Pocahontas1
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Nov 17, 2002
- Messages
- 362
Part 3 (Day 2 Part 1): Darth Tater
Cast of Characters:
Me: 35 year old major Disney fan. DH bought into DVC in 2002, so I now get to go at least once a year.
Omi: My mom. She is 59 and enjoys Disney (but not nearly as much as I do), but she was wiling to go to spend time with the grandkids.
Tater: DS Almost 5 years old (to be exact he is 59 months old this became important later on in the trip). Has been to Disney about 6 times. Knows exactly what he wants to do.
Princess Squidgy: DD 13 months old. This is her second Disney trip. Walks everywhere, but not independently. Has just begun to have major temper tantrums.
If youve been reading, you may remember I lost some mommy points yesterday for forgetting Taters toothbrush, toothpaste and fussing at him for no good reason. Well, today, Im about to make a big old deposit in the mommy point bank. Tater and I are headed to MGM for Star Wars weekend just the two of us. Omi has agreed to watch Squidgy until we get back (which I told her was about lunchtime). Tater was an only child until he was almost four and Ill admit he was spoiled. He has adjusted well to Squidgy, but I think he has been missing special time he and I used to spend together. DH has what I call babygirlaphobia and Tater and I usually dont go anywhere together unless Squidge is with us. Im hoping this will be a really special time for him.
Last night, the front desk said the first bus to MGM would leave about 8am and I want to be on it. We usually drive everywhere, but I want to leave the van with Omi in case she needs it. Ive heard the busses can be crowded, so I want to get to the bus stop early. Im already half awake when the phone rings for the wake up call no Stitch, no Mickey, just silence on the other end of the line. I sneak past a still sleeping Squidge into the bathroom. Id hoped she and Omi could sleep in, but it is just not going to happen. Shes sleeping in the alcove in front of the mirrors and sinks so if I want to brush my teeth, shes going to wake up.
When I whisper its Star Wars day, Tater wakes up with absolutely no problem. At home, I have to drag (you think Im kidding, right?) this kid out of bed every morning. Disney truly is a magical place. Like others who are headed for Star Wars Weekend, Tater has a special outfit. He has managed to find a way to incorporate two of his favorite things NASCAR and Star Wars. He has a brand new Jeff Gordon/Star Wars t-shirt and a Jeff Gordon/Yoda baseball hat he has been saving until this moment. There were lots of little Anakens, but only one Star Wars/Jeff Gordon kid at MGM. As we attach the requisite blue lightsaber (or lifesaber, according to Tater), the outfit is complete.
Tater and I leave Omi and Squidge playing quietly on the bed. I give her a list of instructions, but after all, she successfully raised two kids, so she should be ok for three or four hours, right? As we close the door, we can hear the busses running. Wait a minute, its only 7:50 and they said busses wouldnt start until 8am. I know it is going to be crowded, well never get a seat. When we get to the bus stop, there are about 15 or so people there, but they all get on busses for other destinations. Tater and I are alone when the bus for MGM shows up.
Tater and I were also alone when the bus dropped us of at MGM. Thats right, we were the only people on the bus the entire trip. We sat right in front, since Tater wanted to sit right behind the driver. It was actually kind of nice, had a great conversation with the driver. Tater has now decided that when he grows up, he wants to be a Disney bus driver. We say thank you for the ride, and the bus driver gives Tater a couple of stickers on the way out made his morning. Just another example of excellent Disney service.
We are way, way early at MGM. We were there by 8:10am and were probably one of the first 75 people at the gates. As we head through security, the guard also gives Tater a couple of stickers. By this time, I dont think his feet are on the ground anymore, he is so happy. We patiently wait, while Tater informs me every time the music changes Its the good guy music or Its the Dark Side music. Finally the music changes and a very nice lady suggests we go stand where we can see the elevator. Huh?
Tater and I wander over and all of a sudden the Stormtroopers appear and take the elevator to the tops of the gates. Tater gets very nervous, because, these are real Stormtroopers, not the ones in the movies and they have guns. Hes not sure if he wants to stay. Being four, he is such a believer and everything is real. We have a mother/son talk about how the Stormtroopers arent really bad, they just act bad when they are in the movies. If he met them, they would actually be really nice and sign his autograph book. We also discuss that the guns couldnt be real, because Disney would never let them have real guns in the parks. It helps some, but I still have to hold him for quite a while.
