Hillbillies head South! March 2-11, 2012 COMPLETED 6/26

[sandym718]

Yay, so glad I still have some readers, LOL!! Thanks for reading!!

I'm still here! Just been too busy to comment.

Jill in CO

I hear you, life just seems to get busier and busier doesn't it?? Obviously the same here - never got the last updates up yesterday and it won't happen today either. Goal is to finish this weekend!!!

I'm here, Sandy! Read your updates yesterday, just wasn't able to post a reply yet. Blizzard Beach looks AWESOME!!! Tink looks like she is having a ball~ big smiles on that face!

Our oldest DD is asking to do a water park next time. The added expense is just soooo much. But she is Daddy's girl, so my guess is that he will give in when push comes to shove...

You know, next time we go we will probably be having a cookout with our FL relatives....that will leave us with an extra TS credit...~ HDDR could very well happen for us! You are not the only one I have heard rave reviews from...just may have to try it out. We shall see...

We just love Blizzard Beach. We have water parks here, 2 actually that we get into with our Cedar Point season passes. But Blizzard Beach is just the best, and well, we enjoy water parks!!

And I highly recommend HDDR, it is a lot of fun, everyone agreed. We can't wait to do it again!

I'm still here, too!!!



Oopsi, they've changed the add-on costs a bit with the new tickets. Now it's $57 to add on hopper or WPFM ... OR ... $79 to add both. So if you're going to add one, might as well pay $22 more and add the other. And it's only a good deal if you plan to PH and hit up some of the WPFM stuff. They also added Mini Golf to the package ... That said, if you aren't going to hop, or you're just going to hit one WP and not the other fun places, it's cheaper to buy a one day WP pass. We're totally looking at the $79 option for our next trip.... That way we can hop to a park after AK or go somewhere else if it's too crowded and not have to worry about sticking to a certain park because of ADRs. Plus, we have a free day planned, and a WP sounds nice and refreshing!

Well, $400 is still a TON ... but if you're planning to do the WPs and maybe want flexibility, it's totally worthwhile. We've never had PH's before... so it will be new to us to have flexibility!

I can't imagine not having Park Hoppers, we've been spoiled always having them! Each trip we've only done the WP once, so we probably should have just bought a one day ticket. But for the few extra dollars, it was nice to have the flexibility to go AGAIN if we wanted to, just hasn't worked out. Now that we're going again in March, though, I should really check the prices when we book for 2014. In May, there's 2 WP's open, so more likely that we might have tried both. But in March, just one. Really hoping BB is open again in March 2014, my kids would be so sad if it wasn't.

 

[DMGeurts]

Believe it or not... I am still here - just runnning behind.

I loved your BB updates - so much so, that I would love to go there for our next trip. Your pictures might have just persueded me! It looks like everyone had so much fun - and it looked like the perfect day to be there.

Now, remind me - your dd had her hair done at the salon in GF? I just love that you had it done at the beginning of your trip - and it still looks great several days into it! I would love to do that for myself - LOL

Liddy - I really think I might have to splurge for the water park/park hopper tickets for our next trip... We have never had PH before either, but if we want to do a WP, it only makes sense to add the PH option, as well. Seeing as, most days - we left the parks in the early afternoon to go back to the resort... It really wouldn't matter which park we went back to in the evening. Something to seriously consider. Thanks for pounding out the #s for us.

D~

 

[sandym718]

Believe it or not... I am still here - just runnning behind.

I loved your BB updates - so much so, that I would love to go there for our next trip. Your pictures might have just persueded me! It looks like everyone had so much fun - and it looked like the perfect day to be there.

Now, remind me - your dd had her hair done at the salon in GF? I just love that you had it done at the beginning of your trip - and it still looks great several days into it! I would love to do that for myself - LOL

Liddy - I really think I might have to splurge for the water park/park hopper tickets for our next trip... We have never had PH before either, but if we want to do a WP, it only makes sense to add the PH option, as well. Seeing as, most days - we left the parks in the early afternoon to go back to the resort... It really wouldn't matter which park we went back to in the evening. Something to seriously consider. Thanks for pounding out the #s for us.

D~

BB is so worth it!!! When we went on our first 2 trips, in May, we went right at opening, and the first hour is GREAT. Then the crowds start to pick up. These last 2 trips, in March, though, we've ended up arriving in the afternoon. This time it was by design, last trip by circumstance. I'm sure in May - Sept, afternoon is probably nutty, but in March it's just fine. Only lines are for the really big slides and they're not that bad. Traveling in March requires more flexibility with the water parks for sure. We always pick a day that we "plan", but of course you have to watch the weather. This year it all went as planned - last year, it did not. cold and rainy, we had to delay until our last day. But a few hours here is really all you need so you can always do a park in the morning if you want, hit BB for the afternoon instead of the hotel pool and then another park at night. In that regard, the PH are SO nice to have, love that flexibility to go wherever we feel like in the evening regardless of where we've been in the morning. Especially once DD got sick, we would not have been able to take her to DHS for TSM (that's still coming up in the report). PH made it all possible, LOL.

