4 Parks + 5 Staples in the Baby's Head = 9 Magical Days!! (9/17 The Last Hurrah!)

[thecapells]

We had arrived at the Grand Floridian at 9:00 for DS’ 9:30 Pirate Adventure.
The Adventure lasts from 9:30-11:30.
So, what does one do while waiting?
It seemed silly to meet up with Mom and the gang who were heading to the Magic Kingdom.
By the time I got there and found them, I’d have to come back to pick up DS.
So, I figured I’d stay at the resort.
Hmmmm, what could I do at the Grand Floridian Resort & SPA to pass the time?
Do I have to spell it out?

I had made a 10:00 appointment for a “Personalized Firm Pressure Massage”.
The only other time I’ve ever been to a spa was for a massage during my honeymoon.
So this was to be a treat.
That time, I was on the top deck of a cruise ship looking out at the Panama Canal with relaxing music filling the air.
It’s tough to beat that so I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from Disney.
I should’ve known better.

I wandered from the marina over to a small building away from the main campus of the Grand Floridian.

I checked in and was told to head into the changing room.
There were lockers and nice robes waiting in the changing area.
Since I’m a dork, I set my camera in a locker on timer and took this shot – proof that I was in a spa…

The waiting area featured nice couches and a water cooler.
I had brought my iPod so I was listening to – what else? – Disney music as I waited.
Shortly, I was called back into a dimly lit room and I told the masseuse to concentrate on my back and arms.
I have a bit of carpal tunnel syndrome so my chiropractor suggested this strategy.
Before I knew it, my hour was up.
I was instructed to take my time heading out and to drink lots of water.
I did just that and finally wandered back into the sunlight.
It’s weird but I really felt like I was floating on the way out.
My feet were just springing off the ground with every step.
It was an amazing feeling.
I was half way back to the marina when I reached in my pocket for my iPod and realized it wasn’t there.
So I sprinted back to the spa and ran back into the changing room.
There in the pocket of my robe (which was sitting in the hamper) was my iPod.
So much for relaxing.
I headed back out – a little tired but still very relaxed.
I arrived back at the marina with plenty of time to spare so I took some pictures (of course).

First I found a neat angle allowing me to shoot the monorail crossing in front of the Casle:

And then I was able to get a nice shot of crossing monorails.
I like this one a lot.

Then several other parents arrived and DS’ boat pulled in.
It was a nice and relaxing excursion and I would definitely do it again.
It was conveniently placed at the end of the trip as it was a perfect remedy to all of the walking and baby-carrying.

But now, with DS in tow, we were headed back to the Magic Kingdom.
I tried calling Mom several times but she didn’t pick up.
So we arrived at Main Street and hit the restrooms.
Then we decided to check out DS’ pirate treasure as I wasn’t sure which way to walk in order to meet Mom.
Finally, as we were exploring the booty, Mom called back.
She was waiting in line to take pictures with Buzz and Stitch in Tomorrowland.
So we headed right over.
But, before we move on, let’s hear about what Mom was doing all morning…

 

[penguintux]

I like that everyone kind of split off and did their own thing for part of a day.. I bet it makes for interesting conversation afterwards!

That shot of monorail blue in front of the castle is awesome, by the way :]

 

[All7OfUs]

Now that sounds like an amazing morning, for sure! Is there a price list online for those services?? I am VERY interested in checking that out. I am planning to get tea one afternoon, and I can imagine myself getting a massage just before that

Thank Heavens you found your I-Pod!!

 

[thecapells]

Now that sounds like an amazing morning, for sure! Is there a price list online for those services?? I am VERY interested in checking that out. I am planning to get tea one afternoon, and I can imagine myself getting a massage just before that

Thank Heavens you found your I-Pod!!

A massage before tea sounds very relaxing.
I definitely will have to do it again someday.
The pricelist for the massages and spa can be found at:
http://www.relaxedyet.com/gf_treatments.asp

 

[TheCapellsMom]

Sorry it's taken a bit but I'm busy planning our outfits for the next trip.
We got a 40% off PIN code so we booked for this Halloween.
We can't wait to try Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party!!
But now back to last year's story...

DD, X, and I took our time finishing up breakfast at Chef Mickey’s and I must admit, I did stash few mini-muffins in my pack for later!
We took the mono to MK and wheeled down Main Street at a leisurely pace since I was not on DH’s strict schedule (for once).
We stopped in a few stores along the way...

and even caught a nifty song & dance number

as the trolleycar rode towards the castle on Main St.

