TRIP INTERRUPTED - or V's Summer Vacation(s)

[scottny]

that is great that he wanted to try. now he can tell everyone he did it.

 

[DisneyJo]

See, Leo had another mission: he wanted to ride Test Track. For the FIRST time.

Woohooo you go Leo

Because he spent the entire ride with his face buried in my shoulder.

Uh, so he didn't like it?

Test Track really shook him up. No tears, but he wasn’t interested in trying it again.

Next time

Okay, and my list isn’t so far off either: VW Super Beetle, Nissan Sentra, Hyundai Excel, Saturn coupe, Saturn wagon, Hyundai Santa Fe. And I’ve got my eye on a VW Rabbit.

Wow

That there is a Cadillac. Leo passed by a Saab convertible, a Hummer and a Corvette. For the Cadillac. I shuddered just a little and hurried Leo on out of there

So that isn't good

 

[jcc0621]

But we did make it to the monorail…

What a cutie

…and to EPCOT, its beauty no longer marred by the stupid wand!

Another SE purist

Because he spent the entire ride with his face buried in my shoulder.

He was going for lap, but was belted too tightly to reach.

Aww, poor little guy

 

[cmp1111]

He's so cool and cute! I'm sorry he didn't like TT - my boys loved that one.

Big to Leo for trying it!

 

[PrincessV]

Before we get to the MK, I should point out that this was Labor Day. I was expecting the worst as far as crowds go, but so far, hadn’t seen much. Were they all at MK???

We chose the ferry for our journey across the lake and easily found Char and Harry when we disembarked. Crowds were light heading in, but it was after 10am, after all.

First stop? Buzz Lightyear! And there was… NO WAIT! None. We just walked right through the queue and into our vehicles.

Next – the Peoplemover/TTA. Harry once again tried to escape and Leo chose to sit with Char.

Char wanted to check out Mickey’s Star Traders (am I the only one who can’t even type that phrase without hearing it in that announcer’s voice on the TTA?!) and Harry was ready for a snack break, so Leo and I headed up to Astro Orbiter on our own. Again, very little wait.

It was pretty much lunch time at that point and we decided to give Pecos Bills a try. I hadn’t eaten there since… actually I’m not sure I’d ever eaten there. And Char hadn’t since she was little, but had fond memories (?). We found a table in the back of the side room and dug in. It was pretty good! Char and I both had the taco salads and everything was fresh and crisp and tasty. I used to get the same thing at El Pirata y el Perico, back when they were actually open more than 2 days a year, and loved them. Leo and Harry both got the nuggets, and they were yummy, too. However, it was majorly LOUD back there and I was getting a headache.

After lunch, we hit the Jungle Cruise, again with no wait. Where were all the Floridians??!!

Leo got the brilliant idea that we should climb the Treehouse, so we headed over to do that while Char and Harry went for a diaper change. We were supposed to all meet at the entrance. Or the exit. I forget which. But whichever I suggested was wrong.

Because the goal was to wind up at Aloha isle and wherever I said to meet wasn’t. So Leo and I went to aloha Isle anyway, got me a Dole Whip and Leo a chocolate soft-serve and called Char. Got her voicemail.

Tried again – got her voicemail.

Tried again – got her voicemail.

Next thing I knew, Char and Harry came wheeling up saying “HEY! Where were you and WHERE’d you get the ice cream.


Oops.


Char took her turn to get something frosty and harry stayed with Leo and me. He kept looking longingly at my Dole Whip.

Then, he started opening his mouth and craning his head like a baby bird.
Leo offered him a bite of his chocolate ice cream… but Harry wasn’t too excited by it.

More of the mouth-opening and head-craning. Directed at me. So I gave him a spoonful of Dole Whip… and the child lit up like the sky on the 4th of July. Harry LIKED him some Dole Whip! We continued sharing till Char got back. She had a cup of vanilla. For Harry.

“You didn’t get a Dole Whip?!”
“No,” said Char, “Harry doesn’t like pineapple.”

