The Larson Traveling Circus -UPDATED! 5 & 6 About This Page:

[luvnwdwgal]

Glad you had a great time at 50's Prime Time!! I'm a little nervous about your next installment!

[Colexis Mom]

Just catching up Angela! Great updates! Although I'm curious as to what you "lose"! Hurry back with more

[angelalar]

Day Three-Friday Afternoon

After lunch we went to the Animation Courtyard and wanted to see the Animation. Which happened to be the one that was starting in five minutes. So we went in there and after the show The Incredibles were out for autographs and pictures. SO we waited and waited in line. Kate and Jack were running freely in the room with Luke chasing after them. (Honestly at this point I didn’t care, they needed some free time). We were up next in line so I called the children over….Did I also mention we were LAST in line with NOBODY behind us…..As out turn approached, the CM who was with the characters said they were going in back for a ten minute break and would be back out….I looked around and asked him if he was serious. He said yes. At thins point I just kept my mouth shut. (In past trips I have gotten myself into trouble.) SO there we wait. With the two kids bouncing off the walls and Luke giving them a boost. After the required ten minutes they re-appeared and we had our picture and stuff taken. And off we went.

We started to walk down toward Millionaire and the back lot tour. We turned around, only to realize we that we lost Doris. She no longer is following us in the ECV. (Driving in crowds were making her nervous so she always followed about 20-30 feet behind.) Do after about 10 minutes of joint searching we decided to put the two-ways to use. So each one took a kid and Luke went with John. We looked all over the courtyard back there and couldn’t find her. Then we thought that it was possible we was out by the hat. Thankfully people were lining up for the parade so it created a form of a wall to block her from going anywhere else. And there she was, sitting at the edge of the parade gatherings.

We decided at that point to watch the parade. I managed to squeeze next to a nice lady who let Kate and I sit by her on the curb. (Since it had been raining, sitting was not preferred by most. But we just put out the poncho and were fine.) Then I went to look for the backpack and guess what………

IT’S LOST! Okay so now it hasn’t even been ten minutes since we found Doris, we need to find the backpack. Since EVERYTHING is in there. So we don’t get separated again, John sets out with a two-way and I still sit on the curb with Kate. Doris is behind me and Luke is somewhere behind her. I was thinking that this was impossible. How can we keep loosing things. We aren’t that irresponsible, are we? After the parade is winding down and we can see Santa in sight, john says he found it, it was back by The Incredibles. Oh thank goodness.

So we decide to linger just a bit so the crowd thins out for Doris. As I am doing my head count….I am one short. Where is Luke? Well this didn’t quite take the length the other searches did, he was under the hat, pin trading.

The lesson I learned? Take a mental note of what they are wearing and be able to recall it. You never know who or when or for that matter what, you may need to find.

So after that we went back to the Animation area and they went on the Back Lot tour, we went on the Great Movie Ride, Muppets and the waited for Osborne Lights to come on. After “OOOHing and AAAHHing” over them we went back to the hotel for supper and called it a night. Tomorrow was an early breakfast, 8:00am at Animal Kingdom with Donald. Not to mention the first time I meet up with Fellow PassPorters….

[whoSEZ]

Okay, I remembered you saying you'd lost Doris and the backpack ... but I didn't know you'd lost Luke too!! Yikes. Glad you found everything you lost!

[ QUOTE ]
Tomorrow was an early breakfast, 8:00am at Animal Kingdom with Donald. Not to mention the first time I meet up with Fellow PassPorters…

[/ QUOTE ]

Looking forward to reading your version of that day!

[luvnwdwgal]

I'm so glad you found everything!! Looking forward to reading about your first PassPorter meet!!!

[Colexis Mom]

Great update Angela! How great you found the backpack! And got pictures with the Incredibles, we kept missing them Hurry back with more

[angelalar]

12/11 Friday AM

The wake up call came very early. 6:00 am. Since we had to be there by 8:00 everything seemed pressed for time. As I pondered what to wear, after all I was meeting fellow PassPorters, I opted for my Where’s Waldo? Sweater. (If I could upload pictures you would all see it has six stripes going across it. The stripes are white and res. Kida candy cane(ish) )So we were out to the bus stop by 7:00 am, and waited, and waited and waited. FINALLY about 7:45 the Animal Kingdom bus came by. I was kinda wondering how they all do it, since I knew we had the first seating at Donald’s. But we were checked in at the gate and then at the restaurant, we were the fist to be seated.

