Potty Training Experiment

     For my very first post I have decided to write about my most challenging project to date. Potty Training! My 33 month old son has yet to discover the wonderful benefits for both him and me of using the potty. He knows when it is time to go and often will find a closet to hide in to do his business so why can't I get him to learn to use a potty? I have tried everything I can think of doing. It is time for some change.
     My first attempt was that I tried Huggies pull-ups for him to be able to pull them on and off on his own. I even bought some with his favorite characters on them. The best result I achieved here was when he took off his pull-ups and peed on the floor because he did not want to get his diaper wet! Uggg what do I do? He knows that it is coming so how do I get him to use the potty on his own?
      I then turned to big boy underwear. I bought him some undies with his favorite characters in the whole wide world on them. That being Cars Lightning McQueen. I tell him if he potties in his undies I will have to throw them away. Sure enough within a few hrs he comes to me soaking wet needing to be changed. I then proceed to pretend to throw them away while he cries but that has yet to achieve any results at all other than tantrums for me not to trash his undies.
     My latest experiment has hit closest to home for him. I have bought the new Cars 2 potty that sits on the floor and have put it in the bathroom right next to the "big boy potty." I have been able to get him to sit on the potty and tee tee a couple of times but he has yet to ask to go on his own. So, I figured it was time to step up my game a little bit. I went out and purchased some of his favorite toys, you guessed it Cars branded little cars. I have strategically placed them unopened in the bathroom within sight of the potty. He can open them one at a time with the only condition being he must poo poo on the potty first. The only result achieved so far is a lot of grunting and straining with a couple of "poo poo bubbles" coming out. Am I being mean by offering bribes and holding my ground and not giving in to his cries for the new toys until he potties? Maybe so. Only time will tell who gives in first. Will it be me giving in and giving him his new toys without using the potty or will it be him finally deciding it is time to go.
     I have tried just about everything I can think of. As you can tell I am very new to this potty training experiment. I would love some advice or would love for you to share your experiences with me. Maybe with some of your tips and encouragement we can get through this together!