Where's the Lime???? Sept. 2006

[PrincessV]

My Mother came by today and I showed her the picture of us you posted. She was very pleased! Thanks for posting it!

I'm so glad she liked it! She's such a cutie

 

[lovealldisney]

oh i love this thread!! love your report so far!! more please!! I think i'm going to home depot when i'm done with work!!

 

[PrincessV]

oh i love this thread!! love your report so far!! more please!! I think i'm going to home depot when i'm done with work!!

Thank you, and welcome! Next installment, coming up....

 

[PrincessV]

A quick recap: Walked way too far to the MK. Rode Dumbo. Leo was scared to ride anything dark. Leo conquered his fear on Buzz and we rode it twice. It's still hot. We are now up-to-date.

My touring plan is still doable, despite that second “spin” on Buzz and Obi Bob says we should be hitting Peter Pan now. I clear this with Leo, explaining that it will, in fact, be in the dark. Now, thanks to Disney’s system of releasing classic movies, (meaning WE didn’t have this one), Leo had never seen Peter Pan until recently. A couple months before this trip, I decided the ride would be a lot more fun if he had some idea what it was all about. And it is one of my all-time favorite rides, so increasing Leo’s fun-factor would also add to my fun-factor! After repeated trips to Moviestop, I finally found a used copy on VHS and introduced Leo to Neverland. Let me tell you, he LOVED it! We watched Peter many, many times before the trip, so I think Leo was excited enough about the prospect of seeing Peter and Captain Hook to try another dark ride.

I could sense a bit of hesitation on Leo’s part as we waited our turn, but he did get into the pirate ship, and “Off we go!” He was quiet throughout the ride and held on tight to my hand. But when we got off, he turned those sweet eyes up to me and asked, “Mommy, we go again?” Not in the touring plan, but how could I resist? I did warn him that a line might have formed and if it was long, we’d have to skip it.

Look Ma, no line!

Thinking maybe we can get back on track now, I suggest we try Pooh again. Leo’s all for it, but the sign shows a 20 minute wait. Good DISer I am, I take a good look at the line and think “No WAY is that a 20 minute wait!” Just to be sure, I run this by the extra nice CM standing in front of the sign. Her response: “It says 20 minutes?! I’d be very surprised if you wait more than 5!” So we headed in and, sure enough, 5 minutes later we were in the 100 Acre Woods. Leo was less hesitant this time and was all about riding this one again, too. Touring plan has now been figuratively and literally tossed (in the garbage can, mind you, NOT on the ground) – why not? It’s now that I realize what Leo’s doing. The first go-round on each ride, he’s just hanging in there, hoping to make it through without getting scared. He wants to go again to see all the stuff he missed while trying to conquer his fears. I’m always blown away at how perceptive these small people are and how well they understand themselves and their abilities. Way to go kiddo!

What’s next? Oh yes, the moment I’ve been waiting for since Leo was born…

It is time to introduce my boy to the amazing, wonderful, addictive world of roller coasters!

Have you guessed? I am certifiably crazy for roller coasters, preferably the old, rickety wood ones that make you pop out of your seat on the big drops. I’m not so much happy with the big, steel boys – too smooth and too many G’s. (That’s G-force for any coaster novices out there. Positive G’s shove you back into your seat and render you unable to breathe. Negative G’s make you feel like you’re weightless. I like my G’s in the negative, thank you!) I’m so crazy for coasters, I made my now-ex husband take a road trip to Kennywood, outside of Pittsburgh, just so I could experience a few of the best wooden coasters. This all stems from growing up in Buffalo, which is conveniently located across the lake from Crystal beach, Canada. Crystal Beach amusement park was home to the coaster of all coasters, the world famous Comet.

This baby took you way, way, way up and dropped you straight down over the water and rocks of Lake Erie before careening around many curves and dropping you a few more times. We went to Crystal Beach exclusively for the Comet and I can’t even tell you how many times I rode it. Hundreds, at least. Sadly, Crystal Beach Park is no more, but the Comet lives on, after being relocated to the Great Escape in the Adirondacks. Sorry – back on topic now…)

It’s been a long, long time since I’ve gotten to indulge my passion for little cars speeding around on elevated tracks, and I’ve been dreaming of the day Leo would be tall enough, and fearless enough, to join me. Last Dec., he was tall enough for the Barnstormer, but took one look and said no. This Sept., he’s tall enough for two of the mountains as well, and my plan is to start him off on the Barnstormer and, if he likes it, suggest Splash, then Big Thunder.

