1 Daddy + 1 Mummy + 1 Daughter = 3 very excited kids going to Disney World

[Kurby]

We took 3 weeks vacation, drove 2 days from Toronto to Orlando, stayed 4 days with dh's cousin then arrived in Disney World on April 29.

Introducing

Me - Karen aka Kurby
dh - Patrick
dd - Cassandra our 3 and a half year old


Walt Disney World – Where Dreams Come True.

Wilderness lodge – our home for the next 4 nights. Ohhh it’s good to be home again.

Check in was a breeze. 1 small glitch – we had put the DDP on our reservation months ago but decided to cancel it since Cassandra doesn’t really eat that much and we could save quite a bit of money we decided to cancel and share our meals with her. However it was still on our reservation and it took 2 cast members and a phone call to cancel it and the one we have at OKW. Other than that it was smooth and painless.



Patrick went to get the van so that we could unload the luggage onto a cart. We had a very nice bellman (sorry forgot his name – didn’t write it down) who was nice to chat with while walking the very long way to our room – last room at the end of the longest hall LOL – just our luck.

Nice room though. Rating of 8 (and this is because my sun burnt legs are killing me as I have to walk so far)

We had 2pm reservations at the Grand Floridian afternoon tea which we were late for but it was worth it.

After doing some unpacking we walked down to the dock and jumped right onto the boat for the Magic Kingdom that was just about to leave. When we got to the MK dock I asked which would be the fastest way to GF and was told probably the monorail since the boat for GF had just left and it looked like at least 15 minute wait. So up we went to the monorail station. Only 1 other couple was a head of us and when we got to the top my DIS training kicked in and I asked if they were still letting people sit up front. I was nicely told that if it was empty we could have it. When it arrived there was a family already sitting up front but guess what – this was the MK station and they walked off. WOO HOO it was free and we got it (sorry to the lady and her daughter who came up just before the train arrived and was denied – ok I’m not really that sorry )

So there we were, enjoying a wonderful ride up front. Our driver was a nice man named Stepheno (sorry if that’s not spelt right). He’s been working at Disney for 24 years, most of that time he’s been driving the monorail. WOW – now that’s a love for your job

We arrived at GF and off we went, but before we did, Stepheno gave Cassandra a “Co-Pilot” card – so cute. Down 1 floor to have a very nice afternoon tea.

Both Patrick and I ordered the “Buckingham Palace” tea. I enjoyed the Erus tea while Patck chose the Jasmine tea. Cassandra received the “Mrs Potts” tea which consisted of a very special magical back tea that looked and tasted an awful lot like chocolate milk.

Our sandwiches were – water cress, egg salad, shrimp salad, chicken salad and grilled pear with gorgonzola, which I have to say was surprisingly good – who knew.

I ended up giving this an 8.5 because I think they could have put a little more filling in the adult sandwiches, which were nice but if the had an eighth of an inch of filling that was generous. And the cost of the kids tea was a little on the high side for the 3 quartered sandwiches, small pot of chocolate milk and 2 pastries she received (not that she actually ate it – it was bribery to get her to finish her tuna piece while I ate the peanut butter and Patrick took the chicken salad)

After lunch we took the short monorail journey over to MK where I picked up my Birthday gift certificate (Happy Birthday to me ) and was indeed told that it does not expire. So those who were wondering – you’re good to go until it’s spent.

We had plans on going to DTD but opted to stay at WL instead since we were all on the tired side and I didn’t really want to deal with a cranky child. We headed back to the room to let Cassandra have an hour or so rest then thought we’d check out the Whispering Canyon for dinner. The next available spot was 8.15. No thanks. So down we went to the Roaring Fork. It was now about 6.30 and I knew we were going to head over to Fort Wilderness for the campfire (actually should have stayed back and gone swimming – but I digress) So we bought our dinner and new mugs – very cute by the way but 3 of them cost almost $40 – ouch.

Dinner was… hummm not great. Disappointing actually. I had the grilled veg sandwich which I was very disappointed in. I remember having a much better on the last time we were here 3 years ago and was soooo looking forward to enjoying it again while on this trip. It was a different bread and didn’t have the same veggies that I liked – oh well.

