How I Survived 11 Days at WDW with a Disney-Resistant Husband **2/20 THE END **

[klacey1]

What a beautiful painting! Your living room is so fresh and uncluttered-- the painting matches it perfectly!

 

[CdnCarrie]

I LOVE your living room!

 

[heaven2dc]

What a beautiful relaxing living room! and your mother-in-law's painting is beautiful She did a great job

 

[Wicket's Mom]

I,too, love the blue & white of the room. It looks so coastal, which to me is a good thing. Anything that reminds me of a beach is a winner!

 

[KNJWDW]

I just discovered your TR and spent the weekend reading it - you do such a fantastic job writing it! Also, that painting is beautiful. What a wonderful MIL you have. However, just how do you keep your furniture white with 2 kiddos?! You must tell us your secret.

Amy

 

[seamama71]

Beautiful painting by your MIL! I thought, before I read your words, that I was looking at a magazine photo you had posted -- what a great room!

 

[SoonerGirl]

I love the painting your MIL did, and it looks gorgeous in your living room!

 

[mkluvsmickey]

Hey girl, all caught up here again. First off, the picture your MIL painted is gorgeous! And so is your living room.

Too funny about Chris in the American Girl store. Sam and I visited our first one in Atlanta this summer. She was in girl heaven and I loved seeing her in such awe of the place. I know she'd love to visit one of the bigger stores someday.

Love your pictures with the characters at Crystal Palace. Space Mountain is a great way to start your day! We also love the speedway even though it gets a lot of complaints.

So, where did Chris go when you were in line? He just didn't want to battle the crowds and decided to meet back up with you?

Thanks for the reminder of The Last Lecture. I've been wanting to read that and totally forgot about it. Just added to my list of books to read.

 

[norybell]

What a beautiful painting! I want one!

 

[declansdad]

Great painting!

 

[TwiddleDeeTwiddleDum]

Your living room is so pretty

Your MIL did a great job on the painting - what a family treasure

I feel your pain over your husband's behavior in the line. My husband has pulled this stunt before - walking away & not saying a word. You're going to have to train him to stop doing that

 

[LilAnn]

I love your living room! Actually, I love your house as every photo you have posted of it, I am in love with.

Sorry to hear about Chris' little detour at MK. We had a similar experience with my BIL one trip. My niece and nephew were bickering and fighting with each other for a while and I guess he just got fed up with the two of them and stormed off right as we got seated for a lunch ADR. I guess sometimes Disney doesn't make everything magical for everyone.

 

[eandesmom]

about AG! That is just a riot. And too cute for words.

Another Rope Drop at the Magic Kingdom




After that, we headed over to the Speedway. This attraction can get backlogged very quickly, so it is always a good idea to hit it as early as possible. Even shortly after park opening, there were a fair bit of people ahead of us in line and we probably had to wait at least 10 minutes to get on.

While this ride gets a lot of flak, both the kids and I love it. Chris - not so much! I expect the 2mph speed limit probably bores him!

Jeff shares Chris's pain on this one, we checked the wait time several times on the trip but it was never first on our list of things when we did arrive early and as a result, we never made it on it. It really should be a FP ride.

By the time we arrived at the Toontown entrance around 9:40am, there were already quite a few people gathered around. I had a couple of ideas for what we could do here once it opened. First - if Goofy was out, I thought it would be fun to try to get on the 1st Barnstormer to ride along with Goofy in the same "plane".

However, I thought that both kids would enjoy meeting Mickey and Minnie in the Judge's Tent, so that was to be our destination of choice if we didn't see Goofy at rope drop.

Unfortunately, I hadn't started to realize at that point just how little patience Chris has for lines. There were probably about 20-30 people gathered around the Toontown Rope Drop entrance, and we were about 10 or so people from the front. Chris started saying something to the effect of "All we ever do is wait in lines here", but I was kinda too busy to pay much attention between zipping up this bag or that, putting away tickets, taking out the camcorderer, ect., ect.