I hadn’t planned it that way but it worked out perfectly as DD loved the dancers and X loved the horse pulling the trolley!
Personally, I think the bridle with the Mickey logo on it is FAB!

Afterwards, we bought a Mickey pop and parked our stroller in front of the castle and waited for the Dream Along with Mickey show.
Got great seat with a great view!
X fell asleep in a heartbeat which just shows you how lousy he felt:

but DD was thrilled that she did not have to share her treat!

The show was really quite cute but I don’t know if I would go out of my way to see it if I hadn’t had free time to spare that day.

Personally, I think it would been considerably better if there was shade to sit under- I was roasting!
Still, DD LOVED seeing all of the princes and princesses- she said they were especially pretty “dancing like in a ballroom.”

She also reported that the witch is “more scarier” when it’s dark so seeing her in the daytime didn’t seem to frighten her at all.

X slept through the whole thing (poor little guy).
He would've liked to see the pirates:

Donald Duck

and, of course, Mickey and Minnie:

Next, we headed to Tomorrowland since we planned to meet the guys there soon.
DD was bored & wanted to go on rides but I didn’t want to push my luck with the miserable sleeping toddler.
I got fastpasses for Buzz then we went on the TTA twice.
X slept in my arms the whole time and he was starting to feel warm - I think a fever was brewing.
Needless to say, we both enjoyed the air conditioning immensely.
DD got to see the ride from both sides of the car as she switched sides for our second trip.

As we got off the TTA, I saw a CM wearing a handler’s uniform just standing around outside the Carousel of Progress- but no character in sight.
Hmmm? So, I asked and she said that “Buzz Lightyear should be returning to our galaxy to see his friends any minute now!”
So, we called DH (who was walking into MK at that very moment)
and told him to “book it” to tomorrow land to see Buzz!

I'll let DH pick up the story from there...

 

[castmemberb4]

Thanks for the update! Sounds like you had a nice laidback morning at MK, those are always a welcome break. I could just hear "I'm walking right down the middle of Main St USAAAAAA" when I saw that picture of the dancer/singers. X asleep in the stroller is adorable I'm sorry he wasn't feeling well, hope he bounces back quickly, and for DD getting her own Mickey Ice cream bar and not having to share. You had excellent timming on the Buzz Lightyear meet, can't wait for that update bet there will be good pictures.

Just wondering since you're working on costumes for MNSSHP does that mean I should pop over to the pre trip board and look for one?

 

[dawnbu40]

YAY for a pin code and another trip! Looks like you and DD had a nice morning!

 

[thecapells]

Thanks for the update! Sounds like you had a nice laidback morning at MK, those are always a welcome break. I could just hear "I'm walking right down the middle of Main St USAAAAAA" when I saw that picture of the dancer/singers. X asleep in the stroller is adorable I'm sorry he wasn't feeling well, hope he bounces back quickly, and for DD getting her own Mickey Ice cream bar and not having to share. You had excellent timming on the Buzz Lightyear meet, can't wait for that update bet there will be good pictures.

Just wondering since you're working on costumes for MNSSHP does that mean I should pop over to the pre trip board and look for one?

Since we have 2 more trips after this one to write trip reports for, I'm not sure we'll have time for a November pre-trip report.
My goal is to finish the other two smaller trips before we head out in November!

 

[All7OfUs]

I always wondered what the castle show was like. Thanks for all the nifty pictures. I 'll bet Rayna thought it was just dreamy to watch the princesses dancing away like that!

Fun update!

 

[jmskinner]

Hope X was feeling better when he woke up. Sitting and waiting in the hot sun for shows and parades is not fun. Guess that is why I have never seen that show or the afternoon parade.

Love the TTA, can't wait for it to reopen.

Love that pic of DD in the candy store!

 

[WrightFamily06]

Just joining in , started reading your TR this weekend and have now got caught up and decided I'm subing !

Great TR so far You have an adorable family and I love how you go in detail with everything , it's so helpful My DS 5 absolutely loved seeing the pictures of the Pirate Cruise your DS took and also his comments on it . My DS 5 now has it on his list to do next time , we shall I see . All the outfits you guys have for all the different activities are too cute ! Can't wait to read more !

 

[3girls4me05]

You are going this fall? I am so super jealous. Have a great trip!

 

[thecapells]

I always wondered what the castle show was like. Thanks for all the nifty pictures. I 'll bet Rayna thought it was just dreamy to watch the princesses dancing away like that!

