The Celebration Vacation~Day 7 (last day)

[tinksmom02]

Cast:
Me, Christi
DH, Mark
DD7, Jenna
my mom (aka MiMa)
my dad (aka BeBop or Dan)
our friends Jenn and Ant
their boys, Ant, 7, and the Moose, 2

Day 7~Our last day
Epcot (yes, AGAIN!)

Waaahhhh!!! It’s our last day. Mark wakes up and is trying to figure out how he can get home sooner, while the rest of us are trying to figure out how we can stay longer! I went to concierge to have them check us in with the airline and print our boarding passes, and when I explained why I was so upset, he was quick to tell me they still had rooms available if we wanted to stay! Much as I would LOVE to, I know it’s not a possibility.

Jenn and the crew have a much earlier flight—they were getting picked up by ME at noon for a 3pm flight—so we didn’t even see them this last day. They had breakfast at Whispering Canyon Café, which she said was good but not great, and hung around the hotel getting ready to leave.

We had breakfast in Capt. Cook’s again—Mark had the bounty platter, Jenna wanted a waffle so I got a waffle and gave it to her, and got the kids’ egg platter for myself—then went back to the rooms to finish getting all of our stuff together. I called for the bellhop and before too long he was there to pick up all of our stuff.

(Oh, that reminds me, I wanted to give myself credit for this! When I packed at home for the trip, I was able to get all of our stuff AND our 3rd piece of luggage—which is actually a huge wheely duffel bag—into two suitcases. This saved me $15 in Airtran luggage fees AND gave me a whole extra bag to bring stuff home in! Yay me!)

We bid a sad farewell to our room and we were off.

But to where, exactly? The only plans I had for the day were lunch at Kona Café, which I cancelled because I didn’t want us to have to rush back to the Poly for lunch and then have to sit around all afternoon—our ME pickup was scheduled for 6:15. So we had no plans at all. No one had a desire to return to DHS or AK, and we were pretty much done with MK. So that leaves—you guessed it, Epcot! Yay! In all fairness, when I asked Jenna what she wanted to do on her last day, she said Test Track, so that was our biggest factor in deciding the day’s events.

So we made the hike to the TTC again, and were quickly on a monorail to Epcot. Once inside, we headed over to Test Track, which had a pretty long wait already (by pretty long I mean it must have been longer than 20 minutes). We grabbed Fast Passes and were about to head back into World Showcase when Jenna decided we all needed to ride Spaceship Earth again. Ugh. But we did it…we used the handicapped entrance and waited inside Project Tomorrow until it was our turn. We had a nice relaxing ride through the history of the world and its technology, and then we were done. We didn’t stop to see our pictures, we didn’t email anyone back home, we didn't pass Go, we didn’t collect $200.

Details are blurring again…I think that we headed over to Mission: Space after SSE. Little Ant had ridden a few days ago and said it was pretty cool, so I thought we should give it a try (I’ve been scared of this ride from the horror stories I’ve heard). We walked right on to the Green Team, got all our instructions from Lt. Dan, and went into the space ship-thing to get ready to blast into space. Jenna took one look at the harnesses they use and began crying hysterically. Mark whisked her out of there, leaving our crew short two! Would we be able to fulfill the mission? :o)

I actually thought this ride was pretty tame, and Jenna would have done fine. The harness thing freaks her out—she equates that with upside-down rides. I explained that to her and hopefully we’ll get her on it next time! BeBop agreed with me that the ride was tame, and actually wanted to try the Orange team, but I was chicken, so we didn’t.

