Granted, it isn't a real obsession yet. But I think a lot of things have come together to bring about something else that he's interested in. We had a playdate at Trevor's friend Sam's house and Trevor got to see toys he has never seen before. Sam seems to be really into dinosaurs right now so that was one of the main toys that was out for the kids to play with. Trevor got into it and asked questions about which was what dinosaur and such.
Then last night, Russ flipped on the History Channel and it was a special about the meteor that hit the earth and destroyed the dinosaurs. I'm guessing that part of the draw was the destruction that Trevor seems to be interested in. He noticed that they were talking about how all the dinosaurs were unaware (or were they) of their impending doom. He asked about the timeline of it all....where were people....etc. I don't remember if it said on the show or if Russ answered the question, but he understood that after the dinosaurs died off, then the fish survived, followed by humans. Of course he also wanted to know if another meteor was going to come and kill all the people.
So since watching these shows on the History Channel, he has wanted to play dinosaurs, asked a lot of questions about what he learned about, and is now watching the Land Before Time. He has even put a lot of it together. He asked if "sharptooth" on Land Before Time is the same thing as a T-Rex. He asked what do Littlefoot and Cera eat. And on and on it goes.
On a different note, Gwen has been steadily increasing the foods she eats. I probably should let her try more than she has been doing, but she has been pretty good about asking for anything she sees. She has actually asked for a cheeseburger from McD's and eaten most of it rather than sticking with french fries. She will eat a few spoonfuls of spaghetti, likes yogurt, even mine. She really wanted my oatmeal one morning, and thinking that like Trevor, she wouldn't like it, I gave her a small spoonful. Ever since then, if I'm having oatmeal, I have to make sure she doesn't see it, or she will eat as much of it as I'll let her. I guess I'll be giving her her own bowl full soon.
She has also discovered fruit, and really there isn't much she won't eat. Bananas, apples, pears, grapes....she hasn't liked oranges much, but she will drink a little OJ in the morning. I guess what it comes down to is that I'm going to hold out hope that she will be a not-so-picky eater. She isn't at the stage yet where she is very patient when she is hungry, but I've been trying to avoid her being hungry as much as possible.
And that's our story for the week. I'm sure next week we will be on to something new......
Friday, February 27, 2009
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
They are both getting older
I knew we were entering another stage when Trevor mouthed off to me the other day. Of course I can't remember the exact phrase but it came out of nowhere. Something like, "If you don't listen to me, I'm going to SMACK you." He was mostly just doing dialogue to himself, so the phrase wasn't directed at me, but it was clear he knew what he was saying was something he shouldn't.
This came out of his mouth after preschool, so I'm guessing he heard it from someone in his class. But really, this isn't the first time he has picked up the best habits. And I know it's going to get exponentially worse at Kindergarten and beyond. Although I will say that his overall communication is getting much better too. I can rationalize and explain things to him so that he "gets it". It leads to a lot less frustration in the future.
Then Gwen is moving forward with everything that she is doing. She is now entering the "pushing and climbing" phase. She loves to push the stroller or grocery cart around most of the day. She likes how her babies can ride in them.
She's also really good at putting on shoes and boots INCLUDING her own. I often have to just leave her in whatever she's wearing on her feet if we have to go anywhere. It makes more sense than taking it off only to put something else on her feet. Especially if I don't ever let her down outside in the snow. I know she's not even going to be 2 before I have to let her get ready to go anywhere...putting on jackets, shoes, whatever.
Anyway, we are all reasonably healthy...so sleeping and naps are a lot less stressful. Trevor starts basketball this Saturday. We have to sign up for summer programs in a few weeks. In the mean time, we are doing a few things getting ready for a few wedding parties ;-)
This came out of his mouth after preschool, so I'm guessing he heard it from someone in his class. But really, this isn't the first time he has picked up the best habits. And I know it's going to get exponentially worse at Kindergarten and beyond. Although I will say that his overall communication is getting much better too. I can rationalize and explain things to him so that he "gets it". It leads to a lot less frustration in the future.
Then Gwen is moving forward with everything that she is doing. She is now entering the "pushing and climbing" phase. She loves to push the stroller or grocery cart around most of the day. She likes how her babies can ride in them.
She's also really good at putting on shoes and boots INCLUDING her own. I often have to just leave her in whatever she's wearing on her feet if we have to go anywhere. It makes more sense than taking it off only to put something else on her feet. Especially if I don't ever let her down outside in the snow. I know she's not even going to be 2 before I have to let her get ready to go anywhere...putting on jackets, shoes, whatever.
Anyway, we are all reasonably healthy...so sleeping and naps are a lot less stressful. Trevor starts basketball this Saturday. We have to sign up for summer programs in a few weeks. In the mean time, we are doing a few things getting ready for a few wedding parties ;-)
Friday, February 20, 2009
Watching Cars again, at age 5
It has been a while...I can't remember how long...probably since the summer since Trevor has watched Cars. And it's interesting to hear his thoughts when he watched it again today. With his new knowledge of Nascar, I think it finally came together that Cars is like a Nascar race.
Right away at the beginning, they were making fun of the old "bathroom" line that forms at sporting events. The women's line is out the door and the men's line does not exist. Trevor asked if that is where the "cars go potty". I said yes, and he said, "But mom, cars DON'T go potty". He also asked why the cars in the audience had faces. I told him they all had faces and that this was a story that someone had made up where they could make cars be alive if they wanted to.
I have used the old Chick Hicks cheats and wins the Piston Cup at the end of the movie. It is not Lightning McQueen, when trying to teach Trevor that it is more important do be nice to other people than it is to finish first. He asked about that during the movie too. He asked if everyone had fans at the beginning of the first race, and then asked about the fans at the end of the movie. He wanted to know why people were Booing Chick. But he saw and understood why Chick wasn't a good guy at the end.
He even asked me to get out his old Cars scenery and buildings. It might be time to move something else downstairs so he can start playing with them again.
I wonder if he'll get into it more or if this was just a temporary thing.....
Right away at the beginning, they were making fun of the old "bathroom" line that forms at sporting events. The women's line is out the door and the men's line does not exist. Trevor asked if that is where the "cars go potty". I said yes, and he said, "But mom, cars DON'T go potty". He also asked why the cars in the audience had faces. I told him they all had faces and that this was a story that someone had made up where they could make cars be alive if they wanted to.
I have used the old Chick Hicks cheats and wins the Piston Cup at the end of the movie. It is not Lightning McQueen, when trying to teach Trevor that it is more important do be nice to other people than it is to finish first. He asked about that during the movie too. He asked if everyone had fans at the beginning of the first race, and then asked about the fans at the end of the movie. He wanted to know why people were Booing Chick. But he saw and understood why Chick wasn't a good guy at the end.
He even asked me to get out his old Cars scenery and buildings. It might be time to move something else downstairs so he can start playing with them again.
I wonder if he'll get into it more or if this was just a temporary thing.....
Thursday, February 19, 2009
I forgot to mention Trevor in all this
I'm not sure if he is well rested, understanding more about listening, or luckily in a good mood. He has been really fun to be around lately. The past few days, I would have normally been itching to get out of the house. I'm sure part of the reason why I don't feel that way is because we just got back from our trip. And part of it is that I don't wan to expose anyone to more germs after the colds we all went through. Regardless, we have been at home the last few days except for grocery shopping on Monday.
