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

[PrincessInOz]

Sorry I've been MIA. I've picked up another cold and have been laid up in bed all week!

I loved catching up on all your updates.... and that painting looks fantastic in your living room. It's practically a prefect match!

The 17th!!!!!!

Michelle - can we possibly have more in common???!!!!

Congratulations to the both of you on your anniversaries!

In the meantime, I have a funny story to share about Chris. He is in Chicago tonite, and if you happened to be in the American Girl store earlier this evening you may have seen him. I have been in the NY, LA, and Atlanta stores a couple times, but this was Chris' first visit to any AG store.

He called me 3 times on the soccor field from the store. He kept saying "This place is crazy", but I could tell he was really enjoying it. Of course he bought a ton of stuff for Katie (all for Christmas, except the "Me & Dad" book he wants to give her right away). He said he saw the doll hospital (although I wonder if he got that right - I didn't see a hospital in any of the other stores - I thought the hospital was in the factory), the Salon, and the Restaurant/Cafe.

When he got back to his hotel, he called us a 4th time to confirm that he had entered a contest at the Hotel to win the Laney AG Doll, and also wanted me to know that when I finally take Katie to the AG store (I have been promising for the last year or so), we can't go without him.

If only his enthusiasm for the American Girl brand could translate over to Disney!

Okay. I'm even more convinced now! I'm sure it's the pretty faces on the dolls! Much like the great smile with the Disney Princess!

 

[MaryAz]

Yay for Chris making the yummy dinners! Can't wait to read more!

 

[cdotla]

I cannot believe the summer is ending also. It went by so fast. I was putting gas in my car this morning after dropping my son of at school and I noticed the car next to me had the family sticker with the Mickey hats on. I was thinking, It is hot outside; I am driving a lot today with work, and it's a new school year. I said to myself that I sure wish I was at the World right now. For a few minutes, I had the blues.

It has been so hectic lately with work and the kids. Last Saturday, DW and I did a date night(dinner and a movie). We needed to get out to spend timem relax and have fun. I did the same thing last Monday about cooking several meals and freezing them, so it is quicker when we all get in at the end of the day. I often help her do dishes, towels, vaccuum and more. I am the cook of the household. It's good that Chris helps you and makes up for not being quite the Dis-vacationer like us all. You now got me graving stew and spaghetti. Enjoy some Louisiana hot sauce on them, it's good.

Sounds like a fun date nite! We don't do that nearly enough. The "every Saturday nite", or even every 2nd Saturday night DATE NITE routine many couples do simply would not work in our house....our schedules are too crazy and unpredictable for that! But every once in awhile it is definitely nice to get some couple time!

Ya I wanted to rent just to use the baby jogger I want to get one!! I looked up baby's own but can't find it

Sorry - I gave you the wrong name. It is Baby's Best Friend. I have used them 4-5 times and highly recommend them.

Sorry I've been MIA. I've picked up another cold and have been laid up in bed all week!

I loved catching up on all your updates.... and that painting looks fantastic in your living room. It's practically a prefect match!

Congratulations to the both of you on your anniversaries!

Okay. I'm even more convinced now! I'm sure it's the pretty faces on the dolls! Much like the great smile with the Disney Princess!

Sorry to hear you were under-the-weather! (Couldn't resist using this icon...never have yet!)

Thanks for the well wishes on anniversary and the comments on the painting!

And too funny about your comments re Chris' affection for dolls and princesses!

Yay for Chris making the yummy dinners! Can't wait to read more!

More coming up soon!

 

[eandesmom]

Can't believe September is almost here!!!!

Is it just me, or is anyone else shocked that this will be our last weekend before September hits. I know many of you have already started back to school, but our kids never start back until September. Meaning NEXT WEEK!!! Yikes!!!

I was complaining to Chris last nite that there are so many little projects I wanted to accomplish before the kids went back to school that sadly, likely won't get done. One of those was making up a couple batches of homemade stew and spaghetti sauce.

So I walk in the door tonite after work and step into a kitchen full of delicious batches of homemade spaghetti sauce and homemade stew being divied up into containers to be frozen for quick and easy weeknite suppers for weeks to come. Chris was off work today, and spent a good part of it slaving over a hot stove to wipe this little project off my list.

