Hicks on Holiday 2 - Done brung the Kinfolk, Part 2, update 8/18/09, p.4 FINISHED!

[DisneyMom5]

More Touring One Man's Dream, and we (eventually) get to the slogging in the rain part...
9/23/07

We continued on through the exhibit:

Cinderella Castle

Danger Boy, Babycakes and I check out the Tree of Life Model

Then we went to view the movie.

This movie is great!
Mom was taking notes. LOL

My only beef is that it was COOOOOOOLD in there.
The A/C must have been on 40 degrees. BRRRRRRRRR.

I worried about Mom, as she tends to get chilled easy, but she said she was ok.
I was bribing small children to sit on my lap. LOL

After the movie we left, and headed to the other end of the park,
in hopes of an early lunch at Pizza Planet.

Had to stop for a pic in the Sci Fi car

Oh, and there's Woody, trying to get out of the rain

Yup, it was raining off and on.

Don't forget the Singin in the Rain umbrella!

Might as well, you're wet already!

We easily found Pizza planet, and were pleased with their service, their food,
and the fact that DangerBoy and Bitsy could get Gluten Free pizza.

Because the GF pizza would take a little longer, the CM at the counter offered to bring ours out to us.

We tooks seats upstairs (there's an elevator).

While we waited, we played "try on my hat."

The food was out in no time.

It's rather loud in here, because of the arcade, but we really liked it.
I didn't think the pizza was like cheap frozen pizza as some people say.
[I've had A LOT of cheap frozen pizza in my time, so I feel I can speak to that. LOL]

After eating, Disneygirl and I headed for the restroom, and then went to find our group.
We headed outside, where we thought they'd be waiting, and could not find them anywhere.
I finally remembered we had cell phones, and called John.
They were waiting inside...next to the restroom enterance. Doh!

Finally back together, we explored that end of the park while heading to the Lights, Motor, Action show.

Can you tell that the sky is getting darker???

Next up: Lights Motor Action, and, I promise, we slog...

 

[whogirl'smom]

We loved One Man's Dream! Missed the movie, though, I think it had just started and we didn't want to wait till the next showing. My dd just really enjoys historical type stuff of famous people, which cracked me up for a 7 year old! At Dollywood, one of her favorite things even when she was little was touring the museum with all of Dolly's costumes and dresses from performances!

Yuck on the rain for your day, but it doesn't seem to affect the kids!

 

[akayek31]

I am glad you had great things to say about Toy Story Pizza. We want to eat there on our trip. You guys are so lucky with the dream team

 

[micandminforever]

Your day at DS was a fun read. I love touring One Man's Dream it brings back so many childhood memories.

 

[DisneyMom5]

Lights Motor Action, and, I promise, we slog...
MGM/DHS
Sept. 23, 2007

When we last left the Hicks they were on their way to watch LMA.

John and the boys had taken it in earlier in the week,
but we girls wanted to see it too.

We made it to the stadium in good time,
parked the stroller,
and headed in.

All the seats in the front were already taken,
which I originally thought was ok, as they were less shaded,
BUT...
then we began to climb.
And climb.
And FREAKIN climb up to the available seats.

WARNING: the bleachers at LMA will KILL you.
My legs were dying.
I was worried Mom would have a heart attack.
I was almost willing to turn around and go back down and out of the stadium.

The things I do for my kids.

Here are some pics, courtesy of DisneyGirl:

Soon the show started, with a warning that there might be inclement weather on the way. You can see the pavement is already wet.

We watched the amazing little cars and the people on fire and the motorcylists, etc.,
and were heading for the BIG finale,
and then suddenly they announced that lightening had been spotted and they had to stop the show.

BUMMER!

But...Here's what the sky looked like at the time:

Even Miss Piggy was in danger of being blown away.

We left the stadium, and decided we had time to use those fastpasses on one more trip to Tower of Terror.
[Or Towr of Terra as our beloved former President would have called it.]

I believe we were able to walk on twice, as not everyone went on.

Rides accomplished, we headed out of the park, pausing to look at some shops.

Aren't these hats adorable? Even Disney Celebrities need hats!

The bus stop for Epcot is way around the bus circle. Here's the view from there:

Flaw in the Plan #1:
In theory, the bus to Epcot should be along speedy quick.
We'll just stand here under this shelter, while we wait, as it's starting to drizzle.
And wait.
And wait.

What time was that ADR? 4 pm?
Hmmm... it seemed like we should have plenty of time to get there from here.

