Hold my umbrella while I find your poncho! A May 2012 TR-- NEW-FINALLY! 1/17; pg. 29

[MHTeacher]

I finally got a chance to get caught up. I am with your daddy....being on the 21st floor of the building. But, the view that you had was gorgeous!

I'm so glad that your life is now complete because of the MK opening show! It's been years since I've been able to get my group up and about early enough to see it.

I hated to hear that you felt rushed at your Ohana breakfast. It's the pits when you really want to linger and enjoy your food and the wait staff is rushing you.

It is a great view, Lisa-you're right! I love being at the beach!

To tell you the truth, I'm not sure if I'll ever get my crew up that early again!

It was a bummer to be rushed during our 'Ohana breakfast, but I guess that's the way it works sometimes. We'll still go back, because it's one of our favorites.

 

[MHTeacher]

Wednesday, May 30-continued

When I left you, my big girls were sleeping, and I was running back and forth doing laundry. Kevin had some work to do, so he had gone out to sit at the pool so he could get some e-mails taken care of and watch Reid at the same time.

Swimming in the Poly pool is always fun!

The boys came in around 3, and the sleeping beauties woke up. The clean laundry was folded and put away. By a little after four, we were ready to head back to Magic Kingdom. We rode the monorail, and arrived by 4:30.

Here’s the shot I get every trip---my girls walking up Main Street toward the castle.

We had not ridden our favorite-Peter Pan-that morning, so we decided to head right to Fantasy Land and grab a fast pass. FL was a MADHOUSE that afternoon! We got our FPs for Peter Pan. Kevin pulled these, and I didn’t even pay any attention to the return time (They were for 8:50)---some foreshadowing here! We got surprise FPs for Mickey’s Philharmagic, so we walked right over there, and of course, really didn’t even need the FP. Why do they even give FPs for this attraction? I mean, I love it-don’t get me wrong. But it’s hardly ever necessary to use a fast pass here.

When we finished the show, we decided to walk over to the Haunted Mansion.

We did not go through the new part of the line-the cemetery-because the line was so much longer. We were inside in less than ten minutes, where as the cemetery route would have added on about 20 more minutes-It was packed with people. I kind of hate that we missed the new interactive stuff in the line, but we’ll get it during another trip.

When we finished, we were getting a little hungry, and we were near a place I’d been wanting to try-Columbia Harbor House! I asked my family if they were game to try it, and after walking in and looking at the menu-they decided they would give it a try. I think Reid and Rachel ate chicken nuggets, so no pictures of that. Kevin, Elizabeth, and I decided to split two entrees between the three of us. We ordered the fried shrimp and the fish plates.

YUM! I will definitely eat here again.

When we finished, it was around 6:30. We decided that we definitely needed to ride Snow White, because it was being closed the next day.

We waited in about a 20-minute line and said our good-byes.

These murals are so beautiful. I wonder what will become of them?

We paused for some castle pictures,

and then we crossed the park to Adventure Land, and enjoyed the Tiki birds in their original glory and not under their new management.

Pirates was right across the way, so it was the next ride.

We crossed back over to Tomorrow Land and enjoyed a ride back through the years on Carousel of Progress.

Remember the return time on the Peter Pan fast pass? I had realized that this was not going to work at all. I had booked the “Wishes” dessert party as a surprise for us at 9 that night. There would be no way we could ride PP, and still get over to the Tomorrow Land Terrace, get checked in, and get some of those chocolate covered strawberries before they all got eaten!

I told Kevin, and we decided we would try to give away our FPs. As we were walking from CoP, we were looking for a family of four or five. We finally found one, and Kevin gave them the passes. The kids and I were standing off to the side, and they asked about using our fast pass. One of them-can’t remember who-asked what their dad was doing. I thought “This is the perfect way to tell them about their surprise.” So, I told them that he was giving away our PP fast passes. Before I could explain anything else, they started in-“WHAT?” “WHY?” “BUT I WANT TO RIDE PETER PAN!” I told them that I had a surprise and to follow me. Unfortunately, they were not satisfied with my lack of an answer, and they griped and grumbled the entire walk over to the Tomorrow land Terrace.

Finally we got there and got into the check-in line. I explained what we were going to do. The grumbling stopped except for Reid. He didn’t understand and just kept fussing about not getting to ride Peter Pan. Finally the girls pulled him aside and explained to him that I had planned this as a fun surprise, and that he needed to stop being mad. They all got back in line, and apologized, and even thanked me for booking the party. It’s all worth it then, isn’t it?

UP NEXT: WISHES DESSERT PARTY

 

[SoonerGirl]

Oh my gosh, I love CHH, it's definitely my favorite CS in the MK!

I too wonder what they will do with all the murals from Snow White. It's really sad to think they might be destroyed and end up in a junk heap somewhere

Ha! I would have been mad at you for giving away my Peter Pan FPs too, but of course all would have been forgiven with that first chocolate covered strawberry and some creme brulee

 

[PixieMama]

Good that you got to ride SWSA before it closed. I never thought about the murals, but you're right... wonder what they'll do with them?

