9/12 great article ! Who am I to say no to going to WDW?

[MaryAz]

The bus lady was UNREAL-are you kidding me??? Those CM pics were very cute! Glad Luke got his bottle and you made some $$ Hurray for the tooth fairy!

 

[micandminforever]

Great group pictures, and I love the Donald and Daisy shirts.

 

[Charleston Princess]

Oh. My. Gosh. Was the woman on the bus for real? What an idiot!

Looks like you had a great time at Chef Mickey's -- everyone is just beaming and I love that Em got over her fear of the characters!

Oh, those Mommy bags -- what a trial they are to us! Glad you found the bottle eventually though.

 

[ladybugmom]

GREAT update, Laura!! WOW--the nerve of that lady! Some people think it's all about them, don't they?! I can't believe there weren't any men that got up to let you, your kiddos, and your dad sit down! That's ridiculous! We only experienced something like this once on our trip. It made me thankful we were staying at the Poly and had other modes of transportation! CRAZY!! I LOVE all of the family pics of ya'll at CM! So glad to hear the characters weren't rushing--I sure felt rushed at our breakfast there! And I really like your matching Daisy shirts! I've not been able to find shirts for me, Ally, & Claire that match---soooo cute!! Glad you found your bottle! Can't wait to read more!

 

[brookelizabeth]

The ordeal on the bus just irked me! I would have been thinking "Lady, since I don't have a seat, the aisle is my seat - so technically your child's head is in my seat!"

I chuckled when she thought the monorail doesn't run anymore. HA! RIDE THE CROWDED BUSES LADY!! No monorail for you!!

Okay, I'm mean.



I'll be nice - I do hope it was her first bus ride and she learned the ropes, and that the monorail still runs, and some manners!

You guys look SO CUTE in your matching shirts at CM! Excellent pictures!!!

And the Luke meltdown...oh...its awful with the crying baby - ugh. I've so been there with the overloaded Mommy bag.

 

[Flossbolna]

What a day!! Waiting for a bus can be really bad if you want to be somewhere at a specific time! We once waited 45 min for the bus to take us to DHS for RD. Of course by the time we got there, the wait for TSM was already 40 min.

Love your matching t-shirts!!

 

[MEK]

Yes you read right, my five year old was standing, as well as my 60 year old dad with a 10 month old--that is just crazy to me. But it gets better.... we were going along, not far at this point when the woman to my left pokes me and says excuse me. I said yes, and then got this back- can you please watch your bags you might wake the baby! Let me create this visual for you all. This grandma had her granddaughter's entire head in the aisle. The mother was beside her, and all it would have taken was for the mom to hold the sleeping baby if she was that worried. (it was a two year old probably)

I had two bags, trying to keep my five year old safe and she was worried about me disturbing her, who was in the aisle. I could not believe it. Then it continued to crack me up as I listened to their conversation... we were passing the monorail track --- that is where they used to ride that monorail, it is not used anymore, just buses now (needless to say they were novices, I hope this was their first bus ride and that they would get a clue about crowded buses)


then I had the sinking feeling... did I forget the bottle. I for the life of me could not find it, so when Hannah and my mom met up with us, I sent them off to Buzz while I was headed to Baby care to buy a bottle --- and got the didn't you check before you left look from mom!

So I unloaded Luke at the Baby Care... and was a sweaty mess after the fast and furious search for the bottle. We went in to buy the bottle, and I got one there, a different kind but I figured he would be fine. Then I went to make the bottle... and yes, you know what I found the the backpack- the darn bottle. That gives you a clue to how much stuff I had with me....

Oh good Lord! What a visual I am getting from this. I think I would have wacked that woman with one of my bags. Wake the baby??????? "Yeah - I'll really wake the baby when I slip and fall on them while adjusting my 2 ton back pack while I'm holding onto my 5 year". Uggghhhh!

And then misplacing the bottle. I don't know whether to laugh or cry! Kuddos to you for juggling all that!

 

[moparop]

UGH, people like that make me so frustrated. It's not like you are setting out to make people's lives miserable -- so "fun" when they act like you are!

Glad to hear you found someone who needed a bottle!

 

[Lady Lallie]

UGH to transportation drama! What a pain in the rear. And that woman on the bus....PUL-LEASE! It's hard enough having to stand on a bus and then to worry about your kids and backpacks and RUDE people. Pfffft!

I love all of your matching shirts, super cute! So glad that Chef Mickey's was a hit with everyone.

I'm very worried about the bus ride home that was worse!

