2 Kids,2 Dogs,1200 Miles: 2 More Weeks in FL 2 - Finished with a Blast! P40

[kate_wdw]

After leaving the rodents and talking dog…

They started playing some classic ghetto rap. Hardcore stuff like NWA, Cypress Hill and all the boys from Death Row Records.

I would totally drag myself over to Fort Wilderness to see that.

What a sweet picture!

Your latest installment was very educational. I’ve never seen the Mickey/Minnie ponchos or Princess Leia before. Although Princess Leia seems to have a bit of a 'tude.

 

[Poolrat]

You forgot the other part of Disney Un-magic. Which was really more my issue the entire rest of the day than anyone elses. To this day, I wish I had complained to Guest Services.

oh no. But please share.

 

[KatMark]

You forgot the other part of Disney Un-magic. Which was really more my issue the entire rest of the day than anyone elses. To this day, I wish I had complained to Guest Services.

Please do tell.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

So after a bite to eat, we tepidly strapped into the coolant dripping abomination and set off down I-4 East.

Who needs Hollywood Studios? You have a thrill ride all to yourselves!

Well, the people that were driving the wrong way in that lane caused quite a mess. The parking attendant was able to sort it out, but only by allowing those people to cut off us law abiding citizens and proceed to parking.

You're going the wrong way!

Finally, I had enough. I gave a little honk to get his attention, then one of these -> as a what about us?

I can't really describe the look on his face. Probably a mix of surprise that we actually wanted to go park and annoyance that I had the nerve to tell him that. He did finally let us go through, but our day was not starting out very magically.

Good grief. Sounds like they managed the very un-Disney trick of taking a bad setup and somehow making it worse. I will have to apply to run Disney's DOT.

However, we altered our usual touring plan for DHS and didn't head straight for Tower of Terror. Instead, we headed to a galaxy, far, far away.

Sounds like a good call to me.

The ride was awesome - the new digital 3D effects were fantastic and random story line kept it fresh (we did hope right back on after our first ride).

Cool! I can't wait to try this out!

The new Phineas and Ferb meet & greet location is modeled after a - wait for it - movie set! Phineas and Ferb were shooting a movie at Disney's Hollywood Studios! (Just like Lights Camera Action! and The Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular. Come on guys, I know it's Hollywood Studios, but can't we think of something else?)

I'm shocked! Shocked! Maybe they need to build a Doofenshmirtz Evil, Inc. building.

But finally, it was our time. Madison, to no one's surprise, started dancing.

I'm shocked! Shocked!

Is it just me, or do P&F not look quite "right" in person? Something seems off.

Soon after we meet up the Grandpa, found the key under the mat and got in line for MuppetVision 3D.

We see the new movie on Saturday! Can't wait!

The next picture on my camera was of Lord Vader, so it's a safe bet that we rode Star Tours again.

Sounds like a safe bet that you liked this ride.

(It's a little known fact that if you look though 3D glasses at normal, everyday 3D objects, they appear in 9D. It's so little known, in fact, that only Evan knows it.)

I found they keep things in 3D, but darker.

Scores: (By the way, these kids are getting good. I can remember when they could barely crack 1,000!)

Impressive.

The next picture I have in my timeline is from the line at Star Tours.

So I'm sure it would be another safe bet to say we rode it again.

By the time we helped save the universe again (why can't it just stay saved?!?) it was starting to rain.

Just when I think I'm out, they pull me back in!

I'm going to guess you enjoyed this ride.

The Little Einsteins. (With Leo in full blink and Quincy with a half-blink, half-stoned look on his face)

Duuuude...I can see the music...

And it wouldn't be Jake & The Neverland Pirates without Gold Doubloons! (Luckily, Disney substituted paper doubloons for the real gold ones. Those would hurt coming down from the ceiling.)

You guys have umbrellas, right?

("What's the soup ju jour?" "It's the soup of the day" "That sounds good, I'll have that.").

Dumb and Dumber!

While we were at the Disney Junior show, grandpa had sneeked off and got some new ponchos for the kids. It had stopped raining, but they were just so darn cute that we needed to take a picture anyway.

