Poly+Teenager+Video Game Fanatic+Spoiled Princess = Disney Memories UPDATED 1/31

[1971DBday]

I woke up again before everyone else feeling much better after the evening of abdominal pain. Everyone was accounted for since I didn’t hear them come in the evening before. I decided to get ready and by the time I was done everyone was still sleeping so I decided to go get the Holy Grail filled. Here is an early morning picture of the Volcano Pool:

Once I returned everyone was up and getting ready. Today was going to finally be warm and our main goal was to enjoy some pool time finally. Our family always has two questions when it comes to WDW 1. Why do we go every year? And 2. Why so long? We go usually for 10-day trips because it gives us time to relax by the pool, which really lets us enjoy the trip entirely. We come back refreshed (yes even from WDW). In our eyes short trips to WDW are not relaxing and non-stop because you are trying to fit everything in.

Anyway back to the day, we needed to grab a bus to get to DHS. After a boo-boo incident with DD3 and long waits for the bus we were finally off to DHS. We missed the opening of the park show, but the crowds were not that bad yet. We headed straight for TT and got a “wife swap” and DD3 and I went to get FP for RNRC. DD3 is still to short for TT (40”) but it is scary to think that she was only an 1/8 of inch to short for this ride. Here is a picture of DD3 waiting patiently outside of TT:

We met up with the family and my DH told me about the little girl, just about DD3’s height, who was on TT. He thought we should try to get her on, but DD3 was not ready and I was not going to force her (maybe next year). TT was my first big ride of the trip and testing out my vertigo issue. (Side Story: end of October I was diagnosed with positional vertigo. I have never had this before and had no idea what was going on with me. It was constant headaches, blurred vision, dizziness, nausea, lack of appetite, and loss of balance. I was just glad it wasn’t anything worse. After 3 ½ weeks of dealing with that I went straight into a sinus infection, which would not go away, and bronchitis. I just wanted to be healthy for our long awaited trip. My understanding is that once you have vertigo you are susceptible to it…so here we go.) I did pretty well and I let out a few screams – I have a height and falling issue. TT is not one of my favorites.

Next was RNRC! It was not yet our return time so we decided to get our annual Disney tatoos. Since we were staying at the Poly I decided on one of the tiki tatoos. My DH and DD13 decided to go with that theme as well so I got Donald Duck, DH Mickey Mouse and DD13 Goofy (since she found out they have the same bday). DD3 got Cinderlla (who else) DS10 got a basketball (shame on him for the non-Disney) and DSIL got Tigger. Once we were done it was time for RNRC. The kids love this wife swap thing because even with the FP they can go on twice because of an adult being left behind. However, I felt a little wobbly after this one and needed to hold DD13s arm while walking out.

It was my turn to sit out with DD3 and I told the group that I would meet them at the front gate since it was getting hot outside and you know what that means in my book – POOL TIME! So while DD3 and I were waiting I decided to get a few pictures taken:

DD3 loves Stitch and thanks to the DISers I knew to request a photo with Stitch in it. DD3 LOVES this picture!

We soon met up again and headed to the bus stop just in time to see the Poly bus drive away. Now after our morning wait I was worried that the bus would take forever to return. I look to my left and notice a bus going to the TTC with no wait, so we slipped onto this bus. This was learning moment that would be used throughout our trip. Some pictures back at the Poly:

We arrived at the Volcano Pool and grabbed our seats. The Poly does a wonderful job of keeping the whole family happy here! The only thing they could improve on is the CS food, but that aside WOW! The zero entry, the waterslide, the activities, the pool bar and the view make this a magical and relaxing place to be. It was a beautiful and sunny afternoon and I really needed to relax and so did everybody else. We all got in some swim time and DD3 and DS10 were constantly going down the waterslide. DH and DSIL even took a ride down.

