Pocahontas1
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Nov 17, 2002
- Messages
- 362
Part 5: We came, we saw, we didnt wear red
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.
This morning, when the phone rings for the wake up call, I dont care if it is Stitch or Mickey. All I want is an extra few minutes of sleep. I just pick it up and put it back (none too gently). After a wet day at MGM yesterday, it looks like we are in for another wet one today. Were headed to MK and have a breakfast date at 10am with the princesses. I cant believe all the rain. I was expecting afternoon showers, but this is ridiculous. It has rained all day, every day, since we have been here. Maybe the parks wont be too crowded.
I must admit, Im a bit worried about today. Its the first Saturday in June and there have been numerous warnings on the Disboards about going today. Im not going get into the whole moral issue, but I will say that (1) it was not crowded at all and (2) I did not see anything that I found offensive, over the top, or that I had to explain to my children. What I did see were a bunch of people having a great time at Disney. Enough on that whole issue
Weve decided to take the bus since one of the monorail loops is closed for renovations. Weve never done the bus before with the stroller, but it should be ok. This way we wont have to deal with the tram, cause I know the stroller wont fit on the tram. Anyway, were dressed quickly and on our way. Omi has finally decided that with the humidity, her hair isnt going to do what she wants it to do anyway, so why fight it. Squidge is dressed in princess dress in honor of the breakfast. She was so cute a little pink onesie with pink tulle skirt and princess embroidered on the front. Tater is wearing his typical shorts and t-shirt, but he has packed his Prince Phillip tunic (leftover from two Halloweens ago) to wear just for breakfast. At the risk of sounding like a bad parent, Ive decided not to feed the kids, because Id like them to be hungry for breakfast. It would be nice if Tater finally ate something and maybe is Squidgy is hungry, shell sit quietly for a meal.
The bus stop is very crowded and Omi and I discuss taking the van instead, but everyone gets on the bus for Epcot hooray, now maybe well get a seat. Actually, we were the first ones on our bus, but it was full by the time we made all our stops at PO-R and then and PO-FQ. Unfortunately, I was wrong about the stroller, it did not fit well on the bus. I had to go on and off through the wheelchair access door in the back. Not a problem, just darn inconvenient. I end up sitting in the back while Omi sits up front with Tater and Squidge (who screams the whole way). Omi quickly decides to head toward the back and we take turns trying to entertain Squidgy.
Were at MK by 8:30 and ready to go through the turnstiles. Tater and I head through with our AP and Omi uses her old PHs from several years ago. I had suggested to her that she stop by guest services at the hotel yesterday and find out how many days she had left, but she didnt. So, she uses one ticket to enter the park. Then, she asks the CM to check the other ticket to see if there are any days left on it. The CM slides the ticket through the machine and tells Omi, it still has days left. Now, something about that didnt look/sound right dont they take a day off when it goes through the machine. Oh well, Im sure she knew what she was doing. After all, she works here and Im only a guest.
Its really starting to rain, and its time to get out the umbrellas and ponchos. Unfortunately, I have to go to the bathroom, so I have to go back outside the gates. When I come back, I cant find Omi. I walked around the area between the turnstiles and entry way three for four times, but just could not find them. Everyone looks the same in yellow or blue ponchos. Im really getting frustrated. Why wont she stay where I put her? She is probably off wandering around. I finally find them underneath a tree. After I bless Omi out for moving, she informs me she hasnt moved at all. They were under the same tree the whole time. I feel about two inches tall. Ive got to learn to be nicer and more patient.
Finally, the train comes (really cool, cause weve never seen this before) and Mickey and company welcome us to the Magic Kingdom. We walk straight back to Dumbo, wait through one cycle and get on. Tater and Omi are in one elephant and Im behind them in another. Well, that was the plan, but Princess Squidgy wants no part of riding in an elephant and starts fussing and wiggling. I envision trying to hold her while airborne and decide to sit this one out. I never get to ride Dumbo Tater always chooses to ride with someone else. Maybe when Squidgy is older.
Anyway, after that, we hit Pooh, Peter Pan and the Speedway (in that order). Once again, no waits all were walk-ons. Omi gets to ride with Tater and I get Squidge. She really liked Pooh laughed and talked through out the whole thing. Didnt enjoy Peter Pan as much since she had to look down to see most of the action and it was kind of dark. We sat out the Speedway, but watched the action from the smoking area no I dont, but it had a good view of the car loading area. This is one time Im glad Tater wants to ride with someone else. Poor Omi looks like she got a pretty good dose of whiplash. Its 9:50am and time to head to the castle.
