~ Curse YOU indoor plumbing!!! ~ Sept 2009 [Archive] - The DIS Discussion Forums

Gabrielsbigtrip

09-12-2009, 11:24 AM

Twas the night before our trip and Gabriel was so excited. This is the first year he really understood where we were going and it was very cute.

As I put him to bed, I could tell he was wired. He wanted it to be “Day” and I said when you go to sleep it will be tomorrow and we can go to the Castle!

He kept saying “Can it please be tomorrow?”. Every year he takes teeny tiny steps with his communication skills and this exchange was quite memorable for me.

When I awoke the next day I had a card by the bed (our 10 yr Anniversary). My husband is so sweet. No gift though….hmmmm. We had said no gifts since we were doing the trip AND Discovery Cove. I of course didn’t follow that rule and if you read the PTR you will know that I didn’t think he did either. It was just a matter of did he get me something for our Anniversary or for my B-day?

Gabriel could not wait to get out the door.
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb189/gabrielsbigtrip/9-2-09003.jpg

He kept saying how do you get to Disney(in a very Dora the Explorer way)? I told him to look for the airport signs as we drove along and he was happy when he finally saw them. I was glad that it seemed to get him to stop asking how you get to Disney. I hate to shush him because he needs to communicate more….but the constant repeating of things (one of Autism’s quirks) can be a bit grating after 45 minutes.

We arrived at the Park n Go and Gabriel said “What’s his name?” pointing to the shuttle driver. It is rare that he initiates a conversation so that was a good opportunity to tell him to say excuse me, what’s your name. Well he did and the shuttle driver said his name was Rudy. That’s about it…I guess Gabriel was just really interested in his name.

Here are Peter and Gabriel excitedly riding the shuttle with Rudy at the helm!
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb189/gabrielsbigtrip/9-2-09004.jpg

We got to the airport in a jiffy but while waiting in the security line Gabriel kept saying “Are they Disney World Police…UH OH”….over and over. It was drawing more than a few looks from others in line. I had to tell him that they were airport police and that they are our friends.

Once we were through security we sat down at the gate. Peter took off to explore…not sure what because it just eateries and stores that he has already seen. I took that opportunity to pull out Peter’s Ipod gift and his cards. One funny and one serious. When he came back I showed him how to work it and he was too cool for school after that.

Gabriel did awesome waiting. Yes, he kept saying is the plane here yet, can we get on the plane, okay let’s go….but he did sit there very well and without any help of PSP, Gameboy or DVD.

http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb189/gabrielsbigtrip/9-2-09007.jpg
Me and fang:)

http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb189/gabrielsbigtrip/9-2-09006.jpg
Waiting....

Boarding was a little aggressive for it being numbered. It didn’t seem people were in their correct spots but whatever because being in group A I knew we would sit together.

Once we got on the plane I gave him his PSP with a new game and a movie.

He was so happy when we took off and once we were high up he said “Is that Earth?”
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb189/gabrielsbigtrip/9-2-09019.jpg

http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb189/gabrielsbigtrip/9-2-09010.jpg

He had problems with his ears this trip and I forgot to bring any snack for him to chew to solve that.:headache:DOH!

The flight was uneventful except I somehow didn’t pack any ear buds for his PSP and I did buy a new set but they were in the plastic where you need a chainsaw to open them. I had to give him my buds so I had none :sad2: Sky Mall magazine for me......as my boys were all set with their electronic devices.;)

Up next…..

Magical Express and Pop Century

Gabrielsbigtrip

09-12-2009, 11:26 AM

Yay! Bring on the show! popcorn::

Kathy

Hi Kathy!

Gabriel did well this trip and had some very funny "Zingers" as we call them. They are more like Autistic one liners that happen to crack us up.

Lots of pictures to come of his adventure:goodvibes

I thought of you when we saw all the decorations at MK:thumbsup2

Gabes_mommy

09-13-2009, 09:21 AM

Gabrielsbigtrip

09-13-2009, 10:18 AM

Arriving at MCO we quickly headed towards the Magical Express counter. It was empty!

http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb189/gabrielsbigtrip/9-2-09025.jpg

We were the first group to board our bus and we were the first group off the bus too!

http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb189/gabrielsbigtrip/9-2-09028.jpg
Finally!

http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb189/gabrielsbigtrip/9-2-09031.jpg
An excited little boy!

http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb189/gabrielsbigtrip/9-2-09036.jpg
We're here!

I was hoping as we checked in that we would receive a magical upgrade, oh to I don't know....the Wilderness Lodge:rotfl2: but no luck. We were given our room quickly after waiting in no line. The CM’s were very friendly and we received our anniversary pins and my birthday pin.

We checked out the food court which was pretty empty as well. Apparently, the boards light up to tell you what they have …we didn’t know that…until they apologized at check out for it. Peter just wanted a snack because we were hungry and didn’t want to spoil our Boma dinner appetite.

We walked to our room which was a bit far from the action in the 90’s facing the parking lot. We weren’t too thrilled about the walk through the parking lot to get there but that was the fastest route. I had just asked for a quiet room.

The room was fine. It looked like someone forgot to clean behind the bathroom door which was gross so hopefully they would get to that the next day.
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb189/gabrielsbigtrip/9-2-09038.jpg
The boys quickly kicked off their shoes to veg a bit;)

At this point Gabriel was getting done with planes trains and automobiles. He said “where’s my movies?”. I didn’t pack his DVD player because I didn’t think we would be in the room that much and the battery doesn’t hold a charge anymore so we can’t lug it to dinner or anything. I should have brought it though.

I gave him my Ipod to watch Nemo on there….then I asked him if he wanted to explore instead. Of course Daddy wanted to come too so we walked the resort and took pictures.

http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb189/gabrielsbigtrip/9-2-09072.jpg

http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb189/gabrielsbigtrip/9-2-09074.jpg

http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb189/gabrielsbigtrip/9-2-09055.jpg

Peter absolutely hated the decor at Pop. I didn't think he would love it but I didn't realize he would despise it as much as he did. I thought it was fine, loved the music that was playing and I wasn't staying there for the decor....it was just supposed to be a place to lay our heads that was cheap (or cheaper than a mod or deluxe). Lessoned learned with that ~ more about Pop later~

Up next ~ We head over to Boma:thumbsup2

Gabrielsbigtrip

09-13-2009, 10:23 AM

Carol,
I'm so excited you started your TR! Your title is hilarious! :rotfl:

I love the family pictures and your Gabriel is such a handsome little man. He looks really cute without his front teeth. :goodvibes

Can't wait for more!!!

Thank you! Sadly the title will be the reason our next trip will require some arm twisting.....but I do have a plan of attack already brewing:cool2:

Hope you are getting everything ready and have a great trip! We had very good weather. It was hot but not too bad. We did do water parks three of our days though:goodvibes

Soldier's*Sweeties

09-13-2009, 10:30 AM

MickeyisBeast

09-13-2009, 10:38 AM

Hello! Your son is too cute! I can't wait for another update!

Gabes_mommy

09-13-2009, 10:48 AM

Carol,
My DH hated ASMusic with a passion and swore he would NEVER stay at a value again. I like the Values - I think they're cute. What is it with men hating the Values? :laughing:

We love the mods though so that is where we stay now and everyone is happy. I can't wait to hear your plan of attack for next time. :thumbsup2

ETA - Gabriel's Pooh shirt is so cute!

Gabrielsbigtrip

09-13-2009, 10:54 AM

We figured we would just go ahead and hop on a park bus and catch the AKL bus to get to our ADR at Boma. I was hoping we may be able to get in early. We ended up getting there an hour early so we checked out the gift shop.

Gabriel was not too happy about the bus rides as he didn’t want to go to dinner! He wanted to swim!:mad: He was being a bit grouchy. I can’t blame him…..it can be a bit overwhelming to me traveling that first day.

So, I told him he could pick out something in the gift shop(We had $70 in Disney Rewards just for his souvies). He immediately went to the Monorail sets they have! I told him that would have to be something Santa would have to bring because it was too big:santa:. He ended up choosing these teeny weeny characters that ride inside the Monorail:sad2: It will sure be fun trying to find them, I'm sure.

That perked him up a bit and we headed to Boma to see if we could be seated early,……. yes we could! The CM’s at AKL are the nicest I have ever encountered. Every trip we come to Boma the CM’s are just awesome.

We got Gilbert as our server. We had him last trip too. He wished us Happy Anniversary and was off to get our drinks.

At this point Peter says…..“I have something for you and I was going to have the server bring it to you but I decided that I wanted to give it to you”! He pulls out a small gold box with a red ribbon.:love:

http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb189/gabrielsbigtrip/9-2-09107.jpg
Diamond Earrings!
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb189/gabrielsbigtrip/9-2-09108.jpg

They are beautiful and no I didn’t let him know about the email that the jewelry store sent basically tipping me off to the whole thing! I wanted him to think I was really surprised. I don’t count that as a lie.:rolleyes1

I was very concerned this trip about what Gabriel was going to eat. We didn’t have the frig this trip. I did put a small cooler in one of our checked bags with 5 Cottage Cheese Doubles for him. I wasn’t sure how they would hold up so I didn’t pack so many.

Well, Peter hit the buffet and brought back some Mac and Cheese. Getting Gabriel to try the first bite was a chore but he actually ate it and I got him ANOTHER helping! I felt much better that he may not be so limited with his eating this trip.
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb189/gabrielsbigtrip/9-2-09083.jpg

The food was great. I loved the Pork and Salmon on the first round. Salad with Apple and the upside down pineapple, zebra domes and choc mousse desserts. Gilbert brought out a special dessert plate to celebrate our Anniversary.

http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb189/gabrielsbigtrip/9-2-09085.jpg
Peter was told "Hands off the Chocolate Truffle!"

After dinner we walked outside to see the animals and let our food digest….shew the smell! Not sure why it smelled so bad this time. I don’t remember that from before but maybe it was the heat?
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb189/gabrielsbigtrip/9-2-09087.jpg

http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb189/gabrielsbigtrip/9-2-09095.jpg
The giraffe was pretty far away which was a bummer.
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb189/gabrielsbigtrip/9-2-09093.jpg

After viewing the animals for awhile we hopped a standing room only bus to Epcot and then got off and the Pop bus was right next to us!! COOL!!

Back from dinner our bags were in our room:goodvibes. The Cottage Cheese was still cold so I went to get ice which was right around the corner:thumbsup2.

Peter and Gabriel went for a swim and I came along to watch. He wanted to practice snorkeling with Gabriel and after awhile doing it….the guards said they couldn’t have snorkels in there…I am not sure what’s up with that? Of course, that ticked Peter off and was one more nail in Pop Century's coffin:laughing:

We headed back to the room and I got Gabriel showered and ready for bed, I set my alarm on my phone for 6:30am(thought about getting a wake up call just in case but nahhhh:headache:) and we hit the sack early so we could catch our 7:20am pick up by Mears for Discovery Cove!!

Up next ~ “Will it ever stop!!!!!” and “OH NO!!!!!!!!!!!! GET UP!!!!!!!!”

Gabrielsbigtrip

09-13-2009, 11:09 AM

I can't wait to hear more! Your son is SO adorable!

I have a new respect for parents with autistic children. I just started babysitting a severly autistic little girl and it can get a ittle rough! But they are such interesting little people!:thumbsup2

Awww thanks.:goodvibes Yes, Autism has many adjectives to describe it....some good and some not so good. We are very lucky that Gabriel is high functioning. He really is a very special boy. Of course I am biased:rolleyes1 Some of the things he said and did this trip were a real riot:lmao: Thanks for reading along!

Hello! Your son is too cute! I can't wait for another update!
Thanks so much!

Carol,
My DH hated ASMusic with a passion and swore he would NEVER stay at a value again. I like the Values - I think they're cute. What is it with men hating the Values? :laughing:

We love the mods though so that is where we stay now and everyone is happy. I can't wait to hear your plan of attack for next time. :thumbsup2

ETA - Gabriel's Pooh shirt is so cute!

:lmao: I wouldn't stay at Pop again but you will find out why soon. It was just one thing but a very important thing that gets them crossed off my list.

We did a split stay last year and Peter wasn't impressed with either resort. SSR and CSR. The pool at CSR was great! The room was so so. I think they updated some of them now. I would stay there again. SSR was pretty but not very magical. The buses weren't that great when we were there either. I can say the buses at Pop were great.

It's Wilderness Lodge, Fort Wilderness or the Villas at the WL next trip or nothing:snooty: :laughing:

We all loved WL and the boat ride to the MK is sooooo relaxing. I know you aren't in your room that much and it shouldn't matter but apparently it does to us (well, more to him than me but his mood effects me...you know what I mean:cool2:)

By the way - I may send that shirt along with the other items! His Oma got it for him during our trip last year. It barely fits him. The Pooh ride is his favorite.:goodvibes

Gabes_mommy

09-13-2009, 12:20 PM

:lmao: I wouldn't stay at Pop again but you will find out why soon. It was just one thing but a very important thing that gets them crossed off my list.

We did a split stay last year and Peter wasn't impressed with either resort. SSR and CSR. The pool at CSR was great! The room was so so. I think they updated some of them now. I would stay there again. SSR was pretty but not very magical. The buses weren't that great when we were there either. I can say the buses at Pop were great.

