V & her Nanny do Disney Our Disney Trip & no I'm not a grandma!--Update:2/26 Chap 6

[nannye]

August 2011 was a magical time in my life. I got to experience Disney with Victoria (from now on known as V). V is not my daughter, nor my niece, nor any possible relation blood or otherwise; but she is my family. I am her nanny. Nearly 4 years ago I took on a new position as a live out nanny to an 11 month old baby girl. In september we sent her off to kindergarten; we celebrated the end of 3.5 years of full time care by visiting Disney a few weeks before.

The cast is easy, only two people to worry about V and Me!

I’m Erin, 29 years old and I work as a full time Live out Nanny. I LOVE my job. Really what could be better than spending my days playing with an awesome kid! I am also a teacher, but teaching jobs are hard to come by. I live in Ontario Canada. I LOVE Scrapbooking and am totally addicted. I am also starting to get more into photography. I went to Disney World for the first time when I was 6 and I really don’t have any memories of it, so I considered Aug 2011 my first trip.
Victoria (V) is a feisty four year old, who is sensitive and outgoing and always on the move. She is a go go go kid and a total Angel (most of the time-she does have her moments). She is starting Kindergarten in the fall and is so excited. She isn’t as into Princesses as most little girls her age. Cinderella is her favourite, although she won’t watch any Princess movies. (She seems to like princesses more and more these days, but still no movies!)We can hardly get her to watch a movie at all. She thinks they are ALL scary. She LOVES Mickey and Minnie and Mickey Mouse Club House! She LOVES Dancing and while I thought she would be freaking out excited to go to Disney like any other kid I know; she wasn’t. I was kind of disappointed about that. It was her first time though and I don’t think she really knew what to expect.

Now some of you may be thinking WHAT! Your boss let you take her to Disney!!!! Let me explain a few things. I have the BEST bosses in the world. They are older in their mid-forties now and really aren’t into the type of parenting that Disney involves. They don’t like crowds, or waiting in lines etc... I kind of feel guilty sometimes that they don’t do this kind of stuff with V, but then I have to remind myself that it just isn’t their cup of tea. I do hope someday they take V to Disney, but until then are planning a Disney Cruise next year.
Maybe, 6 months before the trip, my boss mentioned that they were going to their house in Sarasota Florida in Aug and would like to bring me with them. After a while I started to wonder about Disney, would they let me take her? When it was confirmed that I was officially going to Florida with them I finally asked if I could take her. I was planning to pay for it all myself as it is something I wanted to do. I said it was too expensive to stay overnight so maybe I would just drive us up (from Sarasota) to Disney for two days and we would do magic Kingdom. I was a little surprised but not really when they said yes! Then it evolved into overnight. As I started planning I realized that it was really better to just go for a few nights. And once free dining came out we were at four nights and five days. Then my boss said of course WE are paying for it not YOU! I did not mind paying for it at all, but was happy not too! So they paid the booking fees and I said I would pay for souvenirs and anything else... I planned and planned and researched and asked so many questions on DIS. I felt pretty prepared to go so make the most of our time, and know exactly which rides to do or skip.
On Aug 25 we travelled from Toronto to Tampa and then drove to Sarasota. It was pretty uneventful flight; although, it was my FIRST time flying on a plane. I was a little nervous but everything went well. And I had no one better to fly with than my bosses; my DB (Dad Boss) flies for RIM at least twice a month or sometimes more. Last month he was in 4 different US Cities in a week! I forget if it was the ascent or the descent, I don't know, my fear with flying has always been my ears, i have bad ears. one of them was just BRUTAL! The flight home was fine too, but we hit a fair bit of turbulance, and apparently DB was trying very hard not to laugh as I was very white knuckled and V is the one reassurin me that everything was fine, we just hit an air pocket. Anyways, back to the trip there. We hung around the house swimming and going out for dinners and doing a bit of shopping for the first few days and they were endless I was going crazy waiting for Sunday the 28th when we would go for breakfast and then head on to Disney. FINALLY Sunday was here. We were staying for 4 nights and 5 days. Arriving Mid-day on the Sunday and leaving early afternoon on Thursday.)

Up Next: Day 1 at Disney. Check In & Epcot!

Chapter Links
8/28/11 We are on our way!
8/28/11 Whirlwind through Epcot
8/29/11 Becoming A Princess
8/29/11 Dining With Royalty Part 1
8/29/11 Dining With Royalty Part 2 (And meeting Mary Too!)
8/29/11 Time for a Nap... Yah Right!