Not only was I able to enjoy a nice hearty bowl of homemade stew for supper, I also feel a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders now that our freezer is getting replenished again for the back-to-school season.

There is no question Chris isn't a model Disney vacationer. Far from it. But this and a million other things he does in our "regular" lives more than make up for it!

he definitely has his moments! What a lovely lovely surprise!

I need to do a freezer stocking weekend.....

 

[cdotla]

Adventures with Pirates & Tiki Birds

After we got off the Barnstormer, we put the kids in the double jogger and took off for Adventureland.

We were headed in the direction of some attractions I knew the whole family would enjoy...Pirates and the Tiki Birds.

Declan had ridden Pirates a couple times already, but he really didn't remember much about our past trips. So it was almost as if we had a "first-timer" with us again.

There was practically no wait for Pirates. I believe the sign said 5 or 10 minutes, but we basically walked right on.

We all enjoyed this one! However, after recently ridding the Disneyland version for the first time, I have to say, I can't wait to get back out there! Plus, I really enjoyed eating in the Blue Bayou restaurant inside the attraction!

After Pirates, we headed over to the Tiki Room. This is one of Declan's favourites, and just about the only attraction he could remember from past trips.

The "Four Parks, One World" CD gets frequent airtime in our car. And whenever there is a fight between Katie and Declan as to what song they want to hear, Katie is always wanting "Golden Dream" from the American Adventure and Declan is pushing for the Tiki Room.

Although we had not been in the Park all that long, it was mighty hot!!! Before we headed to the covered pre-show area for the Tiki Room we got some cool drinks that really hit the spot. It was so nice to be under shade, sipping delicious cool drinks waiting for the show to begin.

Chris and I could tell how excited Declan was to finally be back to see his beloved Tiki Birds.

While we were waiting for the show, we all started joking about Chris' "up and down" attitude during our Park Touring. Here he is imitating his all-too-familiar grumpy park attitude:

"No more lines!!!"

The kids got quite a little chuckle out of that.

Can you tell from these photos how hot we were...I think Katie's hair was plastered to her head.

Finally, it was time to be let into the air conditioned theatre for the show.

Well, what can you say about the Tiki Birds? It is classic Disney, and our whole family loves it. A must-do for us!

Although it was still very early when the show let out, and well before our 12noon lunch reservation for the Plaza, the kids and Chris were tired and hot and finished with Park touring. They all just wanted to go back to the resort to relax and swim at Stormalong Bay for the afternoon.

Unfortunately, Katie had a Bibbiti Bobbity Boutique reservation that afternoon at 3:30pm. I had booked this figuring it would be perfect timing for us to have lunch at 12noon, go back to the resort to change and relax, come back for the 3pm Parade, do BBB, get photos, and then meet up with the rest of the family for our dinner at Cinderella's Royal Table.

By this point, it was too late to cancel the reservation without penalty. But I also realized that at this point Katie was far more interested in hitting the pool than in going to the BBB, which she had already done on 2 other occasions.

I was a little disappointed as she had a brand new Princess gown and shoes to wear, as well as a matching one for her American Girl, but in the circumstances, I wasn't going to force her to go.

So after we left the Tiki Room, we headed over to the BBB to advise them we were going to have to cancel our appointment. I figured if I told them Katie was sick, they would likely not charge us the cancellation fee, but that isn't how I like to operate. Instead, I just told them the truth, knowing I would have a cancellation fee to pay, and hopefully the spot would be filled up by another little girl. Fortunately, the lovely cast members at the desk waived the cancellation fee. What great Disney customer service! See...it always pays to tell the truth!

After that, we stopped for a few pictures beside Cinderella's Wishing Well.

And then, we were off for Lunch at the Plaza...a wee bit early!


UP NEXT: Lunch at the Plaza...not exactly as expected

 

[Pooh&OurHunny]

Great update, I need to buy a new CD when we go in December. I have the party cd and wishes.

 

[eandesmom]

and once again

at your go with the flow and do what's best for everyone at the time. SO wonderful that you didn't end up with a cancellation fee.

I LOVE the Tiki Room! It was a highlight for me this trip (not to mention a great escape from the heat).

but....uh oh about lunch at The Plaza....

