There's a Crack in the Sidewalk! Take a Picture! UPDATE 8/13

[Villainess]

I left you with my cell phone waking me at an ugly 4:20am. The lack of sleep is insignificant at this point – our countdown is over! We are going to Disney World for 19 days! Woo hoo! I sprang from the bed and began to get dressed and ready while Pop Pop got up and took his shower. Since we left all the luggage in the car except for our hotel bags, we wouldn’t have the inconvenience of repacking the car as we did at the hotel last year. I was able to dress DS as he slept, waking only slightly when I picked him up from the bed to bring him out to the car. DD, on the other hand, wakes at the slightest movement.

Groggy, and tired, with eyes half shut, I dress DD and joyfully exclaim, “We’re going to see Mickey now!” Blank stare. “Aurora! Aurora’s Castle!” Eyes closing. Not exactly the reaction I was looking for, but considering it is 4:50am, I’ll let it slide.

We finish packing up DD and DS, I stuff all our pj’s into a bag and do a quick walk through of the room to make sure nothing gets left behind. I spot the cell phone charger – that’s important. With that, I flick off the lights and climb into the car. It is a rather chilly 5am April 21. I turn the heat up in the car as I’m wearing a skirt and tee-shirt, Pop Pop is in shorts, although he wears shorts in January so I’m sure he wasn’t phased by it. Pop Pop asked the hotel manager last night, or rather earlier in the morning the quickest and easiest way to get to the airport. Apparently the directions the manager gave were different than what Pop Pop assumed we could do. So we didn’t spend the morning driving around the suburbs of Atlantic City, I vote to take the manager’s directions. Pop Pop agrees, and we are on our way.

DD is now awake, while DS is still sleeping soundly. As we drive down these country roads, we come upon the backside of the airport and DD gets to see some airplanes up close. Ding! Suddenly DD is shouting, “Luca, wake up!” “Wake up!” “Aurora, Donald Duck, plane – now!” She is tugging at his arm, but he merely stirs. Aahhh… that’s the reaction I was hoping for! I just had to wait for her to wake up!

We enter the airport property, and for those who have never been to the Atlantic City Airport, let me tell you about it. They recently built this 4 story parking garage but other than that it looks like a shopping plaza with an air traffic control tower in its backyard. I’m used to ‘big city airports’ – Newark, JFK, Philadelphia, MCO, Los Angeles, Regan National, etc. – you know with barking, rude Terrorist Police, unhelpful ticketing agents, and zillions of people going in every and all directions and in a hurry. Here, is a much slower pace.

We drive around the airport property once for good measure. Why? Why not! No, actually, Pop Pop didn’t listen when I told him where the entrance was for the parking garage and he drove past it. On the second lap, we enter the garage and find a parking spot on level 2. DS is now awake and they are both itching to get out the car seats. We have a double stroller where DD and DS are scheduled to be seated, 3 check-in sized rolling suitcases, my purse/camera bag/diaper bag, a laptop case, a carry-on rolling suitcase, and DD’s princess carry-on rolling suitcase shaped like Cinderella’s carriage. I’m pushing the stroller with 2 kids, while DD screams she wants out, pulling my suitcase with the 2nd carry-on suitcase laying on top of it and pulling the coach suitcase in the same hand. The laptop is in the stroller basket underneath and Pop Pop is pulling the other 2 suitcases. Luckily the elevator comes quickly and we shuffle in and arrange the luggage to make an easy escape.

We trudge across the street and into the airport; the line isn’t too long, but DD is still crying to get out. I promise her after we check-in. Well, that didn’t happen. Pop Pop takes her out and she wants, no demands her princess suitcase.

“Mimi (what she calls me when she wants my attention), my Aurora, Cindy suitcase; I pull it.” The ticketing agent finds it amusing as do other passengers. There is a man next to us destined for South America who has learned that he cannot bring the number of suitcases he wants on the plane, even if he pays. I’m interrupted in my nosiness by the agent asking for proof of DS’s age bc he is a lap passenger. I supply his and DD’s birth certificates (even though she has a ticket). With that we are given our boarding passes and directed to security.

DD proudly pulls her suitcase and only runs into 4 heels – mine twice and Pop Pop’s twice. The security personnel are placid and calm, even friendly. You aren’t being corralled and rushed to remove shoes, shove kids through metal detectors without a parent (a foreshadowing of our return flight), etc. I hand over the stroller for it to be inspected, all items are placed into those fashion-statement-in-the-making bins, remove my flip flops, and the kids shoes and wait for all-clear to walk through the metal detector. Pop Pop goes first, followed by DD who was a bit anxious at the thought – she basically ran through. I was allowed to hold DS and we walked through together. All clear!

