Dream, Pray, Love Anyway

Disney Trip Report - Day 2 Part 4

*Just a side note - this is my FORTH attempt at posting Day 2 Part 4.  The original on May 28th. I'm just saying.

Okay - We left off with one very tired little girl.  She was sleeping in her Daddy's arms.  We have to get to for our late lunch reservation.  In order to do that from the Magic Kingdom, you take the monorail from the MK to the TTC (Transportation and Ticket Center).  From there you exit one monorail and hop on another to Epcot.  It's about a 20 min trip - 10 on good days I've heard but my time includes standing and waiting for the next train.  Anyway...We were forced to wake up Haley so she could walk thru the turnstile on her own two feet. 

It was the Flowers and Garden Festival the week we were there.  There were amazing creations of the characters made entirely out of greenery and flowers.  Amazing.  I was  a bit upset to learn there was Ladie and the Tramp - we didn't see this one and it is adorable.  (How do you know if you didn't see it? you may be asking...I have adapted a very odd addiction to reading the completed trip reports on the DISboard.  I've seen pictures people - let's stick to the story at hand shall we?)

We entered the park to this one:

Cool, huh?

We thought it would be a smart idea to find a quite place to sit and let Haley go back to sleep.  Yeah, right.  We found a quite place, along a wall across from a dancing fountain.  See, I said dancing fountain.  Haley did not sleep, she watched the water dance to the music. 

 

We were in Epcot for our lunch appointment in Norway at Akershus with the Princesses.  This is our first official Character meal and we were such dorks. 

On the way we stopped and walked through a butterfly garden and let Haley play a bit in Pluto's playground. 

The Butterfly above was on one side of the walkway and Minnie on the other side admiring the Butterfly.  My absolute favorite Flower Garden Show displays. 

So cute our little princess playing in the park.

We were an hour and a half early for our appointed time so we rode the ride in Norway.  You sit in these huge boats and the ride itself conveys the trip Norwegians took up the mountain or something like that.  So you go up this mountain (did I mention this is a water boat ride...it's a water boat ride) and at the top you run into bad guys and the boat stops, sways to the left and you are going back down the mountain.....BACKWARDS...towards an opening.  In my mind I'm thinking 'I don't recall a track outside' so instantly a bit of panic sets in and then right before the opening the boat stops, the front sways over to the right and DOWN the hill you go back into the building and safely to the bottom with a splash.  Those Disney people and their tricky ways of scaring the crap out of you.  Silly Disney Immagineers.

  

This is Norway at Epcot.  Notice the big hole and waterfall in the rocks in the background?  That's the hole I thought we were going to plummet out of.  I know.  But if you were there...in the dark...and saw a bright light you were rapidly going towards, backwards, you'd feel the same way.

Being our first Character Dinner and obviously being the first in the door and not being given any instructions other than to walk this way - smile with Belle - and go through this door.  We did a very redneck thing and just walked right in and picked a seat and watched all kinds of attendants walk past us till we finally asked someone if we were seated in the right section and he directed us back to Belle to wait for an attendant to seat us - at our assigned table - at the other side of the restaurant. 

Redneck moment over we were back in respectable restaurant going polite selves and had a wonderful meal.  It was different.  I had the pulled pork sandwich because it was the only thing I recognized on the menu.  It was very yummy.  Jason has something called Kjottake - not sure what that was.   He ate it all I guess that's all that mattered.  And Haley had a kid pizza.  Ever the one to get pizza or spaghetti no matter where she is.  Then they bring out a sample platter for dessert with three different slices of yummy-ness.  One was like a coffee cheesecake, rice pudding, and then a very delectable three chocolate layers of goodness that I horded.  Or tried to anyway. 

During the meal the Princesses would come around to the tables and take pictures, and sign autographs.  Haley hid in the corner and a few times under the table.  She was dressed like Sleeping Beauty and sure enough Sleeping Beauty visits our table and Haley talks to her but really talks to the table but refuses to get up for a picture.  Ariel told Haley to enjoy her walking feet - thought that was cute - Ariel being a mermaid and all.  Alice from Alice in Wonderland was by far the best in character as a 12 year old girl - told Haley she had a little white kitty just like the one Haley was holding but hers had a pink ribbon and just really got into talking to Haley like she was her same age.  So cute.  Still, no response from Haley.  Then there was Belle. This was by far Jason's favorite part of the whole trip. Our picture with Belle.  Required as you walked into the restaurant.  Due to his affection for Belle we had to pay $40 for the package of one 8x10 and 4 4x6 pics to take home.  We were on vacation after all.  Here's the pic the photographer took with my camera. 

She was a good Belle. 

