Mom & 4 children 10 and Under!!

[akrake]

Characters:

Me: STB Single Mom, 36
DD1: 10
DS1: 7
DD2: 3
DS2: 16 months

When: 12/20/06 – 12/24/06

Where: AKL

Pre-trip planning (if that’s what you want to call it):

December 12, 2006, after a talk with my soon to be ex sister in law, I decided to take my four children to WDW…a surprise trip to cheer them up since their lives have been in upheaval since Hurricane Katrina and their parents (me & xdh) getting separated. I tried to get my sitter to come with me but she had plans since it was so last minute. Since I couldn’t find anyone else to go with me, I just decided to do it on my own. My mother said that she “thought” I could handle it. My dad asked what I would do if the kids were bad. I told him that they could fight in WDW just as well as at home. At least it would be some fun for us. Our last trip to WDW wasn’t that great (December 05) because of the tension in our family….so I wanted this trip to be special. We have gone to WDW every year during the Christmas season for the past 4 years….I really didn’t want to skip.

I looked up airfare & Southwest had some really good prices…the availability was ok…I had to choose a 7:40pm flight if I didn’t want to take my kids out of school early. Coming home was even better…we could be home for Christmas Eve. I purchase 4 tickets.

I decided to book online. The Disney website was doing some really weird things that day, but I decided to go for it. Since we were 5 in our group, I was given mostly deluxe choices (ok, several moderate choices too but I thought the kids might prefer a bigger room) and also the family suite at ASM. AKL and WL were the same price and in my package it was only $140 more (before tax) than the family suite at ASM. (I really hate how the website does not breakdown the prices). I booked a room at AKL (standard queen with bunk and crib). I purchased 3 day base magic you way tickets without hopping and included the dinning plan. The price for the package was steep but I figured it was because it was last minute. Really it was because it was the first day of HOLIDAY season (note to self…do more research next time). I also booked Magical Express.

December 14, 2006, the WDTC sent out my trip information. For some reason they had my 3 year old listed as 2 so that screwed up the tickets & meal plan…of course it added almost $400 to the trip total (but by this time I was hooked on the trip and wouldn’t cancel). I thought about letting it go and not calling them, but then I decided that I needed to set a good example for my kids and asking them to lie at DISNEY wouldn’t be cool.

I also had been thinking about the logistics for taking 4 children to the parks…I knew that I couldn’t ride some of the attractions (RnR, BTMR, etc) that the older two could ride. I decided to get a GO phone for them to use in the parks. Radioshak had them on sale so I got one and hid it (almost too well bc I didn't remember to charge it and purchase minutes until the day we left).

December 15th: I realized that I had not made any ADR’s. On the way home from dropping the kids off at school, I called the 407 number (which had by now been programmed into my cell) during my drive. I used my ear piece so I wasn’t holding a phone & made sure I told the dinning person that I couldn’t write down the numbers. Picking were slim but I got several that I thought I could live with. It took so long to search (since everything was booked) that I was home before I hung up and was in fact able to write the ADR numbers down. Being the obsessive person that I am, I kept calling over the next 2 days to check for availability for CP and finally on the 17th got an ADR for breakfast. My advice….keep calling, even multiple times in one day to get the date/time that you want.

ADR’s:

12/21
CP 10:25a
Tony’s 2:45p

12/22
50’s Primetime 3:55p
Scifi: 6:15p

12/23
Puck Café DTD 5p

12/24
Boma 8:15a

Even more obsessively, I devised a chart to use to check off the TS, CS & S for each day & person….I included the ADR times & numbers on the bottom and printed out 2 copies.
DDP Snack Tally Chart

Mom DD1 DS1 DD2
S S S S
S S S S
S S S S
S S S S
CS CS CS CS
CS CS CS CS
CS CS CS CS
CS CS CS CS
TS TS TS TS
TS TS TS TS
TS TS TS TS
TS TS TS TS






December 16th: DS1 & DD2 started coughing and running fever. I couldn’t believe that they were getting sick….ugh. Also, I started feeling guilty about not getting my DS2 a seat…but I knew that I couldn’t drag his Britax Roundabout around the airport without help…and we were using ME anyway….so I was reading over the SW site and saw something about traveling with children…they mentioned the CARES system so I looked it up…called the 800 number and found out that they could send it out overnight to me…great….I ordered two. I was told that it wouldn’t go out until Tuesday (I ordered on Sunday and they needed one day to process) but that I could get it by Wednesday 10am if I paid extra. I did. Then I called SW and booked an infant fare. It was about $30 less than our fares.

I kept the two sick kids home from school on Monday the 18th and brought them to the doctor. I had to slip him a note so he would know what was going on and so that my DS1 wouldn’t find out about the trip. Doctor said that he couldn’t make any promises but that he would try to get them well in time (I had begged for this in the note I slipped him). Antibiotics and a steroid for DS1 (which I only gave for 2 days because it was making him extremely hyper….extremely). Meds for DD2 also. It was only Monday….Wednesday night was a long way away…now if only I wouldn’t get sick (I started popping Airborne & Emergn’c on Saturday).

It was becoming a comedy because on Tuesday, the day before we are supposed to leave, DS1 went to school and DD1 called for me to come and get her around noon because she didn’t feel well. I took her straight to the Doctor who assured me that she didn’t have anything wrong (expect maybe jealously that DS1 had stayed home from school the day before).

After school the kids visited with their dad for about an hour and we all went out to dinner. I kept quiet about the trip because I didn’t want him to spoil it…only 12 hours left until we were on our way!!

Trip Day 1: 12/20/06 Wednesday

Today is our surprise trip to WDW. The kids go to school (all expect DS2) and I pack furiously since I couldn’t Monday & Tuesday when the kids were home sick from school. I had packed their Minnie & Goofy Christmas Caps from last year so that I could wrap them for the trip. Before school, they decide that they want to wear them to school for the parties….but, um, they can’t find them….so I tell them to get in the car for school and I will look for them…I have to take them out of their hiding places and bring them out to the car.

I have decided to tell the kids that we are going to the airport to send off their grandparents. Since the caps are at school, I wrap pictures of each of them from our trip to Disney last year in tissue and hide them in the car. Meanwhile, it starts pouring…I have anxiety about flying in good weather...rain, well, I put it out of my mind. I tell the kids to dress nicely because we are going to do something fun afterward. It takes me forever (ok, really 35 minutes) to get to the airport because of the rain (well, I took several short cuts that added 20 minutes to my trip). We meet my parents in the parking lot and the kids are not suspicious. I take out the gifts and tell them to open them….they do and look at me like I’m crazy. Why am I giving them pictures of themselves from O’hana last year? I ask them if it would be fun to go to Disney World. They say yes. I ask them if they’d like to go RIGHT NOW!!

They really don’t react like I thought they would….DS1 & DD2 still think we are there for grandparents. Then it dawns on them (but only when I open the trunk and take out our luggage) that we are going right now!! DD1 is all smiles. When I tell them we are staying at AKL they are even happier….DD1 & DS1 are happy….DD2 is concerned about our car….where are we going….where is our car going to go….why are we going to Disney world? DS2 is just doing what he always does…tagging along.

