A Dream is a wish your heart makes:Day 6 - last full day

[HeatherSue]

I just wanted to pop in and let you know I'm reading! I love your TR so far! I can't wait to see pictures of Universal! The last time I went there they had just opened and had 2 rides running (ET and Back to the Future)!

 

[BrandyC1974]

The girls enjoyed Jaws although were not a fan of the flames / heat caused by the gas explosions. Maddie got a bit wet and was mad that we laughed. She's always trying to be FIRST so we let her go first into the boat and she got wet LOL.[/i]

I had a similar experience on Jaws with my daughter Rebecca (6yrs old at the time). She was whining the whole trip about being "FIRST" on everything. So......when we got to Jaws, she was basically saying that "she had to be first". I tried to warn her that there might be "sharks" in the water but she of course didn't want to listen. So, I let her get on first, then me, then my brother, my oldest daughter Liz, and then my dad. So, when we get to the part when "Jaws" jumps out of the water, guess what she did?? She jumped (and I do mean literally JUMPED) over me and tried to get over my brother, but he stopped her. She would have jumped off of the other end of the boat if my brother hadn't stopped her; she was soooo scared )

After that, she never complained about me wanting her to ride on the "inside" of the ride again.


So far, your trip is sounding Magical!! Can't wait to read more!!!!

 

[jenb1023]

Love the Universal update and all of the great character meetings. Looking forward to the next update!

 

[tbelfonti]

I know I owe you pics - life has been in the way lately...
Today we decided to do Hollywood Studios AND Epcot as we wanted to spend two full days in MK.

First stop at DHS was Tower of Terror for Maddie & I and RnR for Arnie & Maddie. I was going to do RnR with Maddie after but I felt bad having Olivia wait all that time while we rode. While waiting we got her an Ariel tattoo which she loved. I also offered some park tips to some people waiting with us. I love doing that.

We next headed over to see the timing of Ariel's show which I LOVE. We had just missed the show so decided to go into the Animation area where we met the two characters from Bolt and also Sorcerer Mickey .

We saw Ariel and oh that show makes me cry every time. I think it's one of the best kept secrets in DHS. We then lost Arnie for a short period of time. I asked him to go get the stroller while the girls and I waited in the shade. He heard me say "get the stroller and meet me at Toy Story Mania" Once we solved that issue we rode TSM which is GREAT. There was a little boy waiting in front of us that did NOT want to ride. The parents tried their best but to no avail. The kid was NOT getting on the ride. LOL Olivia loved the ride this year (whew) which was a huge relief. We then saw Buzz and Woody and got some pics with them.

It was lunch time so we made our way over to Sci Fi. We LOVE this place. Originally we planned to have dinner here but were able to walk in and have lunch. We didn't get a car much to the chagrin of the girls. I had shrimp pasta, Arnie had his burger and the girls had hot dogs. On our way out we ran into the crew filming for the American Idol experience. I encouraged Maddie to be in the scene (screaming w/ a bunch of people in the car outside Sci Fi and then asking the contestant for her autograph). It was a nice thing for Maddie to have something special happen for her alone as the green jealousy monster was out in FULL force today.

We knew we wanted to do Epcot and get back in time for the Christmas party so it was time to bid DHS goodbye. On our way out we ran into the Director who asked Maddie if she was named Barbie (in a funny Italian accent). She had on the custom Wish shirt made for us by the Big Give folks so he made extra comments about that as well. We stopped off to get some candy (the girls got lollipops, Arnie got fudge and I got chocolate dipped marshmallows). We encountered a cute scene on the road to ToT with a woman driving a car and a "police man". We stopped to watch and laugh. I love when you come into spontaneous things like this.

And then we got some more Disney Magic. I stopped at the dining reservation booth near the tip booth to see what was available at Epcot for dinner. I had been TRYING and TRYING to get Le Cellier to no avail. I asked the woman "I know I'm asking for a miracle, but can you check again" She responded "(Sigh) I don't think there's anything. No there's not. Oh wait a minute! How's 6pm?" Woohoo!!!

We were feeling pretty excited at this so we quickly skipped to the car and made our way over to Epcot.

