.

jmskinner

06-26-2009, 08:44 PM

Enjoyed your pics of Chef Mickey's. Hope X was ok? I had to go look at our photo, we had the plate in front of us last June. I'm like you, I like the plate in front.

All7OfUs

06-30-2009, 09:56 AM

Super, super cute pix of your gastronomic experiences at Chef Mickey's! If you have youngins', that's the place to go, for sure!

DSNY4ever

06-30-2009, 02:53 PM

es45

06-30-2009, 06:24 PM

Great trip report! I've ALMOST caught up :surfweb: but had to post one question:

Did you order the photo and card of Ariel for your DD that I saw in the hotel room pics? My DD5 will be celebrating her birthday at POP soon. It would be the perfect surprise for her if I could snag one. TIA

thecapells

06-30-2009, 07:17 PM

I just found this one, and what a wonderful trip report! Hats off to "Mom" for all of the wonderful "costume" changes throughout the trip, I especially loved you guys as the Incredibles. And your DD's day at the BBB, was so sweet to see. I have always wondered if that is worth the price, and clearly from those pictures it was worth every penny! And "Dad", you were definitely the highlight of this trip report- your enthusiasm about everything and the big grin on your face in every picture was priceless, I love when I see the parents having just as much fun as the kids, it really makes their experience that much better. What a wonderful memory you and your wife have given your kids :banana:

Welcome and I'll definitely pass the kudos along to Mom.
As for my grin - I definitely love these trips as much as the kids.
And I live for the looks on their faces when they see all the surprises I've got cooked up!!
Case in point, another one is coming right up!!

Great trip report! I've ALMOST caught up :surfweb: but had to post one question:

Did you order the photo and card of Ariel for your DD that I saw in the hotel room pics? My DD5 will be celebrating her birthday at POP soon. It would be the perfect surprise for her if I could snag one. TIA

Welcome and glad you're reading.
As for the card, that part is easy.
Make sure you mention on your reservation and again at check-in that it's someone's birthday.
Usually they'll ask who that person's favorite character is and when the birthday is.
Since DD's birthday was a week before, I just picked a day in the middle of our trip.
On that day, your "surprise" should be waiting - it's usually balloons and a signed card.
No cost - just Disney magic!
We've done it twice (this past time and 2006 in DS' 4th Birthday).
No guarantees but I imagine they'll do something for the little one's bday!

TheCapellsMom

06-30-2009, 08:24 PM

As for my grin - I definitely love these trips as much as the kids.
And I live for the looks on their faces when they see all the surprises I've got cooked up!!

Correction: He loves these trips MORE than the kids- MORE than all of us combined- MORE than is really healthy or sane!!!
However, I must admit that I am also guilty of a fair bit of "DisneyMania" myself so the blame does not belong to DH alone!!!

As for the costume changes, people have told me I am nuts (and I don't deny it) but the reality is that with 3 little kids, we need a change of clothes mid-day anyhow.

There's always spilled drinks, or a leaky diaper, or sitting in dirt, or splashing in puddles. Yeah- that last one is usually me- I love jumping in puddles- and since my family is usually fairly close to me, they are most likely to get soaked in the process! :laughing:

But seriously- All you parents reading this be warned: if you buy your kids a Mickey ice cream pop they WILL need a new shirt afterwards!!! So you might as well plan for it and make an official "Disney Wardrobe" schedule like we do!!!

thecapells

06-30-2009, 08:26 PM

After breakfast, DS and I took our leave.
Mom stayed with X and DD to finish up but we had other plans.
After a quick restroom stop, we boarded the monorail.
While we waited, I showed DS how to work the disposable camera we bought him.
I explained he had 27 pics to document his excursion.
He knew what his excursion was already because I wanted to prepare him for it.

So we got off at the Grand Floridian and headed for the marina.
Once there, I checked DS in and gave them my cell phone number in case of emergency.
If you haven’t guessed, DS was about to depart on a Pirate Cruise!! pirate:
Mom was dreading this as he would be out on the water for 2 hours without us and she’s paranoid.
I think if it wasn’t Disney, she never would’ve let him go.

After check-in, DS received a Pirates of the Carribbean lifevest and the coolest Mickey Pirate ears!!
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/Disney20081442.jpg

The Lady Usepa was basically a ferry decked out with black sails, pirate slogans, and a Jolly Rodger:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/Disney20081438a.jpg

The slogans were pretty funny
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/Disney20081439.jpg

Then we met Captain Ron.
He seemed like a Jolly Pirate himself and DS was at ease.
We even got him to pose for a parting shot
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/Disney20081437d.jpg

Captain Ron then gathered all the buccaneers together and explained to the sea of red and white all of the rules.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/Disney20081446.jpg

Several other adult pirates went along to help Captain Ron and each child was given a buddy.
I love the fact that DS (the smallest brigand on the trip) was paired with the largest child there.
That made Dad feel much safer – I even called Mom to ease her mind.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/Disney20081451.jpg

The pirates clamored aboard and prepared to launch their vessel.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/Disney20081452.jpg

But you could see my little guy was still a bit nervous and not sure what to expect as he gave a shy wave…
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/Disney20081454a.jpg

And before we knew it, the boat headed out and they were off!
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/Disney20081456.jpg

Captain Ron was giving out last minute instructions to the crew
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/Disney20081457.jpg

And then he gathered them all up together for one big ARRGH!!!
Here’s what they sounded like (if you can ignore the Moms talking in the background):
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/th_Disney20081458.jpg (http://s381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/?action=view&current=Disney20081458.flv)

And then the boat approached the horizon… :sail:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/Disney20081459.jpg

And I was left to myself.
I sat for a minute and watched the boat sail off.
There was a nice breeze and it was very calm and I couldn’t believe I was here at Disney all alone.
It was so peaceful.
But I had places to be - my solo excursion was yet to come!
But first, we need to hear about DS’ adventure!
Stay tuned for DS’ trip report complete with his own pictures!

es45

06-30-2009, 08:42 PM

How perfect; we are considering this for our 2 DDs. Can't wait to read a first-hand account!popcorn::

dawnbu40

06-30-2009, 08:46 PM

It must have been tough to let your older kids both go off at different times without you and mom! The pictures you took were great though and I can't wait to hear his tales from his day as a Pirate! pirate:

TheCapellsMom

06-30-2009, 09:08 PM

It must have been tough to let your older kids both go off at different times without you and mom!

Nah- DH had no trouble at all sending the kids off with strangers (typical guy!) :rolleyes:

Me? I was way nervous- especially because DS can't swim and the Pirate excursion was on a boat!!! I made DH confirm in advance that the kids would be wearing life vests the entire time. I also called a couple times to double check and had DH ask again when dropping him off.

The only reason I even agreed to the kids adventures was because it's Disney and I can't imagine that they would do anything wrong!

Still, we haven't tried the Disney babysitting services yet because I am too worried- especially about leaving the little guy with a complete stranger in a private room with no other supervision. It just doesn't seem right- you know???

When the kids are all older and can basically take care of themselves, we might try it. But truthfully, we are so exhausted at night that I am glad to begoing to bed soon after the kids do!:angel:

All7OfUs

06-30-2009, 11:38 PM

thecapells

07-01-2009, 06:09 AM

The first thing that struck me was the really, really cool Pirates lifevests. I'll bet there wasn't a pirate there who complained about having to wear one with that kind of vest going on.

Was there really only ONE pirate helper??!! I would have expected at least one or two others on the boat in case of an emergency. Hmmm?

Anyway, can't wait for DS's own rendition of how things went down. Did he find his treasure? Did ransack and pillage boisterous villages with cannon shot?

Arghhhh!

There were several helpers.
Captain Ron was in charge and in full pirate gear.
I believe there were 2 other adult "pirates" to help out.
From what I was told by DD, they were the ones who took the crew on potty breaks. :)

jmskinner

07-01-2009, 06:55 AM

thecapells

07-01-2009, 08:45 PM

Love the pics from the Pirate Cruise! I've been thinking about booking one of these for DS over Labor Day weekend. Maybe call it the Pirate Weekend, since we are booked for CBR in a Pirate Room.

And Mom, I have the same worries. I signed our DS up for a camp given by the Rehab Center he attends. They get kids from the community to be buddy's for each child at camp. That first day I dropped my son off with a boy with tattoos and a goatie.:scared1: DS had a great time and Brandon was just wonderful.

The video was cute. Did you have a hard time not yelling at the Mom's to Shut Up? :rotfl: I sure wanted to and it wasn't even my child on the boat. Of course, my DH would say I would probably be one of those Mom's talking.

Looking forward to DS's TR!

Yeah, I wanted to scream "I'm taking a video here!!!!"
But, alas, what can you do?

As for the Pirate Weekend, go for it!
We're actually planning a Capell Pirate Adventure.
Turns out, I got a 40% PIN offer just recently so we booked a Halloween trip to the World.
We're hitting the Pirate rooms and going to MNSSHP in full Pirate attire!
Me as Jack Sparrow, DS as Will Turner, DD as Elizabeth Swan, Mom as a Pirate Wench, and X as a pirate 1st mate.
We're even debating the Pirates League but I'm not sure DS would allow them to put pirate makeup on.
I've seen some pictures and I want to do it!!

thecapells

07-03-2009, 01:32 PM

Here is DS' account of his Pirate Adventure.
I typed it all in (and helped him remember a little bit) but the content and pictures are his.
The redness in the pictures are apparently DS’ finger over the lens. :confused3

After we got on board, Captain Ron asked “Where’s the map?”
We all voted to decide who had the map.
Turns out the map was hidden in one of the life vests.

The person who had it said there’s a bottle on the map.
So we had to find the bottle.
Here’s a shot of our boat leaving the Grand Floridian.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/LoganCam_0001.jpg

I also took a picture of the cool sword on the wall.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/LoganCam_0004.jpg

The Lady Useppa soon landed on a beach.
One of the other adult pirates hopped out in search of the bottle.
The bottle was right next to the pirate’s foot.
We all tried to point it out but he didn’t see it.
Finally, he found it and brought it back onto the boat.
Inside the bottle was part of the map.
It had a big coconut on it.
That meant we had to go to the Polynesian!!

Along the way, we passed this ship
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/LoganCam_0005.jpg

Here’s another picture of our boat with Captain Ron and the crew:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/LoganCam_0009.jpg

Finally, the boat docked near the volcano on the beach of the Polynesian.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/LoganCam_0017.jpg

Everyone got out of the boat and started walking.
We all went towards the volcano and started looking for the coconut.
One of our crew found the coconut and they brought it back to the boat.
On the boat, we opened the coconut to find another piece of the map!
This time the clue directed us to the Contemporay.
I forgot exactly what the clue was.
Here’s a shot of the marina as we left the Poly:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/LoganCam_0011a.jpg

And then the Lady Useppa docked at the Contemporary.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/LoganCam_0014a.jpg

We all headed out to find the final piece of the map.
One of the adult pirates found the missing piece.
About now, someone got sick :sick: and was taken back to their parents.
The rest of us went back to the boat to read the new clue.
The last piece of the map directed us to Ft. Wildnerness.

I liked Captain Ron’s parrot so I tried to get a picture.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/LoganCam_0018a.jpg

Finally, we landed at Ft. Wildnerness.
There, on the beach, we discovered a treasure chest.
But, before we pillaged it, it was time for lunch.
We had peanut butter and jelly with goldfish, a rice krispie treat, and apple juice.
I had the goldfish and the juice.

After lunch, we had a bathroom break and then it was time for the treasure!!
An adult pirate grabbed the chest and brought it aboard the Lady Useppa.
Then Captain Ron took us back to the Grand Floridian.
I took a bunch of pictures on the way back but this was the only one that came out okay:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/LoganCam_0021.jpg

It was alot of fun and I had a really good time.
I think I might want to do this again in the future.
ARRRRRRGH! pirate:

thecapells

07-03-2009, 01:34 PM

I was waiting at the marina and caught a couple of shots of the Lady Useppa coming back into port:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/Disney20081473.jpg
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/Disney20081474a.jpg

Upon landing, each pirate was called up by name, given their share of the loot (in a pirate bag), and was released to their adult.
I grabbed a shot of DS getting his “booty” using my camera:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/Disney20081477.jpg

Here’s a final shot of DS’ triumphant return!
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/Disney20081478.jpg

For those interested in the Pirate Adventure, here’s a little note about the goody bag.
Inside was an eye patch, some plastic rings, a pirate ball, a miniature telescope, a Pirate band, some beaded necklaces,
a compass, and a small treasure chest with some golden dubloons.
Here’s a picture of most of it (DS already made off with the gold like a true pirate: )
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/PirateBooty001.jpg

Next up we talk about what I did during DS' Adventure!
Sit back, relax, and get ready to unwind! ;)

jmskinner

07-03-2009, 02:12 PM

Fantastic update DS!!!! So, is your gold well hidden? Great pics!

Can't wait to hear what you did Dad.

dawnbu40

07-03-2009, 04:52 PM

Aww what a great update! I predict your young pirate will be a Dis trip reporter just like his dad!

kimbo0569

07-03-2009, 09:03 PM

PASSPORT INTERLUDE
I wanted to mention a bit about the EPCOT passports before continuing.
For $10 each, I bought both DS and DD a passport in Mexico.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/WorldShowcasePassport.jpg
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayFive/WorldShowcasePassportBack.jpg

Oh those are adorable! I'm definately getting those for my girls next time we go. When we were there last September, my youngest was still a little young
for it but I think we are planning a trip down for Fall 2010, my oldest will be close to 9 y.o and my youngest will be 5 so they will have more fun with the passports then.

thecapells

07-03-2009, 09:37 PM

Oh those are adorable! I'm definately getting those for my girls next time we go. When we were there last September, my youngest was still a little young
for it but I think we are planning a trip down for Fall 2010, my oldest will be close to 9 y.o and my youngest will be 5 so they will have more fun with the passports then.

Just catching up eh?
Glad to have you aboard!
And yeah, 9 and 5 would be perfect ages to have fun with the passports.
It was a great introduction to EPCOT for our little ones.
Now, of course, they are all about the Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure!

thecapells

07-03-2009, 09:40 PM

Fantastic update DS!!!! So, is your gold well hidden? Great pics!

