The "Aren't you glad I booked the room?" TR
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CinderAbby · 10-22-2016, 10:28 AM

By 9:45 we had seen all the characters there so I went to get a DAS time for Soarin while Lenny and Abby hit the bathrooms and then went to the smoking section on the way to Imagination.

We then went to Imagination and when the CM asked if Lenny could transfer, he said yes but he also went on to ask if they could put his scooter at the exit for him instead of down the hallway they normally do as he wouldn't be able to walk back to it. I then added that while he would need the scooter, the wheelchair would be fine left down the hallway for me. The CM said he would do that for us. We went on our tour of the Imagination Institute and then Figment's Open House. We learned imagination is a blast and soon ended the ride. There at the exit was the scooter waiting for Lenny

and down the hall waiting for me was the wheelchair. We then made our way to the What If labs where Abby helped a family with Simon Says and played some with the musical tiles on the floor and the music you direct with your body movements. We weren't there very long, which surprised me, but then Abby wanted to go to the Pixar Short Film Festival. She had been really looking forward to this and wanted to get to see it. We went in and were directed to the wheelchair waiting area. We must have just missed a show because we had something like 15 minutes to wait and in the preshow area, the movie they show will actually tell you how many minutes until the next one. The preshow was interesting, just don't ask me what it was about

. I just remember that I did like what I saw. Of course I also spent some time too updating my notes. We were finally let inside the show and for some reason I remember thinking "there are seats." I know I read somewhere that someone said the seats had been taken out but I don't know where or when that might have been. I'm happy to say though that it is a theater with seats. As for the show, it was okay - and I don't know what parts of it were 3D. It didn't seem like anything was. Even Abby said pretty much nothing was in 3D and it could easily be watched without the glasses. Two of the three shorts I've seen before so they weren't entirely new. "Get a horse" is alright, it's not my favorite and "La Luna" I found boring. "For the birds" I do like and laugh every time. The one thing I didn't particularly care for was the floor movement. I think they could have done without it. Abby on the other hand said she thought it was interesting and "okay."

By now it was after 11 and Lenny had been asking for an ice coffee so we went to the Land. I knew Sunshine Seasons would be open and would be the best bet for getting one (we are not Starbucks people). As we walked up the hill, I saw a guy with an iced coffee and I was like "oh, oh, ice coffee. Did you get that from here?" He said yes, he had and it wasn't bad at only $5. As we entered the building and Lenny saw Garden Grill, he asked me if we were eating there. "Yes, we are." "Dinner?" "No, breakfast." He then asked when it was and I told him our last day in the parks on Thursday. We headed downstairs via a new elevator that was added to the pavilion and while I got Lenny his iced coffee, Abby got a soda to drink. We sat for a few minutes and then headed to Soarin to use our DAS time. We went through the line and were sent to "concourse A" for our flight so no new theater for us. Oh well. The ride was good but the "glider" was kind of jerky at times which surprised me. I don't ever remember it doing that before. The scenes themselves were good and I did like seeing them but I'm still kind of disappointed that more wasn't done with the music. I still think it should have either been kept the same or made completely different than the original music. Not this half original score with other stuff added - and some of it sounding like the scores from other Disney shows. It got to the point that every time we saw the Great Wall of China, I'd ask Abby "are we watching Reflections of China again?" As we left, I did stop to get another DAS time for the ride, then we went on Living with the Land. This is another ride where Lenny can stay in the wheelchair if he uses it so we parked the scooter somewhere - and most likely plugged it in - and he transferred to the wheelchair.

