Day 8 – October 29, 2000 – The End

The end of our Disney trip began much like it started.  The flights to and from Orlando were my biggest concerns going into this trip.  In the end, they became regular, uneventful flights.

The only obstacle we faced was making sure we got to the plane.  When we booked this trip, we opted for the first flight of the morning.  Our thinking was, we wanted to get home, have a good portion of the day to settle back in before returning to work the next day.  This meant that we had to be up and out of the hotel by 5:30 a.m.

To accomplish this, we did what you would expect.  I packed the major bags, strollers, etc. in the car last night and we kept in the room only the basics.  After getting ourselves ready, we simply woke the girls, placed them in the car in their PJ’s, and headed for the airport.  Our plan worked perfectly.  We were even in the terminal at our gate before most of the food stands had a chance to open.  Since it wasn’t too busy yet in the airport, we were able to take our time getting the girls changed before the flight and getting some breakfast once the stands opened up.

In all of my previous trips to Orlando, I was sad to be on the plane as it took off.  Not today.  I just want to get out of this state and get home.

As my dad met us at the gate in Philly, I am sure he was thinking he was going to hear all of our stories about how great a trip this was.  Since JoAnn and the travel agent where the only ones we talked with during the week – none of our family had any clue about the ordeal the first part of the week was for us.

I think it is safe to say my dad was a bit shocked to learn that we nearly came home on Wednesday.  I have learned that if you get into a good conversation, the 40+ minute ride from the airport can seem like just a few moments.  That is exactly what happened today as I began to retell our story. 

I have a feeling I am going to be retelling this story for some time to come.

Day 7 – October 28, 2000

Today is our last full day in Florida.  Tomorrow morning we fly home – so today’s goal was two-fold.  First, we decided to head back to MGM Studies – since I boycotted this back on day 4.  Secondly, we got interested in pin collecting beginning with the 1996 Summer Olympics and are interested in expanding that into Disney pins.  So, we decided to revisit a few of the pin stations we have seen.  

The MGM Studio visit went OK.  Of course we are not visiting the main attractions like Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster or Tower of Terror – but there are some favorites like the Muppet 3-D that we want to explore.  Our approach today was the same as the past few days – we were in no rush, went at our own pace, and visited attractions that girls couldn’t complain about. 

Unfortunately the Honey, I Shrunk the Kids play area was closed for renovations.  This was disappointing as I think the girls would have gotten a kick out of it.  But we have fun exploring the New York City street scene, seeing Muppets 3-D, and going through The Magic of Disney Animation Tour where we learned the tricks to drawing Mickey Mouse from a Disney Animator – pretty cool!

But by far our most exciting adventure today was the excellent avoidance of costumed characters.  At one point during our journey we were strolling down Mickey Avenue when we noticed a lot of activity.  Trying to figure out why everyone was gathered around one side of the street – it soon became apparent that a host of characters were about to show up.  Almost instantly from out of nowhere came Pooh Bear and all of his friends.  Without missing a beat we managed to distract Sydney and kick it into high gear to get off the street.  A narrow miss that I am certain avoided a major breakdown.  As we looked back, the street was crawling with characters and tons of kids wanting to interact with them.

After an afternoon break back at the hotel, we spent the early evening touring various shops in three hotels and two parks to collect some pins.  We hit each of the All-Star hotels gift shops, toured some spots in the Magic Kingdom and did a Monorail Ride over to Epcot.  Maybe this was silly – but we got the souvenirs we wanted, plus it avoided another evening of sitting around the hotel.

One side note.  Ellen learned today while at the hotel pool that we were not alone in our adventures this week.  Turns out many other naive parents had similar experiences this week.  There were a few other moms who commented on how much time they found themselves at the hotel pool this week.  Apparently there are many of us who were thinking of how we could have better spent the money.

For my part, I am beginning to think the only way I could have wasted more time and money was if I sent Michael Eisner a check for $5,000, stayed at work, and insisted that my boss take away a week’s worth of vacation time.

