Pocahontas1
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Nov 17, 2002
- Messages
- 362
Part 9: I thought there might be a problem when
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.
The phone rings early again next morning. This time Omi is closer and she picks it up. I can hear Stitch yelling and laughing in her ear. She does not look pleased. I think she was expecting a wake-up call from a kinder, gentler Mickey. Anyway, Omi, Squidgy and I are up and moving but Tater is still crashed. He is never easy to wake up, but he is especially difficult this morning. Even promises of breakfast with Donald dont help. I finally employ the secret weapon and put Squidgy on the bed with him. She is so excited to see her big brother. She attacks him, wrestles him, tickles him, it was one of those special moments Ill always remember. It works and he begrudgingly begins to move.
Our PSs were at 8am and its 7:45 before we leave OKW. I tend to get uptight when we run late and this is making me really nervous. We should have left 15 minute ago. Now we are going to be late. We make the drive to AK and I somehow missed the turn. Im not sure how I can miss big purple signs, but we end up having to turn around and dont even get to the park until after 8am. We get a parking space, but we are a long way from the gates and the stroller doesnt fit on the tram. Looks like well be hiking it again. Its about 8:15 when we finally get to the admission gates. We check in for breakfast and are directed to the turnstiles. Tater and I use our APs, and were through right away. Omis behind us and when she puts her ticket in, the CM tells her This isnt valid. There arent any days left. Uh-oh.
So, Omi gets out the other ticket she brought (cause she bought 6 day PH last year and still had three days left on each ticket) and puts it in. Guess what, it wasnt a valid ticket either. Huh? How can this be? She had days left on the passes. We only went to MK. Omi heads over to Guest Services while Tater, Squidgy and I hustle back to Donalds. When we get there, there is quite a crowd. Im a little disappointed because we had such early PS we would be able to finish right at 9am, but now it looks like we wont be done until well after 9am.
We sit and wait on Omi and wait for our name to be called. We wait, and wait, and wait. About 15 minutes later Omi shows up. Remember when the CM at MK put her second ticket through the machine to see if she had days left? Well she did, but when it went through the machine it used that day. I thought that might be a problem, but after we got into the park, I didnt think much more about it. Omi says Guest Services was very accommodating and gave her a day back since she told them she was only one person, how could she use two tickets? But, that still doesnt solve the mystery of the missing 6 day park hoppers. She is hoping they are back in the hotel room.
Weve eaten at Donalds several times. The food is pretty good and we prefer to eat a big breakfast rather than dinner. The characters were good, but a bit rushed that was ok, because I was in a hurry, too. We met Donald, Goofy, Mickey and Pluto. Oddly enough, Squidgy was well behaved and ate; you guessed it, Fruit Loops. I threw body blocks so she couldnt see the characters. Tater had Mud and Bugs, pancakes, bacon, etc. Omi and I tried a bit of everything. I thought the breakfast pizza and the quiche were very good. I also like the potatoes and they have a really good coffee cake. For some reason, the line for hot food moved very slowly, but there was almost no line for fruit, cereal, and pastries. Oh, and I must have been half-asleep this morning because our server managed to ketchup me.
Now that breakfast is over (and I had received my 20% DDE discount), we head out to DinoLand. Tater loves Triceratops Spin. Squidgy is cooperative so she and I sit in the back while Omi and Tater ride up front. They tilted us back and forth, but we made it move up and down. Squidgy loved the controller. Both of the kids laughed the entire ride.
Next up, Tater wants to ride Primeval Whirl. Neither Omi nor I want to ride. We didnt enjoy it last time, but we are pretty certain hes not tall enough so were not worried. If you have ever been a parent of a 4 year old, you know that sometimes it is better not to argue. Tater checks and lo and behold, hes not tall enough. Go figure. But, he doesnt whine, cry or complain, just continues merrily on his way. Now, if I had told him he wasnt tall enough, wed have had a meltdown right in the middle of the park.
