CocoNUTS!!!! (Nov/Dec 2010) UPDATE 3/6-TR Marathon-Days 5 through 11 DONE in one day

[1971DBday]

So after Princess Jasmine and Aladdin we all had to get in line for AMCR and it was HOT!!!! All we could think about was heading back to the pool, but it was still early (not even noon yet). We were getting a lot done!

DD14 had to get this picture in....

Sign by my head..

She enjoys that she is taller then me!

The kids loved playing in the water by the spitting camel.

Since we were right by the JC and DH had gotten FPs while I was waiting in line for Jasmine we decided to go. We wisked right through the line and was on in no time.

It was time for us to head back to the Poly, but while waiting for DH a quick picture of the kids out front with the Christmas decor.

We had a wonderful afternoon enjoying the Poly and it's wonderful scenary, entertainment, cocktails....God I miss it!!!! This is for all of you Poly lovers (or Poly dreamers)!!!!

Making sand angels...

Yes that's Cinderella's Castle across the bay...

After a relaxing afternoon by the pool it was time to head to Epcot! Our goal was to get DD4 on TT and then let everyone else go on MS. First we haeded to MS. Now I have not been on this ride since I was diagnosed with vertigo, but I have only had some small reoccurrances since October-November 2009. So I decided to give it a go. I went on with DD14 and DS11 and played the part of the annoying passenger.

I can be a very strict and tough Mom, but I wanted to smile and make my kids smile as well. So I continued to push buttons that made annoying noises and act like I was 9 years old. This made the kids giggle and the DD14 thought she needed to correct me. We had a good time and my brain only felt like coming through my mouth a few times. Our single rider passenger was a good sport, but was probably rolling his eyes and grateful to get off and away from us. However, the smell of vomit permiated the air and we quickly dasked out running past the source of the poor victim who really couldn't handle this ride.

After DH got his chance and I did some shopping with DD4 (I got her one of those cute Yoda shirts - picture later on - "Judge me by my size do you?") it was time for TT.

We already felt confident with DD4 on this ride. After all she handled BTMRR and SM already - TT would be a breeze. She LOVED IT! Hands up in the air the whole time, screaching in laughter the whole way through...she made us all giggle.

If you look hard, you can see that I have the video camera on her waiting to get her newby expression. She is holding on to Belle tight, but that soon ended once she new how much fun it was.

The kids and I were still full of energy and getting hungry, but DH was exhausted and done. We decided to let him go back to the Poly while we enjoyed the WS. I love being at the Poly and just being a monorail ride away! The only downfall was when a park closed (AK or DHS), but the MK was still open. Everyone would take our bus to get to the MK so the lines would be insane to just try to get back to our hotel.

Anyway, the kids and I enjoyed our time. We didn't stay much longer, but we did get to see the Norweigen Santa Claus. To bad DH wasn't there - this would have made a nice Christmas card.

Up Next: Day 6 - Dolphins In Depth and Our Last Warm Day for Awhile

 

[1971DBday]

This morning DH and DD14 were going cash in their Graduation and Father's Day gift - Dolphins In Depth. This was not a cheap gift. Would we do it again - probably not. Was it worth the price - definately YES. This was a once in a lifetime kind of experience. While they were off to DID I would take DS11 and DD4 to Epcot and go on a few rides. My goal was to be back at the Poly by 11 a.m. to enjoy one of our last warm days by the pool. This is part of the reason I love going for a long trip. You can really enjoy your time at your resort. We didn't feel like we were getting much time at the parks because we were spending so much time at the Poly pool.

Today's adventure was to EPCOT. We all arrived together, but parted ways when DH and DD14 had to go to their meet spot. First, we were able to run into one of DD4s original favorites:

Our first conquest of the morning was to go back to TT for another spin. We did not have FPs, but we got there just after the parked open it's regular hours. However, we had missed EMH. Opps DD4 needs to make sure she is tall enough:

This wouldn't have been bad, but we had three obnoxious teenagers in line behind us. They were pushy, tried cutting in front of us a few times, and the lanuage was getting inappropriate. I don't know why these kids weren't in school. They were not on a family trip and seemed to be locals (based on some topics of conversation). I had to put them in their place a few times - politely, but I was bordering on going off on these brats.