Honestly, the last few days have helped make me feel a little better about this trip.  But I know I will reflect for a long time about how I spent approximately 15 hours total in the four parks during this week.  Pretty sad when you consider six of those hours were on one day in Epcot and another three during the Halloween Party last evening.

I’m looking forward to going home!

Day 6 – October 27, 2000 – Mickey’s Not So Scary…

Ellen and Jerry with the Stars of the Show!

Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party

Maybe I have softened a bit over the last few days; or I have just adjusted to this obvious paradigm shift when it comes to measuring success on this vacation.  But after today, I am actually thinking that this trip might end with some decent memories after all.  Today, by far, has been our best day.

Don’t misunderstand me – it is not like we have done a 180 degree turn and are riding all of the rides and hugging and kissing the characters.  But I think Ellen and I have come to terms with the fact we will not be riding Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Test Track, or even the new Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster at MGM Studies.  That is not what this trip has become.  I am now seeing all of the “little people” attractions – and have decided to be fine with it.

Late morning we headed back to the Magic Kingdom – but this time we accepted reality and did slow rides like the Magical Railroad Express, the Tomorrowland Speedway cars, and the TTA.  We had one minor scare on the TTA.  As has been our luck all week – the ride stop for about 60 seconds while we were in one of the dark areas of Space Mountain.  Amazingly, Sydney didn’t react that much – maybe she is even coming to expect these interruptions.

By far the biggest hit was Mickey’s Toontown Fair.  The girls love the play area and exploring Mickey and Minnie’s houses.  I think we were just fortunate that none of these characters actually showed while we were there – otherwise we might have had an issue.

Our adventure into the Magic Kingdom lasted about 2-1/2 hours.  I know, I am not logging much time – but we are taking mini-successes where we can get them.

Besides, we didn’t want to push it since we had tickets to the Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party tonight.  For an additional cost (approx. $27 for each adult and $20 for the children), we were able to come back into park from 7 p.m. to Midnight. 

We didn’t make it to midnight, but we did get close to 10 p.m. (a very late night for us on this trip!) - and had an absolute blast!  The girls dressed up – Sydney as a princess and Amanda as a dragon – and we were able to go to designated spots and actually Trick or Treat with Cast Members handing out candy.  Sydney loved this part!

The best part for me was being able to walk right on my favorite ride – Pirates of the Caribbean!  I was in a boat with about 8 other people.  Obviously Ellen and the girls didn’t join me – but they allowed me to have my only guilty pleasure thus far this week.  Adding to my positive feeling was the entire family doing the Jungle Cruise.  Sydney was a little concerned at first – but we were able to talk her into it, and I think she actually enjoyed it.

The Boo to You Parade was really neat to see!  All of the Disney characters dressed up in costume – but the true pleasure of this parade is seeing all of the villains.  It is hard to actually see these characters during a normal day at Disney.

For the cherry on top, we were able to watch the fireworks display without any tears from the little people in our group.  This is what this vacation was meant to be from the start.

On the way out, we stumbled on the photo opportunity just off Main Street with Mickey and Minnie in Halloween costumes.  We gave a half-hearted attempt to get the girls in the shot – but Amanda had fallen asleep and Sydney had no interest.  Fortunately a wonderful cast member volunteered to keep an eye on the girls for a few moments when it became our turn at the head of the line.  At least Ellen and I have a photograph with the stars of the show!

Day 5 – October 26, 2000 – EPCOT

Given the events of the trip thus far, today turned out to be a fantastic day.  After spending the day away from the parks yesterday, Ellen was able to convince me to try EPCOT. I hardly put up a fight. 

I think I am resigned to the fact that I am here until Sunday – so I can’t very well just sit in the hotel the entire time.  The rooms at the All-Star are nice, but too small if you plan to spend all of your time here.  Besides, I just can’t stand watching anymore commercials about the Presidential Election in two weeks.  It is so obvious that the Bush-Gore race is going to come down to the wire, and that they both feel Florida will play a critical role.  Last evening during one commercial break, we saw 10 commercials.  Nine of these commercials were about the Presidential Elections.  Can Florida really be this important?

