Hopping a Plane Alone with a Toddler...yes, I'm crazy (Jan. '13 TR)

[coneygoil]

Great update! Can you believe we've never stopped to listen to Off Kilter?!?! We always seem to be in a hurry to get somewhere but I'll have to stop and listen when we return in October!

Do stop on your next trip! They're awesome and fun to watch!

Wow if that was from your I phone I think my camera might stay home next trip. My DH has to see that show multiply times during our trip, I like it but not as much as him.

I have the iPhone 4S. We got the 4S specifically for the camera and extra memory space. I am very pleased with it. I do have a fairly expensive Nikon, but the iPhone is on me almost constantly so I've been able to capture all these wonderful moments of Cady wherever we are!

 

[Goofy442]

Love the umbrella, I bet you got lots of looks with her walking with it. Those are the memories you remember. My kids remember the funniest things on our trips.

 

[coneygoil]

We got to the bus stop at Epcot at exactly 7 o'clock and arrived around 7:45. I was so happy! I wanted to be back at the room by 8 o'clock to watch a new episode of my favorite show, Once Upon a Time. The ep was about my two favorite characters, Belle and Rumpelstiltskin aka Beauty and the Beast of the show. I really enjoy the Disney movie parallels the writers weave into the show. So much fun to watch for them!

We watched Once (and it was probably my favorite ep of the season!) then I tried getting Cady to go back to sleep since she'd woke up when we got on the bus. She was wired. I finally gave up trying and just set her in the pack'n'play and let her fuss until she went to sleep.

I was hungry, so I left Cady with Alicia to get some food. I got a cup of veggie soup and went back to the room. Only the tv was on (on mute too because Cady had finally went to sleep!), so I had no clue what I was eating but it tasted good

I didn't want the evening to end, so I went for a walk and thought it'd be a good idea to check out Art of Animation for the first time. I took a ton of pictures!

A hidden Mickey!

I started back to Pop from TLM section. That was the LONGEST walk ever. I wasn't too impressed with AoA. Every section save for TLM was kind of barren and flat to me. The Cars section was cute, but we didn't get to walk through it until the April trip this year.

Back to Pop I went...

Besides the marathon traffic, it was a great day!!! We were off to the Magic Kingdom in the morning

 

[Goofy442]

Love the theme of AOA but didn't like the buildings, it felt like a college dorm room.

 

[coneygoil]

Our 2nd day at Disney and we were headed to Magic Kingdom to check out the New Fantasyland!

Alicia and Cady were still oblivious of the world, so I went to get some breakfast and do my favorite thing...sit by the pool to eat it! A bird friend wanted to join me.

I always get cheese danish every morning while at Disney. It's the best danish I've ever had, so it's a bit of an addiction while there

Can't remember if my crew was up yet when I got back to the room, but we got out kind of late and made it to MK about 10.

The very first thing we did was get in line for Mickey. It seemed like the line wasn't too long, but it took way longer than we figured. Cady got really anxious and I think it's was then when we decided to never get in a long line for the rest of the day!

Uncle Scrooge's money! Shhh, don't let the Beagle Boys know!

We had the same luck as the day before with Cady. She was shy with Mickey, but didn't cry.

We purchased a Mickey plush in the dump shop to go along with Cady's Oswald. Cady had to play with some of the toys while there, so I had to do some clean up

By the time we got out of there, my crew and me were hungry. Another must-have food at Disney is the clam crowder from Columbia Harbour House. Yep, that's where we went!

Had a photopass pic on Main Street.

Then we stopped at a photopass person. I didn't buy a photopass cd this time, but we thought what the heck and get the photographer to take our pic anyways. This was the result. What a horrible group pic! At least the one one Main Street came out better.

There was absolutely no one in line, just the way I like it A CM saw Cady's birthday pin and gathered all the other CMs to sing her Happy Birthday and gave her a Mickey straw! What a magical moment it was

*DROOLS*

Alicia got the chicken nuggets (another yummy food) and shared with Cady.

After we were done eating (it was a very pleasant meal, some times you just don't get those at Disney), we were headed to New Fantasyland!

 

[Goofy442]

I love sitting out on the balcony early in the morning it's so quiet. That was nice of the CM to give her that straw.

 

[coneygoil]

Off we went to check out New Fantasyland...

It's Rapunzel's tower! This section was open when we went back in April, but I didn't get to explore and take pics. Boooo.

It was so darn crowded! I didn't expect January to be crowded, but I guess anything new at Disney draws a lot of people any time of the year. We tried to get pictures in front of Gaston's statue, but there were people all around it.

We didn't even try to go into the tavern. It was shoulder to shoulder people. The Be Our Guest restaurant had a crazy long line, so we skipped going in there as well. We checked out the Beauty and the Beast shop.

Cady liked this tea cart so much and wanted to push it around, but I didn't want her to run into any people. It broke my heart to tell her no, because she was so cute pushing it and she just didn't understand why she couldn't play with it

Cady had more luck playing with the toys in the back of the shop. She put the Cinderella/Belle doll to sleep on a pillow and that's always so adorable! Alicia and I were kinda freaked out by the doll though. It has a head for feet!

