The Ups and Downs of Labor Day weekend 2010

[KatMark]

Although we know longer have children, this is one of the many reasons we rent a car and drive to the parks and skip all Disney transportation. I'm so sorry you had that ordeal without much help. I hope things are better the next day.

 

[Simba22]

I can't believe no one on that bus offered you a seat Disney or not, that just common courtesy.

 

[annmarieda]

OMG! I think I was on that bus. I know we were standing up, because we ending up standing up for almost every nighttime bus. But I remember that EMH from MK BF made a comment about how the driver should not be going that fast, but we were standing right by the driver, so maybe we got him on his trip before or after? Because BF was watching how fast the driver was going and was kind of worried, since he drives all day long for his job. We left MK EMH around midnight, I have no idea how many buses it took for us to finally get on. But I think we got back around 1am. This is BF's annoying I'm not getting up until 9 for our 9:40 ADR for Tusker House tomorrow.

We rode the bus probably close to midnight on 9/5. I am really not sure. I know that we got back around 1am. We decided to leave the park around 11pm...but I know there was time it took to get to the bus and then the wait for the bus. I do remember this though...they had two buses lined up next to each other and it was the second one we took.

I had a lot of updates to catch up on... let me see if I can remember what I wanted to say...

The poor duck at MK!

I know. It made me sad. The cm who I contacted though was quite alarmed. Made me think this doesn't happen too often.

Although we know longer have children, this is one of the many reasons we rent a car and drive to the parks and skip all Disney transportation. I'm so sorry you had that ordeal without much help. I hope things are better the next day.

ups and downs... If the ride back to Pop on the 5th was a down, then you can be certain the morning of the 6th would be an up.

I can't believe no one on that bus offered you a seat Disney or not, that just common courtesy.

That is what my dh said too. Normally, I might have thought that but there was really no one who could give up a seat. Most everyone around me had sleeping children on their laps. There was a guy next to me holding a sleeping child as well. We were all so squished in...even if someone a couple down had offered, I am not sure I could have fit back to get to the seat. Normally, people did offer seats to at least my mom.

 

[annmarieda]

As I mentioned in the last response post, the morning of the 6th was bound to be a good one since the night before was so hard.

This was day 6th of our trip and we finally had a good morning schedule. The girls and I would get up and leave my mom to sleep. We would grab a bite to eat and then head to the park for rope drop. My mom would then meet us after she was up.

So the park on the 6th was MK. The girls and I went there for rope drop.

A wider shot.

We first went right to BTMRR. Kira had went on it the night before during EMH, but I had not gone yet and this is one of my favorite rides. We walked right on. No wait. When the ride was over, there was no one in line in the queue. I wanted to just stay on, but the cm said we had to get off an walk back through. I still do not understand why they made us do that since when we got up to the front there was still no one waiting to ride. Oh well. We rode the second time and decided that even though there was still no on in line, we wanted to do other things and didn't want to walk all the way around again.

The girls did Splash Mountain. I don't like falling so this was NOT the ride for me.

We did Aladdin's Magic Carpets.

We went on the Jungle Cruise. It was already starting to warm up. I think the elephants had the right idea.

We went on POTC. I love this ride. Someday, I hope to get some pictures on it that are better than this.

Last thing we did before my mom came was Tom Sawyer Island. It was so hot by this point. It was really too hot to be there (or anywhere) but it was on the schedule for that morning so we did this. I am glad we did because oddly, it is one of my favorite things to do in MK. Zoe loves to shoot the guns at riders on BTMRR. I love to walk through the escape tunnels. All in all, it is a fun interactive place. Being outside though, it doesn't allow for an escape from the heat. We ended up sitting a bit to wait for my mom.

Of course while on the island we had to get a picture of the wildlife.

It was perfect timing when my mom called. We were ready for her. The morning had gone as planned and was simple. We fit a lot in and had a good relaxing time. Even the heat didn't get to us until right before we left Tom Sawyers Island to meet my mom.

Next Chapter;

Up and back down we go

 

[Simba22]

That is what my dh said too. Normally, I might have thought that but there was really no one who could give up a seat. Most everyone around me had sleeping children on their laps. There was a guy next to me holding a sleeping child as well. We were all so squished in...even if someone a couple down had offered, I am not sure I could have fit back to get to the seat. Normally, people did offer seats to at least my mom.

OK well I guess that makes me feel a little better....

