The Great & Powerful Oz and kids do Disney- Updated 09/21/08- LAST DAY!

[Glendamax]

LOVE the Viking pics!!!

 

[whogirl'smom]

I love this trip report! The kids are beautiful and very lucky to have you for an aunt! I can't believe they even take pictures at Planet Hollywood now, but I can see why you bought it; it was a great photo of all three of you. Maybe I'll get lucky and they'll start pictures at our local Applebee's soon!

 

[angela3676]

Love, love love your trip report. My daughter who will be 11 next week can't stand loud noise, but loves all rides. You both have the same name but I spell hers Kandace.

I have to ask you this question, what does the G in MKG stand for?

I can't wait to read more. Love the pictures too. You're a great Aunt.

 

[Candice30]

Great update!

thanks!

Wow what a story so far- you are one brave Aunt!!

Bev

I'm trying to be.

I'm really enjoying your trip report You have the patience of a saint!

It was definitely wearing thin though!

LOVE the Viking pics!!!

Glad he didn't sneeze!

I love this trip report! The kids are beautiful and very lucky to have you for an aunt! I can't believe they even take pictures at Planet Hollywood now, but I can see why you bought it; it was a great photo of all three of you. Maybe I'll get lucky and they'll start pictures at our local Applebee's soon!

Just another way to get money and I fell for it. They were taking them when you entered into the waiting area.

Love, love love your trip report. My daughter who will be 11 next week can't stand loud noise, but loves all rides. You both have the same name but I spell hers Kandace.

I have to ask you this question, what does the G in MKG stand for?

I can't wait to read more. Love the pictures too. You're a great Aunt.

i don't know. the "g" from the word kingdom i guess. i just always have abbrev. it that way. like AKG for animal kingdom.

 

[Glendamax]

We were dry luckily and Tiara was trying desperately to clean her shoes off. Thanks again to the nice woman standing there with her family who noticed Tiara’s frustration and took her towel that she was using for rain shield and wiped off Tiara’s shoes. HOW SWEET! People can be so nice some times.

See? It's little moments like these that go a LONG, LONG way!

We were finally let in and what terrific seats we had. We were in the middle of the stage on the floor behind 2 other tables. We loved this location and the kids quickly forgot about all our troubles of the day. They singed, laughed, and stomped their feet the whole time. They had these huge smiles pasted on their faces that never left and the ups and downs of the day made this all worth it for me.

I'm so glad you all had a fun time! I've never been, so I really enjoyed seeing the pics of the show and the FOOD!!!!

And Candice, I think it was WRONG for you to post some of the lyrics to Wishes . . . I started tearing up IMMEDIATELY!!!!!

 

[Candice30]

And Candice, I think it was WRONG for you to post some of the lyrics to Wishes . . . I started tearing up IMMEDIATELY!!!!!

sorry, but i need someone else crying with me

 

[Candice30]

DAY 6 – AKG/EPCOT

Sorry for the delay in an update. Work has been crazy. Back to the trip report!

I tried, tried, tried to make it on time to rope drop at AKG but we were moving slow this morning. We once again had a quick breakfast in the room and did finally make it to AKG by 8:55 AM. Unfortunately we were so far back that the kids couldn’t see the opening show. Once we were let in we headed down the back road to expedition everest first to grab fast passes and hopefully a quick ride. I wasn’t even going to attempt to have Tiara join us for this one. The stand by line was at 15 minutes so we grabbed fast passes and then jumped in the regular line while Tiara waited for us. I liked the ride much better this time. I actually saw the yeti this time around. Still not one of my favorite rides but Chase really enjoyed it. It was really hot and I knew Tiara was probably bored so we grabbed her and headed off for one of her favorites, primeval whirl. Our plan was to get primeval whirl and kali rapids done before our fast pass time was up. We rode primeval whirl and again I got sick by the kids loved it. We headed all the way over to kali but Chase realized that he had left his hat on primeval whirl and had to go all the way back. Luckily he was able to get the ride attendant’s attention and she said that someone had found it and told him where to go and get it. I wasn’t sure if we could still make it to kali but we decided to go for it. I am not a big fan of this ride as I love the rapids ride at universal. This one at Disney is way too tame but at least Tiara wasn’t scared. Actually they both said that they were bored.

