Will I be Herding Cats Again?* **** COMPLETED *****

[mom2mek]

Enjoyed your update Sara. COP is always a good choice if it's raining or if everything else has long lines. My family told once was enough for that one though. My kids love riding Buzz & TSM together too! I have never been to HOP . I guess because it's 30 minutes long and probably not fun like Lion King or Beauty & the beast. Too many other things to do in MK I guess. Your mom crossing it off the list confirmed I won't be going in May either , thought maybe Kaylee would like to see it. The teenager with the ice cream, seriously WTH is with that?? I guess with the girls getting chocolate ice cream on their shirts it's good to have a washer/ dryer in your house . Good thing for extra shirts. I will definitely be packing some in our bag in May. Once I had to buy Thomas another shirt because the day he got messy I forgot to pack it. I can't believe your trip report is almost finsihed .

I haven't been to the Hall of Presidents in a while either Nichole. Don't worry about May though- it's being refurbed (I guess to add in the new guy...)

I was really surprised at the lack of embarassment by the parents of the teenager. I would have had my child at least going to get some napkins and attempting to help, you know? They didn't even say anything....just walked away. Terrible manners!

You would think having that washer and dryer in the house would have come in handy (and it did at many times) but unfortunately, these shirts were pretty much ruined. Just too much time had gone by before I could treat them with anything and I could never get the brown totally out. We still have the cute pants though!

You can't believe my TR is almost finished? I certainly can!

Just got caught up! Great update, even without pics. I love reading your posts I am trying to decide if I am going to do a TR from our Adult trip or not.....

Thanks Katie! I would love to read a trip report about your adults trip! I need lots of ideas for our upcoming trip in May!

Sara

 

[whogirl'smom]

Got a little behind, but now I'm caught up! We really liked the Hall of Presidents...I was surprised at how much dd7 really liked all the shows we saw and all the movies in the countries in Epcot. They make a nice break, especially when it's hot, to just sit and rest. I'm looking forward to COP, just because we've never been.

I'll bet that teenaged girl was pretty embarrassed even if she didn't show it--the wanting to seem cool at all times thing. I've always thought it was crazy that any ice cream shop would make a triple scoop on a cone!!

Can I just ask a question about TGM? How did that work since you guys split up sometimes? Things like that just throw me off, but it didn't seem to phase you!

 

[Kimberly815]

If you drop an ice cream once, wouldn't you be EXTRA careful the second time!?!?! Silly teenager!

 

[KathyRN137]

Hi Sara!

Sounds like you truly were having a great, big, beautiful MK day! (Despite the camera woes.)

I love COP because its so nostalgic, musty smell and all! it took us until our third trip before we made time for it and now I would plan to see it every time!

Ice cream parlour family: such bad manners!

Kathy

 

[mom2mek]

Got a little behind, but now I'm caught up! We really liked the Hall of Presidents...I was surprised at how much dd7 really liked all the shows we saw and all the movies in the countries in Epcot. They make a nice break, especially when it's hot, to just sit and rest. I'm looking forward to COP, just because we've never been.

I'll bet that teenaged girl was pretty embarrassed even if she didn't show it--the wanting to seem cool at all times thing. I've always thought it was crazy that any ice cream shop would make a triple scoop on a cone!!

Can I just ask a question about TGM? How did that work since you guys split up sometimes? Things like that just throw me off, but it didn't seem to phase you!

Michael probably would have been ok in the HoP too...I was pleasantly surprised that they liked COP so well! Who knew....

I don't really fault the teenage girl so much (I agree about the "wanting to seem cool thing") but her parents...my goodness..time to step up there people...not just walk away. They never even said thank you to the CMs for giving her the second cone. Way to set an example....

As far as splitting up, usually when we did it, it was with some kind of plan to meet back up somewhere, and if they left me and wanted to go stand in a line somewhere (that I told them "hey, if we do it this way, we won't have to stand in that line") than so be it. But mostly they would just ask me if there was anything they should do about x,y,z....where to sit, what to look for - honestly, it didn't really ever come up this trip though as everyone just trusted me on what to do and when.

Now, the Thanksgiving trip last year with 16 people....that's a different story....

If you drop an ice cream once, wouldn't you be EXTRA careful the second time!?!?! Silly teenager!

Yep! You would think!

Hi Sara!

Sounds like you truly were having a great, big, beautiful MK day! (Despite the camera woes.)

I love COP because its so nostalgic, musty smell and all! it took us until our third trip before we made time for it and now I would plan to see it every time!

Ice cream parlour family: such bad manners!

Kathy

Yes, the Carousel of Progress will always be on my list from now on, musty smell and all!