Can't wait to hear what you did Dad.

Even I can't find where he stashed his gold! :confused3

Aww what a great update! I predict your young pirate will be a Dis trip reporter just like his dad!

Yup! I've been training him well.
He's was even studying maps while we were there.
I told him he can start planning the trips with me next time!!

kimbo0569

07-04-2009, 05:37 AM

Just catching up eh?
Glad to have you aboard!
And yeah, 9 and 5 would be perfect ages to have fun with the passports.
It was a great introduction to EPCOT for our little ones.
Now, of course, they are all about the Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure!

My laptop was out of commission for a bit and I'm trying to find all the TR's that I'd been reading beforehand.

My oldest saw the commercial on Disney Channel and now she's bursting to do that next time we go down.

kimbo0569

07-04-2009, 06:53 AM

AWWWW great way to surprise your dd with the BBB! I was tearing up reading it as well! She looked absolutely adorable!

I wanted to do this on our last trip but my youngest would be mad because she would want it too but at 3 years old, I knew she wouldn't sit through it. (she can barely sit through dinner and she's 4 now..lol). So we're going to shoot for our next trip down. (it will give me more time to save up for it as well:goodvibes )

kimbo0569

07-04-2009, 07:24 AM

We had a similar experience with Ariel on our trip. When we hit the MK on our last full day, oldest dd wanted to see her (she's her favorite) but the line was an hour long. We promised we'd go back the next day since we had an early bkfst at CP. So after bkfst, on the day we were leaving, we hightailed it over to Ariel's Grotto and there was only 1 other person in front of us. It was the perfect ending to a wonderful trip for her (youngest dd was anti-princess at this time so there are no pics with her and any of the princesses).

kimbo0569

07-04-2009, 04:38 PM

Back at my table, I ordered the kid’s tea for DD and she was thrilled to be sitting with all the proper ladies in the grown-up tea room.
She even helped out with the sugar cubes!
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDaySix/Disney20081177.jpg

They brought her a little teapot and teacup full of chocolate milk, and she got her own selection of tea sandwiches- which she promptly devoured!
She drank her “tea” with her pinky out like a true princess.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDaySix/Disney20081187.jpg

Then we both got to choose from the pastries for dessert.
The selections looked great!
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDaySix/Disney20081188.jpg

DD chose the swan shaped one explaining that she was curious what it’s head would taste like!
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDaySix/Disney20081179.jpg

I chose a chocolate strawberry and a carrot cake type thing. YUM!
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDaySix/Disney20081180.jpg

The boys arrived soon after but it was definitely fun just having some time for us girls.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDaySix/Disney20081185.jpg

When asked about both excursions, DD wasn't as excited about her Wonderland Tea Party.
However, she really wants to go back to "Mom's Tea" and spend the whole time there!

Next up – the gang’s all here for a Gala Feast!

Both the excursions sound wonderful! I'm glad she had such a great time but it was the sweetest thing for you two to enjoy the GF tea together! I can't wait to do something like this with my daughters :o) I was actually tearing up when she said that she wanted to do the "mom's tea" with you!..Sounds like a perfect afternoon! :lovestruc

All7OfUs

07-08-2009, 03:56 AM

thecapells

07-08-2009, 08:24 AM

I really have to say that your son has a creative streak in him. I really liked that shot of the "torn" sail near the marina. Kinda artsy I'd say.

What a fun day for him to have something really cool, and for him to feel like he's had something special like Rayna's day at BBB.

So what was in the loot bag??

I included a picture of the loot in follow-up post above.
Can everyone not see that one?
Just in case, here's a clip.
And I hope to post my adventure tonite...

For those interested in the Pirate Adventure, here’s a little note about the goody bag.
Inside was an eye patch, some plastic rings, a pirate ball, a miniature telescope, a Pirate band, some beaded necklaces,
a compass, and a small treasure chest with some golden dubloons.
Here’s a picture of most of it (DS already made off with the gold like a true pirate: )
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/PirateBooty001.jpg

Next up we talk about what I did during DS' Adventure!
Sit back, relax, and get ready to unwind! ;)

All7OfUs

07-08-2009, 11:53 AM

Oops! My mistake! I hadn't scrolled down quite far enough, so hey a little bonus for me. ;) The rest of the post :goodvibes

thecapells

07-08-2009, 11:59 AM

Oops! My mistake! I hadn't scrolled down quite far enough, so hey a little bonus for me. ;) The rest of the post :goodvibes

No problem - you had me worried that some of my postes were displaying properly.
Now, off to finish my next segment...

thecapells

07-08-2009, 10:06 PM

We had arrived at the Grand Floridian at 9:00 for DS’ 9:30 Pirate Adventure.
The Adventure lasts from 9:30-11:30.
So, what does one do while waiting?
It seemed silly to meet up with Mom and the gang who were heading to the Magic Kingdom.
By the time I got there and found them, I’d have to come back to pick up DS.
So, I figured I’d stay at the resort.
Hmmmm, what could I do at the Grand Floridian Resort & SPA to pass the time?
Do I have to spell it out? ;)
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/Disney20081465.jpg

I had made a 10:00 appointment for a “Personalized Firm Pressure Massage”.
The only other time I’ve ever been to a spa was for a massage during my honeymoon.
So this was to be a treat.
That time, I was on the top deck of a cruise ship looking out at the Panama Canal with relaxing music filling the air.
It’s tough to beat that so I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from Disney.
I should’ve known better.

I wandered from the marina over to a small building away from the main campus of the Grand Floridian.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/Disney20081464.jpg

I checked in and was told to head into the changing room.
There were lockers and nice robes waiting in the changing area.
Since I’m a dork, I set my camera in a locker on timer and took this shot – proof that I was in a spa…
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/Disney20081468a.jpg

The waiting area featured nice couches and a water cooler.
I had brought my iPod so I was listening to – what else? – Disney music as I waited.
Shortly, I was called back into a dimly lit room and I told the masseuse to concentrate on my back and arms.
I have a bit of carpal tunnel syndrome so my chiropractor suggested this strategy.
Before I knew it, my hour was up.
I was instructed to take my time heading out and to drink lots of water.
I did just that and finally wandered back into the sunlight.
It’s weird but I really felt like I was floating on the way out.
My feet were just springing off the ground with every step.
It was an amazing feeling.
I was half way back to the marina when I reached in my pocket for my iPod and realized it wasn’t there.
So I sprinted back to the spa and ran back into the changing room.
There in the pocket of my robe (which was sitting in the hamper) was my iPod.
So much for relaxing. ;)
I headed back out – a little tired but still very relaxed.
I arrived back at the marina with plenty of time to spare so I took some pictures (of course).

First I found a neat angle allowing me to shoot the monorail crossing in front of the Casle:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/Disney20081469.jpg

And then I was able to get a nice shot of crossing monorails.
I like this one a lot.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/Disney20081472.jpg

Then several other parents arrived and DS’ boat pulled in.
It was a nice and relaxing excursion and I would definitely do it again.
It was conveniently placed at the end of the trip as it was a perfect remedy to all of the walking and baby-carrying.

But now, with DS in tow, we were headed back to the Magic Kingdom.
I tried calling Mom several times but she didn’t pick up.
So we arrived at Main Street and hit the restrooms.
Then we decided to check out DS’ pirate treasure as I wasn’t sure which way to walk in order to meet Mom.
Finally, as we were exploring the booty, Mom called back.
She was waiting in line to take pictures with Buzz and Stitch in Tomorrowland.
So we headed right over.
But, before we move on, let’s hear about what Mom was doing all morning…

penguintux

07-10-2009, 05:55 AM

I like that everyone kind of split off and did their own thing for part of a day.. I bet it makes for interesting conversation afterwards!

That shot of monorail blue in front of the castle is awesome, by the way :]

All7OfUs

07-11-2009, 07:02 AM

thecapells

07-12-2009, 03:09 PM

Now that sounds like an amazing morning, for sure! Is there a price list online for those services?? I am VERY interested in checking that out. I am planning to get tea one afternoon, and I can imagine myself getting a massage just before that :cloud9:

Thank Heavens you found your I-Pod!!

A massage before tea sounds very relaxing.
I definitely will have to do it again someday.
The pricelist for the massages and spa can be found at:
http://www.relaxedyet.com/gf_treatments.asp

TheCapellsMom

07-19-2009, 01:39 PM

Sorry it's taken a bit but I'm busy planning our outfits for the next trip.
We got a 40% off PIN code so we booked for this Halloween.
We can't wait to try Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party!!
But now back to last year's story...

DD, X, and I took our time finishing up breakfast at Chef Mickey’s and I must admit, I did stash few mini-muffins in my pack for later!
We took the mono to MK and wheeled down Main Street at a leisurely pace since I was not on DH’s strict schedule (for once).
We stopped in a few stores along the way...
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/Disney20081583.jpg

and even caught a nifty song & dance number
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/Disney20081588.jpg

as the trolleycar rode towards the castle on Main St.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/Disney20081586.jpg

I hadn’t planned it that way but it worked out perfectly as DD loved the dancers and X loved the horse pulling the trolley!
Personally, I think the bridle with the Mickey logo on it is FAB!

Afterwards, we bought a Mickey pop and parked our stroller in front of the castle and waited for the Dream Along with Mickey show.
Got great seat with a great view!
X fell asleep in a heartbeat which just shows you how lousy he felt:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/Disney20081593.jpg

but DD was thrilled that she did not have to share her treat!
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/Disney20081591.jpg

The show was really quite cute but I don’t know if I would go out of my way to see it if I hadn’t had free time to spare that day.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/Disney20081602.jpg

Personally, I think it would been considerably better if there was shade to sit under- I was roasting!
Still, DD LOVED seeing all of the princes and princesses- she said they were especially pretty “dancing like in a ballroom.”
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/Disney20081603.jpg
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/Disney20081604a.jpg
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/Disney20081605a.jpg
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/Disney20081611a.jpg

She also reported that the witch is “more scarier” when it’s dark so seeing her in the daytime didn’t seem to frighten her at all.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/Disney20081620a.jpg

X slept through the whole thing (poor little guy).
He would've liked to see the pirates:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/Disney20081617.jpg

Donald Duck
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/Disney20081614.jpg

and, of course, Mickey and Minnie:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/Disney20081627.jpg
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/Disney20081630.jpg

Next, we headed to Tomorrowland since we planned to meet the guys there soon.
DD was bored & wanted to go on rides but I didn’t want to push my luck with the miserable sleeping toddler.
I got fastpasses for Buzz then we went on the TTA twice.
X slept in my arms the whole time and he was starting to feel warm - I think a fever was brewing.
Needless to say, we both enjoyed the air conditioning immensely.
DD got to see the ride from both sides of the car as she switched sides for our second trip.

As we got off the TTA, I saw a CM wearing a handler’s uniform just standing around outside the Carousel of Progress- but no character in sight.
Hmmm? So, I asked and she said that “Buzz Lightyear should be returning to our galaxy to see his friends any minute now!”
So, we called DH (who was walking into MK at that very moment)
and told him to “book it” to tomorrow land to see Buzz!

I'll let DH pick up the story from there...

castmemberb4

07-20-2009, 03:35 PM

Thanks for the update! Sounds like you had a nice laidback morning at MK, those are always a welcome break. I could just hear "I'm walking right down the middle of Main St USAAAAAA" when I saw that picture of the dancer/singers. X asleep in the stroller is adorable I'm sorry he wasn't feeling well, hope he bounces back quickly, and :yay:for DD getting her own Mickey Ice cream bar and not having to share. You had excellent timming on the Buzz Lightyear meet, can't wait for that update bet there will be good pictures.

Just wondering since you're working on costumes for MNSSHP does that mean I should pop over to the pre trip board and look for one?

dawnbu40

07-20-2009, 03:42 PM

YAY :woohoo: for a pin code and another trip! Looks like you and DD had a nice morning!

thecapells

07-21-2009, 08:48 PM

All7OfUs

07-22-2009, 11:43 PM

I always wondered what the castle show was like. Thanks for all the nifty pictures. I 'll bet Rayna thought it was just dreamy to watch the princesses dancing away like that!

Fun update!

jmskinner

07-23-2009, 08:34 AM

Hope X was feeling better when he woke up. Sitting and waiting in the hot sun for shows and parades is not fun. Guess that is why I have never seen that show or the afternoon parade.

Love the TTA, can't wait for it to reopen.

Love that pic of DD in the candy store!

WrightFamily06

07-23-2009, 12:00 PM

Just joining in , started reading your TR this weekend and have now got caught up and decided I'm subing !

Great TR so far :thumbsup2 You have an adorable family and I love :love: how you go in detail with everything , it's so helpful :goodvibes My DS 5 absolutely loved seeing the pictures of the Pirate Cruise your DS took and also his comments on it . My DS 5 now has it on his list to do next time , we shall I see .;) All the outfits you guys have for all the different activities are too cute ! Can't wait to read more ! popcorn::popcorn::

3girls4me05

07-23-2009, 04:35 PM

You are going this fall? I am so super jealous. Have a great trip!

thecapells

07-23-2009, 07:26 PM

I always wondered what the castle show was like. Thanks for all the nifty pictures. I 'll bet Rayna thought it was just dreamy to watch the princesses dancing away like that!

Yeah, she really liked the show.
She definitely got her princess fix while we were in Disney...

Hope X was feeling better when he woke up. Sitting and waiting in the hot sun for shows and parades is not fun. Guess that is why I have never seen that show or the afternoon parade.

Love the TTA, can't wait for it to reopen.

Love that pic of DD in the candy store!

TTA is one of my favs too so my turn is coming up.
As for X, he wasn't doing so well - more on that in a bit.

Just joining in , started reading your TR this weekend and have now got caught up and decided I'm subing !

Great TR so far :thumbsup2 You have an adorable family and I love :love: how you go in detail with everything , it's so helpful :goodvibes My DS 5 absolutely loved seeing the pictures of the Pirate Cruise your DS took and also his comments on it . My DS 5 now has it on his list to do next time , we shall I see .;) All the outfits you guys have for all the different activities are too cute ! Can't wait to read more ! popcorn::popcorn::

Glad to have you aboard!
I've seen your name around other reports and I'm happy to have you weighing in over here as well!
DS liked the Pirate Cruise and I think it's best for ages 5-7 or so yours would be perfectly aged on your next trip!

