A Dole Whip in my hand & my toes in the sand: CBR/Poly Split Stay – This Is The Life!

[Momof2Disneyboys]

What a great night!!!

I haven't seen MSEP since I was a very little girl. It was always my favorite parade growing up--- but I'm like you, I prefer the music to Spectro. Either one--- I like them both!

I can't believe the nerve of some people either. Rude, rude, rude. We had that happen to us our first trip with the kids and their first time seeing Spectro. Some foreigners plopped down right in front of the kids just as it started. A lady actually almost sat in Drew's lap. Poor kid was about 7. And I asked them to move. And they acted like they couldn't understand me when I knew that they could.

Made it a teachable lesson for the kids- to not take something that isn't yours, just because you "want to". They still talk about how rude those people were!

Anyway- what a great time you had otherwise.
You got some really good pictures---- too bad about the camera. But I know the boys were happy to inherit the old camera when you got your new one.

----
Oh my gosh the monorail. I do not know what the heck is wrong with that thing sometimes! And your poor son, having to use the restroom so badly. Glad your DH didn't have to pull the Mighty Mouse cape on.


The Dole Whips!!!!!!!!!!!
One of the bestest reasons eva' to stay at the Poly--- Dole Whip when you get home from the parks late at night!



Oooh, Kona Breakfast. How intriguing.

It was a very fun night!! I remember texting you at the game!


We had something similar happen years ago when watching the Dreams Come True parade (or whatever it is called) at MK. We had waited on the parade and had front row spots, but then as the parade started and everyone stood up a lady proceeded to stand right in front of the kids. That is about a little more than I can handle!

Yeah, the boys could care less about the broken button on the camera, they are more concerned that it is pink!!

That dang monorail door!!

Having Dole Whips at your leisure is fantastic! Too bad I'm the only one who really enjoys them. The rest of the family get vanilla.



Hmm....I wonder how our Kona breakfast went?!

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Great update and parade shots!
How nice that you and DS10 were able to spend some one on one time together doing something so fun (not the getting stuck on the monorail part!).
It's just so cute, the two of you sitting there with your Dole Whips!

I think next trip I'm going to try watching a parade from somewhere other than Main Street. I've heard there are good spots at the other end of the route, might try that!

Kona breakfast - sounds good to me!

 

[EastYorkDisneyFan]

I've only seen Disney's Eletrical Pardae (MSEP) in DCA, butI have seen SpetroMagic multiple times in the MK. The funny thing is if either parade was only running once well I was at WDW I would probably go out of my way to see Spetro as I think the grandeur and the score and the overall size of the parade fit the MK better. I also think that the MSEP is a better fit for Disneyland.

 

[ddluvsdisney]

I can't believe you've never seen MSEP. I like both MSEP and Spectro. don't really have a favorite I guess I think they're similiar.
We had a bad experience at the parade a couple of years ago too. Some people are just so RUDE!
I like sitting at the end of MS for a quick exit- good idea!!

 

[BlvInMagic]

Hi! I've been a "lurker" throughout your trip report, and I just have to tell you that I've just enjoyed it all so much! You have a beautiful family and it looks like you all had a wonderful vacation too! I hope you consider doing a future trip report -- you're pictures are the best and they give me my Disney World "fix" as our next family trip won't be until Fall 2013!

 

[mickeystoontown]

Your family portrait pictures turned out great! I am sure that a Disney photographer couldn't have done any better and you probably wouldn't have gotten such a variety of shots either.

I think it's great that you and your youngest were able to spend some time together at the Magic Kingdom. Those are the memories you'll never forget.

 

[sjs314]

I have never seen Spectro Magic only MSEP People like that woman at the parade make me so mad, I guess since I believe like you to go early and wait not show up at the last minute and expect a good spot.

I am glad your camera still worked after dropping it but it all worked out good since DH gave you a new one for Christmas.

Those dole whips looked so good I have to taste one this trip!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Great update and parade shots!
How nice that you and DS10 were able to spend some one on one time together doing something so fun (not the getting stuck on the monorail part!).
It's just so cute, the two of you sitting there with your Dole Whips!