We headed back over to expedition (this is where we realized that we hadn’t planned this out correctly as we were headed back and forth thru the same areas). Chase and I rode with our fast pass. We had also gotten a fast pass with Tiara’s ticket so Chase rode a 3rd time while I waited with Tiara. AND WOULDN’T YOU KNOW IT…that is when they handed out these year of a million dreams lanyards and pins. When Chase got off the ride, the cast member said “you were on the right car” and everyone in his car got one. I was so jealous. Chase wished for a dream fast pass but I told him to cherish this pixie dust anyway; especially since the 2 pins they were giving out with the lanyards can’t be bought in stores. After hearing this he wore it proudly.

We headed over to catch finding nemo the musical. The show was very cute and it was nice to get out of the sun. I wanted to hit the safari ride but the kids weren’t interested. How can you visit AKG and not hit the safari ride. Just didn’t seem right to me so I dragged them over there. The wait was 50 minutes and they were already complaining. So unfortunately, no safari, no animal treks, no lion king this trip! We saw Ms. Devine but the kids didn’t want to stay there and watch her. I was able to at least get one pic.

The kids were ready to leave AKG as it was getting really hot. They wanted to try to catch Soarin before we toured the countries at Epcot. The stand by was long but luckily there were still fast passes left for 6 hours later but we got in line anyway to get one and figured we would ride on our way out. Unfortunately they ran out before we made it to the front. RATS…FOILED AGAIN!

I decided to try and break our “ride bad luck” and stop for lunch. We tried sunshine seasons but the kids were being real picky and couldn’t decide on what to eat. I got frustrated and just headed out. We headed towards the countries (after a stop at club cool) and because we were all hungry, we did the countries speed style. I figured that I would try and get the kids to eat at my favorite place – yakitori house in japan. I hadn’t thought of it before with how picky they were being but know that both have been to Japanese grill houses before and thought I would give it a try. I told them about the teriyaki chicken and they were all for it. So much so that we toured the countries in between even faster. All we saw of Canada was the little village and train scene out front. I was able to grab this photo in the UK and that was it for that country.

We breezed right past France the first time around and Morocco. We finally made it to Japan and headed to eat. The kids got teriyaki chicken with rice and I got one of the combos ($27). Did they like it, look at Tiara’s plate and Chase’s face!

We walked around Japan for a while as this is my favorite country. We caught the drum show and the end of the candy lady.

Now that they had eaten, the kids allowed for more slower touring of the countries. I was told to get a tea cup for my mom from China. She broke hers that she bought last time we were here and she has been dying for a new one. We walked past Italy and Germany. Chase had just come back from touring Spain & Germany with his choir for 2 weeks so he wasn’t that interested in the countries. We finally made it to the last country, China (my other favorite). I wanted the kids to see the Chinese acrobats. Anyone interested in a butt burger? Because that is how hot the ground was, you could have cooked meat on it!

The kids really enjoyed the show and because we were so hot we headed off for snacks. Each of us knew what we wanted and there was nothing standing in our way. Tiara got a smoothie from outside of China. Chase wanted funnel cake all week so we headed back to the American adventure. DIDN’T YOU FORGET SOMETHING! YEP….in our quest for snacks……….forgot mom’s tea cup. I was too hot to head back and decided that I would blame it on the kids. She could never stay mad at them.

We stopped by Morocco and France on our way back. I was in search of the Grand Marnier orange slush.

The kids took a seat while I stood in line.

YUM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! IT WAS SO GOOD!

and I usually head to the back of france to the bakery for my napoleon but this one was right up there. We hung around here for a while watching the show out front and then headed out the international gateway.