Gathering up our personal belongings, placing DS back in the stroller and taking DD by the hand which she promptly removes to steer her suitcase, a security officer directs us to the elevator as the double stroller wasn’t going to fit on the narrow escalator. As we take the short ride in the elevator, I think back on last year’s airport fiasco and smile pleasantly at how uneventful the morning has been. We proceed towards our gate, DD still pulling her suitcase with such pride and smiling from ear to ear. I overhear many comments, “Oh how sweet.” “Look at her.” “She’s adorable” I can’t help but smile. Proud Mommy moment. DS is sitting in the stroller, pacifier in his mouth, pointing and yelling, “Hi!” to everyone and anyone who passes.

We take a quick bathroom break and settle down at the gate. Most of the seats are taken so I know it is going to be a packed flight. Pop Pop takes DS and DD – with her suitcase – to get coffee for Pop Pop, chocolate milk for the kids, and an iced tea or Pepsi for me. I take those few minutes to call Nonna who has just gotten up, and let her know we are at the gate. I promise to call when we land and to make sure I take care of the kids and watch Pop Pop! LOL! Next, I call Mom Mom who has been awake since I went to bed. I have no clue why she gets up at 3:30 or 4am every morning, but maybe going to bed at 7pm every night has something to do with it. Again, I make my promises to call when we land, watch the kids, take care of Pop Pop, etc. Lastly, I text exDH to let him know we are at the airport, at the gate and the plane is on time. I tell him I will call when we land and send pictures of the kids. He quickly texts back, asking to be updated when we get on the plane.

Soon enough the kids with Pop Pop in tow are back. They didn’t have unsweetened iced tea – I didn’t think so – so I got a Pepsi. An airline attendant begins mumbling something into the intercom. As everyone looks at their neighbor which a, “What did s/he say?” look, as if in a trance the crowd gets up and forms a line at the open door to the tarmac. Again the attendant says something but even being 20 feet from her, it is indistinguishable. The line begins to move and I place DS in the stroller who immediately protests. With DD being out of the stroller, DS wants to join his sister. It is only to walk down the tarmac, but he slides down and out of the stroller as we hand our tickets over. As if a racing gun is shot off, DS runs down the tarmac, pausing midway to turn and see if we are following. Pop Pop hurries to get him while I push the stroller with carry-on gear on top and underneath the stroller. DD is next to me pulling her suitcase.

As I approach the plane door, we pull to the side – I grab my carry on suitcase, purse, laptop bag and pick up DS while Pop Pop closes the stroller. I also guide DD with her suitcase so she doesn’t hit anyone while boarding the plane. We find our seats and I quickly plop the kids in 2 of the seats and step in to figure out what bags are going where and to get out of the way. I grab the bag of moons from my suitcase and 2 ring pops for take-off out of my suitcase. After wrestling the Aurora suitcase out of DD’s hands, I grab their coloring pads and a few toys out of there and the cases up to the overhead bins. Pop Pop is carrying the beverages so I let him in. We get situated with Pop Pop taking the middle seat so I can take a picture of the kids by the airplane window. They have already dove into the moons and chocolate milk.

Doesn’t DS look excited? Actually, he is mad bc Pop Pop took away the pacifier for the picture.

I text exDH to let him know we are on the plane and text DSis who is probably getting ready to walk out the door of her house and head to the airport with BIL. They are taking a 10am flight out of Newark. She texts back “See you soon. On our way.” With that, I turn off my cell phone. Pop Pop makes a quick call to Nonna to say good morning and gets off when they make the announcement to turn off the cell phones.

Pop Pop takes the window seat bc DD wants to sit next to me. (Side note: I hate the aisle seat. I always get stuck in the aisle seat. Pop Pop claims to like looking out the window, but it never fails 3 minutes after take off he is sleeping, so what is there to see? You know the scene in The Wedding Singer where Drew Barrymore gets hit with the beverage cart? Yup, that’s happened to me! But nonetheless, I always get stuck there.) Pop Pop places DS in his lap and after a cry from DD who wants to sit on my lap, she settles into her ‘big girl seat.’

DS amuses himself with some light reading – the what to do in case of emergency brochure while I clean up the tray tables for take-off. I have the ring pops ready. Even though DS has a pacifier I knew he would want a Ring Pop when he saw his sister with one. And that is of course what happened.

