It's August! It's HOT! It Rains! Wait, Where's Mikey?

[tazdev3225]

That hotel sounds like the remade we stayed at in 2010, yuck but we were ready to crash.

Yep after 17+ hours in the car I just wanted to go to bed.

 

[jmskinner]

Sorry the hotel was so bad. To be out of towels like that is crazy. Guess everyone that got to the hotel early used the pool and then used extra towels.

My husband won't stay at a Red Roof, or anything less than about $80. And then he wonders where all of the money went.

Sure hope you have better luck on your next trip.

 

[tazdev3225]

Sorry the hotel was so bad. To be out of towels like that is crazy. Guess everyone that got to the hotel early used the pool and then used extra towels.

My husband won't stay at a Red Roof, or anything less than about $80. And then he wonders where all of the money went.

Sure hope you have better luck on your next trip.

I don't think the pool was the problem. From what the desk clerk said they only put 2 towels in the room and don't keep extras around.

I tried to be economical about the off-site room since I knew we were getting there late and only spending that night there. The regular price for the Red Roof was about $80, I'm glad I didn't spend that much.

Next trip will be back to the Quality Inn chain.

 

[tazdev3225]

DAY - We head to Disney

I was up at 7 AM. This is a theme that will be repeated throughout the trip. I showered and got Jim up. I then headed down to the lobby to try and get more towels and to get something to eat. I had OJ, a cheese danish and coffee. No towels were to be had but the food was good. I grabbed some OJ and a muffin for Jim and headed back to the room. While Jen showered the girls I got Mikey showered. Not easy as he is afraid of showers, He did really well and couldn't wait to tell his mom and dad.

The kids up and ready I took them down to get something to eat. Mikey ran ahead and disappeared. Thankfully he did not take the elevator. The girls had fruit loops and milk, Mikey had fruit loops, a bagel and milk, I had another coffee and a lemon danish.

While we ate the truck was repacked so we were ready to go when we got back to the room. Mikey ran ahead and this time we almost lost him to the elevator. Jay got in my van and the 3 little ones went in the truck so my daughter could see their reaction aas we drve up to Disney. We were on our way by about 8:45 AM. Stopped at the Hess on 535 to get gas.

Gas $3.49 gallon, miles traveled 361 (a total of 1032.8) cost of gas $65.

We are getting close

Jay is thrilled

Then we see

Never noticed Donald before

The kids reaction

Jay promised me this when he makes the Big Leagues, He's a good ball player but I'm not holding my breath

Finally we have arrived to our home for the next 6 nights without getting lost. Last year Jim listened to the crazy GPS and we went to Saratoga Springs first. Where are we? All Star Movies but did I get my request. I shall soon find out.

Jen and the kids entering the lobby

We actually arrived at the resort around 9:15 AM. A little late but not bad. We got into line for check-in, the regular line as I wanted to make sure I could get my 2 requests. The wait was short and soon we were being helped. Request one was granted we had connecting rooms but, in Dalmations and they weren't ready. I asked the CM if there was any way we could get the Toy Story building. He made a phone call and we had Toy Story, but the rooms weren't ready. The 1st time in 12 trips. Not a huge problem. Jim, Jay and Mike decided to stay at the resort and wait. I picked up my ECV and we got a few things from the vehicles we would need. We had to be in MK for 10:30 reservations for BBB for the girls and it was getting late. We rushed over to the bus stop and luck was on our side. A MK bus came fairly quickly. We were on the bus at 10:20 AM

I was a little worried would we have a problem once we got there.

Bippidi Boppity Boutique is up next.

 

[tazdev3225]

DAY 2 continues with BBB

So we were on the bus and I was looking at my watch every 10 seconds. I don't know if I thought time would travel faster that way. We got to the MK about 10:30. Not too bad but we had to get through the gates and the crowds. Bag check wasn't that bad. We got through the entrance gate and hit a wall of humanity. Jen had the girls, I had Mikey and I said, "Head to the castle and don't stop!" We battled through the crowds and some show on Main Street and we were there. Not how I envisioned the kids seeing the Castle for the first time.

We found the BBB and hit a line. There were a couple of families trying to get in without reservations. They just couldn't get that you can't just walk up and get in.
I finally got the CM's attention and told her we were late for our appointment. Not a problem. We parked the coach and scooter and went in. While waiting theere were some visitors

Soon they called Ella and Crystal

Ella was Cinderella and Crystal was Belle

They got the full package with dress and pictures. Crystal's Fairy Godmother in Training came to get her

Mikey sat and waited

Then Ella's Fairy Godmother in Training came and got her

Ella picked her hairstyle, the same as Crystals

I loved the way her hair had so much gel that it stuck straight out

nail polish

make-up

more hair spray

And Crystal is transformed into Belle

Ella has become Cinderella

I have to say that when this was first discussed I was really against it. I had many arguments. It's a waste of time, waste of money, it's hot that will be torture on them. I didn't pay for it and Jen didn't pay for it. Their aunt gave the kids $500 for this and Mikey to do the pirate league. It was an incredible amount of time that could have been spent on rides or shows . When I saw how beautiful my girls were and how happy they were I was really glad they did it.