It's Wilderness Lodge, Fort Wilderness or the Villas at the WL next trip or nothing:snooty: :laughing:

We all loved WL and the boat ride to the MK is sooooo relaxing. I know you aren't in your room that much and it shouldn't matter but apparently it does to us (well, more to him than me but his mood effects me...you know what I mean:cool2:)

By the way - I may send that shirt along with the other items! His Oma got it for him during our trip last year. It barely fits him. The Pooh ride is his favorite.:goodvibes

I am really curious to see what put you off about Pop. We have never stayed there and I am interested in trying it, but I have heard a few things that make me think I shouldn't bother. For example, I am very sensitive to cigarette smoke and I have heard that the smoking section there is really big. :confused3

WL sounds fantastic!!! That's on my list of the next resorts I want to stay at. The room is really important to us too beacuse is greatly impacts my DH's mood as well. It sounds like our DHs have a lot in common actually. :laughing:

Congrats on your earrings - they are lovely. :lovestruc

We called my grandma (Gabe's great-grandma) Oma. Is that who you guys call Oma too? :goodvibes

Gabrielsbigtrip

09-13-2009, 12:31 PM

I am really curious to see what put you off about Pop. We have never stayed there and I am interested in trying it, but I have heard a few things that make me think I shouldn't bother. For example, I am very sensitive to cigarette smoke and I have heard that the smoking section there is really big. :confused3

WL sounds fantastic!!! That's on my list of the next resorts I want to stay at. The room is really important to us too beacuse is greatly impacts my DH's mood as well. It sounds like our DHs have a lot in common actually. :laughing:

Congrats on your earrings - they are lovely. :lovestruc

We called my grandma (Gabe's great-grandma) Oma. Is that who you guys call Oma too? :goodvibes

Well I don't want to spill the beans yet because it will take away from the drama of my next update:laughing: It wasn't the smoke, although we did find ourselves engulfed a few times while walking to the eatery there. I am very sensitive to it as well but the room was fine in that regard:rolleyes1

WL is perfect:cloud9: for us. Especially when you are going to be spending most of your time in MK. Also, it's fairly easy access to Ohanas and Kona:love:

My mother in law is Gabriel's Oma. She is from Berlin. Sadly Opa passed away in 2006:sad1: We paid for her trip to come with us in 2008 because she helps us so much with Gabriel.

My mom is Grammy to Gabriel and my father was Pop Pop - he passed in 2004:sad1:

I would have brought my mom too but she prefers to be a hermit and has never flown. I would have to sedate her!

Off to catch the RAVENS game!

MickeyisBeast

09-13-2009, 12:43 PM

Great Update!
We ate at Boma our last trip, also, and the CM's there were some of the best, I totally agree!
I loved AKL's giftshop, it had cute little Afican toys and things, it was all amazing! Sounds like you had a fun time!

KathyRN137

09-13-2009, 02:23 PM

Hi Carol! You'vd been a busy poster... I have to catch up quick!

He kept saying “Can it please be tomorrow?”. Every year he takes teeny tiny steps with his communication skills and this exchange was quite memorable for me.

Same with Billy... isn't it awesome?

Gabriel could not wait to get out the door.

http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb189/gabrielsbigtrip/9-2-09003.jpg

How sweet! I can really feel his excitement!

He kept saying how do you get to Disney(in a very Dora the Explorer way)? I told him to look for the airport signs as we drove along and he was happy when he finally saw them. I was glad that it seemed to get him to stop asking how you get to Disney. I hate to shush him because he needs to communicate more….but the constant repeating of things (one of Autism’s quirks) can be a bit grating after 45 minutes.

Oh, do I hear you on that one, sister! :hug: I've got to bump that needle out of the groove all day long!

http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb189/gabrielsbigtrip/9-2-09007.jpg

What a great shot!

The flight was uneventful except I somehow didn’t pack any ear buds for his PSP... I had to give him my buds so I had none :sad2: Sky Mall magazine for me... as my boys were all set with their electronic devices.;)

Aww, way to take one for "the team," mom! :angel:

Hi Kathy!
I thought of you when we saw all the decorations at MK:thumbsup2

You're sweet...that's so funny! The DIS is never far from our minds when we're there, is it?

http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb189/gabrielsbigtrip/9-2-09038.jpg

The boys quickly kicked off their shoes to veg a bit;)

Now, doesn't that look familiar! :lmao:

... I told him he could pick out something in the gift shop(We had $70 in Disney Rewards just for his souvies). He immediately went to the Monorail sets they have!

But, of course! :laughing:

... The food was great. I loved the Pork and Salmon on the first round. Salad with Apple and the upside down pineapple, zebra domes and choc mousse desserts. Gilbert brought out a special dessert plate to celebrate our Anniversary.

http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb189/gabrielsbigtrip/9-2-09085.jpg
Peter was told "Hands off the Chocolate Truffle!"

You got that right! :thumbsup2 So glad Gabriel settled in with the mac 'n cheese, too!

Let me guess...he had to sniff it and lick little bits of it for about 5 minutes before he would take a bite! :rotfl:

... Peter and Gabriel went for a swim and I came along to watch. He wanted to practice snorkeling with Gabriel and after awhile doing it….the guards said they couldn’t have snorkels in there…I am not sure what’s up with that? Of course, that ticked Peter off and was one more nail in Pop Century's coffin

They do that in all the resort pools... the lifeguards won't allow toys the kids toss and dive for, either. They say it's because they don't want kids throwing things and possibly hitting another guest... can't have Disney being sued, can they?!

... we hit the sack early so we could catch our 7:20am pick up by Mears for Discovery Cove!!

Oh, I can't tell you how excited I am to hear about this! :hyper:

Great report, Carol, keep it coming!!

Kathy

Gabrielsbigtrip

09-13-2009, 06:34 PM

Hi Carol! You'vd been a busy poster... I have to catch up quick!

Same with Billy... isn't it awesome?
:thumbsup2

How sweet! I can really feel his excitement!

Oh, do I hear you on that one, sister! :hug: I've got to bump that needle out of the groove all day long!
;)

What a great shot!
Thanks!

Aww, way to take one for "the team," mom! :angel:
:thumbsup2

You're sweet...that's so funny! The DIS is never far from our minds when we're there, is it?
I thought of the DIS everytime I saw someone taking pictures of their food or wearing their personized shirts

Now, doesn't that look familiar! :lmao:

But, of course! :laughing:

You got that right! :thumbsup2 So glad Gabriel settled in with the mac 'n cheese, too!

Let me guess...he had to sniff it and lick little bits of it for about 5 minutes before he would take a bite! :rotfl:
I think he was really hungry because we left that morning at 9:30 and he had only had a snack or two before dinner. Luckily he dove in pretty fast. We weren't so lucky at some sittings but we made it through and I don't think he was too starved.:goodvibes

They do that in all the resort pools... the lifeguards won't allow toys the kids toss and dive for, either. They say it's because they don't want kids throwing things and possibly hitting another guest... can't have Disney being sued, can they?!

The thing is there were about 6 kids/adults playing/throwing ball in the pool:confused3 There were also people jumping in the pool - which made it hard for Gabriel to listen to me as I was telling him not to:confused3 All I thought of was that maybe since you would be underwater you aren't as aware of what's going on around you.....????? But the thing is Gabriel lives under water without the snorkel anyway. I was fine with it because da rules is da rules but Peter was miffed;)

Oh, I can't tell you how excited I am to hear about this! :hyper:

Great report, Carol, keep it coming!!

Thanks- Discovery Cove was great but there was a Big show the entire morning.....more on that in the next update:eek:
Kathy

Thanks for reading along....I read about your new laptop! I swear - I would get into the resort room and pop onto mine and type up what I could remember of the day. Thank goodness I did because I do have a horrible memory:upsidedow

Gabrielsbigtrip

09-13-2009, 06:38 PM

lillylynnb

09-13-2009, 06:47 PM

waiting to read more !!!! wondering why happen at the pop :confused3

Gabrielsbigtrip

09-13-2009, 08:00 PM

UGH what a horrible night of sleep and this is where the Trip Report title comes in.

We laid down at about 10pm. Within a minute I realized that were in trouble. :sad2: SWOOOOOOOOSH went a toilet somewhere….around us/above us. The toilets flush EXTREMELY loud and beware if you have a kiddo who is frightened by that because it is TURBO charged or something:scared1:! If it wasn’t a TURBO flush…it was the shower running. Yes we heard people returning to their room but I expected that and it wasn’t very frequent.

Now remember…we needed to be in front of POP at 7:20am for our pick up. I had set the alarm on my phone and briefly thought maybe I should do a wake up call and then brushed that thought aside.:headache:

I tried to check out the white noise options on the radio but they sounded a bit unnatural. :eek:

I am not sure what was going on with all the flushing but the last time I heard it I remember looking at the clock and it was 1:30am! We both tossed and turned during the night and that was noisy enough to keep us up too (creaky beds). We sleep with an air purifier going at home and I had in the back of my mind that we may a bit of trouble with noise but this was crazy!

Well the next thing I know…..I see a bit of light at the window (your room really does stay pretty dark with those curtains). I sit up to look at the clock and it said:

7:25am!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! My alarm DIDN’T GO OFF!!!!!!!!! WHY didn’t I do a wake up call!!!!!:eek::eek::eek:

I jump up and Peter is saying “What?!”.:confused3 I am freaking out saying GET UP WE ARE MISSING OUR SHUTTLE and grab my phone to call Mears. Peter throws shorts on and says he will run up to see if they are still there! Gabriel sits up and has a look on his face like “huh?”.

I get in touch with Mears and they said we could catch the next shuttle at 8:20am which was a relief but I REALLY wanted to get to Discovery Cove as early as we could. So I hang up with her a bit relieved that we still do have a ride and then I wonder…..Did Peter catch the bus and is having them wait???? :scared1: So, I start to freak again and tell Gabriel to hurry up and put his swim clothes on and I am trying to get everything together and get dressed myself.

Now, remember how fast I am getting dressed at this point because it will come into play later. We wore our swim suits there and brought a change of clothes for the trip back.:cool2:

Peter does eventually return and he says they aren’t up there. I explain we have a new pick up time now. We are bummed but I tell him that it really shouldn’t matter too much. Then he says “Why didn’t you just do a wake up call?” Then I have to hear how bad his sleep was…..I say yeah, I was here too in the same boat~ a creaky one at that.

I have to say at this point - we will never stay at Pop again. The main reason being the flushing/water noises. I can’t imagine what it would have been like if we had noisy PEOPLE in those rooms too. It’s a shame because it really isn’t a bad resort. Buses were great and the CM’s were friendly. Some people may be okay with sleeping with ear plugs - not us. “You’re in your resort to sleep” is the quote I see most on the boards…well that is true and it puts quite a damper on your adventure when you are exhausted first thing in the morning. It did get a little better because we basically passed out from all the touring but those first few nights were…..rough. I was afraid to asked to be moved because I just figured it would be the same all over….maybe it isn’t and I should have asked.

Anyway, we headed up to lobby and filled our mug and waited…..

They play music all over the resort and we were listening to the Beach Boys when Gabriel says “Where is that AWFUL music coming from??!” :rotfl: Now, this is something that is said in Sponge Bob on one of the episodes…but no one knows that but me. He takes so many one liners from movies or shows and uses them in real world settings to express himself. It can be VERY embarrassing or VERY funny. This one was funny.

I tried to get him to hula (which I now realize I am horrible at) and he played with Lego’s.

The shuttle arrived and they were playing Horton Hears the Who. We've never seen it so Gabriel was interested. We stopped at Old Key West and then went to Seaworld. We had to wait for the shuttle to Discovery Cove….which I wasn’t told we would have to do that but it wasn’t like we waited long. We had a Discovery Cove Jeep with all leather interior and it was very nice. We were the only passengers which was cool...it felt very VIP ish:cool2:.

Up next....The big show(and I don't mean Dolphin)

mommyof2Pirates

09-13-2009, 09:35 PM

Gabrielsbigtrip

09-14-2009, 10:57 AM

I got all caught up on your TR. I am dying to hear what happened at pop.
Congratulations on your anniversary, the diamond earrings looked beautiful. What a nice guy. Dont you love how getting no presents for each other turns out to be the best present you've ever got.

Thats usually how it works for dh and I too.

Gabriel is so handsome with the missing teeth and all. I love hearing about his funny sayings. Thats so great that his communication is getting better everyday. I could see his excitement through the pictures and yay:yay: for eating mac and cheese.

Well I am sitting on pins and needles waiting for more updates......Keep them comin.

Thank you!

Our Pop problem is in the post right before you posted (#20):thumbsup2.....it's not too horrible and probably wouldn't bother most but we need our sleep.....ESPECIALLY since we are park hoppers and walk ALL day long and like to get an early start in the morning.

The last thing I look forward to is the sound of Turbo Flushing ALL night long:eek:

Not sure when I can get to the next update because Discovery Cove was awesome and I really want to do that day justice. I have two company Crab Feasts to plan - one this friday and one next so I will be a busy busy bee:dance3:

Thanks for reading along!

KathyRN137

09-14-2009, 11:31 AM

They play music all over the resort and we were listening to the Beach Boys when Gabriel says “Where is that AWFUL music coming from??!” :rotfl: Now, this is something that is said in Sponge Bob on one of the episodes…but no one knows that but me. He takes so many one liners from movies or shows and uses them in real world settings to express himself. It can be VERY embarrassing or VERY funny.

Okay Carol, I am now fully convinced that our sons were TWINS in a past life!! :laughing: Sorry about your bad first night and crazy first morning... what a way to start a vacation!!

Hopefully the dolphins and Shamu helped make things better soon!

Kathy

mousescrapper

09-14-2009, 12:05 PM

Hi Carol,

popcorn:: subbing in for your adventure...

I am so sorry about the POP problems...that is a shame, but it seems for now despite that you guys are having a good start to the trip.

looking forward to more

Julie

Gabrielsbigtrip

09-14-2009, 12:17 PM

Okay Carol, I am now fully convinced that our sons were TWINS in a past life!! :laughing: Sorry about your bad first night and crazy first morning... what a way to start a vacation!!

Hopefully the dolphins and Shamu helped make things better soon!

Kathy

:goodvibes How funny and special Autism can be at times (thankfully - I think God does that to help us make it through each day)
About Pop - I wouldn't say the bad sleep ruined our vacation but it did put a huge damper on each day being a bit groggy each morning. I could have dealt with it but I was more concerned how miffed Peter was about it. He can be a bear when his sleep is bad.:rolleyes1 Plus it was turning him against doing another trip:scared1: THAT is where the biggest problem came in for me! But, that is okay because I will just plan a fall trip and stay at our beloved WL to see the decorations.:santa: Maybe 2010? We'll see....I'll need a 40% code for that one:idea:

Hi Carol,

popcorn:: subbing in for your adventure...

