The Ups and Downs of Labor Day weekend 2010

[annmarieda]

Nope then that was definitely not you guys in front of us by a couple rows. I would have noticed something like that going on in the queue for the buses. I feel so bad for you, Kira, and Zoe.

Granted BF and I had some loud conversations at times, including the one at the airport about who was at fault, one in MK, and one...... well like one every day, but it was just about ourselves and to complain about children at a place that is geared for them is just wrong!

I think it felt like a big spectacle, but it probably wasn't. It also felt like it was long in duration, but..it was probably only minutes.

As for the complaints.. like I said. I really didn't get too worked up over it. It was just stressing Kira out and I think that it made it so when everything didn't work so well for us/her with the stroller she was extra self conscious.

 

[annmarieda]

Feelingvery discouraged by the night before,we embarked on our next day. You would think that since it was such a rough night before that luck would give us some and our morning would go well. Unfortunately, that was not the case. I think lack of sleep won out over any amount of Disney magic that could have been around.

Kira was still pretty irritable. I think she really wanted to get to the parks and away from grandma. So we were rushing to get out the door. In that rush, we forgot Zoe's autograph book.

I decided to run back to the room to get it. (yes, I ran a lot on this trip...so if you saw a crazy woman running...literally.. at Pop or anywhere else, it could have been me) I made it back to the bus stop just minutes after the one that Kira and Zoe were on left. I know that Disney states that buses run every 20 minutes, but I have never had buses take so long. That was until I stayed at Pop.

Mom had waited for me though, so we rode the next bus together. This was actually probably for the best. So maybe it was hidden magic/luck that I just wasn't aware of at the time. Kira and Zoe made it to the park and took advantage of being alone. They got some pictures of Zoe with Daisy (one of her favorite characters) and rode TT.

When mom and I arrived there was no line for Spaceship Earth. It was the next thing on our itinerary right after TT so I let the girls know that we would meet them there and mom and I rode it. I like that ride well enough, but I always seem to look horrible in those little pictures they take. This time was no exception. I happened to be texting Kira (not that I should be doing that on a ride, I know) and I looked up just in time to have the picture taken. The picture was so aweful that it was funny. I, being so pale and kinda snarling when the picture was taken, looked like a real life vampire. Mom looked great though and she got such a kick out of the end video presentation of us. This was a nice moment in our vacation. We were both laughing.

While we were on the ride, Kira and Zoe got on. We waited for them and once together went on our way to get fp's for Soarin. At that point, no line for Living with the Land Boat Ride...so on we went. Sadly, this just was another moment that Kira lost her patience with her grandmother. Remember, my mother has been expecting her husband to pass away any day. Remember, I recently got my mother a cell phone so that we could find her more easily on this trip and so she could stay connected to people at home. So, she was always worried about getting a call. So much so that each morning when the alarm would go off, we woke to her sitting straight up in bed and saying "is (insert husband's name) dead, is (insert husband's name) dead" because she thought any electronic noise was her phone. I know this sounds HORRIBLE (I am not sure how much I posted about this situation on my PTR, but suffice it to say the two of them do not live under the same roof and she doesn't see him but for brief moments of time)..and it was a bit frustrating, but when we were in good moods...it was just kinda silly and we laughed about it. Anyway so we were on the ride when her phone rang. She became frantic trying to answer it. My mom panics easily and this was only the second day for her to be using her phone. Kira scolded my mom for trying to use her phone on the ride and remained frustrated for a while. Trying to explain to a 20 year old that her elder just doesn't know better some times is a difficult task.

Once done with Living with the Land, we walked over to the Seas with Nemo and Friends. This walk didn't help to cool Kira off. Course, maybe the fact it was a gazillion degrees outside was the reason. Here are pictures of the girls melting in the heat.

We all enjoyed the ride and once off were able to go straight to Turtle Talk with Crush. Zoe is so cute. She always wants to participate in whatever group activity is taking place. This time was no different. She sat on the floor in front and eagerly raised her hand. Of course, Crush called on her. Once she spoke into the microphone, she froze up. All she could get out was "um, do you know...." Crush was great though. He waited a moment and then told ehr about some people, places and things "he knows". This experience lifted everyone's spirits and we were all in much better moods. (or maybe it was the fact we had been in AC for a while and were not MELTING )

At this point it was time for me to take my medicine so I took the opportunity for my mom and I to go off on our own. We left the girls at the aquarium. I wish that I maybe had not done that since mom and I totally missed out on it ourselves. (and I did back in february too) In any case, off we went to Club Cool. I think my mom had a hard time with the concept of "free pop" Quickly though, she realizeds that they were all very sweet and a little went a long way. It was however enough for me to get my medicine down.