The best moment was when I was finishing up my Banana Cabana cocktail, DD3 was sound asleep next to me (needed a nap for her big night), sun was shining, boat horns softly sounding in the background and a view of Cinderella’s castle. I slowly nodded off next to my DD3 and had an AWESUME little nap! Just a picture in my memory….WOW! That is why the price of the Poly is worth it!

Up next – Part 2 of Day 3: BBB and A Princess Night to Remember!

 

[1971DBday]

DD3 and I headed back to the room to go prep for our evening ahead while everyone else continued relaxing by the pool and building sandcastles per DD13 (awe…This was cute since DD13 at this point was getting on my last nerve. She is at that stage where she knows all and has a comment back on everything. I enjoyed her helpful and sweet times when they happened). I had a special surprise for DD3 for her bath it was a little Santa that fizzles and lets off a wonderful scent. If it wasn’t for BBB she may have never left the tub. I thought I gave myself enough time…underestimated – so it was a mad dash off the monorail apologizing to everyone that I was late for our appointment. As I quickly, but politely pushed DD3 in her stroller down Mainstreet I dodged all of those calm, relaxed families enjoying the holiday decorations.

I arrived to BBB out of breath but on time (actually late by 1 minute and not 15 minutes early as they requested – opps). However, they checked us in and then I realized I had forgotten DD3s brush and luckily they sold them there so we picked one out. We were then escorted to the back room so DD3 could put on her Cinderella dress – she was so excited seeing all of the princesses getting pampered. It was shortly after that that Princess DD3 was announced and she was led to her Fairy Godmother (FG) Rebecca. We were lucky enough to get a seat right under Tinker Bell’s door up on the wall per the FG. Here is DD3 first getting seated:

We were so lucky to get such a wonderful FG. This woman spoke to DD3 the entire time and I’m talking in character…”oh princess, did you know that Cinderella was just here” and “princess has anyone ever told you that your hair is just like Princess Aurora’s?” I had other parents even listening in and telling me how lucky my Princess was to have such a wonderful FG.

So while I was chatting to one of the other Moms next to me I didn’t notice the FG had asked my Princess what hairstyle she would like. I was picturing the lovely, simple Cinderella bun on top of her head. I turned to see a “Dolly Parton Bad Weave” going on her head. I surprisingly asked what that was and she stated “oh the princess has chosen the pop star style” okay……so which brings us to this…..and DD3s look for 5 days of our vacation as the “Dolly Parton Bad Hair Weave Look”.

Ultimately she looked adorable and was my special little Princess and I would not change a thing on this special moment for her. She was pampered and started warming up to all of the attention. By the time her nails were getting done she was perky and talkative once more.

Then it came time for the magical reveal. At this time I got the phone call from my DD13 that they were walking down Mainstreet and almost there. I told them to hurry they were about to show DD3 her new look. They just made it in time and DD3 showed no enthusiasm I think she was a little overwhelmed at all of the attention.

We then tipped our FG very well for doing such a wonderful job and headed over to CRT to check-in only to find out that I had the time wrong. We were about 20 minutes early. Without a word to us they moved onto the next guest and basically told us to get out of the way. If it weren’t for my high happiness moment from BBB I probably would have yelled at the CMs behind the desk. Instead I firmly stated that I did not appreciate their attitude and there was no reason to just push us to the side without any explanation. I told them we would be back at our appropriate time and that I expected not to be treated so rudely again.

Off for a quick ride on CRC, I was hoping to get DD3 on Cinderella’s horse once more but some teenagers who were let in at a secondary gate beat us to it even though we were ahead of them in line. I just let it go since she had been on Cinderella’s horse on day 2. We got some great pictures….

Then it we went over to Cinderella’s Wishing Well and let DD3 make a wish.