You are going this fall? I am so super jealous. Have a great trip!

Yeah, it's hard to pass up such a sweet PIN code.
I've even priced it against Free Dining and the AP Discount and the 40% off beats both.
We're really looking forward to the MNSSHP and dressing up as a family.
But more on that later, now I have to get to work on a new segment for this report!

kimmylaj

07-23-2009, 07:37 PM

that show on main street brings tears to my eyes i love it soooo much. i randomly sing the entire song from start to finish. just love it. and what a great view of the castle show. i always whine that it is too hot and skip it.

DisneyMom5

07-24-2009, 09:10 AM

Just wanted to let you guys know I AM a devoted reader, even if I don't always post. It makes me feel better when people post on my report. So here ya go! LOL
:wizard:

thecapells

07-24-2009, 08:13 PM

Just wanted to let you guys know I AM a devoted reader, even if I don't always post. It makes me feel better when people post on my report. So here ya go! LOL
:wizard:

Thanks for the post!
And as a reward, here's the next segment... :rotfl:

thecapells

07-24-2009, 08:29 PM

We caught up with Mom who was waiting on line to see the Space Ranger himself, Buzz Lightyear.
Unfortunately, there was no Photopass photographer here so we asked the CM to take a picture.
You can see that X wasn’t too happy for this shot.

http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/Disney20081479a.jpg

Stitch was nearby taking pictures as well so we headed over there.
This time, there was a Photopass photographer.
First went DD (still with her BBB crown on from the day before):
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyPhotopass/Photopass2008548.jpg

Then DS who started off shy but got over it once Stitch grabbed him and hugged him:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyPhotopass/Photopass2008558.jpg

And I sure wasn’t going to miss out on the fun!
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyPhotopass/Photopass2008563.jpg

Mom stayed with X since he was still grumpy.
Now everyone was a little tired and it was time to eat.
Today was one of my favorites – Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café!
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/IOUG2009915.jpg

Mom and the kids grabbed a seat down in the main area with a good view of the stage.
I hopped on line and ordered our food – bacon double cheeseburger with fries topped with cheese sauce from the toppings bar for me!
Mmmmmmmmm.
I still maintain that these burgers are among the best at Walt Disney World.
DD got a kids burger, DS had a hot dog, and X had bits of burger, some hot dogs, and lots o' french fries!

But the best part of Cosmic Ray's is the free “concert” from the Universe’s favorite lounge act – Sonny Eclipse!
Unfortunately I didn’t take too many pictures this time around as I had found some great ones online before we left.
But start humming “Planetary Boogie” to yourself and I’m sure you can conjure an image in your head! :goodvibes

After DS finished eating, Mom headed out with him over to Buzz to use the fastpasses she had secured.
I stayed behind with the rest of the gang to finish eating and enjoy the song stylings of Sonny.
We ate, had a good time, and X made some phone calls:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/Disney20081635.jpg

So, Mom - TAG! You're it! :wave2:

TheCapellsMom

07-24-2009, 08:55 PM

This was a treat for me because with the little ones around, I hardly ever get to spend solo time with my big boy.
Well, I am lousy at video games so he completely kicked my &*% on the ride!
However, without trying I managed to hit an "easter egg" in one of the last rooms and win.
DS wasn't too happy about that.

Afterwards, we headed back to Cosmic Ray's and X climbed right back into my arms.
I decided that I should take him back to the hotel for some uninterrupted sleep.
So, I gingerly placed him into the stroller to head out of the park.
I left DH with the older 2 kids (he can fill you in on their adventures next) and stopped for a turkey leg to go at the Lunching Pad.

Note: they have no plastic bags there- I actually had to beg one from a cast member inside one of the shops on Main street.

My real trouble began as we walked towards the bus stop!
Some dingbat threw a ball into the road in the bus circle and then ran to get it.
The oncoming bus was going slow enough to stop without a problem but honked the horn quite loudly anyhow (probably to tell the guy he’s a moron).
The horn woke up X who was NOT HAPPY AT ALL :furious:
I had to stop to pick him up before continuing all the way to the Pop Century bus stop.
It was then that I said to myself “Oh $%&#! I should have left the stroller with DH!” :headache:
I quickly discovered that it’s virtually impossible to push a double stroller with one hand while carrying a grumpy toddler in the other!
Somehow I made it to the line for the bus! My arms were already aching and I had much farther to go!
Then I found out that it is actually impossible to unload the basket and fold up the double stroller with a puking toddler :sick: in my arms.
I will forever be indebted to the 300lb motorcycle dude with the tattoos and the mullet.
He got back off the bus to help me with the stroller then gave us his seat!!! :worship:
I guess Disney makes even the burley bears feel kindhearted! :confused3

Thankfully, I am one of those moms who over-packs for everything “just in case”.
I had a couple old burp rags in my bag to catch what X spit up during the bus ride back. Yuck.
When we arrived at the hotel, I realized that I had better pick up a few supplies before we go back to the room.
So, with a whining toddler in my arms, a bag on my back, and pushing the folded stroller with my other hand,
I headed to the Everything Pop foodcourt and grabbed some Gatorade, water, cookies, and a banana.

By then my arms and back were throbbing so I hurried back to the room.
I had to pretty much drop everything (except X of course) outside the hotel room door to dig out my keycard and open the door.
I placed X in the pack & play and he immediately started wailing. :sad:
I ignored him just long enough to bring everything inside, fill a sippy cup with Gatorade and get the thermometer.
As suspected, he had a temperature- not too high though- only around 100.
I gave him a few of the dissolvable electrolyte strips that I had brought from home and a few sips of Gatorade.
Then I turned on one of the Disney TV channels :happytv: and paced and rocked him till he fell back asleep (FINALLY).
When I finally got the kid out of my arms, I was almost too tired to move but I realized I needed to eat!

Well, I had a turkey leg waiting for me so I forced myself to have a bit.
It’s not as good when it’s not fresh.
I also downed a whole water bottle before I set the alarm and took a nap. :faint:
When the alarm woke me up, I was sooo tempted to turn it off and go back to sleep but I knew DH would *kill* me!
So, I checked on X who was still asleep and had no fever, and decided that being alone sick in the hotel room would be miserable for us.
I changed my clothes, re-packed my diaper bag and set up the stroller to head out again.
X was NOT happy :guilty: to be moved but stayed asleep when I put him into the stroller.
I had to wake him up at the bus stop to fold the stroller up but he just flopped onto my shoulder and put up with it.
Once we were on the bus to MK with other little kids all around us, X started perking up some.
He pointed out all the exciting things he saw- like a truck and a Disney bus and a taxi cab and a Disney bus and a truck….
Yeah he’s your typical little boy!
At least I knew he was starting to feel better.

It was then that DH called me in a complete panic saying I “HAVE TO HURRY!!!!”
Yeah- like I was the one driving the bus! Duh! :confused:
Well, we had dinner reservations at Fort Wilderness and it turns out the resort launches were having trouble.
The boat he was on was going to be the very last one of the evening!

So, as my bus gets close to MK, I explain to the folks between me and the back door that I am in a HUGE hurry and ask if they will let me out first.
They agreed and I was basically up and ready to go before the doors opened.
I plopped X down in the stroller which PISSED HIM OFF. :mad:
Then, I ran as fast as my out of shape mommy legs would take me to get to the boat before it left!
DH kept calling and asking where we were.
That just made the whole running with a shrieking toddler in a double stroller through crowds of people so much easier- NOT! :sad2:
Thankfully, my DH can be very charming (when he wants to be) and he sweet-talked the boat’s captain into waiting for me.
But then I guess I should let him tell that part of the story…

jagmom

07-24-2009, 10:59 PM

I will forever be indebted to the 300lb motorcycle dude with the tattoos and the mullet.
lol

jmskinner

07-25-2009, 06:58 AM

Glad X got to feeling better. Love the Buzz and Stitch photos.

I can only imagine that run for the boat because I know that MK bus stop is a long way from anything. Even when you just arrive it's a long walk.

Hurry for the 300lb motorcycle guy!:cheer2: I realize how hard that must have been for you. Just last week this poor lady had a sleeping 3 year old and luckily an awake 5 year old and that 3 year old wasn't happy when she had to get out of the stroller. This was at 1:00am.:scared1:

Looking forward to hearing about what Dad and the kids did and dinner at Ft Wilderness.

WrightFamily06

07-25-2009, 04:01 PM

Great pictures of your family with Stitch and Buzz :) We did alot of character meet and greets this year too , now seeing your pictures though I wish DH and I would have got in them too :) We ate at Cosmic Ray's for the first time this year and found there food to be very good for CS .:thumbsup2 Glad your family also really enjoyed it and thought the same !

Oh my what a day for DM ! You did a great job making the best of it though and got everything under control .:thumbsup2 I don't know that I could have carried everything you carried , I would have probably dropped it half way to the room ! LOL Thank goodness for the 300 lb. biker !:rotfl: Glad to hear that in the end X felt better after a rest and you were able to go on with the day ! :)

Can't wait to hear what happens next !! popcorn:: popcorn::

thecapells

07-26-2009, 07:28 PM

TheCapellsMom

07-26-2009, 07:58 PM

Thanks for all the sympathy from all you Disney Moms out there!!!

It was pretty rough for a few hours but I just kept reminding myself that at least it was happening at Disney instead of at home!
Even cleaning up vomit somehow seems less upsetting when you're at Disney! Must be the disney magic...:wizard:

And luckily, X recovered quickly so we did not spend any large chunk of our vacation stuck in the hotel room!!!

thecapells

07-26-2009, 08:05 PM

While Mom was having the time of her life :lmao:,
the kids and I took off to explore Tomorrowland.
First stop was to grab some fastpasses for Buzz Lightyear.
Then it was onto Daddy’s favorite – the Wedway People Mover!
(that’s Tomorrowland Transit Authority or TTA for you newbies)
But I’ve loved this one forever – so much, that I even have the kids calling it Peoplemover instead of TTA.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/Disney20081501a.jpg

I love this ride. Can you tell?
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/Disney20081486.jpg

It’s so relaxing and a great view of not only Tomorrowland but Cinderella’s Castle as well!
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/Disney20081492.jpg

And the kids were having fun as well enjoyed the frequent “speed-ups” and “slow-downs” around the turns:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/Disney20081483.jpg
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/Disney20081484.jpg

And, of course, since I don’t do rollercoasters of any kind, this is always my chance to catch a glimpse of Space Mountain.
I love this part!
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/Disney20081519.jpg

I also love the model of Walt’s original idea for EPCOT.
I explained this to the kids and they appreciated it all the more.

The other modes of transportation and the “hair salon” are a cute touch.
Although I am a bit disappointed that you can’t really see into Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin so much.
And the view of Star Traders isn’t really necessary.
Oh well - we had a lot of fun and everyone was in good spirits.
So we wanted to try something new and exciting – stay tuned for our Great Escape!

thecapells

07-26-2009, 08:22 PM

There we were in Tomorrowland with Buzz Lightyear fastpasses in hand and fresh off of a ride on the TTA.
DS really wanted to try Stitch’s Great Escape :stitch2: since we’ve never been on it before.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/Disney20081505.jpg

However, I wasn’t sure how DD would react and I’ve heard such bad things from the DIS.
Both kids love Lilo and Stitch in all forms – we own all the movies and they’ve watched the show.
I explained to DD that it will get very dark and Stitch will bounce around in the dark but it’s just for fun.
She was very tentative but decided to give it a try.
I was actually pretty surprised as I expected to have to wait until Mom could take her somewhere else for DS and I to try it.
But since her Soarin’ experience, I think she was ready for new things!
So we headed over to the Galactic Federation Prisoner Teleport Center:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/Disney20081524.jpg

Inside, the pre-show video was humorous and similar to the Lilo & Stitch television series.
I think that helped eased DD’s tension as she still wasn’t too sure.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/Disney20081493a.jpg

Then we headed into the pre-show where they began our Orientation.
Sarge, the robot in command of the facility, was teaching us about the various types of prisoners that were held here.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/Disney20081495.jpg

At this point they mentioned that there was no photography in the pre-show area either so my camera went away.
Sarge gave a demonstration of the teleportation technology which brings the prisoners in.
Captain Gantu then interrupted our briefing with news of a very dangerous prisoner en route.
We had to relocate to the main area for the highly secure transportation of the alien.
Sarge protested as we were new recuits but Gantu ordered us to move.
So we headed off to the next room and were strapped in.
DD and DS were a little shaken up by the harnesses but I explained that they’ll be fine and sat between them.

The lights went out, smoke filled the transportation pod in the center and then Stitch appeared.
Not cute, cuddly Stitch mind you – but alien Stitch with antennae and 4 arms.
Gantu lowered the walls of the pod once he realized that this alien could not be dangerous.
Wrong move.

Stitch spit and made the laser canons blast the lights and then broke free!
He ran around the dark room, spit all over the place, and then stole some lady’s chili dog.
Then he started bouncing on all our harnesses and topped it off by belching the chili dog back at us.
EEEEIIIIIWWWWWW!!

Stitch began climbing all over again and we were getting drenched by his spit!
(About that time, Mom was apparently having a similar experience with X) :laughing:
Finally, Stitch made it back to the center pod and activated the transportation sequence.
On the monitors, we saw that his destination was Cinderella’s Castle in Fantasyland.
Upon arrival he knocked on the door and tried to pretend to be her prince.
Cinderella, of course, kicked him out but now Stitch was loose in the Magic Kingdom!
The kids thought that was a fun touch to end the attraction.
At that point we were released from the harnesses and headed towards the exits.
We walked into a gift shop and were greeted by this:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/Disney20081497.jpg

Stitch was breaking through the store and you could see his footprints all across the ceiling.
Now, I remember Alien Encounter as well and it was spooky.
Stitch was more fun but definitely scary for little ones and I definitely recommend preparing the kids before they enter.
Go over what’s going to happen so they don’t freak.
That being said, DS and I really enjoyed this attraction.
It was fun and startling all at the same time.
DD was a little hesitant and not so sure afterwards but I don’t think it’s as awful as everyone says.
I expected to come out dreading the last 25 minutes but we were all in a good mood.
Maybe I’m just a little boy at heart as it was definitely little boy humor.
Regardless, it's definitely something I'd do again (and I did so on my conference trip but that's another story).
All in all, it was not as bad (IMHO) as everyone seems to think - and we actually enjoyed it.