Mom and I returned to the seas Pavillion and we all then went to the Captain EO Tribute.

Do we get to actually see the Captin EO Tribute?

Next Chapter;

Hunger Strikes, Thank Goodness for Free Dinning

 

[Joyciemc]

Ugh, sorry to hear about your night and not so great morning! Though it does sound like things are getting better at Epcot... I hope?
I love Zoe's interaction with Crush... very funny!

 

[tinacaplan]

So great that Crush called on Zoe. Can't wait to do that with Max!

 

[Simba22]

I totally relate to your ups and downs! Traveling with people who have never done Disney is one of the most fun, and one of the most frustrating, things to do...all at the same time! And throw in the huge generation gap between Kira and your mom....ugh, I can only imagine! And the heat does absolutely nothing to make it better!

Those pics that Kira got of Zoe and Daisy are so cute! She did a great job!

 

[chunkymonkey]

I totally understand your stress! The heat, the huge line, and the stroller that you didn't know how to break down...I'm sure it was everyone's last straw at that point. But I think all of you seem like real troopers. DH and I would also get annoyed at each other all the time too. Mostly because it's hot, and when I'm not, I get inpatient. so yeah, heat doesnt help. Air conditioning on the other hand, is the best invention ever. Hahaha.

It looks like you had a good morning so far though with everyone at Epcot despite the heat. Hmm I wonder if you were at epcot when we were.... I didn't catch captain EO on this trip either! grr.

Looking forward to what you are going to eat!

 

[annmarieda]

Ugh, sorry to hear about your night and not so great morning! Though it does sound like things are getting better at Epcot... I hope?
I love Zoe's interaction with Crush... very funny!

Yes, things are getting better.

So great that Crush called on Zoe. Can't wait to do that with Max!

It is so fun. Zoe seems to get called on quite often for things. Twice this trip and twice the last. I won't give it away yet what the second thing is on this trip, but they are totally different than last one. Last time, she was Boo in the Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor. (not that she had to do anything...but..) and then she got selected to help train one of the animals in a show in AK.

I totally relate to your ups and downs! Traveling with people who have never done Disney is one of the most fun, and one of the most frustrating, things to do...all at the same time! And throw in the huge generation gap between Kira and your mom....ugh, I can only imagine! And the heat does absolutely nothing to make it better!

Those pics that Kira got of Zoe and Daisy are so cute! She did a great job!

It is a challenge, that is for sure. Kira just doesn't seem to have the patience for my mom. I sure hope she can learn to have some by the time I am 70.

I think Kira did capture a great moment with Zoe and Daisy. You can totally tell that Zoe was running into Daisy's arms.

I totally understand your stress! The heat, the huge line, and the stroller that you didn't know how to break down...I'm sure it was everyone's last straw at that point. But I think all of you seem like real troopers. DH and I would also get annoyed at each other all the time too. Mostly because it's hot, and when I'm not, I get inpatient. so yeah, heat doesnt help. Air conditioning on the other hand, is the best invention ever. Hahaha.

It looks like you had a good morning so far though with everyone at Epcot despite the heat. Hmm I wonder if you were at epcot when we were.... I didn't catch captain EO on this trip either! grr.

Looking forward to what you are going to eat!

This was Friday the third. Were you there on that day?

Yes, I agree... AC...BEST invention ever!!!!

 

[annmarieda]

So last we left off, we were on our way to the Captain EO Tribute. This was not at all something that Kira wanted to do. I however, did. When we got into the building, we learned that there was a 20 minute wait. We stayed for a moment but decided we should move on since were were getting hungry.

As we headed out, our hunger growing, we figured out that we should go on Journey to Imagination and do a quick walk through in the Kodak Image works. That way we would be done with them and not have to come back. Of course, this meant that we knew that we would be skipping the Tribute. I love Figment. I think he deserves a bit more attention. He is so fun.

Once done, we couldn't wait ANY longer to get some food. We had decided that today we would get Sunshine Seasons since there would be many offerings and we could all get something we like. Problem was we all kinda scattered in different directions....even Zoe. So I had to try and get everyone situated. It was like herding cats. Everyone was hungry and wanted some of everything. Oh to decide!!!

Zoe didn't have much in the way of choices. (kids never do) She got the pizza panini thing, some grapes and some pudding (that.. omg! somehow made it home and is in my fridge ) She didn't want the pudding she wanted the strawberry shortcake (hence why we have the pudding now) So we got an extra one of those for her. Here she is attempting to eat WAY too big of a bite of it.

