May 2011: The Year of Surprises! [TR]

[lovethattink]

Now came the biggest issue. How do we surprise the kids with the trip? Since DH's bestie (Ben) was getting married on 5/21 - and thus delayed the start of our trip a bit since DH was Best Man - we started to come up with a game plan. Ben was getting married and he was moving away. The kids knew this. However, they didn't know what kind of time line the move was on, nor did they know where he was moving to. So DH and I decided that the best way to get the kids in the car for 9+ hours was to tell them we had to help Ben move.

I was wondering how the big surprise was going to go. In your PTR you were hoping to make it until the CSR parking lot to tell them.

Your daughter told me that she was really surprised! But that she wished Ben was part of the Disney trip.

The kids slept most of the night and was up around 7am. We stopped at a McDonald's for breakfast. At this point, I am frustrated with the cigarette lighter in dad's SUV. (Dad loaned us his SUV for the trip, so we didn't have to take my tiny car.) I ended up calling dad after 9am to ask what I was doing wrong, since it wouldn't work. My phone was nearly dead, and the kids were wanting to watch a movie. Dad didn't know, but we assume a fuse had been blown. (It worked last year when we borrowed dad's SUV.)

That would be rough without a DVD! It would be pretty unpleasant for us. Yet I think about all the trips we took as kids, and we didn't have anything but the car radio. And I couldn't read in the car as a kid. I remember laying in the "way back" of the station wagon so I didn't have to sit next to my brother, lol.

When we arrived, we checked in with security. After passing up the left turn into the parking area, we circled around. The guard was not amused and was kind of hateful about telling us it was our first left. We almost passed it again, as it was hard to see - especially when having to watch for other cars and people, and trying to take in the beautiful sights!

It sneaks up on you quickly, and they have signs up for conventions which can make the entrance a little tricky.

[As we drove around to the rooms, we was a bit confused by the gate. The CM told us we'd have to stop at a security gate, but our card would let us in. It was open. It wasn't very reassuring.

We were in the Cabanas, and that security gate was frightening!! There was a warning that you had to wait until the gate closed after each car. That gate came down so fast and so hard. If you didn't wait, your car would be smashed!! I think I'd almost be more comfortable with the open gate.

[We finally found our room. I was very sad to not see a towel Mickey on the bed. It was the first time we've walked into a room without a towel Mickey and a towel animal somewhere (usually in the window or holding the pen). It just didn't feel right - very ... unDisney. It wasn't anything to make or break a stay, but at this point, I felt more like we were at a Holiday Inn than a Disney resort.

We had the same feeling about no towel animal on the bed or window.

[We never saw our server again, but we was able to flag down another server and get DD a soda.

That's odd.

I had the steak fajitas. It included rice and beans, as well as sour cream and guacamole. The fajitas were soooo yummy. And I could eat the guacamole all day! I didn't care much for the rice and beans, but I did clean my plate outside of that.

I had the chicken fajitas last Wednesday when we were at the PM. I agree, yummy!! And I could eat teh guacamole all day too!! I also agree, I didn't care much for the rice and beans. They tasted different. In March, I loved them too. Maybe they changed the recipe? Or maybe each chef adds their own touch?

DH went to grab out desserts while I sat with the kids and went over the plans for the week. He returned with a Strawberry Shortcake for himself and some type of Oreo cake for me. I just requested something chocolatey. One of the kids (DS, I think) swiped my Oreo, but the cake was very yummy! DH said the Strawberry Shortcake was one of the best he had in a long time.

I had the strawberry shortcake too! It was the best one I ever had on Disney property. It was so fresh, moist, and amazing!!

[We loved, loved, loved this pool. Granted, I was kind of grossed out by it Sunday. I found several bandaids floating in the water. Gross!!! It was a turn off, and I did get out of the pool after the 3rd one. It didn't phase DH, so him and the kids stayed in. I went back to the room and took a shower since we planned on heading to MK for the evening. I was just finishing straightening my hair when DH and the kids walked in. We tossed them into the shower to rinse the chlorine off and then dressed to head off to MK.

Glad you loved the pool. Gross about the bandaids.

