We Had The Time(ing) of Our Lives! Family Trip, 8-13 March 2020 - Complete

[Canadian Harmony]

In real estate, it's all about location. For this trip it was all about timing. From start to finish - timing played a large part in our journey.

We began in Victoria, by way of Calgary. We had a weekend there for a family event. Who are we? Let me introduce...

B - Dad. He loves the corn dogs and believes the scariest ride is Mr Toad's Wild Ride.

M1 - Mum. That'd be me. My favourite snack is the Mickey Bar but I'm quite happy to eat my way around the parks at all times. My favourite ride in DLR is BMTRR and in DCA it's Incredicoaster.

R - 15 year old daughter #1. She is firmly in teen-mode, but still wavers into child-mode. I love it when she grabs my hand and the look on her face when she sees a character she loves melts my heart. Her favourite ride is probably Pirates. She loves Captain Jack and all the Pirate-y things. She can eat all the fries at all the restaurants and be a happy girl.

M2 - 13 year old daughter #2. She is also wavering between teen and child, but is more of a teen than I wish she was. Her favourite snack is popcorn - the kind at the carts, not the kind in the bags. Her favourite ride is the faster, scarier the better. Right now, that's Guardians and Incredicoaster.

So, the first thing we did in Calgary was hit Cross Iron Mills mall for a Cinderella key, but they weren't there because it was an outlet store. But that didn't stop us from buying things early (and at a discount!). Then we hit Hot Topic and I got the LAST "Child" Teva (?) mug. Love it. Used it all the time. Got tons of compliments on it too.

We shopped around for a good hour, maybe two, and then caught Onward. we really enjoyed the show. I cried, of course.

The rest of the weekend was about family, so I'll pass over that part. I'm sad I didn't get to meet up with Timon and her family like I had hoped to do.

The next morning, early early, we went back to the Calgary airport where it was -18C. Why do people live where your face can freeze? It was so so so so cold.

We ended up on the airplane and had a smooth flight to Vancouver. Then things got interesting. We got on a bus and it took us closer to our departure terminal and we went through the border process and continued on to the next terminal and the gate. We grabbed a quick breakfast, then waited for our flight south.

That flight got us to Santa Ana and then we had a longer than usual wait for our shuttle to the hotel. Usually it takes less than 10 minutes but this time it was closer to 30. We were finally at the Tropicana on South Harbour around 2:30. Check in is at 4, so we checked our bags and headed to the parks. We had decided to go to DCA first.

Even in the afternoon, the lines were longer than I had thought they'd be. But, we were happy to be there! It was 25 degrees - quite the difference in temperatures from that morning!

We had the munchies, and dinner was at 5, so we decided to get something from Clarabella's. R & and I shared a kitchen sink, M2 and B each had a sprinkle waffle cone.

While we were enjoying the sun, Daisy came by and tried to help B read the park map.

She seemed to like what M was nibbling on too.

The first ride M2 wanted was the Incredicoaster. R hadn't ridden it yet, and didn't feel like riding it this time, so it was just me and M2.

I had purchased 5 day Park Hoppers with Max Pass for everyone, but because I didn't think I was coming back twice in a year, I didn't put Max Pass on my Flex Pass. So, once I managed to get it on for the day, we headed to the Single Rider Line.

We had only a 10 minute wait and then we were on our ride! M2 ended up on the left car up at the front, and I was on the right car, near the back.

We decided to hit up Racers as our second ride, and once again hit up the single rider line, but this time it was all of us. R & I were in one car, with B and M2 in different cars again.

We got the paint job.

We won our race against M2. She was not impressed.

Had a bit of time for photos on Route 66 with my main man.

Now it was time for check-in, so we headed over. It took us 13 minutes from Racers to the Tropicana. There was a bit of a mix up with my credit card and after 35 minutes of being passed from department to department, to say I was frustrated is a bit of an understatement. FINALLY things got sorted out, then we put our bags in the room and headed back for our reservation at Carthay Circle.

