The Most Relaxing Place on Earth! 1/23, Day 8: Last Day!

[DreaGirl]

Awww I'm totally in!!! Glad to hear the start of your trip was hassle free, poor B!!!! I'm glad you had some great luck with the car!! Can't wait to see you at Disney!!!!

Thanks! I'm posting an update next.

I can imagine the two family shots.... Luke is never still, and I know B is in front of him in the walking category. I could barely stand him at the pumpkin patch, let alone WDW!

As for the 1 bedroom.... we will be forced to once Luke is three, so that really is only the next two years....but I think the kitchen area is awfully appealing for next summer.... but studios are so many less points....

Yes, the running is exhausting.

The 1 bedrooms are very nice. The kitchen wasn't even the biggest selling point for us, the extra room was sooooo nice!

I'm here! I am so excited that you have started! Travel day sounds pretty low-key so far (except for B.'s crying fit).

Thanks for coming along!

I'm here!

Sounds like a REALLY good travel day with a 3 year old and a 1 year old! I hope that is a sign of things to come for the trip.

I was surprised at how easy the day was. I was expecting to be screaming "Serenity Now" all morning.

Coming along for the ride

Welcome!!

Your trips sounds like it is off to a great start!

We all had colds during our trip and are still trying to get better. All of the schools here are canceled till Tuesday because so many people are sick!

My little ones did good on the plane…only a few loud noises from them. It is so exhausting to get through the airport. My parents helped. I don't know if I could manage with just DH and I. Its hard for me to relax.

Your DS looks so cute at the airport! I can't wait to hear more about your trip!

Yes, the "illness" is all around us here too. It's crazy! I hope everyone is better at your house.

Our philosophy is "slow and steady" at the airport. An extra set of hands would be great!

I am here and ready to hear about the whole trip!

The picture of your son looking back smiling before dashing off again reminded me of when mine were so little. They are so adorable at that age... wears you out but adorable just the same!

My husband and I say often that it's a good thing he's cute!

Welcome!

sorry I'm a little late but I'm glad I made it!!!!!

Sounds like a good first morning Your DS looks just like a little boy at my school that is about his age!!
Can't wait to hear about the rest of the day!!!

Welcome!!

Your kids are so cute!!! I can't wait to read more! That's a hint! haha

Hint taken.

I need to know if it is possible to really relax at Disney!

You'll have to read along and see.

We're planning our trip right now and I want it to be relaxing... taking breaks mid-day, etc. Looking forward to hearing what y'all did to relax at the World.

Welcome! I hope I can give you some tips along the way.

Awww! No way!! That is one souvenir that NO ONE needs. I hope you feel better soon.

Yes, the flu stinks! I'm finally feeling like a human being again. Although I'm still exhausted, it just keeps lingering on!!

 

[DreaGirl]

Thanks to our trusty GPS Margie, we were able to find the Sheraton Vistana Villages pretty easily. When we pulled up there were only a few cars so that was a good sign! When I got out of the car B. was sleeping in his carseat and A. was almost asleep.

When I walked in there was a huge line to check in. So, I got in line and waited, and waited, and waited. When I got closer I realized why it was taking so long. Each person that got checked in was given a very LOOOONNNNGGGG explanation of the resort map. I mean, it was like a 5 minute deal.

When it was my turn I gave her my name and crossed my fingers.....our room was READY! It was in the Amelia section and then she started going into the spiel. I very nicely told her we were here for one night and would only be using the pool. She told me about the pool/pool cards and I was on my way!

When I got out to the card I was met by 2 crying kids and husband that was biting his nails listening to the Notre Dame game. He looked at me and said "Please tell me the room is ready."

A very short drive later and we were in our room!

At this point A. and B. were both cranky and tired of being confined so that went crazy running around the room.

I had packed all of our needs for the night in one bag so Rob was happy not to lug in all our bags.

The crib was not in the room so I had to call and request that again. Well, our phones weren't working and the TV remote was missing! Not the start I was looking for...so I used my cell phone and called the front desk. Someone was at our door in literally a minute with a new remote and he fixed the phone. As he was doing that another person delivered the crib and the highchair! This was service!