Finally, the gates open and we walk to the center of the park. Some people take off running (and I mean flat out running) off to the left. I later find out they are getting FPs for autograph sessions. Were just hear to meet Luke, Leia, Han (please be Harrison Ford) and ride Star Tours, were not interested in autographs from actors, we want the real people. Tater overcomes his fears enough to walk up to a Clonetrooper and ask for an autograph (I thought it was a Stormtrooper what a Star Wars neophyte I am ). Finally, the Clonetroopers escort us back toward Star Tours. We pass by Chewbacca and Tater wants an autograph. Chewies not scary, cause he is a good guy. A lady takes his picture and gives me a card. This is my first experience with PhotoPass. Actually, I kind of like the idea. We used it for about 20 pictures and they turned out well. What I didnt like (listen up Disney execs if you are reading) was the price and size. I dont need a ton of 5x7s, but I would probably buy a lot of them if they were regular sized pictures for a couple of dollars each.
Now that we are photographed and autographed, we head for Star Tours. He has been so excited about riding this. Im trying to put stuff away, and he absolutely freezes on the ramp going into the ride. Hes not scared of the ride part, he is scared of the darkness in the preshow. Hes backing up quickly toward the exit (well, I guess it is supposed to be the entrance). I catch him and we have another mother/son talk about how nothing will hurt you and you will actually like it if you ride it. I tell him C3PO and R2D2 are right around the corner. I also tell him he can decide at the last minute he doesnt want to ride, but I want him to come through the line with me. And, if he decides to ride and doesnt like it, he never has to ride it again. Thats good enough for Tater he agrees if Ill carry him through the line. That is one heavy and tall child.
When we finally get ready to board our ship, he says no, not this time. Now unlike the parent of the child next to me in Stitch (that story is coming up later) I wont force him, but I also realize it is the unknown that he is scared of (along with the Dark Side). A very nice CM takes the time to talk to him and reassure him that it is really fun and there are no Stormtroopers and no Darth Vader. Agrees to stand in line for the shuttle and intently watches the video. After that, he is fine, walks in, sits down, puts his belt on and loves it. Halfway through, he giggles and says This is fun Mommy. As soon as we are done, he wants to ride again. A lengthy trip in the shop and a Luke Skywalker on some type of speeder and a Jedi Mickey later, we ride again.
That finished, we decide see if we can find anyone to meet. Right around the corner, we run in to Luke Skywalker. Tater waits patiently and meets a very nice kid. The two of them play lightsabers, share fruit snacks and just generally have a good time. After meeting Luke, Leia comes out, so it is back in line again.
I dont know what it is about pretty characters, but Tater just cant function when he meets the princesses, etc. He walks up to Leia, doesnt say a thing and hands her is lightsaber. She tries to talk to him, asks him all sorts of questions and he just stands there looking at her. I rescue Leia from the lightsaber, she signs his book, we snap a picture and off we go. As soon as we leave, non-stop talking about how cool Luke was and all the questions Leia asked him. I just cant figure out kids.
We head over to Lights, Motors, Action to get a FP for the 1pm show. I had told Omi wed be back shortly after lunch, but now it looks like a whole lot later than that. FPs in hand, we head back to catch Indy. Unfortunately, it had been drizzling all morning, but now it starts to rain pretty steadily. I remember reading that the rain can be a good thing because the park will clear out, so we put on our rain coats and keep going.
When we were at Disney last year, Tater had seen part of Indy with DH, but the rest was cancelled due to rain. Hopefully, it wont happen this time. We sit down right before show time and our friend from the Luke Skywalker line is sitting right behind us. What a small Disney world. Anyway, Tater and his new best friend talk, snack and play until show time. As soon as it starts, Tater looks at me and says he wants to leave. Once again, I know he will like it, he is just scared of the unknown. So, I let him sit on my lap and whisper a running commentary in his ear the entire time. By the time were through the temple scene, he thinks it is wonderful. Unfortunately, they stop the show after the marketplace scene since it was too wet and dangerous for the performers to finish the show. Second time Tater has tried to see the show and second time its been rained out. We find Jedi Mickey and wait in line for 10 or 15 minutes and Tater gets a chance for a meet and greet with the mouse in Jedi attire. Mickey was appropriately impressed with Taters lightsaber.