Yeah, she really liked the show.
She definitely got her princess fix while we were in Disney...

Hope X was feeling better when he woke up. Sitting and waiting in the hot sun for shows and parades is not fun. Guess that is why I have never seen that show or the afternoon parade.

Love the TTA, can't wait for it to reopen.

Love that pic of DD in the candy store!

TTA is one of my favs too so my turn is coming up.
As for X, he wasn't doing so well - more on that in a bit.

Just joining in , started reading your TR this weekend and have now got caught up and decided I'm subing !

Great TR so far You have an adorable family and I love how you go in detail with everything , it's so helpful My DS 5 absolutely loved seeing the pictures of the Pirate Cruise your DS took and also his comments on it . My DS 5 now has it on his list to do next time , we shall I see . All the outfits you guys have for all the different activities are too cute ! Can't wait to read more !

Glad to have you aboard!
I've seen your name around other reports and I'm happy to have you weighing in over here as well!
DS liked the Pirate Cruise and I think it's best for ages 5-7 or so yours would be perfectly aged on your next trip!

You are going this fall? I am so super jealous. Have a great trip!

Yeah, it's hard to pass up such a sweet PIN code.
I've even priced it against Free Dining and the AP Discount and the 40% off beats both.
We're really looking forward to the MNSSHP and dressing up as a family.
But more on that later, now I have to get to work on a new segment for this report!

 

[kimmylaj]

that show on main street brings tears to my eyes i love it soooo much. i randomly sing the entire song from start to finish. just love it. and what a great view of the castle show. i always whine that it is too hot and skip it.

 

[DisneyMom5]

Just wanted to let you guys know I AM a devoted reader, even if I don't always post. It makes me feel better when people post on my report. So here ya go! LOL

 

[thecapells]

Just wanted to let you guys know I AM a devoted reader, even if I don't always post. It makes me feel better when people post on my report. So here ya go! LOL

Thanks for the post!
And as a reward, here's the next segment...

 

[thecapells]

We caught up with Mom who was waiting on line to see the Space Ranger himself, Buzz Lightyear.
Unfortunately, there was no Photopass photographer here so we asked the CM to take a picture.
You can see that X wasn’t too happy for this shot.

Stitch was nearby taking pictures as well so we headed over there.
This time, there was a Photopass photographer.
First went DD (still with her BBB crown on from the day before):

Then DS who started off shy but got over it once Stitch grabbed him and hugged him:

And I sure wasn’t going to miss out on the fun!

Mom stayed with X since he was still grumpy.
Now everyone was a little tired and it was time to eat.
Today was one of my favorites – Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café!

Mom and the kids grabbed a seat down in the main area with a good view of the stage.
I hopped on line and ordered our food – bacon double cheeseburger with fries topped with cheese sauce from the toppings bar for me!
Mmmmmmmmm.
I still maintain that these burgers are among the best at Walt Disney World.
DD got a kids burger, DS had a hot dog, and X had bits of burger, some hot dogs, and lots o' french fries!

But the best part of Cosmic Ray's is the free “concert” from the Universe’s favorite lounge act – Sonny Eclipse!
Unfortunately I didn’t take too many pictures this time around as I had found some great ones online before we left.
But start humming “Planetary Boogie” to yourself and I’m sure you can conjure an image in your head!

After DS finished eating, Mom headed out with him over to Buzz to use the fastpasses she had secured.
I stayed behind with the rest of the gang to finish eating and enjoy the song stylings of Sonny.
We ate, had a good time, and X made some phone calls:

So, Mom - TAG! You're it!

 

[TheCapellsMom]

This was a treat for me because with the little ones around, I hardly ever get to spend solo time with my big boy.
Well, I am lousy at video games so he completely kicked my &*% on the ride!
However, without trying I managed to hit an "easter egg" in one of the last rooms and win.
DS wasn't too happy about that.

Afterwards, we headed back to Cosmic Ray's and X climbed right back into my arms.
I decided that I should take him back to the hotel for some uninterrupted sleep.
So, I gingerly placed him into the stroller to head out of the park.
I left DH with the older 2 kids (he can fill you in on their adventures next) and stopped for a turkey leg to go at the Lunching Pad.

Note: they have no plastic bags there- I actually had to beg one from a cast member inside one of the shops on Main street.