In case you didn't know, Disney Dining has shortened their hours from 7-7, to 9-5. Naturally, our reservation was for 5:10, and Dining was no help at all as the line was down. I called the main info number, pressed two for AP holders, and by the time I got someone on the line, we were going through security. I could barely hear her but asked her to please call Carthay directly and let them know we'd be a bit late but still on our way.

We made it. And after the afternoon I had, I REALLY needed a drink. We had a bit of a wait, not long, and then headed upstairs where we were sat in the 'family' area to the right in the back. We had another incredible meal, a daiquiri, an appetizer, and a delicious dessert.

Appetizer

Duck dinner

Chicken meatloaf

Decadent dessert

Next up - Guardians FP for M2 and me.

I hadn't seen this painting before and thought it was awesome.

On our way back from our Guardians FP, we saw Spidey, so of course, we had to stop for a visit.

Then we visited Monstropolis.

And then one last FP for Incredicoaster. This time, with R in tow as her FIRST ride, in the dark. Such a brave girl, and she loved the ride (we're behind the hands).

And of course, a Cookie Num-Num was to be had before heading back for the night.

It had been a LONG day. We were wiped out and so headed back to the hotel around 9. M2 headed to the pool and we were surprised to see the fireworks from our balcony and from the pool. It was great! The hot tub sure felt good on my feet.

We were all in bed and passed out by 1010 that night. Tomorrow we were hoping for a BG for RotR, so we needed some sleep to be there on time.

 

[Canadian Harmony]

Day 2 - DLR!!

I wanted to put MaxPass onto my Flex Pass, so I went to the ticket booth to do so. For some reason, the card didn't work. The lady behind the glass didn't know why... and she wasn't the usual helpful Cast Member either. I mean... she was fine, but she wasn't as helpful as other CMs have been in the past. I gave up and while in our line (which went all the way back to the DCA entrance) I emailed the gift card site to figure out what was going on. Everything was on our cards, so if they weren't going to work, then we were hooped for food!

We moved quickly in our line and while we started here

it was only ten-to by the time we got through the gate. Once in, I purchased Max Pass and made our first FP for the day: BTMRR.

Then we wandered over to the Red Rose Taverne for breakfast. Tomorrowland sure looks pretty at sunrise.

As we passed through to Peter Pan, the announcement came on regarding obtaining a boarding pass. I made a note of the time compared to my phone, and then right at 7:59:45, I opened the app and then clicked and prayed and received

I cried. I was so happy.

We had a lovely breakfast at RRT and then headed off for our FP. I asked if we could sit in the back and each time our wish was granted! We had to wait a couple times, but it was worth it.

We love this ride and it really gets the blood pumping for the day.

We all headed over to NOS as I had a charm or two to get. Notice we're all wearing our new merch: all found in DCA the night before.

I made the girls stand in front of the Club 33 door. One day... one day...

Bought my new charms - the Falcon and The Child. Super love them.

Next we headed to the Jungle Cruise - B's favourite ride. We heard a new joke (to us):

They call it deconstructionism and post-modern, but I call it decomposition and post-mortem.

I kept checking my app to see when we'd be called and finally it came through!

I will not spoil the ride... but I will say the theming is just amazing throughout.

Outside:

inside:

through the lineup:

everywhere. The technology used is unbelievable: holograms, droids, animatronics, etc. Very immersive, very funny, very good. Is it my new favourite? No. But, I'll do it again for sure once I'm back in October.

We left Battuu (for a while) and headed to the harbour where we took the raft to Tom Sawyer's Island. B and I sat down while the kids ran around for a bit.

Upon our return, we met up with Captain Jack!

Then M2 and I went onto Splash. I was not prepared for the drops in the dark - totally surprised me - and of course I was drenched by the end. M2 was in the front seat and she was totally soaked too.

Our next FP was Indy. Our family loves this one. We were off within half an hour and it was perfect timing. We headed over to the Monorail.

So pretty. (The trees, not me.)

And on our way to Steakhouse 55, we met up with Chef Goofy!

I made an appointment for a DVC tour for afterwards and then... it was time for Cinderella Tea!!