We head over to Dinosaur and check it out. Tater thinks he might want to ride, but hes not sure. As usual, I carry him through the line, explain what will happen. He says hes not sure all the way up until it is time to board. He sat through the pre-show and everything. Then he looked at me and said I dont want to. I asked if he was sure and he told me he was. I know not to push him and we leave. To him, dinosaurs are very scary and he doesnt understand that they are extinct. Like everything at Disney, they are real to him - maybe next time.
We exit and find Omi and a sleeping Squidgy. Tater has wanted to ride Kali River Rapids and that is our next stop. There is no line and no need for a FP. We do pick up the baby swap pass though. Tater and I ride first. Today is sunny (for a change), but we put on our raincoats because its 0no fun to walk around in wet underwear I know, Ive done that at IOA. We ride with a very nice family and Tater and one of the sons talk about the ride for the entire ride. Unfortunately, Tater and I are in the hot seat on the way down the hill and get soaked. He loves it and I seem to be doomed to tour theme parks in soggy drawers.
Tater had so much fun that when we get ready to get off, there is no one in line and he says yes when the CMs ask if we want to go again. So, our entire raft goes again. Once again, were in the hot seat and get wet but not quite as badly. As we get off, he is dancing and skipping. Obviously, he had fun. He and Omi ride next and lucky person that she is, she didnt get wet at all maybe a couple of drops. No one said life is fair. Tater had planned on getting his face painted after this. He had even decided he wanted to be a dragon. But, for some reason, he changed his mind. No idea why
Now that Squidgy is awake, we strap her into the KozyKarrier and head off on the Asian trail (I can never remember the name). I enjoy these walks. It is so quiet and peaceful. I also enjoy talking to the CMs who are stationed throughout the trail. If you take the time to ask questions, they have a lot to offer about the animals. Tater finds one of his two favorite animals, the Tapir. Unfortunately, this time, he is hidden in shadows, so that was a bit of a let down. We did get a chance to get up close to the tigers. Tater also thought the bats were cool. He wasnt scared at all, especially after we pointed out all the fruit that the bats eat. Squidgy just rode along and took in the scenery.
Next stop, Tarzan Rocks. I know that people have definite opinions about this attraction, but I think everyone can agree on two things (1) it is loud and (2) Tarzan rocks what an awesome body!!! Tater likes the Tarzan movie and cartoons, so he knows the characters and songs. Throw in rollerblades and a vine swinging Tarzan, and he was in heaven. Squidgy sat still for approximately five minutes and then she was done. She and I spent the rest of the show walking. At first we walked around and around the podium where the CM stands when you go in. Then she expanded her circle and we eventually ended up walking outside. I was able to watch some of the show, but definitely made sure I could see Tarzan. When she came out, Omi went on and on about Tarzan, but I dont think she was talking about the show.
After this, we head on over to Africa to get FP for the safari. I know you are supposed to go early in the morning, but we just never made it there. On the way, we see Devine and watch her for a few minutes. We also walk by the Birds of Prey show, which we saw last summer. Wed like to stop, but we know Squidgy wont sit, so we just pass on. If youve never seen the show, Id highly recommend it. Tater couldnt believe how big the owl was.
On the way, we stop at the bathroom and like every other bathroom at WDW, I try to take the stroller in. It wont fit. The only door at Disney the stroller wont go through. Im really determined though and figure if I push really hard, it will just pop through. Guess what, it didnt, but it did get wedged in the door. So there I am on the outside pushing to get in and all the people in the bathroom are trapped inside and cant get out. Im hot, tired, cranky and my bottom half is still wet. Im not happy and Im certain I said a very un-Disney word or two. It was my bad moment of the day. I snatch on the stroller really hard and it jerks free of the doorway. After that, changing Squidgy, which can be an adventure when she wont lie still, was pretty uneventful.
We still havent gotten FPs yet and it is almost noon. As we walk by some open air seating, there are drums. Omi loves the sound of drums and rhythmic instruments. I, on the other hand, as a former middle school teacher, start to tense and develop nervous tics whenever Im confronted with loud, rhythmic noise - too many years of pencils and fingers drumming on the desks. Anyway, Omi moves in really close to enjoy the show with Tater and Im standing back with Squidgy in the stroller. She must have inherited her mothers anti-thumping gene cause she starts to raise a fuss that is threatening to spill over into a full fledged tantrum. Im trying to get Omis attention, but she cant hear me because the drums are too loud. Squidge is squalling, the drums are thumping and my ears are pounding. Finally, I get Omis attention and tell her Im off to get the FPs.
