VickiVM
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- May 3, 2001
- Messages
- 2,318
Myself (Vicki): Planned this trip long before Lee knew about it
Husband Lee: Finally gave in to my sick Disney obsession (like he had a choice)
The Children -
Alex (8): Not so adventurous and wanted to know before every ride if it was fast and goes up and down
Sydney (6): Hugged all characters like they were long lost sorority sisters
Allyson (4): Dug all the rides (including the ones the older two didnt), but closed her eyes and pretended she was asleep whenever we had a character encounter.
Grandma (my mom): Was a trooper all the way! Probably would have ridden more scary rides if those pesky grandchildren werent hogging all the attention.
Day 6 Wednesday, Oct. 2
Hump Day. I had been dreading this day. Today is the beginning of the end of vacation. I have felt like the past two days have been mostly about transition. Adjusting to all of us being together 24-7. Adjusting to a new home. Taking in all the sights, sounds and smells of Disney and acclimating to it all. I have seen my childrens deepest fears, their purest joys and my husbands highest level of patience. I have been so busy making sure that everyone was having a good time and ensuring that they all had magic by which to remember this vacation that I realized that I had been extremely edgy. TODAY IS MY DAY!
I set the alarm to go off at 6:30 and requested a wake up call for 8am. I wanted the kids to hear the wake up call. We woke up at a less than hectic pace than the previous days, had breakfast in the room, and headed out the door around 8:45. Mom spends the day again with my brother and his family. They live in Pennsylvania and dont get to see my mom that often so shes trying to get in a little quality time with them as well. Im not sure what time we made it to Magic Kingdom, but it wasnt important. When we arrived, there were the usual characters at the entrance Goofy, Pluto, Minnie & Mickey, Chip & Dale. Sydney made a beeline for the lines. The gang must have just walked out because the lines were extremely short. Lee and Allyson went to go get the stroller a double. Syd and Al made the rounds and I got great photos of them. We begin our stroll down Main St. and we begin our search for the Barbershop as Lee wanted to hear the Barbershop Chorus (he once belonged to a chorus group before we got married). We found them singing in the bakery. We let Daddy take his time listening. (Thank you, Dad, for driving us 1200 miles to come to Disney World.) We started back down Main Street on our way to Fantasy Land. The photo hawkers are out and we figure what-the-hay. We group for a photo and go on our way.
First things first. Dumbo. Lee sits out to take our pictures. The kids love it and wanted to go again. I told them we would come back later. (We didnt.) We hit all the rides-behind-walls in Fantasy Land Snow Whites Scary Adventure, Winnie the Pooh, Its a Small World, Peter Pans Flight, etc. Alex, for some reason, just didnt believe us when we told him no, it doesnt go fast or up and down. I guess since he couldnt see them, he became apprehensive. I apologize to anyone who might have been behind us on any of these rides. We had to talk our kids through the attraction all through the duration of the ride to alleviate their fears. Leave it my kids to remove any of the mystery and magic of it all. We had to reduce every attraction to robotics, costumed characters, pretend smoke, etc. But it worked. I managed to get them to ride just about everything I thought was appropriate for them.
Around 11:30 we started to get hungry. I told Lee about Liberty Tree and the famous Pilgrims Feast. That sounded good to him. Wow, what an awesome lunch! We started out with the crab cake appetizer and Lee had the turkey, of course, while I had the pot roast. The kids had well, kids meals. We took our time eating and the pace in the restaurant was quiet and unhurried. This was the right restaurant at the right time for us!
After lunch, I decide its time we visited Mickeys Toon Town Fair. But wait. The kids see the Teacups and wanted to go on. I dont know guys we just had sooo much to eat. OK, lets go. Lee sits this out so he can take photos. Yeah, right. I dont think he wants to chance losing his dignity (dont want to gross anyone out here). What a blast the kids and I had. It was pure, unadulterated joy. We were all laughing and screaming so hard and I got the biggest kick being one of them. After looking at the photos later, I swear my expressions make me look 10 years younger. OK, maybe not 10, but I dont recall a photo of myself with my children where I looked so stress-free.
