Let's call this the vacation that almost wasn't....

[tlinus]

Similar to last year's episode, we began our planning of this trip in early January. Keep that phrase in mind - began being the key word. DD who was turning 13 wanted to go back and do the whole HRH birthday thing - and who are we to say no?

To refresh your memory, here is the cast of characters:

DH - 40 - The ever so still hard working, newly promoted and needed a vacation (which eventually happened) leader of the pack :worship:

Me - 38 - Planner, rearranger, packer, rearranger again, adding onto the vacation, rearranger AGAIN stay at home Mom of 3 who tries all the angles to get our vacation within budget to allow for onsite perks. :goodvibes

DD - 13 - The one who this vacation was originally all about. Dad's roller coaster riding partner and whose quick witted humor makes us laugh (when she's not being - you know - a teenager) :rolleyes1

DD - 8 goin on 9 June 29th - With all of the rearranging and postponements, we included her birthday in this vacation as well. She is the competitive one, the middle child, but the one who is all about family. She is the one who will most likely take care of me and DH when we are old, so we better treat her right ;)

DS - 6 - He is the little man, the Little Buddy, the one who was a bit miffed about not being tall enough to try the Mummy with Dad. The one who notices everything and kept the trip a secret from school as it was "a family thing" - so therefore, no one needed to know :rotfl2: .

I need to upload all of our pictures from DH's work laptop to my laptop, so there will be a short delay in the photos. I just wanted to get this thing rolling as I want to report as much as possible before I forget.

So - go and grab a coffee, tea, water or soda pop and take the phone off the hook......here we go - yes, we actually made it to Vacation 2008 !

[macraven]

:surfweb:


here and waiting........

[tlinus]

January - March 2008

We asked our daughter exactly what she wanted to do for her big milestone 13th birthday - true UNI/IOA junkie that she is she answered with something along the lines of "Duh, go to Univeral and stay at the Hard Rock". OK, then. That was settled. Due to our experiences of carnage on the Roadtrip of October 2006, we will no longer drive to Orlando. The only thing holding us back from booking the trip right then in January was the price of airfare. It was a little crazy. So we sat on the plans and waited and watched and waited and watched. FINALLY, mid February, Southwest $79.00 per person, each way last week of April into first week of May!!! WhooHoo - we booked the airfare!!! Got on the horn with the Hard Rock, got the room. Went to AAA office got the park tickets. Kept checking for the airfare to drop - it did - twice!! Ended up with $200.00 in Southwest credits :thumbsup2 !!!!! Did up the calendar with the countdown. Sailed through February, March and then hit the wall in April :scared1:

April 2008

Did you ever have the feeling that things were just too easy? Yeah, you got it - here comes snag numero uno in our Vacation plan. This one wasn't bad - it was rather a pleasant have to rearrange everything type of snag :)

DH calls fom work one day in VERY early April:

DH: "Hey, when is our vacation again?"
ME: "April 29th to May 6th"
DH: "Hmmmm.....got a little problem."
ME: (after picking up my jaw from the floor) "What might that be?"
DH: "I have to go to Vegas for a Microsoft conference the last week of April. Oh, and why don't we arrange things so you can come with me?! The company is sending me and paying for the hotel and the classes/conference and we can get a cheap car so you can go do stuff. "
ME: "I am sure it is not a big deal - let me get on it!!"

So, with a little creative rearranging, child care, dog care and only $118.00 in airfare for me out of our pockets (that 200 in SW credits came in handy:thumbsup2 ) DH and I jetted off to Vegas 4/27 and returned 5/3. Never went to Vegas before, it was really cool, enjoyed myself with sightseeing and just a little slot action, but wouldn't take that flight again when there was ANY sort of disturbances in the atmosphere. Turbulence and Mamma Bean here do not mix!!! It was wicked on the way out and tolerable on the way back.

So with the calendar reflecting the new dates of 5/27 to 6/3 for our Orlando vacation, I puttered through the very beginning of May. Getting back into the excitement of a nice family vacation in a few weeks :rolleyes1

*****~~~~S C R E E E E E E E E E E C H~~~~***** Yep, that would be the brakes again.

[tlinus]

May 2008

Where did you all go for your 7th grade class trip? I think we were so bad that we didn't get anything cool and wound up at the Philadelphia Zoo :rotfl2: Matter of fact - I think we left some of our worst classmates there :rotfl2:

Kbean (my oldest) gets to go to Hershey Park. May 28th. I paid for the trip when our original plans were to leave in April :headache: .

Cbean (my middle) has a trip to the Arden Theatre and the school's field day during our newest dates.

Fbean (the little guy) would have missed his zoo trip and the school's field day.

Daddybean had a few important projects thrown his way that HAD to be completed by the end of May.

You're all smart........you can see where this is going. Yup, had to rearrange our vacation again :eek: :eek:

Not only did I rearrange the dates to 6/3 to 6/10, DH wanted to throw me a curveball - "Hey, what about doing a couple of Disney days?" Ummmm - ok, let me see what is what and how cheaply we can throw that into the mix. Meanwhile I was a mix of this: http://bestsmileys.com/scared/7.gif and this: http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/scared002.gif

Ok - all plans are in - 3 nights Pop Century, 2 day base ticket, dinner at the Crystal Palace on 6/5 for the girls' birthdays, 4 nights Hard Rock - all flight times are the same, same price for flights.......we are good to go!!!!!

Rut-Roh!!!! We get back on the 10th, kids go back on the 11th, yikes :eek: - its the last day of school. For the younger beans it didn't matter, but the elder bean had finals to take. Whew http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/gen165.gif, they let her do it on her last day (which was a half day) instead of goofing around with the rest of the kids.

Now there is nothing left to do except clean, launder, pack, kennel the dog, get a check-in-sitter for the fish and hamster and go - right?.... right?!.....RIGHT???!!!!?????






Yeah - we went :woohoo: :woohoo:





Up next :

Philly International, the flight, the car the check in at Pop and the baby ducks in the wicked thunderstorm. Otherwise known as the wasted travel day :rolleyes1 .

[angela3676]

popcorn:: continue!! :)

[RVGal]

I was along for the ride during all the reschedules and it was still fun to read through that.

Getting comfy and waiting. Patiently. For more. Waiting. Right here. No pressure. :rolleyes1

[tlinus]

Tuesday 6/3/08 - Wasted travel day 1

Ok ladies and gents. Here we are on THE day. THE day we have been waiting and planning for all this time. THE day I personally thought would NEVER come. Get up and get the girls to school at 8AM. Come home and finish packing the back pack with my papers, electronic cords, wallet, boarding passes - you get the picture. This is the first time I didn't have any last minute clothes to pack - did all of that on Saturday :cool1: To tell the truth - I kind of felt a bit lost without last minute rushing around :lmao:

Left to take the Sadie Dog to the kennel at 11. Picked up the girls at noon from school. Then my friend arrived and got us to the airport at 1 for our 2:55pm flight. Security was a breeze - for everyone but me......I got the "special" treatment this time :eek: Turns out the barrette I clipped to my brassiere strap while in the shower so I didn't lose it, was still there while going through security :rotfl: :rotfl: I put it there so when Fbean was jumping on my bed with my clothes it didn't get lost.......I thought - great it got lost anyway, but the nice lady at the security checkpoint found it for me - we laughed about it as she was patting me down like a High School Boy on a hot date.

Off to the gate http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/scared007.gif, checked in with Cbean to get our preboarding. Then Daddybean stopped in the Chickie's and Pete's for a drink (for him) and Crabfries (for me and Kbean). Yes, crabfries. Anyone from the philly area knows that Chickie's and Pete's crabfries are awesome :

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/crabfries.jpg

and the bonus is that they opened a location in the airport-terminal E!!!! That is where we took off from and where we landed :woohoo:

OK - enough with the drooling.

Our flight took off on time and the turbulence was at a minimum. Although I was still traumatized by the Vegas trip - so any rocking or bumping set me into a mild panic. We arrived 20 minutes early (gotta love Southwest Airlines :thumbsup2 ). We only had carryon bags so we bypassed the luggage claim and went right out to National's Emerald Aisle and got our car (this is so totally a stock photo - I forgot to take one of the actual car :headache: ):

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/DodgeAvenger.jpg

With very little confusion and three tolls later, we arrived at Pop Century!!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/DSCN3251.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/DSCN3252.jpg


Check in went relatively smooth - both girls received a button to wear for their birthday.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/DSCN3192.jpg

And that was about it :confused3 When I made the reservation I was told there would be a personalized card from the favorite princess, some balloons. Nothing of the sort ever materialized. No towel animals, hmmmm......Good thing I didn't rev Court up about all the "special things" that I was told would happen - would have had one boiled bean on my hands :furious:

We were placed in the 90's building.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/DSCN3258.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/DSCN3257.jpg

Our room numbers were 8154 and 8155. Both double bedded rooms (also not what I requested, but bearable). Our view was of the main road that wraps around the Resort, it was pretty quiet believe it or not :)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/DSCN3193.jpg


Not long after checking out our room it began POURING. We hung outside the room for a little bit and ran into these guys

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/DSCN3195.jpg

The rain slowed, but we weren't going to let a little Florida rain slow us down, so we took off in the direction of the main lobby/arcade/food area. Now mind you this is about 730pm. We played in the arcade, browsed the shop and finally got some grub in the food court. Hence the name - the Wasted travel Day. After the explorers returned to their respective rooms, I headed out in search for a grocery store and wound up at Winn Dixie. Loaded upon some supplies, got back to the room, had a drink or two or three and hit the sack by midnight or midnight-thirty. Tomorrow was NOT going to be a wasted day. We may start late, I know - I know http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/shocked032.gifbut we do not waste our days.


Coming up next:

Typhoon Lagoon, DHS, The major meltdown and Toy Story Mania

[jillybeene71]

and then... :surfweb:

[macraven]

morning hangover?

