The Ups and Downs of Labor Day weekend 2010

[annmarieda]

I am determined to finish this TR. So for good or bad, here is another update

After we watched the movie in Canada. We checked in for our ADR. The waiting area was quite full. I anticipated having to wait a bit. I was not wrong, we did have a bit of a wait. While waiting, the cm checking people in attempted the share a hidden mickey with us. Now, normally I don't really take note. I notice here and there...like in the wall paper of our room's bathroom or in a stone walkway. I just don't pay enough attention to count. Still, it was nice of her to attempt to entertain us.

We had the BEST waiter of any of meals this trip. I am sorry, I do not remember his name. He was patient with us (my mom) and made suggestions. He told us about substitutions we could do. He chatted with us. He was great!

Still, we had done a silly thing and had been eating ALL day. (remember? ) We were quite full. Could we have had a bowl of soup or maybe a dessert? Yes, that would have been quite nice. However, we had a full TS credit each that we needed to use up! First though, we might as well order some of those wonderful smoothies they have to offer. I can not entirely remember who ordered what. I believe I was the only one to order the yellow one.

Next came the bread...and could we please get more of the pretzel bread?

Kira ordered the mushroom fillet and for dessert she was adventurous and tried the white wine semifredo. She ended up not hating the semifredo, but thought it would be something she would appreciate more when she was older.

Mom had the strip steak with the gratin. She had the whiskey cake boxed to go. Mom didn't like the gratin at all. She didn't eat it.

For the first time, Zoe was able to get something yummy. The poor girl had been living off of chicken strips, mac n cheese, burgers and pizza all week. She got the steak and some raw carrots (a substitution).

I had the prix fix. I had to get the cheddar soup! Course, it seemed a bit spicy for me this time and even with dipping the pretzel sticks in it, I was unable to eat it all. I then had the prime rib. It was the most "melt in your mouth" cut I have EVER had. For dessert, I had the mouse. I know that it is well loved, but I honestly was a bit disappointed. It reminded me of chocolate frosting.

The meal was wonderful, even if we were stuffed before we even started. I think we should have been rolled out of the restaurant. I think we would have got out of the parks faster that way.

While at dinner, I got a call from the next person in line for the fridge swap I was participating in. She was about to leave Epcot and would be back to Pop soon. I told her we were not yet done with dinner and she seemed to understand.

By the time we left the park, men on segways were patrolling. We were of course stopped and told the park was closed. Duh... I had to explain we just got done with dinner. We made it to the buses and they were great!!! I guess it was good I had that moment of not being frustrated because once I got back to Pop, I had my melt down of the trip.

Next Chapter;

Not cut out for swapping.

 

[annmarieda]

I can't remember, but did I mention that 9/7 was our last full day in the park? I think it may have made me a bit sad or maybe it was the stress of the entire week or maybe it was the heat. In any case, I hit my breaking point the night of 9/7. I was not at all in good form. I was down right not nice and acted a bit like a child throwing a temper tantrum. Knowing this, prepare yourself to read, cause it aint gonna be pretty.

I mentioned that we left Epcot after park closing. I mentioned that I had received a call from the next swapper while still at dinner noting that she would be back to the hotel soon. Even though I was set to give up the fridge the next day, I did not want to hassle with it on our last day. We had an early ADR for breakfast and I knew we would want to spend as much time in the park as possible. The next swapper had wanted me to bring the fridge to her and since we would be out the door and checked out so early, it was just too much to add on. This left doing it the night before.

So that is where we will start. I knew I had to get a luggage cart on our way to our room. I gave the girls all that I was holding and them I would meet them back at our room. I wanted them to get started on packing. I stopped at luggage services. I have to say, I was pouty. I didn't feel I was the one who should be acquiring the luggage cart. (yet, I never said anything and I am responsible for this) I thought as long as I could do this as painless as possible it would be fine. Well, it was not painless. First, they were about close so it was hard to track someone down. Once I did get someone, the cm said he could not just let me have a cart. They would need my room key and id. I didn't have them with me...so...instantly it was no longer easy. I would have to go to the room, interrupt the flow of what was happening with the girls and then come back. I know, I know...that isn't that bad...I shouldn't have been a toddler about it. (I did say this was not going to be pretty, right? )

I left luggage services in a huff. I could hear the cm behind me asking if I was ok. I waved him off and went on my way. When I came back to the room, frustrated...I grabbed the already tattered box and began to pack everything into it that needed to be delivered to the next swapper.