 

[SoonerGirl]

I totally agree with you on Pirates - after I rode the one in DL, the one in WDW lost some of it's luster for me.

I love the pictures you took while you guys waited for the Tiki Birds, it looks like everyone was having so much fun, and I like that Chris can poke fun at himself a little bit. Definitely looks like one of the 'up' moments of your up & down trip.

Good call canceling BBB. If Katie didn't want to go, there is no sense in doing it, she wouldn't enjoy the experience and it would be wasted time and money. I'm glad they let you cancel without penalty.

I'm nervous about your lunch experience......

 

[brookelizabeth]

The pictures of Chris making his faces are hilarious! What a fun moment! We haven't done the Tiki Room yet, but I have a feeling once we do my little man is gonna LOVE it.

 

[mom2mek]

Great update! I love the light-hearted pictures you guys took while waiting for the Tiki Birds! It's good that he realized his up and down attitude - a lot of men wouldn't be so self-aware or willing to poke fun at themselves!

Love those shots of the well. The one with the castle in the background is gorgeous!

We love the Plaza - hope it went ok for you guys!

Sara

 

[honeydiane1953]

Your husband is handsome when he smiles. He just does not appreciate Disney and prob never will. I think you either love it or hate it. My folks don't understand at all my love for it and I am a grandmother. lol Thankfully my daughter, SIL and grand daughter love it but if they didn't I would be FINE going solo. Actually am going solo one day. EVERY TIME I plan one somebody decides they HAVE to go. You are a sweeet lady take your kids and let Chris stay at home.

 

[mkluvsmickey]

It sure does look like a hot day! Those drinks you got look delicous though, what were they?

Love the pictures of Chris making faces in line. Looks like you guys were having a great time waiting in line and I love a man that can make fun of himself.

Sorry about having to cancel BBB, but you are right, if she doesn't want to do it why force it?

We love the Plaza too, I hope it was good for you guys.

 

[dismagiclover]

I'm with you about Pirates in Disneyland. So much better. I actually feel the same way about the Tiki Room too. I really don't like the FL version. Much prefer the campiness of the original which they still have at DL. Great pictures of Chris and the kids while you are waiting. It's amazing how much better everyone feels with a cold slushy drink in hand I'm a little scared to hear about your experience at the Plaza. It's one of my favorite places to eat at Disney and it makes me sad to hear about not so great times there. Oh and I've spent afternoons at SAB and would probably choose that over BBB too

 

[cdotla]

Great update, I need to buy a new CD when we go in December. I have the party cd and wishes.

The Four Parks CD is the absolute best Disney Parks CD to get! You will love it!!!

and once again

at your go with the flow and do what's best for everyone at the time. SO wonderful that you didn't end up with a cancellation fee.

I LOVE the Tiki Room! It was a highlight for me this trip (not to mention a great escape from the heat).

but....uh oh about lunch at The Plaza....

I was so happy they waived that cancellation fee! I don't mind spending money, but I HATE wasting it! It secretly would have bothered me all day to be out $50 for nothing!

As for the Plaza...it wasn't good, but NOT for the reasons you would expect. Nothing major, but not at all what I was anticipating.

I totally agree with you on Pirates - after I rode the one in DL, the one in WDW lost some of it's luster for me.

I love the pictures you took while you guys waited for the Tiki Birds, it looks like everyone was having so much fun, and I like that Chris can poke fun at himself a little bit. Definitely looks like one of the 'up' moments of your up & down trip.

Good call canceling BBB. If Katie didn't want to go, there is no sense in doing it, she wouldn't enjoy the experience and it would be wasted time and money. I'm glad they let you cancel without penalty.

I'm nervous about your lunch experience......

After the fiasco in Toontown with Chris going MIA, I think this was his subtle way of apologizing! It was great because it put everyone back in a good mood. Laughter is often the best medicine, isn't it?

As for lunch....it was nothing too bad. Just a minor disappointment. More on that shortly!

The pictures of Chris making his faces are hilarious! What a fun moment! We haven't done the Tiki Room yet, but I have a feeling once we do my little man is gonna LOVE it.

Oh, I am sure you will love the tiki room. It is such a cute show. And the air conditioning isn't bad either!