Agreed. Very cute.

We did get on this time, and barely made it across town in rush hour traffic to the concert! Wheee!

Whew! I'm sure that was a close one.

You forgot the other part of Disney Un-magic. Which was really more my issue the entire rest of the day than anyone elses. To this day, I wish I had complained to Guest Services.

 

[E3yore]

It has been a few months and not all the details are accurate in my head so I will say what I remember and not make up anything, unlike a certain someone I know.

This is probably more of an issue to an adoptive parent than anyone else.

We were standing in the line waiting for Star Tours, Madison in front of the line maybe a foot from me. One of the cast members came up to her and told her that she could not ride because she did not have a parent with her. Madison gave me a look like "what is this lady talking about?" I informed the cast member that I was her mother and that maybe she needed some education on multicultural families as she would not have said that if Madison was white or I was Black. IF she would have apologized instead of defending her rude behavior I would have let it go but the woman assured me that she would have told Madison the same thing because "she was not standing with an adult." At this point, I asked her how close she had to be to an adult to be considered "with" an adult as Madison was again MAYBE a foot from me. The doors opened to the ride and we went in. I did again tell her that she could use some education as she is living in a multicultural world and working at a place where she will come into contact with families that were different that hers. She mumbled something that I did not catch.

I will admit that I was upset for several hours after this but we still managed to have a good day. One thing as a parent I have tried to do is make life as normal as I can for both of my kids. Other than the little confusion that Madison had that started the problem I think she was completely unaware of anything else that occurred.

 

[Poolrat]

It has been a few months and not all the details are accurate in my head so I will say what I remember and not make up anything, unlike a certain someone I know.

This is probably more of an issue to an adoptive parent than anyone else.

We were standing in the line waiting for Star Tours, Madison in front of the line maybe a foot from me. One of the cast members came up to her and told her that she could not ride because she did not have a parent with her. Madison gave me a look like "what is this lady talking about?" I informed the cast member that I was her mother and that maybe she needed some education on multicultural families as she would not have said that if Madison was white or I was Black. IF she would have apologized instead of defending her rude behavior I would have let it go but the woman assured me that she would have told Madison the same thing because "she was not standing with an adult." At this point, I asked her how close she had to be to an adult to be considered "with" an adult as Madison was again MAYBE a foot from me. The doors opened to the ride and we went in. I did again tell her that she could use some education as she is living in a multicultural world and working at a place where she will come into contact with families that were different that hers. She mumbled something that I did not catch.

I will admit that I was upset for several hours after this but we still managed to have a good day. One thing as a parent I have tried to do is make life as normal as I can for both of my kids. Other than the little confusion that Madison had that started the problem I think she was completely unaware of anything else that occurred.

I am sorry that the situation happened. You are so right, the CM could have apologized and just admitted the situation was not as she initally observed and learned from the situation.

She was very wrong in her observation and hopefully you speaking up will give her some pause and she will think before she assumes the next time.

Here is a for you and Madison. I am also glad she was unaware of the situation.

 

[KatMark]

Bambi, I am so sorry that you and Madison had to deal with this. I sometimes wonder if people have a clue in general and think before they speak. I truly worry about our society and the selfishness I see, the ignorance, etc.

I am so glad Madison was not aware of what transpired. Hugs to you both.

And to all of your family...including that new little guy...Happy Thanksgiving.

 

[Poolrat]

I saw the update on the siggie. Congrats on knowing you will be having a join the family.

 

[FreezinRafiki]

We had the ultrasound on Wednesday and brought both kids along. Madison made it immediately known to the tech that she wanted to know the gender of the baby. But she had to sit though several agonizing minutes of the tech checking the placenta, taking measurements, etc. Finally, the tech called Madison over and whispered in her ear. Madison got a huge grin and walked back over to me, saying "I have a secret." I asked what the secret was, and she replied "I'm not telling."

She couldn't keep the secret long, however, and began jumping up and down in the ultrasound room yelling "IT'S A BOY! IT'S A BOY! IT'S A BOY!"