 

[nannye]

DAY 1 POP Check In and Epcot
August 28, 2011
After breakfast (I have never eaten so fast in my life) we started the drive from Sarasota to Disney. According to MapQuest it should have been nearly 2 hours, BUT we were there in maybe an hour and 20 min! My Boss is a bit of a crazy driver. I’d never driven with him before but I soon learned to hold the door handle. When we first began to see the signs for Disney, V was definitely excited and so was I. If my bosses hadn’t been in the car I’m pretty sure we both would have been screaming. I was just so excited to share this experience with V.

We followed the signs to POP Century Resort and pulled into the luggage unloading area. I assumed my bosses were going to park the car and come in with us, till we were registered and make sure everything was good. I was wrong. They literally dropped us off right there. Bell services took our bags and the bosses gave hugs to V and that was it. Off they went! I was a little shocked. It was now just before noon. We walked into POP and just gazed around for a minute. WOW, this is Disney! I looked at the Check In line and thought WOW so glad we checked in online first!!! The Check In line had at least 20-30 different families. The Online Check In line had a mere 5 in front of us. We got checked in and our room was ready! Yay! Went back to Bell Services and a lovely young man took us to our rooms. Once there, I got V and myself organized loaded the stroller and off we went to line up at the bus to Epcot at 12:30. (That timing does not seem right, but according to the pictures it is!) While in line we met a lovely young lady and her 6 year old from Texas. They were doing Disney Solo as well so we took pictures of each other! (Now yes I realize V does look a little large for the stroller, but at Disney, she needs one and she is only four. (I am worried about our upcoming trip mind you - I hope she will fit, I need that stroller to and from the resort/bus at POR. )

We arrived at Epcot so excited to start our day at 1 pm. Now Epcot was more of a last minute adjustment, I convinced the bosses to let us come earlier in the day so we could visit Epcot do a few super quick things and then be on our way back to the hotel and in bed on time because we had an early morning the next morning. I figured any time at Epcot was better than no time at all! I had detailed schedules written out for all the parks with an order of events, and which countries to see and which to skip. We couldn’t see them all but thanks to Touring Plans and Dis! I felt pretty prepared that we could accomplish the most. Crowd levels were also really low.
As soon as we walked in we saw PhotoPass and did a picture in front of the big ball. This has become my most favourite picture EVER! My heart melts a little bit whenever I see it.

Next we saw Daisy Duck!!! And of course lined up for an autograph and picture. Then Stitch was there so we visited him. V has no idea who Stitch is and she wasn’t overly impressed.

After staring puzzled at the Epcot map for a min, I gave up and just asked the nearest CM how to get to Soarin. (Clearly I am NOT a map person) Thus became the start of rarely looking at maps and just asking for directions, yes I’m bad. We grabbed Fast passes for Soarin’ and then headed for The Seas with Nemo and Turtle Talk with Crush! V got chosen to ask Crush a question, she asked if he had ever been on a boat Ha ha ha ha ha. “Nope he says, I gotta swim in the ocean, but-uh I swam under a boat! “ She was pretty thrilled with that and I shook my head laughing inwardly at her question. We spent a few minutes looking at the fish and such and then we moved on.
We found The Character Spot and headed in to wait in line. Man, that line moved slow! V was literally jumping up and down to see Mickey! This was her first time meeting the big cheese! She was in heaven meeting Mickey Mouse. Next up was Pluto who unfortunately I called Goofy and accidently got perm marker on his costume, (so sorry Pluto). Minnie was the real treat; V was pretty much just in total awe. Donald and Goofy were next!

Next we headed over to Test Track, now I knew if we didn’t go then, odds are we wouldn’t go. The stand by line said 40 min and so we got in. The line definitely wasn’t 40 min, probably about 20 min. Awesome!!!! V LOVED Test Track! She was giggling while the older girl single rider sitting with us was a teeny bit freaked. (Of course I am curious as to whether her eyes were closed for the entire trip – or not?)

Upnext: The kid doesn't want to eat her Mickey Bar?

 

[nannye]

Just a shameless bump to see if anyone is interested.

 

[mousetravel]

I'm subbing!! Found your TR last night and meant to respond. Sounds like a fun trip! I love reading these types of TR's because I always travel alone with my DD! Can't wait to hear more!

 

[stinkerbellsmommy]

I'm in! How sweet of you to be able to take V with you. It looks like you had a great start!

 

[nannye]

I'm in! How sweet of you to be able to take V with you. It looks like you had a great start!

Ah Stinkerbell! Been trying to get in touch with you. Found an old thread on Mary Poppins costumes and was wondering how yours turned out a few years ago.