By this time it was ready to try checking in again. I let DH do it this time so I wouldn’t “make a scene” and we were let in right away – like we were late. Unfortunately, I did not get the photos with Cinderella on the photopass so I will scan them in later. As we were in line DD3 tugged on my shirt and wanted to whisper something into my ear. I leaned down and she stated, “Do you know what I wished for?” “No” I replied “I wished for a kiss from Cinderella” Awe…I thought…how cute. So when it was our turn we took our group shot and then it was time for DD3 personal picture with Cinderella so I quietly told Cinderella her wish and DD3 got her kiss on the cheek from Cinderella. She was glowing with joy.

It was a long wait to go upstairs but it was finally our turn. Here is a quick shot of DD3 by Cinderella’s window:

We were seated towards the back of the room, not a great view but out of the way. We got some cute pictures while we were waiting for our food with our wands and sword.

The food was good here. The BLT salad was okay, but I should have gone with the Chicken Pasta soup…I tasted my DHs and was jealous. We all had the prime rib again and it was very good. I had a hard time eating mine because the show with the mice and FG had started and I was busy taping it. Just after the show the surprise deserts (Cinderella's Glass Slipper Desert) were delivered for the two princesses. DD13 knew about DD3s but did not know I got her one as well.

DD13 loved it, but DD3 could care less, all she ate was the fruit so I stuffed it down not wanting it to go to waste. At this point a gentleman proposed to his girlfriend and the whole restaurant applauded – it was beautiful.

After we left the park had already closed for the MVMCP, which we never attend. I have never understood the perks – it snows (don’t need it coming from Chicago) – free hot chocolate and cookies (whatever) – specific rides open (can go on them other times) and special show (I can only handle so many shows). Not worth an extra $250. When we walked outside everything was looking beautiful so we took some pictures.

It was a chilly night so everyone was wearing sweatshirts and you could not see anyone’s wristband and no one was looking for one. But we didn’t pay so we were leaving – slowly and looking around. We could have stayed for the parade and no one would have noticed, but again we were being honorable and left.

 

[1971DBday]

Sorry continued...reached my photo limit......


We returned to the resort and DH decided to go to bed early, it was his turn for not feeling well. The rest of us went to the Tambu Lounge and relaxed with a few cocktails for the adults and some kid friendly drinks for the kids.

DD3 styling DD13s hair - just like BBB!

DD3s Dolly Parton Bad Weave Hairdo from the Back:

My tatoo and DD13:

My DSIL then decided she wanted a picture drawn of the kids. (I will take a picture of it at Christmas time and post it later – it turned out very cute.)

We then headed back for the evening – tomorrow MK AGAIN! More pool time (it’s going to be 80!) and EPCOT LC ADR!!!!

We wore out the Princess!

 

[Disneycouple99]

By the way, AKL is beautiful (at least what I got to enjoy of it). However, it is HUGE that was one heck of a walk on Day 2 TR. You obviously enjoy it any recommendations if we ever decide to try this resort?

From the sound of it the bus driver told you to get off at Kidani Village instead of Jambo, schocking that a driver did not know the difference. If you stay at AKL the best recommendation I can make is book a savanna view room. If you really want an hugh treat, book a 1 bed room villa at Kidani. 2 bathrooms, king size bed in master bedroom, jacuzzi tub with separate shower.

I understand about the blue dumbo thing. My 3 yo has the same obsession but with green.

 

[momlee4]

Hi! Just subscribed. BBB photos look great! The hair is cute! I want to hear more about your son, especially at Disney Quest. I have a 9 yr old that is also a video game addict.

 

[1971DBday]

From the sound of it the bus driver told you to get off at Kidani Village instead of Jambo, schocking that a driver did not know the difference. If you stay at AKL the best recommendation I can make is book a savanna view room. If you really want an hugh treat, book a 1 bed room villa at Kidani. 2 bathrooms, king size bed in master bedroom, jacuzzi tub with separate shower.

I understand about the blue dumbo thing. My 3 yo has the same obsession but with green.

It's a beautiful resort. Hopefully I can talk the family into Jikos one more time so we can enjoy the surroundings as originally planned.