My mom got very nervous at this point cause she could see I was frazzled. She insisted on Kira helping me with the box. Now, I am not a huge person...but honestly I am quite strong and I knew I could handle carrying the fridge the short distance across to the 70's section of Pop. I brushed Kira off and went on my way. I had thought it would be in the closest part of the 70's section. It was not. I kept making my way toward my destination...little bit by little bit. The entire time, sweat was dripping down my face. It was so bad, that it was even pooling on my upper lip. The box was not handling the transport very well. At one point, lifting it up by the edge cause a piece of the top flap to tear off. I was overwhelmed by the thought that the box may not hold the contents until I reach the room.

The call I received at dinner was hard to hear. I am not sure if it was my phone or the other swappers..but the conversation was broken up quite a bit. The room number I had heard and the actual room number were not the same. By the time I got to the (not correct) room I was so frustrated with everything, most of all myself. When I feel like I have not done something right, that is when I am my worst at pitching a fit. Not sure why...I am just crazy that way. I wanted to get back to my room asap. So I knocked on the door and...no answer. (remember this is the wrong room) I knocked again...no answer. Now I am getting mad. I drag this thing across the resort because the other person can't come to get it and they can't even open the door???? I think it was close to midnight at this point. I was quickly flooded with thoughts of dragging it back to my room and then having to try again in the morning. (the morning I was trying to free up so that we could enjoy as much as we could before our flight ) I began to pound. (good grief how embarrassing. I am such a jerk!) A very sleepy man opened the door. I explained I was dropping off the fridge. He was confused and said they were not expecting one. He checked with his wife and she agreed...they were not expecting a fridge.

Now I was to the point of tears. I was going to have to figure out where the actual room was. I started to call the next swapper when I myself got a call. I looked down the walkway and just a couple of rooms down was a person on a cell phone. It was the next swapper wondering when I would be there. I was a bit relieved that I had only over shot the room by a couple, but...I was still almost to tears. I do not make it a habit of crying in public...or even having much in the way of emotional displays in public. I had to get back to my room because I could feel the tears welling in me. I am afraid, I all but threw the box at her. (again, said it wouldn't be pretty) She was extremely nice (which didn't help..I just felt even more like a jerk) She wanted to chit chat and all I wanted to do was run back to my room. Normally, I am nice. Normally, I want to chit chat. Not tonight. I was so angry with myself for how I had let this happen that I just wasn't in the mood for a proper dismeet. I really should not have taken it out on her. I honestly hope my behavior did not ruin any part of her trip. I know that all it can take is one rude or not nice person to set the tone. I hate to think I was that person that did this to her.

I try to be accommodating to everyone. Usually at my own expense. When this swapper did not want to pick the fridge up from me but rather have me take it to her, I should have told her we needed to follow the rules (which are that she would be picking it up) She had a small child though and I thought I could make it work so that life would be easier for her. When it made it harder for me I should have kept myself in check. I just think that trying to juggle my mom and Kira's happiness all week had made me exhausted. (not that this is an excuse) I guess the lesson I did learn though was the i was not cut out for swapping.

I hurried back to my room. We had to be up very early since our last ADR of the trip was set for 8am. I wanted to have everyone pack while I was delivering the fridge. I came back to find that everyone in the room had been having their own melt downs. Mom had lost something and was ransacking all the bags/luggage trying to find it. This was making Kira crazy not only because she knew I would return and expect packing to be well on its way, but since it was one of the many items that my mom bought for her neighbor and her neighbors daughter. (she did not buy anything for Kira or my boys...but LOTS of stuff for this other little girl)

Rather than deal with them, I went into the bathroom and had my first cry of the trip. I sat and let a few hot tears flow. Tears because of how many time I had to be the one to try and make it better for my mom and girls. Tears because of how hot it had been. Tears because of how tired I was. Tears because the trip was almost over. Finally, tears because of how poorly I had acted just moments before. I collected myself and went back into the room.

I found what my mom was looking for. She was sure someone threw it away or took it and I knew that would not have been the case. I knew it would just take some patience.

I got all our bags ready to go for the next day and set them near the door.

