joedisney
Earning My Ears
- Joined
- Sep 1, 2000
- Messages
- 70
HereâÂÂs Episode 5. As a reminder: I'm Joe, the Dad and 38. Kathy, the Mom and definitely 34. Christopher is 8, Connor is 5 and the famous "Octopus" from Episode 1 is 18 month old Alex.
Saturday, January 13, 2001: Planning for our trip, I set aside today as Kathy's "Day of Beauty." We would start out with a good Character breakfast then we would whisk mom off to the Grand Floridian Spa for the Mothers to be Massage and the Paraffin hand treatment. The boys and I would spend a relaxing day at the pool and we would all be nice and rested for the Hoop-De-Doo Review at 5:00 followed by the Electrical Parade at 9:00. Things pretty much would have worked as planned had it not been for our little volcano. The little guy was at it again, erupting all over himself and his crib. With little time to spare (our priority seating was for 8:40 at Artist Point), Kathy and I sprang into action. While Kathy disrobed and bathed the perpetrator, I cleaned everything else. At this point, I'm thinking the babe gets no more food. Nothing goes in, nothing can come out. While this seems logical to me, I'm sure Kathy will never go along with my plan. At about ten past eight, we're all showered and ready to go. When we get back from breakfast, the boys and I can do a quick load of wash and then resume with our plans for some serious pool time.
We drive over to the Wilderness Lodge and are quickly seated for breakfast. The food is delicious and the boys have a wonderful time meeting Pooh and his friends. As I sip on my coffee, I wonder how long before my 8-year old will outgrow his childhood innocence. Connor loves meeting the characters. His eyes light up as he waits for Eeyore to get finished with the table across from ours. The babe, as it turns out is also a big Eeyore fan. Although a tad unsure about some of the other characters, Alex hugs Eeyore as though he were an old friend. Being only 1 and 1/2, he doesnâÂÂt have many old friends. Artist point is nice in that the food comes to you. While the buffets have a larger selection, they are more work, especially with young children. After breakfast, we explore the hotel. The rustic décor is appealing and although the lobby is huge, it is warm and inviting. A large stone fireplace presiding over several comfortable rocking chairs and a bridge-covered stream are two of the lobbyâÂÂs finer features. The older boys and I find the local penny press while Kathy holds back the Octopus from attempting to take a swim. Outside we wait for the geyser to spew its 50-foot spray. We wait, and wait, and wait some more. As we are about to give up, it shoots into the air. The older boys are only mildly impressed, but the octopus has that mischievous gleam in his eye. Boy would he like to get a closer look at that baby. As we leave this impressive hotel, I spot a well hidden Mickey built within the fine stone work of the large fireplace.
Back at the hotel, Kathy prepares for her day of beauty. I survey the huge mound of dirty clothes and wonder how this could happen in a little over two days. With a big duffel bag full of dirty clothes, the boys and I bid farewell to mom and head out for the laundry room. Our journey goes something like this: Boca Chica Laundry room - two washers, one out of order, not enough change, no change machine, lug boys and duffel to Gasperilla Grill, get change, tell the boys weâÂÂll come back to play video games, back to Boca Chica, buy fabric softener instead of detergent, gasp, buy detergent, start one load, head over to Sugar Loaf Key, doors locked, Concierge? Gasp, over to Big Pine Key, two washers free, buy detergent, start one load, out of change, gasp, back to Gasperilla, tell the boys weâÂÂre not playing videos just yet, back to Big Pine Key, buy more detergent, grab Alex as he tries to escape, start another load, back to GasperillaâÂÂs to play video games. After playing the video games, we head back to the laundry room at Boca Chica. Pay attention here, as I'll need witnesses for what happens later. I transfer the completed wash to the upper dryer. The clothes are definitely placed in the upper dryer. From here it's back to Big Pine Key where we make the transfer from washers to dryers. Things are going well, but we're out of time for swimming, so we have some Tigger Tails (Juice pops) while we wait for the clothes to dry.