First stop at Epcot was to the VIP Lounge at Spaceship Earth. They were handing out antibacterial lotion in a pump (small sized that could attach to your key ring). We also were given bracelets that said "Never Give Up". We rode Spaceship Earth and then headed to Test Track. Olivia wanted NOTHING to do with it, so again, we checked out the VIP Lounge thinking that maybe if she saw the ride from inside, she may change her tune. No luck. So she had to wait while Arnie and M rode and then M and I did.

We stopped off at the butterfly garden and the kids ran around in the Tinkerbelle area.

We then decided it was character hunting time. We wanted to do ALL the characters in ALL the countries and we had limited time to do it LOL. We found Mulan; Snow White; Genie, Aladdin and Jasmine (picture Maddie doing a happy dance); Belle & the Beast; Alice (no Mary Poppins who was "on an adventure with Bert"); Sleeping Beauty (who had an EXCELLENT character handler with her who was very sensitive to making sure Maddie got special time with the princess as well. He also said "Is there ANYTHING I can do for you? Are you guys all set?" He was amazing (cry)); and Pooh, Eeyore and Tigger. Arnie and Maddie rode Soarin' while Olivia and I rode Living with the Land (again, I love that ride). Olivia enjoyed Journey into Your Imagination and remembered to hold her nose at the proper times LOL.

We hit the character greeting area in Innoventions where we got to see the Fab 5. I had a nice conversation with another family sporting a GAC (not MAW though). Of course, what is a day at Epcot without encouraging some poor stranger to try the Beverly at the ice cool station? I get my kids EVERY SINGLE TIME LOL. And we always remember when we had my father in law try it and his reaction was "mm, bitter".

Now it was time for Le Cellier. The CM didn't have us on his list. I told him I just made reservations a couple hours ago. He didn't believe me . I told him I didn't believe it either but to please check the computer. Sure enough we were in the computer!

Dinner - it's definitely worth the hype. I GET it. My husband who wasn't too sure about it but was humoring me? GETS IT! We are sold! The waiter was great and brought me over a child portion of the cheddar cheese soup to try. I would have eaten the entire thing but was worried my lactose intolerance would flare up. Once I mentioned that to him, he took it away immediately LOL.

With full bellies we made our way out of the park but not before getting some GREAT shots of the girls in front of Spaceship Earth using great photopass photographers. The girls were in rare form and the CM actually had tears in her eyes from laughing so much!

The Christmas Party - we got here late so we got pics with Mayor Clayton and then waited in line for Santa. Santa was great. Truly great. Brought me to tears because he was that good. Thank you Santa.

Next up: SeaWorld and IOA.

 

[jenb1023]

Yea for a new update! DHS and Epcot - what a busy day! I am happy to hear how many characters you got to meet and that Maddie got some special attention. Scoring that Le Cellier ADR was some major pixie dust! We loved it too. Looking forward to photos (when you have time) and more updates!

 

[tbelfonti]

Entire album:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2022379&id=1075877431&l=d06598c0cb

 

[tbelfonti]

Entire album:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2022380&id=1075877431&l=a9f3bbe9c9

Check out the grin on Maddie's face!

 

[tbelfonti]

So today was SeaWorld and Islands of Adventure.

We started the morning by locating Olivia's star in the Castle of Miracles. Yes, I cried LOL.

We then saw Curious George and the Man in the Yellow Hat at GKTW, had breakfast, rode the carousel and were on our way.

First stop was Sea World. We're not big fans so we planned to feed the dolphins and head out. They gave Maddie & Olivia each a tray of fish for feeding the dolphins. Olivia thought it was cool until she accidentally dropped the paper tray into the dolphin's mouth. That bothered her quite a bit and it took us a while to perk her back up after. She thought the trainers would be mad at her. Maddie & I were going to ride the Atlantis ride but the line was too long and we weren't sure how to use the button there. Arnie and Olivia burned through $3 in quarters spraying people on that ride LOL.

We then headed to the Shark experience and the Penguin exhibit. The girls weren't wowed by the park and Arnie and I aren't the biggest fans so we decided to head out to IOA early. Plus, we didn't want to eat at SeaWorld as we find it to be very pricey for "eh" food.

We arrived at IOA and had lunch at Margaritaville before heading into IOA. First stop was Suessland which was WAY cool. Olivia LOVED the carousel. We rode the Cat in the Hat ride which Olivia was unsure about (too "fast" and unpredictable for her). We did the above ground train which they both liked. We rode both sides and preferred the outdoor version b/c Olivia said it went slower . We LOVED One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish.