We finally got away from these kids and were able to enjoy our ride without being in the same car as them. But people seemed to be very pushy today. I really had to protect DD4 from getting squished. A few very loud "excuse me, please watch out" and we all got on the same blessed ride.

Here is our photo. Notice how DD4 looks much calmer.

We then headed over and went on Soarin. DD4 loved this one and wanted to go on again, but I had one thing on my mind. Poly Pool Time!!!

DD11, DD4 and I headed back to the Poly not knowing what time DH and DD14 would be actually done. Sorry, but I am not missing this waiting for them.

We got back to the Poly and the pool area was already filling up with others who had the same idea. At no time during our trip were wrist bands handed out, but this was one of those days that I wish they had. There were some groups that looked like they weren't staying there....just to much stuff with them. Anyway, I was able to grap some seats in the area we liked.

DH and DD14 finally showed up by almost 1 p.m.!!!!! DID started at 9:15 a.m.....what were they doing?????? Well here is the summary from them: They had a wonderful time, they got ready but my DH could see two reasons for why you need to be older for this class: #1 you have to go into seperate male and female locker rooms to get ready and a young child would need help getting into these difficult scuba suits #2 the main thing they learned about in the 2+ hour educational classes was sex, sex, sex life of a dolphin. My DH was a little shocked as to how much it was discussed and there is nothing like sitting next to your 14 year old daughter listening about dolpbin sex or any kind of sex.

However, it was educational, it was fun and they did get some good time with the dolphins. They got to try a few hand signals and then a nice photo op with the dolphin. They did receive a regualar pin (I was hoping for a trader pin) and a drawstring backpack.

We finished up enjoying our afternoon by the pool. I got in my NAP in the sun by the pool!!!! #1 goal of this trip - done and DD4 even took a little nap.

While DH and DD14 colored with chalk by the pool....hey leave some for the toddlers!

We have no shame!

Tonight we were heading back to EPCOT for one of our few ADRs Teppan Edo! We love this place!! Everyone took their time getting ready and off to EPCOT. A few pictures before dinner while Mom and Dad sipped away at their Grand Marnier!!!!! Yummy!!!!

We arrived at Teppan Edo and waited a little bit longer then usual to get our table. We were finally called and seated with a family with a younger child with them. They were pleasant, but we had to force the conversation. They had I believe seven children and were having a dinner out while family watched the rest to celebrate their anniversary. However, the little one needed to come with them for the dinner for some strange reason. I have to say this would not be the place to go for a romantic dinner. You WILL have to sit with another party.

Anyway, we enjoyed ourselves. We had a great chef (as usual), but the food seemed to be even smaller portions. He didn't ask a lot of questions as to our likes and dislikes. So I got more vegetables and less noodles, I do not like most veggies and love the noodles. So I was dipping into my DHs plate.

We had a wonderful night and enjoyed taking out time strolling back to the monorail and taking in all of the Christmas decorations!

Up Next: Day 7 - A Full Day at DHS and Crazy Mom!!!!

 

[1971DBday]

Today we are off to a chilly start, but we will not be leaving the parks and will be able to get sooooo much done. We have now changed our style of clothing to a chilly weather gear. This is one of the downsides to traveling in November/December - a lot of clothes and a lot of laundry.

So on with the trip! Today we are off to DHS to get a lot done: Jedi Academy, TSM, TOT and RNRRC are all on the top of our list! We were packed for the day and ready to go.

After we arrived I headed with the kids straight to get into line for Jedi Academy. DH headed straight to TSM for our FPs. Thank you for the tips that you need to do this right away because they did run out of time slots.

DH said the race of TSM was insane as usual. One man tried to cut through and jump over some fencing and benches past the sea of people. This upset my DH until the man missed his jump and landed flat on this face. Some CMs went and took care of the man, but my DH did not stick around to watch.

As for Jedi Academy, this was going to be Jeffrey's last year even though he is 11 he is tall and well you will see from the pictures - he looks ridiculous standing up there with all of these little kids. ST was unfortunately closed so this was the only Star Wars experience we were going to get this trip. So I headed out with DD4 and DS11 to get in line while DH and DD14 went and found breakfast again.