The biggest surprise today was not just going to a park, but how long we actually stayed there.  Considering the first two days I spent maybe three hours in the park, today’s six hours felt like I was on top of the world.

We have obviously gotten a little smarter.  We are very selective in the rides and attractions we go to – fortunately EPCOT is designed more for the experience and learning and less about the thrill.  We also decided to just take it easy.  At one point Amanda fell asleep in my arms.  So, instead of pushing it, I found a nice bench near Test Track and just sat down while she napped.  The biggest hits were Journey to Imagination, Living Seas, and the Land Pavilion.  Each of these offered endless opportunities to explore and be fascinated.  Ellen noted that the “Living with the Land” boat ride was the first kind of these rides all week that Sydney didn’t try to jump out.

Probably the most amusing portion for Sydney was the “Jumping Water Fountain” outside of the Journey to Imagination pavilion.  This little side attraction fascinated many kids as it appears as if a single stream of water is leaping from pad to pad.  I wasn’t sure we were ever going to get out of there.

The only hick-up this entire day was when we were on Space Ship Earth.  This ride has moments were it is pretty dark.  To her credit, Sydney never really screamed out, but she stayed plastered to our side the entire ride.  The hick-up came as we were on our decent from the top.  As you near the end of this ride, your car is turned around and you are traveling backwards in a deep reclined position.  Of course, as we are in the darkest portion of this decent, the ride stops.  Why does this seem to happen to us on every ride this week?

We stayed in that position for about five minutes – but it felt like forever.  As soon as it happened, we could sense Sydney tense up.  But this time we were right on it.  I think we both had our arms on her and were telling her we were fine.  That seemed to do the trick.  For Amanda’s part, she was dead asleep.

As we left the park, we marveled at the fact that we just spend six hours in the park.  I know this is nothing to diehard Disney fans – but given the way this week has been – I’ll take it!

Day 4 – October 25, 2000 – Isn’t that Little Mermaid cute?

So, as Jerry said, I was dumb enough to take Sydney off for a fun day at MGM. My logic is that it is a park all about the movies, and Sydney loves Disney movies.

Off we go for some Mommy-Daughter bonding. We head in to the park and try to decide what to do first. Sydney is non-committal, so I decide we will do the Great Movie ride. I remember it is a nice, slow ride with lots of clips from different movies – harmless – right?

NO! Early on in the ride there is a section from “Indiana Jones”. He  runs through our tram (literally), and there is smoke and lots of snakes. Lots of things for Sydney to panic over. So now I am desperately trying to keep a small child from jumping out of the tram and running into the ride scenery.

I manage to calm her down, telling her that is the scariest part. She partially believes me.

Unfortunately, it gets worse. At this point our tram is in water and we are  floating calmly along when I realize we are coming up to the portion of the ride from “Alien”. I suddenly remember what happens at this part. I start praying like mad, “please, God, don’t let us stop under the alien, please no”.

Nope, no luck. Our seat stops directly under the alien, who pops out from the ceiling, drooling goo. The goo drops out of its mouth directly on to Sydney – splat!  At this point she is screaming a the top of her lungs and attempting to dive out of the ride. It takes all my strength to keep her in. This is soooo much fun!

After what feels like 3 hours, we finally come to the end of the ride.

Now what?!  Unwilling to admit defeat we leave the ride and I get Sydney some ice cream. There must be something else we can do here.

I find a “Little Mermaid” show. Perfect – Sydney adores Ariel. This will save the day.

So off we go. We get great seats, center of the theater, about halfway back. This means there are easily 10 people on either side between us and the exits (this will be important later).

Show starts, everyone is happy. Then Ursula has to show up. She is about 8-10 feet tall (or so it seems), a huge blow up creature that is surrounded by smoke. As she is blowing up to her full size, Sydney starts screaming and begging to go. Keep in mind, it is dark, smoky, and we are no where near the end of the row. 