Sounds like a great start to your MK day! Riding BTMRR twice in a row without a wait is awesome! We had that kind of luck at AK a couple years ago. I think it was when we went in March so the crowds were light anway, but we rode Everest like 3 or 4 times in a row. We had to get off and go back throught the line, too. Maybe it's a security thing with the coasters We were able to ride Kali River Rapids 3 times in a row, too, on the same day but they didn't make us get off for that one.

 

[Joyciemc]

This is when we were at the same MK opening! Nice to see it from the other side

Sounds like another good morning, hoping things stay that way...

 

[chunkymonkey]

I totally thought EMH at MK nights will be really empty. But I guess since it was the holiday weekend it might not have been. Oh well. Everyone looked happy (and hot) in the pics, but they were very cute.

I can imagine your frustration gettin on the bus as well as having to stand. It's just not something you could have any control over...yet you'd think there would be a little efficiency about bus service for the most popular resorts!1

 

[annmarieda]

Interrupting this trip report to say......



It has officially been 4 weeks since I have been home from WDW!

 

[tankgirl427]

I know. I'm sad about it too. But at least your TR isn't done yet so you can still relive the highs and lows (I'm hoping for more highs than lows to come)

 

[SimmerBaggins]

I had started reading your TR a while back, lost it, and then finally finished it today! I, too, was horrified that no one offered their seat to you on the bus, then I saw your explanation.

It's been so long since I've had a "sleeping child" (mine is now 13) that in a way, I'm glad I don't have to worry about that anymore...in another way, it's sad.

And your ordeals with your mother -- I can almost see that in my own family!! My mother is very self-absorbed about her issues, and to top it off, with low self-esteem, if you ever get her to figure out she's selfish, she beats herself up about it -- 'way over the top! Oy. My DD has little patience with her, too.

Will our grandchildren be that way about us?? Yipe!

You are very brave to have tackled this trip -- I think all the women identify with you!!

 

[oboedm]

Lucky, unlucky...I am not quite sure which, but we were the last two/three people on the bus. I was struggling to get everything on so I attempted to enlist my mother. (actually need a head banging against a brick wall emoticon) She struggled a bit with the stroller. The stroller was already broke down and weighs all of 5lbs (ok well, maybe a bit more than that, but it is REALLY a lightweight stroller) This is where the bus driver grabs it for her and I. It only took him a moment to realize that neither of us were going to be able to hold onto the stroller during the ride so he stores it for us. (something we are told he is NOT suppose to do) I really did not care at this point what he was suppose to or not suppose to do. All I wanted was to get the very heavy child and my mother back to Pop in one piece.

As I mentioned, we were the last couple people on the bus. In retrospect, I should have waited for the next bus. I believe that would have been the fourth bus if we had chose to do that...and hence why I didn't. Anyway, so we are last on, and of course, no seats. I got my mom to carry the bags. She was able to hold on to them. I believe I still had the heavier diaper bag.

This makes me so upset! Whenever we were on buses and if we were the last ones, people ALWAYS gave up a seat if we had a sleeping kid, even if it was just the baby. Also, I am surprised that NO ONE helped with the stroller. Not to toot my own horn, but there were few times last year when we were childless and only had one bag that we helped families with strollers on the bus. I can't believe that you didn't receive any assistance from others.

 

[KatMark]

Interrupting this trip report to say......



It has officially been 4 weeks since I have been home from WDW!

Day Six sounds like you had a great start to the day and got a lot done that morning. My pics are always bad on POTC too...I don't use a flash since they ask us not too, and it is just too hard to get a good shot in there without it.

 

[tinacaplan]

Gosh! Four weeks ago! Can't be that long. Time flies.... Glad to hear you had such a great morning at MK. Too bad about the busses. That's really lousy! What is wrong with some people?

 

[tankgirl427]

I would have helped you if we were on the same bus. Kris was always after me because I was trying to help people. Like telling them where things were, that Peter Pan's flight was really cool, and giving kids glow bracelets at Illuminations (with parents permission of course). We gave our seats up on the rainy ride to DTD on Labor Day to a couple of younger kids, all the seats were taken and at least the two kids could sit while the parents stood up.

Manners people! Help someone with a kid, because what if one day that's you needing the help.

 

[annmarieda]

I know. I'm sad about it too. But at least your TR isn't done yet so you can still relive the highs and lows (I'm hoping for more highs than lows to come)

You are right, I still have to get through a few more days. I can't believe it has taken me as long as it has to write the first 5 days. Maybe by the time I finish it will be time to start planning the next trip. Actually, it will be time to finish planning for Kira's wedding. THAT is gonna take some planning.

I had started reading your TR a while back, lost it, and then finally finished it today! I, too, was horrified that no one offered their seat to you on the bus, then I saw your explanation.