 

[cjackearl]

Oh my, sometimes it would be nice to get into those crazy people's heads so we could see their crazy perspectives. I'm glad your family made it to the Contemporary without injury!

Your CM pictures are darling. Good idea to take the picture of Luke with Minnie BEHIND him. And the one of your family with Pluto is super cute.

Glad you found Luke's bottle and getting rid of the other one, bonus.

 

[mylag1rl]

Great updates Laura ... the photopass pics are very good. Don't feel bad about the vacation blow ups and meltdowns. It happens to every family. You are trying so hard to make great family memories but have to tolerate the heat and stay a step ahead of the crowds.

I love the family pics in the Daisy and Donald shirts ... very cute.

 

[thegreggersmom]

Great report! Are your parents from St. Louis? I noticed your dad was wearing a Forest Park Boathouse shirt.

 

[FairyGodmotherJen]

We love Chef Mickey's - I went with my parents when I was a kid, and now we go once a trip (DH is lobbying for twice on the next one, but I think no - too many other places to try!). I'm glad you had a good time.

I'm with LL - I'm a bit worried about the next bus trip if it's worse!!!

 

[IluvXU]

Some people have quite the nerve! I think you handled the bus situation well.

I love that first group picture with Donald. It is like Em is looking over at Luke to make sure he is having a good time.

I think that what really made me crazy was that I had done nothing wrong. Disney fills buses, therefore people stand.

That Donald pic is one of my favorites too.

Okay, so I am sure you realize that we are all laughing WITH you WITH you, not at you... but this has certainly been a story to tell!!!! GOODness!!! That said:

1. The people on the bus -- GET real.
2. The busses in general, sometimes I think Disney must change the busses around just to keep people guessing! UGH.

AND finally

3. That photo of you and your family with DONALD, is hands down the best photo of all of you and so adorable and full of energy that it belongs on Disney literature!!! I expect to see it on a brochure in the near future!!! Your matching shirts, your amazing smiles, Truly. The best.

And then, I read that the saga isn't over and there is more??? Oh I have to keep my hat on for this one!!!

I am glad you all could laugh. I was speechless, then mad. They were at Chef Mickey's too- I hope the characters skipped them.

Our evening ends -- thankfully!

The bus lady was UNREAL-are you kidding me??? Those CM pics were very cute! Glad Luke got his bottle and you made some $$ Hurray for the tooth fairy!

I would love to have heard that lady touring the parks--- she was an idiot!

Great group pictures, and I love the Donald and Daisy shirts.

I love those shirts. I hope we can fit in them next summer... the only worry is Luke, the girls should be fine.

Oh. My. Gosh. Was the woman on the bus for real? What an idiot!

Looks like you had a great time at Chef Mickey's -- everyone is just beaming and I love that Em got over her fear of the characters!

Oh, those Mommy bags -- what a trial they are to us! Glad you found the bottle eventually though.

I keep thinking next time I got to WDW for a park trip I will not have two bags (no matter what!)

GREAT update, Laura!! WOW--the nerve of that lady! Some people think it's all about them, don't they?! I can't believe there weren't any men that got up to let you, your kiddos, and your dad sit down! That's ridiculous! We only experienced something like this once on our trip. It made me thankful we were staying at the Poly and had other modes of transportation! CRAZY!! I LOVE all of the family pics of ya'll at CM! So glad to hear the characters weren't rushing--I sure felt rushed at our breakfast there! And I really like your matching Daisy shirts! I've not been able to find shirts for me, Ally, & Claire that match---soooo cute!! Glad you found your bottle! Can't wait to read more!

Oh... the men got what they deserve on the way home that night. I am sure that my mom and I both saw a sign on the buses saying priority seats for elderly, handicap and young children--- I am in awe that people don't do this.

The ordeal on the bus just irked me! I would have been thinking "Lady, since I don't have a seat, the aisle is my seat - so technically your child's head is in my seat!"

I chuckled when she thought the monorail doesn't run anymore. HA! RIDE THE CROWDED BUSES LADY!! No monorail for you!!

Okay, I'm mean.



I'll be nice - I do hope it was her first bus ride and she learned the ropes, and that the monorail still runs, and some manners!

You guys look SO CUTE in your matching shirts at CM! Excellent pictures!!!

And the Luke meltdown...oh...its awful with the crying baby - ugh. I've so been there with the overloaded Mommy bag.

Brooke that cracked me up... she was in my spot!

What a day!! Waiting for a bus can be really bad if you want to be somewhere at a specific time! We once waited 45 min for the bus to take us to DHS for RD. Of course by the time we got there, the wait for TSM was already 40 min.