FPs in hand, we head off on the African trail. This time we take the stroller in - more great animals. Tater gets to see his absolute favorite, the Okapi. No idea, why this is his favorite. Do you have any idea how hard it is to find a plastic Okapi to play with, let alone a stuffed one? Encourage your child to like common animals like pigs, lions and tigers. Tater and Squidgy both like the gorillas. Omi saw her favorite the naked mole rats. We also got to see some African Pygmy Geese (goslings?) that had just hatched that morning. They were so cute. Not much bigger than a cotton ball. Boy did their parents keep them in line when they were swimming. When one started to swim off on its own, they gave it a peck and herded it back with the others.
Finally, it is safari time. Im worried we wont see a lot of animals, but that is not the case. I think the only animals we didnt see were the cheetah, warthogs, and a giraffe. Everything else was out and relatively active. We even saw the male lion stand up, turn around and then lie down again.
Its after 1pm and there is still so much we want to do, but are running out of time. We stop by and see Pooh, Tigger, and Eeyore for pictures and autographs and here Omi commits the ultimate Disney faux pas. It is very, very hot and the line is moving slowly. About every 10 or 15 minutes Pooh and company take a quick honey break and then come right back out. We wait through about three cycles of this and finally, we are the next to go. Yup, time for another honey break. Omi says to the CM working the gate (this is a spoiler, dont read this to your kids), Do they have to take breaks because it is so hot in those costumes? Oh, could a great hole just open up and swallow me now? What is she thinking? The CM just looks at her and says What costumes? Thats Pooh. Luckily Tater didnt hear. He still doesnt understand how Luke Skywalker could be at MGM when he is in the movies Tater meets the characters while I keep Squidgy in the background. She still has characterphobia and screams loudly whenever they look in her direction.
We rush and are just able to make the FotLK show. We are seated in the last section way in the back. I know Squidgy is tired, so Im hoping she will nurse and fall asleep. The show will be dark and maybe Ill be lucky. Not a chance. Omi and Tater are enjoying the show. Squidgy makes it thorough the tumble monkeys and she is done. I dont want her do disrupt everyone so I decide to leave. Let me issue this caution. If you need to leave the show, think really hard and decide if it is worth it. You cant just go out any exit door. There is a special door you have to use and it is not convenient to get to. You have to be escorted by one of the counselors and risk being run over by the performers. Squidgy and I finally make it to safety.
Im not sure what to do because it looks like there going to be a while in the show. But off in the distance I see and ice cream stand. Since it is about 100 degrees today, some ice cream sounds good. I get a twist cone and enjoy it on a bench in a shade. I have a great view of the character greeting paths and let me tell you, when the Lion King is going on, they are deserted. No line to meet Minnie, Chip, Dale and Koda. Koda even came out and socialized with the family near me. Mercifully, he stayed away from Squidgy who was quietly enjoying her Fruit Loops with a side of popcorn, while keeping a wary eye on him.
Right before the end of the show, a familiar looking woman goes rushing by my bench. Omi and Tater have also had to leave early, which is really surprising. He had to go to the bathroom and just couldnt wait poor kid. The bad news is the missed the last bit of the show. The good news is he didnt have to wait in line to meet the characters.
Were about worn out and are ready to go. We want to make one last stop at the Boneyard so Tater can burn off some energy. On our way, we run into Lilo and Stitch. Tater has never met them before, so of course, we stand line. I know I said some pretty negative things about them in a previous report, but they were the best characters of the trip. They took the time to ask Tater what had happened to his arm and Stitch told Tater how much he like his poison dart frog shirt by hopping around on the ground. When the signed, it was more than just their names. Lilo wrote Aloha Tater, Love Lilo and drew flowers around it. She knew his name because he was wearing his guest of honor badge. When Stitch signed his, he wrote like frog underneath it. Just an extra special bit of Magic.