He says he wants to ride, so we head into the waiting area. Neat stuff along the way, but there’s no line so I only catch a few quick looks. Next thing you know, we’re asked how many in our party – 2, please – and are directed to…… the FRONT ROW!!! This is Mecca for wooden coaster addicts, second only to the back row, (which gives you the most air-time, of course. )

Front row, baby!

I’m thrilled, but a little worried that it will prove to be too thrilling for my little guy.

Up next: will I make a fellow coaster fanatic out of Leo, or will he need therapy for years?

 

[Al and Kate's Mom]

I could sense a bit of hesitation on Leo’s part as we waited our turn, but he did get into the pirate ship, and “Off we go!” He was quiet throughout the ride and held on tight to my hand. But when we got off, he turned those sweet eyes up to me and asked, “Mommy, we go again?” Not in the touring plan, but how could I resist?

Oh my goodness - what an ANGEL - and what a great Mom he has! Keep it coming - I'm really enjoying touring the world with you and Leo!

 

[bbangel]

Have you guessed? I am certifiably crazy for roller coasters, preferably the old, rickety wood ones that make you pop out of your seat on the big drops.

Have you been on the wooden coaster in Vancouver? It's a great ride. I feel like I'm going to fly out of the car every time!

 

[Fairy_Tale_Bride]

 

[Disneyland_Mama]

How fun!!!! Loving that last installment! My little DS loved Barnstormer! He wanted to "Do Again, Mama!"
Leo's got "those" eyes. You know, those big beautiful, chocolate brown eyes that melt a mama's heart!
Looking forward to more trippie....

 

[HMHunters]

What’s next? Oh yes, the moment I’ve been waiting for since Leo was born…
It is time to introduce my boy to the amazing, wonderful, addictive world of roller coasters!

Yay! My DH and I both love coasters and now both my kids do as well! Hope Leo loved it!

Have you guessed? I am certifiably crazy for roller coasters, preferably the old, rickety wood ones that make you pop out of your seat on the big drops.

Ever ridden the Blue Streak at Cedar Point? Truly a classic! I always thought I'd go flying out between the bar and the seat on that one!

Up next: will I make a fellow coaster fanatic out of Leo, or will he need therapy for years?

Staying tuned...

 

[PrincessV]

Oh my goodness - what an ANGEL - and what a great Mom he has! Keep it coming - I'm really enjoying touring the world with you and Leo!

Thaaaank you! Though I'd have to disagree about the term "angel" after the fit he threw this morning over RAISINS. Yep, raisins.

 

[PrincessV]

Have you been on the wooden coaster in Vancouver? It's a great ride. I feel like I'm going to fly out of the car every time!

I sure haven't, but Vancouver's on my short list of Places I Want to Visit Before I Die, But After WDW, so maybe someday! Thanks for the tip

 

[PrincessV]

Leo's got "those" eyes. You know, those big beautiful, chocolate brown eyes that melt a mama's heart!

Mmm hmmm, dangerous stuff, those eyes!

 

[PrincessV]

Ever ridden the Blue Streak at Cedar Point? Truly a classic! I always thought I'd go flying out between the bar and the seat on that one!

Ooo, another one to add to my list! I've yet to make it to Cedar Point, but will need to visit a friend in Erie PA next year - maybe a side trip....

 

[Eeyore's Tiara]

Hey, I made it back just in time for the barnstormer. I'm glad he liked that. We saw little ones getting off crying so I'm glad he made it through. I bet he'll like roller coasters as much as you do!

 

[Glendamax]

I have NEVER been on the Barnstormer, nor have I even been in that land! I know I know. Great picture of your baby on the ride!

 

[Foladar]

Noooo you can't leave us with that! We need to know what happened! LOL

 

[PrincessV]

Hey, I made it back just in time for the barnstormer. I'm glad he liked that. We saw little ones getting off crying so I'm glad he made it through. I bet he'll like roller coasters as much as you do!

And not just little ones - there was a lady behind us one time screaming "GET ME OFF! GET ME OFF!!! WE'RE ALL GONNA DIE!!"

 

[PrincessV]

I have NEVER been on the Barnstormer, nor have I even been in that land! I know I know. Great picture of your baby on the ride!

I wouldn't set foot in that area if it weren't for DS. Trust me, you haven't missed out!

 

[PrincessV]

Noooo you can't leave us with that! We need to know what happened! LOL

Ooo, I could make you wait all weekend..... but that wouldn't be nice, and I am generally a nice person. So here it comes...

