[packerbeth]

Originally Posted by Goofy3230

Get that man off to work, lol!!

Tell me about it! It's so hard not to say, "Are you going yet? What time are you going? Shouldn't you be going?"

[packerbeth]

When we departed the train and walked to Frontierland, we were happy to find the stand-by time for Splash Mountain was only five minutes! I gave everyone a poncho, but Rose was the only one who chose to wear one. I took a couple of photos while we were in this area:



I had read that there was a playground where the little ones could play while they waited, so I asked a CM where to find it. Before we went there, though, I had to take Christian and Kate over to get FPs for BTMRR (return time 12:15). The three of us were quite a sight to see, I imagine, as I pushed not only the stroller but Christian’s chair as well! If I had been smart, I would have parked the stroller and let Kate walk the short distance between BTMRR and the Splash playground, especially knowing how hilly that section of the park is. Oh well! Next time I’ll make things a little easier on myself!

Kate had a grand time playing at the playground.





Not sure why these photos turned out so fuzzy!


Christian got a big kick out of the fact that the train went right over our heads!

When the gang found us at the play area, they were happy but soaked! We had to buy the photo to commemorate their first ride on Splash Mountain! Their fondest memory of this ride was pointing out all the “bear butts” they saw along the way (Brer Bear’s butt, that is!) Check out the boy in the back row: hysterical!

I think this photo speaks for itself!

Since the standby time was so short, I could have ridden Splash myself, but the girls didn’t really want to go on it again, and I didn’t want to ride it alone. I rode it twice in September, so that was good enough for me. Not that I didn’t enjoy it; I just didn’t want to get wet at the moment. We still had much to do!


Good-bye, Splash Mountain!

It must not have been time for our BTMRR FPs yet, because our next stop was Adventureland.


As we passed by Potc, there was practically no wait so I sent Rick and the girls on to find Capt. Jack and Barbosa. Christian and I were just going to chill out and wait, but just as we chose a shady spot , a woman said they had just been sitting there and were asked to move. I thanked her, and looked around for another spot. Well, our timing was perfect, because the spot we'd chosen and vacated was where they were getting ready to set up the cart for the Pirate Tutorial! Woo-hoo! This was one of the things I thought Christian would enjoy, so I was really glad we had stumbled upon it!

MOV03521.flv - Video - Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting







Rick and the girls arrived to catch the very end of the show. They had enjoyed their boat ride through dangerous pirate-infested waters, and Grace said they'd even gotten a little wet! Speaking of wet, Christian needed a change, so we headed to the First Aid center. I had gotten this tip from a fellow mom of a special needs child. They have full-sized examination tables there, which are perfect for changing Christian. We had another meaningful interaction with cast members there, but you'll have to tune in later for that story...

[JustaT]

Ok.....that kids face on Splash Mountain is HILARIOUS!!!! Poor fella I guess I am not one to talk....I have never been on Splash Mountain I know, it's unimaginable. When I was younger I never had an adult to go on it with me The last two times we went it just never happened. My next trip I am not leaving MK without going on Splash Mountain

I LOVE the way that they make it easier for guests with special needs. My older sister has CP and Disney was always a place we could go where she never felt out of place

OOooooohhhhh.....cliffhanger

[Remy]

I LOVE Alices kiss on your DS forhead. HOW CUTE

[Peppertink]

[/b]


Hmmm...why does Daddy look so happy, and what is Christian looking at?!?!?!?[/quote]


What every other red blooded American teenage boy...or almost teenage would be looking at!

[MickeyEars]

Beth, I'm loving your TR. Thanks for sharing the Captn Jack video (is that you singing?) - did Christian get his paper stating that he belongs to Captn Jack now??

Can't wait to read more.

[packerbeth]

Originally Posted by MickeyEars

Beth, I'm loving your TR. Thanks for sharing the Captn Jack video (is that you singing?) - did Christian get his paper stating that he belongs to Captn Jack now??

Can't wait to read more.

Yep, that's me singing along... can't seem to help it where Disney music is concerned.

Christian didn't get a certificate, but I think it was because at the end, all these kids started crowding around (what Mac called "stowaways" ) and they had their hands full passing the certificates out. It's okay, though, we really enjoyed the tutorial anyway!

Thanks for reading!

[JustaT]

Where did you go I'm trying to be patient....really I am

[packerbeth]

Sorry for the delay; last night I had to watch American Idol and Dancing with the Stars! I'm back and should have more tonight, as well. Thanks for reading!

We made our way from Adventureland toward Crystal Palace, since the entrance for both the Baby Care and First Aid Centers is around the corner from the restaurant. We walked into First Aid, thinking it was the Baby Care Center, and were asked to sign in. I thought this was strange, but it made perfect sense since we were, in fact, at First Aid! I explained what I needed to do, and they were more than happy to lead me to an empty examination room so I could take care of Christian. While I was doing that, Rick and the girls (mostly the girls!) chatted with the ladies who were running the center. The girls basically told our life story, including how old I was, and that they wanted to live at Disney World! I needed to give Christian his afternoon medication, but hadn’t brought a measuring cup, so when I asked for one, they found one for me to use and keep. Overall, it was the perfect place for us to take care of Christian’s needs, and we used the First Aid centers at Epcot and AK, as well. (I guess we weren’t at DHS long enough to need one.)

