scanne
<font color=blue>OK, I must have really small ears
- Joined
- May 13, 2000
- Messages
- 5,365
Trip Report Day 4 July 28, 2005
Cast:
Me 31
DH 35
DS 2
DD 1
My parents (Ill refer to as M&D for Mom and Dad)
My grandmother (MM for MomMom thats what my kids call her)
My aunt (AK for Aunt Karen)
My in-laws (ILS)
Title: The Day I Lost (or Threw Away) My Wallet!
Well this morning was spent alone with my DH in World Showcase at Epcot having a honeymoon photo session. This was our gift to each other for our 5-year wedding anniversary. It was very cool being allowed into Epcot before anyone else. The only folks that were getting in the main entrance were those with ressies to the Princess Storybook Breakfast. So when we said we had a photo session in WS and had to meet our photographer at International Gateway, the CMs looked at us funny, but let us through.
Let me tell you how HOT it was even at 8.30 in the morning! I was so glad I brought a towel from the hotel to wipe the sweat off my face before each shot was taken. We started our session in the France pavilion on the ledge of the fountain with the Eiffel tower in the background. Then we moved back to where the café is and got some really nice shots against the railing there. We worked our way over to Morocco from there. I never knew some of the hidden nooks in Morocco were there. The architecture is really beautiful! Next we went to the waterfall in Japan and from there moved over to Italy. We got a great picture of the two of us on the bridge overlooking WS lagoon with Spaceship Earth looming in the distance. From Italy we went to Norway. Theres a waterfall tucked way back in the left corner near Maelstrom. That shot was a bit awkward because of the all the princess breakfast-goers. It kind of took away from the intimacy, but we got a couple of nice shots. Next we went to the African area where theres an old jeep under a tent. I sat on the jeep and DH sat next to me. These shots are so neat because theyre rugged, yet romantic at the same time. We then wound our way around the lagoon to Canada and got some very nice photos by Victoria Gardens and waterfalls. Our last shot was in United Kingdom facing the shop that houses the Winnie the Pooh merchandise. Overall, I really enjoyed the photo session. Well be getting a 20-page album and we can view the proofs on line and order any additional prints. I think the next time we do something like this; I will do a family portrait session in the Magic Kingdom. By the way, I kept longing for my wedding gown, which would never have fit me in a million years! Im 2 babies heavier than I was when I got married (LOL).
It was now about 10:15am and we were meeting up with the rest of the gang at Innoventions East. Everyone was on time and we spent some time inside playing video games. We tried to get FastPasses for Soarin, but the return time was already between 4 and 5pm and we didnt think wed be in Epcot that late. So we got Test Track FastPasses instead. While we were waiting for our FP time to roll around, we went over to the Living Seas to see Turtle Talk with Crush.
I didnt expect the line to get into the pavilion to be so long. It took about 20 minutes just to get inside the Living Seas building. Once inside, we skipped the pre-show but still had to go through the hydrolators. Ugh. This is so ridiculous to me, not to mention a waste of time. Well, finally inside, we were able to walk around a little bit and saw some of the new exhibits that are themed to Finding Nemo. We got in line for Turtle Talk. This line was long, as well.
Here is where another battle of the parents began. My mom said (after only being inside for all of 5 minutes) that my grandmother needed lunch and that they were leaving. I was a bit annoyed by this because it was starting to seem like all we did was eat, go to a park, eat, walk around a park and eat. My grandmother is of the school that you eat at 9am, noon and 5pm whether you are hungry or not, but it wasnt like she was going to starve if we saw one show. My mom was projecting how my grandmother was thinking and I just said Fine, well meet you at the food court in the Land.
So DH, DS, DD, AK and my in-laws stayed at saw Turtle Talk. We actually were able to get into the handicap access line b/c my in-laws were in their scooters. Oh and a tip for all you parents just because people leave their strollers outside at the Living Seas doesnt mean you HAVE to. I wish I had known that. DD was getting pretty heavy and I wished I had my stroller!