We headed towards the restrooms over at the Tomorrowland Noodle Station for a pitstop
(since I am now quite familiar with where those are).
Afterwards, I snapped a great picture:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/Disney20081499.jpg

Then it was back to exploring Tomorrowland.
Stay tuned - we have much more to come along with some fun surprises!

WrightFamily06

07-27-2009, 09:06 AM

thecapells

07-27-2009, 09:51 AM

The Peoplemover is such a great ride ! I think everyone loves it how couldn't you ! LOL Sounds like the Stitch ride was a lot of fun , my kids really wanted to ride it this year but DD was to short so they brought her back to me to sit and she had a fit . LOL Then DH and DS went back to ride and DS decide he had to pee as they were entering the front of the line so DH gave up ! LOL Oh well maybe next year , from your description it does def sound like a great ride though :thumbsup2 Can't wait to read more ! popcorn::popcorn::

I enjoyed it but I knew what I was getting myself into.
If your expectations are in check, it can be fun.
Like I said, it's definitely little boy humor - DS7 really liked it.

I think the reason it gets a bad rap is that parents and adult solo adventurers don't appreciate it.
You really need to be a kid.
And I definitely fit that category (albeit a big kid) :thumbsup2

dawnbu40

07-27-2009, 09:54 AM

Glad you and the kids enjoyed Stitch! I think its fun but my DD just hates it! She is very sensitive to smells and could not eat chili or Mexican foods after experiencing Stitch's belch :rotfl:

DisneyMom5

07-27-2009, 09:55 AM

I love TTA also! It's just such a relaxing break from the chaos. :thumbsup2

thecapells

07-27-2009, 10:09 AM

Glad you and the kids enjoyed Stitch! I think its fun but my DD just hates it! She is very sensitive to smells and could not eat chili or Mexican foods after experiencing Stitch's belch :rotfl:

Yeah, I think Mom is jealous and wants to take the kids in November when we go.

I love TTA also! It's just such a relaxing break from the chaos. :thumbsup2

Isn't it though?
Just sit back, relax, and watch the world go by.
They can rename it to People Watcher instead of People Mover! ;)

kimmylaj

07-27-2009, 03:52 PM

Madzac

07-27-2009, 06:39 PM

I just found your TR and am enjoying it very much! :)

I just wanted to say that our recent trip in May our DS who is 4 fell and hit the back of his head in the airport and he and dad missed the flight and had to go to the ER and get 4 staples! It was not a very fun start to the trip! I went ahead with the rest of the family including our nursing youngest and it was so hard and like you report I felt so helpless! :)

Thanks for sharing all the great pictures!!! Ilove reading and seeing them!

thecapells

07-27-2009, 08:47 PM

so glad the baby was feeling better and he and mom got to join you guys. my 6year old ds calls it the people mover too. ( and mgm not dhs either) but anyways. i took ds on stitch he didnt mind it , he also was not afraid of dinosaur in AK. but snow white and the heffalumps and woozles on pooh scare the living daylights out of him. go figure.:lmao:

That's hysterical that heffalumps get him but Dinosaur doesn't!!

I just found your TR and am enjoying it very much! :)

I just wanted to say that our recent trip in May our DS who is 4 fell and hit the back of his head in the airport and he and dad missed the flight and had to go to the ER and get 4 staples! It was not a very fun start to the trip! I went ahead with the rest of the family including our nursing youngest and it was so hard and like you report I felt so helpless! :)

Thanks for sharing all the great pictures!!! Ilove reading and seeing them!

Ah, someone who understands.
I hope they were able to catch up with you and enjoy the trip!
As you've seen, X bounced back pretty well and really enjoyed himself.

Celena1

07-30-2009, 12:41 PM

Wow I made it to the end! Great trip report! It was the first one I have read. :cool1:

thecapells

07-30-2009, 12:46 PM

Wow I made it to the end! Great trip report! It was the first one I have read. :cool1:

End?
What means this word "end"?
We have plenty more to come and I hope to get another segment up this evening!!

All7OfUs

07-31-2009, 06:25 AM

thecapells

07-31-2009, 03:24 PM

Hiya Capells!

Great update, lots of cool pictures! Isn't the TTA (It will ALWAYS BE the People Mover to me) such a fun and relaxing way to catch a little rest?!

The serpent shot is a good one. Still enjoying your detailed desciptions, can't wait for more :thumbsup2

I love the PeopleMover and I really liked that serpent shot of the castle as well.
But now it's time for another segment...

thecapells

07-31-2009, 03:30 PM

Next stop – the kids wanted to re-visit Mike and Sully in Monstropolis.
We still had time before our Buzz Lightyear fastpass window so I said sure!
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/Disney20081503.jpg

We headed into the attraction and there was barely a wait.
Thankfully we just hit the restrooms so there would be no repeat of running across Tomorrowland.

The show was a bit different than last time – same characters but different jokes and they had different voices and accents.
The highlight was DD getting picked for her birthday.
She was on the aisle with DS next to her and then myself.
The head monster asked her name and age and she got to be on the big screen.
DS even got to appear as he was sitting next to her.
It was really cute and she LOVED it!!

At that point, we still had some time before our fastpass window for Buzz opened so we decided to walk around Tomorrowland.
It was a good decision.
First, we ran into Pleakley:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/Disney20081506a.jpg

And then the kids gave him a big hug!
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/Disney20081507.jpg

Then we saw a bit of a crowd around a garbage can.
We wandered over and were startled a bit as it began to roll around.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/Disney20081508.jpg

The can was alive!
Meet PUSH, the talking trash can of Tomorrowland.
First he noticed DD in her Minnie t-shirt and called her over.
DD found some trash and gave it to PUSH.
PUSH thanked her and then asked her name.
Here’s a video of the end of the exchange:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/th_Disney20081509.jpg (http://s381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/?action=view&current=Disney20081509.flv)

And here’s the picture with "Princess Rayna":
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/Disney20081510.jpg

PUSH then noticed a pirate in our midsts.
He called DS over and talked to him about his shirt.
Once again, here’s the video of the interaction.
You can see how shy yet excited DS was...
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/th_Disney20081511.jpg (http://s381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/?action=view&current=Disney20081511.flv)

And the picture that PUSH so politely posed for:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/Disney20081511a.jpg

Since we were right there, the kids decided they wanted to ride the People Mover (yes, I’m going to keep calling it that) once more.
And who am I to deny them a trip on my favorite ride in Tomorrowland?
This time they were a bit wackier.
DS couldn’t stop laughing after we pointed out the safety sign.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/Disney20081513a.jpg

I love this sign – it’s basically a picture that indicates “don’t dance around like a moron.”
So we tried to mimic the sign by saying “don’t do this” and then pose just like it.
DD laughed so hard she fell over:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/Disney20081514.jpg

As we entered the tunnels, the kids got even sillier and tried to find each other in the dark.
They also kept pointing at the red light on my camera and trying to grab it.
They were just all wiggly and it was too cute!
Unfortunately it ended and we still had some time before Buzz.
What to do? What to do?
Well, there was still one ride in Tomorrowland we haven’t seen yet – in fact, neither DD or DS has ever ridden it before.
Let’s see how well you are all paying attention.
Can anyone guess where we’re headed?

Hint: it’s not the Tomorrowland Speedway – we had already decided to skip that one.

dawnbu40

07-31-2009, 03:52 PM

thecapells

07-31-2009, 04:08 PM

You guys met Push! That's so cool! We've never seen him! The pics are too cute and look like you were all having a lot of fun! :goodvibes

I'm guessing you're going to ride Astro Orbiter? It's the only one I can think of that you haven't ridden.

I'm looking forward to hearing more!:thumbsup2

2 pts for guessing a ride that noone in my family has ever been on. :thumbsup2
But that's not what I had in mind (we've still never been on that one).
Care to guess again? :confused3

As for PUSH, it's actually a funny story.
I had originally planned to go find him and then realized we were too busy and it wasn't worth it.
So poor PUSH was removed from the Mighty Schedule.
I was definitely caught off guard when we saw him while just randomly walking around the park.
The kids really enjoyed it.
They couldn't quite believe that this can was talking to them.
Although once they heard him talk, they were extremely eager to put some trash in.
Maybe they thought he'd get mad if they didn't. :)

dawnbu40

07-31-2009, 04:13 PM

2 pts for guessing a ride that noone in my family has ever been on. :thumbsup2
But that's not what I had in mind (we've still never been on that one).
Care to guess again? :confused3

Hmmmm...Caitlin guesses Space Mountain but I think your DD would have been too small so the only other thing we can think of is The Carousel of Progress?

thecapells

07-31-2009, 04:16 PM

Hmmmm...Caitlin guesses Space Mountain but I think your DD would have been too small so the only other thing we can think of is The Carousel of Progress?

Third time is a charm!
Next stop was indeed Carousel of Progress...

BTW, I just updated the previous post to address your PUSH comments

thecapells

07-31-2009, 04:17 PM

Well, since you already know we’re not a coaster family, it wasn’t Space Mountain.
And I mentioned last time that we weren’t interested in the Speedway.
All that’s left in Tomorrowland is that lovely “family in the round” – the Carousel of Progress!
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/Disney20081500.jpg

The kids had never seen this one before and I wasn’t sure they would care.
I briefly explained the idea – it’s a show about a family throughout time from the 1900’s to now.
And to get from one scene to the other, we move, not the stage.
They thought it was intriguing enough to try and were excited to move around the stage.
So in we went.

I’m not sure how much they really “got” from the attraction.
But they understood the passage of time and DS even observed that each scene was a different holiday.
They enjoyed the obvious jokes as well like all the appliances going insane, the VR game, and the talking, exploding stove.
And they had fun moving around in the audience and singing the song.
I have it on my iPod now and we sing it from time to time.
DD also liked the daughter in the various scenes getting all prettied up for her dates.
When the Carousel was complete, it was finally time to join the Space Rangers!
By now, DS was a pro having ridden three times but DD hadn’t gone yet this trip so off we went!

3girls4me05

07-31-2009, 04:22 PM

yellowtink

08-01-2009, 03:37 PM

WooHoo! I am caught up. I love the trip report. BTW Indy Speedway is an awesome ride.

MouseKTeer

08-02-2009, 07:51 PM

All7OfUs

08-03-2009, 06:47 AM

HiYa once again!

How can anyone NOT like CoP? I think it's my favorite, with "The People Mover" being next. I won't be one to argue that that is INDEED what it should be called.

I didn't catch Push last time, but my teens were lucky enough to. They raved about him for days! They really liked Wes Palm over at AK too.

Videos were adorable!

thecapells

08-03-2009, 07:24 AM

Yeah on finding Push. We literally walked right into him after leaving Tommorowland the last time. My 2 yr old was in her stroller and had bright pink crocs on. He told her that he liked her shoes. She still talks about it. The other day we were in the car and she started laughing and said "Mommy, remember when the trashcan said he liked my shoes? That was so silly."
I was caught off guard though and did not get pictures or video!

Great story!
I hope my kids remember it in a similar way!

WooHoo! I am caught up. I love the trip report. BTW Indy Speedway is an awesome ride.

I actually haven't gone on since I was a kid.
We tend to skip it since the lines get long and 1st thing in the morning we're headed elsewhere.
As for the experience, the kids rode the racecars in Hershey Park and that was fairly similar even if it was not Disney.
I just always hoped they rethemed this to actually have something to do with Disney.

thecapells

08-03-2009, 07:27 AM

Hi D-Dad,

Another voice here speaking up to say what an incredible TR you've been writing. I got addicted and stayed up till 2 am last night to read it all up to this point. And the photos! We just got back from the World 6 days ago and I was considering doing a TR--when I read yours, I was thinking "that's some act to follow":rolleyes2

We loved the Laugh Floor too--it's so cool that Rayna had a spotlight part!

Looking forward to your next installments...

Thanks for the kudos and welcome aboard!
You're just in time - we still have lots to get to.
I was just starting to sort through Day Nine and there's a bunch still to get to!!!

HiYa once again!

How can anyone NOT like CoP? I think it's my favorite, with "The People Mover" being next. I won't be one to argue that that is INDEED what it should be called.

I didn't catch Push last time, but my teens were lucky enough to. They raved about him for days! They really liked Wes Palm over at AK too.

Videos were adorable!

I would love to catch Wes Palm or DiVine in AK.
Maybe next time we'll spend some more time over there and explore...

3girls4me05

08-03-2009, 04:06 PM

I will warn you that DiVine freaked out the same child who loved Push! Something about her..she is super realistic looking and doesn't talk. Anyways, my DD was telling me in a voice filled with panic to keep moving and don't stop when we saw her!

thecapells

08-03-2009, 07:27 PM

thecapells

08-03-2009, 08:19 PM

We headed down “Daddy’s Secret Path” and got a cute pic on the way:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/Disney20081525.jpg

Then Buzz gave us our last minute instructions
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/Disney20081526.jpg

Before we boarded our Space Ranger vehicles.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/Disney20081528.jpg

DD decided that she wanted to steer so she sat in the middle while DS and I took up our posts.
We did pretty well but DS still couldn’t hit the easter eggs I knew of.
In fact, with DD steering, neither could I.
It was fun, but as usual, I won and DS got upset.
I did manage a decent (yet blurry) picture of our trio when they flashed our photo on the screen:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/Disney20081530.jpg

I think by now they were also getting hungry so the grumpies had come out.
DD wasn’t too bad yet so she went and to hang out with Booster.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/Disney20081531.jpg

DS thought that was funny and decided they all should join Zurg in jail.
This was a great shot:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/Disney20081532.jpg

We had a little bit of time left before having to meet Mom for dinner so I figured we could shop on Main Street.
We headed off in that direction but were sidetracked, of course.
It’s easy to lose one’s way in the Magic Kingdom as there’s so much to catch one’s eye.
Can anyone guess what “lured us in” this time – it was yet another new activity (at least for some of us…)

All7OfUs

08-04-2009, 05:18 AM

Not sure I could venture a guess on this one. Except maybe it could be the castle show?? You did say for "some" of you.

thecapells

08-12-2009, 02:43 PM

Not sure I could venture a guess on this one. Except maybe it could be the castle show?? You did say for "some" of you.