Cassandra’s hamburger was cold – not that she cared – she didn’t eat it – do you see a pattern here? Starting tomorrow, she’s on the share plan with us.

Overall rating of the Roaring Fork – 5

After dinner we headed over to Fort Wilderness for the campfire – we were late – another pattern emerging. It started at 8pm and we got there around 8.20. just in time to say hi to either Chip or Dale – it was dark and I can’t really remember who’s who lol, listed to a few songs and head back since it was another 30 minutes until the movie started and Patrick didn’t want to see the Chef Rat what’s his name.

We didn’t have to wait long before the bus arrived and it took us right back to the Lodge. After waling right down to the beach it wasn’t long before the water parade started and just as fast it was over.

Cassandra is over tired but finally asleep. Same goes for Patrick.

I – on the other hand want to get as much of this written out so I don’t forget so I see late nights in my future. Regardless if I actually get them posted on a regular basis or not – at least I’ll get most of it written out.

 

[mickeystoontown]

What a cute bunch you guys are! I look forward to reading about all of your Disney adventures.

 

[Kurby]

April 30 – Magic Kingdom

What started out as a great day didn’t end so great. Another day from hell – agrrr I need a vacation.

We had breakfast reservations at Chef Mickey’s at 7.15 so we woke up – or started to wake up at 6am but were finally out the door by 6.45. Too late to take the boat over to the Contemporary so we drove over. When we got there we asked the security about parking and he said it wouldn’t be a problem to park there the day so that’s what we did. We ended up being about 10 minutes late for our breakfast but it wasn’t a problem at all since there was hardly anyone there.

About half way through the meal I noticed Cassandra rubbing her eyes franticly. 2 minutes later when I looked again they were all puffy and red. Not good. She didn’t want to eat, and was trying so hard to sit in me, beside me, on top of me, on the floor. She just couldn’t get comfortable. Even when Mickey and his friends came around she was still rubbing her eyes but was able to give them a smile and a kiss.

Breakfast was hummm ok. We had read some average reviews about the place so weren’t expecting much and didn’t receive much. Our server was good. She came around several times with OJ and coffee. The food was – hummm not steller by any means. Eggs were good, as was this Goofy veggie thing but the rest was just edible. Nothing more nothing less. I would say it is a good character meal but not a good meal.

Rating – 8 – oh and again with the over priced photo’s that you have a hard time saying no to.

After breakfast we went to the store and bought Benadryl and gave her a couple tsp of the stuff and off we went to MK. Jumped on the monorail, walked through security, ticket gated and boom Cassandra was sound asleep.

We wandered down main street over to Tomorrowland and she was still out so Patrick went on the Stitch ride. The wait time was listed at 5 minutes but if he waited a minute that’s pushing it. Cassie and I waited over by the Laugh Factory in the shade and just about the time I was wondering where Patrick had gotten to he showed up. Stitch is about a 15-20 show/ride. He liked it but said I probably wouldn’t so we walked over to COP – one of my “must ride” rides. I went in alone and recorded the entire show from the centre – I knew we’d be back later in the afternoon so I didn’t bother with the side bits. I’ll edit the video later to make a smooth production.

COP was followed by the purchase of some pins, Mad Hatter Tea Cups for Patrick and a lot of walking around. Unsure just what to do next since our plans to spend the bulk of today in Toontown and Tomorrow land we went over to Fantasy land for lunch at Pinocchio’s Pizza whatever. We’ve never eaten there and not sure we will again. The food was ok – ordered a chicken salad but the choice of dressings was limited to 3 or 4 and not a balsamic in the bunch. Cassie was still sleeping so 2 salads and 2 drinks burned us for $21. The place was extreamly loud. Seemed like every parent with a screaming child thought this place was the place to be for lunch. It was actually pretty busy – the longest line to wait in up to that point. I think Patrick waited 20 minutes to get served. They needed to open ALL the cash desks (and they had by the time we left)

Rating 7

Cassandra had woken briefly but was out again so we did what I do best – shopped LOL. After picking up a towel and a few smaller things Cassie decided to join us but thought whining would be a good idea – sooo not a good idea my child. It was getting pretty hot and I’m still limping around with this sunburn on both my feet so we headed into watch Mickey’s Philharmonic. Cassie didn’t want to wear her glasses but didn’t seem to care the pictures was blurry without them. Off to the Laugh Factory and another round of COP. This one she LOVED and wanted to stay on to ride it again. So we did. Oh and I got the sides for the video

After the second showing Cassie asked for a third trip through but we had to get ready for an early dinner with Cinderella at her castle so off we went.