OK on to Toon Town. Since the Teacups had gone so well, I ask the girls to join me on Goofys Barnstormer. I knew better than to ask Alex. We ride Barnstormer and I have to admit it was a bit more daring than I thought it would be. Sydney didnt like it and closed her eyes and clung to me tightly. Ally on the other hand really loved it and immediately asked to go on it again. I told her we may come back. We go on the train and make a complete round. I noticed my babes are getting red-eyed and droopy. When the train makes it back to Toon Town, we make a quick dash through Mickeys house and we dont tell Ally about the Mickey room. We get escorted and right when the door opens, Ally begins her little panic cries. Lee is holding her and comforting her and she reluctantly allows the photographer to take a photo of Lee, her, Syd and Alex. I have no intention of purchasing the photo, since I doubted she would photograph well given her anxiety, so I take my own photo of them. As we leave the room, she waves to Mickey and is saying Goodbye rather loudly. I think she is proud of herself for getting through that and we all congratulate her on handling it really well.
Again, reality has to invade our vacation. We forgot to mail off our car payment which is due today, so we go back to the villa to get a check so we can make a payment by phone. On our way out, we check on the photo we took that morning. The kids and I wait outside while Lee takes over 30 minutes to pick up his photo. Man, this better be good. Well, I cant believe it. He brings out the photo (in a nice add-on sale frame) and we all look fabulous!! No one is whining, pouting, crying, looking away, hamming it up or picking their nose!! We have taken the ultimate family photo with the castle and beautiful blue sky behind us to boot. Say it with me Thank you, Lee, for driving us 1200 miles to come to Disney World.
While were in the villa, we have a snack of crackers and juice and decide to go back to MK. Since this was the first week they decided to extend hours until 8pm, we still had a few more hours left to enjoy it all. When we get back to MK, we ride a couple more rides that I cant recall at the moment and then I remember the parade. We park it near the bridge in Frontier Land while Lee goes off to find us the dessert we never had after lunch that we said we would have later .Peach cobbler for me and Lee and hot fudge brownies for the kids. Shortly, the parade begins. We didnt have the best view not front row but it was still good. I was holding Ally so she could see better and taking photos at the same time. Ally totally dug this parade!! She got so excited as all the characters rolled by her in such grand fashion. I was just enthralled and savoring Allys excitement of it all. The past few months I have been acutely aware of how much of her babyhood is disappearing for good. Shes our last and Im just not ready to let go. And then she did it. She gave me more pixie dust than Walt ever could, although he was the catalyst. Amidst all her excitement she whispers in my ear, Mommy, this is the BEST parade ever. I started crying. OK, OK, Vic, pull yourself together. Were not shooting a Hallmark card commercial here. We could have packed it up and left that very moment and I would be happy and satisfied. But nooooo. There was more fun to be had!
After the parade, we go to Buzz Lightyear. All I have to say is Way Cool. Thumbs up from everyone and I thought that spiral light thingie was extremely neat. Dusk was coming on as we headed back to Frontier Land, or whatever land Jungle Cruise is in. In a matter of about 30 minutes (maybe less) we did the Jungle Cruise, Pirates of the Caribbean, and that Aladdin ride. This is where I learn that Lee hates these up-in-theair-go-up-anddown-andall-around rides. Thats why he begged off of Dumbo. Silly Daddy.
And so we come to the end of the night. We head towards the center of the park to stake out a place for the fireworks. Lee heads off to find us a gourmet dinner of hotdogs and fries. The kids are excited as it gets darker and the castle is changing colors. Then it begins. I tell the girls to keep their eye on the top of the castle where that long wire is coming out of it. Then Tinkerbell takes her dramatic, descending flight and the girls just squeal. They are loving it! I didnt think anything could top mommy this is the best parade, but this comes in a close second. I honestly felt like I was in one of those Share The Magic commercials. The fireworks are just awesome. I daresay, better than Illuminations. Maybe it was the mood. The kids really loved it and Sydney was not fearful at all this time. Ally still talks about the fireworks.
We take our time walking back down Main St. (like theres any other way of getting through that mob). I tell everyone to say goodbye to the castle. Im sad about leaving but that sense of dread from this morning is now replaced with contentment and family unity. We have accomplished a lot today, but more importantly, I have truly enjoyed myself in the way Im sure Walt had intended.