I wanted the kids to see the pool at yacht & beach club. They loved it and said that we must stay here next time. They loved the pool, the slide, and the beach area. We had just missed the boat to DHS and were way too tired for the walk so we decided to play around on the boat dock and wait. No I wasn’t crazy enough to head into DHS. We were beat and just went there to catch the POP bus back. We headed to the pool and just hung out there until dinner time. The kids wanted to just go in their bathing suits but I had another plan so after a quick stop at the room to change, we headed to the food court. Tiara had the parmesan chicken with pasta; Chase the dbl bacon cheese burger with fries; and I had the chicken Mediterranean flatbread ($23). After we ate I told them to keep their mugs with them to get icees later and handed them their room keys. They looked at me confused?!? I handed them $10 and told them to go to the arcade and not to come back to the room until the money was all gone! I got the loudest – “WHAT!!! Are you serious? You are the coolest Aunt!” Okay it was only $10 guys but they went running off anyway, happy as can be. My plan of course was to start packing up the room with them not in my way. I headed back to the room and got everyone’s suitcase out and started packing up my stuff and the souvenirs. The kids stretched that $10 for over an hour! I headed out to get an icee and we just spent the rest of the night packing and goofing off.

Next up: Last Day – “Say it ain’t so!” and guess who wanted to ride every roller coaster she could find?????????? TIARA!

 

[MadiMouse]

Butt Burger???? That was too funny!!!

So on the last day, Tiara wanted to ride all of the rollercoasters??? I must hear about it!

Great update!!!!

 

[vdarrell]

I am glad he got his hat back. And that he got a lanyard and pin set

Sorry I missed your phone call (that was a picture of you in the phone booth making a call to me to see if I'd recieved the airline tickets you were sending me to join you on your next Disney trip RIGHT)

Seeing the empty plate I'd say the really enjoyed the meal.

I'd say that my "bunns" would be quite steamed on that hot concreat to put that "butt burger" on.

Your slushie look GOOD

You mean to tell me that $10.00 lasted an hour my boys would have been back in 10 minutes.

Ready to read more

DAY 6 – AKG/EPCOT


Sorry for the delay in an update. Work has been crazy. Back to the trip report!

I tried, tried, tried to make it on time to rope drop at AKG but we were moving slow this morning. We once again had a quick breakfast in the room and did finally make it to AKG by 8:55 AM. Unfortunately we were so far back that the kids couldn’t see the opening show. Once we were let in we headed down the back road to expedition everest first to grab fast passes and hopefully a quick ride. I wasn’t even going to attempt to have Tiara join us for this one. The stand by line was at 15 minutes so we grabbed fast passes and then jumped in the regular line while Tiara waited for us. I liked the ride much better this time. I actually saw the yeti this time around. Still not one of my favorite rides but Chase really enjoyed it. It was really hot and I knew Tiara was probably bored so we grabbed her and headed off for one of her favorites, primeval whirl. Our plan was to get primeval whirl and kali rapids done before our fast pass time was up. We rode primeval whirl and again I got sick by the kids loved it. We headed all the way over to kali but Chase realized that he had left his hat on primeval whirl and had to go all the way back. Luckily he was able to get the ride attendant’s attention and she said that someone had found it and told him where to go and get it. I wasn’t sure if we could still make it to kali but we decided to go for it. I am not a big fan of this ride as I love the rapids ride at universal. This one at Disney is way too tame but at least Tiara wasn’t scared. Actually they both said that they were bored.

We headed back over to expedition (this is where we realized that we hadn’t planned this out correctly as we were headed back and forth thru the same areas). Chase and I rode with our fast pass. We had also gotten a fast pass with Tiara’s ticket so Chase rode a 3rd time while I waited with Tiara. AND WOULDN’T YOU KNOW IT…that is when they handed out these year of a million dreams lanyards and pins. When Chase got off the ride, the cast member said “you were on the right car” and everyone in his car got one. I was so jealous. Chase wished for a dream fast pass but I told him to cherish this pixie dust anyway; especially since the 2 pins they were giving out with the lanyards can’t be bought in stores. After hearing this he wore it proudly.