I am glad you found it again! Yeah, the bus was just too darn packed. In a way it was good since we were all packed in so tight we kinda all had to support each other. Course, it was gross too. I mean...sweaty bodies and all. Like I mentioned...a shower was in order when I got back to the hotel!

It's been so long since I've had a "sleeping child" (mine is now 13) that in a way, I'm glad I don't have to worry about that anymore...in another way, it's sad.

I know what you mean. My other kids are all older so before Zoe came around, we never had done Disney with a stroller. It was nice. Course, it was the part that made it sad that made it so that we had Zoe. Now I can just wait for grand kids and that will suffice. I actually look forward to the day when I don't have to carry around a sleeping child. Zoe will be 6 before too long and so I can't imagine we have too much more times that I will have to carry her.

And your ordeals with your mother -- I can almost see that in my own family!! My mother is very self-absorbed about her issues, and to top it off, with low self-esteem, if you ever get her to figure out she's selfish, she beats herself up about it -- 'way over the top! Oy. My DD has little patience with her, too.

That is EXACTLY it with my mom. It is a weird combination of traits...center of the universe with a low self-esteem

Will our grandchildren be that way about us?? Yipe!

I couldn't help but think about that a lot on the trip. I thought about how I would be doing in 30 years. Would I not be able to carry things, walk long periods of time..etc.? I thought about if my kids and their kids would lose their patience with me. At some point, I decided it was more likely that it would be Kira in 50 years than me in 30 Just little things like when my mom can't hear something she makes something up and so does Kira. A statement like "I ate a cinnamon roll for breakfast" could be interpreted as "I ate a toosie roll hog beast" On no planet does that make sense. Yet the two of them come up with stuff like that. I would just say "I am sorry, what did you just say" and not randomly shoot in the dark for something that has NO chance of being the actual statement.

You are very brave to have tackled this trip -- I think all the women identify with you!!

I don't know about being brave. You are too kind. I think I just really do love to spend time with my mother and my girls. Even with their baggage, they are some of my most favorite people in the world. Disney is one of my favorite things in the world, so I really wanted to share that with my mom.

 

[annmarieda]

This makes me so upset! Whenever we were on buses and if we were the last ones, people ALWAYS gave up a seat if we had a sleeping kid, even if it was just the baby. Also, I am surprised that NO ONE helped with the stroller. Not to toot my own horn, but there were few times last year when we were childless and only had one bag that we helped families with strollers on the bus. I can't believe that you didn't receive any assistance from others.

I appreciate you feeling so strongly over my ordeal. It was an ordeal, but honestly, I was more frustrated at the situation than with other passengers. From what I could tell, there was really no way that someone could offer up a seat...we were THAT packed in. In fact, it was so tight in there, that most people probably couldn't see that we even had a stroller to carry on. I should have waited for the next bus. So a lot of it is on me. The upside to it all though..we were first off the bus!

Day Six sounds like you had a great start to the day and got a lot done that morning. My pics are always bad on POTC too...I don't use a flash since they ask us not too, and it is just too hard to get a good shot in there without it.

It was an awesome start to the day. I love walking through the parks with minimal crowds. And as for the pics...I too try to follow the rules. I am not a great photographer anyway, but add in that I can't use a flash.. Oh well...

Gosh! Four weeks ago! Can't be that long. Time flies.... Glad to hear you had such a great morning at MK. Too bad about the busses. That's really lousy! What is wrong with some people?

Time does fly! Just think, your trip will be here before you know it!!!

I would have helped you if we were on the same bus. Kris was always after me because I was trying to help people. Like telling them where things were, that Peter Pan's flight was really cool, and giving kids glow bracelets at Illuminations (with parents permission of course). We gave our seats up on the rainy ride to DTD on Labor Day to a couple of younger kids, all the seats were taken and at least the two kids could sit while the parents stood up.

Manners people! Help someone with a kid, because what if one day that's you needing the help.

You are so sweet! I agree, help people when you can. I usually am the one giving up a seat. I don't have a problem letting people ahead of me either. It all works out.

 

[annmarieda]

The morning of the 6th had gone so nicely. Of course, you all know that means we are in for some turbulence soon.

When my mom arrived, we went to lunch. We had considered going to DTD, but realized that by the time we got there and ate it would not be enough time before we had to go to our dinner ADR. For this reason, we chose to stay inside MK. We chose to eat at Pecos Bills.

At Pecos Bills, mom got the taco salad. Kira and I both got the chicken wraps. Sorry, no pics. Mom was getting tired of all the desserts so she got a yogurt as hers while Kira got the carrot cake and I got the chocolate. I forgot until then just how much I like those little chocolate cakes.

