CocoNUTS!!!! (Nov/Dec 2010) UPDATE 3/6-TR Marathon-Days 5 through 11 DONE in one day

[1971DBday]

Welcome to our Trip Report! I have tried writing a trip report before and never got around to finishing it....so I hope with the support of my fellow DISers this one will get completed. Starting a trip report around the holidays is challenging especially when you spend the first 11 days in Disney and have not done one ounce of shopping.

So here I am....it has been 12 days since we have returned from our wonderful vacation to WDW and everyone in the family is wondering when we will return. DD4 is BEGGING to go back for her 5th birthday, but that is NOT going to happen....at least not this year.

As for introductions...you can find them in our pre-trip report.
http://http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2595959

This trip was focused on just us...various family members have been joining us for the past three years and even though we loved having them it caused friction for our family. So we just wanted to focus on our family this year. However, last year our then 13 year old almost got sent home early due to her inability to catch on when she is over the line. So before we left on this vacation our family sat around the kitchen table and decided on a few rules. The most important one.....

COCONUTS!!!!

This was going to be our code word to let the offender know that they were going over that line...inappropriateness (you need this with my DH), caddiness, teenagerness...who knew. But once you spoke this word the rule was the action was to stop immediately with no questions or discussion (DH and I of course would be adults and discuss later on once we were both calmed down). DD14 chose this word because it made her giggle....some kind of story from her and her friends. But it was agreed that COCONUTS would be our STOP YOUR PISSING ME OFF word.

Then there were my personal rules....a little back ground though....at work I am known as a tough, opinionated, straight forward and bossy individual. I have a lot on my plate and have two stressfull jobs of motherhood and the one at work. I do not have the time to BS! So on this vacation I vowed to relax (duh), not to blow up at the idiots you can run into at WDW (I can be guilty of this to...so no flaming...I am not perfect) but to instead take a deep breath and let it go, and to be extra silly and shock my family.

Now I can promise you that I was NOT perfect. I did get in plenty of relaxing time, but I had sleeping problems and regretted not seeing my physician before leaving to get some assistance. I did "let it go" A LOT, but I was not perfect....the finale of this will be our final night at the MK....so I will just have to tease you the whole way through...but I was BAD!!!! I can also promise you that I did two (maybe a few more) out of my box things while I was at WDW. This was my families reaction to both of these moments.....Was my body invaded by pod people because this was not their Mom!!! Plus, on top of it we had our first DISMEET!!!!! Who could it have been??????

So to our COCONUTS Trip!!!

 

[1971DBday]

The day before we left was CRAZY!!!! My DH was supposed to be off this day, but that did not work out. So we arranged DD4 to go to Grandma and Grandpa's house while DD14 finished her last day of school and DS11 stayed at home doing some chores, completing all of his pre-assigned homework and playing some video games. Both older kids did a great job getting their pre-assigned homework done before we even left.

So my plan was to get in early, wrap up a few things, have a meeting or two and leave early so I could joing DD4, Grandma, DNephew and DNiece to go see the opening day of Tangled....yeah I have no last minute laundry or packing to do. Well a sane day was not on my side....everyone was calling me left and right and I was just trying to get my task list done so I would not have certain things on my mind. As I put my second arm into my jacket what should happen but a Code at the hospital that I work at that I need to respond to....

Now one thing I haven't mentioned is that I have asthma and today was not a good day. Now to top it off I have to run to this Code and I could not take the elevator up..I'm in heels and it is 6 floors up

So I finally reach the floor - needing respiratory for myself - only to find out "false alarm" but everyone is amazed that I just ran up all of these floors in heels. As I try to catch my breath everyone is applauding my marathon...um respiratory can I have some oxygen??? I made it through, rubbed it in that the forecast was for the 80s tomorrow and told everyone not to miss my nagging while I was away.

So I ran back to my office grabbed everything with 45 minutes to the start of Tangled....oh look ...Grandma is calling me....I'm coming...I'm coming...

I whip into the driveway of my parent's house, run into the house, change in the bathroom, and grab DD4 and out the door we go...and Grandma, DN and DNiece are right on our tail. After flying past all of the people on the road who seem to be in slow motion we arrive in time to get in a long line to buy our tickets.....this was not the way to start a relaxing vacation....

Tangled was wonderful and DD4 fell in love with the movie. She was so excited that Rapunzel and Flynn Rider were going to be at WDW. We said our goodbyes to everyone and back on the road to home to finish up our packing and cleaning. That night I did not relax much and we scrapped dinner together with whatever we had left in the house. We were all to excited to sleep, but we managed to get our heads on the pillow.

The next morning alarms were not needed...I was up bright and early showering and then it was time to wake up DH and the kids. I gently awoke the sleeping bear (DH) and then it was time to crank the music!!!! First was DS11.....I got the music right up to his ear and then hit play...the Mickey Mouse March....he jumped up a little, saw it was me and pulled the sheets over his head...."Mommmmmm....oh wait...it's time for Disney" and out of bed he hopped with no effort.

Now for the princess....DD4...she is my princess so I plan on being gentle. I sat by her side leaned over and started kissing her cheeks and said "Princess will you wake up and join me in going to Disney??" She awoke with the largest smile on her face and threw her arms around me...I carried her to hallway and asked her if she wanted to help wake her big sister. Of course she did....I told her to stand back that we didn't know how cranky the grouch was going to be.

So I cranked the music up to it's loudest volume and then hit play as the speaker was right by DD14s ear...."It's a small world after all..." came shouting out of the speaker and DD14 lept up swinging her arms as if she was under attack. Luckily I predicted this violent wake up so I was already out of the strike zone....boy was she freaked out, but she was in good humor knowing that it was time to get ready but she was going to be seeking revenge on me.

The suitcases are starting to line up by the garage door and I had only one final one to bring down...the big one...the one you are praying is not over the 50 lb. limit so you are not charged extra. This is usually DHs job, but the biggest princess of them all is still in the god forsaken shower!!!! So I start bringing it down the stairs when what should happen but for the handle to break...great start.....

But finally princess is done showering, the kids are ready, the dog is ready, the car is packed and I am waiting in the driveway warming up the car and getting the kids in. Boy I hope DH didn't work up much of a sweat....

So off we go...we are running 15 minutes late...but we will be fine...so we hit the road and its about 5:30 a.m.. We are about 5 minutes into the ride and we are going through the "Boy I Hope We Didn't Forget That" list when I call out cell phone....yep...princess frogot his cell phone....turn around...he obviously had to much on his to-do-list. By the time we get back on the road we are now a 1/2 hour late.

We finally arrive to Grandma and Grandpa's house and I am now starting to get frustrated. We quickly drop off the dog and G&G surprise each of the kids with a $50 gift card to get something for themselves. They are all excited, but I quickly confiscate them so they won't lose them. Okay...we have to go....so Grandpa hops in the car and we are all packed like sardines. We finally arrive at Midway airport, but before we get in line DH has to have a cigarette...this is something we have all had to get used to he is a smoker and I think we take more "smoke breaks" then rides at WDW.

So we are finally all checked in...nothing to crazy and luckily we are flying Southwest there so not to many bags. We swear every year we will pack lighter, but it never happens. But in Nov/Dec and an 11 day trip you could have all sorts of weather ....and we did.

Here is DD4 coloring as we wait for a little breakfast at Midway Airport...