When we got to the castle Cassandra was coming around but you could still tell something wasn’t quite right. We gave our names and were sent into line to have a picture taken with Cinderella. WELL – you should have seen Cassandra. We were half way to the end of the line (only about 5 or 6 families a head of us) when she spotted the blue dress. That stopped Cassie dead in her tracks. Her little mouth fell open and her eyes couldn’t have gotten any bigger if she tried. It was so adorable to see her peer through legs and bodies to maintain her stair on Cinderella. When we finally got up to the front of the line Cassie, holding her autograph book could do nothing but stand there. Sweet Cinderella moved forward and took the book from Cassandra then signed it. Cassie finally found her voice and introduced herself and they chatted about something as they walked to the spot for a picture. When the pictures were over Cassie told Cinderella she like Prince Philip and has them at home LOL

Up the stairs for lunch – a lot of stairs – didn’t notice the elevator. I have mixed feelings about this meal. I loved that it was in the castle. Loved the atmosphere and liked our server. The starter salad was good as was the dessert. The main course on the other hand…… I ordered the lamb med/rare what I got was cold med/raw. With so much fat on it you’d have thought they were storing it for winter. – another really good character meal but not a good meal.

During our meal the 2 girl mice, Suzzy and someone I can’t remember came in singing followed by the Fairy Godmother. They put on a cute show and again Cassandra ate nothing – ok she ate a little yogurt and the chocolate cake for dessert (she’s no fool )

When we were finished I was packing up and horror stuck – WHERE’S MY WALLET?????????
Good lord it’s gone. Frantic I looked everywhere, took everything out of the 2 bags we had but nope it’s gone.

My heart sank. What was gone – ohhhhhh everything important. Our room key, park passes, birthday gift card and … yup…. ANOTHER CREDIT CARD. That’s 2 this trip I’ve lost – someone get me some glue please.

I was so upset – just about in tears actually. I had heard that they don’t replace lost or stolen park tickets so what were we going to do??? 10 days and tickets lost on day 1. Who cares about the room tickets – they’ll reissue them when we get back to the resort – credit card? Well lets just say it’s not the first one I’ll call to cancel in a week – gift card – ok $75 bucks would have been nice but oh well but the tickets – that’s almost $900 BUCKS (Canadian).

We got back to the resort and they indeed reissued the room keys. The girl got out the manager Ryan (thank you thank you thank you) who was just wonderful. He tried a few things to find out if they could reissue the tickets finally giving me 2 options. If I had the receipt with the card numbers they could reissue them no problem or we could repurchase new ones and get reimbursed when we got home from where we bought them. (not good since I just lost the credit card we’re using and that would leave us broke to lay out another $700 US)

Ok – so I went back to my room and found the receipt, called Ryan and he reissued the cards – Did I say thank you?? THANK YOU RYAN.

The gift card – will he couldn’t do it but told me I shouldn’t have a problem tomorrow. So in the end a good day turned into a strange one turned horrible turned out ok.

I think I need a vacation. I swear if anything else goes wrong I’ll shoot someone.

Up next – EPCOT

 

[Kurby]

May 1 – EPCOT

6am – GOOD MORNING. Boy that comes really fast, but that’s ok because today we are having breakfast with the Princesses.

We decided to drive over so that at night we wouldn’t have a long wait for the bus or an even longer walk if we drove in the afternoon after our rest/break.