Turtle Talk was very cool! I think I figured out how they do it, but Im not saying anything in case you havent had the chance to experience it first hand. Definitely go to the Living Seas and spend some time there if you can. I plan to spend more time there when we go in October.
After Turtle Talk we went over to Seasons in the Land. DH and AK took the kids to the food court while I ran to get chicken McNuggets. Thank goodness McDonalds and Disney have teamed up on this one. My DS had hardly been eating this week and when he asked for the McNuggets, I was very happy to oblige. So I high tailed it to the Mickey Ds counter and back to Seasons. (This is when my stress level started getting out of hand and why I think the day started spiraling downward).
So of course by the time I get to my family, DS is over-tired and wont eat the chicken. But DD, she ate 3 pieces! And half of the French fries! DS fell asleep on me while I had a grilled chicken Caesar salad which was excellent! DH got some hummus and pita rounds which was very tasty. He also got a turkey wrap sandwich, which he shared, with my MIL. Lunch was good, and I really like the changes that have been made here.
So after lunch we headed over to Test Track. My in-laws headed back to the hotel at this point to rest and get ready for dinner. We were having dinner at Boma, which is tied with Ohana as my favorite restaurant. I had high expectations in place for dinner
Chase enjoys a lollipop outside of Test Track!
Anyway, back to Test Track. We decided to split up our group so that someone would be with the kids. My parents and AK went on first. We waited for them by the exit and although they had FPs, it still took about 45 minutes for them to get through the line, on the ride and out the door. My dad hated the ride. Hes not into thrill rides, but I didnt think this was too bad. Anyway, he said Never again!
So now it was my turn with DH. We had about a 20-minute wait, even with our FPs. While we waited in line, I decided to check my voice mail at home because I had sent a resume out for a job I had seen in the paper. I really didnt expect to get a call because the school district that the job is for does a lot of inside hiring, so I was very surprised when I had a message from the human resources department requesting an interview! I was pretty excited and that excitement carried through the ride as well. I also sprinkled some pixie dust on a mother and her son. When we got up to our vehicle, they places a mother and her son behind me. They had been in the single rider line, which everyone knows means that your party will be split up. Well, at least this mom and son were in the same car. So I asked the mom if shed like to sit next to her son and gave her my spot. I sat diagonal from my DH, but that was ok, b/c I thought that the boy would have rather had his mom next to him instead of a stranger. They thanked me both before and after the ride, so I think they were appreciative.
TT was great, as usual. Its a lot of fun and I like the high speeds!
After the ride, I found my parents, MM, AK, DD and DS in the KidCot area. DS was busy coloring. I went over to see what he was doing and noticed, hmmm, how do I put this? A strong odor emanating from his person. I knew right away that he needed a diaper change and fast! I also noticed that he needed new shorts. Moms of little ones, Im sure youre familiar with these situations although theyre not pleasant ones.
So as you can imagine, my stress in through the roof. I said to my mom, Didnt you notice DS needed to be changed? Yeah, I was upset! So I ran to MouseGear, bought him a new pair of shorts, got him into the ladies room between MouseGear and Innoventions East and changed him. Now to put even more stress on me, DH announced that we were running late and I needed to be quick so that we would get to AKL on time for our dinner reservation. So here I am rushing to clean up my DS. My mom is all worried that hes over heated and gets like a thousand damp paper towels to cool him off while I change him. This just makes a huge mess and in our haste, we (but really I think it was my mom) scooped up everything that was on the changing table and threw it away dirty diaper, wipes, desitin, oh and my WALLET! When I went to put everything back into my diaper bag, I realized I was missing my desitin. Why didnt I realize that I was missing my wallet? I went back to look for the desitin, didnt see it, figured it was in the trash and decided NOT to look through the trash because I had another tube in the hotel room. Man do I wish I had looked through the trash.
Now, Im adding this in retrospect. I would say that I am pretty certain that the wallet did end up in the trash, but there is a part of me that thinks it was stolen. You see, when I put everything back in the diaper bag, I could have sworn I put the wallet there too. No one was watching my stroller when I ran back to look for the desitin and there were a bunch of kids sitting by my stroller when I put my things back. So there is a chance that one of the kids reached into my diaper bag when no one was looking and took my wallet. But of course, I have no proof of this its just speculation.
