That's it, moved to FL to be closer to Mickey! Update 2/4 Kidnapped at WDW 10/03/09 [Archive] - Page 3 - The DIS Discussion Forums

jmskinner

04-22-2009, 05:11 PM

Hi Melissa

Great pics and report, so funny that Jacob was getting the paddle passengers to surrender....Ben spotted the fact that you can see Splash Mountain when you are on the train last time we were there, really cool. I really enjoy the train as you can relax and see aspects of Disney you dont normally get to see.

So sorry to hear about Mozart. As Di said we had to have Homer put to sleep, Heather still asks about him and I think she did not accept he was gone initially....its difficult to put in a realistic way but not be too harsh when they are young.....it was for the best at the time as he was really struggling with no clear chance of recovery but I was in pieces when the crunch came......anyway....back to happier thoughts, always love seeing your pics as I am so familiar with the parks now that it brings back the happy memories from my last trip and the ones before that........I need to get back !!!!!!

Gordon

I wish you could see more of MK from the train. The TTA lets you see so much and the train you see a lot of trees. Seeing inside Splash Mountain was very cool though.

Ok, let the TR continue.....

When I left off we were in the scary cave. I'll admit, it was a little scary for me also. But we made our way out and found the barrel bridge.

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/505369542_Pv7hV-M.jpg

In this pic, it looks like Jacob is holding a coke bottle, but it is actually sitting on a barrel. Can't believe someone left it there.

I started preparing to take pics of the F&G Festival at Epcot:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/505370585_qVJLG-M.jpg

I loved the pink and orange flowers. So pretty together.

We left TSI and went to use our FP's for BTMRR:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/505372569_Puxep-M.jpg

I decided to take pics while riding.

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/505373154_eucQk-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/505373496_uULD2-M.jpg

Someone doesn't look too happy.
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/505305448_6buj9-M.jpg

Half way through the ride I realized Jacob was slouching down with his eyes closed. I told him to open them and look at the scenery. There is so much to see on this ride.

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/505305470_C5gnN-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/505306645_a52gq-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/505307244_uUZ5B-M.jpg
I promise, my camera hadn't been doing any drugs or anything like that.:laughing:

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/505308059_rcX3d-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/505308748_Gpt49-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/505309904_CunwL-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/505310357_kgLWS-M.jpg

Ride was over and Jacob survived. We were getting tired and needed to get home to let the dogs out, but still needed to get Jacob's hair cut.

On the way out I noticed this duck taking a nap, do you see it:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/505311522_j5vSN-M.jpg

Closer view:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/505311372_r2pRq-M.jpg

We had never seen this band before:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/505312202_pNAv2-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/505312219_tTmX2-M.jpg

But before heading to Main Street I had to make one more stop:

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/505314758_4U3XB-M.jpg

I always have to stop for a Pinapple Float. Now, I thought I had purchased Jacob a chocolate ice cream here before, but all they had now was vanilla and orange.:confused3 I told Jacob we could get him some elsewhere, but he said he didn't want any. So off to the barbershop. Of course between the camera, napkins, camera bag, and melting pineapple float I had a hard time getting there, but we finally made it. There was only one other person waiting in front of us, so we waited. Of course, Jacob had to have his DS.

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/505315964_8nNA2-M.jpg

And he didn't want that pic taken:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/505316503_KsPhD-M.jpg

While we waited, I got to watch a little boy getting his very first haircut. They did a fantastic job, even though he wasn't too happy about it. They gave the family a certificate and wrapped his hair in some nice tissue paper. Both Grandma's were there for the big cut, so it was really sweet.

Now it was Jacob's turn:

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/505316587_jWMpi-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/505316877_cgBkv-M.jpg

The CM doesn't look happy in this pic, but she was actually very nice. We had Jacob's haircut, so now it was time to head home. Another wonderful day at MK and I accomplished what I wanted. One last ride on Space Mountain before the refurb. Which by the way, it was so funny, but Sunday night the local news here would do their little newsbreak trying to get you to watch that evening and Sunday it was, "A popular ride is shutting down at Disney World. Watch at 11:00 to find out!" That was the big news here in Florida I guess. I just thought it was funny.

Next up will be my three hour trip to Epcot. "I went to Epcot and rode one ride!":confused3

ScotsMinnie

04-22-2009, 05:26 PM

Love the Thunder Mountain pics - my fave ride!!!! So much fun although Jacobs face was funny!

carissanboys

04-22-2009, 05:34 PM

Awesome pictures taken while on BTMRR! :thumbsup2

Very cool that Jacob got his haircut at MK. We tried to get Chuck's cut there that morning, but - well - you'll just have to wait to find out why we didn't. ;)

tinkgurl

04-22-2009, 07:43 PM

Wow, those are AWESOME pictures on BTMRR. My favorite is the first one!

Finkelstein's Hubby

04-23-2009, 03:21 PM

Cool pics but Heather would have given you into so much trouble :scared1: I got pelters for having my flip camera out at the beginning of Splash Mountain "Dad!!!! your not allowed, stop it!!!!" and so forth. I will need to dig out the clip and put it on our never ending tr :thumbsup2

Jacob is giving you a quality stare after the chocolate ice cream debacle :lmao:

Dr_Finkelstein

04-23-2009, 04:14 PM

Sorry to hear about your Homer. Was it hard to explain to the twins? Yes, we have know he didn't have long, just not what we needed right now, but it is never a good time is it. I have lost many dogs in my lifetime, but this is the first time I am having to go through it as an adult. Basically, we have always felt he was our first child.

We felt like that with Homer - he was our 'surrogate baby' before we decided to try for a real one!

I think the twins were too young to really understand what had happened, it was more a couple of years later we had to discuss it with them in greater detail. They still talk about him and his photo is still in Heather's bedroom.

It was a horrible time but it was the best thing to do for Homer - hope all goes well for you and Mozart! :hug:

Enjoyed the updates as always. Funny story - Ben was looking at the TR and saw my siggy - DS (Ben) and he thought it meant Nintendo DS Ben cause he likes playing with it all the time! I think he was quite disappointed when I told him it actually stood for darling son! :laughing:

I think I'll need to get Ben's haircut at the barber shop - that would be really cool!

Di x

jmskinner

04-24-2009, 10:57 PM

Love the Thunder Mountain pics - my fave ride!!!! So much fun although Jacobs face was funny!

I don't understand why he is scared on this ride. He loves the Judge Roy Scream at Six Flags Over Texas. Looked it up last night, it has a 60 foot drop, I know BTMRR doesn't have that high of a drop.

Awesome pictures taken while on BTMRR! :thumbsup2

Very cool that Jacob got his haircut at MK. We tried to get Chuck's cut there that morning, but - well - you'll just have to wait to find out why we didn't. ;)

I can't wait to read why. I wonder if we passed you since we went before we went to TSI?

Wow, those are AWESOME pictures on BTMRR. My favorite is the first one!

Thank you. DH thinks I'm crazy taking so many pics, but you never know when you just might get a really good one.

Cool pics but Heather would have given you into so much trouble :scared1: I got pelters for having my flip camera out at the beginning of Splash Mountain "Dad!!!! your not allowed, stop it!!!!" and so forth. I will need to dig out the clip and put it on our never ending tr :thumbsup2

Jacob is giving you a quality stare after the chocolate ice cream debacle :lmao:

Uh oh, were you using the flash???? Please post the pic, keep that TR going!!!

I would have walked all the way to Tomorrowland to buy that kid an ice cream. I really thought I bought him a chocolate there before.

We felt like that with Homer - he was our 'surrogate baby' before we decided to try for a real one!

I think the twins were too young to really understand what had happened, it was more a couple of years later we had to discuss it with them in greater detail. They still talk about him and his photo is still in Heather's bedroom.

It was a horrible time but it was the best thing to do for Homer - hope all goes well for you and Mozart! :hug:

Enjoyed the updates as always. Funny story - Ben was looking at the TR and saw my siggy - DS (Ben) and he thought it meant Nintendo DS Ben cause he likes playing with it all the time! I think he was quite disappointed when I told him it actually stood for darling son! :laughing:

I think I'll need to get Ben's haircut at the barber shop - that would be really cool!

Di x

There was a girl getting her hair cut there and not a young girl, she was about 20. Cute story about DS, I have thought that before. "Gave DS the DS." It can get confusing.

Hubby is now home. I was trying to think of something to do tomorrow. Believe it or not, no WDW. Just a little tired of the drive. But, I think we are heading south to Bradenton to check out a state park there. You know I will post some pics.

jmskinner

04-26-2009, 11:51 AM

On top of tax day, it was my neighbor's birthday, I'm going to call her K for this MTR. We were out walking and discussing how Wednesday was her birthday and the following Monday was her daughters. I mentioned how if she didn't have school she could take her to WDW for free. K made that comment that she should go on hers and we looked at each other and said "Hey, that's an idea!" We couldn't leave until her daughter was at the bus stop and would have to be back in time to get our boys after school, but we could have about 3 hours in a park and it would be free for K. She decided to wanted to go to Epcot.

After taking Jacob to school, I came home, finished getting everything ready to take and got in the truck. Eventually K and her daughter came out and we dropped her daughter off at the bus stop and off we went. Poor K forgot her paper she had filled out for the free pass and her sunglasses. I kept telling her we could turn around, but she didn't want to. We made it to WDW, talking the whole way. Now, K had said I should drive since I know my way around. :sad2: She shouldn't have said that. We were busy talking and we saw the signs for Epcot Resort area, and I knew that wasn't the correct turn, but for some reason I took it. Did a u-turn, and then missed our turn again. We did finally get there. I felt like such an idiot. We were able to park the closest I had ever parked at Epcot. Didn't even need the tram to get us there. It was about 9:45. Got K's pass and off we went. By the way, the birthday ticket is really cool. It is a plastic card like the KTTW instead of the paper ticket. We made our way through the gate.

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/513926385_jbzSb-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/513926576_tqZLR-M.jpg

Now, K wanted to ride Soarin' and Test Track. Both already had 50 minute waits. She decided she really wanted to ride Soarin' so I thought we would head that way and see what the FP time was. I totally forgot the bulletin boards would give us that information. I tell you, my brain was not working that day.

So, off to Soarin':

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/513928514_6t7aS-M.jpg

We walked into the building and I told her to go left, well you couldn't go left. They had it roped off to keep all the traffic going one way. I had never seen them do this before. Or maybe previously I had just always gone the wrong way.

Here's a quick shot of inside the building, everyone was going the same way.

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/513928365_4NQKh-M.jpg

FP's were for after 2:00, couldn't do that. K really wanted to ride this ride, so we got in line. I didn't care about the wait. I was enjoying being out of the house and at WDW with an adult.:rotfl:

Here are some pics from our line wait:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/513928415_6asDh-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/513929405_TQFt2-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/513929462_CsZ2S-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/513929815_cehYe-M.jpg
The above image didn't seem very Disney Magical, it was very dark and kind of scary.

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/513930353_MfqJ7-M.jpg

I took a few more of the screens, but you get an idea. Actually, this was the first time I had done this. The previous three times I had ridden Soarin' we always had FP's, so we never got to play the games. Now, one thing to note. We got in line at 10:15am, 50 minutes would have put us getting off a little after 11:00am. At 11:50am this is where we were:

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/513930618_o7DFq-M.jpg

I don't know if a large crowd of FP holders came through, or if the ride broke down but we were in front of those screens for quite awhile.

Oh, I almost forgot. Right before we reached the screens, this family cuts through. Father, Mother, and Son and the father is on the phone looking around like he is looking for someone in the line. Eventually they stop right by us. K and I are both thinking the same thing, "LINE JUMPERS" "CUTTERS!!!!" After about 5 minutes their daughter joins them. She is probably 18 or so. I told K I had never seen a whole family do something like that. We both decided we didn't want to start something, but we did make a point of making sure we ended up in front of them. It was funny because the daughter jumped in on our converstation about Mickey Heads and I bit my tongue but I really wanted to tell her "I would love to discuss Mickey Head's with you, but I am too mad about you and your family cutting in line right now to do so!!!"

Also, about this time I realized we should have tried to get FP's for Test Track. Again, the brain was not functioning. Guess I was out of my routine.

We finally made it to the part of the que where you get your seat row. We got first row.:woohoo: The "line jumping" family got 2nd row.:woohoo: K really enjoyed the ride, so I was happy. It was now after 12:00. We had planned to leave about 12:30, but thought we could stay a little longer so headed over to the WS.

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/513931159_ao5pN-M.jpg

When I saw this playground, I knew I had to bring Jacob back. This was cool!
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/513931245_P4U5H-M.jpg

While K got some popcorn, I snapped some pics.
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/513932800_KrXCu-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/513933757_aTLwz-M.jpg
This is probably how the garden in Canada looks all the time, but thought it was still beautiful.

