After Life

This is Cavett's take on Pinocchio's song....

Wrapping it up

Saturday night we headed back to the Contemporary for a very nice dinner at the California Grill and a beautiful view of Magic Kingdom. I highly recommend this restaurant if you are in the area. Cavett got to test out his manners and he got many compliments. Afterwards we headed back to MK where we rode Buzz Lightyear and the Astro Orbiter again. Stephen and I traded off and we rode our only roller coaster for the week--Space Mountian. Still as fun as ever.

The next morning we packed up, checked out and headed to Hollywood Sutdios for breakfast with the Little Einsteins at Hollywood and Vine. Unfortunately, JoJo and Goliath were there instead of Annie and Quincy. But, we did have some fun with Leo and June. I even got into the action! We rode Toy Story Mania again and did meet up with Annie and Quincy as well as take the BackLot Tour and get in a little more play time at the Honey I Shrunk the Kids set.

The plane ride home lwft much to be desired. We were in a holding pattern due to weather in Houston until we had no more fuel left. So we had to land in Lafayette. Our plane was supposed to arrive about 5:10 in Houston. Instead, it was more like 8:30. We hadn't had lunch since wehad such a gigantic breakfast. Luckily, we had some Pop Tarts left and in our carry-on. After the batteries ran out on both the laptop and the DVD player, we were able to convince Cavett to take a nap. He then colored, played with Silly Putty and was generally very well behaved.

It was a really great trip and we look forward to doing it again when both boys are tall enough to ride all the rides.

Low Expectations = Magical Moments

Yesterday I let Cavett sleep in. We were headed to Epcot, so it wasn't necessary to get a huge jump on the day. He slept until 10:30. We arrived at Epcot by 11 and Dad joined us around 1 at the Mexican World Showcase for lunch. After lunch we were able to do all the rides in Epcot that Cavett could ride--Figment's Imagination, Ellen's Universe of Energy, Spaceship Earth, The Land, Nemo, Talkin' Turtle with Crush, Mexico's ride and Norway's ride/film.

If you haven't read the updates to "My Disney Thoughts," I was a bit disappointed in Epcot. My first trip to Disney World was November of 1988 and Epcot was my favorite. I really thought it was cool and of course I loved the countries because I love to travel. What was unexpected this time was that not much had been updated. I thought Epcot was supposed to be on the cutting edge of the future. But I guess that the 1982 "future" has come to pass and they don't know where to head next. Innoventions was closed, the Energy ride/film was the same, Norway's film was exactly the same, the Land hasn't changed, Figment was the same. They had updated Spaceship Earth somehow, but it seemed to be the same to me. Hopefully, Epcot will get an overhaul soon.

The magical part of the day was that while we were eating dinner at the Rose and Crown in England, a cast member named Heather came to our table and told Cavett that Mickey Mouse got held up on the Monorail and wouldn't make it in time to start the fireworks. Mickey had asked them if there was a little boy eating macaroni and cheese that could do it for him. She gave him a wand with a rainbow of colors and they sprinkled pixie dust on it. When the appropriate time came, Cavett "blew" out all the torches that were lit around the lagoon and used the wand to make the fireworks start. It was just fantastic and he loved every minute of it. He made sure that there were blue and green fireworks too, since those are his favorite colors.

I thought that would be the end of the "magic," but it had only just begun! As we were repeating all our favorite rides at Magic Kingdom this morning, we met Alice and the Mad Hatter. As we were talking to her, she asked Cavett if he would like to ride the Tea Cups with her!!!!! We met her back at the appropriate time and he told her, "I'm gonna make you dizzy!" Cavett chose a green tea cup and off they went. When they got off the ride, they both acted like they were very dizzy.

So, I guess it's the little extra things that Disney does that makes the "magic." It's the smiles, the cordial words, the extra time they take to try to make every thing right if a ticket doesn't work or you can't get back to a ride during your FastPass. It may not be that you get to ride in a parade or that you get to spend the night in the castle, but all cast members try to make you feel special in some tiny way or another. We just got extremely lucky that something bigger happened two times.

A Few Thoughts on Disney-UPDATED

***UPDATED*** See # 8-11.
Here are some thoughts/opinions I've had about Disney this week. Take them for what they are worth, just somethings to ponder...