Yeah, suuuuure he didn’t!

So there we all were, enjoying our ise cream, when Leo turned to me and said “Mommy? Is that Brer Bear?”, while pointing across the walkway.
Now, here’s the thing – he’s never been on Splash Mountain. He’s never seen Song of the South. How does he know anything about brer-anyone? I’m sure we can thank the Disney Marketing Machine for that.
Anyway, something far more amazing than Leo knowing the identity of Brer Bear was underway.

Leo wanted to meet the Brer gang, Bear included! Some of you might remember that Leo was certain he was doomed to be dinner for the Country Bears last December. He’s also had zero interest in going up to any character other than Mickey.

What I’m saying is, this was BIG.

Wouldn’t you know, the Brer gang was just turning around to go inside when we got there. But Brer Bear must’ve seen the look on Leo’s face, because he waved off his Cm caretaker and gestured Leo over. Leo… went right to him and hugged with all he had.

It was yet another instance of trying something new and Leo came through with flying colors once more. Could it last?

Our day was pretty much over with that. We made a stop at the Main St. Bakery for some treats to get us through till the next visit, caught the end of the parade from the windows, and headed back to the Poly. There, we got into our separate cars and made our ways back across I-4.

____________________________________________________

I know, from a reader’s perspective, this wasn’t the most exciting day. But its lack of excitement was precisely what made it such a perfect ending to an amazing summer break.

No tantrums.

No whining.

No adult melt-downs.

No spills, bumps or pukes.

Lots of laughs, smiles, sharing, and caring. Who could ask for more in the Land of Mouse?




I can’t say enough about how AWESOME this entire goofy trip was! From bonding with new friends to reconnecting with an old friend, to relishing in the freedom of down-time with family, it was everything I needed to move past the craziness of the past year and R E L A X.


To my amazing readers, thanks so very much for coming along for yet another journey with me! I love reading your posts and answering questions – you inspire me to constantly do better. To all the lurkers out there (yes, I see you!), thanks for reading along – maybe you’ll come out of lurkdom and have some fun with me on the next report.

And to Lauralee, Tracy, Jo and S’late….. I have not words. That was just about the most fun any group of imaginary friends should be allowed to have in one night! All I’ve got is this…

LET’S DO IT ALL AGAIN!!!!!

 

[PrincessV]

And I like that you can order what you want from a menu. Sounds like a terrific meal!

Yeah, we kind of get used to the "family-style" and buffet meals, don't we?!

P and Happy are car people. Not me so much. The other day we were going to breakfast and Happy wanted to go in P's car to "test out the engine in the cold" and to see "how fast it can go in the cold" I dont know where that came from The car isnt even new. He also likes to ride with the top down and a blanket on in the cold.

That's so cute!

Really? You think this? I'm not so sure. I really did like the wand. It added a bit of magic to the "big ball". I'm not sad it's gone but I didn't hate it either.

Yes ma'am. I hated that wand from the day it went up.

that is great that he wanted to try. now he can tell everyone he did it.

Yep, I was pretty darned proud!

Uh, so he didn't like it?

Not so much!

Another SE purist

Oh yeah!

He's so cool and cute! I'm sorry he didn't like TT - my boys loved that one.

I was really surprised - I thought TT would be a winner for sure.

 

[Disneyolic]

You don't always need drama to write a good update for your TR. Just hearing about the good times and how wonderful everything turned out is all I need. To have the memories, especially the good ones, is what really counts.

That reminds me of a story but I'll go post it on our TFW ...

Thanks V for sharing your wonderful Disney trip(s) with us!!

 

[boysmom5150]

Oh V, that sounds like such a great day. So glad Leo got a chance to see Brer Bear. And he did the Astro Orbiter again too!!
NOthing better than having some fun with good friends old and new. So glad that you all got to meet and spend time getting to know each other even more.