Take off was a breeze. They really didn’t want the Ring Pop’s and I had put them away as they asked for more moons and chocolate milk. As soon as the all clear was given, I set up the tray tables again and they continued with their breakfast. Pop Pop was asleep. DS shared the seat with DD as they colored, but soon they began to yawn and I had DD laying on my lap and DD resting his head on my arm fast asleep. With my left hand I flipped through the Spirit Airlines magazine while trying to ignore the tingling feeling of my right arm.

The beverage cart was coming around and though we had brought plenty of goodies, I was shocked to see what and how much they were charging for snacks and drinks. It was $3 for a soda and not even the entire can! I had serious issues with Spirit for charging to select seats before your flight, wrote my letter of complaint and received what was IMO, a greedy exploitation and shove off type response back. I vowed this would be the last time I flew this airline, envious that Nonna would be flying Jet Blue on Friday.

The rest of the flight was uneventful as I reread the magazine and people watched. Most everyone was either sleeping or reading as far as I could tell. The children on the plane were relatively quiet. That changed as we made our descent. Children began screaming. DD was awake and crying, tugging on her ears. DS woke out of a sound sleep crying. I have to admit, my ears were in pain and I usually am never affected by take off or landing. It was a noisy landing and my children along with others were uncomfortable and in pain. We tried to preoccupy them by looking out the window at the houses and lakes, but to no avail. I said a silent prayer that the plane land quickly and thankfully it was answered.

DD clapped when we touched the ground, and having figured out how to unlatch the seatbelt, had already done so. As she tried to get off the seat, I quickly buckled her back in. It’s amazing to see in this modern day, that as soon as the wheels of the plane hit the ground, the cell phones get whipped out, turned on, texting, phone calls, etc. It’s amazing and sad, in many ways. I also laugh at the number of people, especially those sitting in the back who try to be the first ones out of the plane. People, there are 100 other passengers ahead of you. Sit down, relax for one minute and you will have your turn. Sure enough our turn came. Pop Pop took DS, with the laptop case and I grabbed my suitcase and DD’s. DD standing right next to me waiting for me to hand it to her.

We were in Orlando! DS looked around the airport and had this look of disappointment on him. Sorry little guy, I couldn’t arrange for Mickey to meet you as you exited the plane.

We waited for their stroller and after a quick bathroom break we made our way to the monorail – DD still pulling her suitcase!

We boarded the front of the monorail and Pop Pop began videotaping. “Our first ride in Orlando!” But DD and DS didn’t want to sit on the ledge; instead they wanted to stand up and hold onto the poles like Pop Pop and I. Luckily, it was a short ride. A short walk and a ride on the elevator, we made our way to the Magical Express queue. DD, DS, and I walked around while Pop Pop checked-in for us. The line was short and in less than 5 minutes we were walking that magical red carpet!

We were first online for the OKW/SSR/POR bus and I took the time to call exDH and let him know we had arrived. We also called Nonna who would call Mom Mom to give her the news. Pop Pop had a voice mail from DSis that their flight was delayed but they didn’t know for how long. I tried to call but there was no answer, so I texted her and waited to hear back.

With that, the bus pulled up and we were allowed to board. The kids picked the front row seats, but as we sat awaiting for more passengers, they became restless. I mean, they just sat/slept for 2 ½ hours on the plane and now I wanted them to sit on the bus. The bus driver was super nice – he gave them their first 5 Mickey stickers of the trip each which they proceeded to peel and stick any and everywhere. He also let us take them off the bus and run around this small sidewalk and bench area until it was time to leave.

The kids enjoyed watching the movie and their excitement was building. DD yelled out the characters and attractions she knew. The bus driver got on the microphone and announced, “Ladies and Gentleman. Boy and Girls. Here is your first glimpse of Disney property. You are now in Disney World!” All of the kids on the bus went nuts – screaming, clapping, laughing. DS was brimming, DD was jumping in her seat.

OKW was the first stop and we were the only ones to get off. We went directly to the Hospitality House to check-in where the kids received even more stickers. DD loved this! DS ran around and checked out what was on the TV – a Disney sing-a-long video “Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah …!” it sang. We had requested a few buildings prior to our stay, and as luck would have it, didn’t get any of them! Instead we were out in building 38 – way in the back of OKW property.

Not one of our favorites areas. Oh well, we would only be in the studio for a week. DSis and DBIL would be in the studio next door to us. There room wasn’t ready, but ours was.