We walked through the Lost Continent but didn't ride anything. Arnie and Maddie rode the flyers at the Jurassic Park section while Olivia and I explored the caves. We then watched the water rides where Arnie, Maddie & Olivia got SOAKED in the splash zone LOL. I got some GREAT video of them there.

We walked through most of the rest of IOA as it was way above Olivia's tolerance level. We made the mistake of putting her on the Spiderman ride which was WAY too intense and she HATED it. Cried hysterically. I had to apologize and explain to her that I would have NEVER put her on it had I known it was that bad. I also told her I didn't enjoy it either.

We met up with Spiderman (our ONLY character experience at this park) and then went back to Suessland for another ride on the carousel and One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish.

We then headed out as it was HOT. Headed back and swam for a while before having dinner at Katie's Kitchen (boston market) and then going to make the girl's wish pillows and a visit to the Spa. The girls got their faces painted, nails done, and temporary tattoos. This was a HUGE highlight for them.

We then attended the Princess and Pirate party at GKTW - what a blast this was. They had makeup for the girls, purses, jewelry, crowns, etc. And they introduced EVERY single princess and pirate. At the end it was announced they all lived "happily ever after" (go ahead and cry - I did). We finished off the night with, what else? Ice cream!

Next up, our final day at MK

 

[tbelfonti]

Highlights from the day:

And they lived happily ever after...

 

[maroo]

Oh, I just love the update!!!!

At the P & P Party, did they let the siblings do it too?? Or just the Wish Kids? I am glad you "reviewed" that party...because I don't think I have read many reviews on that!

I am so sorry she dropped the dolphin food and was stressed! That stinks!

 

[tbelfonti]

Oh, I just love the update!!!!

At the P & P Party, did they let the siblings do it too?? Or just the Wish Kids? I am glad you "reviewed" that party...because I don't think I have read many reviews on that!

I am so sorry she dropped the dolphin food and was stressed! That stinks!

P & P party - they let everyone participate. Which we SO appreciated b/c of Maddie's jealousy issues...

 

[tbelfonti]

Boo! Last full day.

The girls and I had a breakfast date scheduled for Pooh & his friends and Arnie had scheduled a Segway Tour at Epcot. We arrived at the TTC just after 8AM and were parked in the SECOND ROW! That doesn't happen too often . We walked over to the TTC, kissed Daddy good bye and he took the monorail to Epcot while the princesses and I grabbed the MK monorail.

There is nothing BETTER than walking down an almost empty Main St. I got my picture of the girls holding hands walking up Main St (backs to me). I am realizing how quickly they're growing up and soon they won't be that small .

We were seated fairly quickly at CP and Eeyore came over pretty fast. This was my first time at a character buffet with them and no husband and it was STRESSFUL! My single mama friends - I don't know how you do it. We even toasted one of them because I was ALL stressed out! LOL.

They had our table decorated for our celebration and our waiter's name was Ariel (yes, I said WAITER, not waitress). He was a doll and we spent some time talking about GKTW. We got all the character's autographs and I tried to get some food into the children - best I could do! Olivia lost her button at one point during breakfast and a sweet little girl helped us find it under a table.

On our way out of the restaurant we ran into Bobbi - character handler from 1900 Park Fair! She asked if we had done Chef Mickey's yet and I told her it was that night. We hugged and she asked that we stop by next trip at CP to find her. The girls signed the "guest book" on our way out and we were on our way.

We timed it perfectly and watched the entire Castle Show (and I videotaped it as well). After we headed to Fantasyland. Olivia did NOT want to ride Snow White (which was fine two days ago so not sure what that was about ...). Arnie finally met up with us close to lunchtime and we had lunch at Pinocchio's (I'm not a fan and should have gotten the pizza...).

We tried to get Olivia on Splash but no luck so she played in the playground while we rode / kid swapped. We ran into Peter Pan who was AMAZING. He was probably the best Peter I've ever seen. We also saw Captn Hook was out but the girls didn't want to see him so we skipped it.

Now here comes my one bad experience (You've been warned).