 

[1971DBday]

Hi! Just subscribed. BBB photos look great! The hair is cute! I want to hear more about your son, especially at Disney Quest. I have a 9 yr old that is also a video game addict.

He will love it...you may not feel the same love. It is wonderfully kept and there are so many choices. There are some fun things that you can do with him, but otherwise it's waiting for him to get his video game fix in.

Recommendation to do together:

Pirates of the Carribbean
Jungle Cruise
Cyber Space Mountain
There is a Buzz Lightyear (I think) where you shoot balls out of a cannon and bump cars)

I don't know how you feel about him going around on his own, this was the first year we let DS10 move about without us over his shoulder. He got the big stranger danger reminder conversation, had a watch and knew the meeting point. There is a nice restaurant inside or House of Blues just outside across from DQ. Our DD13 was once bothered by a young man when she was 11 and knew just to get away from him. He followed her for a little bit and she was just about to point him out to a CM when he disappeared. She found DH right away and they let staff members know. Disney is just like any other place and danger can be anywhere.

Don't let my story scare you though, but there is no check system in place when people are coming and going. I have promised DS10 if he gets straight As then I will personally take him there next year.

 

[DisneysRedhead]

I always love seeing little girls getting made up at BBB!! It makes me want a little girl of my own just so I can dress her up like a Disney princess! Sigh...someday!

Can't wait for more!

 

[praisehisname]

You guys got a lot done at Magic Kingdom!

Yikes, so sorry you and DD3 weren't feeling great for your Jiko dinner. It sounded good, though.

No Toy Story Mania at DHS? I hope you got back to ride it!

Pool time sounded lovely!

DD3 looks adorable with her BBB 'do!

I love the tattoos!

 

[disney<333]

DD3 is so cute. Looks like she had a blast being pampered at BBB. Her 'do came out cute too. Dinner at Cindy's sounds good.

 

[1971DBday]

Before I begin…Merry Christmas Eve to everyone. Chicago got hit by a nice ice storm yesterday and it was really fun driving home yesterday afternoon. I was just grateful that the kids were at home and not out on the roads with me. It’s amazing that people still feel like they can drive like they are trying out to drive for Nascar. Anyway, onto Day 4….

I feel like we have been living at MK and we are all up early this morning and where are we heading? MK to try to get on SM AGAIN! We have not been having any luck getting on this ride, not because of long lines but because of it “having technical difficulties” so here we go again. The weather report for today was going to be sunny and 80 today so of course we were all excited to get back to the Poly for some more pool time. The predictions for the end of our trip were constantly changing but consistent on the theme of COLD.

We made it to MK just in time for the opening:

DH and DD3 watching the show

We headed straight to Futureworld and SM was finally running and NO LINE!!! The family did the typical “wife swap” and I headed to BLYSRS with DD3 and rode it again and again. I think DD3 likes spinning around in that car more then shooting; as long as my vertigo doesn’t kick in I’m good. It was then my turn for SM with DD13 and DS10. Here is a picture inside waiting in the very short, but quick line:

As other reports have stated I was not that impressed with the updates. However, the closing of SM really didn’t affect us so no complaints. The ride was great as usual minus one issue – it wasn’t dark and I could see all of the tracks. I am not sure why and it did take away from the ride, but we still came off laughing.

Next we were off to SGE! Would DD3 be allowed on? Yep – she passed for this one. DD3 loved the pre-show and before we left I had showed her SGE online on YouTube so she was somewhat prepared for what was about to happen. We moved our way into the seats and luckily we were the first in line so we were able to go all the way. The CMs were busy on the other side dealing with another child unhappy to be getting the harness on, so they missed DD3 screaming and wiggling out of hers. She ended up sitting on my lap and I didn’t see any harm in that, from time to time she would get brave and wiggle her way back into her own personal harness. We made it through and she did giggle in between the screaming. Better luck next time in 2010!