We arrived at EPCOT just about 8am and had a very lovely, almost solo walk over to Norway. The line to get into the “Castle” wasn’t too long – we only waited about 10 minutes or so. Enough time to get some pictures and chase Cassandra around then our name was called. We first spotted Marry Poppins followed by Snow White. Cassie was so excited the she tried to run over. Quick parental hands foiled that attempt but just around the corner was Aurora, waiting to have a photograph taken with Princess Cassandra.

Can I just say that seeing Cassandra awe struck meeting these Princesses is the BEST part of this trip.

Breakfast was ok. We mostly had the cold stuff but don’t think it would have mattered since the “hot” stuff was pretty cold too. I didn’t really care though. It was just so fun watching Cassandra as she met her “friends” Aurora, Snow White, Marry Poppins, Jasmine and Bell. They were all terrific though Marry Poppins really had the attitude and accent down pat.

After breakfast we headed over to Soarin. After reading reports only a week or so ago saying that lines were 2, 3, 4 hours long I was expecting at least an hour or more. 45 minutes was the posted time but I don’t really think it took much more than 30 minutes. Disney is so great at making the lines feel like you’re moving when you’re just being herded around like cattle.

There was a notice that said if you suffer from motion sickenss don’t ride. Hummm I’ll take my chances. We were on the last 3 seats in the front row on the left side and poor Cassandra’s hand when it was over LOL squished city. I did like it but did have to look up to the ceiling and the side of the screen a couple of times when I found myself getting a little queasy. Next was Living With The Land – 20 min wait time listed was only about 15 minutes. I like this ride. Cassie liked it too but it was Soarin she wanted to ride again.

We stopped for a bite at Sunshine Seasons and headed off to ride Finding Nemo. This is a very fun ride. The wait time was around 30 minutes but again it really didn’t feel that long. All the twist and turns to get herded through help the time fly by, as did the fun fish show on the wall. After Nemo we went in to watch Turtle Talk with Crush. Another kid pleaser, well not my kid LOL. Cassie spend the first half of the 10-15 minute show coming back and forth to me but eventually settled in to watch and told me she liked saying “Dude” – thanks Crush.

Crush was followed by the great Sting ray tank. We spent a good 20 minutes watching these little guys swim around. A few of them even tried to jump out of the tank (ok they were probably eating stuff just on the surface but it really did look like they wanted to escape).

This was just about all we could handle and headed back to WL for a nap and some dinner. As I predicted, had we driven the car back to the resort we would not have gone back to watch the fireworks. Having to go back for the van forced us to go watch them which was a good thing. I wanted to get back before 8 but we didn’t actually get there until 8.20 Interesting thing. The bus that picked us up then went to Fort Wilderness to do a drop off/pick up before heading to Epcot. Call me crazy but it would have made more sense to stop at FW first since it’s before WL. But that’s just me. At any rate – this made us latter then I had wanted to be so we weren’t able to get a front row seat (so to speak) instead we walked around close to Norway and found a group of people sitting down, so we parked the stroller behind them and waited.

The “show” started late but started it did. I’m thinking it’s changed since the last time we saw it but I can’t be sure – maybe someone else knows. It was still about 13 minutes long and the world thingy still opens but I think the music is different or something.

Tonight was late night at Epcot for resort guests and Cassie wanted to try Test Track – she just meets the height requirement so when Illuminations was over we headed over to TT. 60 minute stand by. NO WAY. Cassie would be sound asleep long before the 60 minutes was over so instead we headed over to the Golf Ball. Ok, I had to say it since I know there are some people who HATE that I’ve never been on this ride and it was fun. So much that Cassandra wanted to ride it TWICE. Well actually she wanted to stay on a 3rd time but I said no. One can only time travel so much LOL. I got a really cute video of our “Future”

We were home by 11.30 and we all crashed. These days are sooooo long.

Up next – Animal Kingdom and the child who can sleep through anything.

 

[MOmousefan]

Your TR is very well done with great pics and videoes. What type of camera did you use? The videos are so clear and bright!

 

[mickeystoontown]

Great update. Your little girl is a cutie patootie!

 

[Kurby]

Your TR is very well done with great pics and videoes. What type of camera did you use? The videos are so clear and bright!

