The Toilet Paper is Softer at the Poly - Trip Report 3/23 - 3/30 Day 1&2 NEW Day 3

[adirtbikeshop]

Things you need to know about us –

Mr. Incredible – (41) Dh of 19 years, recently converted to theme park lover and all things Disney. Likes long walks on the beach, girl drinks and fireworks. Owns his own business with his brother and best friend.

Jack Jr. – our miracle son who is 5¾ and a confirmed pirate. Disney rules his life from “Zach and Cody” to WDW, he is Disney born and bred. Might be his fathers child or is he Jack Sr’s son??? (Answer revealed on Day 3)

ScrapKat aka Mrs. Incredible – (40) Ready to move to the World…and live the dream. In the real I world work part time at the local high school and scrapbook full time (don’t laugh, it helped pay for this trip).

Because nothing in our life is ever simple, we had to have dinner with the “Fam” to celebrate our niece’s birthday. After a delightful meal, we left town and began our journey to Kansas City. We arrived in the middle of a downpour to the Sheraton 4 Points around 11:00pm, we needed to be at the airport at 5:30am to check in for our 7:30am flight. The staff at 4 Points were gracious and helpful, the lady at the check in desk took Jack Jr. back to the kitchen to get him some yogurt, but it was locked up so she got him a big glass of OJ instead. Several people started coming down so she said she would take us to our gate so we wouldn’t have to be on the shuttle too long.
We loaded up and headed to the airport.

Southwest here we come. We checked in our luggage and headed towards our gate. Shoes off and bags to the ready we made our way through the scanners and checkers and after it was determined that we were not suspicious we were allowed to join the others. Now when I say others I mean the hoards of others preparing to go to Orlando, by way of Tampa. We make our way over to where the “A” loading line begins and set up camp, only to find out that is we get on this plane we will end up in Vegas.

Off to the corner to hide, while away the minutes as we wait and wait… Finally, those Vegas people are out of our way and like OJ (good OJ, not evil OJ) running to get through the airport I hurtle over the people and end up
2nd in line for “A”. Now the cruel crushing of my seat choice dreams begin to materialize. Where did all of these pre boarders come from? What kind of parent makes their 4 and under child fly out at this unearthly time and "why O why", did mine have to go and turn 5? And the loading begins and seems to continue for what seems like hours….

Finally on board… not too bad about the 7th row back on the right. Mr. Incredible does not love the flying, actually he mostly dislikes the taking off and he landing and okay some of the middle…but he does fine, Jack Jr. seems to have taken to flying like a bird. I can take it or leave it. My theory for a long time was that you never saw a Buick falling from the sky. But, I like the rapid results of flying.

We eat our snack and have our beverage and before you can say “Supercalifraga…” we are in Tampa.

Mr. Incredible takes the shuttle over to Alamo, while Jr. and I get the bags. We grab them amongst the sea of luggage and make our way out the door. It is at his point that I remember that Mr. Incredible has my phone as well as his. So Jr and I jump on the Alamo shuttle and by sheer luck make it to meet Mr. Incredible as he is coming out of the building.

Now if you have a business or a brother you may understand this, the first call comes… and then another and so on. In the meantime, we head to the cars. One night while planning we had the brilliant idea that a convertible would be the way to go…if you own a PT Cruiser convertible you will recognize that there is not a trunk only a hatch. (Never make important car decisions after 10pm) We loaded up Jr. with luggage surrounding him and off we went towards Orlando.

After about the first 20 minutes we had enough of being windblown and were questioning the wisdom of this choice. Pull over, put up top and on the road again. About halfway to Orlando, Jack Jr. is thinking he might be hungry. Quick stop at McD’s and we are off again.

We pull into Orlando around 3pm and decide to go ahead and check in at the Pop. We pull up; I jump out and run in. No one in line so I am next, great young man at he check in desk. Drivers license, credit card and we are a go… room 4472. Front corner room, away from the elevator but still close, top floor facing the hippy dippy pool. 60’s preferred. Well worth the extra $. Now rookie mistake here, why didn’t we take our luggage with us to check out the room? Room – check and off to the Mall and Wal-Mart.

