The Grand Fiesta 10th Anniversary Trip Report - THREAD 3 REPORT COMPLETE Updated 11/6 About This Page:

[Colexis Mom]

<font color="blue">Day 16 – Saturday, August 25th – Our last full day……Would the rain continue, and finally a parade

Again I’m not sure what time we got up this morning, but it must have been early as it was EMH day at MGM, and we made it for that. We caught the bus from the Poly, and had to stop at the GF on the way, but it was just a quick stop. We were soon arriving at MGM, and while running in, Colin fell while he was holding his ticket. He didn’t scrape himself, so all seemed okay until we tried to go thru the turnstile. His ticket wouldn’t work. Upon further looks, it got scratched as it appears the ticket took the brunt of the fall. We were directed over to the side just inside the turnstiles, and he was given a new ticket in no time at all. Very efficient [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/082502yes_prv.gif[/img]

The plan this morning was to ride Rock N Roller Coaster. We headed that way, and I got in line first. I breezed thru the line as it had just opened, and was soon inside the studio. It was a great ride as usual. Then it was Matt’s turn. He went to ride while I decided to take the kids back to get some breakfast. We headed to Starring Rolls, and grabbed a table outside first. Inside, we got an M&amp;M Brownie, a bagel, a fruit tart (for me), a yellow cupcake, milk, coffee, and water. Such a nutritious breakfast, all for $20. Heck, it was the last day of vacation, so we might as well get away with it while we can.

The kids and I finished, and still no word from Matt. We had a potty emergency, so I went down Sunset to the restroom. Matt finally called and he met us outside. He ate his breakfast while the rest of us lathered up with sunscreen.

The first attraction was One Man’s Dream, as we hadn’t made it in here yet. I didn’t take any pictures as it was a quick trip. Actually I think it was just me and the kids (Matt was finishing his coffee). Then we saw a whole bunch of people congregating near where WWTBAM used to be. There was a line forming for something. So, we jumped in line. Then people had tickets [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img] I asked someone where they got the ticket, and they were handing them out in front. Ticket in hand, we made out way inside. This was one of the shows of the Magical Beginnings promotion. I think it was Mickey’s Magic Show (or something to that effect). No photography or video was allowed, so no pictures [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/082502no_prv.gif[/img] It was a cute show, but we were all sitting on chairs (hard metal) on the ground, so if you were in the back like we were, it was a little hard for the kids to see. Still worth it though [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/082502yes_prv.gif[/img]

After the show, we collected our strollers and saw Kim Possible and Ron Stoppable this time doing autographs. Alas, no one would wait in line with me. I’m a little fuzzy on what happened next. I know we went to Streets of America and saw Lightning McQueen.



Then the Power Rangers came out. But Alexa isn’t in any of the pictures. I think Matt took her into the HISTK playground, while Colin and I waited in line. I did pass a fellow Passporter who had a pouch on, but I was too far away, and couldn’t leave Colin standing in line all by himself [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/sorry.gif[/img] I don’t even know who it was [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img]



The crowds were certainly much more than they were two weeks ago when we were here, as at that time, we were able to get thru every Power Ranger that was out. This time, we only made it thru 3 of them, just by luck. We knew where the Green Ranger stands, so we waited there. As soon as he came over, everyone just stood looking at him (since the others were still being introduced) so I pushed Colin forward and we got our picture first [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/blush.gif[/img] Then for the Pink Ranger, we were the last ones.

It was back to the playground to find Matt and Alexa. I left them all in there while I went to do some shopping (or looking) in the store right across the way. Nothing stuck my fancy, so I gathered up the brood, and we headed up by Al’s Toybarn.



All the characters were out again, but no takers. It was getting close to lunch time by now, so Pizza Planet it was. We grabbed a table outside with an umbrella, and I went in to get the food. Three cheese pizzas later (and some drinks) for $23 and our tummies were full. Matt had gone into the Christmas store that was around the corner and said I should have a look, but I didn’t see anything that I liked. I then took the kids into the Stage One store across the way, and picked up some trinkets (magnets, calendar, magnet for my car, and candy). That done, we made our way past Star Tours.