 

[FreezinRafiki]

Isn't it great when the ones who can't follow basic rules of the road get preferential treatment?

You've got that right.

Have a magical day!!!

Those aren't thumbs, are they?

Yeah... I mean it is Phineas and Ferb... Shouldn't it be a TV set?

That's what I'm talking about.

Hey, where's Perry?

Oh, there you are Perry.

You know the saying... the only sure things are death, taxes and Madison dancing.

I'm not sure that's really a saying.

But it is now.

Love the Muppets!!! I kind of want to go see the movie Wednesday night before we leave... but I really need to get to bed early and rest up.

We saw it on Saturday. Loved it! The kids are already asking when it comes out on DVD.

They might hurt, but it might actually be worth the pain.

With my luck I'd take them to the bank and find out they were gold leaf over lead. Worth less than the bottle of Advil I took to get rid of the headache.

Never fails... buy new ponchos, rain stops.

Yup, but at least I didn't pay for these.

Gee, why does this NOT surprise me????

LOVE the Studios update. I just love how Madison breaks out into dance. She doesn't have a shy bone in her body, does she? Be careful of that one when it is time for boys!!!!

I'm hoping that by the time the boys start coming around, she'll turn some of her sass against them and put them in their place.

Or I'll just hit them with a baseball bat. You know, whatever works.

I love the ponchos grandpa bought the kids...I've never seen those and they are adorable.

Me too. There just might be adult sized ones for Bambi and I.

 

[FreezinRafiki]

I would totally drag myself over to Fort Wilderness to see that.

It was a fun time!

Your latest installment was very educational. I’ve never seen the Mickey/Minnie ponchos or Princess Leia before. Although Princess Leia seems to have a bit of a 'tude.

She must have had one of those "daddy's little girl" attitudes.

Who needs Hollywood Studios? You have a thrill ride all to yourselves!

Disney: highly skilled and supervised maintenance department overseen by governmental regulations at the state and federal levels.
Me: I have a wrench and a basic understanding of how to use it.

You're going the wrong way!

Oh, he's drunk. How would he know where we're going?

Good grief. Sounds like they managed the very un-Disney trick of taking a bad setup and somehow making it worse. I will have to apply to run Disney's DOT.

So you can take something bad and somehow make it worse?

(See what I did there? I just used your own words. I made a funny!)

Sounds like a good call to me.

I used the force. And Evan's map.

Cool! I can't wait to try this out!

No, no you can't. But you have to.

I'm shocked! Shocked! Maybe they need to build a Doofenshmirtz Evil, Inc. building.

That's even better than Andy's idea!

I'm shocked! Shocked!

Still? You'd better get that checked out.

Is it just me, or do P&F not look quite "right" in person? Something seems off.

Well, they made a big deal about their movie being in "2D". Some things just don't translate to 3D very well. And it's not like they're drawn anatomically correct. (Get your mind out of the gutter - I'm talking about head shape and eye placement.)

We see the new movie on Saturday! Can't wait!

So did we! It was great! (And you've got to get a hold of your waiting ability. You're going to either give yourself an ulcer or piddle all over the floor like a Cocker Spaniel puppy. Either way, I'm not cleaning it up)

Sounds like a safe bet that you liked this ride.

Meh. It was OK.

I found they keep things in 3D, but darker.

Use the Force, Mark.

I'm going to guess you enjoyed this ride.

Meh. It was OK.

Duuuude...I can see the music...

This sounds a little too close to realistic to be something you made up. We need to party sometime.

You guys have umbrellas, right?

Of course. We left them in the stroller outside.

Dumb and Dumber!

+1 I knew you wouldn't leave me hanging on that one.

Agreed. Very cute.

Thanks!

Whew! I'm sure that was a close one.

As close as every other time we've ridden it.

 

[FreezinRafiki]

You forgot the other part of Disney Un-magic. Which was really more my issue the entire rest of the day than anyone elses. To this day, I wish I had complained to Guest Services.

oh no. But please share.

Please do tell.

It has been a few months and not all the details are accurate in my head so I will say what I remember and not make up anything, unlike a certain someone I know.