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/513940286_cDmve-M.jpg

I want a couple of these for my bedroom. Couldn't find a price though.
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/513935339_4445S-M.jpg

Since it was getting late and I saw a boat waiting, we decided to ride the boat back:

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/513935917_kXn8v-M.jpg

And look what we saw:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/513935893_AkBjg-M.jpg

Back on land:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/513936699_kxgWj-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/513937306_g7B7S-M.jpg

And the last pic of the day:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/513939417_vJqSz-M.jpg

So, that was our little 3 hour park day. Only rode one ride. K had fun and kept saying she had to come back. So, hopefully she will get AP's and we can start going with the kiddos.

Next up, another day at the F&G Festival and still only one ride!

ScotsMinnie

04-26-2009, 01:35 PM

Finkelstein's Hubby

04-26-2009, 07:18 PM

Hey Melissa

Epcot looks utterly stunning in your pics all jazzed up for the F&G Festival....amzing how we skipped it the first couple of Disney trips but its now become the park we visit most frequently.....The Land is a great are to visit, when I have described it to folk they kinda nod and say "yeah sounds great" in a very unconvincing way but its a place with a great atmosphere

Gordon

jmskinner

04-27-2009, 08:24 AM

What fun to nip in for a few hours! And nice to have grown up company too! But what a wait for Soarin'!!!! We have only caught the Flower and Garden Festival once and it was lovely. Would love to go back and see it again!

I really did have a great time for such a short trip. Yes, the wait for Soarin' was horrible, but it was fun watching all the people play those games.

Perfect word for the F&G Festival, "Lovely"!!!

Hey Melissa

Epcot looks utterly stunning in your pics all jazzed up for the F&G Festival....amzing how we skipped it the first couple of Disney trips but its now become the park we visit most frequently.....The Land is a great are to visit, when I have described it to folk they kinda nod and say "yeah sounds great" in a very unconvincing way but its a place with a great atmosphere

Gordon

We were the same way. We kept going back, but weren't really impressed. But after Jacob and I finally took the time to really explore, we loved it. I think part of it is the fact it isn't as pretty as the other parks. WS is, but FW isn't. Even DHS has character. I need to explore "The Land" more. We haven't done the "Circle of Life" yet.

I just realized I didn't put in my PTR info for the July trip. So, my BFF and her family arrive July 15 and are staying through July 22.

Our schedule so far:
July 16, they are going to MK
July 17 Animal Kingdom, we arrive that morning
July 18 Epcot with dinner at Garden Grill
July 19 MK breakfast at 1900 Park Faire, Grumpy and Di you got me wanting to eat here
Dinner at WCC.
July 20 Epcot with dinner at Tutti Italia
July 21 DHS with lunch at 50's Prime Time. We will leave that day.

Currently planned without park hopping, BFF was still trying to figure out their tickets. But I figure if we don't PH, we won't kill our ourselves going as commando.

Getting the ADR's was hilarious. Turns out at SoG, even though you are able to attend EMH, you can't do the 90 day reservations for ADR's with the additional 10 day window. So, the first day I called(Saturday), they wouldn't allow me to book and I was trying to book meals for 8 of us and really worried it would be difficult. Then BFF calls, she hadn't made any ADR's either, so then said she would make them all. Well, she got busy and I find out on Monday they didn't get them made and were calling me to see what I had done. So finally, Monday morning I got the ones through WCC, then BFF's DH called and got that info from me and he made the rest. ADR's shouldn't be that difficult should they?

Well, hope everyone has a great week.

ScotsMinnie

04-27-2009, 08:29 AM

That sounds like a great plan so far. I am also looking forward to breakfast at 1900 park fayre - everyone says it is delicious!

carissanboys

04-27-2009, 08:41 AM

How fun to be able to decide spur of the moment to head to Epcot with a friend for her birthday! :goodvibes

Too bad about the wait for Soarin'. I loved those scenery screens - I had never seen them before this trip.

A lot of your WS pictures look very familiar. :rolleyes1

jmskinner

04-27-2009, 09:54 AM

That sounds like a great plan so far. I am also looking forward to breakfast at 1900 park fayre - everyone says it is delicious!

I'm not a breakfast eater, but JS is, so got to keep him happy. I'm looking forward to the character interaction.

How fun to be able to decide spur of the moment to head to Epcot with a friend for her birthday! :goodvibes

Too bad about the wait for Soarin'. I loved those scenery screens - I had never seen them before this trip.

A lot of your WS pictures look very familiar. :rolleyes1

There are more WS pics to come.

Finkelstein's Hubby

04-27-2009, 03:28 PM

macheath

04-28-2009, 04:41 PM

All caught up again! I love your pics from F&G. Hope I get there some day!

Dr_Finkelstein

04-28-2009, 04:50 PM

Hi Melissa!

Your plans sound good so far - you'll enjoy 1900 PF! I really hope you get the same Mad Hatter we got! :thumbsup2 He was brilliant!

Where are you eating at AK? Might I humbly suggest Yak & Yeti?????? You know I just love that restaurant! ;)

Di x

jmskinner

04-30-2009, 09:45 AM

The Park Fayre breakfast is good, very very good :thumbsup2, we had a great time with the Mad Hatter....have to say that Breakfast is when I am my most ready for a buffet.....unlimited sausages, scrambled eggs, bacon........:worship:

looking forward to lots of food porn ;)

Gordon

JS is already threatening to tie Jacob up after our breakfast disaster at Chef Mickey's when Jacob was totally exhausted and DH had to leave to take him back to the hotel. Sounds like you and JS are a lot alike.

All caught up again! I love your pics from F&G. Hope I get there some day!

I hope you do also. Maybe that trip in 2011, wasn't that when the DH said you could go back?

Hi Melissa!

Your plans sound good so far - you'll enjoy 1900 PF! I really hope you get the same Mad Hatter we got! :thumbsup2 He was brilliant!

Where are you eating at AK? Might I humbly suggest Yak & Yeti?????? You know I just love that restaurant! ;)

Di x

I loved your video. That is the whole reason I want to go. I think I forwarded it to BFF and made her want to go also.

We have no plans for AK, but I do plan to try Yak & Yeti sometime. JS loves Chinese food, so we need to go.

jmskinner

05-01-2009, 10:11 PM

Yes, it's another TR update from me. I realized I was three day trips behind, yes you read that right 3, so here we go.

If you remember on my trip just the previous Wednesday I couldn't wait to come back to check out all of the F&G Festival and also let Jacob play on the playgrounds they had installed for the Festival. Isn't that weird, let's go to WDW to Epcot to play on the playgrounds?

So we took our time and didn't rush to the parks. Actually first I was up at 7:00am to make the ADR's for the July trip. For the meals that 8 of us would be eating together and I was worried about having such a large party. My first attempt the CM hung up on me. The second attempt I learned because we are staying at SoG we don't qualify for the 90 days plus 10 day window, so I couldn't make ADR's until the next day. And even then I could only make the ADR for one day and would have to call back each day. Since it was 6:00am in TX where the BFF is, I emailed her that I didn't make any ADR's.

Per my first photo
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/515755629_nBG2K-M.jpg
we were there at 10:00am. Just an hour after the park opened, not too bad for not rushing.

Now, the one ride Jacob wants to ride at Epcot is M:S. Really the only ride he wants to ride. So we headed that way first and saw this guy on the way
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/515757172_EpiDS-M.jpg

I've said it before, but I can not ride the extreme side. I know they say the lame side doesn't spin, but it does something to my blood pressure, so no way am I doing the extreme side. Jacob was fine with that, he was still getting to ride.

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/515757857_zAjSC-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/515758549_bFdov-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/515760657_gt2zp-M.jpg

As usual, Jacob pushed and switched every single button he could find, even some of the ones on my side.

When we got off I thought we might explore this area:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/515762345_iLich-M.jpg

But no, he only wanted to shop
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/515765659_vahKZ-M.jpg

Yea, he didn't get it. How many times have I posted about trying to get him to clean his room? He is persistant though.

I'm trying to get new shots.
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/515767614_9mDTP-M.jpg

After M:S I was hungry. Now, Jacob didn't really eat much breakfast, and had promised me he would eat lunch, something he normally doesn't do. So we stopped in the Electric Umbrella for chicken nuggets. The plan was to get the adult meal and share. He decided he wanted the kids meal. Now, I remember him not liking the kids chicken nuggets, but I did it anyway. I purchased the Chicken Cesear Salad. Just as we sat to eat my cell phone rings. I dig around in the backpack and find it just as it stops ringing. It was my BFF. They were going to call to get ADR's for our trip in July, thinking I had already made the ones where all 8 of us were eating. Here's how the conversation went:

Vickie: What ADR's did you get?

Me: You haven't checked your email yet?

Vickie: No, I was just doing that.

So, I explained my emails to her and what occured that morning so she said she would make them all.

Back to the food. Well, I wasn't impressed with my salad, I honestly think I wanted the chicken strips. Jacob took one bite of his chicken nuggets and remembered that he didn't like WDW's chicken nuggets. I made him eat at least one, put the carrots and grapes that came with his, and also my croutons (I know WEIRD, but I like to eat them as a snack) in my backpack and off we went.

Found this sand sculpture, and of course, another butt!
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/515770067_HNSUb-M.jpg

Off to the:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/515773102_f24mT-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/515775760_sJXCH-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/515777092_FNjf7-M.jpg

Look at the size of the butterflies!
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/515786605_jMeX5-M.jpg
This one flew right in front of the camera. I aplogize, I couldn't get any good pics, will have to take the zoom lens next time.

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/515789197_2s4Pz-M.jpg
I think areas like the pic above are why we weren't too impressed with Epcot the first time we came. The ball is great, and the fountain is cool, but so much open space and not much to look at. Just my opinion folks. We love Epcot now!

The good news is you turn around and this awaits you:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/515793328_4txnn-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/515800756_WYs3S-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/515808010_fMdo8-M.jpg

Bird alert Irky:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/515814480_WAtE3-M.jpg
Actually towards the end of this report, who knows how many chapters it will be, there is a bird experience Irky won't like at all. I didn't appreciate much either.

Didn't the ducks find a lovely spot to enjoy the F&G Festival?
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/515815470_S93cP-M.jpg

We came across the first playground and Jacob was off, so I took pics while he played:

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/515817837_QQPqe-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/515820663_v3WTU-M.jpg

Finally I figured I should take pics of my boy, who loved the playground and actually kept posing for pics. He would stop, look at me and freeze until I took the pics. Now, how many pics do I have with him all grumpy because I took his pic.

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/515822795_zqWx8-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/515824725_MLSw9-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/515831497_mNpHN-M.jpg

I had found a nice bench to rest on while Jacob played. You guys all know me by now, I am sitting here just snapping away with the camera. The family next to me starts looking at me everytime they hear click. Guess I was taking too many. If only they knew, over 300 this day folks.

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/515832752_qQwVe-M.jpg

This thing Jacob is standing on spins, and he wasn't too happy when he had positioned himself just right to where it would spin when he leaned just a little, but I pushed it for him. I was nice, I moved him where he could do it himself.

So, did we see anymore of the WS, or just spend our day here at the playground? Stay tuned folks....

ScotsMinnie

05-02-2009, 09:05 AM

That playground looks amazing! My 2 would have loved it. They should have things like that at Epcot all year round.

jmskinner

05-02-2009, 01:55 PM

That playground looks amazing! My 2 would have loved it. They should have things like that at Epcot all year round.

I totally agree with you.

CRdisMom

05-04-2009, 09:57 AM

love that playground. I'm glad to see that kids really played on it. Our school is installing something very similar to that next spring. Love the multiple TR's :)

jmskinner

05-04-2009, 10:22 AM

love that playground. I'm glad to see that kids really played on it. Our school is installing something very similar to that next spring. Love the multiple TR's :)

Welcome and thanks for reading. I love WDW and enjoy sharing out little trips.

All the kids were loving it. It has so many different parts and things to do. Fantastic that your school is getting one.

We are off this Saturday to Biergarten for my Mothers Day lunch and then JS wants to go to MK. I also realized there is part of the F&G area we haven't seen, a Tink area, so I need to go get pics of it.

Have a great week everyone.
Melissa

carissanboys

05-04-2009, 01:23 PM

Once again - I have lots of the same pictures to come in my TR! :rotfl: That playground was very cool. :thumbsup2

I love the picture of Mickey in the spacesuit at MS! :goodvibes

Finkelstein's Hubby

05-04-2009, 02:42 PM

Hey Melissa

Was wondering how we missed the playpark, D'oh now I know. The Flower and Garden festival make Epcot even more stunning than normal. It was the Food and Wine when we went but sadly we could not get the full "benefit" since we had the kiddies in tow.

Ben loved Mission Space and like Jacob would spend, spend, spend in the shop :thumbsup2

Gordon

scottny

05-04-2009, 11:43 PM

great F&W pics. The playgrounds look like fun.

Dr_Finkelstein

05-06-2009, 01:38 PM

Great photos Melissa, as always!

It looks like Jacob had a great time playing, it looks just beautiful with all the displays.

Di x

irky416

05-06-2009, 08:26 PM

I love all the pictures of the flower characters! I would love to see those some day!