Love your matching t-shirts!!

Disney shopping deal this spring-- I think we got all five for less than 20!

Oh good Lord! What a visual I am getting from this. I think I would have wacked that woman with one of my bags. Wake the baby??????? "Yeah - I'll really wake the baby when I slip and fall on them while adjusting my 2 ton back pack while I'm holding onto my 5 year". Uggghhhh!

And then misplacing the bottle. I don't know whether to laugh or cry! Kuddos to you for juggling all that!

I think I just was in panic mode... Luke screams when he sees you making a bottle, and I worried all week about losing something or forgetting things.

UGH, people like that make me so frustrated. It's not like you are setting out to make people's lives miserable -- so "fun" when they act like you are!

Glad to hear you found someone who needed a bottle!

How are you feeling---how is your

UGH to transportation drama! What a pain in the rear. And that woman on the bus....PUL-LEASE! It's hard enough having to stand on a bus and then to worry about your kids and backpacks and RUDE people. Pfffft!

I love all of your matching shirts, super cute! So glad that Chef Mickey's was a hit with everyone.

I'm very worried about the bus ride home that was worse!

Chef Mickey's is fun, I think it gets a harsh rap, but there is nowhere else you see those characters..

Oh my, sometimes it would be nice to get into those crazy people's heads so we could see their crazy perspectives. I'm glad your family made it to the Contemporary without injury!

Your CM pictures are darling. Good idea to take the picture of Luke with Minnie BEHIND him. And the one of your family with Pluto is super cute.

Glad you found Luke's bottle and getting rid of the other one, bonus.

Yes, we did not need the bottle, we saved the grandma a few steps.

Great updates Laura ... the photopass pics are very good. Don't feel bad about the vacation blow ups and meltdowns. It happens to every family. You are trying so hard to make great family memories but have to tolerate the heat and stay a step ahead of the crowds.

I love the family pics in the Daisy and Donald shirts ... very cute.

This fortunately was the day of downs... the rest was smooth.

Great report! Are your parents from St. Louis? I noticed your dad was wearing a Forest Park Boathouse shirt.

No, they/we love St. Louis and that area.

We love Chef Mickey's - I went with my parents when I was a kid, and now we go once a trip (DH is lobbying for twice on the next one, but I think no - too many other places to try!). I'm glad you had a good time.

I'm with LL - I'm a bit worried about the next bus trip if it's worse!!!

I am interested in trying Chef Mickey's for breakfast... it would be a fun way to start a day.

 

[DreaGirl]

OMGosh! You are nicer than me friend because I would have send something rather snarky I'm afraid. I also would have found a way to swing my bag, just right.

Sorry about the bottle meltdown. B. is the same way, sometimes it gives me an anxiety attack trying to get it ready when we are out and about.

Chef Mickey's looks so fun, and like everyone else, love the matching shirts.

I'm scared to see what the bus ride home holds.

 

[lmillercrew]

I love how Hannah puts her arms in front of her and crosses her hands when she's getting her picture taken with a character. Emily's piggy tails! She is such a cutie. And Hannah gives her the biggest hugs!
Dontcha just love people? I can't believe that someone would say that to you on a crowded bus!!!! Like where are you supposed to go with your two backpacks??
Can't wait to hear about another bus moment!

 

[FairyGodmotherJen]

I am interested in trying Chef Mickey's for breakfast... it would be a fun way to start a day.

We did Chef Mickey's for breakfast in Sept. last year (yes, he got me to go twice in one trip). I didn't like it as much as dinner - I'd have preferred to go to Crystal Palace. But that could be because the only ADR I could get was at 9:00, which meant the rest of the morning was SHOT (plus it was our last day in the parks). Not the best planning in the world on my part. But we did see Minnie deliver a birthday cake to the girl sitting next to us (yes, at 9:30 a.m.), and Minnie really played it up. I think the girl was turning 12, and she loved it. That was really neat - I'd never gotten a chance seen them do that at dinner.

 

[IluvXU]

OMGosh! You are nicer than me friend because I would have send something rather snarky I'm afraid. I also would have found a way to swing my bag, just right.

Sorry about the bottle meltdown. B. is the same way, sometimes it gives me an anxiety attack trying to get it ready when we are out and about.

Chef Mickey's looks so fun, and like everyone else, love the matching shirts.

I'm scared to see what the bus ride home holds.

I was trying to be the better person. I also envisioned the "rookie" mistakes they had probably made the time that they wasted, and enjoyed that.

