The "Goodest Vacation Ever" Trip Report! Part 7: The Final Goodbye

[MeMom]

Thanks for sharing your good pictures and trip report. I knew you'd have a great time. I hope there will be more Disney trips for you guys in the future.

 

[luvngoofy]

I have enjoyed reading your TR. There have been a few things that will help me with my trip in August, thanks. Your boys ARE adorable. I used to babysit for a family of 4 boys, couldn't imagine taking such a trip with them! Can't wait for the last day.

 

[4boysrus]

Day 6-Friday 2/16/2007

It was back to MK for the morning. The weather was going to be cool (but nice) so we made sure to dress appropriately (in our new Disney sweatshirts)! It was our last full day so we were going to make the most of it! Since Miles was only napping in the stroller at the parks and not when we returned to the hotel, we decided that we'd just take it nice and slow at MK and stay there until time to head to MGM. We had only visited Tomorrowland, Fantasyland, and Toontown, so we had a lot of "lands" to check out.

We got to MK right at 9. We once again had missed the little opening "show", but atleast we were there right at opening. We headed straight to Adventureland, and Pirates of the Caribbean was our first stop. We walked straight on. The boys were really excited about riding this, and it didn't disappoint. We got the front row on the boat, so the boys were excited about that. The animatronics were amazing, and Jack Sparrow looked just like the movie. We really enjoyed it. After Pirates we went to Jungle Cruise, but it wasn't open til 10. Miles had fallen asleep on Pirates so I found a bench to sit on while KJ took the other 3 on Aladdin. They had a less than 5 minute wait, and when they were done we got in line for Jungle Cruise. We waited a few minutes for it to open, but once it did, we were able to walk straight on. This ride was A LOT of fun, and we had the best tour guide EVER! He was hilarious , and had everyone on the boat laughing.

Now it was time for Frontierland. The boys wanted to ride Splash Mtn, but we had to be mean parents and tell them no. It was about 50 degrees outside, and somewhat cloudy. I didn't want to deal with the "I'm wet and cold" whines for the rest of the day. Michael was really upset about not being able to ride it, but eventually he got over it. Not after some major complaining though.

We went straight to BTMRR and got a parent swap pass. KJ took Michael and Matthew on the ride while I hung out with Max and Miles over by the river. We had to wait maybe 20 minutes for them to be done, and then I went back with Michael and Matthew with the parent swap. It was a pretty fun ride. The boys liked it a lot, and I didn't have any complaints until the end. When the train stops to let the train in front of it unload, the boys and I got soaked. We were in the back of the train, and the water spraying out of the rocks was just soaking us. Not fun! Especially on a cool, cloudy day!

We took a nice, slow walk over to Liberty Square. Through the entire trip, my boys have loved seeing the ducks everywhere. They thought it was great, especially when the ducks would walk almost right up to them!

Of course we had to get the picture of the boys in the gallows. This is my favorite though.

Then it was time for The Haunted Mansion!

We had watched the movie a few weeks prior and we had all liked it. We told the boys that the "ghosts" in the ride were fake just like the movie. We told them that if they got scared then just to close their eyes and that it'd be over soon. They were a little nervous, but they still wanted to ride. KJ took Michael and Max, and I took Matthew and Miles. Matthew had a grip on my hand, like you wouldn't believe, but he never closed his eyes. They really liked the ride, especially the end when you see the "ghost" in your cart.

After The Haunted Mansion, we headed to Fantasyland. We grabbed FP for Philharmagic, and then stopped to get some MD's fries and a couple drinks. It was after 11 now, and we had early dinner reservations, so we just wanted a snack. While KJ grabbed the food, the boys and I went and got in line for Pooh. We were just a few families back, so it didn't take long. I think the boys were almost more excited about meeting Pooh than they were Mickey! We have wonderful video of Max running up and giving Pooh a big hug while Pooh is kneeling down and hugging him back. I had already snapped the picture and turned the camera off so I missed getting a picture.