I check my watch and if we hurry, we can grab something to eat before heading to LMA stunt show. I realize (and feel like a really bad mother) that Tater hasnt eaten anything yet. He ate some dry cereal in the room, but it is 12:15pm and we havent had a meal yet. He wants to stop in Pizza Planet and get something to eat (read play games). I quickly say no to games, but compromise and let him get two pressed pennies. We get in line for pizza, but there must be 20 people ahead of us. Maybe I can just get it to go. Maybe we just better go
I feel bad, but we were supposed to get back to the stadium by 12:30 and I didnt want to be late. Were having dinner at Boma so I know I want to be hungry. Well just grab a snack on the way. Never passed a snack cart, but that was fine, since they dont let you eat in the stadium. We head in, but were trapped under the seats. We can hear the cars running, but an announcement keeps apologizing for the delay, but they will open the gates shortly. Like Indy, they will probably cancel due to rain. One of the brighter guests and his friends decided to start chanting Let us in, let us in at the top of their lungs. Luckily, the crowd decided not to join in. Surprisingly enough, their cries fell upon deaf Disney ears and the gates remained closed. About 12:45 or so, the gates opened and we found seats toward the front, but not too close.
In spite of the rain, the show went on. The crew, director, etc were using umbrellas and raincoats, but it looked like everything went according to schedule. As near as I can figure, we saw all parts nothing was cancelled. Tater loved it. Talked a mile a minute the entire time. Still talks about it. Yesterday, I caught him playing Lights and Motors with his motorcycles and cars, so it must have made an impression. The last scene was a little scary for him, but he really doesnt like loud noises and fire makes him very nervous.
By now it is 1:45pm and we really need to head back to Omis. We wander over to the Dark Side to try and meet Darth Vader. I giving Tater the Stormtrooper speech, but hes not buying it. Darth Vader embodies all things evil. No way he wants to meet him and its a good thing, cause the line stretches outside the building. We find Boba Fett and hes ok, so we get in line. Just then the skies open up. Everyone, including Boba Fett and some piggy-looking guard run for cover. After five or ten minutes, it is still pouring and Im getting worried about Squidge. I left my cell phone in the car, so I cant even call and check on her. We decide to trek through the rain and head for the busses. It is really pouring. Im so glad we have our rain coats so our top half stays dry. Im wearing jean capris and they are soaked. Tater is happily splashing around. Almost five year olds dont mind getting wet. Just another way Im a cool mom
I didnt mind the rain, but when the thunder and lightening started, it was back under cover. I watched a tree get hit by lightening many years ago at MGM and while it was kind of cool to watch, I do not want a crispy Tater, so we head under cover right at the animation building. I had forgotten the Incredibles were there. More of Taters favorite characters. No line, no wait so we head in and have a seat. I havent seen this show since Walter Cronkite and Robin Williams were here. I really enjoyed Mushu, so did Tater. He obviously picked up on the key point as he kept talking about where characters come to life when he described this attraction to Omi. After getting the requisite autographs and photos, we decided since it is 2:15, it is time to go. We pick up a bucket of popcorn on the way out and Tater eats almost all of it (ok, I helped a little).
It is still raining, but not as hard. We hop on the bus and head back except, Ive forgotten which stop at PO-R was ours. We hit the main stop first so we get off there and decide to walk back through Old Man Island and find our room from there. Let me just say that PO-R is a BIG resort. Fifteen minutes later, we reach the room. I collapse on the bed, and Tater talks non-stop about his adventures at MGM.
You might wonder what Omi and Squidge did all day. They headed over to the food court where Omi got an overpriced and not too good pastry thing. They also practiced walking around the top floor of our building. She let Squidgy hang on to the balcony railings by herself (way too scary for mommy to even want to imagine). Then, Squidgy took a nap from 10:15 to 12:15. Omi napped from 10:30 until Squidgy woke her up (lucky dog). After that, Omi let Squidgy stand up in a pushed in chair at the table and play with Taters race cars and taught her how to jump on the bed and fall down. It is a wonder I ever lived to adulthood. Wait something is not right about this .I was never allowed to play with my brothers toys and got in trouble when I jumped on the bed. Do standards change for grandchildren?