I am so sorry about the POP problems...that is a shame, but it seems for now despite that you guys are having a good start to the trip.

looking forward to more

Julie

Hi Julie, thanks for subbing! No, our trip wasn't ruined but I have learned my lesson....Go where you know;) Hope I can keep it interesting:thumbsup2

Gabes_mommy

09-14-2009, 12:41 PM

Gabrielsbigtrip

09-14-2009, 12:59 PM

Carol,
I am so sorry to hear about the loud plumbing at Pop. There's nothing worse than being exhausted and not being able to sleep. :hug: Your tale has inspired me to bring a fan we use for white noise on our trip just in case.

I am looking forward to hearing all about your day at Discovery Cove. I have never been there so I am really interested in hearing what you thought if it. :goodvibes

Thanks. If I were driving....I would have brought a fan and our air purifier. The plumbing was so loud, I am not even sure they would have drown it out completely. I think it would have helped though. I think you will be fine at CBR....I have a few friends that have stayed there and love it.

It is a shame because the resort is pretty decent besides that. Although at Epcot you are the farthest bus stop away and when you have walked yourself to the point of no return...that walk from the Big Ball to the bus stop is a killer:laughing:

It just really makes a difference to us WHERE we stay. I think it is because of the way we tour the parks. The added extra walking, the lack of sleep and the decor (while fun) not being magical just did us in.

I don't know if you have ever been to the Wilderness Lodge but just walk in there....the Grandness of it, yet it was cozy too, the music....everything we just loved it!

I will gladly pay for that feeling next time because in our case - I guess it really does matter:cool2:

Can't wait to hear about your trip!!

Gabes_mommy

09-14-2009, 01:37 PM

Thanks. If I were driving....I would have brought a fan and our air purifier. The plumbing was so loud, I am not even sure they would have drown it out completely. I think it would have helped though. I think you will be fine at CBR....I have a few friends that have stayed there and love it.

It is a shame because the resort is pretty decent besides that. Although at Epcot you are the farthest bus stop away and when you have walked yourself to the point of no return...that walk from the Big Ball to the bus stop is a killer:laughing:

It just really makes a difference to us WHERE we stay. I think it is because of the way we tour the parks. The added extra walking, the lack of sleep and the decor (while fun) not being magical just did us in.

I don't know if you have ever been to the Wilderness Lodge but just walk in there....the Grandness of it, yet it was cozy too, the music....everything we just loved it!

I will gladly pay for that feeling next time because in our case - I guess it really does matter:cool2:

Can't wait to hear about your trip!!

We visited the WL on our last trip and I fell in love. I can't wait to stay there sometime soon. :goodvibes

Gabrielsbigtrip

09-14-2009, 09:39 PM

We checked in fairly quickly and were given a 12:10 Dolphin Swim. Gabriel wasn’t pleased we were doing breakfast first. He wouldn’t eat anything and was being pretty grouchy.

After a quick breakfast (cereal, muffin and banana) we grabbed vests, snorkels (even though we brought our own…..the special animal safe sunscreen they give you is inside the snorkel packs, plus you get to keep the snorkels).

We hit the warm fresh water river so Gabriel could practice. He didn’t understand the whole thing….I had to really get him to pay attention to me and walk him through breathing through the snorkel and not diving all the way under. Well, there wasn’t going to be any stopping him from diving all the way under so I ended up giving him my dry snorkel where it doesn’t matter if you go under. The first go around was a bit stressful but he eventually got the hang of snorkeling.
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb189/gabrielsbigtrip/9-5-09003.jpg
Getting started
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb189/gabrielsbigtrip/9-5-09002.jpg
Before he understood what the snorkel was for:rotfl:
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb189/gabrielsbigtrip/9-5-09103.jpg
Almost a pro now with a new mask and my snorkel;)
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb189/gabrielsbigtrip/9-5-09094.jpg
By George I think he's got it!
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb189/gabrielsbigtrip/9-5-09031.jpg
Hello there:goodvibes

Next we checked out the rays and fish. Gabriel immediately pops out of the water to declare loudly “THIS PLACE IS FILTHY!” (the algae on the rocks I guess?):lmao:

OOOOOO that water was cold. Gabriel was a little skittish because the fish and rays come soo close… I couldn’t blame him, I was surprised too.
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb189/gabrielsbigtrip/9-5-09142.jpg
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb189/gabrielsbigtrip/9-5-09063.jpg
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http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb189/gabrielsbigtrip/9-5-09066.jpg
This ray was HUGE and looked like he had been chillin for awhile. I was happy he didn't come out for a look see;)

I have sooooo many pictures...alot of them I was trying to zoom on fish further away and a school would swim like 2 inches in front of my face and :scared1: the bajeebers out of me! So a bunch of my pictures are no good because of what I will call "Fish Freak Out":rotfl:

After that we stopped at the snack shop and got some soft pretzels (small) and drinks (they are included and are all you can eat). They also had cookies and other snacks but not a big variety.

Okay - here is where the show comes in…….I have no pictures of this show but God forbid there may be some out there on the world wide web!:scared1:

I took my suit that was a full one piece because I thought that would be the most comfortable with the vest or wetsuit. I usually keep that suit at our beach house just in case I forget the one I normally wear and I had grabbed it last time we were there.

Remember how I threw my suit on in a low lighted room as I was freaking about the shuttle?

Well, after we get our snack I suggest we go over to the locker area to leave our camera and snorkels while we do our Dolphin Swim. I get everything put away and say that I am going to use the bathroom. As I am leaving the bathroom I noticed in the mirror that there is something wrong with the back of my suit!

About 3 inches across the entire butt was SEE THRU!!!!!!!!! AND at the most important area!:scared:

I came out of the bathroom with my hand behind my back to cover my exposed back side and told my husband.

He smiles and says “I know but I didn’t want to tell you because I didn’t want you stressing about it” !!!!!!!:eek:

I yell “You could have told me to get a wetsuit because it’s really bad!”

He replies “Yeah I know, when the light hits it you can see the everything”

:faint:

UGHHHH…I could have KILLED him.:mad:

The place to grab a wetsuit is right there so I get one and go back to the changing room. Have you ever put a wetsuit on? Do you know how hard they are to put on when you are already wet?!

So, now that I felt like a bratwurst ready to pop….we headed off for our Dolphin Swim with me thinking I would pick up some swim shorts in the gift shop.

Up next ~ our Horsey ride.....I mean our Dolphin Swim;)

joy13

09-14-2009, 11:33 PM

Great report so far!:thumbsup2 I can't wait to hear about your Dolphin Swim - I so want to do that someday.

We stayed in the 90's section of POP in '07 - but we were on th 4th floor - so that may make a difference.

mousescrapper

09-15-2009, 02:05 PM

Gabrielsbigtrip

09-15-2009, 02:59 PM

:lmao:

Ok I am sorry to be laughing, but your suit story.....

Oh Carol....I would have :mad: strangled my DH if he let that happen to me....yikes...

DC looks so amazing! My DH and Aldine would love that...me not so much....I actually have a fear of going under water...even though I know you are floating, :eek: I am so glad the kids love being in the water and have no issues there.

Can't wait to here about the Dolphin part!

That's okay, go ahead and laugh:goodvibes

His reasoning of WHY he didn't tell me and the stupid grin on his face made me want to give him a swift kick! You know what they say about paybacks ....so he better watch it!

He's actually sick now so I can do anything.......yet:rolleyes1

DC was so great but yeah, if you have fear of under water...I would say stay away....although they have actual thick vests so you would never go under water too.

I am a good swimmer but when we hit the first drop off (8ft) I just about drown trying to take pictures and make sure Gabriel wasn't drowning:laughing: I guess you tend to sink more in fresh water than salt(I don't remember our SCUBA training very well but I think salt water keeps you more buoyant:confused3)

Once he got the hang of MY snorkel he did much better. Of course that left me with his stinky kiddie snorkel which was :headache:. Luckily there aren't any waves to swamp you.

I was also VERY pleased with how well Gabriel did swimming. That boy is a :fish:. I wanted to look into swim lessons at Michael Phelps swim school......who knows........I just know he wouldn't do well in the usual team sports:sad2:

I hope to post the Dolphin Swim tonight or tomorrow. I was so worried Gabriel would do something that would spook the Dolphin.

Dizneydawn

09-15-2009, 02:59 PM

Gabrielsbigtrip

09-15-2009, 03:09 PM

I am so glad to find your report! Funny and love the fact you are honest with your writing!

Laughing at your exposed tukkus. You know you were walking in the background of someones pictures. They will develop them and their Christmas Card this year will have you and your now famous bottom in it. Think of how many fridges your best side will be gracing over the Holiday's!:rotfl:

And.....

Mousescrapper...when I started reading - your post was the last.

Put the title of this report - with your avatar...and I read...

MOUSES CRAPPER!!!!:rotfl2::lmao:

You have no idea how much that made me laugh!

:lmao:

Thanks - I KNOW there are probably "Crack" pictures out there:sad2:

Oh well, what can you do:confused3

But I will get him back....I don't know when or how....but it will happen:rolleyes:

By the way - love your avatar - I have "For the Birds" on my Ipod and my son plays the part over and over and over again where those Birds are pecking and pecking and pecking....he thinks it's a riot:upsidedow

Dizneydawn

09-15-2009, 04:10 PM

:lmao:

Thanks - I KNOW there are probably "Crack" pictures out there:sad2:

Oh well, what can you do:confused3

But I will get him back....I don't know when or how....but it will happen:rolleyes:
I have plenty of pay back success moments in my life. How about carefully picking out the top 1/4 inch of toothpaste from his tube. Then with a toothpick - place Desitin baby butt cream in the space now open.

He will get a brushing experience he will never forget and it will take a minute to understand what is wrong.

That and he will have a smooth lip for a while! No bumps!:rotfl2:

By the way - love your avatar - I have "For the Birds" on my Ipod and my son plays the part over and over and over again where those Birds are pecking and pecking and pecking....he thinks it's a riot:upsidedow

Glad he likes it! What a great relationship you all have and how lucky is he that you were picked for his Mom!

Gabrielsbigtrip

09-15-2009, 09:47 PM

We sat through a little movie and some dolphin chat with the trainer, signed waivers and we were off. It was pretty hot sitting there with that wetsuit on but if felt nice when we entered that cold water lagoon!

We swam with Dixie and had a very nice trainer. You kind of stand in the water in a group of 8 and get Dixie to do tricks, feed her fish, touch her in different places to see what she feels like and learn about her and dolphins in general. You are supposed to stand close together and not move your feet so much:rolleyes: umm try telling Gabriel that one:goodvibes.

Gabriel wanted to ride her right away and during one of his pictures I had to stop him from hoping on her like a horse!
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb189/gabrielsbigtrip/gabrielwithdolphinedit2.jpg
This picture does not look like Gabriel at all...I am not sure what it is but he looks heavier here or something:confused3. I am not sure if it is something with the camera because I wasn't happy with our family shot and I thought I looked awful in my shot by myself. I had to buy the package anyway just for Gabriel's pictures though:thumbsup2

When it was our turn, I went first to be at the other end for Gabriel. I was very afraid he would let go or do something to the dolphin he wasn’t supposed to that would get him hurt.

Well, you are supposed to hold the dorsal fin and the one flipper and stay on the side. Gabriel hopped right on top…(I had told Peter to make sure Gabriel understood what to do):headache:. The trainer chuckled and said luckily he was light enough because normally Dixie wouldn’t go for that. I am not sure what that means but it all went off without a hitch.

http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb189/gabrielsbigtrip/M091909_00_8794.jpg
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb189/gabrielsbigtrip/M091909_00_8795.jpg

and then:love:

http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb189/gabrielsbigtrip/GabrielDolphinKisseditcrop.jpg

This version is cropped because there was a lone strange lady in the backround photo bombing his picture ( No, she didn't have a see thru bathing suit bottom but she was making a weird gesture to someone on the beach I guess:laughing:)

After the swim I headed to our chairs to get my swim coverup and headed for the changing room to take off the wetsuit and put that on so I didn’t moon the entire guest population again!

We had lunch afterwards and it was decent….Gabriel actually ate the Mac and Cheese again! I think my camera was still in the locker because I didn’t take any pictures.

I had Cobb Salad and Peter had the Salmon. There was a cool band playing.

While the boys finished dessert (Gabriel got a cupcake) I ran over to the gift shop to pick up shorts and Gabriel a stuffed Dixie that he saw on the way to lunch.

I didn’t try on the shorts but they were the biggest size the had! They looked small but I thought they had to fit……..:sad1:

I also went to check out our Dolphin photos and order the whole package video and all. This is such a rip…but what can you do? I had to get those pictures on CD and I wanted the video to show my mom.

After all that I went to put the shorts on and of course they didn’t fit. I had to do some running around to get my credit card out of the locker and then going to the main gift shop to get a refund. I figured I would just do a vest over my swim coverup at this point because the wetsuit was uncomfortable and hot. This really drives home the point that I need to get this extra weight OFF!:mad:

We did the fresh water pool again and because there was lightning in the distance they wouldn’t let anyone go into the caves and outer portion. We swam in the main section until they opened it back up and as we went along we got out and walked through the aviary. Gabriel really isn’t too impressed by animals and since we pulled him out of the giant waterfall he was ready to get back to the water.

http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb189/gabrielsbigtrip/9-5-09133.jpg

http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb189/gabrielsbigtrip/9-5-09122.jpg

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http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb189/gabrielsbigtrip/9-5-09107.jpg

I had to pick up the final picture package so I left to get them and Peter and Gabriel headed over to the rays and fish again…..Gabriel didn’t really want to.