We piled in a van with the stroller and our stuff and headed to our room to unload some stuff. Within 5 minutes of arriving in our room, there was a knock at the door – our luggage had arrived! We put the suitcases in the closets and Pop Pop opened the door to our deck to see the view. It was … non-existant. We had a view of trees and bushes – just beyond those bushes was the main highway. As you can imagine, we didn’t spend much time on the balcony. Freshened up, sunblock on, we gathered up our stuff and made our way to the bus stop.

Where else do you begin a magical Disney World vacation than at the Magic Kingdom, of course! A short wait – no more than 3 minutes and the MK bus pulled in.

DS was hungry. We would be having lunch at The Plaza, but he couldn’t wait until we got there. DD loved the idea of not having to sit in a car seat on the bus!

As we approached the Magic Kingdom, I began to get that butterfly feeling in my stomach. I was smiling ear to ear as Space Mountain and Cinderella Castle came to view. “Look! Look! There it is!” We were approaching the traffic light and I got ready to hear that lovely tune – the drumroll of the Mickey Mouse Club theme. “Listen kids, they are going to play music!” We get to the traffic light and through the gate of the MK bus depot and no music. What?! No music? Okay, okay, I know this is a fairly new addition, but I must say it just builds the anticipation and excitement, that little extra bit of pixie dust. Oh well, soon enough I would be walking right down the middle of Main St. USA!

The bus dropped us off at the ASMO bus depot – don’t you just love that – in the 19 days we were there, we never got dropped off at our actual hotel stop. This is what we saw as we walked the path to the MK. Apparently these people couldn’t follow the huge red sidewalk that leads directly to the MK and had to walk in the bus traffic to get there instead!

We first had to purchase our AP’s. That was quick and painless – well except for the bill! DS was running around the queue – thankfully no one was in line and DD joined in the fun.

Since I am rarely in any pictures, Pop Pop offered to take a picture of DD, DS, and I in front of the train station. Remember that DS is hungry and now DD is asking for lunch. They turned out lovely. I’m thinking of having them made into poster size … HAHA! Here they are:
Family Photo Take 1:

Family Photo Take 2:

We didn’t try for Take 3

We made our way to security and with not much more of a glance at my bag, we were given permission to head to the turnstiles. Pop Pop had the video camera out and filmed the kids going through the turnstiles. My brand new AP didn’t read and this would be a theme throughout the vacation. With a few tries I was finally allowed to go through. We walked under the right side – tradition on the first day – Train Station. And soon I heard the sweet Main St melody and the sight I had been longing to see – Main St. USA … Ahhhhh.... We were home!


Coming Up … We’re Movin’, Shakin’, Celebrating!

 

[marsa1969]

I'm in on this trip report. I lurked on your pre-trip, but I out for this TR.
Okay, read and got caught up. I wish I was as organized you! Do you still have a online store for your hair bows? If so, can you PM me the info?

 

[Villainess]

I'm in on this trip report. I lurked on your pre-trip, but I out for this TR.

Welcome! Thanks for coming out of lurkdom!

New chapter should be up in a few minutes!

 

[Villainess]

DD and DS have been freed from their prison on wheels by Pop Pop, and were walking hand in hand, taking their first steps of the trip on Main St. I managed to get these photos of them as I juggled pushing the stroller, putting away my AP, and stowing my purse in the stroller basket.

I caught up to them to catch a look at DD and DS’s expressions. They were in awe! DD kept saying, “Aurora’s house?” and DS was squealing with delight. I managed to put the kids back in the stroller so we could get down Main St. We had ADR’s at The Plaza and with the crankiness that was demonstrated by DS on the bus and by both DD and DS during our “family portrait”, I didn’t want a meltdown in our first 10 minutes.

It didn’t take long to hear music moving up Main St, and not the typical Main St music. CMs were clearing the street and we obliged joining other guests on the sidewalk. The Move It, Shake It, Celebrate It Party was making its way backstage. I parked the stroller curbside and they had front row seats for a mini-parade.

As I took these shots of DS, I got that “OMG – we’re here!” feeling. Seeing the excitement in his face – I started to cry.

After the last float passed, we continued our way to The Plaza, and checked in. The castle show was performing so Pop Pop was going to take the kids down there to watch, but our buzzer went off. We had a nice table with a window seat. The kids shared a Grilled Cheese sandwhich with grapes, Pop Pop and I both had the Plaza Club. Unfortunately, no pictures of our lunch since the kids were VERY hungry!