Now off to the teacups that we were able to avoid on one of the earlier trips to MK. I decided to take the safe option and just go with DD3 while DH, DD13, DS10 and DSIL all crammed onto a teacup of their own. Now DH is 6’4”, DD13 is 5’7”, DS is 5’ and DSIL about 5’8” so this was one crammed teacup! I watched as they were all trying to find room for their legs.

So off we go, DD3 was in heaven as she tried to make our teacup spin and I was busy taking pictures and video of my DSIL looking like she was going to vomit over the side. My DH has some good upper arm power and can really get these teacups going! It was hysterical from a distance and not being on that one. Since there was no line DH decided to take the kids one more time, but DSIL was DONE! I told DH to take it easier with DD3. Did he listen? Of course not… My DSIL commented about how DD3 was screaming in laughter, but that was not laughter. By the time they came off DD3 was also done with the teacups and crying. Bad DH!

On the way out of MK we caught the parade and had to stop for DD3 to see it for the third time.

DSIL loves taking the boats so since she was leaving the next day this was her last chance. It was such a beautiful day that we decided to get some nice pictures:

We were then back at the Poly for some more nice pictures before back to the room to change into our swimsuits:

The afternoon was fantastic and I got another nap by the pool in preparation for Le Cellier. A little history here…I never knew about Le Cellier’s popularity in the past three trips because I did not know about the DISboards…I know…I know. So there was a lot of reading, prepping and modifying ADRs to get to this place and I was NOT going to miss it. Unfortunately, I did not realize how much relaxing my DSIL was doing and by the time it was ready to leave she was very RELAXED thanks to the bartenders at the pool bar.

However, we were going no matter what. We had not been to EPCOT at this point yet which has never happened before, but it was do to the schedule that our ADRs had us on.

DS10 was dying to go on some rides at EPCOT and when we arrived at 6:15 p.m. we realized that we did have time for at least one ride and luckily the wait time was only 15 minutes so off to MS! Now my DSIL does not do well on those simulator rides when she is feeling well let alone when she has been RELAXING all afternoon. She was all excited to go on MS with DS10 and I tried to explain what type of ride it but it was in one ear out the other.

Well DD3 and I did some shopping while the rest tackled MS. I was avoiding this ride for now. I have never had a problem with it in the past, but again not chancing it. We were getting close to our ADR time for LC and I was getting ancy, but they finally showed up. DSIL did not look well, but my DH and DD13 had big smiles on their face. You see DSIL got sick on the ride. She screamed to DH to “make it stop” and then “I’m going to throw up” and DH quickly pointed out the puke bag that DSIL utilized and then stated, “this ride is horrible”. So off to LC we go…yeah…or at least that’s how I felt, but not so much for my DSIL but I was not feeling much sympathy. We made our way to LC with constant narrative from DSIL on what a horrible ride MS is and that we should have never let her go on…in one ear, out the other. I was trying to videotape the lovely decorations and enjoy the atmosphere.

We arrived at LC on time thanks to my speed walking and were met by some very nice CMs. Our table was not ready yet and needed to wait, but the CMs were very talkative and friendly so they made the time pass by very quickly. We were then brought to our table and again a very nice CM was our server. I already knew what I wanted …the Le Cellier experience with the Canadian Cheddar Cheese soup. I had heard so much about it and was looking forward to my “experience”. We all ordered cocktails [minus DSIL – go figure(sarcasm)] and I choose a non$28 glass of Canadian wine, DH Canadian beer, and the kids milkshakes.

My review of the soup is that it was great, but not what I expected. I was expecting a cheesy soup in texture (like the Chicken Enchilada soup at Max and Erma’s – for those of you have eaten at this establishment or a nacho cheese soup consistency). This soup, not to take away from it’s great flavor, looked like what my DSIL may have created on MS. (Sorry – not trying to ruin it for anyone.) My DH and DSIL could not eat it after what they just experienced. The rest of the meal was great according to the rest of my party, but just okay for me. My prime rib was undercooked for my taste. I ordered medium rare and it was more rare and still mooing. However, I ate it and the sauce on top was very good.