Long story short, we finally make it onto the plane…me and 4 children 10 and under. I only packed 3 checked suitcases and we only had 3 carry-on bags. No problem with security, we pre-board. I gate check the double stroller. I set up the 3 year old in the CARES harness system that I read about on the Southwest website. I tried to get DS2 in his, but he hates it and I end up holding and nursing him for most of the flight. DD2 sleeps most of the flight. DS2 falls asleep 10 minutes before landing. Our flight is 25 minutes late leaving so we land at MCO late and it is almost 11pm before we are on the ground.

We pick up our bags in Terminal A (Southwest) and walk to Terminal B for the Magical Express counter (note, I had called ME earlier in the week and they told me that if ME would pick up the bags then they would arrive 3 hours later....um, that would be 3am...they suggested that we pick them up ourselves and have the driver load them in the bus). Walking through the almost deserted airport, there are no signs that I can see telling me where to go...and I never saw the Disney Welcome Center either, so I ask a security worker where to go. The airport is almost deserted expect for these families (mine included) with grumpy, sleeping children pulling bags to the Magical Express counter. It is nearly 11:30p before we are checked into Magical Express.

There is some sort of problem with the AKL bus (something to do with a wheel chair) so another ME bus takes us to THE WORLD. This is really nice of him…but….we are the last stop….Boardwalk….Beach Club…Coronado Springs. It is 12:30a before we get to AKL. I tip the driver since he was so kind to help me close up and open my McClaran Rally double stroller. I would have tipped him anyway since that’s what you’re supposed to do…but I think I was the only one of the 3 groups that got out of the bus that did.

Once at AKL, we are walking orderly to the desk…getting into the queue when this family runs in front of me and CUT in line….ok, I decide not to say anything because by this time DS2 is sleeping in the stroller and DD1, DD2 & DS1 are wandering around the lobby…it’s almost deserted (except for the rather large man who was coming out of the hot tub followed by his 4 year old daughter…at 12:45am!!!). The first group that got off the bus was almost finished checking in….the family that CUT is still checking in….then to my amazement, the group that was checking in start talking with the front desk clerk about their previous visits there and hold a 15 minute conversation with him….I finally get to the other clerk (the family that CUT is finished…the gabbers are still gabbing) and check in. We get to our rooms at 1:10am.

The older kids pile into the bunks…DD2 (who is 3) sleeps with me. The baby is still sleeping so I open the pack n play (crib) and put it next to my bed & sliding door. He doesn’t wake and is sleeping in his clothes but by this time, I don’t really care. I am exhausted. Insomnia sets in. I don’t fall asleep until after 3am (the last time I looked at the clock it said 3:15a). The pillow stinks like sweat...the 3 yr old is kicking me….the baby is snoring…I have to stuff my ears with toilet tissue.

That's all for now. I'll try to post more tomorrow.

http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=16097395&postcount=6 Part II installment

 

[pumba]

what a wonderful surprise for the kids and also good for you all too....thanks for taking the time to get us there with you too...

 

[Applemomma]

I'm doing the World by myself with two dd's (10 and 6) while DH is at a convention. I won't have to travel alone but I'm looking forward to how you managed to do some of the rides. You're one brave mama!

 

[devalsam]

Can't wait to read more! I'm also a single mom and just took my two DDs (6 & 7) on our first trip to the world in October. I'm already planning our next trip!!

 

[winkers]

All I can say is, you must be wonder woman! I can't imagine taking my 4 by myselt to the world!

 

[akrake]

Part II
Trip Day 2: 12/22/06 Thursday

Finally, day arrives (6am…5 am central (body) time). I nurse the baby to try to get more sleep but after 20 minutes he’s awake. I take him into the dressing area and begin to get dressed for our day at MK. The other 3 kids awake and are getting excited. We look out the window and see some cattle…we are on the Ostrich Trail at AKL….5th floor. We see that there are towel animals in the bathroom and next to the phone (we missed these last night).

You might think this is terrible, but since we had an ADR at Crystal Palace for breakfast at 10:25am, I fed the kids the left over SWA plane crackers & goldfish for breakfast. I think I also had a banana in there for them also. My kids aren’t big breakfast eaters and I had already nursed the baby…so….. It’s a tad overcast, but rain is not really expected…10% chance. WFTV forecast a hot day high 70’s…I figured it might get cool in the evening so I brought sweaters for the younger two and a light weight jacket for me. The older two kids refused them so I figured it was ok….I piled the jackets in my trusty black Disney backpack…along with my video camera, diapers, sippy cup and wipes. I also had an extra outfit for the baby…just in case. I didn’t even bring a purse… I wore (gasp) my fanny pack which is usually only worn for occasions such as this…but this year it has been getting much more use (the pack had just come back from a cruise with my friend so was so kind as to borrow it so it could see the world and I had used it several days in October for Voodoo Fest…but I digress). I stuck my digital camera in the fanny pack, our tickets/room keys which had our ddp on it…no charging allowed since I had $135 in Disney Reward Dollars to spend anyway and cell phone. DD1 had her purse so I brought out the GO phone (she was pretty excited). I called her so my cell number would be in the memory. I also have DS1 a card with my cell phone number & personal information on it to keep in his pocket just in case he got lost.

On a side note…the GO phone is a really good deal if you’re in a situation like I was….it’s $1 per day access and 10 cents/minute. MTM calls are free. More practical in the long run than walkie talkies.

Back to report: We headed down the hall at AKL to the elevator. The tree was done up so beautifully…but dark…it’s always dark in there. I pushed the 2 little ones in the double stroller, DD1 & DS1 tagged along behind me. One of them wore the backpack. As per approached the bus stop, DD1 noticed that the MK bus was there. It was EMH and the park had opened at 8….my plan had been to get up and be on the bus for 7:15a…it was 8:15a…just an hour late….the bus wasn’t that crowded. I told the 3yr old to jump up and I quickly unlatched the baby and passed him off to the eldest. I closed the stroller as quickly as I could (dropped it flat on the ground and stomped on it to get the latches on either side to lock), took the baby back (who had started to wail when whisked out of his stroller), grabbed the handle of the stroller and pulled it behind me. DD1 & DS1 got onto the bus, then DD3 stepped onto the bus (rather slowly…a line was forming behind me) and then I stepped up, pulling the stroller….hey, I thought, this was rather easy….then I looked up and there were no seats. DD1 & DS1 were seated, DD2 was hanging onto me & I was holding DS2 and the stroller.

Then something happened…and it didn’t just happen once…it happened EVERY TIME I got onto a bus….someone or sometimes two people would give up their seats for me & my crew. Most times, if it was really crowded and I couldn’t lay my stroller down beneath my feet, someone would hold the stroller for me. I was really impressed…I hadn’t expected it…(but I would do it for others)….if you’re one of the people who helped me out last week, thank you. If you ever see someone struggling or needing a seat, don’t look the other way….give up your seat…it’ll make you feel better and them too.