And for some reason, Trevor has just been relaxed, listening well, and an all around good kid. There have been times where he plays with Gwen on making music, and it has been nice because the Nascar cars have been returned to their track due to Nascar season starting again.
On that note, anyone know how to explain to a 5 year old that the name for a driver he made up does not exist? In Nascar, from year to year, drivers can and do switch owners, sponsors, and car numbers. This leads to more cars being purchased to be up to date in order to reenact the races on TV. Two years ago Dale Earnheardt Jr. was driving the red Budwiser #8 car. Two years ago, Trevor called that driver Nick Jr. I'm pretty sure because there was no way he could pronounce the name and we watched the TV station Nick Jr for some of the tv shows he liked. Last year "Daleheart Jr." became the driver of the #88 cars, Mark Martin drove the #8 car but it was not red since another driver had that sponsorship. But he still thought that Nick Jr. drove the red #8 car. So this year, when some of the drivers again switched cars, numbers and the like, he got it. But then he remembered about the red #8. He has been asking where the driver Nick Jr. went. I don't know how to get across to him what actually happened.
Oh well...at least he is able to enjoy the races again. We've also gotten out the Marble Madness and he is racing those around for a good part of the day as well. That plus playing with stuffed animals, reading books....he has in general been a fun guy to be around. I'll be taking advantage of it as much as possible.
While Trevor has almost completely gotten rid of his cold, Gwen is almost there as well, I got hit with it really bad the past two days. Two nights ago, I thought I w0uld try to get as much sleep as I could and took Nyquil. The first time in many years. I think it was before Trevor was born. And unless I know I'm going to get the rest of the day to sleep, it better be another 5 years before I take any more of the stuff. I took the dose (not even a full adult dose) at 10pm. Trevor woke up in the middle of the night, I think because of a bad dream...and I wasn't sure I was going to get back to sleep. I don't know if I did, to a deep sleep anyway. Gwen was up around 6:30, and I was in a fog for the rest of the morning, until probably 11am or so. It was not fun. Even after the nyquil wore off, it wasn't much better. I tried to take a nap with the kids, but I only rested for about a half hour.
I feel better today, but still a little groggy. This cold was a doozy. Hopefully this is the worst of the cold season for us.
And for some reason, Trevor has just been relaxed, listening well, and an all around good kid. There have been times where he plays with Gwen on making music, and it has been nice because the Nascar cars have been returned to their track due to Nascar season starting again.
On that note, anyone know how to explain to a 5 year old that the name for a driver he made up does not exist? In Nascar, from year to year, drivers can and do switch owners, sponsors, and car numbers. This leads to more cars being purchased to be up to date in order to reenact the races on TV. Two years ago Dale Earnheardt Jr. was driving the red Budwiser #8 car. Two years ago, Trevor called that driver Nick Jr. I'm pretty sure because there was no way he could pronounce the name and we watched the TV station Nick Jr for some of the tv shows he liked. Last year "Daleheart Jr." became the driver of the #88 cars, Mark Martin drove the #8 car but it was not red since another driver had that sponsorship. But he still thought that Nick Jr. drove the red #8 car. So this year, when some of the drivers again switched cars, numbers and the like, he got it. But then he remembered about the red #8. He has been asking where the driver Nick Jr. went. I don't know how to get across to him what actually happened.
Oh well...at least he is able to enjoy the races again. We've also gotten out the Marble Madness and he is racing those around for a good part of the day as well. That plus playing with stuffed animals, reading books....he has in general been a fun guy to be around. I'll be taking advantage of it as much as possible.
While Trevor has almost completely gotten rid of his cold, Gwen is almost there as well, I got hit with it really bad the past two days. Two nights ago, I thought I w0uld try to get as much sleep as I could and took Nyquil. The first time in many years. I think it was before Trevor was born. And unless I know I'm going to get the rest of the day to sleep, it better be another 5 years before I take any more of the stuff. I took the dose (not even a full adult dose) at 10pm. Trevor woke up in the middle of the night, I think because of a bad dream...and I wasn't sure I was going to get back to sleep. I don't know if I did, to a deep sleep anyway. Gwen was up around 6:30, and I was in a fog for the rest of the morning, until probably 11am or so. It was not fun. Even after the nyquil wore off, it wasn't much better. I tried to take a nap with the kids, but I only rested for about a half hour.
I feel better today, but still a little groggy. This cold was a doozy. Hopefully this is the worst of the cold season for us.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Ok...getting caught up with daily activities
Well, to cut to the chase, everyone has gotten sicker since coming back home. I now have a LOT of sympathy for my kids when they have this hacking cough that I have. I feel so congested, and sometimes I can't even catch my breath after feeling like I cough up a lung. Gwen has a bad rattling sound when she breathes, but she hasn't had a fever, or had any wheezing sounds. So hopefully she is on her worst day of the cold. I have been pumping her room full of humidity for both naps and night times and she has been sleeping very well. Long naps and all night finally. She had been waking up early while adjusting to CST.
I was informed that one of the kids at preschool had pneumonia although I don't know when he had it. I wonder if Trevor caught that bug on top of the one he had in Florida, because it's been a week and a half since the first cold in Florida and he still has his cough. I brought him in to urgent care on Friday and he checked out fine. Again, no fever, and yes some congestion, but nothing to worry about.
On a different note, along with Gwen trying to have conversations with us, and learning lots of new words, songs, and fun stuff, she has also shown how independent she wants to be already. I let her feed herself with a spoon for breakfast, and if I have yogurt for lunch, she has to feed herself that as well. She is very good, not as messy as I would have thought, but I'm guessing she just has the practice that helps develop that feeding skill. She also loves to wear everyone's shoes and boots. Her favorite would be Trevor's boots because they don't fall off like ours do, and she will walk around in them until she gets bored with them. The other thing, is that she is very interested in "potty" stuff. We brought up a toddler potty chair because a friend had to use it, and immediately Gwen was all over it. Talking about going potty, sitting on it, just loving it. She has always loved it when anyone was in it....I'm hoping this leads to her wanting to be potty trained on her own. That would be awesome. We've got another year before I'm even going to try, but wow. Just a girl that is way older than her year....
I was informed that one of the kids at preschool had pneumonia although I don't know when he had it. I wonder if Trevor caught that bug on top of the one he had in Florida, because it's been a week and a half since the first cold in Florida and he still has his cough. I brought him in to urgent care on Friday and he checked out fine. Again, no fever, and yes some congestion, but nothing to worry about.
On a different note, along with Gwen trying to have conversations with us, and learning lots of new words, songs, and fun stuff, she has also shown how independent she wants to be already. I let her feed herself with a spoon for breakfast, and if I have yogurt for lunch, she has to feed herself that as well. She is very good, not as messy as I would have thought, but I'm guessing she just has the practice that helps develop that feeding skill. She also loves to wear everyone's shoes and boots. Her favorite would be Trevor's boots because they don't fall off like ours do, and she will walk around in them until she gets bored with them. The other thing, is that she is very interested in "potty" stuff. We brought up a toddler potty chair because a friend had to use it, and immediately Gwen was all over it. Talking about going potty, sitting on it, just loving it. She has always loved it when anyone was in it....I'm hoping this leads to her wanting to be potty trained on her own. That would be awesome. We've got another year before I'm even going to try, but wow. Just a girl that is way older than her year....
