A seed was planted and here’s what grew....Magical Memories About This Page:

[Wolfy6688]

Sounds like a great first day - I'm very impressed and surprised that they gave you a new (literally new) bed. That's really great.

[Roxie2006]

I feel like I'm at Disney with you going through the Park. It was wonderful to hear the Hotel showed you some "Disney Magic" too! Looking forward to reading more about the Trip.

[CinderAbby]

Tuesday August 10th

After sleeping absolutely wonderfully (I really thought I was at home in bed) I woke up early to do laundry. I didn’t want to but it’s better to do it in small loads than to wait. Plus too, doing it that early (between 5:30 and 6:00), nobody else is doing laundry so I don’t have to wait for machines. After I started the laundry, I ran to the food court to buy 2 refillable mugs and I filled them with coffee for Lenny. With him getting up and getting ready, I took our "invitation" (thanks Kim) to CRT and made it look like it had been slipped under the door.

A little bit later, I woke Abby up and boy was she cranky. She didn’t want to get up, she didn’t want to shower, she didn’t want help to go faster. Everything was no, no, no with her. In an effort to try and turn her mood around, I asked her about the envelope on the floor by her door. She at first said it was hers and that she put it there. Then she said she didn’t know what is was and she didn’t want it. Things weren’t going well at all so I told Abby I was going to open it and read it whether she wanted me to or not. Abby still wasn’t happy but I read the invitation to her anyway. When I was done, I asked her if she wanted to eat in the castle or not. She said yes so I told her to stop being cranky because Cinderella doesn’t want cranky kids in her castle. That did stop Abby but it was a rough start. And it was only going to get worse.

We finally got out of the hotel and to the TTC at 7:55 but despite being an AM EMH at the MK, the express monorail wasn’t running and the resort monorail line was huge. When a monorail came into the station and the CM opened up the express line, we hopped out of the resort line and into the express line. I don’t know why but all the safety checks of the monorail didn’t start until 8 am. I would think with the AM EMH that something like that would have been done earlier but it wasn’t. So there we were, standing at the TTC at 8:00 with the express monorail not running yet, the resort monorail line ridiculous and an 8:20 CRT reservation that we wouldn’t make it to on time. I was getting more and more ticked by the moment. The one ressie that’s hard to come by and Disney was screwing it up for us.

The monorail finally started running at 8:15 and by the time we got through security and the turnstiles and to the castle, it was 8:35. I gave them my name and told them the monorail hadn’t been running. If it had, we would have been on time. The CM said not a problem, just park the scooter and we could go right in. Hearing that, I started to calm down but what happened next turned our day completely around.

We went in to have our pictures taken with Cinderella and there was no line - we were it. A CM asked for my camera so we have those plus the Photopass pictures and Cinderella took her time with us and talked a lot to Abby.

As we were leaving, Cinderella even called me by name. I don’t know if Abby told her it, if the CM told her my name from our slip or what but I was surprised by it. Then we went upstairs and instead of the packed restaurant I expected, most of the tables were empty. So not only did we see all the princesses (Snow White, Belle, Aurora, Ariel) quickly, they all spent a minute or two with us.

Then there was the meal. Fruit and pastries were brought out right away. We all shared the fruit plate and I was told not to touch the pastries until the Chef came out. Juice came out too, which Lenny had, but I requested water for myself and milk for Abby. I don’t know when my water came out, I don’t think it came with Abby’s milk but I suppose it could have. All I know is I looked at the table for something to drink and there was nothing there. The next time I turned around, there was a beautiful blue goblet filled with ice water for me. For the main meal, Lenny was offered a choice of 3 different plates and while I don’t remember which once he chose (I think he took the eggs and sausage one), whichever one he did choose disappeared quickly. So did a second one that was offered. Lenny declined the offer of a third plate however. Abby had the french toast sticks and she kinda picked at those but when Lenny asked for a plate of bacon for her, that came out in no time and didn’t last long. As for me, the chef came out to talk with me and what he deemed "safe" for me was dry toast, yogurt, a banana, and hard boiled eggs. The toast was just toast and the banana had been cut up into little slices. The eggs were good and cold (the way I like my hard boiled eggs) but the yogurt was the best. I was given a huge bowl of it and it was so creamy, I couldn’t believe it was yogurt. It had a lot of flavor and I just absolutely loved the texture. While that may not seem like a wonderful breakfast, to me it was. It was the first breakfast in years eaten out of the house that didn’t make me sick! And what a difference. The chef even came back to see how everything was and if I needed anything else. It might have been a small breakfast but it was just enough for me and I didn’t need anything else. He talked for another minute with us, I thanked him for everything and then before he left, he told us all the sit together as he wanted to take a picture of us.