Thanks for sharing all your fun memories with us once again. I love taking this journey with you as you remember all the fun.
Hope that you decide to do another TR for your Dec trip.
See ya around and have a Happy Thanksgiving. Enjoy putting up your decorations and when Leo gets home Im sure he with be thrilled that you transformed your home into a Christmas Wonderland

 

[Disneyland_Mama]

LET’S DO IT ALL AGAIN!!!!!

Gladly, my friend, gladly!

Actually, it sounds like the perfect way to end a trip - in a drama-free zone! I can't wait to go along with you and Leo on your next Mouse Adventure - and I'm really looking forward to August - which with non-FDM is a mere 9 months away!!!

Look out wiener salad... here we come!

 

[jcc0621]

Before we get to the MK, I should point out that this was Labor Day. I was expecting the worst as far as crowds go, but so far, hadn’t seen much. Were they all at MK???

My mother was also surprised at how uncrowded it was on Labor Day Weekend. She said Artist Point did not have that many ADR's scheduled and they had very few walk-ups

Char wanted to check out Mickey’s Star Traders (am I the only one who can’t even type that phrase without hearing it in that announcer’s voice on the TTA?!)

Nope, me too...NOW APPROACHING MICKEY'S STARTRADERS

It was pretty much lunch time at that point and we decided to give Pecos Bills a try. I hadn’t eaten there since… actually I’m not sure I’d ever eaten there. And Char hadn’t since she was little, but had fond memories (?). We found a table in the back of the side room and dug in. It was pretty good! Char and I both had the taco salads and everything was fresh and crisp and tasty. I used to get the same thing at El Pirata y el Perico, back when they were actually open more than 2 days a year, and loved them. Leo and Harry both got the nuggets, and they were yummy, too. However, it was majorly LOUD back there and I was getting a headache.

We ate here in August and really enjoyed it. The taco salad was yummy. We ate outside so I didn't notice the noise

After lunch, we hit the Jungle Cruise, again with no wait. Where were all the Floridians??!!

They probably all stayed home thnking it was going to be crowded

“You didn’t get a Dole Whip?!”
“No,” said Char, “Harry doesn’t like pineapple.”

Yeah, suuuuure he didn’t!

It was yet another instance of trying something new and Leo came through with flying colors once more. Could it last?

WTG Leo

To my amazing readers, thanks so very much for coming along for yet another journey with me! I love reading your posts and answering questions – you inspire me to constantly do better. To all the lurkers out there (yes, I see you!), thanks for reading along – maybe you’ll come out of lurkdom and have some fun with me on the next report.

So there is going to be a next one

LET’S DO IT ALL AGAIN!!!!!

ooh, ooh, ooh - can I play too

 

[cmp1111]

First stop? Buzz Lightyear! And there was… NO WAIT! None. We just walked right through the queue and into our vehicles.

Wooohoooty!

Leo wanted to meet the Brer gang, Bear included! Some of you might remember that Leo was certain he was doomed to be dinner for the Country Bears last December.

That's possibly my most favorite Leo story ever.

To my amazing readers, thanks so very much for coming along for yet another journey with me! I love reading your posts and answering questions – you inspire me to constantly do better. To all the lurkers out there (yes, I see you!), thanks for reading along – maybe you’ll come out of lurkdom and have some fun with me on the next report.

And to Lauralee, Tracy, Jo and S’late….. I have not words. That was just about the most fun any group of imaginary friends should be allowed to have in one night! All I’ve got is this…

LET’S DO IT ALL AGAIN!!!!!

V, once again it is absolutely OUR pleasure to read along. You have a gift and a beautiful family.

Is it wrong of me to be plotting a mommy weekend away in August?

 

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

Thank You for yet another wonderful trip report V. I just love hearing about the good times you have and following along as Leo grows up and becomes more adventurous (rides, characters).

I can't wait until your next TR!

 

[PrincessAlways]

More of the mouth-opening and head-craning. Directed at me. So I gave him a spoonful of Dole Whip… and the child lit up like the sky on the 4th of July. Harry LIKED him some Dole Whip! We continued sharing till Char got back. She had a cup of vanilla. For Harry.