Finally, it is was getting close to boarding the plane. I paid for the early-bird check in and we were section A22 - A26. However, it was smoke break time before we boarded and we still had 45 minutes to departure time. So I was left with the kids while DH grabbed is boarding pass, ID and cigarettes. Shortly after he left they announced they were going to start boarding. Now I have never flewn SW so I had no clue where to go in the line...and with juggling bags and kids it did not help the situation. We finally found our place in line thanks to some kind strangers and I texted DH that we were boarding and we would save him a seat.

I had to apologize to everyone onboard that I biffed with some type of bag, but we did it and got all of our seats together towards the front of the plane. We were happy and DH joined us shortly after I had struggled to get all of the suitcases up. DH was thrilled to see on the menu that SW was giving a complimetarty cocktail to all passengers 21 and above. A cocktail???? It's 8 a.m.....well DH knows me well and whispers back to me what I can order for him. It's your stomach....

DD4 ready to take off...

The flight went well and I had a nice lady sitting next to me. We chatted a little bit about WDW and I tried to get a little rest, but DD4 kept me busy. We finally landed and we were even a little early....thank you SW!!! It was approximately 10:45 and in the mid 70s already. I got out the sunglasses and stuffed the jackets in the carry-ons.

As we took our first monorail ride over to the main hub I pointed out the palm trees to DD4...and we all smiled at the sunshine outside. I knew the routine...we would get downstairs to transportation and DH would need another smoke break...of course. This time we all decided to come outside and stand away from him to get a taste of the sunshine.

Finally, off to the Magical Express we walked up and showed our documents and then were directed to an empty line. Great ....we just missed it. DH starts to grab his cigarettes again, but before he could get over the rope a lovely CM approached us and said the bus was about to leave, but they had enough room for us!!!! Yay!!!!!!!!

DH helped get the items down below so we wouldn't hold up everyone on the ME and I again apologized for biffing anyone with all of the bags I was carrying on my shoulders. Of course our seats had to be at the back of the bus...but this is DD4s favorite spot.

We are one our way...and it is finally going smoothly!!! The driver gets over the intercom and since we stayed at the Poly last year we already know we are the first resort they will be dropping off at. Within 45 minutes we are finally here.....

Of course as soon as we are off and get the bags...its that time again SBT (smoke break time) so that gives me time to get a few fun photos of the kids in front of the Poly!!! DH even showed up for one final one of the family together. I am breathing better already....

Now it's into the lobby and straight to the online check-in line...again there is no one there and I walk up straight to the counter...but they have moved the online check-in location from last year, so I almost went the wrong way. So here was my request...Samoa...Nanea pool side...preferbly 1st floor.....how did we do???

We were assigned room 1604 Samoa...Nanea Pool side...1st floor. We were so excited...it was not the same room as last year, but we were so excited to get what we wanted!!!!

Sorry...bad shot..but it is our first room shot.

Here is our view...

If it wasn't for the new cabanas we could have seen the pool (or old DSA), but it was still a pleasant Garden View. The cabanas looked very nice by the way and since we had a mix of weather we only saw them occupied maybe twice during our 11 day trip. The food smelled great that they were bringing the guests.

So the temperature is climbing, we are finally here and we have all of the swimsuits in the carry-ons. What is the best way to spend Thanksgiving???

By the pool, 82 degrees, with a cocktail in one hand and a turkey sandwich from Captain Cooks in the other hand!!!! Happy Thankgiving to Us!!!!

Here is the picture I sent to relatives back in Chicago....

And then I let the kids go....the music was blasting the Banana Cabana cocktail was delicious and the sun was shining. We had a great afternoon by the pool. It was so relaxing, but also very surreal at this point. I just felt like I was having an out of body experience...it had just not hit me yet.

DH will kill me for posting this one...

or maybe it was this one....

Yes - he is trying to dance....note how we looses his neck and the shoulders go up....don't get jealous ladies!!!

I switched places with DH in the pool and played with DD4 while the others played a game of Bingo at the pool activities. DD14 - who never wins anything - WON!!! Her Dad was so proud...it was 30 minutes on a searaycer. We finally decided to head to the MK for a few rides and that back at a decent hour for a good nights sleep. We went back to the room and all of our bags were in. So after I got ready I focused on unpacking while everyone else got ready. I like to get settled in...it helps me relax. By the time it was ready for us to leave DD4 was sound asleep in her stroller. Well what should we do???? I wanted her up as we walked into MK!!!! I know....

DD4 out like a light....

A few cocktails later and we were heading for our first official WDW monrail ride.....can you all say it with me....

Por favor mantengase alejado de las puertas!!!!

Up next...we arrive at MK!!!

 

[JenSop]

I'm in!

I feel for you - back in 2008, I tried to do my first TR and failed miserably, giving up part way through. But I've got two complete ones under my belt and am working on a third! If I can do it, so can you!

Your little one looks so cute in her Santa hat at the airport!

And I'm so jealous - when we flew Southwest this summer, we didn't get a free cocktail! I would have been SO all over that! Haha!

 

[MAJ RN]

Great start to your report! I love the Poly, hope to stay there someday. Can't wait to read more.


Melissa

 

[jpmandan]

So far, so good, I'm in.

 

[15isto2]

Joining in for the ride, love the pics so far

 

[1971DBday]

I'm in!

I feel for you - back in 2008, I tried to do my first TR and failed miserably, giving up part way through. But I've got two complete ones under my belt and am working on a third! If I can do it, so can you!

Your little one looks so cute in her Santa hat at the airport!

And I'm so jealous - when we flew Southwest this summer, we didn't get a free cocktail! I would have been SO all over that! Haha!

Great start to your report! I love the Poly, hope to stay there someday. Can't wait to read more.


Melissa

So far, so good, I'm in.

Joining in for the ride, love the pics so far

Yay!!!! Thank you everyone for joining in!!!! My DH and I just got new phones yesterday (Motorola Droid) and we finally got the intranet on our phones!!! This would have made WDW even more fun!!! Well next trip....

We love the Poly and we are working on our family to have this be the resort for 2012....but that makes me a little sad because then we would be missing 2011 and we have gotten in such a habit of going every year (I know boo-hoo me....).

Anyway ...I hope everyone enjoys and feel free to ask questions a long the way!!!

 

[1971DBday]

Before I start the remaining portion of our day...let me tell you about a little frustration. My page will NOT display with all of my Photopass pictures!!!!!

I have a call into WDW Photopass, but no one has called me back. I have tried a few tricks, but I pre-ordered the photo CD so I'm trying to find out if I make a new account and try to pull up the pictures that way will it take my credit.

God - I just wish someone would call me back!!!! Vent done - now back to the story....


So DD4 was still sound asleep and there are only so many cocktails until I am ready to curl up and take a nap. So we decide to go and catch the next monorail ...say it with me ....

Por favor mantengase alejado de las puertas!!!!

I tried to record this and make it a ringtone, but it just did not work. I'm going to see what I can fine online though!

So we finally role up to MK and it looks pretty packed. We are used to this and realize that we will be happy with two rides. Now a little background...every year in preperation of our trip we play a variety of Disney games for different prizes. For this trip DH won the first ride at MK and he choose the WDW Railroad ... Not the most exciting ride...but fair is fair.

So we get through Security and then through the entrance and Main Street isn't looking all that bad at first and of course who should awake but DD4 rubbing her eyes and smiling "we're here???" Now she was still a little cranky from a very short nap, but soon put on a big smile when she saw this....

I don't know why, but every year we have to get one of these things!!! At first we thought this will be a great marker for our stroller, but then reality sets in of it constantly wapping us or a passerbyer in the face and it ends up in the hotel room for the rest of the trip. But it makes DD4 smile....