We headed over to catch finding nemo the musical. The show was very cute and it was nice to get out of the sun. I wanted to hit the safari ride but the kids weren’t interested. How can you visit AKG and not hit the safari ride. Just didn’t seem right to me so I dragged them over there. The wait was 50 minutes and they were already complaining. So unfortunately, no safari, no animal treks, no lion king this trip! We saw Ms. Devine but the kids didn’t want to stay there and watch her. I was able to at least get one pic.

The kids were ready to leave AKG as it was getting really hot. They wanted to try to catch Soarin before we toured the countries at Epcot. The stand by was long but luckily there were still fast passes left for 6 hours later but we got in line anyway to get one and figured we would ride on our way out. Unfortunately they ran out before we made it to the front. RATS…FOILED AGAIN!

I decided to try and break our “ride bad luck” and stop for lunch. We tried sunshine seasons but the kids were being real picky and couldn’t decide on what to eat. I got frustrated and just headed out. We headed towards the countries (after a stop at club cool) and because we were all hungry, we did the countries speed style. I figured that I would try and get the kids to eat at my favorite place – yakitori house in japan. I hadn’t thought of it before with how picky they were being but know that both have been to Japanese grill houses before and thought I would give it a try. I told them about the teriyaki chicken and they were all for it. So much so that we toured the countries in between even faster. All we saw of Canada was the little village and train scene out front. I was able to grab this photo in the UK and that was it for that country.

We breezed right past France the first time around and Morocco. We finally made it to Japan and headed to eat. The kids got teriyaki chicken with rice and I got one of the combos ($27). Did they like it, look at Tiara’s plate and Chase’s face!

We walked around Japan for a while as this is my favorite country. We caught the drum show and the end of the candy lady.

Now that they had eaten, the kids allowed for more slower touring of the countries. I was told to get a tea cup for my mom from China. She broke hers that she bought last time we were here and she has been dying for a new one. We walked past Italy and Germany. Chase had just come back from touring Spain & Germany with his choir for 2 weeks so he wasn’t that interested in the countries. We finally made it to the last country, China (my other favorite). I wanted the kids to see the Chinese acrobats. Anyone interested in a butt burger? Because that is how hot the ground was, you could have cooked meat on it!

The kids really enjoyed the show and because we were so hot we headed off for snacks. Each of us knew what we wanted and there was nothing standing in our way. Tiara got a smoothie from outside of China. Chase wanted funnel cake all week so we headed back to the American adventure. DIDN’T YOU FORGET SOMETHING! YEP….in our quest for snacks……….forgot mom’s tea cup. I was too hot to head back and decided that I would blame it on the kids. She could never stay mad at them.

We stopped by Morocco and France on our way back. I was in search of the Grand Marnier orange slush.

The kids took a seat while I stood in line.

YUM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! IT WAS SO GOOD!

and I usually head to the back of france to the bakery for my napoleon but this one was right up there. We hung around here for a while watching the show out front and then headed out the international gateway.

I wanted the kids to see the pool at yacht & beach club. They loved it and said that we must stay here next time. They loved the pool, the slide, and the beach area. We had just missed the boat to DHS and were way too tired for the walk so we decided to play around on the boat dock and wait. No I wasn’t crazy enough to head into DHS. We were beat and just went there to catch the POP bus back. We headed to the pool and just hung out there until dinner time. The kids wanted to just go in their bathing suits but I had another plan so after a quick stop at the room to change, we headed to the food court. Tiara had the parmesan chicken with pasta; Chase the dbl bacon cheese burger with fries; and I had the chicken Mediterranean flatbread ($23). After we ate I told them to keep their mugs with them to get icees later and handed them their room keys. They looked at me confused?!? I handed them $10 and told them to go to the arcade and not to come back to the room until the money was all gone! I got the loudest – “WHAT!!! Are you serious? You are the coolest Aunt!” Okay it was only $10 guys but they went running off anyway, happy as can be. My plan of course was to start packing up the room with them not in my way. I headed back to the room and got everyone’s suitcase out and started packing up my stuff and the souvenirs. The kids stretched that $10 for over an hour! I headed out to get an icee and we just spent the rest of the night packing and goofing off.