After a couple minutes standing there in line, while I had my head burried deep in the underneath compartment of the double jogging stroller trying to dig sunscreen for the kids out of the backpack, I heard Chris mutter something and finally looked up to see him walking away.

I called out to him as I had no idea where he was going, but it was very noisy and he was already a good distance away and couldn't hear me.

I then asked the kids what he had said, and they hadn't heard him either. I have a vague recollection that they may have been fighting over elbow room in the stroller at the time.

So now what was I supposed to do? It was 9:45am and Rope Drop would be happening any minute. I had no idea where Chris was going, or when he would be back. Neither of us had any cell phones. If I left the line to try and find him, we would lose our spots, and neither the ride on the Barnstormer with Goofy or the photos in the Judges Tent would happen as we would not be able to wait in the 45 minute line ups that form later in the day.

I thought of the possibilities. He may have left for the washroom. He may have gone to buy a drink. He may have had enough of the line and went to sit down. He may have had enough of the Park and went to catch a bus back to the Resort. Unlikely...but I couldn't completely rule it out.

I looked around at other families around us in line, most of whom all seemed excited and happy with the Rope Drop moment that was about to occur and wished for the countless time on this trip that my family could share a love of the parks like that.

Ultimately I decided to stick it out in the line. I had everything I needed - room key, park tickets, cameras, stroller, park backpack, ect. Hopefully Chris would be back, but if he wasn't, we would stick around until our Lunch ADR at the Plaza as planned and then make our way back to the Beach Club.

I kept looking over my shoulder and trying to scan the crowd for Chris right up until Rope Drop. Finally, the CMs came and the final rope drop countdown began. Then, we were off.

Unfortunately, there was no sign of Goofy at Rope Drop, like we have seen on past trips. So it wasn't looking good for a Goofy ride-along opportunity.

As we got up to the stroller parking outside the Barnstromer and Mickey and Minnie's House, Chris showed up. I knew at this point that making our way into the Judges' Tent to wait in a line for photos with Mickey and Minnie was not going to be something he would want to do. So although there was no Goofy in sight, we still set out for the Barnstormer and managed to be the first ones in line to ride. Although the kids had already tackled the 3 Mountains, they still enjoyed the more modest Barnstormer ride. So much so that we did it 2 times in a row.

Ok that would have stressed me out. We always carry our cell phones which helps my blood pressure a lot! I'm glad they got to enjoy Barnstormer twice, that helps make it worth it.

what a lovely painting! I love the colors of your LR, makes me feel like I'm on vacation looking at it! The art is perfect in there, lovely contrast.

 

[cdotla]

That is an absolutely beautiful print....what a talented lady! BTW, I love your living room, it's so bright a cheery!!!

Thanks Queen. I will be sure to pass the compliment onto my MIL. She is very modest, although she did make me promise to pass on any comments we may received about it. It will make her feel really good, I am sure!

Great updates. I am glad your Hubby likes the AG stuff. Mine does too. Yay for another good meal at CP. Thanks for posting where the Randy P tribute is. I will have to take a pic on our next trip. Such an inspiring man he was. I continue to be a litte sad for you as you tell about the "less magical" parts of the trip. I am glad you were able to have fun anyway.

Thanks Mary! It is definitely worth stopping to look at the Randy Pausch memorial. Very moving!!!

Beautiful! Did she always do or enjoy art, or was the course completely on a whim? She's obviously talented!!!

She has actually always had an interest in art, and used to draw/paint to a limited degree when her kids were first born. But having 4 kids, and a very busy life, she put it aside for years, and has just seriously taken it back up in the last number of years since her husband passed away.

She is really getting a lot of enjoyment out of the classes, and loves experimenting with new mediums, such as the canvas painting she recently did, and then gifted to us.

Chris and I are very happy we called "dibs" on it before any of her other 3 kids could stake a claim to it.

I absolutely love your white furniture!!!! Where did you get it? Is it easy to keep clean (slipcovers?)