After lunch we headed back to the hotel.  Haley actually asked to take a nap and get out of her dress.  I have to share one more picture.  This is the McDonald's down the street from our hotel - we passed it on the buss at least 4 times every day and I thought it was the coolest McDonald's I had seen so far. 

Next installment: An actual smile out of Haley, our second Character Dinner and Fireworks.  Yes, we are still on Day 2. 

Random Updates...

Small update on Dad..

Had a bit of a scare a few Saturday's ago - May 10th.  Very early Saturday morning - 1:30am - mom heard him fall in the bathroom - he had gotten up to use the restroom and fainted.  Saturday afternoon about 2 - 2:30pm - he got up to use the restroom and fainted again, then started throwing up.  Mom called the emergency number for the Cancer center and they instructed her to take him directly to the emergency room at Washington.  Nicole and I ended up beating Mom there by just a few minute - probably more for Nicole, she's a crazy driver.  Got him in, we had to wait in the waiting room for a few minutes - Sheri and Tim came in right before they took Dad back to a room. 

Turns out he needed some fluids and his blood pressure was very low.  I love Washington and everything about Washington, but sometimes the hospital gets on my ever loving nerve.  They are great getting you in, taking care of you, but then things slow down once you are out of harms way which is fine if they would communicate, communicate, communicate to their patients.  We were there till almost 8pm before they let mom know they were going to admit dad for the night - they were waiting for the nurses on the 5th floor to call down. 

Around 5 or 6 - Jason has gone outside to use the phone and ran into his cousin Dustin.  Turns out Dustin's grandpa - also from Labadie - was upstairs on the 5th floor.  We (Nicole, myself, Jason and Haley) tracked upstairs to visit with Jim and his daughter Linda (she's from Texas - we stayed at her house a few times while vacationing - Haley and I, we left Jason a few miles north to bow fish).  Jim had been there since Friday - he went home the following Tuesday.  Visiting with Jim we learned that Mr Schultz who lives down the hill from my parents had been there as well that weekend - Jim had rec'd Mr Schultz lunch tray by mistake.  That's 3 guys from Labadie all within a few miles of each other in just a few days.  But that's not all - #4 from Labadie went to the emergency room on Tuesday and later in the week passed away. 

Our hearts and prayers go out to Bill Reigers family.  The wake is this evening, the funeral tomorrow - in Union.

Dad - he's feeling much better.  He was released on Sunday afternoon.  His blood pressure was very low so they wanted to watch it overnight and he needed fluids - he was very dehydrated.  They pumped all kinds of fluids in him all night.  He ate all his breakfast Sunday morning and was able to stand without loosing his feet, so he was sent home.  He's had to be taken in twice just to do blood tests.  His doctor is watching his blood pressure and his....whatever that H word is in the blood that can't be below a 10.  He goes again tonight for more blood tests.  Poor guy.

Beverly at work...

I've mentioned a few times here my beloved friend Bev at work who has fought and beat Breast Cancer in the past year.  A few months ago she just started looking like her old self again - coloring her hair every other month.  Well, she felt something a few weekends ago, went in for testing and sure enough, she had another spot of cancer.  Tests were done yesterday to check if it was anywhere else in her body.  She'll get those results and the plan of action-so to speak-tomorrow.  My heart just goes out to her!  Please pray for my good friend - she beat it once but just the thought of going thru it all again - I just don't have the words.

Haley Jo...

My baby girl is just growing up.  May 29th (my birthday, by the way, not that it's important or anything) Haley Jo will graduate Pre-K.  They are holding a ceremony and everything at her school that night - 7pm - that's a Thursday.  Friday May 30th is her last day at Pre-K and my last day at work - WHOO HOO!!!  They are singing some songs - Haley has a line to say.  Sooo darn CUTE!!! Hope my flash works indoors!  If I had the Nikon D40 Ive had my eye on for the past 5 months I wouldn't have to worry about that - oh well, what's a few more weeks....

Disney has gotten ahold of me...

And I don't mean contacted me, I mean it has seeped deep into my soul.  I'm now deeply curious and amazed at every detail.  The secrets, the trivia, the buildings, all the little touches throughout the parks and their meanings.  It's very scary.  It was a lifelong dream of mine to visit Disneyworld, and now I can't get it off my brain.  I'm in the middle of ready a very good book about Walt Disney and the Disney company.  I've gotten two trivia books, and have 4 more Disney related books in my wish list at Amazon.  AND I'm sooooo ready to go back.  But I'm ready to wait to go back as well.  When Haley is 10 and can ride all the rides with us.  Haley will tell you too that she wants to go back when she's 10.  Not 8, but 10.  Such a smart little cookie!  The girl can't help it, she gets it from me:)

That's all for now.  Coming soon:  more updates on our recent vacation, and even some scrapbook pages - gasp!