On the walk over to DinoLand, Squidgy crashes so Omi waits with her while I take Tater inside. Its getting late, so I limit him to 20 minutes and he runs wild for all 20 of them. He rides every slide, climbs through the tunnels, and plays on the jeep, etc. I was so proud of him. He even went on the biggest twisty slide. Im also proud (and relieved) that he doesnt pitch a fit when it is time to leave. He must be getting tired because he wants to ride in the stroller.
Omi and I stop and do some shopping on the way out. I bought a couple of Christmas ornaments. One was a gourd decorated with red and green beads. The other was a hand painted glass ball with elephants on it. Tater also picks a hand-carved ornament for Squidgy and himself. Omi buys two Christmas ornaments for me so Ill always remember the trip. She buys a Minnie angel since Squidgy has been such an angel on this trip and she buys Mickey playing baseball since Tater broke his arm 37 days before the trip by falling off first base during a t-ball game. (Thank you, Omi). Oh, I also buy the holiday collection of antenna toppers so my van will be happy year around.
By the time we are done shopping, its time for the parade so we watch that. Like most Disney street entertainment, its good. Tater waves to all the characters and other performers. Squidgy sleeps on. Finally, our day in the park is over. Wed hoped to get a shower before our dinner at Olivias, but it looks like well be going fresh from the park.
Now for that long hike back to the van .
Next up: Part 10: The Virtually Challenged Visit Disney Quest
Note: Someone posted and asked about Omis ankle. This is why Ill never be a professional writer. I cant develop a story line. Omi says (and I talked to her tonight) that her ankle still hurts. She says it pops and creaks when she steps wrong. But, she also says that she has been going to Disney with me since I was 2 years old and knew better to complain or she would be stuck in the hotel room because I wasnt going to slow down for her. She just kept taking ibuprofen and wore shoes with good support. Omis a trooper.
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.
The phone rings early again next morning. This time Omi is closer and she picks it up. I can hear Stitch yelling and laughing in her ear. She does not look pleased. I think she was expecting a wake-up call from a kinder, gentler Mickey. Anyway, Omi, Squidgy and I are up and moving but Tater is still crashed. He is never easy to wake up, but he is especially difficult this morning. Even promises of breakfast with Donald dont help. I finally employ the secret weapon and put Squidgy on the bed with him. She is so excited to see her big brother. She attacks him, wrestles him, tickles him, it was one of those special moments Ill always remember. It works and he begrudgingly begins to move.
Our PSs were at 8am and its 7:45 before we leave OKW. I tend to get uptight when we run late and this is making me really nervous. We should have left 15 minute ago. Now we are going to be late. We make the drive to AK and I somehow missed the turn. Im not sure how I can miss big purple signs, but we end up having to turn around and dont even get to the park until after 8am. We get a parking space, but we are a long way from the gates and the stroller doesnt fit on the tram. Looks like well be hiking it again. Its about 8:15 when we finally get to the admission gates. We check in for breakfast and are directed to the turnstiles. Tater and I use our APs, and were through right away. Omis behind us and when she puts her ticket in, the CM tells her This isnt valid. There arent any days left. Uh-oh.
So, Omi gets out the other ticket she brought (cause she bought 6 day PH last year and still had three days left on each ticket) and puts it in. Guess what, it wasnt a valid ticket either. Huh? How can this be? She had days left on the passes. We only went to MK. Omi heads over to Guest Services while Tater, Squidgy and I hustle back to Donalds. When we get there, there is quite a crowd. Im a little disappointed because we had such early PS we would be able to finish right at 9am, but now it looks like we wont be done until well after 9am.
We sit and wait on Omi and wait for our name to be called. We wait, and wait, and wait. About 15 minutes later Omi shows up. Remember when the CM at MK put her second ticket through the machine to see if she had days left? Well she did, but when it went through the machine it used that day. I thought that might be a problem, but after we got into the park, I didnt think much more about it. Omi says Guest Services was very accommodating and gave her a day back since she told them she was only one person, how could she use two tickets? But, that still doesnt solve the mystery of the missing 6 day park hoppers. She is hoping they are back in the hotel room.