The sand sculpture was cute. What's with you and butts? ;)

jmskinner

05-07-2009, 08:01 AM

I love all the pictures of the flower characters! I would love to see those some day!

The sand sculpture was cute. What's with you and butts? ;)

I have no idea, they just keep ending up in my pics.

Once again - I have lots of the same pictures to come in my TR! :rotfl: That playground was very cool. :thumbsup2

I love the picture of Mickey in the spacesuit at MS! :goodvibes

I love Mickey dressed up also.

Hey Melissa

Was wondering how we missed the playpark, D'oh now I know. The Flower and Garden festival make Epcot even more stunning than normal. It was the Food and Wine when we went but sadly we could not get the full "benefit" since we had the kiddies in tow.

Ben loved Mission Space and like Jacob would spend, spend, spend in the shop :thumbsup2

Gordon

I really wish they would keep the playground or something like it. All the climbing and spinning is good to calm kids down when they have sensory overload.

You remember our F&W experience, I really hope that this year we can go spend the night and enjoy ourselves a little more. Need to beg a Grandma to come stay with Jacob.

great F&W pics. The playgrounds look like fun.

Jacob sure enjoyed it.

Great photos Melissa, as always!

It looks like Jacob had a great time playing, it looks just beautiful with all the displays.

Di x

It really was beautiful. I wish they had Epcot like that all year.

Do any of you ever check out the photography page. They have a different contest every week, if you haven't checked it out, you should. There are some beautiful pictures out there. Wait a minute, if you see those you will know how terrible mine really are, never mind.:laughing:

Hope everyone is having a wonderful week and I really need to do another update. I am so far behind. JS brought home a game from DC. Nothing exciting, just one of those where you try to match 3 colored balls in a row, but it is really addictive.

kathleen27

05-07-2009, 09:35 AM

I am finally caught up!!! Actually I caught up last night, but as I was finishing this long reply the computer lost the internet connection again. :headache: Hit submit and got the error page! :eek: Luckily I was able to back up and everything was still there, so I could copy it. I was not so lucky a few days ago with an email. :sad2:

All the Flower and Garden festival photos are beautiful. I would really love to go! The thing is the kids do NOT want to go with me because they think I take too many flower photos. They don't like going to gardens with me. :sad2:

If you remember on my trip just the previous Wednesday I couldn't wait to come back to check out all of the F&G Festival and also let Jacob play on the playgrounds they had installed for the Festival. Isn't that weird, let's go to WDW to Epcot to play on the playgrounds?

:rotfl:
I took my kids to London a few years ago, and when we were planning Hannah asked if they had playgrounds and a zoo there. We went to at least a playground a day. They thought the playgrounds there were much better than here. That Epcot playground does look really cool. I wish they had that all the time too. Kids could really use a place to let out there energy after so much waiting in lines.

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/505308748_Gpt49-M.jpg

There is the Dino from Kingdom Keepers. :laughing:
Funny I don't remember ever seeing him. There is a lot to see on this ride, but we usually end up riding it at night, so I miss a lot in the dark.

Really like the BTMRR & TSI pictures. Sounds like Jacob had a lot of fun at the fort!

I bribe my kids all the time. I’ve already told Hannah that if she will try riding EE I’ll buy her a little plush Yeti. She saw one on a tr and thought it was cute. She's even reminded me so I think it might work!

jmskinner

05-07-2009, 09:47 AM

I am finally caught up!!! Actually I caught up last night, but as I was finishing this long reply the computer lost the internet connection again. :headache: Hit submit and got the error page! :eek: Luckily I was able to back up and everything was still there, so I could copy it. I was not so lucky a few days ago with an email. :sad2:

I hate when that happens.

All the Flower and Garden festival photos are beautiful. I would really love to go! The thing is the kids do NOT want to go with me because they think I take too many flower photos. They don't like going to gardens with me. :sad2:

If you would like to try a trip next year, let me know. I'll take time to take pics with you.

:rotfl:
I took my kids to London a few years ago, and when we were planning Hannah asked if they had playgrounds and a zoo there. We went to at least a playground a day. They thought the playgrounds there were much better than here. That Epcot playground does look really cool. I wish they had that all the time too. Kids could really use a place to let out there energy after so much waiting in lines.

Do you have any pics of those playgrounds?

There is the Dino from Kingdom Keepers. :laughing:
Funny I don't remember ever seeing him. There is a lot to see on this ride, but we usually end up riding it at night, so I miss a lot in the dark.

Really like the BTMRR & TSI pictures. Sounds like Jacob had a lot of fun at the fort!

I bribe my kids all the time. I’ve already told Hannah that if she will try riding EE I’ll buy her a little plush Yeti. She saw one on a tr and thought it was cute. She's even reminded me so I think it might work!

Ok, I just read Kingdom Keepers, I can't remember the Dino. I'll have to review it. I love BTMRR at night, actually I love all rides at night. Amusement Parks are the best at night with all the lights.

Now that you are caught up, I was coming out here to do another update.

jmskinner

05-07-2009, 10:11 AM

One thing I hadn't mentioned about this playground was the lack of shade, so it was starting to get warm in the sun, so I persuaded Jacob to move along.

I may have to pick one of these up this Saturday and see if I can keep it alive:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/515832851_7QN74-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/515837213_WqSmE-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/515838316_a9NHe-M.jpg
People who haven't been to WDW don't realize how beautiful it is and how it doesn't feel like an amusement park, like in the above pic.

I don't think I mentioned this before, but we decided to do another Kim Possible Adventure. I don't want to give anything away, so I'll be careful what pics I post, but we first did a mission in Japan.

Check out the Bonsai trees:

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/515761073_gbmFA-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/515761912_eTwox-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/515767610_UJDPF-M.jpg

These were all 20 to 75 years old or even older. Just beautiful.

We finished our mission and headed over to Norway for another and saw this:

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/515769728_FmQS6-M.jpg

We left in the middle of it and then I started feeling very unpatriotic.:sad1:

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/515771448_jgX3V-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/515771663_jAheN-M.jpg

And then I saw Lady and the Tramp:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/515773076_NNbp4-M.jpg

One of my favorite movies, of course, it had doggies.

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/515774004_CNXQm-M.jpg
I was trying to get a great shot of the architecture, but that one lady stepped in the shot. I gave up because I knew it was too busy.

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/515778225_SqWVw-M.jpg

Another playground:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/515780831_96Gwo-M.jpg

These are great for sensory seeking kids because they can climb and bounce. We had one at a park in TX that was about twice the size of this one. Jacob would always climb to the top and scare the you know what out of me.:scared1:

Now, I kept trying to take pictures of this guy and I know people were trying to figure out why so many, but look on his tooth on the right:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/515783439_ibFcY-M.jpg
It was a brave little lizard.

Do we complete the mission in Norway and there is some eye candy coming up also.

irky416

05-07-2009, 04:32 PM

kathleen27

05-07-2009, 04:40 PM

If you would like to try a trip next year, let me know. I'll take time to take pics with you.

Do you have any pics of those playgrounds?

Now that you are caught up, I was coming out here to do another update.

I have been thinking about going alone to the F&G festival for the last few years. If we don't go in April next year, I just might go alone, maybe in May. I showed Hannah all your photos and there was a lot of ooohing and ahhhhing. I will let you know when we plan to go back whenever it end up being.

I had posted some of a peter pan themed playground on my first trip report. There were 3 playgrounds they loved. And moments when I said did we really fly across an entire ocean to visit playgrounds. :confused3 :laughing:

playground pics (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=25690726&postcount=162)

I actually managed to stay caught up anyways!

I may have to pick one of these up this Saturday and see if I can keep it alive:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/515832851_7QN74-M.jpg

Now, I kept trying to take pictures of this guy and I know people were trying to figure out why so many, but look on his tooth on the right:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/515783439_ibFcY-M.jpg
It was a brave little lizard.

Those look really neat. I'd be buying plants to take home in my suitcase. :laughing:

That little lizard is so cute. What a funny spot he picked.

carissanboys

05-07-2009, 05:22 PM

I never saw the plants you could buy - very neat!

Love the little lizard. :goodvibes

jmskinner

05-12-2009, 09:59 AM

I love the second picture up there! You're right, it doesn't look anything like an amusement park!

DBF has this thing with Bonsai's. I will have to show him your picture. I'd like to get him one for our new house, but both of us have a brown thumb (because plants don't turn green around us, they wither, die and turn brown!) and I don't know anything about them. I'm glad you posted them because it reminded me to look into it!

Can't wait to see the eye candy!

I didn't post all of the pics of the Bonsai trees. There were a lot of them and they were all beautiful. I have a brown thumb also. One time we had this Peace Lilly and when the blooms and leaves would all lower I would water it and it would perk back up, and they would fall again, and I would water it. Finally JS said I had to throw it away because I was just torturing the poor thing. I think he was worried I would do the same to him when he gets old.:rotfl:

I have been thinking about going alone to the F&G festival for the last few years. If we don't go in April next year, I just might go alone, maybe in May. I showed Hannah all your photos and there was a lot of ooohing and ahhhhing. I will let you know when we plan to go back whenever it end up being.

I had posted some of a peter pan themed playground on my first trip report. There were 3 playgrounds they loved. And moments when I said did we really fly across an entire ocean to visit playgrounds. :confused3 :laughing:

playground pics (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=25690726&postcount=162)

I actually managed to stay caught up anyways!

Those look really neat. I'd be buying plants to take home in my suitcase. :laughing:

That little lizard is so cute. What a funny spot he picked.

Love the pics from those playgrounds. Too cool. I hadn't thought about people traveling wanting some of the plants for sale there at Epcot. I wonder if they ship them at all?

I never saw the plants you could buy - very neat!

Love the little lizard. :goodvibes

There were several different areas to buy different plants.

I apologize for not responding to everyone sooner. I'll try to do better. I'm going to try to get more updates up so I can get caught up. We are going to NC for DBIL wedding this weekend, so need to pack for that, clean house etc. On the way back we plan on stopping at WDW to get JS's gift card for his Birthday. Right now it looks like rain the whole way home on Monday, so we will see.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Mothers Day. I can't believe I didn't post that then. We went to Epcot and MK on Saturday. Of course I will do a MTR for that day. Saw Star Trek and Wolverine on Sunday. Had to play catch up on the movies because after this week, there is something coming out every weekend we want to see. By the way, Star Trek was GREAT!!!! I can't believe how much I enjoyed it.

Hope you all have a good day and hope to update later today!
Melissa

Dr_Finkelstein

05-16-2009, 06:35 AM

jmskinner

05-20-2009, 08:59 AM

Hi Melissa,

All caught up now - Epcot looks gorgeous! Another time we'll try to visit now! :laughing: I don't understand why some people say they don't like Epcot? Maybe it's just you need to step out of 'theme park ride' mode and just wander and look at everything.
I love the little Mickey head planters - don't think they would survive the journey home though!
And Kathleen's photos are lovely! We have a couple of playgrounds near us that are similar, the kids just love them! Great to wear them out! :thumbsup2

Di x

We had a hard time with Epcot at first, but did exactly what you said, got out of theme park ride mode and enjoyed ourselves. I still want one of those planters, we will just have to see.

You guys should start a PTR and you can start posting pics of your area, I would love to see them.

jmskinner

05-20-2009, 09:34 AM

Is this only the third chapter of this MTR? I need to get a move on because SWW is coming up, having my first Dismeet in June and then our trip in July (which I have decided to start a new TR for). So here we go, more Epcot F&G Festival pics.

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/515790731_qUbmd-M.jpg

We then headed to Norway for another adventure. We had never noticed the grass on this building.

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/515796019_xUpUH-M.jpg

The wood work around this door is just amazing.
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/515796759_oyg8i-M.jpg

And, I have never noticed this either.
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/515798047_UbZUK-M.jpg

Here is what the communicator looks like during a message:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/515804364_oW9WX-M.jpg

And the eye-candy:

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/515807252_RaESh-M.jpg

This isn't that great of a pic, he was a cutie.

Something else I had never noticed before:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/515808044_fPFQz-M.jpg

And I took this one of a note behind the counter, don't know what it says, but thought it was interesting.
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/515813665_arTJz-M.jpg

We finished our mission in Norway in turned in our communicator. Jacob always has to play with the helmets and swords in the store.

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/515818794_AvKyG-M.jpg

I was trying to get him to stick the sword up the nose, he thought I was being weird.

This guy is a little scary:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/515819836_Bb3EQ-M.jpg

At this point we are heading back to Future World, when this one bird flew right in front of us and I thought "Man, I missed a great shot!" Then I realized the one right beside us was taking off (Irky you may want to close your eyes!):
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/515820447_EEeGu-M.jpg

He was about a foot away from me, luckily no pooping occured from me or the bird!

More shots from the Lion King:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/515822431_AQtmP-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/515823652_xqP3S-M.jpg

The facial expressions on these guys are amazing, as always Disney thinks of everything:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/515824031_d28k3-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/515825061_FfPoo-M.jpg

Jacob always thinks Lily Pads are cool.