Next up: Last Day – “Say it ain’t so!” and guess who wanted to ride every roller coaster she could find?????????? TIARA!

 

[disneyfun2007]

great update.....I can wait for the next especially concerning Tiara and roller coasters

 

[marianas00]

Nice reporting!

 

[Candice30]

I am glad he got his hat back. And that he got a lanyard and pin set

Sorry I missed your phone call (that was a picture of you in the phone booth making a call to me to see if I'd recieved the airline tickets you were sending me to join you on your next Disney trip RIGHT)

Seeing the empty plate I'd say the really enjoyed the meal.

I'd say that my "bunns" would be quite steamed on that hot concreat to put that "butt burger" on.

Your slushie look GOOD

You mean to tell me that $10.00 lasted an hour my boys would have been back in 10 minutes.

Ready to read more

i couldn't believe how long the $10 lasted either. they said that they were playing the whole time; i guess being selective about their games.

 

[Candice30]

great update.....I can wait for the next especially concerning Tiara and roller coasters

can you believe it...all week there was "no i am not riding" and then on the last day it was "where is the next rollercoaster?" stay tuned.

Nice reporting!

thanks for reading.

 

[MEK]

What a great Aunt you are! Signing on for the rest. I agree with PP, afraid of the dark and coasters yet loves Space Mountain? Go figure! Glad you found a ride at MK that she did enjoy a lot!

Allyson

I thought the same thing! I just started this trip report.....tell me...did she get over her fear of loud noises and the dark????? My DS15 still hates loud noises and 3D attractions, oh and doll's eyes, but he loves those coasters!

 

[Candice30]

I thought the same thing! I just started this trip report.....tell me...did she get over her fear of loud noises and the dark????? My DS15 still hates loud noises and 3D attractions, oh and doll's eyes, but he loves those coasters!

unfortunatley no. she did eventually ride a couple of them but was terrified and vowed never to ride again.

 

[Candice30]

Last Day

So sorry for the long delay since my last post. Life has been crazy. Anyway, back to the trip report to finally wrap it up. The kids and I got up really early to make it to MKG opening at 9 AM. I of course got up at 6 AM. I grabbed our bill from the door and boarding passes and checked to be sure everything was in order. I loved that our boarding passes were already printed and luggage tags as well. Unfortunately they forgot Chases’ and I also had a 2nd bag to check so we may have a little delay. I woke the kids by 6:30 and we finished packing up. We were so sad to be leaving and the kids couldn’t believe that a week had gone by already. We were out of the room by 7:30 and took the bags to airline check in ourselves. Our room was so close so it was no trouble. They quickly printed another luggage tag for me and Chase’s boarding pass. The whole process took about 3-5 minutes and we headed off to breakfast.

We packed our mugs in our suitcases but had apple juice left over so we brought that from the room. The kids had pancake platters and I had the ham & cheese omelet ($18). Not very good but it filled me up. We were at the bus stop by 8:15 and within 10 minutes were on our way to MKG. The opening show had already begun but we made it in time for the countdown. I always love starting the morning at MKG like this. Not sure why I only manage to make it once every trip?