Soon, we head for Boca Chica to retrieve our belongings. I reach into the top dryer and pull out a handful of warm dry clothes. A strange sock immediately catches my eye. "Whose sock is this?" I ask my disinterested crew. My query falls unanswered as the big boys ignore me completely while the babe continues to look for ways to escape. I focus my attention back to the mystery at hand. Since I have brought only white socks on this trip, I am quite sure that this black sock does not belong to me. Scanning the other garments I realize that none of these clothes look familiar. I'm suddenly struck by that same strange feeling you get when you realize you are pushing around someone else's cart at the supermarket. It takes a moment before I faze back in and realize that I have a big hand full of someone elseâÂÂs underwear. I quickly throw the strange items back into the top dryer and slam the door closed. IâÂÂm suddenly flushed and feel as though I need another shower. Ok, I admit IâÂÂm a bit flustered now, but IâÂÂm still quite sure that I put my clothes in that top dryer. I slowly open the bottom dryer. Cautiously peering in, I am immediately relieved when I spot AlexâÂÂs Pooh pajamaâÂÂs. Well now, IâÂÂve either forgotten which dryer I put my clothes in or someone has switched dryers on me. Oddly enough, my clothes are still wet. Lost my mind? Maybe, but I think someone pulled the old switcheroo. Filled with the purpose of a man whose been wronged, I have no trouble removing the clothes in the upper dryer and replacing them with my own. We head over to big Pine Key and find two loads of our own warm dry clothing. Relieved, I pack up or things and head back to the room.
To get to the Hoop-De-Doo Review, we will take the monorail to the Magic Kingdom, then a boat to the Fort Wilderness Campgrounds. Before we head out, however, I run down and grab the last load of clothes from the dryer. Ahhh, right in the top dryer where I left them. As we ride the monorail, we share stories of our vastly different days. Kathy enjoyed her day of beauty, but said it was difficult to relax since her overgrown tummy prohibited her from lying down during her massage. She makes me feel nice by saying she likes my massages better anyway. She loved the Paraffin treatment, which revived her chapped winter bitten hands. After checking in at Pioneer Hall for the Hoop-De-Doo, we are asked to take yet another family portrait. We are starting to find this new Disney "service" a bit annoying. Photographers are placed throughout the World, offering to take your picture with no obligation to buy. This bit of proactive marketing actually worked at the Animal Kingdom, where we purchased a family photo with the Tree of Life providing the stately backdrop. At Chef MickeyâÂÂs and now at the Hoop-De-Doo we are gently guided to a spot for our photo. Our picture at Chef MickeyâÂÂs turned out quite laughable. After a day at the Animal Kingdom we were certainly in no shape for a photo. This is the last of the unsolicited PhotoâÂÂs for us. From here on out we respectfully decline.
Soon we are being escorted to our table. Table number twelve, front row, right in front of the big stage. The babe likes this place immediately. Bright lights and loud music. When they drop off the big buckets of food, the boy is in sheer ecstasy. Alex claps his hands and stomps his feet right along with the performers that are almost close enough to touch. Christopher, sitting closest to the stage, sips his root beer and stares at his feet. As the performers envelop our table with a flurry of sound and activity, Christopher sits as though there is no one else in the room. The babe covers himself in barbecue sauce as he devours the feast before him. I find this very amusing until I realize that he is reloading for what will surely result in a repeat of this morningâÂÂs performance. OK, my "no food" plan may have been a bad idea, but this was surely the other extreme. We all have a great time enjoying the ample food and backwoods entertainment. Eventually, even Christopher lightens up and giggles at the slapstick humor of this highly entertaining show. The boys get several winks and smiles throughout the night from the friendly cast members. By the time the show ends and we stuff down the last of our dessert, we are indeed a very satisfied crew. As we exit Pioneer Hall, Connor is immediately drawn to the open-air trinket vendor. Spotting the spinning light up Pooh Bear thing-a-ma-jigs (I don't think that this is it's official name), Connor puts on his newly acquired all out "I must have this toy" blitz. Not waiting to be rejected, he spits out a litany of reasons why he needs this toy, how he never gets anything, how Christopher always gets what he wants and his whole life has been and will continue to be one big disappointment if he doesn't get this toy. Highly impressed and more than a bit stunned by the little guys passionate plea, we buy two of the thing-a-ma-jigs for a grand total of $30. Ouch. I'm not sure how much these thing-a-ma-jigs go for back home, but I'm pretty sure this is no bargain. Connor, with his life now fulfilled, is quite pleased as we head for the boat to the Magic Kingdom.