We did manage to waste just enough time to be able to use our Test Track FastPasses, though, so we headed over and got in line. We waited about fifteen minutes—the ride was pretty crowded and they were experiencing “technical difficulties” for a few minutes. But they were up and running again and in no time we were headed for our car. Because there were four of us this time, they put two single riders in the car with us, which was fine, but the pictures are so much nicer when you know all the people in the car. :o)

Continued below

[tinksmom02]

Continued

After Test Track we decided to head back into World Showcase because, for all the time we’ve spent there this vacation, we still hadn’t seen Italy, Japan, or Morocco, and Jenna really wanted a good-luck kitty from the Japanese store—she lost the one she bought last year. We headed directly for Japan—we didn’t even stop for margaritas—and went right into the department store. I decided I wanted to do the pick-a-pearl again, so we got in line for that, and wouldn’t you know, the woman in front of us got twins! No such luck for me, although Jenna picked out an oyster with a beautiful pinkish pearl, about 7mm. She was disappointed with it, and actually told me to throw it out—I have no idea why. I asked the cast member for the fastest-setting pendant, and she steered me towards a cute wire cage thing. While we waited for it, we wandered the store. Jenna found the good luck kitties and spent ten minutes agonizing over which color to get. She eventually decided on both the white and black kitties. I picked up my pearl, and just as we were about to leave Jenna spotted the Bakugan display. We told her she could pick out one, and spent another ten minutes while she agonized over which toy to get…did she want a round one, or a triangular one, or one of the huge ones? Finally she decided, and then changed her mind again while I was in line to pay for it. :o) She picked out one of the ginormous ones, that we’ve never seen in the toy stores back home.

That’s done, now what? No one really felt like exploring anymore…as much as most of us (everyone but Mark) didn’t want to leave, we really didn’t want to do anything else, either. So we made one last trek through Epcot to the monorail, and gave the World a sad goodbye. We walked back to the Poly and headed up to the lounge. For what, I’m not sure, because everyone quickly let me know that’s not where they wanted to be. So sorry…we had literally just missed the afternoon service and I thought we would have been able to grab some snacks. Oh, well.

MiMa and BeBop made their way over to the pool bar while Mark and Jenna hit the arcade. Stupid me just now realized that we got a voucher for arcade time with our package. Whoops…are you keeping track of my tour guide mistakes? I’ve lost count. It didn’t really matter anyway, I think they only spent about $4 in the arcade. I spent some time with my parents and then went to relieve Mark from his parenting duties, so Jenna and I could do some very last minute shopping! Jenna picked out a cute elastic ring and a very annoying flute from Boutiki, while I picked out a nice hoodie that isn’t blatantly Disney (not that I have anything against blatant Disney—I’m wearing a Mickey sweatshirt right now), but just says “Disney’s Polynesian Resort” on one side. Then we went upstairs to…is it called Trader Jack’s? to see if there was anything there that we must have. Here I managed to pick up a Mickey stuffy and a Mickey chew toy for our puppies back home (talk about waiting until the last minute!), and was able to use my remaining 4 snack credits on Goofy Gummies! I had to buy the strip of single serve packs—5 packs in each package—but I got four of those and then I bought two regular-sized bags, too…I love my gummies!

We headed up to the Tambu Lounge for one last round of drinks (only a margarita for me this time), and then, since it was about 5:30, we went outside to get our luggage from Bell Services. Lo and behold, a ME bus pulls up just as we get our luggage! The driver said we had about ten minutes before he had to leave, and didn’t recommend that we wait for another bus (you’ll remember that our departure time was 6:15), so we decided to hop on this bus. We were literally shoving our last-minute purchases into our suitcases, and my mom rushed to drop the ECV off, and then we got on the bus.

Continued below

[tinksmom02]

Day 7, part 3 and final thoughts

And Jenna proceeded to start crying. She cried all the way through the Grand Floridian stop and just about to the main gate. MiMa even gave her the Minnie watch she’d bought, trying to cheer her up. She just didn’t want to go home! I finally managed to get her calmed down, when the little boy in the seat behind us had a “protein spill.” The driver didn’t even break his spiel—just handed back bags and paper towels. Needless to say, it didn’t smell very pretty, so at the next red light I sent Jenna back to where Mark was sitting, and she was OK for the rest of the ride. (And so was the poor little boy, by the way, except that he had to be stripped to his diaper, and the extra clothes were in the carry-on which was, you guessed it, under the bus.)