1. What happened to Christopher Robin? Who is this Darby chick?


2. Wishes/dreams/hopes to me equal prayers. So, this whole idea of "Where your dreams come true!" is just phoney. How many times have kids gone home disappointed because they didn't get to see their favorite character or their favorite ride was closed or it started raining, etc. For adults, I think if we had our prayers answered, there would be no waiting around on transportation, or for rides and shows. This place is so NOT-UN-realistic, it isn't even funny.



3. Why can't they serve something other than chicken nuggets to kids? I understand they have to serve "kid-friendly" food, but how about having Mac-N-Cheese, Spaghetti, Corn Dogs, Pizza more readily available? They are really trying by offering grapes and apples, but we could use a side of corn, green beans, black beans, or peas.



4. Would Walt really approve of all this? Did he invision families spending this much money and wasting so much time? I know we are all here to have a little free enterprise, but really. How many millions of plastic and felt ears have they sold for $10 a piece, not to mention tickets, food, hotel, etc.? Would he really approve of some of these rides or scary effects for young children? I thought he was commited to the American Family?




5. I can't believe that I have actually found myself waving at characters right along with Cavett. It's a strange phenomenon. I catch myself and I feel silly.



6. Character Greetings- No longer do characters walk around and shake hands, etc. It has now become a big ordeal. There are long lines. Just to see Mickey in his "tent" your wait could be an hour or more! Unless you schedule a dinner with him, this is your only opportunity to see him up close. The phenomenon I don't understand about it is the autograph book. Why? It seems so ridiculous. Just getting autographs in general, to me, is silly. But, it takes up so much more time making lines longer.

7. Tiny kiddos and un-happy ones- Yesterday I witnessed some parents forcing their 2 year old child onto the Kiddy Roller Coaster. She was crying and didn't want to go, but they were making her. Again, why make them? I have also seen soooooo many babies. They are hot and fussy or they are konked out. Maybe they don't have the luxury that I do in leaving them at home. I am so thankful for Gail, my MIL, in that she was able to help out in this regard. Otherwise, Cavett wouldn't have had a very good time and I would have been miserable trying to do it all and Cavett going on rides by himself? I don't think so!

8. If I had a daughter and she had to walk around the park dressed as something, it wouldn't be a princess. She would have to be Alice in Wonderland. She is much cuter and still a little girl.

9. I have to take back a couple of things I have said about #3. Lately we have been finding more veggies. Cavett has had peas, corn and carrots, green beans and he even ate some canteloupe.

10. I also take back the "magic" part. See tomorrow's post about tonight. I'm just too tired to write the whole thing right now.

11. Epcot's Future World seems sad. It's now been open 25 years and hardly anything has changed. It's totally 80's. Spaceship Earth is basically the same, but still cool. The energy movie is virtually the same as I remember. The Land ride through the greenhouse-same. I think both the Innoventions were closed. I guess the thing is that we have moved into the digital, computer future of what they were dreaming about in 1982 and they don't know what to do now. The best part of Future World was the Seas. They have focused on Nemo and added a ride as well as an interactive "Talk Turtle with Crush." You are in a theater with a screen showing Crush and friends all the while someone backstage is watching the audiences through cameras and talking and interacting with you. Pretty cool.

Sweet and Silly

This week has been really wonderful in getting to love on Cavett. I have told him so almost everyday as I am hugging him or kissing him while holding him waiting in a line, or on a bus or boat. Some of you may know that he was/is not a cuddler. He's too active. I guess we have worn him out sufficiently. It's almost 9 AM and he's still sleeping this morning. Anyway, sometimes he wants me to stop and put him down and I say, "I'm just lovin' on ya." So, now he's started doing it back to me. He'll kiss us or give us a hug that may be too rought and he'll say in the cutest, sweetest voice, "I'm just lovin' on ya." It's the "ya" that really gets me laughing.

Last night as we left the Fantasmic show at Hollywood Studios, I guess Cavett was on beyond tired, although we got to the room earlier than any night this week. He was just trying to keep himself awake and as he was waiting in line he was doing the Russian puppet dance from Pinocchio. The only way you might have recognized it was from the "hey"! It's pretty silly looking. He entertained quite a few people with it.