I love how Hannah puts her arms in front of her and crosses her hands when she's getting her picture taken with a character. Emily's piggy tails! She is such a cutie. And Hannah gives her the biggest hugs!
Dontcha just love people? I can't believe that someone would say that to you on a crowded bus!!!! Like where are you supposed to go with your two backpacks??
Can't wait to hear about another bus moment!

Hannah and the pictures... she used to be so easy to get darling pictures with great smiles, now not so much.

We did Chef Mickey's for breakfast in Sept. last year (yes, he got me to go twice in one trip). I didn't like it as much as dinner - I'd have preferred to go to Crystal Palace. But that could be because the only ADR I could get was at 9:00, which meant the rest of the morning was SHOT (plus it was our last day in the parks). Not the best planning in the world on my part. But we did see Minnie deliver a birthday cake to the girl sitting next to us (yes, at 9:30 a.m.), and Minnie really played it up. I think the girl was turning 12, and she loved it. That was really neat - I'd never gotten a chance seen them do that at dinner.

I wish Minnie would deliver me a cake on my birthday!

 

[IluvXU]

I met back up with my family after our Buzz ride and we were off to Fantasyland. We had Peter Pan FPs that were burning a hole in my pocket!

My girls wanted to attempt to pull the sword out...

and of course Em thought she could...

We enjoyed a ride on Peter Pan and then hit It's a Small World. I must say I was sad that the front was be rehabbed, it certainly was not pretty to look at, and it was hard to see the line. I also think some people passed it by, thinking it was closed or missing it completely.

Emily adores it, it was her second ride. It was Luke's first time though....

He was so busy looking around, he loved it. He clapped and just could not get enough of it. The video of him on this is precious. I know my boy won't love it long, so I soaked it up this trip!

My mom kept the little ones... and we were off to the Wildest Ride in the Wilderness... again I was thrilled to be back on this ride after last trip sitting it out! We found a spot in Frontierland, and promised treats to Em if she cooperated for Grandma!

After the wild ride we got ready for the parade! Spectromagic is my favorite nighttime entertainment... I think we could watch it every night!

We got some Lemonade Slushies again....

and Luke loved the glow in the dark necklaces...

The rings Anita were a huge hit--- thanks again!

The parade was of course enjoyed by all. Then we decided to use our last FPs for Splash Mountain before heading out. This is where I got my stupid mom moment... I knew Em was close to 40 inches, so we tried it.... and she made it all the way to loading, when the guy stopped us from her sitting down and measured... too short. So she cried, I walked the exit of shame steps (the bridge over the boats) and she was beside herself. I felt bad, but I knew she was close and would love it. Em really never recovered, so as Wishes started and dh, Hannah and my dad were riding we promised Em a treat for her tears to stop. She had seen a Peter Pan Playset over at the Pirates exit, so on our way out we bought it for her. I got to see parts of Wishes, from a poor Splash Mountain location... no Tink for me! I still need to see it... maybe next year!

We made our way out..

and to the buses. There was a bit of a line for CSR, but not too bad considering Wishes had recently ended. This is where I made the second stupid mom moment. The bus was "full" when I got up front, and the bus driver said there was room. We should have waited, but stupidly I got on, with three tired kids, a stroller and two backpacks. Unfortunately... there were no seats, and again we had issues. Someone got up so my mom sat down, with Luke and Hannah squeezed in. Em was by me, standing, she did not want to be held, and of course again... no one got up to let her sit or squeeze in. The lady next to my mom was shocked, she had a kid on her lap or probably would have taken Em. So this did Emily in... she was still made about Splash and she was forces to stand. She cried, wailing the entire way back. I could do nothing to appease her, and to be honest I thought let them all hear it, all she wanted to do was sit! I could not get Hannah to get up, she was beat too.... so it was a miserable ride back to CSR. There were at least five teenage/ young adult men that could have spared everyone by getting up and giving Em a seat... instead she cried. I felt horrible for her, but once again was amazed at how inconsiderate people are. I would never make a little kid cry or stand ever on a bus!

Finally... it seemed like years later we got off and went to our rooms- which were not clean- you have got to be kidding me! We called Housekeeping, the head CM spoke to us, said she found the note we signed and apologized for their oversite, she said the housekeeper did not tell her that it still needed to be cleaned at the end of her shift. Oh well, they brought some towels, and we survived, but our impressions of CSR kept going down.... we have never had issues like this before at any Disney resort.

Up next --- Hollywood Studios here we come!

 

[Lady Lallie]

Oh my. Poor Em! And I can't believe with her crying that NO ONE got up. My goodness! People. Pffft. So inconsiderate.