A Disney-addicted mom braves the August (2010) heat! *11/28 Update!*

[natebenma]

Hi Amanda! Can't believe it took me until page 4 to find you!!! It is so great to hear about your vacation as it is happening!!!

A view of Spaceship Earth?!? WOW! WOW! WOW!

Can't wait to see lot of pics, and I may pick your brain upon your return about the BCV to see if you have any info we can use on the BC forum.

HAVE FUN!!!

Dee

 

[DrMomof3]

Hi Amanda! Can't believe it took me until page 4 to find you!!! It is so great to hear about your vacation as it is happening!!!

A view of Spaceship Earth?!? WOW! WOW! WOW!

Can't wait to see lot of pics, and I may pick your brain upon your return about the BCV to see if you have any info we can use on the BC forum.

HAVE FUN!!!

Dee

I'm honored to welcome you here Dee! I'd love to collect info for the BC thread. We've been very happy at BCV!!!

Amanda

 

[DrMomof3]

So Epcot day was basically over in favor of time at the pool. We walked back to BCV, changed into bathing suits, and headed to the famous SAB. We stopped in the lobby to say hello to the wonderful Teena. She's a greeter in the BC lobby and a big help in the YC/BC thread. I had met her back in April when Tom and I came down for my work conference. I was happy to introduce my children to "my friend."
We got our SAB wristbands and were ready to go. Tom took Nathaniel to the big slide while I played with Zachary and Jessica. One annoying thing was that I wanted to get Zachary a life jacket to use. At SSR we had to show a room key but got to keep the life jackets for the whole trip. At CR the life jackets were just available in a big bin by the pool. At SAB we had to cross the bridge to the pool shop and sign out a life jacket each day. I also needed room key in hand. Since my bathing suit doesn't have pockets, I had left it with our stuff. So I had to cross back over the pool to our stuff, get my room key, and cross back.
The kids loved the pool. My only criticism is that the water temperature is bathtub warm. In 90+ degree heat it isn't exactly refreshing. I'm sure the heated pool is nice in January but not so much in August.
Zachary was exhausted so I took him back to the room while Tom stayed with the other 2 kids. Just as I was getting him to sleep (3:45pm), Mousekeeping showed up to clean our room. I was a little annoyed. We're paying a lot of money per night and I was irritated that Mousekeeping arrived during the late afternoon naptime. They were nice about it but no cleaning that day. I guess it saved me a tip envelope.
After naptime it was off to dinner....

Amanda

 

[DrMomof3]

I forgot to mention...
Tom and the big kids came back from the pool while I was getting Zachary to sleep. Shortly thereafter the heavens opened up with a spectacular afternoon thunderstorm. The rain was just easing up when we were ready to head off to Epcot for our ADR. We all changed into "dinner clothes" and left.
Side note: This is 4th trip to Disney where we brought the same rain ponchos. And yet this was the 1st time we used them!
We had a 6pm ADR in Mexico. We ate here on a previous trip and had a good experience (despite consistently bad reviews). We arrived in the restaurant and it was a zoo. They gave us a pager and told us it would be a 15 min wait. We decided to ride the 3 caballeros ride (we'd never ridden before). We thought it was a nice little ride and definitely something we'd try again! Unfortunately Jessica a potty emergency on the ride and had an accident before we reached the potty. I put one of Zachary's diapers on her (no clean clothes with me - oops!). We then went to inquire how much longer for a table. Apparently they had "paged" us (our device never went off) and gave our table away. They told us to wait a few minutes and they'd find something for us. Not too much longer and we got a table.
Last time at San Angel we had a fabulous table by the water. This time we had a mediocre table near the entrance. Our waiter was a very efficient and experience older man. We ordered drinks - margarita for me, sangria for Tom, and kiddie drinks. Both Jessica and Zachary managed to spill most of their drinks.
Dinner was fine. I had shrimp which were tasty. Tom had...something. I can't remember now! Jessica and Nathaniel had beef tacos (and really liked them). Zachary had chicken fingers. The dinner ended up being pretty good despite all the little stresses.
Side note: I brought glow sticks to dinner to entertain the kids. I had remembered how dark the restaurant is and thought it would be a good idea. At one point I dropped the container of glow sticks on the floor. The manager saw me picking them up and came over to help. At the end of dinner, he was talking to me. I was saying that a Mexican restaurant near us hands out glow sticks and dinner which is where I got the idea. He was very impressed and said he would look into trying it there. So if you ever eat at San Angel and there are glow sticks, think of me!!!!