I’m sorry I didn’t get many pictures, busy eating and just enjoying. But desert finally came and I did get a quick shot of our words of congratulations on my crème brule.

At this point DS10 was done for the day and ready to go back to the room.

I was sad because I really wanted a Fiesta Margarita. Well my DSIL was feeling better at this point and wanted a GM from France and agreed to stay. So the boys left for the Poly and the girls walked to a few countries. The Fiesta Margaritas over the past few years have been my favorite (minus the Mango and substitute another flavor) but this year I only had one and was greatly disappointed. The CMs treated me like they had something better to do and they would not substitute so all I got was the strawberry and regular. I finished it, but I might as well have just gotten another drink. We walked back to France and got a GM for DSIL and then walked our way back to the monorail. Everyone was too tired (minus me) to stay for the fireworks. This was the trend for the trip.

Anyway, we returned to the room and DSIL to her place. DSIL was leaving the next day. We love having her there, but we are not 100% ourselves and she talks about work a lot and I don’t want to hear any of that on vacation!!!

Day 5 Next: Blizzard Beach and DHS

 

[momlee4]

He will love it...you may not feel the same love. It is wonderfully kept and there are so many choices. There are some fun things that you can do with him, but otherwise it's waiting for him to get his video game fix in.

Yes, I figure DH can hang out with him and wait, while I take the littler guys out once they're bored.

Recommendation to do together:

Pirates of the Carribbean
Jungle Cruise
Cyber Space Mountain
There is a Buzz Lightyear (I think) where you shoot balls out of a cannon and bump cars)

Thanks for the tips, we'll try to hit these first before I leave early.

I don't know how you feel about him going around on his own, this was the first year we let DS10 move about without us over his shoulder. He got the big stranger danger reminder conversation, had a watch and knew the meeting point. There is a nice restaurant inside or House of Blues just outside across from DQ. Our DD13 was once bothered by a young man when she was 11 and knew just to get away from him. He followed her for a little bit and she was just about to point him out to a CM when he disappeared. She found DH right away and they let staff members know. Disney is just like any other place and danger can be anywhere.

Yikes! That is scary! No, I don't think my DS9 is responsible enough to be left alone. Not 'til he's 16?!? Maybe its just me not wanting him to grow up.

 

[praisehisname]

So glad you finally got to ride Space Mountain, even though the lights were on!

My DSIL commented about how DD3 was screaming in laughter, but that was not laughter. By the time they came off DD3 was also done with the teacups and crying. Bad DH!

That would have been me, too. I can't do the teacups!

Hopefully your SIL will take your ride advice in the future!

Sorry your were disappointed with your LeCellier dinner.

 

[disney<333]

Happy New Year!

 

[OhMari]

Bump to update, I want to hear about Blizzard Beach.

 

[1971DBday]

Sorry everyone who is reading for the delay in reporting. Life has gotten way to busy and frankly I’m having the Disney Blues right now and wish our trip were closer. Luckily, I purchased on Disney calendar this last trip and we have already put the countdown onto it. This weekend we celebrated that we are less than 300 days! So on with the trip report….

This morning DSIL will be leaving to head back to Chicago and we are in for another beautiful day here in WDW. This morning’s weather report has conflicting reports for the last two days of our trip, but none of them look good – chilly and rainy .

Now I know the title is discouraging, so let me explain. This was our 4th trip in a row to WDW and our family loves Typhoon Lagoon. We were able to go the first year, but since then it has been closed every year we have returned. We were all disappointed to find out they were still having problems and needing to do some major rehab – we were getting tired of Blizzard Beach. However, we have always purchased the Water Park & Fun option and this year was no different. DS10 loves the water parks and especially Disney Quest, but the rest of us could live without. We have all fallen in love with the Poly and the Volcano Pool is good enough for us and the majority of us just wanted to hang out and the Poly, but we have paid for it so we are going.