And the best thing about tonight I dont have to set the alarm for tomorrow because its Pool Day!!!!
Husband Lee: Finally gave in to my sick Disney obsession (like he had a choice)
The Children -
Alex (8): Not so adventurous and wanted to know before every ride if it was fast and goes up and down
Sydney (6): Hugged all characters like they were long lost sorority sisters
Allyson (4): Dug all the rides (including the ones the older two didnt), but closed her eyes and pretended she was asleep whenever we had a character encounter.
Grandma (my mom): Was a trooper all the way! Probably would have ridden more scary rides if those pesky grandchildren werent hogging all the attention.
Day 6 Wednesday, Oct. 2
Hump Day. I had been dreading this day. Today is the beginning of the end of vacation. I have felt like the past two days have been mostly about transition. Adjusting to all of us being together 24-7. Adjusting to a new home. Taking in all the sights, sounds and smells of Disney and acclimating to it all. I have seen my childrens deepest fears, their purest joys and my husbands highest level of patience. I have been so busy making sure that everyone was having a good time and ensuring that they all had magic by which to remember this vacation that I realized that I had been extremely edgy. TODAY IS MY DAY!
I set the alarm to go off at 6:30 and requested a wake up call for 8am. I wanted the kids to hear the wake up call. We woke up at a less than hectic pace than the previous days, had breakfast in the room, and headed out the door around 8:45. Mom spends the day again with my brother and his family. They live in Pennsylvania and dont get to see my mom that often so shes trying to get in a little quality time with them as well. Im not sure what time we made it to Magic Kingdom, but it wasnt important. When we arrived, there were the usual characters at the entrance Goofy, Pluto, Minnie & Mickey, Chip & Dale. Sydney made a beeline for the lines. The gang must have just walked out because the lines were extremely short. Lee and Allyson went to go get the stroller a double. Syd and Al made the rounds and I got great photos of them. We begin our stroll down Main St. and we begin our search for the Barbershop as Lee wanted to hear the Barbershop Chorus (he once belonged to a chorus group before we got married). We found them singing in the bakery. We let Daddy take his time listening. (Thank you, Dad, for driving us 1200 miles to come to Disney World.) We started back down Main Street on our way to Fantasy Land. The photo hawkers are out and we figure what-the-hay. We group for a photo and go on our way.
First things first. Dumbo. Lee sits out to take our pictures. The kids love it and wanted to go again. I told them we would come back later. (We didnt.) We hit all the rides-behind-walls in Fantasy Land Snow Whites Scary Adventure, Winnie the Pooh, Its a Small World, Peter Pans Flight, etc. Alex, for some reason, just didnt believe us when we told him no, it doesnt go fast or up and down. I guess since he couldnt see them, he became apprehensive. I apologize to anyone who might have been behind us on any of these rides. We had to talk our kids through the attraction all through the duration of the ride to alleviate their fears. Leave it my kids to remove any of the mystery and magic of it all. We had to reduce every attraction to robotics, costumed characters, pretend smoke, etc. But it worked. I managed to get them to ride just about everything I thought was appropriate for them.
Around 11:30 we started to get hungry. I told Lee about Liberty Tree and the famous Pilgrims Feast. That sounded good to him. Wow, what an awesome lunch! We started out with the crab cake appetizer and Lee had the turkey, of course, while I had the pot roast. The kids had well, kids meals. We took our time eating and the pace in the restaurant was quiet and unhurried. This was the right restaurant at the right time for us!
After lunch, I decide its time we visited Mickeys Toon Town Fair. But wait. The kids see the Teacups and wanted to go on. I dont know guys we just had sooo much to eat. OK, lets go. Lee sits this out so he can take photos. Yeah, right. I dont think he wants to chance losing his dignity (dont want to gross anyone out here). What a blast the kids and I had. It was pure, unadulterated joy. We were all laughing and screaming so hard and I got the biggest kick being one of them. After looking at the photos later, I swear my expressions make me look 10 years younger. OK, maybe not 10, but I dont recall a photo of myself with my children where I looked so stress-free.