I think next trip I'm going to try watching a parade from somewhere other than Main Street. I've heard there are good spots at the other end of the route, might try that!

Kona breakfast - sounds good to me!

Thanks Sheree! Yeah DS10 & I had a fun night, except for the monorail thing!! He still talks about having Dole Whips that evening.

I have heard that too -- that there are some great parade spots over in Frontierland. But we weren't staying for Wishes and wanted to make a quick escape!

I've only seen Disney's Eletrical Pardae (MSEP) in DCA, butI have seen SpetroMagic multiple times in the MK. The funny thing is if either parade was only running once well I was at WDW I would probably go out of my way to see Spetro as I think the grandeur and the score and the overall size of the parade fit the MK better. I also think that the MSEP is a better fit for Disneyland.

That would be neat to see each at both WDW and DL. We hope to get out to DL within the next couple of years and experience it all out there!!

I can't believe you've never seen MSEP. I like both MSEP and Spectro. don't really have a favorite I guess I think they're similiar.
We had a bad experience at the parade a couple of years ago too. Some people are just so RUDE!
I like sitting at the end of MS for a quick exit- good idea!!

I never went to WDW as a child, so I didn't even know about MSEP until they brought it back last year.

I think unfortunately just about everyone has had a bad experience at WDW with other guests.

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Hi! I've been a "lurker" throughout your trip report, and I just have to tell you that I've just enjoyed it all so much! You have a beautiful family and it looks like you all had a wonderful vacation too! I hope you consider doing a future trip report -- you're pictures are the best and they give me my Disney World "fix" as our next family trip won't be until Fall 2013!

Welcome! Glad you decided to come out of lurkdom!!

Thank you for all the very nice compliments. I'm so glad you have enjoyed the TR and that it was able to give you your Disney fix!

I will probably do another TR after the next trip. But you have to promise to post sooner on the next one!

Your family portrait pictures turned out great! I am sure that a Disney photographer couldn't have done any better and you probably wouldn't have gotten such a variety of shots either.

I think it's great that you and your youngest were able to spend some time together at the Magic Kingdom. Those are the memories you'll never forget.

Thanks Lisa! Yeah, getting all those shots took us about an hour. I don't think a Disney photographer would have got near that many in just 20 minutes.

It was a great night that we will never forget!

I have never seen Spectro Magic only MSEP People like that woman at the parade make me so mad, I guess since I believe like you to go early and wait not show up at the last minute and expect a good spot.

I am glad your camera still worked after dropping it but it all worked out good since DH gave you a new one for Christmas.

Those dole whips looked so good I have to taste one this trip!

Well maybe they will bring Spectro back for you next trip after this one and then you will be able to see it!

I guess some people just want their cake and to eat it too!! They want to be able to enjoy the parks and rides and shows right up until parade time and then go barge in on everyone else who has been patiently waiting for over an hour.

You better get a Dole Whip NEXT MONTH!!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Well, all good things must come to an end, right?



Day 10 – Sunday September 4th



Well the day was finally upon us. The day we had been dreading since we planned this trip – the day we had to go back home. Even though this was our longest trip yet, we still weren't ready to go home.

But we knew we had a fun morning ahead of us, so we got up and got ready! We had a Kona Cafe breakfast ADR at 10:15am. Jodi and family also had one around 10:30 I think, so we were looking forward to seeing them one last time. Actually we were hoping that they were going to be able to make their ADR – the football game they had gone to the day before was ending very late and then they had to drive back to the GF super late and we were worried they would sleep in and forget Kona and us!!

The kids were a little reluctant to get up!

DH was up and out on the balcony.

I went out and took one last look at our wonderful view.

And the kids went out to take a look at these guys. I think they were having a party down there!!

We called Bell Services and they came and took our bags and stored them until it was time for our ME bus. And we headed off to Kona around 10:00.

With one last walk past the fantastic volcano pool. Very quiet there that morning.