As for our day yesterday, it was fairly laid back and it was all about the playgrounds. We returned to Animal Kingdom and rode the Safari ride again and this time added Rafiki's Planet Watch train where you get a behind the scenes look at the animals cages for the safari. Next we headed to DinoLand U.S.A. where we rode yet another Dumbo like ride, the Triceratop Spin. Then we went to the Dinosaur Boneyard. Pretty cool playground with caves, slides, etc. There is also a dig that we didn't get to because, unfortunately, it started to rain. With tears in his eyes, we headed back to the bus just before the downpour. Stephen was done at lunch today so we met him back at the hotel for lunch and a nap.

After we headed to Hollywood Studios for a very earlly dinner at Mama Melrose, an Italian joint. But we got there early enough to check out the set of "Honey I Shunk the Kids." It's another pretty cool playground and of course we didn't get to play long enough. Afterwards, we decided to brave the lines and stood for 90 minutes to ride "Toy Story Mania" again. Still well worth it. We had just a bit of time before the show, so we stepped inside the Magic of Animation film and "museum." I wish we had had more time and the animators had been at their desk. Pretty interesting to see the art and how it is all put together.

Last but not least we headed toward our super, secret entrance for the Fantasmic show. This is the largest show with capacity for 10,000 people. People get there an upwards of 2 hours for their seat. But, we got the meal package and got reserved seating for the show. Well worth it. The show was pretty good, although I think all the hype about it led to a bit of disappointment. Don't get me wrong, it was good, but I guess I am more of a musical (like Nemo/Lion King) kind of person. The effect of showing film clips on water that was sprayed upwards like a fan was neat, but other than that it was just ok. I also prefer just the plain ol' fireworks at Magic Kingdom.

As soon as snoozer wakes up we will head to Epcot. Hopefully, he has slept enough that Dad can meet us there and our nap can be late in the afternoon. Ok, make that 10:30 AM!

Packing It All In

Today we really packed it all in and I feel that we have really "done" Magic Kingdom. If we went home right now, I'd be fine with it. Here's how the day went...

1. Jungle Cruise- still cheesy


2. Aladdin's Magic Carpet- just like Dumbo


3. Pirates of the Carribbean- little scary with skeletons, but not bad


4. Swiss Family Robinson- kept asking where the family was (loves that movie now!)


5. Country Bear Jamboree- terrible and Cavett wasn't that interested, but we got to cool off
   
6. Train Ride to Toon Town




7. Several character greetings- Robin Hood, Friar Tuck, Jimney Cricket, Max, Racoon from Poccahontas, Mr. Smee, Aristocats, Dopey




8. Goofy's Barnstormer Roller Coaster- 30 second ride, rode 2X because line was so short
   
9. Speedway


10. Tea Cups


11. Winnie the Pooh


12. 3D Philharmagic


13. Snow White


14. Ate lunch at Pinnochio's Pizza


15. Peter Pan- my favorite ride in Fantasy Land


16. It's a Small World- 272 little dolls singing


17. Ice Cream


18. 3:00 Parade


19. Nap
    
20. Dad joined us back at aTommorow Land for Buzz Lightyear for the 3rd and 4th trip


21. I went to Stich's Escape- Walt would definitely NOT approve. Sensory experience (smells, sprays, etc.) and I felt VERY violated. I thought it was a ride. Do not go to this...EVER.


22. Astro Orbiter- like Dumbo, but fast and higher


23. Monorail to Contemporary


24. Dinner at Chef Mickey's with Micky, Minnie, Pluto, Donald and Goofy at 9:15
    
    Funniest part of the day was at dinner. Cavett finally got some good vegetables. We kept getting him to eat them by telling him that as soon as he ate a bite, a character would come over. He put some broccoli in his mouth just as Donald came over. But, Cavett wouldn't hug him or say hi until his mouth was empty. Donald had some funny moves waiting on Cavett, but hey, at least we are polite.

I highly recommend having a character meal that is toward closing. We were one of the last ones out of the restaurant, so we got lots of attention and it wasn't as crazy.

First Day Without Dad

Dad left this morning before Cavett even woke up. We were on our own. We left the hotel around 8:30 and as soon as we headed toward the boat dock, the boat appeared. Perfect timing! We also hit Hollywood Studios perfectly as well. Little wait before we were actually allowed in with our tickets and then let loose in the park. He even received a "1st time" visitor button.

Immediately, we found ourselves at Mickey's Sorcerer's Apprentice Hat (which is the icon of this park.) Out stepped Minnie and Daisy! We were the second in line to take pictures. Then on the other side of the hat we found Donald. Again, very little wait!

However, because we took this little detour on our schedule, we ended up getting to Toy Story Mania a little late. By the time we got there, the line was already an hour wait and the FastPasses were for 11:10. By the time we got our FastPass, it said 11:55. An hour later, there were no FastPasses left for the entire day! It was really no problem, but I didn't see what all the hype was about. I just figured it was very much like the Buzz Lightyear game at Magic Kingdom.

So, we went to the Great Movie Ride. Nothing new in almost 20 years on this ride. It is how I remember it and had I remembered better before we got in, I wouldn't have taken Cavett. I had him close his eyes the entire time through the Alien set. Next up was sitting in line at Playhouse Disney's Show. It was ok, just puppets that we really couldn't see very well since we were on the front row. Would have been much better, had they used people or even just a tilted stage. Then we headed to Voyage of the Little Mermaid. Very disappointing. Ariel must have been new--bad acting, bad singing, and she messed up some of the words. How do you mess up "Part of Your World?" Doesn't every girl know the words to that song??? The show was also a let down especially after seeing Nemo at Animal Kingdom. There were puppets, but not as good as Nemo, they just showed a lot of the movie and Ariel "sang." Don't waste your time.

By this time Cavett was getting hungry so we stopped off for the 3rd meal in a row (besides breakfast) of chicken nuggets and french fries. Ugh! 12:00 rolled around and we headed to see what the "Buzz" was all about for Toy Story. It was fantastic and I think I would wait the extra hour. Luckily, we didn't have to though. When you walk in there are huge sets of "old school" toys-Tinker Toys, Operation, Blocks, etc. You wear a set of 3-D glasses and are in a little car with a funny little popping gun. You are whizzed through a track where you pass and stop at several different screens that show 3D animations of a scene at a fair's fairway. You shoot your gun at the items and rack up points. What makes it so much fun and better than Buzz Lightyear at MK is the fact that the aim is more accurate, you can see your ammo hitting the target, it's 3D and it's just plain cute! The reason why it is so popular besides the reasons named, is it is one of the only RIDES that little kids can and would want to do at this park. Highly recommended.

We briefly saw mater and Lightning, but this was as close as we could get. Next we hit yet another 3D movie, the Muppets. Again, 3D tricks, just ok compared to others. The rain then began and we were able to get to the boat again just as it was pulling up. A little ice cream in the lobby and he fell asleep in under 10 minutes as I am typing this up. He's been such a troop and we have had very few and very short melt downs. What a blessing!

Hopefully we can head to the pool later this afternoon. Tonight Stephen and I go to Universal Studios for the IACA Instructors dinner. Cavett will have a "fairy godmother" named Carrie, come stay with him while he catches up on his sleep tonight. Tomorrow we will head back to Magic Kingdom for Frontier Land and Adventure Land. Until then I'll leave you with a few more thoughts I have on Disney in general.......

Magic Kingdom with un pieu francais

Today was mainly spent at the Magic Kingdom. We got to the park in time to be toward the front of the gates when they opened at 9. It was a "Dumbo or Die" morning. We headed straight there and rode it 2X without any waits. In fact we accomplished ALL of Fantasy Land by 11:30 a.m. without any waits and we rode the Tea Cups (one of Cavett's favorites) 2x's as well. My favorite was Mickey's Philharmagic--another 3D movie, but much more kid friendly. Cavett also loved seeing Tigger and Pooh.


Next we headed toward Tommorow Land for an early lunch at Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe and then on to Buzz Lightyear (Stephen's favorite). It was like an arcade game turned ride and you compete against the person you are riding with. Stephen won both times we rode. Lines were starting to build, but with the FastPass option, we avoided it, except for a 20 minute wait for the Laugh Floor of Monster's Inc. (Also rode Tomorrowland Transit Authority and Carousel of Progress).


We left the park to take a nap just as the rain began. Unfortunately, we were awoken though by renovations going on above us. So, we decided to go ahead and get up and go to Epcot via the boat. We had no reservations, but found an open table at Les Chef de Francais in France. Again, we split the meal and it was plenty of food and very tasty. Later, we headed toward the front of the park to Spaceship Earth. We rode SE and then took the monorail to the Magic Kingdom.





Cavett was able to ride in the nose of the monorail for both of the legs of the trip. It was the highlight of his day!



Once in the Magic Kingdom, we got some dessert and waited, and waited and waited for the parade and fireworks. Yes, they were spectacular, but it's just a lot of people in a little space waiting, and waiting. Did I mention we waited? :) Cavett still had fun blowing bubbles and made freinds with Roberto and Allie on either side of us. I don't think we will do the nightly parade/fireworks at MK again this trip, but I am glad we did it tonight. Tomorrow Dad will not be with us as we travel to Hollywood Studios. His meetings begin, but will have a few hours with us later in the week.

What a Day!

This morning found us awake at 4:30 am. We headed to Whataburger for a bite and then off to the airport. Unfortunately, we seemed to be running behind "my" schedule and I was hurrying Stephen to the point of speeding. Unfortunately, a cop found us out and pulled us over on the beltway. Just when we thought he would for sure give us a ticket, he gave Stephen a warning. Maybe it was because we were in the "ghetto" car.

We made it to the gate just in time for perfect boarding. The flight was without a hitch as was getting to the hotel by town car. We stopped off at a grocery store for some breakfast/snack items and water. After checking in to the Dolphin, we went to our room. All I can say is--GI--ENORMOUS!!!!!!!! We weren't able to get a King and a pull-out, but this room is way better. It is a room and a half or maybe 2 rooms almost--2 beds, then a big kitchen like round table, a desk, a couch, 2 sitting chairs, a wet bar and a flat screen. The bathroom has two separate sink areas and two separate, huge closets. Not only that, but we can see Cinderella's Castle in the distance! I highly recommend this room.

After lunch at The Fountain, a soda shop grease pit at the hotel, we headed to Animal Kingdom. Immediately we hit "It's a Bugs Life" inside the Tree of Life. There was about a 10 minute wait and then we walked right to our seats. This is a 3D show with lots of sensory experiences. (Bugs blow wind toward you, fly at you, spew "acid" at you, and a stink bug "stinks" you.) After 5 minutes, Cavett was done and we left early. It was the first and worst experience of the day.

Cavett recovered as we headed toward Africa with an eye toward the safari. I don't know what the deal was today, but we only waited for one other Safari "Jeep" to head our way--max wait time 5 minutes. We saw all kinds of animals in their natural habitats seeming to roam free. At bedtime, that is what Cavett said was the most awesome thing of the day.

Next, we headed toward where we would wait for the parade. It was funny to follow the parade route where people were waiting. Cavett waved to everyone as if he were in the parade. I had scoped the "books" and they all said hit the parade 20 minutes after they start, back at where they end. It was the perfect place and we had lots of character attention.

Lion King was next. Again, we waited a mere 10 minutes! It was ok, just an amalgamation of the on stage musical. Nothing truly specatular, although the monkey gymnastics were fun to watch. Afterwards, we went to Nemo, the musical. SPECTACULAR!!!! It was like a miniature Broadway musical. Maybe it hit home, just becuase this musical/movie seems to be from a parent perspective, but it really was great. The puppetry was similar to Lion King and the songs were good.

As we left Nemo, we were hoping to hit the Kali River Rapids, but it was raining with lightning and thunder, so we decided on dinner at Yak and Yeti instead. Since we had a huge lunch, we opted to split Beef and Broccoli and Pork Pot Stickers 3 ways. Again, great food. We had an enjoyable ride home and had some ice cream at the hotel.

Cavett hit the pillow at 9:00 pm and never thought twice about putting up a fight. In fact, I have been on the computer for an hour and he hasn't even moved. Hopefully, our day at Magic Kingdom will be just as "magical!"

FAGD

We are so proud of our Dad and husband today. This morning at 3:30 am, Stephen got up to catch a flight to Orlando for the AGD (Acadeny of General Dentistry) meeting. Today he will receive the FAGD (Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry) award. This means that he has completed 500+ hours of continuing education. Only 4% of the dentists in the nation are able to claim this honor and put these initials behind DDS. We are so very proud of him and wish we were there to watch.

Funny thing, the meeting is at the exact same hotel (The Dolphin) that we will be staying at next week during our trip to Disney World and Stephen's next dental meeting (IACA for LVI students). So, I can't wait till he gets home tonight to give us the preview of the place!

Our First Date

Last night we had our first date. No, not Stephen and I, but Stephen and I with Cavett. We found a last minute babysitter and left Kendrick at home. I tried to make a big to-do about Cavett. It was "his" time without a little brother.

We got all dressed up and picked Dad up from work. Cavett picked out our restaurant, sort of. All week long we have been driving by a restaurant at lunch time, after I pick Cavett up from Olympic camp (more on that tomorrow.) It smelled so good and we talked about the fact that they make food like Pei Wei (which he loves!) He was totally intrigued with the statues of the horses and I had a coupon that expired that day as well. So, we went to P.F. Chang's.

It is probably the nicest restaurant that Cavett has even been to. We talked about manners--keeping our napkin in our lap, speaking in our quiet voice and not talking with food in our mouth. The funniest part was the appetizer. He was having trouble with the last 2 bites of his Crab Wonton. So, I picked it up and held it for him to bite. He really lit in to my finger accidentally. I gave a little yelp, he looked at me and said, "Are you ok? Did you pee in your pants?" I didn't know whether to laugh or cry!

After dinner we went to see Wall-E. It was a cute movie, but definitely not one of my Pixar favorites. It's a bit of a stretch for a 3 year old--hard to follow in the beginning when there is very little spoken word. As an adult, you are trying to figure it all out as well. It's a "green" movie, but not obnoxious about it. Set 700 years in the future, Wall-E is the only robot left to "clean up" the earth, so that humans can return. He's a pretty cute robot with a romantic heart. It was entertaining, but I don't think we will ever make it to that point with the earth. God made our world and our bodies to live here. I don't think he ever intended on us living in space. I don't believe he will let us trash the world to the point of us having to evacuate. Yes, we need to do our part to take care of it. But, personally, I believe He will come again to restore our earth and make all things right again before any scenerio like this movie portrays happens. Still cute movie, just science fiction.

Now, I did have some good belly laughs with the short they showed before the movie, Presto. Those are always my favorite part of Pixar movies anyway. Why can't they make cartoons like that anymore? Hello?!?! Has anyone taken a look to see what is on Cartoon Network these days? Sad.

Anyway, it was a fun evening with a "growing up" little boy. We are going to have so much fun at Disney World! I think I am more excited about it than Cavett is. I can't wait!

Making the Map

Now that one vacation is over, I have begun planning for the next. I am really excited about this one even though it will be more work than relaxing. Stephen has a dental meeting at Disney World the last week of July, so we are taking Cavett and leaving Kendrick at Grandmama's. We are arriving 2 days early so that Dad can enjoy the parks too, but for the most part, it will be Cavett and me venturing into the creative genius of Walt Disney.

Tonight I wanted to involve Cavett and get him interested. He's really very good at directions, so I thought if we drew out a child friendly map he could look at it and maybe help me out when we get there, not to mention it's an educational tool. We drew out the map, he added the train and a boat for the Jungle Cruise, but for the most part he watched. He liked telling me what color to draw certain things. Afterwards, I told him where we would start, he mapped our route out with his finger as I called out each ride. It is now posted on the refridgerator.

Next, we took 27 pieces of notepad paper and wrote the numbers for our day count down. It's now posted next to his sink in his bathroom.

I guess we got him a little too excited. Just a few minutes ago he woke up and told Dad, "I'm all done sleeping and ready to go to DisneyWorld." Stephen said, "It's 27 days. It's a long time." Cavett replied, "I don't want to sleep for a long time."