Sydney spends most of the show on the floor, hiding, or buried in my neck. 

When they finally let us out, we are emptied from the theater into a Disney Princess costume store (how convenient). I bribe her with a beautiful wand with pink ribbons and purple glitter strands to calm her down. This will be the perfect accessory for the costume she brought for later in the week. 

I think we left shortly after that, either that, or I have intentionally blocked the rest of the day to maintain my sanity :-) 

Wonder what Jerry’s been up to all day?

Day 4 – October 25, 2000

For me, this day started the same as the past couple.  I gather up our refillable mugs, head up to the food court in the main building to grab coffee, juices, and some breakfast foods, and bring them back to the hotel room.  As I was making this trip, I thought a lot about my feelings from yesterday and decided I could not put myself through that again.

After eating, Ellen asks what do I want to do today.

“Nothing.” was my simple reply.

“Seriously – what is the game plan today?”

“You don’t seem to understand!”  Now a little louder than I intended.  “I’m done!  I am not going to continue to believe that this vacation is fun.  Do what you want – but as for me I am staying in this hotel room and making sure Amanda gets some proper naps.”

I don’t think Ellen thought I was serious – but that is exactly what I did.  Amanda and I hung around the hotel all day.  We napped, watched some TV, strolled up to the food court for lunch - the only two people eating at the All-Star Music food court – Amanda took an afternoon nap, and I caught up on my reading.  While Amanda napped, I sat on the front stoop outside our room and read my book by Pat Croce – general partner of the Philadelphia 76ers, and all around inspirational guy – I could really use some of that right now!

The only major events of the day was my conversations with Airtran Airlines and my Travel Agent.  See, as Amanda and I strolled up for lunch, I made a slight detour to the concierge desk and inquired what my options were if I opted to check-out early.  The cast member was very sorry for our adventures thus far.  He commented that since we pre-paid with the travel agent, we would have to discuss this with them when we got home – leaving the possibility open that some partial credit could be given.

Armed with this information, I headed back to the hotel to find out exactly what I could do with Airtran Airlines.  As I talked with one of their service representatives, I learned there was several seats available on a 5:45 p.m. flight (approx. 5 hours from when I called).  I was really thinking about packing and going at this point.  But then came “The Catch.”

The representative informed me that I would have to pay a $75 change fee per ticket – OK I expected this.  However, in addition to the change fee, I would also have to pay around $120 per seat due to difference in rate.  That set me off.  I couldn’t understand why I would need to pay nearly $800 to fly home five days early.  When the representative said there was nothing she could do – I insisted on speaking with a manager.

Having worked in customer services years ago, I know that once you get to a manager, you can often get some compromises.  Not this time.  This manager dug his heals in and told me that due to the type of ticket we purchased, we would be responsible for both the change fee and difference in fare.

“Look,” I said, “this is crazy.  You are telling me you have eight seats available on a flight that leaves in a little over four hours.  I am telling you I want four of those seats.  You and I both know you are not going to sell those seats between now and then.  I am willing to pay the change fee – but you are not getting any additional money from me.  I am asking you to waive that fee.”

“I’m sorry sir, but that is our policy.”

“You can take your policy and shove it up your…”  Well, we all know what I said at this point.  I emphasized my point and slammed down the telephone.

I then called my travel agent and left her a message.  She called back about 20 minutes later completely shocked that I was ready to come home.  After I explained the situation, explained my Airtran conversations, she promised to see what she could do.  Unfortunately, she called back 30 minutes later saying she was completely frustrated with Airtran Airlines.  They wouldn’t budge off that fee for her either.

“Jerry, I need to ask, what do you want to do?  If you come home, we can try to see what we can get back from Disney – but there are no guarantees.”

“Michelle, I think I am going to just hang for now.  I am not heading to the airport tonight.  Let me sleep on it, and if I decide to leave early, I’ll call you.  Thanks for your help.”