Thank you - i love doing the tr - it's fun reliving our trip

it's just a regular little kodak multi camera.

takes pic's and video but also lets you pick shutter speed, appiture etc.

i almost always keep it on auto and just shoot - occasionally i'll switch to choose shutter speed for night shots

 

[Kurby]

May 2 – Animal Kingdom

We tried so hard to make it to the opening show at AK but just couldn’t get there. We did stop at Mickey D’s near the All Star resorts for Breakfast but it is under major construction which delayed us. The direction wasn’t clearly marked and there was a traffic jam in the parking lot as several people (us included) turned the wrong way and met up with a bunch of cars coming in the opposite direction. We didn’t rush breakfast and made it to the park just after 9am

Is it just me or am I the only one who thinks that Cast Members should park at the far end of the parking lot and be brought in by the tram leaving the front section for guests? I found it very odd to see the first 30 rows taken up with cast members. How do I know this? There was a HUGE sign asking the CM’s not working today park in the regular guest parking and leave this area to working CM’s. At the malls in my area employees are not allowed to park anywhere near the entrance and in some places it’s actually blocked off until the stores actually open. Anyways – just found it interesting.

We didn’t wait long to entre (actually the crowd levels this trip haven’t been the 8 that was predicted – more like 6) and our first stop was “It’s Tough To Be A Bug” of course that was after dragging Cassandra away from those stuffed animal carts you know are placed there for that “mummy I want that” selling factor. Cassie was a little scared during some parts but wanted to stay and see it a second time. (are we seeing a pattern here??) After the second showing and the little buggys crawling under our bums we strolled over to Africa. We bumped into (almost literally) Ms Vine as she came out from a group of trees and Cassandra just about ran under her legs. So very cool.

We then stopped for some drum lessons – ok just Cassandra and Patrick thumping away on the drums but still it was cute. A short walk over to the Safari and a 45 minute wait which (and say it with me) didn’t actually seem to take that long (another patter emerging along with Cassie falling asleep – wait and see.) Soon enough we were boarding our very one tour coach for a 2 week safari through Africa. Come on kids play along would ya. So here we go, rhino’s on this side, elephants on that side, child falls asleep on this side, giraffes on that side, wait what was that second last one??? CHILD FALLS ASLEEP ON SAFARI???? Yup – that’s my child. During one of the bumpiest parts of this ride she’s out like a light. When it was all over I had to pick up this 40 pound child and stumble off the truck.

After that we decided to cut AK short and head over to DTD for some lunch and shopping and then head back to WL for some swimming. We weren’t even out of the parking lot of Market Place when both Cassandra and Patrick were sleeping – gees people what’s in the water????

It’s now 6pm – I’ve finished transferring all the pictures, gotten caught up on these trip reports and I’m about to wake up these sleeping beauties to go for a swim - can’t spend the entire evening sleeping.

Ending today’s report on a really high note – I called the lost and found centre and THEY FOUND MY WALLET – thank god – everything can be replaced but it was just that it went missing that drove me crazy. But it was turned in – thank you good person who found it and turned it in.

Cassandra sleeping on the safari




Up next – sing it with me. Ohhhhhhhhhhh Supercalafragilisticexpealadocious

Magic Kingdom? Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaa maybe not.

 

[scottny]

Hi,
Just found your tr. That is great someone turned your wallet in. Nice there are honest people out there.

Great pics. Look forward to more.

 

[Kurby]

yes i know - i was totally shocked when they said that yes indeed they had it. i know everything (except the gift card) could be replaced but it wasn't the point - and i'm so happy it was turned in.

 

[Kurby]

May 3 – Magic Kingdom………….maybe not


What a busy day we have a head of us. We’re having breakfast at 1900 Park Fare, Checking out of WL, checking into OKW and heading to MK for the day…. Or so we thought.

Last night we packed most of our stuff so we could take some of it to the car before breakfast on only have a little bit to get after breakfast and before we checked out. Patrick woke up first and brought a couple of pieces of luggage to the car and by the time he got back Cassie and I were up and most of the rest of the stuff was packed and we were ready to go for breakfast.

This trip has been a crazy one for us always running behind time. So organized and still can’t get it together. This morning was no exception.