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/515826033_mxNFD-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/515827418_WdvoH-M.jpg

Somehow with all of my trips, I have never taken this pic:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/515828075_KKkjS-M.jpg

My favorite store in all of the parks. World of Disney seems too big to me, this one seems just right and has a great variety.

We were on our way out, but I thought we should check out Club Cool because Jacob was thirsty. I grabbed a couple of cups and found two that I liked. I knew to avoid the Beverly and didn't even want to do that to my boy, but I did persuade him to try one. Don't remember which one this was.

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/515828740_jaKyF-M.jpg

I refilled the cups and then got Jacob to try the pink one:

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/515829145_reK93-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/515829478_gjm9F-M.jpg

We are trying to get Jacob to eat other foods, so I see these faces a lot now. With everything!

The fountain was performing:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/515829912_kprVr-M.jpg

I really need to try to catch this at night to get pics.

The water wasn't the only thing dancing:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/515833702_EyGRz-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/515833941_6Pf9T-M.jpg

And the last pic of the day:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/515836859_7BjN7-M.jpg

And that was our last full day at the F&G Festival. Hope everyone enjoyed and I can't wait for next year to see what all they do. Hope you have enjoyed.

Finkelstein's Hubby

05-20-2009, 02:19 PM

Hi Melissa

The pics of the Garden Festival have been fantastic.......Epcot looked fantastic and my only regret is that I am not there to see it.....heres to your next trip :thumbsup2

Gordon

irky416

05-20-2009, 04:05 PM

You're right...that guy does look cute! ;)

I really like all the topiarys (sp?).

Thanks for the warning about the bird picture! I would have freaked out if that was me!

Most of the pop at Club Cool isn't that good and probably deserves the face Jacob gave it!

jmskinner

05-20-2009, 04:33 PM

Hi Melissa

The pics of the Garden Festival have been fantastic.......Epcot looked fantastic and my only regret is that I am not there to see it.....heres to your next trip :thumbsup2

Gordon

Thanks. I hope you get to go during it sometime. Weather was nice most days also.

You're right...that guy does look cute! ;)

I really like all the topiarys (sp?).

Thanks for the warning about the bird picture! I would have freaked out if that was me!

Most of the pop at Club Cool isn't that good and probably deserves the face Jacob gave it!

:laughing:I can't pronounce topiarys much less spell it. I say it 5 different ways every time I try to say it.

There were two cola's at Club Cool that I really liked. I keep wanting to swing through and just grab me a cup to quinch my thirst.

Thought I would throw in what we did this past weekend. Went to NC for DBIL wedding. Really nice wedding, but it rained the day of and then it rained on us on the way home from SC to FL. But it did stop long enough for us to stop at Epcot for JS's birthday. Which was good because we only had one poncho and it was Jacob's. Also, since no poncho's no pics, didn't want to get the camera wet.

Now Irky will appreciate this, first thing we did was ride Mission:Space. See every time I go to Epcot, I get to ride M:S. I was going to let the boys go on the orange side, but Jacob wanted me to ride also so green it was. JS kept calling me a wimp, but I knew I would feel horrible if I rode the orange side. Jacob was all excited because he was going to be Navigator, a postion he hasn't held yet. Well, the guy getting out before us, shuts the bar on the Navigator seat as he gets out. We told Jacob to wait and maybe the CM could open for him, but he goes ahead and sits down and pulls his bar down.:sad2: So now he is mad. On the ride we reach the point where you are hanging on the ledge and Gary says "Don't Move!!!!" So what does JS do? He sneezes. "You just killed us" I exclaim and we all start laughing.

From there we went to TT. There was a 30 minute wait and JS still wanted to ride, so we got in line. Then they announced technical difficulties and I also knew with the weather and the rain, the wait was going to grow, so we backed out, making a few people happy I'm sure.

Then it was off to Mouse Gears. Found the statue JS wanted. Then he said I could get what I wanted, so I got the Mickey Hand silver salad tongs and the Mickey hand thing to place spoons on the stove while cooking. We still had money left so while I was looking at pins, JS found himself a Grumpy glass beer mug. Which I find funny because he doesn't drink beer. We ended up paying $1.58 our of pocket. I knew stopping for that gift card was well worth it.

So then it was time to go. The rain was starting to move in. I'll try to take pics of our purchases and post them tomorrow. Plus I need to get busy on the day at DHS for the 20th Anniversary and also Mothers Day. My day trips are getting in the way of my TR, or maybe it is that :laundy:!:rotfl:

carissanboys

05-21-2009, 07:31 AM

jmskinner

05-21-2009, 08:08 AM

You got some great shots of some really interesting things that I've never noticed either! That's what I love about TRs. :thumbsup2

That bird picture is too funny. :rotfl:

You know, I don't think I've ever been in MouseGears. :rolleyes1

The man behind the bird was laughing afterwards.

Never been in MouseGears. Are you sure? You walk by it when you head to M:S, TT, and Ellen's Universe of Energy. There are about 5 different entrances so you may have went in and didn't realize it. If you haven't been, well, that just calls for another trip.:laughing:

jmskinner

05-21-2009, 09:59 AM

So, a few days before 05/01, I realized the 20th Anniversary of Hollywood Studios was coming up. Ummmm, wonder if something special will be going on. Free stuff? Special Merchandise? I started researching and found that a special ceremony was to happen at rope drop. Also, there would be special pins, t-shirts, etc. Oh, but it fell on a Friday, what about Jacob and school. Wait, Jacob doesn't have school. We can do this. But, rope drop is at 8:00am. We can do this. I'll just dress Jacob the night before, scoop him up and go.

Well, Jacob ended up waking up early that morning. Got him some breakfast, got the truck loaded up and we were on our way by 6:30am. The whole way I worried that we would end up sitting in traffic. I mean, we would hit Orlando at about 7:45am on a Friday morning. What about all those people that live in the Burbs and have to drive in to work. It turned out to be the best drive ever. NOOOOOO TRAFFIC!!! It was amazing. We made it before 8:00am.

Check out this parking spot, my truck is the the 3rd from the left. We have never parked that close at any of the parks.
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/531177422_WkxWz-M.jpg

Ok, I know people look at me funny when I take pics like the couple below, but how can you resist cute furrbabies.

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/531178252_mKsQE-M.jpg

Jacob took this one.
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/531178900_GGzqa-M.jpg

Honestly, I don't know what it was licking up and I wasn't asking.:scared1:

Very few people were entering the park.

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/531179188_BCN7E-M.jpg

Well, it turns out there really wasn't much of a ceremony. A little skit at the beginning and then the Vice President of DHS came out and spoke. Look at the center of the pic, right underneath the light poles and you can see him holding the microphone.
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/531180792_MnahM-M.jpg

The rope dropped and we were off. Jacob's favorite ride is Star Tours, so we headed there.

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/531181058_QJdN5-M.jpg

So, did I confuse any of you. We didn't head to Star Tours. We headed to TSMM. No way was I missing a shot at riding my favorite ride.

So, how many times did we ride? You will just have to wait.

kathleen27

05-21-2009, 11:55 AM

irky416

05-21-2009, 01:30 PM

lol at the you killed us all! :thumbsup2

I'd love to see your Mickey kitchen stuff!! Shopping is half the reason I want to go back down in October!

tinkgurl

05-21-2009, 01:59 PM

Ewww, I don't want to know what it was licking up either! :scared:

jmskinner

05-21-2009, 03:10 PM

I like that dragon! Your pictures are really making me want to go to the F&G fest next year.
I showed your photos to the kids, and they really liked everything. But they are still uncertain about going anywhere that has garden in the title with me. :confused3

You noticed a lot of details in Norway that I’ve never seen.
I’ve heard of the building with the grass roof, but I always forget to look for it.

Jacob’s club cool faces are too funny. :laughing:

Sounds like fun on JS’s birthday. Yeah for the birthday gift card.
Too funny he sneezed at that moment.

Doesn’t sound like much for the DHS ceremony.
Can’t wait to hear about the rest of the day at DHS!

I really enjoy going to the parks now and just taking it slow, plus the Kim Possible Adventures help you see so much more of the World Showcase. The whole time we walk around going, "Never noticed that before."

From what I read, 20 years isn't much of a celebration, probably something bigger for 25. As one person stated, with all of the Disney parks, there is some anniversary probably every year so they can't really do something big all the time.

lol at the you killed us all! :thumbsup2

I'd love to see your Mickey kitchen stuff!! Shopping is half the reason I want to go back down in October!

I just got an email from www.Disneyshopping.com about new Mickey bedroom and bath items. They were really cool. I thought about you when DH bought the Mickey statue for our formal living room. I was trying to keep it all in the family room, but I guess it is spreading throughout the house. Now, if only I could get JS to agree to the Mickey Head knobs for the kitchen cabinets.:goodvibes

Ewww, I don't want to know what it was licking up either! :scared:

I think it was probably ice cream. But I'm sort of surprised that anything had spilled since WDW usually does such a good job cleaning up each night.

jmskinner

05-22-2009, 09:33 AM

So, TSMM is was. Now, Carissa had recommended on her TR to ride first thing and then get your FP, so I thought I would give it a try.

As you can see, didn't seem like too many people headed for the ride first:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/531181422_4r4Ho-M.jpg

Here is Jacob practicing:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/531182074_FeX2Q-M.jpg

I don't practice anymore since my arms get sore playing/riding this one. You notice I said "arms", yup I use both to shoot. When we finish with one area, I switch because my arms get so sore playing.

My score:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/531182159_ACFEq-M.jpg

Jacob's score:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/531182395_D6quJ-M.jpg

And for those of you who can't see without the 3D glasses:

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/531182858_8C2wN-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/531183236_ihYqj-M.jpg
I posted this because I found it interesting how quickly the high scores jumped.

So, first ride of TSMM down. We got off and the line still didn't look that long, so we grabbed FP's and then got back in line. Jacob didn't want to, but he doesn't seem to understand that you ride TSMM at every chance you get. Of course, all he had on his mind was ST and also he wanted to make it rain on the umbrella. He loves that thing. But mean 'ol Mom made him ride TSMM again.:sad2:

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/531183690_mZSue-M.jpg

Even on the second ride the line wasn't that bad. You still made it through to the spot where you got your glasses and past that before finding the end of the line.

Jacob entertained himself.
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/531183560_AEK3f-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/531184010_xzdaX-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/531184100_m7c8Z-M.jpg

Jacob beat me this round:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/531184805_3ih7y-M.jpg

And the high scores for the day had jumped almost 100,000 points:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/531184897_VTVv2-M.jpg

Per the time these pics were taken, it was 8:33am. So, we had ridden TSMM twice in 30 minutes.

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/531185244_XpWGp-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/531185340_ePDp7-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/531185595_swEV5-M.jpg
Only 8:33 in the morning and the FP returns times were already 9:50-10:50. I think our FP times was 9:30-10:30am.

And of course, a little advertising for the new movie:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/531185770_Z9Uga-M.jpg

Isn't this the way to see a park:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/531185762_W4QGz-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/531186058_wy2hs-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/531186203_FSFsn-M.jpg

I just could not get over how empty the park was:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/531186185_Rw3p7-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/531186623_nUurn-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/531186828_FKvBS-M.jpg

I know this area won't look like this for the next month on the weekends!
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/531187098_gLjho-M.jpg

Think I am at the image limit or close to it. So, does Jacob ride ST, do we ride TSMM again. What about that 20th anniversary merchandise?

Finkelstein's Hubby

05-22-2009, 01:19 PM

jmskinner

05-22-2009, 03:31 PM

Hey Melissa

Amazing how empty the park looks, never seen a Disney park like that....Universal was deserted when we went in Nov 08 and it was kinda weird, you almost need the crowd there to create a buzz........only 13 months till we go back.....fingers crossed :thumbsup2

Gordon

It did seem really weird. Guess getting there early really does help.

I'll have to keep that in mind for Universal, we still haven't gone.

Did you ever get the refund back from that travel company?

Woo hoo!!! A countdown!

irky416

05-22-2009, 04:10 PM

Wow the park really was empty!

I'm so jealous you got to ride TSMM twice in a row with no lines! That's my new favorite ride! I actually made the music from the ride my text alert song!

irky416

05-22-2009, 04:24 PM

scottny

05-23-2009, 11:45 PM

great update and pics.

I love empty parks.

jmskinner

05-24-2009, 10:08 AM

My DBF is not going to pleased with you! Haha. I just sent him a bunch of text messages saying something to the effect of, "Can we please get a Mickey shower curtain?" "We really need it!" "Everyone likes Mickey!"

:lmao:

I, on the other hand, thank you very much for pointing out the new arrivals! I haven't looked at the site in a few weeks! :thumbsup2

Your welcome. Cute stuff isn't it. Hope DBF isn't too upset.

great update and pics.

I love empty parks.

Aren't empty parks great. Sort of lonely though also.

jmskinner

05-24-2009, 10:39 AM

Of course I took Jacob on Star Tours. You saw how empty the park was, well Star Tours would have been empty except for all the CM's looking for riders.

