Sunshine and Rain...but no Snow!! COMPLETED 5/12

[California Jenn]

What a fun picture of your family goofing off before heading off for the day! It's too bad it rained so much that day, but at least there's a lot to do indoors at EPCOT and it sounds like you still had a great idea.

And congrats on a return trip next year. Yeah for relaxation and pool time

 

[ProudMommyof2]

Great job at Epcot! Rain can be very fatiguing.

Yeah for going back!!

 

[sandym718]

What a fun picture of your family goofing off before heading off for the day! It's too bad it rained so much that day, but at least there's a lot to do indoors at EPCOT and it sounds like you still had a great idea.

And congrats on a return trip next year. Yeah for relaxation and pool time

Thank you!!

Great job at Epcot! Rain can be very fatiguing.

Yeah for going back!!

Yes, it can!!

 

[sandym718]

Day Five - Tuesday, March 29th - AK, DTD, DHS

Happily, today there was much less rain!! None at all until evening in fact.
This morning we once again had breakfast in the room and then headed out. DSis and DSB were doing a "resort" day, they did not want to go to AK, so we were meeting up with them tonight.

AK is not our favorite park. I knew we'd be there know more than a 1/2 day. Here's what I was thinking were our must-do's at AK- EE, Safari, Dinosaur and possibley Kali. Given that, we figured if we were done by lunch, we'd head to DTD to EoS for lunch - we love it!! Having a car is so convenient for that sort of thing. Little did we know...we wouldn't be at AK very long.

So we headed over to AK and made it for actual RD. I don't think we've ever quite made it before, we've always been just a few minutes after. We got a close parking space, so that was nice, quicker to walk to the entrance than the tram.

The kids knew exactly where they wanted to head first - Expedition Everest. And they did NOT want to get a FP, they wanted to RIDE!! This was a new one for us - first trip, not tall enough, last trip DS and DH were about to get in line when DS changed his mind. Not so this time...we walked quickly there and the wait said 15 minutes (I think it ended up being closer to 10). I stayed off this - backwards and me do not go together!! Got some pics:

cloudy - but no rain!! The sun came out more later

and this one is them:

They loved it!! Both said it was "so cool"!! They were going to ride again, but the wait was longer and they decided not to. At this point, I figured we'd go to the Safari. But no one (except me) wanted to!! They didn't want to do anything else, they were done in AK!! Really?? No Dinosaur? Nope, they were done. Ooooookay.....I didn't care enough about it to try to change their minds, so off to DTD we went. It honestly worked out well, because we didn't really shop the night before b/c of the rain, so this gave us more shopping time.

on our way out!!

So, over to DTD. DH and DS took off to the Lego store. DD and I hit World of Disney (she bought a tank top and Mickey Head earrings in her "birthstone" aquamarine, and we got a magnet for our fridge). We stopped in the Toy Store looking for those Lego-type sets (BTMRR, Splash) - DS bought them here last time and I wanted to get one for my nephew, but they didn't have them. We did see "Tangled" on sale - I think this was the day it came out, so we bought that.

We then went to the Christmas Store. Every trip, I buy just 2 things for "me"- a magnet and an ornament. This trip, I had something else in mine- a new tree-topper. DS's teacher last year had one that the holes for the light were Mickey heads. We couldn't find that, but we did get one that is glittery, silvery with swirls that are Mickey heads - but not very Disney on first glance, if that makes sense. We did get an ornament and DD also decided on a bracelet here - on of the multicolored Mickey head bead ones. I really like it.

I think I forgot to post yesterday that she also shopped in Boutiki at the Poly and bought 4 more charms for her charm necklace.

So she's DONE shopping, LOL. DS has bought nothing. We met them in the Lego store, where he had fallen in love with the London Bridge set - for over $200, sorry no!! I told him he'd have to save up AND ask for a gift card or something for his bday. I took him to the Team Mickey store, thinking we'd find something for him. Last trip he bought the Vintage Mickey bobblehead which is really cool and very "him" (baseball lover). Nothing he wanted this time though. He's not really into "character" clothing, so he's hard!!

By this time it was lunch time, so we ate at EoS - see my Dining Report. I also grabbed a snack before we left DTD - see my report for that yummy goodness!!