[RVGal]

Love the pics! :lmao:

Okay, love the story... waiting patiently for the pics... and more of the story.

Waiting.

Patiently.

[Hedy]

Looking forward to more...

[nerdboyrockstar]

Every trip has roadblocks.. but they're not usually VEGAS! :rotfl:

Those crabfries look amazing.. alright let me keep reading.

[bubba's mom]

i'm here :teeth:

ain't read yet, but i'm working on it..... (and customers at the same time :rolleyes1 )

[angela3676]

need a pic fix. waiting on a pic :rolleyes1

[tlinus]

need a pic fix. waiting on a pic :rolleyes1

Patience my dear woman - have to get the goods from DH tonight first!! :lmao: :rotfl2: :lmao:



and by goods I mean pictures.




get yer minds out of the gutter :angel:

[tlinus]

Every trip has roadblocks.. but they're not usually VEGAS! :rotfl:

Those crabfries look amazing.. alright let me keep reading.


Yea - poor me, right??!!??!! :lmao: :rotfl2: :lmao:

ANd the fries ARE amazing :goodvibes

[tlinus]

and then... :surfweb:

and then........suspense - got to git moving - be back in the am with more!!

morning hangover?

nah - just a few beers and drank a bottle of water and had motrin before bed - I followed the rules ::yes::

Love the pics! :lmao:

Okay, love the story... waiting patiently for the pics... and more of the story.

Waiting.

Patiently.

You will not be disappointed.

But patience is necessary.

be back with more :thumbsup2

Looking forward to more...

Thanks alot - will get to it in the morning.

i'm here :teeth:

ain't read yet, but i'm working on it..... (and customers at the same time :rolleyes1 )


pffffftttt......tell em its sunny OUTSIDE :cool2: - go there to tan, cuz you got things to read!!

[t-and-a]

Welcome home Tracie and Beans! TR is great so far- I'm looking forward to reading the rest!

[bubba's mom]

Where did you all go for your 7th grade class trip?


uh...I didn't go anywhere.... :confused3

Glad all the kids got to enjoy their "end of skool year" activities..... and Kate got to make finals up http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/gen165.gif (http://www.freesmileys.org)


Security was a breeze - for everyone but me......I got the "special" treatment this time :eek: Turns out the barrette I clipped to my brassiere strap while in the shower so I didn't lose it, was still there while going through security :rotfl: :rotfl: I put it there so when Fbean was jumping on my bed with my clothes it didn't get lost.......I thought - great it got lost anyway, but the nice lady at the security checkpoint found it for me - we laughed about it as she was patting me down like a High School Boy on a hot date.

mental. picture. ----> http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/laughing021.gif (http://www.freesmileys.org)

Daddybean stopped in the Chickie's and Pete's for a drink (for him) and Crabfries (for me and Kbean) .....
and the bonus is that they opened a location in the airport-terminal E!!!! That is where we took off from and where we landed :woohoo:

:eek: They opened a C&P?? :banana: altho...that is NOT going to help us at 6AM :headache:


We arrived 20 minutes early (gotta love Southwest Airlines :thumbsup2 ).

::yes:: :thumbsup2 fly no other anymore....


pffffftttt......tell em its sunny OUTSIDE :cool2: - go there to tan, cuz you got things to read!!

uhhh....not that job today ;)

[RAPstar]

great trippie so far! can't wait to read more!!

[bubba's mom]

Hey...c'mon...it was Saturday!! No trippie time? :confused3


:(

[havinfun]

I am not seeing any pics. I am still happy to read your report.

[tlinus]

Wednesday 6/4/08

Ahh - what a beautiful morning. Ok, so, what are we going to do today? Yup, that's right, we went to Disney and had NO touring plans. I will give you all a moment to gather yourselves back up after that whammy :rotfl2:

We had old tickets that still had the plus option available. So why not do a waterpark. Hmmmm - Typooon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach? Typhoon Lagoon it is then!!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/DSCN3239.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/DSCN3204.jpg

We arrived at the front gate and swiped our cards and into the park we went. Now, it has been well over 14 years or more that I have been to Typhoon Lagoon - but it looks the same :thumbsup2 It was quite crowded, but manageable.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/DSCN3198.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/DSCN3199.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/DSCN3203.jpg

Spend some time with Fbean in the Kiddie area - he had a blast - well, after he got over being mad about being there.

BEFORE:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/DSCN3205.jpg

DURING:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/DSCN3206.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/DSCN3207.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/DSCN3214.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/DSCN3217.jpg

AFTER BEING MAD
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/DSCN3218.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/DSCN3219.jpg

We ate at the counterservice there - Leaning Palms - and had some really good lunch. I didn't have the camera - so no pictures of the food. But Me and Cbean split a pulled pork sandwich. DH had a double bacon cheesburger, Kbean had a chicken sandwich and Fbean had the kids hot dog meal. Came to $42.00.

Some parting pictures at Typhoon Lagoon

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/DSCN3235.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/DSCN3236.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/DSCN3237.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/DSCN3241.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/DSCN3242.jpg


and this hibiscus that became my friend while hanging out in the kiddie area:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/DSCN3210.jpg


We did some more swimming and a few more rides down the body slides for DH and Kait. We were happy and cooled off and it was time to leave.....we were going to DHS for evening magic hours (what a mistake :rolleyes1 ).

Coming up - a very short EMH trip to DHS and the previously mentioned meltdown

[tlinus]

Wednesday 6/4/08 continued

Ok, well we get back to the room, shower change and get to the bus stop at 7-7:30pm. The park was scheduled to close at 10 and we wanted to get our wristbands for what I thought was an awesome deal. The whole park is open for Disney guests for 3 extra hours :hyper: Yeah - had I planned things out, I would have found out that going to EMH was NOT a good idea.

The park was packed, and there were no more fastpasses for The Rockin Rollercoaster. We did manage to get some fastpasses for the Tower of Terror.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/DSCN3263.jpg

Now all of this time I have been listening to Fbean say he wants to ride Star Tours. He has recently become a Star Wars addict.......what happened to the days of Supermario and Thomas?? :confused3 :confused3

We make our way over to the Star Tours ride:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/DSCN3264.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/DSCN3265.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/DSCN3268.jpg


And stop for a little snack:

First churro of the vacation (and certainly NOT the last)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/DSCN3269.jpg

KBean hasn't had one of these in a long time:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/DSCN3270.jpg


And here we go......(had to borrow this picture as it was getting dark and I was dealing with a VERY tired little man)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/disney-star-wars-weekend-star-tours.jpg


BINGO - a ten minute wait :thumbsup2 :woohoo:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/DSCN3272.jpg

he finally got to the only ride he wanted to be on in that park. LITERALLY the only ride. While F, C and I shopped in the store, DH and K did their two turns on the Tower of Terror. We met up right outside the exit and they checked on the RNR again.....no dice......still over an our wait.

Did you notice how I mentioned that little man was tired. And that the only ride he wanted to go on was ST? He meant it.......at 10pm he folded. melted. he.was.DONE!!!! DH took him back to the room on the bus. I stayed just a bit longer with the girls to do the Toy Story Mania ride. We liked it alot. May have waited about 20 minutes. Here's the queue:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/DSCN3276.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/DSCN3278.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/DSCN3279.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/DSCN3280.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/DSCN3285.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/DSCN3287.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/DSCN3290.jpg


Lesson learned on 6/4/08??
We are DEFINATELY not a two-park-a-day type family. :headache:

After the Toy Story ride the girls and I looked at each other. We were done too. So ends the night and this portion of the trip report.


Coming Up:

The Magic Kingdom, Crystal Palace and Get me OFF this ride!!!

[macraven]

i noticed that Mr Bean wore his Universal hat at the disney water park.

did he get many compliments.....:rolleyes1

[RVGal]

You made friends with a hibiscus? Was there alcoholic beverages involved? :bitelip:

I have learned that we aren't a 2 park a day family either. No reason to pay extra for park hopping. We never, and I mean never, visit more than one park per day.

EMH didn't work out for you, huh? I think I've read somewhere that they can be a bit crowded. :rolleyes1

[bubba's mom]

First....LOVE the pix :worship:

Second...why was FBean "mad"...because it was the kid section?

Third...GREAT pic of you and the girls... my dear friend, you are in SO much trouble w/ KBean and boys :rolleyes1

Fourth....Tell CBean I notice her polish doesn't match ;)

Fifth....what's with the dude in the background of FBean's churro pic? :confused3 That seems kinda rude what he did there :mad:

Sixth....uh...didn't I mention evening EMHs were WAY more crowded than mornings? :confused3 :headache: We ain't mornin' peeps, but we'd prefer morning to evenings...it's too long at night for the littles....

Seventh.... yay! Waitin' for more....gimmie.... :hyper:

[rpbert1]

Barb ,i "think" the guy in the Churro pic is her DH:rolleyes1

[tlinus]

Barb ,i "think" the guy in the Churro pic is her DH:rolleyes1

:smokin:

right on with that - It was Jim :thumbsup2

[tlinus]

i noticed that Mr Bean wore his Universal hat at the disney water park.

did he get many compliments.....:rolleyes1


I noticed alot of thing 1 and thing 2 shirts at disney - so Jim was safe :thumbsup2 :rotfl2:

[tlinus]

You made friends with a hibiscus? Was there alcoholic beverages involved? :bitelip:

I have learned that we aren't a 2 park a day family either. No reason to pay extra for park hopping. We never, and I mean never, visit more than one park per day.

EMH didn't work out for you, huh? I think I've read somewhere that they can be a bit crowded. :rolleyes1

no....no alcohol, but I swaer I was standing there so long that in certain circles I am sure we are now married :rotfl: I took at least 6 pictures on different settings with the camera - and that one ^^^is one of the best.

no more multipark days - we just can't hang like that :smokin:

[loribell]

Second...why was FBean "mad"...because it was the kid section?