I had time to not only take pics, but I used my flash since there was no one to bother with it. I mean, no one was in line.

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/531187189_JFjQ2-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/531187387_zuBLE-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/531188092_jtJr5-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/531188798_2ydys-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/531188931_jULBG-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/531189096_EHLbA-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/531189094_8f2Nn-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/531189190_BPWxL-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/531189427_rHCWw-M.jpg
Yup, we were row 1. Actually, for a few minutes I thought we were going to be the only ones on the flight, but some other people then showed up. It was strange standing there all by ourselves. Can't believe I didn't take a pic. The CM even told us we could pick any row we wanted.

Jacob always wants to ride this twice, so I told him lets do it again and then look around in the store. Only this shot on the second ride:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/531190070_MjazY-M.jpg. I mentioned that I had never realized there were birds up there. We then discussed that there were bird sounds, and I had to tell Jacob that I didn't realize they were bird sound. :confused3 I got that look kids give their parents when they think we are idiots.

We ended up in the back row this time. Now, I knew as you got further back, you were higher up, but I didn't realize that the seats were that high from the floor. My feet wouldn't even touch the floor. I had worn flip-flops on this day, which I have just started wearing, and was scared they would fall off, but fortunately they didn't. After the ride we browsed the store, a little preparation for Wicket's Warehouse at SWW.

I may have to get this one:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/531189784_R9S8r-M.jpg

Love the potato heads!
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/531189806_Tu7b3-M.jpg

And I just loved this shirt:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/531189862_ERrmi-M.jpg

I looked at it, walked away, came back, took the above pic and then thought, "it's only money and you can't take it with you!" So, I bought it. Jacob got a Racer because I was feeling guilty.

Jacob wanted his pic on the Speeder Bike:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/531190356_RNYiG-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/531190462_XH42e-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/531190984_unvvE-M.jpg

I am trying to figure out the gun situation at WDW. I overheard a CM asking about the color and another did say they were being painted due to the government so they don't look real. But I remember late last year they were painted orange and green, then we went back and they weren't so I bought Jacob one. Now they are these ugly red and blue colors.

Jacob just loves guns :scared1::
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/531192076_qHFsW-M.jpg

Now, it was time for some that 20th anniversary merchandise, so we headed to the front of the park to see what we could find. Park was still fairly empty.

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/531192580_Lba7L-M.jpg

Pressed penny time!
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/531193447_42x2k-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/531193389_jSjGM-M.jpg

Another mission of mine on this date was to find pics of merchandise for the weekly photography board contest, so I got this shot:

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/531193807_ifPHf-M.jpg

I couldn't find the 20th Anniversary merchandise, so I finally asked. They pointed me to some t-shirts and a pin they had, but that there were more pins under the hat. Since I already had one t-shirt in hand, I decided to skip the 20th one. It was FP time for TSMM, so we headed that way.

Would I buy a 20th Anniversary pin?

jmskinner

05-25-2009, 11:07 AM

I know I am pumping these updates out but I have realized my brain isn't functioning well anymore and have started to forget some details. Also, after this one I already have two more reports to put up, plus will be going back again this weekend.

We left the shop and headed for TSMM to use our FP's.

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/531194286_92YiG-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/531194216_A7R3L-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/531194363_vgbVw-M.jpg
No line in the FP line. The park really was dead this day.

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/531194688_wGJeQ-M.jpg

And here was our last score of the day, I think I was the high score this time, just based off the accuracy:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/531195201_7oruB-M.jpg

And the high scores for the day.

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/531195491_TmAnp-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/531195550_Wzyz3-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/531195854_vAnzU-M.jpg

Jacob loves the umbrella where you make it rain, so we headed that way, and still no crowds (I apologize forgot to change the setting on the camera for this one.)

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/531195691_35QUX-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/531196542_Hv997-M.jpg

This is where it went wrong. My camera battery died. I have another, but it was at home.:sad2:

From there we went to HISTK playground. I realized without my camera, I was bored. I guess my camera is the same as Jacob using his DS. Called my parents while Jacob played and then lost Jacob. While looking for Jacob this little girl came down a slide in a dress and her undies went, well you know where they went. So she proceeds to lift up dress and dig away. This went on for what felt like several minutes and I kept looking for her parents. A man saw me laughing and asked if I was laughing about the little girl and I said I was. It was cute.

Finally found Jacob and headed to the big hat. We were both ready to head home. We made our way to the hat and saw penny press machines so we did that, or they may have been quarter machines. While digging in backpack for our coins, Chip and Dale came by and one of the patted me on the head. And the CM quickly pointed and said, he did it. Sorry, I don't know which one it was.

Pin time, so I ask about the pins at the hat and they point me to some on the counter. I thought there would just be one, nope I think there were 6. I bought 4 thinking I had them all and then saw another, bought it. Then the CM told us about one pin that the artist was there autographing so I did that also. There were actually two that he was autographing, but the other was a graduation pin and I only want pins that mean something to me. Then, after buying all these pins saw another I missed, but decided I had spent too much. Jacob had wandered off, so I find him looking at other pins and then I see a whole wall of 20th Anniversary pins. "Are these things going to be on sale all year?" Then I felt really bad about spending all that money and drove home feeling like such a goofball for buying all those pins. At least once I got home I felt better when I saw they were limited to 1000 to 1500 each.

Here are some pics of my pins. The ones with the blue package are the ones I purchased this day:

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/IMG_7848.jpg

The autograph one:
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/IMG_7856.jpg

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/IMG_7858.jpg

After purchasing all of these pins, I didn't have room for them all. Off to the craft store for more canvas and construction paper. I also decided to take all my pins off of my lanyard except for pins to trade since I don't wear the lanyard anymore. It scrapes the camera. Here is my pin collection now (don't look on the top right, that includes the SWW pins we just purchased but more to come on that):

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/IMG_7859.jpg

That was the 20th Anniversay at DHS. We didn't do much, but we didn't kill ourselves either.

Next up will be Mothers Day.

Have a great Memorial Day everyone!!!!

irky416

05-25-2009, 08:39 PM

Finkelstein's Hubby

05-26-2009, 02:06 PM

Hey Melissa

Like what you have done with the pins, I only have enough to fill a picture frame at present :sad2: but I am sticking to theme of villians only, otherwise I would be spending too much future Disney trip money

Will you be off to the Star Wars weekends?.......if so I want to see lots and lots and lots of pics :thumbsup2

Gordon

jmskinner

05-26-2009, 05:22 PM

Great pictures of the Star Tours line! I'm glad I never noticed the birds! ;)

I love the pins! Especially the hat one. I also like how you have them displayed. That's something like I want to do. Getting it autographed is awesome!

I had to tell you, my opinion of birds may change. Today we were walking and just as we got close to a tree (new trees here so it was just a little higher than my head) two birds took off and scared us.

I couldn't resist getting a pin autographed. The 'ol days of comic books taught me that.

Hey Melissa

Like what you have done with the pins, I only have enough to fill a picture frame at present :sad2: but I am sticking to theme of villians only, otherwise I would be spending too much future Disney trip money

Will you be off to the Star Wars weekends?.......if so I want to see lots and lots and lots of pics :thumbsup2

Gordon

Hi Gordon. I only started with one of those boards. So after your next trip I am sure you will have more.

Of course we are going to SWW weekends and of course we will get lots of pics. One down, three more to go. I want to get pics with all of the characters. Trying to figure out if I can work it out where I can get photopass pics at SWW and use the same CD for our July trip. I think between the 30 days the pics will stay on the cards and then the 30 days to order the CD I can get it done.

Dr_Finkelstein

05-26-2009, 06:05 PM

Finkelstein's Hubby

05-26-2009, 07:29 PM

Was listening to a podcast today about the SWW and it sounds amazing.....have watched Youtube clips and the sight of all those Stormtroopers marching in a parade gives me goosebumps.....they were always the coolest, insanely jealous you get to go as I doubt I will ever be over in May when the weekend is on....apparently if you turn up early the stormtroopers are out front acting as security and keeping the crowds in line......still as Di says October 2010 here we come, fingers crossed.....I will get to see a Headless Horseman!!!!!!

SimmerBaggins

05-27-2009, 10:57 PM

An ode to an Empty Park:

I shall be saying this with a sigh
Somewhere ages & ages hence
Four parks converged in a state and I
Took them all in the month of July...
(and thus they weren't empty).

Sigh.

Well, I'll be glad to be there, nonetheless!!!:cool1:

Looking at those pics, it just makes me want to run and "do it all" -- because you can!!! I tell you, girl, keep taking those pics, because you'll be looking back one day with a sigh...! :) Love ya.

Vickie

jmskinner

05-28-2009, 01:39 PM

Hi Melissa!

All caught up now! Great photos as always - I can't believe how quiet DHS was! :scared1: You look like you had fun anyway!
The SWW sounds like great fun - i can't wait to read about it!
We hope to have a countdown ticker soon (fingers crossed!), we're now thinking of Oct 2010, hope you'll still be living in Florida, I'm looking forward to our meet at DHS to see Grumpy's acting debut!

Di x

OH, If we end up moving next summer I will yank the kid out of school and fly or whatever it takes to make Grumpy's acting debut. :rotfl:

I would just like to meet you guys. I sure hope the Oct 2010 works out, you will so love MNSSHP! pixiedust:pixiedust:

Was listening to a podcast today about the SWW and it sounds amazing.....have watched Youtube clips and the sight of all those Stormtroopers marching in a parade gives me goosebumps.....they were always the coolest, insanely jealous you get to go as I doubt I will ever be over in May when the weekend is on....apparently if you turn up early the stormtroopers are out front acting as security and keeping the crowds in line......still as Di says October 2010 here we come, fingers crossed.....I will get to see a Headless Horseman!!!!!!

Ok, more pixiedust:pixiedust: for Oct 2010. We saw the Stormtroopers last June. They were cool and Jacob was very excited to see them there.

I've been debating about going back or not for the parade this weekend. It is so much fun. Just heard from JS that he has to work Saturday night, so maybe Jacob and I will head up for the day. Got t-shirts to buy.

An ode to an Empty Park:

I shall be saying this with a sigh
Somewhere ages & ages hence
Four parks converged in a state and I
Took them all in the month of July...
(and thus they weren't empty).

Sigh.

Well, I'll be glad to be there, nonetheless!!!:cool1:

Looking at those pics, it just makes me want to run and "do it all" -- because you can!!! I tell you, girl, keep taking those pics, because you'll be looking back one day with a sigh...! :) Love ya.

Vickie

:rotfl: You are the writer of this pair so why am I the one with the TR? I'm pretty sure July will not be as bad as Spring Break or Christmas. I know July 4th in 2006 wasn't that bad. We are going to have a blast in July and I can't wait to see you.

You are exactly right, I am taking it in as much as I can because you never know when we will move and if we will ever make it back. Even though I have been researching homes in the Orlando area a little.

Oh great, it is now raining here again. When it rains the school does a rainy dismissal which means it takes another 30 minutes on top of the usual 15-30 minutes to get Jacob. They walk them out to the cars under umbrellas. It is very nice, but they don't stop the kids that walk home from heading that way in the rain. :confused3

Finally after several weeks of trying, Jacob's playroom and his bedroom are clean. Managed to knock one of his closet doors off the hinge, but got it back on. I really hate the accordian (spelling?) doors.

Hope everyone's week is going well, it is almost over!!!

cinderella73

05-28-2009, 05:51 PM

jmskinner

05-31-2009, 10:04 AM

Your son has such a cute little face. Love all the pictures.
I guess I should go back now and figure out where I left off!

I might be moving back down to Fl as well. Wont be till after January though. I miss it so much! Looking at your pics makes me homesick.

Im off to go catch up!

Sorry I haven't replied yet. Welcome to my crazy TR. I just subscribed to your TR, so I'll have to play catch also. So, does it tell us about moving back to Florida?

Update coming up folks!

jmskinner

05-31-2009, 10:38 AM

So, I knew for Mothers Day I wanted to go to WDW. All I wanted for a gift was for JS to drive so I could have a few drinks at Epcot.

Then there was the deciding whether to do lunch. Since January I have wanted to go to Biergarten to try the wine sampler on the menu. The problem, Jacob doesn't eat the food, so we end up paying for 3 when only 2 eat. Then there are the people that give us the funny looks for not feeding our child. :sad2: Finally I decided, it's my day, we are going to do it. I also realized we could at least get a discount if I purchased the Tables in Wonderland discount card, but wait, it isn't honored on Mothers Day.:sad2:Well, we will just go on Saturday before Mother's Day instead. Actually this works out better because JS doesn't like to go to the parks and then have to go to work the next day.

I thought I would do this MTR a little different and let you see some of the road trip once we get on I-4.

This is for Carissa:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/534063417_HAt5k-M.jpg
We love us some Cracker Barrel!

We pass several camping trailer/RV sites along the way and this one always cracks me up because when my parents were here, every time we went by this my Mother would almost yell at my stepdad, "Dale, look at the trailers!!!!"
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/534063398_MoPKa-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/534064205_aYDpg-M.jpg
We have been here a couple of times. It makes for a nice relaxing day. I never did post pics of it, but I think I lost them all in the great February computer crash.