Then it was back to the Poly for pool time. This worked well, b/c the kids still got swim time and weren't too rushed. We had 5 Pm ADR's for the F! pkg at Mama Melrose, so it was an early evening. I think this is the afternoon I got a Pina Colava by the pool, but no pics of that!! Pool pics:

Loved my good camera for these slide pics, I could really zoom in from across the pool!!!

I'll be back later with the rest of our day!

 

[sandym718]

Some more pool photos:

 

[sandym718]

Day 5 - continued

So our day continues. After swimming and showering, we headed over to DHS. We drove and we were meeting DSis and DSB there. As we pulled into the parking lot (probably 4:20 or so), I could see it was really crowded. I told DH not to worry, I could see many empty parking spaces in there and said that I'm sure some had left for the day and we could get a decent spot. Well, no! They wouldn't let anyone drive through the lot to look for spots and instead directed us to the very back of the lot. Blech!! At this point, I started thinking we should have just taken the bus. A tram came quickly, but after we boarded, we ended up sitting there for quite a bit.

As we waited, I was checking my Lines app on my phone. We were hoping to grab FP's for either ToT or RnRC before our 5 PM Mama Melrose ADR. No such luck, though. As we drove to the entrance, my updates indicated they ran out - boo!!

So off we went to MM's for the F! pkg. We had a bit of an issue there, but a great meal - read about it in my dining report!

After dinner the kids wanted to check out the Honey I Shrunk the Kids playground, they remembered that from 2007 and really wanted to see the "big dog nose". I didn't realize it closed at 7 (Kind of odd with the park closing at 10), but we were lucky enough to get 5 minutes in it, just enough for their ages. It was packed!!

We headed over to the F!, ToT, RnRC area. It was approximately 7 PM at this point. RnRC was first. Standby line was long, but Lines indicated Single Rider was only 19 minutes. DSB and I were NOT doing this ride, and DD decided she didn't want to do single rider. So, DH, DS and DSis got in the single rider line and we went inside to wait for them. Plan was to do ToT after this and then go to F!. We had to be at the special package entrance by 8 PM for the 8:30 show.

After a few minutes, DH texted that someone had given him 2 FP's so he and DS were going in that line. I tried to quickly text him to come back and get DD and let DS ride single, but I didn't catch him in time. So they come through quickly, DS LOVED it!!! New favorite ride. And then we wait on DSis. And wait. And wait. DSB was holding her purse with her phone, so no way to reach her. She ended up coming off the ride at 8:07 - over an hour!!!!!!!! By far the longest wait of our trip.

So at this point, we figure we've missed the boat for F!. No problem we'll ride a few things and then do the 10:00 show. Well as we exit RnRC, we see the huge line ALREADY for the 10:00!! Oh my word!! We decide to just go to the Pkg entrance and give it a shot. We were amazed when they said it was fine and they let us in!! We really moved fast along that long path!

We get to the back of the theater and it's full- standing room only. There were about 2 other families with us and we had no problem standing, we knew we were late. But we got some pixie dust!! They had been holding the row in front of the handicapped row for family members (there seemed to be a lot of disabled people attending that show and I think they were afraid they'd run out of room). But no one else came, so they let us all sit there! I have to say, I know how lucky we were to walk in to the F! Theater on a Level 9 crowd day, 10 minutes before the 8:30 show and get a seat!! Pixie dust!!

This was our first time seeing the show - for all of us. It was really good- above Illuminations, not as great as Wishes, in my book. We definitely enjoyed it, I think DD loved it the most, seeing the Princesses and other characters you don't see much. Would we see it again? Definitely! Is it going to be a MUST do every trip? Probably not. As I'm planning our next trip to be all about relaxation, I don't know if F! will be included. It will probably depend on if the rest of the group is going.

So we exit F! and decide to make our way to ToT. Oh my, what a MOB scene!! The 10:00 line was taking over the street, it was just packed people. We make our way over to ToT and the kids decide they DON'T WANT TO RIDE!!!!!! WHAT?? We fought this mob to come over here and you don't want to ride??? You've been talking about trying ToT nonstop since your cousin rode it in early Feb, and now you don't want to ride??? WHAT??? I will admit, I was not very Disney-like in this moment. Part of it was being tired, part of it was frustration, part of it was also that we*thought* we wouldn't be returning to DHS this trip and I didn't want them to be BEGGING to go back , regretting their decision. I was kind of cranky. But I got over it.

