Blue Skies, Sunshine, and Unseasonably HOT Pixie Dust! Update 3/6 Final Thoughts!

[dismagiclover]

Wow, it sure does seem busy this day. Seems more like June crowds than May crowds. That rope drop can be really crazy. I've only done dinner in the castle and it was before the princesses were there for dinner. One of these years I'd like to try breakfast, but my boys aren't too keen on eating with princesses. (They are like Carissa's boys. They won't get near them. Heck my youngest doesn't even like Minnie Mouse because she is a girl) Great update!

 

[SoonerGirl]

I've had some 'not so proud' moments myself. We all have them from time to time, it doesn't make us bad, just human

We ate in the castle for dinner years ago, before it was a character meal at dinner time. I loved the experience of eating inside the castle, but we didn't enjoy it enough to ever go back.

Love the pics of Bella dancing during the parade - too cute!

Hope you get a chance to meet Tiana, those lines sound nuts!

 

[longing2Batdisney]

fun morning! sounds like the stress of Disney was kicking in for you and Jayden. As fun and magical as Disney is; it is also a very tiring and stressful vacation. Looks like you guys bounced back just fine. can't wait to hear if you were able to meet Tiana

 

[kcandbella]

We all have those "not our best" moments - even at WDW.

I'm impressed the boys posed for a picture with Cinderella! I don't think I could get my boys to do that.

Always disappointing when the intereaction isn't great at a character meal. That's what you pay the big bucks for, right? That was our experience at Chef Mickey's.

I had to have a talk with the boys before we left about how they were going to be happy and get pics taken and not ruin one ounce of magic for Bella. They are both the type to say, "that's just a guy in a costume" and I was having none of that. So I think they knew that was part of the deal during this trip!

Wow, it sure does seem busy this day. Seems more like June crowds than May crowds. That rope drop can be really crazy. I've only done dinner in the castle and it was before the princesses were there for dinner. One of these years I'd like to try breakfast, but my boys aren't too keen on eating with princesses. (They are like Carissa's boys. They won't get near them. Heck my youngest doesn't even like Minnie Mouse because she is a girl) Great update!

It WAS busy. I don't think the first week in May is a "best" week to go anymore. In 2010 it wasn't! I was thinking of you and your boys and how you always "win" Dumbo dash when I wrote that. Maybe sometime you and Wendy can do a Mom and Me girls breakfast in the castle, she would probably enjoy the atmosphere (and so would you)!

I've had some 'not so proud' moments myself. We all have them from time to time, it doesn't make us bad, just human

We ate in the castle for dinner years ago, before it was a character meal at dinner time. I loved the experience of eating inside the castle, but we didn't enjoy it enough to ever go back.

Love the pics of Bella dancing during the parade - too cute!

Hope you get a chance to meet Tiana, those lines sound nuts!

Exactly! I'm glad we did it, but think once was enough, at least for a few years. And those lines but you know how it was that week!

fun morning! sounds like the stress of Disney was kicking in for you and Jayden. As fun and magical as Disney is; it is also a very tiring and stressful vacation. Looks like you guys bounced back just fine. can't wait to hear if you were able to meet Tiana

Yes we were both definitely worn out by that point. Luckily we got over it quickly. Tiana was a priority on this trip--you'll find out before too long!

 

[kschafer]

I am SOOOOO glad you posted this picture!!!!! When we went to Disney as kids, we always ate in the castle (long before the characters). I have only a few faint memories of it and this is the first picture I have ever seen from CRT that triggered that memory spot in my brain...it even brought a happy tear to my eyes Thanks for taking that angle!

 

[dismagiclover]

It WAS busy. I don't think the first week in May is a "best" week to go anymore. In 2010 it wasn't! I was thinking of you and your boys and how you always "win" Dumbo dash when I wrote that. Maybe sometime you and Wendy can do a Mom and Me girls breakfast in the castle, she would probably enjoy the atmosphere (and so would you)!

We've actually only "won" the Dumbo Dash twice. (Though I guess that is pretty good.) Both times were when we had an 8:00 Crystal Palace ADR and finished at 8:40 and did rope drop at the castle. It would be virtually impossible to "win" it from the main rope drop.

 

[Fantasyland Mom]

I'm very late, but I've read everything and can't wait to read the rest!!

 

[kcandbella]

I am SOOOOO glad you posted this picture!!!!! When we went to Disney as kids, we always ate in the castle (long before the characters). I have only a few faint memories of it and this is the first picture I have ever seen from CRT that triggered that memory spot in my brain...it even brought a happy tear to my eyes Thanks for taking that angle!

So glad I could help! Isn't it crazy what a certain pic can remind you of? My sister took that pic from across the table. I'm glad I had it in my photobucket so I could post it!

We've actually only "won" the Dumbo Dash twice. (Though I guess that is pretty good.) Both times were when we had an 8:00 Crystal Palace ADR and finished at 8:40 and did rope drop at the castle. It would be virtually impossible to "win" it from the main rope drop.