DSIL met up with us and we had a quick breakfast and Captain Cooks. I got her to try the Tonga Toast (YUM!). The Tonga Toast adult breakfast was always enough for myself, DD3 and DS10 to split, so it helped us save points for other meals. I had programmed the phone number for Mears taxi cab service into my phone, so we made a quick phone call and by the time we got to the valet service her cab was already here. We all said our goodbyes and headed off to the catch the bus for BB. Our plan was two hours and BB and then off to DHS for the rest of the afternoon. It was a beautiful sunny day and we wanted to make the most of it.

[ Inserting old story: Now a little history with BB….it is a good water park, but again we prefer TL. Last year we were having a wonderful time. It was a beautiful and sunny day and the kids were wonderful. We stayed the entire day at BB – DD2 (at the time) did not take a nap and was so good listening to every word we said….until the announcement overhead stated that the park would be closing soon and to gather your belongings. I happily announced to DD2 that it was time to go. In the style of the “exorcist girl” she turned her head and “No!” The Mom in me immediately stated – “oh no, you didn’t” and went over to point out she had been good the whole day, but it was time to go. This was the starting point of the “Temper Tantrum from H@?#!” She did not simply just get crabby and cry a little – were talking full fledge screaming at the top of her lungs while others gawked in amazement at the lack of your parenting skills. We tried every trick in the book to no avail. Fast-forward an HOUR later she was still screaming at full force and we were being told we need to go. There was NO WAY I was getting on a bus with her screaming. So we politely told the bus driver we would walk back to the Coronado Springs Resort. He told my DH to wait and radioed for an empty bus to come and pick us up – WOW Disney. We waited a few minutes and low and behold here came our own personal bus. However, you guessed it DD2 was now past out cold from pure exhaustion. Parents – when people advise you not to over tire your toddlers in WDW – they really whole-heartedly mean it so you do NOT have to have experiences like this – it can really ruin a trip. Okay back to my current trip report.]

So we arrived at BB and decided that I would hang out with DD3 at the kiddie’s area – Tike’s Peak. Last year she was independent enough to go on the waterslides on her own, but I always like to keep a good eye on her. She loved all three of the waterslides here. There is a set of three racing slides that just go straight down;

a single lane-twisting slide; and an inner tube single lane slide.

There is also a little pool area with spouting crocodiles and a little play area that has much smaller slides for the smaller toddler – she had no interest in these two areas.

DH, DD13 and DD10 headed off and went to the big kid areas. Otherwise, DD13 would be looking like this for the next two hours:

They did the Toboggan Racers, Snow Stormers, Downhill Dipper, Runoff Rapids, and Patrol Training Camp. No one likes to go on Summit Plummit, including myself – something about a plunging to my death wedgy that just does not appeal. DS10 favorite thing to do is Runoff Rapids and DD13 loves the Toboggan Racers! Sorry no pictures – DH will not bring the camera and I was hanging out at Tike’s Peak.

After a few hours it was time to go and we were ready to DD3’s reaction….we told her it was time to go to the next place and that if she was good we might (note – might) come back. The difference between 2 and 3 is that you can explain these kinds of things to a 3 year old. DD3 got ready like a big girl and we headed off to DHS at mid-afternoon.

First a few pictures by the snow people:

When we arrived at DHS it was just in time for the 3 p.m. parade. I was so excited to see this one and it was one of the items on my list. I wish I had investigated it a little bit and been more prepared that there were “themed sections” to the parade.

We had taken a seat next to the area in which Bugs Life characters had stopped to dance and none of my kids are huge Bugs Life fans. However, this parade has a lot of energy and is very interactive for the kids. It was a little loud and scary for DD3 and DD13 and DD10 seemed a little to “old” to have any interest in participating. I was really impressed with the stunts and high energy dancing and tricks by the performers though.