Everyone was tired, so we just fought the crowd back and headed "home" for the night. DSis and DSB took the bus back (and I think went for a late-night swim). We rode the tram back to our car. They called as they were entering their room, thinking we'd still be looking for the car (trying to rub it in, LOL!) but we were in the car, just exiting the parking lot. So it wasn't too bad. But I'd probably take the bus next time. Other than DTD, we've never done any of our other "drive to" places (Blizz Beach, DHS, AK), in the evening, only in the morning and for that I prefer driving. If we do a night DHS visit next time...I think it will be the bus.

Up next - Day 6- Back to the MK!

 

[jenseib]

What a busy day and you did do quite a bit.
I knwo how you feel about the TOT thing. We made our way over to Space Mountainm fighting acrowded MK. Then Claire decided it was to oscary to ride whe nit came down to it. So I never got to ride it this trip. There is always next time I guess! I was almost to the point of just making her ride though. But that probably would've led to a "scene", so I let it go.

 

[sandym718]

What a busy day and you did do quite a bit.
I knwo how you feel about the TOT thing. We made our way over to Space Mountainm fighting acrowded MK. Then Claire decided it was to oscary to ride whe nit came down to it. So I never got to ride it this trip. There is always next time I guess! I was almost to the point of just making her ride though. But that probably would've led to a "scene", so I let it go.

Stay tuned! There's more to come on ToT!

 

[jenseib]

Stay tuned! There's more to come on ToT!

 

[johnsonginad]

i'm loving your TR! My husband and daughter and I were there the same time you guys were. I keep looking for us in your pictures! LOL

 

[sandym718]

Day 6 - March 30 - MK, CSR

Today was a cloudy, overcast day with peeks of sun. We didn't take any ponchos or anything to the MK with us and I got worried about 10 minutes in that we would regret that - but no rain, at least not until that evening!!

MK had opening a 8 AM again today. After seeing how nice it was on Monday, we knew we had to drag ourselves out of bed for it!! This time we made it just as the opening ceremony was ending. On the agenda for today were the two "lands" we hadn't done yet - Fantasyland and Adventureland.

We headed straight to Dumbo, of course! Only about a 5 minute wait. Took a few pictures "over the wall"

Next up I knew we should hit Peter Pan, that line can get crazy!! We were able to walk right on. This has always been a favorite of mine, since I was a child.

Then we headed to everyone's favorite...It's a Small World. DSis HATES this ride. I could really care less either way, the kids and DH don't really like it. But DSB was looking forward to it! We had the boat to ourselves and Dsis, DH and the kids made jokes the whole time.

We then did Snow White and Winnie the Pooh. The kids didn't pay much attention to the new queue at Pooh, probably would have if there would have been a line, but these were all walk-ons.

DD decided not to do the Carousel (no one else was really interested), I figured she'd do it another time, but we never did do it this trip. I tried to talk everyone into Philharmagic, which we've never done, but no one was interested. Ok then....what's left in Fantasyland...Tea Cups!

I absolutely cannot do the Tea Cups and the kids were begging to ride BTMRR again today, so I said I'd go look into FP's while everyone else rode. So I made my way over there to find that BTMRR was still only a 15 minute wait. So I called them and said I'd grab Splash FP's and they should just come ride BTMRR. So we did that.

Then it was off to Adventureland. Kids vetoed the Flying Carpets saying it was too much like Dumbo, so we did Pirates (a fave of everyone), Jungle Cruise and the Treehouse.

We still had a bit of time before our Splash FP's, so we went to Hall of Presidents. The kids have never done this, they were kind of young to appreciate in on our first trip, and then in 2009 it was under refurb to add President Obama. I thought it was really well-done and quite interesting and the kids actually really liked it. DS thought it was especially cool.

Then it was off to Splash to use our FP's. DH and DSB decided to ride with us this time...and they were so glad they did!! Both of them loved it and it's now one of their favorite rides. I think DH regretted skipping it so many times in the past. The stand-by line was fairly long at this point, so we just rode once...but they'd get more times to ride it on this trip, don't worry!!

So it was probably about 11:15 or so at this point...and we had done everything in our plans for today PLUS Splash and BTMRR. Unbelievable that we basically did all of MK in just 2 mornings. Those low early crowds are SO nice!!