So in a span of under an hour, we went from a really crappy start to the morning to a really awesome outlook for not only the rest of the day but also for the entire vacation. And then, as if things weren’t already going well, when we got back downstairs to leave, Cinderella saw us and called out "Goodbye Princess Abby." Then despite a line and a family with her, she excused herself from everyone to give Abby another minute of her time to say another goodbye and give her another big hug.

I had made our ADR for the castle as a surprise for Abby. After reading different threads about how rushed people felt with Cinderella and the meal, I expected the same thing - and I was fine with that thinking. I did it just so Abby could say that she had eaten in the castle. What we got however was truly magical IMO. It had nothing to do with the "wishing" ceremony they have (which was really cute I thought)

and everything to do with the overall experience - from the time with Cinderella to the server we had (who was at our table constantly) to the breakfast that I could actually eat to the birthday cupcake and card Lenny had received (I had it noted on our reservation, but I was not asked about it when I checked in so I was surprised it was even acknowledged upstairs). It was way beyond what I ever expected or even hoped for. With the way it turned my day around, I didn’t regret the expense and I knew then and there we would have a great vacation this year.

[CinderAbby]

So with a great outlook for the rest of the day (as well as the vacation), we set out for where else but Fantasyland. Our first stop was the store with Sleeping Beauty’s dress. Abby loved watching it change colors and we would stop by several times during the vacation to see it again.

Then we did what would become a routine - a journey to Neverland followed by a musical adventure in Philharmagic. Next came the carousel. I noticed this year the horses have "steps" on the sides and handles on the poles. I don’t know if these changes were made when they changed the name but I liked the added steps (but Lenny and I both thing that they could have added one more).

After the carousel, we flew on Dumbo then went along with Snow White.

A couple of pictures of the construction from Dumbo

And the one thing I noticed about Fantasyland that morning were the lines - or lack thereof I should say. The lines were all very short which I found surprising. They didn’t stay that way though. The rest of the vacation they seemed to get longer and longer.

From Fantasyland, we headed back to Main Street for the Move It Shake It Parade. We got spots right in front of the castle and because there is a slight incline, Lenny’s scooter kept rolling. I put my foot in front of the wheels for a few minutes to keep him in place but then Lenny and I both looked at his cane at the same time. As I was wondering how we could use it, he took it off his scooter and told me to use the handle portion as a wheel chock for the front wheel (he has a 3 wheel scooter). So I moved my foot and put his cane on the ground and it worked great. The handle held the wheel and the rest of the cane stayed close to and under the rest of the scooter so no one would trip on it - including me and Abby. And as we waited, Abby kept pointing out the clouds. She hadn’t been happy on Monday with the clouds and whatever sprinkles we had. Today was no different. It didn’t do anything though so when the parade finally started, we all had a really, really fun time of it. Even Lenny got off his scooter for a few minutes and danced. For us, it was a great way for Abby to see and interact with the characters without having to be near them.

Happy and kind of winded from the fun, we headed to Adventureland. Ariel and Eric were off to the right as soon as we entered but their line was already closed and Abby didn’t seem to care. I promised her we wouldn’t get in line for any characters unless she wanted to so even though a CM told me when the line would open again, we didn’t stick around. Abby wanted the Jungle Cruise so that’s where we headed. As usual, it was filled with corny jokes but at least it was a place to sit down for a few minutes. Abby was even allowed to be a Junior Skipper.

From JC, we headed to the Tiki Room. I still like the original better but Abby and Lenny like this one so I see if for them. By the time we got out of there, I was feeling like something cold to drink so we stopped at that place right next to the Tiki Room. We had no sooner gotten our drinks and it started to sprinkle. We stayed under the roof long enough to put plastic bags over my shoulder bag and Lenny’s scooter controls but in that short amount of time, the sprinkles turned into a downpour. Abby was not happy at all. She was cranky, said she wanted to leave and go to the hotel, she was tired and wanted a nap. Being the mean mom that I am, instead of leaving, we went to the CBJ. Abby was okay with this and I was in hopes that the rain would stop by the time we got out - which it did. Abby was happy and wanted Peter Pan again so we headed back to Fantasyland. The Diamond Horseshoe was open so we popped in there on the way to see what the lunch offerings were. Mostly sandwiches and we would have eaten there but Abby wanted Peter Pan first. I saw no harm in agreeing to that so we headed out again. We made it to CHH and it started to rain again and Abby started her litany again - I want to leave, I need a nap, etc. I didn’t want to leave as I knew Abby was full of bull - she wouldn’t take a nap if we left The only time she takes a nap is when she’s sick. She was just upset because of the rain so I gave her a choice - Peter Pan or leave. She of course said Peter Pan. When we got off, it was still sprinkling and Abby again said she wanted to leave so we headed to Main Street. I gave her 3 chances to change her mind but each time she said leave so leave we did. I wasn’t happy, especially since the rain had stopped again but that’s what Abby wanted. And somewhere from the monorail platform to the van, Abby finally admitted she wasn’t tired for a nap (I already knew that), she was just tired of the MK and wanted to go to BB. I really think she was just tired of the rain at the MK (we’d had it on and off both Monday night and Tuesday), not the park itself, and didn’t know how to ask for a different park. I just shook my head and explained to Abby that if she wanted to leave one park for another, just to tell me as I’m more than happy to hop. I also told her the next time she asked for the hotel, she wouldn't get any second chances to change her mind - the hotel would be where we would go. So with that little conversation, Abby learned the importance of telling us up-front where she really wanted to be and we headed to BB instead of the hotel.