After about an hour, I took A. to the pool and Rob stayed back with B. He wanted to watch the Notre Dame game and there was no way I could watch both of them at the pool alone.

(I forgot my camera in the room)
The pool was okay. The kiddie part was very big, but the splash pad in the middle was only partially working. I don't think the pool was heated either (or if it was, it was COLD) because we were freezing. The sun started going down at this point and A. was shivering she was so cold.

When I told her it was time to go she lost it. She started crying so loud. I knew at this point it had been a long day for her and she was just blowing off steam. I told her she could have some Oreos back in the room and that was enough to calm her down. We turned in our towels and headed back to the room.

I fixed the kids a very nutritious dinner of PB&J (A.) and waffles (B.) split a banana between the two of them and that was that.

After that B. and A. got a quick bath. A. was seen doing this

and I think you know what that means.

The original plan was for all of us to sleep in the bedroom and to set up B.'s crib in the living room. But since he went to bed so early and Rob and I still hadn't eaten dinner so we put the crib in the bedroom and thought we would all sneak in later.

After B. was in bed we enjoyed some dinner (PB&J) and relaxed.

After some discussion we decided that Rob and A. would sleep on the pull-out bed (he wanted to watch Nascar) and we were afraid she would wake up B.

We pulled out the bed and A. fell asleep almost as soon as her head hit the pillow.

Rob and I discussed our plans for the next day. I had planned us getting up EARLY and heading to SSR so we could pick up our KTTW and head to HS for rope drop. I was stressing out just thinking about getting up that early, packing up the bag, eating breakfast.....

So I made an executive decision. We would wake up whenever the kids got up, fix eggs, take our time and get there when we get there. I already felt better and RELAXED.

I took a quick shower and headed to bed.

Coming up next: Day 2: WOOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! (and not the good kind)

 

[MomsOf2boys]

And so the trip began......

 

[praisehisname]

Hi, I'm coming along for your report! Your ending has me a little nervous!

Denise

 

[Lady Lallie]

I'm glad you were able to make the decision to relax in the morning. I say that is a very good sign for a relaxing vacation....

Well until I read about your not good WOOOHOOOO.

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

Sheraton looks very nice!! My aunt and uncle had stayed there last year on vacation points and really liked it! I love the location of the resort. When I was a CM on my college program, our housing was just about a mile away (where I stayed) and the other housing was right next to the resort. I love that the walmart and outlets are right down the road from there not to mention the eating choices!!

I'm interested to see how day 2 went since there were not so magical things that happend your first day!!

Feel better!

 

[marieNJkitty]

The cold weather was so unexpected! I couldn't believe the difference in temperature from the beginning to the end of the week!

I hope you are all feeling better. Our colds are never ending I think.

 

[Charleston Princess]

Good job on making the call to take things slowly and easily the following day! No reason to stress yourself out on vacation!

 

[honeymooner09]

Looking forward to hearing the rest!

 

[DreaGirl]

And so the trip began......

Hi, I'm coming along for your report! Your ending has me a little nervous!

Denise

Welcome!!

I'm glad you were able to make the decision to relax in the morning. I say that is a very good sign for a relaxing vacation....

Well until I read about your not good WOOOHOOOO.

Yes, that was the plan. And you know what they say about the best laid plans...

Sheraton looks very nice!! My aunt and uncle had stayed there last year on vacation points and really liked it! I love the location of the resort. When I was a CM on my college program, our housing was just about a mile away (where I stayed) and the other housing was right next to the resort. I love that the walmart and outlets are right down the road from there not to mention the eating choices!!

I'm interested to see how day 2 went since there were not so magical things that happend your first day!!

Feel better!

Hi! Yes, the Sheraton was very nice.

I lived at Vista Way when I was a CM and the area did not have as much stuff as it does now. I was surprised when we were driving around that area.

We all feel better for the moment. I hope it lasts.