We made it to the airport in no time at all. We checked our luggage in with no problems (another yay! me moment—suitcases 1 &2 were about 41 pounds each, and suitcase 3 was 32 pounds!) and got through security in just a couple minutes. A few delays in security, though—I’d had Mark chuck all of our water bottles, but he had an orange juice left over from breakfast that I didn’t even know about in his backpack, and my bag had to be scanned twice, I think because I forgot to pull out Jenna’s DSi. We hopped on the monorail to our gate, and found…

Absolutely nothing. There was NO one in our terminal. It was pretty freaky, to say the least. And what’s worse, most of the shops and restaurants were closed! My mom doesn’t fly well to begin with, and was really looking forward to a glass of wine before our flight. No such luck. Ruby Tuesdays, which normally closes at 7 (?) closed at 6 that night. The only things open were a Wendy’s and a coffee shop. We ate and I made Jenna do some of her reading homework. Our plane landed at about 8:35, and at 8:40 they announced that it was boarding. It wasn’t scheduled to leave until 9:35, and I’m a big believer in not boarding until the last minute—why make Jenna sit any longer than she has to?—so I didn’t want to get on the plane, but I was outvoted. And good thing, too, because the crew was ready to leave early! The plane was only about a third filled, so it was a really light flight, and we were in the air by about 9pm. These Spirit people don’t mess around!

The flight home was fine. I’m not crazy about flying at night, but you do what you have to do to get the most time at Disney! We all slept for most of the flight. We landed at about 11:15, got our luggage, and walked to the van. A short ride up the parkway and we were home. It was all over…

Well, the vacation really wasn’t over until I picked up the dogs the next day. I got up, showered, and left Mark and Jenna to sleep in. I went outside and waited for the monorail to take me to pick up the dogs …and then remembered that I was back in the real world and I would actually have to DRIVE MYSELF

Final Thoughts

Another awesome trip! We had a blast, and I know that we will definitely be returning to the Poly for our next Disney vacation! It was more expensive, but I absolutely think it was worth it! We definitely slowed down more on this trip and I was much more flexible with our schedule, which worked and didn’t work. We were able to be more relaxed with our plans, which was nice. It didn’t work in just a couple cases, like me not remembering we were supposed to pay OOP for Crystal Palace. But, live and learn, right?

I also think that perhaps we might be a little (gasp!) Disney-ed out. Take the fact that Jenna didn’t want to meet any characters, for example. I think we might need to take a year off…absence makes the heart grow fonder, and all that.

My mom said that every time she travels she can’t wait to get home. This past trip, though, she didn’t want to leave. Jenna has asked me every single day when we’re going back. Mark is still telling me it’ll be another 5 years before we go back. And me? I’m pricing out an all-inclusive Turks and Caicos vacation for next fall. Much as I love Disney, I really think we all need a relaxing vacation, and then we can head back!

For all of you who've read this far, thanks! I hope you enjoyed my reports!

[ibelieveindisneymagic]

Thanks for sharing! I've loved reading your reports, and am so glad you had a good trip

[mouseketeer mom]

Hey Christi!
I'm sad your reports are over. The last day stinks, to say the least. My husband sounds like yours..he's always ready to go., he says he is sad to leave, but he just walks out the door, without all the drama that I feel inside as we are leaving! I can relate to the "Disney'd out" thing too. Sometimes its nice to take that break and then head back. I'm on the fence about our upcoming trip. It seems too soon.
I noticed you ate at Captain Cooks for breakfast a couple of times..did you not enjoy the lounge for breakfast? I'm curious about that...thats one of my fave things about club level at the Poly..not having to venture out to find food in the morning.
I think you were a wonderful tour guide, and I enjoyed each day of your report. I'll miss looking for them! Love your plans for next year BTW, all inclusive Turks and Caicos sounds heavenly!
Lisa

[sgdisney]

Thanks for sharing your trip with us! I know what you mean about needing a more relaxing vacation. Last year DH and I spent a week at the beach instead of WDW and I must say I thoroughly enjoyed having little to do all week but sit on the beach, read, and walk, plus go out for wonderful seafood every night. But now I'm itching to go back to my happy place because it has been over two years!