Kira was so happy to find that they were just about to put california rolls out. By the time I got the camera out, this is all that was left.

Mom got the salmon plate. She too ate so darn quick that I didn't get any pictures. She really loved it. I don't want to give too much away, but later on...we did go to a certain DTD restaurant and have something that I am sure topped her dish at Sunshine Seasons..but at this point...she was VERY impressed with the salmon. She got strawberry shortcake for dessert.

I got the cashew chicken. I took a pic of mine first. (should have taken a picture of what the others had since they inhaled theirs) It was good, but I thought it had a bit too many cashews in it.

I too got the shortcake and was able to get a shot of it and Kira's key lime pie. (minus the bite she already had taken)

Next Chapter;

Off Schedule, but on Track to Happiness

 

[Simba22]

The Cashew Chicken actually looks pretty good! We've had Seasons for breakfast before but never lunch....hmmm.... something to consider for October!

 

[Joyciemc]

Mmmmm. Delicious Sunshine Seasons! I agree about the Cashew chicken- tasty but more nuts than chicken!

 

[annmarieda]

The Cashew Chicken actually looks pretty good! We've had Seasons for breakfast before but never lunch....hmmm.... something to consider for October!

It actually was pretty good. Course, I think we were all starving at that point so ANYTHING would have been good. I am not entirely sure what I was thinking. I mean...our dinner at Mama Melrose's the day before was at 3:10 and this was lunch at around noon. We had only had a couple little snacks between. (popcorn, nuts and frozen lemonade). This is one point in the trip that I did not do a great job in the planning. I had packed breakfast bars/granola bars that I figured we would eat in the morning (or any other time we got hungry) but no one even touched those. I guess we all thought why bother when there were so many options in the parks.

 

[tankgirl427]

I packed a ton of snacks we didn't touch or bring to the parks either!

I wanted to have dinner at Sunshine Seasons on our Epcot day, but we never made it there.

 

[chunkymonkey]

We totally missed Sunshine Seasons this year. I dunno why though because we loved it last year for breakfast. I think because every time we passed by there, we were just too full!

Their selections were definitely good though. And that shortcake looks divine! Definitely looks like a good use of a snack credit too! Zoe looks so cute eating it!

 

[annmarieda]

After lunch, we used our fast passes for Soarin. Mom loves that ride. I do too! Kira has never done it at WDW, so it was a first going down the line. Course, we had like no wait, so we really didn't get to see a whole bunch.

Next was the need to find where the Disney Visa pictures were taken. It was simple to do and fun!! I am so glad we did that. It is about one of the only pics of me on this trip. While we were waiting in line, Kira and Zoe found the velcro station in invoventions and made frogs.

Soon we were on our way and headed to Universe of Energy. I do like that ride, but man it is a long one! 45 minutes?!? As little sleep as I got the first couple of days, I actually started to doze off during the ride.

Next on the schedule, we were suppose to get fp's for Mission Space. When we got there, we found that there was only a five minute wait. The girls went right on! This was a first time on this ride for Zoe since she just became tall enough. (the wrong shoes and she wouldn't have been). While the girls were on the ride, mom and I sat on a bench and melted in the heat.

After this we were completely off schedule time wise. I had planned to try and make it over to Beaches and Cream. Because we were behind in our time and my mom was in no way up for a brisk walk there we opted to change our plans to include some of World Showcase. We decided it was time to have a snack. Where better than to start with a sweet pretzel at Norway. We also got some ice water. I am not sure why, but the ice water here is better than ANY where else in the parks. Even though it was hot, there was a slight breeze that blew through the dinning area and so we were able to enjoy our break and relax.

Since we were right there, we went on Maelstrom. I had fun teasing my mom and getting her to laugh. Were we going to go over the falls? After the ride, we watched the travel to Norway promo and then went into the shop. I think Zoe would like to have been a viking in another life. Every time we go to WDW, she has to get pictures of herself with the swords and hats. This time was no different.

Unfortunately, she could not get a picture with the troll since there were so many people in that room when we were there.

We had some time until dinner left so we thought it would be good to attempt to find the American Dream and have that as a snack. This was such a nice find. Red Slushie and Blue Slushie with soft serve ice cream in the middle. I wish I had taken a picture of this... I wish I had more of this. I was impressed and now completely hyped up on sugar.

We had all had a very nice afternoon. NO major upsets, no one died from the heat, no one was exhausted. We all got along. It was wonderful!