Twice is great! I knew that realistically, and I didn't think we'd actually be first. But I was hoping to do a heck of a lot better than we did. This upcoming trip I am hoping to score an 8:00 CP ressie, so maybe we can at least be on the first or second ride of the day!

I'm very late, but I've read everything and can't wait to read the rest!!

Thanks for joining in! I'll be posting another update soon!

 

[kcandbella]

After swimming and a nice nap, the kids and I decided to venture out again. The boys really wanted to see Lights, Motors, Action, and I really wanted both Bella and myself to see Beauty and the Beast. LMA was on at 4:30, BatB at 5:45. Perfect! We got dressed and headed out, leaving my parents and sister to relax some more in the AC. We decided we would meet up with them at DTD later that evening after the Beauty and the Beast show.

We got to the Studios with just enough time to make it to the 4:30 show. It was the last of the evening, so we booked it there. Have I mentioned how hot it was this day? By the time we got there, we were so sweaty. And sitting there, having fire thrown at us, with some measly fans…well when I think of this show, I think of being hot. It is a really great show, though, and the boys thought it was the best thing ever.

Bella (notice she’s not too sweaty, she was in a stroller on the walk over)

ToT

Afterwards, we didn’t have a lot of time to get all the way across the park to Beauty and the Beast, and the boys were kinda grumbling that they wanted to skip it. I told them they knew what they were getting into when they agreed to come with me, and besides, BatB is air conditioned.

Or so I thought. Whoops! It was still pretty cool in there, though, and we all enjoyed the show.

On the way out, Bella was dancing and twirling down the walkways. It was so cute!

I said to her, “You look just like one of the dancers in the show!”
And Jaeden, who was hot, sweaty, hungry, and crabby and tired of Bella who is little sister-ish to him said, “Nah…” and then added, “You’re better.”

Awwwww…talk about Disney Magic. My heart melted into the ground right about then. She was grinning ear to ear.

At this point, we decided to head over to Honey I Shrunk the Kids for just a few minutes. We hadn’t eaten since breakfast (maybe a couple snacks) and were hungry, so we wanted to get to DTD asap to get some food. The kids had a blast here, though, but it’s definitely for bigger kids. I didn’t worry about Noah and Jaeden getting lost, so I stuck to Bella.

On our way out of the park, we ran into these guys

And saw Bolt. Even though he was on his way out for the day, he stopped to give Bella a high five.

Now comes another non magical part of the trip. The park was closing. We needed to get to DTD. I asked about 4 CMs the best way to get to DTD, and they all told me different things. One told me to ride to Pop for a bus, one told me to ride to Boardwalk, one told me to get one of the Charter busses…it was crazy. We tried waiting for a charter bus but noone else was and it just didn’t seem like the right thing to do. Keep in mind it was HOT, we were tired, hadn’t really eaten since 10 am, and were all on edge. So finally Noah suggested just taking the bus back to POR and getting on one there. For lack of a better idea, that’s what we did.

Actually I decided we could get off at FQ and get on a bus there since we’d be stopping there first, and the main bus stop at POR would be last. I had heard the boats take a lot longer, and we really weren’t in the mood for that. So Bella has to go to the bathroom. When we get off at POFQ, there is a bus ready to leave for DTD. I ask her if she can hold it and we hop on. The whole ride the poor thing was miserable. The second we get to DTD, we hop off and make a mad dash for the bathroom. Luckily we made it. So I call my mom and sister and they are off shopping having a grand old time and were like, “Ok, well I guess we’ll meet up with you whenever.” Ok, fine. So we try to go to EoS and Wolfgang Puck’s Express. Both are PACKED. I finally get the kids a hot dog at a little stand. I didn’t want a hot dog. So I call my mom and sister back and threw a little temper tantrum about how they needed to come get these kids and help me out since I’d had them all day.

Luckily I think they realized that I was just DONE and they came and met me and got the kids. I shopped for a bit on my own, got some things at Basin and WWoD, and really was done. I think every person in central Florida was at DTD that evening, but from what I’ve heard Epcot was pretty full that night, too. By this time WPE had thinned out so I got some food and felt better. I got a bus back to the resort, sat in the lounge and watched that really good piano guy whose name eludes me right now, and then went to bed.

I share that non magical part of our trip (and the other one) just for people who have had similar meltdowns to know that Disney is stressful sometimes. I know people who have had similar experiences and I’ve read about them and felt better because I knew it wasn’t just me. So there is my worst moment at Disney story.

Here are the only three pics I took that evening, from right after our bathroom dash.

Coming up: A very magical last day and “I will not leave Disney until we meet Tiana!”

 

[Fantasyland Mom]

Oh, I think we all have those moments at Disney. For us, there's at least one per trip. I think because of the magic, though, we're able to shrug it off faster than if something like that was happening at home.

I have to say that I really love all of Bella's outfits! Maybe I should learn to sew. I always want my girls to coordinate (still working on what to do for the baby boy next trip!) but can't pay etsy prices, and I love themed dresses! Yours are better than I've seen on there!