My real trouble began as we walked towards the bus stop!
Some dingbat threw a ball into the road in the bus circle and then ran to get it.
The oncoming bus was going slow enough to stop without a problem but honked the horn quite loudly anyhow (probably to tell the guy he’s a moron).
The horn woke up X who was NOT HAPPY AT ALL
I had to stop to pick him up before continuing all the way to the Pop Century bus stop.
It was then that I said to myself “Oh $%&#! I should have left the stroller with DH!”
I quickly discovered that it’s virtually impossible to push a double stroller with one hand while carrying a grumpy toddler in the other!
Somehow I made it to the line for the bus! My arms were already aching and I had much farther to go!
Then I found out that it is actually impossible to unload the basket and fold up the double stroller with a puking toddler in my arms.
I will forever be indebted to the 300lb motorcycle dude with the tattoos and the mullet.
He got back off the bus to help me with the stroller then gave us his seat!!!
I guess Disney makes even the burley bears feel kindhearted!

Thankfully, I am one of those moms who over-packs for everything “just in case”.
I had a couple old burp rags in my bag to catch what X spit up during the bus ride back. Yuck.
When we arrived at the hotel, I realized that I had better pick up a few supplies before we go back to the room.
So, with a whining toddler in my arms, a bag on my back, and pushing the folded stroller with my other hand,
I headed to the Everything Pop foodcourt and grabbed some Gatorade, water, cookies, and a banana.

By then my arms and back were throbbing so I hurried back to the room.
I had to pretty much drop everything (except X of course) outside the hotel room door to dig out my keycard and open the door.
I placed X in the pack & play and he immediately started wailing.
I ignored him just long enough to bring everything inside, fill a sippy cup with Gatorade and get the thermometer.
As suspected, he had a temperature- not too high though- only around 100.
I gave him a few of the dissolvable electrolyte strips that I had brought from home and a few sips of Gatorade.
Then I turned on one of the Disney TV channels and paced and rocked him till he fell back asleep (FINALLY).
When I finally got the kid out of my arms, I was almost too tired to move but I realized I needed to eat!

Well, I had a turkey leg waiting for me so I forced myself to have a bit.
It’s not as good when it’s not fresh.
I also downed a whole water bottle before I set the alarm and took a nap.
When the alarm woke me up, I was sooo tempted to turn it off and go back to sleep but I knew DH would *kill* me!
So, I checked on X who was still asleep and had no fever, and decided that being alone sick in the hotel room would be miserable for us.
I changed my clothes, re-packed my diaper bag and set up the stroller to head out again.
X was NOT happy to be moved but stayed asleep when I put him into the stroller.
I had to wake him up at the bus stop to fold the stroller up but he just flopped onto my shoulder and put up with it.
Once we were on the bus to MK with other little kids all around us, X started perking up some.
He pointed out all the exciting things he saw- like a truck and a Disney bus and a taxi cab and a Disney bus and a truck….
Yeah he’s your typical little boy!
At least I knew he was starting to feel better.

It was then that DH called me in a complete panic saying I “HAVE TO HURRY!!!!”
Yeah- like I was the one driving the bus! Duh!
Well, we had dinner reservations at Fort Wilderness and it turns out the resort launches were having trouble.
The boat he was on was going to be the very last one of the evening!

So, as my bus gets close to MK, I explain to the folks between me and the back door that I am in a HUGE hurry and ask if they will let me out first.
They agreed and I was basically up and ready to go before the doors opened.
I plopped X down in the stroller which PISSED HIM OFF.
Then, I ran as fast as my out of shape mommy legs would take me to get to the boat before it left!
DH kept calling and asking where we were.
That just made the whole running with a shrieking toddler in a double stroller through crowds of people so much easier- NOT!
Thankfully, my DH can be very charming (when he wants to be) and he sweet-talked the boat’s captain into waiting for me.
But then I guess I should let him tell that part of the story…

 

[jagmom]

I will forever be indebted to the 300lb motorcycle dude with the tattoos and the mullet.

lol

 

[jmskinner]

Glad X got to feeling better. Love the Buzz and Stitch photos.

I can only imagine that run for the boat because I know that MK bus stop is a long way from anything. Even when you just arrive it's a long walk.

Hurry for the 300lb motorcycle guy! I realize how hard that must have been for you. Just last week this poor lady had a sleeping 3 year old and luckily an awake 5 year old and that 3 year old wasn't happy when she had to get out of the stroller. This was at 1:00am.

Looking forward to hearing about what Dad and the kids did and dinner at Ft Wilderness.