(Posted to the trip-board as well, but also on 'our' board!)
And it's still Monday, December 8
The cast:
Me: 34, 2nd trip to WDW (last time was 2001 but we only did MK 1 day does that count?)
DW: 36 also her 2nd / 1st real trip
DS: 5, ditto for him;
DWs best friend: 36, 1st trip, hereafter known as Auntie K
To recap, weve just left AK, after FOTLK (great show!) and are heading back to ASSp for some much needed rest and relaxation before taking in Spectro and Wishes at MK starting at 6:00pm. This will give us a decently early end to our third day in the world.
Ive said it before but it bears repeating, that if youre staying at any of the All-Stars Resorts, your bus stop will be as far from the park entrance as Disney planners could manage, without placing it in another park.
In some cases its likely closer to another park than the one youre visiting today
So after a long day at AK (at least it seemed long 7 hours) we hiked to the bus stop with a five year old who hasnt had to walk too many steps yet this trip. My legs hurt. Can you carry me?
Your legs hurt? My legs hurt. Can you stop whining?
Sure! Hop up! I hoist DS onto my shoulders to carry him to the bus. When did you get soo heavy! No more ice cream for you! What are you, about twelve? After a quick, but relaxing trip were home, and in the room DS, who really just needs some down time to play and relax, is doing just that, with his new Power Ranger from AK and the one he brought from home, and Stitch and Puppy (Again propped up on those really-imaginative pillows). Were having snacks and enjoying an adult beverage from the gift shop. Ahhhh
Way too soon, its time to start getting ready again, Id like to be at the bus stop for 5:00 to give us some browsing time (notice I didnt say shopping J) so we freshen up and get our things together for our short evening at MK.
Okay bud, its time to pack up and get ready for the bus. Put you toys back in your backpack, please. Can I bring these two guys with me? he asks. No, We dont want to lose them. I respond, while packing the camera and the recharged batteries see? Im on top of this little issue now! Aww, why not? I had the black one with me today, and nothing happened to him?
Any one who has or has had a five year-old can see where this is going. Its 4:45. I understand, but with two of them and all the small pieces, I think it would be better if you left them here in the room where theyd be safe. Now lets get you cleaned up and get going.
NO!
Okay. Here we go! Hes got that look. You know the one. His eyes are squinty and focused, his eyebrows are all scrunched together and half-covering his eyes. And hes got the angry, curled up mouth action going on to. Im taking both of them! You cant make me!
You wanna bet?
Now I love my son, and he means the world to me. But boy, when he acts like this Hes at that age where hes questioning everything. Usually thats a good thing and leads to lots of discussions about the world around us. Occasionally, its not such a good thing. DW cant understand where he gets it from. She was a perfect child, and always did what she was told. (Or so she says )
I know where hes coming from. I think I questioned authority from day one. I always tried to do what was right, but I needed to know why something was the way it was; what the reasoning behind it was. Kinda like a little boy I know
Auntie K has managed to quietly ease her way out of the room. DW and I look at each other. Tag, youre it!
DW tries the common sense approach. Do you remember when Puppy fell out of the shopping cart at the mall? And we didnt know? And then when we got out to the van he wasnt there, do you remember how you felt? He nods. Well, we dont want that to happen to either of these guys, so you need to keep them here, where theyll be safe. Okay?
But I want them to come with me! (Did he just hear any of that?) And Daddy wont let me! Hes being mean to me! Round Two. I dont like him anymore! Hes not my friend!
Yeah lifes not fair, get over it Gee I am cranky!
Okay, weve got to go. Were going to be late if we dont get to the bus. I say ,thinking maybe a change of focus will work.
Im taking both of them! (Or maybe not.) Hes yelling now, and Im hoping these walls are solid concrete and that the family beside us is off exploring some park cuz hes starting to lose it!
No, youre leaving them both here and were going to the parade and fireworks. Its 5:10. I think Im just talking to myself now.
Hrrrupmmm (that angry low-pitched growl-like sound they can make so well) Then Im not going. You cant make me!
