Squirrels, Ducks and Coconut Butts!!! A Wish Trip Report *LATEST UPDATE 05/2011**

[cantwaittoseemickey]

My goodness! I hope they can give Tim some relief. I would hate to be beside him when he wakes up. My dh does his work in his sleep sometimes. I just sit and laugh at him. But law enforcement. NO thanks! I think I'd sleep in a different room!

Sounds like you have a very busy schedule coming up.

 

[yinyanggirls]

So let's see how my schedule for Sunday looked:

O Twinkle Hope's Tea Party (GKTW)
X Sea World
X feed dolphins
X eat at Sharks
X pick a pearl
O play in Happy Harbor
O stay dry
O don't get too worn out
O Candyland at GKTW
X eat ice cream
X go to bed early

Half of my expectations were met, which turned out to be a pretty good percentage.

And I forgot to mention that when we returned home for the evening we found a present had been left on our kitchen table - a GKTW special edition Candyland game. I was still bummed that it had to be cancelled due to rain, but I think it's neat that they have their own edition of the game for us to play at home. I thought it was neat that they coordinated the gift of the day with an activity for the day, or a certain theme park's characters.

So, moving on to Monday, day 3....

 

[yinyanggirls]

We woke up Monday morning feeling pretty exhausted. It wasn't raining at the moment but the weather channel was guaranteeing rain later in the day. Lots of rain. After our soaking at Sea World I was really wishing I could rearrange things and save Magic Kingdom for a drier day but we had a lunch date at Cinderella's Royal Table. I also had a little surprise for the girls that was supposed to happen that day. TeresaJoy from the Big Give group had asked if she could make the girls some fancy princess dresses and I told her they would love to wear them to the castle. Poor Teresa had been having major machine troubles and the timeline was pretty close. She miraculously finished the dresses before we left for our trip, but the shipping was an issue. Sweet Teresa offered on Friday to overnight the package to GKTW. No package was waiting for us on Saturday when we arrived, so I was expecting it Monday, but at what time? I called the office and asked what time the mail is usually delivered. The girl I spoke to believed it would be after noon. I was convinced that the best thing to do was try to reschedule the lunch. I called the dining line and asked about any other days to switch it to. Nope. Nothing. The nice lady kindly reminded me that if we cancelled we would still be billed because it was less than 24 hours notice. I guess we're going to Magic Kingdom today, with rain and no dresses. Oh well.

We called and asked for the breakfast cart to come by so that we could get an early start. It was just before 8 and they said it goes out at 8 so they would send it over shortly. There wasn't a huge selection but enough to get us all by. Tim and the girls were ready but I had been on the phone and helping with the girls so I wasn't ready. There were Disney characters down at the main buildings so Tim and the girls walked over to visit with them while I got myself ready.

Todays characters included Minnie and Mickey, of course, but the line to see them inside the theatre was so long they skipped them. We were going to the Magic Kingdom today and would likely see them there anyway. The other characters strolling around the patio were Mary Poppins, Pluto and Goofy. Phoebe enjoyed all of them about the same, while Tessa was obsessed with Mary Poppins. She was chatting her ear off and wouldn't let her go. Thankfully there wasn't a line to see her.

I was ready to go and sent Tim a text that I was in the parking lot waiting for them. When we were just about out the gate we realized we forgot something. At orientation we had been given tickets, a Guest Assistance Card, and a Photopass card with a letter explaining how to redeem a coupon code that would give us the pass for free. I hadn't grabbed the photopass. No big deal, we just turned circled the village and got the pass. As we drive through the village we sounded like the dogs from the movie UP as we would yell out "Squirrel!!!" every time we saw one, pointing it out for Tessa who would get excited and laugh. I asked the front desk one more time if there happened to be any mail yet, but no such luck. We're ready to go, again.

About a mile away we realized we didn't have the handicapped placard. I don't know why we didn't have it in the car, but we went back to get it. Okay, NOW we're ready to go. It's about 11 am at this point and I was getting stressed that we were wasting precious Disney time. Then I saw the famous sign and I started to get excited.