So we now make our way to the bus stop to catch a bus to AKL. The bus comes within 5 minutes and we get to AKL with time to spare. As were walking from the bus to the main entrance, I think to check for my wallet. Lo and behold its not where I thought I had put it. I make everyone stop and check EVERYTHING. Then, in a panic I run into the AKL and find the first CM I can. I tearfully explain that I lost my wallet and I need to get on a phone to speak with guest services at Epcot.
Here is where my Disney experience disappoints. They say that Disney service is top notch this experience has changed my mind.
A very nice CM at the front desk calls over to Epcot for me, but they transfer her to MK. She hands me the phone and basically the MK CM tells me theres nothing he can do b/c the wallet wasnt lost at MK. I told him I knew that but that Epcot transferred ME to HIM. So the AKL CM tried calling Epcot three more times. We finally get a person and this person tells me that lost and found wouldnt have it yet and that after today, anything lost in the parks would be sent to central lost and found. He gave me both phone numbers and told me to call back every 1.5 hours. Before I let him go, I ask him if theres a way they could check the trash can in the ladies room I was in. Now I know this is a bit of a bizarre request, but I figured that since it had been less than an hour, there was a good chance that it was still in the trash. I was told that they wouldnt do this for me. Of course at this point I was in tears and out of my mind because not only did I lose $100 Disney Dollars that were for my DS and some cash, but I lost my drivers license, credit card, debit card, health insurance card, my Disney Dreams Rewards card and my hotel room key. My DH was on his cell phone canceling the CC and debit, but even so, I felt so lost without my ID.
Now, DH would have gone back to Epcot himself to look, but it was now thunder storming something awful. I dont know how long it would have taken him to get back there and at that point, if it was in the trash, it was probably already collected and sent to the Disney Dump.
So I tried to let it go and went to dinner with a heavy heart.
Now my next statement is not meant to sound like I was entitled to anything. It was an observation AND I was comparing what happened to me to other stories I have read on the DISboards.
I was thinking that one of the CMs I had dealt with over this would have tried to cheer me up somehow. You know, dusting. I have read so many stories of people losing things like lanyards with lots of pins to autograph books filled with every characters John Hancock, etc. and that CMs have gone out of their way to replace the lost items or do something to cheer up the saddened guest. Well, I got no dust, and worse than that, not one single CM I spoke with apologized. Now when I use the word apologize, I didnt want anyone taking blame (except myself for being so irresponsible!) but at least an Im so sorry there is nothing we can do, or Im terribly sorry. But have faith! If it was lost, it will turn up. Most people are honest. I mean, all of the CMs seemed like they couldnt be bothered. I thought Disney CMs were supposed to be kind and caring to all of the guests. Not annoyed and irritated, which is how it felt to me. So I was upset with Disney over the lack of customer service and how they handled me (not the situation). Please dont flame me for my feelings on this. I was already flamed on the theme park board and community board. So if you dont agree, thats fine. I just would like you not to say anything.
OK. Dinner at Boma. My favorite WDW restaurant. Sigh .Unfortunately, I didnt really enjoy it tonight. Dont get me wrong. The food was delicious. But my mind was elsewhere and didnt snap out of my mood until the next day. I do have to say though, that even in my mood I still loved the Zebra Domes!
Chase and MM had a great time playing African percussion instruments at AKL's giftshop!!
After dinner we took the bus to the Magic Kingdom and hopped the monorail to the Polynesian. I did call guest relations at Epcot two more times that night to no avail. Im pretty sure it was in the trash and that I would never see it again.
So with a little sadness, I went to sleep after the kids got to bed. I was feeling very little magic at that moment. Excep for this photo...
A sleeping big brother with his adoring little sister on the bed after a long day at Disney. I love this picture!!!