[DizNee143]

yuck the last day! i hate the last day...
but it sounds like you gus made the most of it!! and my hubby sounds just like yours..hes not really a disney person to being with..and that last day he was ready to get out of disney any way he could! lol...but he'll be happy since i know we wont be back for at least 2 years now..but next time we go..we'll have our little girl to share it with!!
i really really enjoyed reading alla bout your vacation!! definitely made coming home from disney last week a bit easier!

[princessgirls]

Christie,

A great vacation! The last day is always hard, as my husband is always ready to go back home too!

Thanks for all the fun reports!

Julie

[pdrlkr]

Thanks for the Report!

[KylesMom]

That last day is a whopper for us as well. DS and I are getting better at hiding the tears as we pull out for the last time, but it's still oh-so-hard to leave.

You mentioned "tour guide mistakes" throughout your reports. As our vacations to Disney become more relaxed, I find myself doing the same thing - little "oopsies" that you can't believe you made. For instance, we got home & I realized I still had our arcade vouchers from our two separate packages . . .

What a magical vacation - I've enjoyed each and every report. Thanks for taking the time to share with us all!

[nicster]

We are just back from our visit too, so I can really relate to the whole 'last day blues', review what we did right/wrong this time, and even the Disney-ed out thing. We are in agreement about going back, but when is difficult to say. The cruise/beach/snorkeling visions are starting & Uncle Walt is going to have to wait for another year or more. Thanks for your report, well done!

[tinksmom02]

Originally Posted by mouseketeer mom

Hey Christi!
I'm sad your reports are over. The last day stinks, to say the least. My husband sounds like yours..he's always ready to go., he says he is sad to leave, but he just walks out the door, without all the drama that I feel inside as we are leaving! I can relate to the "Disney'd out" thing too. Sometimes its nice to take that break and then head back. I'm on the fence about our upcoming trip. It seems too soon.
I noticed you ate at Captain Cooks for breakfast a couple of times..did you not enjoy the lounge for breakfast? I'm curious about that...thats one of my fave things about club level at the Poly..not having to venture out to find food in the morning.
I think you were a wonderful tour guide, and I enjoyed each day of your report. I'll miss looking for them! Love your plans for next year BTW, all inclusive Turks and Caicos sounds heavenly!
Lisa

Thanks for the kind words, Lisa. Yes, we used the lounge a few times for breakfast, but my DH and my dad are more "real" breakfast eaters--need eggs, potatoes, etc. to properly fuel for the day, so we ended up at Capt. Cook's a few times.

Originally Posted by sgdisney

Thanks for sharing your trip with us! I know what you mean about needing a more relaxing vacation. Last year DH and I spent a week at the beach instead of WDW and I must say I thoroughly enjoyed having little to do all week but sit on the beach, read, and walk, plus go out for wonderful seafood every night. But now I'm itching to go back to my happy place because it has been over two years!

I was always under the impression that my daughter would be bored on a beach vacay, but now I'm thinking all that relaxing might do us some good!

Originally Posted by KylesMom

That last day is a whopper for us as well. DS and I are getting better at hiding the tears as we pull out for the last time, but it's still oh-so-hard to leave.

You mentioned "tour guide mistakes" throughout your reports. As our vacations to Disney become more relaxed, I find myself doing the same thing - little "oopsies" that you can't believe you made. For instance, we got home & I realized I still had our arcade vouchers from our two separate packages . . .

What a magical vacation - I've enjoyed each and every report. Thanks for taking the time to share with us all!

Yeah, there's another mistake I forgot to mention. None of us used the arcade coupons, and DD did spend some time in the arcade Oh well, I think she only spent about $4, so it wasn't that great of a loss!

[faline]

Terrific reports! I've greatly enjoyed reading them! Thanks for sharing!