We go to Pirate's. I show the GAC / button to the person at the entrance. Her response "Oh the line is only 20 minutes, you can go through the regular line" VERY condescending tone. Normally I wouldn't mind, but after we had been SPOILED at Universal, I was PISSED. I am MISS DISNEY. I live and breathe Disney. Heck, I SELL Disney trips as a PT job. This is NOT the treatment I was expecting and I was steamed. But rather than make a scene I let it go because I didn't want the kids to see me mad - it wasn't worth ruining the day. And I'm still going to write Disney a letter, because when you have a child saying "I wish to go to Disney" as their MAW trip - and Universal treats them better? Something is very wrong there.

We then headed to Magic Carpets where we saw Aladdin and Jasmine again. There was some rude person that interrupted our time with Jasmine which bugged me because I was already ticked regarding the Pirate's experience. Again, it wasn't worth it because it was all about the kids...

We needed to cool off so we headed to the Wish Lounge and stayed there close to an hour. Arnie napped. The girls and I read books, played games and watched some Hannah Montana. We caught the end of the parade again, then headed to Tomorrowland to ride Buzz a few more times. On our way out we caught an excellent photopass photographer who caught some great shots of the girls with the castle show fireworks going off in the background. He saved me from walking out feeling down about our cast member experience that day.

So it's time to walk out of MK for the last time. I had the sunglasses on so they couldn't see my tears but the family knew they were there LOL. Arnie asked "So what's that deal you were telling me about for the fall?" Woohoo - he's got the bug for another trip!!!!

We hop the monorail to Contemporary (got to ride the front as well!). Got in a VERY long line for Chef Mickey's. Some woman in front of me was complaining the ENTIRE time about why we need to make reservations and then wait in line, blah, blah, blah. I'm not sure if it was ME or everyone else who had problems that day ... LOL We took our Chef Mickey's photo and were seated quickly.

My family took off and as I was just about to go grab food, Goofy grabbed me LOL. He scared the CRAP out of me and I think I told him as much LOL. I called the family back to the table and we got some great shots with Goofy. All the characters were great but Minnie was especially loving on the girls because they had on "her colors" (wearing their DISBoutique outfits again ).

We were given cupcakes from the waiter to celebrate our "special occasion". We held hands, made a wish and blew out all the candles at the same time The woman next to us asked if we were there for our birthdays and when I explained what we were celebrating ... she got tears in her eyes. Disgustingly stuffed we decided it was time to head back.

But first we stopped at the shops at the Contemporary so I could get my ornaments. You see - I have ornaments from EVERY trip we've made as a family. Then every Christmas I open up each box and cry at the memories from each trip. We found two ornaments to signify our trip. The girls wanted "Disney Girls". Since we hadn't bought ANY souvenirs - they got to choose a doll and an outfit.

We headed back to GKTW for the final time. This was the night of Mayor Clayton's birthday party. They had rescue dogs there, music, dancing, hoola hooping, birthday cake, face painting, etc. It was great fun and the girls had a ball. Arnie and I realized we had not booked a tuck in from Mayor Clayton so he ran off to see about that. At the end Miss Olivia and I were dancing to "Take Me Home Country Road" which was SO appropriate since it was our last night (sob). Arnie got someone to pull some strings and they were able to get Miss Merry to come over and tuck the girls in! We rushed back to the room, got the girls in their jammies and waited for Miss Merry.

Now this was probably one of the highlights of our GKTW experience. Miss Merry came over in her buggy, wiped her feet as she came in the door, so stinking CUTE. She played dolls with the girls and then tucked them in. Just so sweet.

The girls fell asleep and we stayed up packing everything up.

Next up: the trip back and final thoughts...

 

[that's nice]

Great update!!! I'm sorry about those nasty CM's. You definitely did the right thing by just letting it go (most times easier said than done!). I don't know if I should admit this but when we leave MK for the last time on our trips I feel a little ....ummmmmmm... choked up too.

 

[jenb1023]

I thought I posted after your last update but see that I didn't. I have to stop reading so many tr's - I keep losing track of when I post!

Love the latest update except for that dumb CM at Pirates! You have the GAC and you are on a Wish trip!

We need to see photos of the girls with Minnie at CM's! There is always a long line plus complainers at CM. One time when we were there a lady ranted for 10 minutes on how they needed to seat her family of 10 that did not have ADR's.

Miss Merry sounds so sweet!

Looking forward to reading about your trip home and your final thoughts!