Our first order of business, SPACE MOUNTAIN. Tiara had been longing for it so we thought we would try and ride as many times as we could. We got to tomorrowland quickly and gave instructions to my fastpass buddy. Chase began inching his way to the front and when the rope dropped, he and another kid went running. He said when he got to the fastpass machines, he looked around and couldn’t believe that there wasn’t anyone else there with him. In fact, he said that after he got the tix, he was still there alone when we finally came in sight. We jumped in the standby line. We were on in 8 minutes. WOOHOO!!!!!! Of course they wanted to get on again and since we had kept going right at the end of the queue, we decided to start going left now. The second trip took us 15 minutes to get on. By now I have finally mastered getting in and out of that ride vehicle without embarrassing myself. If people only knew what they look like trying to climb out.

After our second ride, Tiara had been bitten…………by the coaster bug that is! WOOHOO!!!!!!, last day and she was ready. She begged to get on big thunder mountain so we ran over to the other side of the park. She was nervous in line but finally being able to see the coaster in the light of day, put her fears at ease. She loved the ride, though Chase & I were bored. I definitely love this ride better at night but hey, Tiara rode and she loved it. I thought that I would keep striking while the iron was hot and asked her what we would do next. Her reply…….”HEY, WHERE IS THAT WATER RIDE?” Huh??? You mean splash mountain? YEP! I quickly sent our fastpass buddy over to get tix.

I was determined to finally find the pineapple float and decided to look for it while we walked back to space mountain for our fastpass. AROUND AND AROUND WE GO…WHERE WE’LL STOP………..NO ONE KNOWS! Finally got smart and grabbed a map. Do you believe it, passed it several times. UGGH!! Chase was being indecisive and apprehensive about pineapple ice cream; Tiara said that she wanted the pineapple soft serve. We got our treats and I saw Tiara’s face drop. She claims that she asked for the float like I had even though I repeated her order to her twice! In reality, she was upset that my treat was bigger and decided to eat her ice cream in silence with tears running down her face. OH……….KIDS!!!!!!!!!!

We finally made it back to splash mountain for our ride. How did Tiara like it? She loved it!

We realized that we were cutting it close for space mountain and started to run. Great last ride. We decided to hit buzz while over there but just wasn’t feeling it and my score sucked big time. We left MKG and took the ferry to the TTC and then the bus to DHS. All the while, talking Tiara into RNR. She said that she was ready to try it. I sent my fast pass buddy to get tix with instructions to only get them if the return time was before 5 pm since ME was coming at 5:45. Now we all know how well these kids listen, he comes back with 5:05. UGGHH! Unable to get another fastpass, we were stuck with it and the standby was just way too long. Made me nervous but I decided to our fastpass a try. We had just missed little mermaid so we headed to lunch to kill some time. We ate at ABC commissary. I don’t know why I keep going in there. I never enjoy my meal and the service is so slow! But in we went. Took 30 minutes to get food and find a seat. We had 3 cheeseburger platters ($28) – YUCK! The kids really did not like this meal at all.

It was only 2:15 so we walked around. The kids wanted to go into the honey I shrunk the kids play yard. I told them not to stay in long as the lights/action show was beginning soon and I wanted to get good seats as I have never seen the show. Now remember how well they listen. Took forever for them to come back out and I went into a lecture all the way over to the show. I couldn’t believe how far around we had to walk before we reached the opening to where seats were available. We were all dripping with sweat and miserable and of course, ended up with terrible seats. I didn’t enjoy the show but the kids liked it. We joined the herd of people trying to get out of that hot amphitheatre and tried to finally see Indiana jones. Unfortunately the show was already full so not this trip.