We lucked out. Apparently the tea was booking so quickly, it was decided to open up to Mondays. We snagged a seating and were really happy we did!

Upon entering you see this cute easel.

beside this sweet table. Naturally, things are for sale.

We had a pretty table setting on our table.

After perusing the menu, B got the classic tea, the girls got the children's tea at the adult prices, and I got the premium tea. My first course was a salad, which was really nice. The pink radicchio was a nod to Cinderella's pink dress made by the mice and birds.

The plates were gorgeous.

The children's tea only differed from ours with sandwiches. They ordered an extra peanut butter (broom) and ham and cheese, and received blue birds with (I think?) salmon in the middle (I forgot a photo of the menu).

R had the Mad Hatter Tea and M2 had a peppermint tea.

I had a fruity strawberry tea and B had coffee.

Our sandwiches were salmon, an artichoke (the blue one. Didn't like it), a panna cotta (the round one to the right), and another salmon one.

The scones were delicious - espresso and chocolate chip, and a lemon with orange glaze. The spreads were amazing too. Blood Orange jam (yum), raspberry jam (yum), and Devonshire cream with vanilla (omg yum!). Very delicious on both types of scones!

Desserts were lovely too. Two blueberry cheesecake things with edible white chocolate clocks, white chocolate shoes with a raspberry filling, cake pops that looked like pumpkin coaches, and the largest strawberries ever in a blue candy coating drizzled with white chocolate and silver sparkles.

Here's a close up of the strawberry.

I ordered a margarita, and had the sparkling wine (very dry). It was a TON of food, and we ended up with a couple boxes of leftovers consisting of something from every tier. I also got two truffles (ate those once I got back to the hotel!).

Then we had our DVC meeting, so I'll leave it here and do the remainder of the day in the next post.

 

[Jaina]

Yay! Following along! Maybe I missed it, but was your first partial day on Sunday? Trying to match things up in my head.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

So glad you had a magical trip!

 

[Canadian Harmony]

Yay! Following along! Maybe I missed it, but was your first partial day on Sunday? Trying to match things up in my head.

Yes, Sunday was our partial day on the first day. I did look for you, but there were a ton of people in the way...

And I hope you enjoy the report!

So glad you had a magical trip!

It was indeed a wonderful time, weather notwithstanding.

 

[Canadian Harmony]

Day 2 DLR continued...

Before our Dvc info session, we were given 4 anytime Fps and two $25 gift cards (electronically). After our info session (we're going to buy, but we want to wait till our dollar improves because right now... yowch!) we headed to Star Tours, the one we had planned. B went over to the hotel instead, and got me dry socks - I was still squelching from Splash earlier in the day! - and dropped off our Cinderella Tea leftovers.

After ST, the girls wanted Space Mountain, so we did that next with our Anytime FP. R and I didn't like the Halloween one so we were mildly happier to be on this regular galaxy one. As evidenced by our ride photo.

Ha, so funny.

B met us out at the exit and I changed my socks. Blessed relief.

We headed back to Battuu for our dinner and then Oga reservation.

Dinner at Cargo Bay 7 was good. Naturally, M2 didn't eat anything because she didn't understand the menu, even after we explained it to her. B and I grabbed a bite, R wasn't hungry.

We saw Chew hiding from Storm Troopers, which was super cool.

We lined up outside of Oga's and B immediately heard the loud music and wasn't up for it. We went in anyway, and were placed at the bar, across from R3X. M2 was not happy about the menu (again) and decided she didn't want anything from it. She and B left while R and I had a drink.

I had the Slug Slinger

R had the Hyperdrive.

But, one was enough for us. R quite liked Oga's and had we been given a booth, we probably would have stayed for the full 45 minutes. Standing was getting difficult for us and we were ready for more of the Park, so we left.

The girls and I used a second anytime FP for BTMRR around 6:25. Again, back two rows. Sweeeeet!

We headed over Pirates and walked right on!