Here are a few cute pictures after we waited in line. A nice lady and her daughter tried to help me talk DD4 into doing it but she wouldn't fold. She has a little stage frieght.

After we signed DS11 up for his slot we caught up with the rest of the family and had our breakfast. It was then over to M3D! This one always makes me giggle no matter how many times I go. It is a real childhood favorite.

Then back over to JA, but first a photo for some reason of DH near this mermaid fountain. I will put in the obnoxious one since deep down I knew he wanted this photo for one reason only:

Oh, wait another hat photo:

DS11 took his spot in line at Jedi Academy. The kids took the stage and each got their chance to fight Darth Vadar. This is always a fun show not knowing what these kids are going to do or say. Even if you don't have a kid in the show I recommend it and even though the new system is pain staking to a point it does keep it more fair. One year we waited through three shows for our son to get picked and I think he only got picked because I mentioned it to the CM. Anyway it was an amazing last show for DS11 because since he is older he can be a little more technical with his moves. When he went up against Darth Vadar the moves were flawless and he even spinned around in battle awing the audience and the Jedi Trainer claimed he was in the advanced class.

While waiting for the show DD14 took this photo with the photopass photographer:

Unfortunately, again I could not get DD4 to take this picture either. She had her cute Yoda shirt on to that I had picked up for her that said "Judge Me By My Size Do You?". It would have made an adorable photo.

After Jedi Academy it was off to use our photos for TSM! In line....

Mom was the reigning champion for this ride!!!

Meeting the toy soldiers...

It was then over to DS11's favorite place for lunch PP!!!

Here is the backside of DD4s t-shirt:

Up Next: Day 7 Continued: More DHS and Here Comes Crazy Mom!!!

 

[1971DBday]

So after lunch, we headed over and went on the BLT. This one is okay, but not a must do for me normally. Our favorite part is probably when you get to the area where you can see all of the costumes. This is the only part they seem to update.

After this we headed back to TSM (I forgot to mention we had another set of FPs - I don't remember how, but we did. I think when we were at the mermaid statue our time slot opened up to get another set so we got them for TSM.) Anyway, we went on again and again Mom kicked everyone's butt at this game. Nothing to brag on beyond our family, but I won. It was getting chillier so the sweatshirts were going back on.

We decided we were going to stay at DHS for the rest of the day and stopped and got a few cocktails outside the 50s PTD.

Dear Disney - please bring the cocktails back from 2009 - those were so much better.

So after a good cocktail in my system we headed over to Indiana Jones. Here is where "Crazy Mom" came out. I had done my homework again and decided I was going to be fun Mom on this vacation. So little did my family expect me to stand up and act crazy to get choosen as a participant, but I did. I quickly handed over the cameras to DD14 and everyone reaction was pretty much this .

They asked me and antoher lady to do a crazy laugh and well....I did my best. I had seen this show more times than I can count so I knew what to expect and who to expect. They then sent me and the others up to get into costume and sign our waivers that we would not hold Disney accountable...blah, blah, blah...

Here are a few pictures (thanks DD14, photo lessons for you before next trip):

I'm in the red:

It was fun and the best part is that DS11 thought I was the coolest Mom for going up there! His smile was priceless, so yes I would do this again for him.

Up next was TOT!!! DD4 could not wait to go on this ride again. It paid off going towards the end of park closing time. There was practiclly no line and we were able to go on four times in a row until they finally closed the gates on us!!!

This nice man tried to take a photo for us, but it wasn't working out that well.

Up Next: Day 8 - Kim Possible-y Never Again

 

[JenSop]

I just finished getting caught up on your TR! We don't have kids, so we only know Disney from the adult stand-point (and of course I know how much I enjoyed it when I was a kid, but that was quite awhile ago. )

But next year we'll be taking our young nieces for their first trip as part of our BIG family Grand Gathering trip. So I'm loving reading what your daughter enjoys and her reaction to the rides. My nieces will be 7 and 4 at the time of the trip next summer, and they're already so excited and want to ride the roller coasters! I'm hoping they don't change their mind!