We were so hot and started getting on each other’s nerves so the “great and powerful oz” let them have a 2nd snack. We grabbed frozen treats and water from one of the carts. We were so tired and it was only 4 pm. I started to say lets just head back to POP and hang out but Chase really wanted to ride RNR again. There was a 30 minute standby line for TOT so Chase went in there while Tiara and I saw little mermaid. We decided to just hang in front of RNR until our fastpass time. Tiara was getting nervous and started saying, “I’m not riding” but when I looked over she was smiling. We finally got in and the fastpass line was long. I kept telling myself to get out of line as we had to go but I didn’t listen to myself. We finally made it in and Tiara started fidgeting in the seat. She had her hands through the harness with her fingers………..yep you guessed it, in her ears. I had just started to explain to her that she couldn’t ride like that when the ride attendant came over and told her that she had to remove her hands. SHE WAS NOT HAPPY AND I THINK A LITTLE EMBARASSED. By the time we were at the countdown part, the tears started. SHE ABSOLUTELY HATED IT AND kept saying, I told you I didn’t want to ride. I said I didn’t want to get on! HUH!!! She was trying to be moody and drag her feet but it was now 5:20. YEP..I said 5:20. ME was coming at 5:45. Worrying so much about the time, it turned out to be a waste as I couldn’t enjoy the ride and now had to deal with Tiara all the way back to the resort. It was at this moment that I remembered all of our trouble with the buses at DHS getting back to POP. Dumb bus didn’t come until 5:50. I was hoping that the ME bus was still hanging around and saw one there when we pulled up at POP.

Chase had a bag with luggage services so I gave him the claim ticket and told him to run when he got off the bus and let them know our pickup time to hold the bus if that was ours. Tiara and I were running behind him. AGAIN, REMEMBER HOW THEY LISTEN!!! When tiara and I got there, only a cruise line bus remained but it said airport on the front, Chase was standing waiting for his bag to come out. I asked him what bus that was and he said ‘HUH?” I could have killed him. He completely forgot to say anything. I quickly asked one of the bellman if the 5:45 had pulled out and he looked around just as the doors of the bus closed and he said “there it goes now!” UGH……..OKAY SO I WAS READY TO LEAVE BOTH OF THESE KIDS IN FLORIDA! My own fault though, I knew better and should have left the park earlier. I am the adult after all but a little help please. They told me that the buses come every 30 minutes (YEAH RIGHT) and the next one was due at 6:15. it was now 6:00 pm so I headed into the lobby to cool off and calm down.

I had one souvenir left to get that I was going to get in the airport gift shop as I like to hang around there and eat at the food court but we probably wouldn’t have time for that now. I went into the gift shop and bought the last thing I was looking for. We were back outside in 10 minutes and sat on the bench to wait. I starting getting nervous when I checked my watch and it was 6:45 and still no bus. YEP…the 6:15 never came, if there really was one. There went my krispy kreme. Always love stopping there in the airport in the food court before getting on the plane. With the time left now, we would have to settle for burger king at the gate. The bus (actually 2 BUSES!) finally pulled up at 7 pm. We were the last stop at the airport wouldn’t you know it. We finally got there at 7:30 and headed to our gate. Thank goodness we had our boarding passes already and had checked our luggage. We headed to security and got through without any problem. The monorail was coming so we decided to run for it. We were finally on our way to the gate. As we approached the terminal, they announced, “now arriving for gates 100 thru 129.” YEP………..if you have been keeping up with me you know the luck of my day so far, we were supposed to go to gate 96. UGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! I CAN’T BELIEVE I DID THIS! I was so frustrated. There was a man in the car with us who did not get off of the monorail when everyone else did. Turns out he did the same thing too and we started talking. He was telling me that he and his family had been at the airport all day as their flight was cancelled due to a malfunction on the plane and that he just headed back to the main terminal for a minute. Just then I look over and Tiara is crying………. SO CAN’T DEAL WITH THIS RIGHT NOW! Was it the rain hitting the monorail windows or the talk of the plane malfunctioning, I don’t know but I just ignored it. We got to burger king at 8 and our flight was leaving at 8:30.