We arrive at the Magic Kingdom and the boy's are immediately impressed with the changing colors of the Castle. Christopher and I get the OK to ride Splash Mountain while we wait for the parade. Map Boy is a bit of an enigma. Normally averse to taking risks, Christopher has become a bona fide big time thrill ride daredevil. He loves the big coasters and flume rides. Riding Splash Mountain is like a walk in the park for this guy. We both enjoy the Disney story line as we ascend to the top of Splash Mountain. Our ride is enhanced by a group of boisterous teenagers in front of us as they attempt to scare their girlfriends during the faux falls preceding the big drop. The pixie dust is swirling as we reach the top of the mountain just as the 8 PM fireworks cascade a glorious bouquet of light over the castle. The big drop is a blast and Christopher deems Splash Mountain as one of his favorite rides. After the ride, we stake out a nice spot in Liberty Square right in front of the Sleepy Hollow snack bar to watch the Main Street Electrical Parade. Christopher and I head over to Sleepy Hollow for two root beer floats and a brownie sundae. As expected, Alex is mesmerized by the sights and sounds of the Electrical Parade. Kathy and I wonder if the babe thinks that Disney World is now his permanent home. Other than some stomach problems, I think he is having more fun than any of us. Trying to decipher the thoughts of our one-year old is one of our favorite pastimes. While his wonderful expressions reveal much, his true inner thoughts at this moment in time will always remain a mystery. We are exhausted as the parade comes to an end and we begin our journey back to the hotel. Alex and Connor ride in the stroller and Conner is out before we reach Main Street. Once the boys are nestled in their cozy beds, Kathy begins folding the last of the laundry. We have had another wonderful day in the World. As she nears the end of the pile Kathy exclaims, "whose are these?" I look up to find Kathy holding a strange pair of women's underwear.
Coming soon
Episode 6: Some tails, some ice and lots of magic
Saturday, January 13, 2001: Planning for our trip, I set aside today as Kathy's "Day of Beauty." We would start out with a good Character breakfast then we would whisk mom off to the Grand Floridian Spa for the Mothers to be Massage and the Paraffin hand treatment. The boys and I would spend a relaxing day at the pool and we would all be nice and rested for the Hoop-De-Doo Review at 5:00 followed by the Electrical Parade at 9:00. Things pretty much would have worked as planned had it not been for our little volcano. The little guy was at it again, erupting all over himself and his crib. With little time to spare (our priority seating was for 8:40 at Artist Point), Kathy and I sprang into action. While Kathy disrobed and bathed the perpetrator, I cleaned everything else. At this point, I'm thinking the babe gets no more food. Nothing goes in, nothing can come out. While this seems logical to me, I'm sure Kathy will never go along with my plan. At about ten past eight, we're all showered and ready to go. When we get back from breakfast, the boys and I can do a quick load of wash and then resume with our plans for some serious pool time.
We drive over to the Wilderness Lodge and are quickly seated for breakfast. The food is delicious and the boys have a wonderful time meeting Pooh and his friends. As I sip on my coffee, I wonder how long before my 8-year old will outgrow his childhood innocence. Connor loves meeting the characters. His eyes light up as he waits for Eeyore to get finished with the table across from ours. The babe, as it turns out is also a big Eeyore fan. Although a tad unsure about some of the other characters, Alex hugs Eeyore as though he were an old friend. Being only 1 and 1/2, he doesnâÂÂt have many old friends. Artist point is nice in that the food comes to you. While the buffets have a larger selection, they are more work, especially with young children. After breakfast, we explore the hotel. The rustic décor is appealing and although the lobby is huge, it is warm and inviting. A large stone fireplace presiding over several comfortable rocking chairs and a bridge-covered stream are two of the lobbyâÂÂs finer features. The older boys and I find the local penny press while Kathy holds back the Octopus from attempting to take a swim. Outside we wait for the geyser to spew its 50-foot spray. We wait, and wait, and wait some more. As we are about to give up, it shoots into the air. The older boys are only mildly impressed, but the octopus has that mischievous gleam in his eye. Boy would he like to get a closer look at that baby. As we leave this impressive hotel, I spot a well hidden Mickey built within the fine stone work of the large fireplace.