Obviously water skiing is huge here:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/534065210_XrGgR-M.jpg

So, we were trucking along, making great time when we see it. Brake lights. Lots of brake lights. Then we see the helicopter. Is it a news chopter, nope it is the medical one. Well, I thought they would quickly load up the injured and fly out. JS says, nope this is going to take awhile. We were right at exit 48, WDW is exit 62. See how close we were. We were all the way in the left lane and the exit was on the right. I told JS, why don't we got off I-4 and try another route. We have the GPS, isn't that what it is for?:confused3 So, along with several other cars in front of us, we squeeze through two lanes of traffic and take the exit. I don't think we could have done this if we had been in the truck. And I never heard about the accident, but I hope everyone is now ok.

JS wanted to go left, I said go right. It just made sense to me. WDW is on that side of the interstate, why go the opposite way. So, JS goes right but I can tell he is just dying to tell me I was wrong when we end up in NC.:lmao:

But it turns out I did good because we finally see this:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/534066557_Zh2my-M.jpg

This is Champions Gate. You can see it from I-4 on the way to WDW, so we were on our way.:cool1:

:woohoo:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/534067290_vt762-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/534067682_w2CnX-M.jpg
Now, the Mickey Head electrical pole is how I always know we are there. JS asked why I was taking a picture of it because I already have one. "I haven't taken one with this camera!" He knows I'm nuts.

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/534067559_gvfrA-M.jpg
One day I am going to stop like everyone else, get out of the car and get a pic of this sign.

And we made it to:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/534067975_euMVk-M.jpg

We waited for the tram for a second and then thought, it's not that long of a walk so we decided to walk it:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/534068568_WzAPJ-M.jpg

Now, I just realized I never posted pics from our day of playing miniature golf at WDW. I'll have to do that, may have to sideline this MTR for that because it does become a factor in this day.

Next up, do I enjoy the wine sampler?

ScotsMinnie

05-31-2009, 01:21 PM

Finkelstein's Hubby

06-01-2009, 05:22 PM

Ah, you had me at Biergarten! tikka, tokka, tikka, tokka.....hoi, hoi, hoi!

Gordon

jmskinner

06-01-2009, 08:43 PM

ooooh wine sampler??? That sounds right up my street! Can't wait to hear about it!

Saw some of those places when we went to Clearwater last year. Wondered what the dinosaur place would be like.

Also where is the Mickey shaped electrical pole? I don't think I have ever seen it?
Lx

I thought about you when I took those pictures and wondered if you would remember any of it.

The Mickey shaped pole is at exit 62, you can see it from I-4. Actually if you are still going to Celebration for July 4th (can't remember if you are staying onsite or not) you should see it. It is on WDW side of the interstate, but towards Tampa.

Ah, you had me at Biergarten! tikka, tokka, tikka, tokka.....hoi, hoi, hoi!

Gordon

:rotfl: I knew I would have your atention.

Well, we have sort of an update/change in our July trip plans. We were to head to WDW on July 17th to meet up with my friend Vickie, and we are still doing that but there is something special being done before that. Turns out Kara wants to come July 8-17th, she has something planned on the 18th.:confused3 JS is a little miffed at her since we told her to set the 17-21 aside for WDW several months ago. But since she is coming earlier, we will take her to Busch Gardens, but also......Universal Studios!!!!:yay::woohoo::banana: So, the 14-16th we are planning on staying onsite at Universal. (I'll be apologizing to Mickey as we drive by WDW.) And then on the 16th moving over to WDW. Oh, and since Kara won't be with us at WDW, we are going to switch from Shades of Green to our favorite resort, POR!!! I had booked SoG since it had a sleeper sofa in the room, Jacob and Kara would have their own beds. So, no need to have that.

I haven't changed or booked anything because JS needs to make sure what days he can get off work. That is what he is most miffed about. He had planned on taking the 17th-24th off. He had a convention he wanted to attend on the 24th. And with him taking the previous week off, he may not be able to stay at WDW with us until the 21st, but he wants Jacob and I to stay since Vickie and her family will be there. I hope all that wasn't too confusing. I should know for sure on Wednesday when JS is able to look at his schedule at work.

Hope you all have a fantastic week and hopefully I will update tomorrow.

scottny

06-03-2009, 02:50 PM

all caught up.

nice pics.

never ate a Cracker Barrel.

Finkelstein's Hubby

06-03-2009, 03:49 PM

Shame to hear your plans are a bit skewy now but................POR, well thats worth it. Don't forget to pop down to POFQ to get some bignets :banana:

Gordon

jmskinner

06-03-2009, 08:40 PM

all caught up.

nice pics.

never ate a Cracker Barrel.

If you drive down on your next trip you will have to give Cracker Barrel a try. It is good ol southern food. The price isn't too bad either.

Shame to hear your plans are a bit skewy now but................POR, well thats worth it. Don't forget to pop down to POFQ to get some bignets :banana:

Gordon

I'll have to remember about the bignets, if we have time.

Ok, plans are now set for July, everything is booked or cancelled as needed. Got Kara's flight booked, she will fly into Tampa on July 8th. We will go to Busch Gardens at some point, and she would like to see the Dolphins in the ocean so need to see which cruise we want to do. On the 14th we head to Universal where we will be staying at the Royal Pacific Hotel. Purchased an air bed for Jacob to sleep on. On the 16th, we check out and move to POR. On the 17th Kara flys out of Orlando. We spend time at WDW with my BFF, Vickie, and her family. We then leave on the 21st.:banana: I got SoG cancelled and the rate for POR was wonderful. $109-114 a night. Those AP's came in handy, even the CM that took my ressie (website wouldn't let me through for some reason) announced it was a great rate. Got a great rate at Universal also, probably 40% off. So I am super excited. This is the part I hate now. We have booked everything, nothing to do now, but wait. Oh, guess we can go to WDW.:laughing:

Gordon and Di, I heard they were offering free dining to those coming from overseas.

thecapells

06-05-2009, 08:59 AM

jmskinner

06-05-2009, 09:07 AM

Finally followed your link over here.
Have fun on your July trip and I look forward to hearing about it.
For now, I'll have to read through the rest of these 39 pages :surfweb: in between my Trip Report updates! :)

Thanks for joining. Now don't spend too much time catching up on mine, I don't want all of your readers coming after me.:rotfl: I've enjoyed reading yours. I've learned a lot from it, especially around the WS.

I will try to do another update myself today. Using the laptop right now since storms keep rolling through with a lot of lighning and I can just unplug it. I like to use my desktop for TR's. Have I mentioned I learned something recently. I had heard Florida was the lighning capital of the world. Actually, TAMPA is!:scared1: JS said it was really pretty walking into work today watching the storm, but the static electricity in the air was making the hair on the back of his neck stand up.:scared1:

Hope everyone is having a great day!

thecapells

06-05-2009, 09:58 AM

jmskinner

06-05-2009, 10:27 AM

I'm jealous you guys are so close!
How far a drive is it now that I assume you figured out all the shortcuts!

And too bad I didn't know you were around the 1st week in May!
I was in town for a conference and hit the parks 5/2, 5/3, 5/7, and 5/8.
I did end up meeting one DIS'er but it would've been fun to meet more!

I didn't stay for Mother's Day though - since I was flying solo and Mom had all 3 kids, I had to get home.
I did bring her back presents though...

What a great husband to bring back gifts.

We haven't been able to find any shortcuts, I keep searching but with all of the waterways, a lot of roads just seem to end. We have almost all interstate driving, so that is nice. It takes about an hour depending on traffic. It was quicker when we first got here because the traffic always seemed to go 90 mph or faster.:scared1: Just about 12 miles to I-4 and then we enter I-4 at exit 9 and WDW is exit 62 for us. Not too far, but if gas prices keep rising I may have to cut back on the WDW trips.:sad1:

jmskinner

06-05-2009, 02:33 PM

So, we made it through security. I am always prepared, every zipper undone ready to go.

First up was M:S. Jacob loves it when JS comes with us, because then he can ride the Orange side. Of course I get called a chicken. The wait is a little long, plus we have our reservation to think about, so JS gets FP's.

I had never taken pics from this angle.
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/534069787_qfB9i-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/534069517_p7Gkc-M.jpg

Since it was close to our ADR we decided to head to the W:S. JS was on a mission and it wasn't a Kim Possible mission. He kept saying he needed to stop in China. I kept asking him all week why, but he wouldn't tell me. Well, he finally told me and it was one of those things I wish I didn't know about. One of the guys that he works with was having a certain type of surgery. You know, the kind that stops the kids from coming. So, JS knowing we were going to Epcot this day told all the guys at work (I'm guessing it was all guys, surely none of the women would be involved in this) he would pick up a gift. It was a set of the concentration balls or whatever they are called. And yes, he got the "blue" set. I forgot to get a pic of them though. Oops.

So, while JS gets his blue balls:laughing:, I took pics of the kiddo.

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/534071159_n5kCJ-M.jpg
Those are those magnetic rocks. Of course, right after this pick, Jacob proceeds to drop them all and they go everywhere.

The kites hanging up were just beautiful:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/534072217_LcwB6-M.jpg

We made our way over to:

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/534072431_7M9Zf-M.jpg

tikka, tokka, tikka, tokka.....hoi, hoi, hoi!
(I copied that from you post Gordon.)

Got our little pager and waited, well of course I took more pics.

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/534073354_3T9PH-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/534074239_hK8Ao-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/534074025_JWd7z-M.jpg

Germany is still my favorite to take pics of at WS. I just love it. I wonder if it has something to do with me having a little German in me?

Finally the pager went off and we were on our way. We sat with a couple and their mother and another couple of ladies. I can't remember what our waitresses name was (I need to start carrying a notepad around with me.), but I am sure she has been our waittress before.

I ordered my wine sampler. And I forgot to take a pic. I'm horrible with food porn. It is 3 3oz glasses of wines and they start sweet and only get sweeter. That is why I wanted to try them. I like sweet wines.

It wasn't long after we sat down that the entertainment began. We have been to Biergarten twice before and both times it has been the same band members, but this time was a different group.

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/534075194_XJZD2-M.jpg

My BFF Vickie (Simmerbaggins) will be seeing lots of this:

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/534075244_nABHx-M.jpg

He did try to eat some of the food.

And it was that time again:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/534076509_giGuB-M.jpg
tikka, tokka, tikka, tokka.....hoi, hoi, hoi!

I love the cowbells:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/534077412_s9qig-M.jpg

And this was the first time I had seen two horns being played:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/534078480_uh5wa-M.jpg

A group of high schoolers had a great time:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/534078827_LAnQw-M.jpg

Guess I needed a little more wine to get me out there.:laughing:

And of course I took more pics inside the restaurant:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/534079609_p2MNV-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/534080244_dKPxb-M.jpg

It was actually now past time for the M:S FP's, so JS and Jacob take off. I stop for a Fiesta Margarita. I love these things and haven't had one since... has it been since the 2006 trip? It's been awhile.

Of course I take more pics as I walk over to M:S.

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/534083346_66ckQ-M.jpg
You know me, if there is a bird or animal somewhere I am going to take its pic.

And here is my drink:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/534084690_EejcW-M.jpg

I had found a semi-shaded bench and enjoyed my drink. One problem, 9 oz of wine, Margarita, and very hot sun make me.... yup you got it. I was BUZZED! Didn't stop the picture taking though:

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/534085175_4PTBi-M.jpg

Finally my boys were off the ride, and we headed out. Don't worry, my day wasn't over. Since JS doesn't go to the parks that often, I had asked him what he would like to do. I was just happy to eat and drink. He decided on MK, so we headed that way. First off was a bathroom break. So, I go in and then come out. My boys are no where to be found. I wait a couple of minutes and see their heads sticking up over some bushes. They were hiding from me, this is after I walked around the bush:

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/534085965_pw5Ak-M.jpg

That's my boys. So off to the monorail. Which we get a nice surprise, can anyone guess what it was?

thecapells

06-05-2009, 03:06 PM

jmskinner

06-05-2009, 03:27 PM

We love Biergarten - it's such a blast and is definitely on our list for lunch next time around!

But it was so hot last time, we opted against the alcohol - didn't want to be more dehydrated than we already were.
That wine sampler sounds good though - what kind of wine was it and what was the pricetag?

This was my first time to drink at Biergarten, but also the wine sampler was the reason for going. I had been wanting to try it since we were there at the first of the year. All 3 were white wines with a melon flavor. One had a very strong Pear taste to it. I think it was either $9 or $13. See, I need to start taking notes for my TR, or at least updating my TR sooner. I keep forgetting that I am getting old and the memory is going.:rotfl:

tinkgurl

06-05-2009, 03:31 PM

Wow! Biergarten looks so neat on the inside! I've never been there.