My girls would've had the same reaction about not getting to ride PP! I think about surprising them with a trip to WDW, but I just know I would not get the reaction I want, LOL!

Can't wait to hear what you thought about the Dessert Party!

 

[KatMark]

I love the picture every year of your two daughters walking towards the castle.

Hooray for Columbia Harbor House; Mark and I usually eat there once a trip and I always have the fried shrimp. Yummy in my tummy.

I'm so mad Mary and I didn't get to ride Snow White with the girls in January as I knew it would be our last opportunity. But the lines were insane.

You got a lot of attractions in before heading over to the surprise you had for everyone. I'm glad the girls explained to Reid and then everyone was fine. I can't wait to hear about the dessert party.

 

[MickeyisBeast]

So glad you liked CHH- love it there!

Yay for riding Snow White one last time! I rode it back in January for the last time, since of course it closed before we got to go back again. That's an interesting thought, I also wonder what they're going to do with the murals

Oh a Peter Pan fiasco, the same thing would happen in my family! I'm excited to read about the Dessert Party, I'm always so jealous when we walk by the terrace and see all the yummy desserts

 

[wakica]

We mae a point of riding Snow White too. It's sad that it's going buh bye but it's good that they are making room for newer things. I'm definitely glad we got one last ride on it though.

So happy to hear the girls understood how you made an effort to plan something special and I'm glad they were kind enough to pull the younger one aside to remind him of this too It DEFINITELY shows you did a good job raising them that they will put aside their disapointment and remember to look at the whole picture. GREAT mommy moment for sure!!!

 

[MeMom]

UP NEXT: WISHES DESSERT PARTY

And then we shall see just how many chocolate-covered strawberries it does take to offset not riding Peter Pan.

Nice gift for the unsuspecting family that got to ride with no wait. It's always fun to brighten someone's day with unexpected Fastpasses.

 

[Charleston Princess]

Lovely evening at the MK! Glad you enjoyed your dinner at CHH. We like eating there, too!

Ugh, your kids griping about giving away the FPs sound like my two. I could totally see that happening. So happy they changed their tune and thanked you!

I hope those murals are put in the archives and not just destroyed. I will miss Snow White's Scary Adventures.

 

[MHTeacher]

I too wonder what they will do with all the murals from Snow White. It's really sad to think they might be destroyed and end up in a junk heap somewhere

Ha! I would have been mad at you for giving away my Peter Pan FPs too, but of course all would have been forgiven with that first chocolate covered strawberry and some creme brulee

Oh, I sure hope they're not destroyed or in some junk heap in a warehouse!

I think all was forgiven and forgotten when they saw the dessert tables!

My girls would've had the same reaction about not getting to ride PP! I think about surprising them with a trip to WDW, but I just know I would not get the reaction I want, LOL!

Can't wait to hear what you thought about the Dessert Party!

I've wondered about a surprise trip too. My luck, they'd fuss because they already had plans!

You've done the dessert party, haven't you Shannon? I think it was your pictures I looked at? I looked at so many-it's hard to remember!

I love the picture every year of your two daughters walking towards the castle.
.

I love those pictures, too, Kathy! It's always so fun to see how they've changed. Elizabeth was just seven on her first visit to Disney World. Now she's about to be moving to campus to begin college in less than four weeks!

 

[MHTeacher]

So glad you liked CHH- love it there!

Yay for riding Snow White one last time! I rode it back in January for the last time, since of course it closed before we got to go back again. That's an interesting thought, I also wonder what they're going to do with the murals

Oh a Peter Pan fiasco, the same thing would happen in my family! I'm excited to read about the Dessert Party, I'm always so jealous when we walk by the terrace and see all the yummy desserts

We loved CHH, Sarah! It will definitely make my return list!

I took a few pictures of the desserts, but not as many as I thought I would. I guess I was too busy eating!

So happy to hear the girls understood how you made an effort to plan something special and I'm glad they were kind enough to pull the younger one aside to remind him of this too It DEFINITELY shows you did a good job raising them that they will put aside their disapointment and remember to look at the whole picture. GREAT mommy moment for sure!!!

The girls are old enough and more mature to understand the surprise. I tried not to take it too personally with Reid getting upset, since he's just nine.

Thanks, Kim! I can't take all the credit. I have a wonderful husband/father and I'm blessed with good kids.

And then we shall see just how many chocolate-covered strawberries it does take to offset not riding Peter Pan.

Oh, I'm slightly embarrassed to tell you how many chocolate covered strawberries I consumed during the evening.......

Ugh, your kids griping about giving away the FPs sound like my two. I could totally see that happening. So happy they changed their tune and thanked you!

I hope those murals are put in the archives and not just destroyed. I will miss Snow White's Scary Adventures.

I kept thinking, that's what I get for trying to plan a surprise! Thankfully, everyone got back into their happy pants once they saw the dessert table!

I'm going to miss SWSA too. It's not that it was my favorite ride, but it was a classic. I remember riding it during trips as a kid with my parents.

Jackie-I just have to tell you that I've gotten reassigned this year at school. Instead of math, I've been changed to Language Arts for grades 6-8!

 

[CatNipRules]

I'm really going to miss Snow White. It was the first ride that we went on with my son when he was 3. It was always our first ride at MK.