Then we got in line for Tigger. His line was longer than Pooh's! I mean I like Tigger, but not more than Pooh! To each his own, I guess.

Afterwards, we went back to Toontown so that the boys could ride Barnstormer again. They all really liked this ride. They ended up riding it 3-4 times during the whole trip. While KJ took the boys on the ride, Miles and I ran to get in line for Mickey. We had bought my dad a Disney hat the night before at Everything Pop, and I wanted to get Mickey to sign it. We waited for about 10 minutes, and as we were headed back to Barnstormer, they were coming out. Perfect timing!

The boys had been asking for face paintings all week, and since it was the last day, we decided to get it done. They girls did a WONDERFUL job! I was really impressed! Michael and Matthew each chose to be a tiger.

Max wanted to be a pirate. I *loved* his. Everytime I looked at him I'd crack up. He looked so *C*U*T*E*, and really didn't look like himself! He got the most attention after this. I mean everyone commented on it, and was eating it up!

After they were all done up, we hopped on the MK train, and took a ride around the whole park. It was a nice relaxing ride. We got off at Toontown and headed over to Philharmagic to use our FP. Miles had fallen asleep in the stroller, so KJ stayed out with him while I took the other 3 in. We loved this show more the 2nd time than the first. It's just a lot of fun!!

Now it was time for us to take the ferry to TTC so that we could hop on the bus to MGM. Before we got on the bus, we made a potty stop at TTC. Michael and Matthew washed off their face paint. They'd had it a little over an hour! Max didn't want to get rid of his though. I had a hard time getting him to wash it off at bedtime!!

We got to MGM just in time to see the parade. This would turn out to be our favorite parade. We weren't expecting it to be any different than the MK one so we didn't bother to get out our cameras. BIG MISTAKE! We were right near the end of the parade route, and the boys got A LOT of interaction from the characters. I'm sure Max's face paint helped. Just about everyone that was walking in the parade came over to give them a high five, and the ones that were in the cars would point at Max and smile and wave. We all liked this parade the best. I just really hate that we didn't get it on video or even any pictures!!

After the parade, we went to Hollywood & Vine to check in for our 3:40 ressies. It was 3:30, and we had to wait about 10 minutes. We got the boys the souvenier cups with the glowing ice cubes. They thought that that was the coolest thing ever! They also loved the kids buffett. KJ and I weren't as impressed with our food. It wasn't bad, but we didn't like the selections. We are pretty much "meat and potato" eaters, and most of the items on the buffet were too far out there for us. It was 4:30 when we were done eating and, KJ and the boys decided that they wanted to catch the 5:00 Indiana Jones show. I wasn't interested, and Miles was tired, so they went ahead to the show, and Miles and I walked around MGM. He fell asleep quickly, so I took my time, knowing that they wouldn't be done with Indiana Jones til 5:30. I was going to try and catch up with the Incredibles since we hadn't gotten their autographs yet, but I had no such luck. I walked around a few shops, and then went to Mickey's Hat. I decided to buy Michael and Matthew some mouse ears (max and miles already had some), because I didn't want them to leave without EARS! I went and found a nice quiet bench near the exit to Indiana Jones, and sat and relaxed while Miles napped.

When they finally exited Indiana Jones (which they all loved!!), we headed towards Fantasmic. By the time we got there it was nearly 6. We went ahead and checked in, and since we were so early we were able to get center aisle seats! I was looking forward to Fantasmic, and had saved it for our last night. We got to our seats about 6:15, and sat and played some games with the boys. At 6:30, I took the older 3 to the bathroom and to get some popcorn and drinks. By the time we got back, we had 10 minutes til showtime. PERFECT!