ANYWAY, we got to MK, passed thru security (took about 7 or so minutes) and then through the gates. Since we didn’t have to rent a stroller, we stepped out onto Main Street. The characters were out and about but we didn’t stop. As we walked down the street, we stopped to have our picture taken with photopass. Now, I had the OLD pass and pulled it out. The CM looked at me like I was from Mars and asked where I got it. I told her “Here (duh)” and she said it must be old since now the ones they used had a scan chip on them (then I felt stupid). So we took pictures on Main Street with the tree behind us and then further down with the Castle in the background. We noticed right off that it wasn’t really as crowded as we expected for the Thursday before Christmas. A CM I spoke to agreed and said that on Sunday they were expected a lot more people. BUT, note, MVMCP was sold out (that should have been a hint to me about the crowds later in the day).

We headed to Fantasy Land first. Normally we go to Tomorrow Land, but since this was my first trip as a single mom, I decided to let the younger ones have fun first. We rode Peter Pan first…since the last 2 times we’ve come to WDW the wait had been over an hour. We only had to wait about 5 minutes. Small World was next and it was a walk-on. We noticed this time that stroller parking for these attractions was near the philharmagic (is that how you spell it? I don’t feel like looking it up.). After SW, the kids wanted to ride the Cindy’s Carousel (why, I never understand). DD1, DS1 & DD2 all rode while I watched with the baby. The crowds were mild….Dumbo had a small wait prior to going on PP, but now it was about 30 minutes. We walked over to the Pooh ride and the eldest started complaining about going on it….this ride also had 20 minutes posted (but it looked more like 10) so I said we could skip it. We started toward Snow White and I was planning on us all riding when my 10 yr old decided to tell the 3yr old that there was a WITCH in it. Great. Now she doesn’t want to go….and it’s one of my favorite rides. As we walk past Snow White and the older two decided they wanted to go on it. The 3 yr old says NO WAY. So we watch the carousel go around one and they are back. It was a walk on. By now it is nearly 9:45a. Our ADR is for 10:25a. We head to Jungle Cruise to get FastPasses which are for 11:45-12:45p.

It’s time to check in for our character breakfast at CP. We checked in and then headed to the Baby Station (or whatever it’s called) and there was a CM there who greeted us (nice touch). It was clean and quite and a great place for DD2 to use the potty since she has acquired a phobia to toilet with certain “shapes” (???go figure…). We head out to CP. It’s the only character meal that I could get…I really wanted a lunch or dinner but in the end it was all that was available. I am vegetarian so I wasn’t sure what would be available for me. I don’t eat eggs (unless they are in the item as part of the cooked ingredients….meaning, I don’t eat omelets or scrambled eggs. WHICH, I found out, is the majority of the offering at CP for breakfast. This was our first DDP meal and we used 4 TS credits. The kids didn’t really eat much more than the eggs and fruit. I was stuck eating waffles (not even Mickey ones) and fruit. The kids really like the characters…except for DS2 (16 months) who wasn’t quite sure about them. In most of our pics he is turning around looking at them instead of at the camera. Or dumping his plate of food in his lap (don’t worry…I’m not one of those parents who let their kids make a mess and then leave…I always pick up after them…even beating the CM to clean the mess up off the floor).

CP for breakfast was fun only for the characters and I would never do it again (breakfast, that is).

After we left CP we headed toward Adventure Land. The three older kids rode Aladdin which had a 15 minute wait. The baby had fallen asleep after his meal so I watched them go thru the line from outside…moving around the queue to shout to the eldest to make sure the 3yr old was buckled, didn’t fall out, etc. I was kind of a nervous Nelly at this point. The kids rode and had a great time. We skipped the Tiki show (quietly, I didn’t mention it because DD1 & DD2 LOVE it and I didn’t want to wake up the baby (that became my theme). We walked past Pirates…baby still sleeping….walked into some shops. We were thirsty so used some S credits for waters and 1 popcorn. I was still so full from breakfast that I never got my Dole Whip (that’s 2 trips in a row!!). Finally it was almost time for Jungle Cruise. While waiting, the older kids argue with me because they wanted to play those boats….at $2 a pop, I said no because it would have costs me $6!! The baby woke, so I gathered the kids up and we walked to the fastpass line. We were 2 minutes early and they made us wait. BUT the fast pass line is awesome for JC…no wait and our own boat just for fastpassers. Our guide was funny…even the jaded 10 year old laughed.

After JC, we headed to frontier land…the older ones rode Splash Mountain. The wait said 30 minutes and the FP return was over an hour away…so they waited and the younger 2 and I waited at the exit. There are great benches outside the door with space prefect for little ones to run around without getting lost. While the kids were in line for SM, and prior to waiting at the door, I got 4 FP for BTTM. When the kids were done SM, it was time for BTTM. They rode twice & it was fun….my only complaint was that there is really no room for the little ones to move about since it’s such a popular attraction. My youngest is a scooter so he gets underfoot easily. That was the hardest part for me & him…he didn’t have much freedom to move about….we did find space near the BTTM smoking section, but after 10 minutes I had to move. I just followed DS2 around and said “excuse me” if he got in the way.

We left BTTM, rode the steamboat….there was no FP for the Haunted House so we skipped (DD1 said she was scared). We cut back through the breezeway to Adventure Land to go to Pirates but the line was over 40 minutes…it was almost time for the parade so we ducked into the counter service place in adventureland (can’t remember the name) and got 2 meals…1 child & 1 adult for us to share. I had the veggie burger (shared with DS2) and they had the chilled chicken…which they HATED. We watched the parade and then headed to the train for Toontown. I am not special & I don’t advocate breaking the rules…but I did take my stroller up the handicap entrance to the train. When I got up there, the CM understood when he saw I had the 2 little ones, 2 older ones, the backpack & stroller…there was NO WAY I could have folded it up and carried it and the kids up the stairs. We made it to Toontown, DD1 & DS2 headed for the Barnstormer while we went to Minnie’s house. It was so crowded in there that I had to get out. We totally blasted thru Mickey’s house due to the crowds. DD2 & DS2 played in the child play area it until the older two came back. We stayed there for about 15 minutes. DS1 was complaining because he wanted to go to tomorrow land. So we headed that way with a screaming 3 year old (didn’t want to leave). The line for SM was halfway to the TTA…not sure if there was something wrong or if that was the line…but there were no FP left (it was almost 5) so they skipped it, rode Buzz while I rode TTA with DD2 & DS2. The line wasn’t long…only about 15 minutes total (including the ride itself). The baby was getting fussy and they were getting hungry. I kept try to call Disney Dinning to get an ADR for Tony’s (we’d skipped ours) but had no luck. I even went to the desk on the way out but the line was forever (remember, MVMCP was going on). The CM at the podium told me they only have a few walk ups a day & it’s only for lunch. We decided to leave…but then the kids remembered the CS in TomorrowLand…so we headed back (it was 6ish and the park was open to 7).