We checked out Eric's castle, which is absolutely beautiful!

The line for the Mermaid ride was 80 minutes Yeah, we weren't standing in that. It was a chore getting to the fastpass section for it, but we got our FPs for a little after 3 o'clock. We had a good while to wait! What to do...what to do...

 

[Goofy442]

When we were there in February it was wall to wall people. Next time your going to Disney try Gaston's Tavern, there was a long line, but I sent my DH to find a table and I got the goodies. We got Lefou’s Brew and a cinnamon buns, it was all good. Cady was so cute playing with the tea cart.

 

[coneygoil]

When we were there in February it was wall to wall people. Next time your going to Disney try Gaston's Tavern, there was a long line, but I sent my DH to find a table and I got the goodies. We got Lefou’s Brew and a cinnamon buns, it was all good. Cady was so cute playing with the tea cart.

We got to go in it on the April trip this year and take pics in Gaston's chair, but we didn't get anything from the counter. I'm determined to get something next trip! I really want a mug. If that cart wouldn't of been $40 I'd gotten it for her. I know it would of stayed a hit at least for a few months!

 

[coneygoil]

Before I go on with the TR, I have an announcement. We're expecting another baby in December (a surprise baby ), and yesterday we found out what it is!

IT'S ANOTHER GIRL!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My DH and I were both expecting a boy (we had a name ready to go), but as long as the baby is healthy, I don't care what it is! And all those Disney princess costumes I have for Cady (among the heap of baby clothes I saved) will get another use. We're excited and looking forward to our new baby girl

Anyroad, back to the TR!

Left off at the Mermaid ride FP station. Why in the world is it so dang far? You have to walk clear across Fantasyland to check if the line is too long. Oh well. Since the carousel was right there, we went on that!

Don't worry, Alicia was holding Cady from behind!

According to the pics, we headed over the the circus area to get a look around. The splashpad was pretty cool, but Cady was scared of it. I think it was far too noisy.

Since my fish of a child didn't want to play in water, we headed to Tomorrowland. The line for Dumbo was way way way too long and I'm not sure why we didn't ride the Teacups. That's always a must! At the splashpad we had changed Cady's clothes for her to play in the water. Since she didn't play, I tried changing her back but she refused to get out of the long-sleeved shirt! As long as she was comfortable, I guess it was okay.

We stopped by the mister in Tomorrowland and got wet there instead!

Also rode the Wedway...I mean, TTA.

I was hoping to meet Buzz Lightyear or at least ride the ride. Neither happened. Since Cady was scared of characters, it wasn't a good idea and the ride line was 20 minutes and we had sworn off lines no longer than 10. We proceeded to Adventureland to ride Pirates!

Along the way we ran into Push. What great interaction we got!

At first, we just watched. I knew if we stayed long enough Push would talk to us. Sure enough, he did! Push asked if Cady was related to Cruella DeVil because of the Dalmatian stroller. We spotted the guy who voices Push in the crowd. He was kind of obvious standing right behind the people Push was talking to!

After that, we were off to Adventureland!

Here's a pic I missed from the last post. It cracks me because Cady wanted to jump in so bad and I had to hold her back

 

[saintstickets]

Congratulations on the upcoming addition to the family!! If Cady is like our oldest, when the new baby came along, they were a big "help"!

I really like your TR. Keep it coming!

 

[Goofy442]

Congratulation's on your new daughter !!! For as many times as we have been to MK we have not seen the talking trash can. We will be on the lookout for it.

 

[coneygoil]

Off we went to Adventureland! Cady loves pirates of any kind. She was a pirate for Halloween and even had a pirate 2nd birthday party. So, we thought she'd love to ride POTC. Wrong!

She didn't cry, thank goodness, but she was scared and buried her face in my side like an ostrich. I decided for the next trip in April that she wouldn't ride POTC.

I had wanted a dole whip float, but I was so thirsty because of the heat (it's January, it shouldn't be HOT!), I just wanted ice cold water. Alicia was craving a chocolate shake. She loves the shakes in Fantasyland. Since our TLM ride FPs were due, we headed there.

Alicia got her shake and we also got 3 ice cold waters and yes, that was the best water ever! We sat down in a shaded area at the entrance to the new part of Fantasyland and had a pleasant people watching moment as we drank down the yummy cold!

Now that we were cooled off, we headed to TLM ride.

The queue was very nice and the inside felt so good. Cool air! We hopped a clam shell and went under the sea!

It was a cute ride. I would never stand no more than 20 minutes in line to ride it though. Cady liked it a lot.

Even though it was only 4 o'clock, we were awfully tired and decided to leave. Cady hadn't had a nap all day, so she just wasn't very enthusiastic about anything.

The sun was in her eyes on the bus, so Alicia gave her her sunglasses.

When we got back to Pop we had to go to the desk for something. I seriously can't remember why, but Cady went to play in the tv area and of course she sudden regained her energy.

We had to pry her away from this area to go back to the room!

Next up...an evening well spent at Pop.