Weve eaten at Donalds several times. The food is pretty good and we prefer to eat a big breakfast rather than dinner. The characters were good, but a bit rushed that was ok, because I was in a hurry, too. We met Donald, Goofy, Mickey and Pluto. Oddly enough, Squidgy was well behaved and ate; you guessed it, Fruit Loops. I threw body blocks so she couldnt see the characters. Tater had Mud and Bugs, pancakes, bacon, etc. Omi and I tried a bit of everything. I thought the breakfast pizza and the quiche were very good. I also like the potatoes and they have a really good coffee cake. For some reason, the line for hot food moved very slowly, but there was almost no line for fruit, cereal, and pastries. Oh, and I must have been half-asleep this morning because our server managed to ketchup me.
Now that breakfast is over (and I had received my 20% DDE discount), we head out to DinoLand. Tater loves Triceratops Spin. Squidgy is cooperative so she and I sit in the back while Omi and Tater ride up front. They tilted us back and forth, but we made it move up and down. Squidgy loved the controller. Both of the kids laughed the entire ride.
Next up, Tater wants to ride Primeval Whirl. Neither Omi nor I want to ride. We didnt enjoy it last time, but we are pretty certain hes not tall enough so were not worried. If you have ever been a parent of a 4 year old, you know that sometimes it is better not to argue. Tater checks and lo and behold, hes not tall enough. Go figure. But, he doesnt whine, cry or complain, just continues merrily on his way. Now, if I had told him he wasnt tall enough, wed have had a meltdown right in the middle of the park.
We head over to Dinosaur and check it out. Tater thinks he might want to ride, but hes not sure. As usual, I carry him through the line, explain what will happen. He says hes not sure all the way up until it is time to board. He sat through the pre-show and everything. Then he looked at me and said I dont want to. I asked if he was sure and he told me he was. I know not to push him and we leave. To him, dinosaurs are very scary and he doesnt understand that they are extinct. Like everything at Disney, they are real to him - maybe next time.
We exit and find Omi and a sleeping Squidgy. Tater has wanted to ride Kali River Rapids and that is our next stop. There is no line and no need for a FP. We do pick up the baby swap pass though. Tater and I ride first. Today is sunny (for a change), but we put on our raincoats because its 0no fun to walk around in wet underwear I know, Ive done that at IOA. We ride with a very nice family and Tater and one of the sons talk about the ride for the entire ride. Unfortunately, Tater and I are in the hot seat on the way down the hill and get soaked. He loves it and I seem to be doomed to tour theme parks in soggy drawers.
Tater had so much fun that when we get ready to get off, there is no one in line and he says yes when the CMs ask if we want to go again. So, our entire raft goes again. Once again, were in the hot seat and get wet but not quite as badly. As we get off, he is dancing and skipping. Obviously, he had fun. He and Omi ride next and lucky person that she is, she didnt get wet at all maybe a couple of drops. No one said life is fair. Tater had planned on getting his face painted after this. He had even decided he wanted to be a dragon. But, for some reason, he changed his mind. No idea why
Now that Squidgy is awake, we strap her into the KozyKarrier and head off on the Asian trail (I can never remember the name). I enjoy these walks. It is so quiet and peaceful. I also enjoy talking to the CMs who are stationed throughout the trail. If you take the time to ask questions, they have a lot to offer about the animals. Tater finds one of his two favorite animals, the Tapir. Unfortunately, this time, he is hidden in shadows, so that was a bit of a let down. We did get a chance to get up close to the tigers. Tater also thought the bats were cool. He wasnt scared at all, especially after we pointed out all the fruit that the bats eat. Squidgy just rode along and took in the scenery.
Next stop, Tarzan Rocks. I know that people have definite opinions about this attraction, but I think everyone can agree on two things (1) it is loud and (2) Tarzan rocks what an awesome body!!! Tater likes the Tarzan movie and cartoons, so he knows the characters and songs. Throw in rollerblades and a vine swinging Tarzan, and he was in heaven. Squidgy sat still for approximately five minutes and then she was done. She and I spent the rest of the show walking. At first we walked around and around the podium where the CM stands when you go in. Then she expanded her circle and we eventually ended up walking outside. I was able to watch some of the show, but definitely made sure I could see Tarzan. When she came out, Omi went on and on about Tarzan, but I dont think she was talking about the show.
