Okay.. I left you with a tease... did I get a good night's sleep or not?
Well, ladies and gents... I DID!! The little angel crashed and burned! She was sound asleep all night! I even got to get up and take a shower while she still slept. And you know what's even better than THAT?! It's the day after Labor Day y'all! Everyone went HOME!! This is where you should hear the Hallelujah chorus.
Shae and I chilled a bit and had a nice slow morning while the boys got ready to get to Epcot for the EMH.
We hit the bus stop around 8:30 and made it to MK by around 9:15. I decided to just use the umbrella stroller, since we were going to MK and would probably end up parking the big one most of the time anyway.
We had just missed the rope drop, but that's fine because we didn't have to wait in any major lines. I decided to take her on a train ride for our first adventure. The train station was nearly empty... we walked back towards the rear of the train because I knew the front would be loud with the whistle and all. As we were waiting to depart, I heard the conductor ask some boys behind us if they wanted to say "All Aboaaaaard". They DECLINED!!! Seriously! WHAT!? I was wishing Shae was older so I could yell, "WE'LL DO IT!!" But I just sat there confused! Here's a pic from 2005 when Ty got to say it:
Highlight of the day for us. I guess I'm spoiled with a kid that's not embarassed to do that stuff... yet!
Here are some shots from the train ride. We had so much fun!
A better self portrait attempt:
I was going to get off of the train at ToonTown. We didn't get back there the other day, and I knew she would love to see where Mickey and Minnie live. Then the conductor announced that ToonTown doesn't open until ten. BUMMER.. it's only 9:30. Oh well, let's get off and mill around and see what's there.
It was empty! However, there was a cute little playground PERFECT for toddlers and it was available... AND it was covered from the sun!! I figured we could hang out and play until ToonTown opened and get in there first. That was the best decision I made that week. We found a little girl for Shae to follow around and they played great together. Then, at aroun 9:40, a CM came out and said that Mickey was coming out of his house. So.. we walked over to the rope.. Just the two families! And out comes MICKEY!! It was so cool to see him come out of his house first thing in the morning. Shae got to get right up close to him. She was in awe again!
Then, who do we see coming out?
DONALD!
By this time, another load of families had gotten off of the train. We saw the CM ask a boy if he wanted to be the first into Mickey's house! I was so jealous, but understood.. he was old enough to really get it. Shae... not so much! They took him around the rope to meet the gang. By this time, Goofy had joined in the fun!
You can see the boy.. he had red hair too!
Mickey grabbed his hand and escorted him into the famouse House of Mouse. What a COOL moment for that kid and his family! Not a few minutes later, they dropped the rope. Here's Shae wanting to go IN!!
As you can see, we were right by Mickey's front door. So as soon as they dropped the rope, we walked right in! We followed Mickey as he showed his special guest around. YES! We were in Mickey's house WITH MICKEY!! I was in heaven!!
We followed him out of his house and through his very well-kept garden.
Then, we followed him right into his tent. They took the family of honor in first.. but Shae and I were right at the head of the line!! We got to go right in. OF COURSE my camera batteries were dying...
I had the PhotoPass people take some pictures, but they didn't turn out well enough for me to buy them! I didn't really need any anyway, because this morning will be in my memories for a LONG time!!
As soon as we came out of the tent.. who did we spy next?! Shae's absolute favorite... MINNIE!!! She came skipping out of her house and was just skipping.. skipping.. skipping all around the area by her house. Her poor CM was having a heck of a time keeping up with her. I was cracking up!
I think Minnie was looking for someone to take into her house with her, but again.. Shae was a bit too small. Minnie found someone a bit older and grabbed her by the hand for a personal tour. Once again, we found ourselves in Minnies house WITH MINNIE!! The lovely Mouse paused in her sewing room to talk with the little girl. Shae took the opportunity to get right up there with her. It was precious!
And one last dramatic pose for the camera:
Shae enjoying the kitchen. She LOVED the cake in the oven!
Man... I was on such a high! I couldn't believe how empty the place was! So here's a
MAJOR TODDLER TIP!! Get to MK when the park opens or shortly thereafter. Hop on the train and take it to the back of the park. Play on the the playground and in Donald's boat (which was also open) until Mickey comes out around 9:45 to open Town Town. You'll be the first ones in!
We had plenty of time to ride several rides too! We did the Teacups, Winnie the Pooh ( three times!), Peter Pan's Flight, It's a Small World. The wait times were non-existent!! It was a GREAT morning. Sorry no more pics.. but the camera died.
I was so excited to get home and tell the boys about our morning. We hopped a bus back home to meet them for lunch. I think Matt was a bit jealous. He and Ty had agreat time, don't get me wrong... but they did all of the stuff they always do! And I had some fabulous new experiences.. and got to see Shaelyn's reaction to it all!!
What a great morning! But it didn't stop there. Next episode: Daddy takes nap duty, while Ty and I tackle MGM again! LMA and Stars and Cars!!
Hope DH feels better!
I have to say Michelles replies to your TR were awesome
That is a great tip about taking the train and waiting for toontown rope drop. How cool is that to be in Mickey and Minnie's houses for a PERSONAL tour? The pictures that you were able to take are just great. Oh, and congrats on the great night of sleep, I'm sure that helped Shae's mood.
After lunch, Shaelyn crashed. We had such a full morning, she was asking for nap time!
She wasn't too bad, but it took a couple of tries to park it at MGM. What was the best part, was how supportive all of the boat riders were of her! When she finally docked it correctly, everyone cheered! I just love Disney! The couple reminded me again of how Matt and I are going to retire to WDW and work there as cute little old people. Every time we go, we find new jobs that we would want to do. I think we'd make a great team as a boat couple!