We received the bill and paid in cash and our waitress gave us back the wrong amount of change – by $4! Our bill totaled more than what a $4 tip would be adequate for, so we called her back and questioned her. She knew right away that she hadn’t given us the correct change. She said, “Oh it was just a couple of bucks!” Pop Pop politely asked for the remaining change, left her tip, and we were on our way.

We made a quick stop to buy a bucket of popcorn; Pop Pop promised the kids months before we left that they would get popcorn first thing in the parks. As I made lunch the priority (silly Mommy!), popcorn was dessert.

We proceeded to the hub as the Castle show (I know that’s not the name, but it’s what I have called every show in front of the castle since I was little) was performing again. As DD has only talked about meeting Aurora, seeing Aurora, hugging Aurora – she is dumbstruck to see Aurora performing on stage!

Meanwhile, DS has gotten out of the stroller and is entertaining himself by chasing a duck, apparently getting more amusement out of that then the show in front of him. Pop Pop keeps himself busy by chasing DS.

After the show, we ask DD and DS, “Where to first?” In all our trips, POTC is the first attraction, but DD had other plans. “Aurora’s horse!” she exclaims – repeatedly. And so off to Fantasyland we go!

As we make our way, Pop Pop tries to call DSis on her cell phone since her plane had been delayed but her phone was still shut off. I noticed that Fantasyland was not crowded – not crowded at all! We have been to WDW during this time of year; in fact, we love going at this time bc of the low crowds but with the 4/3 deal and crowd reports on the DIS, I was expecting much more people. I was pleasantly surprised – and pleased!

We waited only for the carrousel to stop to board, and while on queue, I scoped out Cinderella’s horse. I had never rode on the horse with the golden bow, and was hoping to get DD on it at least once during our stay.

Since we were fourth online, we were able to grab Cinderella’s horse which DD instantly proclaimed ‘Aurora’s horse’ (Did you have any doubt?)

DS took the horse next to her, and prior to the ride beginning, he inspected the seat belt strap and was looking up at all the components to make the horse go round and round. (I think he’s going to be an engineer – maybe an Imagineer!).

Look Mom! No Hands!

They loved the carrousel and we had quite the water works by DS when I had to take him off. He kept yelling “Mooore?” in his Oliver Twist type accent.

I let DS pick the next attraction and he pointed to the first thing he saw – Pinocchio’s Village Haus. Obviously not an attraction, so I turned him slightly to the left to see the IASW entrance and asked if that’s where he wanted to go. DD immediately concurred and with that we were walking to the queue.

The queue was only the length of the ramp of IASW, with both sides working. Only a 5 minute wait, if that, but in the short time of walking from the carousel to IASW, DS passed out in Pop Pop’s arms. Apparantly the excitement of Main St and the carrousel was too much for him! LOL! Poor little guy!

Cont'd in next post ...

 

[Villainess]

DD happily boarded the boat, Pop Pop right behind her with DS in his arms. We showed her where to wave to those eating at Pinocchio’s and soon she was gleefully singing “Is mall world … af’er ALL! Mall, mall world!” (She has trouble with s’s). I tried to join in, singing and clapping, but she shoo'ed away my hands saying, "No Mommy!"

Looks like the gondolier is drinking the water with a straw here ...

As we approached the unloading dock – we were directly underneath the clock tower – I asked DD where she wanted to go next. “Pirates.” OK. No sooner did we reach the platform to unload, I see DD fast asleep sitting upright! Goodness!

With DD and DS sleeping, Pop Pop and I placed them in the stroller and we walked around a bit.

I received a phone call from Mom Mom who proceeded to interrogate me, getting the rundown of the flight, check-in, lunch, what we’ve done, and that the kids were napping. After love you’s and promises to call again, we strolled down towards Frontierland. Pop Pop made his way into the Trading Post to catch a glimpse at the newest pins that were released.

From there we mosey’d on over to the POTC gift shop where I took some pictures.

Pop Pop heard from DSis and DBIL. They had arrived at OKW and just settled in their room. They would join us around 5pm for our dinner ADRs.

DD woke up from her short nap and wanted to do something. Since she loved the Tiki Birds on our last trip, I took her there while Pop Pop walked around with the still sleeping DS.

We caught the very end of the pre-show spiel and walked right in to find a front row seat.