Speaking of conventions, I did offend a CM. I saw some convention guests as we were paying at PM our first day. I commented how terrible it would be to come to WDW to work. The CM thought I meant being employed by WDW - and I just meant having to sit in meetings instead of going to the parks. (Granted, I'd take a business trip to WDW anyday if it got me down there - it would just suck to be on property and not being able to play.)

I did have to explain to the CM what I meant, but she still gave me the evil eye as we walked off.

Oops, lol! I know what you mean! DH and I had to attend a continuing education class at one of the hotels across the street from the Market Place. It was so hard to concentrate on the brain lecture, when my brain was thinking of a tuna melt from EoS. I was much better after lunch, lol!

 

[PixieMama]

The surprise went great... loved the video!

Mmmmm, your fajita looks so yummy... as do the desserts, of course!

Bummer about no Mickey towel. I want to say that we had more surprises from Mousekeeping on our 2007 trip than on our 2010 trip.

 

[KatMark]

Great start! I love that DD made you pinky-swear that you were going to Disney.

Sorry no towel animals; we have found them hit or miss at every Disney resort we've stayed at (didn't have them at All-Star Sports or the Contemporary, but had them every visit to the Polynesian and severla visits to CSR).

The security gates is interesting. They have never been open in our nine stays. In fact, we sometimes have issues with getting them to open with our key card and often say they should just get rid of the darn things.

Your lunches look really good; I'll have to show DH the pictures as he might be in for a change from what he normally orders there.

Eager for more.

 

[Lidian]

Oops!

Yeah, Oops is right!

I was wondering how the big surprise was going to go. In your PTR you were hoping to make it until the CSR parking lot to tell them.

Your daughter told me that she was really surprised! But that she wished Ben was part of the Disney trip.

That would be rough without a DVD! It would be pretty unpleasant for us. Yet I think about all the trips we took as kids, and we didn't have anything but the car radio. And I couldn't read in the car as a kid. I remember laying in the "way back" of the station wagon so I didn't have to sit next to my brother, lol.

It sneaks up on you quickly, and they have signs up for conventions which can make the entrance a little tricky.

We were in the Cabanas, and that security gate was frightening!! There was a warning that you had to wait until the gate closed after each car. That gate came down so fast and so hard. If you didn't wait, your car would be smashed!! I think I'd almost be more comfortable with the open gate.

We had the same feeling about no towel animal on the bed or window.

That's odd.

I had the chicken fajitas last Wednesday when we were at the PM. I agree, yummy!! And I could eat teh guacamole all day too!! I also agree, I didn't care much for the rice and beans. They tasted different. In March, I loved them too. Maybe they changed the recipe? Or maybe each chef adds their own touch?

I had the strawberry shortcake too! It was the best one I ever had on Disney property. It was so fresh, moist, and amazing!!

Glad you loved the pool. Gross about the bandaids.

Oops, lol! I know what you mean! DH and I had to attend a continuing education class at one of the hotels across the street from the Market Place. It was so hard to concentrate on the brain lecture, when my brain was thinking of a tuna melt from EoS. I was much better after lunch, lol!

I had planned on making it to the parking lot originally, but we figured they'd get antsy once they saw the signs. So we opted for the signs. I think it worked out well. Plus, since they did see the signs, they'd have figured it out by the time we arrived to CSR. Silly kids.

I didn't hear her say that - and that's funny, because Ben WAS at Disney. He was on his Disneymoon. We spent part of the day with them on Monday at DHS (but we'll get to that later). Maybe she meant she wished he was at MK with us that day?

Yeah, I recall road trips as a kid. We'd play car games and listen to the radio. DD can actually read in the car, so she focused on books. I used to be able to read in a car, but can't anymore. DS was the biggest issue, as he was bored, so he was getting loud playing with his lovies and cars. We kept having to remind him to use his inside voice. And a few times, they would bicker with typical sibling things. "She's on my side!" "He touched me!"

I never saw the gate in action, as it was up everytime I saw it. So yeah, if it was behaving like that, I'd be worried as well!

We just thought maybe she went on break and didn't tell anyone or something. I didn't care. We flagged down another server, and we could see that it wasn't the norm for a server to bring you drinks and vanish. We had awesome service later in the week when we went.