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Return trip and final thoughts
Coming back to Minnesota, it could have been much smoother. We were supposed to be able to check in for our flight at the hotel. When we went to do so, they said that they couldn't pull up the reservation because it was under Gwen's name. WHAT??? I had already paid our checked bags fee, but since they couldn't print out our tags, I would have to deal with the ticketing agents at the airport to try to print out the tags there.
We were to get on the bus to the airport 3 hours before our flight take-off. The bus was a little late, and we were the second concourse run around the airport, so we got there about 2 hours before our flight was to take off. I had already noticed that I couldn't assign us 3 seats together, from even when I was checking in for our trip down to Orlando.
So we went to meet with the ticketing agent, and I had to explain how I needed my checked bags fee refunded and then re-purchased according to the people at Disney. She said that was correct, but had to get on the phone with someone who could do that. And then we had to explain all over again, given the fact that no one understood what was going on. They still couldn't assign us seats together, but that I was supposed to check with the ticketing agent before we got on the plane.
We ate a quick lunch, and got to the gate. I was happy to see that the plane was already there. We were flying back with a group of cheer/dance high school girls from Blaine. So that's where most of the seats went on the plane. The best they could offer us was two together and one in a bulkhead seat. So we ended up using that configuration. I took Gwen in the bulkhead seat and Russ and Trevor sat 15 rows behind us. I ended up sitting with half of a Canadian family that had came from Universal Studios. He was very nice and helped me with the big backpack that I carried with me.
The flight itself was good. Gwen slept for about half of it, I believe. That was the best scenario as she had been wanting to sleep since we were in the bus. We arrived a few minutes early although being as how MSP is such a big airport, it took us a while to get to our gate and off the plane. My mom picked us up, and Russ's mom stayed with Russ to get the bags. The car ride from the airport to our house was hilarious. BOTH Trevor and Gwen were talking a mile a minute and just wanted to tell all their stories to Bubba that day. We came back to an immaculately clean house with a crock-pot of beef stew started for our dinner. It is such an easy landing to come home to a house like that. And so appreciated. THANK YOU MOM!!!
A few overall thoughts on our trip:
- I had made 2 breakfast and 4 dinner reservations before going down to Disney. The only day that I kept to my plan was the first park day. The only dinner reservation we kept was at Cinderella's castle. It seems the best meal to do "counter service" would be for dinner. And our lunches should be early. Walking around in the morning really burns through your energy! (All of our dinner reservations were switched to lunches)
- Although yes, it was a good idea to come back for a rest time, Gwen only napped once during those times, and Trevor never really did.
- At the first character interaction, Gwen was very afraid. The more we talked about all the characters, the more comfortable she was with them. Now, she only needs a minute before she gives them hugs and kisses.
- Gwen's vocabulary of Disney/Pixar characters is hilarious to me - "Mouse" for Mickey, "Minnie" for Minnie, "Hot Dog" for Goofy, "Puppy" for Pluto, "Ack-ie" for Mike Wazowski, "Ta-Doug" for Mr. Potato Head, "Duck" for Donald Duck, "Manny" for Handy Manny, "Rocket" for the Little Einsteins characters, "Pooh" for both Tigger and Pooh, "Sich" for Stitch, and "Buzz" for Buzz Lightyear. Before coming here, she wasn't talking much at all of these names. But meeting them has sure given her an impression of them.
- Being at the Polynesian, and using the monorail with a stroller was INVALUABLE. Yes, we paid more to stay at a nicer hotel, but not having to fold up the stroller when we went to Magic Kingdom, the Contemporary Resort for breakfast one morning, and for our trip out to Epcot was SO NICE.
Using my friend Christine's awesome knowledge of Disney trips, as well as her suggestions of using the Disney discussion boards and Touring Plans....it just helped everything go that much smoother. There will be a learning curve since this isn't something we do every year, so we aren't sure how the kids are going to react, but trying to get some idea of what we were going to do and when really helped me.
And with that, I will conclude my trip report. Now I just have to get back into what has happened the past few days.....
We were to get on the bus to the airport 3 hours before our flight take-off. The bus was a little late, and we were the second concourse run around the airport, so we got there about 2 hours before our flight was to take off. I had already noticed that I couldn't assign us 3 seats together, from even when I was checking in for our trip down to Orlando.
So we went to meet with the ticketing agent, and I had to explain how I needed my checked bags fee refunded and then re-purchased according to the people at Disney. She said that was correct, but had to get on the phone with someone who could do that. And then we had to explain all over again, given the fact that no one understood what was going on. They still couldn't assign us seats together, but that I was supposed to check with the ticketing agent before we got on the plane.
We ate a quick lunch, and got to the gate. I was happy to see that the plane was already there. We were flying back with a group of cheer/dance high school girls from Blaine. So that's where most of the seats went on the plane. The best they could offer us was two together and one in a bulkhead seat. So we ended up using that configuration. I took Gwen in the bulkhead seat and Russ and Trevor sat 15 rows behind us. I ended up sitting with half of a Canadian family that had came from Universal Studios. He was very nice and helped me with the big backpack that I carried with me.
The flight itself was good. Gwen slept for about half of it, I believe. That was the best scenario as she had been wanting to sleep since we were in the bus. We arrived a few minutes early although being as how MSP is such a big airport, it took us a while to get to our gate and off the plane. My mom picked us up, and Russ's mom stayed with Russ to get the bags. The car ride from the airport to our house was hilarious. BOTH Trevor and Gwen were talking a mile a minute and just wanted to tell all their stories to Bubba that day. We came back to an immaculately clean house with a crock-pot of beef stew started for our dinner. It is such an easy landing to come home to a house like that. And so appreciated. THANK YOU MOM!!!
A few overall thoughts on our trip:
- I had made 2 breakfast and 4 dinner reservations before going down to Disney. The only day that I kept to my plan was the first park day. The only dinner reservation we kept was at Cinderella's castle. It seems the best meal to do "counter service" would be for dinner. And our lunches should be early. Walking around in the morning really burns through your energy! (All of our dinner reservations were switched to lunches)
- Although yes, it was a good idea to come back for a rest time, Gwen only napped once during those times, and Trevor never really did.
- At the first character interaction, Gwen was very afraid. The more we talked about all the characters, the more comfortable she was with them. Now, she only needs a minute before she gives them hugs and kisses.
- Gwen's vocabulary of Disney/Pixar characters is hilarious to me - "Mouse" for Mickey, "Minnie" for Minnie, "Hot Dog" for Goofy, "Puppy" for Pluto, "Ack-ie" for Mike Wazowski, "Ta-Doug" for Mr. Potato Head, "Duck" for Donald Duck, "Manny" for Handy Manny, "Rocket" for the Little Einsteins characters, "Pooh" for both Tigger and Pooh, "Sich" for Stitch, and "Buzz" for Buzz Lightyear. Before coming here, she wasn't talking much at all of these names. But meeting them has sure given her an impression of them.