Next up: The Lawnmower Crossing Signs
Cast of Characters:
Me: 35 year old major Disney fan. DH bought into DVC in 2002, so I now get to go at least once a year.
Omi: My mom. She is 59 and enjoys Disney (but not nearly as much as I do), but she was wiling to go to spend time with the grandkids.
Tater: DS Almost 5 years old (to be exact he is 59 months old this became important later on in the trip). Has been to Disney about 6 times. Knows exactly what he wants to do.
Princess Squidgy: DD 13 months old. This is her second Disney trip. Walks everywhere, but not independently. Has just begun to have major temper tantrums.
If youve been reading, you may remember I lost some mommy points yesterday for forgetting Taters toothbrush, toothpaste and fussing at him for no good reason. Well, today, Im about to make a big old deposit in the mommy point bank. Tater and I are headed to MGM for Star Wars weekend just the two of us. Omi has agreed to watch Squidgy until we get back (which I told her was about lunchtime). Tater was an only child until he was almost four and Ill admit he was spoiled. He has adjusted well to Squidgy, but I think he has been missing special time he and I used to spend together. DH has what I call babygirlaphobia and Tater and I usually dont go anywhere together unless Squidge is with us. Im hoping this will be a really special time for him.
Last night, the front desk said the first bus to MGM would leave about 8am and I want to be on it. We usually drive everywhere, but I want to leave the van with Omi in case she needs it. Ive heard the busses can be crowded, so I want to get to the bus stop early. Im already half awake when the phone rings for the wake up call no Stitch, no Mickey, just silence on the other end of the line. I sneak past a still sleeping Squidge into the bathroom. Id hoped she and Omi could sleep in, but it is just not going to happen. Shes sleeping in the alcove in front of the mirrors and sinks so if I want to brush my teeth, shes going to wake up.
When I whisper its Star Wars day, Tater wakes up with absolutely no problem. At home, I have to drag (you think Im kidding, right?) this kid out of bed every morning. Disney truly is a magical place. Like others who are headed for Star Wars Weekend, Tater has a special outfit. He has managed to find a way to incorporate two of his favorite things NASCAR and Star Wars. He has a brand new Jeff Gordon/Star Wars t-shirt and a Jeff Gordon/Yoda baseball hat he has been saving until this moment. There were lots of little Anakens, but only one Star Wars/Jeff Gordon kid at MGM. As we attach the requisite blue lightsaber (or lifesaber, according to Tater), the outfit is complete.
Tater and I leave Omi and Squidge playing quietly on the bed. I give her a list of instructions, but after all, she successfully raised two kids, so she should be ok for three or four hours, right? As we close the door, we can hear the busses running. Wait a minute, its only 7:50 and they said busses wouldnt start until 8am. I know it is going to be crowded, well never get a seat. When we get to the bus stop, there are about 15 or so people there, but they all get on busses for other destinations. Tater and I are alone when the bus for MGM shows up.
Tater and I were also alone when the bus dropped us of at MGM. Thats right, we were the only people on the bus the entire trip. We sat right in front, since Tater wanted to sit right behind the driver. It was actually kind of nice, had a great conversation with the driver. Tater has now decided that when he grows up, he wants to be a Disney bus driver. We say thank you for the ride, and the bus driver gives Tater a couple of stickers on the way out made his morning. Just another example of excellent Disney service.
We are way, way early at MGM. We were there by 8:10am and were probably one of the first 75 people at the gates. As we head through security, the guard also gives Tater a couple of stickers. By this time, I dont think his feet are on the ground anymore, he is so happy. We patiently wait, while Tater informs me every time the music changes Its the good guy music or Its the Dark Side music. Finally the music changes and a very nice lady suggests we go stand where we can see the elevator. Huh?
Tater and I wander over and all of a sudden the Stormtroopers appear and take the elevator to the tops of the gates. Tater gets very nervous, because, these are real Stormtroopers, not the ones in the movies and they have guns. Hes not sure if he wants to stay. Being four, he is such a believer and everything is real. We have a mother/son talk about how the Stormtroopers arent really bad, they just act bad when they are in the movies. If he met them, they would actually be really nice and sign his autograph book. We also discuss that the guns couldnt be real, because Disney would never let them have real guns in the parks. It helps some, but I still have to hold him for quite a while.
