A Relaxing Trip? Episode 14

[MagicalMom]

The cast
Me – MagicalMom – 33yo – Disney Lover, Commando girl
DH – MagicalDad – 34yo – Likes Disney, just wants to relax
DD – The Teen – 13yo – Loves Disney, I taught her well
DS – The Youth – 9yo – Loves Mickey Mouse – thinks Chef Mickey’s is the greatest place ever!
DS – The Pre-schooler –4yo – Can’t wait to get to Disney to see Mickey, Spongebob & Crash Bandicoot! (think I combined too many Disney & Universal trips?)

I gotta tell ya, one of the things that I am most excited about on this trip is my plan to actually spend time in the World Showcase. We usually just quickly walk through it, never actually entering a country, except Mexico & Norway. Of course we only go to those 2 countries so that we can go on the rides.

Now, so far today as I’m sure you all have read, there have been some rocky moments. Luckily my tears were able to nip them pretty quick. So, I round up the troops again. “Guys, we’re heading into the showcase. There are many wonderful & exciting things to do there! See my little index card listing so many things we’ve missed in the past?” The responses I received were what I expected. Why? We don’t like the World Showcase! There’s nothing to do there! Whine, Whine, whine!

So, off we go. Our first stop is Mexico. We head straight for the ride. No wait. While on the ride the Teen & I decided to take pictures of each other. Everyone was happy for the moment. Getting off of the ride I realized my camera wasn’t working. Oh No! I hope it’s just the battery. I need to get new batteries!!! ASAP! Lord knows you can’t enter the World Showcase without batteries. Oh MY! MagicalDad runs to the first CM he sees to ask for the nearest place to purchase batteries. At the front of the park, he was told. Uh no, I informed him. I’m sure there is a place in Norway. I’m positive I bought film at a camera stand in Norway a couple of years ago. No the CM insisted we must go to the front of the park. “We’re wasting time discussing this” MagicalDad stated “I’ll just run up front & get the batteries.” Fine. Go ahead. I don’t know who he thinks he is getting all commando on me. Wonder if he just wants to get the World Showcase done & over with, just like the kids????? Go ahead, meet you in Norway.

The kids & I headed over to Norway where I purchased a 2 pack of camera batteries for 20.00. After buying them I politely called DH to inform him that I had new batteries & he should now return to Norway to meet me. I’ll try not to gloat, too much.

I sent the kids over to play in the big boat in Norway while I put in the new batteries. Hmmmmmm, odd the camera still doesn’t work. Hmmmm, oh……….I see. Gosh, looks like I was just out of film. Hmmmmmm, didn’t realize that. Yep, replaced the film & it worked fine. I guess I just didn’t hear my camera rewind on the ride. Golly, guess I’ll just have to tell DH how lucky we are to have these back up camera batteries just in case we ever need them. Just then the kids come back to tell me that the boat in Norway was shut down. That’s ashame. I was hoping they could play while I Magicaldad was able to rest. Not my fault he insisted on running all the way to the front of the park.

With the family back together I began walking towards the Norway ride. I don’t wanna go. It’s scarey! Why do we have to go? Whine, whine, whine! We skipped the ride.

Onto China. Good, there is a show. DH can get his rest time here. Nope, we walked right past. No one was interested in China either. Look like I’m the only one who cares about resting & relaxing today. I snapped a few pictures as we strolled by. At least I can pretend I spent time there.

Right there Germany & Italy. No one would stop.

Next up America. Of course they all want to stop there. It’s the only place in the World Showcase where they will eat. Chicken Tenders & Fries for everyone! The pre-Schooler was asleep in the stroller by this time. MagicalDad was having another attack of Slow Eating Disorder , so I headed to the shops. Doesn’t it figure that the only shops I would get to go into would be in America?

While browsing the shop my sister calls. “I’m coming to meet you at your hotel in a little bit!” she informs me. Oh my really? I’m only ½ way through the world showcase. Then I have to catch a bus back to the hotel. We’ll be there as soon as we can.

We run right through japan, morocco, France, UK & Canada. I snapped pics all the way through. At least people looking at our photo album will think we had a wonderful time in the world showcase. Oh well, I’ll catch Illuminations when I come back with the Grandkids.

My sister was in Orlando with My cousin. They are celebrating her 30 birthday by doing the Astronaut training for a day at the Space Center & then spending a few days at Universal. They thought they’d come visit for a bit. Great because I have some things they can drive home for me! Like that lithograph & picture frame.

They didn’t stay long. Yep, hanging out with us is not the kind of vacation they were planning. They had all the could take in 20 minutes. “I’m just going to walk them out to the car” I told DH. Opps forgot my cell phone. Opps no one can reach me if they need me. Hmmm no I can’t leave & go with my sister on her quiet, adventurous, adult vacation. We got a little lost on our way to the car & found ourselves sitting at tables in the River Roost. Not sure how we got there. Didn’t really matter that I forgot my cell phone. With in no time there were calling my cousin’s phone, pleading with me to come back. They love me. Can’t live without me. Not even for 20 minutes.