Since the Baby Care Center was right next door, I dropped Rick, Kate and Christian off while the big girls and I went to use 3 of our BTMRR FPs before heading out of the park for the rest of the afternoon. Before we did that, though, I realized that we had forgotten to give thank you cards to the CMs at the First Aid Center. They had been so helpful and sweet that we all agreed to stop over there quickly first. When the girls gave the cards out, the CMs were touched and pleased. I really feel that these folks don’t get the recognition or appreciation that they so richly deserve! Before we left, Rose asked one of the CMs if she could trade pins. Grace didn’t have any pins with her, having just purchased the lanyard that morning, so the CM gave her a pin without expecting a trade in return. Then the CM gave each girl one more pin! Often, when we would give a CM our thank you cards, they would be so moved, they would want to reciprocate in some way. This was never our intent, but oftentimes, the girls would benefit a second time from a CM's kindness! We said good-bye to our new friends, anticipating that we would be returning before the end of our trip.

Now it was time for BTMRR! Both girls had been on this during evening EMH on our last trip. It had been Grace’s first roller coaster, and she declared after riding that she would never go on it again! Well, I had convinced her to try it again, saying that it was very different during the day and she would probably enjoy it more. She was still a little nervous, but was brave enough to give it a try. We all squished together in one car, which did cut down on our being thrown about, but it also meant that I couldn’t put my hands in the air. If I had, the girls would have been flattened as we went around the corners, since I was sitting in the middle!

We all survived the wildest ride in the wilderness, while passing through Adventureland, I ran over to get FPs for Jungle Cruise to use when we returned to MK. At 1:25, return time was from 4:15 to 5:15. I was looking forward to a nighttime cruise since I'd only ever been on this attraction during the day. In case you're interested, the next available FP time wasn't until 3:25; we were heading out of MK at a great time: it had really gotten crowded. I was really glad that we'd started so early so we were able to get so much done with very little crowds!

We returned to the Baby Care center to find our group exactly where we had left them: in the foyer. Rick didn’t know that just on the other side of the wall, there were little tables and TVs which would have kept Kate entertained while we were gone! Oh well, we’ll know better next time. (I seem to be saying that a lot!)

I don't remember anything special happening as we made our way up Main Street to take our lunch break. I didn't take any photos, and there's nothing in my notes. I think we were tired and hungry, and ready to head back to the Poly for some lunch!

As we left, I realized that we hadn't had our photo taken in front of the train station that morning. There were no PP photographers in sight, so a lovely CM offered to take our photo for us. It was very bright out, so I didn't notice at the time that it wasn't a very good picture. Unfortunately, it was the only picture of our whole family in front of the train station.



We gave the CM a card, and she asked for a tissue. No, she didn't need to blow her nose ; she had a handful of Mickey confetti to give us, and wanted to put it in a tissue so we wouldn't lose it. I still have this confetti all wrapped up in that tissue; I'm waiting for a good time to use it. Perhaps I'll throw it in the air when we book our next trip!

Up next: our first break; but will Kate sleep?

[JustaT]

Originally Posted by packerbeth

Sorry for the delay; last night I had to watch American Idol and Dancing with the Stars! I'm back and should have more tonight, as well. Thanks for reading!

I completely understand as I was also watching AI last night

[packerbeth]

Originally Posted by JustaT

I completely understand as I was also watching AI last night

After I watched both shows, my fingers were kept busy voting for David Archaleta!

[packerbeth]

We took the monorail back to the Poly and went right to Capt Cook’s. The plan was to take the food back to the room, rest for a bit and then take the girls swimming in the Volcano pool before heading back to the MK for the evening. When we got back to the room, we had a lovely surprise: an anniversary card for us, a birthday card for Christian, and a bouquet of balloons!






After our lunch (adult grilled cheese for me, chicken Caesar salad for Rick, chicken nuggets for the girls), we all had a little quiet time. I didn’t think the big girls would sleep, so I let them read or draw while the boys rested. I did hope Kate would sleep, but after an hour or so, I gave up on that dream and took all the girls down to the Volcano pool. We took a different path than we usually do, so we could see more of the beautiful landscaping at this gorgeous resort. Unfortunately, I didn’t have my camera, so I didn’t get any pictures. The girls really loved the pool, including the cool water slide that goes right through the volcano! Here’s how Grace described it: it starts off with red lights and then BAM! You’re in the dark!” I went on it once, and that’s pretty much it. The interesting thing about this slide is that there is no lifeguard up there. There’s a green light above the slide which tells you when it’s safe to go.

After our swim and a little snack, we walked back to the room so the girls could shower before we left. I remembered to take some pictures of the view from our balcony (something I never did from our balcony at the Beach Club!)








We didn't have any real plans at the MK tonight, except to see Wishes. Originally I had an ADR at Crystal Palace, but since we'd seen everyone but Piglet the day before, I canceled it earlier in the day. I really wanted to get to Columbia Harbor House this trip, so I hoped we would be eating there for dinner instead.

We walked to the GCH to catch the monorail. As soon as we got on the monorail, Kate fell asleep.

[Goofy3230]

Originally Posted by packerbeth

Tell me about it! It's so hard not to say, "Are you going yet? What time are you going? Shouldn't you be going?"

I can only speak from experience, but when I am looking for my DH to hang around, he's never there or "involved" with other stuff. When I don't have time for him, or if I'm on the phone (which hardly ever happens, lol), that's when he wants to sit around and chat. Go figure, I love him anyway!

[lisalovesmickey]

#1 Still loving your TR

#2 I thought you might find it interesting that David Cook is my Boyfriend.


Can't wait for the rest!

Lisa

[dac921]

Loving your TR... can't wait to read more