And then, we were tired. We went back to the hotel and B and M2 hit the pool. We nibbled on left overs and a beer we'd bought at Cove Market, then went to sleep.

Tomorrow was DLR day 2.

 

[Canadian Harmony]

DLR day 2 (so day... 2 1/2 I guess).

We weren't in a rush for RotR, so we wandered in after 9am (good thing I canceled our Carnation reservation the day before). We tried breakfast at Carnation but they weren't taking walk-ins. We decided to have breakfast at Jolly Holiday (my personal favourite). It had been raining off and on, so crowds were lower than usual, and the ducks were out.

Mamma duck brought her charges along for a visit, which was not a good choice. Little kids were chasing the ducklings around, and few parents were doing anything about it.

Finally after watching those sweet things for a while, two were separated from Mamma. She quacked as she heard their frightened calls but couldn't find them in the bushes.

We had to leave before we found out if she saved her babies or not (she flew back to the pond to tell Mr Duck all about it), but I'm sure she did recover them. At least, that's what I'm telling myself.

Our first FP was for BTMRR and while we waited for the time to hit, we took a tour on the Rivers of America on the Mark Twain. Due to the rain, we couldn't get into the wheelhouse (dang it), but we went up to the second deck for good views.

The duck on the top of the shed made me giggle.

The Gullythumper.

Poor moose. Missing a horn.

We returned and made our FP. This time, all three of us were put into the last car. Super fun!

Next we decided to do Smugglers Run as a family. This was the first time I had gone through the full queue and I really enjoyed all of the cool toys in the lineup. Got awesome photos too. Here are a few.

When we got our passes, I was a pilot, B was an engineer, M2 and R were gunners, a single rider dad was the other engineer, and his son (8? 10?) was the other pilot. I was going to go on the right, but the boy decided to go on the right, so I was the left pilot.

We were called in quickly and sat down. I was so excited to be the pilot! I couldn't even.

After a bumpy ride where we ended up yelling, "PULL UP!! PULL! UP!!!" to minimize damage, we ended up not doing well.

BUT, we still had a lot of fun nevertheless.

We headed back into Fantasyland and took a wild ride.

We were tired, for some reason, so we headed back to the hotel for a mid-day break. First time I've EVER done that, tbh, and after a quick snack on the left-over tea I took a nap (I love naps). We were up and out around 2:30 or so to try to catch the Magic Happens parade.

We waited in front of the train station and were treated to the Disneyland Band.

We were told that due to the weather (which held, btw), we wouldn't get the parade, but got a cavalcade instead. This is where the majority of the characters were put into Mainstream Omnibuses and waved as they drove by. We got a few good photos.

The kids hadn't been to ToonTown yet, so we decided to head off for a visit. I also wanted to take them onto the RRCTS and so we FP'd it.

After we had about 30 minutes or so before our Cafe Orleans reservation so we explored a bit.

We just realized that when you turn on the mailbox, you get their message. Super cute.

Minnie wasn't in her house, but Mickey was. It was pretty much a walk through, with only a 5-10 minute wait in the holding area. Sorcerer Mickey was meeting up and it was super great to see him again.

For some reason, the kids wanted a trip on Small World, so we FP'd it and took our Disney Cruise a year early (ha).

The remainder of our day follows in the next post.

 

[Canadian Harmony]

Continued...

Dinner! Cafe Orleans is one of B's favourite places, and last time we were outside, this time we ate inside. Lovely decor. Great food.

I had a seafood bisque appy

B had the Pomme Frites

He had the steak for dinner, I had the chicken

B was so hungry he even ate the brussels sprouts... and liked them! LOL (they're not my favourite).

The girls each had a Monte Cristo - R had the regular one, M2 had one without ham in it. I'd never had one, so took a piece of hers. OMG, really delicious! It was a nice light fish batter which I wasn't expecting.