The tiki theater was only 1/3 full or so. DD thoroughly enjoyed the show, dancing in her seat and singing “Tiki, Tiki, Tiki”. I was annoyed at the CM who sat in the corner of the room texting through the entire show. It was disturbing and since they do not allow flash photography, being in a dark room – her cell phone screen was bright and eye-catching – just as distracting as flash photography, IMO. Sadly, this was not the last instance of CMs texting during attractions that we witnessed throughout our stay.

We found Pop Pop and DS who had woken up and decided to make our way back towards Main St. DSis and DBIL would be joining us soon. We made it to the Train Station just before 5pm and I decided to take the kids over to watch the flag retreat ceremony while Pop Pop went to the entrance to wait for them to arrive.

I’ve seen the flag retreat a few times before, and if Mom Mom and Dee Dad ever take the trip down to WDW with us again – I definitely want to get Dee Dad to participate in the ceremony. He is a WWII vet, having served in the Army-Airforce (before the Airforce was its own branch). He was stationed in France for sometime during the war. Unfortunately, I don’t know much about his service as he prefers not to talk about it. I do know, that he is a proud American and would be honored to participate in such a ceremony.

DD and DS watched the ceremony, but in all honesty, they didn’t understand it. I really didn’t expect them to, however they did enjoy clapping their hands to the marching band.

I took the kids to the entrance area and we waited as DSis and DBIL were coming through the turnstiles. DD and DS were a bit perplexed in seeing them there. After hugs and hello’s, we booked it over to LTT as our ADR’s were for 5:25pm and it was already 5:20!

I parked the stroller while DSis checked in at the podium. It wasn’t long after finding a seat, that a woman came over with her son and asked if I was on the DIS. It was Starlight!

Starlight – it was wonderful meeting you and your son! Thank you again for the Buzz FP’s!!!! It really is a small Dis World after all!

Soon after, our name was called and were quickly settled in and eating our Thanksgiving-like feast. We all ate very well, having seconds and even some thirds! It was a great meal, although the absence of the characters was noticeable. I used to enjoy this restaurant with the characters. Still, it was an excellent home cooking dinner that we all enjoyed.

Coming Up - Yo Ho! Yo Ho! A Cpt. Jack's Life for me!

 

[omghidanielle]

 

[JPFamilyMom]

Great pictures so far, still have to go back and finish your PTR and then actually read what you have so far, but wanted to sub in now to save the link

 

[AGPrincess]

Great TR so far! Your DD and DS are so cute, and the photos are fantastic!

 

[reelmom]

Great TR! I don't blame your daughter about her suitcase. I would want to pull it all day long too. It is very eye-catching and so cute. I only have boys so that girly stuff really stands out to me.

Your little boy is precious watching the parade. You can see and feel the excitement.

 

[Leleluvsdis]

I'm loving the TR so far!!! Your DD and DS are precious!!!

 

[marsa1969]

Great update! Your pictures are so clear and vibrant - I think that they might be better than most PF photographers! Do you still have your online hairbow store?? Can you PM me info on that as well as your card store? Thanks!

 

[Villainess]

Welcome!

Great pictures so far, still have to go back and finish your PTR and then actually read what you have so far, but wanted to sub in now to save the link

Welcome! Thanks for joining in!

Great TR so far! Your DD and DS are so cute, and the photos are fantastic!

Thank you! I owe all my photo knowledge to the Photography board here on DIS... there are some great photographers over there!

Great TR! I don't blame your daughter about her suitcase. I would want to pull it all day long too. It is very eye-catching and so cute. I only have boys so that girly stuff really stands out to me.

Your little boy is precious watching the parade. You can see and feel the excitement.

DD is still pulling the suitcase around ... I haven't been able to pack it away.

I'm loving the TR so far!!! Your DD and DS are precious!!!

Thanks! Welcome aboard!

Great update! Your pictures are so clear and vibrant - I think that they might be better than most PF photographers! Do you still have your online hairbow store?? Can you PM me info on that as well as your card store? Thanks!

Awww .. thank you ... sending you a PM!

 

[Villainess]

With full bellies, we decided to take a relaxing boat ride on the Liberty Belle to allow our tummies a chance to digest.

Tom Sawyer Island which we intended to visit this trip …

I’ll let the pictures do the talking – sit back and enjoy the views!

Notice the reference to the year WDW opened?

DSis and DS, although when she is holding him everyone assumes that she is his mommy.

Didn’t this cabin used to burn?

We docked and disembarked and the general consensus was POTC!

Yo Ho Yo Ho A Cpt Jack’s Life for Me! LOL!