Then this one, and I was even more excited.

Having arrived so late in the morning, there weren't a lot of prime parking spots left, but the handicapped section did still have some room so we didn't have to park too far away. We decide to take the ferry this time versus the monorail.

As we walked toward the dock there was a frog jumping around, being attacked by a bird. I guess the bird was trying to pick it up but instead it was just kind of pecking at it. Tessa saw this and was very concerned that the frog was going to get hurt and told Daddy that we need to save it. And by we she meant HE. So Tim rescued the frog and tossed him into the bushes. At this point a small crowd had gathered to watch the spectacle and a couple of people cheered after the frog was saved. One dad saw what Tim was wearing that day:

and said "I expected nothing less from Mr Incredible!" and everyone laughed as they realized the coincidence.

As we take off across the lake I see the Polynesian, where I hope to camp out and watch the fireworks from later this week.

Then we see the Grand Floridian where I am already dreaming of staying someday when we return.

Tessa was very excited when the castle got closer and she realized that is where we were going.

 

[All7OfUs]

You guys sound like us trying to get out the door, every time we leave!

So glad Mr. Incredible saved the froggie! No trauma allowed in Disney!

Excited to hear about how your lunch date with Cindy goes.

 

[dawnbu40]

On the real life update- and prayers that things calm down at home

Trip update-It may have been rough getting there but you've made it to the MK Hope the rest of the day went smoother and you had a wonderful time at the castle!

 

[PrincessCaitlin]

Great picture of the welcome sign!

Yay for Tim saving the frog!

Can't wait to hear about the rest of your time at MK!

 

[myasma]

I am loving your trip report. Can't wait to read more.

 

[vamassey1]

I'm so glad you're finally on your way to the Castle. And you have your own prince with you who saved the day. What a sweet Daddy.

Can't wait to hear about the girls reactions to MK.

 

[yinyanggirls]

As soon as we were off the ferry we parked to the side for a minute to lather up with sunscreen. Tessa stopped to smell the roses.

As we proceeded toward the bag check we saw a momma duck and her babies waddling along. Tessa made a bee line for these little guys and tried to get one to let her pet it. Other families stopped to watch her. The ducks let her get close (probably hoping for food) but no petting today.

We got Tessa's stroller and began our stroll down Main St. It felt fairly crowded but not to the point of tripping on people or invading personal space. We saw a Photopass photographer and asked for the obligatory Main St photo.

We were on Main St just in time for a little performance as the trolley brought cast members down the street and they sang "clang, clang, clang goes the trolley" (I have no idea if that's the title or not, but everyone knows the song right?).

We had to split up to try and get the kids toward the front to see it. I leaned back to see how Phoebe liked it and she was laughing and dancing.

The dancers split up and mingled with the crowd for a minute, shaking hands and such. This guy came up close to Tessa and pointed to her cute Minnie dress and gave her a big smile. She was entranced by the whole performance.

After the trolley performers went on their way we continued down Main St and stopped again when we saw a Photopass photog right in front of the castle. Why not right?

We tried to decide what to first. We didn't have a lot of time until our ADR at the castle but enough that we would have been too early. We walked over to New Orleans and saw Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen. They were outside but in a secluded little courtyard and there was definitely a routed line to see them. We approached the CM at the entrance hoping we would get our first little sprinkle of pixie dust from the "magic" buttons and GAC. The cast member saw us coming and immediately....

told us to come back later. The characters needed a break (or had a meeting with Mama Odie, as he put it) and would return at blank o'clock....hmmm. Okay. Never mind. Not what I expected but no big deal.

As we are meandering towards the castle, still unsure of what to do with the little time we had, a shopkeeper handed this bell to Tessa and let her ring it. I don't know what he was selling, but we didn't care. Tessa enjoys making noise.

All of a sudden we hear a band start playing and walk over for a closer look and listen.