I got everyone to shower and to bed.

Finally, I got showered and to bed myself.

What a night!

Next Chapter;

Saying good bye to Pop Century

 

[KatMark]

Love your shopping day and LeCellier. That pretzel bread is to die for...Mark absolutely loves it. Truthfully, I like the sourdough just a tad better--I'm the odd one, I guess.

LOVE the Tigger pictures with Zoe.

Sorry about all the hassle with the luggage cart and the fridge swap. I think at this point you were very deserving a small meltdown of your own.

 

[SimmerBaggins]

To be honest, I can totally relate to feeling that frustrated when things that I'm trying to do don't work out and it's usually my fault...then my frustration just makes me angry and I lash out... so I can understand how you were feeling, especially so late at night when you knew that you had to be up so early!

And I already know myself well enough to not go through extra steps like swapping...maybe I'm just selfish or stingy, but I don't want to have to take time out of my vacation to make sure someone else is taken care of!

I'm sorry that getting back to your room wasn't a source of comfort!! That would be when my wonderful DH would have gone out of his way to do something special or helpful to get me out of my self-hating cycle...to get back and have to be the strong one again, it really reeks that it brought you down like that. Here are your last moments in the World...with your wonderful family...and the stress-monster is still at work!



I hope your last morning is a good one!!

 

[tinacaplan]

First of all, let me say that I cannot believe that your TR is almost done. Wow. I absolutely think you were entitled to a minor meltdown by that point in your trip. You were being way too nice bringing the fridge anywhere...let alone across the resort.

Your dinner at Le Cellier sounded great, though. I understand about being full, though. That is the one problem with Disneyworld. Between all of the amazing snacks and the huge portions at every meal, I don't think it would have been possible to be hungry after our second day there. Hopefully this time, my husband and I will be more strategic about sharing!

A little sad to read your last updates.... Oh, and you're right...the Tigger pictures were totally worth it! Would love to hear a bit more about how PP works, though.

 

[onescgirl]

I would have had a meltdown after carrying a small fridge around a resort too!
I don't think I would enjoy any type of swap. There would never be a convenient time to take out of my vacation. I would be just like you & ill the whole time carrying the fridge.

 

[Joyciemc]

The rest of your Epcot day sounded fun, too!
Glad to hear that your Le Cellier dinner was so good- pretzel bread is delicious!

As for the meltdown... completely understandable! And now you know, no more swaps! And I learned from your experience not to try one... they sure do sound like a lot more hassle then they'd be worth.

 

[annmarieda]

LOVE the Tigger pictures with Zoe.

Thanks. I have another pic of Zoe with a character that I just love. I will post that on the next update. (probably)

To be honest, I can totally relate to feeling that frustrated when things that I'm trying to do don't work out and it's usually my fault...then my frustration just makes me angry and I lash out... so I can understand how you were feeling, especially so late at night when you knew that you had to be up so early!

it is nice to know I am not the only one like this.

Would love to hear a bit more about how PP works, though.

I really should have taken better advantage of it. First, I think you can preorder the cd....meaning you get it cheaper. I did have a discount, but not as good as if I had preordered it. Second, I should have looked for those photographers more. There are places throughout the park that they take your picture. I don't think I even had 50 pics on my cd. I should have had much more! Next time, I am gonna seek out those photographers!!

I would have had a meltdown after carrying a small fridge around a resort too!
I don't think I would enjoy any type of swap. There would never be a convenient time to take out of my vacation. I would be just like you & ill the whole time carrying the fridge.

I think done right, a swap can really add magic to a trip. It wasn't so much the lack of convenience...but just the build of of the whole trip.

As for the meltdown... completely understandable! And now you know, no more swaps! And I learned from your experience not to try one... they sure do sound like a lot more hassle then they'd be worth.

yes, for me...I think swaps should be cut out. I feel too much stress trying to meet the needs of others. It is bad enough for me trying to make everyone in my own group happy...but to add a stranger into the mix really put me over the edge. That being said, I don't think they are really more hassle than they are worth. I think had we done it right, it would have been fine. It was no problem for me to collect it from luggage services. It only took a moment when checking in. I think had the next person came to me when I was checking out...there would have been less hassle. I think on the way in is easier to take the time. On the way out...you are already stressed to get packed up and say good bye. I think the fact that I didn't have to coordinate a schedule with anyone on the pick up made it easier for me too. I didn't have to worry if I was going to make them miss time in the park or away from their family. Anyway, I wouldn't say that everyone should skip swaps...just that I should.