Great Guess!
Sorry I've been out of touch for a bit - we're on vacation visiting the grandparents in NY.
But I found a computer and here comes the next segment!

thecapells

08-12-2009, 02:55 PM

As we crossed the bridge from Tomorrowland to the hub,
I saw the famous Mickey and Minnie topiary and had to grab a pick.
Unfortunately, the kids wouldn’t pose anymore – they were definitely getting grumpy.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/Disney20081533.jpg

As we got to the hub, Dream Along With Mickey was starting.
So I put both kids in the stroller and took off to find a spot.
After several spots (and several whimpers from DS and DD that they couldn’t see) we finally find one they would deal with.
We were in the hub with our backs to the flowers.
DD and DS even got to stand on the ledge once some nice ladies offered to move over for them.
I think they saw how grumpy the kids were and were trying to help.
I very much appreciate it.

At this point in the show, Donald was showing off (as usual).
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/Disney20081534.jpg

And then came the Pirates led by Smee and Captain Hook himself!
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/Disney20081536.jpg

But whenever there’s a Hook, the Pan can’t be too far off.
Sure enough, Peter arrived to put that ol’ codfish back in his place!
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/Disney20081538.jpg

But even Peter Pan was caught off guard by the arrival of the evil witch!
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/Disney20081539.jpg

Of course, the Fab Five prevailed since it was, after all, Mickey’s dream!
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/Disney20081544a.jpg

And then Mickey and Minnie were raised up on this little ledge.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/Disney20081545.jpg

For the finale, fireworks lit up the Castle in a great daytime display!
I don’t think I’ve ever seen fireworks during the day before so this was a treat!
And now I knew what those fireworks I caught on our ferry ride several days earlier were.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/Disney20081549a.jpg

NOTE: It’s kinda funny how Mom took shots of the princesses when she saw this and I concentrated on the pirates and villains.

After the show, we figured we should make our way to the exit.
On the way, we had to stop off and see our friend Goofy. :goofy:
Another family was there just resting but graciously offered to move aside and take our picture.
Thanks guys!
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/Disney20081550.jpg

As we headed through the tunnel under the railroad, we had another surprise.
pluto: was there saying good-bye!
The kids ran over and got a great shot upon our exit.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/Disney20081551a.jpg

Then it was off to the boat launch :boat: for Ft. Wilderness and to meet Mom.
You caught a bit of her side of the story, now stay tuned for my side followed by a good ol’ fashioned hoe down!
Ya’ll come back now, ya here!

dawnbu40

08-12-2009, 03:01 PM

thecapells

08-12-2009, 03:08 PM

The show looks fun! We've never stopped and watched the whole thing but maybe next month we'll catch it! I was actually thinking earlier today that you guys hadn't had an update in awhile so I was so glad to see one! :goodvibes

Yeah, sorry about that.
It's hard to find time to get on the boards while at my parents house.
I have one more segment left in Day 8 (and almost complete).
Luckily I have the pics for it with me so the next post shouldn't be too far off.
Hopefully that will tide everyone over as Day 9 will have to wait till we get home.

All7OfUs

08-13-2009, 06:40 AM

Yippee!! I knew my guess would be right!! :yay:

Sounds like the kiddos needed some down time right about now. Maybe even hungry too. Good thing you're headed off to my favorite show in Wild West!! I can hardly "bear" to wait!!

jmskinner

08-13-2009, 07:10 AM

Somehow I missed the last few updates but just got caught up on everything. I'm a huge fan of the Peoplemover...TTA. (Actually I call a lot of the WDW rides Peoplemovers because they move a lot of people quickly.)

I am super jealous of you. You got a picture of Buzz's face. Every pic I have you can't see his actual face.

That was very nice of those ladies to move for the kiddo's. And that family to move and take your pic.

Your description of Stitch actually makes me want to ride it again and I have said I would never ride it again. My DS so wanted to ride it because the Disney Video makes it look like the actual seats move or something. He still thinks there is another Stitch ride somewhere.:laughing:

PrncessA

08-13-2009, 07:21 AM

Great update. I am thinking about rereading your TR since our very first trip is next month and you did a great job of planning and have great tips!

We are letting DS go on the Pirate Cruise as well. Just a question... how early should we show up to get him on the boat? His cruise is at 9:30 and we have 8:05 ressies at 1900 Park Fare.

Leshaface

08-14-2009, 04:18 PM

thecapells

08-15-2009, 08:52 PM

I am super jealous of you. You got a picture of Buzz's face. Every pic I have you can't see his actual face.

That was very nice of those ladies to move for the kiddo's. And that family to move and take your pic.

Your description of Stitch actually makes me want to ride it again and I have said I would never ride it again. My DS so wanted to ride it because the Disney Video makes it look like the actual seats move or something. He still thinks there is another Stitch ride somewhere.:laughing:

Yeah - I lucked out on Buzz' face. It actually turned out pretty good.
And we were definitely treated with some Disney magic when the ladies moved for the kiddies
and another family took that Goofy shot. We made sure to pay some magic back later.

As for Stitch, I still don't see why everyone hates it.
It's not the most amazing ride ever, but for what is, it's actually fun!
And that's basically a ride for boys who will be boys.

Great update. I am thinking about rereading your TR since our very first trip is next month and you did a great job of planning and have great tips!

We are letting DS go on the Pirate Cruise as well. Just a question... how early should we show up to get him on the boat? His cruise is at 9:30 and we have 8:05 ressies at 1900 Park Fare.

We arrived at about 9:00/9:15 or so.
I believe our Chef Mickey's reservations were 7:30 and we ate fairly quick and then hopped the monorail.
But since you are already at the Grand Floridian, you won't have the travel time so you'll be fine.
And feel free to PM me if you have any questions!!
I love helping others plan their trips as well - I'm kind of psychotic that way...

thecapells

08-15-2009, 08:54 PM

Wow! Finally caught up 2 days and 44 pages later!!!

Your TR is great!

Love that you folks have Disney Gear everyday! Now if I can only get my DH to do that for me!

Can't wait to hear about the rest! :banana:

Thanks and glad to have you aboard!
And glad you like the outfits!
We're even starting to "gear" up for our upcoming trip!
We need to get all the new outfits ready for our new experiences!!
And yes, we are very sick...

thecapells

08-15-2009, 09:10 PM

So we arrive at the resort launch and get in line.
It was about 4:45 or so.
Dinner was at 6:30 – we were going to Mickey’s Backyard Barbeque.
However, everyone on the DIS recommended we arrive at 5:30.
Which, of course, meant a 5:00 boat.
So here we were.

I called Mom to see where she was and they were just getting onto the bus from Pop Century.
Around then, a boat appeared for Wilderness Lodge and they announced that there were some issues with the Ft. Wildnerness boat.
They recommended everyone take the bus.

Great – I was avoiding the bus since I knew the bus stop for Ft. Wilderness was on the other side of the resort.
We would have to take an internal bus to the BBQ once we arrived.
More travelling with grumpy kids. :headache:

Everyone left and we were now at the front of the line.
I wasn’t sure what to do but finally I gave up.
So we headed towards the bus stops.
We got to the info desk and I talked to a CM there.
She said the boats were fine and another one was on its way.
Love the mixed messages.
So we headed all the way back down to the boats.
Which is not so close - especially when I'm pushing a stroller along with two grumpy kids.

Now we were about 10-20th on line.
But there was no CM telling people that the boats were shut down.
However, it was clear that one of the boats was taken offline.
When the boat finally arrived, they announced it would be the last one for quite some time since it was the only one running.
Great.

I quickly called Mom and told her to get over here NOW.
I got the kids settled and waited for the rest of the line to board.
Then I began to plead my case with the captain stalling for as much time as I could.
Finally I saw Mom in the distance, pointed her out, and begged the captain to wait for her.
She finally arrived huffing and puffing and not in a good mood.
But, if she missed this boat, she wouldn’t have made dinner (since I had the tickets).
It was a nice boat ride, but with all the excitement, we arrived about 6:00 at Ft. Wilderness.
This was much later than expected so we headed off fairly quickly towards the pavilion.
Of course, there’s always time for a photo spot:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/Disney20081552.jpg

DS began to inform us that he was here on his Pirate Cruise and knew the way.
So we “followed” DS (and some signs) and headed towards the BBQ.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/Disney20081554.jpg

http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/Disney20081553a.jpg

Chip and Dale were outside taking pictures but when we arrived, the CM said the line was closed.
We could have picture opportunities later.
That sucked (and just for the record, there were no opportunities later).
So we headed along with the rest of the masses to the cabins outside the eating area.
They held everyone up here but provided games and drinks.
DS played some checkers
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/Disney20081555.jpg

But we had heard horror stories about getting seats, so we made sure to head over to the line.
There was one small gate and LOTS of people pushing and shoving to get a better spot.
Mom had parked the stroller and had the kids with her.
My job was to get a spot.
Sure enough, the rope dropped and everyone charged.
And I literally mean charged.
It was insane and totally un-Disney like.
I was able to get us a table close to the dance floor/stage with Mom close behind and we sat down.
Then a rude family showed up and started pushing us over.
Um, excuse me – we were here first.
They didn’t seem to care and kept pushing my children.
I swapped places with the little ones since I KNEW they were not going to push me.
Needless to say, this meal did not start off very well.
When everyone was mostly seated, I headed off to get some food for everyone.
Food was slim pickings for the little ones – hot dogs were all they (and I) would eat here.
Mom was a little more adventurous but the food was not good at all.
They had alcohol which is their way of saying water mixed with a little wine or some horrible thing they attempted to call beer.

Anyway, I figured the show & characters would be worth it (Again, for the record, they weren't).
Mickey and the hosts took the stage so we settled in.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/Disney20081559.jpg

They talked a bit and then invited everyone up to dance.
I ran up to get a picture since the kids were not interested.
I snapped Mickey
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/Disney20081566a.jpg

And Goofy
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/Disney20081569.jpg

Before the entirety of the kid population basically attacked the characters. And then, DS and DD decided to go dance.
It was insane. There were walls of children surrounding the characters and trying to dance with them.
Big kids were pushing little kids.
Adults were pushing big kids and little kids.
I had enough of this.
The kids went to sit down as they announced dessert and I decided to see if I could get X to meet the chars.
The best I could do was this pic.
If you look close you can see DD and DS
but you can also see the masses surrounding Mickey even here.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/Disney20081571.jpg

Dessert was the best part of this meal as the ice cream cabinets were stocked with ice pops and Mickey Bars. :mickeybar
And you know how much we love a good Mickey Bar.
Everyone got their own this time around:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/Disney20081576.jpg

And here are the “after” shots:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/Disney20081640a.jpg
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/Disney20081641a.jpg

Nice mess eh?
DD’s fell towards the end and she was about ready to lose it.
So we went back for another treat.
This time she chose the ice pop
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/Disney20081642.jpg

About now, they gathered all the children around the stage for some roping demonstrations.
That was pretty cool but I was ready to leave already.
Finally it was about about 7:45 and I think we’d had enough.
The BBQ goes to 8.
We were finished with our desserts, had no desire to attempt the dancefloor anymore,
and were done waiting for the chars to make their rounds for pics like other character meals.
And yes, the CM’s promised this would happen.
It didn’t.
On our way out (7:50), we saw Minnie just starting to talk to some tables (far away from ours).
But the rest of the chars were still on the dance floor.
Since we passed Minnie on our way out, we snuck in and grabbed a quick pic.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/Disney20081577.jpg

I know that’s uncool but I was so frustrated by this point, I didn’t care.
We stopped for pitstops on the way out and DS found some blocks to go building.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/Disney20081643.jpg
Of course our own X-zilla knocked down the tower.

So, DS built another
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/Disney20081581.jpg

And kept building until it was taller than him
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayEight/Disney20081582.jpg

Finally, we headed back to Pop.
We had to take the boat back to Magic Kingdom and then transfer to a bus to Pop.

Bottom line – Mickey’s Backyard BBQ is NEVER something we will do again.
The food was average at best, the CM’s had no control, and it felt like I was at a low-class chain restaurant.
This was the first time we really didn’t feel like being in Disney (other than seeing the characters).
There was no organization, poor planning, poor food, and average entertainment.
If you are not a pushy person, you will not get a seat from which you can see nor will you meet the chars.
And this was 2 Table Service credits.
I was thoroughly disappointed as the only things we enjoyed were the Mickey Bars and the blocks.

We got home frustrated, put the kids to sleep, and tried to finish packing.
Mom had packed a bit when she was home earlier in the day so we tried to finish up.
I headed down to the lobby and settled up the bill applying the last of our Disney Rewards Dollars to the room balance.
I also dropped off the postcards I wrote to families heading to Disney shortly.
I love the Fairy Godmailer board on the DIS – I had to do this once I saw how happy our kids were to receive personalized postcards.

One more day to go and some BIG surprises are still yet to come.
To start it off, please join us for breakfast in the Polynesian!
It was definitely a much better experience than this waste of time.
ALOHA!

3girls4me05

08-16-2009, 10:01 AM

Leshaface

08-16-2009, 02:05 PM

I'm surprised that the CM's didn't have more of an orderly way to sit people down...that would totally annoy me! :mad:

I have heard very mixed reviews about this place, and your review pretty much put Mickey's BBQ on the "No way!" list.

debmom

08-16-2009, 05:37 PM

I've been reading all day! Love the TR, especially when Mom comes on and gives her side!

Can't wait to hear more.

eecteacher82

08-16-2009, 07:11 PM

I found your TR last night at about 11pm and read it until about 3am and started back up today to finish it! It is so amazing!!! I have been debating doing one for our upcoming trip Sept 26-30, and then Oct. 1-24, and reading your's just may have convinced me! Keep up the awesome job! Your kids are all ADORABLE!!! I will be anxiously awaiting the rest of the TR!

thecapells

08-16-2009, 10:11 PM

We have never done Mickey's Barbecue and it looks like we were not missing anything but a huge headache. Thanks for the warning! I can't stand places like that. I get cranky and darn near hostile when people are rude and shoving.
Glad that wasn't your last experience of your trip. Can't wait to hear about breakfast!