Haha, I know what you mean about mixing a margarita with the sun/heat! Last time I had one there, it kicked my butt! :rotfl:

carissanboys

06-07-2009, 08:58 AM

I'm here Melissa!! :banana:

Thanks for the picture of the Cracker Barrel sign. :rotfl:

How cool that you got to ride TSM so many times!! It was a quiet morning for sure. :thumbsup2

Sounds like a wonderful Mother's Day so far. Can't wait to hear/see more. :goodvibes

jmskinner

06-07-2009, 10:04 AM

Wow! Biergarten looks so neat on the inside! I've never been there.

Haha, I know what you mean about mixing a margarita with the sun/heat! Last time I had one there, it kicked my butt! :rotfl:

You must give Biergarten a try. I just love the interior and the entertainment is fun also. I do wish I was more outgoing and would strike up more conversation with the people we end up sitting with. I'll keep working on that.

I think if I had been wandering around the WS, that margarita would not have effected me as much, but staying in the heat and humidity it really hit me. The wine probably didn't help either.

I'm here Melissa!! :banana:

Thanks for the picture of the Cracker Barrel sign. :rotfl:

How cool that you got to ride TSM so many times!! It was a quiet morning for sure. :thumbsup2

Sounds like a wonderful Mother's Day so far. Can't wait to hear/see more. :goodvibes

Yes, every time we drive by the 3 Cracker Barrel's we pass to WDW I think of you now. We stop and eat at them most times also. Jacob loves their chicken strips.:banana:

More coming up now in the next post!:goodvibes

jmskinner

06-07-2009, 10:50 AM

Well, no one tried to guess our nice surprise.:confused3

We headed out of the park towards the monorail. Here is one of those mother moments where I feel like telling the kiddo he shouldn't do that, but then think, well if he falls in, he'll just get wet and maybe learn a lesson.

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/534086469_bUSjm-M.jpg

On the way up to the monorail, JS spotted the t-shirt on the guy in line at security:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/534087006_nX8E4-M.jpg

Yes, JS always says instead of a wedding, he is going to a funeral.:sad2:

Just in case you haven't seen what they have done to the monorails for Celebrations!
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/534087312_E4ZXv-M.jpg

So, ever since Jacob got to be co-pilot on the monorail, that is what he wants to do every single time. I check out the first que area and there is a family there so I am sure they are going to be co-pilots, so I tell Jacob we will try next time.

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/534088631_Yx4AQ-M.jpg
Check out JS's face on this shot. Doesn't look very happy to be at WDW. But wait, it changes...

So we get to TTC and head up the ramp. Of course Jacob is asking me about being co-pilots again. I have learned that there is a special que just to be co-pilots and even though there is a very large family standing in line for the first car, they are not in the co-pilot que, so I tell Jacob to ask the CM who is busy speaking with another CM. Finally he realizes we are waiting on him and comes over. Jacob asks me to ask, but I tell him if he wants to be co-pilot he has to ask. This is how it goes:

CM: How may I help you?
Jacob: Can we ride in the front? (very softly)
CM: What?
Jacob: Huh?
Me: (To myself) This is going nowhere fast.:laughing:
CM: I'm sorry I didn't hear you.
Jacob: Can we ride in the front?
CM: How many in your party?
Me: (To myself):banana::yay::woohoo:
Jacob: Three
CM opens the gate to the special que.

Of course JS is way back so I have to go get him, but look at his new attitude:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/534088807_jc8Z7-M.jpg

And check it out folks, it's actually a pic of me!
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/534089403_Q9gLc-M.jpg

Another CM asked for a ride to the Contemporary. He was nice enough to inform us that lines weren't bad that day. He said the longest he saw was 15 minutes for Buzz. Now we were super excited. Here is a picture tour of our trip:

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/534089941_RcFnh-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/534089902_iWdvT-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/534090541_2nTjU-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/534090694_M2GUD-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/534091082_RqqDi-M.jpghttp://

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/534091323_JEFnJ-M.jpg
Now, if we had not taken the boat from WL that time, we would not have realized that bridge is a waterway you drive under.

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/534091151_cVxxX-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/534092107_MKoXA-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/534092505_9WMHJ-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/534093231_bYJky-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/534093345_kPFwb-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/534093808_xkUnu-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/534093831_JRU2A-M.jpg

That last one is very imporatant. Jacob never waves, claps, or anything socially acceptable during parades, etc. Of course he was happy to be co-pilot and showing off.

So our ride as co-pilots was over, they gave us one certificate this time and Jacob said it could be Dad's since he didn't have one.

I'm sure that I am at the pic limit. Next up, so what do we do at the MK and what happened to the Blue balls?

carissanboys

06-07-2009, 12:17 PM

Very cool for getting to be co-pilots again! :cool1:

Hope Jonas didn't lose his blue balls! :scared1:

irky416

06-09-2009, 06:09 PM

[
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/534069787_qfB9i-M.jpg

I have a picture of that planet outside MS and I never noticed the little rocket ship that's shooting out of it!

That's too funny about the gift!! :lmao: I can't wait to find out what happens to them!

I love the pictures from the front of the monorail. I guess I never realized how much there is to see. I wanted to ask last time we went, but I felt dumb not having any kids. Haha. Sometimes I think I want to have a child just so I can take them all the fun places I want to go but won't because it's for kids! ;)

Finkelstein's Hubby

06-10-2009, 02:21 PM

Very cool trip Melissa

Jacob looked very very thrilled to be co-pilot. We rode it up front once and its great fun. Biergarten looked as fun as always, oh how I miss those big glasses :thumbsup2

Epcot is such a great park to take pics in and you got some great shots of Mission Space.

Gordon

scottny

06-12-2009, 12:15 AM

great update and pics.

I enjoyed Biergarten when we went there last year. Tasty food and fun entertainment.

nice you got the front of the monorail. :thumbsup2

jmskinner

06-12-2009, 08:14 AM

Very cool for getting to be co-pilots again! :cool1:

Hope Jonas didn't lose his blue balls! :scared1:

It wasn't Jonas, but more on that to come. I was glad Jonas got to be a co-pilot and photos are saved to Smug Mug. I know Jacob is going to drive us nuts to be co-pilots again.

I have a picture of that planet outside MS and I never noticed the little rocket ship that's shooting out of it!

That's too funny about the gift!! :lmao: I can't wait to find out what happens to them!

I love the pictures from the front of the monorail. I guess I never realized how much there is to see. I wanted to ask last time we went, but I felt dumb not having any kids. Haha. Sometimes I think I want to have a child just so I can take them all the fun places I want to go but won't because it's for kids! ;)

Well, you will soon have a house, baby next? :laughing: Go ahead and ask to be co-pilots. Doing things like that is what make us stay young at heart. But I have to admit I would feel the same way if Jacob wasn't with us.

And too funny about the rocket. I probably wouldn't have noticed, but I had seen a pic where someone is standing underneath it.

Very cool trip Melissa

Jacob looked very very thrilled to be co-pilot. We rode it up front once and its great fun. Biergarten looked as fun as always, oh how I miss those big glasses :thumbsup2

Epcot is such a great park to take pics in and you got some great shots of Mission Space.

Gordon

I think of you and Diane every time we go by Germany.

Thanks, I am trying to take different shots of the parks. Looking for the little things that when you are there for a short time would miss.

great update and pics.

I enjoyed Biergarten when we went there last year. Tasty food and fun entertainment.

nice you got the front of the monorail. :thumbsup2

Love Biergarten. We always go at lunch and it is never full, which really surprises me. Of course, I was scared to eat there at first, being such a picky eater, but I love the food.

Sorry I have not been taking care of you guys and posting updates. Must stay away from Facebook and Farmtown.

Last weekend I made our ADR's for September. Can you believe I got up on the first day to make my ADR's and had no idea where to eat and what to do each day. I am learning it is difficult to plan two trips at once. Trying to learn as much about Universal as I can, but it looks like with staying onsite and using the Express to bypass lines, we will actually get to do it all in 3 days and not kill ourselves.

Oh, and it didn't help that even though that was June 6th, WDW still had not posted AK hours. But in the end, I got everything I wanted.

We are going to MNSSHP on Friday Sept 4th (ordered tickets a couple weeks ago). I was actually getting worried it would sell out, seems like a lot of people are going. No ADR on this day. Remember last year, brakes on truck had to be repaired, got to WDW later than we wanted to, and then got lost in the All Star resorts.:sad2: Right now I am worried Jonas will have to work. At least I know how to get to CBR, pass it all the time and say "That's where we are staying in September!" I think I say it more to remind myself where it is.

So, on Saturday Sept 5, we are eating at Kona at 5:05pm. This is due to Carissa, so I hope it is good.:rotfl: In Carrissa's TR, she went on her last trip and mentioned a Terriayaki (sp???) Steak and Jonas loves that stuff, so thought we would try it.

Sunday, September 6 Tusker House at 8:05am. I wanted to get into a park before opening, I know I should have chosen MK, but we are going to be there Friday night, and then on this night it is EMH so I didn't want to burn out on MK. Thought about Epcot also, but Jacob wouldn't enjoy the princess' that much, even though Jonas would.:lmao:

Liberty Tree Tavern at 6:30pm. We ate there last Summer and Jonas really liked it and requested it this time.

Monday September 7 Raglan Road at 12:00pm. I am hoping that since Jacob doesn't eat and we got free dining and he now counts as a adult, we will be able to purchase kids meals for him, and save our dining credits and get a fourth meal for ourselves. If not, we don't mind canceling this one, or paying out of pocket. After that we will sadly have to head home. And don't worry, I will make sure Jacob eats something. Who knows, by then he may decide he actually likes food.

Di, I know you are thinking, what about Yak and Yeti. Well, Jonas looked at the menu and didn't see anything he wanted. He loves General Tao chicken and nothing like that on the menu. So, he decided no Chinese.:confused3

So, Jacob is still asleep, I can actually use my desktop, so coming up a TR update!

jmskinner

06-12-2009, 09:33 AM

Ok, so we made it off the monorail. Now time for security. Ok, so how many times have I been through security now? Usually no problems. I always have every zipper open and ready to go and I did this time also. But the security guard that I get is so rough she manages to send my extra camera battery flying. She announces "Something fell out, Something fell out!" I pick it up. I just realized I don't think she apologized, just kept saying something fell out. Well, I had my camera battery so off I went. Couldn't figure out where the boys were and they told me they were already on Main Street, so I headed that way when I realized one pocket was still open. The one with the blue balls. I guess that is what the lady meant when she kept saying something fell out, but I never saw it. So, I turn around to go find it. I stop first at the turnstile and ask the very nice CM there if he saw anything, he didn't and let me out to check at the security entrance. I looked around but didn't see a bag anywhere. I was trying to get my ticket back out when that nice CM said I could go on in and he opened a gate and let me in. Oh well, at least they were just $6.

At this point, the cellphone is ringing again because I had told the boys I was on my way. I get that wonderful look from the husband about losing his blue balls.:rotfl: But, nothing was going to ruin our day and we headed into the park.

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/534094686_eKMSe-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/534094668_wM9pj-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/534095567_274m9-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/534096089_YyUxc-M.jpg

Of course we head to Adventureland first. Jonas always has to ride PoTC.

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/534097580_LgxDf-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/534097768_U5CZ3-M.jpg

Look what was going on:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/534097710_GBBSG-M.jpg

Sorry, that is the best pic I could get and not lose Jonas. He drives me crazy at times. He keeps saying he wants a nice relaxing trip, but he won't slow down to relax. Guess I need to drag him to WDW more and maybe he will. Sadly, we still have not seen Captain Jack's show.:sad2:

So, off to PoTC. I think it showed a 15 minute wait, but it was more like 5. The flash photography on this ride has gotten out of control. I bet there were 5 different cameras just on our boat, I think the one in front us was more like everyone. You couldn't enjoy the ride at all. But I tried to get some without using the flash.

This is before my attempt at using Photoshop editing:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/534098861_dr3oE-M.jpg

And after:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/561642251_M3Uhe-M.jpg

The rest of these are all after some editing:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/561642314_fFSw6-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/561642336_evB8F-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/561642313_oaaYZ-M.jpg

If you check out the photography board here on the Dis, someone has posted pics they took on PoTC, Haunted Mansion, and I think one other with no flash. They are fantastic. Sadly, looking at his settings, I don't have a nice enough camera to do what he does, but maybe one day! But it won't stop me from trying.

So we made our way out of PoTC, without buying Jacob something. He always wants to buy guns. I don't think I have ever seen this before:

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/534102556_HTKH6-M.jpg

Up next:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/534102798_BarGv-M.jpg

My favorite ride. I just love it because it is so long. I know, I have said all of this before.

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/534103489_P6Un4-M.jpg

Something else I had never noticed before, the big tree:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/534103708_cduBs-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/534104149_FbEPD-M.jpg

Poor Jacob really does dislike this ride, look at how he holds on:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/534104550_w8nzV-M.jpgAnd we were nowhere near the big drop.

Ok, I probably should get off this computer now. More of Splash Mountain to come!

Have a great day!!!