We check in and wait to be called. The nice CM let us park the stroller under cover since it was raining. He told me it is not very crowded at all today. Usually, they have about 60 strollers outside, but there are only 20 or so today. Inside, Tater transforms into Prince Phillip and waits patiently for the Fairy Godmother, but the line is really long. They call us to the table before he could get to meet her darn it.
Breakfast was much better and I remember from a year ago. In fact, I ordered seconds on the French toast and potatoes (but lets let that be our little secret, ok). Today, Aurora, Cinderella, Snow White, Belle and Mary Poppins are on duty. Ive never quite figured out how Mary Poppins qualifies as a princess, but she was very nice, regardless. Tater doesnt eat much. It think he ate 2 French toast sticks, but his had eggs on them, so we had to swap out Squidges. Like his mother, he has food touching issues (I must resist feeding into my childs neuroses.) He is just overwhelmed. He doesnt have much to say when they come by. He just puts out his autograph book and smile for the picture until Belle comes along. Not sure why she was the chosen one today, but he shared with her how he had broken his arm and t-ball, shows her his splint, and just generally carries on a conversation. All the princesses commented on his Prince Phillip costume and Aurora made a special fuss over him.
Squidgy did pretty well with the princesses. Unlike her encounters with other characters, she did not scream in terror. We actually managed to snap a few pictures of her. She wasnt quite sure what to make of Mary Poppins, though I think it was the hat; either that or she was also trying to figure out how she rates the princess title. Were done by 11:00am and ready to hit some more rides.
As we leave we pass by Small World (aka the boat ride of musical torture). Tater and Omi want to ride, but the wait is 20 minutes. I refuse to wait for 20 minutes for the opportunity to be tortured and I tell them well come back when the line is shorter. Omi says, Thats what you always say we wont ride it. Note to self, obviously, IASW is important to Omi, make a point to ride even if we have to wait.
We decide to hit the Frontierland mountains. As we walk through Liberty Square, we pass by HM. The line is non-existent, so I ask Tater if he would like to try. Hes ridden before, but not since he was 2. After some verbal negotiations, he agrees to try if I carry him. This time, I get Tater and Omi gets Squidge. I talk him through the entire ride. Hes proud of himself when were done and tells Omi all about the hitchhiking ghost. It wasnt his favorite ride, but he is willing to ride again on another trip.
Eventually, we make it to BTMRR and SpM. We decide to FP SpM, cause the wait is 25 minutes, but to standby for BTMRR at 15 minutes. We pick up our baby swap pass and Tater and I head off to ride. He loved it. No problems, I didnt have to carry him one time. He just wanted me to put my arm around him while we are riding. After we get off, Tater is so excited he is literally spinning. We find Omi and the exit with a nice CM who takes her in through the exit so she and Tater didnt have to use the baby swap pass. He told us to use it later in the day. Another bit of Disney magic thank you nice CM Ten minutes later, Omi and Tater are back. Squidge is asleep, so were going to head over to SpM.
Once again, I get to go first. Omi waits with Squidge. Tater was fine through the entire line, even though it was kind of cavey looking. He gets in the log and off we go. Loved the entire ride. Once again, I talked him through so he knew what to expect. As soon as we get off, he wants to go see his picture. He thinks that part of the ride is really cool loves the pictures. We find Omi, baby swap and I take Squidgy for a change. From what I understand, Omi got a running commentary during her ride. Everything I told him, he told her almost verbatim.
I was supposed to wait under the tree, but I really wanted to get a picture of them coming down the hill, so I walked to the bridge. Somehow I missed them almost 45 minutes later, we run into each other by the little kids playground. I have no idea how I missed them, but this time I know it is my fault, so I dont fuss. Its getting close to 2pm. Our original plan had been to head back to PO-R and rest, but there just really arent any lines and were not feeling tired so we decide to stay in the parks. I dont think it occurred to us that it was still eight hours until Wishes!!!!
Tater really wants to go to Tom Sawyers Island so I use the KozyKarrier and strap Squidgy on. We head over on a very crowded raft. Tater had a great time exploring. He even went in the caves boy was I surprised. We found a duck and some really cute ducklings and watch them for a few minutes. Tater really wanted to shoot the guns, but he was too short to do it from the ground and too tall to use the step. He was really disappointed. We find the escape tunnel and use that to leave the fort. Let me just say that the escape tunnel was not designed for an adult woman with a baby on her back. There was one really tight spot and I was afraid I was going to get stuck or whack Squidgy on the head, but Omi helped guide us through. Im getting really tired cause its a lot of walking and Im old, out of shape, overweight and lugging an extra 25 pounds. What to do but head for Aunt Pollys for a refreshment.