RE: hair braiding. Yes, she had it done at the GF Salon (Ivy Trellis) on our arrival day. By the end of the week, it's always a little fuzzy, but still looks nice. I'll but a smoothing cream over the braids once they start getting fuzzy. She always keeps the braids in until we get home and she can wear them to school at least once.

I'm headed out now to do some shopping (wedding next weekend), but I do hope to finish this up later today!

 

[sandym718]

Day 8 - Friday, March 9th -- Last Full Day

Boo-hoo!! Our time in Disney was winding down. That icky feeling was just below the surface....it's almost time to go home, to face reality again.
But first we had to squeeze in a lot more fun!!

We really had no plans for today originally, other than our ADR. Left it open for favorites, etc.

Poor Tink was upset at not having done 3 things so far --Toy Story Mania, RnRC and Peter Pan. TSM, due to both lines (our first DHS day, we knew we wouldn't get on, not going in the AM) and due to her illness (our 2nd DHS day). RnRC she had opted out of after eating too much at Mama Melrose. And Peter Pan had long lines and inconvenient FP return times so far.

So Thursday night, we decided we'd go to DHS early so she could get on 2/3. Great plan, all 4 of us were excited about it. Until....morning actually came. Tink was super-tired and didn't want to get up. I felt bad, we were up fairly late the night before and she was still recouping. But I knew how bad she wanted to do TSM and this was really the last chance. OMG, both kids were SOOOO grumpy as we got ready and headed over there. We arrived before the turnstiles were open (they open them early now). Still Grumpy as we waited a few minutes, still Grumpy as we fast-walked to TSM. Still grumpy as we waited all of 5 minutes for the ride....and then, no more grumpy!!!!!!! Of course, she was ALL smiles then!! Especially when we said Sure, we can ride again!! Waited about 15 minutes that time. Then over to RnRC where the 3 of them rode it, Single Rider I think. Then we were done with DHS.

I honestly have not a clue what anyone else did this morning. Beast and PC I'm pretty sure stayed at CSR and packed up. I think all the others were in Epcot but not sure.

We got back to the Poly, did some packing and then the kids hit the pool. They were VERY disappointed that the Volcano slide was still not open. VERY. As was I. When we arrived, they said it would be open Sunday I think it was? Then the note in the room changed and it was Friday. Then still not open. One of their favorite things at the Poly and they werent' going to get to do it all. Anyways, so they swam in the quiet pool awhile. Found this beach ball lying around and played with it.

We had a late lunch ADR at LeCellier (for 11 of us, Beast and PC were trying Via Napoli, sad that Tutto was down for refurb for our trip). We showered up and headed over to Epcot, meeting everyone for lunch.

I'll leave the meal details to the dining report - but this was once again a delicious meal, but with poor service and took WAY too long. Large parties....

I have to say, the Canadian gardens is one of the most beautiful spots in Epcot!!

Eeyore and family:

During dinner, it was decision time....when were we starting the trip home. Grumpy and Eeyore were both always in favor of staying for a 1/2 day on Saturday. So was I (well, staying forever, but in reality...) Lotso was wavering, in the past we've always left very early and driven straight through home. Plus, Beast and PC has already decided to do that. But we (kids and I ) begged and pleaded and we won! We'd stay until around lunchtime, then start the drive, find a hotel for the night and finish the drive on Sunday!! Yipppeeee!!!!

So now what to do? We were undecided - do Epcot again tonight (open til midnight with EMH) and go to MK in the morning for one last time? Hmm...not sure. We rode Spaceship Earth one more time with Beast and PC and then decided to go back and swim again (kids choice) and make our decision.

So back at the Poly, we're just getting to the quiet pool when somehow, someone (don't remember) mentioned that the Volcano Slide was OPEN!!! WHAT??? Off the kids ran and sure enough...it was!! As you can see from this pic - it was already getting dark and was quite cool. So they got just a few rides in, but trust me, they were beaming from ear to ear!

So, decision time again, how to wrap up the night? Kids were begging to go to MK. So Lotso and I had a pow-wow. With the slide open, should we just hang at the resort in the AM and let them use it for a few hours? Some texts with Grumpy and Eeyore (who had stayed at Epcot for the night) and that was a YES! So should we go to Epcot or MK now? I didn't care. Kids wanted MK. Lotso didn't really want either. Neither did Beast or PC, they needed to be asleep early with their early departure time. So everyone got what they wanted - I took the kids to the MK alone and those 3 just hung out at the Poly, had a light, late dinner at Captain Cook's and relaxed.

