The “I’ve never been to Disney for 10 days before” - Updated 7/15 About This Page:

[tammyd_rn]

I totally agree. Our childrens faces are what keep us coming back. I love to see the World through their eyes.

[simbarel]

Ok, I'm tragically behind but I can't wait to catch up because a) I love a good Jill TR and b) I hope to World with a 19 month old and I need some reference points. Can't wait to read about you guys's crazy adventures!

[gwugirl03]

Jill, I am just catching up, but I love it so far. I am having trouble tearing myself away so that I can get my work done. Keep it coming!

[Jillybean]

Saturday, June 2 Day Two

A little voice woke me up about 7 a.m. . . . .Mommy . . . Mommy. I looked up to see my baby girl peering over the side of the pack and play. I quickly changed her diaper, threw on some clothes, grabbed her sippy cup and we were off to the lounge for a little early morning nourishment. I fixed Maddie a plate with mini muffins and dry Fruit Loops and then poured milk for her and a cup of coffee for me. We went back to our usual spot - - Maddie cared little for tv, but she loved sitting in those little chairs at a table her own size. We enjoyed our little breakfast and a little walk around the floor exploring and meeting other guests before we decided to head back to the room to wake the rest of our crew. On the way back to our room, we stopped by the concierge desk to ask what happened to the Pirate Cruise that morning in the case of rain since showers were called for today. Within seconds, the CM had discovered that the hunt would take place indoors at GF. Perfect!

Mary Devall and I had to be at GF at 9:30 for her Pirate Cruise and my massage. I had assumed that someone from WL could take us to GF as they did last year for the Princess Tea so we wouldn’t have to eat up an hour of our morning on Disney transportation. In other words, I was taking my time. I took a shower and then we all went back to the lounge to enjoy breakfast. Thom immediately tried the cappuccino machine and he raved about his café mocha. Not to be outdone, I then had to try a café latte which I really enjoyed (we really really miss that machine ).

When we were ready to go about 8:30, I grabbed a second latte and approached one of the CM’s about asking someone to drive us. She said that their runner had called in sick that day, but she would walk downstairs and see if she could get a vehicle to drive me. I told her that wasn’t necessary, but she insisted. We all went down to the lobby together where Thom and Maddie took off for a stroller ride and she disappeared behind the desk. A bit of time passed before she came out and said she couldn’t find anything. At that point, it was 8:50 and I was getting nervous. She apologized a good bit, but I told her not to worry about it and we would do the best we could to get there. In hindsight, I should have found Thom and he could have driven us right over, but I wasn’t thinking since we usually don’t have a car with us.

So . . . Mary Devall and I hot footed it to the dock where the first boat to arrive was going to the Contemporary. We took that short ride and quickly made our way through the hotel to the monorail. I normally don’t wear a watch and I didn’t even dare glance at someone else’s on the monorail because I knew it would just make me nervous. I tried to calmly sip my latte and convince myself that we were going to make it. When we got to the GF, I grabbed Mary Devall and took off for the back of the hotel. When we got outside, I was baffled so I asked a CM where the marina was and he pointed us in the right direction. When we turned the corner, I could see that people were still gathering, so I breathed a sigh of relief and slowed down our pace. When we walked up, the clock read about 9:27 so we had made it!

I stood in a short line to register Mary Devall and then she was given her pirates ears and a life jacket.


The sky was filled with dark clouds, but since no rain was actually falling they were going full steam ahead with the cruise. The captain of the boat gathered the little pirates and gave them a rundown of the rules.



He then asked everyone to find a buddy, but Mary Devall was one of the ones who didn’t find a buddy. They matched her up with another little boy who was about a head taller than her. Then they all headed down the gangplank for their adventure.



Mary Devall was all smiles, but one little boy was definitely not. His parents would put him on the boat crying and he would walk right back off. The dad must have tried about three times before one of the CMs just closed the door, held the little boy, told the dad that he would be okay and told the captain to take off. I have mixed feelings about this. I know you want your children to try new things and be brave, but if the child was that upset over going without his parents then why make him? Isn’t this supposed to be fun? Everything apparently did end up being okay, but I would have had a hard time watching Mary Devall sobbing as the boat pulled away.

As you can see, I didn't have to worry about that.



The boat was just pulling out and the mini drama was over when another CM ran up yelling “Wait! We’ve got three more!” All the parents actually groaned, but I think the captain realized that there was no way that the little boy would stay on the boat if they went back so they sent out another boat with the three late comers to meet up with them.

With Mary Devall happily on her way to hunt treasure, I set out on a hunt of my own - - for the elusive spa! I honestly felt as if I was on a scavenger hunt as I reached each post telling me which direction to follow next. Just when I thought I might have to crash a ceremony at the Wedding Pavilion , I saw a sign pointing me directly to the spa. Whew! That was quite a hike . . . but well worth it!

As soon as I walked in this beautiful facility, I was greeted and checked in. I was then escorted to the ladies lounge where I was given a robe and slippers and shown how to use the locker. I was invited to have coffee or water and relax in the sitting area until my massage therapist came for me. Once I was changed and my belongings were locked away, I poured a glass of water and sat down. The lighting was so low that magazine reading wasn’t really possible although I could make out the pictures. There were several women already in the sitting area and the therapists began gradually coming in calling names. The problem is that one therapist kept calling the same name even after the two women (mother and daughter) with that name had been taken back, so we all got the giggles each time she came back calling that name. Someone else finally came and asked all of us our names. The oldest lady among us (probably in her late 60’s) said her first name and then about 3 or 4 last names. She followed that up with “I’ve had a lot of love in my life.” Oh my gosh, we all cracked up! Another lady then offered “my grandmother buried four husbands.” At this point, I didn’t even need a massage. I was having too much fun in the lounge. We were laughing at some more locker room humor (it had digressed into that!) when the same therapist came back and cautiously asked “Jill?” I jumped up and everyone cheered! I felt as if I had won something, but I think we were all happy that at least one of us was going back!

I laughed with the therapist about all of the confusion on the way to the treatment room, but within minutes, I was on a table in pure heaven. Those 50 minutes flew by and I was able to forget about everything outside of that door (except praying that my cell phone which was in my locker was not going off with a message to pick up Mary Devall). Thankfully, there was no message on my cell phone when I was finished! I dressed quickly - - or as quickly as someone who is super relaxed can dress – and headed to the front desk to hand over my first born (um . . . pay the bill ). As the CM was checking me out, she perkily said “It looks like it’s going to rain the rest of the week if you want to book any more spa appointments.” Well, thanks there Mary Sunshine, but I’ll take that chance - - plus we would have to forego food if I booked too many more spa appointments! It was such a nice treat – next time I’ll try to book one at the end of my trip instead of the beginning though since that’s when I’ll really need it!

It had started sprinkling a bit when I left the spa, so I put on my trusty Tinkerbell cap and kept on going. I really needed this cap anyway because my hair was tres greasy from the oils that the therapist used. I made sure that no pictures were taken of me until I could take another shower later that day! I made the hike back to the marina, but there boat was no where in sight. I decided to do some exploring and ended up finding Narcoosee’s around the corner which was good since we would be eating there on Tuesday night. I also found the boat dock with ferry transportation to and from MK and the Poly. I also called Thom while I was waiting. He and Maddie were on the ferry from WL and I could see them pull up at MK from the boat dock at GF (although I don’t see well enough to actually see them). I was to call him again when we got to MK.

About ten minutes later, the pirate boat pulled up just as the rain started coming down a bit harder. I collected my very excited daughter and we walked quickly to the main hotel to catch the monorail as she told me all about their adventure and showed me her loot. I asked what her buddy’s name was and she said “I don’t know. He wouldn’t tell me. I don’t think he liked me.” She said it so matter-of-fact that I had to laugh. I shared with her that boys that age often don’t like girls at all - - not just her. She continued to talk about her adventure throughout the week, so I think she really enjoyed it.

Up Next . . . some new MK experiences

[JaimeandChad]

So glad you had a good massage and that's a good idea to schedule one later in the week. Mary Deval cracked me up when she said I don't think he liked me.

[clio]

It sounds like Mary Devall had agood time on her pirate's cruise even though the boy didn't like her. ayour massage sounds very relaxing.
Liz

[Disney_Scarlett]

Aw, Jill, I'm just catching up, and I'm loving your recent additions to your report! The beach sounded heavenly and a great way to get into vacay-mode before WDW. And you WDW time so far has been just great! I want to try the WL some day very soon! Your Bailey's snack cracked me up - I like "snacks" of the liquid variety as well.

Sounds like a terrific morning, what with the massage and pirate cruise and all. Can't wait to hear more about your day. The girls are just too cute for words! (oh, and Thom's a sweetie for the surprises - good work, Thom!)

[mattnkatsmum]

we were off to the lounge for a little early morning nourishment.

What? No Baileys?

The cruise / massage combo sounds amazing. If Kat does fine on her own at the Neverland Club, the cruise is definitely something to try on the next trip.

You've got me wishing I had booked me a massage next week instead of a boring old pedicure. Sounds terrific.

[chezp]

It sounds like you had a great morning Jill - and thank goodness you were able to make it on time! I hope that boy enjoyed his pirate cruise in the end...

[Colexis Mom]

I'm glad Mary Devall enjoyed the cruise And that you had some fun in the spa More please

[disneydani]

Glad the weather held out for Mary Devall's pirate cruise!

The massage sounded simpley divine...maybe one of these days I can find some time to try one out.

danielle

[Suzie&Jay]

Your massage sounds wonderful

[lindawdw]

The massage sounds great Jill!!! Mary Devall is just too funny! I love how kids just say the darndest things so matter a factly! Looking forward to reading more.

[Luvsun]

I have always wanted to do a massage, but I know this sounds silly, I am nervous about it! I have never had a professional massage and I am just not sure how comfortable I will be! It sounds wonderful!
I am so glad that Mary Devall had a great time on her pirate cruise!
I can't wait for the next installment of your fun trip report!

[Minnie Lor]

Originally Posted by chezp

I hope that boy enjoyed his pirate cruise in the end...

That's what I was thinking. Your trip sounds lovely so far. The massage sounds devine. Looking forward to more.