Our server was great. Very nice. And he was more than glad to take the family pictures for you. This was the first chance I had to use my Breakfast Vouchers. Very easy. Loved it!

After breakfast it was about 8:50 so we kinda hung around Dinoland waiting for the ropes to be pulled up. As soon as they were we rode the Triceratop spin and then I wanted to go on Primevil whirl. I talked my Luke into it. He liked it, not loved it, but was glad he went. Our scheduled meeting time for Sandy (whosez) was for 10:00 am outside of Dinosaur. We still had 45 minutes to kill. So we walked around and saw the construction on Everest and saw a family of monkeys playing. Then made our way back to Dinoland.

I sent John and Luke on the ride. While Doris, Jack, Kate, and I waited outside the ride. I gave Sandy the description o looking for the family of about one stoler per two people and you can’t miss us. Soon enough I spotted them.

I met Sandy and her friend Leslie and also Bob (bobmouse) from the boards. Since Sandy doesn’t like Dinosaur, Leslie, Bob and I went on it as soon as John and Luke got back. I felt like Chatty Cathy the entire day with them. After we got off we went over to the T-spin ride again and I got to ride Primeval Whirl again. We meandered over to safari and rode that ride. But not before a bathroom break, watching Devine (Having her pose for a great picture with Luke), having Bob show us a hidden Baloo, and standing the safari line for about 30 minutes. The safari was good but it was a chilly day so we didn’t see a ton of animals about.

After this we bid our good-bys, as we were meeting up with them later that night. The kids were hungry and tired. (Better to leave with a good impression at this point) In my opinion things went well, I didn’t say or do anything too awful. I think John felt a little left out. I look back on it now and I think he just left me be as he figured I had found more people like me. Disney Freaks as I have often called myself. I was hoping that meeting up tonight would go as smoothly.

We also haven’t lost anyone today, so it was a good morning. We ate at Flame Tree BBQ for lunch. I wasn’t that impressed. Since it was the “off” season I would expect things to be better when they were busier but the food wasn’t that good. After this, it was about 1. We went and looked around Animal Kingdom Lodge. That was neat. I had never been there so I needed to see it. It was what I expected. Very nice. John and I spent our fortune in the gift shop. That was neat. I enjoyed shopping in there. After this we went back to the hotel.

[luvnwdwgal]

Thanks for the update Angela!! So glad you didn't loose anything!!

[angelalar]

Saturday – PM


Since Doris had scheduled renting a car from Alamo, we called them to see if we could pick it up tonight instead of tomorrow morning, first thing. Well the agent on the phone was LESS THAN HELPFUL. After pretending to make sure they had one in, they agreed to send the last shuttle of the night for her. So John ad Doris went to pick up the car, and the kids and I made our way to the Magic Kingdom.

It went more smoothly than I pictured since Luke and I had both strollers and the kids to take case of. Once inside Magic Kingdom we made our way to Cosmic Rays. This is where we were going to meet up with Sandy, Leslie and Bob. I sent Luke to find a table and I got in line for the salads. It was obviously the shortest and since I was hungry, I choose. Jack was sleeping and Kate loves salad so I thought this was a good choice. Well Luke didn’t think so but ate it anyway. After we found a table, Sandy and gang found us and they went to order. When they sat down, Kate started to eat their food. I discouraged it to the best of my ability however, they were gracious and let her eat their fries. Jack work up and joined in the begging session Now I was officially embarresed.

Since John was going to let me know when he entered the park, we went over to Haunted Mansion and waited in line. The plan was that we were going to take the kids on the ride with us and it would be fun for all. After a half an hour in line, which didn’t seem to move, the CM came out and said it was having technical difficulties and advised us to FastPass it. Leslie and I decided to wait, while Sandy, Bob, and Luke took the two kids out by the entrance. (Sandy was also meeting Rose after the HM, just at the entrance and the time was fastly approaching). As soon as the CM made the announcement, and guests started to walk back toward the entrance, everything started to work again. Leslie and I were in the next batch to enter. We had a great time watching this guy trying to convince everyone he was with that the Leota’s tombstone moved. NOBODY believed him. Everyone was staring at it and since Leslie and I were the closest to it, we started at everyone else. It was funny to watch the expressions of people. I wish we had a video camera with.

After the ride, we met up with everyone and was then introduced to Rose. It was fun to watch as Kate was performing exceptionally well for Sandy. The next thing we did was head off for a spot for the parade. We found a great spot and staked out the curd. It was still more than an hour before parade time and John, Bob, and Luke went on Buzz and we just sat. When they returned Leslie and I went in search of Hot Chocolate because it was cold out. I mean COLD. After coming up empty we settled for pop and some hot popcorn. AS soon as we sat down, my kids started to beg for food with Sandy and Leslie again. I tried to share my EXCACT SAME POPCORN with them, but I guess mine had cooties. Kate was chosen by a CM to turn out the lights by us for the parade. That was fun to watch. I don’t think she knew what to expect, but when they all went out, she looked at John and I to make sure we weren’t going to yell at her.

After the parade we said our goodbyes to the passporters and went back to the hotel and took a hot shower. And off to bed. Tomorrow Doris is going to visit her brother in Tampa. We were scheduled for Blizzard beach but we will have to come up with a plan B since the high will be in the low sixties. So many decisions, with endless possibilities.

[Jillybean]

Angela, such a great trip report! I am amazed at how well you handled 3 children, a MIL and a hubbie in WDW! Such magical that Kate was chosen to turn off the lights!

Jill

[luvnwdwgal]

Great update Angela!!!

[whoSEZ]

Angela -- you're too funny. Sharing our food was a pleasure, not a problem!! And don't forget, Kate shared her carrots with me! You and John have three great kids. Lesley, Bob, and I talked about your family so much after we parted ways that night -- it was a huge trip highlight getting to spend most of Saturday with you. Hugs to all three kids from me!!

One funny thing: While Bob, Luke, Kate, Jack, and I were outside HM waiting for John and Rose (Tinkerose), Kate heard me talking about Rose and was suddenly so concerned that we couldn't find her yet. She said, "Sandy, your friend Rose? She has a mouth and ears and a big head? Let's call her. Rose!" It was all I could do not to fall over laughing. We called "Rose!" for about five minutes, and finally found her. Couldn't have done it without Kate's help!

Looking forward to more of your report, Angela!

[Colexis Mom]

What another great day Angela How great to meet up with fellow Passporters! And that was a cold night, I remember it well! Brrrrr! Hurry back with more

[angelalar]

Sunday 12/12

Well with Doris gone for the majority of the day, we opted for MGM studios. Since that is probably the park she enjoys the least. We went there for Tower of Terror, my favorite ride, and Rock n Roller coaster. We got up late and made our way over there. I begged Luke to go ton ToT with me. He agreed, but now regrets it. The entire ride he was saying “Is it Done?”. I felt bad for him, but I wanted to ride it and didn’t want to ride it alone. So we kid swapped and I went on it again with John. Luke stayed with the kids. Every thirty seconds he was calling us to see where were.

After this we went on Rock N Roller coaster. John and Luke went on it. (Luke was NOT enthused about it at all.) I met them at the exit and all I heard from Luke was “that was the best ride EVER!”. Quite a change. So Luke went on it again with me. I didn’t feel good afterward so we took it slow. Lunchtime was approaching and I really wanted to head over to Beaches N Cream. SO we started out of the park and saw a DVC station. As I was talking to them, I decided in all my trips down there I had never sat through one and really wanted to. So I set up a time, 6:00 pm that night. I figured Doris would be back by then ans she would be up for the adventure.

As we went to Beaches N Cream I was getting very hungry and excited. The Beach Club is on my MUST DO list and I had never toured it. We got there and it was cool. My nly regret is we didn’t use the front entrance; I love to gasp at the lobbies of the deluxe resorts. We found Beaches N Cream and my first thought was how small it was. I was expecting something larger, along the scale of Whispering Canyon. We had Rick as our server. He was AWESOME! We orders, using vouchers of coarse, and Rick helped us navigate through the menu with what we wanted and the vouchers.

The food was very tasty. It was funny. Kate went to take a bite out of her hot dog and in classic movie fashion her hot dog flew right out of the bun. Without even 5 seconds passing, Rick walked by and said very casually “I’ll get her a new one”. It was great. The No Way Jose was the dessert we choose. I think I found a new tradition! After feeling very stuffed and needing to walk it off, we made our way back to the hotel.

Doris was back, however she got lost coming off of I-4 into Disney. I guess she had to stop a couple of times and ask for directions. But after two and a half hours on the road, she had arrived. I told her about out events for the evening and she was excited. (Not so much, but since I am writing, this is an editors choice). So the DVC van picked us up and we were off to Saratoga Springs. What a nice place, I wish we could have went in the daytime, and when it was warmer. But the rooms were great, our rep, Mary, was nice. Luke stayed with the younger kids, he saw video games and we couldn’t tear him away. Kate fell asleep, and Jack was happy just to see toys.

My opinion on the DVC was very positive. John’s was “If I ever did time share I would do Disney, however we would need someone to die in order to afford it”. Doris was impressed with all the stuff they gave us, the dinner and the ice cream bar at the end. (She really likes ice cream). I think she would have gone for it, but she can’t get past the initial amount….

We went to downtown Disney, froze, and returned back to the hotel. John and I got the kids settled and we returned the car. And went to bed.

Tomorrow, Kate gets to meet Cinderella.

[angelalar]

Monday 12/13 (Day Six)

We have a 9:00 am breakfast at the Castle. I told Kate before she went to bed that tomorrow she was going to meet Cinderella. She was thrilled. I was hoping that would have helped her go to sleep, buy I think it was more of a hindrance than help. But we all were up and at them early. We got to the MK by 8:30 and when we went up to the gate we were let right in. I was expecting a clip board and someone to check us off, but nope. Just right in. We got the pictures taken and headed to the castle. I LOVE getting there in the morning. It Is so fun. Before we checked in at the podium, we were early. I debated over going to Tinks Treasures or not. But opted for Castle time with the family. Our wait seemed very long. But we were in the first couple of groups to be seated. To be honest, I really hated the food here at breakfast and our server must have been having a bad day. She didn’t offer us seconds of anything and wasn’t friendly at all. If it wasn’t in the castle and if there wasn’t the princesses I probably wouldn’t go. (Next trip I am going to do lunch or dinner) IF anyone was wondering, there was Belle, Cindy, Aurora, Mary Poppins, and Snow White present at breakfast. For anyone curious, Snow White’s favorite fruit is Gooseberries, definitely not apples.

Because it was cold once again, there wasn’t a lot of people around. We did all of Fantasyland and started over to Splash Mountain. But the Hall of Presidents was starting and I told John to take Doris to that, we would catch up to them in Frontierland. Luke and I found a spot and played checkers. (That was fun however Luke really likes chess more so he FOREVER ponders every move…) John and Doris catch up with us. Luke and I still weren’t done….So John took the strollers and Doris and head over to Splash Mountain to Fastpass it. After and eternity, and I somehow losing checkers, we head over there.

John was stopped on the bridge talking to someone. (Here I am confused, John is not social by nature) I double take and here it is Sandy and Leslie. Okay, to use the all familiar pun, It’s a Small World. We talked and Sandy was heading back to the hotel and Leslie was going to bum around the park by herself. Well I told her to hang out with us. She did. We went on Pirates and after that we were getting hungry so we started to head over to Cosmic Rays, because it has something for everyone. When I turn and look and here is Wendy, from Peter Pan. How cool. I didn’t realize she was ever out and about! So I had to get my picture taken with here, and I insisted Leslie did, and Kate.

So we started to continue when across from the tree House, here is Aladdin and Jasmine (Kate loves Jasmine and she wasn’t at breakfast that morning) So I stopped the pack and had to get pictures. We got up to Aladdin and Jasmine and I was getting the camera ready when all of a sudden I hear Jasmine say “Look Aladdin, Kate has a belly button too” I look up, somewhat in horror, to see Kate lifting her shirt up for Jasmine and Aladdin to see. (A side note, we would have had more issues if Kate was thirteen instead of three doing this.) So I got a picture of it all. Then Genie was there and we got another picture. And off we went to Cosmic Rays.

After Lunch Leslie decided to head back to her hotel and we headed over to the Grand Floridian to see about a sweatshirt for Doris. Came up empty, so we decided to divide and conquer that night. I took Doris, Kate and Jack to Downtown Disney and John and Luke went to Disney Quest. Let’s say the night didn’t go as smoothly as we wanted to. We were suppose to meet back at the hotel at 10:00 so John and I could go over to Pleasure Island after the kids were in bed. Well, John understood it to be we would meet at Downtown Disney at 10:00 and then send the kids back to the hotel with Doris. So at 11:30 they wander in the hotel room….needless to say John and I didn’t get out “date”. And I was kinda miffed about it. At this point in the trip is where I momentarily loose it. You know how the stress starts to add up, I wanted some “ME” time without having to worry about entertaining everyone else. Well I went to bed and had a better attitude the next day…..