Third...GREAT pic of you and the girls... my dear friend, you are in SO much trouble w/ KBean and boys :rolleyes1



First off try BB next time if FBean did not like kiddie area at TL. There is a kiddie area and a bigger kiddie area at BB. He would love the bigger kiddie area. I know, not much help now. But in the future it might help.

Second, Barb is so right. I was thinking the same thing myself.

Third, I am here and wanting more!!!!!!

[Sharon G]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/DSCN3205.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/DSCN3219.jpg
These two are my favorite photos.
When the kids are younger their bad moods come and go so quick, unlike the teens where it could go on all day!

[tlinus]

First....LOVE the pix :worship:

Second...why was FBean "mad"...because it was the kid section?

Third...GREAT pic of you and the girls... my dear friend, you are in SO much trouble w/ KBean and boys :rolleyes1

Fourth....Tell CBean I notice her polish doesn't match ;)

Fifth....what's with the dude in the background of FBean's churro pic? :confused3 That seems kinda rude what he did there :mad:

Sixth....uh...didn't I mention evening EMHs were WAY more crowded than mornings? :confused3 :headache: We ain't mornin' peeps, but we'd prefer morning to evenings...it's too long at night for the littles....

Seventh.... yay! Waitin' for more....gimmie.... :hyper:

1 - I know you love pix.....any pix.....I am at yer service :worship:
2 - Yeah - he was mad because he was at the big wave pool and the older girls and Jim wanted to go do the slides. So I took him there so I could keep track of him.
3 - Ya think? I now know she has boys that are friends. They text message her and all :eek: I told you all she changed alot since last year!!! But thanks for the compliment/forewarning!! :goodvibes
4 - She did that on purpose - she wanted to do my toes - I declined :bitelip: :rotfl:
5 - Robert was right....that was Jim behind Frank.....he does that sometimes :joker:
6 - I thought you mentioned that :headache: :mad: So much for me listening to anyone :lmao:
7 - I will have the new installment up tomorrow :thumbsup2

[tlinus]

Sharon -

Thanks for dropping in - little man sometimes has worse mood swings than I do when PMSing. Now the teen thing I am just starting to find out - oy :headache: :headache:

[macraven]

it looks like bean #2 and bean #3 look like mama bean







bean #1 looks like daddy bean

[RAPstar]

You have a gorgeous family, dahling!! Can't wait for the next installment!!

[havinfun]

I am really enjoying your report. The toy story line looked like it would take your mind off the wait, well maybe for a few minutes. Thanks for the report.

[LeslieR]

:hyper: Can't wait for more!

[loribell]

I thought we were getting an update this morning??? Patience is not one of my virtues!:rolleyes1

[rpbert1]

Still waiting:bitelip:

We are just hitting the teen bit DD 12, actually think she skipped the teens and has hit 30. this our 3rd teen experience and its :headache: time.
Disney EMH was not a great experience for us either, as the queues are horrendous, would have been better hitting one of the other parks.

[macraven]

Still waiting:bitelip:


Disney EMH was not a great experience for us either, as the queues are horrendous, would have been better hitting one of the other parks.

i like that park but for an EMH night, it is not worth it.

just think of all the guests staying on site that area allowed to go to that park at the same time...........too many people.

[bubba's mom]

uh....i'm leavin' next week....should i expect full report by then...or are ya gonna take yer time so i can savor some of it while i'm away? :rolleyes1

[tlinus]

sicklet home yesterday - hence the delay.

Getting my coffee together and will hit the report shortly :thumbsup2

[tlinus]

*Thursday - 6/5/08*

This is the day. The day for the Magic Kingdom. We have tried to figure out when is the best time to go, as any ohter trip we have taken here, the lines were crazy long.

We went against the grain. Yup - we are a family of rebels. We dared and were rewarded:thumbsup2

We didn't walk through the gates until 2:40ishpm!!! Ok, Ok, get up off the floor now.......all was good and we did not upset the balance of the Universe. Matter of fact, we were able to do quite a bit in a short period of time. But first some pics:

The Bus Stop:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/DSCN3293.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/DSCN3294.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/DSCN3296.jpg

Where to today???:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/DSCN3295.jpg

In case you forgot where we were staying:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/DSCN3297.jpg

Finally arrived (notice the time on the clock ):

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/DSCN3300.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/DSCN3302.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/DSCN3305.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/DSCN3307.jpg


Now we have a 3:55 ADR at The Crystal Palace, so we do not want to go too far away. We now have an hour to get something done. We head over to Adventureland and snap some photos of the landscape and castle along the way:

This has to be one of my ALL TIME favorite shots of the castle we have:


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/DSCN3312.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/DSCN3313.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/DSCN3314.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/DSCN3348.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/DSCN3310.jpg


We arrive in Adventureland :


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/DSCN3318.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/DSCN3320.jpg


and the first ride we WALKED onto, yup, seriously, NO waits for us this visit (cept for Splash Mountain):


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/DSCN3322.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/DSCN3321.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/DSCN3326.jpg


We walked right on over and were ushered onto the boats of the Jungle Cruise (again - no waiting):

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/DSCN3343.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/DSCN3335.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/DSCN3338.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/DSCN3340.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/DSCN3341.jpg


After the Jungle Cruise, we headed back on over to the Main area so we could get ready for our dinner reservation.

[loribell]

*Thursday - 6/5/08*


We went against the grain. Yup - we are a family of rebels. We dared and were rewarded:thumbsup2

We didn't walk through the gates until 2:40ishpm!!! Ok, Ok, get up off the floor now.......all was good and we did not upset the balance of the Universe. Matter of fact, we were able to do quite a bit in a short period of time. But first some pics:

You rebel you!


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/DSCN3321.jpg


What's the matter with my little buddy?

[RVGal]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/DSCN3338.jpg



Awwww. That has to be one of the cutest pictures ever!

[tlinus]

*Thursday - 6/4/08* continued


So we walk back in the direction of the Crystal Palace. We checked in at 3:50 which was only 5 minutes early for our ADR. Frank met a not too happy little girl at the "Happiest Place on Earth"

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/DSCN3349.jpg


He got her to smile......and they talked for a few minutes before our buzzer went off - YAAAYYY - time to get our grub on!!!! :woohoo:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/DSCN3317.jpg


I mentioned that the girls were celebrating their birthday when I checked in and they decorated our table:


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/DSCN3351.jpg


and Kait decorated herself:


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/DSCN3350.jpg


My kids were so popular that Pooh shoved Tigger out of the way to get to them first:


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/DSCN3352.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/DSCN3353.jpg


Then it was Tigger's turn:


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/DSCN3354.jpg


Then Eeoyre and Piglet:


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/DSCN3355.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/DSCN3356.jpg


I got the Happy Birthday celebration on the video camera - but as with the rest of the stuff on the video, I have to learn how to upload all of that to the computer :eek:


Once we finished our feeding frenzy, I sent DH and Court ahead to make sure they made their Big Thunder Fast Pass. Court loved it and wanted to get back on right away, but alas, she would have to cool her jets for a moment. It was time for the Splash Mountain fast pass. Jim, Kait and Frank took care of that without a problem. A short wait, but no problems. Court and Kait took another spin on Big Thunder. With two of three mountains conquered, we meandered throught Liberty Square and came across a very empty line for The Haunted Mansion. I squealed in delight. I have not been on the Haunted Manison since August of 1992. With a waiting time of 10 minutes listed, we could NOT resist!! The 10 minutes was the amount of time it took to walk through the queue and get into the stretching room. We were momentarily stuck on the ride, but other than that, we all cracked up with our hitchhiking ghosts. That was a first for Jim and the kids.....now granted its not a thrill ride, but it was a classic that I was able to share with them.

We walked on into Fantasyland. In search of some more rides with no lines. We were not at a loss. The first ride we came upon without a line is the LAST ride I ever thought we would get on together.....You guessed it.....we walked right onto

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/IASW1.jpg


:lmao: :lmao: Yeah - it went over like a lead balloon. I heard more cries of horror from the family on this ride than I did when I tried to make dinner the other night:eek: The main theme seemed to be "Get me off of this ride!!!" At one point, Jim wanted to climb out of the boat and hit the Emergency Exit :rotfl2: :rotfl: Here is a sampling of the shades of "What The......????":


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/DSCN3362.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/DSCN3363.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/DSCN3364.jpg


My most sincere and deep apologies to those who truly love the ride due to the nostalgia factor. However, this ride was the means of discipline for the rest of the trip. As in :"If you don't stop punching/kicking/torturing your sister and or brother, we are going to strap you into that boat and make you ride Small World for an hour!!!" LOL!!! It seemed to work.

We practically jumped out of the boat and ran to the exit......deciding what to get to next. While deciding, we noticed that just as in the Jungle Cruise we see the back side of water, in Fantasyland you can get a great view of the backside of the castle:


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/DSCN3365.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/DSCN3367.jpg


The all time favorite ride in Fantasyland for our family has to be......come on....work with me......nope not that one, uh uh not that one either. Oh, Ok.:


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/P1010057.jpg


And guess what??!!?? Walked right into the holding lobby. We were really liking this arriving at almost 3pm thing :woohoo: :thumbsup2

[tlinus]

You rebel you!



What's the matter with my little buddy?


he wanted this camel:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/DSCN3322.jpg

to squirt water faster :lmao: :rotfl2:

other than that, he was hot and cranky - nothing new for him :rolleyes1

[tlinus]

Awwww. That has to be one of the cutest pictures ever!

Thanks Tricia! I have another one you will like in another installment down the road here shortly:thumbsup2

[tlinus]

*Thursday - 6/5/08 Continued Continued* ;)


Ok, now we venture on with Fantasyland under our belts. We really weren't looking to get on EVERY ride in the park, More or less our favorites and ones we have never been on before (unfortunately, POTC was clsed for refurb or that would have been on the list as well).