I really couldn't believe that the parents just walked away without even a word to the CMs who had just spent all that time cleaning up the first mess. Just left a big pile of ice cream right where people needed to walk....

Accidents happen, but geez....it's how you handle them that show your true sense of etiquette and respect. Ugh.

Sara

 

[faerieprincess]

Great update Sara! i'm giggling about the dropped ice cream, because if anyone was going to drop the second one it would be me - no matter how careful i was being - but you can be sure i'd be helping to clean it up! Some people are so rude!

i wish i'd tried CoP, but HoP was already closed for refurb when we were there. i don't think we missed much, and it wasn't on my list (we're Canadian, eh).

i'm sorry your last day is almost over!!!

 

[mom2mek]

Great update Sara! i'm giggling about the dropped ice cream, because if anyone was going to drop the second one it would be me - no matter how careful i was being - but you can be sure i'd be helping to clean it up! Some people are so rude!

i wish i'd tried CoP, but HoP was already closed for refurb when we were there. i don't think we missed much, and it wasn't on my list (we're Canadian, eh).

i'm sorry your last day is almost over!!!

I don't know anyone who wouldn't drop a very precarious triple scoop on a shaky sugar cone!!! I don't know what she was thinking, but apparently her parents were fine with it and were also fine at not even showing any courtesy when it was dropped AGAIN! I really couldn't believe they walked away without a word....um...HELLO...we all saw what just happened...

Anyway, you should definitely try to catch Carousel next time...really classic Walt Disney!

Sara

 

[mkluvsmickey]

Woo Hoo! I got a shout-out in your TR! I'm glad you guys finally got to experience Carousel of Progress! I know it isn't a thrilling ride but it is just classic Disney to me. And to know Walt himself created it, makes it even more special.

As for Hall of Presidents - we saw it a few years ago. And though we enjoyed it, I think it will be enough for a while. Maybe in 15-20 years when they've added a few more we'll try it again.

 

[kaysmommie]

Hi Sara,
Just wanted to see if you finished MK yet. Also I think I'm going to change my Itinerary again and go to a Blizzard Beach/ Hoop Dee Doo dinner Sunday instead of Epcot. I think I would rather follow the best days and top choices since May might be crowded.

 

[mom2mek]

Woo Hoo! I got a shout-out in your TR! I'm glad you guys finally got to experience Carousel of Progress! I know it isn't a thrilling ride but it is just classic Disney to me. And to know Walt himself created it, makes it even more special.

As for Hall of Presidents - we saw it a few years ago. And though we enjoyed it, I think it will be enough for a while. Maybe in 15-20 years when they've added a few more we'll try it again.

Yes, Michelle...I am now a CoP convert! Wonder if I'll be able to convince Shawn to go on it in May? Yeah, I'm thinking HoP can wait a while for me too...

15-20 years? LOL!!!!

Hi Sara,
Just wanted to see if you finished MK yet. Also I think I'm going to change my Itinerary again and go to a Blizzard Beach/ Hoop Dee Doo dinner Sunday instead of Epcot. I think I would rather follow the best days and top choices since May might be crowded.

I've got the next part mostly written up Nichole, just have to go find some stock photos or pics from our previous trips to fill in the photographic part! Gotta keep people reading, right? LOL!

I can't say I blame you for the "best days" advice. So will this mean you won't do the DIS meet? I know you really wanted to do that. You could just get some APs and save those 4 days on your old passes for another trip.... Then you could hop over for the meet before HDDR!! Those APs are real money-savers! Look at how much I'm "saving" by going back twice since I got mine....

Sara

 

[DisneyJo]

I love CoP and that tune does stay in your head a while doesn't it When the kids get older get them to spot the hidden mickeys in it

Ellie dropped her ice cream a few years ago and they gave her another one, she was only 7 and we were very grateful, like you should be!

What a coincidence that the spare shirts matched the pants the day you needed them

 

[vamassey1]

We did COP for the first time in 2006. DD really liked it but we haven't been back on. In 2007 we did HOP. I hadn't done it since in was in High School, DH and DD had never done it. DD didn't really care for it. Her words "I don't come to Disney to learn.". I thought it was a nice break from the heat and a little cat nap.

 

[kaysmommie]

Yes, Michelle...I am now a CoP convert! Wonder if I'll be able to convince Shawn to go on it in May? Yeah, I'm thinking HoP can wait a while for me too...

15-20 years? LOL!!!!




I've got the next part mostly written up Nichole, just have to go find some stock photos or pics from our previous trips to fill in the photographic part! Gotta keep people reading, right? LOL!