Next is was time to try to catch some of missed rides from our first visit. We had just missed the beginning of the Indiana Jones Stunt Show so we decided to come back for the next show. Instead we went to Star Tours and DD3 was denied entry – she was a ¼ of an inch to short. I’m not clear on why there is such a height requirement on this one, but we were not going to be given any pixie dust to get her on this one.

So DD3 and I waited as the others went on. As I was patiently waiting –

What to my amazement did I see?
But a glowing ice cube breezing by just for me!
I looked further down the path and noticed an outside bar,
just outside the Sci Fi Dine-In Theater not too far.
I gleefully approached the kindly young gent
I gave him my order and every little cent.
I then took my first sip of this holiday treat
It was glowing with a shiny star and was very sweet.
I walked back and balanced my drinks, not letting a drop spill over the rim…
A gentleman stopped me on my way back to find out where I got them.
I sipped away waiting to surprise of the treat for my spouse.
However, while trying to juggle everything with me I spilt down my blouse.
While cleaning up the mess, out came the gang including my spouse,
as I handed over beer to my unappreciative louse!


Well after the little mishap this truly got us all into the holiday mood. We headed down back towards the Sci Fi area and grabbed a two more cocktails and a few chocolate-covered Mickey shaped rice crispy treats and a caramel hot chocolate for the kids. We then headed over to catch the Indiana Jones Stunt Show. We were just going to make it on time and were going to be stuck in the nose bleeder section, but DS10 missed it last year due to rain so it was a must see. We arrived and the cast member asked us how many and then asked DD3 if he could have her Cinderella. DD3 with a slight pause handed it over to the cast member. The cast member was so impressed with her sharing that he handed Cinderella back to DD3 and stated that he had a VIP section for us because DD3 was so special. DS10s jaw dropped as we were escorted to a front row area that was roped off. This made the day for DS10 – DD3 just wanted something to eat.

After IJSS we headed back over towards the MV3D so we could have dinner at Pizza Planet (DS10s favorite) and then over to see the Osborne Family Lights. We have missed it the last 3 years and again this was on my list.

Look my kids are loving each other....

DS10 enjoying Pizza Planet...

After a fun dinner at PP, we patiently waited for DH, his stomach was bothering him again, but the kids kept slowly moving their way in. They were awed by all of the lights and giggled as the snow came falling down (not that we don’t get enough snow). As we waited for DH they searched for Hidden Mickey’s and took lots of pictures and videos of the dancing lights. DD13 even sang along to a few holiday songs.

DH finally appeared and announced he was done and needed to go back to the Poly.

So we all started to head out and I don’t think DH cared much about dancing Christmas lights at this point. The big mistake at this point was walking by Toy Story Mania. All of the kids started to beg even though the wait was 60 minutes. I asked DH if he wouldn’t mind going back alone and that I was willing to wait with the kids in line. DH wasn’t too happy about this and trudged on back to the Poly on his own. Here are a few pictures of us waiting in line:

DS10 with Hidden Mickey...

The kids had never seen Mr. Potato Head so this was a fun thing to see…not worth a 60 minute wait line…but cute.

We finally got onto TSM and this was worth the wait. This kids LOVE this ride and it is fun for the whole family and DD3 can even play on her own now!

Afterwards, we headed back to the Poly to find DH fast asleep. Tomorrow would hopefully be a little bit less hectic. Plans were to go to MK for a few rides in the morning, then to Chef Mickey’s for a late breakfast, back to the Poly for an afternoon break (probably our last – bad weather coming; mini speedboat day) and then off to EPCOT for the night.

 

[praisehisname]

Sounds like fun time at BB! We loved it there. DH and the kids also went to TL (I stayed back due to a bad blister), and they said it was even better there! So cool about getting VIP seating at the show! I hope you DH was feeling better soon! Looking forward to more!

Denise