For now, it looks like I am stuck.  Ellen and Sydney had an interesting experience at MGM Studios – but I am going to let her tell that in her post later on. 

Tonight we headed back to Downtown Disney Marketplace for some dinner and shopping.  As sad as it is to say, I kind of enjoyed today.

Day 3 – October 24, 2000 – The Call

The drive back to the hotel was pretty quiet.  The events of the first couple days have my head spinning, and I know my frustration is oozing out of my body.

We return to the hotel for the afternoon.  Sydney only wants to play out by the pool.  Amanda is so cranky she really just wants to sleep.  As for me, I am actually wishing I was at work.

Ellen takes Sydney out to the pool area and I work on getting Amanda to take a nap.  After some struggle, she eventually falls asleep on my lap while I am sitting on the bed.  I’m stuck.  If I move I wake her.  I don’t dare turn on the TV – again for fear of waking her.  As I look around, the only thing truly within my reach is the telephone.

It’s then that it hits me.  I remember the several conversations I had with my friend JoAnn before this trip.  She was so excited for us.  She was so confident we were going to have a great trip and that she was so envious of us.  I grab the telephone and begin to dial.

“Financial Reporting, this is JoAnn,” comes the pleasant voice.

“It is a @#$%ing DISASTER!” I say calmly into the telephone.

“Oh my God!  You’re calling me from Florida???”

JoAnn has always been a great listener and someone I can turn to when I need to vent.  I think that is what happened today.  I went through the events of the first couple days.  I could tell she really wanted to laugh, but kept saying how sorry she was.  While it was good to talk to a neutral party, I am still not feel much better.  I really just want to go home.

I can only imagine how this telephone call of mine will play at work.  I am sure I will be teased about this when I get home.  If I survive!

Day 3 – October 24, 2000 – Animal Kingdom

As we sit having lunch at some random Mall off I-4, I realize we have been on the ground in Orlando for about 48 hours, and I am now closer to believing this was a huge mistake.  I am now starting to wonder how I will survive another 5 days of this trip.

My research prior to this trip told me that Animal Kingdom was a 1/2-day park.  Given how horribly off-track yesterday was, we figured this was exactly the pace we needed.

When we arrived, we explored some of the wildlife around the Tree of Life that stands in the center of the park.  We then headed over to the “It’s Tough to Be a Bug” show.  We like the movie ”A Bug’s Life” so we thought this would be fun – and it would be, if you didn’t have a child who was now completely freaked out by everything.  I had read that they did something to the seats toward the end to make you think bugs were running free in the audience – so we prepared for this by having Sydney sit in my lap.

Coming to Disney with children has created a new perspective about this place.  I am realizing there are many rides and attractions that have some kind of loud noise or scare factor associated with them.  Why do they do this?  It’s funny how you never really notice this when you are “touring the world” as a teenager or young adult.  The “Tough to Be a Bug” exhibit fits this description perfectly.  There are several occurences of really loud noises, spiders dropping from ceilings, and the ultimate of a very large, and very loud audio-animatronic appearance of Hopper – the grasshopper from “It’s a Bug’s Life.”  Sydney was hiding her eyes a lot during this show – but his appearance pushed her over the edge.

We were now in total shock.  What the heck do we do now?  Where can we go where they will not scare this child?  We went to the Kilimanjaro Safaris.  Needless to say, Sydney is not overly trusting of us right now – but she manages to actually calm herself and enjoy the ride looking at all of the live animals – including a couple of giraffes who were only a few feet from our vehicle at one point. 

After this success, we decide to try Festival of the Lion King – a show we have heard a lot about.  Our challenge here was timing.  We arrived at the entrance probably about 10 minutes after they had started the show.  So we patiently wait and are one of the first ones admitted for the next show.  The problem was, we had nearly another 30 minutes to wait before this next show.  With about 7 minutes to go, both Sydney and Amanda have become very restless and are now kicking up a fuss.  Sydney, because she is certain we are trying to kill her – Amanda, because she really hasn’t slept well the first two nights away from the comfort of her crib, and because we have totally messed up her nap schedule.  Because neither one seems willing to sit still any longer, we leave in total frustration before the show starts.