“You didn’t get a Dole Whip?!”
“No,” said Char, “Harry doesn’t like pineapple.”

Moms are always the last to know!

No tantrums.

No whining.

No adult melt-downs.

No spills, bumps or pukes.

Lots of laughs, smiles, sharing, and caring. Who could ask for more in the Land of Mouse?

Amen!!!

Thanks for another great report! I enjoy reading your stories!

 

[aldisneygrl]

No, Thanks to you V!!! You do a mighty fine job entertaining all of us.

You finished just in time too................Start another TR!!!!

 

[sharkB8HooHaHa]

Aw, V. Another one done! Good thing you are down to something like 3 weeks.....AND you'll be writing a TR for your Christmas trip

A wonderful day...
A wonderful trip...
And so good to see a smile on Char's face

 

[DisneyJo]

And to Lauralee, Tracy, Jo and S’late….. I have not words. That was just about the most fun any group of imaginary friends should be allowed to have in one night! All I’ve got is this…

LET’S DO IT ALL AGAIN!!!!!

Most definitely V, can't wait to meet you and your gorgeous little boy again and who knows what other big steps he's taken by then, maybe he could take Jess on RnR

 

[twob4him]

Hi V!
Great ending to a great trip!!! Can't wait for your next one!!!

 

[MeLaNie9]

Thanks for another great TR, I enjoyed every bit. Loved all the photos of Leo, Harry...everybody!
We leave in 4 short days and I never even got a pre-trippie started, just too busy but I am glad that I found the time to follow along with the Lapupalooza TRs!
Can't wait to hear about your future trips!

 

[Lauralee131]

Wow - what a great last day!!

BIG hugs to my brave little buddy Leo...swimming, water slides, TT...it's been a great, adventurous summer for him!

I love, love, love that picture of him with his little sunglasses on! How handsome!

And I was very glad that little Harry was feeling better on this leg of the trip! Nice to see pics of Char enjoying herself!

I look forward to August as well...can't wait for us all to get together again!

Well, and of course, I'll see you in January my friend!!

LY/MI!!!!

 

[PrincessV]

You don't always need drama to write a good update for your TR. Just hearing about the good times and how wonderful everything turned out is all I need.

Thanks DM! I forget, writing my own, how much I enjoy hearing about the super-duper days in others' TRs. Thanks for the reminder!

Oh V, that sounds like such a great day.

It really was - such a perfect ending!

I can't wait to go along with you and Leo on your next Mouse Adventure - and I'm really looking forward to August - which with non-FDM is a mere 9 months away!!!

SO, with FDM, that's like 7 months?! WOOO HOOOTY!!!

Look out wiener salad... here we come!

Do LL and Jo know about the weiner salad, or shall it be a surprise?!

My mother was also surprised at how uncrowded it was on Labor Day Weekend. She said Artist Point did not have that many ADR's scheduled and they had very few walk-ups

That's so weird! I expected it to be a little less busy than Sat or Sun, but it was DEAD.

That's possibly my most favorite Leo story ever.

Wasn't that a flippin' riot?!

Is it wrong of me to be plotting a mommy weekend away in August?

NOOO!!!! Plot, my friend, plot!

Thank You for yet another wonderful trip report V.

Thanks so much Z! I'm sorry I've done a lousy job of keeping up with yours - my goal is to catch up before my next trip!

Moms are always the last to know!

Always!

You finished just in time too................Start another TR!!!!

Funny how it always seems to work that way...

And so good to see a smile on Char's face

Wasn't it, though? I'm so glad she was able to get away with us.

...maybe he could take Jess on RnR

Can't you just see it?!

Hi V!
Great ending to a great trip!!! Can't wait for your next one!!!

Thanks Cathy!

I look forward to August as well...can't wait for us all to get together again!

Well, and of course, I'll see you in January my friend!!

DITTO!!!