Phoebe got excited and started to dance.

Daddy decided to do some fancy spins and dips. Phoebe was loving it!

After the band stopped playing we saw that our ADR time was getting closer so we went ahead and arrived a little early.

 

[PrincessCaitlin]

Tessa enjoying the trolley singers is so cute!

It's nice to be able to stop and listen to the street performers. That's one thing I find most exciting at WDW just how much work they put into entertaining people from the moment someone steps into the park till the moment they leave the park.

The picture of Tim spinning Phoebe is just precious! I am glad both her and Tessa are having a good time!

Can't wait to see what rides the girls enjoy!

 

[dawnbu40]

I agree with Caitlin. The pic of the Father/Daughter dance is absolutely precious. It truly captures the joy and magic of the Magic Kingdom and childhood!

 

[noahsketomom]

sooooo cute!

I'm so glad you are writing about MK...maybe that will inspire me to do the same!!

I've been super swamped here and trying to get back and caught up on all the reports!!! Keep it coming!!!!!

Love love the pics!!!!!

 

[rcq925]

I am loving your day at the Magic Kingdom! Can't wait to hear how they liked eating at Cinderella's castle and riding the rides!!! Hope you don't keep us in suspense long!

 

[adsrtw]

So sorry for the recent medical hiccups. I hope things get easier. Loving the wonderful trip report and I can't wait to hear how the girls react to Cindy!

 

[vamassey1]

I'm a little misty after this update. The father daughter dance pictures really got me. It shows the Magic of Disney!

I've never seen the trolley show on Main Street, but I bought the cds with the music in Feb and I love listening to it. Both Danielle (youngest daughter) and I are going to make it a priority whenever we make it back.

Kids just love ducks! We have to stop everytime they see them too. I think Danielle took more pictures of ducks than anything else.

Your daughter's dresses are so cute and just perfect for a day at the Magic Kingdom.

 

[cantwaittoseemickey]

Love your Magic Kingdom day.

 

[billwendy]

Hi!!!! Love your trip report, it reads like a story!!!!!!

 

[Haganfam5]

What a great update! The girls look beautiful and I especially love the Minnie Dress (wink, wink ). The family pictures came out beautiful and I felt like I was walking down Main Street with you!

I got goosebumps when I got to the part about Phoebe and dad dancing to the music. The look on her face said it all! WOW, what wonderful memories.

 

[yinyanggirls]

(((((HUGS))))) for all of the medical stuff! My youngest son is my neuro-nightmare, so I truly feel for you and all of the upcoming tests. I will not tell you any horror stories, I am sure you could write a book on what you have been through. Praying they find answers to help Phoebe!

Why is it that neurology seems to have NO answers and yet they are the cockiest doctors?!?

Tessa is GORGEOUS, her ballet class looked like a bevy of Cinderellas!

True! I didn't realize it because they were called the "blue gummy bears" as the recital theme was Wonka's Candy Factory. I think they would have liked being called Cinderella better.

I am incredibly sorry to read about your hubby! Juggling the mountain of medical with life in general is no fun. Prayers for a quieter day for you.

Blessings,
Judy

Thanks Judy. Now that everything is scheduled it's going smoother.

Here's the direct link to Ben's story:

http://tolerancelost.com/benjamin-zeller-post-3/

I forgot to mention in my previous post that Tessa is a very cute ballerina!

Hope you don't get too worn out with all the upcoming appointments and that the doctors will find out what is causing health problems for both your husband and Phoebe.

Thanks. I found the story. It's so sad what these kids have been through and then to be denied by the docs, the companies, the gov't and brushed off. It makes me mad. I would probably kill someone if they had caused Phoebe's issues. "Thankfully" it just seems to be who she is. The exotropia (outward deviation of one of her eyes) was caused by surgery to correct esotropia (inward crossing), so go figure. Sometimes I'm just happy to let her be who she is.