Maybe they did change the recipe. Then again, I'm used to the beans and rice I get from our local Mexican eateries, so perhaps it was hard for me to compare? I just remember taking a few bites and then offering it to DH. He refused it as well.

I had the Strawberry Shortcake later that week, and I did agree. But you're making me get ahead of myself.

Yes, it is hard to focus on something when you're that close to something BETTER! (Regardless if its Disney or not.) I know if I was there for a convention, I'd be staring at my watch, counting down the minutes until I could go ride something. I may ** cough cough ** get sick.

They wouldn't notice if I was out riding RnRC, right? lol

The surprise went great... loved the video!

Mmmmm, your fajita looks so yummy... as do the desserts, of course!

Bummer about no Mickey towel. I want to say that we had more surprises from Mousekeeping on our 2007 trip than on our 2010 trip.

Thanks! DD spotted the sign before I did. She has eagle eyes or something.

The fajita was delicious, and I'd totally recommend it! (As well as the desserts, of course!!)

Last year, we had a towel animal everyday but one, and the lovies were always "playing" when we came back. I did fall in love with that Mousekeeper. Why can't she be cloned?

Hope your Mousekeeper this year is playful!

Great start! I love that DD made you pinky-swear that you were going to Disney.

Sorry no towel animals; we have found them hit or miss at every Disney resort we've stayed at (didn't have them at All-Star Sports or the Contemporary, but had them every visit to the Polynesian and severla visits to CSR).

The security gates is interesting. They have never been open in our nine stays. In fact, we sometimes have issues with getting them to open with our key card and often say they should just get rid of the darn things.

Your lunches look really good; I'll have to show DH the pictures as he might be in for a change from what he normally orders there.

Eager for more.

I was kind of stunned when she asked me to Pinky-promise her! I was like... really? You don't believe me? We're not a pranking family. No Ashton Kutcher here.

I totally loved those fajitas! DH is my garbage disposal, so he really only comments if he doesn't like a dish. But usually a clean plate is a sign that he loved it as well. I wanted to try a bite, but by the time I was ready , he had finished his. What does Mark usually order?

That's weird about the security gates. I mean, I wouldn't have noticed anything was unusual, but the CM told us they'd be closed at all hours and we'd have to swipe our card.

And the towel stuff was no big deal. We were just spoiled from previous years.

 

[lbuzz52]

​

I'm officially home. We just unloaded the car. I expect to be able to get a good start on the TR tomorrow. I'm sad we're home, but can't wait for a good night's sleep!

Can't wait to tell you all about our adventures. And when I say adventure, I really mean ... all the times DH decided to take the wrong turn because he didn't listen to me.

For those who may not know who we are ... Let's get some introductions rolling!

32 year old mom of two. I stay home with the kids while DH works. I absolutely love Disney. No one in my family "gets it" like I do. Not even the kids. They'd be happy with any amusement park with rides, but not me. It's WDW all the way baby! I can't imagine not going every year.

makes perfect sense to me. i'm sure it wouldn't be ahrd to come up with a list of reasons why this is true. #1- you dont have to pay for FP. #2.....

Up next is DH


He's 30 and dislikes Disney - but once down there, he usually gets into the magic. The biggest thing I can say about him is that he loves us so much, he'd be miserable for a week just to make us happy!

i think we married the same man!

Then we have DD

She's 9 and loves Princesses and Pirates (of the Caribbean). She helped so much with the planning the past two years, I was lost without her this year. She's very knowledgeable about WDW and has learned the thrills of rides. Her favorite ride is Tower of Terror.

great choice!

Last, but not least, we have DS


He's 5 and he knows EVERYTHING!

maybe its a 5 year old thing? i've got one of those in my house too.


Up next, the kids first surprise: a trip to WDW!

Now came the biggest issue. How do we surprise the kids with the trip? Since DH's bestie (Ben) was getting married on 5/21 - and thus delayed the start of our trip a bit since DH was Best Man - we started to come up with a game plan. Ben was getting married and he was moving away. The kids knew this. However, they didn't know what kind of time line the move was on, nor did they know where he was moving to. So DH and I decided that the best way to get the kids in the car for 9+ hours was to tell them we had to help Ben move.

i hadn't heard what you had come up with. good "story"!