As we started, Lenny asked me why an indoor boat ride has a roof on the boat. I said probably because the Garden Grill was upstairs and it looked out over the scenes. He responded with "can you imagine that? You're riding along and then all of a sudden a plate falls on you?" We both agreed it wouldn't be good. Since the restaurant had been mentioned, Lenny again asked "we're not eating dinner there this year?" I told him no, but I could always call or go to the podium and see if there was an opening but I asked "what if they have an opening but not until say 6:45?" "What time do we normally go there?" "4:00 PM" "Well do whatever works with your itinerary." I agreed I would see what I could do. For the ride, the more I ride this, the more I like it. It's a good place to sit for a while and for some reason, I like to see all the different things they grow. It seems like every time we're on it, it is something different. One year they had a huge thing with nothing but parsley which made me think of our bunny we had. We don't have a bunny anymore

and I haven't seen parsley since during the ride. There were actually two other things I didn't see this year. One was the crocodiles in the rain forest part of the ride. The other was the tank of little alligators they normally have. The tank was there but it was covered by a tarp and the "American Alligators" sign was gone. In it's place was a sign saying "tank renovation." Anyway, as we rode, and saw food, we realized we were getting hungry so we decided to stop for some lunch at Sunshine Seasons after we got off the boat. Lenny wanted the pork chop they had, I got Abby the chicken and I got the Mongolian beef for myself. After I put the tray on the table and while Abby was getting the napkins and everything else we needed, I went upstairs to the Garden Grill. I asked the CM there if he had any times open for a dinner reservation and I was shocked when he said he did. Then he asked me what time. "4:00?" "Yes, I have that." I was really shocked by that. I didn't expect them to have any times to begin with but to have the time I wanted? Disney magic is all I can say. He asked me if I knew what the menu was and if it was okay, to which I answered yes and then he took my name but didn't make me leave a credit card number or anything so just like that, I was all set. Another thing that made getting this ADR nice was the fact is despite not being planned or budgeted for, it was a meal I knew we could afford to add because we were under budget in other areas. I went back downstairs and both Lenny and Abby were happy that I was able to get an ADR for dinner.

After we ate what we wanted of lunch - it was "free" so I didn't feel guilty not eating all of my meal (it got to be too much for me) - Abby wanted to go upstairs to see Circle of Life. I didn't see it myself, I'm sure we can all guess why (if you can't guess, it's because I fell asleep). Had we not gotten a last minute ADR at Garden Grill, we would have gone to use our second DAS time for Soarin but since we did, Abby wanted to leave the pavilion and go see Nemo. We rode the ride and Lenny used the wheelchair for this ride too. It was cool to see how this wheelchair accessible vehicle worked. From the ride, we went to Turtle Talk where Abby sat on the floor and was once again picked to ask a question.

How has being a star changed your life?

It wasn't the best answer she's gotten but at least she got picked.

CinderAbby · 10-22-2016, 10:29 AM

Afterwards Abby wanted to explore the exhibits for just a few minutes because she really wanted to go over to Test Track and use the single rider line. As we were leaving though, there was a diver demonstration in the big tube they have. It use to be how the divers got into the tanks but they don't use it for that anymore. Anyone who wanted a picture with the diver was able to do that at the end of the demonstration - which Abby of course wanted to do - and because everyone else left, she was shown what button to press to fill the tube up with water again (they don't leave it empty).

From Lenny's camera

By the time we left the Seas with Nemo, the sky wasn't looking too good and I really didn't think TT would be up and running. Abby wanted to know for sure so that's where we went. It was indeed down due to the weather so we went to Spaceship Earth instead. It started sprinkling too while we were walking. There was quite a line at the handicapped entrance for this so we had a little bit of a wait but it wasn't too bad. We learned about the history of communication but when it came to deciding our future, the photo portion wasn't working so we were given generic heads. It wasn't as much fun that way.

It was 3:45 when we got off the ride so we went back to the Land to check in for dinner. When I had booked this earlier in the day, I didn't say a word about Lenny using a scooter or the wheelchair as I wanted to see what they would do this time. The last two times we have eaten here, even with a wheelchair disability noted, they took us the really long way to the table. Both those times Lenny attempted to walk and it was painful for him. Today, after I checked in and the CM (the same one who made my ADR) saw Lenny (who had plugged in the scooter and transferred to the wheelchair), he said he didn't know we'd be using a wheelchair. I wanted to say "no, because I didn't tell you that" but I didn't. I only said that he needed it to get to the table and then he would transfer. It wasn't long before we were called for dinner and for the first time not only were we actually taken the short way to the table, we were also seated in a booth. Lenny doesn't always care for them - with his hips it's hard to scoot around the bench seat - but tonight he just sat at the edge of the bench and I scooted to the inside to be able to take the pictures. Dinner was good as always and we were able to see the characters multiple times. We saw Dale three times and everyone else twice.