[CinderAbby]

We bought this balloon on the way out and just had to include it in the picture - we have one similar in last year's TR

Since I had planned on us going to BB that day anyway, I had all the stuff we needed already in the van. Once we got there, our first stop was the gift shop for 3 reasons. 1) for a pressed penny, 2) I wanted a visor or something for while we swam and 3) to finally meet Carla. While I looked for Carla, Lenny and Abby looked for the penny machine and did some browsing. I finally found her folding towels and we talked. While browsing, Lenny found a small waterproof credit card case and because both Abby and I liked it I had her and Lenny find one for me too so I could keep talking. After they found it, Abby was getting really anxious to go in the water so I asked Carla about visors and after she helped me find them, she rang us out ant took off all the tags for me. Carla gave me her phone number and I gave her our hotel and room number and after more hugs, we headed out to the changing room. By this time, we were all really hungry as we never made it back to the Diamond Horseshoe so we headed over to Lottawatta Lodge for quick lunch. And it was quick - there were no lines so we had everything in no time and it didn’t take long for us to eat. I don’t even remember what it was we had. After lunch, we headed to the ski patrol area where Abby got in line for the ice floes. I didn’t want to get in the water though. It was still cloudy and I wasn’t overly hot so the water felt kind of cool but I got in anyway. Lenny got in but then got out again for some reason.

Just a warning here though for people with Bee allergies and/or phobias. The day we were at BB, there were bees everywhere (TL had them too but I didn’t think it was nearly so bad). Most were near the trash barrels but there were enough around that I would imagine it would be nightmare inducing for those who don’t expect it (and even maybe for some who do). Public Service Announcement over.

So over in the ski patrol area, when it was Abby’s turn to walk on the ice, she fell right in but the CM gave her a second chance. I thanked him and helped her out of the water but she fell right in again. I wasn’t surprised - she doesn’t have upper body strength and not much coordination - but that was the end of her trying. She decided she wanted to try the mini slides there instead.

I went up and down once with her then left Lenny to go down with her after that. After the second or third time, I don’t really know what happened at the end as I turned to make sure Lenny could get up okay but Abby came up to me kinda crying just a little bit saying her knee hurt. Somehow she had gotten a little scratch on it so we went over to our stuff and I used an alcohol wipe on it and we were off again. This time to the lazy river that we could all enjoy together. Luck was with us as there were Photopass photographers in the water so we stopped and had our pictures taken.

After a while, we got out and headed to the family raft ride. Because of the clouds (and most likely lightning we couldn’t see) the ski lift wasn’t running so we had to walk up the steps. We had to stop a few times for Lenny but we finally made it. And at the top, I almost screwed things up. I kept reading the signs on the way that said minimum of 4 people but I read it as maximum of 4. So when the CM told us to get in a tube that already had 3 people, I just stopped which made Lenny and Abby stop. I was told to hurry up and get in not only by the CM’s but also the family that was already in the raft so we all kinda jumped in really quick (we had to as it was almost in the water). It was only on the way down that it dawned on me that I was reading the signs wrong. I also apologized to the family as I think we might have stepped on them in our rush to get in but when I said it was our first time on it, they seemed okay with our clumsiness. And then I embarrassed myself further at the very bottom - I had trouble getting out of the tube. Lenny and the other mom in the tube held it for me. It was a fun ride and we would have done it again but Lenny wasn’t up to do the stairs again - it was just too much on him. And that day, the Photopass photographer was on the walkway at the end taking pictures with tubes so we had one taken (I look really, really bad in the photo so that one isn't getting posted).

It was getting late by this point in time and Lenny wanted someplace to actually swim so we wentby the ski patrol area to get our stuff and we moved over to the wave pool. When we got there, there were plenty of chairs available so we parked ourselves and went in. It started to sprinkle which upset Abby but I pointed out she was already wet and in the water so who cares about the rain. She settled down and after a few minutes, the waves started up. They made me tired so I got out to sit and wait for Lenny and Abby.