Disney Trip Report - Day 2 Part 3

Where we left off....we had beautified ourselves at the Bibbidy Bobbidy Boutique, rode every ride in Fantasyland by 10am, crossed thru Frontierland, into Adventureland to ride the Jungle Cruise. Now we are moving back into Frontierland to explore Tom Sawyers Island.  I was pretty excited about this, being a fan of Mark Twain, visiting Hannibal MO, seeing the homes of his stories, this island intrigued me. 

You get on a raft, and I'm completely serious about this, it is a motored raft you stand on with about 20 other people, and the only thing keeping you on the raft is the rope sides.  Good thing you are only traveling about 20 yards if that.  Onto the island, you are welcomed by this sign from Tom Sawyer:

You walk up this path to a windmill and beside the windmill is a dark scary cave.  I have to stop to say that the minute you walk away from the raft, you are totally on Tom Sawyers Island, not at all feeling like you are at the Magic Kingdom.  You can't hear the rest of the park.  It is pure Disney magic.  We brave the cave.  It is very dark with small lights leading the way and if you forget you have sunglasses on, it's even more dark...I'm just saying.  OH, and there are all sorts of noises within the cave creating this atmosphere that quite honestly made the hair stand up on my arm and really feel like some crazy pirate was behind me....turned out to be a kid but whatever.  Sounds of bats flying overhead, water running down the cave walls, rocks falling...amazing.

The paths lead you to a swinging bridge that connects to the other island - the island that holds a fort.

And our little princess didn't let the fact that she was a pretty princess hold her back from hunting reindeer (deer), bear, and pigs. 

In the picture above, we are in a tower of the fort.  To exit you walk down these stairs and a 'secret' exit thru yet another scary cave - not a long this time.  The path leads you to yet another bridge over water - a barrel bridge.  Yeah, planks of wood over barrels disguised as a bridge.  Of coarse we have to take this path - its FUN.  Jason and Haley scurry on across no problem.  Me, the fearless Mom, practically crawled as each barrel my foot left sounded like it was rocketing out of the water.  I turned around once to see who was behind me only to realize it was me causing all the racket.  This bridge led us right back to the landing where after a short restroom break we loaded back onto the raft, across the river - which by the way held a real life river boat that took tours - take a look:

We didn't ride it, but isn't it beautiful!  Still totally doesn't make you think you are in a theme park, does it?

Once back on dry land, we searched out the Train Station - closer than we thought, up the stair from the entrance to Splash Mountain in case anyone needs a future reference.  We hopped on the train to ride around the park to the front entrance.  We were on our way to Epcot for lunch with the Princesses and Jason's absolute favorite Disney Character we actually got a picture with.  We were actually about 2 hours ahead of our reservation so we stopped at Casey's for a hot dog, fries, and drink we all shared - just a quick snack before the trip to Epcot.

Something that just amazes me still it that there is no parking lot out front of the Magic Kingdom.  This just amazes me being someone who visited and worked at Six Flags.  Nope, no unsightly parking lot.  Instead an amazing lake, the only view a huge resort on the other side.  On our exit we headed right and up a flight of stairs to wait for our turn on the monorail.  We rode the monorail to the transportation center - where you can get off for the parking lot - and then we hopped onto another monorail that took us to Epcot for our late lunch reservation.  Total travel time: maybe 20 minutes.   Awesome experience though, especially if you've seen the show that showcases the worlds wonders - one being the Disney Monorail. 

I'll leave this entry with this very cute tired girl - here were are waiting to switch from the Magic Kingdom monorail cars to the Epcot cars.  Such a tired baby.

Disney Trip Report - Day 2 Part 2

Where did we leave off?  Oh yeah, we had one very shy Princess, one glitter - I mean Pixie Dust - coated Daddy, and one overly excited Momma.  And it's only 9am on Tuesday.

Getting to the Bibbity Bobbity Boutique early was a blessing.  We walked out of the Boutique and into a group of people waiting for the rope drop at the back of the Castle.  The Princess buried her head in her daddy's shoulder and away we went amongst happy travelers and Cast Members waving at the shy girl. 

We headed straight for the Dumbo ride.  That was Haley's first thing she told her Daddy back in December, she wanted to ride the flying Dumbo.  Then we went on the Carousel and onto Peter Pans Flight.  I loved this ride!  You get on your own Pirate Ship and you fly above the scenes - the track is above the boat rather than below.  You sway back and forth like you are really flying.  And the kid in me soared.  Haley just looked at everything, pointed at everything.  It was so cool.