The cold weather was so unexpected! I couldn't believe the difference in temperature from the beginning to the end of the week!

I hope you are all feeling better. Our colds are never ending I think.

I know! I'm glad I threw in those capri pants at the last second!

We are finally feeling better around here.

Good job on making the call to take things slowly and easily the following day! No reason to stress yourself out on vacation!

I agree!

Looking forward to hearing the rest!

Coming right up!

 

[DreaGirl]

I quietly opened the door and B. didn't even stir in his crib. I laid there for a few minutes and I was off to dreamland.

BEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPP! That was me at 4:23 AM. Yes folks, someone had set the alarm. Only this alarm sounded more like a fire alarm beep. My heart skipped and I sat up straight in bed thinking the place was on fire. After about 2 seconds I realized that it was the alarm and dove for it. I couldn't figure out how to turn it off and it was so dark in the room that I finally decided to just unplug it. This whole ordeal lasted about 45 seconds to a minute.

B. had not even moved! I couldn't believe it. I laid back down and held my breathe knowing that he was going to cry at any second. The next thing I know it is around 6:30 and I have a little boy staring at me saying "Mom-Mom". You can't get mad at a wake-up call like that!

We played in the room for about 1/2 and hour and then I decided to see if anyone else was up. When I opened the door the TV was on, A. was watching Playhouse Disney and Rob was fixing some coffee. I assumed that they hadn't heard the alarm and had a peaceful night sleep until I got closer and saw how tired they both looked.

I asked if it was really uncomfortable sleeping in that bed and Rob said the bed wasn't the problem. It was our neighbors. At about 11:30 Rob said it sounded like a nightclub next door and screaming ladies every other minute going WOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOO! And of course, the WOOHOO ladies woke up A. He said that when he finally had had enough A. had fallen back asleep despite the noise and he was afraid if he got up to call then he would wake her up. So he sat up for who knows how long listening to the neighbors.

And he heard the alarm. So much for restful night!

We decided to go ahead and make eggs/waffles/toast. Eat and get ready for the day. We did this surprisingly quick. We were just sitting around so we decided to do the phone check-out.

I did that while Rob packed the car. A. did this:

So I knew she was tired.

We got out Margie (the GPS) and set the course for SSR!

Someone is tired!

After a very short ride we saw this!

And then this!

We decided on the ride over if the room was ready we were going to unload our stuff, settle in, and see if the kids would take a morning nap. I went to check in and..........the room was not ready. Bummer!

We dropped off our cold items with Aaron and headed to Hollywood Studios.

We parked the car and walked up to the front. At this point it was around 9:10, so we had gotten there almost at rope drop. I was impressed and I wasn't even stressed out.

There was no wait to check our bag or go through the gate so we were in the park around 9:15.

You can see from this picture that it was a little chilly this day. It was in the high 60's I think, maybe a little colder. When we were in the sun we were fine though.

Our first stop was a fast pass to TSMM.

The fastpasses were already for 2:30! I couldn't believe it. The park was basically empty, so it seemed like every single person in the park decided to fastpass this ride.

We still had about 45 minutes before the next Playhouse Disney show so we decided to walk through One Man's Dream. We had never done this before and we thought it would be interesting. Well, 2 of us thought it was interesting and 2 of us thought it would be fun to run like crazy people. I'll give you a hint who one of the crazy people is...

All I can say is B. must have gotten a GREAT night's sleep because he was wild man. Laughing, running, screaming.... A. must have gotten a terrible night's sleep because she was laughing, running, crying, whining....repeat. She was a mess. We basically walked/ran though the archives and passed on the movie.

As we were exiting and making our way to the Playhouse Disney stage we saw that the High School Musical show was about to start so we decided to check it out.

We've never seen the movies, but I thought this was a cute show. It is VERY loud, and that was bothering A. so only stayed for about 10 minutes. One strange thing I noticed was that there were a group of men in suits standing behind the show. One was taking notes, one had a stop watch, and the rest were clapping along to the show. They had on Disney name tags, so I assume it was some managers checking things out.