M2, my picky eater, loved her sandwich! Disney magic right there, tbh. I really appreciate when we find something she'll eat because she is more picky than I was as a kid. She doesn't like potatoes - so no chips, no fries, no tots, no mashed, no baked. She couldn't eat all of it, but fortunately we got some boxes and boxed up the leftovers... and the last remaining beignet from the plate that we shared.(she took about 5 photos of the thing too)

We did a night tour in the Jungle Cruise

We realized we hadn't visited the Tiki Room yet, so we fixed that oversight.

And of course, before we left, we had to have a night ride on BTMRR... at the back!

The moon was full as we went back to the hotel and soon we got to watch a night of fireworks from the balcony.

We soon went to bed because we had breakfast at the PPG and didn't want to be late to see Stitch!

Hope you're enjoying our trip as much as I'm enjoying reliving it.

 

[kellys520]

Love reading through your reports! We were actually there the same time (mar 8-12) and were almost hotel neighbors (we were at the Fairfield). We really did have the best timing to beat the closure! It’s so fun to see your pictures and know that we were there somewhere at the same time lol.

 

[Alaskan mom]

Enjoying your report. Your timing was impeccable!

 

[Canadian Harmony]

I'm so glad people are enjoying this! Day... 4? Wednesday, the 11th.

First up: Breakfast with Donald, Stitch, and the gang.

We left the hotel late and M2 and I had a tiff, which meant she wasn't talking to me or looking at me, and generally giving me the silent treatment. This lasted surprising long, tbh. I was proud of her hour-long snit in a backwards kind of way. We finally arrived at the PPGrill (again, trying to contact Disney Dining was a bust because they weren't open until 9, so I went through to the AP line to try but no dice. As SOON as Disney Diining opened up I called, got through within 5 minutes, and they assured me they'd call the desk for us. Yes, we get a 15 minute grace, but had I not called, we would have been 20 minutes late) and were soon called in for our photo op with Donald. The kids went first then we joined in as a family.

The kids went and got their food, I waited. While I was gone, the kids got to meet Daisy, but forgot to get her autograph.

Soon, Stitch arrived. He's our favourite. M2 loves him to bits and I was tickled pink to see her happy. I felt bad I forgot my stitch runners and my Lilo dress, but I'll bring them back in October (yes, I'm still holding out hope I'm going back in time for my birthday).

Next up was Lifeguard Minnie for a signature and a photo op.

The weather was a little weird, so B ran back to the hotel to get a sweater and swap my coat for me, and the girls and I went through the GHC to DCA. I took us down to the AP corner and got our F&W Passports and my first AP magnet (WHEEEEE!), as well as a F&W pin to match the one I got last year. The CM was a little confused about how many passports I could get, but after a quick phone call confirming I could get my 4, I paid and off we went to the Pier for our first ride of the day.

While we waited for our Incredicoatster FP, we saw the Onward photo place set up, so we grabbed a quick photo before moving on.

I saw that Joy and Sadness were coming out so we hopped in line to meet Sadness. Didn't get to see Joy, but I'm happy to have seen at least one of the two.

Next was our ride, and by the time were catapulted up the first hill, B had come back and watched our take-off.

Now it was close to the time to meet Ian and Barley Lightfoot, so we got in line before it got too much longer. The first person was decked out head-to-toe in Barley's outfit, with matching ears. It was really well done! She blew them away with her cosplay and I thought she was going to cry she was so happy.

It was soon our time to meet them. They were so nice (without saying anything, you know). Barley and I talked about how MagicQuest (or whatever their game is) is similar to DND (I'm a 2nd edition girl myself), and who his favourite band was. R wasn't interested, so it was just me and M2.

Now that we were all together again, we headed to Soarin' and used one of our multi-FPs to get on.

And then we wandered up for churros and Mickey bars outside of the Redwood Trail.

Naturally, I dropped some chocolate on my shirt and the stain has now set in. Fortunately I had another shirt in my bag, but FIRST... a cool down with a trip up the rapids.

WE were drenched. It was so fun. The kids wanted to run around the Redwoods for a while, so B and I found a bench beside the hollowed log (where I quickly changed my shirt before the kids arrived) and I did a quick Facebook Live for my friends back at home in the gloom.