Up next Mikey becomes a Pirate.

 

[Lesprivate]

GPS on Disney property just doesn't work. The girls did look beautiful even in the heat.

 

[jmskinner]

I know your fear of losing a boy to the elevator. My son did that once and he got off on the wrong floor. My Mom found him kicking on a door he thought was his. Either no one was in there, or they were scared to open the door.

The girls look beautiful! That was very nice of their Aunt. I'd want to do it at least once. Tried to get my son to do the Pirates league for MNSSHP once, but he wouldn't do it. He wanted to be some monster or something.

 

[tazdev3225]

GPS on Disney property just doesn't work. The girls did look beautiful even in the heat.

My GPS doesn't work in most places. It once told me to make a u-turn on I 95.

I couldn't believe what a transformation it was. Ella wilted by the end of the day. Crystal could have kept hers in for a few days but I think the gel was getting itchy by the end of the second day.

I know your fear of losing a boy to the elevator. My son did that once and he got off on the wrong floor. My Mom found him kicking on a door he thought was his. Either no one was in there, or they were scared to open the door.

The girls look beautiful! That was very nice of their Aunt. I'd want to do it at least once. Tried to get my son to do the Pirates league for MNSSHP once, but he wouldn't do it. He wanted to be some monster or something.

Mikey loves elevators and pushing buttons. He got on an elevator at the hospital one time and the doors closed. Thankfully he couldn't reach the buttons for the floors and was still there,

Thank you. It was very generous of their aunt. Mikey wasn't to sure about the Pirate League til I found out about the Jake package.

 

[PrincessAlways]

Wow.....what a treat for the girls!!! They look beautiful & they certainly enjoyed it!!!

 

[tazdev3225]

Wow.....what a treat for the girls!!! They look beautiful & they certainly enjoyed it!!!

It really was a treat for the girls. Thanks they are always beautiful in my eyes but the transformation was WOW!!! I was really happy for Crystal. She gets bullied for some reason and has self esteem issues. This really gave her a huge boost especially all of the CM's calling her Princess.

 

[tazdev3225]

DAY 2 continues

After the girls were done with their transformation they had to go to the shop across the way for their photo session. I had Jennifer do that and took Mikey with me to upgrade my photopass. I pre-ordered the CD and found out to late that I could have upgraded to Photopass plus. On the way I got Mikey to pose

He almost looked like he was having a conversation with Goofy. We found the correct shop and I told the CM behind the counter what I wanted to do. They needed some help but fairly quickly I had the photopass plus lanyard. We then hurried back to meet up with Jennifer and the girls. I missed the photo shoot sadly.

They were in line for the Fairy Godmother. I couldn't hear what she said to them but I know the girls were very happy.

I got them to pose by Cinderella's fountain

Still haven't gotten that crown centered the right way. Then we were off to Adventureland. We had an appointment with the Pirate League for Mikey. Again a generous gift from his aunt. While I signed him in Jen took the kids to see Pirate Goofy. She just forgot to include the kids in the picture

While we waited Ella was being silly

Mikey patiently waited

Then it was time to take his pirates oath

He got his tattoo

Then it was time to start the transformation

And we have Jake

Waiting to go into the Secret Chamber

While Jen took Mikey in there I called Jim to see how things were going at the resort. They were still waiting for the rooms but were having a blast. They were playing in the arcade. We decided that they would grab something to eat there an we would take the girls to get something to eat at MK. It was now around 2 PM and we were all hungry. Jim and Jay shared chicken tenders and french fries, they got the chocolate cake and took it to the room. Jim got his resort mug and Jay got a bottle of coke. I believe Mike had the same thing.

We went to one of my favorites - Pecos Bill's. Mikey and I grabbed a table while Jen took the girls inside to get their food. It wasn't overly crowded and though it was hot out we were in the shade and opted to stay outside. We all got burgers and fries. I got carrot cake and Jen got chocolate cake. Mikey got fries and a cookie. The girls got fries and grapes. The fries were fine but Ella will not eat fruit. I usually force a piece in her mouth and won't let her have anything til she eats it. We have her up to 1 grape now. We got cheese for the fries and I had the fixings bar. It is one of the reasons I love this place.

The menu

Kids meal

My burger - with mushrooms, onions and tomatoes.

Dessert

Review - I love Pecos Bill. It's fries and burgers so basic food. I think the big draw for me is the fixings bar. I love grilled onions and mushrooms on a burger.

The fries aren't thick so they are OK.

The dessert - it was horrible. I think it was old. The cake was very dry and the icing was grainy and way to sweet.

It was about 2:45 and we were in the perfect spot to see the parade so we decided that would be our next attraction for the day. Then it rained. Ella enjoyed the rain

I went to get ponchos for everyone. They were $8.50 each.

Up next - Did we see the parade? Did the men ever catch up to us?