Cash? What do you mean you didn't bring any cash??? Note to self...make sure the next time we leave the room that someone grabs a little cash. So who steps up to the plate, but big brother...thank God someone has money in this family!!!

So crisis averted...but what about the railroad??? Well DH changes his mind and decides Space Mountain will be the best choice...oh wait...SuperMom has the new app to check on the wait time DH, DD14 and DS11 all role their eyes at me and DH and DD14 team up on me and start telling me that this is going to be a worthless app and we will just walk there. Okay but the wait time is showing 90 minutes right now..."hogwash" (okay maybe not that - but it's the cleaned up version) blurts DH.

So we make our way through the sea of people apologizing for the balloon that either I can't see past or that waps passerbyers as we move our way through. I pleasently remind DH that we are not in a race and that I cannot move as quickly as the rest of them through the crowd with the stroller. We finally arrive to SM and what do you know....90 minutes.

My app was right...My app was right...My app was right...Did I mention my app was right!!!!

So what is the next best option without going across to the other side of the park???

Time to kick DHs butt at Buzz Lightyear!!!! The wait was only 20 minutes so we opted to just get in line; after all we were only aiming for two rides. The line went pretty smoothly as I checked out some other wait times throughout the park.

[ To anyone who may be listening out there that creates these apps - two things - one, it would be nice if I could check the other WDW parks wait times instead of just the one I am at. This would be beneficial to the park hopping option. Do we want to hop here or is it just as busy? Two, I would love to get my fastpasses right on the phone!!!! I must have had this conversation at least 5 times with others throughout my vacation!]

Okay - back to the story - so before we went I went over the secrets to getting a high score with DS11. DH does not let the kids, nor I, just win. You have to earn it fair and square. So fine....we will do our homework! As I tried to help DD4 and get a few video shots of everyone playing...our score was nothing to brag about. But DS11 used is information wisely and kicked his older sister and Dad's butt!!!

They look so serious!!!

So now what do we do??? Oh - now everyone wants Mom to check the various wait times.....

So I pull out my handy app and oh great HM is only 15 minutes!!!! Why couldn't it be a ride near us???? So we all sprint (we don't walk in WDW - this is our theme) over to HM and practiclly walk onto the ride. We all love this Disney Classic and is one of my few memories of WDW during my one and only trip. However, it is probably one of DD14s favorites!

After HM we are stopped outside and asked to take a survey. This poor woman...she was now going to get introduced to sarcastic DH and "I am always right me! While in HM a discussion started of something else I had learned on the DISboards...fastpasses don't expire until the end of the day. Well DH decided to question the surveyor after she was done questioning us. It was a humurous arguement, but still it was back and forth. She stated if something happened (ride broke down) they would honor it that day and possibly even the next, but that we should really try to make our time. But most CMs would be compassionate if something came up and we tried our best, but didn't quite make it.

So what you are saying is that you will honor the fastpass until the end of the day...because I could come up with a lot of reasons as to why I didn't make that specific time....her reply????

Well...yes...but...

No I've heard enoughh I was right - he was wrong - thanks and I walked away. However, it was not ending. Now DH was asking her directions to POTC because that wait line according to my app was 10 minutes. I reminded DH that 1. he had a map and 2. not to bother her because I knew the way...he of course had to challenge this. So I politely winked at the CM and told her "I have this" and proceeded to explain our path (or would he prefer option #2 - a little longer but it will still get us there). The CM smiled and said exactly what she said. God - I was on a roll!!!

So off to POTC! DD4 kept asking along the way when she was finally going to go on a big girl ride! Last year she was 39 3/4" and they would not let her on the 40" rides so she was ready at 42" this year!!! But for now we got her re-phyced up for the drop in POTC. Another classic ride for the night. This one is another favorite of DD14...so here is my little pirate (I think braces have made her forget how to smile...)

Okay, are we done yet??? I am fading and just want to get a good nights sleep. So we all agree it is time to head back to the Poly. Here is the next problem though...the Tambu Lounge is on the 2nd floor just across from the platform for the monorail. So you know what we had to do...

Don't ask me the name is was white and fruity and added to my glow cube collection (note to self - I need one of these with me for all the holiday parties!)

DH ordered the Mai-tai

We even got one of these glasses for home.

Goodnight everyone until the next day...

Day 2: Back to the MK to Hit Fantasyland Hard!!!

 

[1971DBday]

Sorry....starting a trip report around the holidays is just difficult to get to. It hasn't even been a month, but I miss being there so much! Luckily, Mom and Dad want help planning a trip to WDW for our entire family of 20+ of us for June of 2012! I am happy to help, but to think that our next trip won't be for a year and a half makes me sad! Also, not to be back during the holiday season will be tough, but I will have to focus on the Christmas Day surprise 2011 for all of the kids!!!

Anyway...back to our story...finally!

I do not sleep well now a day, but this morning was no problem for me. I awoke excited and fresh...holy crap it's still only 6 a.m. (That is 5 a.m. Chicago time...)

Oh well I will have jump start on everyone else and get them up and moving. It was back to MK this morning and I wanted to make rope drop! Well everyone was easy to get moving except for the Princess of the family and I don't mean the 4 year old. DH does not move very quickly while on vacation and this morning was not different. So I headed off for our "Holy Grails" (refillable mugs) and my first day of Tonga Toast!!!!

We tend to eat breakfast in the room because Captain Cooks is to small to accomodate the number of guests especially if it's bad weather. So why even try...so back to the room I go. Everyone finished their breakfast and the Tonga Toast was wonderful as usual. Jeffrey, Hannah and I split the Tonga Toast while my husband and Marisa had their own favorites. Do you think Princess was ready yet....heck no! So what else is there to do as I added pressure on DH???

Photo op time!!! Yes - my two older kids are rolling their eyes at me, but at least Hannah is still a ham for the camera.

Beautiful Christmas Tree

Beautiful Kids

Sister cuddle time...

Oh...look who finally decided to show up!!!!

I love this picture of the two of them!

So we finally made it to the MK, but as we are walking down the monorail ramp we could hear and see from a distance the Welcome show. My DH is thinking see...we made it on time. Ah....no we did not. Now I will not share this with my family because they already think I'm nuts. But it is my dream someday to open the MK with my family....I should have done that before I had a teenager, but I didn't know any better. Oh well....

Now this being our 5th year in a row (9th trip for the family) we know where we need to head....Me: Fantasyland DH: Tomorrowland

So we normally try not to split up much, after all this is a family vacation, but Hannah was the only one excited to go on Dumbo. Okay one ride and then we will get back together. So DH, Marisa and Jeffrey headed off to the mad dash to SM and Hannah and I to Dumbo! (Oh! I could try to get some footage of the construction!) So who would get on their ride first???

Oh, yeah! Person with the proof wins!!! Sorry DH - no camera, no proof!!!

Look no crane!!!!

It will show up later in the trip and is in a lot of our background shots. But that is okay, a little piece of history that we were there while it was under construction.

Hannah loving the view and thrilled to be in WDW again!

The construction is coming along the way, but it was still just a lot of dirt. I am excited that we will be back when it will be completely done. I just hope Hannah will still love her princesses. She will only be 6, but as I have already learned they grow up to fast.

So Hannah and I get off Dumbo and "Um...SM is only a 10 minute wait. Do you mind if we go on again???" Yeah - you might as well. We will conqour Fantasyland without all of you!!!!