So I'm going into withdrawals because I can't use my phone,

I, too, need a group for my iphone addiction...

When I knew we were getting close, I pulled out my video camera. I thought I had more time before we saw the signs, but the kids piped up, excited to see them.

this is great!

We parked and walked in. There was lines everywhere. Since I did online check-in, I headed there first. We stood in line for over 10 minutes before the next CM was able to help us. She said our room wasn't ready, and I asked if my requests had been met. She said our room was in Casitas 5, 4th floor. I asked if Casitas 4, 1st floor was available and she checked. She said she had nothing available in C4 or C5 on the first floor, but could move us to a ready room in C5 on the 3rd floor. So we had our room assignment, 5344. We headed back to the SUV to find our room and unload.

sorry the room assignment wasn't as requested


We finally found our room. I was very sad to not see a towel Mickey on the bed. It was the first time we've walked into a room without a towel Mickey and a towel animal somewhere (usually in the window or holding the pen). It just didn't feel right - very ... unDisney. It wasn't anything to make or break a stay, but at this point, I felt more like we were at a Holiday Inn than a Disney resort.

we only got one this trip, and one last trip.


DH went to grab out desserts while I sat with the kids and went over the plans for the week. He returned with a Strawberry Shortcake for himself and some type of Oreo cake for me. I just requested something chocolatey. One of the kids (DS, I think) swiped my Oreo, but the cake was very yummy! DH said the Strawberry Shortcake was one of the best he had in a long time.

wow, much better dessert choices than we had at CBR.

We loved, loved, loved this pool. Granted, I was kind of grossed out by it Sunday. I found several bandaids floating in the water. Gross!!! It was a turn off, and I did get out of the pool after the 3rd one.

i agree with you! that's nasty!


Up next, our evening at MK![/FONT]

responses in pink.

 

[cmf06]

Can't wait to hear more!

 

[jm106]

Yay, you're here! When are you going to get yours started?

I am on the fence if Ill do a TR. I want to share but my PTR was a bit of a dud in comparison to most,lol. Maybe Ill do it. I just love talking about it and everyone here gets tired of my stories.

 

[Lidian]

responses in pink.

Thanks for the comments! If you find a support group for the iPhone, please have them contact me.

Now that you mention it, I recall that we weren't very thrilled with the desserts at CBR. Even DH said they weren't memorable.

If you find a way to let the 5 year old know that they don't know everything, please share.

Can't wait to hear more!

Good, because there's lots more to tell!

I am on the fence if Ill do a TR. I want to share but my PTR was a bit of a dud in comparison to most,lol. Maybe Ill do it. I just love talking about it and everyone here gets tired of my stories.

I think you should do a TR! I loved your PTR! And I'd be right there if you did a TR, eating up every post. Just show me where to sign up!

So if everyone there is tired of your stories, share them with us!

 

[donnaf516]

Looking forward to reading more : )

 

[lovethattink]

I am on the fence if Ill do a TR. I want to share but my PTR was a bit of a dud in comparison to most,lol. Maybe Ill do it. I just love talking about it and everyone here gets tired of my stories.

Heading over to check out your PTR!

If you find a way to let the 5 year old know that they don't know everything, please share.

Wow, they started early! I've got it with my 17 year old. I've suddenly become the dumbest person on earth, and he is so much wiser now
At least my 7 year old thinks I'm the smartest.

 

[Lidian]

Looking forward to reading more : )

Just in time to hear about our evening at MK!

Heading over to check out your PTR!

Wow, they started early! I've got it with my 17 year old. I've suddenly become the dumbest person on earth, and he is so much wiser now
At least my 7 year old thinks I'm the smartest.

Anakin is just adorable. I'm glad he isn't among our 5 year old "bracket". DD is mostly the same way, but at least she will ask questions. DS is over asking questions. It's all statements now.



I'm currently uploading pics and hoping to post the rest of our arrival day soon.