Amanda

 

[DrMomof3]

Following dinner we decided to stop at the Kim Possible station near the IG and do our mission. Our mission took place in England. It was really a lot of fun! Jessica was overtired and Zachary a little too young but Nathaniel loved it. It was really fun. During the mission the Beatles cover band was playing. As Tom and Nathaniel were returning the Kim-municator, Zachary jumped out of his stroller and started dancing. It was SO much fun! The kids all started dancing to Twist and Shout. Really cute and spontaneous and fun.
We headed back to BCV and put the kids to bed. We stayed up a little longer then crashed. Totally exhausted!!!!
So ends Sunday....

Amanda

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

Nice update!! I thought the inside restaurant had closed but I guess maybe just the CS..learn something new every day I guess!!!

I had horrible service the one and only time I was there which would go with all the other bad reviews I guess. The food was eh. I'd rather pay cheaper prices and eat outside but that's not too great either haha.

 

[Charlefours]

Hey Amanda! Catching up your TR.

I'm glad that you made it through security! Thank goodness for kind security people.

So glad your requests for BCV was honored!! for DH swooping in with wine and coffee filters!! What a pain that it took him so long to get to the resort, but at least he arrived safely and soundly.

GAC seems like a great system as does Child Swap. I may have to mention it one of the members traveling with us so she can take her scooter into the queue if she is having a bad day. I don't know if we will need to use child swap, but we will if DD decides she does not like the 40 inch rides!

Ohh, you liked Via Napoli?! Good as I changed an ADR to it!! I am really looking forward to trying it!!

Great end to your Epcot day. Glad to hear the Mexican restaurant was decent again and great idea with using the glow sticks inside the restaurant.

 

[DisneyMomx7]

Hi Amanda - just found your TR and sounds like you're off to a great start!

We tried Via Napoli on our last night and loved it.

Have a great trip - I'll stay tuned.

 

[cdotla]

Amanda...you are showing all of us Trip Reporters up covering your trip so quickly!!!

Sounds like things are going well, despite the little potty accident on the boat. Yikes! I guess there is not much you can do there, is there?

We really enjoyed San Angel during our May trip as well. For the life of me, I can't figure out the bad reviews. Coral Reef is another one...if you listen just to the bad press you would miss out on some excellent restaurants IMO.

Looking forward to more!

 

[DrMomof3]

Nice update!! I thought the inside restaurant had closed but I guess maybe just the CS..learn something new every day I guess!!!

I had horrible service the one and only time I was there which would go with all the other bad reviews I guess. The food was eh. I'd rather pay cheaper prices and eat outside but that's not too great either haha.

The CS in Mexico is definitely closed. We aren't big fans of CS in general. I find with our kids it ends up being stressful chaos. It usually is 2 trays of food and drink which is too much for one person to carry. And one person supervising 3 hungry children can quickly get crazy! We've had 2 very decent meals at San Angel.

Hey Amanda! Catching up your TR.

I'm glad that you made it through security! Thank goodness for kind security people.

So glad your requests for BCV was honored!! for DH swooping in with wine and coffee filters!! What a pain that it took him so long to get to the resort, but at least he arrived safely and soundly.