Cosmic Rays…what can I say….HATE it. Why? After lunch (3p) they only offer fried foods (chicken, corn dogs) and burgers (veggie too). I asked about the wraps and sandwiches and was told that they are only available during lunch (they should put that in their fancy new Johnny Depp Jack Sparrow maps). The 3 kids split 2 adult chicken meals. The 3 year old slept through it. I took the leftovers back with us and fed her later. I ate their fries and dessert (real healthy, right?). We missed WISHES since we were in Cosmic Rays. At 6:30p, we headed out…stopping at the confectionary for a candy apples (oh, that’s what I ate…I forgot) and some suckers & nerds (DS1 loves the thinks). I used Reward Dollars to pay for these.

DD2 slept all the way to the bus stop for AKL. Thank goodness because there was a massive traffic jam when the monorail, boats & exodus from the parks collided. DD2 woke up & I fed her chicken & fries…I had brought back a milk for her also.

We were 2nd in line for the bus so didn’t have any trouble getting in and getting a seat. I could tell the people in line thought I was crazy when they realized that I was there alone with 4 kids. When I did get comment such as “Are you here alone? OMG, you are so brave” I would reply that the two older ones were a big help.

The ride back to AKL was long…it always is, isn’t it? BUT remember…to TT to go to so it might be the same time. The kids wanted to swim when we got back…it was breezy but still somewhat warm. The headed to the pool and they wanted to do the slide but it was closed. The baby had fallen asleep since it was after 8 (he usually goes to bed at 6:30p so this was really late for him). When we got down to the pool, I decided to cover him with a warm towel…and yes, I did wake him up….DD1, DS1 & DD2 all entered the pool at the zero entry side and when DS2 woke, he wanted to go too. I put on his swim diaper and he scooted to the water. He had a blast but after about 5 minutes his lips started to turn blue…so I gathered the others up and we went back to the room. It really was cold. Baths for all and then to bed by 9:30p.

Tomorrow MGM…and the weather channel says rain.
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=16135137&postcount=10
Part III MGM

 

[tinawv]

I really admire you for taking 4 small children to WDW by youself. I dont' think that I would the patience or stamina to do that. Looking forward to your next installment.

 

[akrake]

I'm doing the World by myself with two dd's (10 and 6) while DH is at a convention. I won't have to travel alone but I'm looking forward to how you managed to do some of the rides. You're one brave mama!

Applemomma,
March 2005 I took my three children (I was pregnant with #4) while their dad was in a conference. Since #3 was 16 months at the time (the same age as #4 was this time...but an very different child...she was walking by this time). You didn't say what time of year you are going, but with kids the ages of yours, it should be pretty easy. Unless one is super short, you should all be able to ride the same rides. Have fun.
akrake

 

[MomofCKJ]

Signing on for your report! I am planning our next trip for March 08 and it will be when DH is on one of his long overseas trips for work. We hate being left behind for 3 weeks so we decided kids and I will go to Disney. Mine will be 10,8 and 5 then and I am already nervous! Anxious to read the rest of yours and see how you do it! You are Super Woman! Nice to hear that you found your fellow travellers to be helpful to you!

Allyson

 

[akrake]

Day 3: 12/22/06 Friday MGM

NOTE: I am not proofing this post for grammar…sorry….

I have decided that since the baby wakes up so early, that we might as well make the most of it…we get up around 6:30a to get ready for MGM. If I remember correctly, it’s opening at 9 so I want to be there for 8:30. Miracle of miracles, we get there for 8:45a. (AKL is awesome just because it has all it’s own buses…no TT to go to)….There is a small line for security and then we head over to the ticket line on the far left. My 7 yr old son goes first but the ticket won’t go through….so he tries again. I call the CM over to find out what’s wrong….she tells me that ticket reader says that it’s a “one day pass” and that it’s expired. WHAT??? I tell her, no, it’s a 3 day and this is the 2nd day. She sends me over to Guest Relations. By now I have a screaming baby & 3rd old…the 10 yr old is getting really upset hanging on me and the 7 year old starts wandering around…..

Guest relations at MGM has 3 windows. Each of the end ones were occupied…after a small wait, a CM came to the middle window. I have the double stroller parked near me (at this time there was no one behind me) with the screaming babies….the 7 year old is still wandering…and the 10 year old is attached to my arm like she’s make of superglue….looking extremely concerned.. Frank, from Arlington, VA, is the CM. I explain that my son had tried his ticket and that the CM at the ticket line said it was expired. He ran all the tickets and said that they were all expired and that my reservation said that I had 4- 1 day base tickets. And that was all. The 10 year old starts to cry…babies are still screaming….and I tell her to go push the stroller….by now a line is forming since it’s 9:20 and the park has been open for 20 minutes….she stomps off with tears streaming….I am beginning to question WHY I ever went to this trip.

Frank from Arlington, VA, asks me who he needs to call…I repeatedly replied that I got the package from them….finally it clicked that I purchased the package online from the WDTC…he calls the hotel…they say that I only have a 1 day ticket and that they assumed I was just getting it to be on the ddp….I stuck to my guns and said that I had paid for 3 days no hopping….He kept trying to call WDTC but could never get thru. He was being extremely patient and helpful…while he was calling repeatedly, I realized that I could never work in customer service….he did a great job of keeping me calm and himself professional….I didn’t go off on him, but I was upset because by now, DD1 was silently crying in the Guest Relations window.

The stroller duo are still wailing…DS1 is strolling them now…the line is really long behind me. I wish I had a rock to crawl under. I decide to call the 407 number and pressed all the dang buttons until I got to the “make a change to your reservation” prompt. I finally got someone on, I explained my situation and he told me that once it’s downloaded to the hotel (the reservation, that is), they have no way of retrieving it. What the heck? (I didn’t really think that…I thought sometime MUCH stronger…but this is a family board). I basically called him a liar and told him that he needed to figure out what was going on because I had paid a huge amount of money for this trip….had booked thru the WDTC for the first time and that it might in fact be the last time…..IN THE MEAN TIME, Frank pulled out 4 tickets and placed them near the window…..the TA (travel agent) at the WDTC put me on hold and I just hung up….Frank explained that he was going to give me the tickets to use for today because he couldn’t get thru to WDTC. I thanked him and asked if these would be charged to my room. He said that there was no charge for these but when I got back I needed to try to fix it because I would have the same problem tomorrow. I thanked him again, took the tickets and we finally started to move toward the gate…..

Amazing…as soon as I started to stroll the duo…they quit crying…..oh, I forgot, Frank for Arlington, VA, asked me if I had my “paperwork” or vacation confirmation for the trip with me. I said “no…it’s in the hotel” and he said…it always is (duh).

Back to the report: We enter MGM, DD1 is no longer crying…she acts so mature most of the times….sometimes it’s hard to remember that she’s only 10 and little things such as “maybe we won’t be allowed to go to the parks” is a big deal. I told her that I would never let that happen…we were here to have a great time and, damnit, we will!!