With both sides of the queue open, the line was non-existent. We opted for the right side of the queue. We boarded the front and seconds rows and off we went on our Caribbean adventure, ready to ward off pirates – or join the crew!

As we approached the drop, Pop Pop jokingly said to the kids, “Put your hands up!” And with not more than a second thought, both DD and DS did as our ‘ship’ went gliding down the hill. Were there tears? No. Screams? No. “Weeeeeeee!” “More!”

As we dodged the crossfire of the Cpt. Barbossa and the pirates, DD and DS sang “Yo Ho Yo Ho” swinging their arms in pirate fashion.

I’m one of those people who get really annoyed by those using flash photography on the dark rides, especially when they tell you not to. So, you can imagine my disgust as my own DSis happily snapped picture after picture with her flash on. Ugh! When I told her in that “Knock it off sister kind of way”, she merely shrugged and so “So what? Who am I hurting?” Errrrr… that’s not the point!

With any well thought out Disney attraction, disembarking leads you straight to a gift shop where DD, DS and DBIL took a moment to demonstrate their newly acquired jousting skills.

After prying the swords and hooks out of the kids’ hands, we took a short walk over to the Jungle Cruise.

I really miss when the skippers were able to adlib a bit. I remember meeting a Jungle Cruise skipper when I was 17. He was awesome! I ended up riding around his on his boat 3 times in a row. We did ‘date’ for awhile but the long distance thing wasn’t meant to be. Fond memories ... OK, getting sidetracked …

This skipper was just plain dull; going through the motions; I’ll give her the benefit of the doubt since it was getting late in the evening.


Coming Up ... Dead Battery

 

[Villainess]

After soaring over Agrabah, I mean, Adventureland, DBIL, DD, and DS jammed on some drums in Agrabah’s Oasis.

DBIL and DSis decided to use the FP’s for Buzz that Starlight had given us earlier in the evening while Pop Pop, DS, DD, and I went to find a spot for Spectro Magic. DBIL isn’t big on parades; instead he opts to hit some of the more popular attractions during those times. They went on Buzz, Carousel of Progress, Monsters Inc Laugh Floor, Indy Speedway, and Buzz again during the parade.

We found a great spot for viewing the parade in Liberty Square, on the right side of Liberty Tree Tavern. DD and DS loved the parade.

I was happily shooting pictures when my camera battery died! Duh! I had forgotten to charge my camera battery at the airport hotel the night prior. The new battery I purchased for the trip was in the hotel sitting on the charger. Oh well… no more photos for the night. I placed the camera away and enjoyed watching the rest of the parade, and even more the faces of my children. They were glowing! This was the first of many, many times that I said a silent prayer of thanks that I am able to take my children to a place that brought me such joy as a child and now I can share it with them.

One of the cutest things I saw (something I can envision DD experiencing in the future, I hope) was this young girl, probably around 5 years old or so. She was dressed as Snow White. When Snow White was walking by she came up to the little girl and blew her a kiss. The little girl beamed! DD thought it was wonderful too seeing the girl as “little Snow White.”

After the parade we made our way towards Main St to find a spot for Wishes. We planted ourselves in the street right by the ice cream parlor. One thing that I cannot stand is the way the CMs direct traffic in the middle of Main St. during this time as well as each sidewalk being one way. It is too confusing and leads to shoving and pushing. I preferred the good ol’ days of fending for yourself! LOL! Seriously, I just never experienced a problem navigating.

Enough of that tangent. DSis called and asked where we were. They were walking from Tomorrowland and would find us to watch Wishes. Well, they never showed up. DS fell asleep before Wishes began, but DD watched with eyes wide open. After Wishes, we joined the thousands of others as we made our way up Main St. Pop Pop had a v/m on his cell from DSis. They decided to head back to OKW bc they were tired and didn’t wait to see Wishes. Usually we hang out, walking through the shops or waiting for the Kiss Goodnight, but we’ve had a long day, being up since 4:30am. Pop Pop was tired, DD was falling asleep, I was exhausted …

A bus for OKW was waiting for us at our bus stop. DD was still partially awake so she was able to climb on the bus while I carried DS and Pop Pop grabbed the stroller. We hadn’t even left the stop before DD was sleeping in my lap, DS on the half of my lap. After an uneventful bus ride home, I carried both DD and DS off the bus placing them back in the stroller to walk back to our room. I put them to bed clothes and all as I didn’t want to wake them up.

Coming Up …Dining with the Yak & Yeti

 

[Goofy22]

Great updates and pics!

 

[Villainess]

Great updates and pics!