IF THE STINKING BUS WOULD SHOW UP!!!!

FINALLY, it arrived.

Flaw in the plan #2. Biergarten is ALLLLLLLLLLLLLL the way in the back of Epcot from the bus stop.

Flaw in the plan #3. It is now POURING rain.

So, thus begins the slogging.

Here is the pic DisneyGirl accidently took during the great slog:

She also took a few shots on purpose. LOL

We think this one would be improved by this guy moving OUT of our pic!

Finally, we arrived at Biergarten, drenched, but happy we had not missed our ADR.

Next up: Oompa means I love you, and a tour of the homeland.

 

[winkers]

I'm so glad you're finishing your tr!

 

[DisneyMom5]

Epcot
Sept. 23, 2007

After our nice meal at Biergarten,
which included a beeeeeeeeeer flight for John and a nice mug o beer for Mom,
we toured around Germany.

Glockenspiel

Famous Guy fighting a dragon

Kings (I THINK this is Germany???)

In the shop Der Teddy Barr (pardon my spelling) there were really cool dolls that were all the princesses in sort of American girl form.

Here is Cindy and Mulan:

Snow White:

We then headed to Italy to check it out. The weather had cleared considerably, and we were enjoying our leisurely evening.

Masks:

Gondola

The crew:

Me and my babies;

We decided to go check out the American Experience, and we're early for the next show.
The cast member was very chatty, and asked what our names were and where we were from.
He then pronounced us "Family of the Night," and let us in early to check out the rotunda.
Then, he took us up by elevator, so that we could be the first family seated.
After all the other people came in, they announced us as Family of the Night, and we got to stand up and wave.
This being our third YOMDreams reward, we were feeling pretty swanky.

We were tired out, so began working our way back to the front.

We stopped to use the bathroom in UK (perhaps we had not seen this particular bathroom, and the small children would NOT let that happen!)

After changing Bitsy, DisneyGirl told her to "Stay where I can find you," while she used the facilities.

Meaning, of course, stay right here.

Bitsy decided she meant "Hide, and I'll find you."

So this is what Bitsy did:

We meandered past Canada, where men in kilts were rockin' the house.

Doesn't that trek from World Showcase to the bus seem like a MILLION miles when you are tired. Sheeeeeeeesh.

Finally back at Pop, we collapsed.

Next up:

Back to Animal Kingdom,
Too hot to wait in line,
and the girls make a break for it....

 

[micandminforever]

Great update.

 

[akayek31]

I apparently missed a lot in the world showcase. I was on a mission for characters and did not look at all the wonderful things that made the countries unique. I will have to take the time next time to look around

 

[Hedy]

I love the photos of you and your brood. I'll be curious to see the older pics of your brood after this trip.

 

[DisneyMom5]

Great update.

Thanks! Sorry they are so few and far between!
I realized that we have THREE more days to write about, and I wonder what we did all that time! I'm tired just thinking about it. LOL

I apparently missed a lot in the world showcase. I was on a mission for characters and did not look at all the wonderful things that made the countries unique. I will have to take the time next time to look around

I KNOW! I see pics that others have taken, and think "I've never seen THAT." I want to explore even more this time.

I love the photos of you and your brood. I'll be curious to see the older pics of your brood after this trip.

They have grown SO much. It's shocking!

Thanks for reading everyone!

 

[Cameo818]

I'm loving this trip report and the companion guide to food (Vittles A Go-Go)!

I am in awe of your skills with herding around 7 children. I only have two, and they're quite a handful at times, especially when they're excited about being somewhere. We haven't done the Disney experience with them yet, although I'm brainwashing them as best I can with Disney movies, clothing and toys.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed that our finances can afford a trip to Disneyland sometime in 2010 or 2011. Then we'll start planning for the ultimate trip to WDW! It's one heck of a journey to Florida from Oregon (and expensive airplane tickets!), but I'm looking forward to seeing my little girls' excitement and joy when we finally do go.

Subscribing! Looking forward to the next update and I hope you're having a marvelous summer!

 

[DisneyMom5]

I'm loving this trip report and the companion guide to food (Vittles A Go-Go)!

I am in awe of your skills with herding around 7 children. I only have two, and they're quite a handful at times, especially when they're excited about being somewhere. We haven't done the Disney experience with them yet, although I'm brainwashing them as best I can with Disney movies, clothing and toys.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed that our finances can afford a trip to Disneyland sometime in 2010 or 2011. Then we'll start planning for the ultimate trip to WDW! It's one heck of a journey to Florida from Oregon (and expensive airplane tickets!), but I'm looking forward to seeing my little girls' excitement and joy when we finally do go.

