"Mom, Dad, 3 Kids & a Gingerbread Boy" Matty's Wish Trip December 10-18, 2009

[cantwaittoseemickey]

Mission Space lol not for me I barely made it through the lesser of the two a few years back I can't wait to hear how you like the other one.

I love the pic of all of you in front of the ball. That is such a great pic!

Lovin your tr!!

 

[pacrosby]

Pamela,
I just LOVE the pic of Olivia --- gorgeous! Sometimes it's the candid shots that end up being favorites!

Loving the TR as always --- looking forward to hearing about DD!

I love that picture too Only two more days to report on.....................

Mission Space lol not for me I barely made it through the lesser of the two a few years back I can't wait to hear how you like the other one.

I love the pic of all of you in front of the ball. That is such a great pic!

Lovin your tr!!

I don't know how long it'll be before I get another chance to ride Mission Space. No question it's not exactly the ride for my 81 yr old mom

thanx for the continued encouragement!

 

[pacrosby]

.


Part I - "Dragons and Dinos in Downtown Disney




Today's alarm goes off at 8:30. It's our first morning in our 'new' digs, the Port Orleans French Quarter - like a slice of New Orleans. I had fallen in love with this place on-line. Talk about ambiance!! Cobblestone walkways, iron balustrades along narrow balconies, antique lampposts and beautiful fountains. Sadly no pictures though so I guess you'll just have to trust me It's a bit overcast this morning and according to Mr. Weatherman this is pretty much what we can expect for the day - along with a passing sprinkle here or there. I'm a wee bit panicked at this prediction. Better clear up by this evening is all I can think.

We're out the door for a quick breakfast by 9:30. The Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory Food Court (that's quite the mouthful huh? Try saying that 5 times fast!). Along the way we stop to admire the pool area and find a few characters for those obligatory photo ops:

The food court is a colorful, fun environment with larger than life court jesters and Mardi Gras float decor. Now you'd think we would have taken at least a few pictures wouldn't you? HA HA Yeah right This morning's delicious nutritious breakfast consists of Mickey waffles and gargantuan cinnamon rolls! Nothing like a day's worth of calories to get you goin' huh? Well we're going to need it because it is going to be a very looooooong day.

The plan is to spend the first part of the day over at Downtown Disney doin', well, whatever it is we decide to do. We do know that we can get there by boat. Definately sounds like an adventure worth exploring. While dh makes a quick pit-stop at the room the children play like the little monkeys they are:

and then we make our way down to meet the boat taxi. Here it comes:

and here's my little buddy Brennan waiting excitedly to board:

And after a relaxing 15-20 minutes we make it to shore.

Now Downtown Disney, as most know, is a shoppers' heaven. But heaven knows there's not much room left in our luggage for any serious shopping!!!!! Window shopping though? Yup, that is allowed.

The opportunity for more photo ops abound. Here's a sampling:

We meander in and out of stores; the children constantly begging for 'this', 'that' and 'the other'; dh and I constantly bursting their little bubbles with "no" "no" and "no". Eventually we do give in..........................ok, twice. The first time at the toy store for 2 boxes STUFFED to the brim with potato head "pahts" (remember, we're from Boston). And the second, well..............................gee..................can you guess? With my little boys? No brainer.

Can you say 'Legos"? (boy my vacuum's going to be happy )

The Lego store in of itself is something to see. The boys are crazy for the larger than life creations...................people and robots and sharks and crabs and........................is thatr a sea dragon??????

I can only just imagine how many legos it took to build those fellas???

Eventually Nick and Matty make their way into the store to peruse the offerings. Oh my. Decisions, decisions. The store is jam packed with outrageously expensive Lego sets. Of course the dollar figure has already been set. It's 25 bucks or under for my little boys (mean old momma). While they make loops around thestore trying to find 'just the right one' Brennan and Liv enjoy the hands on section outside:

Suddenly a time check appears in order. Oh oh, it is fastly approaching our lunch reservations. I head back inside the store to gently coax my two little boys to "HURRY THE HECK UP!". Fortunately they can take a hint. They make a selection.

And just in time too. The dinos are calling.........................





to be cont'd....................................

 

[pacrosby]

.




Our lunch reservations are at 1:00 and whattya know? We're actually on time As we make our way to the entrance of the restaurant the hands on our wristwatch reveal it to be.....................12:59 Will wonders ever cease???

