The Great Disney Do-Over—PTR for Aug 2010 - UPDATED 8/2 - Page 6 - PassPorter - A Community of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel Forums
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DH grabbed another FP (for Dinosaur) while I made my way with the (now sleeping) girls in the stroller to the Nemo show.
Our lunch ressies at the Tusker House restaurant got us the reserved seating for Nemo. This was definitely a great idea for our family! Not only did it cut down the amount of time we spent in line, but it also got us good seats for the show. If you have been following along thus far, you know our worst moments happened in long lines and crowds.
I sat with our GG group, between my two girls. DS really wanted to sit in the front row. Although advised against it by the “experts,” DH and DS found a seat in the front row.
I had expected Nemo to be cool. I had not expected it to be extraordinary! Living in MN, and never traveling, I had not experienced a “Broadway-style” show. My theater experiences had been limited to high school/community plays, a couple visits to the Guthrie Theater, and numerous visits to the local Children’s theater. I was blown away. So were my girls. DD (5) kept asking if those are really people. She asked if she could do something like that some day. She was mesmerized! DD (2) was thrilled! Although she had her stroller-nap cut short, and was initially not happy about it, as soon as the show started, she did not take her eyes off the stage. Again, my eyes were torn between the stage and my girls’ faces.
My boys were not as thrilled by the show. DH (grudgingly) admitted that he was not able to see much because their front row seats placed them below stage level, cutting off important sight lines. But, he did use the opportunity to take nap.
From there, our GG group moved towards Everest, where we all had FPs. Much to my surprise, DD (5) said she wanted to go on Everest. I tried to explain to her that it is a very scary roller coaster, and that mommy was not even sure I would like it. But she was feeling happy and confident at that time, and wanted to try it. Besides, she likes roller coasters (recall that the barnstormer is her favorite ride). DS was not happy about his sister joining the group because it meant that he would not get to sit with daddy (since he needed to be there for DD “just in case.”). DS was going to ride with his aunt. We grabbed a child swap pass, and I waved the group goodbye.
A while later, the crew emerged with their tales of Everest. DD (5) was the first to approach me to share her experience. In an almost flat affect, certainly not expressing the true emotion of her words, she said to me, enunciating each sound, “I DID NOT LIKE THAT RIDE AT ALL. NOT EVEN A LITTLE BIT. IT IS THE WORST RIDE EVER.” We all said how proud of her we were for trying it (she is not usually known for her bravery). She responded, “YES BUT, I SAID I DID NOT LIKE THAT RIDE AT ALL.” Her deliberate cadence reminded me a bit of the Dr. Seuss story, “Green Eggs and Ham.” Her response made me wonder how she was on the ride. Apparently she did not scream, or even make a sound, but DH did have marks on him from her nails digging into his skin!
We had only planned a half day at AK. The others in our GG had insisted it was the park with the least to offer. It was getting pretty late in the afternoon, so we needed to get back to the hotel to get ready for our dinner ADR. We would have bailed on dinner (again), except our evening plan was to go to California Grill, the restaurant experience that I was most highly anticipating.
We had unused Fast Passes for Kali River Rapids and Dinosaur. Not wanting them to go to waste, we “passed the magic” to a family on our way out of the park. (The universe would “reward” us for this gesture the next day…)
During the ride back to the resort, with another “good” park day behind us, DH and I started discussing what was working well and not so well for our family. We discussed our park plans for the rest of the trip. We really enjoyed AK, and were disappointed that we got to experience so little of it. In two days, it would be Thanksgiving. We would be (if we continued with the GG plans) at Magic Kingdom. The Magic Kingdom day was “the worst day of [DH’s] life". The crowds would be even worse on Thanksgiving. Hmmm…we would see what the next day would bring…
As we got back to the resort, and tried to settle the kids into a “rest time” before our 8pm dinner ressies, we started to dread the bus transfer to get from our resort (CSR) to California Grill that night for dinner. In a moment of inspiration, I remembered reading how people would sometimes use taxi cabs to get around WDW. How much would that cost? Would we be able to fit all five of us in a vehicle? Would they have car seats?
I made a phone call.
To my DELIGHT, I learned that we could reserve a cab for up to 7 passengers, for the same price as a car that holds 4. Those vehicles have car seats. The cost for a one-way trip within WDW property typically ranges from $12-$18. We decided that would be a small price to pay for our sanity, and arranged for pickup at 7:30. MIL and her DH joined us in the cab. We each got a seat. Ahhh…..From the view of the cab, I got to see more of WDW property than I had seen through the windows of the bus. It put the size and scale of WDW into perspective for me. Wow.
As we were let out in front of the Contemporary resort, we had high hopes that a relaxing trip to our dinner ADR would set the stage for a positive meal. With the beautiful surroundings, I suddenly remembered reading how many people do not think California Grill is a restaurant for kids. Uh-oh. How would the kids do at California Grill? Would we be the exception or prove the point that it should be an experienced reserved for the mature?
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“I DID NOT LIKE THAT RIDE AT ALL. NOT EVEN A LITTLE BIT. "
I couldn't help but giggle when I read this, and I too thought of Dr. Suess when I read it!!! She was so brave!!!
Great day!!! You really are getting the hang of this "doing Disney with less stress" thing! Can't wait to read about dinner @ CG!!
Such a great idea to take a cab. We will do the same to get to our Flying Fish ADR this July. It's just so much easier that way. I can't wait to see how Cali Grill turns out. Hurry back please.Don't leave me hanging too long.
What a great day at AK, our first trip we also planned a 1/2 day at AK, that was definitely rectified on our next trip. There is just somuch to do and enjoy there, yes it is hot and humid but we can spend so much time here. Glad you decided on the cab, we definitely have used some of those and as you said the cost is so worth the rushing to get to another resort. Hope that the easy traveling made for a great meal.
DH and I were bickering. Wasn’t WDW to be the happiest place on Earth? Dh recalls this as the worst day of his entire life.Would it get any better?
I am so sorry to say this, but I am so glad you wrote this in here. I had a similar situation with DH and I bickering a couple days last year. (In DH defense, he did have to attend his fathers funeral the day we left for WDW) but I did feel awful, like we were the only ones. We are so bad we cant even get along in the happiest palce on earth, WDW!!!
But now I feel like we are normal, it can happen to anyone! Ty!!
I look forward to this PTR I have throughly enjoyed it!
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What a great day at AK, our first trip we also planned a 1/2 day at AK, that was definitely rectified on our next trip. There is just somuch to do and enjoy there, yes it is hot and humid but we can spend so much time here. Glad you decided on the cab, we definitely have used some of those and as you said the cost is so worth the rushing to get to another resort. Hope that the easy traveling made for a great meal.
I have decided that some people are AK people and some are not. Apparently all of the people in our world are not fans of zoos, animals, nature, science, etc. So I should have taken their recommendations with a grain of salt!
As we were rushing up the long corridor, we slowed as we came up behind an older gentleman, walking (limping) with a cane. He graciously waved us past, probably knowing we were a family who had been rushing so much to get everywhere in Disney that we never stopped to appreciate Disney.
When we caught up with rest of the line, the older gentleman was right behind us. We felt a bit sheepish, but relaxed as he started talking about Disney with us. Turns out, this was his 26th year of coming to WDW. This time, he and his DW would be staying in the RV for 2 months at the campground. Now that they are retired, they try to make the trip once or twice a year. He shared some of his Disney experiences, his family, and what he loved most about Disney. He talked about his disability as a perk at WDW since he gets to use the FP lanes. He told us more about the Guest Assistance Card. He told us how much more he has enjoyed WDW since he started needing a cane (and qualified for the GAC)—he used to rush through everything and now he can take it slow. Now he appreciates everything—even the opportunity to stand in line and meet new people. His positivity was contagious! We could not help but relax and appreciate being at WDW! He asked us about our trip so far. We said it had been a bit stressful. (My DH did not mention that the previous day was the worst day of his life.) When it was time to ride, the gentleman joined our group. The CM referred to him as “Grandpa.” We laughed, but from that point on, became our "Disney Grandpa Jim."
I sat next to DD(5) on Saorin’. I was nervous to see how she would react. She was delighted! I saw a true joy in her face that I rarely get to see. I was able to relax and enjoy the experience myself. However, my attentions were torn between the amazing scenery and the look on her face. Flying so high up in the sky, I felt like we were a normal family, having a normal experience. It was incredible.
When the ride concluded, we walked back down the corridor with our “Disney Grandpa Jim.” He, too, had noticed the Joy on DD’s face, although he did not understand why it was so amazing for us. He told us how much he loves to watch the faces of first timers experiencing Disney magic. He gave us his card and told us to contact him if we ever had any Disney questions. It was sad to say goodbye to him, but we then saw DMIL and the kids were eager to tell her about Soarin’.” They were thrilled to get to do it again, this time with Gran while DH and I hung out with DD(2) and talked about our experience on Saorin’.
This simple encounter with “Disney Grandpa Jim” changed not only the course of that Disney day, but also the course of Disney for our family. It was our second day at a Disney Park. We were crabby, impatient, and fed up with the crowds and the whiny kids. We were disappointed that the trip we planned for over a year was not going to include all of our "must see" stops. He taught us there is another, and better, way to go through Disney. We were thankful for that. He taught us the importance of slowing down and taking it all in. We vowed to slow down, go at our own pace, and try to enjoy the remaining days more. (When we got home, I sent a thank you note to Disney Grandpa Jim and we have been corresponding ever since. He has even sent our kids some WDW trinkets. Magical encounters…)
Brought tears to my eyes...loved this story, what a great one! Did you happen to get a pic of "Disney Grampa Jim"?? That would be great!
I cant wait to read more!!!
I am so sorry to say this, but I am so glad you wrote this in here. I had a similar situation with DH and I bickering a couple days last year. (In DH defense, he did have to attend his fathers funeral the day we left for WDW) but I did feel awful, like we were the only ones. We are so bad we cant even get along in the happiest palce on earth, WDW!!!
But now I feel like we are normal, it can happen to anyone! Ty!!
I look forward to this PTR I have throughly enjoyed it!
Thanks to you for this comment as well! It did feel like we were nuts. DH and I generally get along well, and rarely fight. Somehow WDW brought out the worst in us, and the worst of us as a couple. I will write more about this in the trip report, but it is one of the major reasons for a re-do!
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