I had been thinking that if we could get it all done, we'd try Pepper Market for lunch at the CSR and then see if we could swim in their pool with DSis and DSB for awhile. So that's what we decided to do. On our way out, we saw Daisy up front signing autographs. She's one of DD's favorites (she's a duck lover and we have 2 ducks). We had seen her on the way out on our first day as well. Then, as now, the line was quite long. I offered to stay with DD today, though, and we'd catch up with the others. She declined, wanting to go see DSis' resort, and I'm glad she did...you'll see why tomorrow!

Dsis and DSB took the bus and we hopped the monorail. They gave us one of their KTTW so we could drive right back to their building rather than parking up front. I could not BELIEVE the amount of crowds entering the MK at this point. We were fighting them to get out and there was just a mass of people exiting the buses, monorail and boats. I was SO glad we were getting out of there!

So we went to the Poly, got changed into our swim stuff and coverups and drove over there.

It was at this point that we had quite the revelation. You're not going to BELIEVE how DUMB Dh and I can be sometimes I knew to get to the back of CSR you had to have a room key. When I picked them up on our arrival day, they met me up front. And when DH had driven them "home" a couple of times, they used their key to get to the back. So when we went, I saw how the key was used to open the gate to get to the back. All of a sudden, a lightbulb went off!!! WAIT a MINUTE!!! Is that what the drive to the LEFT of the guard gate at the POLY is for??? To use our room key and not talk to the guard and get entrance??? REALLY?? This is our THIRD trip to the Poly (first one 6 nights, second one 7 nights and we're on day 5 of this trip) and we drive a fair amount when we're there each trip rather than using the buses and we JUST Figured this out!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Seriously, we are THAT Dumb!! We have always pulled in to the right of the guard gate, and, now looking back, they always gave us a funny look and asked why we were there and said just coming back and they sent us through. Well, DUH, because we're not supposed to be using that drive except when checking in!!

Turns out, when we went back that afternoon, we checked the signs, and sure enough, we had missed that All Along!!!!! you can stop laughing at us now

ANYWAYS....... we met DSis and DSB and I got to see their room for the first time. Very nice, I like the "modern" styling. They had a first floor room. I liked the bathroom set up, with the sliding doors for the sink area. I can really see how that would be helpful to have a private "dressing area" if you were there for conference and sharing a room with a colleague. The entire resort was very nice, but I see why we stay at the Poly. That room was just TOO SMALL for 4 of us for an entire week!! That extra space with the daybed, chairs and table, plus the Patio, at the Poly, just gives us so much more room for the week!! We'd go NUTS being on top of each other elsewhere. Even the Poly room can seem small when we're used to condo units at the beach.

So, we had lunch at Pepper Market (see dining report) and then went to the pool. This resort is BIG, lots of walking!! The pool area is very nice, TONS of chairs, which the Poly is sorely lacking. Very nice big pool. It wasn't crowded at all. We asked a lifeguard if it was OK if we swam there (since we weren't staying there) and they said no problem. The kids had a blast!! It wasn't super-warm, quite cloudy and at times looked like this:

But it never rained while we were there, and the sun peeked out now and then. I sat in the hot tub for a bit which was nice, I wish the Poly had one of those! The kids did the slide a bit, but said it wasn't as good as the Poly's. Then they all started playing with these huge beach balls there, with some other people too. Then at one point, DH and DSB were THROWING the kids in the air to hit the balls, which was so funny. It was hard to get good pics of that with my phone (hard to time), but I got a couple.

So after a couple hours of play, we needed to go get showered and ready for dinner! We had 5:15 ADR's at Ohana. So we decided we'd go back to the Poly, DH would shower first and then come pick up DSis and DSB instead of them having to bus to the Mk and then get the monorail.

Well, as we were getting ready for the evening, the winds started picking up and it started storming pretty good!

DH and DS went to get them and then DD and I made our way to the GCH. It was POURING and DH took the umbrella, so we had to wear our hooded jackets. We also detoured through the longhouses to be outside as little as possible.