 

[Lidian]

In previous years, we had always taken our arrival day to relax and explore. Usually DH uses it as a sleep-fest since he drives us. I was desperate to see the MSEP, but it was not showing on the day we would be visiting MK, but it was showing on arrival day.

I planned for an early arrival and told DH he could nap in the room while I took the kids to the pool. Then, around dinner time, we'd make our way to MK and hit an attraction or two and watch MSEP. DH agreed.

Once we arrived and hauled our luggage to the room (yes, I know I'm overlapping the time line a bit) and ate lunch at PM, we changed into our suits. DH decided against the nap and joined us at the pool.

I didn't have a watch, but I know we had been in the pool for awhile. I knew it would take me a bit to get ready, and I wanted to arrive at MK around 4pm. So I asked the kids if they were ready to come back to the room with me to get ready for MK and both declined. DH said he'd stay with the kids and I went to hop in the shower to wash the chlorine out of my hair. (Plus, it takes nearly an hour to style it with this cut - but we're done whining about the cut, right? )

While I was straightening my hair, DH came in with the kids - who were upset to leave the pool and go to MK. Whose kids are these and where did my Disney loving kids go??

We tossed them into the shower for quick rinses. Afterwards, DH took a shower and shaved. He was looking a bit scruffy. Once we were ready, we were right on track to arrive close to 4. DH wanted to know what was on the agenda, but I said we didn't really have one. I hoped for a few attractions, but the main thing was seeing MSEP.

Once we arrived, I immediately saw the new Mickey M&G. It had a 5 minute standby wait. So I herded the kids inside.

We were ecstatic to see Minnie as well! DD was wearing a Minnie shirt, so I made sure Minnie saw it, and DD got extra hugs and attention. Even Mickey got in on the action and gave DD extra kisses for wearing Minnie on her shirt.

Afterwards, I wanted to see what the line was like for Monsters Inc., Laugh Floor. There was hardly a line (but shows going on), so we hopped in. DS was getting cranky for some reason - I think he was worried that it was mean monsters.

After the show, hilarious as always, we walked over to Fantasyland. I caught a peek of the Beast's castle over the wall. It looks amazing and I can't wait to see it fully built! If there was any construction going on this evening, we couldn't hear or see it.

The wait for Dumbo was 40 minutes, so we hopped onto the Prince Charming Carousel. DH stood with DS, since he's a wiggler and I was afraid he'd fall right off the horse. Yes, I'm a paranoid mommy.

Since we were right there, we decided to watch Mickey's PhilharMagic. Again, DS was a bit worried about the show. (Are you seeing a pattern here?) Mickey's PM is one of my favorite shows.

We headed into Liberty Square and I saw there was only a 10 minute wait for Haunted Mansion. I was excited to see the new queue, but for some reason, we didn't walk through it. Once inside, DS starts crying. We're trying to reassure him that its a fun ride, not a scary one and that if he didn't want to see anything, he could hide his face. At this point, he's hysterical and I'm looking for an exit. The "nice" family in front of us informs me that I need to take my son out of here. I politely snapped that I was looking for a CM to escort us out. (DS has his head buried in my shoulder, bawling, as I'm trying to carry him and seek some assistance for an exit.) At this point, more people are let into the line to board, so I'm pinned against the wall. Seriously? Can't you see I'm trying to leave with a hysterical child? I finally find the exit and we wait near the Pet Graveyard. DS points out all the animals for me. The ride stopped twice on DH and DD, and it did take a long time for them to come out. DH enjoyed the new ending, and I was sad I missed out. But we had a full day at MK Wednesday, so I planned to ride then!

After HM it was nearing time for MSEP. The crowds were already formed and any decent spaces were taken. We found some sidewalk behind some girls and asked if they'd mind if we sat here. It turns out, one of the girls was an off duty CM - who worked in Entertainment. The other was just a mom waiting for her family. We tried to keep the kids entertained, but MSEP was still an hour away. They were getting restless. DH went to get snacks and drinks and I handed my phone to DD. At 9pm, we hear the announcement .... that MSEP will start in about 10 minutes.

Then it finally started.