Finally, the gates open and we walk to the center of the park. Some people take off running (and I mean flat out running) off to the left. I later find out they are getting FPs for autograph sessions. Were just hear to meet Luke, Leia, Han (please be Harrison Ford) and ride Star Tours, were not interested in autographs from actors, we want the real people. Tater overcomes his fears enough to walk up to a Clonetrooper and ask for an autograph (I thought it was a Stormtrooper what a Star Wars neophyte I am ). Finally, the Clonetroopers escort us back toward Star Tours. We pass by Chewbacca and Tater wants an autograph. Chewies not scary, cause he is a good guy. A lady takes his picture and gives me a card. This is my first experience with PhotoPass. Actually, I kind of like the idea. We used it for about 20 pictures and they turned out well. What I didnt like (listen up Disney execs if you are reading) was the price and size. I dont need a ton of 5x7s, but I would probably buy a lot of them if they were regular sized pictures for a couple of dollars each.
Now that we are photographed and autographed, we head for Star Tours. He has been so excited about riding this. Im trying to put stuff away, and he absolutely freezes on the ramp going into the ride. Hes not scared of the ride part, he is scared of the darkness in the preshow. Hes backing up quickly toward the exit (well, I guess it is supposed to be the entrance). I catch him and we have another mother/son talk about how nothing will hurt you and you will actually like it if you ride it. I tell him C3PO and R2D2 are right around the corner. I also tell him he can decide at the last minute he doesnt want to ride, but I want him to come through the line with me. And, if he decides to ride and doesnt like it, he never has to ride it again. Thats good enough for Tater he agrees if Ill carry him through the line. That is one heavy and tall child.
When we finally get ready to board our ship, he says no, not this time. Now unlike the parent of the child next to me in Stitch (that story is coming up later) I wont force him, but I also realize it is the unknown that he is scared of (along with the Dark Side). A very nice CM takes the time to talk to him and reassure him that it is really fun and there are no Stormtroopers and no Darth Vader. Agrees to stand in line for the shuttle and intently watches the video. After that, he is fine, walks in, sits down, puts his belt on and loves it. Halfway through, he giggles and says This is fun Mommy. As soon as we are done, he wants to ride again. A lengthy trip in the shop and a Luke Skywalker on some type of speeder and a Jedi Mickey later, we ride again.
That finished, we decide see if we can find anyone to meet. Right around the corner, we run in to Luke Skywalker. Tater waits patiently and meets a very nice kid. The two of them play lightsabers, share fruit snacks and just generally have a good time. After meeting Luke, Leia comes out, so it is back in line again.
I dont know what it is about pretty characters, but Tater just cant function when he meets the princesses, etc. He walks up to Leia, doesnt say a thing and hands her is lightsaber. She tries to talk to him, asks him all sorts of questions and he just stands there looking at her. I rescue Leia from the lightsaber, she signs his book, we snap a picture and off we go. As soon as we leave, non-stop talking about how cool Luke was and all the questions Leia asked him. I just cant figure out kids.
We head over to Lights, Motors, Action to get a FP for the 1pm show. I had told Omi wed be back shortly after lunch, but now it looks like a whole lot later than that. FPs in hand, we head back to catch Indy. Unfortunately, it had been drizzling all morning, but now it starts to rain pretty steadily. I remember reading that the rain can be a good thing because the park will clear out, so we put on our rain coats and keep going.
When we were at Disney last year, Tater had seen part of Indy with DH, but the rest was cancelled due to rain. Hopefully, it wont happen this time. We sit down right before show time and our friend from the Luke Skywalker line is sitting right behind us. What a small Disney world. Anyway, Tater and his new best friend talk, snack and play until show time. As soon as it starts, Tater looks at me and says he wants to leave. Once again, I know he will like it, he is just scared of the unknown. So, I let him sit on my lap and whisper a running commentary in his ear the entire time. By the time were through the temple scene, he thinks it is wonderful. Unfortunately, they stop the show after the marketplace scene since it was too wet and dangerous for the performers to finish the show. Second time Tater has tried to see the show and second time its been rained out. We find Jedi Mickey and wait in line for 10 or 15 minutes and Tater gets a chance for a meet and greet with the mouse in Jedi attire. Mickey was appropriately impressed with Taters lightsaber.