We wind ourselves on over to Tomorrowland. Our first aim was to see how long for Space Mountain. Luck ran out on that one.....the wait was 70 minutes and the Fast Pass returns were for after 9:30. We weren't going to be there too much longer as we had to get back to the room and pack up all of our stuff to move the next day.

We had never been on Buzz Lightyear, so we look and its a 15 minute wait. Sweet! We get in line and about 10 minutes later we are protecting the universe from the evil emperor Zurg!! We HAD to purchase the picture - DH and Frank looked SO intent.....great times. Now I need to decorate a frame with some Buzz cutouts and give it to DH for his office :thumbsup2

The last of the rides we got on - Monsters Inc., Laugh Floor:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/DSCN3369.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/DSCN3370.jpg


Really cute and well done show! We would do it again. Time to bid farewell to Walt Disney World for this trip.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/DSCN3374.jpg


Here is where I want to stay the next time:


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/DSCN3375.jpg


We left the park and took the bus back to Pop. As mentioned, we had to pack and I had laundry to do - remember - we only did carry ons :) . Frank fell asleep and the girls were all wound up. I let them swim in the pool while I was doing the laundry. With all of the packing up and laundering done, it was lights out for us as tomorrow is moving day. Heading up I4 to check into the Hard Rock Hotel :yay: :hyper:



Coming Up:

Movin on up, We found a SONIC, Outlet Shopping and Night at The Museum poolside :hyper: :bitelip: :hyper: .

[bubba's mom]

Well, for the trip that almost wasn't, the VERY LEAST the vacation gods coulda done for you was have NO lines at MK that day :goodvibes


:rotfl2:


Looks like a great day...and what a guy Frank is! Cheering that little girl up.... how proud you must be ;)

i agree....love that pic of Frank looking around Jim....classic....

I agree....Small World ride = punishment :lmao: (Unfortunately when we were at MK, the darn thing was down for it's major rehab...or I woulda got the same reactions from my 2 :rolleyes2 )

Looks like everyone had a great day/time....yes?

[bubba's mom]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/DSCN3374.jpg


I LOVE this picture of the castle....so soft & pretty with dusk setting in :goodvibes


Our experience w/ Space and Buzz was the same....line for SM was a mile long every time....Buzz, hardly any line :confused3


Oh...and I thought the "Frank-size" door at the Monsters Laff was cute :laughing: Good idea!

So, the Disney portion was a "hit" for the most part?? I know, I know....can't wait to get to UO :rolleyes1 ......


.....can't wait to read it.... :banana:

[RVGal]

We walked on into Fantasyland. In search of some more rides with no lines. We were not at a loss. The first ride we came upon without a line is the LAST ride I ever thought we would get on together.....You guessed it.....we walked right onto

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/IASW1.jpg



:eek: NOOOOOOOOOOO! :scared1:

HA! My boys love that ride, so I'm glad somebody else had to do it too. :p

Have you got the song out of your head yet? Want me to start singing it now? ;)

So, the birthday girls were so popular that Pooh pushed Tigger out of the way to get there first, huh? Pretty cool.

I'm hoping I can talk the boys into HM this year. I haven't been on it in years and I really miss it.

[macraven]

this is a great trippie report...::yes::

[keishashadow]

im late to the party - almost missed it!

luvin ur report:) wish i were there - right now;)

pics are fantastic & ur family is so photogenic...really like the pic of little bean @ WP where he's got some 'tude lol

CR is my fav resort onsite WDW thus far:lovestruc

I really like small world too ::yes:: and Crystal Palace & Typhoon Lagoon:banana:

anyway, looking forward to more, more, more from the darksidepopcorn::

[loribell]

It really looks like you guys had a good time with the Disney portion of your trippie!

Mikey wants to stay in the Tower at the Contremporary. We have stayed in a garden room before and did enjoy that. Next time will be upper floor tower with a MK view!

[pixeegrl]

waiting for the next installment!!! Great TR!

[angela3676]

popcorn::

[macraven]

hey, quit hogging the popcorn, pass it on to me!! :laughing:

[angela3676]

Always willing to share! http://content.sweetim.com/sim/cpie/emoticons/000200A5.gif (http://www.sweetim.com/s.asp?im=gen&ref=10) give me a minute, I'm brewin up somemore popcorn now. Okay here ya gopopcorn:: .;)

[macraven]

:worship:

tanks...........

[RVGal]

http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/eatdrink033.gif (http://www.freesmileys.org)

[tlinus]

Ok - now that everyone is full of popcorn let's move on:

*Friday 6/6/08*
Today we are checking out of Pop Century and moving on up to our Club Level Room at the Hard Rock Hotel.

I was up very early to go and check in at The HRH. I took the two younger beans with me. We got there and checked in at 8:30AM. They had us in a queen deluxe on the Club Level, and unfortunately it was not ready yet. I was told by the girl who was checking us in that it wouldn't be very long until it was ready - she called housekeeping to put a priority cleaning on our room. I thought to myself "cool, go back, get the rest of the family, pack the car, check out, grab a bite to eat and by then we should be all set." The clerk took my cell phone number and told me that I would get a phone call as soon as the room was ready. Now, if you remember my trip report from last year, we checked in at 3:50PM and our room was not ready - we wound up kicking the housekeeping person out of the room by 5:15 :headache: That was totally unacceptable. I was assured that nothing like that would happen again. So did it? Did we get the runaround again.? ::yes:: Yup.

I went happily on my way thinking of how we would have the whole afternoon to lounge by the pool, relax, unpack, etc.I was a bit wrong in my merriment. But more on that later.

We get back to the Pop. I get the fridge ready for its new swapper. DH took the stuff out to the car and then takes the kids to the arcade so they can run their points on their card out (btw, what a great idea - no dealing with tokens :thumbsup2 ). We leave Pop at noon. I call the HRH to see if the room is ready yet. "No, Mrs. Bean, we are waiting to verify that the person who was in the room has checked out of the hotel." WHAT?? No one told me that there was a guest in there that needed to check out. So now we are looking at another 5pm thing, right??? "We will try to get it done as soon as possible. We need to be sure that the guest has checked out." Well, here's an idea for you - check the computer or knock on the flipping door. Any time we have EVER stayed at a hotel, the day you are due to check out, housekeeping is knocking on the door at the crack of dawn!!!

[Hedy]

Wow, I can't believe they did that to you on club level.

[LeslieR]

you're making me nervous....how late was it when you finally checked in???? I hope your whole day wasn't wasted...:(

[havinfun]

Movin on up, We found a SONIC, Outlet Shopping and Night at The Museum poolside :hyper: :bitelip: :hyper: .[/B][/QUOTE]

I can't wait. Thanks for a great trip report. You are helping me prepare for my trip. :thanks:

[RVGal]

Last edited by tlinus : Yesterday at 04:13 PM. Reason: will finish in a bit.......lost a whole lot of this post and need a minute

:headache: I hate when that happens! I hope you don't have to re-type a whole days worth of stuff. :(

[jakuch]

The whole check-in thing was not great for us, too. When we checked into Club at Royal Pacific I explained that my daughter had a migraine and could they possibly put us in a room soon (it was 12:45 p.m). They said it wouldn't be long at put a priority on our room. Three hours later and two stops by me back to the front desk we finally got our room. Most everything else was great, though.

Karen

[tlinus]

*Friday 6/6/08 - Continued*

Ok, so when we last saw our travellers, they were checking out of Pop and found out that their room that was promised at 8:30AM as being ready "very shortly" was not ready at noon :headache:

Thanking the DIS for codes that got us a really cheap rental car, we ventured out in search of food. What do you want? I don't know.....something fast and easy though. Ok - we took I Drive instead of taking I4 to Universal. We passed many, many, many establishments until we came upon this wonderful sight:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/Brother002.jpg

Now follow me on this one......we live in the suburbs of Philadelphia. Our Choices for fast food are BK, KFC, Wendy's, McD's and most recently a Chik-Fil-A opened. We really cannot stand these places. We get mocked by the cable commercial Gods on a daily basis with ads for SONIC. The closest SONIC to us has to be over 40 miles away. We sit and watch these teasers and get angry, seriously, we get angry because we can't just jump in the car and go around the block to get a coney island hot dog or a Sonic Blast shake! So the sign popped up and four out of five in the car shouted out "SONIC!!!!!" It was a no brainer. We ate at SONIC.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/Brother005.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/Brother006.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/Brother007.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/Brother008.jpg

After stuffing ourselves silly, DH made a decision that only the leader of the pack of this trip could make......"Let's go to the Reebok Outlet" You got it, Daddy!!! We went there on our trip in 2003 (or was it 2004) and DH wanted to get a new pair of sneakers and all black ones for work. Come on, you know the all black ones look just like dress shoes ;) So with me driving and knowing where we were going, we hopped into the car and took IDrive to the end.....dumps right into the outlets ~sidenote here, we know our way around so we did not need the GPS, but it was also this day (day 3 of the rental)that we found out we had Satellite Radio in the car :lmao:

Alright, we are now done shopping and bought DH 2 pairs, K one pair (theirs was buy two get one free) and C and F each got a pair ( buy one get one 1/2 off) I think by now we have wasted more than enough time as it is 2:45 and I call in to check again on the status of the room. My response from the HRH? READY?

"Why, yes, Mrs. L - the room has BEEN ready for a while now."

This was me: :headache: :furious:

Ok. Here is the deal with the onsite Universal Hotels. When you check in and your room is not ready. You give them your cell phone number. When your room IS ready youare supposed to get a FLIPPING PHONE CALL!!!!!! Had I not called in, I wonder how much longer I would have been driving around Orlando waiting for my phone to ring???? Needless to say I told them that and well, they really had no answer for that one. Whatever. We will be right on over.