Cast:
Me 31
DH 35
DS 2
DD 1
My parents (Ill refer to as M&D for Mom and Dad)
My grandmother (MM for MomMom thats what my kids call her)
My aunt (AK for Aunt Karen)
My in-laws (ILS)
Title: The Day I Lost (or Threw Away) My Wallet!
Well this morning was spent alone with my DH in World Showcase at Epcot having a honeymoon photo session. This was our gift to each other for our 5-year wedding anniversary. It was very cool being allowed into Epcot before anyone else. The only folks that were getting in the main entrance were those with ressies to the Princess Storybook Breakfast. So when we said we had a photo session in WS and had to meet our photographer at International Gateway, the CMs looked at us funny, but let us through.
Let me tell you how HOT it was even at 8.30 in the morning! I was so glad I brought a towel from the hotel to wipe the sweat off my face before each shot was taken. We started our session in the France pavilion on the ledge of the fountain with the Eiffel tower in the background. Then we moved back to where the café is and got some really nice shots against the railing there. We worked our way over to Morocco from there. I never knew some of the hidden nooks in Morocco were there. The architecture is really beautiful! Next we went to the waterfall in Japan and from there moved over to Italy. We got a great picture of the two of us on the bridge overlooking WS lagoon with Spaceship Earth looming in the distance. From Italy we went to Norway. Theres a waterfall tucked way back in the left corner near Maelstrom. That shot was a bit awkward because of the all the princess breakfast-goers. It kind of took away from the intimacy, but we got a couple of nice shots. Next we went to the African area where theres an old jeep under a tent. I sat on the jeep and DH sat next to me. These shots are so neat because theyre rugged, yet romantic at the same time. We then wound our way around the lagoon to Canada and got some very nice photos by Victoria Gardens and waterfalls. Our last shot was in United Kingdom facing the shop that houses the Winnie the Pooh merchandise. Overall, I really enjoyed the photo session. Well be getting a 20-page album and we can view the proofs on line and order any additional prints. I think the next time we do something like this; I will do a family portrait session in the Magic Kingdom. By the way, I kept longing for my wedding gown, which would never have fit me in a million years! Im 2 babies heavier than I was when I got married (LOL).
It was now about 10:15am and we were meeting up with the rest of the gang at Innoventions East. Everyone was on time and we spent some time inside playing video games. We tried to get FastPasses for Soarin, but the return time was already between 4 and 5pm and we didnt think wed be in Epcot that late. So we got Test Track FastPasses instead. While we were waiting for our FP time to roll around, we went over to the Living Seas to see Turtle Talk with Crush.
I didnt expect the line to get into the pavilion to be so long. It took about 20 minutes just to get inside the Living Seas building. Once inside, we skipped the pre-show but still had to go through the hydrolators. Ugh. This is so ridiculous to me, not to mention a waste of time. Well, finally inside, we were able to walk around a little bit and saw some of the new exhibits that are themed to Finding Nemo. We got in line for Turtle Talk. This line was long, as well.
Here is where another battle of the parents began. My mom said (after only being inside for all of 5 minutes) that my grandmother needed lunch and that they were leaving. I was a bit annoyed by this because it was starting to seem like all we did was eat, go to a park, eat, walk around a park and eat. My grandmother is of the school that you eat at 9am, noon and 5pm whether you are hungry or not, but it wasnt like she was going to starve if we saw one show. My mom was projecting how my grandmother was thinking and I just said Fine, well meet you at the food court in the Land.
So DH, DS, DD, AK and my in-laws stayed at saw Turtle Talk. We actually were able to get into the handicap access line b/c my in-laws were in their scooters. Oh and a tip for all you parents just because people leave their strollers outside at the Living Seas doesnt mean you HAVE to. I wish I had known that. DD was getting pretty heavy and I wished I had my stroller!
Turtle Talk was very cool! I think I figured out how they do it, but Im not saying anything in case you havent had the chance to experience it first hand. Definitely go to the Living Seas and spend some time there if you can. I plan to spend more time there when we go in October.