We enter the park, take a pic using photopass…I really like that…at least now I’m in SOME of the pictures. The park is not very crowded and we are able to briskly walk to RnR. On the way I try to talk the kids onto ToT but they are adamant about not riding. Beauty doesn’t start for 45 minutes so there is not much of a crowded near the theater. We turn toward ToT (boy, do I hate that smoking section…is it a real one? It’s in a horrible location if it is…you have to walk thru a bank of smoke to get to the rollercoaster. Anyway, the wait posted is only 20 minutes so I tell the kids to RUN into the line (of course, DD1 leaves the GO phone with me) and I get 1 set of fastpass tickets for them (I really don’t feel like waiting here for an hour so riding twice is enough).

It is beginning to get really overcast so I head out to the hat stand near the DVC and purchase 1 adult poncho and 3 children’s ponchos. I use my Disney Reward to pay for these since they are almost $7 each….2 years ago they were only $5…I should have brought the others from home but didn’t feel like trying to pack them since they were still in the “ball” from our last trip. We head back to RnR and DD2 has to go to the bathroom….it’s been about 15 minutes so I “think” that I have time to slip in without the others coming out looking for me….DD2 goes to the bathroom and we head back out to wait under the giant guitar

(DD2:mommy, why is that music thing so big? over & over again.). It’s not crowded at all and it’s after 10a. We are waiting happily with DS2 scooting all over the ground and a group of others (not the ones from Lost) are watching him…laughing….and then I start to smell something….of course, time to change DS2 who has been scooting on his butt for 5 minutes…great….and to top it off…the DD1 & DS1 should be almost finished their ride….I try to wait it out…but the aroma is too much…so we head back to the bathroom right by RnR….luckily it’s not crowded and I can push the double into the bathroom (leaving DD2 in it) to change him.

I swear we are not gone for 3 minutes before we come out…but I see DD1 in her Minnie Mouse Christmas Cap from last year with her arms folded looking quite concerned….DS1 is just walking in circles (seems like he could care less where we were)….I call to them and a look of relief passes over DD1’s face…..note to self: make sure they take the GO phone at all times. I give them the fastpasses and they ride again.

We haven’t eaten breakfast yet so we try to get something at the NesCafe near Brown Derby….the line is way out the door…there are NO tables and I just say to heck with it….we leave and head toward Little Mermaid….for some reason that escapes me, we don’t go…I think it’s because everyone is really hungry by this point. I decide to try the ABC commissary but they don’t like the menu for “brunch”….at this time, DS2 falls asleep….we continue toward Scifi and although I have ressies for this later tonight, I pop in to see what’s available….I am told there is a stretch (meaning…front & back of car with chairs in between) available at 11a. We take it. DD1 & DS1 ride the Star Wars ride while we pass the 15 minutes. DD2 wants to climb on the miniature Star Wars ride and does not want to share with all the other children who want to do the same thing….I don’t know if it’s just a mom thing…but it’s really easy to ignore the screams….but I got several dirty looks from parents (obviously those with only 1 child) so I strapped her into the stroller and began to walk around while waiting for the others. (waiting and walking has really become my theme for the week).

DS2 is still sleeping when we arrive at Scifi…I am able to stroll him in and because we are in a stretch, can pull him up to and under the table so he can continue to sleep. We have our first TS menu meal and really go all out…..Usually buffets contribute to over eating…but on the DDP…being able to get an Appie, entrée, drink and dessert was really something. I won’t go into details…but we had so much food….I got the tofu dinner and it really wasn’t that great here (much better at O’hana). DD1 had the onion rings and they were wonderful. DD2 & DS1 are on the children’s ddp so they had terrible choices…Mac & cheese looked and must have tasted like plastic bc they didn’t eat it. There were able to get a shake as a substitute for their dessert. Since DS2 was still sleeping when we left, I packed up leftovers (tofu, rice, some mac & cheese, onion ring) for him. All & all it was a pretty good meal….but only after the 3 yr old got used to the “scary” movies that were playing (the images really bothered her…for awhile I thought we were going to have to leave).

It was after noon (12p) when we left scifi…it still hadn’t rained…I was beginning to wonder if I had wasted my money…and where was all the rain that wftv talked about…I knew that Saturday had a 70% chance of rain…Friday was supposed to have 40% or so….we walked back around ABC and head toward Little Mermaid….all the kids love it….Disney playhouse is not starting for awhile so we head back toward the center of the park…. the 10 yr old spies the Drew Carey attraction (which I had not been into…ever) since DS2 woke up…I decided that we could go into this ride…the CM’s kept trying to warn us not to go bc it was in “total darkness” but we went anyway…DS2 was hungry so he nursed the whole time…DD2 just sat there with the head phones on, then off, then on, then off. I really didn’t like it…I don’t think Drew Carey is funny so I didn’t like it….

We went into the hands-on area of the attraction. I fed the baby from the togo box….Then I started getting phone calls from my stbx….the reception was bad and I couldn’t hear him…finally I stepped outside (while the older 2 were in a sound room) and got reception…he was surprised when DD2 told him where we were but very encouraging…he said he couldn’t believe that I was there with 4 kids by myself. I told him it would have been easier with a husband…oh, I do have one….he thought it was funny…I won’t go into details (warning…vent ahead)…but you can use your imagination as to why a mother with 4 young children would be in the mist of a separation after being married for 15 years.

Anyway, after the phone call & sound room, we discovered that the parade was going to start at 3:00….we watched it in front of the kiosks for Indiana Jones…really great seats….but DD2 fell asleep prior to it starting and COULD not be revived at all

DS1 tried to wake her by screaming into her ear…that didn’t work…(an aside: why do kids sleep so well in public but at home…in dead silence…they will wake if you close a cabinet a tad too loudly)….so we took pictures of Ariel for her.

we wandered around the Streets of New York, the older kids wanted to go the playground but I told them that I didn’t want to bring the baby in nor wake the 3 yr old. …imo, it is NOT possible to watch a 3yr old in the slides and a 16 month old at the same time (all the while keeping track of 2 others)…when there are over 200 people crammed into this area.

Around this time the line was beginning to form for the Motor Cross Show (don’t hate me bc I can’t remember the names and am too lazy to go upstairs to get my map). We stood in line for about 20 minutes…there were thousands of people in front of us in both the fastpass line and standby. NOTE: I had checked for fastpass when the kids were in Star Tours but it was roped off. I was told by a CM that the FP is only available for a little while after the show starts and only for the next one (not the one after that) until it’s sold out….then the FP closes until after the next show starts (does that make sense?).

Anyway, by the time we got to the turn style…you guessed it…DS2 had fallen asleep. DD1 & DS1 were upset so I gave them the GO phone and told them I’d wait. Well, the show didn’t start for 40 minutes…and the CM I spoke to told me the show was 30 minutes long. I pushed the stroller with sleeping children…got some roasted nuts with my snack credit ($3.49 value) waited at the Flatbread Grill….then realized that I had to go to the bathroom…but I had 2 sleeping children so I’d wait….finally I realized that I really needed to go and justified using the companion bathroom due to the stroller and actually not being able to hold the baby and 3 yr old while I used it….(ok, that’s a lie…in a pinch I have been able to use the bathroom with 2 children climbing on me…I just didn’t want to wake them up).