This is probably more of an issue to an adoptive parent than anyone else.

We were standing in the line waiting for Star Tours, Madison in front of the line maybe a foot from me. One of the cast members came up to her and told her that she could not ride because she did not have a parent with her. Madison gave me a look like "what is this lady talking about?" I informed the cast member that I was her mother and that maybe she needed some education on multicultural families as she would not have said that if Madison was white or I was Black. IF she would have apologized instead of defending her rude behavior I would have let it go but the woman assured me that she would have told Madison the same thing because "she was not standing with an adult." At this point, I asked her how close she had to be to an adult to be considered "with" an adult as Madison was again MAYBE a foot from me. The doors opened to the ride and we went in. I did again tell her that she could use some education as she is living in a multicultural world and working at a place where she will come into contact with families that were different that hers. She mumbled something that I did not catch.

I will admit that I was upset for several hours after this but we still managed to have a good day. One thing as a parent I have tried to do is make life as normal as I can for both of my kids. Other than the little confusion that Madison had that started the problem I think she was completely unaware of anything else that occurred.

I am sorry that the situation happened. You are so right, the CM could have apologized and just admitted the situation was not as she initally observed and learned from the situation.

She was very wrong in her observation and hopefully you speaking up will give her some pause and she will think before she assumes the next time.

Here is a for you and Madison. I am also glad she was unaware of the situation.

Bambi, I am so sorry that you and Madison had to deal with this. I sometimes wonder if people have a clue in general and think before they speak. I truly worry about our society and the selfishness I see, the ignorance, etc.

I am so glad Madison was not aware of what transpired. Hugs to you both.

Well, Bambi pretty much told the story, so there's not much left for me to add, except of all the places I'd expect to encounter this, Disney World would be pretty far down the list.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

It has been a few months and not all the details are accurate in my head so I will say what I remember and not make up anything, unlike a certain someone I know.

This is probably more of an issue to an adoptive parent than anyone else.

We were standing in the line waiting for Star Tours, Madison in front of the line maybe a foot from me. One of the cast members came up to her and told her that she could not ride because she did not have a parent with her. Madison gave me a look like "what is this lady talking about?" I informed the cast member that I was her mother and that maybe she needed some education on multicultural families as she would not have said that if Madison was white or I was Black. IF she would have apologized instead of defending her rude behavior I would have let it go but the woman assured me that she would have told Madison the same thing because "she was not standing with an adult." At this point, I asked her how close she had to be to an adult to be considered "with" an adult as Madison was again MAYBE a foot from me. The doors opened to the ride and we went in. I did again tell her that she could use some education as she is living in a multicultural world and working at a place where she will come into contact with families that were different that hers. She mumbled something that I did not catch.

I will admit that I was upset for several hours after this but we still managed to have a good day. One thing as a parent I have tried to do is make life as normal as I can for both of my kids. Other than the little confusion that Madison had that started the problem I think she was completely unaware of anything else that occurred.

I'm really sorry to hear that. What an ugly moment.

 

[FreezinRafiki]

Saturday, July 2nd.

This morning started off just like any other.

As far as I can remember. Heck, it was almost 5 months ago. Most of the minute details are lost to the fog bank in the back of my mind. I do know that Bambi took the kids swimming while Dean and I went golfing.

Unfortunately, it was not one of Disney's immaculately kept courses. It was however, a much more affordable local course in Lakeland. But the rule still applies - any day on a golf course is a good day. Especially when you get to attempt shots like this:

Those are the steps leading out of steep sand bunker. As you can see, my shot cleared the bunker, just as I had planned. It just didn't clear it by much very much. I'm sure the official USGA or PGA rules allow for some kind of relief in this situation, but where's the fun in that? Yes, I hit that ball exactly as it lied. And let's just say that I holed out from there.

Further along the course, we finally - after probably a dozen rounds of golf in Florida - I finally came across one of these guys:

OK, so he was only about 4 feet long and in the middle of a pond, but he was an aligator none the less. Maybe some day I'll come across at 12 footer sunning himself on the edge of a green, but for now I'll have to be satisfied with this fella.