So where do we head next...time to try to get on Cinderella's "supposed" horse...but no luck this time. Some other little kids got it and probably didn't even realize it!!! It's okay, we get over the fake tears and find an okay horse...

After we get off I get another phone call. "Okay we are here....where are you?" I can see Marisa on her cell phone. DH refused to bring his...I was so proud. He usually gets slammed with work phone calls and it takes away from the trip.

Well what Marisa doesn't realize is that I can see them, so I decide to start playing a game....

Your getting warmer...warmer...oh colder...okay back to warm. "Mom - where are you??" Then she finally opens her eyes and there I am waving her down. I got a little giggle....I made a teenager smile. Point one for me....

It was already getting warm outside and we were excited for another 80 degree day!!! We all decided to go to my favorite ride ....

Mickey's Philharmagic!!! Now I guess you are not supposed to videotape this show....but I did. I need to hear it from time to time and it will be a great thing to show the family to get them excited about the trip in 2012. I know it is on YouTube, but it's just not the same thing. God - I love this show! This makes me smile and I had my whole family there with me.

After Mickey's Philharmagic...it's off to PPF. On the way my DH mentions that IASW is no different. I point out that it definately is...you see I read it on the DISboard....oh god here we go....

Yes - honey...you see the exit is now the entrance and the entrance is now the exit. "No it's not - you see..." and he starts pointing..."Oh ...oh...yeah..." No I was right ...no the DISboard was right. He just quitely changed the subject with no admittance of me and the DISboard being right. He is off to a great start!

Wow it's really starting to get warm and with a weather report saying that the cold weather is on the way...what is it time for???

POOL TIME!!!

So we decide to head out and on the way we run into a quick parade!!!

Mickey - finally up close!

We decided to take the boat back since we were in a rush to get to the MK, but not in a rush to get back to the Poly. So time for a relaxing ride....

And a quick snap shot for the family to show BLT for 2012 planning...

Now my Mom asked before we left to see if we could go and checkout a few hotel options for 2012. Um...we only have 11 days...this is as good as it's going to get. I have a video if you would like from Disney. That and these few pictures will have to do.

View of the Poly and GF.

Cuddle sisters again...they can be so sweet togehter and then the teenager wakes up.

Me and my gang...you see I can get in the photos from time to time.

We finally arrived back at the Poly and the pool was already busy. So I grabbed some chairs while DH took the kids back to the room to change. My goal this trip was to try to get at least one nap in by the pool. Was today going to be the day???

We all got settled in and it was time to go say hi to the bartender! A nice cold Banana Cabana and a Mai Tai for DH....oh so relaxing.

So did I get my nap in??? No not today....the family had other plans. While in the pool with everyone I made the mistake of telling DH and Marisa that I had never been down the volcano pool slide since I was a little girl on my first trip to the Poly. Now this was the old pool, but still the pool. Their jaws dropped!!!! After my adult experience at Blizzard Beach (which we did not miss this trip) and the giant wedgy...I decided I was getting to old for waterslides.

All day I had been watching these older adults having a blast going down (no kids with them either). Well at least I could use my kids as an excuse for going down. After a few cocktails, I decided it was time to look like an idiot. So I closely followed Hannah pretending to be a concerned parent taking her down. But she soon blew my cover instructing me on what I needed to do....

Everyone wanted to go down first to witness me coming out the other end. Now remember this was Hannah's second year at the Poly. So she was only 3 when she went on this for the first time....HOLY CRAP was this slide fast!!!! I have to admit to all of you...not my family...I was a little worried at one point (maybe two, maybe three)...oh no I was about to hit the water...prepare to unwedge!

Luckily, no one in my family thought to grab a camera and I can pretend that this never happened. But Mom was being fun and everyone was laughing at me...I need another cocktail.

It was a fantastic afternoon again by the pool! It was relaxing, entertaining, and just fun. I love the pool side games, music, and well yes cocktails. This is our little paradise!

But it was time to get ready for our evening adventure. At this point we had barely seen much of any of the parks. We had only been to MK at this point, so where to next???

We decided to get to Mission Space, Test Track and then to the other side for Soarin, Nemo and Turtle Talk. We needed to keep the big kids happy and the little one.

Oh wait, Mom has to check the wait times on her phone...so DH and I raced to see who would get the information first. I of couse won again, but you knew he had to make a comment about it probably be inaccurate. We got to the board and what do you know....nope. It was correct!

Well TT was a 50 minute wait!!!! Yeah, we don't wait in those kinds of lines. But we really wanted to go on it so Hannah could go on her first big kid ride. For something we were so excited about doing and measuring Hannah for all year long...we still had not taken her on anything yet. So I ran and got some fast passes and the first group went on Mission Space while I stayed behind with Hannah.

They came out and asked if I was going to use my child swap. You see last year I had just gotten over Vertigo. But this summer we went to Great America and I went on King Kaos...my DH laughed at me because he said I looked like I was going to throw-up. I told him no, I was trying to make sure my brain didn't come sliding out of my mouth.

So back to Mission Space....I was ready for my mission!!! We went on the Orange side (hard side right?) and I prepared myself. Marisa kept barking orders at me and I made sure I had one child to each side just in case I tossed my cookies. Then I got into annoying button pushing...okay Mom that's enough...Mom I said that's enough...

"Is that annoying you? Is that annoying you?" I had to give them a taste of their own medicine.

So I made it...it wasn't that bad and I was able to walk-off on my own.

It was still not time for our fastpass, so of course DH had to take another break and next thing I knew we were shopping. I need him to start pitcing in the packing for this trip...he has no idea and doesn't think...how am I going to pack that because he purchased two of these things...

The kids were having so much fun though playing Jedis!

I told you Hannah is my ham for photos...

We then headed over to Test Track. Hannah's first big kid ride. We reminded Jeffrey that when he was 7 he cried because he did not want to go on this ride...okay bawled!!! But we got him on when he was 8 and it is one of his favorite rides. We told her it may sound scary, but it is really fun. There was not one ounce of panic in her face.

We got our own car...Hannah, Marisa and I in the front and DH and Jeffrey in the back. Hannah giggled through the the bumping around and speeding up and then it was time to hit the wall. We told her this is where she had to put her arms up and that Mommy would keep one arm on her and then we took off. I wish I had the camera on...she was laughing the whole way...screaming a little bit to out of excitement. It's a great family photo, but unfortunately I don't have my photopass cd yet. So I will update later.

We then headed over to Soarin.....90 minutes....bye bye. We will do it another day. So we then headed over to Nemo and then Turtle Talk with Crush. But first a little side trip to France....

For what??? A Grand Monie (sp?) of course....yummy. Okay now Nemo...

Then off to TTWC...Hannah enjoyed watching the sting rays before the show.

We then needed to explain to Jeffrey that he was getting to big to sit up front. However, Hannah would not sit up front without him. So we instructed him to sit to the side and help Hannah, but that he needed to let the little kids talk to Crush. Jeffrey loves this show because he has been picked three times to talk to Crush in the past.

Hannah was still to scared to talk to Crush so we just enjoyed the show. Afterwards we were all getting exhausted since no one had a nap (aka Mom and Hannah) so it was back to the Poly for the night.

Coming up next: Day 3 - Holy Crap! We're going back where?

 

[JenSop]

I'm assuming you mean the Grand Marnier slushie at France? Because that's one of my absolute FAVES too!!!! I get one on every trip! (Or two or three...) So Yummy!

