June 23
We woke up bright and early at the Best Western near DTD. The kids were excited about the first full day at DISNEY WORLD!!!
Scott and his mom left to go get our KTTW cards while I got the kids dressed and ready to go. They were back soon and brought breakfast for us all. They had some bagels and pastries from POP's food court. I had the chocolate filled croissant. I usualy don't like croissants, but this one was SO GOOD! I was anxious to get out of there! We could still make rope drop if we hurried. I remember bouncing around from person to person hurrying everyone along. It didn't work. Soon it was almost 9 and we still hadn't checked out. Oh well. Breathe in and out. We are at Disney. Not making rope drop isn't the end of the world!!! We checked out and were soon on our way.
Finn made the discovery on where we were headed as soon as we pulled into the parking lot.
We were pulling into the parking lot at 9:15. Not bad at all. And the crowds were very light!
I had read on the Dis to bring one of those canvas rope bags and stick it in your pocket. Then try to carry everything in your hands/pockets to avoid bag check. It worked like a charm! I got through quickly stuck everything in the backpack once we were through and headed to the turnstyle. As soon as we were all in, we celebrated! YAY! I stopped to get our photopass card and got our first picture of the trip.
Scott ran to get a lanyard and we got an autograph book for Sophie. You are all Disers. You know how stressed I am right now about the fact that my husband DID NOT run straight away to Soarin' for fast passes. Breathe in and out. We are on vacation. This is a bonus day. We can relax.
A note about our family and FPs: It was actually nice not having to stress over the morning stampede for Soarin'. We didn't really NEED to ride it twice in one day, being that we were there for ten days. So a FP was sufficient. This was a theme on the big ticket rides for the rest of the trip. We were satisfied with once, but more than once was a nice bonus (like Sophie's 5 times on Rock N Rollercoaster!).
We walk by the character spot and see that it's empty. Scott decided to go get the Soarin FPs while we get in line for the characters. We are novices, remember? Our last trip was 3 years ago. When we knew NOTHING. I knew a little bit by now, but not apparently enough to realize that just because the characters are empty when you look through the windows doesn't mean that there is no line!
Yeah, so we get in line for a 30 minute wait for the characters. Isn't this rule #1 for Disney Vets? You don't get in line for characters when the park is basically empty? Oh well. It was air conditioned.
We are about halfway through the line when I realize (in complete HORROR), that I still have my stroller in line. I am, of course, worried about everyone judging me and thinking nasty thoughts about me. And starting threads on the "Theme Parks and Attractions" forum on The Dis about me.
I am pretty sure it was allowed anyway as the CMs didn't stop me. Still. Talk about inner trauma. Also, Scott line jumped after getting the FPs. Again, controversial subject. This was the only time on the entire trip. I know character greets are usually the exception to the line jump policy (well, and bathroom needing tots). In his defense, he did ask the CM if it was OK.
We got to the front of the line and are sent off to see Mickey. Well, the CM taking the PP cards was very assertive and just happened to be a little person. We talk about things openly with our kids and expose them to lots of diversity. Living in Chicago is a true blessing. However, Finn had never seen a little person before. And this person was, for lack of a better word, loud...and bossy, and a bit harsh. Finn was not going anywhere NEAR him. And since Mickey was in his jurisdiction, he wasn't going near Mickey either.
Once we got past that first encounter, Finn was fine.
And for the record, afterward, we discussed it with Finn in 3 year old language and he seemed to understand.
The kids and grandpa
Grandma got in this one!
Up next...we're headed to the deep blue sea!!!
Your family is adorable, by the way! 
Looking forward to more!
Thank you so much. They are very happy...when they aren't fighting and being mean to each other! 
Can't wait to read more! But you should take a break today being as how it's your birthday and all. 