- Being at the Polynesian, and using the monorail with a stroller was INVALUABLE. Yes, we paid more to stay at a nicer hotel, but not having to fold up the stroller when we went to Magic Kingdom, the Contemporary Resort for breakfast one morning, and for our trip out to Epcot was SO NICE.
Using my friend Christine's awesome knowledge of Disney trips, as well as her suggestions of using the Disney discussion boards and Touring Plans....it just helped everything go that much smoother. There will be a learning curve since this isn't something we do every year, so we aren't sure how the kids are going to react, but trying to get some idea of what we were going to do and when really helped me.
And with that, I will conclude my trip report. Now I just have to get back into what has happened the past few days.....
Day 7 - Last Park Day at Magic Kingdom
Magic Kingdom is our last hurrah. Kids have now acclimated to the hour time difference and are waking up ready to go before 7:00 EST. We had our breakfast of Cheerios, put on the sunscreen and made it to Magic Kingdom in time for their rope drop ceremony. It was the only show we made it to all week, and it was good to see once.
We went over to Dumbo, Peter Pan and It's a Small World first. I'm pretty sure that was the only time I've ever been on Peter Pan. It always has a long line and wait time. And after going on it, I have no idea why it has such a long wait time. It is cute, but nothing special in my opinion.
After those rides we moved over to Frontierland. Although I had brought up riding on Splash Mountain and Trevor had seen the youtube video, I seriously didn't think he was going to want to ride on it, and wasn't going to push him into it. But as soon as we were over there, he wanted to go on it. So I started talking about it again, and he stopped me when I started comparing it to the log ride at the Mall of America. He said that he didn't want to hear that. Uh ok.... We practically walked onto the ride, and saw the story of Briar Rabbit, Briar Fox, and Briar Bear. He asked at every tunnel if it was the big drop. And when I finally told him it was, he didn't seem scared at all. After it dropped us, he said he didn't like it, but then it finished up the story and he was fine again. We didn't get very wet because we were in the back of the log, but that was ok....it wasn't that warm out. When we got off the ride, he told me he liked the ride except for the big drop.
After Splash Mountain, he wanted to ride Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. And he loved it. He wanted to go on it with me after dad. We got fastpasses and headed for an early lunch. After lunch dad and Gwen headed back over to tomorrowland and the Buzz Lightyear ride. By now, he wanted to ride on that ride again. We even went on the Tomorrowland Transit ride. I'm pretty sure we could have talked him into going on Space Mountain at this point. He knew what to expect and given that there are no big drops on the ride, I would have had him go on it, but I didn't want him to get too afraid of the dark again. So after my turn with him on the Buzz Lightyear ride (Gwen was sleeping at this point), we went to meet the real Buzz himself. We then went back to the hotel for a break. I took Gwen on a walk so poor sick Trevor could try to get a nap. When we went back to MK we had an early dinner at the Lady and the Tramp Italian restaurant. After that we headed over to Toontown for some souvenirs and for Trevor to ride Goofy's rollercoaster. When Russ and Trevor came back to meet up with us in the souvenir shop, Russ almost ran right into Jeff Gordon. (The Nascar driver) He tried to get Trevor to notice him, but I'm pretty sure when he said, "Trevor, there's Jeff Gordon" Trevor was looking for the number 24 car. So he missed him.
So after the final gifts, we went on the final rides. We went on the Pooh ride and then It's a Small World. We stopped and watched the parade, but Gwen wasn't interested and she started to melt down. So I took her back to the hotel. Russ and Trevor went on Peter Pan and saw the fireworks.
It was a jam packed day at the end of a jam packed week. There were only two things that could have made the week better. Trevor to not have gotten sick and the weather to have been warmer. Now, this is not to say that we didn't appreciate what we had. At least all Trevor had was a bad cold. And at least the temperature was only cold for a few days. It could have been much worse. Oh well. Tomorrow we go back to the real winter. See ya Mickey! Thanks for stoppin' by!
We went over to Dumbo, Peter Pan and It's a Small World first. I'm pretty sure that was the only time I've ever been on Peter Pan. It always has a long line and wait time. And after going on it, I have no idea why it has such a long wait time. It is cute, but nothing special in my opinion.
After those rides we moved over to Frontierland. Although I had brought up riding on Splash Mountain and Trevor had seen the youtube video, I seriously didn't think he was going to want to ride on it, and wasn't going to push him into it. But as soon as we were over there, he wanted to go on it. So I started talking about it again, and he stopped me when I started comparing it to the log ride at the Mall of America. He said that he didn't want to hear that. Uh ok.... We practically walked onto the ride, and saw the story of Briar Rabbit, Briar Fox, and Briar Bear. He asked at every tunnel if it was the big drop. And when I finally told him it was, he didn't seem scared at all. After it dropped us, he said he didn't like it, but then it finished up the story and he was fine again. We didn't get very wet because we were in the back of the log, but that was ok....it wasn't that warm out. When we got off the ride, he told me he liked the ride except for the big drop.
After Splash Mountain, he wanted to ride Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. And he loved it. He wanted to go on it with me after dad. We got fastpasses and headed for an early lunch. After lunch dad and Gwen headed back over to tomorrowland and the Buzz Lightyear ride. By now, he wanted to ride on that ride again. We even went on the Tomorrowland Transit ride. I'm pretty sure we could have talked him into going on Space Mountain at this point. He knew what to expect and given that there are no big drops on the ride, I would have had him go on it, but I didn't want him to get too afraid of the dark again. So after my turn with him on the Buzz Lightyear ride (Gwen was sleeping at this point), we went to meet the real Buzz himself. We then went back to the hotel for a break. I took Gwen on a walk so poor sick Trevor could try to get a nap. When we went back to MK we had an early dinner at the Lady and the Tramp Italian restaurant. After that we headed over to Toontown for some souvenirs and for Trevor to ride Goofy's rollercoaster. When Russ and Trevor came back to meet up with us in the souvenir shop, Russ almost ran right into Jeff Gordon. (The Nascar driver) He tried to get Trevor to notice him, but I'm pretty sure when he said, "Trevor, there's Jeff Gordon" Trevor was looking for the number 24 car. So he missed him.
So after the final gifts, we went on the final rides. We went on the Pooh ride and then It's a Small World. We stopped and watched the parade, but Gwen wasn't interested and she started to melt down. So I took her back to the hotel. Russ and Trevor went on Peter Pan and saw the fireworks.
It was a jam packed day at the end of a jam packed week. There were only two things that could have made the week better. Trevor to not have gotten sick and the weather to have been warmer. Now, this is not to say that we didn't appreciate what we had. At least all Trevor had was a bad cold. And at least the temperature was only cold for a few days. It could have been much worse. Oh well. Tomorrow we go back to the real winter. See ya Mickey! Thanks for stoppin' by!
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Day 6 - DHS
Even last night we weren't sure as to how today was going to go. Because we had a very similar timed reservation for breakfast this morning, we weren't sure if we should take it or not. The difference was, that today the reservations were right at our hotel, so we knew our way around and didn't have to deal with any other forms of transportation that we were unfamiliar with. Yesterday we were at Animal Kingdom at 10:45 with an 8:40 breakfast reservation. Today we arrived for our breakfast a bit earlier and were out of the restaurant by 9:15. It was again a very well served breakfast and the kids got to see Lilo, Stitch, Mickey, and Pluto.