 

[MissPrice]

Looks like so much fun. Love the Epcot pic

 

[stinkerbellsmommy]

Ah Stinkerbell! Been trying to get in touch with you. Found an old thread on Mary Poppins costumes and was wondering how yours turned out a few years ago.

Sorry, I think you're confusing me with another Stinkerbell's mom...so funny though, someone just asked me the same question very recently on another thread (unless that was you, I forget). Apparently, my husband & I aren't the only ones who call our daughter "Stinkerbell".

Now that I've been asked twice, I'm really interested to hear about the other Stinkerbell's Mary Poppins costume

 

[MandyTG]

What a great way to celebrate! I look forward to reading the rest of your trip report!

 

[Avery&Todd]

AWWWWW..what a great start to your TR!!

and even though V doesnt have parents that are comfortable spending time with her at WDW, she is SOOOOOOO lucky to have you in her life to share those experiences with!!

So, here's a non-TR question..what happens to your position when V starts K in the fall? Do your hours get "cut", or do you just take on a different roll within the family??

they are sooooo lucky to have found you and you're lucky to have such a great V!!

 

[nannye]

Sorry, I think you're confusing me with another Stinkerbell's mom...so funny though, someone just asked me the same question very recently on another thread (unless that was you, I forget). Apparently, my husband & I aren't the only ones who call our daughter "Stinkerbell".

Now that I've been asked twice, I'm really interested to hear about the other Stinkerbell's Mary Poppins costume

No that was me! I saw you on the POR thread! I just went and checked the other name is stinker bells momma! and here I thought that was an uncommon screen name. The thread was from 2008 so she may Not be on the board any more.

 

[nannye]

AWWWWW..what a great start to your TR!!

and even though V doesnt have parents that are comfortable spending time with her at WDW, she is SOOOOOOO lucky to have you in her life to share those experiences with!!

So, here's a non-TR question..what happens to your position when V starts K in the fall? Do your hours get "cut", or do you just take on a different roll within the family??

they are sooooo lucky to have found you and you're lucky to have such a great V!!

Yes her parents aren't really crowds people. The are looking at doing the disney cruise next Christmas.

Well she started school JK in sept, which is basically kindergarten (we have 2 years of kindly here) I had booked a new position to start in October. With a 9 month old boy? The family wanted me but couldn't afford me so the deal is that my salary is lower for them, but in exchange I still have V after school. So I work 830 to 5 with the boy and we pick v up at school at 330. It seemed like the perfect fit. They wherein agreement with outings and such. Unfortunately this really just isnT the job for me. The parents okayd certain things that are not happening, such as free dom to come and go on outings as we please and now we have a schedule. We aren't allowed to do p,any dates at friends houses, only public places and just the ways in which they parent are total opposite to me. Such as i believe that kids should learn to self soothe with support to be able to go to sleep on their own. They said in the interview that they would do slep training around 6 months and he is now 13 months and i have to hold him and bounce him to sleep and he doesnt sleep well at all. There isnT anything wrong with what they are doing, it is their child and there choice, just not quite what i signed up for. The family are alovely people and I r rally like then, just isnt the job for me. Without freedom and trust, I am not a happy nanny and unfortunately that doesnT appear to be changing.
I am a teacher and I recently applied to the local school board for the fourth year in a row and this year I got an interview. I was suppose to hear in 3 or 4 weeks and it has since been 8. I believe my paperwork is in limbo somewhere so I'm still stuck waiting. I called the board last we'd to inquire and I am still waiting to hear back. So if I get on the school board after a month or so I will be giving my notice to the baby's family and I will start some supply work. I will still keep v after school. If I don't get on the list I will be giving my notice the end of April to be done with the baby in June. It was supposed to be a share all summer but it just is not going to work.

Well that was a long winded explanation!

 

[Avery&Todd]

Well that was a long winded explanation!

but a great one!

and good to hear that you and V get to keep each other!!

and now back your regularly scheduled TR....

 

[nannye]

Ugggh sorry i just reread my long winded response, sorry about all the typos. I was typing on an Ipad and typing on it I find difficult. the curser never goes where I need it and I am always pressing the wrong keys etc.... i love the ipad, just not typing on it!!!

 

[Caretames1]

I'm here!! Now to go back and read. Just put my stinker butt to bed so now I have time!


* OK, just caught myself up. What a nice trip to do with V! I bet she will always have wonderful memories form this. You got lots done in Epcot so far! Can't wait to see more!