Unfortunately, I was sitting next to Negative Ned (a.k.a. Michael) and had to hear his "this is all" through the whole show. Everyone else liked the show, and especially the end when the boat comes by with all the characters. Matthew loved the Mickey/dragon battle, and he leaned over to his daddy during one of the "your dreams can come true" songs, and said that his dreams were coming true. When KJ shared that with me it took away all of Michael's negative comments. I don't know why he had to act so negative about it. Afterwards, when he was talking to his brothers, I could tell that he had enjoyed it. He was sure to tell me though that he thought it was a "waste of money". I didn't tell him that it was free. After the show as we were getting the little ones strapped back into the stroller, he came to us crying because he felt bad for acting ugly and for not acting more thankful. Maybe there is hope for him yet!

The CM's were passing off strollers to be taken back to the front, so the 2 big ones jumped in one, and off we went. We boarded the bus and headed back to Pop. We went straight back to the room, and started getting things ready to be taken to the van. After the boys went to sleep, KJ took the unneccessary stuff to the van, and moved the van to the front parking lot. Our plan for tomorrow was to get up and head back to MK to catch our favorite rides once more before we went home.

I didn't sleep well that night. Everytime I woke up and looked at the clock I grew more and more said that it was that much closer to time for us to leave. Despite all the sickness, and the bad attitudes, it had been a great trip.

I didn't want to leave, but I was happy that we'd atleast get in a few more hours at MK before we went home.

 

[ILMICKEY]

Hi,
I've been following your trippie. The last night really does suck doesn't it? I don't know if it is because the trip is over, or the fact you have just spent the last few months planning and planning. Now it's like, what do I do with my time? I say, just start planning the next one!!!!!

Your children are adorable!

 

[Pryncesa]

What a great trip report! Your boys are too cute. That face paint was really great, and I was partial to the little pirate, too!!

 

[4boysrus]

Day 7-Saturday 2/17/2007

It was here. The last day. As much as I didn't want to get the day started (because then it would officially begin!), I got up and got everybody ready and got the last few things packed. Fed Miles his breakfast and we were ready to go. We were headed to MK for the day to ride our favorite rides just once more.

At 8 a.m. we left the rooms and headed down to the lobby. KJ took the last bags to the van, and the boys and I set out on a mission. We had bought them each a mylar balloon on our first day, with the assumption that by the time we left they'd be long gone. Well, they weren't. They looked just as good 6 days later as they had when we bought them. I gave the boys the option of letting them go, or finding a family to give them to. No way we could take them home in the van. The boys opted to give them away. Which I would have talked them to anyway, but atleast I didn't have to.

We looked at check in, and no one was checking in. We headed into Everything Pop since we were going to eat bkfst before we left for MK anyway. I was sure we'd find a family in there. Saw a mom and dad with 2 cute little girls, so I approached them and asked if they were in the beginning of their trip, or the end. They were just getting started on their vacation, so we told them that we'd like to give the girls the balloons if they didn't mind. The parents were surprised and happy, as were the girls. They thanked us, and we headed to get our breakfast.

We used up our last few ddp credits and only had to pay for one drink! We sat down and started eating, and then the morning took a turn for the worse. Anyone wanna guess what happened????

Yep, that's right, Miles got sick again. All over his clothes and the stroller. I'm sitting there trying to figure out what I'm gonna do. All the clothes were packed up and in the van. I told the boys to be prepared for the fact, that once I was done cleaning up the stroller and Miles, that we may not go to MK. I just really didn't want to take the chance of him getting sick again at the park. While the others finished breakfast, I covered Miles with a blanket, and we went to the front desk and got some towels (after a brief explanation). Then we went to the bathroom. I took off all his clothes, and they were a lost cause. All he had on that wasn't messed up was his onesie that was under his sweatshirt. Atleast he wasn't naked! His slippers wiped off easily so I slid those back on him, and put him into the back seat of the stroller (thank God it was a double stroller so I had somewhere to put him!!). Then I got busy cleaning up the stroller. YUCK! I took my sweatshirt off to cover Miles up with, and when I was finished I went to the front desk and asked for a bag to put the clothes in. Got everything wiped up and went back to find the family. Obviously at this point I wasn't hungry anymore, so we had "the" talk. The boys were very understanding on why we weren't going to go to MK. Max asked if we'd be home in time now for him to play with this toys. Matthew wanted to watch Nick (not available at disney), and Michael wanted to play his computer game. It wasn't too hard to talk them into leaving.