Wondering where we will be dining this early afternoon? Here, take a peek:

T-Rex!!!! Like our noisy lunch at the Rainforest Cafe at Animal Kingdom on day 3 wasn't enough, huh? Now we're dining in a prehistoric playground. Brontosaurus, Brachiosaurus, Triceraptops and, of course, the Tyrannosuarus Rex! As I look around I'm half expecting to see Fred Flinstone or Barney Rubble emerge from the back as our waiter

And guess what? Momma's even got another one of those 10 dollar off coupons

Here are a few of our favorite creatures. Note the festive hat on the fellow in the last picture (our addition):

"Lunch" ends up as more like a compilation of sinful snacks. Colossal Nachos piled high, the Stegasaurus Sampler and yummy smoothies!!! (mmmmm, I'm hungry just thinkin' about it). While we wait for the check the boys show off their new acquisitions from the Lego store (no doubt they would've started building right there on the table if we would have let them!):

On the way out the children get diverted by the Paleo Zone, an interactive exbihibit that includes a 'way cool' archeological dinosaur dig:

At this point the clouds have really taken over the sky and the rain has started to come down. YIKES!! This just cannot be I cannot believe this. Of all days. Of all times. The MVMCP is in 2 hours I try to hold onto what is left of my optimism.

We make our way through the rain towards the 'taxi stand' stopping here and there for a quick peek at the goods. At one point we see a caricature stand and begin to get a wee bit excited at the thought that we may have stumbled upon another chance to capture the gingerbread boy in all his glory. We explain to the gentlemen our desire. They look at us blankly. We show them a picture of Matty in his costume so that they may have a better idea. They look at us blankly. We tell them about our conversation with the caricaturist at SeaWorld. They look at blankly. We tell them about how this is Matty's Wish Trip and how his wish was to be a gingerbread man in the MVMCP. They look at us suspiciously. "I guess we could do that" . Hmmmm, somehow I'm not feeling very confident. And then they give us the price. 60bucks What? Are you joking? That's more than twice what the guy at SeaWorld was going to charge. We say thanks but no thanks and move on.

In hindsight I wonder if they thought we were looking for a freebie




The wait at the "taxi stand" is a short one, fortunately. It's really raining now. 'Captain Larry' is the driver this trip. And what a hoot he proves to be. As we meander through the waterways he leads us passengers in a sing-a-long and a singing contest!!!! The ride goes by fast and we barely even notice that we are shivering from the cold.

We pull in to the dock at just after 3:00. Just enough time to run back to the room, change our clothes, gather our things and still get there at 4:00. Oh yeah, and do alittle anti-rain dance.

Did it work?









Next up: Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party and a Gingerbread Boy's Wish Come True

 

[kdzbear]

I missed a few updates! I love the photos of the kids with the sharks at Living with the Seas. The group Test Track shot was great too! Could all six of you fit in one room at Port Orleans? I think that may be our new Disney home as Hayley can no longer fit in a pack 'n play and there are 5 of us. Did you enjoy the T-Rex cafe. We did not eat there, but we walked through it. The original one in Kansas City is two stories and Tyler ate there each time we made our trek to the hospital in KC. I am excited to hear your version of the Christmas party as I have already read Maroo's version! Great updates!

 

[maroo]

wait!!!!

you need my pics before you can do the MVMCP update!

Can I send them tonight?!?!?!

 

[kellyw8863]

Yay! Another update! Oh my gosh - the girls are going to go NUTS over the Lego store! How did you get your reservations for T-Rex? Did you make them in advance, or did you call once you arrived in FL?

 

[pacrosby]

I missed a few updates! I love the photos of the kids with the sharks at Living with the Seas. The group Test Track shot was great too! Could all six of you fit in one room at Port Orleans? I think that may be our new Disney home as Hayley can no longer fit in a pack 'n play and there are 5 of us. Did you enjoy the T-Rex cafe. We did not eat there, but we walked through it. The original one in Kansas City is two stories and Tyler ate there each time we made our trek to the hospital in KC. I am excited to hear your version of the Christmas party as I have already read Maroo's version! Great updates!

Nick's face in one of those px with the sharks is just hilarious!!!

Re: the number of people per room ............ ummmmmmmm ............ wellllllll ......................let's just say the rooms at Port Orleans French Quarter are really for 4

The trundle rooms are at the Port Orleans Riverside. I think that's what you would want. I booked a couple of weeks out so availability was quite limited and we just crammed (a big No No here on the disboards). But truth be told we are "crammers" no matter where we go. We spend soooooooo little time in the room, leaving the room shortly after waking up and generally not returning until it is time to fall into bed. So spending more money for extra space is really just like throwing money away for us. Unfortunately for a family of 6 there aren't any "truly" affordable lodging options available on Disney property (to me the value suites and campground cabins no longer qualify as affordable when the vacation also includes paying for transportation from New England and park tickets for six and the fact we like to fit 2-3 week-long trips plus numerous 2-4 day weekend trips into our vacation budget). For future trips we will just stay off property. The 'magic' associated with staying at a Disney resort is kind of lost when the only time you spend there your eyes are closed

We did enjoy T-Rexx. The appetizers we got were delicious and the atmosphere was fun.

wait!!!!

you need my pics before you can do the MVMCP update!

Can I send them tonight?!?!?!