 

[nannye]

8/28/11
Chapter 2: Whirlwind through Epcot

After stopping for a Mickey Bar, I ate mine and after a few bites V did not want hers, it was melting too fast, and was too sticky. Seriously What kid doesn't want a Mickey bar!!! Everyone raves about how good they are and how much their kids love them. I was so excited to for her to have her first Mickey Bar, and was so disapointed that she didn't want it!

we cleaned up and checked the times guide. We were right at the boat launch and took the boat across to Germany where we met Snow White. This was V’s first experience meeting a princess. She knew who Snow White was, but that was it. She was pretty stoked to get her autograph!

We rushed over and got in the line up for Mulan. Mulan was a must see since she isn’t at any of the other parks. V had NO idea who Mulan was, but I think she was pretty impressed and just in awe of her costume, the way she spoke and they complete undivided attention she gave her. This Mulan was just amazing! By the time we met Mulan, it was already 6:15!!! So much for my plan of leaving by 7!

Next we headed over to Japan and did Pick a Pearl. There was only a 3 people in front of us, but it was a pretty long wait that process is long! V thought it was pretty cool. I tried to get her to pick a setting, but she wanted no part of picking a setting. V picked a very nice 6 ¾ mm white pearl. Mine was larger 7 ¾ mm pearl. I decided not to get a setting there either and would look online for something. (I still haven’t done that - add to To Do List, scratch that, start a new list and add find old To Do List) V wasn't overly and impressed with Pick a Pearl I think she was just too young! After Pick a Pearl we did a little shopping and V picked out a stuffed Hello Kitty! I felt utterly horrible tho, she had just gotten a hello kitty purse before we left and I told her to pick out a wallet for her purse! So she picks a super cute sequined one. And then I looked at the price tag $40 freaking dollars. Uhhhh Sorry kid! She got the stuffy instead. Her favourite souvenir I think. Not that she had much to choose from we hardly did any shopping.

We stopped for some Photo Pass Pics, and then headed for Soarin’ Soarin’ was awesome. V really liked it and so did I. It was a long wait even with the fast passes. Wow!

We got totally lost on the way out; I have told you I SUCK at maps, yes even WDW maps. I don’t even know how we got where we did, but luckily someone helped us out. I believe (although she was in street clothes) that she was a CM and from the makeup I suspect one of the princesses! After getting pointed in the right direction we stopped at the big ball (or whatever it is called) and I snagged this cool shot with my point and shoot

and did some quick Photo Pass Pics before we were on our way to the buses.

We didn’t have to wait long and after a quick stop in the food court at POP for a bite of dinner, we were back in our room and V was in bed at 9. This picture was taken shortly after. Notice her new Hello Kitty beside her and her poor Gerry the Giraff tossed to the side. (Poor Gerry was back in his rightful place the next night!)

A pretty cool day! I wish we had longer to spend at Epcot, we really did no exploring what so ever (a common theme for this trip but to be improved on the next one) We needed our rest; we had an early day tomorrow. But do you think I could sleep??? No of course not!!! It was well after 12 I think by the time I finally fell asleep. My feet were aching. I had bought new crocs at the outlet prior to getting to Disney and I know… don’t buy new shoes, but come on they are crocs! Well I got the size too small and then my feet swelled. Needless to say after a few hours in those shoes, I had blisters all over my feet. (And this I learned later in the week was the start of a very BAD thing).

Coming up next... Our first day at Magic Kingdom.

 

[Lynn57]

Definitely joining in! What a special time for you and V! Can't wait to hear all about your trip!

 

[miprender]

Joining in too!

I had to laugh at the mental image of your DB dropping you off like that. He must have done everything but kick you guys out of the car I quess they wanted some alone time but that is great that you are able to take her to Disney and she probably had more fun with you than her parents if Disney isn't there thing.

 

[GatorMommy2007]

So fun! Subbing in! I love that V's parents let you take her to the world! What an incredible memory you made with her!

 

[blessedmom4]

Dear Erin, Thank you for stopping by and saying hello on our TR! It is always fun to see who is reading along and we our Canadian friends!I said this on our thread; however, in case you haven't been back by I wanted to say it here as well. How fun that you got to take V to Disney and her parents were cool with that! Lisa has a few girls in ballet who have Nannies that have been with them for years and are now members of those families themselves. How wonderful for everyone involved!

I LOVE the obvious love you and V have for each other and she is adorable! I am so happy you are getting to go back together, having a Disney Trip to look forward to makes life so much fun.

I look forward to reading more of your amazing trip and how speicla that V was able to share her first trip with someone who LOVES Disney!