Returning to the room MagicalDad informs met that he must go to laundry. Right now.
Uh huh. He ain’t fooling me again. I know laundry is code word for nap. I send him off to do his laundry with the kids. They can all hand out in the pool while the clothes are washing.

Really, I’d love to go with them but I can’t. I must stay in the cool, quiet room all by myself & fold & pack clothes. Organize carry-ons. Find room for all of these toys. I know, it’s a shame I can’t be out in the hot sun attending to the family. A wife’s job is never done.

Up next, I WILL cram it all in on our last day!

 

[Minniespal]

Enjoyed reading your report ~ Thanx for sharing.

 

[littleprincessmom]

ALL of your reports have been great! Can't wait for the last day!!!

 

[TurnR@TheMouseHouse]

MagicalMom,

I have enjoyed your trip report. I do hope that someday you will get to tour the WS quietly and slowly and savor every bit it has to offer. It is a wonderful place to linger and browse.

 

[MagicalMom]

The cast
Me – MagicalMom – 33yo – Disney Lover, Commando girl
DH – MagicalDad – 34yo – Likes Disney, just wants to relax
DD – The Teen – 13yo – Loves Disney, I taught her well
DS – The Youth – 9yo – Loves Mickey Mouse – thinks Chef Mickey’s is the greatest place ever!
DS – The Pre-schooler –4yo – Can’t wait to get to Disney to see Mickey, Spongebob & Crash Bandicoot! (think I combined too many Disney & Universal trips?)

Our last day……………….sniff, sniff………..Some how I will manage to cram it all in.

We didn’t roll out of bed this morning until 8:00 am. We packed up the rest of our luggage, I snapped some final pics of the hotel building & we headed to the main building to drop off of luggage. Since we don’t have to leave for MCI until 4:30 we should have plenty of time to enjoy the Magic Kingdom. Sorry Magical Dad right off the bat I have a feeling you won’t get much rest today.

Entering the park, we took off running. Sorry pre-Schooler, no time for a stroller today, it will just get in the way! We start off in adventureland & make our way around. We run up the stairs of the Swiss Family Robinson Tree House, then we run back down the stairs. No time to look guys, we have pictures of every inch of this tree at home, come on! Ok, now if ya’ll wanna ride the carpet ride get in line now. Hurry, hurry, we’ll rest on the plane.

Next we run over to Spash Mountain. MagicalDad begins walking over to get a fast pass for the ride. Hold on DH, I call. “We won’t be fast passing this here ride we’re going to find the paintbrush!” I glance down at my watch. 10:00 am exactly. Looks like the first boat to Tom Sawyers Island is loading up now. I ushered the family towards the boat quietly, very, very quietly explaining to them that we must, absolutely, positively, must find this paintbrush. It is our duty. I was as quiet as possible, hoping that the other boat riders were clueless about the paintbrush. The Teen didn’t at all seem to care. The Youth couldn’t wait to begin his search. The Pre-Schooler didn’t really seem to understand, but was excited because the Youth was. MagicalDad, well, I’m not sure if he even heard me.

We had never been to the Island before, so we didn’t have a clue where to begin. As soon as we hit the ground, the Youth & I began out search. I searched on the paths, because it made sense to me. I don’t think Disney is going to hide it a pkace that might cause me injury getting to it. Well, the youth is sure I’m wrong. He’s going through the woods, at times on his hands & knees, digging, looking under leaves, down hills, in trees. The Youth must believe Tom Sawyer hid this brush years ago & has never been found!

Eventually we give up & just enjoy the Island. It is a fun place. Out of the corner of my eye I notice the boys heading in the opposite direction. The Teen & I keep walking, enjoying the peace & quiet. I assume MagicalDad is with the boys, it seemed he was following right behind them. Then I remembered, never, ever assume anything.

I called MagicalDad on my cell phone. “What are you doing?” “Resting on the bench”, he replied. “Boy’s with you?” I ask. “Nope. Aren’t they with you?” Ughhhhhhh, thank God I called. By this time the Teen & I had crossed a wiggly little bridge & found ourselves in a fort with caves. He headed figured we better search the caves & buildings while we were there. After searching for a few minutes, DH calls to let us know he found the boys. “Meet us at the dock”, I told him. Didn’t want to lose anyone else again!

The Teen & I walked quietly along the path, noting the pretty trees, clever signage, lovely path, a old paint brush. What?????????? An Old paintbrush?????? The Paintbrush!!!!!!!!!!!! I grab it up as fast as I can!!!!!! Woo Hoo!!!!!!!!! I found it!!!!!!! The Paintbrush!!!!!!!! Yea!!!! I do a little paintbrush dance!! Woo Hoo! I wanted to find this paintbrush so, so bad. So very, very bad. I can’t believe I found it. I begin skipping toward the dock, waving my new found paintbrush merrily. Then it hits me. Oh yeah. I’m a 30 some year old woman! I won’t look to cute skipping to the CM to present my paintbrush. Why do I always forget I’m an adult when I go to Disney?? Hmmmmm, I may look at bit foolish. I hand it over to the Teen. Nope, she doesn’t look too thrilled either. Arriving at the dock, I hand it over to the Youth. Yep, he looks just right waving the paintbrush about. You’d think he found it himself. We are presented with a certificate for Splash Mountain.

