Coming from the Great White North in August, what are we thinking? We're back!

[pl'smama]

I've never even had my order from American Girl delivered to my house. I've always had to go and pick it up at the postal outlet so that I could go and pay the taxes and duty on the package. If that's the case for you, your daughter won't see the box. Sorry Mel, back to the regularly scheduled trip report.

Thanks Nat, yeah I kind of figured I will have to pick it up, but sometimes DH is home during the day so he might receive it. We are doing some major renovations in the house right now and I was trying to figure out the best hiding place where DD would not see a large box or two. If the outside of the box does not give it away I can at least not have to worry about finding a spot that is completely invisible.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Suz

 

[purplepeg]

Yeah, like Peg's gonna actually get around to writing more on the trippie soon. Maybe by the time she actually write another installment it'll be more like a pretrippie for her next time down.

Help, help! MiniMontana save me!!! Yer momma's gonna beat me in the head!!!!!!

You are in so much trouble I am actually about to post yet another installment. I have been busy this week trying to start my own Disney travel planning business and it looks like it's a go. So see I was busy with Disney related stuff just not my TR

 

[purplepeg]

I woke up again at 5:30! What’s up with that? I, of course, did not get up until 6. I did have a great sleep last night! So you know what that means…I may not be so grumpy today! I know what you’re thinking, ‘peg grumpy? Say it isn’t so! As I get older I don’t do so well with less sleep. We were all ready by 7:20 for breakfast. I had yogurt and oatmeal. I can’t remember what anyone else had but I’ll go out on a limb and say dh had a side of bacon. I think he had that every morning with whatever else he was having for breakfast. We were out waiting for the bus by 8:15 and the bus came within 5-10 min. Today we were heading to Hollywood Studios.

dd4studying the map so she could tell us which way to go.

Dd4 had been talking about this park for a year and how she was going on ToT. She had never been but this year she was tall enough. She talked all the time about putting her arms up for the drops. Dd8 had been warned not to talk about anything that might scare her. I wasn’t sure how she would manage but we were all about making it fun!

Heading to the gate.

We're going to experience this for the first time today!

Heading down the street.

We got the stroller by 8:55 and we headed to ToT except for dh. His job was to get Toy Story Mania Fp’s. Really it was just an excuse because he doesn’t do ToT. So the rest of us headed up the path to ToT and looked at the dusty rooms and entered the library.


Heading there.

Are there ghosts in this picture? Is that why it's so blurry?

I love the look on Jasmine's face in this picture! I'd like to say this was the only time she gave this look to her mom but it wasn't.

Poor dd4 jumped when the lights went off and the thunder boomed and lightning flashed. She didn’t care for that part too much. We changed the subject to get her mind off it and headed to the service elevator. We were all able to sit in the back row together. At this point dd8 decides she’s not sure if she really wants to do this. We only did it once last time. Now is not the time to change your mind dear! Once we were all belted in and got going we had a great ride. When we got off dd4 said she was scared of the shattering glass and the ghosts. Jasmine and QoaT went off to RnR and the girls and I went back on ToT. I had to talk dd4 in to it. I promised her I would hold her ears in the library and she could close her eyes for the ghosts. The next ride was a lot longer drops and man my stomach did not like them. It went all flippy on me. Poor dd4 was crying by the end. She did not like it. She said it was everything but the drops that she didn’t like.


Continued in next post.

 

[purplepeg]

Then we headed over to TSM and rode.

Man that’s a fun ride. We had such a great time. It’s too bad it takes so long in the standby line.

Dh said while he was waiting in line for the Fp’s he saw the Fp return time change one whole hour in 5-10 min. After riding it though I can see why it’s so busy. I believe while we were waiting for our Fp return time we saw a commercial or some type of promotional ad was being filmed outside of TSM.

We went nearby and got a wheezy Freezy pink lemonade flavor. It was frozen pink lemonade and boy was it good on this really hot day.

We headed over to Lights Motor Action so we could get a good seat and enjoy our frozen drinks. We got great seats in the middle near the top and I decided then and there how out of shape I really am! I thought we would never get to the top! My legs were so shaky by the time we sat down. I really empathize with those contestants from the Biggest Loser! Maybe it was the heat and it wouldn’t have been so bad if it was cooler, yeah that’s it, let’s go with that. The pictures we took at LMA don’t really have us looking that hot but I swear we were all flushed and not at our best. The show was really great and the kids really liked it. We were quite ready to leave by the time it was done because even though you are in the shade it was so hot.