If you’ve never been to the Grand Floridian the parking is a tad confusing. We did self parking but didn’t know we had to actually cross the street for the self parking and did 2 U-Turns before we figured it out LOL – ya it’s been a long trip already.

So after finding the parking lot we walked over to 1900. Stopping of course to check out the 1929 car – ok anyone know what it was??? I can’t remember ( not into cars but my dad would know)

Breakfast was fun. We saw – Pooh, Tigger, Marry Poppins, Alice and the Mad Hatter (who by the way scared the crap out of Cassie LOL ok not funny – ya it was)

It was a good breakfast. Marry was the best (she was nicer then she was when we saw her the other day ) Cassie just loved her. Breakfast itself was not bad. Loved the cream with the herb stuff.

After breakfast we took some pictures by the car and carriage then headed back to finish packing - if I haven’t mentioned it before I’ll say it now – WE PACK WAY TO MUCH STUFF. Of course it doesn’t help that my MIL comes down for the winter and buys half of Florida then can’t bring it all home on the plane so we get the pleasure of bringing 2 medium, 1 very large box and a bag of stuff.

The drive between WL and OKW is a short one – 6-8 minutes (if you take the proper exit LOL)

Check in was easy and our room was ready (I knew it would be because I called over before we left WL so I knew we would have a place and not have to wait around)

Ok so the intension was to do a 30 unpacking and then head over to MK – well ok and hour – ok we’ll go after a nap. Ok forget it we’ll stay around here for the day and go to MK in the evening since it was late night for guests.

So we went into Olivia’s for lunch which was good but something happened to our server. He seemed to have been abducted between dropping of our lunch and giving asking for dessert – no seriously maybe he went on break which is odd since he had customers but we didn’t get refills on drinks and had to ask another server if he could go find ours so we could order Key Lime Pie

After lunch Patrick stayed back to throw in some laundry while I took Cassie to DTD to get some Christmas balls at 12 Days of Christmas. I love that store

The boat ride is one of the best things about staying at a river resort. I love it. And our captain on the way back Captain Lisa was pretty good, asking where we were from and letting Cassie blow the horn and giving her a co-captain button. So now she’s a Co-pilot on the monorail and a Co-captain on the boats .

By the time we got back it was getting late and Cassie was desperate to get into the pool so we thought we would go for a 45 minute swim then head to MK. So that turned into about an hour and a half then we figured it was too late to go to MK and waste a day’s park pass since Cassie would fall asleep so we went to Beaches and Cream instead.

Parking was easy – I know some people have commented but we drove up, told the security we were staying at OKW and he said no problem – park over there.

Up Next – Hollywood Studios.

 

[scottny]

great update and pics.

nice videos too.

I love the No Way Jose at beaches and cream.

 

[mrsksomeday]

I love all the pictures and videos!! Your DD is adorable! I am so sorry you had such bad luck with the credit cards and the wallet, thank goodness you got your wallet back! We have never been to the breakfast in Norway but might try it someday.

 

[SarahSoftballchick]

sounds good

 

[scottny]

Hope all is well. Was enjoying your tr.

 

[Kurby]

oh - i've been so busy with summer but i'll post the missing days

 

[Kurby]

We did it, we finally stayed at a park until closing – Here goes.

May 4, 2009 – Hollywood Studios

Today was a lot of fun. I think mainly because I gave up the “we HAVE to go here, there and everywhere and do everything” attitude. After giving up MK yesterday for a complete day of rest we were all good when we woke up this morning.

I was shockingly the first one up by a good 30 minutes so I finished yesterdays TR and let the other 2 sleep. Good time to get things done LOL.

After sneezy and sleepy finally woke up (I’ll let you guess who’s who) we got dressed and headed out to Olivia’s for breakfast – a change from our intended Rambo style quick service and rush to the park. Breakfast was good and messy lol. Cassie had pancakes with chocolate chips and TONS of syrup.