After the round, we met up with Bambi and the kids for lunch (Grandma had to work again today), then headed back up I-4 to the Magic Kingdom. (I'm sure several of you were expecting another description of the van being a rust bucket of death. Sorry, I just wasn't feeling it tonight.)

Anyway, we parked and stopped for a quick picture:

Why is this picture important? Because it recreated the first picture Bambi and I took on our first trip to Disney World back in January of 2004:

Yes, I'm sentimental.

Anyway, we crossed under the train station and noticed the wait for Mickey was only 15 minutes. I did a FastPass run to Big Thunder Mountain while everyone else headed for the mouse. I didn't quite make it back in time to check out Mickey's new digs at the front of the house.

I did, however, make it back in time to see the Princesses.

I understand this is a temporary home for these ladies, but the lighting in there is horrible. It makes it way too difficult to get good pictures. (The ones above are the Photopass pics. Ok, enough complaining. You know what happens to complainers...

Sorcerer Evan!

We finished up with the royal ladies just in time to catch the end of the parade.

We found a nice place up on the porch in front of the Town Square Theater. It was a little far back, but the bonus was that I didn't have to lift one (or both) of the kids up on my shoulder for them to see.

Since it was July, and Florida, it was naturally hot. Very hot. Meaning there was only one thing to do.

DOLE WHIPS!

But beware. As awesome as Dole Whips are, they hide a deep, dark secret. You must be careful when enjoying them. If you don't eat them, they will eat you.

Evan, however, knows those rules. And he took that monster down, saving us all!

Now, I'm sure you would expect that this being a holiday weekend, that the lines would be outrageous. Well, they were.

(I'm assuming this sign was like an odometer on your car, and actually rolled over to 100 minutes. That had to be it)

Despite the soul suckingly long wait, we braved the treehouse.

Which was nice, because it afforded us this awesome view of Pirates.

We kept heading through Adventureland, pausing for a spin on the carpets...

...and a ride on a pirate ship

Here puppy, puppy, puppy.

We continued around clockwise and came to our next attraction, another perfect way to cool off in the Florida Summer heat, Splash Mountain!

Continued next post...

 

[FreezinRafiki]

It was summer, so lines were pretty long. It was nice, though, that it allowed us to call an audible and see some attractions that we'd never seen before. First up, Tom Sawyer's Island.

The kids had a blast wandering around the island, exploring all of the paths.

I think they we're looking at gecko or something. It doesn't really matter, the picture was just too cute not to include.

The really liked the guns stationed around Fort Langhorn. I don't know who we were defending against, but they must have spent a few thousand rounds of ammo. I don't know about you, but I felt safer.

The guns were good for a while, but eventually they had to move up the heavy artillery...

...and they seemed OK with it.

After using the Escape Tunnel, the kids killed a little time while waiting for the boat back to the mainland.

And since it was so hot, another ride on Splash Mountain was in order.

And a quick spin on the Wildest Ride in the Wilderness. It was also the first time the kids rode in a car by themselves. They grow up so fast!

I like to include these pictures, just to remind myself how peaceful it would be around here if these were actually legal.

With Frontierland and Liberty Square conquered, we continued east into Fantasy Land. And into a Pooh House.

SPIN! PUKE! SPIN! PUKE! SPIN! PUKE!

It was getting later in the day, and we needed a little break. Nothing better than a spin around Tomorrowland. I wonder if they ever found that Tom Morrow fella?

Next Post...WISHES!

 

[FreezinRafiki]

After a quick dinner at Cosmic Rays, we scoped out a place in the hub for the Main Street Electrical Parade. And now, for your viewing pleasure, I present...pictures of that stuff of which I just said.

For those of you that haven't seen the updated version of the parade, Tink leads it off. When she waves her wand, it sends a sprinkle of pixie dust lights down not only her float, but every one behind her, all the way down the line. Pretty cool effect!

A glowing Cindy

After the parade was the Magic, Memories and You projection show on the castle. They did a really cool job on this (even if taking pictures isn't the easiest).