We got to the GCH and went upstairs and got checked in for our breakfast.

We were seated in no time and we all already knew what we wanted to order of course!! It was Tonga Toast for me! DH got the Big Kahuna - “French toast, Pancakes topped with Pineapple sauce and Macadamia Nut Butter, eggs, home fried potatoes, ham, bacon, and sausage.” The kids both ordered off the children's menu. DS12 got Donald's Choice – which was basically scrambled eggs, toast, and fruit. DS10 got Minnie's French Toast – which was french toast and bacon. And he gave the bacon to DH of course! DS10 really likes Tonga Toast, but he would never be able to eat an entire serving, so I shared and he ate about a third of mine!

After we ordered Jodi and family came in and we chatted with them for a few minutes and they were seated, but not very close to us. We were just glad to see that they made it!!

And pretty soon our breakfast came!

Everything was so good.

Rating: 10 out of 10 of course!!
Total Bill: $43



Continued in next post.....

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Continued.....


After we were done we rolled ourselves over to tell Jodi & family that we were going to be downstairs in the GCH so they could come down and see us before we had to go out to the ME bus stop.

We wandered around the GCH for a bit and then went down to where we were going to meet up with them. And pretty soon they arrived! It was bittersweet. Here we were with our wonderful friends in this wonderful magical place and we had to say good-bye.

The kids enjoyed every last second together.

They made a wish and threw some coins into the waterfall. I'm pretty sure they all wished to see each other at WDW again!!

The DH's had a nice long chat about something or other. But I know in there somewhere I heard them say that we would probably be meeting up like this again sometime soon. And Jodi heard it too!! So now we are holding them to it!

We got a nice CM to take a group shot! I think DS10 thought if he blended in with Jodi's family that maybe he would get to stay and not have to go home with us!!

And then we all said our good-byes and we wished them a magical trip and we were off to get our luggage and head out to the bus stop.

About 10-15 minutes later our ME bus came.

Don't we look thrilled?

I didn't take any airport pics this time. So I have nothing more until we got home.

My parent were waiting for us with our puppy. We just got him in July and we had just barely got him house trained by the time we left for vacation at the end of August. They said he did super and didn't have any accidents!!

He was 4 months old here and I remember he looked so big to us because we hadn't seen him in 10 days and he was growing so fast back then. Now looking at these pictures he looks so small since he is about full grown!

We gave him all his new toys. Which were not actually dog toys, since WDW quit selling them.

And some pics of our goodies we brought home!

And that's that! The end of our awesome summer trip. Thanks so much for coming along with me on this journey and I hope you all enjoyed.


I will be back to share our vacation video and my final thoughts!


Up Next: Vacation Video

 

[suorkaterina]

I love the picture of your sad faces! I have one of those too from 2008 of my parents sitting, waiting for the ME and looking oh so sad Now it's a tradition to take that "post Disney melancholy" picture.

I've enjoyed your TR and am sad to see it come to a close. Your puppy is adorable! Is there a reason Disney has stopped making dog toys? I hadn't noticed that they stopped as I don't have a dog.

 

[JoBird]

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

It's not over! It can't be over!!

I feel like I did that morning when we left you guys. All sort of sad and unhappy and...........

What a bittersweet moment indeed.

Kona was fantastic that morning. Seeing y'all again was so much fun! We were very happy that we made it, too -- we were soooo tired.
I had my first bite of tonga toast -- (it was too sweet, like I thought it would be for me. ) But the macadamia nut pancakes were yummy as always. And the Press Pot of coffee. Helped a sister out immensely.


And then we had to make that long walk downstairs to tell you good bye.
I remember us standing there looking at each other not knowing what to say.


You are so right--- we both heard the DH's say what they said and laughing about it. There's no getting away from it now!

And you know that DS10 just felt like he belonged with us. He's preparing for the future.

Jack looked so small in the pictures-- I can't believe he was ever that tiny! He looked like he was really happy you were home.