We arrived at Hollywood Studio’s around 11am and went straight into Indiana Jones. Never seen this before – it was pretty good. Star Wars was next – I don’t go on this ride anymore (motion sickness remember) but this time Cassandra and I joined Patrick in line so I could film the animatronics in the line. I’ve always thought this was a great way to take your mind off waiting. We got up to the front and walked right over to the “chicken” exit while Patrick went in for his space flight. It wasn’t long before I was joined by another mother and child who had done the same as us and a pregnant woman. So we chatted about this and that while waiting.

Not too long and we had to leave the lovely air conditioned building to subject ourselves to this wonderful heat (are you hearing sarcasm?? It’s on purpose) The Muppet 3D attraction was right behind Star Wars and we made our way over there. Cassandra LOVED this movie and made us sit through it twice. The first time in our original seat then we just moved to the end of the row and waited .

Lunch at Mama Melrose was next and by the time our server came with our drinks Cassie had fallen asleep in my lap. This is one reason we always ask for (and almost always get) a booth. Lunch was good – I have mixed feelings about my chicken and pasta. The chicken parm was delicious – just enough coating and cheese but the pasta………… I haven’t found a restaurant who cooks pasta the way I like it. It’s either too aldenti or mushy. At any rate it was good – not great just good.

Cassandra was still sound asleep when we finished so we started walking and soon found ourselves at the Art of Disney store. We wanted to go into “One Man’s Dream” but couldn’t bring the stroller in so we popped into the art store. They have a lot of great things in there and found something perfect for Cassandra’s Christmas. A beautiful Precious Moments figurine. A blonde little girl playing with Cinderella and her castle.


Not long after that Cassie woke up and we finished up in the art store then headed over to the Little Mermaid show. I love this show. Part movie, part live, part muppets. It’s wonderful and kept Cassie’s attention the entire time. I took only video of the show but it’s too large to upload – guess you’ll have to go to the show to see it

When we left we saw Handy Manny walking to a gathering and then the Little Einstein’s people. The line for Handy Manny was too long and Cassie said she wanted the little Einstein’s kids so we went there. Those pictures are on the photopass so if I remember I’ll upload them when they are ready.

We found the Disney’s Playhouse when we were finished (I didn’t know it was even there) and were just in time for that show too (our luck was changing and we seemed to be arriving just in time for a lot of shows). This is a cute little show for the kids. A puppet/live show using the Disney shows as the base of the entire show. Mickey Mouse Club (obviously), Handy Manny, Tigger and Pooh and the Little Einsteins. Really cute.

Today was filled with a lot of live shows because once that was finished we went over and watched the live Beauty and the Beast show. Another live version of the movie which held Cassandra’s attention throughout the entire show.

It was late night for resort guests but we didn’t find out until we were walking out of the gates. Fantasmic wasn’t playing so on our way out Patrick suggested going into see the Great Movie Ride and after Cassandra made us ride it 3 times we headed back to OKW and went for a swim in the quiet pool.

Doesn’t he look like Wall-E

Patrick is thinking of getting a tattoo for his 50th birthday. I suggested this one since he’s run 10 of the Disney marathon’s

Next up – Magic Kingdom and another open to close park.

 

[Kurby]

WOO HOO – another open to close park. Well almost open.

This morning starts out like every single morning on this trip. HOT sunny and HOT. Apparently we’re in the middle of some heat wave (figures) but we move on and head over to the Poly for breakfast.

The Kona Café – I love this place. We received a table by the tram window which was great. Out of the sun and a wonderful view of the plants and monorail. Cassie ordered the Mickey pancakes (Patrick added the eyes and mouth), I had the Tonga Toast (TO DIE FOR) and Patrick had the Big Kona Breakfast – and yes he finished everything. Sooooo good.

Before long we were walking through the gates at Magic Kingdom and this time Cassie stayed awake. The plan was to head straight over to ToonTown to see Tinkerbell and her friends but we got side tracked by the show going on at the castle. We had missed the beginning and I suggested that we not stay to see it but come back later when we could see the entire thing – good thing Cassie said she wanted to stay because we never did get back to see it. Fireworks are much better at night but it was a good show.