I think three root beer floats would really hit the spot. I had mine down in record time and Omi was working on hers. Tater who usually loves root beer floats doesnt seem to interested. In fact, to put it bluntly, he was being a bit of a snot. I cant remember exactly what he did, but I do know he had to go sit in time-out for a few minutes. He decided he didnt want his float after all and Im a little annoyed, cause it was pretty expensive. Whats a mother to do, but finish it herself (keep that secret, too). Now that Ive had two root beer floats, Im more than a little full and would like a rest. With a turbo-charged four year-old, doubtful.
After we return to the mainland, we decide to head back toward Tomorrowland. Tater says he wants to ride Space Mountain (Ill believe that when it happens). We keep pace with Aladdin in the parade (I can tell you everything he says over and over)
Then the skies open up. Its been drizzling off and on all day, but now it is really raining. Tater and Omi decide to wait under cover and meet Ariel and I take Squidge and hike over for FPs for SM. The stand-by line is over and hour and it is three hours until we return. Weve got to find something to do to kill time. As I waiting for them over by Ariels grotto, Im remembering something about cream-cheese filled pretzels in Fantasyland, but I also remember the extra serving of French toast and potatoes as well as the two root beer floats Ive had today and decide maybe I should pass on the pretzel. Ill bet it would have been good, though.
From what Omi said, Ariel was really, really pretty and Tater wouldnt even sit near her. He sat sort of beside her, but wouldnt get too close. They talked about where he was from and how he got to WDW, but he gave her mainly one word answers. Of course, as soon as hes done, he cant wait to show me her autograph and goes on and on about his visit.
After the Grotto we end up at IASW again. This time I give in and remember its not all about me all the time. We wait in line for over 20 minutes before getting on our boat. It really is a sweet ride. Squidge is enjoying the music and dolls. Im feeling kind of warm a fuzzy until we get trapped in the white room. Yes, that is right, the boats are backed up halfway into the white room and we were in there for about 10 minutes (it just felt like an eternity). Tater is happily singing along and Im wishing for a quick death, rather than the endless torture. We finally escape and Im ready to get away from IASW. I love my mom and I love my kid, but I dont think Ill do this again on this vacation.
Up next: Multiple mountains and the bus dilemma.
By the way, the most offensive thing I saw all day was a t-shirt worn by a father. It had something to do with taxidermy and beavers. If you really want to know, PM me and Ill tell you.
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.
This morning, when the phone rings for the wake up call, I dont care if it is Stitch or Mickey. All I want is an extra few minutes of sleep. I just pick it up and put it back (none too gently). After a wet day at MGM yesterday, it looks like we are in for another wet one today. Were headed to MK and have a breakfast date at 10am with the princesses. I cant believe all the rain. I was expecting afternoon showers, but this is ridiculous. It has rained all day, every day, since we have been here. Maybe the parks wont be too crowded.
I must admit, Im a bit worried about today. Its the first Saturday in June and there have been numerous warnings on the Disboards about going today. Im not going get into the whole moral issue, but I will say that (1) it was not crowded at all and (2) I did not see anything that I found offensive, over the top, or that I had to explain to my children. What I did see were a bunch of people having a great time at Disney. Enough on that whole issue
Weve decided to take the bus since one of the monorail loops is closed for renovations. Weve never done the bus before with the stroller, but it should be ok. This way we wont have to deal with the tram, cause I know the stroller wont fit on the tram. Anyway, were dressed quickly and on our way. Omi has finally decided that with the humidity, her hair isnt going to do what she wants it to do anyway, so why fight it. Squidge is dressed in princess dress in honor of the breakfast. She was so cute a little pink onesie with pink tulle skirt and princess embroidered on the front. Tater is wearing his typical shorts and t-shirt, but he has packed his Prince Phillip tunic (leftover from two Halloweens ago) to wear just for breakfast. At the risk of sounding like a bad parent, Ive decided not to feed the kids, because Id like them to be hungry for breakfast. It would be nice if Tater finally ate something and maybe is Squidgy is hungry, shell sit quietly for a meal.
The bus stop is very crowded and Omi and I discuss taking the van instead, but everyone gets on the bus for Epcot hooray, now maybe well get a seat. Actually, we were the first ones on our bus, but it was full by the time we made all our stops at PO-R and then and PO-FQ. Unfortunately, I was wrong about the stroller, it did not fit well on the bus. I had to go on and off through the wheelchair access door in the back. Not a problem, just darn inconvenient. I end up sitting in the back while Omi sits up front with Tater and Squidge (who screams the whole way). Omi quickly decides to head toward the back and we take turns trying to entertain Squidgy.