As we survey the situation, it becomes apparent that the girls no longer wish to be in the park.  Ellen and I are totally unsure of what else we can do that will not make matters worse.  So just like yesterday, we leave after about 90 minutes.  I have no desire to head back to the hotel and sit around the pool again – so I insist we try to “find something else.”  That leads us to this Mall.

I have to admit, I am fuming mad.  Ellen is obviously disappointed with the situation, but I think she is incredibly frustrated with my rising blood pressure – so there really isn’t much talking going on.

I guess we will head back to the hotel and let Sydney have her wish of swimming in the hotel pool.  I can’t believe this is happening.

Day 2 – October 23, 2000 – The Afternoon

Calm Before the Storm

Things are not going well today.  We left the Character Breakfast disaster and headed over to the Magic Kingdom.  Sydney has talked for days about seeing the castle and meeting Cinderella.  This continued as we took the boat ride across the Seven Seas Lagoon toward the entrance of the park.

Once in, we rented a double stroller Disney offers.  Boy, are those things big and bulky.  The thing felt like it was 15 feet wide.  I can’t imagine pushing that thing around the parks all day – and as you will see, I didn’t have to worry about it.

As we got closer to the castle, we got a great picture of Sydney (see above) and the castle – so things are looking up.  But as we got closer, she started to cry and said she didn’t want to go through the castle.  She even started expressing concern about meeting Cinderella.  I wonder if the Character Breakfast thing is lingering.  She has never had a fear for people wearing “normal” costumes – just characters where she can’t see a person’s face (hooded characters).  But this is serious now – she wants no part of the castle – so we take the long way around.

It is at this point I made a serious miscalculation.  I suggested we do Snow Whites ride – despite the warning signs of the witch’s appearance on this ride.  I see many other small children going in and coming out – so how bad can it be?

Here is where we young parents sometimes lose all sense of reason.  I spend most of the time in line trying to rationally explain to a not yet 4 year-old that there is nothing to be scared of, and that Mommy and Daddy will be with her the entire time.  In hindsight, this was stupid – I am trying to reason with a 44-month-old child.  Who is really the stupid one in this conversation?  Almost as soon as we entered the ride, Sydney was a mess.  It didn’t help that the ride came to a stop for about 2 minutes while we were in one of the darkest parts of the ride. 

Next was the Carousel – something Sydney has loved to ride at Playland in Rehoboth Beach, De.  Today, she and Ellen enter the ride after a short wait.  As I see them disappear around the one side in search of the perfect horse, I decide to start people watching while keeping an eye on Amanda who is trying to sleep in the stroller.  As the ride begins, I notice Ellen and Sydney standing next to me.  Apparently, Sydney didn’t want to get on and made Ellen leave the ride.  I have no idea what is going on now.

The next 20 minutes are a blur to me.  We head over to “It’s a Small World”, figuring nothing could be more tame than this ride.  As we start walking down the ramp to join the line, Sydney is crawling up my shoulder trying to get away while screaming at the top of her lungs.  You would think I was attacking this child.  People around us must really be wondering how horrible a person I am – but I’m thinking “It’s a Small @#$%ing World!  All kids love It’s a Small @#$%ing World!”  

Sydney does manage to calm down – a bit – but the damage is done.  I am so frustrated now I can’t see straight.  After completing this ride, Ellen decides to try the Carousel with Amanda.  Sydney seems to express a desire to go on - but we don’t believe her – so she and I watch.  After their ride, we weigh our options and decide the best decision we can make to ensure we don’t lose our minds is to leave the park.