They eventually got out so we decided to call it a day. Even though we didn’t do as much as I thought we might, Abby was really happy with what we had done and she was ready to go to the Poly and see the EWP. We had just enough time to go back to the hotel and shower and change before heading there.

On the way to the Poly, we decided to try our luck with parking there and when we got to the guard shack, they let us right through. We splurged and used valet then we headed to Captain Cooks. We figured it would be easier and less time consuming to eat there and it was. We ordered our stuff (kids nuggets and turkey sandwiches) and took it out by the beach / pool area and found a table. While Lenny and Abby started, I set up the tripod and camera. Once that was done, I sat down to eat and Abby busied herself with the shovel and bucket from her lunch at BB. She even shared it with some other kids playing in the sand. When I saw the green lights of the barges come out, I hopped up and hit the record button. It wasn’t until halfway through the EWP that I realized I had picked the wrong spot. The marina was in the way and my recording wasn’t very good. Abby was okay with if for two reasons. 1) she said we could go back to the Poly and see it again and 2) she can always watch it on YouTube. YouTube is great, but not for the morale when your kid automatically assumes the YouTube videos will be better than yours. In this particular case, it was true but I had every intention of trying for it again.

When the EWP was over, Abby picked up her shovel and bucket and said she was ready to go to the hotel. I kinda wanted to stay for the new fireworks but with an early morning breakfast at AK, I knew it would be better to call it a night. As we drove back to the hotel, the tiredness started to hit and we were glad we didn’t stay at the Poly for the fireworks.

[CinderAbby]

Sounds like a great first day - I'm very impressed and surprised that they gave you a new (literally new) bed. That's really great.

It was great and we felt the same way when we heard they'd switch out the beds. We felt even more so when we actually saw they WERE new.

I feel like I'm at Disney with you going through the Park. It was wonderful to hear the Hotel showed you some "Disney Magic" too! Looking forward to reading more about the Trip.

Good, I'm glad. I've always thought the sign of good writing is that it makes you feel you're there. I makes me happy to hear my writing is a good type of writing and not bad - the type that you say "when is it going to end." And we had so much Disney magic this trip that we still can't believe it. I did post Tuesday's TR right after you posted your response so you didn't have too long to wait.

[DrDolphin]

Just caught up on your trip report Darlene - glad to hear Disney was able to assist with the bed situation! Can't wait to hear more about your adventure.

[B.M.]

Sounds like a great day at MK and BB! Glad yall enjoyed the water parks. My kids really want to go next time, so I was looking forward to your waterpark review.....

[Katie]

Second day sounds better than the first. I was tearing up a little reading about your CRT visit. That is how it should be and I am glad to hear that you had a wonderful time (I too have read numerous reports about a rushed feeling). You really have a way of bringing the reader to the park, can't wait for more

[KMB733]

Sounds like you had a magical time at CRT despite the rough start to the day. I can't believe the monorail didn't start running until 8:15, even though there was EMH! Sorry to hear Abby was cranky with the rain, but you did pack a lot in at MK! And BB sounds like a nice way to end the day. How cool that there is a PP in the lazy river. Now that's the job I would want, especially on a really hot day!

[kmurburg]

Loved hearing about your breakfast at CRT! Glad Abby had such a great interaction with Cinderella! BTW, Abby's princess T-shirt was really cute! Seems like you got a lot accomplished at MK even with the rain showers. Do you think the monorail being down early kept the MK crowds low longer than usual? BB sounds like fun! I've embarrasssed myself too many times at waterparks to give them another try! LOL! Great idea to video the EWP - too bad you didn't get a "YouTube" quality video for Abby. Sounds like she can get the Disney magic anytime she needs a little dose - awesome!

[smoore424]

Another great day, Thanks Darlene.

Were the bees at BB honey bees or more like yellow jackets/wasps? Either way, thanks for the heads up as DS is sensitive to bees.

[mojjo]

All caught up. What a great breakfast at CRT. I am really tempted to make the boys suffer through their first princess meal next time.

[bitterchickey]

What a great day(despite the slow start!)! I think you did a wonderful job reading Abby & knowing how to keep the day flowing. So happy ya'll had a magical breakfast (I've heard too that breakfast there can be a madhouse). BB sounded like a great way to spend the afternoon, & what a choice to end the night-Poly Beach! What a Disney Day!

[omd]

What a great day you had! Even though Abby was a little cranky to start off the Disney Magic took over and she ended up having great interaction with Cinderella and you had a good breakfast. The picture of all of you at the table at CRT was one of the best. Abby looks so happy . I'm sorry that you had a little rain but it did not seem to ruin much of your day.
I agree that your trip report makes the reader feel like they are right there with you and beeing part of everything. (it is so much better now that the font is bigger LOL).