WooHoo, now we can all go ride Splash Mountain! The Teen didn’t feel like riding, it gives her a headache??? Not sure why. I don’t remember her getting a headache last year, but whatever, she can stay behind. “I’ll wait with the Pre-Schooler” she informs us. Nope, he’ll have none of that. He’s tall enough to ride this year & can’t wait. The Teen arhues with me about how terrible it is that I’d allow him to ride. I insist he’ll love it & off we go.

Loading onto the ride I instruct the pre-Schooler to hold on to the bar in front of him. He’s so excited. We hit the first little hill. He’s still happy, but I’m not. OMG, what if he flies out. He’s just a tiny little thing. Another bigger hill, he’s not as happy as he was. I’m even more worried, better start preparing him now. “There’s going to be a bigger hill hon” I warn. Going down the largest hill I hold on with all my might. He squeals with fear, then squeals with delight! He loved it! The teen met us at the end, taking pictures.
See, told her it was going to be OK.

Next we are off to the Haunted Mansion. Then Fast passes for Pooh. We had a while before our return time for Pooh so we decided to get a quick lunch at Cosmic Rays. I offered to get all of our food while DH sat at the tables with the kids. I kindly figured he could finally get a little bit of rest in for today. He would not stand for it. He insisted that I take this opportunity to rest at a table with the kids, how kind & caring of him. Always looking out for my best interest. I stake out a table with the kids. For the first minute everything goes fine. Then the second minute things start to get a bit hairy as the bitter back & forth. By the 3rd minute I was looking for DH. “Oh Honey, you’ve been in line so long. I’ll stand here, you go rest with the kids”, I begged. He refused to budge. I treaded back to my seat to wait it out. No wonder he always insists on standing in the nice quiet line to order our food. No fair!

After lunch we headed to Toon Town to wait out our fast pass time. We went through Minnie’s House. The pre-Schooler was so, so excited. He loves Minnie mouse so much & was honored to be walking through her home. He insisted on having his picture taking in every chair at her home. Exiting her house, Pluto was waiting for us at the gazebo. Oh My, the Pre-Schooler couldn’t believe Pluto was there. Excitedly the boys posed for pictures with him. “That girl is too cool to have her picture taking with you Pluto!” the CM teased Pluto. Pluto wouldn’t stand for that! Uh Uh! He jumped right over & posed with the Teen. Thanks Pluto!

Next off to Mickey’s house. The Pre-Schooler giggled at the sights. He couldn’t believe Mickey would keep such a messy house! What must Minnnie think when she comes over? Oh my!

MagicalDad took the boys over to Goofy’s Barnstomer. I found a bench to sit, relax & sweat. They loved the ride. When it was over we headed to get in line to see the Pooh characters. After this we would ride Pooh & leave. Our vacation was coming to an end. The line was long. Much too long.

While standing there I decided to take an opportunity to admire my pins. I love my pin collection. Hmmmmmmm, that’s odd, there an empty spot where I could pace another pin. I could have sworn this lanyard was beyond full. Odd. I take closer look. Looks like one of my pins may be missing. Oh no! Which one? I look over each one, trying to remember which could be missing. Oh No! It’s my nurse Minnie pin. One of my favorites. I didn’t buy it. I didn’t trade for it. A co-worker brought it hoe from her last trip as a thank you for all the help I had given her in planning. I must replace it immediately. I grab the kids & we run to the nearest pin booth. My eyes frantically searched the pins. Our trip is ending. There is not much time. I refuse to go home without a replacement pin. Why must Disney put such terrible backs on those pins? As I search tears well up in my eyes. (yes, I know it’s pathetic! I know, I Know. Just a stupid 6.00 pin. But, I wanted it so, so bad) Finally I found it. When the CM heard my sad story of sorrow, she replaced it free of charge! Thanks CM!

Finally, off to Pooh. Such a cute ride. This is it, I told the Pre-Schooler. Tears welled up in his eyes too. It’s so hard to leave Disney.

After the ride we headed back to POR. On the way out we saw Chip & Dale again. The Pre-Schooler had his picteus taken with them again. You can’t have too many pictures with Chip & Dale ya know. We still had 2 hours until the bus came. You know me, we aren’t going to just sit there.

Up next, guess what all I can do in 2 hours!!!!!

 

[MagicalMom]

Sorry everyone. For some reason I am having a lot of trouble starting new threads, so I added this one on to Epsiode 14. I'll keep trying to give it it's own thread.

 

[summersfam4]

WOW!! There's not a sleepy, exahusted Mickey LOL! I think that I was out of breath and also sad by the time you guys had to leave! Great report, a fun read.

Thanks for sharing,
Kelly