You gotta ask yourself a question. Do I feel lucky? Well, do ya punk?
As much as Id love to leave him here and go by myself, thats not going to happen. Ill call his bluff. Im feeling lucky. Okay, then Mom and Auntie will go, and you and I will stay here. I really wanted to go see the parade, and the fireworks, but Im going to stay here with you instead. Mom and Auntie are both outside, theyve been ready for a while now, just in case.
Okay. (Doh!!) I tell Mom and Auntie to go without us since Ive had my bluff called. Dw comes back in to say goodbye to DS and thats when it hits him; that he will not be going with them. (Apparently not going with dad is okay though ) More tears, but through them he agrees to leave the toys behind but I allowed him to bring Puppy - there's nothing like a good ole' friend to help in times like these- And so we leave, finally, with DS still in tears, but moving, and me just a little steamed. Its 5:20.
We get lucky with the buses. One is waiting for us as we get to the curb, and then the driver doesnt go to the other All-Stars resorts! Were making up time here! We get through security and in the park by 5:40. Grab a stroller with our receipt from AK; a quick trip up a fairly crowded Main Street sorry, no time to shop, er, browse; left at the hub and into Liberty Square through the back path. Were here with time to spare.:happy:
Mom and Auntie K want to check out Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe so DS and I sit on the wooden deck structure in the wooded area behind the shops the same place we, as a family last trip in 2001, sat and let a certain 2 ½ yr old have a nap in the afternoon before the parade. Too bad he doesnt nap anymore
Nothing purchased today, so its across the street to find a spot to watch Spectro! The crowd is beginning to grow, and we grab seats just beside the sidewalk area that leads to Fantasyland. Auntie K sees the popcorn cart across the street, so DW and Auntie K grab 2 buckets and 2 cokes and we settle in. Ive triple checked the camera today its worked since this morning at the Safari and Ive got new batteries for tonight, so were good to go.
What an excellent parade! Darkness came very quickly and soon the music could be heard as the parade made its way up Main Street and into Liberty Square! We hadnt seen an evening parade before, so we werent sure what to expect. It was well worth the minor delay we endured back at the hotel!
The lights, the colours, the changing of the colours (thanks to the three little pigs and their 'magic' paint cans!) and a great vantage point able to see the floats coming up then turning so we got to see both sides made the parade very memorable. Here's a look. And Im sure Ursula was coming on to me, stooping right in front of me, shining her light on me and all! And we got some good video and stills! Like this one of Hook and the Queen! Auntie K was very impressed with her first parade she was taken with all the costumes and sets!
After the parade we cut through Fantasyland to find a good vantage point for Wishes we had to ride the Tea Cups again! and found a spot on the bridge (Cosmic Rays) where we could see Tink (Neither Auntie K or DW knew about Tinks flight to start the fireworks!) and where we thought wed best see the much heralded Wishes spectacle.
Turns out we had an excellent view of Tinkerbells flight Auntie couldnt believe that Tink was real! Our view of wishes was too close to the castle though. Some of the staging of the fireworks got lost that close, and we couldnt hear the audio too well but having said that the display was awesome! Magic Kingdom fireworks are always special arent they? We werent disappointed at all, and kept in mind that wed be seeing Wishes again tomorrow night for MVMCP! Well try a different spot then!
After Wishes, we lingered awhile to hopefully let the inevitable congestion on Main Street ease, and watched the castle change colour, and then boldly ventured out. Can you say bottleneck? Wow! Even I was up for getting off the street, so we ducked into the shops to get out of the crowds but, big surprise, the shops were crowded too! We didnt buy, due to the crowds, but it did help get down Main Street!
Back at the hotel, we were a tired, but happy bunch, and very hungry! With our refillable mugs refilled, we ordered pizza from the resort room service and were pleasantly surprised! This stuff is good! We pigged out and were in bed by 9:30!
A well deserved rest after a busy day! Made sweeter by the fact that we could finally sleep in tomorrow!! Or could we...?