GAC seems like a great system as does Child Swap. I may have to mention it one of the members traveling with us so she can take her scooter into the queue if she is having a bad day. I don't know if we will need to use child swap, but we will if DD decides she does not like the 40 inch rides!

Ohh, you liked Via Napoli?! Good as I changed an ADR to it!! I am really looking forward to trying it!!

Great end to your Epcot day. Glad to hear the Mexican restaurant was decent again and great idea with using the glow sticks inside the restaurant.

One warning on the GAC and scooter. If the person *can* walk, do NOT bring the scooter in line for Safari ride. My mom had a scooter last year and we ended up waiting much longer for the wheelchair-accessible ride vehicle. If we had known, she could have easily parked the scooter with our strollers and walked! I used the GAC at Pirates today and it was awesome!

Hi Amanda - just found your TR and sounds like you're off to a great start!

We tried Via Napoli on our last night and loved it.

Have a great trip - I'll stay tuned.

Welcome Robyn!!! Glad you liked Via Napoli. I suspect we have similar tastes....

Amanda...you are showing all of us Trip Reporters up covering your trip so quickly!!!

Sounds like things are going well, despite the little potty accident on the boat. Yikes! I guess there is not much you can do there, is there?

We really enjoyed San Angel during our May trip as well. For the life of me, I can't figure out the bad reviews. Coral Reef is another one...if you listen just to the bad press you would miss out on some excellent restaurants IMO.

Looking forward to more!

I'm going to have to add pictures later since I haven't uploaded any yet. That's the one downside. I'm so worried about forgetting all the little details that make a trip so memorable!!! I also know that life will be hectic when I get back to reality so the more I do now, the more likely I am to have a finished report!

Amanda

 

[DrMomof3]

Our 2nd full day at Disney and I planned for DHS due to am EMH. My thoughts were that my family usually gets up early in the morning but we'd probably start shifting the schedule later and later. I thought it would be good to take advantage of am EMH at the beginning of the trip and less so later in the week.
Zachary woke up at 4am and came into bed with us (ok, I brought him into bed because he's in a crib and can't escape!). We all got up around 6:30am and had some breakfast in the room. We dressed, packed the bags, and headed out the door. We got to the dock just in time to catch the boat to DHS. This was a first for me. It's certainly nice that the kids can stay in the strollers but I found the boat a little slow. I've heard that walking doesn't really get you there faster (especially since we didn't wait for the boat at all) but I found it a bit frustrating. I know it's just my type A personality shining through and not really an issue!
We missed rope drop at DHS but still got there before 8:30. Since TSM is closed, we went straight to Star Tours. We got a baby swap pass and Tom took the 2 big kids for a ride. Tom was the only member of our family who had ever ridden this ride. Nathaniel is a HUGE Star Wars addict so I was curious to hear his reaction. Zachary and I headed for the Honey I Shrunk the Kids playground. He was feeling a little shy and wasn't very adventurous but we had some fun.
Side Note: Zachary is obsessed with playing with the camera. I packed an old camera for him to have during the trip but either it never made it into his bag or got lost in transit and is now missing. This is very frustrating. You cannot take a single picture of anything or anyone without him screaming that he wants the camera.
We found Tom and the kids just as they were getting off. The kids wanted to ride again with me so off we went. The ride was still a walk-on so we saved the baby swap for later. I have to say I really enjoyed Star Tours. I know it's closing shortly for rehab/updating but I thought it was fun. And the kids both loved it. It's exciting enough without being scary.
Side Note: Back in December Nathaniel insisted on riding Tower of Terror. I knew he'd be scared but he was so certain that he'd love it that I gave in. Tom took him. After he got off he looked at me and said, "Mommy, that ride tried to KILL me!" One of the all-time classic lines in our family. Jessica has been saying that she wanted to try ToT this trip. Jessica is much more of a scaredy-cat than Nathaniel and I thought it was a bad idea (although I love ToT so it would be my excuse to ride it!). Luckily she decided to skip it!
While the kids and I rode Star Tours, Tom and Zachary watched Muppets. I've never see that either and Tom gave it 2 thumbs up. He said Zachary even wore the glasses for a lot of the movie. Tom also commented on how it's too bad Muppets isn't on tv anymore because it's so funny and enjoyable. We forget!
Monday was hot and humid. Really uncomfortably so. The kids were getting a little whiny and I can't blame them. I saw that it was almost time for the Playhouse Disney show so we headed in that direction. Tom was going to take Nathaniel to the animation class and Jessica wanted to tag along. Zachary and I went to Playhouse Disney.