Get to the check in desk, get room keys reissued, park the car (and you need a room key with parking noted on it to get in and out of the lots. So yes, you get charged for parking!) empty the trunk and head on up to 7041 - Queen Deluxe on the Club level.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/Brother010.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/Brother011.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/Brother012.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/Brother033.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/Brother030.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/Brother013.jpg

We get all settled in, unpacked luggage and stuff from disney stowed away. Went down and to the lounge and got a movie for the kids from the library. The Goonies. Re-ice the cooler and head on down to the lounge :lovestruc . Tonight we had the wing bar, a really nice Cobb Salad, Veggie tray, Cheese and Crackers and there was something else....but I forget. We ate and drank a bit and the kids decided they wanted to go back to the room......so we let them go back and finish watching the movie they were watching and Jim and I stayed for a few more drinks. My cell phone rings. It's Kait. "Mommy, they brought this thing up for my birthday!! It's the movie tin like I had last year!" Here it is:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/Brother022.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/Brother021.jpg


A few minutes later, my cell phone rings again. It's Kait. Again. "Hey Ma, you need to come on down here there is someone here with something for you." Turns out it was our Loews First Welcome Gift. Beer and nuts. Here IT is:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/Brother026.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/Brother027.jpg


I went back to the lounge to meet up with DH and told him what we got. We found out that there was a dive in movie Night at the Museum. Got the kids ready and headed out at 7:45pm. Scored great seats, swam and stayed until the end of the movie. All in all, even though we had some issues, we love the Hard Rock and really enjoyed our first evening :thumbsup2

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/Brother034.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/Brother035.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/Brother036.jpg


Coming Up Soon:

IOA, sitting in the wettest seat on Popeye, grumpy kids and a Live Band poolside!!!!

[bubba's mom]

okay...you know how busy i am, but i got a notification you added to trippie..... :banana: (besides, if I don't get a chance to read the rest, you can fill me in Wed. nite ;) )


Now follow me on this one......we live in the suburbs of Philadelphia. Our Choices for fast food are BK, KFC, Wendy's, McD's and most recently a Chik-Fil-A opened. We really cannot stand these places. We get mocked by the cable commercial Gods on a daily basis with ads for SONIC. The closest SONIC to us has to be over 40 miles away. We sit and watch these teasers and get angry, seriously, we get angry because we can't just jump in the car and go around the block to get a coney island hot dog or a Sonic Blast shake! So the sign popped up and four out of five in the car shouted out "SONIC!!!!!" It was a no brainer. We ate at SONIC.


Woohoo!! If you are thinking of the Sonic I think you are think of....yep....that's not far from me..... prolly 20-25 min. or so :duck:

Score on the new shoes....I think there's a Reebok outlet in Reading :scratchin ...will haveta check on that.....

I agree....why take your cell # if you don't call? :confused3 Happened to us at HRH too....

Did Court score gift for birthday, or no?? Nice of them...yet AGAIN :thumbsup2

Looks like a relaxing day..... great view at hotel :goodvibes Room is great....layout is opposite of what you had last year.

Dum-dum bring me gum-gum :teeth:

:lmao:


okay...gotta run....gotta git ready..... :wave2:

[donaldduck352]

popcorn::I Gotta stay club @ least once!!

[loribell]

I hate to say it but Sonic is one of 3 places I have to eat within 5 minutes of me. The others are a Mazzzio's & Mexican restaurant that is only open when they want to be. Everything else is at least 25 minutes away. Needless to say, we don't do Sonic when we are in Orlando!

[macraven]

The whole check-in thing was not great for us, too. When we checked into Club at Royal Pacific I explained that my daughter had a migraine and could they possibly put us in a room soon (it was 12:45 p.m). They said it wouldn't be long at put a priority on our room. Three hours later and two stops by me back to the front desk we finally got our room. Most everything else was great, though.

Karen

do what i did last october.
room was not ready and i had checked in at 7:30 am.

i found a lounge in the lobby and laid down on it and slept.
my room was ready soon after that.

i snored someone told me.

[macraven]

popcorn::I Gotta stay club @ least once!!

i have stayed at club in standard, deuxe queen and king suite.

all were great...you should try it sometime



tlinus, from your room you should have had a great view of pbh lite up at night.
did you get any pics of that?

[jillybeene71]

OHH BK, Wendys, and Chik fila. :lovestruc I am soooo jealous. All we have here is Sonic (love the cokes with crushed ice) stupid McDonalds and stupid Popeyes (where someone was actually caught peeing in the fried chicken grease :stir: ) Never again I say.
Im really lovin your tr...especially now since you gettin to the good place.

[macraven]

think i'll take a pass for popeyes............i'll stick to the colonel.......:laughing:

[tlinus]

i have stayed at club in standard, deuxe queen and king suite.

all were great...you should try it sometime



tlinus, from your room you should have had a great view of pbh lite up at night.
did you get any pics of that?

I had the same view last year.....just one room over :goodvibes I did not get any night shots....because as good as I may seem, my camera sucks at night shots :headache:

[loribell]

Hey I came here thinking there was an update. No teasing!

[tlinus]

Hey I came here thinking there was an update. No teasing!

:rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2:

uploading pictures now

[loribell]

Yay!

[Cruz Family]

Great report, as usual!!:thumbsup2
The kids are getting so big, I gotta tell ya Kait looks three years older then she did on your last trip.
Those crabfries made me so hungry. What exactly is on them?
Can't wait to hear the rest!

[tlinus]

*Saturday 6/7/08*


As per our ritual, our first park day is ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS Islands of Adventure.

Somewhere along the line, I promised pictures to someone of the CLub Lounge at the Hard Rock. Here ya go:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/Brother003.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/Brother004.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/Brother005-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/Brother006-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/Brother007-1.jpg

One anxious bean (I really wish I had a better camera sometimes but this has got to be one of the best shots I have ever taken. Notice how close the park looks?):

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/Brother010-1.jpg


Overhead shot of the pool (now notice how far away IOA really is):

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/Brother014.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/Brother015-1.jpg


These little guys were in NO way skittish of human contact:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/Brother016.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/Brother017.jpg


On our way to IOA, on the path:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/Brother018.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/Brother019.jpg


through Citywalk:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/Brother022-1.jpg (yay, Ellen!!!)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/Brother024.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/Brother025.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/Brother027-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/Brother028.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/Brother029.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/Brother030-1.jpg

FINALLY reaching our destination (what? its a full 8-10 minute walk ya know!!! :lmao: :lmao: )

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/Brother031.jpg

[tlinus]

*Saturday 6/7/08 - Continued*

We took a few snapshots of the Port of Entry shops and sights:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/Brother032-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/Brother033-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/Brother034-1.jpg


I love the name of this cart. I remember leaving Universal in March of 1999 while IOA was going through its employee preview. I knew then that it was going to be something great :goodvibes :

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/Brother035-1.jpg


Listen Up Noobs :listen: . The next picture is VERY important to those who are used to doing their Disney ADRs 180 days before their trip. That is not the case in Universal Orlando Resort!!!! This stand is set up as you are leaving the Port of Entry and making the left towards Marvel Superhero Island. You can stop here first thing in the morning and make any Ressies you need for your dining pleasure. Got it? ;) :

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/Brother036-1.jpg


Marvel Superhero Island:

We get there and make our beeline straight to what else? Spiderman!!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/Brother044.jpg


With our golden ticket....errr......wait, sorry, wrong story. With our FOTL passes, we waited maybe 7 minutes.


DH and Kait took their roll on the Hulk - practically no wait at all (got to love the FOTL pass) while we waited at the misting stations:


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/Brother041.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/Brother038.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/Brother039.jpg


A couple of other random shots from Marvel:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/Brother042.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/Brother043.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/Brother045.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/Brother046.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/Brother051.jpg


Hot and not so happy children who wanted to go to Seuss Landing RIGHTNOW!!!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/Brother048.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/Brother049.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/Brother050.jpg

[LeslieR]

Love the pictures---I've got to hit that Christmas store.

(there is some kid picking his "seat" in newspaper pic:lmao: )

[tlinus]

*Saturday 6/7/08 - continued part 2*


So as I was saying, the younger of the two kids wanted to go to Seuss. We kind of ignored their whining and moved on to Toon Lagoon (photo number one is an oldie but a goodie of mine).

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/P1010024.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/Brother053.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/Brother054.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/Brother056.jpg


And my first ever ride on:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/image023.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/Brother055.jpg


Needless to say that NO ONE on that raft got more wet than I did....I wasn't planning on getting wet today thankyouverymuch. Ah well, we were pretty dried off by the time we got to

Jurassic Park:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/P1010042.jpg


Wanted to eat here - but they had just closed at 3pm? :confused3 Who knew....certainly not us :rotfl2:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/Brother059.jpg


We went onto the Jurassic Park River Adventure

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/DSC04220.jpg


.....sat in the back row and got wet again :rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2:


Finally decided to stop and eat at Pizza Predattoria (borrowed photo):

http://virtualglobetrotting.com/pic/1402.jpg

Moving on to.....

The Lost Continent:

First stop when coming from the JP direction? You know.....come on.......right!! The Flying Unicorn!!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/P1010052.jpg

First ride was the three kids. Then Kait split....her and Jim took off for their double rides on Dueling Dragons. I let Court get on the Unicorn two more times.....it is one of her favorite rides, you know:rolleyes1 Meanwhile, Frank didn't want to go on again.....so this is what he did instead:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/Brother062.jpg


After her whirls on the Unicorn, we wanderred over to meet up with Dad and Kait who were still on:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/Brother064.jpg

Hmmm - the wait said 15 minutes??!!?? Yea - they did multiple rides as usual.