Next chapter;

Coral Reef

 

[Dizneydaz]

So glad you could make it over. Just...don't read the part of the trip report that talks about the fridge swap. I think I owe everyone an apology. I swear, I really am a nice person! That won't be on here for a while since it is right before the end of our trip, so enjoy the report now and please do accept my appologies... for not being such a happy nice person when it came time to swap.

Just caught up. Hmmm, now I'm curious what happened. Guess I'll have to wait until you post the rest of your TR. Might have to wait until we get back on Oct. 4th to do so. Leaving on 9/24 for FL and WDW!

Sounds like you had a lot of stressers during your trip! I think I can imagine what may have happened based on our previous PMs.

Lunch at SR looks really good! We have never eaten there but if we are at DHS at meal time we plan on having lunch, or at least a snack there. We'll have 42 CS and 42 Snacks to eat in 7 days and that's inc. the day we go to Discovery Cove.

I love eating at SS. Especially great since DD11 can get the adult meals. She can pick from anything. My DM and I love to get the Seared Tuna salad. Hope it's still there.

Our DMs are the same age but as I mentioned my DM is very active for her age. I am lucky that she keeps up with DD and I, most of the time. We do have a continuing issue of my always walking a few steps ahead of her. She tells me I never wait for her. I tell her that if I slow down to let her catch up to me then she walks slower. My 2 Dsis's agree. They've noticed the same thing. It's actually kind of funny! This trip I am going to try to walk with her. We'll see if she slows down to walk behind me.

 

[annmarieda]

Just caught up. Hmmm, now I'm curious what happened. Guess I'll have to wait until you post the rest of your TR. Might have to wait until we get back on Oct. 4th to do so. Leaving on 9/24 for FL and WDW!

Sounds like you had a lot of stressers during your trip! I think I can imagine what may have happened based on our previous PMs.

hmm..yeah...well... it really was my fault. I just hate it when I behave less than politely. And...OMG! You leave in just 3 days!!!! Have a good trip!!!!

Lunch at SR looks really good! We have never eaten there but if we are at DHS at meal time we plan on having lunch, or at least a snack there. We'll have 42 CS and 42 Snacks to eat in 7 days and that's inc. the day we go to Discovery Cove.

SR was one of my favorite meals. I think mainly because those sandwiches were so big! I wish that we had been able to eat the cupcakes before they melted, cause they were heavenly!!!

I love eating at SS. Especially great since DD11 can get the adult meals. She can pick from anything. My DM and I love to get the Seared Tuna salad. Hope it's still there.

I would have thought Kira would have got the Tuna salad, but she didn't. I forget why...

Our DMs are the same age but as I mentioned my DM is very active for her age. I am lucky that she keeps up with DD and I, most of the time. We do have a continuing issue of my always walking a few steps ahead of her. She tells me I never wait for her. I tell her that if I slow down to let her catch up to me then she walks slower. My 2 Dsis's agree. They've noticed the same thing. It's actually kind of funny! This trip I am going to try to walk with her. We'll see if she slows down to walk behind me.

I have thought of the fact that our DM's are the same age. I think my mom has been waiting to be old her entire life. I know when I was young and she was the age I am now...you would think she was elderly. I am NOT elderly. I wish she wanted to be more active...but sadly I don't see that in the cards for her. I hope that she has many more years, but... This was one of the reasons for the trip...I just want to make sure to spend some time with her before it is no longer an option.

 

[annmarieda]

It finally became time for our 6:20 Coral Reef ADR. The girls and I have been here before. We have always wanted to be near the aquarium, but usually are seated as far from it as you can possibly get. NOT this time. We were seated RIGHT at a table near the glass.

The down side to being at the tank is that it not only causes other people to try and find their way to the tank so that they can see the fish (while barging by your table, but it also causes those at the table to stare endlessly at the tank.

As you can see in the picture above, Kira got a virgin pina colada. They had a couple virgin drinks that could come as the drink on the ddp. Everyone but me ordered one (including Zoe) and I ordered a pom. lemonade.

The last time we were there, Zoe LOVED, LOVED LOOOOOVED the lobster bisque. Since she could get that with her meal, I knew she would enjoy it again. She got the Lobster Bisque and the meaty mac.

She ate all of the soup, but barely touched the mac. I took a bite and I agreed. YUCK!

The rest of us all ordered the steak.