After 90 minutes, we are out of the Magic Kingdom and heading back to the rental car.  Lunch is the drive thru at McDonald’s and we spend the remainder of the afternoon at the hotel pool.  Already I am thinking – this was a lot of money to sit by a pool.

Tonight we grab dinner at Planet Hollywood and find a drug store near Kissimmee that sells us two umbrella strollers for $25 a piece plus tax.  Realizing the walk to the food court at the hotel is pretty long, plus how much we hated the stroller rental at the Magic Kingdom, we figure this is money well spent.

Tomorrow we’ll try the new Animal Kingdom park.  Without the Character Breakfast to start us on the wrong track – hopefully we will be better off.

Day 2 – October 23, 2000 – Character Breakfast

Amanda and Mickey

OK – Hindsight being 20 / 20 – maybe this wasn’t our best idea.  We knew that Sydney had demonstrated some hesitation (OK – Fear) of costumed characters like Santa Claus, Cookie Monster, and the Easter Bunny.  But she is almost four years-old – she has to come out of this soon…Right???  Besides, she loves all Disney Characters, and we figured there would be many kids at this breakfast.  The chances of her really coming face-to-face with one was minimal.

Our adventure began this morning with us arriving about 20 minutes early at Chef Mickey’s in the Contemporary Resort.  We learned they sit everyone with the same reservation time as a group in one of several sections.  This means we must wait until our official time.  No problem.  We talk to Sydney about maybe collecting signatures of the characters and she likes the idea.  So she and I find a small vendor cart selling autograph books and 2-foot long and quadruple thick pens – obviously large enough for the characters to hold.

While we are waiting, we witness part of “the show.”  Apparently every 25-30 minutes, they play the Chef Mickey Theme Song.  The cast members encourage everyone to start waving their napkins in the air.  Mickey and friends come out, dance a little, and make their way around the restaurant.  This is so cool!  The many, many kids in the place go nuts.

A little while later we are seated in a section to the left of the center area where “the show” happened and also where the buffet stations are located.  After getting Amanda settled in her highchair, Sydney and I head off to get our food.  Sydney has developed into a picky eater – but this is right up her alley.  We got pancakes, waffles, bacon, eggs, etc.  She (and I) are in hog heaven.

After making our way back to the table, Ellen heads off to get her food.  While gone, “the show” starts up again.   150+ people waving their napkins – except for us.  Sydney wanted no parts of it – so we are the only table not participating.  As the song and dance number wraps up, you can image that nearly 100 kids all want Mickey to immediately come to their table.  As I look up, I notice Mickey heading to our room.  Of course, we are in the center of the room just off the entrance – so where does Mickey go?  You know the answer to that……don’t you.

To say Sydney was not excited is an understatement.  Mickey comes over and pats Amanda on the head and allows me to take a photo.  Sydney begins to sob hysterically.  Mickey, being well-educated on how to handle these situations, immediately heads off toward another table and the welcoming cheers of other children.  Sydney is left with her hands shoved in her mouth, sobbing, and tears running down her face.

As my wife returns with her breakfast, she surveys our table, notices the collateral damage and asks, “What happen?”

“Mickey” I reply.

As I turn my attention back to breakfast, I realize we are about to have another visit.  Pluto decides to add to the fun.  He as well pats Amanda on the head – who obviously is curious why a large dog wants to rub her head.  As we are taking a picture, I notice Sydney disappear.  Sydney has now decided the best place to be is under the table – where she spends the remainder of the breakfast.  Nothing we say or do will get her out.  Figuring the child needs to eat, we begin to pass food down to her in the “safe house.”

Based on what I observed, I figure the average family spends easily 75-90 minutes at Chef Mickey’s enjoying the buffet, atmosphere, and fun with the characters.  Our total experience – about 35 minutes.  We couldn’t get out of there quick enough for Sydney.

As I said, this probably wasn’t our best decision.  No worries.  The day is young – we are off to the Magic Kingdom.  Sydney has been excited to see the castle and hopefully met Cinderella. 

Let’s go have some fun!