And every single character flirted with the CM sitting in front of me. Don't get me wrong, I was glad she was popular and they all noticed her ... but Peter Pan shouldn't be signing for a girl to call him. I didn't see ANY characters stay in character when they saw her. It really made for a HUGE let down on the parade. Sure, a friendly wave and a look of recognition is nice, but not shouting out to her and asking a question, or signing to call, etc. Even DD commented on the behaviour of some of the characters. (And not just Face Characters, CMs walking/dancing in the parade as well.) I loved MSEP, and I knew that this was probably not a typical performance, so taking out the unmagical CMs, I don't know if I'd like MSEP or Spectro better. I definitely like the music better in MSEP and some of the floats. But Spectro had some awesome floats as well, and the music was nice. Oh, to be on the fence! Can't they just follow each other? One go first, and followed by the other parade?

After MSEP, we went back to the hotel for some rest. We were all exhausted and ready for sleep. As we're on the bus heading home ... our bus driver apparently gets lost. He makes a U turn, and the AC vent above us, leaks out water everywhere. Because we needed another bath?

And since my camera was packed and these didn't make it on my PTR ... here are the tip envelopes my mom made for us. The last picture, the bottom envelopes are actually DD and DS's cash envelope. It had their name on it and Mickey or Minnie. She did such a great job! I got our tip envelopes ready at bedtime, so it was one less thing to do in the morning.

As you can see, we had a lot of... unmagical things happen, but overall, we had a super day! I was actually pleased with as much as we accomplished in roughly 4 hours at MK (less if you take out the time we sat on the curb). Honestly, it was a great day. We arrived at WDW, we swam, we went to MK, we got to see something new ... I say that's a winner in my book! =^.^=

Tomorrow we venture to DHS! Is the Force with us?

P.S. We have more pictures on the PhotoPass CD, that I've not ordered yet - hoping to do that this weekend.

 

[KatMark]

Great update! The pool didn't look too crowded. Did the kids like the slide?

That is really unacceptable behavior on the part of the parade members with the CM. Personally, I would have reported it; it takes away the magic if you ask me.

You got quite a bit done on your first day.

 

[Lidian]

Great update! The pool didn't look too crowded. Did the kids like the slide?

That is really unacceptable behavior on the part of the parade members with the CM. Personally, I would have reported it; it takes away the magic if you ask me.

You got quite a bit done on your first day.

It was more crowded than I expected, but there was plenty of space to swim. We had to search for a free chair to hold our stuff. Initially I didn't plan to get in the water, so I wanted to lounge, but I gave that idea up pretty quick when DD informed me how much she loved the slide. I had to see how good it was for myself.

Both kids adored the slide. And honestly, I think they would have been happy just staying in the pool all day versus going to the parks.

Honestly, I didn't know how to report it, and was tired and cranky and really just wanted to go to bed. So that's what we did. I'm sure that wasn't a normal viewing of MSEP, and others throughout the route had a better experience ... but with the unmagical characters, the family next to me shoving my DD so their kids could see better, and the family behind me with their large backpack that I kept asking them to get off me - I was not a rest stand ... I didn't know if I could report something and be civil about it. Honestly, I just don't understand people anymore.

I honestly just expected hitting one attraction. I think it helped that we didn't really eat at MK. We were full from PM, so we just grabbed two pretzels to share and some drinks. We ate the pretzels on the curb waiting for MSEP.

 

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

Wow, that is really unprofessional behaviour that occurred during the parade, I would have been mad too.

 

[pinkxray]

Joining in.

My DD was worried about HM too. I bribed her with a lollipop to get her on. She ended up liking it, esp. the part when you see the ghost in your car

I can't believe the story about the CM off duty. Too bad you didn't take her picture. I would love to know what the fuss was all about.

My DD would have picked the pool over parks at any point in time.

Love the mousekeeping envelopes.

 

[lovethattink]

The pool looks so inviting!! How was the water's temp? I didn't try the water slide in March. The air was too cool for me, so I stayed in the water waiting for Anakin. I'm sure that won't be the case in August!!

I am really surprised the CMs behaved that way during the parade! What?! The kids beside were shoving your daughter? And backpacks bumping you? No wonder you don't know if you like the parade better then Spectromagic!