After about an hour, we wrangled up the kids and we headed to the top end of the Pier so I could get my favourite treat from last year - the mac & cheese! This year it had a bit of heat to it but the kids really enjoyed theirs too.

I grabbed a Stitch hat for M2 because the sun was turning her beet red. I had forgotten my Minnie sunnies in the car before we left home, so I grabbed another pair for today. The sun felt so wonderful after weeks of crummy weather at home.

After a bite and a drink, we headed to Cars Land and grabbed some photos on the way in.

We had wanted Mater, but it was down, so we headed to Luigi's instead.

Bit of a wait, but still a fun little dance ride.

We used another one of our must-FPs and took a spin through Radiator Springs.

We headed over to the Pier so that B could have more nibbles and try some beers. I grabbed my favourite thing of all time in the parks (a Cocina Margarita with Tajin on the rim) and waited for him to come back. And then I had another one (hahah!)

more in the next thread.

 

[Canadian Harmony]

I meant post. Anyway, M2 and I headed down the street while B and R headed up the street for nibbles. I grabbed a delicious bread bowl of cheese soup (OMG delish) and a banoffee tart (super yum) while I waited.

Both were delicious. M2 had something I can't remember right now but she loved it. We went back up to meet with B and R and got a photo or few

(note M2's attempt at "angsty teenager" and then we decided to cool down under the sea while B went to grab a coffee or something.

Back together again, we headed to the Pier and went on the Emotional Whirlwind just to say we did. Cute theming and posters, and it was a nice rest in our day.

We wanted to try a dessert at the Garden Grill, so we wandered up there for our treat.

Super delicious again. As usual.

It was nearing sunset, and I hadn't experienced Sh-Boom, so wanted to experience it with the family. We grabbed a bench and waited.

Magical. We realized we wouldn't have time to finish our tabs (we had 7 left), so I waited and watched for someone to give our passport tabs to. I found a couple with their "Just Married' buttons on. I suavely approached and intelligently asked, "Hey, did you guys just get married?"

"Yes!" they were kind enough to reply with smiles.

"Congratulations! So we won't finish our tabs, and I was hoping to give them to someone who could use them. Please, take these and many happy returns, etc etc etc.."

They were really happy to get them, I got hugs all around (them and their buddies) and we headed back to the hotel.

But first: MATER!

And second: GUARDIANS!

Rumour had it the parks would be making a decision about closing within the next day or so. Tomorrow was Knott's Berry Farm day, and it was supposed to be rainy. So we headed to bed by 9pm and tried to get some sleep before our adventure.

 

[Alaskan mom]

Sounds like you had a great day!

 

[Canadian Harmony]

Thursday, March 12th - Southern Californian Rain!

Today was our KBF day. I hadn't been since I was 9 and don't remember it at all (although my Mum said she loved it there). It is owned by the same company that owns Canada's Wonderland, so I bought the packages well in advance: all day dining, parking, gate entry, funpix... SO smart... I thought. Out of all of these, the parking was our best value, tbh. We arrived just after park open because we had to get the car from Budget. Turns out, I had booked it for Wednesday, but forgot to change my reservation online. Foruntinately, the guy at the counter understood (or thought I was a ditz. Whatever works) and gave us a little Mazda we drove down to KBF.

We went through the gates and it was a ghost town! VERY few people there. I could understand the fun on a sunny day just based on what we saw.

And when I say ghost town, I mean it.

The fun pix person was nice enough to take a bunch of photos of us in the rain prior to our exploration.

We're from the we(s)t coast, so it didn't bother us much to start.

We wandered into the geode shop and saw fossils and geodes and lots of cool interesting things. We also told the guy there was a leak in is roof, so he added another bucket to the ones already in use.

Along the street we saw a blacksmith working his forge. Super cool. I remember as a kid seeing someone do this at the place my father worked at, so it brought back a lot of memories.

Across from him was a 'dress shoppe' where we found very cool clothes and a nice lady natting lace.