I put the pics in the locker and headed back to find them….I got in the ray pool and swam the entire circle but didn’t see them….on the way out I see them coming and Gabriel is crying a bit behind Peter. I ask what is wrong and basically Gabriel wasn’t being good at the ray pool because he didn’t want to be there so Peter told him he wasn’t happy with him and that’s enough to get him upset. He told me he hurt under his arm and I told Peter that he probably didn’t like the salt water pool because under my arms hurt too in there I guess from the vest rubbing.

Anyway, that was enough for the day so I took him to the shower so we could get ready to go and Peter was able to go check out the sharks and cudas.

http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb189/gabrielsbigtrip/9-5-09152.jpg

http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb189/gabrielsbigtrip/9-5-09083.jpg

The showers are stocked with Crabtree and Evelyn shampoo, conditioner and body wash. I got us cleaned up and headed out to our chairs to wait for Peter and give him his change of clothes for his shower.

We trudged out for our shuttle pick up. The shuttle arrived and instead of the big bus we had on the way, this was like a mini van that sat eight. It was just us and another couple that was going to Pop too:thumbsup2.

It started raining while we were on the shuttle and thought that we would get some dinner at Pop. We both got the burger and I couldn’t eat all mine. I really wasn’t too hungry ( for some reason - that lasted the entire trip ). Gabriel tried one fruit loop (he picked those) and he spit it out. I ended up eating those and taking the milk back to the room for his cheerios.

As we were eating I look up at Peter and there is a toddler with bright blue all over his hands (Tie Dyed Cheesecake) reaching for Peter’s head (we were in back to back booths). The kiddo just missed rubbing it all over Peter’s head. Hmmm….maybe I should have let him after the earlier Moon show fiasco!:rolleyes1

We headed back to the room (the trash from our room was in the bag and on our bed) what the heck is up with that? I guess they forgot to take it with them???

After I threw that away, I got Gabriel some cheerios and a cottage cheese double and muffins. I put him in his pj’s and let him watch Ice Age on PSP again. Daddy channel surfed while I unpacked our stuff and downloaded the pictures from the day.

(Mousekeeping also had left two photo pass 20% off cards (one for my b-day and one for our anniversary). I was able to use one of them to pre-order our Photopass CD when we got home - even though I wasn’t that thrilled with all of the pictures.)

I went to bed trying to figure out what to do for the next day as I listened to the resort guests use the bathroom facilities.

Up next….where should we go?

Gabrielsbigtrip

09-15-2009, 09:50 PM

Glad he likes it! What a great relationship you all have and how lucky is he that you were picked for his Mom!

OOOO girl, you play hard ball!:lmao:

We have a huge double standard in this house so I don't think I want to mess with him THAT bad:rotfl:

Thanks for your kind words:goodvibes

mommyof2Pirates

09-16-2009, 09:10 AM

jana616

09-16-2009, 03:16 PM

Gabrielsbigtrip

09-16-2009, 03:45 PM

I'm in and enjoying your report so far! Discovery Cove sounds so cool. We were in the 90's section at the same time as you, and we definitely didn't have the same problems you did with the flushing (we knew ours was super loud, but didn't hear everyone else's). I'm thinking the top floor really made a difference. Can't wait to read more!

Thanks and yes Discovery Cove was wonderful but so very pricey. I had to compromise on the resort in order to book DC so that is why we were trying POP. I honestly didn't read anything about the TURBO toilets in my research.:confused3 Maybe the ground floor is the worst floor?

I read your reply on your report and yes, we found the food court to be a zoo if you got there after 8am. If you were there early it wasn't that bad:3dglasses

Gabrielsbigtrip

09-16-2009, 03:51 PM

oh my I was laughing so hard picturing the bathing suit:rotfl2: I would have knocked my husband out for that one :lmao: Thats a man for ya. Maybe he secretly liked it.:lmao:

The pics of the sting rays and dolphins were so awesome. What a great experience. I loved the comment about it being really filthy in there:rotfl: His one liners are cracking me up.:laughing:

Cant wait to hear more.

:) Yes, men......what can you do:confused3 Gabriel had quite a few moments that were very funny and it's hard to share them because he is so quirky you kind of had to be there....but I will try my best to share them all:goodvibes

Your trip is coming sooooooon!!!!!

MouseTriper

09-18-2009, 12:37 AM

KathyRN137

09-18-2009, 01:15 AM

http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb189/gabrielsbigtrip/M091909_00_8795.jpg

and then:love:

http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb189/gabrielsbigtrip/GabrielDolphinKisseditcrop.jpg

Look at that happy boy!

Kathy

joy13

09-18-2009, 12:12 PM

Discovery Cove looks just awesome! Gabriel looks so happy riding the dolphin :love: What a cool experience for all of you.

Glad you had your cover up along! That's the worst thing when you first realize a swimsuit has seen it's last days - that never seems to happen at home :confused3 :sad2:

Gabes_mommy

09-18-2009, 06:26 PM

Carol = you poor thing - I can't believe your booty was exposed and you had no idea. :hug: Your DH definitely deserves a little revenge. :laughing:

I love the pictures of Gabriel at DC - he looks so happy. :lovestruc

Gabrielsbigtrip

09-20-2009, 09:27 PM

Awww, I just stumbled on your TR and am loving it so far. Your son sure is a handsome little guy. Discovery Cove looks like so much fun. I really want to swim with the dolphins sometime.

Sorry to hear abour POP...I would hate the "flushing" all night too! Uggg!!!

Can't wait to read more!!! popcorn::

Thanks and if you get the chance to do Discovery Cove....Go for it! It was fun!

Look at that happy boy!

Kathy
:love:

Discovery Cove looks just awesome! Gabriel looks so happy riding the dolphin :love: What a cool experience for all of you.

Glad you had your cover up along! That's the worst thing when you first realize a swimsuit has seen it's last days - that never seems to happen at home :confused3 :sad2:

Yes, why do these things always happen AWAY from home?:cutie:

Carol = you poor thing - I can't believe your booty was exposed and you had no idea. :hug: Your DH definitely deserves a little revenge. :laughing:

I love the pictures of Gabriel at DC - he looks so happy. :lovestruc

Gabriel had so much fun....not too much in the cold lagoon with the rays but with the Dixie and in the fresh water lagoon.

I just got back from the beach and I am so behind in everything!

I haven't even gotten to our first Disney day yet!

Hope to update tomorrow......gotta put this house to sleep for the night.

Oh and BTW

GO RAVENS:banana:

mousescrapper

09-21-2009, 12:51 PM

The pictures of Gabriel w/ the dolphin are just priceless....how wonderful! :goodvibes

lklasing

09-21-2009, 02:58 PM

I'm signing on! Love your TR! I may just have to bite the bullet and go to Discovery Cove next trip - those pictures are wonderful!

Looking forward to more!

Leslie

Gabrielsbigtrip

09-22-2009, 05:29 AM

Day 3

My original plan was to hit HS on this day but Peter wanted to do Animal Kingdom instead.

We were up early and headed up to grab a quick bite before we got in line for the bus but the AK bus was already there. The buses seemed to be there when we didn’t want them to be and then not be there when we wanted them. Although, the wait for buses really never was bad. They were standing room only most of the time and Peter grumbled because he gives his seat up every single time to the “ladies” or kids. Gabriel ate something back at the room so I figured we could get something once we enter the park.
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb189/gabrielsbigtrip/9-6-09001.jpg
Peter's holding our empty mug:sad1:

Once at the park - I went over to Guest relations and got Gabriel’s GAC card. We were there for their version of rope drop. While waiting I got Peter a danish and a Coke (he doesn’t drink coffee and that is his am pick me up). I wanted to get Gabriel a drink but all the snack place had that I thought he may drink was this Blue Slurpee like drink. His favorite color is Blue and I thought that may keep him cool as it was already pretty steamy. As we watched the little opening show…Peter put Gabriel on his shoulders. People were a little bit rude trying to push to get up front.

http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb189/gabrielsbigtrip/9-6-09006.jpg

Gabriel wanted to know where the truck with Minnie and Goofy went. He loves to “hunt” for things. He was very cute checking the map (Dora the Explorer like) to see where Minne and Goofy could have gone. I told him it went to the Safari.

http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb189/gabrielsbigtrip/9-6-09009.jpg
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb189/gabrielsbigtrip/9-6-09008.jpg
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb189/gabrielsbigtrip/9-6-09007.jpg
Intently checking out the map

You notice the Blue drink isn't in sight.....well I thought he had tasted it when we got it. I don't think he actually got any up the straw because it was so thick. It had melted some on the way to the safari ride so as we were walking through the line when he actually got a sip.....which he immediately spit out into his hand.:headache: Luckily I come prepared with handy dandy wipes for these occasions. In the trash the Blue drink went....it was much too sweet for Mommy and Daddy to drink it.

I never get any really good animal pictures during the safari. Well, of the ones that I want to get. I always get the animals that are so so to me. I like the giraffes and lions.

http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb189/gabrielsbigtrip/9-6-09015.jpg

After the Safari I said maybe Minnie and Goofy went to the rapids (you get the idea). I put a poncho on Gabriel and figured I would chance it. Well we did the rapids and just take a guess at who was in the soak seat?!. Peter had sat with Gabriel and I was by myself. Yep, me and myself were drenched. Gabriel wanted to ride again so I figured what the heck…..I was already wet. On our way to ride it again, Peter realized he left his backpack in the center of the ride. It had his wallet with everything in it and his Ipod. Luckily it was there with the CM’s.

Peter got it the next go around but not nearly as bad as I had gotten it. It was very hot that day so the soak actually felt good, although walking in wet clothes did not.

On the way to EE we saw Flick and Gabriel stopped for a picture. At the end he said “Hey Flick, do you know where Dory is?”
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb189/gabrielsbigtrip/9-6-09047.jpg
We have a very good Photopass pic of this but I don't have the CD yet.

Gabriel must own 1000 plush animals and they are very important to him. For some reason the animal he wanted this trip was Dory. We were kind of making it like a hunt for Dory and I knew we would find her over by the Nemo Musical.

Flick tried to steal Peter’s Coke and the CM‘s were saying “no no Flick”. Gabriel thought that was funny.

Then Peter went on EE and I grabbed two fast passes for him later. Gabriel wont ride most of the big rides so I took him to get an ice cream.
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb189/gabrielsbigtrip/9-6-09052.jpg
The ice cream stand
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb189/gabrielsbigtrip/9-6-09051.jpg

I had told Peter to meet us over at the Boneyard after riding EE so we started in that direction.

On the way we saw who we were looking for.
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb189/gabrielsbigtrip/9-6-09056.jpg

Of course once we purchased her……he has to put in his mind who he needs next. He says we have to get Gil and Peach next……I was pretty sure that we wouldn’t be able to find them but if they existed that maybe Epcot would be the place. I told him we would have to talk to Crush to find those two. We had never done Crush so I was happy that he seemed into going on that as well as the Nemo ride. He didn’t want to see the musical at AK though. I probably should have pushed him a little to see if he would have like it. It was just so hot that I guess I wasn’t in the mood.:rolleyes1 Shows and Gabriel don't mix.

Peter came to relieve me as soon as we got to the Boneyard so I could get on Dinosaur.
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb189/gabrielsbigtrip/9-6-09057.jpg
I got Peter a FP while I rode standby. I always hate when I see a parent pushing their kids on Dinosaur. There was a mom that was telling her about 4 yr old that was crying,“it’s not scary!”.

After traveling to prehistoric times…….I found my boys just getting ready to get pictures with Goofy and Pluto.

http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb189/gabrielsbigtrip/9-6-09060.jpg
Goofy stole his hat and they of course noticed Dory too.

We went and rode PW which was a first for us and boy is that ride herky jerky.
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb189/gabrielsbigtrip/9-6-09063.jpg
Gabriel was very nervous about this ride.
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb189/gabrielsbigtrip/9-6-09067.jpg

Then we were off to eat lunch at Flame Tree BBQ.
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb189/gabrielsbigtrip/9-6-09068.jpg
It was okay, but I just wasn't that hungry.

After lunch Peter went to go ride EE again and Dinosaur and I took Gabriel to see Pooh and Friends. There was a women in front of us with 3 kids and she was holding the line up by unwrapping her autograph books for the kids and then they wanted a ton of picutures and autographs. We all patiently waited:rolleyes1

http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb189/gabrielsbigtrip/9-6-09076.jpg
Tigger liked Gabriel's hat

http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb189/gabrielsbigtrip/9-6-09073.jpg
Gabriel makes sure his new friend Dory is looking at the camera:goodvibes

I told Peter we would meet him in the wooded park in front of Dinosaur.

We all met up and decided to leave the park and get back to the resort. We had reservations at Ohana’s at 5:30 and so we made it back to Pop 2pm. I took Gabriel for a quick swim to let him cool down and get some activity in. The pool water was not very refreshing. It’s was kind of like bath water.

We hopped a bus to Epcot and then hit the monorail to get to the Poly. We walked to the Poly from the monorail stop. We should have waited for the MK bus at Pop because I think that Monorail stops right there in the Poly.

Ohana’s was a mad house. We had some crazy buzzer issues but were seated pretty quick and had a view of the Castle. I had put my camera batteries in the charger and grabbed the ones that I charged at home. Well, apparently they don’t hold a charge long because they were dead! So no castle view pictures for us or any other pictures the rest of the night for that matter.

The food was very good as usual. They brought mac n cheese for Gabriel and he wouldn’t eat “this” kind and he wouldn’t even eat the ice cream because it had vanilla bean specks:sad2:. Luckily, I had his PSP to keep him occupied.

Wow - we were just stuffed to the brim and I hadn‘t really eaten that much. I think something was wrong with Peter and I. Neither one of us had an appetite the ENTIRE trip! It was very hot and maybe that played into it. I personally had a twinge of nausea every day. When I would eat, it seemed that I would be full immediately. Not sure what was up with that.