After breakfast, we arrived at the park by 9:30 and Gwen and I went to get fastpasses for Toy Story Mania while Russ and Trevor went to get ready for Jedi Training Academy. And he was about the 3rd "trainee" or padawan picked! Russ took the video of the show, I got some pictures, and they took a photopass handful of pictures as well. I will be sure to post the video of the show after I'm all caught up with blog posts. He did great. He really is meant for public performances. As soon as he figures out what is going on, he will do anything.
So after the show, we tried to make the Playhouse Disney show, but we just missed it. So we went to the Honey I shrunk the kids playground. Gwen fell asleep on the ride there, so she didn't get to enjoy it.
We had an early reservation for lunch that I wasn't sure we were going to use, but everyone was already hungry. Our lunch was at the Sci-Fi Dine in. It is a drive-in setting where all the tables are 50's style cars and the movies are old 50's commercials, cartoons, or clips of old sci-fi movies. Trevor wasn't very happy with the scary movies, but loved the cartoons. Gwen woke up before our food was served, and loved to look at all the cars. They had really good drink options....shakes, flavored sodas, and frozen flavored lemonade. Trevor ate the cheeseburger he got, I got a Reuben, Gwen got her usual pizza, and Russ got a burger. It was very yummy.
Trevor wanted me to go on the Star Tours ride after lunch so we went and did that. Then we had our Toy Story Mania fastpass time so we did that, but as soon as we were next in line for the ride, it completely broke. We were given fastpasses good for the next week, however we knew it wasn't something we were going to be able to use.
Finally, we went over to the Playhouse Disney show. They don't even have seats so that the kids can run and jump around all over the place. Gwen had a BLAST. She knew all the characters...Rocket, Pooh, Mickey Mouse, and Handy Manny.
We went back to the hotel at 2:00 and would have gone swimming had the weather been warmer and the kids not been sick. Poor Trevor hasn't been feeling well for the past two days and now Gwen is getting it. At least we haven't had to deal with any rain, but I sure wish we would have had warmer weather.
After breakfast, we arrived at the park by 9:30 and Gwen and I went to get fastpasses for Toy Story Mania while Russ and Trevor went to get ready for Jedi Training Academy. And he was about the 3rd "trainee" or padawan picked! Russ took the video of the show, I got some pictures, and they took a photopass handful of pictures as well. I will be sure to post the video of the show after I'm all caught up with blog posts. He did great. He really is meant for public performances. As soon as he figures out what is going on, he will do anything.
So after the show, we tried to make the Playhouse Disney show, but we just missed it. So we went to the Honey I shrunk the kids playground. Gwen fell asleep on the ride there, so she didn't get to enjoy it.
We had an early reservation for lunch that I wasn't sure we were going to use, but everyone was already hungry. Our lunch was at the Sci-Fi Dine in. It is a drive-in setting where all the tables are 50's style cars and the movies are old 50's commercials, cartoons, or clips of old sci-fi movies. Trevor wasn't very happy with the scary movies, but loved the cartoons. Gwen woke up before our food was served, and loved to look at all the cars. They had really good drink options....shakes, flavored sodas, and frozen flavored lemonade. Trevor ate the cheeseburger he got, I got a Reuben, Gwen got her usual pizza, and Russ got a burger. It was very yummy.
Trevor wanted me to go on the Star Tours ride after lunch so we went and did that. Then we had our Toy Story Mania fastpass time so we did that, but as soon as we were next in line for the ride, it completely broke. We were given fastpasses good for the next week, however we knew it wasn't something we were going to be able to use.
Finally, we went over to the Playhouse Disney show. They don't even have seats so that the kids can run and jump around all over the place. Gwen had a BLAST. She knew all the characters...Rocket, Pooh, Mickey Mouse, and Handy Manny.
We went back to the hotel at 2:00 and would have gone swimming had the weather been warmer and the kids not been sick. Poor Trevor hasn't been feeling well for the past two days and now Gwen is getting it. At least we haven't had to deal with any rain, but I sure wish we would have had warmer weather.
Day 5 - Animal Kingdom and Downtown Disney
Trevor started a bad cold and cough last night which would not let him sleep after somehow my phone got an unknown call at 4 am this morning. Thank goodness I changed our breakfast reservations from 9:35 to 8:40. We arrived late, but it was a quick breakfast and Gwen and Trevor really enjoyed seeing Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, and Pluto. Gwen has names for all of them!
However, after breakfast, trying to get over to Animal Kingdom was tough. It was a long wait, it was a long ride, and they stopped at a water park before AK. It was NOT a waterpark day so I wish there was a way to avoid having to stop there. When looking at the list of things to do at Animal Kingdom, we had already crossed off many of them due to either having to wait for a good seat at a show (suggested 45 minutes before showtime), too wet, or too scary. Then there were a few that were broken or not accepting fast pass tickets. After seeing both Muppet 3D and Honey, I shrunk the audience in 3D, we decided not to wait for Bug's Life 3D show.
We did go on the safari, although Gwen was asleep through all of it. Trevor enjoyed seeing animals that he knew. I think part of the draw was that it was like playing an I Spy game with animals. Sometimes they would be hiding, sometimes they would be out in the open. But really, I wasn't all that thrilled at the fact that the whole park was pretty much a glorified zoo. They had rides that didn't have anything to do with animals, but those would be things you could do at our park in the Mall of America. We did run into Stitch as a character meeting, and Gwen actually had a better time than Trevor did.
So we had lunch and went back to the hotel for a break. Then we attempted to go to Magic Kingdom using our 7 day passes, thinking that we could use another day for another park, but they wouldn't let us do that. You can only go to two parks in one day if you have the park hopper option. Oh well. It just turned us to go to Downtown Disney instead. We found a McD's, ate dinner there, then did a little souvenir shopping. I had never been to Downtown Disney so it was nice to know what that was all about. Then we headed back on the bus to the Polynesian. I'm pretty sure both kids are sick of the bus by this point, and I'm tired of having to collapse the stroller every time we have to ride a bus, but at least no one is throwing temper tantrums unless they are overly tired, and even then they are still distracted by other things.
Tomorrow is our last "MGM" day. It is supposed to be a nice day...thank goodness!
However, after breakfast, trying to get over to Animal Kingdom was tough. It was a long wait, it was a long ride, and they stopped at a water park before AK. It was NOT a waterpark day so I wish there was a way to avoid having to stop there. When looking at the list of things to do at Animal Kingdom, we had already crossed off many of them due to either having to wait for a good seat at a show (suggested 45 minutes before showtime), too wet, or too scary. Then there were a few that were broken or not accepting fast pass tickets. After seeing both Muppet 3D and Honey, I shrunk the audience in 3D, we decided not to wait for Bug's Life 3D show.
We did go on the safari, although Gwen was asleep through all of it. Trevor enjoyed seeing animals that he knew. I think part of the draw was that it was like playing an I Spy game with animals. Sometimes they would be hiding, sometimes they would be out in the open. But really, I wasn't all that thrilled at the fact that the whole park was pretty much a glorified zoo. They had rides that didn't have anything to do with animals, but those would be things you could do at our park in the Mall of America. We did run into Stitch as a character meeting, and Gwen actually had a better time than Trevor did.
So we had lunch and went back to the hotel for a break. Then we attempted to go to Magic Kingdom using our 7 day passes, thinking that we could use another day for another park, but they wouldn't let us do that. You can only go to two parks in one day if you have the park hopper option. Oh well. It just turned us to go to Downtown Disney instead. We found a McD's, ate dinner there, then did a little souvenir shopping. I had never been to Downtown Disney so it was nice to know what that was all about. Then we headed back on the bus to the Polynesian. I'm pretty sure both kids are sick of the bus by this point, and I'm tired of having to collapse the stroller every time we have to ride a bus, but at least no one is throwing temper tantrums unless they are overly tired, and even then they are still distracted by other things.
Tomorrow is our last "MGM" day. It is supposed to be a nice day...thank goodness!
Friday, February 13, 2009
Day 4 - The park formerly known as MGM
I still cannot place exactly how many times I have been to the Disney Hollywood Studios (I knew it as MGM). I had thought the first time I had ever been was with the Johnson's in 1999. But I think that was the first time the Rockin' Roller Coaster was open, but I had been to the park before that. I remember being in a house right near the Swan and Dolphin hotels, and taking a bus to the parks. The only reason this popped into my mind was because I was pretty sure I have seen the Muppet 3D show at least twice on two different occasions, but I know it wasn't when we were staying at the Polynesian in 1989.
So the day started off way early with Gwen waking everyone up before the sun. We ate breakfast from the groceries that I had bought and delivered to the room before we arrived. When we got to the park, it was in time to be the first group through the park. The rope drop ceremony was just getting done. We headed right to the newest ride called "Toy Story Mania". It is a 3D game where you pull a gun-type toy to shoot out different things in order to get points. Of course this was everyone's idea that was entering the park.
Gwen was introduced to the MC of the waiting area - Mr. Potato Head (who Gwen calls Ta-Dough) and FINALLY Trevor was not in the least bit scared. Probably because it was so bright and cheerful. I was really impressed. The ride made me jump at least 3 times because it would shoot a blast of air at you if you shot off a rocket right by you, or sprayed you with a little water if you popped a water balloon.
After we got off the ride, we got fast passes for the afternoon. We then headed over to the Little Mermaid show. It was a good performance, and Trevor said he really liked it. Gwen was trying to fall asleep at this point, but the show kept her awake.
We moved over to the Jedi Training Academy where I knew that they picked kids out of the audience to "train to become a Jedi". While he probably would have been picked if he had seemed interested, he was a little unsure about what was going on. So he watched the first show. After that, of course, he wanted to be part of the show. We came back for two other shows that day, but he didn't get picked. Of course that meant that we were going to have to try again another day. It was obvious he is meant for stuff like this.
Then we went to the Muppet 3D show, and nearby to Pizza Planet for lunch. Before the Muppet Show, the kids got a treat of ice cream sandwiches (it was FINALLY warm enough) so I'm not sure if Trevor wasn't a fan of the pizza or was full from the ice cream but he didn't eat much of his pizza. Gwen ate all of hers.
We went back to the hotel for a short break, and Gwen slept for the entire time in her stroller. As we headed back for our fast pass rides of Toy Story Mania, we ran into part of the parade. Gwen got to see her favorite "ack-ie" (Mike Wazowski) and Trevor got to see most of the parade as it went backwards. So we rode Toy Story Mania, did another few Star Wars Jedi Training and then found a few characters to take their picture with. We did leave a few things for our other day we are going to be there. It also might be our day for swimming at the hotel. We have a character breakfast that morning so I'm not sure how early we can be there. We opted out of the Fantasmic show based on how well the kids sit still when they have to wait for the show to start.
Hopefully we'll get a little more sleep tonight!
So the day started off way early with Gwen waking everyone up before the sun. We ate breakfast from the groceries that I had bought and delivered to the room before we arrived. When we got to the park, it was in time to be the first group through the park. The rope drop ceremony was just getting done. We headed right to the newest ride called "Toy Story Mania". It is a 3D game where you pull a gun-type toy to shoot out different things in order to get points. Of course this was everyone's idea that was entering the park.
Gwen was introduced to the MC of the waiting area - Mr. Potato Head (who Gwen calls Ta-Dough) and FINALLY Trevor was not in the least bit scared. Probably because it was so bright and cheerful. I was really impressed. The ride made me jump at least 3 times because it would shoot a blast of air at you if you shot off a rocket right by you, or sprayed you with a little water if you popped a water balloon.
After we got off the ride, we got fast passes for the afternoon. We then headed over to the Little Mermaid show. It was a good performance, and Trevor said he really liked it. Gwen was trying to fall asleep at this point, but the show kept her awake.
We moved over to the Jedi Training Academy where I knew that they picked kids out of the audience to "train to become a Jedi". While he probably would have been picked if he had seemed interested, he was a little unsure about what was going on. So he watched the first show. After that, of course, he wanted to be part of the show. We came back for two other shows that day, but he didn't get picked. Of course that meant that we were going to have to try again another day. It was obvious he is meant for stuff like this.
Then we went to the Muppet 3D show, and nearby to Pizza Planet for lunch. Before the Muppet Show, the kids got a treat of ice cream sandwiches (it was FINALLY warm enough) so I'm not sure if Trevor wasn't a fan of the pizza or was full from the ice cream but he didn't eat much of his pizza. Gwen ate all of hers.
We went back to the hotel for a short break, and Gwen slept for the entire time in her stroller. As we headed back for our fast pass rides of Toy Story Mania, we ran into part of the parade. Gwen got to see her favorite "ack-ie" (Mike Wazowski) and Trevor got to see most of the parade as it went backwards. So we rode Toy Story Mania, did another few Star Wars Jedi Training and then found a few characters to take their picture with. We did leave a few things for our other day we are going to be there. It also might be our day for swimming at the hotel. We have a character breakfast that morning so I'm not sure how early we can be there. We opted out of the Fantasmic show based on how well the kids sit still when they have to wait for the show to start.
Hopefully we'll get a little more sleep tonight!
Thursday, February 12, 2009
On to Epcot
Well the kids slept reasonably good last night. Trevor was up a little before 8am Florida time, but I told him we had to wait until at least 8 to get everyone else up. Because we had ridden to Epcot on the monorail that first day we were in Disney, he at least could picture where we were going today. And like everyone else, he also identifies it as "the big golf ball".
We decided to take our time getting over there, and didn't make it in to Epcot until almost 10, but it was obvious due to the cold (high was about 50 degrees) or simply the general low level of crowds that we weren't going to have to wait long to get on any rides. We went on the newest ride Soarin' which is an Imax-type show of main areas in California. You ride on a seat that hangs your feet free so it feels like you are in a hang-glider. They even blow wind into your face. It wasn't a ride that Gwen could go on, so Trevor got to ride twice.
After that ride, we went on a tour of the land talking about new developments in growing fruits and vegetables. At least we went through a warm greenhouse.
By that time we decided to walk over to the Japan area for our lunch reservation. MAN was it cold. We were the first table seated for lunch. Trevor loved it as he did at Benihana. He had 3 servings of shrimp. Gwen enjoyed the noodles and a little bit of rice we had. The show from the chef was very good.
Gwen fell asleep on our way out and slept while we went around the rest of the countries. We ran into Mulan and Mushu in China and Trevor got a kiss that was seen for the rest of the day. We tried to go over to Test Track, but it had broken down and from what we could gather, it was going to be down for the rest of the day.
We then went over to the Nemo ride and afterwards went to Turtle Talk with Crush. It was very cute. Trevor then wanted to watch the 3D show "Honey, I shrunk the audience." We were in between shows, so we rode on the Journey to your Imagination which talked about all your different senses.
Before the show started, Gwen was getting very restless. But we made it through, and Trevor wasn't too happy about the big snake scene, but he dealt with it as he always does. Even with the glasses off it was very obvious what the picture was, and still pretty scary for him.
The last ride we went on was Spaceship Earth at about 4:15. And then we went back to the hotel. We made it "all day" without a break. Being that it was so cold it was pretty unmotivating to want to leave our hotel if we had gone back for an afternoon break. I'm very glad I changed our reservations from 8pm to lunch that day. No one would have been able to hold out that long.
We decided to take our time getting over there, and didn't make it in to Epcot until almost 10, but it was obvious due to the cold (high was about 50 degrees) or simply the general low level of crowds that we weren't going to have to wait long to get on any rides. We went on the newest ride Soarin' which is an Imax-type show of main areas in California. You ride on a seat that hangs your feet free so it feels like you are in a hang-glider. They even blow wind into your face. It wasn't a ride that Gwen could go on, so Trevor got to ride twice.
After that ride, we went on a tour of the land talking about new developments in growing fruits and vegetables. At least we went through a warm greenhouse.
By that time we decided to walk over to the Japan area for our lunch reservation. MAN was it cold. We were the first table seated for lunch. Trevor loved it as he did at Benihana. He had 3 servings of shrimp. Gwen enjoyed the noodles and a little bit of rice we had. The show from the chef was very good.
Gwen fell asleep on our way out and slept while we went around the rest of the countries. We ran into Mulan and Mushu in China and Trevor got a kiss that was seen for the rest of the day. We tried to go over to Test Track, but it had broken down and from what we could gather, it was going to be down for the rest of the day.
We then went over to the Nemo ride and afterwards went to Turtle Talk with Crush. It was very cute. Trevor then wanted to watch the 3D show "Honey, I shrunk the audience." We were in between shows, so we rode on the Journey to your Imagination which talked about all your different senses.
Before the show started, Gwen was getting very restless. But we made it through, and Trevor wasn't too happy about the big snake scene, but he dealt with it as he always does. Even with the glasses off it was very obvious what the picture was, and still pretty scary for him.
The last ride we went on was Spaceship Earth at about 4:15. And then we went back to the hotel. We made it "all day" without a break. Being that it was so cold it was pretty unmotivating to want to leave our hotel if we had gone back for an afternoon break. I'm very glad I changed our reservations from 8pm to lunch that day. No one would have been able to hold out that long.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Day 2 - Magic Kingdom
I was surprised to learn that we had to actually use the 7:00 am wake-up. Although it wasn't because the kids slept the entire night. They were both up a few times during the night. We had an 8am reservation with Pooh and Friends at the Crystal Palace Breakfast Buffet. This was the only reservation we had with Trevor the last time we were there, so I knew that if you made a reservation before the park opened, you can get in early. You can avoid the crazy rush that way.
So we went and got really lucky with all the characters. Pooh came right over, followed shortly after by Eeyore. Gwen was a little unsure of Pooh and by Eeyore was freaked out. Trevor was having a blast seeing all the characters. Also by way of experience, I knew to try to catch the server early to request our check. It probably took 20 minutes from when I asked for the check to when I signed the bill.
We followed a touring plan for this day as I wanted to make sure that we hit rides that we may not have considered before. We hit the Tomorrowland Speedway first. Trevor was immediately a little uneasy. I think the whole trip hit him suddenly. It was a relatively simple ride. You are on a track, but you have the ability to control the speed and some direction. But the second we sat in the car, he didn't want to be there. When we got going, he got better and understood that there wasn't anything going to be scaring him.
The next ride was called Astro Orbiters. A very simple dumbo-like ride except it takes place in spaceships. It was a good second ride to get him in the mood.
Next was the Buzz Lightyear ride. It was no wait, and when we went to the big Buzz, Trevor again started to freak out. He had already seen this ride via Youtube but already had reservations. It took a little talking, but he eventually got on but was still scared by the end of the ride, saying he didn't want to go on it again.
The next show we went to was right next door was the Laugh Floor with Mike Wazowski. Gwen loved it seeing as how she was already saying the name "Ack-ie" any time she saw the eye. It's a funny show....you should see it if you get the chance.
We then went on the Tomorrowland Transit Authority that brings you around Tomorrowland. Again Trevor was nervous at simply going through both the Buzz Lightyear ride and Space Mountain.
We moved over to Toontown and the boys tried to go on Goofy's rollercoaster. Unfortunately it broke right before they could go on it. We stayed in the area and got a few small souvenirs at the gift shop so that Gwen could stretch her legs. She got some magnets and Trevor got some Star Wars characters that were turned into vehicles.
Then we moved to Frontierland and Gwen fell asleep in transit. Trevor went on Aladdin's magic carpet ride - again like Dumbo's ride. Then went on the Jungle Cruise. He was a little timid on that one because he wasn't sure what was up ahead.
After that ride, Gwen was awake and we needed to look for a place to lunch. We decided to go back to the hotel for Captain Cooks again followed by a few hour break. The break really was just a time for the parents to catch their breath. Since Gwen already had her nap and Trevor was geared up to go, there wasn't going to be much else going to happen during rest time.
We headed back to the carpet rides so we all could go on them together. Then made a quick move to Pirates of the Caribbean. At first Trevor was afraid of it, but by the end, he liked the pirates. Gwen seemed to love any ride that Trevor didn't. It was pretty funny.
We started to go to Cinderella's Castle for dinner, but before we got there, we had to stop at the Haunted Mansion. There was no way Trevor was going to go there for the ride, however he did request to stand next to the sign and spell the words that made up "haunted mansion".
Dinner time came, and Gwen fell asleep again. So she missed the picture with Cinderella and most of dinner. Unfortunately, Trevor tried to order the fish, but he didn't like it. We did get some wands for the girls and swords for the boys. Both kids did get ice cream for dessert.
We then got to ride Pooh's ride a few times before we decided our day was perfect enough and went back to the hotel. It was a pretty chilly day, but yes a cold day in Disney is better than any day at home.
So we went and got really lucky with all the characters. Pooh came right over, followed shortly after by Eeyore. Gwen was a little unsure of Pooh and by Eeyore was freaked out. Trevor was having a blast seeing all the characters. Also by way of experience, I knew to try to catch the server early to request our check. It probably took 20 minutes from when I asked for the check to when I signed the bill.
We followed a touring plan for this day as I wanted to make sure that we hit rides that we may not have considered before. We hit the Tomorrowland Speedway first. Trevor was immediately a little uneasy. I think the whole trip hit him suddenly. It was a relatively simple ride. You are on a track, but you have the ability to control the speed and some direction. But the second we sat in the car, he didn't want to be there. When we got going, he got better and understood that there wasn't anything going to be scaring him.
The next ride was called Astro Orbiters. A very simple dumbo-like ride except it takes place in spaceships. It was a good second ride to get him in the mood.
Next was the Buzz Lightyear ride. It was no wait, and when we went to the big Buzz, Trevor again started to freak out. He had already seen this ride via Youtube but already had reservations. It took a little talking, but he eventually got on but was still scared by the end of the ride, saying he didn't want to go on it again.
The next show we went to was right next door was the Laugh Floor with Mike Wazowski. Gwen loved it seeing as how she was already saying the name "Ack-ie" any time she saw the eye. It's a funny show....you should see it if you get the chance.
We then went on the Tomorrowland Transit Authority that brings you around Tomorrowland. Again Trevor was nervous at simply going through both the Buzz Lightyear ride and Space Mountain.
We moved over to Toontown and the boys tried to go on Goofy's rollercoaster. Unfortunately it broke right before they could go on it. We stayed in the area and got a few small souvenirs at the gift shop so that Gwen could stretch her legs. She got some magnets and Trevor got some Star Wars characters that were turned into vehicles.
Then we moved to Frontierland and Gwen fell asleep in transit. Trevor went on Aladdin's magic carpet ride - again like Dumbo's ride. Then went on the Jungle Cruise. He was a little timid on that one because he wasn't sure what was up ahead.
After that ride, Gwen was awake and we needed to look for a place to lunch. We decided to go back to the hotel for Captain Cooks again followed by a few hour break. The break really was just a time for the parents to catch their breath. Since Gwen already had her nap and Trevor was geared up to go, there wasn't going to be much else going to happen during rest time.
We headed back to the carpet rides so we all could go on them together. Then made a quick move to Pirates of the Caribbean. At first Trevor was afraid of it, but by the end, he liked the pirates. Gwen seemed to love any ride that Trevor didn't. It was pretty funny.
We started to go to Cinderella's Castle for dinner, but before we got there, we had to stop at the Haunted Mansion. There was no way Trevor was going to go there for the ride, however he did request to stand next to the sign and spell the words that made up "haunted mansion".
Dinner time came, and Gwen fell asleep again. So she missed the picture with Cinderella and most of dinner. Unfortunately, Trevor tried to order the fish, but he didn't like it. We did get some wands for the girls and swords for the boys. Both kids did get ice cream for dessert.
We then got to ride Pooh's ride a few times before we decided our day was perfect enough and went back to the hotel. It was a pretty chilly day, but yes a cold day in Disney is better than any day at home.
Disney Trip Day 1 - Arrival
These posts are going to be way too technical for you all, so I apologize but I want a record of them in case I ever want to plan something like this again. Not that it will have any relevance because the kids will be older but hey....I like to remember my thoughts....
Our plane left at 10:15. It was a pretty ideal time to travel because we didn't have to wake the kids at some insane hour to get them to the airport early. We got some much needed help from both of our parents so we didn't have to leave a car at the airport or take a cab. Probably saved us a few hundred dollars or so.....
Gwen napped for about an hour on the plane ride. That was nice of her!
Magic Express was the busing service that they used to bring us to our hotel. We got lunch at McD's in the airport before we checked in at the bus. We got right on and the bus left almost within a few minutes of when we got on. Our hotel was the first stop. Check-in was horribly slow. They had every check-in person working, but it seemed as though everyone that was checking in had like 50 questions for the agents.
Our room was in a building on the farthest west of the grounds, however it was very near what they call the "Grand Ceremonial House" that is also where buses and the Monorail runs. We requested a ground level room and with the stroller, it was invaluable.
We had a semi-enclosed "porch" area but Gwen could escape to next door rooms so we didn't ever really have the glass door open.
We rode the monorail for fun which both kids seemed to enjoy. However we tried to transfer to head out to Epcot and got caught in the cold wind. We could tell it was not going to be too much fun in the cold. At this point Trevor could not stop talking about the Haunted Mansion. He wanted to know where it was....thinking he could see it from the monorail because we could see the park where it was at.
The counter service food they had was called "Captain Cooks". I absolutely loved their adult grilled cheese sandwich. Everyone seemed to find something they enjoyed to eat. I did however, buy from a grocery delivery service so I took care of any breakfasts we hadn't already had reservations for. The kids love their cheerios in milk!
We were able to get 30 free minutes at the arcade. Trevor played the old Star Wars Arcade, Russ played Mario Kart, and I entertained Gwen with a few random games. Very worthwhile to do for free.
And of course, it took Gwen a good hour or so to fall asleep that first night. Even with the lack of a good nap. It'll be interesting to see how she does the rest of the week.
Our plane left at 10:15. It was a pretty ideal time to travel because we didn't have to wake the kids at some insane hour to get them to the airport early. We got some much needed help from both of our parents so we didn't have to leave a car at the airport or take a cab. Probably saved us a few hundred dollars or so.....
Gwen napped for about an hour on the plane ride. That was nice of her!
Magic Express was the busing service that they used to bring us to our hotel. We got lunch at McD's in the airport before we checked in at the bus. We got right on and the bus left almost within a few minutes of when we got on. Our hotel was the first stop. Check-in was horribly slow. They had every check-in person working, but it seemed as though everyone that was checking in had like 50 questions for the agents.
Our room was in a building on the farthest west of the grounds, however it was very near what they call the "Grand Ceremonial House" that is also where buses and the Monorail runs. We requested a ground level room and with the stroller, it was invaluable.
We had a semi-enclosed "porch" area but Gwen could escape to next door rooms so we didn't ever really have the glass door open.
We rode the monorail for fun which both kids seemed to enjoy. However we tried to transfer to head out to Epcot and got caught in the cold wind. We could tell it was not going to be too much fun in the cold. At this point Trevor could not stop talking about the Haunted Mansion. He wanted to know where it was....thinking he could see it from the monorail because we could see the park where it was at.
The counter service food they had was called "Captain Cooks". I absolutely loved their adult grilled cheese sandwich. Everyone seemed to find something they enjoyed to eat. I did however, buy from a grocery delivery service so I took care of any breakfasts we hadn't already had reservations for. The kids love their cheerios in milk!
We were able to get 30 free minutes at the arcade. Trevor played the old Star Wars Arcade, Russ played Mario Kart, and I entertained Gwen with a few random games. Very worthwhile to do for free.
And of course, it took Gwen a good hour or so to fall asleep that first night. Even with the lack of a good nap. It'll be interesting to see how she does the rest of the week.
Monday, February 2, 2009
What to expect....
There is by-the-day charged internet service at the hotel. Not sure how much we will be using that. I plan on hand writing our daily events so when I have the chance I will enter them as it happens.
We are as ready as we can be. Hope for good travel vibes for us. And for patient co-travelers. That is all we can hope for at this point.
See ya from Florida!
We are as ready as we can be. Hope for good travel vibes for us. And for patient co-travelers. That is all we can hope for at this point.
See ya from Florida!
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