 

[coneygoil]

Headed back to the room, I caught this pic. Cady wanted the giant Mickey so bad!

We chilled in the room for a little while. Cady did not take a nap. Oh well, we weren't going back to the parks so I guess it was okay. We ventured off to get something to eat. The salmon meal is so delicious! No one makes salmon like Disney! Sadly, on the April trip I couldn't get it because you shouldn't eat salmon during pregnancy...at least that's what I've read online.

Alicia got the kid's elbow noodles and I got Cady french fries. It worked out that Alicia almost always got kid's meals because she'd give Cady the drink and the apple slices or cookie that came with it. Cady also ate the green beans off my plate. She loves green beans!

We went to the arcade afterwards and spent a good while there, and only spending like $3! Alicia played the Star Wars.

There wasn't much Cady could do. She rode this thing.

Then played this Popcorn game where you catch white balls in a popcorn bucket. It was only 5 points so we played it several times and got enough tickets to let her pick out a prize.

Cady wanted to go in the pool, but I didn't so I thought to bring her to the baby pool. She also didn't have her swimsuit (because it's January and not supposed to be warm enough!). I left her in her clothes.

I thought the water could be a little chilly, but when I stepped in, it was freezing! Cady didn't seem to care at all. I immediately started worry that she would get hypothermia and go into shock and all that mom worry.

She's getting a little cold here, but still didn't want out.

After about 5 minutes or so I noticed Cady's teeth were chatter and declared it was time to get out. I stripped her of the wet clothes and carried her back to the room wrapped in a towel. That was the hardest walk I've ever had!

I got Cady warmed up in a nice warm bath and her jammies and we all settled down for our last night at Disney. We had no plans for the next day, but it was a Disney filled half day!

 

[Goofy442]

We love Dole whip as well, when we go to the Polynesian Resort we go to the food court and buy the Dole whip and have a competition on who can make the tallest cone. If you get one two people can share it, it's self serve. Love the pictures of Fantasyland.

 

[coneygoil]

Our last day at Disney came all too quickly Cady and I were up pretty early, leaving Alicia to sleep. We headed to the food court to get some breakfast.

This pic cracks me up. Cady's displaying her arcade prize..in her mouth.

Cady had a danish of her own, but took one bite. That's kids for you.

Afterwards, we walked around taking pics.

Little girl, big rabbit!

This is one of my favorite pics ever. Cady is reaching for the star(s)!

She insisted on walking in the wet grass.

I promised Cady we'd go to the playground, but when we got there, the clean-up CM was about to blow all the trash away for the day. He was nice enough to let us play for a few minutes!

 

[coneygoil]

Alicia was awake and ready when we got back to the room. Cady somehow made it outside again this time with her new umbrella.

Two little girls were looking out their window and Cady had to say hi.

Then they came out and gave Cady a hug! So cute

We started to bring everything to the car. Cady had to play with her baby doll for a moment.

Our room number!

Goodbye room!

We made one more stop at the food court to refill our mugs and we were off to Art of Animation.

 

[Goofy442]

Cady looked so cute in her dress. It is always sad when it's your last day at Disney. Then you get home and start planning your next trip and that's what keeps the days from dragging.

 

[coneygoil]

We drove over to AoA. This would be Alicia and Cady's first time seeing it and my first time in the day time.

We thought the front was nice.

I'd seen pics of the lobby and thought the lights behind check out were extremely bright. They were still very bright in person too! The lobby looked way smaller and flatter than Pop, though it may have just been an optical illusion because it's decorated differently.

Cady was fascinated by the tiles.

Timon is one of my faves!

Cady had to climb the giant ottomans.

This pic was taken right before Cady had an accident. Anyone see where this is going? Little kid on a piece of furniture with a hard floor underneath?

Cady started jumping and I was right there waiting to catch her, but it seems when you're expecting something to happen, you're reflexes are slower to react. Cady tripped on her dress and went SPLAT forehead first on the tiled floor. I literally heard the SPLAT too.

Cady is crying hard. I'm freaking out thinking she's gonna have a concussion or something horrible. Alicia, who is in the medical field, examined her and tried to get Cady calm. She didn't have a knot or bruise on her forehead (Cady has a hard head ). I ran to the car to get her pacifier because she was crying so hard and we were drawing a lot of stares. By the time I got back, she'd calmed down though. Between the freezing water she swam in the night before and the fall onto her head, I was a bit paranoid for a while. I thought I knew what worry was before having a child, but you don't know REAL worry until you've had a kid!!!

 

[coneygoil]

We moved on from the lobby to take a look at the shop. I didn't get any pics in there. A CM gave Cady some stickers. We didn't see anything we wanted, so we left to explore the Lion King secton.

I had to touch the blue butt!!!

Cady clutching her stickers.

Hey, there's Scar!

I think we didn't feel like making the trek to TLM section, so we headed back to the front and walked through the food court.

Once again, we weren't very impressed. The food didn't look all that good and I heard that it isn't. AoA was okay, but I wouldn't want to stay there.
Pop is just more appealing in all aspects.

After that we were off to DTD!