During the wait for the show to start I got several calls from DD1 giving me updates. I also told her that there were 5000 people in the attraction with her (as per a CM). WOW.

While I was waiting in the flatbread grill, I called the WDTC to clear up the ticket mess. After over 30 minutes, it was taken care of and they had called AKL and added 2 days worth of tickets to my card…so now I had 2 more days instead of 1 (great…but I won’t get to use them bc we are leaving on Sunday). I wish I had gotten her name because this TA was a great help.

10 minutes prior to the Motorcross ending, I get a call from DD1…it’s too loud and DS1 want to leave….so they come down and since the little ones are still asleep, I let them play in the playground until it closes at 5p (this is only for about 10 minutes). I sit in the waiting area (again). I really didn’t mind the waiting…it was nice to be in the Disney atmosphere…getting my mind off of “life”.

DD1 & DS1 came out of the playground and we strolled out….DS1 wanted to ride Star Tours again so he did and we waited for him. It was starting to get dark so we walked over to the 3D attraction…for some reason the line was way too long so we skipped it…we popped over to the streets of New York and they were telling the story of the Osborne family…boring…so we decided to get something to eat at ABC…this only took about 20 minutes and the veggies options are really good here….we walked back to the Osborne lights ….pulled out my digital video camera…took a few minutes of video for the lights…then I pulled out my camera and took two pictures with my digital camera

….put it away . We turned to continue or walk and several raindrops fell…I bent down to unzip my trusty black Disney backpack…and the heaven opened. We were soaked within 2 minutes…and MGM announced that the lights were cancelled for this evening….ugh…..

I put on a poncho, DD1 & DS1 put on one & I spread the other on the stroller…..DD2 & DS2 hated it…can I repeat…they HATED it and sat with the poncho pulled away from their faces all the way to the show on Sunset (is that where the villains shop is?). I decided to go inside and get another adult poncho, let DD2 wear the one that was on the stroller and draped the larger poncho on the stroller so DS2 couldn’t get it off.

We decided to call it a night headed back to the hotel. There was not a big line for our bus to AKL (love that AKL has it’s own buses). We got back by 7:30p…had to beg DD1 to bathe (but I was wet…isn’t that good enough…NO). We were in bed asleep by 8:30p.

Tomorrow AK….and the rain chance for Saturday is 70%.

Part IV
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=16162805&postcount=13

 

[SuAnne]

Oh my goodness..you are a Saint I only have one and I lose patience (mind you...she's 13 so that might have something to do with it!) Love your report!

 

[JEYREB]

I am totally loving your WDW story. I can't wait to hear the rest. I have been considering taking my children to WDW alone since my husband is a party pooper and does not like to take trips. Actually we have more fun without him. Ha. But after listening to your story, I know that I can do it!!! Thanks for the encouragement and looking forward to the rest of the story!!!

 

[akrake]

Part IV 12/23/06 Saturday AK

Today is our visit to Animal Kingdom & our last day in the parks. DS2 is up, early as usual. DD2 & DS1 slept together in the bottom bunk last night; the night before, DD2 & DD1 slept in the top bunk. As you may recall…DD2 slept with me the first night. DS2 has been sleeping in the pack n play every night. To get him to sleep (if he’s not already in the stroller) I nurse him for 2 minutes in total darkness…threaten the other kids within an inch of their lives if they make a sound (mostly because I’m tired and really want to go to sleep)….then I put him into the pack n play…I still have to sleep with tissue (and the toilet tissue works much better than the rough faux Kleenex they have in the bathroom). I have pulled the crib to the end of my bed, still near the sliding glass door. All in all, I’m getting almost as much sleep as I do at home….so I’m not so grouchy (just somewhat)….only tired.

I’d hung the ponchos in the bathroom last night…we had to keep the door tightly closed due to the awful pvc plastic smell (that can’t be good for you). Today looked a bit overcast but the weather didn’t call for rain so we left them in the room. I paired down the contents in my backpack today….partly because it was still wet from the downpour….mostly because it was so heavy the day before.

This morning I decided that we would have breakfast at the Mara in AKL. I used 2 of our CS credit at got 2 adult breakfast meals (scrambled eggs, biscuit, bacon & milk) and a snack credit for water. DD1 & DS2 started to complain because they wanted their “own” meal…these 4 kids couldn’t even eat all the stuff in the plates…even with all of them sharing. I ate a biscuit from the meal. The Mara wasn’t really as crowded as I would have expected for 7:30a on a Saturday morning. I had the kids wolf down their breakfast in 10 minutes…it was beginning to take a little longer (DD1: quit watching TV!!) so I just picked up everything, grabbed the baby & 3 yr old and started to head for the door….the older 2 quickly followed.

AK was opening for 8am this morning. The bus to the park wasn’t really that full…but I did have another nice man hold onto my stroller while he stood in the aisle (Thank you!). We walked to the park, stopped and took a picture with photopass by the Christmas tree.

You may wonder why I’ve not posted those…well…I got one free with my WDTC package…the others are $12.95 each…so no, you won’t see those in this post…and I will only be able to see them until they expire in 60 days.

There was NO WAIT at all to get into AK at 8:15. We walked right in with no problems (our tickets were really fixed…yeah), no tears, and no anxiety. I asked a CM about the lack of crowds and he told me that his wife worked for the disney travel company and that they were expecting over 100,000 check in's christmas week!

We took a photopass pic with the Tree of Life behind us (hey…that one didn’t show up online) and then proceeded to walk into the central hub of the park…while many families were staring at the tip board, I began to walk toward Everest….DD1 began to question my route…but I just kept on walking (poor DS1…he has trouble keeping up normally…my hyper stroll just about did him in) until we got there.

Tree of Life


Note: the route I took was not the one thru Dinoland…with little kids…I knew I’d never get out of there…we took the more boring route going pass Prey of Wonder (or something like that…the bird thing, you know) and crossed over before getting to the Kali River Rapids (which we skipped…I was not comfortable with them going on this by themselves esp since DS1 is not a really strong swimmer). The line for Everest had 20 minutes posted. I told the older kids to go on while I got FP. They finished the ride and it was still around 30 minutes until our FP return…so they rode again. This time I watched from outside….I spoke to my friend on my cell while waiting….as I watched the coaster exit Everest, I had a fleeting thought about leaving the kids with DD1 while going on the ride (it looked that much fun)….I asked my friend if she thought social services would have a problem with that!! Really, I would NEVER leave them while I went on the ride…but I know I’ll have an extra set of hands with me next time!!! I really want to ride that Coaster.

After a second spin on the ride, the FP return time was still 5 minutes away. I told the kids it was time to head out…they were alright with it….DS1 said it was fun…DD1 said it was fun but a bit scary. I saw a family of four walking toward us, so I stopped in front of them and offered our FP to them…the mom was thankful….the dad seemed to be awestruck…he actually stood there with his jaw hanging open while looking at the passes ….so we gave the 4 FP to them and headed toward AFRICA.