And are those Mickey lights on the Christmas Tree? So cool!

 

[1971DBday]

Okay...I had the whole next post typed and the system kicked me out!!! It has also been about a month and a half since we returned so I need to speed things up with this report.

..............................................................................................................

Day 3 was going to be our first ADR at Chef Mickey's. Now as of Day 3 we had only been to MK and a few hours at EPCOT, but we only got a few rides done at EPCOT. Due to our tradition of going to MK first on day 1 with a follow-up on day 2, where did day 3 have us going again?

Yep - off to MK we go to catch a couple of rides before we go to CM. Every year we make an ADR for a late morning breakfast. It helps break up our day, but gets us down to two meals for the day. We decided we would go to MK and get in Hannah's first official "big kid" ride done finally...after all it was day 3.

This morning I was up very early and already did a load of laundry first of all because we weren't expecting the great warm weather and were going through a lot of our warm weather clothes, plus our travel clothes. Also, what else am I going to do at 4 a.m. at WDW??? I ended up meeting a few nice people in the laundry room.

So we were finally off, had our breakfast in the room....Captain Cook's was crazy this year with the free dining. We did free dining last year, but it was way to much food for us. After being through the dining plan last year, it was annoying getting in line behind someone who didn't know what they were doing ordering and using the dining plan. There seemed to be a lot of uneducated WDW newbies this year.

Anyway on our way to the monorail and waiting for DH, DD14 decided to "goof off" with the hats again....ever since DD14 found out she has the same bday as goofy, he is her favorite character.

(Today you will see the ultimate...why DD14 decided to pretty much stop trying to put on hats...it is not a pretty picture. )

The monorail was pretty busy this morning (Saturday), but it was expected. The crowds should start to die down tomorrow. We just hoped that we did not have a repeat of last year's trip to CM. The monorail brokedown and we were trapped for about 25 minutes; then we rushed to the boat to find that shutdown for some reason; huffed it to TTC to catch the ferry to MK; and then huffed it to CR for CM. The overall trip from Poly to CR was an almost an hour and a half and it was warm outside. We did not need a repeat.

We finally make it to MK, but again we just missed the opening show. Why can't I get DH to actually move in the morning??? I've always dreamed to get pick as the family to open the park. I just think it would be a once in a lifetime experience.

Anyway, back to the mad rush. We decided to walk it instead of grabbing the train because it had just left. So we choose our destination to be BTMRR. The kids really wanted to go on SM, but I didn't want everyone wet for breakfast........Mom spoils all the fun. We walked right onto BTMRR with no wait...here is Hannah (I just realized - why am I using codes and not names ) and Mom getting ready for her first "big kid" ride. Notice no one behind us....

Hannah did great! She laughed and slid throughout the whole ride, but I kept an arm tightly around her. She even put her arms up in the air, like a real adventurer!

Of course I had to get a picture after the ride...

Hannah begged to go on again and it was about 9:45 at this time and our ADR was for 10:30. This is when Marisa begged that we go to HM for a quick ride. I checked the wait time on my phone...10 minutes...we can do this! Here we stuck with the theme of rushing to the ride. The line went really fast and by the time we got out it was 10:10. 20 minutes to our ADR!!!! Yeah we can do this and we are all the way by the HM.

DH took the stroller and we all followed. When we finally got to Mainstreet it was like salmon trying to swim upstream! However, we made it to the monorail, waited, waited and then finally got on. Only 5 minutes to our ADR...yep we were going to be late. I was not happy we were rushing again. But the woman across from me took my mind off of it.

She was in a old fashioned velvet evening gown with a crown on. Her young son was in a tuxedo and her daughter in almost matching gown. They were not disney-looking gowns, just gowns and it was still morning. I figured they had just left GF, but they...lets just say looked interesting. (The mother's braces also added to the look.) I don't want to slam her for doing this, but you would never catch me dead doing this!

So we finally made it to CR and I made a mad dash and ditched half of my family to take the quicker route to CM only to be stopped by a somewhat long and slow moving line. I patiently waited as someone was either begging or bargaining with the CM - I couldn't quite here the coversation, but I was getting ticked. Didn't they know I was late for my ADR??? Well now I had another excuse...this person would not stop! What takes over 5 minutes to talk about when checking in??? Me up and out and on to the next customer... So we all took our picture with plastic Mickey and then hung out waiting for our buzzer to go off....we were tired.

Cute picture of Hannah by the tree at CM.

I love here new shirt I picked up at the the Emporium. I got this for CM.

It was finally our turn. We were taken to our table with a view of the castle. This would have been great pictures but the CM asked that the kids be on the outside of the table for the characters...yeah, yeah we know the routine. But we could have the castle in the background of all of our pictures....oh well.

The table next to us was occupied shortly after we arrived. Unfortunately, after the kids were seated, my seat was up against a wall and DH was back to back with the other table. DH is 6'4" so this made it for a tight squeeze and one of the gentlemen at the next table decided to announce how inconvient we were to him getting to his seat. I let it go the first time, but when he repeated it I asked my husband if this man thought he was the only priority in the restaurant and maybe my DH should just leave so he could have more space to get to his chair more conveniently...after all our enjoyment obviously did not matter. The man at the next table seemed to have heard my sarcasm and I didn't hear another peep.

Anyway, after our gorging meal continued we were able to get a few pictures with the characters. I even got in my official photo with Donald Duck.

(Notice the annoying flash that showed up in a lot of our pictures? I would rather have the castle in the background.)

Chef Mickey's was great as usual. The characters took their time and the food was great (thus part of the reason for me needing to lose 10 lbs.) So we gathered up everything and headed to the CR buses. Where were we going to head off to? We discussed it as a family and since today was going to be the mid70s we decided to head over to AK and go on KRR!

By the time we arrived to AK it was still a little cool, so let's get another big kid ride in. Hannah was still to short for EE. Per my phone the wait line for Dinosaur wasn't bad, so first we went and got FP for EE and then we headed over to Dinosaur and decided to wait in the stand-by line. DH wanted to get a picture of the kids in front of this guy...

Then he decided to try and put Hannah in the mouth...

She didn't start right away, but she started crying. Thanks honey!!! All that work before the trip of showing Hannah the ride on YouTube almost went out the door. I finally calmed her down and talked her into staying on the ride. Okay. I had to bribe her with a toy after we were all done. See she is happy again and almost as tall as the dinosaur...

Hannah did really well on the ride, but was glad when it was done. She was hiding a lot but loved all of the bumpiness. Here is a picture of the picture.

DH and Jeffrey are behind us. We didn't want to leave anyone alone in their own row.

Hannah's next comment after she got off the ride...Can I get a toy???

So we headed down the path to the next gift shop....shockingly she didn't want any type of dinosaur. Now later in the trip when a stranger asked Hannah her favorite ride..she said Dinosaur. We were all shocked, but that ride soon changed (later in the trip report).

At the gift shop...I finally got a hat picture that stopped Marisa's need to take more hat pictures (thank God) but I wouldn't delete it.

(Not a good look for her.)

Hannah was disappointed that I wouldn't let her have the castle and there wasn't much of anything here so I told her we would try another gift shop. That did not go over well, but I was soon able to distract her with Triceratops Spin while DH tood the older two to PEW. Here are Hannah and I on TS! Sometimes this is the only way I can get in photos...self portrait.

Then a few games...

This is as close as you are going to get to driving a car Jeffrey...first let me deal with your sister.