Great update! I love the light-hearted pictures you guys took while waiting for the Tiki Birds! It's good that he realized his up and down attitude - a lot of men wouldn't be so self-aware or willing to poke fun at themselves!

Love those shots of the well. The one with the castle in the background is gorgeous!

We love the Plaza - hope it went ok for you guys!

Sara

You are right Sara - it was a great little family moment at the pre-show for the Tiki Birds.

Nothing too bad at the Plaza - it is still my favourite place to have lunch at MK!

 

[Queenofallthings]

I have the FOTLK CD in my car at all times....and I play it everytime I'm alone in the car....I sing at the top of my lungs and couldn't care less who's looking at me

I understand cancelling because of the heat....we've been that hot there and it's just not worth the agony of sticking it out! The pool is far too inviting

 

[cdotla]

Your husband is handsome when he smiles. He just does not appreciate Disney and prob never will. I think you either love it or hate it. My folks don't understand at all my love for it and I am a grandmother. lol Thankfully my daughter, SIL and grand daughter love it but if they didn't I would be FINE going solo. Actually am going solo one day. EVERY TIME I plan one somebody decides they HAVE to go. You are a sweeet lady take your kids and let Chris stay at home.

We will likely have many trips in our future where Chris opts out. But worts and all, the trips where the whole family is there are the ones I look forward to the most. It always feels as if someone is missing otherwise.

It sure does look like a hot day! Those drinks you got look delicous though, what were they?

Love the pictures of Chris making faces in line. Looks like you guys were having a great time waiting in line and I love a man that can make fun of himself.

Sorry about having to cancel BBB, but you are right, if she doesn't want to do it why force it?

We love the Plaza too, I hope it was good for you guys.

You are right Michelle...BBB simply couldn't compete with SAB that afternoon! That was one fight I knew I couldn't win so I didn't even bother trying!

And our drinks at the Tiki Room were frozen raspberry lemonade slushies. $3.69 each, but we used our snack credits. Well worth it!!! They were delicious!

I'm with you about Pirates in Disneyland. So much better. I actually feel the same way about the Tiki Room too. I really don't like the FL version. Much prefer the campiness of the original which they still have at DL. Great pictures of Chris and the kids while you are waiting. It's amazing how much better everyone feels with a cold slushy drink in hand I'm a little scared to hear about your experience at the Plaza. It's one of my favorite places to eat at Disney and it makes me sad to hear about not so great times there. Oh and I've spent afternoons at SAB and would probably choose that over BBB too

You are right about the cold drinks....did we ever need them! It was so hot! Our moods instantly picked up!

And don't worry about the Plaza...it really isn't that bad, and nothing that would cause you any pause about returning. Still my favourite lunch place at the MK!

 

[cdotla]

I have the FOTLK CD in my car at all times....and I play it everytime I'm alone in the car....I sing at the top of my lungs and couldn't care less who's looking at me

I understand cancelling because of the heat....we've been that hot there and it's just not worth the agony of sticking it out! The pool is far too inviting

The CD is wearing out in our car too! When I am alone, I listen to my Disney podcasts, but when the kids are with me, it is the 4 Parks CD.

As it turned out, staying at the pool at SAB proved to be far more entertaining than BBB could have been...more on that later!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

So many teases... can't wait to hear about Plaza and your afternoon at the pool. Good call to just relax at the resort and hurrah for having the cancelation fee waived!!

The Disneyland Pirates is pretty awesome, isn't it? I think I like their Tiki Room better too. Although now that I think about it I'm not sure what I'm basing that on as I don't think I've been in the one in FL for at least 20 years.

On a "real life" note, how awesome of Chris to stock the freezer for you on his day off!!

 

[WDW Fan]

I love the pictures of your family waiting for the Tiki Birds show! They all look so happy together! Probably a good decision to cancel your BBB and enjoy SAB for the afternoon. When it's that hot everyone eventually gets cranky and the best place to be is by a pool for sure! Looking forward to more.

 

[DisneyDoc5]

The pictures of you in line for Tiki Room are precious, sure to go down as a great memory from your trip. There was some pixie dust there for sure. And I love it when those 'lighter' moments balance out the more 'challenging' ones with the resisters! Can't wait to hear about Plaza, we had a great meal there one time, but have opted for other ressies and haven't been back yet.