 

[PrincessV]

So? What did you think – did Leo love his first coaster, or did it turn him into a quivering shell of his former self? Here’s the picture I took as we got off:

Awestruck and HAPPY, Leo was – his first words were: “Mommy? Roller coasters are my FAVORITE! We go again?” And so we did. Three times, to be exact. In a row. Each time, Leo got a little braver, until he wasn’t even near me on the seat, though he wasn’t keen on my suggestion of letting go of the safety bar and putting his arms up in the air. In fact, he looked at me like I had a second head growing out of my neck and said, in no uncertain terms, “No Mommy.” Oh well. There’s still plenty of time to teach him the finer points of coaster fanaticism.

Anyone remember my original plan? It is now time to introduce Leo to a real coaster!

(Kidding – he’s not even tall enough! I just really like how this pic turned out.)

I ask him first, of course.
Me: “Leo? Y’know, they have other roller coasters here. They’re bigger and last even longer. Wanna try?”
Leo: “Sure!”

It is now approximately 110 degrees (okay – that might be an exaggeration; can I sell you on 96 degrees?) and 92% humidity. What would be better than Splash Mountain? Plus, I figure all the characters are cute and fuzzy and it’s not so much a roller coaster as a gentle boat ride. With a death-defying drop at the end. Whatever.

Me: “Leo? How about a roller coaster that spritzes you with water?” (SPRITZES, hahahahaha!)
Leo: “No thank you.”
Whaaaaa?
Me: “You don’t want to do a coaster that spritzes you with nice, cool, refreshing water?” (SPRITZES, hahahahaha!)
Leo: “Nope.”

Uh, okay…. I guess we’ll skip cool and refreshing and go for hot and parched on Big Thunder Mountain, eh? Only a 10 minute wait – that’s encouraging! Leo’s getting very excited as we wait. “Oh, Mommy look! It’s a train coaster!” We hop on board and depart the station. Now, I really can’t remember the sequence of events on this ride, as my attention was greatly diverted. I do know that I mentally kicked myself in the head numerous times for not remembering the bats… and the avalanche…and the dinosaur skeleton – all of which freaked Leo out enough to attach himself to me, fist tightly wadding up the hem of my shirt – and, perhaps most importantly, the proper seating for a female of small stature and a 35 pound boy. I should have known this one. The same thing had occurred many years ago when I first rode it as a kid with my dad. I placed Leo in the seat first, so he was on the right side. Which is the side all but one curve shoves everyone in your seat into. Lots of positive G’s, people. I was helpless to stop it – each time I slid all the way across the seat and smushed my baby against the retaining wall! When the ride came to a final halt and we started walking out, Leo seemed a tad shaky, but he did walk off on his own. I asked if he was a little scared. “No.” Do you want to ride again? “Later.” So I grabbed a couple FastPasses, just in case, and hoped I hadn’t done any irreparable damage to my sweet boy.

We were both ready for some cruising with the Pirates and headed over to Pirates of the Caribbean. No drama to report here; we both enjoyed ourselves and no one fell overboard. I will say that I very much enjoyed the new additions – you know, the eye- candy animatronics? Excellent planning on Disney’s part. Get something in there to keep the ladies coming back!

It’s now 11am-ish and we have an 11:30 ADR at the Concourse Steakhouse. I’m really looking forward to this; A. because Leo can watch the monorails go by, allowing me to eat at a more leisurely pace, and 2. because I know UtahMama’s family had an ADR for a late breakfast at Chef Mickey’s and we’re bound to run into each other on the concourse! So I look down at my little guy to ask if he’s hungry and Aaacckk! His face and arms are covered in hives. Fortunately, I’m prepared with hydrocortisone, as this happens with some regularity to us both, but we do need to take care of it quickly. As I’m washing him off in the restroom, I ponder the possible causes and conclude it was the new sunscreen wreaking havoc with Leo’s skin. I only bought it because it was little and fit so nicely in my Baggallini. And I had just smothered him with it about 30 minutes earlier. Bad, bad Mommy for not sticking with our usual brand. By the time Leo was fixed up, it was too late to make our ADR and we were both pretty hungry so we hit Cosmic Ray’s for some lunch instead.. And that’s how I missed out on my big opportunity to meet one of my favorite TR writers, not to mention score one of UtahMama’s yummy treats.

Coming soon… A few more rides and time to say goodbye.