After this, we head on over to Africa to get FP for the safari. I know you are supposed to go early in the morning, but we just never made it there. On the way, we see Devine and watch her for a few minutes. We also walk by the Birds of Prey show, which we saw last summer. Wed like to stop, but we know Squidgy wont sit, so we just pass on. If youve never seen the show, Id highly recommend it. Tater couldnt believe how big the owl was.
On the way, we stop at the bathroom and like every other bathroom at WDW, I try to take the stroller in. It wont fit. The only door at Disney the stroller wont go through. Im really determined though and figure if I push really hard, it will just pop through. Guess what, it didnt, but it did get wedged in the door. So there I am on the outside pushing to get in and all the people in the bathroom are trapped inside and cant get out. Im hot, tired, cranky and my bottom half is still wet. Im not happy and Im certain I said a very un-Disney word or two. It was my bad moment of the day. I snatch on the stroller really hard and it jerks free of the doorway. After that, changing Squidgy, which can be an adventure when she wont lie still, was pretty uneventful.
We still havent gotten FPs yet and it is almost noon. As we walk by some open air seating, there are drums. Omi loves the sound of drums and rhythmic instruments. I, on the other hand, as a former middle school teacher, start to tense and develop nervous tics whenever Im confronted with loud, rhythmic noise - too many years of pencils and fingers drumming on the desks. Anyway, Omi moves in really close to enjoy the show with Tater and Im standing back with Squidgy in the stroller. She must have inherited her mothers anti-thumping gene cause she starts to raise a fuss that is threatening to spill over into a full fledged tantrum. Im trying to get Omis attention, but she cant hear me because the drums are too loud. Squidge is squalling, the drums are thumping and my ears are pounding. Finally, I get Omis attention and tell her Im off to get the FPs.
FPs in hand, we head off on the African trail. This time we take the stroller in - more great animals. Tater gets to see his absolute favorite, the Okapi. No idea, why this is his favorite. Do you have any idea how hard it is to find a plastic Okapi to play with, let alone a stuffed one? Encourage your child to like common animals like pigs, lions and tigers. Tater and Squidgy both like the gorillas. Omi saw her favorite the naked mole rats. We also got to see some African Pygmy Geese (goslings?) that had just hatched that morning. They were so cute. Not much bigger than a cotton ball. Boy did their parents keep them in line when they were swimming. When one started to swim off on its own, they gave it a peck and herded it back with the others.
Finally, it is safari time. Im worried we wont see a lot of animals, but that is not the case. I think the only animals we didnt see were the cheetah, warthogs, and a giraffe. Everything else was out and relatively active. We even saw the male lion stand up, turn around and then lie down again.
Its after 1pm and there is still so much we want to do, but are running out of time. We stop by and see Pooh, Tigger, and Eeyore for pictures and autographs and here Omi commits the ultimate Disney faux pas. It is very, very hot and the line is moving slowly. About every 10 or 15 minutes Pooh and company take a quick honey break and then come right back out. We wait through about three cycles of this and finally, we are the next to go. Yup, time for another honey break. Omi says to the CM working the gate (this is a spoiler, dont read this to your kids), Do they have to take breaks because it is so hot in those costumes? Oh, could a great hole just open up and swallow me now? What is she thinking? The CM just looks at her and says What costumes? Thats Pooh. Luckily Tater didnt hear. He still doesnt understand how Luke Skywalker could be at MGM when he is in the movies Tater meets the characters while I keep Squidgy in the background. She still has characterphobia and screams loudly whenever they look in her direction.
We rush and are just able to make the FotLK show. We are seated in the last section way in the back. I know Squidgy is tired, so Im hoping she will nurse and fall asleep. The show will be dark and maybe Ill be lucky. Not a chance. Omi and Tater are enjoying the show. Squidgy makes it thorough the tumble monkeys and she is done. I dont want her do disrupt everyone so I decide to leave. Let me issue this caution. If you need to leave the show, think really hard and decide if it is worth it. You cant just go out any exit door. There is a special door you have to use and it is not convenient to get to. You have to be escorted by one of the counselors and risk being run over by the performers. Squidgy and I finally make it to safety.
