Sorry for the delay! Here is Day Four.
Day Four
I wasnt sure how much we could accomplish in one day. It was our last day for the parks. I contemplated doing the park thing on Friday, our last day, but wasnt sure about the cost I had tried calling the night before and didnt get a clear answer but was told I had to go visit the concierge. Anyone who has stayed at CBR knows that isnt the easiest of treks, especially with a crew full of kids.
And hanging out at the resort the last day without dealing with buses and rushing sounded rather appealing.
So I wake up early still on Disney excitement and take a shower. All three were still sleeping (amazing, I know).
Little by little each child woke it was our morning to head to Epcot and dine with the princesses. DD had a choice of wearing a new Tinkerbelle costume that arrived at the resort (via mail from a last-minute Ebay purchase, ohh, that reminds me, I think I owe feedback!) or a Snow White costume she received from the Easter Bunny.
The rest of us were wearing green so Tinkerbelle it was
DS starts off in a mood complaining about what to wear and refusing to get dressed. Eventually he comes around and I wonder how we will ever do a single thing if he is in a bad mood.
We head to the bus stop with water bottles, two backpacks, stroller and kids and are off, with time to spare, to Epcot.
As soon as we arrive the kids both want to sit in the stroller and begin to complain about walking. I put the baby in the carrier, we go through security and walk through the gates. The giant sphere raises immediate interest and there is no line, so we ditch the stroller and head to Spaceship Earth. The kids really enjoyed it, and wanted to go again, but I was concerned about getting to Norway for breakfast so we journeyed to Norway and checked in at the Akershus.
DB fell asleep in the carrier and my shoe became untied. I asked a passing woman if should please time my shoe Im not quite skilled enough to hold a baby in a front pack, bend over and tie my shoe LOL she was kind enough to help me out.
While waiting for our breakfast we purchased a crowd for DD and asked if there was anything for the boys. I was sent to the Norway gift shop where we found Nordic hats (no, I didnt buy one) and rubber swords. Well, DS had been asking for a sword for two days and the rubber, soft sword seemed like it wouldnt hurt anyone so I said sure. All were happy.
After our name was called for breakfast we were directed to a line where Belle was standing and signing autographs. We waited our turn, had pictures taken and were show to our table.
DB was still sleeping in the front pack so I decided to lay him on the ground to sleep, strange I know, but my options were limited. I took my napkin and laid it down best I could a CM said he was going to bring me some napkins and help but he never did return to help?
Seated next to us was the lady who tied my shoe and her family. I asked them if they would please take a picture of me with Mary Poppins, shes my favorite.
Breakfast was pretty good. The kids loaded up on the bacon and cinnamon rolls. We saw Mulan (who was very friendly and related to DS and his sword by telling how she used her sword to cut off her hair), Mary Poppins, Snow White and Jasmine.
DB woke up somewhere in there and joined us at the table.
After breakfast we headed to Mexico and rode the boat ride twice. We never even got off the ride, as there was no line at all and the children enjoyed it.
We looked at the trinkets in Mexico and then I thought we should head to the UK where characters were supposedly signing autographs.
Its quite the walk and along the way we stopped and took in all the wonderful sculptures, and browsed a couple shops.
Once finally in the UK we learn that the characters do not come out for another 45 minutes or so I should have read better, but it was hard to focus on times and locations and keep track of everyone. So off we went and discovered a cool garden that was guarded by a Tinkerbelle sculpture, very cute. It was a garden for little ones and kids got to crawl through tubes, play drums and even discovered a small playground.
At the playground DS was a pirate and locked Tinkerbelle in her cage (see photo).
We then ventured to the Living Seas. My only goals for Epcot were breakfast and the Living Seas. We got inside a saw a big line. We werent sure what it was for, but got in line any way. We asked a few people what we were in line for, and no one seemed to really know. When it was almost our turn we realized it was for Talk with Crush.
DS had a couple minor melt downs in line, but nothing too horrible.
Finally it was our turn. DD had on her light-up crown and Crush singled her out and asked her to turn it off. She also got the chance to interact with Crush. DS was sad he wasnt chosen, but they both seemed to enjoy it.
We then visit Bruce the shark. And the kids wait in line for me to take a picture. When it was there turn DS got scared and came running back to me LOL
We then took the escalator upstairs (the kids loved that) and saw the fish, and came across a little boy dressed as Peter Pan. How cute, I thought, we had Tinkerbelle, DS as Captain Hook and now Peter Pan. Well Captain Hook and Peter Pan each drew swords (good thing they were pretend) and started fighting.