Link to Part 8
And it's still Monday, December 8
The cast:
Me: 34, 2nd trip to WDW (last time was 2001 but we only did MK 1 day does that count?)
DW: 36 also her 2nd / 1st real trip
DS: 5, ditto for him;
DWs best friend: 36, 1st trip, hereafter known as Auntie K
To recap, weve just left AK, after FOTLK (great show!) and are heading back to ASSp for some much needed rest and relaxation before taking in Spectro and Wishes at MK starting at 6:00pm. This will give us a decently early end to our third day in the world.
Ive said it before but it bears repeating, that if youre staying at any of the All-Stars Resorts, your bus stop will be as far from the park entrance as Disney planners could manage, without placing it in another park.
In some cases its likely closer to another park than the one youre visiting today
So after a long day at AK (at least it seemed long 7 hours) we hiked to the bus stop with a five year old who hasnt had to walk too many steps yet this trip. My legs hurt. Can you carry me?
Your legs hurt? My legs hurt. Can you stop whining?
Sure! Hop up! I hoist DS onto my shoulders to carry him to the bus. When did you get soo heavy! No more ice cream for you! What are you, about twelve? After a quick, but relaxing trip were home, and in the room DS, who really just needs some down time to play and relax, is doing just that, with his new Power Ranger from AK and the one he brought from home, and Stitch and Puppy (Again propped up on those really-imaginative pillows). Were having snacks and enjoying an adult beverage from the gift shop. Ahhhh
Way too soon, its time to start getting ready again, Id like to be at the bus stop for 5:00 to give us some browsing time (notice I didnt say shopping J) so we freshen up and get our things together for our short evening at MK.
Okay bud, its time to pack up and get ready for the bus. Put you toys back in your backpack, please. Can I bring these two guys with me? he asks. No, We dont want to lose them. I respond, while packing the camera and the recharged batteries see? Im on top of this little issue now! Aww, why not? I had the black one with me today, and nothing happened to him?
Any one who has or has had a five year-old can see where this is going. Its 4:45. I understand, but with two of them and all the small pieces, I think it would be better if you left them here in the room where theyd be safe. Now lets get you cleaned up and get going.
NO!
Okay. Here we go! Hes got that look. You know the one. His eyes are squinty and focused, his eyebrows are all scrunched together and half-covering his eyes. And hes got the angry, curled up mouth action going on to. Im taking both of them! You cant make me! You wanna bet?
Now I love my son, and he means the world to me. But boy, when he acts like this Hes at that age where hes questioning everything. Usually thats a good thing and leads to lots of discussions about the world around us. Occasionally, its not such a good thing. DW cant understand where he gets it from. She was a perfect child, and always did what she was told. (Or so she says )
I know where hes coming from. I think I questioned authority from day one. I always tried to do what was right, but I needed to know why something was the way it was; what the reasoning behind it was. Kinda like a little boy I know
Auntie K has managed to quietly ease her way out of the room. DW and I look at each other. Tag, youre it!DW tries the common sense approach. Do you remember when Puppy fell out of the shopping cart at the mall? And we didnt know? And then when we got out to the van he wasnt there, do you remember how you felt? He nods. Well, we dont want that to happen to either of these guys, so you need to keep them here, where theyll be safe. Okay?
But I want them to come with me! (Did he just hear any of that?) And Daddy wont let me! Hes being mean to me! Round Two. I dont like him anymore! Hes not my friend!
Yeah lifes not fair, get over it Gee I am cranky!
Okay, weve got to go. Were going to be late if we dont get to the bus. I say ,thinking maybe a change of focus will work.
Im taking both of them! (Or maybe not.) Hes yelling now, and Im hoping these walls are solid concrete and that the family beside us is off exploring some park cuz hes starting to lose it!
No, youre leaving them both here and were going to the parade and fireworks. Its 5:10. I think Im just talking to myself now.
Hrrrupmmm (that angry low-pitched growl-like sound they can make so well) Then Im not going. You cant make me!