 

[Lidian]

Wow, that is really unprofessional behaviour that occurred during the parade, I would have been mad too.

It wouldn't have been bad, if DD hadn't noticed, and I'm sure if DD noticed, other kids did as well.
We won't talk about how I'm really just a big kid and I love the magic just as much as my kids - if not more.

Joining in.

My DD was worried about HM too. I bribed her with a lollipop to get her on. She ended up liking it, esp. the part when you see the ghost in your car

I can't believe the story about the CM off duty. Too bad you didn't take her picture. I would love to know what the fuss was all about.

My DD would have picked the pool over parks at any point in time.

Love the mousekeeping envelopes.

DS didn't like HM from last year, or the year before. But how is he going to get over his fear of "nothing" if he doesn't keep facing it? I really just wanted him to see that there was nothing to be afraid of. And this isn't the first time that crops up with him. But we'll get to that later!

Glad you was able to bribe your DD! I've been able to do that with my DD9, but not DS. (Okay, I take that back - but we'll get to that story later as well.)

I dunno what the fuss was about. I mean, yeah, she was adorable. And honestly, I think she may have been a face character.

What is with kids and pools? They can swim anytime (well, mostly - since the local pool is within walking distance), but WDW trips are once a year - for some of us.

Thanks for the compliment on the envelopes! I think my mom did a wonderful job at creating them!

The pool looks so inviting!! How was the water's temp? I didn't try the water slide in March. The air was too cool for me, so I stayed in the water waiting for Anakin. I'm sure that won't be the case in August!!

I am really surprised the CMs behaved that way during the parade! What?! The kids beside were shoving your daughter? And backpacks bumping you? No wonder you don't know if you like the parade better then Spectromagic!

The water was sooo nice! DH tried to tell me it would be cold, and then when he got in, repeated over and over how cold it was. When I got in, I laughed at him. It felt like bath water - but not a hot bath. It was perfect! And it was nice outside, that we didn't freeze running up to the slide. That was our problem last April when we tried to do the WPs, it was too cool outside, so we froze moving from one area to the next.

And it wasn't just the kids shoving DD, it was their parents, too. At one point, DD was several people down and I couldn't see her. I did politely pull her back towards me and "fussed at her" that she needed to stay close (really, I was fussing out loud that her being pushed away was not okay, but trying to do it politely - some of us do try to be Disney-like).

The family behind me didn't understand a lick of English (or at least pretended not to), so they really got under my skin with their bag. I'm sure they didn't realize it happened the first time it was leaned up against me, but a smart person would figure out that it would keep leaning and move it.


Okay, I'm done talking about all the unmagical stuff that happened. Let's move on to the good stuff. Really, good stuff did happen during our stay. It wasn't all bad... and complaints. I promise!

I do really appreciate everyone's concerns about the "crap" though. You guys are truly the best!

 

[PixieMama]

Our first trip we drove all day and didn't go to a park. We checked into the resort, had dinner at the food court and just spent the evening walking around the resort to check it out. But last year we broke the drive down into 2 days... drove most of the way on Saturday and stayed that night in a hotel. Drove the rest of the way to WDW on Sunday morning, checked in and made it to Epcot by 11 or so. Getting the extra half day at Epcot was definitely worth it!

So surprising and unfortunate about the CMs during the parade. That would have made me mad, too!

And thanks for showing the envelopes... your mom did a great job!

 

[lovethattink]

And it wasn't just the kids shoving DD, it was their parents, too. At one point, DD was several people down and I couldn't see her. I did politely pull her back towards me and "fussed at her" that she needed to stay close (really, I was fussing out loud that her being pushed away was not okay, but trying to do it politely - some of us do try to be Disney-like).

The family behind me didn't understand a lick of English (or at least pretended not to), so they really got under my skin with their bag. I'm sure they didn't realize it happened the first time it was leaned up against me, but a smart person would figure out that it would keep leaning and move it.

[/COLOR]

We had friends who are in the military visit us last spring. We were talking about personal space and they said that many countries don't value personal space like we do. He said they went to one country where they hired pushers to shove everyone into the subway like cattle so the doors could close. He said that there was no such thing as personal space on those trains. I couldn't even imagine!