I check my watch and if we hurry, we can grab something to eat before heading to LMA stunt show. I realize (and feel like a really bad mother) that Tater hasnt eaten anything yet. He ate some dry cereal in the room, but it is 12:15pm and we havent had a meal yet. He wants to stop in Pizza Planet and get something to eat (read play games). I quickly say no to games, but compromise and let him get two pressed pennies. We get in line for pizza, but there must be 20 people ahead of us. Maybe I can just get it to go. Maybe we just better go
I feel bad, but we were supposed to get back to the stadium by 12:30 and I didnt want to be late. Were having dinner at Boma so I know I want to be hungry. Well just grab a snack on the way. Never passed a snack cart, but that was fine, since they dont let you eat in the stadium. We head in, but were trapped under the seats. We can hear the cars running, but an announcement keeps apologizing for the delay, but they will open the gates shortly. Like Indy, they will probably cancel due to rain. One of the brighter guests and his friends decided to start chanting Let us in, let us in at the top of their lungs. Luckily, the crowd decided not to join in. Surprisingly enough, their cries fell upon deaf Disney ears and the gates remained closed. About 12:45 or so, the gates opened and we found seats toward the front, but not too close.
In spite of the rain, the show went on. The crew, director, etc were using umbrellas and raincoats, but it looked like everything went according to schedule. As near as I can figure, we saw all parts nothing was cancelled. Tater loved it. Talked a mile a minute the entire time. Still talks about it. Yesterday, I caught him playing Lights and Motors with his motorcycles and cars, so it must have made an impression. The last scene was a little scary for him, but he really doesnt like loud noises and fire makes him very nervous.
By now it is 1:45pm and we really need to head back to Omis. We wander over to the Dark Side to try and meet Darth Vader. I giving Tater the Stormtrooper speech, but hes not buying it. Darth Vader embodies all things evil. No way he wants to meet him and its a good thing, cause the line stretches outside the building. We find Boba Fett and hes ok, so we get in line. Just then the skies open up. Everyone, including Boba Fett and some piggy-looking guard run for cover. After five or ten minutes, it is still pouring and Im getting worried about Squidge. I left my cell phone in the car, so I cant even call and check on her. We decide to trek through the rain and head for the busses. It is really pouring. Im so glad we have our rain coats so our top half stays dry. Im wearing jean capris and they are soaked. Tater is happily splashing around. Almost five year olds dont mind getting wet. Just another way Im a cool mom
I didnt mind the rain, but when the thunder and lightening started, it was back under cover. I watched a tree get hit by lightening many years ago at MGM and while it was kind of cool to watch, I do not want a crispy Tater, so we head under cover right at the animation building. I had forgotten the Incredibles were there. More of Taters favorite characters. No line, no wait so we head in and have a seat. I havent seen this show since Walter Cronkite and Robin Williams were here. I really enjoyed Mushu, so did Tater. He obviously picked up on the key point as he kept talking about where characters come to life when he described this attraction to Omi. After getting the requisite autographs and photos, we decided since it is 2:15, it is time to go. We pick up a bucket of popcorn on the way out and Tater eats almost all of it (ok, I helped a little).
It is still raining, but not as hard. We hop on the bus and head back except, Ive forgotten which stop at PO-R was ours. We hit the main stop first so we get off there and decide to walk back through Old Man Island and find our room from there. Let me just say that PO-R is a BIG resort. Fifteen minutes later, we reach the room. I collapse on the bed, and Tater talks non-stop about his adventures at MGM.
You might wonder what Omi and Squidge did all day. They headed over to the food court where Omi got an overpriced and not too good pastry thing. They also practiced walking around the top floor of our building. She let Squidgy hang on to the balcony railings by herself (way too scary for mommy to even want to imagine). Then, Squidgy took a nap from 10:15 to 12:15. Omi napped from 10:30 until Squidgy woke her up (lucky dog). After that, Omi let Squidgy stand up in a pushed in chair at the table and play with Taters race cars and taught her how to jump on the bed and fall down. It is a wonder I ever lived to adulthood. Wait something is not right about this .I was never allowed to play with my brothers toys and got in trouble when I jumped on the bed. Do standards change for grandchildren?
Next up: The Lawnmower Crossing Signs