We left the restaurant around 5 PM and went downstairs to ride Soarin again. Once again, we were directed away from the new theater but it didn't take away our enjoyment of it. After leaving the ride again, Abby wanted to see if Test Track was open. It was and both the single rider and standby lines were listed as 20 minutes. When we went to get in the single rider line however, the CM told us the single rider was more like 35 but standby was at 20. I tried to convince Abby to go to the shorter line with me but she absolutely wanted to do single rider so she got in her line and I got in mine. Long story short - the CM was wrong. Right before I went into the room where you design your own car, I called Lenny, whom we had left at the smoking section by Mission Space. He was in the gift shop waiting for us and would stay there until we came out and he hadn't seen any sign of Abby. After I got out of the design a car room, I called Lenny again just to see and Abby was with him already. From where I was, I knew it would be probably another 15 minutes so I actually couldn't get to the front of the line fast enough. Once I did, I told the CM I had changed my mind, I didn't want to ride so they sent me further down the line to another CM. I told him the same thing - I didn't want to ride and he actually said "do you mind if I ask why?" I told him not at all. I also told him that my daughter had gone in the single rider line that was suppose to be longer and I was going to meet her in the gift shop. The single rider line hadn't been shorter and she was already been waiting for me and probably getting anxious because I wasn't there. He didn't have a reply for that but told me to go up the stairs to the next CM who then directed me down the other set of stairs. As soon as I got to the bottom, I heard Abby "mom, what's wrong?" so I knew she was keeping a sharp eye out for me. I told her nothing was wrong but I chose not to ride because she was already done and waiting so I wasn't going to make her wait longer.

CinderAbby · 10-22-2016, 10:30 AM

For the next little while, it wasn't really pretty. I was not happy with the CM that had given wrong information and then Lenny had to rub salt into the wound by saying that I should have stayed with Abby and if I had, I would have gotten to ride. It wasn't the fact that I didn't ride - that was my choice and I'm not one who enjoys riding something all by myself. It was the fact that the CM gave me wrong information which lead me to make the wrong choice. I wanted to get to the gift shop before Abby to see if she was happy (or not) with going through the line all by herself. I was still in line when her ride was done so I didn't see how she was when she got to the gift shop. I was hoping she was happy and proud of herself for doing something all by herself that she wanted to do but I don't know. I didn't see her when she was done and that was what made me aggravated with the whole situation. Lenny and I didn't argue about it. I don't know if he wanted to or not because he kept saying I should have stayed with her but I told him she needs to grow up and she knows her options. She knew we were to meet in the gift shop but if the line got to much, I would hope she'd turn around and walk out the way she came and still go to the gift shop. In the end, Abby did just fine. She got to do the single rider line, she got to ride, she got her own photo, and she met Lenny where she was suppose to. The fact that I wasn't happy and was done for the day and wanted to leave the park didn't really matter.

By now it was after 6, so that meant it was time for our Frozen fastpass. We went and rode the ride because we could, not because we really wanted to. Then we went and rode something we did want to ride. The Mexico boat ride (what is the name of it anyway?) We enjoyed our tour, yet again, of Mexico City and then Abby wanted to do something we hadn't done yet - the American Adventure. We headed that way and Abby started to get distracted by the acrobats in China but we kept her moving so we didn't miss the show. We got there only a few minutes before it started and were sent right upstairs with the elevator. The CM didn't know at first if we would all fit because of a scooter and a wheelchair but since no one was sitting in the chair, I could fold it up and we all fit together. I don't know why but anytime we wait upstairs, it's very cold when we wait at the doors for wheelchair users. This time was no different but luckily we didn't have to wait there for long. Once inside the theater, no matter how much I like this show, I fell asleep again. Is anyone surprised? I'm not. I did feel better though after my nap - I didn't feel as cranky which is a good thing. We were pretty much done with the park at this time though so we started to make our way out of the park. We passed through China, where the acrobats were performing again. We did stop this time even though they were mostly done. It was interesting to watch but I don't remember what they did. I didn't have the camera out so I didn't take photos either. When they finished their performance, we continued to the front of the park. Just as we were getting to the bridge between World Showcase and Future World, there was an announcement that Illuminations would be starting in 30 minutes. It wasn't until then that I noticed that the torches weren't going yet but I was happy they weren't. Abby doesn't like them, they make her nervous. As soon as the announcement was done however, they lit up. Thankfully we were close to the bridge to FW though as we wouldn't have to see them or walk by them for more than a minute or so.