Amanda

 

[DrMomof3]

I've seen the Playhouse Disney show several times now. It's cute. It's totally aimed at the toddler/preschool set without much for the grown ups. That having been said, I enjoy it. The reason that I enjoy it is because at least one of my children has been mesmerized by this little show each time we go. In December Jessica was dancing along to the songs. This time Zachary was in heaven just wanted his favorite shows and characters on stage. That part is really special. There are other shows that have more value for all ages but this one is perfect for Zachary. Since he misses out on so many attractions due to height restrictions, it felt really good to do something just for him!!!

The animation class was still going on when we finished the show. We spent a few minutes "window shopping." (Which mostly means Zachary tried to touch/take every item he found and I prevented it.) Then we saw Tom and Jessica outside the animation class. Jessica had a potty emergency and Tom was taking her. I took over for him and sent him back to class. Jessica was just bursting with venom that morning. I couldn't figure out how to get her back into class after the bathroom and that led to a total meltdown. Luckily Tom and Nathaniel re-appeared right then.

Amanda

 

[DrMomof3]

BTW, the boys drew Tinkerbell. Nathaniel is the one true artist in our family. He's a real perfectionist who spends hours on his creations. Apparently the class moves a little bit quickly for him and he was very dissatisfied with his results. I think he did pretty well but I can't draw a stick figure!

To get Jessica out of her mood, I told her that HSM 3 was going to be performing shortly. She LOVES all the movies and we spent the entire summer watching and re-watching the movies (we borrowed a different one from the library each week). That worked wonders. The show started pretty soon after that and we got front-row view of the show. We were literally melting while watching (those poor performers!) but it was enjoyable. And it seemed to calm the princess down a bit. She was a little unhappy to learn that we couldn't just come back later and see HSM 1 or HSM 2.

It was hot, humid, and our lunch ADR wasn't for a little while so I suggested the Great Movie Ride. It required a little negotiating but the kids finally agreed. A good choice! It's an enjoyable ride and relatively long. And out of the August Florida weather!!!! We had the gangster scene again and it was fun. Nathaniel likes it the best but the other kids were fine. Zachary fell asleep in my lap!!!

Amanda

 

[klacey1]

Gotta love a spontaneous Beatles dance party! Sorry dinner had a couple of snafu's, but definitely sounds like you guys had a great time!!
Aww, I love the Muppets, too! We have all of the seasons of the show on DVD!
Glad HSM3 soothed Jessica!

 

[-Hope-]

I'm responding to the rest of the Epcot updates before I read the DHS so I don't forget anything,

It sounds like you guys are having a blast! I hope Jessica wasn't too upset about having an accident. The rest of your day seemed like it went well so I guess she was okay with it.

Very cool that the manager liked the glo-stick idea. How funny would that be if you started a trend!

We are so excited about both Kim Possible and the Beatles cover band. I LOVE the Beatles- when my brother and I went to London the FIRST thing we did was go get some pics of us crossing the crosswalk on Abbey Road- we almost got ourselves killed. Anyway, how fun that the kids were dancing around, it just sounds like such a spontaneous moment of fun that can really make a special memory.

It sounds like you've had a few bumps in the road (life jackets, potty accidents, restaraunt pagers, whew) but that you are taking it all in stride and not letting it get in the way of your good time. Good for you- off to read your DHS post now.