Were at MK by 8:30 and ready to go through the turnstiles. Tater and I head through with our AP and Omi uses her old PHs from several years ago. I had suggested to her that she stop by guest services at the hotel yesterday and find out how many days she had left, but she didnt. So, she uses one ticket to enter the park. Then, she asks the CM to check the other ticket to see if there are any days left on it. The CM slides the ticket through the machine and tells Omi, it still has days left. Now, something about that didnt look/sound right dont they take a day off when it goes through the machine. Oh well, Im sure she knew what she was doing. After all, she works here and Im only a guest.
Its really starting to rain, and its time to get out the umbrellas and ponchos. Unfortunately, I have to go to the bathroom, so I have to go back outside the gates. When I come back, I cant find Omi. I walked around the area between the turnstiles and entry way three for four times, but just could not find them. Everyone looks the same in yellow or blue ponchos. Im really getting frustrated. Why wont she stay where I put her? She is probably off wandering around. I finally find them underneath a tree. After I bless Omi out for moving, she informs me she hasnt moved at all. They were under the same tree the whole time. I feel about two inches tall. Ive got to learn to be nicer and more patient.
Finally, the train comes (really cool, cause weve never seen this before) and Mickey and company welcome us to the Magic Kingdom. We walk straight back to Dumbo, wait through one cycle and get on. Tater and Omi are in one elephant and Im behind them in another. Well, that was the plan, but Princess Squidgy wants no part of riding in an elephant and starts fussing and wiggling. I envision trying to hold her while airborne and decide to sit this one out. I never get to ride Dumbo Tater always chooses to ride with someone else. Maybe when Squidgy is older.
Anyway, after that, we hit Pooh, Peter Pan and the Speedway (in that order). Once again, no waits all were walk-ons. Omi gets to ride with Tater and I get Squidge. She really liked Pooh laughed and talked through out the whole thing. Didnt enjoy Peter Pan as much since she had to look down to see most of the action and it was kind of dark. We sat out the Speedway, but watched the action from the smoking area no I dont, but it had a good view of the car loading area. This is one time Im glad Tater wants to ride with someone else. Poor Omi looks like she got a pretty good dose of whiplash. Its 9:50am and time to head to the castle.
We check in and wait to be called. The nice CM let us park the stroller under cover since it was raining. He told me it is not very crowded at all today. Usually, they have about 60 strollers outside, but there are only 20 or so today. Inside, Tater transforms into Prince Phillip and waits patiently for the Fairy Godmother, but the line is really long. They call us to the table before he could get to meet her darn it.
Breakfast was much better and I remember from a year ago. In fact, I ordered seconds on the French toast and potatoes (but lets let that be our little secret, ok). Today, Aurora, Cinderella, Snow White, Belle and Mary Poppins are on duty. Ive never quite figured out how Mary Poppins qualifies as a princess, but she was very nice, regardless. Tater doesnt eat much. It think he ate 2 French toast sticks, but his had eggs on them, so we had to swap out Squidges. Like his mother, he has food touching issues (I must resist feeding into my childs neuroses.) He is just overwhelmed. He doesnt have much to say when they come by. He just puts out his autograph book and smile for the picture until Belle comes along. Not sure why she was the chosen one today, but he shared with her how he had broken his arm and t-ball, shows her his splint, and just generally carries on a conversation. All the princesses commented on his Prince Phillip costume and Aurora made a special fuss over him.
Squidgy did pretty well with the princesses. Unlike her encounters with other characters, she did not scream in terror. We actually managed to snap a few pictures of her. She wasnt quite sure what to make of Mary Poppins, though I think it was the hat; either that or she was also trying to figure out how she rates the princess title. Were done by 11:00am and ready to hit some more rides.
As we leave we pass by Small World (aka the boat ride of musical torture). Tater and Omi want to ride, but the wait is 20 minutes. I refuse to wait for 20 minutes for the opportunity to be tortured and I tell them well come back when the line is shorter. Omi says, Thats what you always say we wont ride it. Note to self, obviously, IASW is important to Omi, make a point to ride even if we have to wait.
We decide to hit the Frontierland mountains. As we walk through Liberty Square, we pass by HM. The line is non-existent, so I ask Tater if he would like to try. Hes ridden before, but not since he was 2. After some verbal negotiations, he agrees to try if I carry him. This time, I get Tater and Omi gets Squidge. I talk him through the entire ride. Hes proud of himself when were done and tells Omi all about the hitchhiking ghost. It wasnt his favorite ride, but he is willing to ride again on another trip.
