Thursday, January 18th
Another morning and a new day! Thankfully, Andrew was feeling MUCH better and everyone else seemed to be fine as well. We decided that everyone would head over to the Grand Floridian to send the girls off on their cruise and then wed see if Andrew was up to breakfast. The morning had started off drizzly and chilly, but the weather channel was still saying it was going to clear up and be in the upper 70s. But, it was very chilly and damp at the bus stop. We were doing well on time this morning, the girls didnt have to be to the marina until 9:15. An Epcot bus came first, so we decided to head there and take the monorail over to the Ticket and Transportation Center and get the monorail to the GF from there. We enjoyed the long monorail ride, changed trains and my mom asked if the front was available from the TTC to the GF. It was, so she and the kids rode up front. My mom said that the driver was new, he was on his second week on the job and was the least friendly person she had met yet on this trip. Maybe it wasnt the career he hoped for (he was an older gentleman), who knows. But the kids enjoyed it even if they didnt get a happy driver!
It had not warmed up at all and was still quite wet. We were worried that the cruise would be moved to the alternate indoor location at the GF which would seem to take all the fun out of a pirate cruise, if you ask me. We set the girls up for the possibility, and they seemed OK with it. But, apparently they set sail unless it is really storming. While waiting to check in at the marina, Rebecca informed me that she was freezing. She had worn a t-shirt and a skort and, of course, forgot her jacket. She is my hot natured child, so when she complains she is cold I know she means it. I couldnt see sending her out in the windy wet, so I ran to the gift shop in the GF to see what I could scrounge up. Not much of a winter weather selection for kids, but I did find a very cute YOMD zippered sweatshirt. It cost more than the cruise ($38 plus tax!), but I was kind of stuck so I bought it. At least is it unisex so Andrew can wear it after she out grows it. So, I got Rebecca bundled up and the girls got their pirate ears and life jackets.
Rebecca in character (and in her new jacket) and Andrew a bit put out over it all:
Anabelle was way into it:
Andrew was a little upset he didnt get a life jacket, but overall he did pretty well with being left out. Anabelle was in a snit because I told her she had to be her sisters buddy. I finally had to tell her that she was getting off the boat unless I saw a smile on her face. She dutifully complied, and the group set sail.
Anabelle's got her pout on:
We hurriedly went back inside to warm up. We were a little late for our breakfast ADRs, but it only took a few minutes to seat us. We set Andrew up with a few bland yummies (waffles and scrambled eggs, I think) and dug in. I can see why 1900 PF is scheduled for renovation this summer, it is looking a bit worn. But, the food was very good. I loved the strawberry soup and had a very yummy made to order omelet. I also like that fresh pineapple is available at just about every buffet, it is my favorite fruit by far! I did see a little boy drop the tongs for the bacon on the floor and then put them back in the pan. Ewww! I told the CM bringing out food and she made a similar ewww! face and went to get a clean pair. At least he didnt put the bacon back too!
We saw the Mad Hatter and Alice first. Andrew seemed to like the Mad Hatter, but would not have a thing to do with Alice. I finally made John take a picture with her so we at least had one. It is just about the only picture from the entire trip that he is smiling in! I guess I didnt realize he was so fond of Alice!
Andrew hiding under his hat:
John not even kind of hiding:
Pooh entered the room next and Andrew just about had a fit! Over here Pooh! Here I am Pooh! Pooh! Pooh! Pooh! You get the idea. We made him sit back down, since he was literally jumping on his chair. He was most definitely feeling better! Pooh finally made it to our corner and Andrew was ecstatic. Big, big hugs.
Andrew loves Pooh:
Tigger was close behind and Andrew was just as thrilled with him. I told Tigger not to worry, Andrew wouldnt sucker punch him and Tigger gave me a big thumbs up!
Tigger too:
We relaxed over our meal, since the girls wouldnt be back until 11:30. It was a very pleasant time. We were all so relieved that Andrew was feeling so much better. All the characters stopped by again, Andrew still wanted nothing to do from Alice. We headed out, stopping to see Mary Poppins in the lobby on our way out. She was not there, she had also been at tea when we arrived so the hostess told us we could come back in 10 minutes or so to see her. We relaxed in the lobby for a while and then headed back to see Mary. Again, Andrew wanted absolutely nothing to do with her! I dont know what his deal was that morning. Mary tried to coax him out of his shell, as we were the only ones in the lobby right then. But, her wiles had no effect and Andrew stayed firmly attached to me.
Andrew ignoring Mary:
Mommy had to join the picture:
We still had a few minutes until our pirates returned, so we just sat in the lobby and relaxed. Andrew had fun just wandering around.
Andrew playing hide and seek and a very complementary picture of John (not that I'm bothered by his affection for Alice or anything...
):
I headed over to the concierge desk to see if we could get an ADR for SciFi the next day. Friday was our kids choice day. I told the girls we could go to whatever park they wanted. They chose MGM since I had to abandon them the day before and they wanted to ride ToT again. They knew we were planning on returning to Epcot after their cruise and were spending our last full day at MK, so MGM was a good choice. Dinner was all full at SciFi, but we got a late lunch ADR. The concierge was very friendly and helpful, even though we werent guests at the GF.
We headed back out to the marina, where it was still overcast and chilly. We decided we were going to have to return to the villa to change into warmer clothes. I was not about to drop who knows how much to outfit the rest of us at the GF gift shop! Soon the pirate pontoon came into view and our very happy girls jumped off with their bag of pirate booty.
Here come the buccaneers:
Anabelle managed to have a good time, even with her sister/buddy. The booty was nothing spectacular, but they really liked the little treasure chest and particularly the gooey eyeball. Anabelle had even brought Andrew a bag of Goldfish that one little boy didnt want with his lunch. I thought that was very sweet!
We were very thankful that Andrew appeared to have finally kicked the yuck and hopeful the rest of the day would go well.
Nothing worse than being sick on vacation. 
I hope all is better by the next part of your trippie. 
Your family seems so lovely!
And I'm getting full from all the popcorn while I wait....