OK on to Toon Town. Since the Teacups had gone so well, I ask the girls to join me on Goofys Barnstormer. I knew better than to ask Alex. We ride Barnstormer and I have to admit it was a bit more daring than I thought it would be. Sydney didnt like it and closed her eyes and clung to me tightly. Ally on the other hand really loved it and immediately asked to go on it again. I told her we may come back. We go on the train and make a complete round. I noticed my babes are getting red-eyed and droopy. When the train makes it back to Toon Town, we make a quick dash through Mickeys house and we dont tell Ally about the Mickey room. We get escorted and right when the door opens, Ally begins her little panic cries. Lee is holding her and comforting her and she reluctantly allows the photographer to take a photo of Lee, her, Syd and Alex. I have no intention of purchasing the photo, since I doubted she would photograph well given her anxiety, so I take my own photo of them. As we leave the room, she waves to Mickey and is saying Goodbye rather loudly. I think she is proud of herself for getting through that and we all congratulate her on handling it really well.
Again, reality has to invade our vacation. We forgot to mail off our car payment which is due today, so we go back to the villa to get a check so we can make a payment by phone. On our way out, we check on the photo we took that morning. The kids and I wait outside while Lee takes over 30 minutes to pick up his photo. Man, this better be good. Well, I cant believe it. He brings out the photo (in a nice add-on sale frame) and we all look fabulous!! No one is whining, pouting, crying, looking away, hamming it up or picking their nose!! We have taken the ultimate family photo with the castle and beautiful blue sky behind us to boot. Say it with me Thank you, Lee, for driving us 1200 miles to come to Disney World.
While were in the villa, we have a snack of crackers and juice and decide to go back to MK. Since this was the first week they decided to extend hours until 8pm, we still had a few more hours left to enjoy it all. When we get back to MK, we ride a couple more rides that I cant recall at the moment and then I remember the parade. We park it near the bridge in Frontier Land while Lee goes off to find us the dessert we never had after lunch that we said we would have later .Peach cobbler for me and Lee and hot fudge brownies for the kids. Shortly, the parade begins. We didnt have the best view not front row but it was still good. I was holding Ally so she could see better and taking photos at the same time. Ally totally dug this parade!! She got so excited as all the characters rolled by her in such grand fashion. I was just enthralled and savoring Allys excitement of it all. The past few months I have been acutely aware of how much of her babyhood is disappearing for good. Shes our last and Im just not ready to let go. And then she did it. She gave me more pixie dust than Walt ever could, although he was the catalyst. Amidst all her excitement she whispers in my ear, Mommy, this is the BEST parade ever. I started crying. OK, OK, Vic, pull yourself together. Were not shooting a Hallmark card commercial here. We could have packed it up and left that very moment and I would be happy and satisfied. But nooooo. There was more fun to be had!
After the parade, we go to Buzz Lightyear. All I have to say is Way Cool. Thumbs up from everyone and I thought that spiral light thingie was extremely neat. Dusk was coming on as we headed back to Frontier Land, or whatever land Jungle Cruise is in. In a matter of about 30 minutes (maybe less) we did the Jungle Cruise, Pirates of the Caribbean, and that Aladdin ride. This is where I learn that Lee hates these up-in-theair-go-up-anddown-andall-around rides. Thats why he begged off of Dumbo. Silly Daddy.
And so we come to the end of the night. We head towards the center of the park to stake out a place for the fireworks. Lee heads off to find us a gourmet dinner of hotdogs and fries. The kids are excited as it gets darker and the castle is changing colors. Then it begins. I tell the girls to keep their eye on the top of the castle where that long wire is coming out of it. Then Tinkerbell takes her dramatic, descending flight and the girls just squeal. They are loving it! I didnt think anything could top mommy this is the best parade, but this comes in a close second. I honestly felt like I was in one of those Share The Magic commercials. The fireworks are just awesome. I daresay, better than Illuminations. Maybe it was the mood. The kids really loved it and Sydney was not fearful at all this time. Ally still talks about the fireworks.
We take our time walking back down Main St. (like theres any other way of getting through that mob). I tell everyone to say goodbye to the castle. Im sad about leaving but that sense of dread from this morning is now replaced with contentment and family unity. We have accomplished a lot today, but more importantly, I have truly enjoyed myself in the way Im sure Walt had intended.
And the best thing about tonight I dont have to set the alarm for tomorrow because its Pool Day!!!!