How little boys think to do that so quickly on their own amazes me.
I knew I should have said something, but they seemed to be gentle, werent hitting each other, just sword to sword. Well then Peter Pan decides to stab DS in the gut and the game comes to a quick end as I whisk DS away and we head to look at more fish. The boys father did send the boy back to us to apologize. And I learned my lesson to stop the sword fights earlier LOL
Then we went to take a bathroom break, I really had to go. We all get in the bathroom and of course the kids beat me to the toilet. I didnt have the stroller so I had to put DB on the ground to sit, well he started throwing a tantrum and screaming and throwing himself around and I wasnt able to take my turn.
Instead we quickly get out of there and head towards the strollers, I knew DB had to eat and I didnt see any hidden places and knew he would continue screaming until he ate and I knew DS was at a breaking point as well. So what did I do?
Sat on the ground in stroller parking, changed DBs diaper and nursed him right there. Whats a mom to do?
The kids hung out nicely while I did that and DB fell asleep. I put him back in the stroller and DS boarded in too.
Of course, DD wanted to sit in the stroller too. So she sat on DS lap. They then realized this could be a way they could both sit (though I cant imagine it being to comfortable).
All my photos were used up (the last one was with the shark in the Living Seas). So I figured we would head out of the park to MGM and stop by the camera center on the way to download photos.
We make another bathroom stop this time I was successful and went to the camera store. Their machine for my memory disk was broken. I was told that I could walk back to the Imagination Station yeah, right. No way, we were on our way out of that park and there was no way I was walking all the way back.
We head towards the buses and I see taxis lined up. I ask before we get in how much it might be, about $12 I was told. GREAT. Well worth it.
That was a GREAT decision. We (by we I mean me) piled things in the trunk for some reason the cabbie didnt help and sat inside the cab. The air was turned on, the seats were plush and it was pure luxury. Much nicer and easier than the bus, I was in heaven.
It was only $10. All I had was a $20 and he handed me a $10 bill back. I wanted to tip him but he said he didnt have change. OK, moneys mine.
We go into MGM and I decide to make a plan of action to try to do as much as possible.
We get there and I head immediately to the camera station and get my photos downloaded. Success.
There was a Beauty and the Beast show starting at 4:30 and it was about 4:10, I checked the map and we headed right over there. We parked the stroller and all sat down. Some minor complaints from the kids, but nothing too bad.
We watch the show and DS falls sound asleep. I had no idea how I could possibly carry DB and DS all the way back to the stroller. I asked a guy standing next to us (who looked like he was there with his girlfriend) if he could hold DB for a moment while I picked up DS he obliged. I picked up DS, got DB back and held him and started making our way back to the exit.
Along the way DS woke up and agreed to walk how great. Somewhere along the way I had promised him popcorn at the next site of a popcorn stand and one was there right outside of the exit of the show. We got some popcorn and looked at the time, almost 5 p.m., time for the parade.
We walk to the parade area, got a tip on where to stand and still be OK and got a front row spot. I bought everyone ice pops and we waited for the parade.
I have to say one of the best moments of the entire trip was DS reaction to the parade. He was the most excited and the most happy Ive ever seen him. For those who havent seen the MGM Motor Cars Parade, its a must see! Every car has characters. And every new character DS saw the more excited he got, standing up and jumping up and down. It was awesome!
The Power Ranger who shook his hand was one of his highlights. It was wonderful!
The parade ended and then we, along with hundreds of others, raced across the grounds to the stunt show. On the way we passed Honey I Shrunk the Kids.
That was what DD REALLY wanted to do. I said look, there it is, we will go after the car show.
We all enjoyed the stunt show and by this time were really hungry, it was 6 p.m. and we had breakfast at 10:30 a.m. I spotted a CM after we exited the stunt show and asked where we could grab a quick bite before going to Honey I Shrunk the Kids (those of you who know the times for MGM know where this is headed).
He recommended Pizza Planet. We found it without much trouble I carried the stroller up the couple steps to get there and we waited in line to order our food. With a tray full of food and a stroller to push we grabbed the nearest table and sat down.