The Peter Pan Flight is a continuous ride.  Meaning it doesn't stop.  There is a huge conveyor on the floor that moves along with the boats and you have to hop on as quickly as you can.  Once you pass a point before entering the ride itself the bar automatically closes on your lap.  See that poor woman above hopping on - that was me a few minutes later.  The panic that sets in that something is going to go wrong and your butt is going to be in the air for all to see - that is quite a motivating panic, let me tell you.

We then moved onto the one, the only, 'It's a Small World'.  Now, most people complain about the song, how it will get stuck in your head all day.  Not for me.  It's not even sung in English till the end of the ride anyway.  I was too busy taking in all the scenes and enjoying the magic.  This was one of Walt's first anamatronic features he took with him to the Worlds Fair and it was such a hit it became the fantastic ride.  (Abraham Lincoln was another marvel that went to the Worlds Fair - only crazy overly obsessed Disney fans who watch all the shoes and read a book all about Walt Disney would know these silly little facts - not sure who that is in this house but I know it's not Jason and Haley can't read yet.)

All those little signs say Goodbye in a different language. So pretty.  We had rode all 4 of these very popular rides by 9:45am.  So far my overly obsessive planning is totally paying off.  Next on the plan - the Jungle Cruise way over in Adventureland.  On the map these lands really seem very very far far away - but in reality you are there before you know it.  Could be all the cool stuff you are looking for, could be just that it's not really that far far away.   

Jungle Cruise was very fun.  We had a 30 min wait which flew by rather quickly.  Again, lots to look at while in line and the line moves rather quickly.  The Jungle Cruise is a boat ride thru the African Jungle with lots of anamatronic animals along the way - some very lifelike.  Haley, being the Princess, walked right up to the front of the boat and sat in front of the conductor who told really bad jokes and YES I was the one who flinched everytime he said to watch out for water.  ME - and he was kind enough to single me out.  Lovely. 

The Rhino sticking his horn up the guys butt - definitely my favorite part.  Once we were off we took off to Tom Sawyer Island.  More about that our almost smiling Princess as she hunts Bear, Reindeer (deer), and Pigs tomorrow.

Disney Trip Report - Day 2 Part 1

Tuesday - April 22nd.  Magic Kingdom!

We woke at 6:30am - okay, the mom woke at 6:30...really 7 after laying there for 3 snoozes, showered, made lots of noise, then the dad got up, made lots of noise.  Haley ignored us till I said the magic words - you get to wear your princess dress to the Castle.  Just like that she was up and ready to go. 

Again - not sure how long the wait will be for a bus, not sure how long it takes to get there from our resort so we were in line waiting at 7:45am.  First in line.  Again, we just missed the bus and were waiting for the next one.  That's okay cuz I got this pic of the waiting lines.

Looks empty but 5 min later every line was full and buses were pulling up left and right.  Finally we saw it, the bus to Magic Kingdom.  I had to hold myself back from jumping up and down like a little girl - the kid in me was just itching to escape.  We were the first ones on and just guess where Haley needed to sit.  In the very back - all the way in the back, the very last row.  Next to the hot motor. 

We arrived at the Magic Kingdom at approx 8:15.  Just a short walk around the walkway to the entrance - all bags had to be opened and checked by security.  Then it was our first experience with the Keys to the World as tickets.  We were there before park opening but since we had an appointment at the Bibbity Bobbity Boutique, we were able to enter thru the Character Dining entrance - took a bit with first time entrance and having the put the card thru the slot and making sure to walk thru before the next one could use their card.  We learned very quickly that one of us had to go ahead of Haley for her to walk thru the turnstile and not try to walk back thru to us, or tuck her card in her pocket, or make a run for it - any cenario ran thru my mind at least 4 times. 

When you walk in - all you see is a train station up a little hill - the hillside in front of the station is covered with a huge Mickey head made of rocks and plants. That's it.  You don't see the Castle from the outside - you can't even see the park from any roadway.  Disney really knows how to create magic.  That magic moment when we walked thru the Train station, out onto the front town square and looked down main street, my heart skipping a bit, a smile a wide as the Mississippi upon my face as we saw this:

Walking down mainstreet practically empty (really, compared to the fireworks crowd that night, this is empty), was amazing for me.  I was so busy looking at the shops, reading the names of the businesses and family members on the 2nd floor windows.  You could see lots of Disney relatives names, the fake business names he used to buy the property, cartoonist that worked for Walt.  Me being the overly obsessive planner and in the middle of a book all about Walt Disney recognized a lot of the names and knew why they were there.  Appreciated why they were there.