Since it wasn’t crowded (could Christmas Eve really be tomorrow…where were all the people? Last year it seemed even more crowded) we zigged zagged across the park several time…please don’t judge me or say it was ineffective touring…it’s just what we did.

The safari was a walk on. FP was being distributed but the return time was 20 longer than the 10 minute standby. DS2 had fallen asleep while waiting for the older kids on Everest to finish. We walked our stroller down the safari trail until it was time to take him out. Then we walked down the trail and waited in line…. I thought we were going to be in the 1st row…but actually the CM sent us to row 8…the last row…which turned out to be a lot of fun…really bouncy. We saw Elephants, hippos, rhinos, zebra, the baby giraffe…it was a lot of fun…amazingly DS2 fell asleep again despite the bumping. After the safari, we took the animal walk (again, can’t remember the name…don’t feel like looking it up…yes, you would think I would look it up since I’m taking the time (lots of time) to write out this trip report…but really, I’m only obsessive…to a point).

We had not done the trail since our first trip to AK 4 years ago. It is really worth it…the ape was still right by the front of the exhibit….it was worth it AND we could take the strollers….after the trail we stopped to get some bananas at the fruit cart outside the safari. I used my rewards dollars for this bc I didn’t want to waste my snack credit on a banana.

As we were walking about the park, I decided to pop into It’s Tough to Be a Bug. It was fun….DD2 wasn’t sure about it during the show…but after she said that she really liked it. The baby didn’t like the blasts of air nor the “rain”.

It gets kind of fuzzy after this….we went to dinoland finally….DS1 had been begging me to go because this is where he wanted to get his souvenir….a dinosaur from the ride of the same name….he was torn between triceratops and the pterodactyl….in the end…triceratops won. This is his 3rd dinosaur…he wants to collect them all…(it’s the $14 one…not the smaller one or the larger). DD1 & DS1 ride Dinosaur while I take the others on the triceratops spin. DD1 takes the GO phone. After that, DS1 & DD1 ride Primeval Whirl twice (the line is only 20 minutes but seems to go by much faster…I know it doesn’t but there was a lot to do).

OH….I forgot….we went to Dinoland and then it was time for FINDING NEMO, the musical….what can I say…we got there 5 minutes before it started…had to sit on the benches (non elevated) in the back…DS2 was asleep and the backless bench was a killer…..DD2 fell off the bench onto the floor and started crying….DD1 kept complaining about leaving because she “couldn’t see”…(tough tootie….you know what I mean…I couldn’t see either). FINDING NEMO, the musical is just like the movie…I didn’t really like the movie….so we left before it was over. In retrospect…it may have been much better if we had been on the benches with the backs….and if DS2 would have been awake supporting his own weight…AND if we could have seen what was going on.

So THEN we left and went to Triceratops spin…DD1 & DS1 took DD2…then we walked to Dinosaur and the stuff that I wrote about above happened. WHEW.

Fast forward to after riding Primeval Whirl twice….I let the kids play one of the carnival games that are ridiculous over prices at AK….$2 a pop….dole out $6 for 3 kids…none of mine win. Then they want to take a picture in the cutout car but DD1 & DS1 start arguing about who gets in front (it’s a wooden car, for god’s sake). I realize they might be hungry to I tell them we are heading out to get something to eat.

Yes, they actually fought over who would drive the cut out car.

Because I’m the mom, I quickly veto the not so cleverly disguised McDonalds (both of them)…pass on Flaming Barbeque since I can not even tolerate the smell (vegetarian, remember), pass up Pizzasafari and decide on Tusker House…my poor kids…DD1 & DS1 were exhausted because I made it there in under 7 minutes. I really should have told them that’s where we were going…that’s where I always go….I like it….but I wanted them to guess (really, I was still po’d at them for fighting in dinoland).

DS2 was still sleeping when we got there…so I waited in line while DD1, DD2 & DS1 waited near the back of the line with DS2 in the stroller. How did I do this…well, it really wasn’t crowded…..amazing.

A CM at Tusker House helped me carry the 2nd tray to our table… DD1 had ordered hot chocolate (it was 78 degrees outside) and we were forced to wait until it cooled off…which was good… we ate and basically relaxed for 30 minutes. DD2 had gotten the mac & cheese…I swear I will NEVER order it again…it is gross….so we packed up the leftovers and brought those with us in a togo box for the baby.

Festival of the Lion King was getting ready to start so we headed over there…no matter when we go…early, late, on time…we get put in the elephant section. A CM saw that I was with 4 children by myself so she directed me to the reserved seats on the floor…AWESOME. DD2 & DS2 really loved the show. We didn’t see it last year so I was really glad that we went this time.

When Festival was over, I decided it was time to head out…we had a ADR at 5p in DTD (Wolfgang Puck Café). It was 3:30p, so I decided that we could wait and watch the parade before we left. We watched from a little side walk in front of the duck pond. It was great place to view the parade and also to make our escape afterward.

We exited the park, and went toward the buses…I was looking for the DTD bus but there wasn’t one!!! So we walked to the TT bus…prior to getting on I asked the driver if this was how I should go to DTD….He told me “NO” in a resounding voice. Then he directed me to go back at AKL, then take the bus to DTD. He said it would be much faster. All in all it took us 50 minutes to get to DTD. It had started to drizzle but it wasn’t bad.

I didn’t know where the WPC was so I asked the driver if I need to get off on the Marketplace stop or West Side…she said West Side so that’s what we did…the drizzling had gotten a bit harder…and I didn’t have our ponchos…but then it stopped so we were really lucky. We finally found out way to WPC….only 10 minutes late. We were seated immediately. Everything was on the DDP except for 2 desserts.

The kids were hungry and behaved very well. I decided to splurge and got a beer ($6…omg)….several tables around us congratulated me on my “bravery”. You know, it’s nice but it gets old…they are MY children….if I can’t go places with them then I would be stuck at home all the time!! (vent over). Since DD1 is on the dpp as an adult, she was able to order an appetizer and entrée….this is one of the only times we were at odds about food…in the end….she won out…..a $22 plate of penne pasta with BUTTER was what she ordered. (and didn’t even eat bc she was so full from the huge amount of Asian Spring Rolls and bread that she ate before it arrived). The kids meals here are typical…pizza, pasta…..I had the crab cakes (my little splurge off vegetarianism) and spinach salad for an entrée…plus the beer. We all shared crème brule and a flourless chocolate cake.

The craziest time in the day was in the restaurant bathroom after we ate…for some reason, my kids think all bathrooms are sound proof…DD2 continually announces everything she does (poop/peep) to everyone who enters and DS2 screams while changing him. Ugh. If that’s was going to be the worst of it…well I guess I was lucky….but it wasn’t.

We left WPC and walked to the Marketplace…stopping at the Lego Store on the way (1st time we’ve been there) and it was really cool but really hard to drag them away…esp DD2 who was getting really grouchy (it was 7p). We went into World of Disney and decided to purchase some holographic princess cups and boy character cups….I used my rewards dollars for this also. After we checked out, the CM said he had to put the cups in a bag…didn’t want to give out 2 bags….so DD2 started to cry…well, not just cry….wail. And she wailed all the way to the Marketplace bus stop (a 10 minute walk that felt more like 1 hour)…and then DS1 started to cry because he didn’t want to leave and he wanted to go into shops and see stuff…ugh…the bus couldn’t get to the stop fast enough.