Really enjoyed our dinner - see the dining report. And then it was still raining. Our plan had been Epcot for the evening, get a few drinks around the WS and maybe do KimPossible. But no one wanted to do that in the rain. We decided to hit the arcade. We had our pass from our MYW package and my BIL had given us a card from their trip as well that they never used. Those cards don't give you much, though, so we did add more to them.

So, still raining!! At this point, DD was pretty tired and kind of wanted to watch American Idol. I was reaching the end of my book (Picoult's Sing Me Home) and wanted to see what happened, so I agreed to take DD to the room and we'd just hang out.

The other 4 decided to do a monorail tour and check out the shops and bars. I know they got a few drinks, but I don't know what. DS just went along. They said they all had a nice evening.

DD and I watched Idol and read, and went out in just a drizzle to watch the EWP. She fell asleep right after that (didn't finish watching Idol), and I think DH and DS came back shortly after that. It was an early evening for us, I think we were all asleep by 10:30. All that swimming....

Coming up - Blizzard Beach was the plan for the next day...but the weather's not looking good AT ALL! What would we do????

 

[jenseib]

Sounds like a great day. I wish i could get my gang going for rope drop. I might have to just go by myself one day and let them sleep and meet up later.

 

[lovethattink]

Looks like it was a great day! Good think the rain held out til the end of the day! Looks like you had Fantasyland mostly to yourself. Glad to see the peek over Dumbo pics too!

Sounds like a great day. I wish i could get my gang going for rope drop. I might have to just go by myself one day and let them sleep and meet up later.

In all our years, we have only done the rope drop once at MK. It's a really cute ceremony.

 

[sandym718]

Day 7 - Thursday, March 31 - DHS, Epcot, MK

I'm back!! We've had a busy, fun spring break packed full of activities, so I haven't been on the DIS in a few days. But I'm here to tell you all about Day 7.

So, this was our Blizzard Beach day. But we knew the night before...it wasn't looking good. Calling for all day rain, heavy storms, tornadoes. So we asked the kids where they wanted to go. It was DHS - for more RnRC and DD also requested Epcot, she really wanted to see the fairies and our trip was almost over.

As the day dawned, yep it was raining. We were under Tornado Watch. It rained ALL day. Tornadoes were in the surrounding areas, but luckily none at WDW. Got some good storms though, and high winds. We were disappointed about BB, the kids just love it, but I promised to try to squeeze it in the next day (our last) and we decided on DHS for the morning. Even though disappointed, we were kind of excited b/c we would get to try TSM!! We didn't have any mornings planned for DHS, just that evening earlier in the week, so I didn't think it would happen. Also, DD was super-excited to do RnRC since she didn't do it on Tuesday.

We actually made DHS RD! DSis and DSB called on the way over and said they decided to just hang out at the resort and start packing a bit, they didn't feel like being out in the rain, they might come over a bit later. Rain wasn't TOO bad when we got to DHS. We headed with the crowd to TSM. I think the rain kept that crowd MUCH more managable than it normally would be. The lines still got crazy at the Fast Pass kiosks though -which is nuts. We got in stand-by line instead, and I think we waited about 10 minutes.

Really cute queue, and GREAT Ride!!!!!!!! We all loved it, so much fun!! We like Buzz, but this is so much better. I was a bit worried about my motion sickness, but it was fine. Now is the ride worth waiting 2 hours for?? No, nothing is in our book, but it's a really great ride.

So when we come out, no lines at the FP machines, and the return time was 11:10. So I grabbed 4 FP's, thinking if DSis and DSB came over, then they could try it and take the kids on again.

Then we headed to RnRC. Still only a 15 minute wait. DH and the kids did it, I waited in the shop. Bought myself a cookie for breakfast. I think they only waited about 10 minutes, and DD loved it too, so they went right back on again.

After that we discussed Tower of Terror. DD decided she wanted to try it. DS was really uncertain still. I really wanted to see the queue if nothing else, so we decided to go.

The wait time said 20 minutes, but there was none. We walked right through. Very cool theming, but we went through so fast!!

So we get up there and DS freaks out. CM tries to talk him into it, as does DH, but there's no way. So DH takes him out the "chicken exit" and DD and I go on the ride. OK, just my opinion, but we HATED it!