And here we go again! NO FOOD COOKED….I swear that this is a conspiracy. We stood there for 5 minutes but nothing was coming out. Nathan’s was closed and there was nothing at the deli the kids would eat. OH JUST FORGET IT! Sorry moms but dinner consisted of cheez-its, Pringles, and soda from the gift shop ($15). We boarded the plane but there was a delay because of the storm. Seems the catering truck was late, huh? What catering – the pretzels…….ooh our free soda. Turns out the fueling truck was late too. I SWEAR --- WHO DID I TICK OFF TODAY TO DESERVE THIS CARMA? We finally took off at 9 PM and needing to be back in my happy place, I started writing this trip report to re-live the brighter moments of our trip.

REFLECTIONS

Well you have finally made it to the end of my trip report. I have come to the conclusion that July is way too HOT! At least with the kids. I adore them but boy how do you guys with children have the patience. They tested me the whole trip. I can be very pushy so recognize that it is not a good thing with dealing with 11 year olds who wanted to be treated like adults but cared for like babies. I’m sure they were tired of me turning every meal into a lesson on manners but how can you go through a whole meal with ketchup on your cheeks and nose and not know it? HELLO……..MEET MR. NAPKIN! POP was a great resort for them but the rooms were too small for me.

On the other hand, I loved seeing the parade through their eyes. They were both 5 when they had been to Disney before and everything was all new to them. They enjoyed the trip so much and couldn’t stop hugging and kissing me for bringing them and that was priceless. We had an amazing time and Chase is already planning a trip to Universal with just me and him. He has big plans to ride the coasters there as he was too little when we went before.

BY THE WAY

I finally had my talk with Tiara’s mom when we got home and filled her in on her daughter. I had also inquired how she could possibly overlook telling me of her daughter’s fear with rain when we were heading to Florida! Evidently a few tornados touched down near their home. One night when they weren’t home, a tree fell on the house and crashed into the kids room. She has had a hard time ever since getting Tiara to realize that the same thing won’t happen every time it rains. They have also had to get the kids out of bed a couple of times and down to the first floor to sleep when there were sightings since they live in a wooded area. She had no idea Tiara would behave like that in just a simple rain storm and was so apologetic.

 

[vdarrell]

I am still here reading
Really I have enjoyed being with you on this trip and I think you held up well (considering).

As for Tiara being afraid of the storms and rain I can honestly see why if she had been through such a tramatic expereince as a child,I can still years later remember being in a torando and to this day it scares me.
Considering I just witnessed my first Hurricane Wind Storm (in OHIO )on Sunday Sept.14th
I will probably be freaked out everytime it gets windy.

I still think you are the best aunt ever a kid could have,and I promise I will not whine-show any fear-ride all rides and eat only what I order and not try to make you feel guilty for eating a pineapple float in front of me if you take me NEXT.(As you see I am still trying )

 

[JoanieS]

WHEW! Just read the whole report in one sitting!! Great report, and what a great Auntie you are!!

The kids are beautiful!

 

[disneyfun2007]

Great last day. I am glad Tiara enjoyed some coasters.

 

[Candice30]

I am still here reading
Really I have enjoyed being with you on this trip and I think you held up well (considering).

As for Tiara being afraid of the storms and rain I can honestly see why if she had been through such a tramatic expereince as a child,I can still years later remember being in a torando and to this day it scares me.
Considering I just witnessed my first Hurricane Wind Storm (in OHIO )on Sunday Sept.14th
I will probably be freaked out everytime it gets windy.

I still think you are the best aunt ever a kid could have,and I promise I will not whine-show any fear-ride all rides and eat only what I order and not try to make you feel guilty for eating a pineapple float in front of me if you take me NEXT.(As you see I am still trying )

boy oh boy...you are still trying huh? sorry but my mom gets a trip next! thanks for sticking with us!

WHEW! Just read the whole report in one sitting!! Great report, and what a great Auntie you are!!

The kids are beautiful!

thanks for joining us. we really did have a good time.

Great last day. I am glad Tiara enjoyed some coasters.

last day but she did enjoy them except RNR. i wish that i had planned to be at MKG in the daytime prior so that she would have gotten on big thunder and splash mountain earlier in the trip. thanks for reading along.