Made a quick stop in here:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/DSCN1734.jpg

Well come on now - you all know me better than that - we just ate in Jurassic Park......it was more like we stopped in here:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/disney0607275.jpg


well.....it WAS happy hour you know :rolleyes1

Made our way through the rest of the Lost Continent and casually wandered into

Seuss Landing

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/disney0607181.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/DSCN1722.jpg

[tlinus]

*Saturday blah blah blah part 3*

The only ride we felt like going on in Seuss (we were hot and tired at this point and wanted to get back to the hotel) was Cat in the Hat. :worship: We really enjoy this ride - some pics of Frank:

Last year then this year - WOW, he sure has grown a bit, huh?:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/DSCN1774.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/Brother066.jpg

That is his "Frank Scorpio" look......don't ask.....its another long, long story :lmao:

So we make our way back through the Port and back to the hotel for Lounge time:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/Brother012-1.jpg


I took the kids down to the pool around 7:30pm. Tonight there was a live local cover band who were REALLY good. Stayed at the pool until 11-11:30 and headed to bed. Tomorrow we were tackling The Studios.


In our next installment:

Universal Studios, Whoo-Hoo! It's the Simpsons! Rescuing one alien AND shooting other aliens, in the same park?? OK, if you say so!

[loribell]

Wow Frank really has grown a lot!

Another great day. Love your reports Tracie!

[Sharon G]

I'm really enjoying your trip report. Makes me feel like I'm right there with your family.

This is my favorite part of Disney. I just love walking over this bridge, it's one of my oldest memories of Disney! I can't go to MK without visiting the Tiki Birds. My kids think it's on par with Its a Small World. :rotfl2:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/DSCN3318.jpg

[loribell]

I can't go to MK without visiting the Tiki Birds. My kids think it's on par with Its a Small World. :rotfl2:

Ally & I love the Tiki Birds! I was actually singing her part of the song when we were out to dinner earlier. (Okay, Im really not that weird. She brought up a game she wanted that had tiki's in it.)

[bubba's mom]

Listen Up Noobs :listen: . The next picture is VERY important to those who are used to doing their Disney ADRs 180 days before their trip. That is not the case in Universal Orlando Resort!!!! This stand is set up as you are leaving the Port of Entry and making the left towards Marvel Superhero Island. You can stop here first thing in the morning and make any Ressies you need for your dining pleasure. Got it? ;) :

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/Brother036-1.jpg





first.... :lmao:


second: :worship: :worship: :worship: :worship: :worship: :worship: :worship: :worship: :worship: :worship: :worship:
MANY a THANK YOUs for taking this picture!!! :hug:


No 'elaboration' on the Popeye ride.... no POST-Popeye pix? :confused3 popcorn::

Lovin your report...and yes...Frank has grown QUITE a bit :eek: Do you know exactly how much?

just wanted to let ya know i DID stop by and DID read! ;)

[macraven]

waaaaaaaaa

our little frank doesn't look like a baby anymore.
he looks more like a big boy.

he is cute as a button.
so do the girls.

[anamary1]

I read your trip report from last year and didn't realize you were there again so recently. I have a question that I have not been able to find answers for. I have called reservations at HRH several times to upgrade to a deluxe club queen room and they keep telling me that there are NO deluxe queens at club level so how did you request one and get it, and did it cost extra? I'm leaving Sunday and have spent countless hours on this website. It has been very helpful. Oh, what was your last room number? Thanks, sorry to bother you, you must be resting from your long vacation.

[macraven]

it is possible to book a queen deluxe on club level.

there is no upgrade in the loews first program for that upgrade.

you can request the deluxe queen at check in usually.

(they usually do not book them in advance.)

[tlinus]

I read your trip report from last year and didn't realize you were there again so recently. I have a question that I have not been able to find answers for. I have called reservations at HRH several times to upgrade to a deluxe club queen room and they keep telling me that there are NO deluxe queens at club level so how did you request one and get it, and did it cost extra? I'm leaving Sunday and have spent countless hours on this website. It has been very helpful. Oh, what was your last room number? Thanks, sorry to bother you, you must be resting from your long vacation.

7019 and 7041 are queen deluxes at the club level.

Are you already staying club level? If so then ask for these room numbers on your reservation now or just request a queen deluxe now. It is not guaranteed, but HRH tries to honor its requests. They are a view of the front lawn and Portofino looks amazing at night also at sunset time.

No extra cost for the room.....I just requested it ahead of time. We were already paying for club level amenitites.

[anamary1]

Where are 7019 and 7041 located? We would like not to be to close to the elevator but near the club lounge.

[thptrek]

T, just love your report as always. I am so happy that you stayed ONSITE at WDW. However, getting to Magic Kingdom past 2pm, shame-shame. What did you do in the morning. Forget that, don't answer.

The pictures are wonderful but I still don't understand your fascination with Universal. One time I will have to meet you there so you can educate me on the wonders of Universal.

Looking forward towards more installments.

[Tizzy_Meliss]

Just wanted to say I loved your trip report. :goodvibes

Small world as we stayed in the same room two years ago, and I'm a fellow PA'er in the Philly Burbs. I hear ya on Sonic. Good to know there is a Sonic close by in Orlando, we will definitely be hitting that! ::yes::

Thanks for sharing your trip with us!! :)

[RVGal]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/Brother008.jpg


Why is FBean shoving a corndog up his nose?:eek: ;) :laughing:

[RVGal]

One anxious bean (I really wish I had a better camera sometimes but this has got to be one of the best shots I have ever taken. Notice how close the park looks?):

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/Brother010-1.jpg


Overhead shot of the pool (now notice how far away IOA really is):

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/Brother014.jpg



How'd you do that?

[tlinus]

How'd you do that?


I have no stinking clue how that happened :confused3 ......but its pretty cool, huh? :cool1:

[tlinus]

Why is FBean shoving a corndog up his nose?:eek: ;) :laughing:

That is exactly what Kait said too :rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2: ......but since his front tooth was loose, he was biting with the side teeth.

[tlinus]

T, just love your report as always. I am so happy that you stayed ONSITE at WDW. However, getting to Magic Kingdom past 2pm, shame-shame. What did you do in the morning. Forget that, don't answer.

The pictures are wonderful but I still don't understand your fascination with Universal. One time I will have to meet you there so you can educate me on the wonders of Universal.

Looking forward towards more installments.

Hey Trek!!

Ok....so we arrived fashionably late.....as we usually do everywhere. for everything.

Do I get half-credit for not having to wait in lines at MK?

I would be happy to edjumikate you on Universal. I have to warn you though, it can be addictive :rolleyes1 :cool1: :thumbsup2

[RVGal]

*Saturday blah blah blah part 3*

The only ride we felt like going on in Seuss (we were hot and tired at this point and wanted to get back to the hotel) was Cat in the Hat. :worship: We really enjoy this ride - some pics of Frank:

Last year then this year - WOW, he sure has grown a bit, huh?:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/DSCN1774.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/Brother066.jpg

That is his "Frank Scorpio" look......don't ask.....its another long, long story :lmao:


He HAS grown. Sniff. We don't get to keep them babies forever. :worried:

Waiting for more. Patiently. I am very patient, you know. Especially at waiting. ;)

[tlinus]

Where are 7019 and 7041 located? We would like not to be to close to the elevator but near the club lounge.

at the end of the first hallway just off the elevators - not too far away.

[tlinus]

Just wanted to say I loved your trip report. :goodvibes

Small world as we stayed in the same room two years ago, and I'm a fellow PA'er in the Philly Burbs. I hear ya on Sonic. Good to know there is a Sonic close by in Orlando, we will definitely be hitting that! ::yes::

Thanks for sharing your trip with us!! :)

Thank you!! Thank you very much :thumbsup2

[loribell]

Hey would you stop yakking with these peeps and put up more trippie! :duck: I'm not patient like Tricia! :bitelip: ;) (ya know I love ya!)

I love all of your pics. I just don't know how you do it!

[macraven]

Hey would you stop yakking with these peeps and put up more trippie! :duck: I'm not patient like Tricia! :bitelip: ;) (ya know I love ya!)

I love all of your pics. I just don't know how you do it!

lori must be a coffee person like me.


ok tracie, get this report a moving.
lori might get the whip out for a flogging if you don't......

[loribell]

Don't make me use this:

http://basdeopanday.files.wordpress.com/2007/11/ramesh_whip_it_devo_radiation_suit22.jpg

[macraven]

http://bestsmileys.com/signs14/23.gif

[tlinus]

:scared1: :scared1: :scared1: :scared1:

let the meds work on my head then I will finish it up tomorrow and wrap it in a neat little bow

[loribell]

Im just kiddin! I know you aren't feeling well. Get some rest and put up a post when you feel better.

[anamary1]

After reading your trip reports, I don't think I'll be able to write one with any additional helpful information. I hope I can offer something new when I get back. I will be there for the forth of July activities, that should be interesting.
Thanks for your help. Oh, by the way, I called again about the queen deluxe and this time they admitted to having some when I mentioned exact room numbers but told me they were not available. We were really hoping for the extra room. But I'm not giving up, I call again and also ask the morning I get there.

[anamary1]

Thanks Mac, Ressies are June 30 - July 5.

[macraven]

:thumbsup2

[loribell]

Wait a minute! Did you say you would be finishing it today? But I don't want it to be over!:worried:

[macraven]

no sweat loribell............the t woman hasn't even started to put the next episode up yet.........



if we start to get to the end of her trip, we can badger her to make up stuff for us to read......:eek:

[loribell]

Now that is a great idea!

[Hedy]

Great report! I'm glad to see the reservation booth at IOA.

[t-and-a]

More please Tracie! I'm getting settled back in at home now and I am ketchuped on your TR, so I need some more.......

[havinfun]

I am really enjoying your trip. The pictures are great.

[bubba's mom]

startin' to turn into the trippie that almost wasn't.... :rolleyes1




































:laughing:

;)

:hug:

[tlinus]

http://www.popartuk.com/g/l/lgMP0163.jpg

[bubba's mom]

http://www.popartuk.com/g/l/lgMP0163.jpg

cannot see ...... :confused3

[tlinus]

cannot see ...... :confused3

you can't see the homer?