Im not sure what to do because it looks like there going to be a while in the show. But off in the distance I see and ice cream stand. Since it is about 100 degrees today, some ice cream sounds good. I get a twist cone and enjoy it on a bench in a shade. I have a great view of the character greeting paths and let me tell you, when the Lion King is going on, they are deserted. No line to meet Minnie, Chip, Dale and Koda. Koda even came out and socialized with the family near me. Mercifully, he stayed away from Squidgy who was quietly enjoying her Fruit Loops with a side of popcorn, while keeping a wary eye on him.
Right before the end of the show, a familiar looking woman goes rushing by my bench. Omi and Tater have also had to leave early, which is really surprising. He had to go to the bathroom and just couldnt wait poor kid. The bad news is the missed the last bit of the show. The good news is he didnt have to wait in line to meet the characters.
Were about worn out and are ready to go. We want to make one last stop at the Boneyard so Tater can burn off some energy. On our way, we run into Lilo and Stitch. Tater has never met them before, so of course, we stand line. I know I said some pretty negative things about them in a previous report, but they were the best characters of the trip. They took the time to ask Tater what had happened to his arm and Stitch told Tater how much he like his poison dart frog shirt by hopping around on the ground. When the signed, it was more than just their names. Lilo wrote Aloha Tater, Love Lilo and drew flowers around it. She knew his name because he was wearing his guest of honor badge. When Stitch signed his, he wrote like frog underneath it. Just an extra special bit of Magic.
On the walk over to DinoLand, Squidgy crashes so Omi waits with her while I take Tater inside. Its getting late, so I limit him to 20 minutes and he runs wild for all 20 of them. He rides every slide, climbs through the tunnels, and plays on the jeep, etc. I was so proud of him. He even went on the biggest twisty slide. Im also proud (and relieved) that he doesnt pitch a fit when it is time to leave. He must be getting tired because he wants to ride in the stroller.
Omi and I stop and do some shopping on the way out. I bought a couple of Christmas ornaments. One was a gourd decorated with red and green beads. The other was a hand painted glass ball with elephants on it. Tater also picks a hand-carved ornament for Squidgy and himself. Omi buys two Christmas ornaments for me so Ill always remember the trip. She buys a Minnie angel since Squidgy has been such an angel on this trip and she buys Mickey playing baseball since Tater broke his arm 37 days before the trip by falling off first base during a t-ball game. (Thank you, Omi). Oh, I also buy the holiday collection of antenna toppers so my van will be happy year around.
By the time we are done shopping, its time for the parade so we watch that. Like most Disney street entertainment, its good. Tater waves to all the characters and other performers. Squidgy sleeps on. Finally, our day in the park is over. Wed hoped to get a shower before our dinner at Olivias, but it looks like well be going fresh from the park.
Now for that long hike back to the van .
Next up: Part 10: The Virtually Challenged Visit Disney Quest
Note: Someone posted and asked about Omis ankle. This is why Ill never be a professional writer. I cant develop a story line. Omi says (and I talked to her tonight) that her ankle still hurts. She says it pops and creaks when she steps wrong. But, she also says that she has been going to Disney with me since I was 2 years old and knew better to complain or she would be stuck in the hotel room because I wasnt going to slow down for her. She just kept taking ibuprofen and wore shoes with good support. Omis a trooper.
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I don't have enough patience to wait for each chapter of this novel to be written. Really enjoying it, my kids are almost the same age. You may be happy you didn't get to the downtown disney stores. Scariest point of my trip, lost my 5 year old in World of Disney. Logically I knew he was in there somewhere, but nagging back of my mind wanted them to lock all doors and search every shopper. Found him after 15 minutes (he didn't go to a CM because he didn't know he was lost) Then couldn't find bags set down while looking for son (CM took them to bag check for us). Then left my son's happy meal by McDonalds drink dispenser. (Manager gave us a new one as they threw original one out) All in all everything turned out all right but I just wanted to go home and cry. Racked up as most stressfull disney day and I didn't even go to the parks that day. 
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