The entertainment was literally RIGHT next to us. We were good sports about it and the guy doing the limbo and playing the music made a funny little comment like “that wasn’t too bad was it” when it was over. It was all good in the hood though.

Alright, we should have headed back to the resort but noooooooo.

We were so close to MK and it was EMH that I had to go over there. Plus we needed to walk off our food!

So we hopped on the Monorail, entered MK and proceeded immediately to WTP, of course, then to Toontown. Barnstormer was packed as was Toontown in general. Gabriel was tired and kind of in a daze(I had pushed him too far this day). He wanted to go in Donald’s boat for a bit and then we did the Teacup ride for the first time. I made Peter promise he wouldn’t spin it. My food was still not settled. What do you think he does as soon as it starts? He was just messing with me but it was stressing me out.

Then we went to do Astro orbiter and Peter opted out. He was bummed SM wasn’t open. Once we got up to the elevator I told Gabriel “Don’t worry buddy it’s almost starting and you are doing such a good job waiting”. He said “Then why does it feel like the end?”. I don’t know what that meant but it was funny and kind of pitiful at the same time.:confused3

It took us 45 minutes(this ride is absolutely not worth waiting that long but Gabriel likes it- he calls it the Purple Planet) to get up to the top and then Gabriel who was being awfully quiet said "Mommy?" and pointed to his stomach. I said “what?” and he says “I’m sick”:sick:.

To quote Nemo......."This is bad Dory - really bad."

Normally 99% of the time this means puke is near. This happened just as we were getting ready to board. I wouldn’t let him get on the ride because well could you imagine? I tell the CM and she is like - sorry the elevators don’t open until the next group or something. I try to explain he is going to hurl and she is of no help. There is nothing up there and nowhere to go. I took him to the edge and thought uhhhh that’s not good...poor unsuspecting people below. We just waited while my blood pressure probably did the Astro Orbiter. My stress level is off the chart at this point.

I pray to sweet Jesus that he doesn’t puke up there. We finally get on the elevator crammed with other people and I am still praying…..it must have worked because this was one of those 1% times. Thank you Jesus.

Peter finds us and asks how it went. He can’t believe how long we waited and that we didn’t even get to ride.

We were done for the day and as I said ….I pushed Gabriel too far this day.

Up next - Blizzard Beach and Epcot

Gabrielsbigtrip

09-22-2009, 05:35 AM

The pictures of Gabriel w/ the dolphin are just priceless....how wonderful! :goodvibes

The video is so funny. At the end I basically had to drag him off of Dixie.
:lmao:
I'm signing on! Love your TR! I may just have to bite the bullet and go to Discovery Cove next trip - those pictures are wonderful!

Looking forward to more!

Leslie

Thanks - I really loved Discovery Cove but we are water park people anyway so it was especially nice with it being hot and not having to worry about the crowds in the park. They only let a certain amount of people in and I heard that there were 900 people in the park that day.

I am enjoying your report too.:goodvibes

Gabes_mommy

09-22-2009, 07:53 AM

Great update!!!

My Gabriel got that same Dory on out trip. :goodvibes

I am so sorry that Gabriel got sick waiting for the Astro Orbiter. :hug:

PrincessPaczki

09-23-2009, 08:28 AM

Hi!:goodvibes I am loving your trip report. I have laughed outloud several times. (bathing suit) You are good at writing tr. Your pictures are wonderful and your little guy is so adorable.:goodvibes I can't wait to hear more. Thank you for sharing with us.:thumbsup2

Gabrielsbigtrip

09-23-2009, 09:48 AM

Great update!!!

My Gabriel got that same Dory on out trip. :goodvibes

I am so sorry that Gabriel got sick waiting for the Astro Orbiter. :hug:

:thumbsup2 It is strange the plush toys he gets his mind set on. Now he wants Santa to bring him the Over the Hedge plush toys:confused3

Thankfully, he really didn't get sick but I didn't know that puke wasn't going to come so I was freaking out. He must have just had gas:rotfl: He doesn't know how to tell me the difference.

Hi!:goodvibes I am loving your trip report. I have laughed outloud several times. (bathing suit) You are good at writing tr. Your pictures are wonderful and your little guy is so adorable.:goodvibes I can't wait to hear more. Thank you for sharing with us.:thumbsup2

Hi and thanks for reading along:wave:

Dizneydawn

09-23-2009, 12:56 PM

He must have just had gas:rotfl: He doesn't know how to tell me the difference.

I wish my kids would point at their tummy and say they felt sick when they might have gas! It would be a great warning vs our usual - silent but deadly delivery! :lmao:

I will get my TR updated tonight girl! You make me want to write! :hug:

Gabrielsbigtrip

09-23-2009, 01:11 PM

I wish my kids would point at their tummy and say they felt sick when they might have gas! It would be a great warning vs our usual - silent but deadly delivery! :lmao:

I will get my TR updated tonight girl! You make me want to write! :hug:

Well, usually he justs lets it rip:rolleyes1

He has no concept of what is socially acceptable so I always try to show him how shocked I am and make him say "Excuse me". He actually does pretty well with his manners.

The other day he did it and I quickly jumped all over him and said "GABRIEL! - SAY EXCUSE ME!"

He said "But Moooooooommmmmm, I'm not finished yet" Well, he had me there.
:rotfl2::rotfl2::rotfl2:

I hope you are getting things worked out with the school. There would be a smack down if I had to deal with that. I am pretty sure I will have to learn how to homeschool once middle school starts. Unfortunately, I don't feel like the school systems deal with those kind of problems very well.

Maybe I should post an update about Gabriel and his brand new bus transportation:sad2: Nothing bad happened but some of the bus drivers comments to me had me seriously double think letting him out of my mother hen claws;)

Gabrielsbigtrip

09-23-2009, 08:36 PM

We decided to sleep in on this day to maybe recharge our batteries:sad2:. We probably headed to breakfast around 9 -9:30.

WOW - What a ZOO!:scared1: It really does make a difference if you get to the Pop eatery early. Of course I could see Peter hating Pop by each and every second :confused3

We scooted out as fast as we could and caught the AK/BB bus. The line was very long for that bus and I was checking out the people in line. Not many seemed to be headed to BB. It was very hot already and I had to feel so sorry for everyone heading to AK that day. I was so happy we chose to do BB.

BB was the first stop and with the bus packed to the brim….only us and another couple got off:banana:. That made me happy because I felt that was good way to guage the crowds.

We headed in and got towels and a locker. The lockers come in two sizes and the largest one is still kind of small. In the past, we had not gotten a locker but for some reason I thought we may want to start. (I also used our room safe for the first trip ever) Maybe it’s the economy but I just feel like I would rather not put the temptation out there.

We hit the ski lift up to Summit Plummet…..no, not to ride that!
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb189/gabrielsbigtrip/9-7-09062.jpg
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb189/gabrielsbigtrip/9-7-09065.jpg
You take the ski lift up to get to the family raft ride as well. We just love this ride.
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb189/gabrielsbigtrip/9-7-09076.jpg
The view at the top:thumbsup2

http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb189/gabrielsbigtrip/9-7-09070.jpg
Going down!
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb189/gabrielsbigtrip/9-7-09118.jpg
A drop of water got on the lens as you can tell:mad:

While in the very short line for the ski lift…..Gabriel was doing something strange. He is normally always mumbling, humming or repeating some line from a movie/show. But along with whatever it was he was saying he was posing in this freaky position like a statue. I had to finally ask him what he was doing since he was making quite the scene. He was saying “No” and then he would pose in this crazy position. I didn’t get it and then he points to this……

http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb189/gabrielsbigtrip/9-7-09110.jpg

Says "NO!"

And does this…..
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb189/gabrielsbigtrip/9-7-09111.jpg

Ahhhhhh, it all makes sense now:rotfl:

I was cracking up. He takes everything so literal. I was actually watching a show about the man the movie “Rain Man” was made after. They were showing a study about how his brain doesn’t work like ours (duh - wonder how much they spent on that study) Anyway, they were showing how incredibly amazing this man’s (Kim Peek) mind is but he could not grasp a metaphor. For example they would ask him what it meant “to get a grip on yourself” He would then grab himself. They asked him “what would it mean if I said - “That George Bush sure is no Rocket Scientist” and Kim Peek replied that he wouldn’t be able to get to the moon or something. Anyway, that phenomenon applies to Gabriel so far in his life too.:goodvibes

We rode the family raft ride twice in a row and then did Runoff Rapids a couple times and then did the lazy river.
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb189/gabrielsbigtrip/9-7-09092.jpg
This shack used to make a sneezing sound and then spew water.....I guess maybe it wasn't politically correct anymore:confused3 I thought it was cute.:cutie:
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb189/gabrielsbigtrip/9-7-09091.jpg
Gabriel pushing Daddy

The lazy river is not lazy when you do this with Gabriel. He basically runs the entire river without a tube - like it's a race or something. So, it's not that relaxing but he loves it:hug:

I believe we ate lunch after that. We probably got on the family raft ride again but I’m not sure the order of everything.

I just know we had a very fun day.

Up next Epcot for dinner at Chefs de France

KathyRN137

09-23-2009, 10:48 PM

Gabrielsbigtrip

09-27-2009, 12:32 PM

We headed back to resort to get the bus to Epcot for Chefs de France. We had never eaten here and it was a last minute ADR addition.

We did Soarin (MY FAVORITE) first when we got to the park. All Gabriel could talk about was talking to Crush to ask him if he knew where Peach and Gil were.

After we did Soarin - which I love - we head off to dinner. I was trying to scoot by the Finding Nemo attraction but Gabriel spied it and I had to explain we would head there after dinner. He gave me a little bit of lip but not so bad. The funny thing is that he wouldn’t go near the attraction last visit because of those birds “Mine, Mine, MINE!“ in the front.

Dinner was blah. Again, I wasn’t hungry and felt a bit queasy. I ordered the French Onion Soup and the Mac n Cheese and the pastry puffs with the chocolate sauce. Peter ordered the Chicken dish. He said he could have gotten the same dish at Boston Market for $7. I didn’t order Gabriel anything because I knew from reading the DIS that the Mac n Cheese would not be up to par for him.

I watched as the little boy next to us was served his Mac n Cheese and you should have seen the kids face. He was like WTH!:scared: I think they ended up bringing plain noodles out for him.

I wouldn’t eat here again….it wasn’t awful or anything but especially if I was paying out of pocket(pricey)…it just wasn’t memorable.:confused3

We headed back quickly to Turtle Talk and Finding Nemo. It was 8pm by this time I think. We did the Nemo ride and caught the last Crush show for the night (thank goodness)…..that may have been another “this is bad Dory” moment.
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb189/gabrielsbigtrip/9-8-09134.jpg
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb189/gabrielsbigtrip/9-8-09131.jpg
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb189/gabrielsbigtrip/9-8-09133.jpg

Okay, we sat in the Crush room and Gabriel plopped down in the front. I couldn’t get a seat right by him so I was a couple feet away. I knew he wanted to ask Crush some questions but I had butterflies in my stomach because you just never know what he is going to say. Most times, further parent explanation is needed. He started just blurting out to Crush and I had to shush him (I hate doing that). He realized the other kids were raising there hands so he did the same. He never did get called on and I was sad and relieved at the same time. He was okay with it though so that was good. Then we quickly checked out some of the aquariums.

We thought about doing Illuminations but figured it may be better to just head out before the mad rush. We were beat.

On the way out a lady stopped us for a survey. Of course, Peter doesn’t want to offend so we start answering questions. One of which was “how old are you?” I realized that at that moment - it was the last time I was going to be able to say “39”! Well, we went on with the questions and here comes the first wave of peeps…..so we ended up BEHIND the mad rush when we finally finished.

The Pop bus stop is the furthest away. Peter and I joked that we were like 2nd class citizens or something. It was such a trudge when you are already beat. When we finally got to the stop it was crazy and when the first bus left without us on it Gabriel said “Now we’re stuck at Epcore!”:rotfl:. Another bus came fairly quickly but again Peter gave up his seat and had to stand.

When we got back to Pop I called for a 6:30am wake up call. Yes, lesson learned. We had our 8:05 ADR at CP for my birthday the next day!:yay:

Gabrielsbigtrip

09-27-2009, 12:39 PM

Aaahhhh! A much more relaxing day! I was worried for a minute when reading about your close call at Astro Orbiter! :eek:

I completely get the literal-to-the bone characteristic; Billy is the same way.

Today someone asked him what his dog looked like and he replied,
"A dog." :laughing:

The water park looked so nice and uncrowed . . . I'm glad you had such a nice time!

Love the puzzle piece lanyard, too! :thumbsup2

Kathy

Isn't it funny how they answer some things?:goodvibes Such honesty in them too. Which can be good and bad as well:rolleyes1

I had gotten those lanyards three years ago. I had hoped they would be like some notice to others about why he was the way he was being. That really didn't work. Even the pin I got him is kind of hard to read and people would bend down to read the pin outloud and struggle. When they finally realized what it said....they were kind of weird. Maybe they just felt bad for making such a big deal out of the pin and then realizing what it said:confused3

It's kind of like when you walk up on a mother and a baby and you bend down to say awwwww what a cute baby and you get half way into your sentence and you notice she is nursing and you have her face in her B**b:lmao:

I don't know. I guess I need a pin that is easier to read;)

Gabes_mommy

09-27-2009, 04:54 PM

Gabrielsbigtrip

09-27-2009, 09:14 PM

Great updates!!! :goodvibes

I love your BB pictures - we have never been to either water park so I love seeing what they're like. The picture of gabriel mimicing the sign is so cute. :lovestruc

That's too bad that you didn't enjoy Chef's de France. It seems like to TS restaurants at WDW are really hit or miss. :confused3

BB is so fun....although with the very little guys, I think TL may work better.

We were kind of in a funk with eating - maybe it was the heat. My birthday dinner was AWESOME and made up for Chef's.

I just went through the house earlier to get the winter clothes out and I have a bag started for you:goodvibes.