He's doing D'oh!

just put it there cuz you got me with your original ^^^^ comment up there

I have the procrastinator bug or something :lmao:

[RVGal]

I have the procrastinator bug or something :lmao:

The procrastinator bug? That seems to be going around. http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/sick010.gif (http://www.freesmileys.org)

Maybe there is a cure? http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/sick023.gif (http://www.freesmileys.org)

[keishashadow]

The procrastinator bug? That seems to be going around. http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/sick010.gif (http://www.freesmileys.org)

Maybe there is a cure? http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/sick023.gif (http://www.freesmileys.org)

hee hee, great smiley

[tlinus]

*Sunday 6/8/08*

Today was Universal Studios Day. we were getting into the end of vacation funk, took forever to get to the parks. We made our way on over to the studios at 1PM!! Yikes!!


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/Brother023.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/Brother020-1.jpg


Go through the turnstile and make a bee line for the Simpons Ride.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/38295640.jpg

We waited no more than 10 minutes.....the posted stand by time was 65 minutes - whoa - love that FOTL.

The Simpsons ride and waiting queue were totally awesome. But then again - we are the simpsons.....see:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/clip%20art%20and%20blinkies/signaturec1.jpg


After gettin off the Simpsons we go over to MIB, there was a mob by the lockers, so I told the rest of the family to go without me - they were on and off that in no time. We wandered on over to Amity and skipped Jaws :scared: as youngest didn't want to ride it and the others had no interest because they just don't like it......oh well, I have never been on it and looks like it will have to wait until next time for me.

In San Francisco, we come up to Disaster! and DH said did they change this ride too? Uh....yep. Told you about that months ago :rolleyes1 Well, let's get on then. Very well done changes and the ending was super :thumbsup2 . We really enjoyed the ride alot. No spoilers from me, but be prepared to laugh at the end ;) ;) .

We check out our most favorite spot in the Studios

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t247/riprufus/May%2008/Alcatraz.jpg

thanks to adkar letting me know its open again (and I borrowed your shot of the closed hut), but they no longer serve food. Just the booze :sad2: Not that drinks are a bad thing....but we used to get peel and eat shrimp, a few drinks and sit out on the docks for a nice little rest.

We made our way on over to The Mummy. Dh and Kait went on that while me and the younger two went inside here to get a drink and cool off (barb - you will not believe this, I googled for a picture of Finnegan's, look what came up :scared1: ) :

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v283/barbpics/IMG_0396.jpg


After DH and Kait finish with the Mummy, they meet up with us inside. We are a bit hungry and of course, this is Court's favorite place to eat because of the soda bread and apple butter. We were seated immediately :woohoo:

With our orders placed, we sat and waited for the food - some shots from inside.

Court getting her groove on with the apple butter....

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/DSCN3504.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/DSCN3500.jpg

Her telling me not to touch it or she would eat my hand!!!!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/DSCN3501.jpg

and Frank waiting for his food (told you barb that I had similar pics as Ry in Pastamore):

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/DSCN3506.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/DSCN3502.jpg

and with his triple decker grilled cheese

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/DSCN3507.jpg

DH got the Corned Beef and Cabbage, I had the Fish and Chips Kait had the Shepperd's Pie and Court had the kids burger. Total with AAA Discount and tip= $62.00 I also asked for happy hour pricing on my beer, and they were more than happy to adjust that for us. :lovestruc

Bellies full, we wander through Production Central. Last ride of the day? Jimmy Neutron. Not too long of a wait, maybe 10-15 minutes.

Went back to the hotel, noticed they had a mexican theme in the lounge as far as food items, got a few beers and went to the room to change for the pool. Grabbed a few empanadas for the room, a few beers "to go" and sat by the pool from about 7:30 to 10:30. This night by the pool they had the Concert to benefit the victims of 9/11 showing on the big screen.


Up next:

Last full day of vacation and it rains?!?!?! Also, picked up the little brother to swim with the kids :yay:

[LeslieR]

Great idea asking for happy hour pricing. Was it close to happy hour time?

How was the shepherds pie?

Glad to see your moving again on this report--Bubbas mom shamed you into it didn't she!;)

[tlinus]

Great idea asking for happy hour pricing. Was it close to happy hour time?

How was the shepherds pie?

Glad to see your moving again on this report--Bubbas mom shamed you into it didn't she!;)

I fold under peer pressure :lmao: :lmao:

[Tizzy_Meliss]

I also asked for happy hour pricing on my beer, and they were more than happy to adjust that for us. :lovestruc


You learn the best info inside the TR's. http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/basic/drinks.gif

So about what time of day was this? :rolleyes1

[tlinus]

Great idea asking for happy hour pricing. Was it close to happy hour time?

How was the shepherds pie?

Glad to see your moving again on this report--Bubbas mom shamed you into it didn't she!;)

Kait said it was really good! She never had it before so how it stacks up to others will not be known until she tries it again somewhere.

You learn the best info inside the TR's. http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/basic/drinks.gif

So about what time of day was this? :rolleyes1

We ate at 3:30, it was most definately happy hour in the parks (3-5) so I thought I would ask - it never hurts to ask - and sometimes you get rewarded :cool1: :thumbsup2 :3dglasses

[macraven]

wow...i know of a famous diser now that is featured on line for finnegans.....





i feel lucky tonight.
maybe i'll play the lottery now....



and you know who that famous homie/redhead is don't cha'.......

[dsmom]

I am loving this TR!! I love all the pictures. Your children are absolutely beautiful. Has anyone ever told your oldest daughter she looks like Jennifer Love Hewitt??

[d4est]

Went back to the hotel, noticed they had a mexican theme in the lounge as far as food items, got a few beers and went to the room to change for the pool. Grabbed a few empanadas for the room, a few beers "to go" and sat by the pool from about 7:30 to 10:30. This night by the pool they had the Concert to benefit the victims of 9/11 showing on the big screen.

And by a "few beers" to go...do you mean they let one person get more than one beer at a time? When we were there we were told you could only get one at a time. I had to get a bud lite for DH (I don't drink beer-blasphemy??) so that he could have two!

Loving the report...can't wait to read the ending!

[bubba's mom]

Note to self: Do NOT mess with Court and her applebutter at Finnegans :eek: ( I value my appendages.... ;) )

Loved Franks pic....yep...same hat, same body language...maybe it's a 'boy' thing and you have to do it.... :confused3

I didn't know you've NEVER ridden Jaws? What is UP with that? :confused3 Since nobody wanted to ride it with you, I would have told them to sit and wait FOR you while you rode it! :snooty: Forget that.... :mad:

Didja know if you google universal, mickey's vacation shows up too?? Then again, we have SO many pix of Universal in photobucket, it doesn't surprise me! :sad2: Randy said he feels very honored :worship: you used his pic :teeth: Still....a little freaky.... :rolleyes1

Great trippie....waitin' for the last chapter....and wth?? RAIN?!?! :mad:

[tlinus]

And by a "few beers" to go...do you mean they let one person get more than one beer at a time? When we were there we were told you could only get one at a time. I had to get a bud lite for DH (I don't drink beer-blasphemy??) so that he could have two!

Loving the report...can't wait to read the ending!

We did it in shifts - they knew there were two of us there together...I am miller lite and dh was heineken.....we got one of each, then traded. They even left the caps on and gave us plastic cups. The staff was wonderful on this particular visit - we tipped them VERY well.....they noticed :thumbsup2

[tlinus]

I am loving this TR!! I love all the pictures. Your children are absolutely beautiful. Has anyone ever told your oldest daughter she looks like Jennifer Love Hewitt??

:upsidedow

Yup - I have heard that before. Thanks for reading and I will have to tell her you said that, she doesn't thinkso......I kinda see it......my mil swears she looks like her too.

[tlinus]

*Monday - 6/9/08*

Last Day. Did some laundry, cleanup and packing early in the AM. I knew my brother was arriving in Orlando for the Microsoft Tech Ed conferences. We planned to meet up for dinner. So I wanted to get alot done before his arrival.

We headed out to the Studios, must have been around 1PM again.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/DSCN3515.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/DSCN3517.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/DSCN3518.jpg


We knew that we were just going to hit a few rides.....we were theme parked out for this trip.

We went on the Simpsons together.

Made our way over to The Woody Woodpecker coaster for the beans.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/DSCN1389.jpg


Took our first EVER ride on ET. That was pretty neat. I would definately do it again :thumbsup2

Over to the Mummy.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/disney0607571.jpg

While waiting for DH and Kait, we wandered around the Central Park Area

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/DSCN3519.jpg


and found this stuff.......ahhhh, memories.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/DSCN3508.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/DSCN3513.jpg


My brother called me at this point and he was ready to meet up. He was all checked in to his hotel, registered for the conference and unpacked. I told him we were finishing up the park and would call him when we were done.

Ending with Twister.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/DSCN3510.jpg

As we exited Twister the sky was not looking very friendly. Not at all. And Dh knows me. I don't DO thunder and lightning. Ever.

DH suggests we make our way back to the Hard Rock and get ready for Bryan. No sooner do we get back and up to the club lounge, the skies opened up. The rain was coming down SO HARD that you couldn;t see three feet in front of you :scared1: . There were severe lightning strikes and LOUD thunder as well as high winds. Thank goodness we were inside. I would have freaked outside there.