 

[SoonerGirl]

Oh, I totally agree with you about the heat and the LMA Stunt Show - it's like an oven in those stands! I enjoyed the show the couple of times I've seen it, but refuse to go again because I just relate it to being miserable.

I can't believe DTD was so crowded - I could have sworn everyone on Disney property was in World Showcase that night

Glad you were finally able to get some food, being hot and hungry would make even the calmest person cranky!

 

[longing2Batdisney]

I bet you were tired and antsy! No real food since that morning and making mad dashes to both shows...playing in the playground; and it was the end of your full week.

But, it does sound like you were able to accomplish so much! and how sweet of Jaeden that story melted my heart! how sweet...

still waiting for Tiana...

 

[dismagiclover]

Wow you really do look hot! Especially in the Honey I Shrunk the Kids Playground. We've never actually seen the Stunt show. The showings are usually in the afternoon and we have a tendency to show up at this park at rope drop and then leave after lunch. I think my boys would really like it so I'm going to try to make it a priority next time. Hunger, crowds and heat don't go well together, even at Disney. The meltdowns happen to all of us.

 

[kcandbella]

Oh, I think we all have those moments at Disney. For us, there's at least one per trip. I think because of the magic, though, we're able to shrug it off faster than if something like that was happening at home.

I have to say that I really love all of Bella's outfits! Maybe I should learn to sew. I always want my girls to coordinate (still working on what to do for the baby boy next trip!) but can't pay etsy prices, and I love themed dresses! Yours are better than I've seen on there!

Sewing is fun, and it's not too hard once you get the hang of it! If I taught myself, anyone can do it! I'm not sure what I would make for a baby boy...girls are more fun in that department. But there are some cute patterns out there, I just have no need for them!

Oh, I totally agree with you about the heat and the LMA Stunt Show - it's like an oven in those stands! I enjoyed the show the couple of times I've seen it, but refuse to go again because I just relate it to being miserable.

I can't believe DTD was so crowded - I could have sworn everyone on Disney property was in World Showcase that night

Glad you were finally able to get some food, being hot and hungry would make even the calmest person cranky!

It IS an oven! I just remember sitting there sweating. We had grabbed a couple of sodas on our way in, those didn't last more than the first ten minutes of the show. I still can't believe how crowded that Friday night was! Guess we should have been at MK?

I bet you were tired and antsy! No real food since that morning and making mad dashes to both shows...playing in the playground; and it was the end of your full week.

But, it does sound like you were able to accomplish so much! and how sweet of Jaeden that story melted my heart! how sweet...

still waiting for Tiana...

Yes we were! And the whole situation of transportation/bathroom etc. didn't help. Jaeden can be a very sweet boy sometimes. And the wait is almost over...

Wow you really do look hot! Especially in the Honey I Shrunk the Kids Playground. We've never actually seen the Stunt show. The showings are usually in the afternoon and we have a tendency to show up at this park at rope drop and then leave after lunch. I think my boys would really like it so I'm going to try to make it a priority next time. Hunger, crowds and heat don't go well together, even at Disney. The meltdowns happen to all of us.

Yes you definitely need to take them, but do it on a day where it is not a million degrees outside! A winter trip would be much better. Though they don't do the last stunt, which is the biggest one of course, if it is at all wet out. I learned that from a friend who went. Also if you get there early and sit close, they pick a helper (kid) out, which would be really cool.

 

[PrincessInOz]

Just catching up here.

I turn into a marauding horde of piranha when I'm hungry and tired. So, despite the meltdown, I figured you had a good day at DHS. And great job getting from LMA to BatB back to the Playground with 3 kids on your own.

Looking forward to the Tiana update!

 

[LoveMyTwoPrincesses]

Can't blame you for the meltdown! It can be so frustrating trying to get to DTD from a park. I understand why they do it that way, but it doesn't make it easier to deal with when your child needs a bathroom and you are hungry!

I'm glad you made it to Beauty and the Beast. That is one of our favorite shows. Still haven't made it to LMA. Might have to make a point of it next time.

 

[aprilisis]

I just found your TR today & read it all. I'm loving it! Congrats on your weight loss & October trip!

 

[MaryAz]

Getting caught up! I do not blame you at all for ur little meltdown. you had those kiddos ALL DAY. And the heat!! Looks like fun overall though!

 

[rndmr2]

Joining in a little late but I just found your TR and wanted to comment then I will go back and finish reading. DH and I were there at POR the same days as you! I started a TR (See sig) but I got really busy and never got the chance to finish it, When I went to try to finish it (Had just the last night and the trip home to update) they had closed it, I guess it had been too long... It was definitely hotter than I was expecting it to be. Looking forward to reading more.

 

[rndmr2]

I have been glued to this TR all evening and I just got caught up! Sounds like you guys were having a great trip! Looking forward to hearing about the rest. I was wondering if we may have crossed paths during the week but I think the only day we overlapped so far was the first day, we were there for Spectro/Wishes and EMH too. We were back in town square for the parade, though (We had eaten at Tony's)

The clothes that you made for Bella are really cute!