Two of the personalized items Gabriel still fits in so I will have to send them after the Christmas Holiday:santa:

I am so jealous that you have a Christmas trip planned:thumbsup2

Gabrielsbigtrip

10-02-2009, 12:42 PM

Oh my!

I am so behind in my DIS' ing!

We are going to the beach this weekend and we don't have internet. I hope to write up the next installment and post it on Monday:confused3

I joined the Gym (the pictures of me in the sausage casing of a wetsuit was the last straw!). I have been getting up at 5:15am and working out for an hour. Then it's home to get Gabriel off to school and then I have to go to work. I don't get home until 6 - 6:30 so I am BUSHED.

Hopefully, I will be able to get fit and participate in one of the athletic events they hold at the World.....wouldn't that be fun!:cloud9:

I am very behind on reading everyone else's trip reports too:sad2:

Such a bad DIS er:mad:

Take care and hopefully an update will come soon. I can tell you that the next update will have our very best meal:yay:

Gabes_mommy

10-02-2009, 02:04 PM

Disneychix

10-02-2009, 04:24 PM

I just found your TR. Your family is so cute! Love the DC pics of your DS. What a great swimmer!

Good job on joining the gym and working out so early in the am. That is my goal for the winter, I swear I"m the only person who gains weight in the summer! Who does that with all the activity??

lklasing

10-02-2009, 10:23 PM

Hopefully, I will be able to get fit and participate in one of the athletic events they hold at the World.....wouldn't that be fun!:cloud9:

Yes, it would be! Go for it!:thumbsup2

KathyRN137

10-03-2009, 04:30 PM

.... I knew he wanted to ask Crush some questions but I had butterflies in my stomach because you just never know what he is going to say. Most times, further parent explanation is needed. He started just blurting out to Crush and I had to shush him (I hate doing that). He realized the other kids were raising there hands so he did the same. He never did get called on and I was sad and relieved at the same time. He was okay with it though so that was good.

Sounds like another one of those "box of chocolates" situations... when you never quite know what you're gonna get! But it did sound like Gabriel enjoyed himself and that's the only important thing. :thumbsup2

I am so behind in my DIS' ing!

In a way, I'm glad, because I am soooo behind in all my TR reading!

We're a matched set!

Have a great weekend....

Kathy

Gabrielsbigtrip

10-05-2009, 03:03 PM

:hug: Can't wait to hear more. Have fun at the beach! :goodvibes

We had so much fun....we have new scooters and we scooted all over.....it was a beautiful day Sunday and we scooted to Fisher's Popcorn to get some caramel popcorn to snack on during the Raven's game. Not so great for my fitness but I needed it so I didn't lose my mind during the game:rotfl: Also, I feel kind of lazy scooting around.....we usually pedal bike it so we are going to have to mix them up I guess.

I just found your TR. Your family is so cute! Love the DC pics of your DS. What a great swimmer!

Good job on joining the gym and working out so early in the am. That is my goal for the winter, I swear I"m the only person who gains weight in the summer! Who does that with all the activity??

Thanks and welcome! I would strongly recommend trying to go to the gym in the am.....it is amazing to see the dedication of the people there and it inspires me to keep it up. Plus, I have plenty of time for the most important meal of the day;)

Yes, it would be! Go for it!:thumbsup2

Hmmmmm, I wonder where I got the idea:laughing::thumbsup2

I would LOVE to do the event you just did! For the swim portion - how far was it? I don't really have a place to train for that but if I am a good swimmer and get a variety of workouts in, do you think I could do it without actually swimming to train??

Sounds like another one of those "box of chocolates" situations... when you never quite know what you're gonna get! But it did sound like Gabriel enjoyed himself and that's the only important thing. :thumbsup2

In a way, I'm glad, because I am soooo behind in all my TR reading!

We're a matched set!

Have a great weekend....

Kathy

Your trip is getting closer:yay: I figure gettin behind will leave me with lots of fun reading for the colder months:cool2:

We watched some of Forest Gump this weekend at the beach!!!!!:rotfl: I was laughing at how literal Forest was taking certain things. We both know how that is:upsidedow

I meet with the trainer tonight at 7pm and will try to get a workout in as well. I doubt I will be able to update tonight but since everyone is behind - I don't feel so bad:goodvibes

lklasing

10-05-2009, 03:40 PM

Hmmmmm, I wonder where I got the idea:laughing::thumbsup2

I would LOVE to do the event you just did! For the swim portion - how far was it? I don't really have a place to train for that but if I am a good swimmer and get a variety of workouts in, do you think I could do it without actually swimming to train??

Yes, you absolutely could do it. I spent all summer working on my swimming, and I honestly think the only thing it did for me was give me the guts to get in the water. It certainly didn't actually help me with the swim portion, as I wound up doing backstroke for most of the way. :confused: I never once did backstroke in my training. I think my problem was two-fold: One, I'm very OCD and when I was swimming laps I would count my strokes. All the time, every time. During the race, I couldn't get past 5 strokes or so without kicking or being kicked, so that threw my count off and therefore threw off my whole rhythm. Thus, the backstroke. Also, even though I swam in a lake several times during the summer, I guess I didn't get enough used to the serious differences between pool and lake swimming and just couldn't bring myself to do it very long in the actual race. So, all that is to say, despite my best efforts and lots of training in the pool, I really don't think I used any of it in the actual race.

Now, with the bike and the running, it was so very obvious that the training paid off. I did so much better on the bike than I thought I would that my whole family missed me coming in. :laughing: And, as it always does, running goes so much better with lots of miles under your belt.

So, all that is to say, I think you should do it! I had so much fun in mine and will always be so glad I did it! If you know how to swim at all (even if you can't train for that part) and you run, bike or do whatever else you like to do for exercise, you'll do great!

Leslie

PS - just re-read your post - the swim part of my race was 1/2 mile, with a 12 mile bike and 3.1 mile run. That's pretty standard for sprint triathlons, although the swim part is often shorter than that. Go for it! :yay:

princess&her4princes

10-05-2009, 09:44 PM

Hi! I didn't know you started!!! Going back to read now and subbing!!!:goodvibes

princess&her4princes

10-05-2009, 10:21 PM

Okay, I'm all caught up now! :goodvibes

You're doing a great job! Love all the pics of Gabriel...he's SO cute! Love the toothless pics!!!:cutie:

So sorry to hear that your time at POP wasn't so magical. I hope it got a bit easier the rest of the week for you?!

Aww, what a sweet Anniversary gift from DH! And so happy to hear that you left him surprise you, too!;)

I honestly laughed SO hard when I read about your bathing suit at DC! OMG! I can't believe your husband didn't tell you sooner!!! Is there a good story of revenge here? LOL!!!

And you're DH is SO right, the bus stop at Epcot is like 2nd class citizens....it's SO FAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!:eek:

Looking forward to hearing more!!!:surfweb:
Take care!
Kristen:goodvibes

Gabrielsbigtrip

10-06-2009, 09:54 AM

Yes, you absolutely could do it. I spent all summer working on my swimming, and I honestly think the only thing it did for me was give me the guts to get in the water. It certainly didn't actually help me with the swim portion, as I wound up doing backstroke for most of the way. :confused: I never once did backstroke in my training. I think my problem was two-fold: One, I'm very OCD and when I was swimming laps I would count my strokes. All the time, every time. During the race, I couldn't get past 5 strokes or so without kicking or being kicked, so that threw my count off and therefore threw off my whole rhythm. Thus, the backstroke. Also, even though I swam in a lake several times during the summer, I guess I didn't get enough used to the serious differences between pool and lake swimming and just couldn't bring myself to do it very long in the actual race. So, all that is to say, despite my best efforts and lots of training in the pool, I really don't think I used any of it in the actual race.

Now, with the bike and the running, it was so very obvious that the training paid off. I did so much better on the bike than I thought I would that my whole family missed me coming in. :laughing: And, as it always does, running goes so much better with lots of miles under your belt.

So, all that is to say, I think you should do it! I had so much fun in mine and will always be so glad I did it! If you know how to swim at all (even if you can't train for that part) and you run, bike or do whatever else you like to do for exercise, you'll do great!

Leslie

PS - just re-read your post - the swim part of my race was 1/2 mile, with a 12 mile bike and 3.1 mile run. That's pretty standard for sprint triathlons, although the swim part is often shorter than that. Go for it! :yay:

:cool1:I will see where I am in my fitness in the next few months and then seriously consider it. The FW event is annual isn't it? I hope they don't move it around to different places.

Hi! I didn't know you started!!! Going back to read now and subbing!!!:goodvibes

Okay, I'm all caught up now! :goodvibes

You're doing a great job! Love all the pics of Gabriel...he's SO cute! Love the toothless pics!!!:cutie:

So sorry to hear that your time at POP wasn't so magical. I hope it got a bit easier the rest of the week for you?!

Aww, what a sweet Anniversary gift from DH! And so happy to hear that you left him surprise you, too!;)

I honestly laughed SO hard when I read about your bathing suit at DC! OMG! I can't believe your husband didn't tell you sooner!!! Is there a good story of revenge here? LOL!!!

And you're DH is SO right, the bus stop at Epcot is like 2nd class citizens....it's SO FAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!:eek:

Looking forward to hearing more!!!:surfweb:
Take care!
Kristen:goodvibes

Unfortunately, the magical bathroom noises at Pop made us feel like we were in a daze most of the time due to lack of sleep. When you add in all the walking..........well we were drained. Our last day, I gave up and we didn't get to do what I wanted to do(BOOOOOOO). It was just too hard to cram too much into our short trip. If it would have been just adults - touring the parks would have been much better and more productive. I wanted to keep the hubby happy so we chose something more relaxing and cool for our last day.

I can't wait to read your adults only trip and see your pictures. I didn't like our pictures but I don't like pictures of myself anymore (although, I am changing that and will be FIT next time:yay:). If I can reach my goal, I am rewarding myself with a Disney fall trip next year! I also may do a quick weekend (maybe just hubby and me:cloud9:) for the Trek Triathlon if they have it at FW again and I feel like I can do it!

I know I can...I know I can....I KNOW I CAN!!!!!!:yay::yay::yay:

OH! and BTW one of Gabriel's teeth is finally coming in!!!;)

lklasing

10-06-2009, 11:41 AM

:cool1:I will see where I am in my fitness in the next few months and then seriously consider it. The FW event is annual isn't it? I hope they don't move it around to different places.

This was the first year for this race (mine was the Trek Womens Series), but I think it's intended to become an annual event. There also is the Danskin Series race - same distance, all women as well - that is held sometime in May. That is also an annual event. So, you should have 2 different times to give it a try! If I lived down there, I'd definitely try to do both each year.

Gabrielsbigtrip

10-07-2009, 09:37 PM

Okay I learned my lesson and this day I had scheduled a wake up call for 6:30am since we had an 8:10 ADR. Ring Ring and Stitch was telling me to wake up!

We wanted to grab a mug refill and a juice for Gabriel but the MK bus was there so we hopped on. Like I said, every time we wanted the bus not to be there it was and vice versa. I guess not a bad problem to have though.

Although tired, I was so happy to be headed to the Magic Kingdom for my BIG birthday. Half way there I remembered that I had forgotten my Bday certificate! Peter said he would take the bus back when we got there. I told him to wait until after CP so he wouldn’t miss it. Then I thought I would ask at guest relations to see if they could help. This isn’t how I wanted my B-day to start!

Well it turned out….after all the worry ~ I didn’t need it! I got my gift card and happy me and two grouchy tired boy were on our way down an almost empty main street.
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb189/gabrielsbigtrip/9-8-09010.jpg

I had Photopass pictures done here and I don’t think I really like any of them. I did order the CD and I will post when they arrive but I wasn’t happy with the ANY of them for the price. This was our first attempt so maybe it takes some practice and also some convincing to have them do multiple shots. Some of the faces Gabriel made ~ I can’t believe they thought I would be happy with those pics……

Anyway, on to breakfast…..

http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb189/gabrielsbigtrip/9-8-09011.jpg
View from the front of Crystal Palace

I absolutely LOVE Crystal Palace for breakfast! When we walked in the place had a weird smell…..almost mildewy?? Not horrible but noticeable.

We were seated fast and Peter wanted me to go up first. Again, my stomach was blah and here I was at the home of Pooh Bear Puffs! I went to get a plate ( I think I got a puff, breakfast lasagna and some muffins for Gabriel). When I returned there were two cards on the table. One from my little guy and one from my big guy. I opened them and said thank you but had to tell my sleepy hubby “Did you know this is an Anniversary card?” He had a blank look on his face and said “Ah, no. Go back and get another plate.”

I knew what happened….he pulled the wrong card out his backpack. He does buy multiple cards usually and I guess he didn’t give me that during our Anniversary ADR.

When I returned again, alas, there was a b-day card waiting.

As usual, Gabriel loved seeing the characters:
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb189/gabrielsbigtrip/9-8-09029.jpg

http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb189/gabrielsbigtrip/9-8-09021.jpg
Not sure what was going on here:laughing:

http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb189/gabrielsbigtrip/9-8-09019.jpg
Tigger took his Tigger!

http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb189/gabrielsbigtrip/9-8-09018.jpg
Gabriel thought it was a riot!

http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb189/gabrielsbigtrip/9-8-09016.jpg

I also got a B-day cupcake and card from the Pooh characters.

http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb189/gabrielsbigtrip/9-8-09026.jpg
Gabriel helped blow out my ONE candle:woohoo:

We decided to get Gabriel on Big Thunder mountain. He had ridden it the year before and while he didn’t want to do it again…..he was okay while we were on it. We passed a stand with hats and he was very interested in them. I told Gabriel he had to ride the ride first and then he can get the hat (I‘ve got such swell parenting skills, huh - you do what ya gotta do:rolleyes1).

We did the ride and he was okay but very quiet and would say “woo hoo” but with no emotion. He was kind of just saying it because he thought that would make it fun for him since it wasn’t (if that makes any sense).