I know that it isn't funny, but their reaction to not riding PP was priceless. LOL!!

We are on the fence about the Wishes Dessert Party. We are trying to decide whether or not to do it.

Can't wait to see the pictures from it. Maybe that will help me make up our minds. LOL!!

 

[MEK]

How great that your surprised the kids with the Dessert party! That's awesome! Too bad you missed Peter Pan, but at least some other family got to take advantage of your generosity.

Great pictures of the Poly pool slide, the 3 kids together and the 4 of you.

I must admit - that fried shrimp looks pretty yummy.

I skipped the HM interactive queue as well this summer. Next time!

 

[mickeystoontown]

You were able to do quite a few things before it was time for "the big reveal". Oh and I often wonder why they give out the Philarmagic Fastpasses too.

The girls were sweet to take Reid aside and explain to him how important this surprise was to you. I'm betting that he was as happy as a clam once he saw all the desserts!

 

[natebenma]

Fantastic pictures of Reid at the pool! I also love the traditional picture of the two girls walking towards the castle.

I totally approve of your CHH dinner!

You got in a great assortment of rides before the dessert party.

Somebody TOTALLY scored with your Peter Pan FP! Whenever someone new to Disney asks me for advice, DO NOT WAIT IN THE PP STAND-BY LINE is near the top of the list.

The queue is hot.

The queue is BORING.

The wait-time sign LIES!

Chocolate can go a long way in curing temporary disappointment in my book!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Jackie-I just have to tell you that I've gotten reassigned this year at school. Instead of math, I've been changed to Language Arts for grades 6-8!

Oh my goodness, Michelle!!! Is this something you requested or is it one of those, "You're certified, and we really need you in that spot?" I have been reassigned this year as well -- instead of teaching 6-8 gifted reading, they are putting me back on an 8th-grade team -- two classes of gifted reading and three regular reading. I am not terribly pleased, but I like my teammates -- I have taught with them before. I am trying to think positive. We lost so many faculty to cuts this year that I was expecting the move.

 

[Queenofallthings]

CHH is definitely one of our fav's on property! I can't wait to hear what you thought about the Wishes Dessert Party!

 

[MHTeacher]

We are on the fence about the Wishes Dessert Party. We are trying to decide whether or not to do it.

Can't wait to see the pictures from it. Maybe that will help me make up our minds. LOL!!

We enjoyed it simply for the reason of having my fireworks spot taken care of, and not having to jostle around the castle elbowing for position!

How great that your surprised the kids with the Dessert party! That's awesome! Too bad you missed Peter Pan, but at least some other family got to take advantage of your generosity.

Great pictures of the Poly pool slide, the 3 kids together and the 4 of you.

I must admit - that fried shrimp looks pretty yummy.

I skipped the HM interactive queue as well this summer. Next time!

Peter Pan was ridden later in the week-It was just hard to get that through to a nine year old right then!

Fried shrimp was yummy!

You were able to do quite a few things before it was time for "the big reveal". Oh and I often wonder why they give out the Philarmagic Fastpasses too.

The girls were sweet to take Reid aside and explain to him how important this surprise was to you. I'm betting that he was as happy as a clam once he saw all the desserts!

Those girls can be sweet when they want to! Everyone was pretty excited to eat the desserts and have a new experience!

Somebody TOTALLY scored with your Peter Pan FP! Whenever someone new to Disney asks me for advice, DO NOT WAIT IN THE PP STAND-BY LINE is near the top of the list.

The queue is hot.

The queue is BORING.

The wait-time sign LIES!

Chocolate can go a long way in curing temporary disappointment in my book!

I completely agree, Dee! I don't think I've ever stood in the stand-by line for PP!

Chocolate cures many a disappointment!

 

[MHTeacher]

Oh my goodness, Michelle!!! Is this something you requested or is it one of those, "You're certified, and we really need you in that spot?" I have been reassigned this year as well -- instead of teaching 6-8 gifted reading, they are putting me back on an 8th-grade team -- two classes of gifted reading and three regular reading. I am not terribly pleased, but I like my teammates -- I have taught with them before. I am trying to think positive. We lost so many faculty to cuts this year that I was expecting the move.

Not anything I requested. When I left for Disney, the plan was to self-contain sixth grade, and I would teach 7th and 8th math, and 7th english. When I got back, change of plans. Apparently a football coach was hired who happens to be certified in math. Since I have both certifications, math and language arts, I got the move.

I'm sure it will be fine-I have never taught 7/8 language, so I feel as if I'm starting over!

I can't wait to hear what you thought about the Wishes Dessert Party!

I promise not to make you wait too much longer!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Not anything I requested. When I left for Disney, the plan was to self-contain sixth grade, and I would teach 7th and 8th math, and 7th english. When I got back, change of plans. Apparently a football coach was hired who happens to be certified in math. Since I have both certifications, math and language arts, I got the move.

I'm sure it will be fine-I have never taught 7/8 language, so I feel as if I'm starting over!

Ugh, that stinks.

Is Alabama going to the Common Core this year? If so, everyone will feel like they are starting over.