I can't say I blame you for the "best days" advice. So will this mean you won't do the DIS meet? I know you really wanted to do that. You could just get some APs and save those 4 days on your old passes for another trip.... Then you could hop over for the meet before HDDR!! Those APs are real money-savers! Look at how much I'm "saving" by going back twice since I got mine....

Sara

Next time we go we might have to consider AP's. I want this to be a relaxing trip though so less crowds will be better. Right, if I switch then I won't be at the Dis meet. There are really just 2 families I want to meet there but one might not even go at this point. More important to me is meeting up with you and Michelle though.

 

[mom2mek]

I love CoP and that tune does stay in your head a while doesn't it When the kids get older get them to spot the hidden mickeys in it

Ellie dropped her ice cream a few years ago and they gave her another one, she was only 7 and we were very grateful, like you should be!

What a coincidence that the spare shirts matched the pants the day you needed them

Oooo...good idea about the hidden mickeys Jo! Now I just need to figure out where they are!

That's exactly it about the ice cream....my kids have spilled before too (granted they are small, not teenagers) but the parents are who surprised me!

I thought it was pretty funny that those shirts matched too! Woo-hoo! I mean, I totally planned that...yeah, yeah..that's the ticket!

We did COP for the first time in 2006. DD really liked it but we haven't been back on. In 2007 we did HOP. I hadn't done it since in was in High School, DH and DD had never done it. DD didn't really care for it. Her words "I don't come to Disney to learn.". I thought it was a nice break from the heat and a little cat nap.

LOL!!! I didn't come to Disney to learn!

Next time we go we might have to consider AP's. I want this to be a relaxing trip though so less crowds will be better. Right, if I switch then I won't be at the Dis meet. There are really just 2 families I want to meet there but one might not even go at this point. More important to me is meeting up with you and Michelle though.

Awww...thanks! We will definitely do it one way or another!!! And certainly not while walking past one another in the Buzz line this time either!

Sara

 

[mom2mek]

Day 6 - Magic Kingdom

Part 11 - Jellybeans, Checkers, and a Whole Bunch of Patriotism
(Part 11, Really? Sorry about that....never intended this day to go on so long, but I guess when I only report an hour at a time....kind of works out that way... )

After our ice cream spillage, and subsequent wardrobe change, the girls hopped in the stroller and we headed down to the end of Main St to get some goodies at the Confectionary! Plus, I wanted to head next door to the hat shop and get my girls some ears for the first time!

People were just starting to stream in for the Halloween party that night and it was fun to see some of the costumes. We had so much fun at the party a few nights earlier and I knew all of the excitement that laid ahead for all the incoming party-goers and was a little jealous and a smidge sad we weren't staying for it....

Ok, on to the candy store....

As soon as we entered the Confectionary, the girls headed right to the jelly beans and decided that that is what they wanted. I figured they would be good to eat on the plane the next day too (wouldn't melt all over them) so we filled a couple of bags with every flavor known to man.

I looked around a little bit more, and I think I bought a few other treats plus the party music CD and we headed into the hat store. Well, in that very short amount of time between getting the jelly beans and checking out, Emily had fallen asleep in the stroller. Oh dear. Guess I won't bother getting her any ears now, as I'm sure she would want to pick them out. Katie tried on a few different sets of ears, but after a while she lost interest and just wanted back in the stroller.

Ok....Hat mission NOT accomplished, we headed outside and Katie and I took refuge at the table with the checkerboard on it and played a round of checkers. Well, when I say “play” checkers, you know what I mean…she is four. She mostly just jumps all over the board while telling me she is winning and making funny faces. It was really cute and special to have those few moments with just her. That is until she had to go potty....like NOW!!!!

We grabbed the stroller with sleeping Emily and jogged over to the bathrooms by City Hall. Phew - made it!

Afterwards, as we were leaving, we got kind of stuck at the entrance to the bathrooms. See, the ramp for the strollers and wheelchairs is over to the left as you exit the ladies bathroom. Well, sitting right there in the path of where I needed to roll was a parked ECV. Um....ok? I couldn't go around it, as there was a pole or something that I couldn't get the big double stroller around. So we just stood there waiting for the person to come back and move the ECV. Shortly thereafter a young man came out of the mens room, apologized for his grandmother's ECV being right in the path of all of us with strollers (not to mention anyone else with an ECV couldn't get up to the bathrooms – luckily that didn’t happen, but I was wondering how that was gonna work).