Subscribing! Looking forward to the next update and I hope you're having a marvelous summer!

Welcome!

That sounds like a perfect time to go. They'll love it.

I've always been interested in Oregon. The kids have, and will again this year, studied about the Oregon Trail, and it seems sooooo far from here. Of course, it's easier now that you don't have to use covered wagons!

Thanks for reading!
Hoping to update again soon.

 

[DisneyMom5]

Animal Kingdom
Sept. 24, 2007

[In an effort to get this report over with, I enlisted the help of Disneygirl,
and have several updates ready!]

When we last left the Hicks, they were recovering from a soggy walk.

On this day, we were scheduled to go to Animal Kingdom,
for early entry,
and then have brunch at Donald’s Breakfastasauras,
the only restaurant we’d been to twice before,
and one that would be soon closing.

The plan would have worked great,
if the Hicks had not mutinied against the Hick planner, namely ME.


Everyone decided that they DID NOT have another early entry in them,
and that they would be sleeping in.


I could deal with this....sort of.

I knew that it would complicate things, but I felt I could adapt,
overcome, and generally work around it.

Ha ha ha ha ha ha....whew.

Instead, we joined the thronging hordes,
managed to see ONE attraction, eat,
and return to Pop Century for a nap.

Yup, that’s it.

But I’m getting ahead of mysef.

Ahem.

We headed to the Safari, only to find it was a 45 minute wait,
and the fastpass return time was during our ADR.

Sigh.

We then decided to do the Maharajah Jungle trek,
but on the way,
we decided to play some drums...

Princess K and the Inquisitor playing drums

...get the perfunctory shot of the tree

(while simultaneously avoiding DeVine, who I find scary beyond all reason)...

Tree

And then, of course, sit around while a bunch of our group used the bathroom...AGAIN...

Fountain

Then, we finally hit the trail.

A frog

Bats

Komodo Dragon

Wall Carvings

Statue

We then headed over to our late breakfast.

Meet and Greet Donald

Meet and Greet Goofy

Meet and Greet Pluto

Meet and Greet Mickey

More up next....

 

[DisneyMom5]

Animal Kingdom cont., and a girls trip to MK.

After we ate (AND found the restroom, AGAIN)
we realized that there was still time before the Nemo show began.
We ran over there, and waited in line,
only to be told that the theater had reached capacity,
and the next show was not for 2 hours or something like that.
We were too hot and tired to wait around that area,
so we headed back to Africa to see if the safari was available.
Alas, it was a longer wait than before.
We could have gotten a fastpass, but didn’t care to stick around the park for 2 more hours.

We must have spent a lot more time in gift shops, because we noticed a lot more details.

Store Decorations

Tired, discouraged, and wilted from heat,
we gave up and headed back to Pop Century for a much needed,
air-conditioned nap.

Upon our arrival at our rooms,
we had a lovely surprise of some romantic swan towel animals.

We took a nice nap, and then DisneyGirl and I
started to cautiously feel everyone out on going to another park.
No one was too interested,
and John and Mom seemed willing to stay with the kids and take them to the pools,
so DG and I took the opportunity to have a girl’s night at Magic Kingdom!

May I just say, I felt so wicked leaving most of my children and enjoying myself???

We got to the park right before a rather large downpour, but were heading for the trainstation,
where my newly made friend Slightly Goofy/Linda had offered to hold us spots for the Spectromagic parade.
After letting her know that our family wouldn’t be attending,
and having a lovely chat,
DG and I decided to board the train for Frontierland.

At the Train Station

We crossed back to Pirates of the Caribbean, and found NO line!
Apparently, everyone else was waiting patiently for the parade.

We then hit Jungle cruise, with minimal wait.

Jungle Cruise

It was there that I noticed a diamond was missing out of my anniversary ring!
Bwaaaaaaaah!!!

We then decided to sprint on over to the BTMRR and ride.
This ride ROCKS at night!

On our walk back, we realized that DG had left her purse on the ride.
DOH!

But, thankfully, the C M s at the ride had not turned in it yet,
and were expecting us to return.

Purse in hand, we treated ourselves to a dole whip, and a rootbeer float,
and leisurely strolled up main street towards the entrance,
while enjoying the Spectromagic parade.