On our way out we all had a restroom break and the saw that the Power Rangers were out. The only one who didn’t have a long lineup was the yellow one so we went to see her. The kids had been really patient with us because we were stopping for any characters except the ones we saw at dinner. They really enjoyed the interaction and enjoyed posing with her. Well Jasmine just cooperated to be polite of course.

We headed out to the bus by 1pm. Not bad considering we were going to be out by noon. Lunch was eaten at Intermissions and we went back to the room so the kids could have a rest. They fell asleep pretty quick and dh and I discussed DVC. How many points would we need and when would we go, would we have those leeches with us, oops I mean my sister and niece? I should have slept but I got so excited talking about DVC and the possibility we would become members.


Ok now it's noon and the stores are opening so I have to go but tonight is dinner at 50's. It's lots of fun so stay tuned!

 

[purplepeg]

Here are some of QoaT's pictures from during the day.

Tonight the kids wanted to get tattoos by the pool before we headed out to dinner so we headed out by 4:45pm and they picked what they wanted. They turned out really well. Dd8 got pooh ($15), dd4 got cheerleader Minnie ($15) and Jasmine got Cap’n Jack ($15).

We were at the bus by 5:15 and it actually came right away. Dh and I headed to RnR because I hadn’t had a chance to ride earlier. Jasmine and QoaT took the girls to ToT. Now do you remember how dd4 said she wouldn’t ride again? Well QoaT is very persuasive in her own twisted way and managed to talk dd4 into going again. Dh and I managed to ride RnR twice before we met up with the rest of our group. As predicted dd4 cried and was not happy with ToT. Off we were to 50’s Prime Time Café. We waited 20 min or so for a table and we had ADR’s. It was so busy here today. I don’t know how many times that the hostess had to say “I’m so sorry we fully booked”. Lots of people were so mad and would say “this is ridiculous!” I wish you could let more people know that they need to plan to go to Disney. As much of a pain it is to figure out where you may be on any given day it is so worth it to know you are going to have great dining experience. I really give the hostess credit because even though we heard her say about fifty times she never sounded like it. It always sounded sincere, that she was truly sorry. I would not have been able to be that patient. But as we have all seen and experienced with Disney they are so magical.

Anywhoo we finally got seated and our “Mama” was Cindy. She was amazing and so much fun. We had such a great evening. Poor dd8 was beside herself with worry that Cindy was going to make her stand in a corner or eat all her vegetables! When Cindy came and introduced herself dd8 sat up so straight and made sure her elbows were off the table. If she hadn’t been so nervous it would have been hilarious! So Cindy sat down at our table and took our order and dd8 ordered something that didn’t have any vegetables but I can’t remember what it was. I had the pot roast. It was very yummy. Jasmine ordered something with peas in it. Cindy was so great she gave us all family names like Mary-Alice and Thelma. She had a name for each of us and remembered them every time she came by. While we were waiting for our food and eating we sang happy birthday to someone and made airplane noises so someone else could eat their veggies. Dd8 was so happy it wasn’t her. She settled down part way through the meal but every time Cindy came by she sat straight up for fear she would yell at her. So it came time to clear our plates and Jasmine ate her dinner except for her peas. Well Cindy took her plate and said she had something special for her. She brought her peas back in a little bowl with whipped cream and sprinkles and a cherry on top. She said “that’s all the dessert you’ll be getting!”
See the look on Jasmine's face, it's like you're kidding right?

See dd8 eyeing up Cindy?

We cracked up. She stood there and waited until Jasmine took a taste of the whipped cream. Now you probably remember how busy I said it was, I couldn’t believe that she took the time to do that for us. We had such a great time. We ordered dessert and of course the kids had to play with the viewfinder and take pictures. I had the brownie sundae and it was amazing.
We left there and headed over to TSM again since we knew we wouldn’t make to Fantasmic. We really wanted to see Fantasmic but it was an oversight on our part that we booked everything at HS today and it was EMH evening. We finished dinner by 8:15 or so and Fantasmic was starting at 8:30 I believe. We really were disappointed but we will be back. We used our “magic FP” for TSM. The standby line was about 90 min I think. We ended up back at the hotel after riding TSM about 10:30. Thoroughly exhausted but having had a great day. Mini Montana decided she wanted a granola bar. She wanted one the night before and I had said no, she could have one tomorrow so what does she say “mummy you said I could have one tomorrow and tomorrow is today so I can have one, right?” How can you argue with that? Well after that we all went to bed.