 

[oboedm]

I am still here! I was off the DIS for a few weeks, but I am back and all caught up I didn't notice the rude people there, but it could be because we went at the same time last year. Maybe we were used to how people behave because of that and the heat in PHX, I don't know. That being said, it does seem like you were a rude people magnet! I still can't believe the bus situation and Bert! Can't wait to hear about. Le Cellier.... we have lunch ADRs for Feb.

 

[oboedm]

Okay... now I am really caught up! Honestly, I can't believe that you hadn't had a meltdown before this point. I am pretty sure I would have been in tears at least once a day. I didn't think your meltdown was that bad.. and I highly doubt you were as rude as you thought you were to the other swapper. She probably understood... most people get that way at some point during a Disney vacation!

 

[annmarieda]

Okay... now I am really caught up! Honestly, I can't believe that you hadn't had a meltdown before this point. I am pretty sure I would have been in tears at least once a day. I didn't think your meltdown was that bad.. and I highly doubt you were as rude as you thought you were to the other swapper. She probably understood... most people get that way at some point during a Disney vacation!

Thanks, Paula. I still think I was incredibly rude. I really hope it didn't cause her any stress. I never heard anything more though so...who knows.

 

[annmarieda]

Honestly, the morning came and I was excited. I love going to AK and we were making it our last park of the trip. Even though we had to leave early, we would not be missing too much (if you don't count EMH) The park closed at 5pm (8pm with EHM..but it makes me feel better not counting that...) and we had to be back to Pop by 3pm. I also was excited to be heading home. I missed my dh and my boys. It had been a wonderful week, but I was ready to go home. That being said, it was sad to be leaving. I felt like we didn't spend as much time at Pop as I would have liked. I never toured the grounds or saw the other pools. It was sad to say good bye to our room. It was such a nice room. It smelled new and I wonder if we were not one of if not the first family to stay in it.

We finished packing and made sure that we had everything out of the room. I did forget on thing. I had put up a heavy duty 3m hook on the back of the door. I wonder if housekeeping noticed and took it down or if it is still there now.

Since we didn't need to eat, the first thing was to get to luggage services. We needed our carryons to be stored and to check our luggage. At first they undercharged me. I didn't want a hassle with the airlines so I had them double check the fee. Right before I made our airline reservation, alaska raised their bag fees. Apparently, Pop didn't get the memo and thus had the old fee in their system. The cm explained that they rarely get any guests flying alaska. Hmm...

Once all our bags were secure I sent Kira with Zoe to the bus stop. I meant to go in a check out and ask about the early bus service to the park. The first cm started giving me incorrect information. When a second cm stepped in to correct and started giving me the run down of how it would work, I completely got distracted and forgot about check out. I went to the bus stop and only waited a moment before the bus showed...MIRACULOUS! We got a seat and no one was standing... SHOCKING!

Next Chapter,
Tusker for breakfast.

 

[KatMark]

Honestly, the morning came and I was excited. I love going to AK and we were making it our last park of the trip. Even though we had to leave early, we would not be missing too much (if you don't count EMH) The park closed at 5pm (8pm with EHM..but it makes me feel better not counting that...) and we had to be back to Pop by 3pm. I also was excited to be heading home. I missed my dh and my boys. It had been a wonderful week, but I was ready to go home. That being said, it was sad to be leaving. I felt like we didn't spend as much time at Pop as I would have liked. I never toured the grounds or saw the other pools. It was sad to say good bye to our room. It was such a nice room. It smelled new and I wonder if we were not one of if not the first family to stay in it.

We finished packing and made sure that we had everything out of the room. I did forget on thing. I had put up a heavy duty 3m hook on the back of the door. I wonder if housekeeping noticed and took it down or if it is still there now.

Since we didn't need to eat, the first thing was to get to luggage services. We needed our carryons to be stored and to check our luggage. At first they undercharged me. I didn't want a hassle with the airlines so I had them double check the fee. Right before I made our airline reservation, alaska raised their bag fees. Apparently, Pop didn't get the memo and thus had the old fee in their system. The cm explained that they rarely get any guests flying alaska. Hmm...