 

[1971DBday]

Okay, here we are on Day 8 and we are starting to get bummed that our vacation will be coming to an end soon. It is another chilly day and we get out the list of must-do's. We always get the PH option and we haven't been doing much of that lately, but we still like to have the option.

Today's plan is to head to EPCOT go on a few rides and then over to WS to try Kim Possible. This is something fairly new that we have never tried. So this morning it was off to TT (again) Soarin, followed by Nemo and TTWC. We ran into someone famous on Soarin, but could not for the life of me recognize where I had seen him before.

Here is a picture of DD14 in her "future" car outside TT:

After this group of rides/attractions we decided to try Captain EO. Again something we had never tried before because it was never there when we were. However, since the death of Michael Jackson I'm thinking they kept it longer than normal. Summary of Captain EO - What were they smoking when they created this one???? I am not a MJ fan, nor will I ever be, but come on this was ridiculously BAD - no pun intended!!!! Check that one off my list of NEVER again. Well let's go try Kim Possible.....

So we got our blah, blah, blah instructions and were sent off to Norway. We stopped for a quick lunch in Mexico and I really enjoyed the tacos here. Then it was a fiesta margarita (which has also gone downhill) and off to Norway.

I left this one to DH while I enjoyed the scenery and people watching....This attraction could not keep my attention.

Oh, wait, time to torture the kids...

After another cocktail in Norway, it was on to China. This was our afternoon of exploring WS; shopping, eating, and drinking our way around the world. In China it was a few photos of the kids and some lunch for DH.

Then off to Germany and the NEW CARMEL SHOP!!!!!! Check another item off my checklist. It was so good and so many things to choose from...this is just a sampling.

Kids enjoying their treats in Germany:

Next stop was Italy, as we looked around we noticed a crowd starting to form and then the Italian Christmas Witch came out to tell her story. I was surprised that DD4 was really into this so I let DH and the other two kids move onto the next country. The story was so sweet and it was something I never knew. Since my kids are also Italian this was a great story to familiarize myself with.

Italian Christmas Witch:

I realized at this point that it was getting close to the time to see the Beast in France. So I called DH and told him I would meet him here and to take his time in the next few countries. I fast paced it to France and arrived there 10 minutes after the start time for the Beast.

The CM said that the line was now closed.

I said, but it just opened 10 minutes ago.

I'm sorry, but it's closed.

But this is our last night at EPCOT, her favorite movie is B&TB can't I take the chance and just get in line and if I don't make the cut off time, I don't.

No sorry.

Well that's ridiculous....

(Insert 3rd party woman throwing her two cents in for the side of the CM. Note I was still being pleasant at this time.)

(Me to the 3rd party woman) Excuse me but this is none of your business and I didn't ask for you opionion.

(Then me back to the CM) I think this is a ridiculous rule that you have created. There is nothing that says I cannot wait in the line and if I don't get to the Beast by 4:30 p.m. then I lose. But obviously, there is not arguing with a ridiculous person over a ridiculous rule. (Okay....I lost it...but.....)

So I went and got another cocktail because I needed to ease up my anger at this point. The Beast left at 4:28 p.m., so DD4 lost her chance because of a know-it-all CM. I then proceeded to get in line for Belle and was the first one for her to come at 5:00 p.m.. It was the same CM so I asked if there was a rule for getting in line to early? (Couldn't help it....he probably warned the CM playing Belle that the B was in line.) After all I better get in line now because they would probably close it at 5:01 p.m. based on his calcuations.....I was firing the comments left and right, but I did it with a smile.

So here is Belle once more.....

With another Grand Martnei in hand we headed over to England and looked through the shops. We didn't realize Winnie the Pooh and Tigger would be here. I told DD4 and this started her on the tears! But it's Winnie the Pooh....you like the characters....Nope she wanted nothing to do with them so here is our best photo.

It was then onto Canada from there. We decided to find the waterfall and climbed all the way to the top. Next time I will have to make sure we do this with daylight. It looked like a beautiful area. We then stopped for a little while and enjoyed the band playing.

It was now time to head back to Poly, but not without a quick family picture. The photopass photographer did not do a good job. He would not move from his spot and ended up cutting Mickey out. Anyway...