Thanks! More coming soon!




Hey lurkers out there - come join the fun!

 

[reelmom]

Your Spectro pictures are amazing. Mine always come out blurry.

 

[stacikristine]

Let me just say, your pictures are GORGEOUS! They are so clear--some of the best I've seen! Your kids are adorable, and I can't wait to follow your TR!

 

[Villainess]

Your Spectro pictures are amazing. Mine always come out blurry.

Thank you. I've learned a lot from the Dis Photographers here. These were taken f/2.8 ISO 800 or 1600 no flash, AP mode

 

[Villainess]

My internal plan was to be up and headed to AK no later than 10:30am. HA! We were much more tired than I anticipated. At 9am, DSis and DBIL were knocking at our door, dressed and ready to go. DD and DS were still sleeping, Pop Pop had been up for about 20 minutes or so, and I just woke up. That is so unlike me to sleep in!

It didn’t take long for the kids to wake up with the commotion around the room. I needed to give them baths as it was way too late to give them the night before, and they were already passed out when we got home. DSis helped by taking DS in her room and giving him a quick shower while I did the same with DD. Within 15 minutes they were both bathed, dressed and ready to go. Now it was my turn! I hate it when people have to wait on me, so I dressed and organized my camera stuff, diapers, wipes, sippy cups, etc for the day. I slathered sun block on the kids and passed the bottle for everyone to use. Even after 8 years of lifeguarding and using SPF-50, I still have to burn first before I can tan.

We waited about 8 minutes for the AK bus to arrive. With a quick stop at BB, where no passengers got off, we made our way to AK. After going through security we noticed Brer Rabbit and Brer Bear out for a meet and greet.

I only pulled one marker out for them to sign with, but apparently Brer Bear was in a bit of a hurry bc he took the pen of the next child in line and signed the books with it. DD and DS were a bit uneasy about them, but honestly they have no idea who they are. DSis and DBIL got in the picture with them.

From there we visited Jiminy Cricket. His autograph is very cool!

I joined the kids in this picture and it would begin the trend of me having one picture taken of me every day just to prove I was in fact there! DD and DS preferred to look at the characters instead of looking at whomever was taking the picture.

We proceeded through the turnstiles and strolled the path, gazing at the waterfalls and parrots.

These parrots must be in hundreds of guests’ pictures everyday! You think the novelty has worn off on them yet?

We had ADR’s at Yak & Yeti at 12:30pm. We would have enough time to get FP’s for Kilamanjaro Safari before heading over for lunch. Of course, you can’t come upon the Tree of Life without stopping to take a picture of it!

What everyone should do with their Photopass when they get it! We never did any photopass pictures on Day 1.

After trekking over to the Safari and grabbing fast passes, we made our way to Yak & Yeti. This would be our first time eating here. I had wanted to eat here last year but was outvoted. DSis sometimes has picky tastes but she had seen the menu ahead of time and wanted to try it. Unfortunately, so did Nonna but we never were able to grab an ADR for when she was with us on this trip.

DSis checked us in and, speaking of Nonna, Pop Pop was on the phone with her. Back home in NJ they were having rain and cold, windy weather. The night before she ran to the mall to get a pair of comfy sandals for the trip since she doesn’t like flip flops.

The lobby of Yak & Yeti was a bit crowded; there were 3 large parties waiting to be seated so Pop Pop, DBIL, DSis, DS, and DD were hanging outside while I snapped some pictures and listened for our name to be called.

How appetizing is it to see this before sitting down to your meal?

Within 10 minutes, we had a window seat and were studying the menu.

There were so many things – I couldn’t make up my mind. DS was getting a bit cranky. None of us had breakfast really; I don’t count the chocolate chip cookie DD and DS had as breakfast.

DBIL ordered Wonton Soup for an appetizer which DS happily shared with him.

DSis and Pop Pop ordered the Sweet & Sour Chicken.

I had the Chicken LoMein and Pork Egg Rolls.

The kids had chicken nuggets with fried rice.

DBIL had the crispy mahi mahi which I didn’t get a picture of.

Not much conversation at the table bc we were HUNGRY! The food was excellent, and was hoping to return later in the trip with Nonna. We didn’t get dessert, instead asking for our check so we could head over to the safari.

But before that, DSis ran over to EE and got FP’s for Pop Pop, herself, and I.

DBIL was going to sit out this trip saying he didn’t like it. I think he didn’t want another picture of him like this taken of him!

Coming Up - Giraffes on parade