We leave Pop and go to the Florida Mall only to find out that they have closed the Playmobil store, our reason to stop here. So we head out across the parking lot and go to Target. Mark this off our list and to Wal-Mart. Let’s see b each towels; liquor, soda, sunscreen and we have it all. Back to Pop. Rookie mistake 2 – 60’s preferred could not be any farther from all the parking lots. We decided that the 80’s parking would be best. We unload our suitcases and realize that we have a ton of stuff. We open suitcases and begin to stuff, Wal-Mart and Target purchases busting our bags at the seams. Walking and walking and dragging and rethinking what we were dragging… Finally, we made it to our room. We quickly freshened up and headed back out, we had reservations in EPCOT at Le Cellier. Following the lead of fellow Disers, we made our way to the Boardwalk. After not being able to find a parking spot, we decided that valet was the only way to go. Car parked, we headed to the Boardwalk and ran-walked to the International Gateway. In the gate and down the path (stopping to get our extra magic hour bracelets), to our favorite place to eat, I checked us in and in a few we were seated. Mr. I ordered the steak kabob appetizer, the strip steak for entrée and the doubleberry buckle for dessert. I had the wasabi shrimp cocktail, the strip steak for my entrée and the crème brulee. Jack Jr. had the cheddar cheese soup, chicken nuggets and the build a sundae for dessert.

Full bellies later we made our way out and headed toward Soarin. NO fast passes to be had and a 90 minute wait convinced us that we were not meant to ride it. Living with the Land, what a great ride, how had we missed this one. Rode it twice. Back to Soarin, one more try, the CM said we needed to go in the fast pass way and who were we to say no. So off we went into the fast pass line, and right into the front row of Soarin. No wait… how did we get so lucky.

Over to the seas and in to Talk to Crush, then to give Nemo a shout out and over to Mission Space green.

Picked up a Pirate autograph book and a Pal Mickey. Back down the path and in the boat to Boardwalk, out the door and picked up the car from the Valet. Back to Pop and off to bed.

Next Breakfast with the Princesses in EPCOT.

 

[almousefan]

Can't wait to hear more about your trip. I am a fellow scrapbooker and have used it to help pay for trips as well. Good for you!

 

[winkers]

Great start! I'm also a scrapbooker, but that only drains money from my wallet! What do you do to make money with it??

 

[princessjv]

I'm in...but do tell how you make $$ scrapping? I tend to just spend it...and too much of it too!

 

[almousefan]

I am a consultant with a scrapbooking company. So, I get all my stuff at cost and then make money on sales to all my friends and fellow scrappers. I have also done some scrapbooks for customers and charge them for time and material. It's a fun way to earn extra cash for more trips to Disney!

 

[disneyaddicted]

It was the title of your TR that caught my eye. Why am I intrigued with toilet paper? I don't know Great trip report so far, I am hooked and ready to read more.

 

[lennon2004]

Liking it so far..will be reading along.

 

[adirtbikeshop]

I teach scrapbooking classes at 2 of my local stores and work for Oriental Trading Company as a freelance designer.

I sold creative memories for a while but never made my fortune in it.


Part 2 is on it's way!!

 

[m11dolphin]

great start, can't wait to read more

 

[katmattsmom]

Your title caught my eye!
We just got back at 2am this morning (yes, I'm exhausted!) but when we went to the CR for dinner, I used the restroom and came out and told my family that the TP there was soft, not like ours at the value resorts (the silly things ya notice!). LOL!

 

[jcc0621]

Did your DS like breakfast with princesses? We were thinking of doing the princess lunch at Akerhaus, but weren't sure if DS would like it. As he says princesses are GIIIIIIRRRRRLLLL's. But then he tells mommy she is princess and that he loves her

 

[Tasmen]

It was the title of your TR that caught my eye. Why am I intrigued with toilet paper?

I have to admit that the title caught my eye as well. Maybe we just have a soft spot in our heart for potty humor of a childhood gone by?

 

[SkrapKat]

Breakfast with the girls…



In the 11th hour Jack Jr. made the grand announcement that “Pooh is LAME” and that he was eating with the Princesses. After a bit of last minute cajoling and begging the wonderful CM’s at Disney Dining found me a cancellation on Saturday at Akershus.



We left out at 7:00am driving first to the Transportation Center to return the rental car. Alamo loaded us up in a shuttle and delivered us to the gate at Epcot. We were checked off the list and allowed to go through. Racing the others headed for Norway, we pulled ahead at the stroller station and sprinted into the lead, we did it… 1st in line. Yeah us! We waited about 5 minutes and the Royal Family was escorted in to see Belle. Quick photo stop and off to our table. Fantastic spot in section 1, fourth table to have the princesses stop by. Mr. Incredible and I were amazed by how beautiful the servers were. Ordered drinks and headed to the buffet, we are not much on salmon, but the other stuff was great. Then the hot food arrived and wow, it was all very good. We were just digging in when Sleeping Beauty came out, few pics and an autograph later, Jack Jr. was in heaven. Jasmine, Mulan and Snow White, pictures and autographs, quick stop back to get Belles “John Hancock” and we were done.