It was time to go to EE!!!! Hannah has become a good waiter while everyone else has fun. So I waited with her first and decided to go and get a few refreshments for her. I was still stuffed and it was about 3 p.m. now. We were getting a lot done at AK! When DH and the older two kids returned, DH could not stop smiling.

"Someone woman really enjoyed herself on the ride" said DH.

"Okay...why?"

"Well I guess she was really scared and not happy that her husband had lied to her about the ride. I guess rollercoasters scare her. Well her reaction was priceless. She was moaning and groaning like she was....well you know..."

My husband then quietly mimicked some of the "excitement" like noises that this woman was making. He then said "I think she peaked when we went down the drop. I did my best holding in the laughter." There were actual tears coming out of my husband's eyes from the laughter. This became a little running joke between us for the rest of the trip.

It was my turn and I took Marisa and Jeffrey. Marisa ended up sitting alone, but was soon partnered with another single rider. Oh look, it was a boy about her age. They soon started chatting and I kept my mouth shut, but kept looking back with a grin. They said their goodbye's, but she was blushing....it was cute.

We all then headed over to KRR!!! Jeffrey LOVES this ride!!! Last year we waited while we let him go on over and over again. This year we were able to go on as a family again. Hannah didn't care for it that much last year. But this year was different she loved it. Now usually the heavier side goes down the drop first, but this year it was Hannah and I (not saying I'm dainty, but I'm sitting next to the light weight). Hannah ducked behind me and I took the hit, so I was soaked. In fact everyone except for Hannah got pretty wet the first time. But of course Jeffrey and Hannah wanted to go again....

Well this is what we have a teenager for....we didn't mind Jeffrey going on his own, but not with Hannah. So tag, Marisa was it. After a lot of whining from Marisa, we trumped her with the parent card. I found a good spot for photos and video while DH went and purchased a towel (found a really cheap one, normally I pack one, but I forgot it) and a couple of beers. Hannah was the only one with a change in clothes.

Here are a few pictures from the kids only ride...

They went one more time after this ride for a total of three times! However, now it was starting to get close to closing time, but tonight was EM hours. So we checked the map...oh....most of the rides that are still open are ones we already did today. We were wet and not in the mood. So we decided to head back to the resort and figure out what to do...but we were getting hungry and we had no ADRs for tonight.

What we would do??

NEXT POST: Day 3 Continued...You Want to Eat Where????

 

[1971DBday]

Life needs to slow up a little bit so I can get this trip report done. The good new is we may be going back in October to celebrate my 4Oth!

 

[1971DBday]

So we had stuffed ourselves at our late breakfast and did a pretty good job walking it off at Animal Kingdom. We were now on our way back to the Poly trying to decide what the game plan would be...it was still early.

The kids wanted to go for a quick dip in the pool. It was nice and relaxing to just sit poolside with a cocktail in hand watching the kids enjoy the almost empty pool. However, DH and I really wanted to do something we were getting hungry but didn't want fast food and for some reason DH really wanted to go to O'Hana's tonight. I told him our ADR was for Wednesday and that he would just need to wait, but he wanted to try.

So we parted ways...I went to get the kids dressed and ready for the MK sicne it was open to midnight tonight while DH went to go work his magic. Soon DH returned to the room with a pager in one hand and a cocktail in the other. He had gotten us into O'Hana's!!!!

Are we really going to go to another all you could eat restaurant???? Oh, yes we were....we were all excited because we had never eaten at O'Hana's for dinner and even with the mixed reviews we still really wanted to try it.

When we arrived we had to still wait just a few more minutes and then the pager went off. We were led to a fantastic table that would have had the perfect view of the fireworks if they were going off at that time, but no luck that night. For those who complain about O'Hana's being noisy, I would have to agree that it is noisy. However, that is the fun of the restaurant. They had the kids parading around with singing and parades and the kitchen was hopping! If you want the romantic, quiet dinner this is not the place to go.

The food kept coming and coming....this was not a good plan to eat two all you could eat meals in one day, but we would definately go back!!! The food was great and we ate everything!!! This includes stuffing a little bit of that amazing dessert down....YUM!!!

So we all rolled out of O'Hana's ....DH and Jeffrey were ready to crash, but there was no way I was going to go to bed with this stuffed belly. So the girls decided to head off to MK!!! This was one of the benefits of staying at the Poly...we are on the monorail.

So the girls headed to the monorail, while the boys off to bed.

Holy crap!!! Look at the line for the monorail....it was packed, but it was also starting to get chilly out. We decided to wait it out in the line that try to make a mad dash to the boat or TTC. Within 10 minutes Marisa decided she was also exhausted, so that then left the 4 year old and me....and then there were two.

The monorail finally came and we squeezed on. I was going to have a special night with my little princess (and walk off a few pounds of food in the process). Our game plan...BTMRR!!! Hannah could not wait to go on again!!!

Did I also mention we were doing this with NO STROLLER!!! I didn't want to drag it along on my own and Hannah could be a "big girl" for a few hours at MK!!! Right?!?

So since we still had not gone on the train I decided we would take this to Frontierland; first stop would be right outside BTMRR and I wouldn't have to walk through the crowds. The wait time on my phone was not bad and worse case scenerio we would get a FP and do a few other rides in the meantime.

Here is a cute photo of Hannah on top of the Magic Kingdom Railroad..

So we headed to BTMRR only to find out that the ride was "temporarily" closed but they were expecting it to reopen in 45 minutes...the tears started. I reminded her that I needed her to be a big girl and lets go try HM. You see all Marisa talked about was going on HM at night and staying out late to do this...so I needed something to tease her with the next day since she backed out on coming. So off ot the HM we would go...

They were getting ready for the parade, so we were routed a back path to get to the HM and of course Hannah couldn't walk the whole way....well at least I could burn off more calories if I carry her!! The wait at the HM wasn't bad and Hannah acted like a pro...she giggled and cuddled the whole time on the ride with me.

Then I checked my phone and according to the app the ride was now only a 15 minute wait. So we dashed back to BTMRR while dodging all of the annoying smokers ahead of us. They must have passed at least 5 CMs, but no one said anything. I finally passed them because they were getting close to burning a few people.

We quickly got in line zig zagged until we came to a dead stop. I looked ahead...not bad we will wait. After all it's only now up to 30 minutes. Well we soon turned another corner and my jaw dropped....there was a zig zag of people as far as the eye could see. This was NOT a 30 minute wait and the FP was closed!!! I complained back and forth with a nice family from Boston and an hour and a half later we were finally on BTMMR!

This ride is amazing at night and I highly recommend the amazing view...so worth it for the look on Hannah's face! I was reminded of her innocence with her cute giggle of excitement. She wanted to go on again, but I told her next time.

By now it was to late to take the train (closes before the fireworks) and the parade was going with not a spot left to watch it. We couldn't cross so the plan was was back on the path towards HM; cut through Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, and then down Main Street! I could do this and it would be faster then just waiting for the parade to end with a 4 year old with me.
By the time I got to Liberty Square the parade had ended there. So we were able to cut through (my feet and arms from carrying a now exhausted Hannah were all killing me now). I was now questiong my sanity!!!

Oh...look a photopass photographer!!!!

We then worked our way past everyone staying for the fireworks...I was done...I had nothing left. Remember, we had been there when the park opened, went to CM for breakfast, straight to AK, pool, dinner at O'Hana's and it was now 10:00 p.m.....I wanted to go to bed and the monorail line was HUGE!! So we opted for the boat.