 

[Lesprivate]

We ate lunch at the taco place next to Pecos Bill, which is never open so the minute Emily saw that it was open she wanted to eat there. We have the opposite problem with Andrew all he wants to eat are grapes nothing else only fruit and yogurt, that is why he is so skinny, too scrawny.

 

[tazdev3225]

We ate lunch at the taco place next to Pecos Bill, which is never open so the minute Emily saw that it was open she wanted to eat there. We have the opposite problem with Andrew all he wants to eat are grapes nothing else only fruit and yogurt, that is why he is so skinny, too scrawny.

I wanted to try that place but the kids aren't fond of tacos. Crystal wanted the grapes and yogurt with most meals and unfortunately she has a slight weight problem so I was happy she opted for the healthy snacks. She loves fruit and yogurt. My youngest grandson will choose fruit over cakes and cookies. He's like Andrew, skinny but so's his dad. Mikey is like Ella, not fond of the fruit.

 

[PrincessAlways]

Love the pic with Fairy Godmother!
Woohoo for the new pirate!!! He looks happy with the transformation! I guess it can be hard being a boy between 2 princesses.
Sorry to hear your cake wasn't good......don't you hate when it looks so good & tastes so bad!!

 

[tazdev3225]

Love the pic with Fairy Godmother!
Woohoo for the new pirate!!! He looks happy with the transformation! I guess it can be hard being a boy between 2 princesses.
Sorry to hear your cake wasn't good......don't you hate when it looks so good & tastes so bad!!

He was so excited to be Jake. When I showed him the other options available a few months ago he freaked out. He has some issues about certain things and scary things are on the list. When Jake came out he was so excited that I would have paid for hin.

It is tough being the boy stuck between 2 princesses. He adores his sisters though. When the girls were done their make-over he looked at them with a huge smile and told them they were SOOOO Beautiful.

I usually love carrot cake but this one was just bad. I may have complained if I wasn't on the dining plan and I really wasn't that hungry.

 

[jmskinner]

Jake...I mean Mikey looks great! And I love the pic of Mikey with Goofy.

We never get to eat at Pecos Bills since they don't have chicken nuggerts. Maybe in October when it is just us adults.

 

[tazdev3225]

Jake...I mean Mikey looks great! And I love the pic of Mikey with Goofy.

We never get to eat at Pecos Bills since they don't have chicken nuggerts. Maybe in October when it is just us adults.

He liked it when people called him Jake. That pic with Goofy was really good.

I love Pecos Bill but all of the Disney food stands need to get a little more variety for kids. It's nice that they offer grapes and yogurt but that with the limited options for other meals became hard to take.

When are you going in October?

 

[jmskinner]

When are you going in October?

We are going Oct 11-13.

 

[tazdev3225]

We are going Oct 11-13.

I'll be there the 7th to the 13th. Going to the Ip-Dip dinner with Scott and friends. I'm actually going to be staying with a friend at POFQ.

 

[tazdev3225]

Sorry for a lack of progress here but I have been trying to get my photopass pics done and Fall Baseball started.

DAY 2 continues on

When I left you hanging we were waiting for the parade to start. The rain had stopped but the skies were still not very friendly looking. Then came the dreaded announcement - Due to weather conditions the parade was postponed. We waited. The kids played in the puddles. I dealt with a family who thought they were going to stand in front of me. Silly me - they were in the parade route, the CM's moved them. Then came the announcement again.

I knew this was our best chance to see the parade but we had waited for about 30 minutes. The kids were bored, Jennifer was bored so even though we had a great vantage point we left. As we moved along I heard my name being called. It was my friend Leslie and her family. We knew we were going to be there at the same time and had planed to meet but this was real coincidence. We chatted for a few minutes, her grandson is the cutest little guy, but we had to move on. I had someplace to be,

I know I hear the groans but I love this ride. When I was a little girl my mom won 2 tickets to the 1964 NY Worlds Fair. She took me! I remember the ride and the trip and it always puts a huge smile on my face. Jay hates the ride so this worked out for us. Jennifer had also gotten a call from Mike. The rooms were ready so they were on their way to the park and would meet us there. I could hear Jays sigh of relief when he found out.

The little ones enjoyed their first ride ever in Disney. It was also 3:45 and we were just getting on a ride

Look it's Gloria. I think I will have to call the hippo that from now on

A hidden Mickey in the leaves

When we got off of the ride the other 3 were at the exit waiting for us and Jay was very happy. I promised him he wouldn't have to ride it after I jokingly asked them if they wanted their turn. We moved across the way a bit to go on Peter Pan's Flight. I think this turned out to be Crystal's favorite. It is also one of those attractions that I am always trying to get good pics while on it.These 2 weren't that bad

Next stop - some ghosts. Okay Haunted Mansion

Some fun on the interactive side

We stopped while in this section - Crystal was not happy. She was in fact very scared

A decent pic of the Hidden Donald chair

I love this ride, Crystal never wanted to go on it again. Mikey wasn't to sure about it either.

Continued in next post