Cool!! The kids were super excited! It was cool again, so we dressed and bundled up and the 3 of us were off. I have to say, this was the BEST night. Nothing against Lotso or anyone else, of course, but we just had the best time, the 3 of us. True Disney and MK-lovers. Kids were getting along well, just in the best mood. Brings tears to my eyes thinking about it, actually!! They both say this was the best part of the trip!! Hard to explain, so just take my word for it.

Of course, it was time to hit our favorites, this was our last chance.

OH, WAIT!!! I forgot something!!! This morning, Woody had a total change of heart - he decided he wanted to try Pin Trading!!! Pooh Bear had gotten a lanyard and pins on the very first day, but Woody didn't want to. WEll, last minute change and we got him a lanyard and starter set. Beast and PC bought him a couple pins this afternoon, too. He was having a blast trading them, and really, I think this is a great thing for him - he has to come out of his shell a bit and be brave to ask the CM's!! Tink has decided that next trip she'll be doing this as well!! I think we've moved on from autograph books to pin trading!

OK, back to our regularly scheduled programming...our favorites at MK. I'm not 100% clear on the order, but I know we did Pirates, Splash x2, Haunted Mansion, the Speedway, PeopleMover, Buzz (maybe 2x?). We had dinner at Casey's - yummy corndog nuggets!! We were lucky to stay dry on Splash. Still no luck with Peter Pan - line was just too long. I was willing to stand in it no matter what, for Tink, but both kids decided it wasn't worth it. I just can't emphasize what a great time we were having.

So we were in Tomorrowland, it was getting late, and Tink spots Monsters, Inc. Wait!! We haven't done that at ALL this trip! Of course we need to - this would be our last attraction. We were all quite tired, but so glad we did it. Tink got picked to be "Boo" and she was on the screen!!! I even got teased for touching her hair (braids) "Boo doesn't like that!", LOL!! It was great!! We were BEAT and it was time to go back. As we headed out, I asked the kids for a pic in front of the castle - they said yes. Unfortunately, Woody backed out at the last moment. I so wish he was in this pic of our last night, but it's still a good memory.

We took the big ferry back to the TTC - our first time ever.

Monorail was not running this late (probably 11:30 or so at this point?) and no way we wanted to do that little boat in the cold again. So ferry it was, that was really nice, lots of bugs though. Quick walk back to the Poly and we crashed.


One last morning in Disney coming up..

 

[sandym718]

Days 9 and 10, Saturday, March 10th and Sunday, March 11 - Departure
So this is it....the end of the road. We spent a last few hours in Disney on Saturday morning. By the time we woke up, Beast and PC were well on their way. The rest of us slept in a bit, finished packing and then headed to the Volcano Pool.

We spent the rest of the morning there, the kids (and one big kid, LOL) doing the slide over and over and the rest of us relaxing at poolside tables. it was gorgeous weather and we were just trying to soak every last bit in.

We dragged the kids out, got them changed and ate our last lunch poolside from Captain Cook's. Cashed out last snack credits to take a few things home. Eeyore and crew had a TON left. They were afraid to run out and PAID for a bunch of drinks along the way. They must have taken home 15 different snacks!!
Grumpy and family:

Eeyore and family:

So then we were on our way. Hillbillies heading back North We made it to somewhere in NC and stayed for the night at a VERY nice Courtyard. Didn't check in until 11:30 or so though and we were on the road by 7 again. That wasn't ANY fun. I was cranky at that point, why couldn't we sleep a little longer?? (I can't sleep in the car). Oh well. We all stayed together until West Virginia somewhere. It was after lunch...just after lunch and Pooh Bear had to stop for the bathroom. Lotso didn't want to stop, so we kept going. I think we made it home around 2:30 in the afternoon? Can't really remember, but I know it was early enough for Woody to hang out with friends..they called about 30 seconds after we walked in the door and he was out to the park for a bike ride.

Unfortunately, at about 2 am, HE woke up with the stomach bug...and didn't stop vomiting for a day and a half. Missed 2 MORE days of school - his one (cranky) teacher loved that. What can you do?? Luckily I work from home and didn't need to miss work, that would have been hard.

So, I know I'm not the best writer, but I hope you've enjoyed this report. I'd be happy to answer any questions - I'm pretty knowledgable about the Poly in particular now.

Oh, and it was decided on the way home and shortly after...we'll all be going back in March 2014!!! Departure day is set for Feb. 28, 2014, with arrival at Disney on March 1, 2014 - Tink's 10th Bday!! Only 612 days...

 

[oopsiDAISY]

Ahhh, how sad for your TR to end!! It was a great report. So glad Tink got to do TSM and RnR and VERY glad you all got to enjoy the Volcano slide before you left. Guess, I just have to wait another 2 years now for your 2014 PTR...

 

[sandym718]

Ahhh, how sad for your TR to end!! It was a great report. So glad Tink got to do TSM and RnR and VERY glad you all got to enjoy the Volcano slide before you left. Guess, I just have to wait another 2 years now for your 2014 PTR...

Thank you!! I'm sad too, 2014 is so far away