Next we tried to sneak onto Splash Mountain but as soon as he saw the log cars - he knew it was the “prickers and thorns” ride and that we would be in mortal danger if we rode. He got very upset so I didn’t push any further and much to Peter’s dismay - we left to go watch Daddy ride from the bridge.

Once Peter was done….we got Gabriel his hat but not until I said he had to at least ride POC and he agreed. After POC we went to the Castle because I wanted to look at the gift shop. Well, it’s not there anymore and they said the Art store is on Main Street. I was looking for that special painting…..I knew we wouldn’t be able to get it but I was hoping they had made it into a poster or smaller print. So, we decided to do WTP.

http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb189/gabrielsbigtrip/9-8-09054.jpg
With his hat on and trying to make sure Tigger SEES everything:lmao:

Then we went over to Buzz Lightyear and rode 4 times. We also got to see Buzz!

http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb189/gabrielsbigtrip/9-8-09062.jpg
This was almost another "this is bad Dory" moments.....Buzz was going to have to leave soon and we had two people in front of us taking FOREVER!!!! Luckily for us Gabriel was able to see him then......I am not sure how he would have reacted to Buzz leaving without "meeting" him and I am glad I didn't have to find out.

I wanted to go to the gift shops and see if I could get something with my gift card.

http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb189/gabrielsbigtrip/9-8-09096.jpg
Bye Bye "Purple Planet" glady not newly knicknamed "Puke Planet":rotfl:

http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb189/gabrielsbigtrip/9-8-09095.jpg
So pretty:cloud9:

On our way we saw the Move it Shake it Parade. Gabriel let us stand there and watch but he would not participate. Just standing right next to the parade was a HUGE improvement from the previous years.

I love the music to this parade….I wish I would have had some of my girls with me so we could have bust a move!
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb189/gabrielsbigtrip/9-8-09078.jpg
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb189/gabrielsbigtrip/9-8-09079.jpg

After the parade we went to Main Street Bakery for an Ice Cream Sandwich. Now you know something is wrong with me when I just get one for my hubby and only take three bites! I swear Disney put something in the food so I wouldn’t take advantage of all the free snacks! I wanted to Gabriel and Ice Cream too but the vanilla had the bean flecks and he will NOT eat that:sad2: I think I just got him a juice?

We checked out the gift shops and I just couldn’t find anything that grabbed my eye. I had thought we were going to leave the park at that point but Gabriel said he wanted to do the Buzz ride again. Peter took him to do the ride while I called my Mom so she could wish me Happy B-day. I also told her she didn’t have to print my boarding passes since the resort was doing it for us.

We left the park and headed for Epcot via Monorail at around 1:30.

Up next our best meal and who knew that “Space” was inside the “Big Ball”?

Gabes_mommy

10-08-2009, 05:36 PM

Great update!!! I love the pictures from breakfast at CP. Gabriel looks so cute in his Mickey ear hat too. :lovestruc

I'm looking forward to hearing if you ever found your painting. :goodvibes

mousescrapper

10-08-2009, 08:44 PM

And.....

Mousescrapper...when I started reading - your post was the last.

MOUSES CRAPPER!!!!:rotfl2::lmao:

You have no idea how much that made me laugh!

happy to oblige....I will never live down my name....:sad2: It's OK...now it's a running joke....on my last trip to WDW, some lady actually asked what "Mouse-Crapper" meant....boy I need to make a new LGMH before the new trip...I debated changing my name, but what fun would that be....

just call me Scrappie ;)

Carol,

sorry, I have got so far behind in your TR...it has been a fun catch up!

I love how Gabriel is having fun finding his little friends....I remember when Nemo came out (summer 03 I believe?) and we were on a family road trip to NC and Myrtle Beach SC, and we'd stop at every McDonalds' we saw trying to collect all the Happy Meals Nemo characters...we got quite a bunch, they now hang out in my Mom's playroom at her house for the kids :thumbsup2

Sorry Peter is quite un-impressed w/ Pop still and understnad that bus theory :headache:

Glad the day at BB was a success and my DH and I had a great laugh w/ Gabriel's interpretation of the "No" :rotfl:

He looks so happy in your pictures...what fun to see such sweet joy :lovestruc

Happy be-lated Disney b-day...hope you found something great to buy w/ your GC! I have not seen that parade, but that would be fun to party and rock w/ my Dis-ladies :dance3:

oh back to AK and your comment on people forcing kids on the big rides....I don't get it either...you and your DH did a great job flip-flopping, that is what we do too...it's just not worth it the other way IMHO

sorry about your dinning woes and not loving your food...

can't wait to read and see more~ popcorn::

Scrappie J~

mommyof2Pirates

10-08-2009, 10:23 PM

oh your bday sounds like so much fun so far. It stinks that your stomach wasnt feeling hungry:guilty: It missed out on alot of good stuff that week. Cant wait to hear about your dinner.

Gabrielsbigtrip

10-09-2009, 05:10 PM

Great update!!! I love the pictures from breakfast at CP. Gabriel looks so cute in his Mickey ear hat too. :lovestruc

I'm looking forward to hearing if you ever found your painting. :goodvibes

I'll spill the beans now and let you know that we never found the picture. We couldn't get it anyway since he splurged with the earrings:guilty: We found other paintings from the artist just not that special one. I can order it online if one day we are able to get it.

I am hoping to get that package out for you soon~just been sooooo busy.:dance3:

Glad the day at BB was a success and my DH and I had a great laugh w/ Gabriel's interpretation of the "No" :rotfl:

Yes, I thought you may understand:goodvibes

He looks so happy in your pictures...what fun to see such sweet joy :lovestruc

Well, we keep him happy by letting him lead the way.....of course that leads to a :mad: Daddy:lmao:

Happy be-lated Disney b-day...hope you found something great to buy w/ your GC! I have not seen that parade, but that would be fun to party and rock w/ my Dis-ladies :dance3:

Thanks - and nope never found anything that was WOW! I did get two things that I will post about for our last day. That parade is so FUN and I am not a parade person!

sorry about your dinning woes and not loving your food...

It was strange - maybe it was the heat.....we just weren't hungry. We did have a VERY yummy B-Day Dinner:yay:

Scrappie J~

oh your bday sounds like so much fun so far. It stinks that your stomach wasnt feeling hungry:guilty: It missed out on alot of good stuff that week. Cant wait to hear about your dinner.

I did miss out on so much.....I LOVE those Ice Cream Sandwiches at MSB! Oh well, it's not like I needed it but I had been looking so forward to being a little piggy. Dinner almost made up for it all though:goodvibes

KathyRN137

10-09-2009, 08:59 PM

First of all... Happy Belated Birthday! :cake:

http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb189/gabrielsbigtrip/9-8-09019.jpg
Tigger took his Tigger!

http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb189/gabrielsbigtrip/9-8-09018.jpg
Gabriel thought it was a riot!

Oh, I can practically hear him laughing and laughing! What a great time!

Wow... sorry about the tummy troubles... major bummer! :sad2:

I love that you let Gabriel go on Buzz so many times in a row... when they like something, they really like something!

Kathy

Charlefours

10-09-2009, 11:17 PM

Hello!

First off, I think Gabriel is adorable and you are such a wonderful, patient mommy.

I am through page four and I just have to say DC looks amazing! My DD is a fish too and would love to go there. Not this trip but maybe another time down the road. I cannot believe your DH did not say anything--but then again that is what mine would probably do too! :rotfl:

We have never stayed at Pop and after your experience, I am really hesitant to want to stay there. WL is one of the resorts I would love to stay at but not this trip either--we are staying at POR. Hopefully it will be nice.

I hope your trip was pleasant overall and was better than the time before was for you. I am off to bed--looking forward to reading the rest when I get an opportunity. :surfweb:

Gabrielsbigtrip

10-12-2009, 12:13 PM

First of all... Happy Belated Birthday! :cake:

Oh, I can practically hear him laughing and laughing! What a great time!

Wow... sorry about the tummy troubles... major bummer! :sad2:

I love that you let Gabriel go on Buzz so many times in a row... when they like something, they really like something!

Kathy

Thank you:goodvibes

Well, we kind of HAVE to let Gabriel do his rides over and over:thumbsup2. He is only into a few rides so we let him ride them as much as WE can stand (thank goodness IASW isn't one of his favorites;)). If he had it his way - he would live inside the Winnie the Pooh Ride.;)

I forgot to mention that the lines were so short we rarely had to pull the GAC card. I believe we only used it for Soarin' and for the Safari Ride. He has come so very far in his ability to wait.:banana:

Hello!

First off, I think Gabriel is adorable and you are such a wonderful, patient mommy.

I am through page four and I just have to say DC looks amazing! My DD is a fish too and would love to go there. Not this trip but maybe another time down the road. I cannot believe your DH did not say anything--but then again that is what mine would probably do too! :rotfl:

We have never stayed at Pop and after your experience, I am really hesitant to want to stay there. WL is one of the resorts I would love to stay at but not this trip either--we are staying at POR. Hopefully it will be nice.

I hope your trip was pleasant overall and was better than the time before was for you. I am off to bed--looking forward to reading the rest when I get an opportunity. :surfweb:

Hi!

Thank you for the compliments.

Yes, DC IS amazing and worth doing once in your life. I would go again since Gabriel had so much fun and would probably not do the Dolphin part again (just because of the cost).

As for POP.....I think there must be rooms where the noise is not that bad....maybe the top floor?? I think we were hearing all the floors above us draining down:confused3 It was pretty bad.

Otherwise, the resort isn't bad.....if you need to stay there because of finances - it would be okay. The food court is a zoo though if you don't get there early but that was the case at the WL too. We just love the WL. I have heard wonderful stories about POR too so I think you are fine. Some people care about the resort and some don't. We definitely fall into the ones who care:3dglasses

For the most part it was a good trip. Lessons are learned with each venture and I have to remind myself that many people are unable to go at all and we should be very thankful.:angel:

princess&her4princes

10-12-2009, 07:07 PM

Gabrielsbigtrip

10-12-2009, 08:57 PM

We left MK and took the Monorail over to Epcot around 1:30.
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb189/gabrielsbigtrip/9-8-09127.jpg

We had an ADR for Le Cellier at 4:30.

It was so very hot this day!

Peter wondered what they had inside the “Big Ball”. We had never gone inside and I thought it might be a perfect place to cool off.

It’s a perfect place to relax as the ride takes you through different periods of time. Gabriel now thinks “Space” is inside the “Big Ball”.

They take your picture and then there is movie at the end starring YOU based on the answers to certain questions.

Gabriel had his Piglet this time….I think Tigger went in the backpack and Piglet came out? He put him up so he would get his picture taken and Piglet ended up in our movie. It was pretty funny.
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb189/gabrielsbigtrip/th_9-8-09168.jpg (http://s205.photobucket.com/albums/bb189/gabrielsbigtrip/?action=view&current=9-8-09168.flv)

Gabriel really liked this ride.

After that we headed over to Soarin ~ of course we loved it. We still had time before our ADR so we did the Nemo ride and checked out the aquariums in more detail. This is also a very good place to hang when it’s hot!
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb189/gabrielsbigtrip/9-8-09130.jpg
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb189/gabrielsbigtrip/9-8-09149.jpg
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb189/gabrielsbigtrip/9-8-09154.jpg

Gabriel also had a go at the Kiddie station:
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb189/gabrielsbigtrip/9-8-09146.jpg

We also hung out in Club Cool….we didn’t feel good. I was so upset that I was going to try the famous Le Cellier and I had that Blah stomach again:mad:.

We started towards Canada and stopped to get an ice cream for Gabriel. This was the biggest soft serve in a cup I have EVER seen!!!! I grabbed a free ice water there and quickly downed it. We grabbed a bench and I ended up getting two more refills of this water! I really don’t think I drank enough and maybe that was my problem the entire trip:idea:.

I actually started to feel a little bit better in my tummy. We headed to Canada and I sat down outside after checking in. Peter went off to explore. As I was sitting there - a lady came out of the restaurant exclaiming that she didn’t know what the big to do about ADR’s were because she was seated after a 15min wait with NO ADR! Well, that was a bit shocking to me but it was very slow and it was early for dinner.

Peter had made it overhead of me and was throwing ice at me to get my attention. It didn’t work and he had to actually call me because he was afraid of nailing someone else with his ice:sad2:.

I told him to get back down here because we would be called soon:mad:.

He returned and we were called in. The interior of Le Cellier fits us to the tee. He loved the woodworking and actually took a picture of the ceiling!

http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb189/gabrielsbigtrip/9-8-09159.jpg

Our server came out and was very nice. He told us we would have a different server that he was training. He also told us to mess with him. Of course my husband was all about that. I think the Trainer was Patrick and the Trainee was Erik?? Both were great!

I ordered the Filet with no fungus(mushrooms) & cream cheesed mashed potatoes. Peter ordered the Strip Steak. Gabriel wouldn’t eat anything but I ordered a kids meal anyway thinking Daddy could eat it and I wanted to try the cheese soup.

They brought out the breadsticks and Gabriel’s soup. I quickly devoured it by dipping the pretzel bread into the soup. VERY GOOD!

Our entrees came out and mine was so good. I had said I didn’t want the truffle sauce originally and the waiter suggested I get it on the side and just try it. I did and WOW! Dipping that tender steak into the rich sauce….oh man…..drooling now thinking about it.

Peter said his was good (it was a huge piece of steak) but mine was better. We both ended up getting the Chocolate Mouse and they brought us out Champagne for my B-day and Anniversary.

Le Cellier was great all around and it was definitely the best meal of the trip for me.

We headed out and visited the "Big Ball" again on our way.

Back to the resort………ughhhh, that Pop bus stop is so far away!

Well, we were leaving the next day and I really wanted to goto DTD to shop with my gift card! I have no idea where I was getting my energy from because we had all been up since 6:30 and touring in the heat. I let the boys rest while I packed most of everything.