Alexa decided she wanted to ride (with some prodding from Matt) so I took Colin (who I think might have been napping by this time) and we went and sat in the Backlot Express tables. It was just starting to rain, and I wanted a cover over me. We stayed dry, and soon Alexa and Matt found me and we were on our way out of the park. It was just spritzing here and there by this point, more annoying than anything else.

We got to the bus stop, and there was quite a line. And we waited. And waited. Finally, a bus came, but it was for the TTC (which was the bus stop right next to us). So we gave up (along with a bunch of other people) and high tailed it into that line. I think Colin was still asleep at this point, but thankfully someone gave up their seat for Matt to sit, because the bus was full. At least it was only one stop. Once we got to the TTC, the skies opened up and there was a huge downpour. We made our way back to the Poly, and were quite wet by the time we got back to the room (at least we remembered to bring the ponchos this time). We were greeted to a room that hadn’t been cleaned yet [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif[/img] It was close to 2 at this point, and it was just another sore eye on the whole Poly saga. I know there are rooms at the beginning and end of the line, but it just wasn’t convenient.

Matt needed a quick nap, and was asleep in no time. Alexa and I just watched TV and I tidied up. Just after 2:30, there was a knock at the door, and it was housekeeping. She wanted to clean the room. I said no thanks, my husband was sleeping, we’ll just take some fresh towels. Seemed to be taken aback that I didn’t want it cleaned [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/082502no_prv.gif[/img] Are you sure (at least 5 times). YES! Ugh.

Well, the knock at the door woke up Matt, so he had a short nap for today. The skies were starting to brighten, so I wanted to go to the parade at MK. Since it was supposed to be a new one (and we had yet to see an afternoon parade this trip), everyone decided to come with me. I think Matt just didn’t want to take the kids to the pool by himself.

We just took one stroller, and headed for the monorail platform. We were soon arriving at MK, and thankfully the parade starts at the other end of the park. It was just after 3 when we got to Main Street. The sun had some out and it was HOT, but I pulled up some cement just outside of the confectionary. Of course, the kids wanted to go inside, and Matt couldn’t resist either. They came out with some Nerds, some Pop Rocks, and a Buzz Lightyear lollypop that they didn’t have at the MGM store (that Colin wanted). We waited for the parade and dripped, and it finally arrived. Gee, it looked remarkable to the parade it was supposed to replace, although the snow globes were gone [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/mad.gif[/img] What a waste! I should have gone to AK as we hadn’t seen that one ever! Instead of Share a Dream Come True, it was now Disney Dreams Come True (and that supposedly constituted a new parade [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/foreheadslap.gif[/img] )!



We headed out of the park again after that and had a bit of an issue. We were going to ride the boat back, as we’d yet to do that yet, but Colin wanted to ride the monorail. To the point of it was a temper tantrum and a scene. So I gave in and took him on the monorail, while Matt and Alexa would take the boat. It was a race to see who’d get back first!

Continued in Next Post.........

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[Colexis Mom]

<font color="blue"> ..........continued from previous post

We got on the monorail (and I think thankfully it was green) and made it to the CR okay. But after the CR, we sat on the track between the CR and the TTC for close to 10 minutes. Apparently, the monorail at the TTC had broken down. I don’t know if they took it off (I don’t think they can from there) or just made everyone get off. So it was a long road back! With lots of people complaining because they were late. As I got off the monorail at the Poly, I stopped by the desk at ‘Ohana and cancelled our ADR for tonight. There was just no way we were going to be able to fit it in, and frankly, we’d eaten enough food this trip [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/082502yes_prv.gif[/img]

As we were walking from the GCH to Fiji, who should we come upon by Matt and Alexa. So it was a tie. And their boat stopped at the GF first as well. They took some pictures while they were waiting on the dock at the MK.



I’m not sure if we went swimming this afternoon or not. I know it started to rain again, but not sure if it was enough to close the pool. If anything, it was a quick dip (and I think we did swim). I think we did swim, as Matt took them and I went to the GCH to get my boarding passed printed out. We still managed to get the A group. Then I went and joined them all the pool. Back at the room, I gave the kids tubs while Matt went to get some food at Captain Cooks. He came back with some yogurt, cheetos, a kids’ chicken meal, a chicken stir fry for him, and another order of fries ($21). We just ate in the room, and I started packing everything up. Matt went off to take some pictures near the GF and the Wedding Pavilion.



I sat on the patio and took my own pictures.



Once Matt came back, we decided to go back to the MK for the night. We gather up our ponchos and stuff, and made our way back to the monorail. We stopped in one of the stores in the GCH house and looked at some things first.



Of course, we had to make a pit stop after we got onto the monorail for one of the kids, so we exited at the GF and used their facilities.



Once back on the monorail, and approaching the MK, the sun came out, and a beautiful rainbow appeared.


From the monorail

When we got off the monorail platform, the rainbow was still out, so I took another picture near the docks.



Once inside, I don’t remember where we headed. I’m sure we followed our normal path of getting a FP for Buzz, heading to the racecars and riding those, and then heading back to Buzz. Something magical happened on my Buzz ride, as somehow, the machine was malfunctioning. It didn’t matter what I hit, but all of a sudden, it was 200,000 then 400,000 and then 800,000 and finally 999,999. I had to take a picture since no one would believe me otherwise [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/082502no_prv.gif[/img] And I wasn’t even halfway thru the ride yet [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img]



We then made a stop at Auntie Gravitys for a smoothy and some ice cream ($10). I remember walking thru Fantasyland again, and I think we rode Winnie The Pooh again! The rain had finally stopped, and we had put the ponchos away. Spectro had just started, so we made our way to Adventureland. We decided to skip the parade again, and instead we did the Jungle Cruise. We walked right onto the boat, and had another great guide [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/082502yes_prv.gif[/img] It was a great time, and a great way to end the vacation. We thought about doing Pirate’s again, but decided not to and instead headed out of the park.

The parade was gone from Main Street, but the crowds weren’t, so we made our way thru the shops, which worked out quite nicely. We were soon saying farewell to the MK, and to another Disney vacation [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/zcry.gif[/img] We took the monorail back, and were back at the Poly before 9:45.

The kids wanted a drink, so I headed back to Trader Jacks to get some. They’re cheaper here than from the soda machines [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/082502yes_prv.gif[/img] On the way back, I stopped and watched Wishes for a bit from the Marina, and the music was much louder in this location. The luau was also just getting out, so there were quite a few people around.

Once back in the room, I finished packing while Matt went to fill up the car with gas. The Hess station at the CCC was now out of order (refurbishment) so he had to go all the way down near the Swan/Dolphin. He took one bag that was already packed out to the car, and then came back and took the other two that I had finished. I think I made it to bed before midnight, which was pretty good all considering. Tomorrow would be a somewhat early morning, as our flight left at 8:50, so I wanted to leave the hotel by 6:30.

Memories of our Sixteenth Day
The weather today was…….HOT, sunny AM, rainy PM although not as much rain as days past
The best thing today was……..riding RnRC
The worst thing today was……….getting stuck on the monorail between the CR and TTC.
The funniest thing today was………the kids playing in the HISTK playground.
Today we tried……….Auntie Gravitys…….
And the result was………great ice cream
The most magical moment today was…………riding Jungle Cruise at night. There’s just something special about that ride at night!




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[Colexis Mom]

<font color="blue"> Day 17 – Sunday, August 26th – Back to reality, and who turned off the heat???

I think we woke up around 5:30 or 6 and took showers. Matt took the rest of the bags to the car, and then we gathered up the sleepy kids and headed out of the room. Our checkout tag was already on our door, so that was nice as we didn’t have to track that down. There was a peacefulness about the resort at this time of morning, and the monorail was already sitting at the station.

We finished loading up the car, and made our way to MCO. It was an uneventful drive, although we didn’t have enough change, and had to borrow from Alexa and her stash [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/sorry.gif[/img] There were lots of attendants checking in cars at the airport, and we had our receipt in no time! And we grabbed a skycab to help us bring all the stuff.

We headed to the check in line, and used the kiosk to get our luggage tags. The skycap stayed with us, which was great but unusual normally they just dumped our stuff and headed back to the garage. It was a good thing he stayed, as he loaded the bags onto the weight scales for us, and one bag was 54 pounds [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/eek.gif[/img] [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/eek.gif[/img] We did some rearranging, got them all within limits, and then he helped us bring them over to the x-ray machine. I must say, he went above and beyond any service we’d ever gotten from a skycap before, and he was duly tipped [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/082502yes_prv.gif[/img] [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/thanx.gif[/img]

We headed to the gates, and the line wasn’t too bad. In the haste of packing last night, the TSA found something they didn’t like in the carryon, and we had to open it up. Apparently it was Matt’s lens cleaner for the camera, which was a small pump bottle. Matt explained what it was, and he let us keep it and we were soon on our way. Once at the gate, we pulled up our piece of carpet in the pre-board area, and waited. And waited.

The flight was on time, and we were soon on our way back to CT. As we were approaching BDL, the pilot gave us the weather update. Cloudy, and a temperature of 58 degrees [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/eek.gif[/img] [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/eek.gif[/img] [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/eek.gif[/img] You’ve got to be kidding me. We’re in tank tops and shorts, with no sweatshirts to be found! Needless to say, we froze when we got off the plane [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/082502yes_prv.gif[/img] We had a bit of an issue, and they misplaced the stroller we gate checked, so everyone was off the plane before someone came and helped me. They found it. I blame it on Matt and his insistence of wrapping a garbage bag around the thing.

We were soon back at our car (and digging for sweatshirts in the bags), blasted the heat on for the ride home, and arrived home just after lunch. I was tempted to turn the heat on in the house, but I held off.

Bags were opened, and the laundry ritual began. THE END!! Thanks for reading [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/thanx.gif[/img]

Coming Up Next……..final thoughts and scanned pictures………which won’t be until November as we’re headed to California tomorrow



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[MontiMouse]

Great report Marnie! I enjoyed reading every minute of it and I loved all the pictures. Alexa and Colin are growing up so quickly and they are cuter than ever!

[karmic]

What a wonderful, long trip you had! I have been following the report and have enjoyed every word and picture! Have a great time in California! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/thanx.gif[/img]

[Meggera]

What a great trip. And yes, it was long! I've never had such a long vacation. Thanks for sharing with us and have fun in California!

[angiek1024]

Awesome report Marnie! Wow that was a long trip! Sounds like a wonderful trip and I am glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for sharing with us!

[award]

Great trip report!! I have enjoyed it very much!!! Thanks!

[lauren-roxy]

Great report Marnie!! I have really enjoyed reading about your fantastic trip!!! You guys really did a lot!!!!! Love the pictures too, the kids are adorable!! Have a safe trip to California and I can't wait to read your final thoughts and see more photos!!

[chezp]

Excellent report Marnie - I loved reading every word of it. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

What a shame about the Magic Kingdom parade - you're right, it's just like the one it replaced. At least you've warned us not to expect something totally new! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/waytogo.gif[/img]

I'm glad you were able to sort out those cases on your way home - boy, do I know that feeling! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/082502yes_prv.gif[/img]

[lindawdw]

Great ending to a great trip Marnie! I always look forward to reading your trip reports. You have a great style of writing and you make the reader feel as if they are there with you. Thank you for taking so much time to entertain us! Have fun in California. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

[WDWfan]

Marnie - Great updates! I [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/love.gif[/img] the picture of Colin with the Blue Power Ranger. He look so tough! My kids used to love the HISTK playground and it looks like yours enjoy it as well.

I'm looking forward to your final thoughts. Have a great trip to CA and I'll be waiting for them when you come back.

[christiejay]

Thanks for taking the time to share all this, I know it took a bit of effort! But it was greatly enjoyed by all. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/082502yes_prv.gif[/img]

[MAria R]

Great updates and TR.

[kathy320]

Marnie I loved your trip report!!! Thank you for putting all 17 days in for review!!!! couldn't imagine spending 17 days away.....how nice and relaxing it must have been!!! I can;t wait for the recap! Have a great time in California.