My goodness! I hope they can give Tim some relief. I would hate to be beside him when he wakes up. My dh does his work in his sleep sometimes. I just sit and laugh at him. But law enforcement. NO thanks! I think I'd sleep in a different room!

Sounds like you have a very busy schedule coming up.

His job has really kept him "on duty" at all times. He likes to laugh about the times where he was dreaming (or so he claims) and punched me. We upgraded to a king after that.

You guys sound like us trying to get out the door, every time we leave!

So glad Mr. Incredible saved the froggie! No trauma allowed in Disney!

Excited to hear about how your lunch date with Cindy goes.

Why does it take so long???

On the real life update- and prayers that things calm down at home
Thanks. They are now.

Trip update-It may have been rough getting there but you've made it to the MK Hope the rest of the day went smoother and you had a wonderful time at the castle!

Yes and no.

Great picture of the welcome sign!

Yay for Tim saving the frog!

Can't wait to hear about the rest of your time at MK!

He is a hero in his girls' eyes!

I am loving your trip report. Can't wait to read more.

Hi Shardai!!! I've missed you and your Mya stories. Glad to see you are still hanging around with us.

I'm so glad you're finally on your way to the Castle. And you have your own prince with you who saved the day. What a sweet Daddy.

Can't wait to hear about the girls reactions to MK.

He loves his little princesses.

Tessa enjoying the trolley singers is so cute!

It's nice to be able to stop and listen to the street performers. That's one thing I find most exciting at WDW just how much work they put into entertaining people from the moment someone steps into the park till the moment they leave the park.

The picture of Tim spinning Phoebe is just precious! I am glad both her and Tessa are having a good time!

Can't wait to see what rides the girls enjoy!

I love it too! We were definitely immersed in the Disney mood right off the ferry.

I agree with Caitlin. The pic of the Father/Daughter dance is absolutely precious. It truly captures the joy and magic of the Magic Kingdom and childhood!

I think I'll frame that one.

sooooo cute!

I'm so glad you are writing about MK...maybe that will inspire me to do the same!!

I've been super swamped here and trying to get back and caught up on all the reports!!! Keep it coming!!!!!

Love love the pics!!!!!

I keep looking for my fellow April trippers to do another update....is everyone out of school or what?

I am loving your day at the Magic Kingdom! Can't wait to hear how they liked eating at Cinderella's castle and riding the rides!!! Hope you don't keep us in suspense long!

So sorry for the recent medical hiccups. I hope things get easier. Loving the wonderful trip report and I can't wait to hear how the girls react to Cindy!

Coming right up!

I'm a little misty after this update. The father daughter dance pictures really got me. It shows the Magic of Disney!

I've never seen the trolley show on Main Street, but I bought the cds with the music in Feb and I love listening to it. Both Danielle (youngest daughter) and I are going to make it a priority whenever we make it back.

Kids just love ducks! We have to stop everytime they see them too. I think Danielle took more pictures of ducks than anything else.

Your daughter's dresses are so cute and just perfect for a day at the Magic Kingdom.

We had some amazing contributions to the Disney wardrobe. They definitely made it more festive. I didn't know they were doing the trolley show but it was quick and fun.

Love your Magic Kingdom day.

I was really setting high expectations for this day!

Hi!!!! Love your trip report, it reads like a story!!!!!!

Thanks! I'm trying to remember all the little details for our own memories.

What a great update! The girls look beautiful and I especially love the Minnie Dress (wink, wink ). The family pictures came out beautiful and I felt like I was walking down Main Street with you!

I got goosebumps when I got to the part about Phoebe and dad dancing to the music. The look on her face said it all! WOW, what wonderful memories.

She got lots of attention in that dress, let me tell you! And I know she loved it because she didn't want to change when I offered her a princess dress at the castle.

 

[TokyoDina]

Oh I can't wait to read about your Cindy's Castle meal! Mine was great! I hope the princesses treated you all great! Tim is such a good Daddy! He is always taking care of his Phoebe.