I told Peter I would goto DTD by myself but he wanted to come too. So, against my mommy instinct away we went to the DTD bus stop.

When we arrived Gabriel was in a daze. I knew this was going to be a mistake. We checked out the art store and they didn’t have the painting or any prints of it either. We quickly walked through some of the stores but spent most of the time worrying about Gabriel. We ended up getting him Nemo Toys and a Handy Manny Toy. Peter took him outside so I could look but I really couldn’t get into anything because I felt so bad knowing how exhausted Gabriel must be.

I decided I would just have to look for something tomorrow and we headed home. Gabriel crashed on the bus. I was able to wake him to walk to the room - thank goodness!

Gabrielsbigtrip

10-12-2009, 09:06 PM

Great update! Love all the pics of Gabriel with his Mickey hat! I almost bought that this past trip, too! It's sooo cute!!!!!:cutie:

Sorry to hear you weren't feeling too hot! Hope you were okay the rest of the day!!!!:goodvibes

Thanks. The hat now resides in the back of my car (back window). It will probably get faded from the sun but I'd rather display it then stash it away. He is done wearing it now :)

I think we were just icky because we were exhausted, hot and dehydrated:confused3 I felt better after a down a buttload of water so I really think that may have been the problem.:thumbsup2

lklasing

10-12-2009, 09:09 PM

Great update! :thumbsup2

mommyof2Pirates

10-12-2009, 09:21 PM

Oh what a great rest of your bday. The meal sounds yummy! I am so glad you finally were hungry and enjoyed it.

princess&her4princes

10-12-2009, 09:39 PM

Great update...Love Le Celliar! So glad you were feeling a bit better so you could enjoy your dinner there. One of our favs!!!!:thumbsup2

Gabrielsbigtrip

10-13-2009, 12:29 PM

Great update! :thumbsup2
Thanks ~ BTW, I am loving the gym and I am using a trip to Disney as my goal:thumbsup2 It helps get me up at 5:15am when it's pitch dark:yay:

Oh what a great rest of your bday. The meal sounds yummy! I am so glad you finally were hungry and enjoyed it.
That meal was awesome. It is expensive there though. I doubt I would pay OOP but for a $20 tip - it was heaven:cloud9:

I don't think I've subbed to your trip report! I have to remedy that. I am so behind on my Dis!

Great update...Love Le Celliar! So glad you were feeling a bit better so you could enjoy your dinner there. One of our favs!!!!:thumbsup2

MMMMM, it was good::yes::

I just got my Photopass CD! I am not happy with the pics but there were a few I liked. I have to finish up our last day and then I'll post those.

I can't wait to see your pics - I know they are going to be awesome!

lklasing

10-13-2009, 01:51 PM

Thanks ~ BTW, I am loving the gym and I am using a trip to Disney as my goal:thumbsup2 It helps get me up at 5:15am when it's pitch dark:yay:

Perfect plan! :cheer2:

Gabes_mommy

10-13-2009, 03:37 PM

Gabrielsbigtrip

10-13-2009, 04:14 PM

Great update!!! I'm so glad you enjoyer LeCellier. Lucky you getting an ADR there. :goodvibes

I noticed Gabriel's Autism button in the picture of him at the Living Seas. It is really neat. When did you discover that he is Autistic? I hope that's not too personal. :flower3:

It was DELISH! I think because it was the day after Labor Day they had spots open. It really wasn't that busy.

The button kind of sucks because you can't really read it. I have had so many people drop down and say "awwwww what does your button say?" and then they realize and the back up like he has cooties. I think maybe they just feel foolish for bringing it up but they really shouldn't. I wouldn't put the thing on him if I cared to hide it:goodvibes I use it as a warning as well as a sign if would get lost.

No, it is not too personal of a question.

He is our only child. At 2.75 years, his PED said I should get him tested at Kennedy Kreiger. He was never sick really so the PED didn't see him but a handful of times - so I never knew there was a problem:confused3.

Gabriel didn't have alot of words (everyone said that was okay because so and so started talking so late). His eye contact wasn't good, he played with toys in different ways (lining up cars, blocks, crayons, etc). He acted like he was deaf (you'd have to call his name a few times to get his attention)- although I knew he wasn't because he'd be up in a flash as I tried to sneak out of his room when I put him down. He had some terrible tantrums:scared1:(of course, I chalked that up to the age). He seemd to be in his own world. I wasn't in denial or anything....I just didn't know a thing about Autism or any of it's spectrum disorders. I thought I just had a very active boy:yay:

Kennedy Kreiger tested him and then I opted to have a State program come out to our house for further testing, therapies. I liked them better than the renouned Kennedy Kreiger:confused3

I am not sure how much you know about Autism but I knew nothing at the time. Gabriel falls into the High Functioning Autistic spectrum. There is a saying "when you've met one autistic child, you've met one autistic child".

They diagnosed him after meetings, tests, and observations. He started school at 3 in a special class for children with Autism. He was kicked out;) into an adaptive class the following year because he was functioning higher than the rest of the group. He is still in an adaptive class now.

He is quite the quirky little boy:upsidedow and it would take alot more typing to expain how different he is. My husband and I live our lives day to day and it doesn't really affect us until we are in situations with other children. First of all, you can REALLY see the difference in our child compared to other children. Secondly, social settings are one of our biggest problems.

We are very lucky and for the most part he is a very good boy. Although last week, he did tell his teacher

"Mrs. So and So, You're PATHETIC".:headache:
Yep, that's from Spongebob. Squidward says it to be exact.

Sorry, that went on and on:rolleyes:

On a happier note!
I have your stuff boxed up and I just need to remember to bring it to work to get it mailed out:dance3:

PracPerfPatricia

10-15-2009, 10:14 PM

mousescrapper

10-20-2009, 12:54 PM

sorry I missed your last post about the great b-day dinner...glad your stomach woes passed enought to enjoy that spectular dinner! sorry you haven't found that present yet!

Here's hoping for a wonderful last day! pixiedust:

princess&her4princes

10-20-2009, 01:07 PM

Just checking in....hope you're well!!:goodvibes

Gabrielsbigtrip

10-20-2009, 01:08 PM

Hey- subbing on...

Enjoying your tr so far...I think your photos are lovely...especially loved the DC ones...:goodvibes

Gabriel is an absolutely beautiful boy...the missing teeth are too cute...

(btw...my favorite photo is actually the one is your siggie...I noticed it before in another tr and thought it was gorgeous...)

Sorry you didn't find Pop to be what you had hoped for...sounds like your were having a lot of fun though...

looking forward to more ...popcorn::

Thanks so much for the compliments. His teeth are FINALLY coming in:laughing:

The picture in my siggie is by Michael and Inessa Garmash and it's called Wonderful World. It looks so much like my Gabriel that he even asked if that was him:cloud9: It brings tears to my eyes when I look at it.....not sure why but I guess it captures an age that is long gone:sad:

sorry I missed your last post about the great b-day dinner...glad your stomach woes passed enought to enjoy that spectular dinner! sorry you haven't found that present yet!

Here's hoping for a wonderful last day! pixiedust:

Hey there :wave: Hope things are going okay for you.

Meh...the last day was kind of uneventful. I will try to post it soon though. I joined the gym and I just haven't had the time to put my thoughts together. Hopefully this week.

Gabrielsbigtrip

10-20-2009, 01:09 PM

Just checking in....hope you're well!!:goodvibes

Yep, just so busy......hey, stop worrying about me and post an update:lmao: I am dying to see your pictures:banana:

Charlefours

10-25-2009, 12:02 PM

I'm glad you thought the meal at Le Cellier was pretty good despite your tummy not feeling too hot. I hope you managed to find something with your birthday card. :)

I need to get back on track with working out. DH's parents gave us an elliptical machine because it was too hard for them to use so I really should not have an excuse but the energy is lacking and there are some many other things to do.

KathyRN137

10-26-2009, 10:22 AM

Hi!

I'm desperately trying to catch up with everyone before we leave Friday...

I'm really looking forward to our first meal at LeCellier; hard to believe someone got in without an ADR! The pretzel bread/cheese soup combo is making my mouth water!

Kathy

Charlefours

11-23-2009, 10:29 AM

Hey, I hope you and the family are doing well. How's the working out going?

princess&her4princes

11-23-2009, 10:37 AM

:surfweb:

Gabrielsbigtrip

11-23-2009, 10:41 AM

I know.....I suck.

Anyway, things have been :eek:

I hope to finally get my last day posted and will update/rant about life in general.

Wouldn't you know that Gabriel put a ZHU ZHU pet on his Christmas list:sad2:

Still working out but got sidetracked for a bit......

I haven't read anyone's trip reports either so at least I have that to look forward to when the weather gets bad.

:hippie:

mousescrapper

11-25-2009, 11:46 AM

Charlefours

12-01-2009, 12:29 PM

I'm so glad DD has not asked for a Zhu Zhu pet. Of course, she asked for a rocket ship! :rotfl: Thank you Mickey! :lmao: I told her that it is not possible yet but maybe when she gets older she can drive one! :)

Glad you are doing ok!

mousescrapper

12-15-2009, 11:23 AM

popcorn::

and I started my new PTR....when you get a chance stop by and say hi too :goodvibes

Gabrielsbigtrip

12-20-2009, 11:24 AM

ZHU ZHU huh....my Mom wnet to a specialty toy store the other day to pick up 2 things for Mae for Christmas and we she arrived...there was a seperate line wrapped out the store for those things....crazy...good luck w/ that :rotfl:

hope all is well and we'll be here when you get a chance to finish this up.

happy thanksgiving too!
J~

I'm so glad DD has not asked for a Zhu Zhu pet. Of course, she asked for a rocket ship! :rotfl: Thank you Mickey! :lmao: I told her that it is not possible yet but maybe when she gets older she can drive one! :)

Glad you are doing ok!

Hello all! SHEWWWW - has it been busy! Gabriel has been having some behavior issues at school and work has been a bear!

As for the Zhu Zhu's. I don't do shopping in crowds very well. I just love Amazon. Well Zhu Zhu's weren't available online! I had an old friend find me on Facebook and SHE GOT ME A CHUNK ZHU ZHU!!!! She also wouldn't let me pay her! Now I had the hampster but no toy for it to play on. I found a site called Shopko that had the accessories. I was able to get three different ones but not the blue ball that Gabriel wanted. I think he will be happy....I know I am.

To those Zhu Zhu resellers.....I don't think the words I have for them are okay to use on Dis:mad: With everyone cutting back I am sure and alot of people unemployed....here was a toy that was so in everyone's price range. Then to have people hoard them and try to sell them for 8 x's what they paid!

I hope everyone is doing well out there in DIS land! Since I have been snowed in here in MD....I am actually going to write up my last day and get this thing finished! Then maybe I can actually catch up on some trip reports....;)

I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas.

Gabrielsbigtrip

12-20-2009, 12:54 PM

So, it was our last day. I felt very bad because I pushed everyone a bit too much the day before. We had not been to MGM yet and I really was looking forward to Toy Story Mania.

In our experience, MGM wasn’t a good park with Gabriel. Since it was our last day I left it up to my husband to choose where to go.

We decided to hit Blizzard Beach again. I was bummed but it WAS hot! Blizzard Beach is usually where all three of us have a good time so it was the best choice for our last day.

I got up early and hit the eatery and brought back breakfast for my boys.

We were off to BB!

Since I already reviewed this once…..I will just say we loved it as usual. This time Gabriel found the Zip Line. I am not sure why I had never seen it before but this is where we spent a good portion of the day. Peter left us there and went to hit some of the more adventurous ride or the rides that we couldn’t do with Gabriel. Of course we hit the favorites with Gabriel and relaxed on the lazy river.

Here are some pictures from the day.

http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb189/gabrielsbigtrip/Disney%20Photopass/Image084.jpg
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb189/gabrielsbigtrip/Disney%20Photopass/Image086.jpg

This thing scared me but he LOVED it!
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb189/gabrielsbigtrip/9-7-09054.jpg

He actually HELD ON!
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb189/gabrielsbigtrip/9-7-09053.jpg
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb189/gabrielsbigtrip/Disney%20Photopass/Image089.jpg
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb189/gabrielsbigtrip/Disney%20Photopass/Image091.jpg
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb189/gabrielsbigtrip/Disney%20Photopass/Image100.jpg

I am not sure if this was from our trip earlier in the week or the last day...but it's on the lazy river
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb189/gabrielsbigtrip/9-7-09027.jpg
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb189/gabrielsbigtrip/9-7-09056.jpg

This picture.....the first item we just thought was hysterical. Talk about TMI!
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb189/gabrielsbigtrip/9-7-09057.jpg
I sure hope people abided by the sign although I am not sure you need to actually warn people of that.....maybe it's for the little ones but still do you really need to post it? I guess so, if that have.:rolleyes1

We had brought change of clothes and stuff to shower there. It's not as nice as showering at Discovery Cove but it was fine.

We headed back to POP and we had checked our bags earlier. While we waited on the Magical Express (shouldn't it be called the Boo Hoo Bus when it is taking you home?). I wondered in the gift shop to spend my birthday card money I still had. I got myself a sweatshirt and a picture frame Castle.

We boarded the bus and were off. It turned out our plane was delayed so we were at the airport for 4 hours I think. I bought a book and was fine. Luckily Gabriel had enough electronic devices to keep him occupied.

Needless to say....we got home later than expected and we had work and school the next day. UGHHH.

As you know we were very unhappy with the "sounds of POP". I would have to say our best times were Discovery Cove, Blizzard Beach and our dinner at Le Cellier.

This trip taught me that in our situation....it would be better to save up and stay where we really want to and also for a longer time. Our first trip was 10 days and boy did that spoil us.

I will post some of our photopass pictures although I did not like 98% of them! You'll get the 2% that were just okay. None of them blew me away.

I had fun sharing our short trip with you and now I will be off to try and read some PTR and TR!
:hippie: