Our Character Crazy Trip Report

As you may have seen from my preTR, we have been planning this trip for a couple of years...and minus a few issues here and there- it was as magical as we'd hoped for- and then some. Sure, we only did a fraction of what we had planned, but that was to be expected with a trip only a week long and two young kids. Probably the only thing I couldn't plan for was DD2 to finally hit the terrible 2s on this trip- thankfully, DD4 who is normally Meltdown Mama - was pretty good. I also apologize in advance if my references aren't all spot on- i.e. if I don't know all of the proper names for things- I know a lot, but I'm no expert. I also apologize for some of my sub par pics- I had issues on and off all trip. So, here goes (with the holidays- please be patient as it may take a little longer for me to update this)...

Day 1

We left IAH in Houston around 7:45am on Dec 7th for arrival at MCO around 10:40am. Aside from it being very chilly by TX standards (low 30s) and the crabby hag who told me to make DD2 shut up (crying b/c I insisted she wear her seat belt for landing), it was a fairly uneventful flight + I was able to pick out Epcot from the air. We made our way to the DME area pretty quickly and didn't have to wait too long for a bus.

The drive seemed to last forever, especially since we weren't the first stop (and b/c DH and both girls were doing the whole “are we there yet” bit). Thankfully, it wasn't too long before we arrived at WL and the tree/decorations had enough to keep them preoccupied for a while (after a while, DD4 started demanding to see Mickey in the lobby of the hotel).

We checked in online, but we still waited close to 30 min to get our keys, etc. At least our room was ready, so we headed upstairs. The girls really loved the towel creations- even though they couldn't quite grasp that one of them was supposed to be mouse ears (they lost interest by day 2 of towels).

We got all of our stuff situated and headed over to MK after a quick stop by the front desk for 1st Visit buttons (they were out – so I got “I'm Celebrating” and used a Sharpie to write in “my 1st Visit.” I wanted the first ride over to be by boat, I just wasn't planning on it being so cold and windy. We froze for a while, but the girls tried to make the best of it (aside from refusing to wear coats).

The boat arrived pretty quickly, and we were off! The boat would become our FAVE means of transport for the whole trip. The girls were pretty psyched to be on a boat; so, not much needed to entertain them. The tree outside of the Contemporary got the first big reaction,
but as predicted- the castle was the WOW factor. DD4 already had a pretty good idea of where we were after going in the main gate and going through the MK gate on the DME bus. In fact, after that first “Wow, it's the castle...”

...my follow up questions to make sure she knew where we were and what it was happened to be greeted with a “yes, I know, now stop asking.”

Good thing DD2 was more in shock and awe.

Love how DH had to shift her head to see it

THE CASTLE!!!

 

[HouCuseChickie]

My dad had the chicken pippette and my mom had the tuna...very high praises for the tuna.

The holiday music they were playing was great and all of the lights really made it feel like a holiday meal.

We were in such a rush at the end, so I never took a pic of dessert. Several of us had the cannoli cake. It was OK, but that's it. Our server was really sweet and the bulk of the food was really good - the service was just a bit too slow for a night when we were trying to make it to the preferred seating gate for Fantasmic by 6pm.

My parents opted to skip Fantasmic and head to MK. Their dog died the day before we left for WDW and they were pretty down. They were hoping a trip to MK would help a little, so they offered up their Fantasmic preferred spots to my brother and SIL.

On a side note- supposedly MK was insane that night. I think Touring Plans listed it as a 9.6. My parents ended up watching Wishes from the boat back to WL. They didn't realize it was a choreographed show, so they weren't really impressed. I told them to go to the beach at the Poly- oh well.

Sooooo- back to Fantasmic...we had to be there by 6pm for preferred seating and Mama Melrose was so slow that we didn't get out until 5:40. Yeah- we RAN across the park- well, as best we could considering the crowd and stroller. It's a blurry shot, but this was the stadium when we got in.

It was this moment that I knew making that phone call to make F!pkg ressie right at 6am CT 180 days out was totally worth it.


While we waited, DH went out and treated the girls to some light toys (you'll see them later in the report). And then it started. DD4 loved it!- yes, once again “that was AWESOME!” I really enjoyed it as well- got misty a few times. In fact, I was taking video, but decide to shut it off and put the camera down so I could really enjoy it.

After Fantasmic- it was off to Osborne Lights. I was worried about working through the exiting Fantasmic crowd, but the real crowd was in the back trying to see the lights.

Osborne Lights was a must see for me. I put up tons of lights every year and had to wait this year b/c of the Disney trip (too much of a fire risk to leave a ton of lights on a timer and too much of a robbery risk to leave it unlit while we're gone). We got some of the snow wafting over as we made our way around the back. As we came around the corner and walked into an area filled with lights- the permagrin set in on my face.

(I seriously would like the Osbornes to host a class so I can learn to do this on a smaller scale!)

Funny- DH has seen specials on the Osbornes, but looked at the globe and said- “It almost looks like that star is in Arkansas.” Myself and two other ladies in the crowd educated him.

We had fun finding the various Mickeys, loved all the different holiday representations...

and of course- the show!

(and with as much as I love Love LOVE holiday lights- I promise that the next installment of this report will have a little more of the lights!)

 

[HouCuseChickie]

We saw 3 different songs where the lights danced, including the one where Doofenschmirtz takes over. I loved how real the snow looked when the lights went out during the take over segment...

(after)

(before)

DD4 also was a big fan of the music in between. We had our own little sing a long as we walked up the street (of course DD2 hates my singing and kept screaming- STOP SINGING- that stings quite a bit considering I used to sing in the Houston Symphony Chorus). DD4 normally prefers more of the kid oriented songs, but this night...our biggest hit was We Three Kings.

I really didn't want to leave, but we were all pretty beat with the lack of nap. I guess at least we slept in that morning...I don't think we would have lasted this long with out it. Bye Bye Osborne lights.

DH was sad that all of the Star Tours stuff was shut down, but I got this shot on my way out. I don't remember much about the attraction from back in 1992 (aside from a long queue that was kind of neat)...but it would have been nice to see it all again. I guess it should be reopened whenever we go back.

I got this REALLY AWFUL shot on the way out.

I guess at this point, I was so tired that I'd lost the will to try.

It was now time to head back to WL for some sleep – but not before DD2 whined “I want my juice” the entire way back. GRRRRRR


One other surprise when we got back...I forgot to take the privacy sign off the door. So, no Mousekeeping today... just a msg to call if we wanted service. It was a little late for that.

I got the kids in bed and went through my nightly routine of getting everything ready for the next day (i.e. outfits from head to toe, diaper bag, etc.). This part was really a big part of what was wearing me down. I was staying up later than everyone, waking up earlier, and missing out on much of the mid day rest just to make sure everyone's stuff was ready for the next venture out of the room.

At least on this night, DH went down to get us some beers. We retreated to the balcony, drank our beers, and watched Wishes. Such a nice end to a long day.


Day 6


We woke up early for a 7:35am ressie at Whispering Canyon Cafe. At least this one was in our hotel.

While I was still getting ready (and DD2 ready) DH ran down to the lobby w/DD4. They returned with a large mylar princess balloon...the big pink one with the three princesses that sort of looks like a cameo or big brooch. We had been skipping all balloons since I had no clue how to get one home (and I REALLY wanted one of those LED mouse ear ballons in the big clear balloon). So, of course I'm like- WHAT THE HECK?!?!?! While DH and DD4 were downstairs, they ran into a woman and little girl who were checking out. They had purchased this balloon, but couldn't take it on the plane. So, they were looking for a little girl who might like the balloon. DH and DD4 accepted the balloon and promised to pass it on to another little girl before we left so that the balloon wouldn't go to waste. So, now we had a big pink princess balloon taking up space in our already cramped living quarters, but I really didn't mind since it was such a sweet thing.

I was finally ready to head down and got a few nice early morning shots from the viewing area on our floor of WL before hitting the elevator.

I saw our Disney Magical Express docs on the door- but I just tossed them in the room b/c I didn't want anything making me sad.


We were a tad early, so I also shot a few pics in the lobby. As you can see- the girls are also back in princess gear. I had promised them I'd let them wear the costumes the first half of the day. It was also because the costumes were still sparkling clean after their first wearing (sparkling is right- we STILL have glitter EVERYWHERE!!!). A side note- when I went to do DD4s hair- she told me I needed to take her back to the castle so that other lady could do it the right way...ah, if only she understood.

I just love all of the details in this place. The other members in our group had to tell me to stop snapping photos since it might be a good thing to check in for breakfast.

I eventually listened to them and checked in.

 

[jhoff3405]

Just caught up.

I must say, your Daughters = adorable.

So enjoying the report. Your pics are great.

Looking forward to more.

 

[HouCuseChickie]

I sort of felt bad about my mini photo delay (all of 5 min- really), but I hadn't had much time to check the place out.

Once inside WCC, the girls started up their new hobby- playing with straws. They have little buckets of crayons and all they want are straws!

Both girls got the raisin bread French toast. It was pretty tasty, but they didn't eat a ton of it...probably b/c they loaded up on bacon.

I got the barbecue benedict. The hollandaise sauce was only OK, but it was a nice piece of smoked brisket underneath.

We let DD4 take a pic of me while everyone finished up. Not exactly my best angle, but it's considerably better than her photographs from Epcot.

My family wasn't too into the antics, so we didn't do anything to trigger any of the fun. It's too bad b/c I was hoping they'd be more into this. I'm hoping to try WCC in the future for a dinner when it's just the four of us. I was soooo tempted to ask for ketchup or something just to help bring some life to the meal. I knew from the minute our server dropped the napkins and straws on the table that it just wouldn't be wise this time around.

After breakfast, Uncle Matt and Aunt Amy had holiday gifts for the girls...DUFFY BEARS!!! We saw Duffy on our Epcot day, but there wasn't time to stop. The girls had no clue who he was, but DD2 is quite the plush lover, so he was a sure hit for them.

After breakfast we stuck around in the lobby for a while since my parents, brother, and SIL were driving back to S FL. We got a few more pics in front of the tree...

This was probably the best pic we got of the girls with my brother. DD2 is doing some sort of interpretive dance in each one...no clue what it all means. I also wondered if those red balls on the rt side were supposed to be a Mickey- any thoughts???

Before going on with our day, DH and I had a heart to hear about our two ADRs still in the plans. We had a 5:35pm ressie at Citrico's that evening and an 8:10am ressie at 'Ohana the next morning. We immediately agreed to scrap 'Ohana...DH wasn't up for another character meal and he'd already had a great Stitch meeting, so there was just no need + I needed more time to pack. Citrico's was the really tough one to give up. We SOOOOOOOOOO wanted to go, but there were three issues. 1) we had Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party that night and we didn't want to miss too much of it 2) the girls were really needing every last ounce of nap time I could give them 3) the girls usually do VERY well in TS meals, but the "Magic" of Disney made them more insane than normal in such settings. There was no way we could enjoy a meal at Citrico's in light of all of this....SOOOOOOO, I walked over to the Concierge and had him cxl both of them. I was sad and relieved at the same time.

After this, we said good bye to my family and headed over to MK for our last full day.

We stopped in the Confectionery first to grab some drinks (somewhere the discussion of refillable mugs started with this - how I thought I'd heard DH say he didn't want to do this- I still don't understand the discussion- I guess just more miscommunication). I was very tempted to grab some fudge, but I was still so full from breakfast. Sadly, I'd never make it back in for my fudge. Just SOOOOO many yummy looking things in that case!

I got a quick shot in of the castle and we were off! (at least it's still early)

 

[HouCuseChickie]

Just caught up.

I must say, your Daughters = adorable.

So enjoying the report. Your pics are great.

Looking forward to more.

Thanks! :wave: Yeah- I went a little nuts with the pics. My friends at work wanted to see ALL of my pics. Boy were they surprised when they had about 1,500 to go through. :lol:

 

[HouCuseChickie]

So, we keep heading towards the castle...Love Love Love seeing DD4 going hand in hand w/DH.

We caught a side view of the castle...

as well as this one of DD2 in her lady bug coat (rain was in the forecast) and Mickey outfit (yeah- she decided she didn't want to be a princess today- so that was one more trip upstairs to chg before leaving).

we tried to have a little bit of fun along the way, but DD4 is just a bit too small to fit into these.

What's nuts- some sour looking woman kept shooting me looks of disapproval while we were doing this with DD4. I mean- come on, we were only going to leave her in these if she acted up - LOL.

DH loves the Haunted Mansion...so it was a must do for the day.

I knew DD4 would be terrified, but she wanted to try and DH was really gung ho about her riding it. As expected, she was very scared. She made us promise to never take her on it again...so now HM and Snow White are on the never ride again list. At least there were no nightmares.

We promised DD4 a roller coaster, so we headed back to Toontown. On the way, we found the White Rabbit outside of the tea cups. DD4 had been begging for him since day 1, so we had to stop. Of course, he took a break just as we got to the front of the line. As he departed, he was scolding a man for trying to jump on the benches to get a pic without waiting in line to actually be photographed with him. So, we were expecting some humor when he returned. The meeting with the girls ended up being fairly generic, but I realized at this point- they don't care. So, at least this made them happy.

 

[HouCuseChickie]

Next it was on to Toontown and the Barnstormer.

I probably should have shot more pics beyond the sign and the Barnstormer since we're never going to see Toontown again, but sadly- this is all I snapped.

DD2 was just a tad too short, so she and I stayed behind and played with acorns while DH rode with DD4. And all of those acorns kept blowing up and smacking me in the face. The wind was really starting to pick up from the new front about to come in.

At least DD4 got a ride on Daddy's shoulders while they waited...

OK Good- now he can see...

I took a ton of pics of them on the ride, but I never got a good shot of their car. So, I have lots of good pics of strangers. I guess it would make a nice mini flip book, but this is the only picture of them on the ride...and all you can see is DH.

DD4 wanted to ride again, so now it was my turn. The wind was really picking up and those acorns were flying harder and faster while in the queue (OUCH), but it was worth it. I taught DD4 to hold her hands up while on a roller coaster. She liked the ride, but there was no non-stop giggling that was supposedly there when she rode with DH.


We left Toontown and made it to Tomorrowland. I haven't been on the Speedway since 1985, so it was a real treat to go back on.

 

[HouCuseChickie]

So, we're just getting into the line at the Speedway and family of like 8 cut in front of us and then 4 of their relatives slid under other parts of the line to cut as well. If the line weren't so short- I would have said something. Of course, had I remembered the line gets pretty backed up at the last minute- I might have mentioned it.

I guess at least we got on before them + it gave me time to watch all of the flags in the wind and look off to Space Mountain (I promised myself that I would get to ride it today- no matter what!).

We got on and the kids had a total blast. DD2 cracked up at every little jerky move I made. DD4 and DH seemed to be having a decent time as well.

I really know better than to take pics while I'm driving, but I also caught this one where you can see the edge of the front starting to move in.

- too bad b/c it was finally starting to get nice...mid 70s, sun, etc.

(OK, it was fun and all - but this is a bit of an exaggeration...at least I got a blue car- YAY!!!!)

By the time we get out it's looking awfully dark by the Castle.

The wind was really starting to whip around, so we parked the strollers, grabbed our rain gear (DH refused to wear his UT Longhorn poncho) and headed into the Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor (grabbed FastPasses for Buzz just before going in).

I thought it was pretty funny. DD4 actually got the spotlight in the show while Mike's nephew was up telling jokes. She got super shy and wouldn't talk, but I gave him all of her info and she was referred to as the Princess of Houston (we were the Royal Family) for the remainder of the show.

It was raining when we got out, but apparently, we missed the worst of it. The temps also had started to plummet.

 

[HouCuseChickie]

While not a total downpour-it was still raining hard enough that we wanted to stay indoors, so we went over to Buzz with our FastPasses.

OK, his animated face freaks me out even more than Mr. Potato Head's eyes at TSMM. So, I snapped a few other shots to distract me from Creepy Lightyear...

My score was pretty pathetic. DH got over 90,000...not that it's great, but it's a whole lot better than my sad 24K.

After the ride, the girls spotted Buzz Lightyear, so we waited to see him. At this point I was soooooo sick of taking out the autograph books that I just skipped it.


I did at least take some pics of Tomorrowland while we waited. Hey- it's better than hearing DH rub it in about how I killed DD4s original way of saying Buzz's catchphrase (until I corrected her, DD4 used to say “to Missfinity and Beyond.” Plus, as a kid, I always loved the look of Tomorrowland.

The girls are making the best of it in the rain and the dipping temps, but I was wondering how long it would last.

So, after a bit of a wait- we got our pics with Buzz and we moved on to ride the Peoplemover.

I just LOVE LOVE LOVE the Peoplemover. Even in the wet and cold, it's relaxing. We also really enjoy hearing Stitch laugh as you go by his ride. Here's a little bit of what I snapped along the relaxing way.

(just happy to sit)

 

[HouCuseChickie]

(more Peoplemover)

(a wet Speedway from the Peoplemover)

and finally- the girls exiting the Peoplemover

Going through the Space Mtn section also reinforced my promise to myself to ride it again before the end of the day.

It's still raining, but we're hungry. We take a stop at the bathrooms over by Tomorrowland Terrace (and I spot our Wishes viewing spot from the other night)...

The rain has also now started this pattern of rain and then mist. I took this while it was misting-

... and then it's off to Pecos Bill's...

Here's my burger pre-fixins

Here's my burger post-fixins

DH got the chocolate cake and I got the carrot cake.

I've always liked the burgers here, but this time I felt the toppings were far superior to the burgers. Maybe it was the rain and people trying to find a warm dry place, but it felt like pure Chaos in Pecos Bills. So, maybe that clouded my ability to really appreciate my burger. It was a challenge just finding a table. I contemplated trying to find a way up here if I couldn't track down an open table.

I was ready to run as soon as we were done eating, but decided to change DD2 into warmer clothes before we left. We tried to convince DD4 to change out of her Cinderella dress for sweats or even just put pants on under the skirt and a long sleeve shirt under the top, but she refused and I was not up for playing WWE wrestler with her to change her.

A CM at the entrance also was holding a puppet on the way out- Sue maybe? The girls really liked her, but it was sooo time to head out and I wasn't in the mood to take any more pics for a while - OR so I thought...

 

[HouCuseChickie]

We were ready to head back for a nap, but DH wanted to linger for a minute to look around. There was really nothing quick that all four of us could do in Frontierland, so I was really pushing to go, but he insisted we stick around for a minute.

And I'll give him this one....good thing he did, b/c we looked up and saw Woody and Jessie being led out. Nobody else spotted this, but we could see the CM waving them over to their meet and greet spot. We bolted from our spot and were first on line. The girls went straight for Jessie. She was fabulous- hugged them and rocked them.

They were a little scared of Woody at first- he is super tall- but they warmed up very quickly and gave him hugs.

Then we got them all together –

a few parting hugs and we're off.

We checked out the line as we walked away- and it was LONG!!!! So, great job on DH's part- both the waiting around and spotting Woody and Jessie first. Of course DD4 was griping b/c she also wanted to meet Bullseye.

The front had dropped temps quite a bit over the course of a couple of hours, but I wasn't leaving before I got a Dole Whip. Yeah- I know, I just had a carrot cake, but I have my priorities. DD4 and I put a hurtin on it, but couldn't finish it. :slurp: We then hopped a boat back to WL...and I snapped a few gloomy looking pics as we approached.

A total crack up when we got back to WL. We got to the 5th floor and something smelled super clean...nothing overpowering, just an obvious smell of clean linen air freshening spray. The smell intensified as we neared our room. When we opened the door we were blasted by the smell of clean linen spray. We like the smell, so it didn't bug us, but I guess this is what I get for leaving my privacy sign up all day the previous day. I guess at least I remembered to take the sign off the door by day 2. :lol:

 

[HouCuseChickie]

After nap, I got the girls dressed up in their holiday outfits for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. DD2 was great about taking pics, but DD4- well, not so much.

At least their sweaters from Day 1 stayed pretty clean b/c they totally needed them tonight. It still makes me sad though to see these outfits. I put them together specifically for our dinner at Citrico's. Oh well- I guess at least they'll be good for Christmas...and everyone who saw them that evening seemed to LOVE what they were wearing. So, I guess it was still worth buying them.


We made our way into MK and DD4 was really upset...she didn't understand why so many other people were invited to Mickey's party. LOL! I guess the way we'd built it up, she thought it was some kind of exclusive event.


So, back to my promise to myself to get on Space Mountain at least once before the end of the trip.

I probably should have waited since it was 6:30 and people without MVMCP tickets were still in the park, but I needed to make sure I got to ride it at least once before the end of the trip. In doing so, I missed having us go on Carousel of Progress just to do this, but it was necessary. If I pushed it off and waited until later- it probably would have been skipped over like Tower of Terror did on our DHS day (the only must do ride on my list that I never got to ride- and have never ridden). THe funny thing- the girls really wanted to ride CoP, but I think they thought it would be like the carousel in Fanstasyland- so, they probably would have been pretty disappointed.

We did rider swap with this. It was a bit of a mess since the girls didn't understand why they couldn't ride and the line wasn't moving as quickly as I'd hoped. The game in the queue wasn't much entertainment for them, but they liked all of the neat space imagery. DH split off from me with the girls as we neared the front of the line. The girls really had a fit at this point and I think DH was secretly cursing me at this point.

As usual, the ride was great! DH was about ready to walk out to take DD4 to the restroom when I got off- GOOD TIMING! So, he got his ride and I got her there in time. I think he probably would have had some choice words for me if he had to deal with the girls and miss his ride (since they weren't going to let him back in).

After this, CoP was closed (letting its last riders out when we came by) and DH suggested the Astro Obiter. Mind you, I've never been on this one, but I know even a super small line can = a long wait. I tried to explain that to him, but too late- the girls now wanted to ride.

We waited for close to 25 min to get on and saw some of the Buzz Lightyear holiday show while we waited.

(leave it to me to take one pic of this while the stage was still empty- and a blurry one no less)

Everyone got really antsy during the wait...DD4 really needed a jungle gym in this queue.

They even resorted to sticking stickers on DH. I think the madness sets in here b/c it's a line that doesn't really move...so it feels like it's taking FOREVER!!!

(SOMEBODY needs a shave!!!)

Finally, it was time to ride.

At this point, I was really tired of things that spin...and this just made it worse- especially those last few spins, but the kids loved it. I just tried to snap pictures to keep myself from losing it.

I remember looking up at the spheres- trying to distract my tummy- and think about how they all looked like a bunch of pretty and HUGE bowling balls. Of course, DH and both girls were now pushing to go on again. They got a solid NO from me on that.

***OK- I probably won't be able to post again until late Christmas night or the day after. After we get these girls in bed- I have some new vodka to drink and a massive wooden toy kitchen to build.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

 

[HouCuseChickie]

OK- these girls are nuts with sugar and toys - so I'm doing this to give me a little present of peace. Hope everyone is having a great Christmas!

**********************************
I snapped a last shot of Tomorrowland before leaving- still giggling listening to Stitch's laugh.

We were all pretty hungry and were thinking about Columbia Harbor House for dinner...only problem- I forgot that Columbia Harbor House wasn't serving menu food during MVMCP (a prime example of my mind going at this point in the trip- probably all of that nap/night time bag assembly), so our dinner consisted of sugar cookies and hot cocoa. Of course, it was EXCELLENT cocoa and the cookies were super yum- so nice and chewy!

I've really always liked the interior of this place. Maybe that's why we stuck around for a while (or the change in temps).

We asked the girls if there was one more ride they'd like to go on (since we wanted to scope out a spot for fireworks) and they both said Peter Pan. We waited about 10 min, but they loved it even more the second time. I just wish it were a longer ride.

After the ride, we stopped to watch a man paint/sweep with water.

We wanted to take pics and meet the Seven Dwarfs who had a meet and greet in Fantasyland, but the line was a mile long. So, I took pictures of these people meeting them...it's really not about them- it's all about the Dwarfs.

We had seen Tiana doing a meet and greet on our way over to Columbia Harbor House, but she was going when we came back through- DD4 was sad, but what can ya do? So we headed over to stake out a spot in front of Crystal Palace for fireworks. We waited close to 45 min in the cold, but it was a good spot for a number of reasons. Obviously, the location was great (although, I think being up on MSUSA might have been better witht he wind that night), but it gave me time to play with my camera and finally get some good shots of the castle with my camera. Of course, DH hadn't been practicing, so the shot he took with me is a mess.

But this is why being in front of CP was a really good place!

(funny- they didn't inflate this until after we got in place)

 

[LeafsFanNL]

It can't have been fun down there in the rain in December. Now I love a rainy day at the world on Easter Week. It cools us down, and thins the crowds a little

 

[LeafsFanNL]

Columbia Harbour House has always been a lunchtime stop for us when we travel with the boys. Our guys love the fish basket.

 

[HouCuseChickie]

It can't have been fun down there in the rain in December. Now I love a rainy day at the world on Easter Week. It cools us down, and thins the crowds a little

Thankfully, it was the only bad weather for the trip. I guess at least we were expecting it. We saw a lot of people dressed for temps in the 70s with no rain gear.

Columbia Harbour House has always been a lunchtime stop for us when we travel with the boys. Our guys love the fish basket.

Part of me wishes we'd skipped Pecos Bill for CHH. There's always next time!

 

[HouCuseChickie]

The other pros- Crystal Palace was serving cookies, cocoa, apple juice and apple slices. It's still cracking me up- when I got to the front of the line for refreshments, I asked if I could have a few more cookies b/c I had some more people outside...a couple of the cast members loaded my arms up with food and started proclaiming loudly “To the People Outside!” And of course- lots of bathrooms in this area- vital with two little kids.

I don't know why, but I decided to snap this pic while in CP.

Another positive side note- a CM was cleaning in the area (I think he was switching out trash bags)- saw the girls and handed them a huge stack of Mickey stickers. Very sweet!


So, like I said, I finally got some better pics of the castle.

(better, but still not what I was looking for)

We had a great family standing next to us to help pass the time – and protect our spot. Then the fireworks started- HOLY AWESOMENESS! I took some pictures, but they are all pretty awful. The bad photos are really b/c I wanted to step back from my camera and just enjoy the show. Here are a few of the less crappy pictures.

(LOVED the spinny thingies on the castle- yes, that's the official technical term- LOL)

(also really enjoyed the snowflakes projected on the castle)

OK- so most of my Holiday Wishes pics were awful and not fit to be shared (and there are A LOT of them). DH and I both agreed it was pretty incredible to be standing there with all of the extra perimiter fireworks going off. I've seen pics shot from far away and it always looks like they go up in line with the castle, but the perspective gets skewed when you're standing there...we felt like we were almost surrounded in fireworks going up at the end. In any event- very cool!

We skipped the early parade in hopes that the crowds for the later parade would be better. It still felt pretty crowded. It didn't help that we were caught in the masses of people leaving the park who had seen parade 1 and were just waiting on Holiday Wishes.

Side note here- we were pleasantly surprised that they were asking to make sure people had wrist bands for the party---only problem---they weren't actually checking to make sure you had one. i.e. all you had to do was say – “Yes, I have a wristband.” DH even tried to show his one time and was told “oh, that's OK.”

This was also about the time I got my two best pics of the castle. Still far from perfect, but a million times better than what I took on our first night.

(still has some blur on it)

(I GIVE UP!)

 

[HouCuseChickie]

For the parade, we found ourselves on the corner by Casey's. This was probably an omen b/c DH used the last CS child credit we had to buy us corn dog bites, fries, and apples as a snack. DD2 was having another moment- refused to wear her coat- but at least she quiet and sitting in the stroller. We even tried using our coats as a blanket for her, but she just wouldn't have it. Gotta love stubborn kids.

It was really cold and windy, but we did our best to pass the time (as I froze a bit since we were using my ski jacket as sort of a picnic blanket for our Casey's snack)...

taking pics of light up toys...

(Hey- we were cold and bored and taking turns holding the spot just didn't seem like it was going to work)

decorations...

(horrible- I know)

balloons...

(I still SOOOOOOOOOOOO want one of these!)

and the faux snow that was starting to feel real, etc.

Brrrrrrrrrrr

 

[HouCuseChickie]

DH and DD4 were getting pretty frustrated. They wanted to see the parade, but the cold was really making the fatigue set in. He was doing everything he could to entertain her, but even he was saying he was ready to leave without seeing it. Not good!

Just as he said that- we could see the parade making its way towards us. And Finally, the PARADE was HERE!!!

It really is such a festive parade

We actually found the dancers to be more into the crowd than the characters

I'm sorry- but Scrooge McDuck has always creeped me out! Still cool to see him and totally appropriate for this parade!

At least we had Donald on our side...he was my fave as a kid!

And now on to Chip & Dale.

I really thought the kids would care more that they didn't meet the little rodents, but I don't think it phased them. I, on the other hand, is on a mission to have the girls meet them on our next trip.

 

[HouCuseChickie]

I wish Dale were on our side- I prefer him over Chip...we just love all things silly- and Dale tends to be more, well...silly.

The girls were yelling out to the Dwarfs, but I don't think they understood that the Dwarfs weren't going to stop.

No- they were going to DANCE

And now Cindy appeared to be on her way. Of course her miniature horses got the girls back on the "mommy-mommy- I want a horse"- except now they were asking for a little horse.

They are kind of cute, but the answer is still NO

It's almost as if Prince Charming is speaking to ME!

more dancing

Belle in her holiday dress- too bad it's so obstructed by the rest of the float.

And probably the strangest pic of Aurora and Prince Phillip I've ever seen...

And not quite the angle of the Fairy Godmother I was planning on...

Funny that for a while, DD2 wanted to be her during her BBB princessification. She figured if the Fairy Godmother could do all of that for Cinderella, she had to be a princess herself and probably the most powerful princess. Very cute thought, but I'm glad she changed her mind and dressed as Cindy.