When we got back to the Poly. We just wanted to sit and relax and enjoy the lounge area. But people were taking up all the space just sitting there. I think they should make this area seperate - there should be a waiting area where you don't have to purchase anything and a lounge area where if you don't order move out for those who do want to. We gave up after 45 minutes and ordered our cocktails to go....this was disappointing, we really like to hang out here.

Anyway, it was off to bed and the.....

Next Day: Day 9 - AK and DisneyQuest

 

[1971DBday]

Well this morning was a rough start since I couldn't sleep. Nothing like watch a show on serial killers in Disney! So instead I decided to get up, get some laundry done, get ready and get Tonga Toast for everyone. I will miss my Tonga Toast this next trip since we will be staying at WL. Hopefully they have something just as enjoyable.

So we were at AK a little after it opened and headed straight for ITTBAB!

We can't go to AK without sneaking in at least one ride on EE. After this we started to head over to the safari, when we noticed a crowd forming. The show "Flights of Wonder" was about to start and we had never seen it. So we decided to park the stroller and try it. We were able to get great seats second row and center. I had both cameras ready to go.

They started out with some birds and DS11 was chosen to go up and throw a grape up in the air for a bird to catch. So when they asked for another volunteer with a camera I waved both of my arms in the air because I had a camera in each hand. A man and myself were choosen to come up and I was told to just bring the video camera. We were introduced to everyone and then they brought this bird on stage.

He flew to the back of the audience as the trainer described that we were to sit on a box with the purch behind us. We were to turn the cameras on and at her count the bird would come flying at us and we would get an amazing shot. But we were not to worry, the bird would swoop up just in time to land behind us....okay staying calm.

She then turned off her mic and whispered to the to of us not to move at all because this could frighten the bird and he could hit us. No waiver for this one, huh?

I remained calm, but stiff as a board. Hopefully when I figure out how to post video footage I will do so and share this amazing video!!! Anyway, I would recommend this show for all ages we all enjoyed it very much.

Then it was off to the safari...not one of my favorites, but DH loves animals. This was one of the better ones, but not a must do for me.

We then had a nice lunch and watched the dancers by Africa. These guys are amazing to watch, but when they asked for volunteers I was happy to raise a hand up for my two girls. They didn't know I had done this until after the trip was over. DD14 was embarassed, but still did it.

Then we just had enough time to go and catch the FOTLK. Again a first time for us. DH enjoyed it so much he REALLY relaxed.

For those of us who did not have our eyes shut, this was a beautiful show. Colorful, creative and entertaining. If you want to be choosen sit up front and get their early. We choose the seats in the back for this one.

Afterwards, I decided to try to get in line for Hannah to meet Mickey one more time. DD14 and DH decided to run over to EE. After awhile and the line going no where we got out of the line. We have seen Mickey already and we had other things to do.

We did find a cute Nemo Christmas tree though.

We soon caught up with DH and DD14 who rode the single rider line. We were trying to figure out the best way to get to DTD since they got rid of the direct buses. So we decided to go to Saratoga Springs and then catch the boat over to DTD. We ended up walking over thanks to someone else's recommendation on the bus. We arrived however, at the Marketplace and needed to be on the opposite end for DisneyQuest.

None of us were looking forward to DisneyQuest, but a promise was a promise. You see DS11 had Ms. H for math last year. Ms. H does not give As - unless you are a star. DD14 who is very strong in math never got one from her and she averaged a 97 in that annual assessment test. So when I challenged my unorganized son who had just gotten 5 homework notices from Mrs. H to get an A from her for the semester before the end of the year - I thought I was golden. Nope....off to DisneyQuest we go.

We stopped by Goofy's Candy and saw some great treats...

Got a few cute pictures of the kids...

And then we arrived here.....

We gave DS11 a cell phone, went over the rules, and then went over to the House of Blues. I went to Wulf Gang Puck's to get some tortilla soup...this was the most disgusting thing I ate at Disney. I kept trying but finally just left it at the table barely dented.