This was a good move on our part. We were the first ones on so we were able to get the seats in the back and we should be able to watch the fireworks!!! Hannah was sitting on me ready to cuddle (it was chilly out) and the fireworks started to go off just as we were pulling away. It was so beautiful having this moment with my little princess!!! I hope to never forget this moment, but sometimes just the memories are enough then running a moment pulling out a camera and asking someone to take a picture. It's just between my princess and I.

Up Next Day 4: I Didn't Plan Well...BBB Here We Come!!!!

 

[johnsonmatt3]

good TR so far. Wouldn't the EE story be a COCONUTS moment?

 

[1971DBday]

good TR so far. Wouldn't the EE story be a COCONUTS moment?

Which one??? Me teasing my 14 year old or the inappropriate lady???

My daughter couldn't quite smiling to get the words out and just ignored me...and I'm not THAT mean...okay well I can be, but I did not "embarass" her further...you know I used to be 14! In a galaxy far, far away...

As for the other woman I guess my DH just could not stop laughing to get the words out!

Thanks for joining! I hope you enjoy the moments when I torture my 14 year old...maybe you can keep me in perspective..or not.

 

[1971DBday]

Day 4 morning came very quickly for me. I felt like my head had just hit the pillow and I was up again. This morning was Hannah's appointment at BBB at 8:30 a.m....great planning on my part. DH and Marisa wanted to sleep in a little more, so the plan was to meet up with them after BBB.

I was a little disappointed that Marisa did not want to join us since all she talked about was this morning and doing a cartwheel down Main Street. Oh well....she will just miss out.

So the rest of us headed over to MK. Our somewhat plan of the day...BBB, then over to DHS, possibly an afternoon swim and then back to MK for CRT dinner.

Jeffrey, Hannah and I arrived at MK by about 8:15 a.m. and entered in through the reservation line. I was surprised at the lack of security at this point...they didn't check my name on a list or anything. We were just allowed in and assumed not to be fabricating a reservation. Oh well....

As we walked into the MK there was no one but photopass photographers down Main Street...Here is a quick shot with Main Street behind us.

I then looked at the kids and told them there weren't many opportunities in which they could run down Main Street.

Jeffrey responded "are you serious?",

"Yep! Go ahead just stop at the statue of Walt Disney and Mickey", I then let Hannah out of her stroller and she followed her big brother. I proceeded to try to take video, push a stroller and try to keep up with the kids.

Hannah giggled her whole way down Main Street as the photographers waved at her. They were both just being kids for a moment.

So we arrived at the statue and of course we had to have a quick photo op (Hannah's hair is a mess because it has to have nothing in it for BBB):

Then a quick photo just outside of the castle with Main Street again behind us:

We arrived at BBB just in time for her reservation and went in back to change into her Belle dress. Belle was this "it" princess this year. She could not wait to see her. So after BBB we were heading to go see Beauty and the Beast at DHS.

Here are a few shots of Hannah getting pampered (sorry no shots of Jeffrey bored out of his mind):

It was so sweet...they even made up Belle!

After BBB we were invited to go next door and get Hannah's portrait done. This was something I thought was just part of the Crown Package, but okay we will give it a try. We were able to put the photos onto our photopass. They came out okay, but nothing I would pay extra for EVER.

And then to our surprise the Fairy Godmother was outside with absolutely no line.

DH and Marisa finally met us outside the castle and we headed right back down Main Street to head over to DHS. When we arrived outside we headed to the buses. Now in years past there used to be buses that went from park to park, but I guess that is no longer an option. It's a shame because this was the more convenient option.

So instead we took a ferry to the TTC and then got on a bus over to DHS. There were only about two or three other families on the ferry with us, but there were a whole lot of people waiting on the other end to head over to the MK.

Jeffrey on the ferry (I figured I should have at least one photo in this post without Hannah):

View of the Poly from the ferry:

Coming up NEXT Day Four Part 2: Will Hannah Go on TOT?

 

[1971DBday]

We arrived at DHS a little bit before 10 a.m., Beauty and the Beast was at 10:30 a.m. so we headed directly to get in line at the show. I did not want to force anyone to go to this show, so DH and Marisa decided to go straight to TOT while I got in line with Jeffrey and Hannah.

Now I was told to get to this show 45 minutes before it started to get our place in line. Our goal was to get as close as possible to the front and in the middle and just before we were let in DH and Marisa joined us. We were ready...the rope drop was serious, everyone was lining up....this is nuts.

The rope finally dropped and I walked with Hannah in my arms and got to about the 3rd row. There was a family already sitting in the second row, but on the end...I thought this was odd and that they may have known something that I didn't know. My instinct told me to stay on the end like them, but no I had read on the DISboards to go in the middle.

Well long story short, a little girl at the end of the show is choosen to bring a rose to Belle and yes...you guessed it they picked from the family who stayed on the end. My little Hannah was so upset, but you can't get everything in life. Anyway, it was a very good show and it was our first time seeing it so everyone enjoyed it. Here are a few pictures (unfortuantely DH was on camera duty while I videotaped):

DH and Hannah...Daddy/Daughter Moment..

After BATB we decided it was time for Hannah's next Big Kid Ride the TOT!!! We had shown her this ride on YouTube a few times to prepare her and there were people in line that were surprised that she was tall enough to go on it. We had a family in front of us with a son a little bit older than Hannah by about a year and he was not liking to looks of things. While Hannah was calm and cool and acting like it wasn't a big deal.

We got into the room that shows the video and we were all watching Hannah closely. She decided she wanted me on one side and DH on another. We reminded her that we would each keep a hand on her and that people would be screaming because they were having fun.

It was our turn we entered the elevator and got strapped in. My heart was starting to race because of my fear of heights and falling. This is one of those rides that I will do once and only once per trip.

So it was time....we started our ascent and then it started...up down up down ....is that giggling coming from my 4 year old??? Yep...she is laughing. The photo came out great!!! I will have to figure out how to get it on here with an update, but Hannah has a big smile on her face. The young boy who was in front of us in line is crying at the top of lungs and the stranger who was surprised this little princess was big enough and not scared is turning around and giving Hannah a big smile and thumbs up.

I will get this photo on here somehow...but it's a picture of a picture.

Anyway, we were all surprised and happy that Hannah announced that this was now her new favorite ride. Oh boy... I'm going to have to go on this again. Aren't I???

The lines were getting a little crazy already at DHS. The fast passes were already gone for TSM so we decided to get FPs for RNRRC and then head over to the other side to go see the Muppets. But first a few pictures outside TOT:

After the Muppets we decided to go to Pizza Planet (Jeffrey's pic) for lunch and then a shot outside Muppets.

Marisa found her new favorite hat:

It was now time for our FPs for RNRRC. However, the Block Party Bash was about to start and Hannah really wanted to see this. So I asked a CM where the best place to see Toy Story and went and found a spot. We were lucky to find someone nice enough to let Hannah squeeze in and let me stand behind her. Everyone else headed off to RNRRC.

As the paraded started this little Hispanic girl, about 7, kept squirming her way in. First next to me, then next to Hannah, then in front of Hannah. I looked around and no one who looked like they were her parents. I don't mind little kids in front of me, but this little girl was being rude. I tried to say a few things to her, but she didn't seem to understand.

I am not the kind of person who will put my hands on someone else's child so there was not much I could do but to try to get Hannah in to see to the best of my ability. But Hannah was missing most of the parade. By the time it ended this girls parents finally made an appearance...I told them their daughter was being very rude and they just smiled at me...