After Turtle Talk we went over to Seasons in the Land. DH and AK took the kids to the food court while I ran to get chicken McNuggets. Thank goodness McDonalds and Disney have teamed up on this one. My DS had hardly been eating this week and when he asked for the McNuggets, I was very happy to oblige. So I high tailed it to the Mickey Ds counter and back to Seasons. (This is when my stress level started getting out of hand and why I think the day started spiraling downward).
So of course by the time I get to my family, DS is over-tired and wont eat the chicken. But DD, she ate 3 pieces! And half of the French fries! DS fell asleep on me while I had a grilled chicken Caesar salad which was excellent! DH got some hummus and pita rounds which was very tasty. He also got a turkey wrap sandwich, which he shared, with my MIL. Lunch was good, and I really like the changes that have been made here.
So after lunch we headed over to Test Track. My in-laws headed back to the hotel at this point to rest and get ready for dinner. We were having dinner at Boma, which is tied with Ohana as my favorite restaurant. I had high expectations in place for dinner
Chase enjoys a lollipop outside of Test Track!
Anyway, back to Test Track. We decided to split up our group so that someone would be with the kids. My parents and AK went on first. We waited for them by the exit and although they had FPs, it still took about 45 minutes for them to get through the line, on the ride and out the door. My dad hated the ride. Hes not into thrill rides, but I didnt think this was too bad. Anyway, he said Never again!
So now it was my turn with DH. We had about a 20-minute wait, even with our FPs. While we waited in line, I decided to check my voice mail at home because I had sent a resume out for a job I had seen in the paper. I really didnt expect to get a call because the school district that the job is for does a lot of inside hiring, so I was very surprised when I had a message from the human resources department requesting an interview! I was pretty excited and that excitement carried through the ride as well. I also sprinkled some pixie dust on a mother and her son. When we got up to our vehicle, they places a mother and her son behind me. They had been in the single rider line, which everyone knows means that your party will be split up. Well, at least this mom and son were in the same car. So I asked the mom if shed like to sit next to her son and gave her my spot. I sat diagonal from my DH, but that was ok, b/c I thought that the boy would have rather had his mom next to him instead of a stranger. They thanked me both before and after the ride, so I think they were appreciative.
TT was great, as usual. Its a lot of fun and I like the high speeds!
After the ride, I found my parents, MM, AK, DD and DS in the KidCot area. DS was busy coloring. I went over to see what he was doing and noticed, hmmm, how do I put this? A strong odor emanating from his person. I knew right away that he needed a diaper change and fast! I also noticed that he needed new shorts. Moms of little ones, Im sure youre familiar with these situations although theyre not pleasant ones.
So as you can imagine, my stress in through the roof. I said to my mom, Didnt you notice DS needed to be changed? Yeah, I was upset! So I ran to MouseGear, bought him a new pair of shorts, got him into the ladies room between MouseGear and Innoventions East and changed him. Now to put even more stress on me, DH announced that we were running late and I needed to be quick so that we would get to AKL on time for our dinner reservation. So here I am rushing to clean up my DS. My mom is all worried that hes over heated and gets like a thousand damp paper towels to cool him off while I change him. This just makes a huge mess and in our haste, we (but really I think it was my mom) scooped up everything that was on the changing table and threw it away dirty diaper, wipes, desitin, oh and my WALLET! When I went to put everything back into my diaper bag, I realized I was missing my desitin. Why didnt I realize that I was missing my wallet? I went back to look for the desitin, didnt see it, figured it was in the trash and decided NOT to look through the trash because I had another tube in the hotel room. Man do I wish I had looked through the trash.
Now, Im adding this in retrospect. I would say that I am pretty certain that the wallet did end up in the trash, but there is a part of me that thinks it was stolen. You see, when I put everything back in the diaper bag, I could have sworn I put the wallet there too. No one was watching my stroller when I ran back to look for the desitin and there were a bunch of kids sitting by my stroller when I put my things back. So there is a chance that one of the kids reached into my diaper bag when no one was looking and took my wallet. But of course, I have no proof of this its just speculation.