This has been such a wonderful TR. It was so much fun planning together-- and I know that one day in the (hopefully, NEAR) future, we'll plan another one. And it will be bigger and badder than this one was, my friend!

 

[Mndisneygirl]

As always, what a great TR! Beautiful pics of Poly! I really would like to stay there now!
Sad goodbye for you and Jodi's family!

I have to ask about something in your souvenir picture. It appears to be a set of 3 cookie cutters - a mickey head, hand and something.

Can you tell me how big the Mickey head is? I have one and it is so big! I'd like a smaller one.

 

[T*Bird]

Am I a total nerd for being really sad right now? I feel so sad for y'all having to leave! Don't you just hate it when you're in the lobby checking out of a hotel and you see all these excited people rolling their suitcases up to the desk to check in? Makes you want to stick your foot out and trip them, doesn't it? KIDDING!!! Just making that clear......I may be crazy, but I'm not evil.

At least you got to spend your last morning with Jodi and Co. That was a nice way to end your wonderful trip. How cute are y'all's kids? And how great that they are now long-distance friends who meet up in WDW! What was the name of that movie with Alan Alda where he met up once a year with his secret love? They were both married but carried on a decades-long affair. OK, I'm way OT and you are too young to even know that movie! But that's what came to my mind when I thought about y'all meeting up in Disney each year....hopefully, that is!

When my kids were little, we went on a ski trip one year to Colorado. The morning we had to leave for the airport, my DS was looking really sad (like your DS). I thought he was about to cry, and I asked him what was the matter. He said, "We have to wait a whole year before we go skiing again." Poor baby, he was 7 years old at the time and we've never been back (he's 24 now ). So at least your boys really do only have to wait a whole year before you go back!

Shelly, you've done a wonderful job on your TR! You make us feel like we are right there with you and seeing it all. I especially loved how you had so many pictures. You have such a beautiful family and 2 obviously happy boys. I hope to see a PTR soon!

 

[sjs314]

Shelly the group shot of Yours and Jodi's family is beautiful. Such a nice memory

I also love the one of your sad faces waiting for ME>

It was a nice way to spend your last morning, making memories if you have to go home that is the best way.

Jack looked very cute with his lei on

I did not hear you mention taking your bags to RAC and saw them sitting next to you guys........you only do carry on or doesn't AT participate in the RAC system?

BTW I am hungry for breakfast now and it is 2:30 in the afternoon

 

[Soarin4Disney]

So sad your TR is over. I felt we were right there with you the whole time.

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

I love the picture of your sad faces! I have one of those too from 2008 of my parents sitting, waiting for the ME and looking oh so sad Now it's a tradition to take that "post Disney melancholy" picture.

I've enjoyed your TR and am sad to see it come to a close. Your puppy is adorable! Is there a reason Disney has stopped making dog toys? I hadn't noticed that they stopped as I don't have a dog.

The kids always have to do a sad face pic while waiting in the ME bus!!

I'm so glad you have enjoyed the TR.

IDK why Disney stopped making dog toys. Seems like there would have been a real market for them.

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

It's not over! It can't be over!!

I feel like I did that morning when we left you guys. All sort of sad and unhappy and...........

What a bittersweet moment indeed.

Kona was fantastic that morning. Seeing y'all again was so much fun! We were very happy that we made it, too -- we were soooo tired.
I had my first bite of tonga toast -- (it was too sweet, like I thought it would be for me. ) But the macadamia nut pancakes were yummy as always. And the Press Pot of coffee. Helped a sister out immensely.


And then we had to make that long walk downstairs to tell you good bye.
I remember us standing there looking at each other not knowing what to say.


You are so right--- we both heard the DH's say what they said and laughing about it. There's no getting away from it now!

And you know that DS10 just felt like he belonged with us. He's preparing for the future.

Jack looked so small in the pictures-- I can't believe he was ever that tiny! He looked like he was really happy you were home.


This has been such a wonderful TR. It was so much fun planning together-- and I know that one day in the (hopefully, NEAR) future, we'll plan another one. And it will be bigger and badder than this one was, my friend!