Yeah, it was the first time all trip that just didn't feel like Disney.
Definitely spend your time elsewhere...

I'm surprised that the CM's didn't have more of an orderly way to sit people down...that would totally annoy me! :mad:

I have heard very mixed reviews about this place, and your review pretty much put Mickey's BBQ on the "No way!" list.

I was honestly pretty surprised at how unruly and chaotic it was.
I expected it to be similar to other buffets where you get taken to a table and go from there.
And I was honestly surprised at the masses that basically "attacked" the chars on the dance floor.

I've been reading all day! Love the TR, especially when Mom comes on and gives her side!

Can't wait to hear more.

I promise to write some more when we get back home.
I need to gather our Day 9 pics.

I found your TR last night at about 11pm and read it until about 3am and started back up today to finish it! It is so amazing!!! I have been debating doing one for our upcoming trip Sept 26-30, and then Oct. 1-24, and reading your's just may have convinced me! Keep up the awesome job! Your kids are all ADORABLE!!! I will be anxiously awaiting the rest of the TR!

Welcome and I'm glad it could keep you up all nite! ;)
You should definitely do a TR - it's a great way to document all the little things.
I expect to save it all off and maybe print it out one day/
Then the little ones can read it when they grow up.
It also gathers all my pics together so I can make a slide show out of them when I'm done.
And it lets me reminisce about Disney!!

All7OfUs

08-17-2009, 05:41 AM

thecapells

08-23-2009, 08:32 PM

Oh, so sorry you had such a bad experience here! I say if you can't deliver the goods in great food, you'd better pony up with something else than more than makes up for it! Apparently they didn't.

Maybe they should do like they do over at the Hoop; seat people hostess style. Yeah, takes more time, but it may prevent an accident or fight.

Looking forward to following you over the the land of paradise!

Sorry paradise had to wait so long - things were hectic once we got back from NY and we all were sick.
We're recovering now and here comes alot of pics since you had to wait so long... :banana:

thecapells

08-23-2009, 08:42 PM

We rolled out of bed for our last day, dressed in our Polynesian finest, and called up for a bellman.
Soon after we loaded the cart and headed towards the buses.
We checked our bags in using Airline Check-in and confirmed our Magical Express time of 6:30.
And then it was off to find our Breakfast Bus.
The Bus driver didn’t offer door-to-door service as they had done back in 2006 so we had to go straight for the monorail upon arrival at Magic Kingdom.

For the record, the Polynesian is my favorite resort.
And it is so picturesque!
My Dream Disney Vacation is staying at the Poly on the Concierge Level.
Alas, this trip we were merely visitors.
But I managed to grab this exterior picture and then spliced a logo on it:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney2008392Logo-1.jpg

The monorail doors opened and off we went.
Aloha!
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081644.jpg

We headed around to ‘Ohana and checked in.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081646.jpg

Now it was picture time!
Since ‘Ohana was one of our favorite breakfasts back in 2006, we have lots of pictures that I wanted to re-take so we could see how the kids of grown.
First up - DD’s favorite spot in 2006 was the bamboo chair:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/FloridaFeb06306.jpg

So here she is again in 2008:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081648.jpg

Then it was time for the family (‘Ohana) shot.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyPhotopass/Photopass2008567.jpg

And here’s us back in 2006:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/FloridaFeb06311.jpg

After a short wait, we were seated over by the windows and Stitch was already making his rounds.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081650a.jpg

First, DD jumped up
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081651.jpg

Followed by Mom and X
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081652.jpg

And then DS and myself
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081653.jpg

X even got a high five before Fuzzy and Blue headed off
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081654.jpg

Then the food arrived and we started to eat.
Breakfast is served family style here but has all the essentials…
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081672.jpg

The servers start with a bread basket which has a great selection of breads.
Next up is the fresh fruit platter with delicious pineapples and other tropical delicacies.
Then comes a huge platter of eggs, bacon, sausage, and potatoes.
(We special ordered cheese on our eggs and you can see it in the above picture)
Lastly, they wander around with Mickey waffles and X was two-handing ‘em!
And that’s not even including the awesome juice that is served here
(along with the Jamba Juice from Donald’s Safari Breakfast at the Tusker House this is the best juice in all of Walt Disney World!)
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081656.jpg

Around then, the kids were invited up for the parade.
Armed with maracas and X, I joined in the fun!
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081660.jpg

Upon our return, Lilo was making her rounds. Here’s the girls:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081661.jpg

And then Mom joined in. Aloha!
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081662.jpg

DS and I then got our chance!
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081663.jpg

X could hardly contain himself.
Followed closely behind Lilo was Pluto!
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081664.jpg

We split up to get pics with Mickey’s best friend.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081666.jpg
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081667.jpg

But as Mickey rounded the corner, I proposed to the table next to us that if they take our family with Mickey, I’ll do the same for theirs.
I hope their picture turned out good because I’d argue the one they took of us is the best picture of our entire trip:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081670a.jpg

I LOOOOVE that picture. :love:
Almost as important as Mickey, the “waffle guy” was close behind and you know what that means…
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081671.jpg

Uh oh - I've reached my picture limit for one post.
Stay tuned, there's more Breakfast Fun to come...

PrncessA

08-23-2009, 09:16 PM

Great update! I'm glad your breakfast on the last day turned out better than Mickey's BBQ!! I am trying (unsucessfully) so hard to get an Ohana's ADR for our last morning but nada. Even with our LAST minute trip I have been able to get every ADR I wanted including a Fantasmic package but no Tusker House or Ohana!

thecapells

08-23-2009, 09:29 PM

thecapells

08-23-2009, 09:34 PM

As if we weren’t having enough fun by now, the server then came by with a birthday cupcake for DD that perked her up even more!
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081674.jpg
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081675.jpg

And she even got a certificate signed by Lilo, Stitch, Mickey, and Pluto:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/OhanaBirthday.jpg

After the cupcake, another parade was forming. We were having too much fun not to join in once again!
First X wanted to shake his maracas like the statue:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081678.jpg

And then he posed for a nice shot
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081681.jpg

Before the Pineapple Princess entered the room
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081680.jpg

I then managed to switch X back to Mom and take some video of the festivities.
First, our Pineapple Princess joined Lilo at the head of the processional
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/th_OhanaParade-LiloRayna.jpg (http://s381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/?action=view&current=OhanaParade-LiloRayna.flv)

The next section was led by Mickey himself dancing and shaking
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/th_OhanaParade-Mickey.jpg (http://s381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/?action=view&current=OhanaParade-Mickey.flv)

Here’s a quick still of the Big Kahuna strutting himself:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/OhanaParade-MickeyPic.jpg

Mom and X came down the line next
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/th_OhanaParade-MomXander.jpg (http://s381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/?action=view&current=OhanaParade-MomXander.flv)

With Pluto and DS bringing up the rear.
Once X saw Pluto again, he ran after him…
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/th_OhanaParade-PlutoLoganXander.jpg (http://s381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/?action=view&current=OhanaParade-PlutoLoganXander.flv)

After the parade and finishing off our plates, we decided to have some fun with the ambiance.
I started taking pictures of the statues and tikis around the restaurant:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081682.jpg

And then Mom started making fun of them.
Look - A Full Moon!!
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081683.jpg

That’s all the kids had to see. DD ran over to one and mimicked it calling for me to take a picture:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081684.jpg

Then DS followed and DD jumped in yet again:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081685.jpg
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081686.jpg

Then it was my turn
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081687.jpg

Then we finally & begrudgingly headed out of the restaurant.
We really love it here – it’s just so much fun and festive and a great place to have a blast!

thecapells

08-23-2009, 09:36 PM

Before leaving ‘Ohana for good, here’s a quick breakdown of the portfolio you get if you buy the picture.
The cover is really cool:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Ohana001.jpg

As is the inside cover. It has the same bamboo border with tikis but you get a great stock photo of Mickey and Pluto with Lilo and Stitch.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Ohana002.jpg

As with the other portfolios, you can slide the photo out and it has a second mat around it (also of bamboo):
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Ohana003.jpg

And last, but not least, the photo itself:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Ohana004.jpg

The other side of the portfolio is your picture:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Ohana005.jpg

And it also has a bamboo border that can be removed from the portfolio
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Ohana006.jpg

And the picture itself:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Ohana007.jpg

Lastly, the back cover is simple yet elegant with a smiling tiki seemingly saying “good-bye”
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Ohana008.jpg

All7OfUs

08-24-2009, 05:20 AM

dawnbu40

08-24-2009, 05:53 AM

What a great way to start your last day! It looks like breakfast was very fun and memorable! I love all the silly tiki pics!

thecapells

08-24-2009, 07:24 AM

What a great!!! last morning breakfast you all had! Sounds like you had great eaters, smooth dancing action, and goofy personalities for everyone!! Such fun!

Sad to know we're almost at our end, too.

No worries - I plan to jump right into the Spring Break Detour trip report once this one is complete!

What a great way to start your last day! It looks like breakfast was very fun and memorable! I love all the silly tiki pics!

We've loved 'Ohana since the first time we went.
In fact, we usually make it a staple of our trip.
However, for our upcoming trip, we opted to try the dinner menu instead of breakfast which is a first!
I'm really looking forward to it!!

jmskinner

08-24-2009, 08:20 AM

thecapells

08-24-2009, 08:23 AM

Sorry you had such a bad time at the BBQ. I really dislike the way Disney does this and on some of the rides like HM when you leave the stretching room.

Ok, you now have me wanting to go to Ohana's. Sounds like a great time! And that one picture of the family is fantastic.

Yeah, I couldn't believe that the BBQ was a Disney event. Very disappointing.
It's like night and day with 'Ohana!! Your not-so-little one would love it since there's so much to do!

thecapells

08-24-2009, 10:27 PM

Just because we left ‘Ohana did not mean our travels were over.
We were basically in no rush this morning as we had finished most everything on our list already.
All that was left was Toontown and that doesn’t open until 10:00 or a little earlier.
So we decided to stroll the Polynesian and really take it in.
We usually do that before 'Ohana but since we arrived late this morning, we decided to tour afterwards.
Here’s a shot of the kids discovering Lilo and Stitch’s surfboard in 2006:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/FloridaFeb06301.jpg

And, of course, the kids found the surfboard again:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081693a.jpg

DD definitely had the picture bug today as she started posing like a princess every couple of steps and asking for her picture.
Here’s one with little X
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081689.jpg

And then by the waterfalls
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081690.jpg

I couldn’t believe we were able to get all three of them there but the Disney Magic was with us today:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081692.jpg

And then they found the Tiki Drummer
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081695.jpg
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081697.jpg

But the biggest surprise of all was getting all 3 kids to sit still at the same time long enough for us to get a pic.
We found a passerby and pleaded for a quick photo of Mom and me.
These are so rare with the little ones running around, I'm glad it turned out good.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081698a.jpg

Then, I was on a mission.
I knew there were plenty of good photo ops in BOUTIKI just from checking out photos on the DIS.
So I wanted to find them all!
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081700.jpg

I think this is a really cool little detail. It’s so not necessary but it’d just yet another wonderful little Disney touch.
I just love how they seem to be playing Tiki Hide ‘n’ Seekie! ;)
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081702.jpg

And don’t forget Big Kahuna Mickey and all his royal subjects:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081712a.jpg

Back in the lobby, our princess found the Hidden Mickey
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081703.jpg

And I found this cool old cartoon framed on the wall
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081707.jpg

With all this talk of Kahuna and Princesses, I couldn’t leave out our Queen:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081704.jpg

Finally, it was time to leave the tropics.
And we left in style of course.
Where else can you leave the jungle via a monorail?
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081717.jpg

We stayed in our Polynesian attire hoping to grab some nice pics at the Magic Kingdom.
However, the sun was too strong and the kids couldn’t see without squinting.
This is the best we could do:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyPhotopass/Photopass2008574.jpg

But at least I was able to crop out the Railroad Station from one of them:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyPhotopass/Photopass2008572.jpg

It's funny because at the beginning of our trip, the front gates were covered in oranges and pumpkins were a'plenty.
But here, on our last day, you can see the Xmas decorations are out.
The Magic Kingdom had been totally transformed in a manner of days from fall to winter.
Now let's see what happened inside!
Stayed tuned for our last trek inside the Happiest Place on Earth!
(at least for this trip)

luckylady

08-24-2009, 11:01 PM

Very cool that you got to see two diffrent"seasons" at the world. Looks like you have a budding model on your hands. Kids are just to cute.

Leshaface

08-25-2009, 12:54 AM

thecapells

08-25-2009, 09:52 PM

Love your pics!! Your kids are absolutely adorable! :cutie:

I have a question: That pic that you took in Boutiki with Mickey playing on that guitar(forgetting the correct name) and minnie doing the hula, do you remember what episode that is off of??

We have that episode somewhere around the house on VHS, recorded off tv but would like to get it the legal way! :rotfl2:

Honestly I have no idea but it probably said so next to the frame.
I just thought it was a perfect addition to the Poly since the theming was so appropriate.
Sorry...

All7OfUs

08-26-2009, 12:28 AM

thecapells

08-27-2009, 08:14 PM

You did EXACTLY what I want to do next time: take a ton of pictures of the ramdom coolness of the Poly!! Like you say, there are just oodles of really cool photo ops there.

I just have to say, you guys are way stylin' in your matching Haw. attire!!! Feeling like I need to do something about that for next year's trip.

Dude!!! Another TR. I'm dying to see what the title is going to be!!