So we now make our way to the bus stop to catch a bus to AKL. The bus comes within 5 minutes and we get to AKL with time to spare. As were walking from the bus to the main entrance, I think to check for my wallet. Lo and behold its not where I thought I had put it. I make everyone stop and check EVERYTHING. Then, in a panic I run into the AKL and find the first CM I can. I tearfully explain that I lost my wallet and I need to get on a phone to speak with guest services at Epcot.
Here is where my Disney experience disappoints. They say that Disney service is top notch this experience has changed my mind.
A very nice CM at the front desk calls over to Epcot for me, but they transfer her to MK. She hands me the phone and basically the MK CM tells me theres nothing he can do b/c the wallet wasnt lost at MK. I told him I knew that but that Epcot transferred ME to HIM. So the AKL CM tried calling Epcot three more times. We finally get a person and this person tells me that lost and found wouldnt have it yet and that after today, anything lost in the parks would be sent to central lost and found. He gave me both phone numbers and told me to call back every 1.5 hours. Before I let him go, I ask him if theres a way they could check the trash can in the ladies room I was in. Now I know this is a bit of a bizarre request, but I figured that since it had been less than an hour, there was a good chance that it was still in the trash. I was told that they wouldnt do this for me. Of course at this point I was in tears and out of my mind because not only did I lose $100 Disney Dollars that were for my DS and some cash, but I lost my drivers license, credit card, debit card, health insurance card, my Disney Dreams Rewards card and my hotel room key. My DH was on his cell phone canceling the CC and debit, but even so, I felt so lost without my ID.
Now, DH would have gone back to Epcot himself to look, but it was now thunder storming something awful. I dont know how long it would have taken him to get back there and at that point, if it was in the trash, it was probably already collected and sent to the Disney Dump.
So I tried to let it go and went to dinner with a heavy heart.
Now my next statement is not meant to sound like I was entitled to anything. It was an observation AND I was comparing what happened to me to other stories I have read on the DISboards.
I was thinking that one of the CMs I had dealt with over this would have tried to cheer me up somehow. You know, dusting. I have read so many stories of people losing things like lanyards with lots of pins to autograph books filled with every characters John Hancock, etc. and that CMs have gone out of their way to replace the lost items or do something to cheer up the saddened guest. Well, I got no dust, and worse than that, not one single CM I spoke with apologized. Now when I use the word apologize, I didnt want anyone taking blame (except myself for being so irresponsible!) but at least an Im so sorry there is nothing we can do, or Im terribly sorry. But have faith! If it was lost, it will turn up. Most people are honest. I mean, all of the CMs seemed like they couldnt be bothered. I thought Disney CMs were supposed to be kind and caring to all of the guests. Not annoyed and irritated, which is how it felt to me. So I was upset with Disney over the lack of customer service and how they handled me (not the situation). Please dont flame me for my feelings on this. I was already flamed on the theme park board and community board. So if you dont agree, thats fine. I just would like you not to say anything.
OK. Dinner at Boma. My favorite WDW restaurant. Sigh .Unfortunately, I didnt really enjoy it tonight. Dont get me wrong. The food was delicious. But my mind was elsewhere and didnt snap out of my mood until the next day. I do have to say though, that even in my mood I still loved the Zebra Domes!
Chase and MM had a great time playing African percussion instruments at AKL's giftshop!!
After dinner we took the bus to the Magic Kingdom and hopped the monorail to the Polynesian. I did call guest relations at Epcot two more times that night to no avail. Im pretty sure it was in the trash and that I would never see it again.
So with a little sadness, I went to sleep after the kids got to bed. I was feeling very little magic at that moment. Excep for this photo...
A sleeping big brother with his adoring little sister on the bed after a long day at Disney. I love this picture!!!
I am SO sorry about the wallet. I know the panic and terror when you realize something like that is missing and I would have empathized with you!
You must have just misinterpreted all of those wonderful and caring reponses. 
I hope you know I'm only kidding. I think I remember seeing your post on the C/B and don't remember if I responded or not, but I thought is was ridiculous the way everyone was jumping on you.
