Despite the fact that this is possibly could change, I figure that I should get started on some planning (on both trips)
Day 1 - 7/5
As I mentioned already, I booked a room at
Since we hope to surprise at least Zoe, the plan will be to act like the heat (assuming we ever get sun here) is getting to us and so we should pack up and go to a hotel. Idea being... the hotel will have ac (for some reason very very few homes in Western WA have ac
so it is a treat to be in ac during the summer) also, the hotel will have a pool so we can intrigue them with swimming.
After we rally the troops to pack an overnight bag, Steve and I will load said bags into the back of my SUV. We will need to make sure that no one notices the larger bags already in the back. Yes.. I plan to secretly pack and have it all ready to go.
Check in is at 3pm. It will take us about an hour (a little less perhaps depending on traffic) to get to the hotel, so we will get on the road about 2pm.
We have stayed at this hotel once before. It has a pretty nice lobby for just a "basic bare bones" hotel. Steve will hang out with Zoe (and anyone else) here while I check us in.
At check in, I will quietly arrange for shuttle in the morning to seatac airport. Once we check in, our room should look like this.
I got a king and a two person sofa sleeper assuming that Zoe could sleep with Steve and I for one night and then the boys could sleep on the pull out. So depending on how it works out, Zoe may just get the sofa sleeper all to herself and Steve and I will get a big bed.
Our next order of business will be to hit the pool.
I am kinda kicking myself because a few weeks back there was a groupon for the near by family fun center. I suspect at some point in the afternoon/evening we may end up there to play a bit.
This is how close it is to the hotel.
It is a nice enough fun center. Maybe a bit more upscale than a Chuck E Cheese... with some little rides.
The location of this hotel puts us close to many dinning options. I honestly do not know where I think we will eat that night. I think a lot will depend on who is with us.
A couple places in the running would be...
Bahama Breeze serves Caribbean style food and lots of yummy drinks.
Mizuiki is a huge buffet that serves (as best I can tell) authentic asian style cuisine and sushi... lots of sushi. Kira and I recently discovered this place. It was fun but a bit scary since I literally did not know what some of the items I was eating were.
We have not been to this location of The Old Spaghetti Factory. Typically, they are located in old factory type buildings...with a modge podge of antique or antique looking furniture. It is not bad italian food.
Claim Jumper reminds me a bit of what WCC seems to be. I have never ate at WCC, but the interior is very "western lodge". It serves food that is similar too.
Funny thing is there are countless restaurants within 5 to 10 minutes of the hotel. We may choose one of those, or we may just pick something up to bring back to the room. Who knows
I do wish that the hotel had an evening reception since they have a pretty nice dinning area. Their breakfast is pretty good.. but we will not be able to enjoy it since we leave so early at about 4:45am.
Here is the hotels dinning area.
After dinner we will need to let Zoe (and maybe Alex) in on the true plans. I have bought a puzzle that we will put together. It is a "Cars" puzzle. When it is all done, I plan to tell her about how DLR now has a Carsland. I plan to taunt her a bit and ask "wouldn't it be neat to see it?" I am sure I won't be able to hold out long and the first time she says "yes, I think it would be great to go" I think I will have Steve chime in and say. "ok, then lets go tomorrow morning"
I just know she is going to lose it! She has been begging me to surprise her with a trip.
After we settle down, we will probably watch some tv or a movie before going to sleep early. Staying at the hotel means we don't have to get up quite as early as if we had been at home, but it will still be very early. We will have to catch a shuttle just before 5am.
) Plus, for booking and being a member of their loyalty club, you get a coupon for a free pizza (it is suppose to be emailed to me and will be good for a place down in Anaheim) This place has a pretty nice pool and as I mentioned is near a family fun center. All in all, I am pretty happy with my decision. 
Obviously I have some more research to do. I keep thinking that there are many rides very similar that we can skip...and then you point out that they are not too similar. And the ones that really are similar (like Soarin over CA) I dont' want to skip. 
I think Alex would have had more fun with his brother there. I think it would have been so cool to have Zach see Zoe have fun. I guess this is just military life, eh?
I keep going round in my head... I tell myself it will be fine not having him there... and then I am upset at the added cost. Then I decide the cost will be fine and I am sad he will not be there.
Since I have NO experience with US airlines I am sorry I won't be ANY help. I am just sending lots of pixie dust and good thoughts that you will find a way to resolve it all. 
if any.
I will ask him to pay me for that. He actually is a pretty great kid most of the time. I am sure that part of what was making him angry with me was his own guilt over the situation and because he will have guilt I am sure he will want to make it right. Course... this will be after he isn't mad at me still. All bets are off until then. He can hold some grudges like no one else. Oh wait.. yes, like someone else.... like his dad!
I think you will need reservations for it though. We had a couple of CS options too and I remember being impressed with the variety of it. Sorry, can't remember any more WHERE we ate - it's been several years.
.. I didn't even know Ariel's Grotto served breakfast. 
I laugh cause it is enough to MAYBE buy one pizza...and a cheap pizza at that. However, it was something that made me choose this hotel over another so I think I should get the darn pizza. 
That would be kinda cool... 