Out and into Epcot we headed over to get fast passes for Soarin. Rode Living with the Land, saw the Circle of Life film, took in Figment and even though Jack Jr. was concerned that we might be shrunk forever we watched , Honey I Shrunk the Audience. Whew, made it out and back to full size, what a shame, wish I could have dropped a size or 2. Back for fastpass at Soarin and off to make Nestle Tollhouse Cookies. Love that magic oven, wish I had one. We decided that it was time to take a break and a swim.



Walked out to our bus stop as a bus to Pop was pulling (had this luck all week). Got back to the hotel and changed to swim. Amazing that the sun could feel so warm, but just stepping out of the water was cold. Did my best Rose (from Titanic) impression, “It’s so cold, Jack”. Needless to say, Jack Jr. did not get it. Back to the room and a short nap, we were on our way to Raglan Road, at DTD.



Little disappointed this trip with Raglan Road. Appetizer and dessert good, but not happy with entrée choices. Left the Road and spent some time window shopping DTD, went into Goofy’s candy shop and made a treat. Took too long but met some nice folks from Florida and had a nice visit.



Overall, great day but we were worn out. Out to bus stop and Pop bus pulled up.



Next Pooh, Pirates and People….

 

[SkrapKat]

Yes he loved the Princesses... If I can figure how to attach a Pic I will....

 

[karenell]

Can't wait to hear more - love your title!

 

[winkers]

Breakfast with the girls…


Back for fastpass at Soarin and off to make Nestle Tollhouse Cookies. Love that magic oven, wish I had one. We decided that it was time to take a break and a swim.



….

Where do you make tollhouse cookies at??

 

[adirtbikeshop]

In the Land, behind the food court area. There is a place you can see what type of cookie you are... and the kids make cookies. It is so awesome.

 

[sunlver]

Loving your trip report so far looking forward to reading more.

 

[mdsouth]

Enjoying the report!
I too was caught by your title!

 

[adirtbikeshop]

I apologize for the delay in getting on with it. Real life bit us in the behind. Issues at work, ear infections and so on… I am so ready to return to the World where each day is full of magic.

So let’s see where we left off…

We get up and head to the Magic Kingdom to have breakfast with Pooh and the gang. Upon arrival to the entrance gates, we are surrounded by princesses and their families eagerly awaiting their admittance to the castle to dine with Cindy, but not us today, we are headed to the Crystal Palace. Wow, what a treasure this place is. How could we have never dined here before? The gate opens and we are off. Not straight turn left, yep and up onto the porch. Check in and wait. Five minutes later our name is called and we are given a table by the window. It just keeps getting better. Our cast member joins us and tells us about the buffet, she also advises us to make sure to get back to our table when the first character comes out so we won’t have to wait for them to come back around. Now as you might remember we have the child who declared that Pooh was lame, however when Pooh made his grand entrance, Jack Jr. was beside himself and couldn’t wait for him to come see us. Overall the character interaction was great, small crowd at 8am seating and food was really good. We had pics taken with all the guys and ate our fill and were out by 8:50am. Out the door and to the left, no early morning trip to Fantasyland for us, it was straight to Adventureland and to the Pirates of the Caribbean for this bunch.

While we waited at the rope for the gate to open we were joined by another really nice family who were staying at the Shades of Green. We had a lovely chat and they raced alongside us. We made it; first boat to leave for the morning, wow was this ever worth it. Love the new Pirates. Ride over and out into the gift shop. Jack Jr. and Mr. I decided to ride again but I had business to attend to. Off they go and into the gift shop for me. I pick up Jack Jr. a genuine, bonafide Jack Sparrow hat. As they step off the traveling ramp, I tell Jack J. that while I was waiting for them, I ran into Captain Jack and he was so sorry to have missed him, but he had left him something. OMG, this kid flipped out and from this point on anyone who would listen to his story he felt the need to tell about his mom running into Jack and Jack giving him his hat. So we know that they will be having a Pirate tutorial here but we have some time to kill first.

Down the path, and through the secret passage to Frontierland, stay the course to the left and up the ramp by the lake and into the gates of the Haunted Mansion. Short wait and we are in our Doom buggy making our way through. Fabulous ride, we are making great time. To the left again, we find always going left gives us comfort and today it gave us good luck. As we cross under the bridge into Fantasy land we get a taste of the Year of a Million Dreams Magic. Jack Jr. I stopped by one of those fantastic folks and asked if he knows what other ride in the Magic Kingdom has pirates like him. He thinks for a minute and we hint “the hook” and he blurts out, “Captain Hook, oh Peter Pan.” This is the correct response. “Would you like to be an honorary lost boy?” Who wouldn’t? Now at this point, I’ll admit I had to do a bit of coaxing. The line for Pete was already 30 minutes and we need to ride this to check it off the list. Jack Jr. agrees takes the oath and we are escorted to the head of the line. Kind greetings from the surrounding cast members and into a flying boat we go. Neverland – check.