You gotta ask yourself a question. Do I feel lucky? Well, do ya punk?
As much as Id love to leave him here and go by myself, thats not going to happen. Ill call his bluff. Im feeling lucky. Okay, then Mom and Auntie will go, and you and I will stay here. I really wanted to go see the parade, and the fireworks, but Im going to stay here with you instead. Mom and Auntie are both outside, theyve been ready for a while now, just in case.
Okay. (Doh!!) I tell Mom and Auntie to go without us since Ive had my bluff called. Dw comes back in to say goodbye to DS and thats when it hits him; that he will not be going with them. (Apparently not going with dad is okay though ) More tears, but through them he agrees to leave the toys behind but I allowed him to bring Puppy - there's nothing like a good ole' friend to help in times like these- And so we leave, finally, with DS still in tears, but moving, and me just a little steamed. Its 5:20.
We get lucky with the buses. One is waiting for us as we get to the curb, and then the driver doesnt go to the other All-Stars resorts! Were making up time here! We get through security and in the park by 5:40. Grab a stroller with our receipt from AK; a quick trip up a fairly crowded Main Street sorry, no time to shop, er, browse; left at the hub and into Liberty Square through the back path. Were here with time to spare.:happy:
Mom and Auntie K want to check out Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe so DS and I sit on the wooden deck structure in the wooded area behind the shops the same place we, as a family last trip in 2001, sat and let a certain 2 ½ yr old have a nap in the afternoon before the parade. Too bad he doesnt nap anymore
Nothing purchased today, so its across the street to find a spot to watch Spectro! The crowd is beginning to grow, and we grab seats just beside the sidewalk area that leads to Fantasyland. Auntie K sees the popcorn cart across the street, so DW and Auntie K grab 2 buckets and 2 cokes and we settle in. Ive triple checked the camera today its worked since this morning at the Safari and Ive got new batteries for tonight, so were good to go.
What an excellent parade! Darkness came very quickly and soon the music could be heard as the parade made its way up Main Street and into Liberty Square! We hadnt seen an evening parade before, so we werent sure what to expect. It was well worth the minor delay we endured back at the hotel!
The lights, the colours, the changing of the colours (thanks to the three little pigs and their 'magic' paint cans!) and a great vantage point able to see the floats coming up then turning so we got to see both sides made the parade very memorable. Here's a look. And Im sure Ursula was coming on to me, stooping right in front of me, shining her light on me and all! And we got some good video and stills! Like this one of Hook and the Queen! Auntie K was very impressed with her first parade she was taken with all the costumes and sets!
After the parade we cut through Fantasyland to find a good vantage point for Wishes we had to ride the Tea Cups again! and found a spot on the bridge (Cosmic Rays) where we could see Tink (Neither Auntie K or DW knew about Tinks flight to start the fireworks!) and where we thought wed best see the much heralded Wishes spectacle.
Turns out we had an excellent view of Tinkerbells flight Auntie couldnt believe that Tink was real! Our view of wishes was too close to the castle though. Some of the staging of the fireworks got lost that close, and we couldnt hear the audio too well but having said that the display was awesome! Magic Kingdom fireworks are always special arent they? We werent disappointed at all, and kept in mind that wed be seeing Wishes again tomorrow night for MVMCP! Well try a different spot then!
After Wishes, we lingered awhile to hopefully let the inevitable congestion on Main Street ease, and watched the castle change colour, and then boldly ventured out. Can you say bottleneck? Wow! Even I was up for getting off the street, so we ducked into the shops to get out of the crowds but, big surprise, the shops were crowded too! We didnt buy, due to the crowds, but it did help get down Main Street!
Back at the hotel, we were a tired, but happy bunch, and very hungry! With our refillable mugs refilled, we ordered pizza from the resort room service and were pleasantly surprised! This stuff is good! We pigged out and were in bed by 9:30!
A well deserved rest after a busy day! Made sweeter by the fact that we could finally sleep in tomorrow!! Or could we...?
Link to Part 8