Back at the HOB we watched as a crowd gathered for some show, but that was all of the entertainment. Some guy that they had playing outside was just not for me and I was BORED and wasting valuable time in Disney. DH went to go check on DS11, he was going to meet DH outside for a physical check. While he was waiting for DS11, two women approached him and asked him if he was looking for a "good time". My DH declined and walked away....with no Security insight to report this to them.

DH found DS11 and told him he had 30 more minutes. He was upset, but two hours is all we could bare of DTD (DisneyQuest time, not including walk-through). We all headed back in time to catch the fireworks one more time from the Poly beach.

Next Up: Day 10 - How to Kill Yourself in WDW in One Day!!!

 

[johnsonmatt3]

WOW that went fast. I see your son likes (wait, he has a big case thing so I will put in a LOVES instead of likes) to trade pins. Would he like to trade by mail or something? you didn't make them try the beverly??? what kind of parent doesn't make their kids try the beverly???

 

[1971DBday]

WOW that went fast. I see your son likes (wait, he has a big case thing so I will put in a LOVES instead of likes) to trade pins. Would he like to trade by mail or something? you didn't make them try the beverly??? what kind of parent doesn't make their kids try the beverly???

Ah, yes, Beverly....DS11 will try anything including the Beverly. However, I believe in taking the hit as well and tried it myself. I'm not sure if DS11 would trade pins. I know he loves doing it at WDW - I will have to check with him. His first year he was only 8 and lost his first lanyard that was full on Star Tours. We went back a few minutes later and it was already gone.

His Dad looked at him once they realized they couldn't find it and he was like...not a big deal. So his Dad pinched him under his arm so he would start crying...didn't take much. The CM felt so bad that he gave him a voucher for a new lanyard starter set and about 4 pins.

Now all we do is bag check, bag check....everytime we move.

 

[johnsonmatt3]

Ah, yes, Beverly....DS11 will try anything including the Beverly. However, I believe in taking the hit as well and tried it myself. I'm not sure if DS11 would trade pins. I know he loves doing it at WDW - I will have to check with him. His first year he was only 8 and lost his first lanyard that was full on Star Tours. We went back a few minutes later and it was already gone.

His Dad looked at him once they realized they couldn't find it and he was like...not a big deal. So his Dad pinched him under his arm so he would start crying...didn't take much. The CM felt so bad that he gave him a voucher for a new lanyard starter set and about 4 pins.

Now all we do is bag check, bag check....everytime we move.

I only have about 40 since we go to disney onley every 2 years. I get htem from a trusted source on ebay that sells them cheap and free shipping. but I am always willing to trade. PM me if he is too.

 

[1971DBday]

Our final full day was now here, but we didn't have time to be sad. The weather finally turned around and the forecast today was still in the mid 70s. Now one of our rules for our WDW trips is that we start our trip at MK and end at MK. So no matter what MK needed to be the last park of our trip. However, DD4 had not seen Rapunzel yet and that was a must.

So off to MK we go again. Unfortunately this was the one of the days of the "live" Christmas day parade. DH took DD14 and DS11 straight to SM while I headed over to find Rapunzel's garden. By the time we got there the line was well formed. It was still a little chilly, but the sun was out. DD4 had her new Princess Tiana dress. It was between this dress and Rapunzel, but the Rapunzel one was only in one window at MK and not in the stores for sale yet. So we had to go see Princess Tiana AGAIN after Rapunzel because she promised Tiana she would go back once she got her dress. So it looks like I am waiting in a lot of lines today!

DD4 and I did our best to entertain ourselves while we waited for the garden to open. We ate our breakfast in line and took a few pictures and cleaned up.

Xmas show taping:

DD4 posing in front of the CC:

Soon they started letting people into the garden, but it was a limited number of children for some reason. They stopped DD4 and I, but then a family realized they were missing a few people from their party and decided to wait for them. The kids that were allowed in were asked to gather around the table and color.

Then Rapunzel and Flynn Ryder came out and surprised the children by dancing around the table with the kids. It was cute and they only do this with the kids that are first to arrive.

Then everyone got in line to meet Rapunzel and Flynn Ryder! A CM played hot "Pasquel" with the kids to keep them entertained.