Eventually, we make it to BTMRR and SpM. We decide to FP SpM, cause the wait is 25 minutes, but to standby for BTMRR at 15 minutes. We pick up our baby swap pass and Tater and I head off to ride. He loved it. No problems, I didnt have to carry him one time. He just wanted me to put my arm around him while we are riding. After we get off, Tater is so excited he is literally spinning. We find Omi and the exit with a nice CM who takes her in through the exit so she and Tater didnt have to use the baby swap pass. He told us to use it later in the day. Another bit of Disney magic thank you nice CM Ten minutes later, Omi and Tater are back. Squidge is asleep, so were going to head over to SpM.
Once again, I get to go first. Omi waits with Squidge. Tater was fine through the entire line, even though it was kind of cavey looking. He gets in the log and off we go. Loved the entire ride. Once again, I talked him through so he knew what to expect. As soon as we get off, he wants to go see his picture. He thinks that part of the ride is really cool loves the pictures. We find Omi, baby swap and I take Squidgy for a change. From what I understand, Omi got a running commentary during her ride. Everything I told him, he told her almost verbatim.
I was supposed to wait under the tree, but I really wanted to get a picture of them coming down the hill, so I walked to the bridge. Somehow I missed them almost 45 minutes later, we run into each other by the little kids playground. I have no idea how I missed them, but this time I know it is my fault, so I dont fuss. Its getting close to 2pm. Our original plan had been to head back to PO-R and rest, but there just really arent any lines and were not feeling tired so we decide to stay in the parks. I dont think it occurred to us that it was still eight hours until Wishes!!!!
Tater really wants to go to Tom Sawyers Island so I use the KozyKarrier and strap Squidgy on. We head over on a very crowded raft. Tater had a great time exploring. He even went in the caves boy was I surprised. We found a duck and some really cute ducklings and watch them for a few minutes. Tater really wanted to shoot the guns, but he was too short to do it from the ground and too tall to use the step. He was really disappointed. We find the escape tunnel and use that to leave the fort. Let me just say that the escape tunnel was not designed for an adult woman with a baby on her back. There was one really tight spot and I was afraid I was going to get stuck or whack Squidgy on the head, but Omi helped guide us through. Im getting really tired cause its a lot of walking and Im old, out of shape, overweight and lugging an extra 25 pounds. What to do but head for Aunt Pollys for a refreshment.
I think three root beer floats would really hit the spot. I had mine down in record time and Omi was working on hers. Tater who usually loves root beer floats doesnt seem to interested. In fact, to put it bluntly, he was being a bit of a snot. I cant remember exactly what he did, but I do know he had to go sit in time-out for a few minutes. He decided he didnt want his float after all and Im a little annoyed, cause it was pretty expensive. Whats a mother to do, but finish it herself (keep that secret, too). Now that Ive had two root beer floats, Im more than a little full and would like a rest. With a turbo-charged four year-old, doubtful.
After we return to the mainland, we decide to head back toward Tomorrowland. Tater says he wants to ride Space Mountain (Ill believe that when it happens). We keep pace with Aladdin in the parade (I can tell you everything he says over and over)
Then the skies open up. Its been drizzling off and on all day, but now it is really raining. Tater and Omi decide to wait under cover and meet Ariel and I take Squidge and hike over for FPs for SM. The stand-by line is over and hour and it is three hours until we return. Weve got to find something to do to kill time. As I waiting for them over by Ariels grotto, Im remembering something about cream-cheese filled pretzels in Fantasyland, but I also remember the extra serving of French toast and potatoes as well as the two root beer floats Ive had today and decide maybe I should pass on the pretzel. Ill bet it would have been good, though.
From what Omi said, Ariel was really, really pretty and Tater wouldnt even sit near her. He sat sort of beside her, but wouldnt get too close. They talked about where he was from and how he got to WDW, but he gave her mainly one word answers. Of course, as soon as hes done, he cant wait to show me her autograph and goes on and on about his visit.
After the Grotto we end up at IASW again. This time I give in and remember its not all about me all the time. We wait in line for over 20 minutes before getting on our boat. It really is a sweet ride. Squidge is enjoying the music and dolls. Im feeling kind of warm a fuzzy until we get trapped in the white room. Yes, that is right, the boats are backed up halfway into the white room and we were in there for about 10 minutes (it just felt like an eternity). Tater is happily singing along and Im wishing for a quick death, rather than the endless torture. We finally escape and Im ready to get away from IASW. I love my mom and I love my kid, but I dont think Ill do this again on this vacation.
Up next: Multiple mountains and the bus dilemma.
By the way, the most offensive thing I saw all day was a t-shirt worn by a father. It had something to do with taxidermy and beavers. If you really want to know, PM me and Ill tell you.