We rested at the foot of the train station,
ate our treats, and decided that the Spectromagic parade wasn’t half bad,
if you weren’t crowded in by people and could sit farther back to enjoy it.

The first time I saw it, I had a panic attack from all the people pushing against me,
and had no desire to see it again.
This occasion changed my mind!

We left MK, happy at our stroller free experience,
and headed for the buses.

We were loaded on the bus, when a family followed us on,
and the dad was still outside, trying to fold their stroller.
Nothing he did worked, and the bus driver refused to let him on with it open,
and his family was getting extremely frustrated.

Finally, the bus driver told him to wait for the next bus,
and his whole family traipsed off again.

I felt really bad for him, as that was really embarrassing,
but I totally understand why they have that rule!

We got back to the hotel, and got a good night’s sleep,
as we had only two more days to go,
and plenty to do and see!

Next up:
Epcot...for the last time!

 

[micandminforever]

It was great that you and DG got a girls night out. Sorry about your ring, but glad DG found her purse.

 

[FairyGodmotherJen]

I just found you again! My grad classes are all but over, so I can now enjoy my last two weeks of summer vacation (and get in all the DIS time I missed). Love the TR - I think it's great that the two girls got to go and experience MK on your own. Stroller free is good every once in a while, isn't it??

 

[DisneyMom5]

It was great that you and DG got a girls night out. Sorry about your ring, but glad DG found her purse.

The shameful thing is that I STILL haven't fixed that ring. Good thing I left my actual wedding ring home that trip.

I just found you again! My grad classes are all but over, so I can now enjoy my last two weeks of summer vacation (and get in all the DIS time I missed). Love the TR - I think it's great that the two girls got to go and experience MK on your own. Stroller free is good every once in a while, isn't it??

Hi! Glad you have a break for a couple of weeks. Dh wants to get back to school soon, though he doesn't look forward to the homework with his work schedule.

Thanks for reading!

 

[DisneyMom5]

Sept. 25, 2007
Epcot

When we last left the Hicks, they had attempted a second day at AK,
and the girls had taken an MK night to themselves.
The next morning was our second to last day at WDW.
We knew we wanted to end up our stay at MK, so we planned a day at Epcot,
complete with our first visit to Rose and Crown.

Since we had plenty of time to work with,
we returned to the Living Seas for another session with Crush.
This time, DangerBoy was the lucky recipient of a conversation with Crush.
This made his day!

Afterwards, we decided to visit Innoventions.
We save this for when we have extra time,
because on most days there are rides to ride and shows to see.
The group split up,
With Mom taking some to tour the “house of the future,”
John taking some to do the robot race/build a robot,
And Babycakes and I finding a comfy chair in which to nurse and nap.

Innoventions

Babycakes in a better mood

House of the FUTURE

After this, we were ready for lunch.
I suggested returning to Sunshine Seasons, but John felt that since we were next to Electric Umbrella,
We might as well eat there.

Electric Umbrella

Years ago we had some really good sandwiches here, but now it is pretty boring fare.
We ended up eating too much, which was a shame, considering the food was so blah,
And paid for it later when faced with the excellent food at Rose and Crown!

We headed out for the world showcase, and took our time looking around.
I think we probably rode the Mexico and Norway rides again,
as we toured that direction,
and they are cool and dark. LOL

Time on your hands at WDW? Lucky there are so many stores in which to waste time and money!

Shopping in China (Nihou! - that's hello, in Chinese, and I have no idea how to spell it. LOL)

Cool details in Italy.

We stopped to take DisneyGirl’s traditional pic in front of the B&B window in France.

Traditional Beauty and the Beast picture

Finally, it was time for our Rose and Crown dinner.
The service here was excellent, and we really enjoyed our food,
what we could eat of it, considering we were still stuffed from lunch. Ugh.

Rose and Crown - Boys will be boys...with Princess K looking on.

John, and his mini-me, the Inquisitor

Babycakes admiring her favorite person

Some more good looking girls

The beautiful restaurant

Sufficiently full (and then some) we decided to waddle back to the buses.
Mom and I took an evening tour of the resort, and got some pics.

At the hotel - Big bowling pins

Mom's favorite decade

And that was the end of our second to last day at WDW.

Next up: The last day at Disney for 2007. SNIFF.

 

[akayek31]

DD and I spent the day at Magic Kingdom when DS was being annoying. We met the Fairies after a long long wait. Did you guys stay in the 50's room? We did in May but when we go in December we are staying in preferred. I think we may get an ADR at Rose and Crown. Not sure yet Can't wait to read more.