Well....we moved into our house when Declan was less than a month old, and he just turned 5 at the end of June. And apart from the recent addition of Chris' mom's painting, the room has looked the same since that time.

The white sofa and chairs are from Restoration Hardware. They are slip covers, so when you want to wash them, you just take them off and throw them in the washer. (It is kinda a pain in the *** to do it though - you have to really push and pull to get them back on). However, they have kept really well - they look as new now as when we bought them 5 years ago.

First off let me say that you have the patience of a Saint!!! It must feel frustrating for you when Chris loses his patience with any lines at WDW because, let's face it, that is all part of the experience at WDW Hopefully, on your next trip, he'll find more enjoyment and have more patience since your friends will be around you. I loved the picture that your MIL painted and the colors look absolutely perfect in your living room! You really have an eye for decorating because your living room looks so inviting. Looking forward to hearing about your lunch at The Plaza. I hope you didn't have too long of a wait to get in though.

Thank you! My MIL will be happy to hear your nice feedback on her painting!

Lunch at the Plaza was....well, not exactly what we expected. More on that later! But at least we didn't have to wait....we had an ADR!

That is a beautiful painting and I'm actually an art history teacher so I speak with authority It fits perfectly in that space and matches the walls as well. Did you have to repaint or was that just lucky?

Really? Oh wow...I will be sure to pass on your comments to my MIL - that will make her day!

And no - we didn't have to repaint at all. It has been like that for the last 5 years. I was worried the blue in the painting may not be enough contrast from the blue paint on the walls, but I am glad to hear other feedback that it goes together nicely!

What a beautiful painting! Your living room is so fresh and uncluttered-- the painting matches it perfectly!

Thank you!

I LOVE your living room!

Thanks!

What a beautiful relaxing living room! and your mother-in-law's painting is beautiful She did a great job

Thanks so much! I will be sure to pass all the positive comments along to my MIL! The feedback will really make her feel happy!

I,too, love the blue & white of the room. It looks so coastal, which to me is a good thing. Anything that reminds me of a beach is a winner!

Thank you! We live on the beach, so there are many coastal aspects incorporated throughout our home.

 

[2xcited2sleep]

OMG! Gorgeous painting and living room overall. Love it!!!!!

 

[cdotla]

I just discovered your TR and spent the weekend reading it - you do such a fantastic job writing it! Also, that painting is beautiful. What a wonderful MIL you have. However, just how do you keep your furniture white with 2 kiddos?! You must tell us your secret.

Amy

Welcome Amy! Thanks so much for posting!

Yes...I agree. It was pretty nice of my MIL to send us that painting, which was the 1st one of that size and scale she has ever painted. She also footed the $250 UPS bill to get it to us!!! Pretty nice, huh?

As for the furniture...knock on wood, we haven't had too many mishaps or disasters in there yet. We have had slight amounts of black coffee and red wine fall on parts of it, but it is scotch-guared, and I go into full recovery mode quickly when that happens so the stains don't set.

There is no tv in there, so we are not lounging on the couch everyday eating snacks on it. However, we do a lot of entertaining there, and hang out in there a lot as a family to relax, read books or chat.

So overall, I would say the secret to keeping the furniture white is a little bit of luck, and a lot of scotch-guard!

Beautiful painting by your MIL! I thought, before I read your words, that I was looking at a magazine photo you had posted -- what a great room!

Wow - what a compliment! Thank you!

I love the painting your MIL did, and it looks gorgeous in your living room!

Thanks Michelle! I will pass that along!

Hey girl, all caught up here again. First off, the picture your MIL painted is gorgeous! And so is your living room.

Too funny about Chris in the American Girl store. Sam and I visited our first one in Atlanta this summer. She was in girl heaven and I loved seeing her in such awe of the place. I know she'd love to visit one of the bigger stores someday.

Love your pictures with the characters at Crystal Palace. Space Mountain is a great way to start your day! We also love the speedway even though it gets a lot of complaints.