Uh oh, apparently I've set the bar too high if you're already looking forward to the new title! :sad2:

I'm glad you liked the Poly outfits - they were definitely my favs!
We just love everything about our Poly experiences!!
I didn't want to leave but we promised the kids we'd go to Toontown so...

thecapells

08-27-2009, 09:21 PM

We headed into the park and stopped off at the restrooms by City Hall to change out of our Polynesian outfits.
We went in pairs which led to some time just sitting on the benches and waiting.
To our surprise we were joined by the Town Councilman of Main Street!
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081719.jpg

I forgot the gentleman’s name but he spoke with us at length asking questions about where we’re from and if we’ve been enjoying ourselves.
He stayed perfectly in character and spoke of the Magic Kingdom.
He told us how he is not only a Town Council member, but the Town Council itself (apparently there’s only 1 member).
It was a great little treat and totally unexpected.
He capped off our interaction by formally making us Honorary Citizens of the Magic Kingdom.
He presented us each with an official pin
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/HonoraryCitizenPin.jpg

How cool is that?
Well, for X, the fun was just beginning as next we headed up the ramp to the Main Street Railroad Station.
Since Toontown was the only thing left on our agenda, what better way to get there than the train?
Especially when little X is a train fanatic!!
Unfortunately, Lilo and Stitch had sufficiently tired out the little guy and he was passed out in the stroller.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081721.jpg

With the GAC card, we were able to roll the stroller onto the railroad and not wake him up which was a huge plus.
And we all got set for a nice ride around the park!
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081720.jpg http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081724.jpg
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081725.jpg

The train ride was a lot more fun during the day compared to our similar venture earlier in the trip at night.
We got some nice views of Big Thunder Mountain
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081727.jpg

And this one is pretty funny (at least to me).
I never noticed all of the animals in the foreground of the track.
I guess we went by too fast but they’re pretty life-like…
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081728.jpg

And then we talked about Pocahontas as we explained the Indian village to the kids.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081729.jpg
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081829.jpg

And then Mom shot some wildlife.
Keep your hands inside the vehicle at all times…
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081830.jpg

It was a nice relaxing trip around the parks and a nice refresher.
All too soon we arrived at our destination – Mickey’s Toontown Fair
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081766.jpg
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081763.jpg

I’m not a big fan of this area but the kids had expressed interest in coming back and giving it a try.
So here we are – and what a good decision it was.
Get ready for a large dose of pixie dust to end our vacation!
Stay tuned…

thecapells

08-30-2009, 08:48 PM

We headed straight to the County Bounty to check on the line for the Fairies.
DD had refused to change into her Tink outfit but decided she’d wear her Tink tutu over her Ariel t-shirt.

I didn’t expect the line to be short and figured I could wait while the kids played in Toon Park.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081731a.jpg

The CM saw our GAC and the sleeping X and told us to go ahead to a side room (the posted wait was about 40-60 minutes).
We came to the next CM and they weren’t sure what we were doing.
We weren’t sure either – we explained that the previous CM sent us this way.
We weren’t expecting special treatment but we didn't want to wake X up.
And we couldn’t split up since we needed one parent to watch the other two kids (in case there was a potty emergency).
I was hoping they’d mark my place on line and allow me to sit with X on the side.
Which is what they did.

The waiting room was really nicely designed with large benches (complete with Hidden Mickey’s making up the armrest and leg)
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081733.jpg

Several more CM’s then came out to see what we were doing.
After explaining it several times and talking to CM’s and their managers (not sure why the controversy),
we were ushered into the hallway towards Pixie Hollow.
We didn’t expect to get in so soon but we weren’t going to complain either.
We were just too excited to get a chance to meet the fairies!
I had prepped the kids as they had seen Tinkerbell about a week before we left.
DS wasn’t too excited but DD was busting!

Upon entrance, the walls are decorated with a pretty Neverland forest theme.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081735.jpg

And you can see tiny fairies flying by overhead. :tink:

http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081736.jpg
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081737.jpg

We began our walk down the pathway.
As you proceed, the scenery gets bigger as you “shrink” down to pixie size.
Mom captured several shots showing how small we were getting.
First, here's DD normal size in comparison to the tree on the wall:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081831.jpg

Then she sizes up to a ladybug as we get smaller...
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081832.jpg

And how about shrinking to the size of a mushroom?
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081833.jpg

Then the moment arrived.
The doors opened at the end of the hallway and we, along with 2 other families, entered the core of Pixie Hollow.
Wow.
Disney outdid themselves here.
As far as Meet & Greets, this is, by far, the most themed one in existence.
Three fairies ushered us in and each one took a family by the hand to their spot.
Photopass photographers began to shoot at will and handed out little “pixie-sized” Photopass cards complete with strap to wear on your wrist.

Poor X slept through the experience but I doubt he would have grasped the situation.
I think Mom and I were just as excited to finally meet the fairies!!
Here they come...

thecapells

08-30-2009, 08:55 PM

Rosetta, the Garden Fairy was our first stop.
She took her time with DD as DD pointed out Ariel on her shirt
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyPhotopass/Photopass2008576.jpg

They discussed princesses and fairies and DD was just in heaven.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081740.jpg http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081836.jpg

After much interaction, Rosetta posed with DD:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081741.jpg http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyPhotopass/Photopass2008582.jpg

We even managed to get DS to take a picture.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081744.jpg
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyPhotopass/Photopass2008589.jpg

Rosetta was just like she stepped out of the movie.
From her accent to her movements, she played the part perfect.
We really were in Pixie Hollow.

Then, we flew off after Rosetta as she led us to her friends.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081837.jpg

On the way, I tried to get glimpses of Pixie Hollow:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081745.jpg

thecapells

08-30-2009, 09:02 PM

Iridessa, the Light Fairy, was next.
We "flew" by her stack of coins
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081841.jpg

and her baby picture
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081842a.jpg

And then arrived at Iridessa herself.
Much like Rosetta, Iridessa was perfectly in character in both expressions, costume, and attitude.
Iridessa was drawn to the sparkling circles on DD’s skirt
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyPhotopass/Photopass2008592.jpg

And they chatted for some time as well
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081747.jpg

Before a perfect pixie pose
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081749.jpg
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyPhotopass/Photopass2008599.jpg

Iridessa then had to coax DS over
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyPhotopass/Photopass2008601.jpg

But she got him to smile for a pic:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081750.jpg
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyPhotopass/Photopass2008603.jpg

thecapells

08-30-2009, 09:09 PM

Then we were ushered over to the last area:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081838a.jpg

And DD couldn’t contain herself any longer.
She broke into a run when she saw who was next!
:tinker: Tinker Bell!!!
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081844.jpg

She almost bowled over Tink as she charged jumping into the biggest hug you’ve ever seen! :hug:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyPhotopass/Photopass2008607.jpg

And then they posed for the most precious pixie pictures possible!
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081752.jpg
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyPhotopass/Photopass2008611.jpg
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyPhotopass/Photopass2008613.jpg

Now it was DS’ turn but DD had to run back for one last hug:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyPhotopass/Photopass2008615.jpg

DS actually wanted pictures with Tinker Bell but he wasn’t sure how to stand next to her:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyPhotopass/Photopass2008619.jpg

Finally (after some prodding) he gave her a hug:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyPhotopass/Photopass2008621.jpg

And now before we left, Mom and Dad wanted in with Ms. Tink.
If there was ever an occasion that called out for Family Photo, it was meeting Tinker Bell.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyPhotopass/Photopass2008627.jpg http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyPhotopass/Photopass2008623.jpg

This was such a big deal, I spliced together some video I took with some audio from the movie and the best of our pictures. Here ya go:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/th_PixieHollow2008.jpg (http://s381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/?action=view&current=PixieHollow2008.flv)

Then our experience came to an end.
It was time to leave Pixie Hollow and return to our normal sizes.
On the way out, a CM handed us several sheets of stickers from the new Tinker Bell movie:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/PixieHollowStickers.jpg

While I wouldn’t wait hours for this experience, it definitely was a blast.
I’ve never seen the characters interact so much with each family.
And they stayed so much in character that it really was a lot of fun.
But we were back in our world now and still had plenty left to do.
Good-bye Tink!
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081756.jpg

Now, I realize that you can’t much more magical than actually meeting Tinker Bell herself.
But we do have some more left in our trip.
Stay tuned for some playtime, some missing children, and a tour of a certain mouse house!

PrncessA

08-30-2009, 09:20 PM

thecapells

08-30-2009, 09:42 PM

Wow you convinced me! I had decided unless lines were VERY short by chance we would skip Tinkerbell. Not now though, DD is in LOVE with Tinkerbell and your daughter's reaction sealed the deal for me. Now we have to schedule it in. Do you know if it usually opens the same time as Toontown?

Yeah, Pixie Hollow (located within the County Bounty) opens at the same time as ToonTown.
From what I've heard, that's usually about 9:45 (even though is says 10:00).
If you get on line about 9/9:15, you have a decent shot with not too much wait.
And the CM's should lead you over there upon opening.
Good luck!

dawnbu40

08-31-2009, 06:22 AM

Great update! Meeting the fairies is always fun and your pp pictures absolutely captured that magic!

All7OfUs

09-02-2009, 11:08 PM

BellaBaby

09-03-2009, 09:37 AM

Very cute and love the video!!:goodvibes

What is the GAC card?

3girls4me05

09-03-2009, 03:51 PM

Fairies! I love the pictures. Great shots. I can't wait till we can go back and meet those wonderful fairies.

thecapells

09-03-2009, 04:07 PM

That was some serious character interaction!! I adore it when you get characters that know and understand HOW to act their character and play it up! VERY FUN!

I think this must have been one of your (collectively) most moments in your trip :goodvibes

It was definitely up there! :goodvibes

Very cute and love the video!!:goodvibes

What is the GAC card?

GAC = Guest Assistance Card.
We got one for Mom's ankle (she has a hole in her Achilles tendon) as well as X's ankles (they are very weak).
We didn't want for either of them to have to stand for extended periods of time after walking all day on them.

Fairies! I love the pictures. Great shots. I can't wait till we can go back and meet those wonderful fairies.

It was definitely worth it!

Great update! Meeting the fairies is always fun and your pp pictures absolutely captured that magic!

Thank you!
I think the pictures definitely came out great!

thecapells

09-03-2009, 04:17 PM

We headed out of the County Bounty and decided to check out Donald’s Boat first.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081759.jpg

It was a quick visit but I thought the map of the Quack Sea inside was really cool – a nice little detail.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081760.jpg

We didn’t want to get wet so we didn’t stay too long. But keep in mind that DD explored a bit here.
That will come back to haunt us later.

Next it was time to get some wiggles out in Toon Park.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081761.jpg

DS was a bit big for this little playground but spent his time climbing the structures
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081854a.jpg
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081764.jpg

And he always enjoys a good slide
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081762.jpg

DD strutted her climbing abilities as well!
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081856a.jpg

After they got out some wiggles, we decided to check out Mickey’s Country House.
The level of detail starts way before the porch.
From the Hidden Mickeys on the gate
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081767.jpg

to the Mickey Mailbox
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081770.jpg
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081771.jpg

You definitely knew whose house this was.
And it was even all decorated for the holidays!
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081769.jpg

Inside the tour starts with Mickey’s Bedroom
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081772.jpg

The little pictures on the walls and all the details in here are great.
Next was the Living Room
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081774.jpg

Complete with stockings hung over the fireplace for everyone!
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081775.jpg

The Game Room had ping pong and the Mickey Checkers was a fun little touch as well
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081776.jpg

Surprisingly, the kitchen is a disaster area.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081777.jpg

You wonder what happened until you notice the blueprints
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081778.jpg

The remodeling job is apparently performed by Donald and Goofy.
That should explain the mess.

Next you head outside and are greeted with a very familiar doghouse
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081779.jpg

The trail then heads around towards the Judge’s Tent.
However, you can veer off and head through Mickey’s Garage and back into Toontown.
We chose to head back as we’ve met Mickey several times this trip.

DD wanted to visit Minnie’s Country House next but DS didn’t care.
So we headed back to Toon Park and Mom headed to Minnie’s House with DD.
I’ll leave that story to her…

SueM in MN

09-03-2009, 09:23 PM

Very cute and love the video!!:goodvibes

What is the GAC card?

GAC is an abbreviation for Guest Assistance Card.
It's really exactly what it sounds like -
a Card that tells the Cast Members (CMs) what kind of Assistance a disabled Guest needs. The disability can be temporary or permanent.

If you want more information, you can click on the link in my signature to the disABILITIES FAQs thread, and then scroll down to post #6, which is all about GACs.

thecapells

09-03-2009, 09:45 PM

I just received an email that I'm over my monthly Photobucket limit again.
I apologize if the pics start disappearing.
They should reset next week (on Sept 12).
I'll try use another account for the next posting.

thecapells

09-12-2009, 08:13 PM

Hey - the pics are back!
And just in time 'cause Mom finally wrote her Minnie Mouse House segment.
Stay tuned!

TheCapellsMom

09-12-2009, 08:32 PM

After Mickey’s abode, DD was quite excited to compare Minnie’s “girly” house to Mickey’s “Boyish” one!
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081780.jpg

DD immediately noticed how much PINK (her favorite, of course!) everything had and she was thrilled!
She especially loved the porch (don’t ask me why).
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081781.jpg

As we approached Minnie’s house, I could see that the line was just out the door so I figured it couldn’t be too bad inside.
I was wrong. It was packed inside. And hot.
DD had been looking forward to exploring a little but there were so many kids in there and so few parents seemed to be controlling them!
The 4 kids sitting on Minnie’s couch refused to get up and let DD have a turn sitting.
I found myself wondering why there is no CM in there to keep people moving (and maybe encourage people to use their manners).
And it really could have used some fans blowing or something!