Tomorrow is Animal Kingdom Day.

I have more pictures from today so I will post them in the next post. I'm getting close to my limit.

 

[Disney Brat]

Great updates! I really loved seeing your pics!! I feel like I am really there with you guys!!

OMG I can't believe you are leaving so soon You must be so excited. I need to hear all about it when you get back. Hope the weather holds out for you, I just heard there's a Colaorado Low coming in. You know the beginning of Oct is too soon for snow especially after the summer we had or didn't have. Have you started packing yet? What's the itinerary looking like and where are you eating? Anything you want to share I'm here to listen

Yeah it is comming sooooo soon!! DH is on the phone with his mom right now talking about RnRC! That is his fav. ride at WDW! We have a bunch of ADR's...coral Reef, 50's Prime Time, CRT Akershus CM, CP, and the list goes on and on...lol I started packing this weekend, just putting in shorts, capris, tank tops etc. I have been making DD a bunch of custom Disney outfits. The whole energy that comes with the Disney trip is starting to really come alive in all of us. I am sure that we will not have much sleep this next week! LOL Thanks for asking about our trip (I have started a PTR if you have a minute or two to read.. LOL)

 

[purplepeg]

Here are some more random photos of our day at Hollywood Studios.

We didn't get to do Muppet Vision this time although it is one of my favorites.

High School Music Pep Rally. We managed to catch a bit of this.

You can even see Daddy singing to HSM!

Sleeping Beauty.

More Power Ranger pics

See my new tattoo?

Before the pea sundae Jasmine was all smiles.

Daddy turned into Indie when we were there.

Before the bus.

 

[purplepeg]

Scenery near TSM.

Checking out the dessert menu.

Now it's dd8's turn.

Cindy.

A TV table near us.

Waiting for the bus back to the resort.

 

[Diamondintheruff]

It all looks like so much fun.

What is this about a Disney travel business? More please.

 

[purplepeg]

I PM'd you DiR. I am working on the next installment as well. I'll try not to make you all wait so long for the next one.

 

[Hypermommy]

Ooh... i wanna be there when MiniMontana tells you where to go!!!!

Wait a minute, wait a minute.... lemme get this straight. You let DD8 read about the Titanic before going on a cruise? And you seat her between two flight-phobic folks for the airplane ride? But she's not allowed to tell DD4 about anything that might scare her on ToT????????? What, you wanna save scaring the bejezus out of your kids for yourself and don't want anyone else to have that enjoyment? Peg, that's not very nice of you. How's DD8 supposed to grow up and be as cruel as her momma if you don't give her the chance to practice on her little sister? Isn't that what little sisters are for???? Forcing a scared child to ride ToT again... now that's the Peg we all know and love! See, I just knew you wanted to save that kind of stuff for yourself.

Will you quit stealing QoaT's pictures and let her get on here again to say hi? I'm sure she has a different take on how cruel you are to your kids and I'd just LOVE to hear what parental decision she made to get that look out of Jasmine at ToT. Must have been a gem of a decision to get something like that that poor Jasmine's willing to preserve for posterity. Or, wait... maybe she's just as mean to her kids? Yeah.. must be something genetic. Wait... QoaT talked DD4 into ToT again? Now I KNOW it's genetic!!!

LOL LOL LOL at DD8's reaction at 50s!!! I would LOVE to have seen that in person. That's hilarious!!!! She should have warned Cindy that it's momma that she has to worry about. And LOL about the peas with whipped cream!

"Tomorrow is today"... love that girl's logical little mind! You give her hugs from me and tell her to keep it up and she can be a bigshot attorney one day!!!! That's my girl!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Awwwww.... that pic of DD4 sleeping (in the purple gown) is sooooo stinkin' cute!

What, DiR gets to know about the travel business but I don't? I asked too... now I see how much you really love me, eh?