First part of the ride was cool, but the drops, OMG!! I did not like the feeling of being out of my seat, and I felt like I was constantly. I was scared to death, as was DD!! I also started to feel sick , but luckily it was over. I think if I were to ride it 2x - I'd be sick. We are both glad we gave it a try, and saw what it was like, but NEVER AGAIN. We cannot BELIEVE my 4 y.o. nephew loved it - his favorite ride!!! When the kids called him that night, he called DS a chicken, LOL!!

After that it was back to RnRC for one more ride. DS also finally bought his one and only souvenier. Remember I said he was having a hard time, b/c he didn't want any characters. Well, we figured it out - a RnRC t-shirt!!!! Tie-Dye too, very cool!

After RnRC, it was almost time for our TSM fast passes. We called Dsis and DSB to see if they were coming, but they decided not to. It was pouring and windy at this point. So, the 4 of us rode TSM again. Probably waited about 15-20 minutes in the FP line.

Then we were done with DHS. DD really wanted to go to Epcot, DS did not. So DH dropped DD and I off at Epcot and they went back to the Poly for lunch and just hanging out.

DD and I endured MAJOR rain and storms at Epcot, but had a great time. We enjoyed lunch at La Cantina de San Angel - see the dining report for that. Loved it!!

On the walk back to Mexico, we saw Duffy out for meet and greet. He was under a tent type thing. I asked DD if she wanted to go see him, he was totally alone with his handlers. But she was starving and said no. I felt bad for Duffy!! Then a group went up to him and he was so happy, LOL!!

After lunch, DD and I did the Mexico boat ride and then Maelstrom

We had a quick snack at Kringla Bakeri and then we were off to find the fairies!!

More in the next post so I don't go over the photo limit!!

 

[sandym718]

Day Seven - continued

We went over to the Fairy Garden. It was so cute, but it was so windy and rainy, we couldn't really enjoy it. One pic:

Then we went over by the Character Spot. Asked a CM and they told us to follow the hallway around and the fairies were on the other side. So we do, and we see that it's only Terrence. WHAT?? All those fairies and it's Terrence?? DD had no interest. But luckily, Tinkerbell was appearing at 2 PM and it was about 1:35. Snow White and Marie (Aristocats) were also in the hallway, so we saw them for pics and autographs and then got in line for Tink.

We were about the 6th "group" in line for Tink I think. Everyone was sitting against the wall, so we did too

And then we finally saw her!! DD was quite excited, but thought the "jacket" she had on was weird. I said, fairies get cold too!! It was a yucky day!

After Tink, DD was pretty much done. But I remembered the Disney Visa Meet n Greet and talked her into it. Why pass up a free pic?? We found it and just she had her photo taken. They tried to get me too, but I looked like a drowned rat!!

We then headed up towards the exit to the Photo shop to pick up our free photo. And who did we find???? ALL ALONE??? Do you remember who I said we were glad we didn't wait in line for yesterday??? One of DD's favorites?? DAISY!!!!! Stitch too. Seriously, all alone, under cover, with just the handler. So we spent some quality time!!

DD was SO happy to see Daisy!! It made all the rain worth it!! And Stitch was funny. I told DD to tell him she didn't like his Chili Burp!! He bent over laughing and then gave a "cheer" for himself, jumping up and down arms raised. Cute picture too.

We picked up our photo and then headed to the monorail. It was time for a hot shower and to dry off!!!

To be continued - so many photos this day!!

 

[sandym718]

Day Seven - continued again!

So after our showers and some rest time....what to do for the evening?? It was still raining, and no one really wanted to go out in it. But we had dinner ADR's at Crystal Palace, one of our most favorites!! So out in it we went. Luckily, the rain was much lighter now.

Headed on the monorail to MK. It was EMPTY!! Rain kept everyone away.

We met up with DSis and DSB at Crystal Palace. Only waited about 10 minutes- which is amazing at CP. SEe my review and pics on the Dining Report.

Still drizzling after dinner, kids chose Pirates since we were right there. Then we saw a sign in Adventureland that the Princesses were signing autographs with only a 15 minute wait. DD decided we should do it - she was really hoping to see Belle (her favorite Princess) in her yellow dress (fave color). We knew we'd see her at CRT the next day - but in white and blue. Of course you never know what Princesses you'll get. I at one point I could see Aurora was there. So we waited and then when we were 2nd in line, everything stopped. Princesses were on break. This ended up making the line quite a bit longer than 15 minutes, probably closer to 30. We didnt' care, but the people in front of us (now first in line) were aggravated and told the handlers they should be sure the sign is accurate. I don't disagree!!