We did a very short walk...

and got in line for the Playhouse Disney show. B. was still a crazy wild person so Rob had to pick him up and play around with him so he didn't annoy everyone else.

We had been in line about 5 minutes and they opened the doors, when we had to scream we were ready. We screamed, and then screamed again and then the doors opened!

We were in the middle section and fairly close to the front. A. was so excited she could barely contain herself.

B. was not impressed and thought it would be more fun to run around.

Yes, we were "those" parents. We let our kid run around while they were letting people in. I know, I know. But, it was either that or listen to a screaming kid...take your pick.

After everyone was in they started the show!

***I have a video but for some reason Photobucket will not upload it. I'll try again later and insert it here. ***

(I will say that A. was a bit surprised because we had been watching the videos from our last trip and "Casey" was a girl. This time "Casey" was a boy, but she got over it when Mickey popped up.)

Rob had stayed in the back with B. in case he didn't enjoy the show but he sat and watched the entire thing. He really loved it. We all did. This is a must-do for us!

***Continued***

 

[DreaGirl]

***Continued from previous Post***
After the show we walked out and saw these guys...

but as we were in line they had to go "rest". A. was disappointed, to put it mildly.

B. was being his crazy self, so Rob took him for a walk. The nice CM saw how disappointed A. was and told us that Handy Manny would be out soon if we wanted to head over to the other line.

You don't have to tell us twice! We were in the other line in about 2 seconds and out walks this guy!

A. was super excited and told him that she had his truck, his tools, his doll, and watched "Handy Manny Green Team" on her little TV (DVD player). Manny was kind and shook his head and did his hand gestures and A. was in heaven!

We found Rob and B. and A. said to him "Guess what Dad, I met Handy Manny, but he didn't talk."

We looked over and saw that 2 more Einsteins were out so we got in a very short line.

After that we took a bathroom break, diaper change break, and a food break.

I will say this was our worst snack on the trip. We got a pretzel and it was cold and stale. I was going to complain until we saw Donald was out and had a VERY short line. We raced over there and met him.

At this point B. was finally losing steam and was content in his stroller.

We looked at the map...

and decided on a plan for the rest of the morning. Our lunch wasn't for another 45 minutes, but we thought we would try to check in early.

Coming up next: Please, please let us eat and Should we stay or should we go now....if we stay there will be trouble...

 

[DreaGirl]

Two videos:

 

[ms mouse]

You have a very cute family.

 

[Daisy14]

Ahh a Clash fan! Lol, great TR so far!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Oh, I can't believe the ordeal between the alarm and the noisy neighbors! Poor A. having her sleep disrupted like that!

The pictures with the Playhouse Disney characters and Donald are super cute! I am glad to see A. smiling despite being tired!

 

[IluvXU]

Yikes about the alarm clock. I am impressed that Rob and A were that quiet. Doug would have woken me up too I bet.

Good for you for staying relaxed about rope drop.... wonder how Sci- Fi went now...


Love the character pics and I can only imagine Luke at WDW as I watch B.

Loved hearing about the day!

Ahh... the world before HSM! It was on here tonight. Hannah so loves it, Em likes it. Just wait!

 

[brookelizabeth]

I love this pic!!!


Sounds like a great start to the day--minus the poor sleep for your DH and A.! Relaxed, yet you were getting a lot done, can't beat that. Playhouse Disney Live is such a blast, isn't it? Henry SHRIEKED when the bubbles came...ahhh, so much fun!!

 

[praisehisname]

How horrible about the alarm and the loud neighbors! That's great that "A" got to see so many characters! Uh oh about your dinner...

Denise

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

sorry about the alarm that stinks The last place I lived at in FL was a condo rental community and the unit beside where we lived was a rental and I can't tell you how many times the alarm clock in the master bedroom that was back to back with my room went off and no one was there renting Thankfully a lady who lived below cared for the unit and we would just let her know and she would unlock the unit and turn off the alarm. I had learned to turn on the fan in the bathroom to drown our the sound!!!

Seeing those popcorn buckets makes me want POPCORN!!!!