But I , along with Haley, was more interested in what sat at the end of the street.  The Castle.  Haley had an 8:50am appointment at the Bibbity Bobbity Boutique for her Princess treatment.  Walking up to go into the Castle, I got this shot, it happens to be my favorite of all 327 shots.

Once inside the Castle we were about 20 min early for our appointment.  We were handed a brochure for Haley to choose her hair style with, and thinking we were stuck sitting for 20 or more min, we barely had the brochure in our hand and a Fairy Godmother In Training was calling for Princess Haley.  Whew.

Haley was put a chair - her own thrown - and her Fairy Godmother began preparing her for her transformation from laughing Haley to very serious Princess Haley.  I'm not kidding.  No smile out of this kid till the dress came off at 4pm.  We thought she was disappointed, turns out she didn't like all the attention she was getting, but when she didn't think anyone was paying attention, we caught her taking care of her dress, carrying her bag on her wrist, enjoying every minute of being a true Princess.

The room was situated where the little princesses could not see themselves in any mirror till the final unveiling.  There is a huge high-back round couch in the center of the room for the parents.  Jason actually stuck around and sat with me, rather than walking outside.  He couldn't go very far, the rope was still up preventing entrance into the rest of the park.  Here is our happy little princess getting her hair done.

Really looks like she's having a blast huh?  Here her nails are drying, her make up is on and her Fairy Godmother is finishing her hair.   There is a big moment where the Fairy Godmother moves her magic wand above Haley's hair and declares her Princess Haley and sprinkles (more like dowses) her with Pixie Dust.  Jason had more Pixie Dust on him by the end of the day than Haley did.  Then there is the big turn around where the parents stand and look in the mirror and a photographer gets pics of the Princesses face as she sees herself for the first time.  Haley's hands went to her face, her eyes teared up, and she reached for her Daddy and didn't get down till she saw the Dumbo ride.

Such a happy Princess.  As we left, we were just in time for the rope drop.  There were lots of cast members with huge mickey hands on, all clapping and welcoming everyone to Fantasyland - the area behind the Castle.  As we were walking thru we got lots of 'Welcome Princess', 'You look so pretty Princess' 'Have a wonderful day Princess'.  All the while she buries her head further into Jason's neck - getting pixie dust all over him.  LOVED IT! 

More to come....it is only 9am on Tuesday afterall.

Disney Trip Report - Day 1

We're BACK!!!  And now that you thought I was done talking about planning for Disney - now, if you choose to, you have to listen to me talk about our trip.  Don't worry - I have LOTS of pictures to cure the boredom that follows my ramblings.  327 pictures to be exact.  Not that I'll post them all here.  Maybe...

Monday - April 21st.  We woke up at 7:30 and after giving Neighbor Bob the run down on caring for our dogs, we were off!  Well, we were off after a stop at the gas station, and a stop at Keith's to pick up the phone charger Jason couldn't use on the trip anyway - it requires a car.  Since we were driving on 270 and then 70 - two highways Jason despises - guess who drove.  THE MOM.  And, I found the parking lot just fine, thank you very much.  At approximately 9:30am, we took our first shuttle bus of the week.  Public transportation quickly became our best friend.  At the check in for our baggage - we were 2 pounds over the limit.  Oddly enough it only took switching Jasons sandals and my travel mug - heavy little booger it ended up being - to reach 49.5 lbs.  Hey, it takes a LOT for 3 people to travel to Disney for 5 days - one small pink chamo suitcase and one BIG ASS suitcase.  We had a life jacket, a princess dress, Lysol wipes, medicine just in case, shorts, shirts, underwear that would have been left behind had it not been for Sheri, hair products, pajamas, swimsuits, jackets, sandals, tennis shoes, a brand new pair of shoes I may or may not have worn and may or may not still have the tag on them. :)

Our flight left at 11:30am, Haley was amazing on the plane.  She looked out the window and gave a minute by minute report of how we were going up, up, up.  She colored in her coloring book.  She drank her free 'Mommy Juice' (Coke/Diet Coke - depending on what the Mommy is having - I know GASP - I let my kid drink Coke - calm down, not all the time).  Then she gave us the minute by minute report of what she saw out the window in Florida, how we were going down, down, down.  And we didn't loose her - very important.  She followed the rules and stayed with her mom and dad. 

Orlando Airport is not the most user friendly airport for new flyer's.  You fly into just one wing of the airport, then have to board a tram to get to the main building.  We saw the tram, and saw the other wing that went to other gates and looked at each other like - huh?  Asked a clerk and on the tram we loaded up and took the 1min trip to the main building.  Jason, as it turned out, was quite good at reading directions.  I on the other hand couldn't see the HUGE hand written sign on the directory that said DISNEY - THIS WAY. 