So then it was our turn. And we got SO lucky!!! They switched the Princesses out on the break - Aurora was no longer there. But Belle was - in yellow!!! And so was Ariel - DSB's favorite Princess!!! We were so excited - who knows who was there before?? Oh, and Cinderella too. Got our autographs and pics. DS refused of course, Cinderella teased him!!

I forgot to mention that all this evening we had been quite worried that the Electrical Parade, Castle Light Show and Wishes would be cancelled b/c of the weather. It was no longer storming, so we had hope, but we still worried. DSis and DSB's flight out was the next day so this was the last chance.

Well, after the Princesses, it was no longer raining!! Yay!!! Kids had requested Haunted Mansion, so we did that. And then it was time to find a seat for the parade. MAJOR LESSON here!! ARE you paying Attention?? LOL!! If you have an all day rain on your trip, but it lets up in the evening...GET YOURSELF to the MK!!!!!!!! It will be empty!! No or short lines and you can get a great spot for the parade just minutes before it starts!!! SERIOUSLY!! We staked out a spot on the wall on the walkway from Liberty Square to Frontierland. The rope is a good ways out in front of this, but we figured we'd just stand on the wall if the crowd filled in. No worries...as the parade started, we were able to walk right up to the rope!! Really!!

We really enjoyed seeing this parade. We're not big parade people, but we saw Spectro last time and I knew this was different. Very good.

Going to have to continue the rest in another post! Jeez!

 

[sandym718]

Day Seven - yes, again, really! Last one, I promise!

So after the parade, since we were at the end of it, it was time to get ready for the light show and Wishes. We went to the bridge area from Liberty Square to the Hub. I went and got some popcorn and waters.

BIL had raved about the light show. I thought it was good, but I don't think we had the best spot, the photos were hard to see. Pretty cool though. And Wishes was, of course, AWESOME!! Good viewing for that!

After Wishes, the kids were still wanting more. Since there were NO crowds, why not?? We did BTMRR once and Splash Mtn twice - walk-ons for all of it!! DSB and DH had fallen in love with Splash, so they were happy to get to do that again. It was cool to do at night too, seeing the castle from the top of the hill.

And then we called it a night!!

Coming up...our last day in Disney!!

 

[jenseib]

I remember that day! It was the day we boarded the Disney Dream. And did it rain! They even had on the news that mroning for people to stay away from the park as it was too bad out.
I'm so glad you got so much done though. I love days like that where you can just do about anything.

 

[sandym718]

I promise to be back to finish this up!! Dining report is done. We are in full sports swing right now - both kids playing baseball, DD doing gymnastics and soccer as well, tons of volunteering at school, and oh yeah, my job, LOL!!

 

[sandym718]

Day 8 - Friday, April 1 - MK, Blizzard Beach, Epcot (sorta)


Our last park day We had no specific plans other than our ADR's for the day. DSis, DSB, DD and I had 12:00 CRT ADR's, so the night before we decided to just meet at the MK in the morning, but no rope drop. DSis and DSB had to pack and check their bags, they were using Magical Express and flying home this evening. We spent the morning packing up some too. Since we weren't able to get to BB the day before as planned, I told the kids we'd try for this afternoon, so I had to get some packing done!!

DD and I headed over to the MK first, while DH and DS hung back at the room a bit longer. We attempted to go see Rapunzel. HaHa!! We arrived there at 9:50 I believe. Line was probably only about 10 people long. Hmmm, not bad. Until I found out that was for the NOON meet-n-greet!!! INSANE!! We had a noon ADR, so even if we DID want to wait, which we didn't, it was a no-go. I just took a photo from afar:

I let DD choose what to do next and she decided on Snow White, so we rode that with just a few minute wait. We then headed over to Tomorrowland, as Buzz was her next request. At this point, we met up with all the others. We grabbed FP's for Buzz (MK was pretty crowded this morning). DS request AstroOrbiter, which we had not done yet, but DD wanted Monsters Inc. So we split up, boys to AO, and girls to MI. They waited quite awhile for AO- still in line after we finished!