Kira and I both ordered ours rare and mom ordered hers medium rare. The first two came out and were given to my mom and to Kira. Kira and I both thought it odd since, well...rare should come out first. I just assumed the next was right behind. Mom was eager to eat and dove right in. Of course...Kira lost her mind. She KNEW that this was my steak and she wanted to have my mom wait and see before she began to eat. (my mom, I love her, but she does lack some social graces such as...well, waiting until everyone has their food before inhaling their own.) I really didn't care all that much. I do appreciate that my dd was trying to make things nice for me. (remember I ordered my tuna the day before medium rare when I really would have liked it rare) My mom was eating so fast and Kira just couldn't get her to stop long enough to check the center. By the time my steak came, mom had about half of the one in front of her eaten. The one that came to me was indeed the wrong steak. I could tap the center of each steak and feel that the one given to my mom was the more rare one. Oh well, I wasn't upset by this too much. Mom was seriously enjoying the one given to her. (not to mention had eaten half of it) The one given to me had very good flavor, so I was fine. Kira on the other hand.... so easily was frustrated at how my mom couldn't understand what was going on. The cm came to us to see if everything was ok. I think he totally didn't expect us to not say the obligatory "yes, everything is wonderful" He was taken aback. (he stammered over what to say) I quickly calmed him though saying that I was ok eating the one that was given to me. (this incensed Kira more ) Meanwhile, happy Zoe had licked her soup bowl clean but barely touched the mac. I took a bite of it and agreed it was GROSS!

Next up was dessert. We all ordered something different. Zoe had the usual...ice cream sundae. Mom had the Jack Daniels mousse. Kira had the almond gelato and I had the napoleon.

We all thought ours was the best. Mine was amazing, but at bit more whipped cream than fruit or sauce.

We sat at the table a long time. There was so much to watch. A diving tour even came by. Finally it was time to settle the bill. The poor cm was again speechless. Remember, I had ordered the lemonade? Well, as a last gesture when he brought the check he asked if I would like more water. (my glass was empty and had been for some time) I gave him a look. (apparently my looks are telling) He immediately started stammering again...noting."oh, you had a pomegranate lemonade...didn't you? " He did not refill it even once.

Usually, the service at Coral Reef is amazing. This time it was one of the worst we had. Still, overall it was one of my favorite meals. The atmosphere was outstanding and even though Kira was briefly frustrated with my mom everyone had a good time.

Next Chapter;

How to better to end 9/3

 

[tinacaplan]

Glad to hear that things started looking up! Can't wait to hear what's next.

 

[chunkymonkey]

Aww, I used to love Coral Reef. I actually had a double ADR ressie booked there on the day we spent at Epcot but we ended up cancelling that one and going to Biergarten instead, mainly because we were in the mood for some good ol' german food that night. Your steaks looked really good. Sorry Zoe didn't like her mac, but I guess they really didn't give the kids meal much thought, aside from the soup (which does look really good btw). The desserts looked really good as well! Yum

I like the pom lemonade at WDW! Why do regular things just tastes so much better there...??? I mean, I don't really drink that much lemonade, flavored of unflavored but at WDW, I always order it.

 

[annmarieda]

Since this will be a really quick chapter, I thought I would go ahead and post it.

This day went so much better than the first day. It was not without its moments, but it was pretty fun.

After dinner we decided to head back over to WS. I figured if we got Mexico done we could skip both Mexico and Norway on our "official" day in WS.

We rode the Grand Fiesta Tour and I failed to get any pictures. I would have liked to get some since Its a Small World was closed in MK and well, I feel Grand Fiesta tour is a bit like it. We shopped the market area and I was a bit tempted by the tequila bar. I did not break my no alcohol rule though (but will I?)

Maybe going to the Mexico pavilion wasn't the smartest idea, because we did not scope out a good spot for illuminations. I always like illuminations and every other trip have been huddled under a blanket in a prime viewing location. This time we still got to see, but definitely it was not cozy. I wonder if something went wrong with the start of the show. It seemed as though the only thing igniting was the barge.

I think as each day wore on, Kira lost patience with my mom and by the time we were watching illuminations she was cranky again. Course, I have laugh about it now...but at the time I was kinda ignoring the fact that the 70 year old woman, in a very childish manner, decided to plop her bottom down in the middle of a crowd because she was tired and didn't want to stand for the show. Oh yeah..now I can see why Kira was irritated. I was just excited to try and watch my favorite firework show.

Leaving Epcot that night was not a whole lot easier than the previous night. The line was horrible for the bus. We were crammed in like sardines and my mom couldn't help with the bags, Zoe or the stroller.

Once back at Pop, it was a shower and then to bed. I was exhausted.

Next Chapter;

The calm before the next storm