Now either they did not speak English or were pretending not to speak English, but these are the stories of the little annoying kids that people think they have the right or train to move their way in front of you at parades. However, for those of you who have been in on some of these parade debates....I can understand your frustrations on both ends.

By the time the parade was done DH, Marisa and Jeffrey were coming back from RNRRC and we decided it was time to head back for our ADR at CRT. We grabbed the bus to the Contemporary since we could just walk over to MK from there. The other reason was so we could check out BLT. My Mom and Dad wanted some photos because they are thinking of BLT for a June 2012 trip for the whole family of 20+.

While on the bus we met a nice family and started talking. Next thing you know my DH found is long lost twin brother!!! These two were so similar I was afraid I was never going to see my DH again on this trip. Luckily they both realized they are here for a FAMILY trip and parted ways when we got to the CR.

We got off the bus and decided to head towards the pool to grab a cocktails for the walk back to MK. Well who does my DH run into at the pool bar??? Yep his long lost twin brother...I had to pry them apart again.

A few outside shots from CR looking at BLT:

The walk over was exhausting....what were we thinking???

By the time we got to CRT we just wanted to sit and eat...another long day with no relaxing by the pool.

NEXT: Day 4 Part 3: CRT from Princesses to Embarassing A Teenager 101

 

[1971DBday]

Well ...this trip report is going slow. Thank God no one is reading this...otherwise it would look really bad. Well back to getting my thoughts down...as long as I can remember that far back.


So by now I am exhausted and starving....relaxing went out the window with a little chillier temps. I felt like we were on fast forward trying to get so much done...but hopefully things would slow down the next day. As for now it was time to check-in to CRT....do we have are full party...yes....is there someone begging to get in because they did not know about ADRs...yes...honey it's not going to happen.

So we were told we could go inside and wait. I was hoping with one less person this year with our group (SIL was with us last year) we would get a better seat then up against the back wall. I was happy they finally had all of the princesses at dinner though. First up was a photo with Cinderella...

Hannah showing off her smile button....

Well...what do you know...the lady who was DEMANDING to get in got in...welcome to the waiting room for CRT!

However, I did not expect her to go before us!!! After 25 minutes of waiting, Demando Mom getting in before us and just enough photos with Hannah and Cinderella I decided to go find out what was going on. Nothing but a let us check....10 minutes later our name was FINALLY called. We were led upstairs to the same place we sat the year before...

You know what there was food in front of us and we had a nice server...I just wished there had been some alcohol at this point, but luckily we loaded up at the CR before our walk over.

The upgrades to the dinner were nice...princesses, wishing stars at each place set, and we didn't mind the menu change at all. Again I was happy with the dinner...I had the cheese sampler and the beef. I still want to try to replicate the sauce they made for this....yummy!!!

I had the corner spot so I could get great photos and video. I made sure that when Belle came over that we really emphasized how much Hannah was wanting to meet her. She really spent some quality time with her!

However, opps Mom didn't have the camera recording right away...I really suck at this video taping!!!! However, when it was time for the show Belle came back again to Hannah and gave her some more one on one time. It made Hannah's day!!!!

Snow White was so..so as usual...we don't really get the perky ones.

Here are the kids with Princess Aurora and Hannah is holding the new wand they give out....we liked the old version. Cutbacks????

Aurora was fun!!! She really went along with the teasing of the older two kids. She questioned Jeffrey about his girlfriend...we told her that he really had her eye out for her..."oh my Prince Charming....aren't you dashing!" He blushed.

Then she asked Marisa if she had a boyfriend. My husband and I started in by throwing out..."Do you mean Nick...or Dave...or Tom....we could go on here Princess." Her reply..."my, my Princess...I don't know what to say....you are really keeping your options open! You flustered me...." DH and I had successfully embarassed the teenager and boy...the dinner price was now worth it.

Ariel came by...

It was a wonderful time and we were all stuffed and exhausted!!! As we left the MVMCP was just starting up and it was PACKED (Sunday)!!!! It was different this year....we were herded away from Main Street. They had this roped off for only individuals who had wrist bands. But first a quick picture...

This is one exhausted group!

Now we were honest people last year and we were being honest people this year...I just wanted to get back to the hotel at this point. So I wasn't thrilled that we kept getting routed through narrow passages to get out. People were packing in on Main Street and it was even more challenging to get out this year.

Anyway...we finally got out and back to the Poly. We got a quick cocktail and went back to the room to unwind for day 5. Do you think we can avoid MK for just one day????

Day 5: Are you kidding?????

 

[1971DBday]

Okay...this TR is draggin...no readers, but I promised myself that I would get this done and I am only on day 5 of 11....so we are going to FF this report and get to the point. I am not a great story teller, so I will cut to the chase.

Day 5 brought us back to the MK. I don't know why we can't stay away from this park, but everyone enjoys it. I guess deep down this is our favorite park and is Disney to us. So we were all up early the next morning and I again tried to make it there on time to see the opening show. We made it just in time, but it was packed. However, DD4 loved sitting on top of DHs shoulders to see everything...

Our goal was to see Princess Tiana this morning and then off to Fantasyland to try to get most of these rides conqoured. Afterall, I had still had not tortured the kids with IASW!!!!

The family split up...DH took the two older kids to the Main Street Bakery to grab breakfast (no time back at the Poly because I had goals this morning). By the time we got the the line que there were a about 7 families in front of us. However, we made good time and were considered the beginning of the line. Here are a few pictures ....Tiana was very pretty and sweet to DD4...DD4 was all smiles.

DD4 was very "huggy" this trip with all of the princesses...

After meeting Princess Tiana we enjoyed our breakfast on the go with the family. The cinnamon rolls from the MSB were fantastic...HUGE...very very huge. We then headed over to FL to conqour some rides, as you can tell DD14 is thrilled.

This was on WTP...the outside play area was adorable, but we went through it quickly since there was no line.

Next up was IASW with the line que. I won the arguement as to the new setup with DH thanks to my vast knowledge from DIS.

DD4 thrilled....

DD14 not so much....

We did a few more rides and saw MP again....I love this show!!!! I know I wasn't supposed to, but I videotaped the whole thing just so I could watch it from time to time, but it's not the same thing. Anyway we moved onto Frontierland and went on HM again and took a survey as to what we would like to see with the line que....uh honey this is wasting precious short line time. The kids were being wonderful this morning and no Coconut comments were needed yet.

We came to the two mountains and the lines were starting to get larger. Since we had already been on BTMRR we decided to head over to SM. As mentioned before I have a slight fear of heights that seems to be getting worse in my old age... This is not one of my favorites. I used to be a thrill junky, but that is going away and has not developed into a slight panic attack everytime heights are involved. But my DH was going to have DD4 go on this ride for the first time and I has her Mommy needed to be by her side (vomit in the mouth at this point). So I did...here are a few shots of us on up top before I had to cover the cameras...

It was starting to get hot, but DD4 had to see Jasmine and everyone's first ride on Aladin's Magic Carpet Ride. This line my DH was willing to wait in... Thank you Jasime!

Another huggy...

Then DD4 showed them her smile buttong from BBB (gem sticker that goes on their cheek). So they decided to press it...

This was their reaction, because DD4 would tilt her head down with same side shoulder up and put on a fake smile....

The really spent some quality time with her! DH enjoyed every minute.

More hugs before parting ways...

Up Next: Continuing Day 5 - More MK and then back to the Poly for Quality Pool Time!

 

[15isto2]

Great update, thanks