Soon it was DD4s turn and DH and the older kids arrived just in time to see her meet them!

Smile button time again...

Smoldering look....

After we were done it was time to run over to try and catch Princess Tiana again. DH and the two older kids ditched DD4 and I again to go on some more rides. Soon we were with Princess Tiana with the bonus of Prince Navine this time.

Are we done waiting in line now for characters????

Yes. Back to the rides!!! We headed to BLSRS

...and then to Toontown to try to go on GBS. Once in line we started to realize how hot it was outside. We decided to try to come back to this rides since the line was long. But first we stopped at the shops in TT to try to find some extra BBB merchandise and a few gifts. We then hopped on the railroad and started heading back to the Main Street station. While on the way DD4 realized she was missing something.....

Oh my God! Belle is missing!!!!!!!! The tears started flowing...this was her Belle...her security doll...her friend. We started piecing together as to when we last saw Belle and I looked through the camera to see if that could help us. The last photo at GBS showed Belle. The only other place we had been between GBS and the train was the shop at Toontown.

So DH decided he would go back while I got the kids back to the Poly for pool time. We decided to take the boat back and DD4 was able to hold back the tears for a few last photos on the boat.

Would DH find Belle????

Up Next: Day 10 Continued - Poly Pool Time, DHS, MK, Pass Out

 

[1971DBday]

So we got back to the Poly and got our spots by the pool, while DD4 questioned whether Daddy had found Belle yet. Unfortunately, DH did not have his cell phone with him. One of the last thing I said to him as we parted was that if he could not find her to try to find another one in one of the stores, dirty her up a little bit and bring her back.

Luckily, DH arrived to the Poly about 45 minutes after us sweating with DD4s friend:

DH had almost given up, but the CM that was helping him wanted to ask one more person if they had seen her. That CM pulled Belle up from underneath the counter. DH almost hugged her!!!!

Here is DD4 celebrating and relaxing in the pool one more time.

It started to get chilly around 4 so we headed back to the room to get ready to go to DHS. The main reason we were going here was because I could not get an answer from anyone about the photopass. The bad Mom that I was forgot to get DS11s pictures from Jedi Academy on the photopass. I tried calling but everyone that I got told me I needed to go back to the park to get the photos.

We had not seen the Osborne Lights yet, so at least we could stop by and see these. (Please note - it is Saturday!!! You will note my stupidity soon. Hey at least I can admit it!)

So we arrived at DHS and I immediately headed to the photopass store only to find out that I DID NOT need to come back to DHS. Any photopass store could have helped me. Um ....you may want to tell the idiots that I spoke to on the phone that one. Tell them thanks from me too!

So we were off to TOT for one more ride. This would put us at a total of 9 times for this trip. My fear of falling/heights was numb by this point because I had done this so often. We had to pry DD4 away from the TOT and move onto heading over to the Osborne Lights!

Last year was our first time in four trips to finally see the lights. It was such a nice, pleasant and calming experience. This year it was new that they had barriers up and CMs were directing everyone one way past and around Muppets. So we followed the crowd....as soon as we turned the corner we came to a DEAD STOP in a sea of people. Oh my God! This is where everyone is....

We waited about 5 to 10 minutes and moved maybe a few inches every two minutes....it was insane. I could not see where the crowd ended. No this was not how I was going to spend my last night at WDW!!! So we excused our way out and headed back to the front of the park.

Sea of people photo:

On the way back my DH and DD14 decided to ask a CM why they had barriers this time. He stated it was what they needed to do on busy nights. I then came in and said it wasn't a big deal, let's just go. My DH said well this was the only reason we came here tonight and we didn't know any better. I again said it wasn't a big deal, I had other pictures I could use for our Christmas card.

This is when the CM said - would you like to come in and get your picture. Again I said no thank you I wanted the kids in the picture.

Well then I guess you will have to take your whole family with you!

Wow! Are you kidding that would be great.

As he started to let us in a woman came running at him asking why he was letting us in, while she and everyone else had to wait in line. She was pissed and I didn't blame her nor did I want this guy to be yelled at. I backed down and said I didn't want to upset anyone or be unfair to anyone. I knew what that was like.