In no time at all, the atmosphere in there turned DD into a grouch (plus she was probably hungry)!
We couldn’t get most of the pictures that she wanted because of the crowds and when I tried to take some that I wanted, I got the “pissy face!”
Such a huge attitude for such a little girl!!!
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081783.jpg

It took us at least 10 minutes of baby steps to get through the hallways and into the kitchen.
The shelves full of knick-knacks and memorabilia were sure neat but I don’t know why everybody was moving so slow!
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081782.jpg

It felt like waiting online at the Motor Vehicle Department!
There were some fun details throughout the house to make it seem a bit more bearable.
Similar to Mickey's house, Minnie had her Christmas decorations out as well starting with the Tree:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081785.jpg

And DD was finally able to get a turn on the Minnie Mouse-sized sewing machine
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081786.jpg

Luckily, once we got to the kitchen, things eased up quite a bit.
I think that when people saw the back door, they were just so relieved that they headed out in a rush.
As a result, DD had some room to explore all the cute little details in there!
We found sound effects on a bunch of the appliances which made DD smile.
The stove sounded like it was cooking treats
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081787.jpg

And the microwave was heating up some popcorn!
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081788.jpg

Lastly, a whole refrigerator full of cheese which was too cute!
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081790.jpg

All in all, I have to say that I will not be rushing back to this particular attraction anytime soon.
It had too much of a “museum” feel to it.
On the other hand, if we ever go on a truly not crowded day, it might be worth another peek.
If Disney ever considers a remodel of Minnie’s house, I sure do have some suggestions for them!!!

thecapells

09-12-2009, 08:43 PM

After the trek through Minnie’s House, the kids went back to playing in Toon Park and we watched them.
Now keep in mind the park is a gated area with one entrance.
We were standing with the stroller at the entrance.
Shortly, we started getting ready to go but couldn’t find DD.
DS looked everywhere (as did I) but to no avail.
And then the panic set in.
Where could she go? She was right there in front of us and we were standing at the entrance!
I started scanning the area around the park.
We couldn’t believe she’d just wander off so Mom starting thinking the worst - maybe someone just snatched her!
Frantically, Mom ran back to the Country Houses to track down a CM but we were totally at a loss.

I headed over to Donald’s Boat – maybe she wandered back there.
Sure enough, there she was wandering back out of the boat.
I almost lost it but was glad to find her.
Apparently, it didn’t occur her that she was wandering away.
In her mind, the park she was playing in included Donald’s Boat.
The big fence that surrounded the park wasn’t a clear enough indication. :confused3
And we still can’t figure out how she got out of the park.
Mom thinks she climbed the fence – I think she must’ve slipped by us with some other kids.
Needless to say, we had a looooong talk about that one.
However, we had our children and heaved a huge sigh of relief.

So we finally regrouped and headed out for lunch.
On our way, we past Goofy’s Barnstormer and DS surprised me by saying he wanted to ride.
I explained that it was a rollercoaster and he still was ok.
However, it was a 45 minute wait so we said we could do it next time but this may be a future problem.
I know I’m not going on it (I’m such a wimp :scared1:) so he may have to do it himself if he really wants to.
We’ll see how he feels next time around.

On the way out, we grabbed a photo at the entrance to Toontown.
It was still pretty sunny so this is the best we could get:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyPhotopass/Photopass2008633.jpg

Stay tuned for lunch and our final rides of the trip as our trip finally winds down…

thecapells

09-12-2009, 10:04 PM

After Toontown, it was time to eat.
We had a 2:15 reservation at the Plaza Restaurant on Main Street so we headed over there. http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081792.jpg

We checked in and waited a bit before being seated.
Basically, as you walk through the doors, there is a table that is essentially standing in your way.
You need to go around this table to get anywhere else in the restaurant.
That’s where we were sat.

We were kind of annoyed and asked to switch but were told we couldn’t.
Which was frustrating because everytime the door opened, there was commotion people trying to get around us.
But we figured we could survive since we were all very hungry.
10 minutes go by.
I finally asked someone to find our server.
I think everyone thought everyone else would serve us.
In fact, it took over 20 minutes for someone even to come check on us and take a drink order.
I asked for the manager and explained the situation – I was pretty fed up by this point.
We were moved to another location and a new waiter promptly took our order.
We were still kind of mad but the food arrived and it was pretty good.
I had the cheesesteak which I liked, Mom had the chicken strawberry salad, DS had the grilled cheese, and DS had Mickey’s Turkey Sandwich:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081793.jpg

Gotta love food shaped like Mickey.
Before dessert, the manager came to check on us once again.
He was very apologetic and had checked on us several times.
But this time he came armed with gifts.
He presented us with THREE passes to any attractions at the Magic Kingdom.
They were basically fastpasses to anything we want to do.
Now that put a smile on our faces as did the wonderful ice cream sundaes which came next.
I had the Plaza Ice Cream Sundae while the kids had Mickeylodeans!
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081857.jpg

So now we were in much better moods and the rest of day would be a lot more fun.
I had originally planned to hit one last ride after lunch before heading back to the resort for the Magical Express Bus.
Once the fiasco started though, there was no time left so it was to be lunch and then head home.
Which is why I was extremely upset at the whole situation.
But, now we basically had cut-the-line passes for three more attractions.
Without lines, I thought we could do two and possibly three.
So we took votes to see what everyone wanted to do before we headed home.
And the decision was…

Did you actually think I’d tell you? :laughing:
But let’s see how well you’ve all been following along.
Can anyone guess what was voted as our final attractions?
I’ll give you some time to think about it…

jmskinner

09-13-2009, 09:02 AM

thecapells

09-13-2009, 09:46 PM

First off, what your trip can't be coming to an end because that means your TR is ending. NOOOOOO!

Ok, got that out. I've really enjoyed your TR and have learned a lot about the parks. Entertaining and educational.

Now, what three rides...Peter Pan, Dumbo, and hey, would you ride Barnstormer (if the passes can be used at those last two?)

Don't worry, I plan to start our next trip report from Spring Break '09 right afterwards!
I'll post a link here when I start it so everyone who is not bored with me yet can come along for the ride!
As for your guesses, you got one right...
Anyone else?

Disney Spaz

09-14-2009, 07:04 AM

I am guessing PeterPan, Buzz Lightyear and Winnie The Pooh

thecapells

09-14-2009, 07:27 AM

I am guessing PeterPan, Buzz Lightyear and Winnie The Pooh

Getting better - you got 2 of 3!
And I just found the pic of the Mickeylodean so I added that to the segment above.
I hope to get the last rides done and posted today/tomorrow.
Until then, any other guesses? popcorn::

All7OfUs

09-16-2009, 12:01 PM

I'm going with Pan, Pooh, and IASW. Don't know why... just a gut feeling. Oh wait, no, I think maybe instead of IASW, it's going to be Philharmagic.

Glad your photos are back up!

3girls4me05

09-16-2009, 05:28 PM

I'm going for Buzz Lightyear, Pooh and I am thinking DS may have pushed hard for Barnstormer (after all there is now wait now Dad so all excuses are used up)

thecapells

09-17-2009, 12:56 PM

I'm going for Buzz Lightyear, Pooh and I am thinking DS may have pushed hard for Barnstormer (after all there is now wait now Dad so all excuses are used up)

Nope - got 1 of 3 though...

I'm going with Pan, Pooh, and IASW. Don't know why... just a gut feeling. Oh wait, no, I think maybe instead of IASW, it's going to be Philharmagic.

Glad your photos are back up!

DING DING DING!
Someone's been paying attention.
Almost blew it with Small World though but you caught yourself in time.
The segment is just about done - I'll post it tonite.

All7OfUs

09-17-2009, 01:50 PM

My elation at having won is over-the-top giddiness!! See, I'm your #1 Fan. I'm still geekin' out about it!

Okay, I know, I know, it's time to go home, Buddy!

Looking forward to the Last? segment!

thecapells

09-17-2009, 07:49 PM

My elation at having won is over-the-top giddiness!! See, I'm your #1 Fan. I'm still geekin' out about it!

Okay, I know, I know, it's time to go home, Buddy!

Looking forward to the Last? segment!

It's always good to make the audience happy! :yay:
Now on with the show!

thecapells

09-17-2009, 08:07 PM

So, with a princess: princess-heavy trip and a morning of Fairies :tink: I let DS to pick our final attractions.
Of course, he asked for his favorites: Peter Pan and Pooh Bear.
For the third attraction, we thought we could hit a fav of Mom and mine – Mickey’s Philharmagic.
So we headed off to Fantasyland
First stop was Peter Pan’s Flight.
And boy were the lines getting long.
Even the Fastpass line (that’s where the CM directed us after using our special pass) was long.
Once on board, I broke the camera out one last time.
Starting with the awesome London street scene:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081794a.jpg

And then I was able to catch this shot.
It’s a bit grainy since I had to crop and enlarge it but it’s a little detail you never get a good look at:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081796a.jpg

And then my favorite scene with the Hook v. Pan Battle
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081797a.jpg

Lastly, I tried again for another tough shot – this one always comes out blurry
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081799a.jpg

Everyone had a good time but it was starting to get a little melancholy knowing we were headed home soon.
We headed over to Many Adventures of Pooh and stopped in awe when we saw the Fastpass line.
It was really, really long and our time was running short since Peter Pan took a while.
Mom and I started debating if we had enough time and apparently the CM overheard us.
She asked us what the problem was.
We explained we had to head back to catch Magical Express and probably wouldn’t make it with the Fastpass line being so long.
She saw the kids sad faces and said “hold on.”
She took our 2nd pass and then led us through an alternative entrance and right to the front of the fastpass line.
I couldn’t believe it!
If you knew the connection Mom and DS have with Pooh Bear, you’d know how wonderful this was.
What better way to end our trip than with Pooh Bear!
From his Blustery Day
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081801.jpg

to Ti-GG-er
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081805.jpg

To getting stuck in a tree
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081808.jpg

Pooh Bear is as classic as they come
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081809a.jpg

The finale was even more pefect as little X waved good-bye to not only Pooh Bear, but Walt Disney World. http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081812.jpg

So ended X’s first trip and what is now known to the kids as DD’s Birthday Trip.
Our last pass was supposed to be for Philharmagic but timing was getting tight so we opted to head down Main Street.
Mom stopped off at the Confectionary to finish up our snack credits by grabbing loads of fudge.
DD went for a lollipop while DS went with the small bag of taffy.
This worked out well since you can fill the bag up for one snack credit.
DS went to work picking all the flavors he wanted and I threw some in for everyone else.
Mom finished up buying her fudge while we watched the Main Street Flag Ceremony outside.
Then it was a restroom stop and off to the buses.

On the way out, we looked for a fun-loving family so we could spread the magic and give away our remaining attraction pass.
Mom found a nice family of four with two twin girls dressed as Snow White.
I think we almost scared them to death when we approached them.
But they were so excited when we handed them the pass.
Hopefully it brought a little extra magic to their trip!

Finally, we arrived at the Pop Century bus stop (the furthest one of course) and waited.
And waited.
As were were waiting, DD came up to us and said she has to go potty NOW.
I didn’t know what to do about that – there’s no port-a-potty by the busstops and it was a long trek back.
She started crying and then, yup – you guessed it – peed right there on line.
Mom and I were half chuckling/half furious (since she had skipped the restroom stop 5 minutes earlier).
Mom was prepared though and pulled out a change of clothes and fixed her up.
But we were pretty embarrassed by the sudden puddle on the bus line as the bus pulled up.
We did the best we could to clean up and then hopped on board.
Everyone else had to veer over or around the puddle to get on the bus.
What a way to end the trip! :sad2:

Stay tuned for the final segment and a link to our Spring Break “D-tour" Trip Report!

3girls4me05

09-17-2009, 09:17 PM

Maybe DD wanted to leave a bit of herself at Disney? She certainly left her mark (sorry, couldn't help myself)

Ever parent has had a child have a toileting accident in a very public and inconvenient location. All the parents behind you in line completely understood. Anyone else? Ahh.who cares!

thecapells

09-17-2009, 09:40 PM

Back at Pop Century, we used Airline check-in to check our luggage and get our boarding passes.
This is such an AWESOME service.

At 6:15, Magical Express arrived to take us to Orlando International Airport.
The kids sat comfortably and watched the Disney video
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081813.jpg

We arrived at the airport with over 2 hours left before our flight.
Unfortunately we had a 9:20 PM flight home so we figured the kids should get their wiggles out now
Hopefully they would sleep on the flight.
We found Disney’s Earport Store and went exploring.
DD ran over to Snow White sitting on a bench
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081814.jpg

Before she discovered a magical pole which switched princesses.
She posed with Ariel (of course)
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081815.jpg

Cinderella
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081816.jpg

And Aurora
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081817.jpg

It was actually pretty cool.
The same pole “magically” had different princesses depending on which angle you viewed it.

Inside the store, DS discovered some WDW Magic of his own.
I love this picture!
I had to time it right to capture the twinkling of pixie dust as Tink flew by.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081818.jpg

And then DS even posed for a shot with the huge Lilo and Stitch mural outside the store
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081822.jpg

Lastly, we had to stop for a picture at Goofy’s Candy Co
Hold onto those Rice Krispie Mickey Treats Goof!
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081823.jpg

Then we grabbed a quick bite at McDonald’s – what a let down after all our wonderful Disney meals. :sad2:

Before continuing, you need some catching up so settle in. popcorn::
Over the summer, we went to visit the grandparents in New York and hit the beach.
At one point, I had DD in one hand when a huge wave hit.
Given the choice of my prescription sunglasses :cool2: or my daughter princess:, I chose my daughter of course. :goodvibes

The wave hit and I went under.
But I made sure to hold DD above the water as my glasses disappeared.
I looked for a bit but realized it was useless.
The family joke was that “Nemo stole Daddy’s glasses.” :fish:

The joke got even funnier when months later, here we are sitting at McDonald’s in the Orlando Airport, and DS announces “Look!”
He was excited and jumping up and down. :yay:
“Nemo really did steal your glasses!”
I looked over and this is what I saw:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081824a.jpg

:rotfl:
The perfect poster to end our trip.
It’s definitely an inside joke but it was so random, it was quite funny.
After the bite and seeing Nemo happily swimming away with my glasses, we headed through Security.

At the gate, we let the kids run around some more.
I could not believe the kids were still awake.
X was wandering around in circles around the poles waving everytime he passed :dance3:
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo257/thecapells/Disney%202008/DisneyDayNine/Disney20081825.jpg

Finally, we boarded the flight and headed home.
It was sad but we had such a wonderful trip.
Nine days was a blast (although DS had asked to go home in Day 8 since he missed his toys at home).
However, now he can’t wait to go back!!

Luckily we did shortly thereafter.
But that’s a different story.
In fact, that’s the next story I have to write. :surfweb:

So, if you had fun and are sorry to see this report come to an end,
please join us for:
What’s the Sitch? The Great Disney D-Tour” (http://disboards.com/showthread.php?p=33620196#post33620196)