After chatting for nearly 30 minutes with her, and exploring her loom and the methods of making wool, we headed to the steam train. My father was a locomotive engineer and I literally grew up on steam engines. I was looking forward to seeing the engine.

As I approached, I told one of the guys in the cab (not the engineer or fireman) that my dad was an engineer so I had to get closer. He said, "Oh yeah? Well what does a train run on?" He expected me to say, 'coal', but instead I laughed and said, "Tracks, OBVIOUSLY! I told you, I am an engineer's daughter!" He laughed and agreed.

We took a short trip on the rail where the school group we were in the car with was held up by two funny outlaws. We saw a ride on the other side of the real train - also a train, similar to BTMRR? We went to check it out.

The line up was longer than 5 minutes - at least it felt like it in the rain. We were finally loaded into the outdoor cars right at the back and headed off.

It was not fast. In fact, it was kind of slow and even stopped in some places. It took us through the mine, narrated by a female "howdy pardner" type of narration. The scenes were interesting, I suppose. I think we would have appreciated it more had we been warmer and dry.

By now, we were starting to wear thin. The wind had kicked up and I was adamant we use the all-day dining package at least ONCE. We choose poorly, but mostly because it was the only restaurant open. We ate what we could, but honestly this place did not have as good of food as DLR does.

I gave up. M was at her breaking point and no one was having any fun at all. Infant, KBF was closing early at 4 anyway. It was just around noon by now, so we headed back to the front gate via way of a gift shop (of course) where I bought a fridge magnet and boysenberry butter (super yummy!), a giant mug for our neighbour, and M got her candy.

We went bak to the parking lot, but first I wanted some of Mrs. Knott's fried chicken everyone raves about. I put in an order for the bucket with the pie (but in hindsight, we could have done without it because we only ended up eating maybe 1/4 of it) and we waited for the fresh chicken to arrive.

It was a little longer than we expected, but not too terribly long, and soon we were sloshing our way back. We dropped the kids at the hotel (with the chicken) and B and I headed back to Budget to drop the car off. Then we sloshed our way back to the hotel. During all of this, our dollar was falling faster than a rock in water, so I needed to take out cash. We decided too, to do some laundry, so we needed quarters, soap... and beer.

During the laundry, news came out that Friday would be the last day at the parks. We had maybe 2 hours max tomorrow morning before we had to be back to the hotel for our ride.

After laundry it was dinner time. That was probably the best chicken I've ever tasted (mostly because I didn't get any at Plaza Inn or Carnation this time around). And the boysenberry preserves were delicious.After pre-packing my bag (and making sure the kids had done theirs) I had a sliver of pie and then collapsed.

Tomorrow was our last day and we had limited time in DCA. The kids had chosen Incredicoaster and Guardians as their last two rides.

 

[Canadian Harmony]

March 13th - last day. Sad day.

As you can tell, we were not happy to leave.

First we headed to Flo's for breakfast and then popped over to the Incredicoaster for our first ride.

Next up - Guardians. R decided she wanted to go on the ride now. We were so proud of her. I knew she'd love it!

And she did love it! She is definitely looking forward to riding this again.

And now - we walk with purpose to the hotel and see our ride waiting. He was super kind, waiting while we checked out and grabbed our bags. Soon we were on the road to John Wayne Airport and noticed the lineups were getting longer than usual once we arrived. People were starting to worry, especially since Canada had put out an informal recall of citizens (the formal one was the next week) back home. We had enough time for a bite at Ruby's before boarding.

Our flight home was unremarkable (thankfully) and we had a bit of time to wait in Vancouver before arriving back on the Island.

All-in-all our trip was great. We had a good time in the parks as a family, with B devouring all the corndogs all the time, M hunting for all the popcorn and churro carts she could find, R just smiling and soaking up the rides and experiences, and me, loving watching them and grabbing photos at every opportunity.

We hope to go again in February as R's dance studio is scheduled to dance at Disney then, and M is coming along too (although she won't be dancing there). Naturally, I am still holding out hope my October trip is a go.

Thanks for following along. I hope you enjoyed our trip as much as I enjoyed re-living it.