When it was over we headed right over to Pixie Hallow. There really weren’t any signs (at least we couldn’t see any) and had to ask where they were. (FYI they are in between Mickey and Minnie’s houses)

The line for Tinkerbelle, Silvermist and Fawn was 45 minutes while the Princess line was only 15 minutes. It’s so cool how you get “sprinkled with pixie dust” and actually shrink to the size of the fairy’s to fit into their world. I have a really cute video of Cassie waving her arms like wings while she “flies” into Pixie Hollow. Silvermist was first up and she actually had to come and get Cassie. They had a lovely conversation before posing for pictures and Cassie being directed over to Tinkerbell. They all were wonderful with Cassie and Tinkerbelle even promised to frame one of Cassandra’s drawings if she sent it to her. (so cute)












After we left and “grew” to normal size (hummm I think they didn’t give me enough pixie dust because I still feel shorter) we jumped over to the Princess line and walked right up to the front (I can’t believe no one was in line). Yes we’ve already met them all, had breakfast and dinner with them but what’s another meeting right? It was wonderful. Cassie was the only one in there so she had their undivided attention for over 5 minutes. I know a lot of people seem rushed but if you get lucky you can feel like you’re a princess and if you ask Cassie she’ll say she spent the day with them which made me feel sooo warm and fuzzy LOL.















Minnie and Mickey’s houses were next on our tour (makes sense since they were right beside us). I have to say I preferred Minnie’s house over Mickey’s. Minnie’s was a playground for kids of all ages. Mickey’s was a museum. The kids thought that too. Minnie’s house was packed Mickey’s was empty. You couldn’t touch anything and they had alarms that went off if you leaned too far over the rope to take a picture.

Cassandra was getting cranky so we figured a trip on the train would be good – that is until she fell asleep and we had to go around twice before giving up and getting off in Adventure land. Boy it’s getting harder and harder to carry her around when she falls asleep.

During the nap, Patrick decided he wanted to go on Thunder Mountain. Fine by me since I don’t ride roller coasters and since Cassie was sleeping there was no better time. This was followed by making our way to a good spot to watch the afternoon parade. The first and only parade we manage to get to.

While we were waiting for the parade to start (and Cassandra to wake up) I noticed something going on behind me. Someone was sitting in the chair that was for the artists painting or so I thought. I couldn’t figure out what was going on until I glanced across the little walk way and spotted the artist quickly working away. Not painting or drawing but cutting. What on earth is this?

What it was is FANTASTIC.

This was done in ohhhhh about 5 minutes. Amazing. And it didn’t cost that much either. $7 or $8 per person in the picture and $7 or $8 for the frame. AND I got 2 copies and just had to buy another frame. A great souvenir.


I also took a picture of my favourite view of the castle. I just love the reflection in the stream. So peacefull. It’s this view that I’m thinking of for a tattoo on my lower back.

I created a 2 minute montage of the parade. Enjoy.







Lunch at the Plaza Restaurant followed by Buzz Lightyear and the Country Bears. Neither of of these we had been to before.

Lunch was ok – nothing special, even the service was just ok. Buzz Lightyear was so fun and … yup you guessed it, Cassie made us ride it twice. Country Bears was fun. Never seen it before. We all enjoyed it.

We headed over to Splash Mountain where the posted time was 20 minutes but we flew up the walk way. Don’t think they updated the wait time because it was only about 5 minutes. We were split on this ride. Cassie and I at the back and Patrick 2 rows up.

This was the LONGEST ride of my life. I’ve had flights to Europe that didn’t last as long. Ok a little exaggeration but holy cow.

So we start the ride and are about half way through when we stop. For about 10 minutes, when we started again it wasn’t for very long before we stopped again. Another 5 or 6 minutes go buy and we’re on our way. Only to stop again and again and again. Our longest stop was being the second boat at the bottom of the run up to the big drop. If I never see these damn birds again I’ll be happy.

Strolled on over to Pirates of the Caribbean and with another walk through we were on the ride. Just about the time it ended I realized we didn’t see Davy Jones and asked if that was just in the DL ride. Nope – it was broken down so we didn’t get to see it and didn’t make it back another day to see if they fixed it. oh well


Off to the Jungle Cruise followed by Wishes.











Up next – Epcot