Once all our bags were secure I sent Kira with Zoe to the bus stop. I meant to go in a check out and ask about the early bus service to the park. The first cm started giving me incorrect information. When a second cm stepped in to correct and started giving me the run down of how it would work, I completely got distracted and forgot about check out. I went to the bus stop and only waited a moment before the bus showed...MIRACULOUS! We got a seat and no one was standing... SHOCKING!

Next Chapter,
Tusker for breakfast.

It is hard to leave, and hard not to say. Toward the end of the trip, we really missed our dog (the kids...not so much ; but they are older and one lives at school and the other is never home anyway). Glad you got a seat on the bus!!!!

 

[tinacaplan]

So sad to see your TR is about come to an end. But looking forward to hearing about breakfast at Tusker House. We're doing breakfast there, as well.

 

[oboedm]

I can definitely relate to that feeling! At some point" you are just ready to go anjd get back to normal life! I am sure part of that is the need to relax away from family member crowding you in the hotl room!

 

[annmarieda]

So sad to see your TR is about come to an end. But looking forward to hearing about breakfast at Tusker House. We're doing breakfast there, as well.

I think there are some good reasons to eat and some good reasons not to eat at Tusker for breakfast. After my update, you will have to decide for yourself.

I can definitely relate to that feeling! At some point" you are just ready to go and get back to normal life! I am sure part of that is the need to relax away from family member crowding you in the hot room!

oh yeah!!

 

[onescgirl]

It's sad I'm reading about your last day.
I understand that after a week away that your miss your DH & boys. I would be missing mine too!

 

[annmarieda]

On 9/8, AK opened at 9am. We had an ADR at Tusker for 8am. When we arrived at the park we went to a special line to check in for our breakfast. It was so nice to be in the park before opening. The fact that this was our last day made it especially nice since we wanted to be able to make every minute we had left, count.

The first thing you do at the Tusker breakfast is get in line to have your pictures taken with Donald. I was thrilled because I thought it would be just like at the princess dinning hall. (spoiler...it wasn't. ) Luckily, I still had my camera handy...so I got this picture of the girls. Zoe really wanted an autograph...but no autographs allowed at this point.

Next we were escorted into the restaurant just like we were when we went for dinner. "this is where this located, this is what is here..where you get your plates...etc" Once seated, the cm poured us our juice. "jungle juice" Very yummy. Kira was in love with it. I knew it to be POG...and while it was good, I was not amazed. Kira drank many a glass. Not only did she love it, but the AC had broke and the restaurant was very very VERY hot and humid. It made enjoying our food kinda difficult.

As we ate (much of the same food that is served at lunch and dinner are on the buffet), the characters came around. Zoe was very excited to see Daisy again. Daisy is by far one of her favorite characters.

NOW she could get some autographs.

Most of the pictures I took didn't turn out too well. My camera hates the humidity..and the characters were VERY rushed. It was literally, run up..click..hand the book..sign..and gone. Add in the fact that they posed for Kira and not me...and the pictures I have are mostly of side views. That being said, I did manage to get them to turn my way a couple of times.

Kira got this one. Can you see how crowded we were in there? See how Mickey is right next to us... it was weird. I don't think I have ever had characters come through like that.

Sometime in the midst of eating and character meets, a cm came round with the photo package of the pics taken with Donald. I was shocked when he told us the cost. I was tempted...but then I decided against it. I find it odd how at one place (princess dinning hall) you get the photo package included in your meal and can do autographs...and here at Tusker you didn't.

We finished up our breakfast and decided on what we wanted to make sure to do before we had to be back to Pop for our DME time. We finished breakfast just in time for park opening. It was awesome! We were already in Africa!

Next Chapter;
Best day of the trip!

 

[annmarieda]

It's sad I'm reading about your last day.
I understand that after a week away that your miss your DH & boys. I would be missing mine too!

It is sad for me too. However, I have drug this out 2 months!! ??!! I can't believe how fast the summer and fall have flown by. I swear I just made our trip reservation and had the long wait for that...and then we were there...then back...and now 2 months of writing the report.

 

[KatMark]

Nice pics. I really like the one of Zoe with Goofy. We've never done Tusker House...we've been on the bubble about it. n