We stopped at the bathrooms before we returned the wheelchair and then we made it to the car. After packing up the scooter and calling home we made our way to the hotel and were finally in the room by 9:30. The first thing Lenny wanted me to do was check again about a breakfast at Be Our Guest for his birthday. There was one open for 8:15 am!! I was shocked

. That was the second time that day we had gotten a last minute ADR for someplace we wanted to eat. I quickly made the reservation then went in and pre-ordered our breakfast. Lenny was very happy about that and when Abby said she wanted to go swimming, that's what the two of them did. I have no idea what time they came back or what time Abby - or even Lenny - went to bed though. According to the notes I did take for that night I was asleep around 11 (I guess it was all about me that night

).

I didn't even know Lenny took his camera to the pool

Abby swimming at the pool

Tara O'Hara · 10-22-2016, 11:31 AM

Your day sounds mostly wonderful!!

Sorry for the misinformation you got at TT but it seems like you recovered well!!

. Those kind of things upset me too. I also love the Mexico boat ride. I believe it's called the Gran Fiesta Tour. It sure is fun and relaxing!! Great photos of Abby in the water!!

B.M. · 10-22-2016, 12:52 PM

Great day at Epcot! How awesome that you were able to get two last minute dining reservations!!

**Cam22** · 10-22-2016, 04:27 PM

Another great day with lots of character meeting! Super magical that you got two ADRs for places you really wanted on this day.

lovewdw2 · 10-22-2016, 04:56 PM

I too like the boat ride in the Land and looking at what they are growing! I like you & Lenny's answer to why there are a cover on the boats..lol

OMG! To get not only get an ADR for dinner at Garden Grill but to get one for BOG for breakfast! Yes it is Magic..... why? Because you are all in Disney! Things happen there that no one can explain!

Being a mom too I get it and I would have been mad too about the CM telling me the wrong info for a single rider line. But you got to have a small cat nap... lol

I think the color of Abby's shirt, blue looks really good on her! How did she think of that question for Turtle Talk? I would not know what to ask anyway.

Darlene...I am still in suspense because you have so much more of your Trip report to post!

bearak527 · 10-22-2016, 10:14 PM

Darlene-I love seeing how happy Abby is when she is at WDW. Her pictures with the characters are awesome-she looks so joyful. I often wonder if your Mom doesn't see the happiness she gets from going with her parents and sharing such happy family times. It's sad if she doesn't see that. I would keep taking her back to after seeing those heartfelt smiles!
Betty

MMMD · 10-24-2016, 01:31 PM

I would have been miffed about missing Test Track as well. But the BOG ressie is AWESOME. Great update.

MayraLR · 10-24-2016, 07:34 PM

What a great day at Epcot! And you got some incredible luck scoring those two ADRs.

**Colexis Mom** · 10-24-2016, 08:46 PM

Great day at Epcot! Love the pictures! How great you were able to get into GG!

lindawdw · 10-25-2016, 09:32 AM

Sounds like another fun packed day! So glad that you were able to score a reservation for Garden Grill and then BOG! Luck was on your side for sure

wheezie · 10-31-2016, 09:10 AM

Wow, you really scored with that BOG ressie!

I was so happy to see GG pics, as that is probably my favorite place to eat, and I just get so happy when I see it.

CinderAbby · 11-04-2016, 09:35 PM

I'm sorry I haven't posted here recently. I've got some stuff going on and I'm really stressed right now but I'll come back when I get the chance. I'm hoping to try for tomorrow but I can't make any promises.