I haven't looked yet but I'm sure they are there. Thank you I really can't tell you how appreciative I am. Of everything you have done for us. I know it'll never be enough but, here.............have yet another flower

I must admit that I'm still a bit confused about the video though. Can I download it onto a disc now or does it just stay on photobucket? Don't laugh at me now.

Yay! Another update! Oh my gosh - the girls are going to go NUTS over the Lego store! How did you get your reservations for T-Rex? Did you make them in advance, or did you call once you arrived in FL?

We did make the reservations before we went. You can do it on the regular site here (it's under Downtown Disney restaurants). The lego creations were outrageous!






ok............so now that Maroo has been more than kind enough to provide me with all of the px I need to continue this TR I guess I haven't any more excuses. Except of course that today it is 80+ degree in Central Massachusetts!!!!!!!! Sorry gals.............the garden is calling me

Maybe tonight?

 

[yinyanggirls]

POFQ looks really beautiful. If I were going to stay on property I would definitely want one that connected to everything.

Christmas is here again! Yay!

 

[Tnkrbelle565]

uggh...I thought I had subbed!!!

Ok going back to read again!

 

[pacrosby]

uggh...I thought I had subbed!!!

Ok going back to read again!

I think perhaps you subbed to the 'bird poop' PTR. I know you posted over there once. This one is a loooong one. Hope you've got yourself a comfortable chair!

Anyway............thanx for popping on over

 

[cantwaittoseemickey]

I love the lego area. We spent quite a bit of time there when we went in 08. It is a nice rest area We will have to check out that digging place. That looks like fun!

T-Rex is another thing we want to "try" to get in on the day of. Can you see where I'm going with this? No ressies and just luck?

humm I hear a video is coming??? woot woot!! Can't wait to see it

 

[buzz for boys]

Once again i have read a million updates at once - why does life get in the way of my trip report reading ??

Have to say once again your trippie bought a smile to my face - cant wait to see if therain holds off for you ! ( have my fingers crossed even though i know it has already happened )

 

[pacrosby]

I love the lego area. We spent quite a bit of time there when we went in 08. It is a nice rest area We will have to check out that digging place. That looks like fun!

T-Rex is another thing we want to "try" to get in on the day of. Can you see where I'm going with this? No ressies and just luck?

humm I hear a video is coming??? woot woot!! Can't wait to see it

We had to drag the kids away from the pit. They just love sand!

Maroo was kind enough to get a bit of video of Matty with his 'friends'. It's not much but means alot to me, of course. They were just so wonderful (oh dear, I feel a tear or two coming on here )

Once again i have read a million updates at once - why does life get in the way of my trip report reading ??

Have to say once again your trippie bought a smile to my face - cant wait to see if therain holds off for you ! ( have my fingers crossed even though i know it has already happened )

OMG.............I remember you Welcome back!!!! I figured I'd completely lost all my followers that weren't actual 'wish trippers'

Life's gotten in the way of my 'writing' this thing too! Can you believe it's April already and I'm STILL not done I've promised some here I'd get it done before they left for their Wish trips but I'm starting to wonder if I'm going to be able to keep that promise!

Anyway, thanx so much for coming back (and saying 'hi'..............that's always a bonus )

 

[yinyanggirls]

You can do it Pamela! If you don't finish before I'm back you WILL lose all your readers to my awesome TR. Let's hope I keep my momentum up lest you ride me for saying this.

 

[pacrosby]

You can do it Pamela! If you don't finish before I'm back you WILL lose all your readers to my awesome TR. Let's hope I keep my momentum up lest you ride me for saying this.

Oh just you wait there girl!!!!

Have you noticed all of the more recent Wish Trippers who couldn't wait to get started and then .................. ummmmm ......................... kind of ............................ just disappeared

Happens to the best of us unfortunately!

I haven't completely given up the hope. I just may finish this puppy up before you leave. Don't stop checkin' on me ok?








.

 

[yinyanggirls]

Nope, never gonna give up on the Gingerbread boy. I'm subscribed, you know, that thing you click on when you don't want to miss any updates?!?!

 

[pacrosby]

Nope, never gonna give up on the Gingerbread boy. I'm subscribed, you know, that thing you click on when you don't want to miss any updates?!?!

Yeah, I think somebody told me about that thing

 

[kdzbear]

Oh just you wait there girl!!!!

Have you noticed all of the more recent Wish Trippers who couldn't wait to get started and then .................. ummmmm ......................... kind of ............................ just disappeared

Happens to the best of us unfortunately!

I haven't completely given up the hope. I just may finish this puppy up before you leave. Don't stop checkin' on me ok?

.

Hold on ...... I finished my report while sorting all 1500 of my photos! Not everyone disappears! I just had to stop and give you a hard time. I don't think anyone realizes how time consuming trip reports are until you try to write one and do it justice. You are doing great and I will be here until it is finished. The best part is still to come!

 

[kellyw8863]

Come on, Pamela, you can do it!