Back at the hotel, Kathy prepares for her day of beauty. I survey the huge mound of dirty clothes and wonder how this could happen in a little over two days. With a big duffel bag full of dirty clothes, the boys and I bid farewell to mom and head out for the laundry room. Our journey goes something like this: Boca Chica Laundry room - two washers, one out of order, not enough change, no change machine, lug boys and duffel to Gasperilla Grill, get change, tell the boys weâÂÂll come back to play video games, back to Boca Chica, buy fabric softener instead of detergent, gasp, buy detergent, start one load, head over to Sugar Loaf Key, doors locked, Concierge? Gasp, over to Big Pine Key, two washers free, buy detergent, start one load, out of change, gasp, back to Gasperilla, tell the boys weâÂÂre not playing videos just yet, back to Big Pine Key, buy more detergent, grab Alex as he tries to escape, start another load, back to GasperillaâÂÂs to play video games. After playing the video games, we head back to the laundry room at Boca Chica. Pay attention here, as I'll need witnesses for what happens later. I transfer the completed wash to the upper dryer. The clothes are definitely placed in the upper dryer. From here it's back to Big Pine Key where we make the transfer from washers to dryers. Things are going well, but we're out of time for swimming, so we have some Tigger Tails (Juice pops) while we wait for the clothes to dry.
Soon, we head for Boca Chica to retrieve our belongings. I reach into the top dryer and pull out a handful of warm dry clothes. A strange sock immediately catches my eye. "Whose sock is this?" I ask my disinterested crew. My query falls unanswered as the big boys ignore me completely while the babe continues to look for ways to escape. I focus my attention back to the mystery at hand. Since I have brought only white socks on this trip, I am quite sure that this black sock does not belong to me. Scanning the other garments I realize that none of these clothes look familiar. I'm suddenly struck by that same strange feeling you get when you realize you are pushing around someone else's cart at the supermarket. It takes a moment before I faze back in and realize that I have a big hand full of someone elseâÂÂs underwear. I quickly throw the strange items back into the top dryer and slam the door closed. IâÂÂm suddenly flushed and feel as though I need another shower. Ok, I admit IâÂÂm a bit flustered now, but IâÂÂm still quite sure that I put my clothes in that top dryer. I slowly open the bottom dryer. Cautiously peering in, I am immediately relieved when I spot AlexâÂÂs Pooh pajamaâÂÂs. Well now, IâÂÂve either forgotten which dryer I put my clothes in or someone has switched dryers on me. Oddly enough, my clothes are still wet. Lost my mind? Maybe, but I think someone pulled the old switcheroo. Filled with the purpose of a man whose been wronged, I have no trouble removing the clothes in the upper dryer and replacing them with my own. We head over to big Pine Key and find two loads of our own warm dry clothing. Relieved, I pack up or things and head back to the room.
To get to the Hoop-De-Doo Review, we will take the monorail to the Magic Kingdom, then a boat to the Fort Wilderness Campgrounds. Before we head out, however, I run down and grab the last load of clothes from the dryer. Ahhh, right in the top dryer where I left them. As we ride the monorail, we share stories of our vastly different days. Kathy enjoyed her day of beauty, but said it was difficult to relax since her overgrown tummy prohibited her from lying down during her massage. She makes me feel nice by saying she likes my massages better anyway. She loved the Paraffin treatment, which revived her chapped winter bitten hands. After checking in at Pioneer Hall for the Hoop-De-Doo, we are asked to take yet another family portrait. We are starting to find this new Disney "service" a bit annoying. Photographers are placed throughout the World, offering to take your picture with no obligation to buy. This bit of proactive marketing actually worked at the Animal Kingdom, where we purchased a family photo with the Tree of Life providing the stately backdrop. At Chef MickeyâÂÂs and now at the Hoop-De-Doo we are gently guided to a spot for our photo. Our picture at Chef MickeyâÂÂs turned out quite laughable. After a day at the Animal Kingdom we were certainly in no shape for a photo. This is the last of the unsolicited PhotoâÂÂs for us. From here on out we respectfully decline.