The after pictures of the storm......it was VERY wet and a bit steamy

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/DSCN3521.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/DSCN3522.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/DSCN3524.jpg

It was cool watching the "Class A Kill Storm" ;) from the lounge. Side note - we now classify the thunderstorms we experience :rotfl2:

Class A Kill Storm
Class B Dismemberment Storm
Class C Mess You Up Storm

The storm passed and everything smelled so fresh :flower3: I went to pick up my brother from his hotel. He brought his suit and all was fine as having him as our guest. He was amazed with the Hard Rock and all of the themeing. He LOVED our room. Ok, so little brother suits up - as do the kids and we head to the lounge for the offerings. All DAY the sign for the lounge read it would be the wing bar, pigs in blankets, etc.......We get down there and it is the not so tasty Saturday offerings:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/Brother012-1.jpg

We skip it. We'll eat at the pool. :headache:

Get to the pool, settle in and Uncle Bry has fun with the kids in the water!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/209.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/210.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/211.jpg


I took my brother back to his hotel around 9PM. I miss him alot. He lives on Long Island and we live in the Philadelphia Suburbs. It was great to see him - even if it was 1,000 miles away from home.
:lovestruc

[tlinus]

Up the next morning for the final packing and off to the airport. But first....the cool clock in the HRH lobby.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/212.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/213.jpg


And my family at the fountain.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/214.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/216.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/tlinus1/vacation%202008/217.jpg


Returned the rental car, went to the gate, boarded ontime and made it home about 15 minutes early.


I think this will be our last trip to Orlando for about 2 years. We will return when Potter opens, this way it gives us two new things to experience......WWOHP and the new coaster in Universal.

Who knows though.....we could always change our minds :thumbsup2

[bubba's mom]

A day shy of 2 weeks since an update missy..... was beginning to think this really WAS gonna be the trip report that almost didn't happen! :laughing: j/k...know ur busy....

I notice a similarity between YOUR reports and MINE. WE aren't IN any pictures :sad2: figures.....

I don't know if you can wait 2 years to go back...we are talking about KBean and you here....2 years is an awful long time....2 long years.... :rolleyes1 You just might throw something together spur of the moment and go. I can see it now...it all started with a DING! :rotfl:

I LOVE that clock on the floor at HR...don't ask me why, but I could just stare at it for hours ...call me crazy....

Thot it was cute how trippie ENDS out front at fountain...the SAME fountain last year's STARTED at :lmao: Good one!

I see you got your OWN pic of the old HRC too...while waiting for the storm to blow over....you are smart. Once thunder is heard, Floridians run for cover...they know they live in lightening captiol of the world...scary there...don't blame ya one bit. Sorry your club food stank! :mad:

Sounds like a relaxing last day....you're right....Disney AND Universal are too much in one week. You're supposed to relax on vacation....like we did.... cruise! :teeth:


(will that help ya sway DH? ;) ...hey, i'm tryin' for ya!)



Sad to see the trippie end....that just means I gotta do more of mine :guilty:

[Mrs. D]

I loved your TR, lots of fun to read....I know I'm in the minority, but I don't mind the TR's taking a while to get done...When a good one is going I have something to look forward to.

Kind of sad to see yours ending :goodvibes

[loribell]

Another great trippie Tracie! I just don't believe it is possibe for you to stay away 2 years. We will have to work on that.

[macraven]

she'll be back.





universal will be calling her name soon.......

[t-and-a]

Great trip report Tracie!:worship: You need to get Jim his own camera, so we can see you too! Everyone in my family carried one this year. One of these days, I'll finish my trippie....

[thptrek]

Great report and really enjoyed seeing the pictures.

[bubba's mom]

she'll be back.





universal will be calling her name soon.......

::yes::

[havinfun]

Thank you so much for sharing your trip with us. You did a great job. I loved the pictures.

[RVGal]

I'm trying to get caught up around here. Another great trip report!

And TWO YEARS? Pfffft. We'll see... ;)

[LITTLEKID58]

Your Tr and pics are amazing.. TFS

[Cruz Family]

Great report Tracie! But two years.........ya right!!!!!!!

[scillacc]

Hi,
I don't know if anyone noticed, but in the first pic, on page 5, of the hotel room, there are tons of orbs. Wonder if the room is haunted?

[scillacc]

bump

[tlinus]

I don't know :confused3 Didn't get a creepy vibe. Maybe just some dust.

[Akdar]

Hi,
I don't know if anyone noticed, but in the first pic, on page 5, of the hotel room, there are tons of orbs. Wonder if the room is haunted?

You probably watch Ghost Hunters too much, like my wife does :happytv:

That's just dust particles reflecting off the flash, but I'm sure my wife will say they are "orbs" when I show her the pic! :)

[NashvilleTrio]

Hi,
I don't know if anyone noticed, but in the first pic, on page 5, of the hotel room, there are tons of orbs. Wonder if the room is haunted?

Nah, just looks like someone sneezed on the lens! ;)

[tlinus]

Nah, just looks like someone sneezed on the lens! ;)


oh great - booger pictures :rolleyes1





:lmao: :lmao: :rotfl2: :lmao: :lmao:

[bubba's mom]

oh great - booger pictures :rolleyes1









:lmao: :rotfl: :lmao: :rotfl: :lmao: :rotfl: :lmao:

[RVGal]

oh great - booger pictures :rolleyes1





At least they are ghostly boogers. Thems special. ;)

[loribell]

bump!

[tlinus]

Just an updated FYI - we are "officially" not going to Universal/IOA/Disney until Late January OR fall-ish of 2010......2009 vacation will be Las Vegas/Grand Canyon.

That is all

:lmao:

[loribell]

Oh no!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!

[jessily]

I just stumbled on your trip report and had to laugh when I read your post about Sonic. I live right outside of Philadelphia too, and those darn Sonic commercials are such a tease! Whenever we drive down South we just *have* to stop whenever we see one. Trip report is great:thumbsup2 Thanks for sharing!

[Pikester]

Loved your trip report! We are hoping to go to Universal in December 2010. I figure if we wait till then we can be sure that the WWOHP will be open. This will be our first time and I loved being able to see your pics of the HRH. I've been trying to decided between HRH and the SPH. I think the HRH has won. Now I just have to talk DH into it!

We drove to Disney a few weeks ago (man it feels like a long time ago!) and we stopped and ate at a Sonics for the first time. We always see commercials for it on the cable stations but we don't have any around here in NH. I thought the food was very yummy and loved my strawberry slushie!

[tlinus]

Just an updated FYI - we are "officially" not going to Universal/IOA/Disney until Late January OR fall-ish of 2010......2009 vacation will be Las Vegas/Grand Canyon.

That is all

:lmao:

Las Vegas and GC on on the back burner - Oldest has to have her tonsils and adenoids removed on April 8th.....suggestions for a 2009 vacation anyone, :rolleyes1 :lmao:

[bubba's mom]

Las Vegas and GC on on the back burner - Oldest has to have her tonsils and adenoids removed on April 8th.....suggestions for a 2009 vacation anyone, :rolleyes1 :lmao:

Universal....of course!! :teeth:

Find cheap airfare first. SW seems to have good rates to MCO this year ;)

that...or a Disney cruise.... :rolleyes1 (just sayin)

[schumigirl]

Fantastic trip report. Loved reading every bit of it, and lovely pictures :thumbsup2
Glad you had such a great time :)

[loribell]

You can come see me!

[GemmaPixie]

Note to self: Do NOT mess with Court and her applebutter at Finnegans :eek: ( I value my appendages.... ;) )

Loved Franks pic....yep...same hat, same body language...maybe it's a 'boy' thing and you have to do it.... :confused3

I didn't know you've NEVER ridden Jaws? What is UP with that? :confused3 Since nobody wanted to ride it with you, I would have told them to sit and wait FOR you while you rode it! :snooty: Forget that.... :mad:

Didja know if you google universal, mickey's vacation shows up too?? Then again, we have SO many pix of Universal in photobucket, it doesn't surprise me! :sad2: Randy said he feels very honored :worship: you used his pic :teeth: Still....a little freaky.... :rolleyes1

Great trippie....waitin' for the last chapter....and wth?? RAIN?!?! :mad:

Finally catching up with trippies now my dissertation is in and curiously I searched 'universal finnegans' in images and on the second page who pops up....Bubba! :hippie:

[bubba's mom]

Finally catching up with trippies now my dissertation is in and curiously I searched 'universal finnegans' in images and on the second page who pops up....Bubba! :hippie:


Wah-la :teeth:

Of course, I think that pic is 2 years old now...you oughta see how big he is now :eek: (1/2 inch shy of 5 foot....oh, and he's 10 yrs old :faint: )

[tlinus]

Wah-la :teeth:

Of course, I think that pic is 2 years old now...you oughta see how big he is now :eek: (1/2 inch shy of 5 foot....oh, and he's 10 yrs old :faint: )

:scared:

yerks - Kait is 13 and just hit 5'3"

[bubba's mom]

:scared:

yerks - Kait is 13 and just hit 5'3"


Actually, she's all BUT 14 ;) ...We're not even a 'tween' yet... Have no doubt the boy hits about 6' :sad2: Just shopping for jeans/pants is always a challenge on the tall skinny boys :guilty:

[Melanie230]

I see you are heading back to US/IOA again this year. We are doing an unexpected trip to Disney this year. It will be our first time. Now that I am lurking on the US/IOA board I am thinking of adding a couple of days at Universal. Hope you are well Barb.

[tlinus]

Actually, she's all BUT 14 ;) ...We're not even a 'tween' yet... Have no doubt the boy hits about 6' :sad2: Just shopping for jeans/pants is always a challenge on the tall skinny boys :guilty:


shhhhhh :mad:

I still have 7 days before she turns 14 ya know :lmao:

I can only imagine the difficulty on clothing the Bubba-meister. even for being 5'3" Kait needs the sort length in some jeans. Stinking size 0 or 1. Hope she enjoys it now :rotfl:

[tlinus]

I see you are heading back to US/IOA again this year. We are doing an unexpected trip to Disney this year. It will be our first time. Now that I am lurking on the US/IOA board I am thinking of adding a couple of days at Universal. Hope you are well Barb.


c'mon.....add them

you know you wanna :yay: