Friday - last day in the parks

I've read about other people having happy teary moments at Disney.   Not me.   I was totally dry-eyed.   That seems to mostly happen at the big shows.  But, I thought all three of them were just a song mish-mash and the fireworks were about as good as my little 3K people farm town does for July 4th.   So, worth seeing once.  Projections were entertaining.  As we walked into MK on our last day, that changed.   From just outside the entrance, we saw Pooh and Piglet taking their places.   So, we rushed inside and saw ...  EEYORE!     There was Pooh, Piglet and Tigger there too, but we didn't care.  I did happy tears.   I blew kisses.  Tatiana was so happy!   Eeyore really only paid attention to us.  They teased me because I hadn't told them that Eeyore might appear.   I told them it was because I wasn't certain and I didn't want her to be disappointed.  They would say "Pooh and friends", but didn't promise which friends.  It was an amazing start to the day.    As we left, Scotland said that he was just indifferent to going back for the 10th day.   Until we saw Eeyore.   That brought the enthusiasm back. 

Our plan was to do our favorites and the few we'd missed.  Space Mountain was supposed to have a short wait at open, and I had a Jungle Cruise G+ for 10:30.  So we were going to do Space Mountain, Buzz Lightyear if we had time (we hadn't done that yet), then 10am Monsters (new to us too), then go to Jungle Cruise.    But Space was down.   So, we did Buzz Lightyear.   I did horrible at that.   Tatiana had to point out what I should shoot at.   At one point she had 10X as much points as I did.  Then we went to the Jungle Cruise G+.   I am glad we did that twice.   We had a little time to kill until our Big Thunder G+ so we saw the Country Bears again.   Big Thunder Mountain had a huge standby line, but the G+ line wasn't too bad.  After we got home I looked and the crowd level was an 8.   Tatiana wanted to ride it again, but the line was 2 hours long.   I think that is when we left for the our break.   We'd wanted to do Space and Splash.    Splash was supposed to return from refurb but hadn't.   Space was still down. 

We didn't take too long of a break, but it was refreshing.   Just getting horizontal for a bit.  I don't think any of us slept.   When we got back, Space and Splash were still down.   We all loved the Barnstormer and I had a 6:15pm G+ for that.  We arrived early and decided that we wanted to sit and enjoy the circus atmosphere and picnic on the candy we had, rather than ride it standby.   While we were doing that Space opened.   So, we rode Barnstormer on our G+.   I think we might have been a tad more than 5 minutes early but he let us through.   Another family was doing the same thing.   Since Tatiana loved Space so much, I went ahead and bought ILL$$$ for that.   Since it was down all day and there was crowds I thought the standby line would be long.  The plan was to ride Space once on Standby, then use our ILL$$$ for it, then if we had time I had a G+ for Peter Pan at 8:05pm.   So we could use it any time before close.  We were in the Space standby line by 6:30pm and the posted wait time was 110 minutes.   So our plan should have worked.   But Space went down while we were in line.   It kept running, but only one side was working so the line went really slowly.   We still would have had time to use our ILL$$$ but they wouldn't let us use it.   I was fine with that since Tatiana was shook up a bit that time and wasn't as eager to ride again.    The only thing we really really wanted to do was to buy her a Eeyore stuffy.   So, we went to the Fantasyland area.  We also thought about riding Seven Dwarfs but Tatiana's tummy was upset.  So, we rode Peter Pan.   Tatiana had wanted to ride it again because she'd forgotten what it was like.  It stopped for awhile while we were on it.   We had a scared moment when we noticed that the time was a few minutes after 9pm and the store with Eeyore was closed.    But, she'd also seen it at a store on Main Street.   So, we went there.  The stores all open to each other.   Tatiana was next to me when I asked a CM where the Eeyore stuffies were.  She gave directions and Tatiana was off like a shot.  I got distracted on the way and forgot the directions and I couldn't find Tatiana.   So, I asked another CM where the Eeyore's were and just after that I saw Tatiana holding a large adorable Eeyore.   Scotland found a short cashier line.   We ended up with the perfect cashier.  She had Tatiana hold her hand to her heart and promise to take good care of Eeyore and make him smile.     He does have a smile. 

On the walk out I pointed out that the day started with Eeyore and ended with Eeyore.  The family agreed that was perfect. 

 

Thursday - Second to last day

 

The family wanted to see Epcot's World Showcase during the daytime.   So we went there in the morning.  It was to be an exploring day, so during the morning I got HS Genie reservations.   We started out in the Aquarium building since we hadn't been there before.   We all enjoyed that.   It increased my resolve to get them to sit down and do the scuba certification so the next planned trip will be to scuba dive.  I miss that.   We'll start off with easy dives.  We did the Nemo ride.   Disney needs more rides like that.  Then we went to the World Showcase.   We went counterclockwise doing the countries we hadn't done before.   I'd brought My Precious (Kindle) because I knew I wouldn't be as interested.  One thing I liked is that we went into the restaurants that looked interesting.    Some of them were very impressive inside.   I even took a photo of the entry ceiling in a restaurant in China.  They bought a few varieties of some Pocky candy in a Japanese store.   Scotland was impressed that they were the same price as at Aldi.   They bought three, one of every flavor that they couldn't get at Aldi.  They ooh'ed and ahh'ed about that candy.   The Mexican ride was the last thing we did.   We got the second row and Tatiana missed some things.   Since the line was super short, we did it again and asked for the front.   That was so cute with Donald running amok.    Scotland pointed out the pool where Donald was snorkeling.    That  building was brilliant.   To get to the restaurant or ride you had to walk by a bar and through shopping.   It is probably nice and cool during a hot summer day.  We were pooped at that point and we'd done everything we wanted to do at Epcot so we said goodbye to it.   On the way out I got behind an annoying large slow-walking group while crossing the narrow bridge, so I totally lost them.   That slowed me down because I had to get out the map.   It was about 3pm that we were leaving, but fortunately our first G+ at HS was at 7pm.   There had been an annoying app problem "We are adding more magical touches" when I tried for the SDD at 7am.   So, I had to retry 10 seconds later and I got 8pm.   But, that meant we still got a nice nap in.   Both of the sodastream canisters are empty.   So we are drinking flat soda.  I think Walmart refills those, but we haven't felt like bothering.   

We had a nice nap and went back to the parks at 5:30pm.   The plan had originally been to go straight to Rise and just wait in line since we hadn't been able to do it Tuesday.   But we didn't feel like starting the park with a long line, plus we got there later than we'd planned.    So, we went to Star Tours first.   We all love that ride, and we love that everyone else is bored with it and the line is short.   We still had a little time to kill so we to went to Alien Swirling Saucers.  That is a cute ride.   I'd tried to get a G+ for that on our way in, but by the time I went through it was gone.  I'd really really had to go to the bathroom while we were in line.   I said something to the lightening lane guy on the way out and they let me join the family at the front of the line.   Unfortunately they let a million people in front of them while they were waiting for me.  It is so loud in line it had to talk on the phone.   We had fun on it.   Also nice that the three of us can get on the same vehicle.   At this point I was stressed that we wouldn't get to Rise since it took longer than I thought it would.   We did Toy Story Mania.   There was a problem with logging her in and I didn't see that since I was first and I was trying to get to the front.  We got separated.  This time when they should have waited for me, they got on the ride.   So, I just had to get in line by myself.   I was so stressed finding them that I forgot to get the glasses, so I had to do the ride without them.  There were two of everything and I couldn't read the numbers.   That was a bust for me.  But they had fun doing it together.    Plus, we'd ridden that a lot already and had fun then.   

We rushed to Millennium Falcon.  Somehow I knew we wouldn't be pilot again so I prepared the family for that idea.   Good thing because we rode with a couple that was.   They prefer Engineer to Gunner, so Scotland said she could be Engineer.   I like Gunner.   I can do stuff and still watch the screen since mostly I just hold down the button.   They didn't do as good at flying at Scotland and Tatiana, but we still got money.   

Then was time for our SDD reservation, so we rushed over there.   That is such a darn cute ride!   It really is like one a boy would design.   

Rise went down while we were going to SDD.   I was VERY disappointed and worried that it would stay down the rest of the day.   But, we decided to go ahead and wait there.   One thing nice, since it was down, I was able to just sit on the ground in front of the standby rope.   I was able to make the touring plan for our last day at MK.     Earlier while at HS, the family had looked at a map and circled what they wanted to do again.    So, I used that make a touring plan.   At 15 minutes to close they made a very pessimistic announcement about Rise not coming up again and many people left.   Scotland wanted to stay and I was happy sitting and planning.   Two days before when we'd been doing the same thing at the same time, we were soooo tired.    But, it was cold and wet then, and that really drained us.  At 3 minutes to park close, they opened Rise!      We were about 10th in the standby line.  Of course there was already people that had been waiting inside, but we still got through the line in about 20 minutes.  We loved all of that ride I noticed stuff that I's completely missed the first time through.   Except Tatiana hates the very end it makes you think there is a drop as you escape the ship.   Even though it is all in her head, that terrifies her.    We walked straight to the car and to bed.  

Wednesday - rest day

 It is noon and we haven't left the condo.  Later we are going to run to Walmart and get some picnic food.   Then we are going to ride the skyliners, then go to the beach at Poly to watch the Electric Parade.  

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We had a great rest day activity.    Tatiana has been such a trooper.   Our last AK day as we arrived she'd stretched a tendon in her knee.   So, nothing we can really do about it, but it hurts her sometimes.    But then other times she is running and skipping on ahead.   

We drove to Disney Springs.   I didn't know which was the best garage to pick, so I just picked one, and it was the farthest.   The family didn't complain though.   On the way to the buses we saw a Lego store and a Superdry store where they wanted to shop on our way home.   We took the first bus to either the Riviera or the Caribbean Beach Resort.    It was the CBR.   That place is huge!   There were many stops even within CBR and then a walk from the stop to the skyliner station.  Then we did a bunch of the skyliner routes.   I think we did all of them.   We got off at Riviera.   Tatiana wanted to explore that and also play chess with her daddy on one of those giant sets.  They had a bench swing right next to it.   I watched from that and gave Tatiana suggestions.    Tatiana won.  She'd taken his Queen early.   My only real contribution to that game was saying that any piece except the King is worth trading for a Queen.  That was only her 2nd or 3rd game.  

That took longer than we thought, so we didn't get time to explore.   We took a bus to MK, and then got on the skyliner.    We arrived just before 8pm and we got settled in on the beach just as the fireworks started.   We ate our picnic during the fireworks.    We had Brie tortilla rollups.    Tatiana's had Prosciuttos, mine had ham.   Scotland's had corned beef and potato chips and I don't know what else.   We had our plastic blanket so were able to sit on the beach basically by ourselves.   After the fireworks most people left.   Tatiana went exploring and Scotland explored for a bathroom.   They were back in plenty of time for the electric pageant.   That was so cute!     I loved that even over all the big shows.  

We took a bus back to Disney Springs.   Scotland shopped for a hiking jacket at Superdry.   They didn't have the style/size he needs but he can buy it online now.   I'd hoped they were too tired for the Lego store, but they got their second wind.   The joy of the two of them was worth it.  I just liked the Lego statues.   

ETA:

As we were going to sleep the first Monday night we were home Scotland said, "I had an amazing time on that trip.   You totally blew me away.    I wasn't expecting to love it but I did.   Especially the activities you'd planned."    I asked "Like what?"   I'd expected him to say WAT.   It is easy to blow people away when spending lots of money.   But he said, "That Polynesian Day you planned.   That was kitchsie but so much fun."   I told him that I'd preferred the Electric Pageant over all the big shows.   He said, "The Epcot Show was awesome."  I guess if you think of it as The Epcot Show instead of Stargate and Tacos, it is easier to like.  

Tuesday

Today was the Capture Your Moment day.   Reservations for 10:15am.  We just had time to ride Big Thunder again, and then get back to the photo shoot.   I am pleased with the photos.    Also I'm very happy that the family cooperated.  Tatiana is so adorable!    

We had brought in a bunch of props and extra clothes for Tatiana to wear.   Then we'd planned on a picnic at Tom Sawyer's Island.  Between the food and the props we had too much stuff to carry.   So, I volunteered to go back to the car and swap out the props for the food.    While I did that they would be exploring Tom Sawyer Island.   I'd forgotten that I'd have to take the monorail to get to the parking lot.   But, I wasn't that interested in the island anyway.   It was drizzling and a little cold.    So, we had our picnic on the porch tables.   Then Tatiana showed me her favorite parts.    We'd originally planned on going to Tomorrowland but we spent so much time on the island and the cold was getting to us, so we went back to the condo.    

Our afternoon park was HS.   Just before we arrived I got a Star Tours G+.   We love that ride.    G+ probably doesn't save anytime but it was on the way anyway.   Then we had a Toy Story G+.    We let Tatiana sit by herself again.   She beat both of us.   Scotland started out slow and then beat me.   My arm is actually tired from that game.  

Then we got the standby line for Slinking Dog.   Tatiana really loves that ride.   The queue is amusing.  After that we went to Millenium Falcon.    Tatiana wanted to be the left-right pilot.  Scotland was the Up-Down and I was the gunner.   A couple rode with us as other gunner and engineer.   We all had fun.  Tatiana went too sharply left and right.    Then we went to the Rock N Roll coaster, standby line.  The plan was to come back for another Slinky Dog and then hopefully the Rise line wouldn't have been too long.    We enjoyed those, but Rise was down and we waited in line and then went home when they said it wasn't coming back.   Tatiana had fallen asleep with the head on her knees and then woke up confused.   She'd dreamed she was in bed and wondered how we'd gotten back to Disney.  Scotland and I thought we didn't understand what she was saying.  

Monday - Wildlife Africa Trek Day then MK

 

This is the day that I'd reserved the Wildlife Africa Trek.    I was really looking forward to it.  Scotland and Tatiana wanted to be surprised by the things we did, so all they knew was the name and that it lasted three hours.  We tried to early entry FOP, but it took us longer than normal to get out the door, so the line for FOP was longer than we'd ever seen before.  But, we still enjoyed it.   Tatiana has been enjoying the Disney Play app while in line.   She has been such a joy.    

Then we meandered to Africa enjoying stuff on the way.   The monkeys are so cute.   We just missed seeing a boat with safari Donald Duck and some other characters.    When we got to Africa, they had closed off the area because the safari was down, but they let us through.     The Trek was amazing!    First they got everyone 'gear' sorted.   We wore a safety harness and they had straps for sunglasses and cell phones.    They also gave everyone a water bottle that attaches to the harness.    First we walked through a private trail that started with the gorilla trail.  It took us through the trees along the route the safari took.  We got to see the hippos being fed Romaine.   There was a father and son hippo, Harry and Hans.   Hans was annoyed that he wasn't getting watermelon and just boring old lettuce so he went off and sulked.   We were soooo close.   

Then we crossed these long rope bridges.    They asked who wanted to go first and as Tatiana raised her hand they said, "Of those over 18".    Me and another guy wanted to go first, and he let me go first.   The bridge is so Disney.   You are on a safety harness and the bridge is totally enclosed in nets, but they removed boards and made some look like they were worn mostly through.    It was so much fun though.   While you are on it the view is great.   On the second bridge you were over these huge sleeping crocs.   Tatiana practically ran across the bridge.   That was so much fun, if the tour had ended there, I'd have considered it money well spent.  

Then we walked some more and got on a safari vehicle.   Same basic route as the regular safari but we got to stop more.   Took lots of photos.   It felt like we were so close to the animals.    I liked the giraffes that were sitting on a little hill.  Apparently that is something they don't do in the wild, but they've figured out they are safe there.   

Then we got to rest building.   They laid out tablecloths and cloth napkins.   All the tables had binoculars on the chairs.  Tatiana loved the flamingos.   I loved the things with cattle with giant horns.  Scotland loved the Sables.  

They handed out food in these buckets called Tiffins.   There was a variety of things in there.  As usual, what we didn't like to eat Scotland got.   I got Tatiana's shrimp.    

At that point it was cold and we the cold was making us tired.   It had been fine since we dressed for the weather, but at the tail-end of the tour the weather dipped.   So, we went back to the condo.   

I'd gotten some G+ reservations for MK for the afternoon.   Unfortunately Big Thunder was 2-3pm and there was no way we were going to make that.   As we were driving, I thought I'd cancel that and try for a later time, but the ride was down.    We got some digital Pixie Dust, and because the ride was down, they converted our G+ to an anytime version.   

Our plan was to try to do bunch of stuff we hadn't done yet.  When we got to MK, we started at Carousel of Progress.  It was fascinating how the theater turned around.   Then we had a Haunted Mansion G+.   We'd done that before, but liked it.   Then we did Country Bear Jamboree.    That was as cute as I hoped.   We all enjoyed it.  Then we rode the Liberty Square Riverboat during the day.   Then the Tiki Room.    We had a Pirates G+ and did that.  We were nearby Big Thunder Mountain Railroad so we used our anytime pass for that.  Scotland had really been looking forward to Space Mountain.   Since Tatiana did fine on the Rock N Roll coaster, we thought she'd be fine with Space Mountain and she was!   I wasn't a fan, I thought it shoved me around too much and didn't have a headrest.    I'll go on it again because she'll want to.   We ended up the day doing the PeopleMover.   It reminded us of the Seussland ride.   

Sunday - Sixth day at the parks - AK then EP

 

We started out at Animal Kingdom.   It opened an hour earlier than normal.  That allowed us some rest time in the middle of the day since we had to be at Biergarten by 3pm.    It was hard to get there though.   We did FOP at early entry again.   Tatiana like that.   Then we had another G+ for the Safari.  Saw slightly different animals this time.   I think we got the same driver.   After that we explored areas of the park that we hadn't before.    We saw some monkeys swinging all around.    There was a neat aviary that we all enjoyed.     About the time we got to Dinoland we were all tired.   

We went to Epcot for our meal.   It was a long walk back to Biergarten.   The band was nice.  At one point Tatiana said that she enjoyed the music and then we both said simultaneously "Nice and cheery."    Jorg's at home has such good food, that this was a disappointment, but we still had fun.   Then we went next door to see both of the shows in America.   First the singing group and then the show.    Both were excellent.  Then we explored Italy while waiting for when we had to get in line for the Broadway show.   I'd paid a little extra to get the package meal that got us front of the line access to that show.   There were a few people in front of us so we didn't get absolute first pick.   But the middle of the stage had stairs down to the audience.   That meant that the fourth row back went more into the middle than the rows in front of it.   We sat there and that meant there was no one between us and the performers.    We enjoyed the show.  Tatiana loved the seats.  

Then we meandered to Test Track for the G+.   We were a little early.   It was different than I thought it would be from the description.   We all enjoyed it.  Our pickup scored first in everything except efficiency.  Tatiana wanted to do single rider right after, so we did that.   

Then it was time to find a spot for the Stargate-Tacos show.  We arrived 20 minutes before the show started and found a spot one behind a family at the fence.   We were about 20 degrees off from head-on to the Stargate.   Five minutes after we arrived, the family left.  I guess the kids were getting cranky.  But, we grabbed their spot.   I was disappointed that the Stargate projection was very dim, I guess we had to be closer to center.  All three shows seem to be a mish-mash.  We enjoyed it, but we like Universal's better.   Might be because of expectations.   I didn't know what to expect from Universal's, but Disney has been doing these type  shows for a long time.   But the show was free and we enjoyed it.   

Saturday - Rest Day

We mostly stayed in today.   At one point I told Scotland, we should go to the pool later today.    He said, "But, that is outside."   I said, "Who are you?   Me?"    We did eventually go to the pool.   The pool was heated so we all liked that.   Tatiana and I played with the little inner tubes and a ball.   There was also a hot tub.    Tatiana went up to the room while Scotland and I warmed up in the hot tub.    It is so nice that she has memorized the 10-digit door lock code.

When we got back I needed to comb my hair so they switched the TV to something I could tolerate, a Despicable Me movie.   

Then we went to Storybook dining.   That has been the best meal so far!     We saw Grumpy before we even sat down.    The restaurant is decorated like a friendly forest.   Every table has a tree-thing that holds three little plates.    They use that for the apps and desserts.  The food was really good.   For example, I didn't think Tatiana would like the Mushroom Bisque, but we all did.   I ordered the Stroganoff and that had an excellent taste.   It was light on the Sour Cream but I didn't miss it.    Scotland and Tatiana both had the Prime Rib.   Scotland said it was the best Prime Rib he's ever had and that includes when he worked at a place world famous for steak.   They let Tatiana sub out the normal sides for mac and cheese and mashed potatoes.   The desserts were all good too, although Tatiana wasn't a fan of the apple pie.   It was more tart than normal.   I gave her my dark chocolate thing.   At the end of the night they also brought out a 'present from the queen' that were these tiny truffles.    I was too full to even try a bite.   The characters were great.    The queen especially managed to keep a straight-face and she really swirled that cape around.  

Friday - Fifth day in the parks - EP and then HS

 

I had thought that Tatiana would love the Remi ride.   It sounded like Spiderman and she loves that.  We had Oga's reservations at 9:30pm so the afternoon park was locked to HS.  The family wanted to wander around the world showcase, so Epcot was the morning park.   Since it was, I thought we'd early entry Remi.     That was soooo not worth it.  We got there early and they had us wait far away from the World Showcase area.    We were in the front of that area and could sit down, but the wait was long.   Then when they let us go it was a looonnngggg power walk to Remi.   Then there was still a line of about a half hour when we got there.    I should have totally just bought that ride.  I thought it was cute.   Scotland and Tatiana just thought it was OK.   I pointed out that it was like Spiderman but Tatiana pointed out that the Spiderman line was shorter.   So basically, it wasn't worth the bother.    I have to agree with that.   

After Remi we meandered World Showcase.   I'd gotten a Soarin reservation so we explored England on our way there.    So, we didn't get to explore World Showcase much after all.  We enjoyed the maze they had.    I tried to get a Rose and Crown lunch reservation.   There was some available but the app kept messing up.    

We all liked Soarin' but I think it was a one-and-done.   Then we went inside the golf ball to do the Space thing in there.   That was amusing.    Tatiana had been exhausted but sitting on the Space seems to have revived her.   They had some game-ish machines setup and we enjoyed those.   Tatiana and I worked so hard at the energy game that my arms were tired and we were ready to go.   

We had our normal relaxing time at the condo.   Since we knew we'd be there after close we didn't leave the condo until about 3:30pm.    Tatiana loves to wear her Jedi robe and Yoda ears.    It makes me so happy!   Her count of compliments was 180-something last night.   Sometimes she'll lightly hum a sing to herself and her head/ears will bop side-to-side.   It is adorable!    Last night she said to me, "Mommy, I will love this trip for forever."     I just had to hug her.   Both Scotland and Tatiana have said several times how much fun they are having and thanking me.   As we discussed when leaving the parks last night, every day has been different, but still great.  They also joke by talking to each other about "Remember Mommy promises that the next vacation will be even better."   Every family vacation truly has been better than the previous one.  But I told them, "This is as good as it gets.  Don't expect the next one to be this great."    

We had a Millennium Falcon reservation for 4:30pm.   So, we explored the shops on the way.   On the ride we were assigned Gunner-Engineer-Engineer.    Tatiana was disappointed because she wanted to be left-right pilot.   It was still fun.   I offered Tatiana my Gunner spot, but she stayed the Engineer.    The standby line wasn't too long, so we went again.   This time we near the end of the pack in the hondo room.   There was a family of 5 also near the end.   So, we got behind them hoping we'd get our own room.   We did.   Tatiana was left-right, I was up-down and Scotland was a Gunner.    We noticed that there wasn't instructions for the Engineer, so I guess that was done automatically.   We didn't do as good, I think because we were down a Gunner.   But, we still had fun.   

Then we went to the Launch Bay.   It was Star Wars and therefore called to them.   The stuff in there was interesting.   Not as good as the travelling Star Wars exhibit we saw, but Tatiana probably doesn't remember that.   The movie is closed.   

We explored some then.   They love to explore.    I'd like it more if it weren't for the masks.   We decided to go to the Rock N Roll Coaster early.   We had a 8:20pm G+ time, but I pointed out that the standby wasn't too bad and then if we liked it, we could go on again.    Tatiana got scared while we were in line.   She really got scared when she saw the blast-off at the ride start.    She was reassured when I pointed out that there was two ways to get a roller coaster going fast.   A big hill and a long drop, or a thrust forward.    She likes speed, so thrust-forward was obviously a good thing.    We all liked it.   It was shorter than I thought it would be, when we got to the end, I thought that would be a pause in the middle.   From the description I thought it would be a copy of the Rock-N-Roll coaster at Universal and we weren't impressed with that one.   But, of course we are trying everything.    We liked Disney's so much we tried to use our G+ time but it was still 20 minutes too early.   There was the Lightening McQueen show nearby, so we saw that.   It was cute.  The G+ line at the coaster was very short, it was nice.   Tatiana rode with me the first time, and with her Daddy the second time.  

Next up was the projection shows.   We had perfect timing.  There was also plenty of room to find a spot.    I even sat down about halfway through.   There were two shows.   I thought both were a bit of a mish-mash, but worth seeing once.    Then we went to Oga's.   

We got really lucky and got a booth.   The original plan was to have two groups share a booth.   But, they added plexiglass dividers.    That worked for us since we had plenty of elbow room.   Both Scotland and Tatiana literally glowed the entire time we were there.   We ordered the meat/cheese tray, and Scotland had the drink that came in a Prog cup and Tatiana had something that changed colors.  The food was good but they made things look different and it was dark.   For example, I thought I was biting into a Sweet Potato and it was really a hunk of good ham.  So, you didn't always know what you were eating.   

Our Oga's was for 9:30pm and the parks closed at 9pm, so it was pretty empty as we left.   We had plenty of time to take photos of Tatiana in the area.    Tatiana at one point went up to one of the panels that had lots of lit-up buttons.   She pushed them going, "Beep-Beep-Boop."   Then she said, "Now that I've entered the correct 14 and a half digit code in that one, I am able to enter the 20 digit code in this one."   I'd been a little confused, but happy, that they weren't shooing us out.   Then I saw a large pack of teenage girls entering.   It was evening of the special event for the cheerleaders.    They went straight to the rides.  So, that is why they didn't care how long we stayed and took photos.  

Thursday - Fourth day in the parks - MK then HS

 

We had reservations for Cinderella's Royal Table inside the castle at 10:00 am.   That meant our morning park was Magic Kingdom.   We loved Seven Dwarf Mine Train, so I wanted to early entry that and the line got long quickly so we needed to be at the front of the pack.   We got there by taking the boat over from Fort Wilderness, which meant taking the internal bus to the boat ramp, then boating over.   We were about 20' back from where you tapped in, and they weren't open.    I hate and despise the Disney phone app.   Not that we used it, but everyone that did seemed to take forever!!!    There needs to be lines just for phone app people.   And they always seemed to be the large families where everyone stands in front of both tap machines.    Once we got in, then there was the rope-drop crowd.   We moved forward in the crowd.    I would have felt bad but based on when we arrived we should have started out in the crowd where we ended up.    Enough people went to other rides that we were really quite near the front.   When we'd been in the crowd we ended up next to a guy that was reading a large thermo. book, and we chatted with him a bit there.    Then he was next to us in line too.  We all agreed that based on our place in line We Won Magic Kingdom for the day.   We all love Seven Dwarves.   Then we explored the area.    Tatiana really liked Pinocchio's restaurant, just looking inside it.   

We were all looking forward to the Haunted Mansion and the standby line was 30 minutes so we went to that.   We even enjoyed the queue, reading all the grave markers.    The musical thing where you touched your hands to images of the instruments and then they played, we all loved that.   

Then it was time to go to breakfast.   They were running late, so we saw Philharmagic while we waited.   That was cute.   

Breakfast was disappointing.  I'd read that they rushed you but I thought if we didn't cooperate we wouldn't be rushed.   Even though they ran late for seating, they closed the kitchen on time.  Both Tatiana and Scotland preferred the steak here, though over our first breakfast.    Everyone got a wishing star and Tatiana wants to convert those into earrings for her Baby Yoda ears.   Saturday we will run to Walmart and get the hardware to do that.  We also got two swords and a wand.   They had frequent sword fights.

After that Scotland and Tatiana wanted to go to Tom Sawyer island.   I am glad we read those books so Tatiana will appreciate that.   We shopped on our way there but we got close, I asked that we go home.  I was just too tired.  It seemed to take forever to get back.   We all agreed that our favorite way to get to MK was the parking lot-monorail route.   

Tatiana played on her tablet.   Scotland watched some TV and then napped.   I tried to nap, but I just ended up reading.   I was horizontal, though.   We were all refreshed when we went back to the parks.   

We went to Hollywood Studios and we got there late enough that they'd closed the parking tollbooths.   But some cars in front of us went around, and we followed them.   I had been worried that they'd make us park far away for our afternoon park.  They did for Magic Kingdom, and that is OK since there are Trams there.   But, at the other parks we've parked very near the entrance since they let people fill in the vacant spots.  

Our first Genie+ was for Toy Story Mania.   We all loved that.  The CM's were lined up in front of the entrance because it was down.   So, we wandered to the Star Wars area, looking at stuff on our way.   We were about to head to the Millennium Falcon to use our Anytime there, but I checked and Toy Story was back up.  So, we went back to there.   We waited 9 whole minutes in line.   Tatiana rode by herself so that she could have all the targets on her side.  She ended up beating both Scotland and I.   I'll have to ask the family which shooting ride they prefer.    I prefer Justice League at Six Flags.   I suspect Scotland likes Universal's best.  

It looked like we had a Star Tours G+ that Scotland got while I rested, so we went there.  Turns out it had expired 3 hours before.   Which makes sense because its times are next far out.    But we rode it.    That was our third? time and we enjoy that it is different every time.   

Then we had a Slinky Dog Dash G+, so we went there.   Even the genuine expected standby wait time is obnoxious for that ride, so I was happy to have gotten a G+.   We all enjoyed that.   It went fast without a lot of drops, so Tatiana loved it.  At the end, where they had the row of moguls was so charming.

Then we went to our Millennium Falcon G+.   Even the standby line wouldn't have been bad then.  I got to be Left-Right Pilot, Scotland was Up-Down and Tatiana was our only gunner.  We ended up with Pirate rank which was our best yet.    And that was me crashing into some rocks because I thought that flying was over.   

We had thought to do that again, but I wanted to ride Mickie and Minnie at close and we wouldn't have had time to do both.    I think we still waited a half-hour for Mickie and Minnie, but it was at close and so much shorter than it had been earlier in the day.  Both Scotland and Tatiana enjoy knowing nothing about the rides and being surprised.  

Wednesday - Rest Day

 

We really didn't do much today.   I'm fighting a sinus infection so I slept most of the day, I didn't even have energy to play a game.   We did get Tatiana Magic Band wraps attached.   She loves her Progs.    She played on her tablet and they watched silly TV.   

Tuesday - Third day at Disney - Epcot then MK

I woke up at 6:45 to get our first Genie ride reservation.    I was supposed to click a certain button at precisely 6:59:59, but I'd noticed yesterday it took awhile to load the next page.   So, even though 6:59:59 had worked great, I got smart and clicked at 6:59:58.   That totally didn't work.   I'd clicked too soon and had to go through the process again.  By the time I did that, it was giving me afternoon times.  I frantically looked for a good thing to try for while waiting for more times to be added around 7:08.   Then I read the blurb it was showing me.   My park reservation wasn't in MK!    So, it was giving me park hopping times.    I felt so dumb.    So, I changed the park reservation to MK, but then any of the rides I wanted to get were afternoon anyway.    I really wanted to do the Jungle Cruise, so I took the first time which was 5:00 pm.  Plan had been MK morning, and then EP afternoon, but I switched that.  EP opened an hour later and we didn't have early entry, so I let them sleep in.  

At EP, I knew the family would love love love Mission: Space.    It was near the entrance to EP, so we went there first.   I talked them into going on the Green (wimpy) version with me first.   Then if that was fine, I'd go with them on the Orange (G-force) version with them.   A neat thing is that you have a lot of buttons that really move.   So, after you are in your seat and waiting for the ride to start, you can push buttons and pretend to be doing stuff.    The green ride was really neat.    Tatiana and I were so focused on the screen that we never noticed when we were supposed to push a button, so we kept hearing, "Computer Override."    The flight over the earth was really pretty.    So, then we went straight back in to do Orange.    I was prepared.    I'd had a barf bag ready and I put my mask down for obvious reasons.     While we were on the Green ride, Scotland was the Commander, I was the pilot and Tatiana was the Navigator.   For the Orange ride, Tatiana wanted to be the Commander because Scotland had seemed to have fun with that.  I wanted to be the Engineer, because I'd know ahead of time when to push the button.    I don't know why but we didn't like hearing Computer Override.   We had a blast and it wasn't bad at all.    I can't ride the teacups with them without my thigh firmly pushing on the wheel.   But the Orange ride was fine.   I thought it was funny how you basically crash landed and then fell some more and then mission control claps and says what a good job you did.  Tatiana commented on that.  Scotland used the quote, "Any landing is a good landing."   As we left the ride they have an area that reminded me a bit of the big room at NASA.    I really needed to get outside and breathe.   Even though I didn't need the barf bag, I think worrying about it had taken a toll on me.  So, I sat outside, while they explored that room.  

We looked at some of the Disney art on display.    We're at Disney during FARTS.   Festival of the Arts.    

Then I saw that Frozen had a 30 minute wait, so instead of meandering through the world showcase like we'd planned, we went to Frozen.   I had thought Tatiana and I would love that ride and Scotland would be one-and-done.  I was enchanted, Tatiana said it was just OK and Scotland was impressed.   By this time, Tatiana and I were ready to head back to the room.   

Our first G+ time wasn't until the 5pm Jungle Cruise.  So, we rested for a couple of hours and got into MK around 4pm.  On the Tram we were sitting near the front and Scotland treated it like it was the first ride of the afternoon, with hands in the air and lightly screaming as we went under the street.   Another Dad joined in.   The tram driver was laughing as we got off.  Scotland had really wanted time to meander and gawk.   So, we meandered and gawked down Main Street, then slowly worked our way toward the Jungle Cruise.  By the time we got there, we just had 10 minutes until our G+ time, so that worked well.   I had really been looking forward to the Jungle Cruise.   Tatiana was impressed that I'd had a book as a kid about the ride with moving tabs.  We all loved that ride.    Scotland said he was inspired to up his game in constant Dad Jokes.    

Then we had a half hour to get to Pirates of the Caribbean.   We all enjoyed that.  Then we meandered to the Hall Of Presidents.   We were all impressed.   In the waiting area, Scotland got a photo of Tatiana in front of her namesake's painting.  As we left, they thought it was funny when I told them that originally Trump looked like Hillary wearing a Trump wig.  

I'd gotten a Peter Pan reservation, but we'd already ridden that and didn't feel like walking out of our way.   So, we meandered onto the Liberty Belle.   We really enjoyed that.   Scotland and I sat in the front of the lower level.   Tatiana explored.   We decided to do that again during the day.   Scotland and Tatiana really look forward to Tom Sawyer Island.   

After Liberty Belle, my went to the hub to watch the 8pm show.   The place was packed, but we found some spare ground.   It turned out to be a really good spot.   We were right in front of the row of blankets set along the fence.   So, if we stood back a bit, there was enough space in front of us to allow us to see.   We enjoyed it.   I don't see anyone crying tears of joy, but it was worth seeing.    We deliberately picked the area where we could go to the Barnstormer right after the show.    Which also meant we were on the Tinker Belle side.   That was amazing.   Scotland said he'd have loved to have had that job when he was young.   I'd warned the family to stay together leaving the show.   

We'd had a G+ for the Barnstormer, but it was a walk-on anyway.    We all loved that ride.   Tatiana was particularly amused by the sign with the plane-shaped hole in it.   We rode it again.  As we left the second time, I heard a Dad proudly say to his wife about their small son. "He loves it.   It says it bangs his head, and hurts his tummy, but he wants to go on again."   We laughed.  Then we did Dumbo.    Our Elephant got stuck about mid-way up.     But we still had fun.  

We had just enough time to get to Seven Dwarves Mine Train before close.  Based on what I read, I'd described it to the family as like the Six Flags mine train only with Seven Dwarves theming.   Tatiana likes the Mine Train.    She skipped on the way to it!     She's 11, so sometimes she acts so teenager.  It warmed my mommy heart to see her skip.  She has figured out that the posted wait time isn't the real wait time, so before every ride she asked, "What is the real wait time?"   Just having that was worth the touring plan subscription.  Then I've been submitting the wait times (or trying to), so sometimes they'd think the wait was longer than it truly was, and I'd open up my phone and tell them what it was really was.  Seven Dwarves totally blew us all away!    I think it helped that our expectations were low.  So, when we entered the flat area where Snow White was dancing with the Dwarves, we gasped.  It was also super smooth.   Tatiana wants to go on that again. 

We meandered out of the park, through the castle.   It was nice with hardly any people around.  They were pleased to know that we had dining reservations for inside the castle.  I asked about the Kiss Goodnight, and the photographer said that they hadn't been doing that lately.   Tatiana also skipped as we left the park.   

Scotland said that he'd had a great day, which was really amazing since Star Wars a part of it.   Tatiana agreed.