The woman apologized to me and said it's not you, the CM looked at me and said no I'm the one that works here, not her, I make the decisions. After everyone calmed down the CM allowed us to go in. I promised him that we were only going in for a quick photo and that we would be out right away. He told me to take our time.

Thank You to the CM for giving us a quick but Magical Moment!

We were then herded out with the rest of the crowd through the exit. Never again on a weekend night!!!

So now it was back to the entrance to catch a bus to the MK!!! It was EMH and we need to end at MK!!! However, DH caused a delay by stopping and getting two beers....I could have killed him. By the time we got outside the entrance the park was closing and the crowds were pouring out! The line for the Poly was HUGE. Everyone was going to the MK resorts so they could hop on a monorail and head over to MK. This was annoying!

We decided to take the bus to the TTC and then a ferry over to the MK. This was not the first night that bus transportation back to the Poly was difficult. Another night we had to go back to the GF and then walk back to the Poly. But we finally did get MK, but it took about an hour and a half which was ridiculous. We should have gotten a cab! I just couldn't find one.

So we arrived at the MK and decided to head over to the POTC. While waiting in line DD4 passed out on her Daddy's shoulder.

She woke up just in time to enjoy her last ride. We were then all officially done!!!! Even though the park was open much later we could not handle anymore. So we started working our way through the crowd. I was following another person pushing a stroller since it was so crowded.

All of a sudden this guy comes pushing his way past me and I could just see what was about to happen next - he cuts in front of me and I took his ankle out with my stroller. I was ticked. He could have hurt my daughter. I mutter [edit] Gosh Darn It and his what I assume girlfriend does a bubbly little "oh sorry" and I comment back "yeah right". She turned around and stared and me with this nasty look so I said "what?!"

She then mutters something to her boyfriend and she turns around again so I blew her a kiss.....okay not my best moment, but don't dare me. I decided at this point to pull everyone in my family to the side in one of the stores. I was not going to end my WDW trip on a bad note, so I needed to exit the situation. I took a deep breath and then we all smiled and continued on our way out.

We finally arrived back at the Poly and let the kids go for a cold and late night swim. We fell asleep listening the fireworks!

Up Next: I don't want to go home!!!!

 

[1971DBday]

I know it is the question we all ask ourselves...do we have to go home? Can we just stay on a permanent vacation? It's possible...I can educate my kids from WDW, bills - what bills, would work accept me working via laptop from the beach at the Poly???



No - okay well then some Poly photos before we leave. By the way, Dear God, we okay when you said it was going to rain all day. It was going to make leaving much easier, but no you had to send out the sun.

A family picture in the GCH:

Note Belle in hand:

More Christmas decorations:

Poly flowers:

Bye WDW! Back to snow for us :'(

This trip was wonderful! Our code word "coconut" saved us from a lot of arguements and it is something that we will use for future trips. We were concerned before this trip that we may need to stop going, but everyone was able to respect each other and we had a great family vacation.

This year we are planning a much shorter trip for October to celebrate my 40th bday, but we will be staying at the WL. I keep doubting my decision afraid that I will miss the Poly to much. But I think the hot tubs will come in handy this year. Hopefully back to the Poly for our 20+ person trip for 2012!!!!!

Thank you to anyone willing to read my babble! I just spent a whole day finishing this trip report.....sad, but true. But I did it!!!! I have FINISHED MY FIRST TR!!!!!

 

[1971DBday]

I just finished getting caught up on your TR! We don't have kids, so we only know Disney from the adult stand-point (and of course I know how much I enjoyed it when I was a kid, but that was quite awhile ago. )

But next year we'll be taking our young nieces for their first trip as part of our BIG family Grand Gathering trip. So I'm loving reading what your daughter enjoys and her reaction to the rides. My nieces will be 7 and 4 at the time of the trip next summer, and they're already so excited and want to ride the roller coasters! I'm hoping they don't change their mind!

Welcome!!!! Again I happy not to be talking to myself! I just spent my whole day getting this done. So it's quick and to the point. We are going with my DSIL and DBIL this trip in October, but our GG will be hopefully in June of 2012. Please let me know if you have any questions and I hope you enjoy!