While in Fantasy land, we take in Philharmagic and It’s a Small World. Back under the bridge and by the lake, across Frontierland into the secret entrance and across the edge of adventureland and back around Pirates, just in time to see the Pirate tutorial end. Okay, so our luck, is it running out? Have we tempted fate? 45 minutes and they will return. We can do this. Who’s that guy? Captain Hook and Smee? Let’s get us an autograph and a picture. Now, I am gonna say it here, if you were the guy with the wife with the broken leg standing behind us in line, be lucky that I was in a good mood. So you all know this guy, he is the only one with kids and whole time (20 minutes at least) we were in line he was encouraging the people getting pictures and autographs to hurry up. “Yeah, yeah hurry, that’s it, get your picture, now move, go on, get.” Do you know him? So this goes on and on and on, the people in front of us step up and get their autograph and as they are posing for pix, we get the encouragement from behind. “Come on, move your kids already.” Now mind you, his darling child had just stepped on the back of my foot for the 10th time and I am losing my sparkle, and it is Jack Jr’s turn. NOW, Buddy, I have worked and saved for a year for this trip for my child, he is going to have his picture made with Hook and Smee and get his book signed. Jack Jr. steps up and hands the book over and as I snap a couple of shots of the signing, it begins. “Come on, get it signed and get on.” Mr. I was not there to hold me back, I don’t want to go to Disney jail, so in my nicest, get the point voice, I told the man. “Ya know what, it’s gonna be okay, everyone is going to get their books signed and pictures taken, so you just need to settle down, you are gonna get a turn.” I could almost hear the people around us send up a cheer and the cast member taking pictures gave me a thumbs up and we shared a moment, as in my frustration I handed him my id instead of my picture card. Pictures, taken it was time to move away, my work here was done and if I had stayed any longer I would have kicked him.

Shady spot outside Pirates, our little haven. We made a few good morning calls, we are in Disney and you are home taunting. Then the pirate arrived and we stepped up. Mr. I was asked to hold the rope as he formed his circle and we staked a claim on our spots. Jack Jr. said hello to the Pirate and the Pirate said that he felt like he knew him from somewhere. Mind you, that Jack Jr. has on his new hat, his regulation headband with beads and dreads (hair) attached and his favorite Jack Shirt. So began the lessons and there he was Jack Sr. Wow, eerie…now about this time Jack Sr. came over and saw Jack Jr. and asked, “have we met love?” You betcha, “Jamaica” I replied. The crowd laughed, and I was thinking Mr. Incredible-who? “We need this lad to help us”, Jack Sr. said and asked Jack Jr. to join them in the circle.

Okay at this point we could have left and gone home and Jack Jr. would have been happy.

So the tutorial goes on, and they learn the thrust, parry, distraction and run away. 4 more kids join the group. First one, up to fight the Pirate, thrust, parry, distract and run away. Now it was Jack Jr’s turn, Mr. I and myself ready our cameras and begin to click away, when Captain Jack himself steps up and says, “I’m gonna fight this lad, myself.” Huge lump in my throat, I could not have asked for anything else for my baby boy. This is the stuff dreams are made of and would be discussed all week long and retold with wonder in his eyes.

They step up, thrust, parry and distraction – Jack Jr. says, “there’s an apple” and without skipping a beat Jack Sr. says, “I’ve already eaten, lad”. We all share a laugh and Jr. runs away to the line. They finish up the show by handing out honorary pirate certificates to the kids and Jack Sr. runs away. We clap and beaming Jr. makes his way back to us. Does it get any better than this?

We decide that we need to go back to the Pop to swim and rest for the EMH tonight at Magic Kingdom. We get on our gear and head to the pool. I am so glad that we made the trip to Wal-mart earlier and bought some pool toys.

For dinner… we had reservations at Crystal Palace. Twice in one day? You better believe it. If you think that breakfast is good, then you need to try dinner. It was awesome.

We got our armbands for EMH and rode some rides, watched Wishes, chose a bad location. During EMH, we got to see Monsters laugh club. Loved this one. Had a great night but headed back to the hotel around 1pm.

Next: Breakfastasaurus and Animal Kingdom