He tried with all his might to move it manually, but that sucker was heavy, and he just couldn't do it. Eventually she came out and moved it out of the way. I'm guessing it was locked or needed the key or something because, for the life of me, I couldn't figure out why he wasn't able to turn it on and move it. No worries though...we were out and moving again in no time. Had I not had a sleeping 5 year old in the stroller, I would have just banged the stroller down the steps, but oh well.

On our way back over to the shops, I caught sight of Michael and Shawn sitting over by the flagpole. Michael had apparently also decided on getting some jelly beans and was sitting against one of the flower bed railings enjoying them. It was about the time we were scheduled to meet back up with everyone (4:45), and so it slowly dawned on me that I wasn’t going to be getting any more shopping in.

Jelly beans and a CD was it.

Oh well...I knew I was going to be back in December. The mugs I had my eye on would surely still be there when I came back, right? (Just so you know...they were there in December, but no I didn't get them...ugh).

But as I met up with Shawn, he had a little surprise for me! He had been holding my AP with him while he was shopping, and he picked me up a nice little "AP holders only" pin for me! Thanks hon’!

We parked the stroller and Katie joined Michael with her jelly beans and Shawn proceeded to tell me that they were about to do the flag ceremony and that the color guard guy had asked Michael if he wanted to lead everyone with the Pledge of Allegiance.

Wow! “Cool”, I said, turning to Michael…


Ummm....not so fast.....

Michael was bit by the shy bug again and had politely declined. As a former 82nd Airborne Paratrooper, and very proud military supporter, this really saddened Shawn, but he understood. Well mostly.


They picked two adorable little girls to do it instead. Maybe Michael will grow out of his shyness in a few years.
If he is anything like his mother though….probably not….


The ceremony was very moving...if you have never seen it, you should definitely try to put it on your agenda. The two sisters who were picked to do the pledge did a great job and then the veteran of the day came down from the train station with the color guard, stood as they lowered the flag, and then assisted in the folding. Here are a few pictures I found online so you have an idea....

(The band plays)

We left after the flag was lowered, but I've read that the veteran leads the color guard and the band back down Main St holding the flag.

What a wonderful thing!

So, it was time....time to leave the Magic Kingdom for this trip. I knew I would be back in December with some girlfriends, but still...it is so bittersweet leaving.

Coming up...we fall in love with the Polynesian...again....our farewell dinner at O'hana.....

 

[faerieprincess]

Great update Sara! i'm sorry you weren't able to get much shopping in on this trip, but it must be so much easier to leave knowing you'll be coming back soon!

 

[mkluvsmickey]

Great update Sara! The candy store pictures this early in the morning are making me hungry! Yum!

Too bad you didn't get the girls hats - there is always next time though, right?

Isn't that party music CD the best?

The flag ceremony looks great. Too bad Michael didn't want to participate - I'm sure Samantha wouldn't have either. I need to make a point to see that though. Just seeing the pictures made me teary eyed.

And I don't think you are shy!

 

[mom_of_3_70737]

Another great update Sara! Looking forward to hearing about the Poly...we just LOVE 'Ohana! The Poly is definately on my list of resorts to stay someday!

 

[mom2mek]

Great update Sara! i'm sorry you weren't able to get much shopping in on this trip, but it must be so much easier to leave knowing you'll be coming back soon!

Yes, it made the leaving a little more tolerable! A little....

I didn't get the mugs I wanted when I went back in December, but I glad plenty of other things! We were able to do a lot more shopping without kids (or husbands) along with us!

Great update Sara! The candy store pictures this early in the morning are making me hungry! Yum!

Too bad you didn't get the girls hats - there is always next time though, right?

Isn't that party music CD the best?

The flag ceremony looks great. Too bad Michael didn't want to participate - I'm sure Samantha wouldn't have either. I need to make a point to see that though. Just seeing the pictures made me teary eyed.

And I don't think you are shy!

I am still sad that I wasn't able to get them ears. I don't know why I waited until the last day to do that!

Love the party music CD! The Boo To You Parade song was played in the car until almost Christmas!

The flag ceremony was very moving. We all loved it!

Another great update Sara! Looking forward to hearing about the Poly...we just LOVE 'Ohana! The Poly is definately on my list of resorts to stay someday!

Thanks Katie! I hope to have O'hana up soon! The Poly is so gorgeous - more than I imagined! I've always wanted to stay at the Contemporary (and I still do, don't get me wrong) but the Poly has much more of a "resort" feel!

Sara

 

[Poohtigeey]

HI SARA!!! Great updates! I've totally been on here everyday reading. Really, I have. It's just so hard to come on here not knowing when we'll ever go back. But, I love you and your beautiful family so I push through the pain, and I always smile at your updates. I look forward to reading about your farewell dinner.