I guess at this point, it goes without saying that it was hot. Still, it was...and it was getting to Kira. She was a bit agitated when she got to the table. I am not sure now what exactly it was, the table size...the capacity of the room...mom...Zoe... In any case she was a bit flustered throughout lunch.

This leads me to the next incident. Just as we finished up lunch, Kira found that she did not have her cell phone. I found this to be odd since when I found the table I called her. I watched her answer her phone as she approached the table. I didn't think it could be that far from us. Thinking it had to be within ear-shot, I called it.

To my surprise, the phone did not ring endlessly. It was answered. The other person seemed equally confused. She wanted to know who was calling, I wanted to know who had my daughter's phone... it was an awkward conversation. I finally got through to her that I am aware that the phone she was on is not hers but rather belonged to my daughter. Then the next awkward part...she wanted to schedule to meet some time the next day at the Boardwalk. (honestly, I am not 100% about this since she had a rather thick accent...and I was struggling to hear her clearly over crowd noise) She insisted that she couldn't meet us then to give up the phone. I was feeling very frustrated myself. (not to mention..can you imagine how miss Kira is reacting to her phone being lost? : ) Just about the time I was going to get a bit testy (after all, she couldn't be THAT far from me, was my thinking) I heard the train whistle in frontierland not only right near me, but also in the phone. I told the kind woman that she had to be within feet of me since I could hear the same noise coming through the phone as I could hear in my location. I told her I really needed her to meet me then and there. She agreed and I recovered the phone from her.

After all this, we realized that she had attempted to call me on my phone. She had left a message. She had also called Kira's fiance who also had left a message on my phone. I honestly can't imagine that the phone was out of our possession for that long, but...long enough for me to miss a couple of calls. I remember thinking that Kira must not have learned her lesson from the day before...the one that involved a little patience and tolerance when it came to other people and their limitations. If my memory serves me now, I think that her agitation throughout lunch was sparked by something that my mom or Zoe did. (like mistaking her drink for theirs) I think that is why I though she was given a second chance to learn a lesson. Did she? for the remainder of the trip, I would have to say yes. She remained far more patient with all of us.

Next Chapter;

Tomorrowland!

 

[annmarieda]

Next was a trip to tomorrowland. We decided that we would explore the carousel of progress. Yes, you noticed I wrote explore? I have not done this in WDW any of the times we have gone because I assumed it was like the one in DL (which is now named Innoventions just like the interactive areas in WDW) I was quite surprised when we got in and instead of the floor moving, we got to sit and watch a show. It was good...except for that song. I have to resist the urge to remember it...cause it will certainly get stuck in my head. Oh, too late..."there's a bright, new shiny tomooooorow"

Next, the girls went on Space Mountain. I don't do this ride and it was Zoe's first time. I can't only share what Kira has told me happened..as I was not there. Apparently, Zoe thought it was space. Kira looked over and Zoe's cheeks were ballooned out and she was holding her breath. Kira asked her what on earth she was doing. Zoe said "I have to hold my breath cause it is space and there is no air in space" The two intended to go on a second time, but the wait time jumped up to 20 minutes so Kira decided against it.

Meanwhile, mom and I went on TTA. I am not sure why I like this ride so...but I really do. It is rather relaxing. When we came to the part where you go through SM, the lights were on and it looked shut down. I bet this is why the ride wait jumped up like it did.

After we were all together, we went on Buzz Lightyear. I of course got the best score.

Here is Zoe with the evil emperor.

Our afternoon was slipping away and we had time for just a couple more things before we went to our dinner ADR. First, the Laugh Factory. We dont wait in lines...we just don't. I plan with ridemax and know pretty well how crowd flows are going to be. For this...we waited. WHY Oh well, it is cute...the saaaame show every single time. In february, it was a special show though, Zoe was picked to be "Boo" Last, Mom, Zoe and I went on Stich's Great Escape. Kira hates that ride, so she sat it out.

Next Chapter;
Eating again at the Poly

 

[Joyciemc]

The lady that had Kira's phone sounds kinda wacky... and I'm dying to know where her phone was, since she had Kira's

Otherwise, it sounds like the latest drama was rather short lived and the day was a pretty good one!

 

[KatMark]

Great updates? I wonder where that woman's phone was if she had Kira's? And I'm glad Kira showed some more patience the rest of the trip.

I don't like COP and I avoid at all costs (unless I need a nap). That song is so annoying.

The Tommorowland People Mover is a favorite--it's just so relaxing.