If you stay on the resort, Disney takes very good care of you.  They pick you up at the airport with their Disney Magical Express.  Here is our Bus:

Once you get going on the highway, a movie starts showing Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Goofy, Pluto, and other Disney Characters getting off the plane and onto their own Magical Express bus ride to their hotel.  It gives you directions on checking in and what you can do while you wait for your luggage to be delivered.  The directions?  No worries, once you check in your key card is your 'Key to the World'.  You use this card to enter your room, enter the parks, pay for your dining, and charge your purchases to your room.  Go ahead, enjoy the resort and let Disney take care of your luggage. 

This was one of only a few snags in our trip, but more about that later.  Once we arrived at the hotel, I stood in line to check in while Jason and Haley watched cartoons in the waiting area.

At check in we rec'd a Disney folder with pamphlets for the events going on that week, a pamphlet on our dining plan - which we should have read the first day - and a flier with frequently asked questions.  We rec'd 1st timer buttons for all of us, a coloring book with crayons for Haley, a balloon for Haley, and our most important - Keys to the World.  We check out the room.  We had reserved a preferred room which just means you'll be closer to the main building where the bus stops are, and closer to the pools.  These rooms were not available upon check in so we ended up in the Love Bug building - ended up being a blessing, just a few more feet to walk but oh so much more quieter and we were on the ground floor.

By this time it's 4pm.  We are a bit hungry.  Haley had lunch on the plane - pb&j and some chips.  Other than that, we hadn't ate since that morning.  We had our first experience with our dining plan - and it didn't go very smoothly - not as smoothly as it could have gone.  We weren't starving - lot's of excitement from the day.  Haley and I shared a small Pizza while Jason had a meatball sub.  HUGE portions by the way.  Jason's came with chips.  And each came with dessert - I forgot about the dessert.  No problem.  Nice guy at the register quickly explained the plan and stamped our ticket for desserts later.  Basically it's a food court, you grab a tray, you have 4 different places to choose from, plus coolers with drinks, desserts, muffins, etc.  Then you exit the food court at the register, and there is a drink station in the center of the dining area for refills. We bought the collector mug that had free refills for the duration of our stay - came in handy.  Sometimes caused a few extra strolls at night, but worth the charge. 

After we ate we headed to Downtown Disney - again using Disney Transportation.  I didn't want to jump right on into the parks our first night, we didn't have a lot of time to explore, we were tired from the travel, and just needed to relax a bit.  I had planned for us to go to Fort Wilderness for a campfire with Chip and Dale and then a free movie - that nights movie was Bug Life.  But all good plans are flexible and we didn't quite make it to Fort Wilderness.  Downtown Disney was all shopping, shopping, and more shopping.  After Haley and I rode the carousel - she eyed the toy store.  At this store they have three stations where you can play with My Little Ponys, Mr Potato Head, and some Star Wars swords.  You can buy a box and stuff this box with all the Disney edition accessories you can fit in that box.  Haley wanted nothing to do with it, she just wanted to play.  She already had her eye on a little white kitty.  We made our way along the lake and Haley spied yet another store we had to carefully steer her away from.  Out front was a HUGE Princess carriage - you could see all the dresses from outside but after explaining she would see the same thing the next day we avoided that 'I NEED' situation and onto LEGO land!  A Lego store with a big play area outside and huge creations made with what else - Lego's.

After exploring Downtown Disney we went back to the bus drop off and caught our bus back to our hotel.  One thing we both agreed on - the Disney transportation was the BEST.  You had to be patient, and at night if you didn't want to stand, just wait 15 min and new bus will be along.  After a few trips on the buses we realized how many highways and byways there were within the Disney World resort and thought - no way would we drive, we'd get lost in a heartbeat.  I would no doubt read the map wrong, Jason would cus - Disney certainly made our stay more enjoyable with the free transportation.

We arrived at the hotel at about 8:30, opened our door expecting to see our luggage....no luggage.  This was our real only snag of our trip while in Florida.  I called the front desk and our luggage was at the resort and would be sent out with the next trip.  So, Jason passed out on one of the beds and Haley and I explored the resort.  Refilled our cup...twice...and enjoyed the larger than life characters around the resort.  Back at the room an hour later...no luggage.  Called again, promised it was out for delivery.  15 min later - knock on the door.  I'd never been more happy to see that BIG ASS suitcase.  After Haley woke Jason, we headed back out to the pool.  Jason and Haley swam, I refilled the mug again.  Took some convincing to get Haley out of the pool, by this time it's almost 11pm.  She needed a bath to get ready for her appointment at the Bibbity Bobbity Boutique the next morning.  That got her going and boy were we all tired!  Turned on the all Disney all the time channel and passed out.  Didn't quite notice how small the beds were the first night...too tired. 