Don't worry, I have a few more post coming. But yes, then it is over. I'm kind of sad, but a bit relieved. I feel like I have been writing this TR forever. Very unlike me, I'm usually done in less than 3 months.

How did MC like the Tonga Toast??? I just love it. I can't believe you think it is too sweet!

Is it my imagination or in their conversation did one of the DH's say - maybe next time it will be in DL? Maybe I dreamed that up, but somehow it is in my head that they said that. I even think it was your DH!

I know, Jack was a tiny baby back then. He is a big monster now, as you know.


Yes, here's to a bigger and badder vacation together next time --

As always, what a great TR! Beautiful pics of Poly! I really would like to stay there now!
Sad goodbye for you and Jodi's family!

I have to ask about something in your souvenir picture. It appears to be a set of 3 cookie cutters - a mickey head, hand and something.

Can you tell me how big the Mickey head is? I have one and it is so big! I'd like a smaller one.

Thanks Sheree! You should give the Poly a try sometime.

The mickey head is pretty small. Much smaller than the one you have, if you have the larger one that I have too. The small one is about 2 1/2 inches from the top (of the ears) to the bottom and about 2 3/4 from ear to ear. It makes nice sized cookies and the ears don't fall off like the larger one!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Am I a total nerd for being really sad right now? I feel so sad for y'all having to leave! Don't you just hate it when you're in the lobby checking out of a hotel and you see all these excited people rolling their suitcases up to the desk to check in? Makes you want to stick your foot out and trip them, doesn't it? KIDDING!!! Just making that clear......I may be crazy, but I'm not evil.

At least you got to spend your last morning with Jodi and Co. That was a nice way to end your wonderful trip. How cute are y'all's kids? And how great that they are now long-distance friends who meet up in WDW! What was the name of that movie with Alan Alda where he met up once a year with his secret love? They were both married but carried on a decades-long affair. OK, I'm way OT and you are too young to even know that movie! But that's what came to my mind when I thought about y'all meeting up in Disney each year....hopefully, that is!

When my kids were little, we went on a ski trip one year to Colorado. The morning we had to leave for the airport, my DS was looking really sad (like your DS). I thought he was about to cry, and I asked him what was the matter. He said, "We have to wait a whole year before we go skiing again." Poor baby, he was 7 years old at the time and we've never been back (he's 24 now ). So at least your boys really do only have to wait a whole year before you go back!

Shelly, you've done a wonderful job on your TR! You make us feel like we are right there with you and seeing it all. I especially loved how you had so many pictures. You have such a beautiful family and 2 obviously happy boys. I hope to see a PTR soon!

If you're a nerd then so am I!

And yes, I just hate those people who are checking in the day we are leaving. Same thing when we get to the airport and they come off that plane all smiling and happy that they just arrived in Orlando.



Yes, our kids are the cutest! But no, IDK what movie you are talking about.

Sounds like you better take your DS skiing!

I'm glad you have enjoyed the TR. Give me a month or so on the PTR, okay?

Shelly the group shot of Yours and Jodi's family is beautiful. Such a nice memory

I also love the one of your sad faces waiting for ME>

It was a nice way to spend your last morning, making memories if you have to go home that is the best way.

Jack looked very cute with his lei on

I did not hear you mention taking your bags to RAC and saw them sitting next to you guys........you only do carry on or doesn't AT participate in the RAC system?

BTW I am hungry for breakfast now and it is 2:30 in the afternoon

Thanks Sheila! It really was the best way to spend our last morning.

We never take our checked bags to RAC. IDK why. We usually only have 2-3 of them, so we just bring them with us. I think At does participate in it though.

I know, I could go for some Tonga Toast right about now.

So sad your TR is over. I felt we were right there with you the whole time.

I'm sad too. I hope you enjoyed!

 

[Moodyzblu]

Awe, so sad it's over, but am SO glad you shared your trip with us ! You did a great job on your TR. I'm so excited for our trip and reading reports is the only thing getting me through the next 2 months !