I had the veggie pizza it was YUMMY! I highly recommend it and plan on having it again on another trip. DS was very excited to be at Pizza Planet and couldnt wait to run around and play the games (luckily he still doesnt ask for money to play) LOL. So the two older kids played on the games for a couple minutes.
I gathered everyone up, went potty and headed to Honey I Shrunk the Kids. I was getting nervous as we approached, the road was empty and I realized that it might be closed. I hadnt noticed the time until after we left the bathroom and then it struck me that the play area closes early.
Did I mention DD REALLY wanted to go?
We get to the entrance and yup, it was closed. DD started to wail. I felt horrible. That is where she wanted to go so badly, the whole reason we went to MGM and we get there and it was closed by four minutes. The CM was there shooing people away. I asked if there was any way DD could at least look inside. He was very nice and took her on a personal tour of the area and DS met them on the way out, so he got a peak too.
DD was still upset, but at least got to see it and did get to go down a slide. I still felt so badly. And do now too. I promised her we would go there again and wed go there first.
We walked out and sat on the steps next to HISTK where I nursed the baby and another CM happened to be walking the empty street. She took out some bubbles and the kids were excitedly chasing bubbles around the street then I remembered I had brought bubbles too so they were all blowing bubbles and everyone was happy again, whew!
After a half hour or so we began to wander our way back. Most things at MGM are closed come 7 p.m. (at least when we were there). Things were really quiet and empty. We went back to the area near Pizza Planet and learned that the Jim Hensons Muppet 3-D Movie thing was getting ready to start. Great, we could still do another activity! We watched the show with a crowd of maybe 30. DS kept trying to grab things out of the air and kept jumping. It was very cute. I nursed DB again and he fell asleep.
Following the show the kids looked at Buzzs rocket ship, we found our stroller and went shopping in a local store. I bought a Disney bag for me (needed something to help carry our goodies back home).
Then another desperate run to the bathroom (I dont know why the potty breaks were so significant this day, but they were). Then it was time to go.
I opted to skip Fantasmic because we already had a long day and the thought of fighting all those people after the show for buses was too much for me to handle. As we exited we could hear some of the show and the kids, of course, wanted to check it out, but I resisted knowing that the fits would be starting soon.
We stopped by another gift shop where I bought the Mr. Potato Head build your own Mickey package thing (which the kids enjoy playing with, as we never had a Mr. Potato Head of any kind before) and then we went to board a bus back to the hotel.
We made it back without much incident and were all in bed by 10 lots of late nights for the kids.
Looking back I think that was one of our best days. We were able to accomplish a whole lot, yet didnt really have to wait in lines or deal with too many tantrums.
I think the first park we will visit on a return trip, whenever that may be, will be MGM. DD still mentions how Honey I Shrunk the Kids was closed when we got there. And, as I mentioned, I still feel badly about her missing it.
Everyone was sleeping and all was well until about 1 a.m. DS wakes up and throws up in his bed and on his favorite blanket ick! I was SO glad I brought some single sink pouches of Tide that I had found. I immediately called Mousekeeping to get clean sheets and then went to the sink to wash the blanket. Luckily, it wasnt too bad.
We waited nearly an hour before someone came with our sheets. She wasnt too happy. Apparently, she is the only on duty caretaker of the entire CBR at night (according to her) and she had all kinds of runs to do. She kept answering calls in her walking talkie and speaking VERY loudly, I was afraid shed wake DB whom I had just gotten to sleep.
Finally, the bed was changed, I tipped her and off she went into the night.
Whew, we could all sleep again, though DS blanket was wet, it was clean and he insisted on sleeping with it.
OK, just one more day to go, I promise it wont take another week for me to post!
. I almost cried reading about day 2. Rest assured that every kid has at least one meltdown in WDW. I'm so glad day 3 was better. I can't imagine how you managed to get the stroller and everything on and off the buses on your own. I think that would be the hardest part for me.
My baby is really sick yesterday and today and with getting some other stuff done, writing the report's not in the cards. I will post by the weekend though, I promise!
U.S. That was an experience! There is something to be said for independence! Waiting to hear more about your adventures in the World!
I love the pictures of your beautiful kids! They look like they are having a great time. I can't wait to read more!
). When you were saying you would go after the stunt show I was thinking "uh oh it's going to be closed".
.i had to work over last night so i read your report. i can't
.
I want to take all three of mine by meself next year so thank you for the story of your trip.