But soon enough, it was fireworks time! More pictures!

The LCD screens on cameras, camcorders and cell phones made for quite the sea of technology.

The long day caught up with the kids as we made out way out of the Magic Kingdom and they both passed out in the stroller. It was an uneventful drive back to Grandma & Grandpa's house, everyone got tucked into bed, dreaming of all of the animals we would see tomorrow.

Up Next: Umm..Animal Kingdom. Didn't you read that last sentence?

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

Thank goodness Evan saved us all from that Dole Whip monster!! It looks pretty vicious...

(I'd imagine that's what they were taking down from Fort Langhorn...gotta keep the people safe from those frozen non-dairy troublemakers!)

 

[dvc4life]

Those are some great fireworks pictures!

 

[KatMark]

WOW....you are an updating machine (you must have been at least "glimpsing" my TR and seeing that I've been updating at a rapid speed!).

Thank you, Evan and Madison, for fighting off the bad guys; and Evan for saving the world from the Dole Whip monster.

Great nighttime pictures. I really want to be able to see the evening parade on our next visit (we've missed it the last two years).

I love the photo of you and Bambi that you took in honor of your first visit...great picture of you two lovebirds.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Unfortunately, it was not one of Disney's immaculately kept courses. It was however, a much more affordable local course in Lakeland. But the rule still applies - any day on a golf course is a good day.

Those are the steps leading out of steep sand bunker. As you can see, my shot cleared the bunker, just as I had planned. It just didn't clear it by much very much. I'm sure the official USGA or PGA rules allow for some kind of relief in this situation, but where's the fun in that? Yes, I hit that ball exactly as it lied. And let's just say that I holed out from there.

Wow. I bet hitting a ball to that exact spot is much more difficult than getting a hole-in-one. I think you should give yourself a 0 on that hole.

OK, so he was only about 4 feet long and in the middle of a pond, but he was an aligator none the less. Maybe some day I'll come across at 12 footer sunning himself on the edge of a green, but for now I'll have to be satisfied with this fella.

Lost balls will stay lost in that pond.

Yes, I'm sentimental.

Very nice. Looks like Bambi grew more hair since 2004 and you...well, let's move on.

You know what happens to complainers...

Whoa! What did all those Mickeys do to get into so much trouble?

Since it was July, and Florida, it was naturally hot. Very hot. Meaning there was only one thing to do.

DOLE WHIPS!

But beware. As awesome as Dole Whips are, they hide a deep, dark secret. You must be careful when enjoying them. If you don't eat them, they will eat you.

If they ever need a follow-up to the Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man, I guess we have our villain. Good thing Evan was up to the challenge.

Looks like the Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse has to deal with the same rush as the Imagination ride.

It was summer, so lines were pretty long. It was nice, though, that it allowed us to call an audible and see some attractions that we'd never seen before. First up, Tom Sawyer's Island.

The kids had a blast wandering around the island, exploring all of the paths.

Glad you enjoyed it! It's very underrated, in my opinion.

The really liked the guns stationed around Fort Langhorn. I don't know who we were defending against, but they must have spent a few thousand rounds of ammo. I don't know about you, but I felt safer.

As long as the guns were pointing in the other direction, sure!

They probably saved the fort from all of the invaders attempting to storm the fort by train across the way. Either that or they were shooting at innocent people on the rails.

And a quick spin on the Wildest Ride in the Wilderness. It was also the first time the kids rode in a car by themselves. They grow up so fast!

I like to include these pictures, just to remind myself how peaceful it would be around here if these were actually legal.

As long as the stocks are outside. Not that I would know anything about this.

SPIN! PUKE! SPIN! PUKE! SPIN! PUKE!

I guess you let Bambi take that one for the team?

For those of you that haven't seen the updated version of the parade, Tink leads it off. When she waves her wand, it sends a sprinkle of pixie dust lights down not only her float, but every one behind her, all the way down the line. Pretty cool effect!

Wow! Your pictures of the parade and fireworks are fantastic! I'll have to ask you some geek questions about settings, etc., but I won't do it hear so everyone else is bored to death. I can just bore you to death later.