Tuesday - The Magic Kingdom...and the Bibbity Bobbity Boutique....

Planning, Planning and more Planning...

Our reservation is made and paid for.  We have a few reservations made for breakfast and lunch, the only one's we could get.  AND the most important hair styling reservation at the Bibbity Bobbity Boutique.  (Most important it's the one at the Castle so I get to take pictures of the Castle prior to the crowds being in the park - and since I'm obsessed with the picture of the day on the DISboard, I already have a view angles I want, need, want...)

You would think this is all you need to do to enjoy a trip to Walt Disney World.  Well......No, no it's not.

Walt Disney World consists of 4 parks, 2 water parks, and a downtown area plus multiple other things like a race track for participating in the Richard Petty Experience, OR a huge lake for fishing (shhhh don't tell Jason), OR a whole sports arena, etc, etc, etc.  And we are only there for 3 full days.  We arrive on a Monday and leave on a Friday.  So, a little more planning to get the full experience and see everything we want to see knowing we won't see everything.

After reading 3 planning books (yes, I said 3), and every tip and trick on the DISboard, I've made some planning cards.  (laminated, will be held together with a ribbon)   I took the family touring plans and condensed them to what we would enjoy (they are just a plan to follow, not necessarily to the letter).  They tell where to go to beat the crowds and if you've seen my husband at the zoo after 11am, you know my concern. 

But that not all....a nice lady on the DISboard made a planning spreadsheet.  And by spreadsheet, I mean it had 8 or 9 worksheets - transportation, dining, park hours, a page for each park, etc, etc.  I really liked the park hours page so I adjusted it to have the hours for our vacation week and then I added a transportation column to tell us at a glance approximately how long it will take to get from one park to another and what mode of transportation to take. (there are three depending on your destination - Bus, Boat, or Monorail)  From Disney Hollywood Studios to Epcot you can either take the bus or the boat - the boat takes a bit longer but what nice way to relax between parks huh?

On the back of the planner cards I have important numbers like dining reservations, where important areas are in each park like lost children, and I have fun things to look for like Hidden Mickeys. 

I'm not done either - there are fun things to do that sometimes are more meaningful than the things that are advertised, like the lowering of the flag where a veteran gets to lower the flag, or to wait after the final fireworks show as the crowd leaves for the 'Kiss Goodnight' - the colors, lights, slowly going out on the castle.  Or the street characters at Hollywood Studios. Or the talking trash can. Or where the sign says not to pull the rope....pull the rope!  Stuff like that you learn from the DISboard from past visitors.  Love it!!!

Back to planning....OH and I've also started planning my scrapbook as well.  I have the layout of the album done, I need to collect individual layout ideas, and write a list of items needed for the convention I'll be going to in St Louis in April - LOTS of shopping at the convention, should find almost everything I'll need.  :)

It's true - Dreams really can come true.  You just need a sweet 5 year old who has her daddy wrapped around her finger to give that dream a boost.

Random Thoughts....*Pic added

A few random thoughts for today...

Mom called this morning....Dad is starting to loose his hair.  Not in clumps but just a LOT of strands.  (she vacuumed his pillow!)  Dad has asked a friend to come over and shave it.  I asked for date and time so I could take pictures but suddenly mom had to go...hmmmm..not sure why:)

Haley mailed a letter to Mickey Mouse yesterday letting him know how excited she was to be visiting him and how much she wants to see Cinderella's Castle.  The rumor is he actually (wink wink) sends a personalized letter back....signed.  Too Cute!  Definately one for the scrapbook if we get a resonse.

Had a long cold weekend.  Got Iced in on Thursday/Friday.  Didn't leave the house till Friday evening to play cards at the Fennessey's.  Haley had a blast!  Dane and Jenna and Samantha, so many friends to play with!  Jason headed out with Keith on Saturday making their rounds, so I was able to Scrapbook!  That's right, I said it...Scrapbook!  I have not done a single page since Christmas!  I completed exactly one page.  A bunch of pics of Haley at Christmas during our Christmas Card Photo shoot.  (I'll post a pic later tonight).  I attempted to finish a Halloween layout BUT after several attempts at picking out the perfect paper and KNOWING in the back of my mind I had come cool halloween paper somewhere in my stash, it just would not come together for me till late Sunday when a light bulb went off and I found the paper.  Only problem, not the right embellishments.  Soooo, that layout still sits on my kitchen table awaiting the day I complete it.