 

[-Hope-]

Okay, all caught up! Your DHS day seems to be off to a good start despite a meltdown and the heat. Good thinking to go on GMR to get out of the heat.

Star Tours is going to be closed for our trip, Jace was a little disappointed but since he gets to do JTA he's okay with it- glad you guys enjoyed it though.

We watch the Muppets on Netflix instant view- the movies, not the show, and the kids like it a lot. I like the nostalgia factor.

 

[dismagiclover]

You are moving quick! I can't keep up Sorry about the trouble in San Angel. Your story reminded me of a time I was on the Mexico ride and the family in front of us on the boat had a restaraunt pager that went off. They probably gave their table away too. Must happen a lot Sounds like your DHS day had its ups and downs. I'm sure the heat doesn't help. Glad you're having fun overall though Oh and I don't like the boats to DHS either. We always walked in the morning. I think it takes about the same amount of time. It was too hot in the afternoons though so we'd take the bus, but I thought it was hot, stinky and noisy.

 

[DrMomof3]

Gotta love a spontaneous Beatles dance party! Sorry dinner had a couple of snafu's, but definitely sounds like you guys had a great time!!
Aww, I love the Muppets, too! We have all of the seasons of the show on DVD!
Glad HSM3 soothed Jessica!

All's well that ends well!

I'm responding to the rest of the Epcot updates before I read the DHS so I don't forget anything,

It sounds like you guys are having a blast! I hope Jessica wasn't too upset about having an accident. The rest of your day seemed like it went well so I guess she was okay with it.

She didn't care at all. Which is more upsetting than if she were upset!

Very cool that the manager liked the glo-stick idea. How funny would that be if you started a trend!

I told him to credit the crazy lady from NY!

We are so excited about both Kim Possible and the Beatles cover band. I LOVE the Beatles- when my brother and I went to London the FIRST thing we did was go get some pics of us crossing the crosswalk on Abbey Road- we almost got ourselves killed. Anyway, how fun that the kids were dancing around, it just sounds like such a spontaneous moment of fun that can really make a special memory.

My kids loves the Beatles! And so do we.

It sounds like you've had a few bumps in the road (life jackets, potty accidents, restaraunt pagers, whew) but that you are taking it all in stride and not letting it get in the way of your good time. Good for you- off to read your DHS post now.

Definitely not worth getting upset about the little things!

Okay, all caught up! Your DHS day seems to be off to a good start despite a meltdown and the heat. Good thinking to go on GMR to get out of the heat.

I really like GMR. And it was a nice break!

Star Tours is going to be closed for our trip, Jace was a little disappointed but since he gets to do JTA he's okay with it- glad you guys enjoyed it though.

Nathaniel is very shy so he decided to skip JTA. We watched it happening and it was very cute!

We watch the Muppets on Netflix instant view- the movies, not the show, and the kids like it a lot. I like the nostalgia factor.

We should borrow Muppets for the kids!

You are moving quick! I can't keep up Sorry about the trouble in San Angel. Your story reminded me of a time I was on the Mexico ride and the family in front of us on the boat had a restaraunt pager that went off. They probably gave their table away too. Must happen a lot Sounds like your DHS day had its ups and downs. I'm sure the heat doesn't help. Glad you're having fun overall though Oh and I don't like the boats to DHS either. We always walked in the morning. I think it takes about the same amount of time. It was too hot in the afternoons though so we'd take the bus, but I thought it was hot, stinky and noisy.

They tell people they can go on the ride so we thought it would be ok. It all worked out fine though.

Amanda

 

[DrMomof3]

I finally uploaded some pictures.

Zachary's Perry shirt.

Nathaniel and Jessica's shirts.

Night view from our balcony.

Looking for our new stroller!

Cool dude!

Amanda

 

[DrMomof3]

Melting at Epcot.

Silliness!

We didn't get to meet them because they were heading to lunch but I got a quick picture.

Amanda