Our Buzz FP's were for 11:45 I believe, so we were ready and waiting when it was time. Only waited about 2 minutes in the FP line and we were on. After that, the 4 of us high-tailed it over to CRT for lunch, while DH and DS headed back to the Poly for lunch at CC's. See the reviews in my Dining Report.

After CRT, it was time to bid DSis and DSB good-bye. They headed back to CSR to meet Magical Express, had a safe plane ride home and were eating pizza back here at home by 8:30. Going home is when I really wish DH would fly.....

But we still had a 1/2 day of fun left!! DD and I rode the monorail back to the Poly, quickly changed and we all headed over to Blizzard Beach. We were hoping to make it there by 2, but I think it was more like 2:30. Honestly, that was really enough time. We got to do everything we wanted.

We started with our traditional first slide- Teamboat Springs - we love this one!! Santa brought DD a camera for Christmas (her first "real", non-kid one), and it's waterproof. So I held onto that for the afternoon and got some good shots.

Then we headed to Runoff Rapids and did the double tubes

Next up was Snow Stormes and Toboggan Racers. From here we split up. DS thought he'd give Summit Plummet a go, and DD wanted to try Downhill Double Dippers (this was the first time either was tall enough for these). I went with DD. This was one of the longest waits of our trip - about 30 minutes. Made even longer by some line-cutters (teenagers "catching up" with their parents just before you get the tubes - this REALLY made DD mad Good life lesson). This slide was a lot of fun, something different the way it kind of drops you down. DD had a little trouble at the bottom. She's a good swimmer, but I think she was trying to grab her tube and swim to the steps at the same time, and the guard ended up helping her. She loved it, but the line was too long to do again.

DS ended up deciding NOT to do Summit Plummet, but he did do Slush Gusher and loved it. He and DH did it again later and I got a few shots. Not great ones because some ladies kept thinking MY son was their kid and getting in the way, taking photos of him. HELLO? I'd like to take a photo of my kid!!

We also hit Ski Patrol. And they headed to something that's been their favorite since our first trip - the Zip line!! They just love this thing. DD was doing it (with a life vest) at barely 3 years old and no one could believe it!! Now, they're old pros!

They did this a few times each. We did see some dumb parents. Mom was up on the top with her daugher. Girl clearly did not want to go. Got out of line a couple times. Then, Mom forced girl to go. She drops in the water and is struggling to reach the ladder. Dad starts going in the water. Lifeguard is screaming for Dad NOT to get in the water, but he does anyways. Lifeguard jumps in , they all get out, she is clearly irritated with the family and I don't blame her!!

So we wrapped up our BB visit. It would have been nice to get a few more trips on the slides in and maybe do the lazy river, but I'm just glad we got to go at all, with the weather trouble. And I'd definitely consider going again for just the afternoon. In 2007 we got morning EMH here and it was great, but with that gone, I can see NOT doing a RD here and just going for the afternoon. Do a park for RD, maybe try to get to BB by 1:30 or 2 to have a little more time then we did, and then schedule a later dinner.

We just love BB and I'm sad to think that if we go early March next year like we're thinking...it probably won't be open. Guess we'll have to give TL a try!!

After BB we headed back to the Poly and showered, got dressed for dinner. Hopped the monorail to Epcot and AGAIN got stuck in the long lines to get into the park. And AGAIN had to hustle to get to dinner - at the Yachtsman. Wow, that's a long walk. And I think we were just tired from the week, but we were all a little cranky making that walk. We enjoyed our dinner - see the Dining Review for that.

DS really wanted to do Test Track again, but the line, including Single Rider, was just too long. This was a really crowded day at the parks. We didn't end up doing anything at Epcot, just walking through to and from the Yachtsman. Kids opted for no dessert at dinner and wanted Mickey Bars back at the Poly. So we figured, one last monorail ride, Mickey Bars, get changed for bed and then watch the fireworks one last time. Good plan, except..... the monorail line was down. UGH!

We had to bus it to the TTC - and the bus stop was the FARTHEST one. WHY??? We had walked so much....and then we waited for 3 buses before we could get on (luckily they were one right after the other), and got to here a family fight the whole time. Fun! This is not such a magical ending to our trip! But we got seats on the bus and the kids got their Mickey Bars. I bought myself a hoodie I had been eyeing at Boutiki and we saw the fireworks. Alls well that ends well!!