Soon we are being escorted to our table. Table number twelve, front row, right in front of the big stage. The babe likes this place immediately. Bright lights and loud music. When they drop off the big buckets of food, the boy is in sheer ecstasy. Alex claps his hands and stomps his feet right along with the performers that are almost close enough to touch. Christopher, sitting closest to the stage, sips his root beer and stares at his feet. As the performers envelop our table with a flurry of sound and activity, Christopher sits as though there is no one else in the room. The babe covers himself in barbecue sauce as he devours the feast before him. I find this very amusing until I realize that he is reloading for what will surely result in a repeat of this morningâÂÂs performance. OK, my "no food" plan may have been a bad idea, but this was surely the other extreme. We all have a great time enjoying the ample food and backwoods entertainment. Eventually, even Christopher lightens up and giggles at the slapstick humor of this highly entertaining show. The boys get several winks and smiles throughout the night from the friendly cast members. By the time the show ends and we stuff down the last of our dessert, we are indeed a very satisfied crew. As we exit Pioneer Hall, Connor is immediately drawn to the open-air trinket vendor. Spotting the spinning light up Pooh Bear thing-a-ma-jigs (I don't think that this is it's official name), Connor puts on his newly acquired all out "I must have this toy" blitz. Not waiting to be rejected, he spits out a litany of reasons why he needs this toy, how he never gets anything, how Christopher always gets what he wants and his whole life has been and will continue to be one big disappointment if he doesn't get this toy. Highly impressed and more than a bit stunned by the little guys passionate plea, we buy two of the thing-a-ma-jigs for a grand total of $30. Ouch. I'm not sure how much these thing-a-ma-jigs go for back home, but I'm pretty sure this is no bargain. Connor, with his life now fulfilled, is quite pleased as we head for the boat to the Magic Kingdom.
We arrive at the Magic Kingdom and the boy's are immediately impressed with the changing colors of the Castle. Christopher and I get the OK to ride Splash Mountain while we wait for the parade. Map Boy is a bit of an enigma. Normally averse to taking risks, Christopher has become a bona fide big time thrill ride daredevil. He loves the big coasters and flume rides. Riding Splash Mountain is like a walk in the park for this guy. We both enjoy the Disney story line as we ascend to the top of Splash Mountain. Our ride is enhanced by a group of boisterous teenagers in front of us as they attempt to scare their girlfriends during the faux falls preceding the big drop. The pixie dust is swirling as we reach the top of the mountain just as the 8 PM fireworks cascade a glorious bouquet of light over the castle. The big drop is a blast and Christopher deems Splash Mountain as one of his favorite rides. After the ride, we stake out a nice spot in Liberty Square right in front of the Sleepy Hollow snack bar to watch the Main Street Electrical Parade. Christopher and I head over to Sleepy Hollow for two root beer floats and a brownie sundae. As expected, Alex is mesmerized by the sights and sounds of the Electrical Parade. Kathy and I wonder if the babe thinks that Disney World is now his permanent home. Other than some stomach problems, I think he is having more fun than any of us. Trying to decipher the thoughts of our one-year old is one of our favorite pastimes. While his wonderful expressions reveal much, his true inner thoughts at this moment in time will always remain a mystery. We are exhausted as the parade comes to an end and we begin our journey back to the hotel. Alex and Connor ride in the stroller and Conner is out before we reach Main Street. Once the boys are nestled in their cozy beds, Kathy begins folding the last of the laundry. We have had another wonderful day in the World. As she nears the end of the pile Kathy exclaims, "whose are these?" I look up to find Kathy holding a strange pair of women's underwear.
Coming soon
Episode 6: Some tails, some ice and lots of magic