 

[Hypermommy]

Ooops... I owe Peg a <gulp> apology I checked my PMs after reading this and there was a note from her about her new business. All's I can say is I was more excited about reading another trip report installment than my private messages.

 

[pl'smama]

Great photos and terrific update Peg!! The tatoos the girls got were really nice. That is my regret from our two trips. I said I was going to get a tat and I never did. My bad. Just have to go back!!

So, can you share with me your Disney travel business news to please? I am all ears!!

Suz

Oh, if you Diamond, how did the American Girl go over??

Suz

 

[Diamondintheruff]

Thanks for the PM Peg

and a

Nan Nan Nan Boo Ba to Hypermommy because I got my PM first

and here is the link to a picture of my DD8 with her new best friend "Jenny" her just like you American Doll http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28160073&postcount=268 for pl'smama

 

[purplepeg]

Now, Now, girls no fighting Why do I sound like I'm at home. Thanks for the wellwishes Diamond and Hypermommy I'm feeling a little overwhelmed right now but I promise I'll keep the report coming. Mini Montana has a birthday party this afternoon so I'm hoping sometime this evening to get to an update. I do need to let Queen know her public is awaiting an appearance.

 

[Diamondintheruff]

I do need to let Queen know her public is awaiting an appearance.

I'll start rolling out the RED carpet now.

 

[purplepeg]

OMG, I can't believe that it's been so long since I 've posted. I've had a very busy week. Good though because I've been working on my business and doing my very first quote Last weekend I had a post almost all ready to go, 24 pictures, hilarious text(take my word for it) and the DIS acted up and I lost it all. It had taken me over an hour I was not very happy.I have not had the time to repeat it and I was hoping to get to it today and didn`t. The kids wanted to decorate for Halloween instead. Seeing as it`s next week we decorated. We went to Boo at the Zoo last evening. It`s a fun dress up evening with rides and they decorate the zoo. Well they also have people walking around trying to scare you OK, Hypermommy, you know what`s coming, poor dd8 was beside herself the whole evening, crying, hanging on to us, especially when it got dark and we were there in the dark for most of it We had gone with two other families and one family had 2 boys 9 and 8, and one family had 2 girls 5 and 7. I told her she couldn`t let the little kids see she was scared or they would get scared. We were on our way out and soooo close to the exit you could taste it ......this annoying teenage boy dresses up with a white face and blood, you get the drift, walks by us and dd8 is trying to hide behind me and he grabs and yells boo We were so close to the exit You all know what happened next, tears from both of them , `cause if dd8 is sad and crying so is dd4. Luckily there were no bad dreams last night. dd4 had been up almost everynight last week with a bad dream so momma`s kind of tired. Anyway hang in there I haven`t forgotten about you

 

[Diamondintheruff]

I'm betting that DD8 is starting her first bestseller. A mommy dearest type novel.

Congrats on your first quote.

 

[purplepeg]

Today was Animal Kingdom Day. I must have been really tired this day because I didn’t write much down. We were ready for breakfast at 7:20 and at the bus for 8:30. There was a 50% chance of rain for today although in the grand scheme of things we had no idea Fay was really going to rain on our parade next week.

The requisite bus stop picture.

Mini Montana by the R in All Star Music.

Dd8 under the star. I'm pretty sure she's not going to fit there next year!

The crowd at opening.

Arriving at AK

The family shot in front of the sign.

The AK sign.

Us having our photopass picture done.

The big tarantula they had out to greet us! They had several small(relatively speaking) creatures out to greet us.

"Come on people, hurry up!"

Heading to Expedition Everest.

We're getting there.

We first went to Expedition Everest where mini Montana was not one yeti foot tall so she was unable to ride.
Isn't she cute!

The back up plan was everyone else would ride EE and dd4 and I would go over to ride Triceratops Spin. They used the magic FP for later and at that time (9:20 am) the return time was 10:15-11:15. There was a long line for EE as usual.
That's the fastpass line.

The mountain....home of the yeti!

dd4 and I headed over to TS where we rode two times I believe. That’s about when it started to rain. There weren’t very many people there at that time. I think everyone is either at EE or the Safari.

 

[Diamondintheruff]

Oh mini montana was so close to being able to go on EE.

She looks like she took the news well though.