Lego Dino

Surprisingly, the ride back was calmer….it took about 40 minutes and when we got back to the room, I bathed them and then let them decompress. We stayed up really late (10:30p) because I was packing for tomorrow. I was really ready to go to sleep when we finally turned off the lights.

Breakfast at Boma, and inept check in….and little lost girls…..next time.

click here!!
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=16192391&postcount=20

 

[emememem]

Wow! great trip report....

 

[tinawv]

I have really enjoyed your trip report, and looking forward to seeing how it ended.

 

[amarberry]

Wow! I love your trip report. My 2 yo DD and I spent 4 days alone a few weeks ago before DH joined us for the last couple of days of our trip. It was fun, but definitely a different kind of trip when you are by yourself with the kid(s). This might be TMI, but I found silly things like going to the bathroom to be a challenge, so your story about using the companion bathroom when your kids were asleep in the stroller resonated with me!

Can't wait to hear the rest!

 

[akrake]

Wow! This might be TMI, but I found silly things like going to the bathroom to be a challenge, so your story about using the companion bathroom when your kids were asleep in the stroller resonated with me!

Can't wait to hear the rest!

amarberry,
I'm glad that you are enjoying the report...it actually sounds like more fun reading it...sometimes it was more stressful than being home, other times less & most times the same.

The bathrooms were a big challenge...I hated letting my 7 yr old son go into the mens room alone...several times he tried to follow me into the ladies room but he's too big now.....

tmi, at home I go to the bathroom ALL THE TIME...at wdw, i just had to hold it!! holding a 16 month old while you are trying to zip your pants & begging your 3 yr old while screaming

"Doooooonnnnn'tttt oooooppppeeeennnn tttthhheeee ddddoooooorr yyyyeeeetttt!!"

was challenging at times. but i made it!

akrake

 

[MomofCKJ]

I'm really enjoying this! I am planning to take my kids solo in March 08 and one think I wondered was if the older 2 (they'll be 10 and 8 then) would be allowed to ride things like Everest alone. I am glad to hear from reading your report that they do allow that, I wasn't sure. My youngest will be 5 at trip time and I don't think he'll grow enough by then to make it on (he's almost 41 inches right now).

I am sure it had its hard and trying moments but you are right they are your kids and if you are alone with them at home you can be alone with them at WDW. I am kind of nervous about travelling with them all by myself but I really want to go back next year.

Allyson

 

[akrake]

I am sure it had its hard and trying moments but you are right they are your kids and if you are alone with them at home you can be alone with them at WDW. I am kind of nervous about travelling with them all by myself but I really want to go back next year.

Allyson

Allyson,
It was really fun...and I would do it again...even by myself!! You should go for it!! your 5 yr old might be tall enough and then you all could go!!

akrake

 

[akrake]

Sunday, December 24, 2006 Our Last Morning the the World

We woke the morning at our regular time...when we looked out the balcony, we saw (finally) ostrich!! We dress, I finished packing and then we headed down to breakfast for our ADR at 8:15a at Boma but first made time to visit the overlook...if you have never done so....DO IT. It is so beautiful. The first time I stayed at AKL I didn't get around to visiting it because I had a 6 week old baby and was exhausted....we saw zebra, giraffe, cattle, antelope, pelicans...the zebra were 500 feet away from us. It was so amazing.

After watching the animals for 20 minutes, it was time to head to Boma...we were a few minutes early...checking in at 7:55a....I had to repeat my name 5 times...I even spelled it twice....I was given a buzzer and told that it would just be a few minutes. We were the only family of 5 waiting...in fact, only one other couple was checking in at this time....On cue, 5 minutes later, our buzzer lit up (and not a moment too soon...the baby had just started screaming because he wanted to climb up the stairs to the upper level coffee shop).

I handed the buzzer to a woman and she said "blank,party of 5"? I said, no "it's not blank, it's xxx party of 5". She repeated it several time and then gave me another buzzer...I stood there dumb founded. It was obvious to me that they had check us in under the wrong name...but I couldn't get her to understand....after about 10 minutes and 2 screaming children, I flagged down someone else and told them what had happened....even she had to usurp the woman and check us in herself because it still wasn't done right....she had give us a the clicker back but NEVER CHECK US IN. she kept calling "Blank, party of 5" and I couldn't' get her to realize that we were "Blank, party of 5". The lobby began to get crowded...and my children began to get unruly.
By the time we got to our table my nerves were shot. I thought this was going to be a nice relaxing end to our trip but it turned out to be one of the most stressful mornings we had all week.

Our server was a really friendly man and I could tell me wasn't pleased about getting stuck in the "baby" section (we were his 3rd high chair ). The meal started out ok...there was a big selection and I was able to get soy milk with my coffee so I was really pleased! DD1 & DS1 kept getting extra food for the baby & 3 yr old....while I was feeding the baby....the 3 older ones decided to get some fruitloops....I don't buy these so they are a treat...all 3 trot off to get them....DS1 comes back & sits down....2 minutes later DD1 comes holding her full bowl of 'loops and has the nerve to ask me "where's DD2?" And then "she must have wandered off".

UGH.

Yes, I started to panic...the first time our whole trip....I looked toward the doorway (we were right next to the walkway) and didn't see her....all the while I'm unstrapping my baby and looking around...I must have looked panicked because our waiter asked me if something was wrong....I muttered that I was looking for my little girl...he suggested that maybe she was in the bathroom...I told him that she was 3 (enough explanation). I'm looking around and start to walk toward the buffet when I hear DD1 say "there she is".

My stomach was in knots....I looked down and there was my beautiful 3 year old holding a FULL bowl (glass, at that) of fruitloops with both hands wrapped around the base....she says "I got fruit loops". I wanted to cry. Apparently she had gotten tired of waiting for DD1 to fill her bowl and when her bowl was done she decided to go back to the table....if she would have gone right she would have immediately been by our table...but she went left and had to walk around the whole restaurant to get back...being a petite child, she was not even as tall as the tables so I couldn't see her. I thought I was going to die.

DD1 kept apologizing...I didn't yell, didn't get mad....I just asked the server to give us the check so that we could go...I felt like I needed to get out of there.

We left Boma....I don't know if I'll ever be able to eat there again....

Since we had arrived, I had promised the kids we would go to the gift shop on our last day...so we did.....a pirate tee shirt for DS1....lepoard ears tee for DD1 & 2.....suckers for DS2. 2 Seven acre woods pens (which are still on the floor of my car...they haven't been out of the car since we arrived home...and they really needed these $4 pens)....I escaped spending under $100.

We went back to the room...we had a few minutes to kill....didn't have to be at the Magical Express Bus Stop until 11:15a. At 5 minutes to 11, I took a look around...didn't see anything....we loaded up the suitcases, bags and stroller and headed out.

Next, ME & the flight home.
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