So, where did Chris go when you were in line? He just didn't want to battle the crowds and decided to meet back up with you?

Thanks for the reminder of The Last Lecture. I've been wanting to read that and totally forgot about it. Just added to my list of books to read.

Thanks so much Michelle!

I am sure Sam would love the bigger AG stores with the restaurant. I was in the Atlanta store twice. It is a great store, but you are right...it is a much different experience in the larger NY and LA stores. I am pretty sure Chicago (where Chris visited) is the largest, although I haven't been there yet.

I really hope Chris' work brings him to NY in Nov or Dec so that Katie and I can "tag along" for a day or two and visit the NY store without having to pay the crazy hotel prices to stay at a decent hotel in Manhattan at that time!

As for where Chris went while we were in line at Toontown....I honestly can't remember what exactly he left for...washroom, drink, or just a break. Yes it was frustrating, but I was just glad he didn't decide to go back to the BC!

And you really should pick up the Last Lecture. It is a quick, easy read and I have found myself going back to re-read it a couple of times.

What a beautiful painting! I want one!

Thank you!

Great painting!

Thanks Darcy!

Your living room is so pretty

Your MIL did a great job on the painting - what a family treasure

I feel your pain over your husband's behavior in the line. My husband has pulled this stunt before - walking away & not saying a word. You're going to have to train him to stop doing that

That is a nice phrase - family treasure. You are right - that is what it is. I will have to pass that comment for sure along to my MIL. She will love hearing that!

As for Chris -he actually did tell me that he was leaving. I just didn't hear him.

I love your living room! Actually, I love your house as every photo you have posted of it, I am in love with.

Sorry to hear about Chris' little detour at MK. We had a similar experience with my BIL one trip. My niece and nephew were bickering and fighting with each other for a while and I guess he just got fed up with the two of them and stormed off right as we got seated for a lunch ADR. I guess sometimes Disney doesn't make everything magical for everyone.

Thank you!

It still amazes me that being in WDW doesn't bring out the best in everyone...it certainly does with me!

 

[cdotla]

about AG! That is just a riot. And too cute for words.

Jeff shares Chris's pain on this one, we checked the wait time several times on the trip but it was never first on our list of things when we did arrive early and as a result, we never made it on it. It really should be a FP ride.

Ok that would have stressed me out. We always carry our cell phones which helps my blood pressure a lot! I'm glad they got to enjoy Barnstormer twice, that helps make it worth it.

what a lovely painting! I love the colors of your LR, makes me feel like I'm on vacation looking at it! The art is perfect in there, lovely contrast.

I agree with your amusement on the Chris-AG connection...didn't see that one coming! Up until now he always rolled his eyes at the amount of AG stuff I would cart home from my trips to the States.

Wouldn't it be nice if the Speedway had FP?

As for the cell phones...because we are from Canada, the cost of using our phones is prohibitively expensive. In 2007, we used our phones during our trip for about 5-10 minutes each. When we got home, we had a $250 cell phone bill that month for US roaming charges!

While there are packages you can purchase for discounted US roaming charges, I only purchased one for me as I knew I would have to be calling work. Yes, I know...cheap-o me didn't get one for Chris so we could have used our phones to call each other in the Parks.

However...we are totally prepared for the next trip as Chris recently bought the family some pretty high-tech (and expensive) long range walkie-talkies. So we will be packing those next time!

And thanks for your comments on the painting!

 

[cdotla]

OMG! Gorgeous painting and living room overall. Love it!!!!!

Thanks Christine!

 

[MagicShell]

So did you ever find out where your husband went when he left you at rope drop? I can't imagine being in WDW without cell phones now that we have been there with them.

I also love your living room and your new painting. How sweet of your MIL to give it to you and pay for shipping. I am sure that painting will be very special to your family for many years.

 

[DrMomof3]

Too funny about AG!!!!
Sorry about Chris walking off at Toontown. Ugh.
Love the painting!

Amanda