So, we took a few last pictures and some more video, and then we headed to the van. I grabbed Miles some clothes and got him dressed. We got all buckled up, and that was that. We were leaving Disney. The trip was over. The trip I'd wanted to go on for my whole life, done. It was really sad. As we officially exited the WDW area, we all said good-bye, and vowed that we'd be back next year. Max summed it up best, while holding on to his big Mickey, he said "Bye Mickey Mouse, I'm gonna miss you." I could have cried right there.

The drive home was pretty uneventful, and we got home around 6 (had to make a lot of stops this time around). We brought all the bags in and left them in the foyer to be unpacked the next day.

All of the negative stuff that happened on the trip, has mostly been forgotten, or atleast doesn't seem so bad anymore. It was a great trip, we had a wonderful time, and I really don't think I'd change anything (even the puke!). We can't wait to go back, and are already talking about all the things that we'll do (or not do) next time. We have lots of fun sitting around and talking about the trip. Remembering the rides and the characters and the food. It truly is a magical place!

We enjoyed the experience of everything that we did, but of course we had our favorites. We also had the stuff that we didn't enjoy as much, and probably won't do on the next trip.

I'm looking forward to planning the next trip, but this one may kill me since I'm gonna have to wait a year instead of only 2 months! We're excited about trying new places to eat, and different character meals, and of course meeting the characters that we missed and seeing all of our old "friends" again. We can't wait to ride our favorite rides again, and ride the ones that we missed, as well as experiencing all the magic once more.

I'd like to say a thanks to everyone who has read along on the TR (and the pre-trippie too). I've not been wanting to finish, because I know when I do the trip will really be over. Writing this has helped it to stay alive and allowed me to relive it. Once I hit post, it'll all be just a memory. Thankfully, it's a memory that I think we (as a family) will be able to keep alive with our pictures and video and by talking about the trip. And not to mention going back to Disney as often as possible!

Goodbye!

 

[mom2kazkids]

Great trip report. You have such a great looking family.

Barb

 

[Marion]

Bravo! Thank you so much for sharing your trip with us. I really enjoyed reading about your experiences and you have a beautiful family

 

[sharonW]

I really really enjoyed your TR. The coming home part
is just the worst! Its great that you have so
many wonderful memories to keep and even better
that you will be planning yet another vacation at the
most magical place on earth! Happy Planning!!

 

[LovintheLodge]

I really enjoyed your trip report and terrific pictures. You have a wonderful family!

 

[ellebeegee]

Awww, I hate the end of anyone's trip!! That sure was fun to read, thank you! One quick note about the balloons: One year when we flew down, we had gotten Olivia one of those 3-ft-tall Tink balloons on Main St. at MK. NO WAY could it make it home. We managed to let the helium out from the bottom through the seal, and then were able to get it blown back up when we got home. Think about that for next time, okay?

Can't wait to go again, myself!

 

[MomofCKJ]

Awww, so sad it is done Melissa but it was great to read all the details of your trip. I am so glad you got to go and aside from a little puke here and there had a great time!

Join the club for waiting! 2 months was nothing but you know a year gives you a lot of time to really anticipate. It is kind of fun in a weird way. And hey you are going before I am! March 12, 2008 for us!

Allyson

 

[*Christina*]

Great trip report. Your boys are adorable!

 

[Motherofboys]

Thanks for sharing your family's first visit!! We have 4 boys too, a little more spaced out in age, but still a handful! It does seem to get easier to travel as they get older, of course we haven't hit the teen years yet so we'll see

I applaud you though, I'm not sure that I would have been such a good sport after being puked on so many times. But it will all be worth it when you sit around a few years from now and all reminisce about the first family trip to Disney!

 

[mas6010]

Loved your report, I have 2 boys one with a BIG attitude. The other is relaxed as can be. Reading your trip made me want to go REALLY bad. Come on September. Great reading.