Carl Edwards won the race this weekend - well Monday after the 15 hour rain delay.   I know you were just pining to know that!  He's a Missouri boy so can't help but be happy for him.  Oh, and he does a really cool backflip off the door of his car each time he wins.  THAT is one cool trick!

Happy Wednesday.......

I am the greatest MOM...EVER!!!

WDW Trip update.  We had a slight set back and had to move our vacation to April instead of March.  Which, by the way, turned out to be a very smart move.  Not only did we save a bunch of money, we are no longer traveling to the Happiest Place on Earth during their busiest week of the year (Easter).  Turns out half the country AND Florida have their spring vacations that week and the nice value resort we wanted to stay in was full.

Now we can have Haley's Birthday Party closer to her Birthday, I can help Mom and Dad our original week with chemo, and I get 4 more glorious weeks to shop for the trip. 

Why am I the Greatest Mom..EVER?  Well, this morning I made our Dining reservations for our trip.  In order to eat with the characters, it is essential to have reservations.  Otherwise you are either out of luck OR you are waiting forever and a day to eat and my husband has zero patience SOOO Mom of the year made the ultimate reservations this morning.  How do I know all this?  I know I've never been to WDW BUT I do now own 3 TravelGuides and am an active lurker on the DISBoards. 

The Tuesday of our trip, Haley Jo has an appointment at the Bibbity Bobbity Boutique to get her hair, makeup, and nails done up just like her favorite Princess (I think she'll choose Cinderella - we are even taking a dress for her to wear all day as well).  This Boutique is so cool.  It's completely decked out in a Fairy Godmother Theme.  There are colorful pumpkins in the chandeliers and everything.  While the girls get their hair done, the stylist (who is dressed as a Princess as well) shows the girls Tinkerbell's Bedroom Door.  And apparently, there is 'Pixie Dust' EVERYWHERE (glitter).  The girls are told how every night after closing, Tinkerbell comes out of her room and sprinkles the Pixie Dust.  LOVE IT!!! 

Then, on that same day, we have reservations at a restaurant at Epcot where we will dine with several Princesses including Snow White, Ariel, Belle, and Sleeping Beauty.  There is only one place to dine with Cinderella, that's at the Castle, and it sells out 180 days in advance.  I tried to see if there was a cancellation but no such luck.  I don't think Haley will notice. 

On Wednesday we will be having breakfast at Hollywood Studios (formerly MGM studios) with the Playhouse Disney characters - JoJo from JoJo's Circus and the Little Einsteins.  Both shows Haley LOVES.  Then later that day we will catch the Playhouse Disney show where she'll get to play along with Mickey and his friends including Handy Manny.  She will be in Heaven!

I think even though 3 of the Character Dining options I tried for were booked, this line up looks pretty cool, especially for a little 5 year old who just wants to be a princess. 

Me - I've always wanted to be a Princess and Ariel is my favorite.  But I'm sure I'll make big butt of myself if I see any of the classic characters.  I'll probably even go ga-ga for Lightening McQueen and Tow Mater too:)

61 days and counting!  (NO, I did not actually count! Disney does that for you!)

Just Plain Funny

Last night we are laying in bed and I'm reminding Haley of the #1 rule for WDW - here's the conversation:

'What is the #1 rule when you go to Walt Disney World with Mom and Dad?' - Me

'Stay with Them' - Haley

'With Mom and Dad?' - Me

'Yep.  And get nails done, and pretty dress on, it'll be so fun' - Haley

'Yes, getting your hair done to look like Cinderella?' - Mom

'And hug Cinderella, and Sleeping Beauty, and' - Haley

'And Snow White' - Mom

'Why is Snow White there?' - Haley - much laughter from mom

'Because she lives there too.' - mom

'Oh, and hug Cinderella, and Sleeping Beauty, and don't hug cowboy, just look' - Haley

'You can hug Woody, it's okay' - Mom

'No, just look' - Haley

'Okay - and we're going to wear our pretty Cinderella dress, right?' - Mom

'Yes, I want Cinderella, and get nails done and necklace, with Sheri, Grandma, and Tyler' - Haley  - In Haley language, Tyler actually sounds like Tire.  Very Cute.  AND Fish is NOT B****.  It's Fish!  But that's another story all together. 

'No, just mom and dad are going with you.' - Mom

'AND Sheri, Grandma, and Tyler' - Haley

'Go to sleep' - Mom

Nicole has no problem with Tyler going - wants to know when I need him.  Ummmm, no.  And I'm sure if Uncle Tim and Harley could go 6 days without the mom, Sheri would be on the plane as well but again....no.

Sorry folks, this is a Jason, Amy, and Haley Jo vacation only. :)