JPFamilyMom

06-12-2009, 11:24 AM

jmskinner

06-12-2009, 11:48 AM

ok, so Melissa, let me start by saying what a big Loser I am, with a capital L. :headache:I've been reading your TR the hard way, clicking the link in your signature, then on the first page clicking to each individual report, :lmao:which is how I kept trying to subscribe and it wouldn't let me, and today I figured to do it from the first page, and so now I can follow along with updates. :woohoo:

What a great trip with your boys for Mothers Day. The Monorail ride, so lucky. Now I know the secret to being co pilots for our trip ;)

You are not a loser. Just a Mom with two kids and you just moved across several states. I think I have my account set up so I automatically subscribe to everything. Luckily people do stop posting on old threads because I am subscribed to about 700 different threads.

Yes, you will have to take the boys on the monorail. Only 4 can ride though. Guess the folks will have to ride in coach.:rotfl: You can also wait in line for the next monorail.

Dr_Finkelstein

06-13-2009, 01:24 PM

irky416

06-15-2009, 12:50 AM

Oh no!! That's so sad that you lost the balls. Was Jonas upset?

You did a great job with the editing of the picture! I need to learn Photoshop a little better, I have a picture I want to make the subjects more silhouettey than they are and I can't seem to figure it out. You give me some hope that I can make it do what I want!

I love Splash Mountain, too!!!

jmskinner

06-15-2009, 09:31 AM

Hi Melissa!

Long time no see!!! Haven't posted for so long as I've not been on DIS for a few days!

And I have to say I'm shocked Melissa, shocked!!!!!! No Yak&Yeti!? The honey chicken and the chicken and broccolli is lovely! I'm speechless! :eek:

As for the free dining - it's on offer over here at the mo, but it's not as generous as the US version. If you stay in a Value you don't get it free, if you stay in a Moderate you get the quick service dining free, it's only if you stay in a deluxe you get the 'traditional' dining free. Still think we'll take advantage of the offer for next October and just pay the extra to upgrade from Quick service to normal. :rolleyes:

Great updates as usual and lots of lovely photos, I'm so jealous!

Di x

I knew you would come after me about Yak and Yeti Di! All I have heard from Jonas is that he wants Chinese and then he didn't like their menu.:confused3

I'm surprised they don't offer you better deals on the dining than that.

Oh no!! That's so sad that you lost the balls. Was Jonas upset?

You did a great job with the editing of the picture! I need to learn Photoshop a little better, I have a picture I want to make the subjects more silhouettey than they are and I can't seem to figure it out. You give me some hope that I can make it do what I want!

I love Splash Mountain, too!!!

No, luckily they were on $6 and we planned on heading back to Epcot to pick up a bottle of wine for my now DSIL.

All I did to edit those photos on PoTC was use the Quick Fix Edit and then used the quick fix and let photoshop do it itself. Trying to do it myself just frustrates me because I end up over doing it.

Spent the day yesterday at DHS for the last day of SWW. It was crowded, we were parked in the very back of the parking lot, but I'll have an update on that. Need to get moving, it will be July before we know it. This weekend is the special fireworks presentation for AP holders I signed us up for at MK. I can't wait.

Jonas is finally finished working nights so maybe things can get back to normal around here. Jacob is enjoying his summer so far. Stays mad at me because I want him to do some math and read over the summer. Oh and work on his handwriting.

Hope everyone had a great weekend.

SimmerBaggins

06-15-2009, 10:03 PM

jmskinner

06-15-2009, 11:09 PM

Well, if Jacob thinks you're being too harsh, you should know what I make Jordan do! Everyday she has a schedule -- two chores, an hour of computer, hour of tv and video games, then walk the dog (or do 30 minutes of RipStick), 30 minutes of Wii Fit, read 2 chapters of a book, do a Soduku puzzle or something else! Every day is a little different, but a lot of the same restrictions. Since this is the first year she's at home a little by herself, I had to make sure she was busy in a good way!

You are a tough Mom. :rotfl: I read this to Jacob and he didn't like it. I'm planning different things to do each day. Tomorrow we are going to check out a beach not too far from us, can't really find anything on it, so not too sure.

Hey, your ticker shows one month to WDW, guess that means we are at the same point. Actually we will be in Orlando a day earlier than you now, just not at WDW.

Here is a funny note for everyone. All of a sudden Jonas wants me to look for shirts for Universal. I think maybe working all these crazy hours has really mesed with his brain since I have previously mentioned this and got the look of not only NO, but H____ NO!!!!

jmskinner

06-16-2009, 09:17 AM

We were still on Splash Mountain. This really is a long ride.:rotfl:

We thought we would get splashed, but it turned out the raft behind us did. It was full of teenagers and if you look closely you will see a guy in yellow on the left standing up.:scared1:

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/534107864_UqMXJ-M.jpg

He wasn't happy about getting wet at all.:confused3

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/534109171_YW772-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/534109835_gahvj-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/534110137_hotdh-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/534111217_AmkFB-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/534110723_u6ZXC-M-1.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/534111457_63EKv-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/534113007_DgooG-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/534113282_39drq-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/534114262_Fpm5p-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/534117988_xspct-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/534124488_yDYdM-M.jpg

We got a little wet:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/534127166_6Hcsd-M.jpg

And the redneck ride photo.
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/534134586_6x3Ek-M.jpg

Next up was BTMRR, we had grabbed FP's for it and then hopped in line for Splash Mountain. So it worked out really well.

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/534139723_acKLu-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/534140532_oHAMo-M.jpg
Now, where did they come from?

Jacob survived BTMRR and now he wanted to show Jonas the fort. When we had previously come with Jonas we had been on TSI, but didn't see the fort. Jonas kept telling Jacob how there use to be a fort and when Jacob and I came alone, we found the fort. So now it was time to show him, but that will be the next update.

irky416

06-16-2009, 10:53 AM

I love your pictures from Splash Mountain, but it makes me want to ride it!

tink1957

06-16-2009, 11:13 AM

:cool1:Love the ride pics, but like irky I want to go now & I have 3 months left to go. You're lucky to be so close.

JPFamilyMom

06-16-2009, 01:58 PM

I was thinking about taking Jack on BTMRR and Splash Mountain, I think he will be tall enough, actually I think he already is tall enough. I love all the pictures you got, so does Joey, Jack of course can't be bothered...off in his spidey world :lmao: Hope you had fun at the beach.

jmskinner

06-17-2009, 08:34 AM

I love your pictures from Splash Mountain, but it makes me want to ride it!

I know how you feel. Log flume rides have always been my favorites and Splash Mountain is probably the best!

:cool1:Love the ride pics, but like irky I want to go now & I have 3 months left to go. You're lucky to be so close.

I know I'm lucky. Just hope we don't move for two years, is it wrong to secretly hope the DH doesn't get the job he really wants because it would mean moving.:rotfl: I'm kidding, he has worked hard and I hope he does get it, but I don't want to leave the area.

I was thinking about taking Jack on BTMRR and Splash Mountain, I think he will be tall enough, actually I think he already is tall enough. I love all the pictures you got, so does Joey, Jack of course can't be bothered...off in his spidey world :lmao: Hope you had fun at the beach.

:rotfl:So Jack is still loving the Spidey costume. That is so cute. Jacob still doesn't like BTMRR or Splash Mountain.:confused3 He has been on several wooden rollercoasters and loved them, I don't know why he has started to fear them so much now.

Beach was ok. It is just a county park within Tampa Bay, so no waves or anything, or at least not yesterday. Think next week we will head over to Ft. Desoto which has been voted best beach in previous years.

Another update coming up now!

jmskinner

06-17-2009, 09:46 AM

We made it off of BTMRR and headed to Jacob's favorite spot:

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/534146061_iktiU-M.jpg

They pile people on the rafts over to the island and I think the CM's that work them probably have one of the hardest jobs because normally from what I have seen it is just one working who drives the boat, hooks it up, lets you on the boat, unhooks it from the dock and keeps doing the same thing over and over.

First up was the fort of course. I decided that since I always walk through with Jacob it could be daddy's turn and I found a nice spot to sit:

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/534147910_342k6-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/534148051_ZEDzZ-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/534149063_zPaNQ-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/534149268_gyYgG-M.jpg

The only way to leave the fort, per Jacob, is through the escape tunnel. I think every time we have used this someone has come back out with a little one upset that it is too dark.

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/534148850_vXvcF-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/534149797_rTQtd-M.jpg

I just love these vines:

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/534151532_zGX5G-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/534152698_bM65J-M.jpg

Sadly, it was time to leave the fort:

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/534153427_vczzH-M.jpg

Not many people were in line to go to the fort, but our raft was full. And for some reason all the weight was in one corner and we were actually taking on water. :scared1:

Next up, HM of course. Sadly I didn't get any really good photos of it this time and that would be the last ride for the day.As we were heading out of the park, the Celebration Party (I'm sure it is called something else) was going on. Looked like a lot of fun, but as usual we don't stop to watch. (My plan over the summer is to see every daytime parade and event like this.)

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/534160407_vYRyG-M.jpg

So it was back to Epcot for the bottle of wine and the blue balls. On the way out of MK I stopped to ask where Lost and Found was. When I realized where it was I decided not to go check, we were tired and Jacob had already gone through the exit turnstile. Oh, and remember how Jonas has to walk ahead of us. Well, he doesn't know to exit to the right and we end up at the resort monorail instead of the express monorail to TTC.:headache: We stop at the Contemporary and watch as several families look for a spot to ride, but it is too full. Finally make it back to Epcot.

I don't remember taking this photo and I guess I was under some of the net cover they have between Spaceship Earth and the fountain.

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/534161099_Npo9k-M.jpg
I just realized, we were still on the monorail. Duh! That is the celebration design on the windows.

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/534162355_pgDJu-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/534162790_44kdg-M.jpg

I probably would have taken more pics here, but there were two little boys on with us who obviously had never ridden this section of the monorail so I started pointing things out to them like M:S. They were oohing and awwwing. Really cute. Jonas didn't remember doing this either, so he was enjoying the view also.

We headed back to WS:

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/534165245_6mVNM-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/534165243_Trduf-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/534167556_r6523-M.jpg
It really was a beautiful day.

Jonas found another set of "blue balls", not like the previous ones, but at least they were still blue. Now it was off to Germany to buy some bottles of wine.

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/534168257_6npou-M.jpg

Now, how many times had we been in Germany? We had never noticed this:

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/534168443_a25aV-M.jpg

I got two bottles of wine. One for me and one for the soon-to-be DSIL. Took me awhile to find the ones from the restaurant since I didn't write them down or take a picture.:sad2: As I was checking out I noticed what they had by the glass and there was a dessert wine that it said was very sweet. I think I will try that next time. $12 a glass, it had better be great! I'm a cheap wine girl!

Now on the way out of Epcot I happened to look over at the sand sculpture on display for the F&G Festival.

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/534169357_Y9XFP-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/534169608_5s4Zk-M.jpg

That is not the same one they had last time we were there:

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/513938096_ah5xj-M.jpg

I wonder how often they change it. Now I want to go back even more times next year to see how often it changes.

So, that was my Mothers Day. Next up, the first SWW of 2009. I think you will be surprised by the pictures I took that day, but you will have to wait.

Have a great day everyone!

ScotsMinnie

06-17-2009, 01:33 PM

You sound like you had an amazing Mothers Day! The sand sculpture is fantastic and I really wish I was with you for the wine! That sweet wine does sound good!!!

jmskinner

06-17-2009, 02:12 PM

You sound like you had an amazing Mothers Day! The sand sculpture is fantastic and I really wish I was with you for the wine! That sweet wine does sound good!!!

I did have a very nice Mothers Day. Not long before you will be here and you'll be able to try the wine. I need to go check out your PTR again and I'll keep an eye out for you while at WDW.

Finkelstein's Hubby

06-17-2009, 04:29 PM

JPFamilyMom

06-17-2009, 09:39 PM

another great update Melissa

cinderella73

06-17-2009, 10:12 PM

Hey Melissa , Im back. I love the pics of Tom Sawyers Island. I havent been there in forever. Always plan to get there but something always comes up.

I still have a few more segments to catch up on. How the heck do you know where you left on on these things? Am I missing something? I always end up reading these trip reports backwards till I end up where I left off. lol

Thats sweet your family took you to WDW for Mothers day. Didnt celebrate here much but my hubby did get me a video game I wanted. Not exactly Disney World though! lol

Thanks for joing my trip report! I am going to spend the night catching up on everyone elses and maybe get some updates in tomorrow myself.

Now to go read your TR backwards..:lmao:

Dr_Finkelstein

06-18-2009, 01:26 PM

Hi Melissa!

Great updates and photos - the sand sculptures look amazing! I just love all the Disney decorations! Will need to keep in mind the wine sampler!

Di x

jmskinner

06-19-2009, 08:47 AM

Hi Melissa

Love your pics, really make me want to get back and snap away myself....love teh German dragon pic, alwas was there at night and never got the kind of pics I wanted in the gloom....the pics of and on Splash Mountain are superb too :thumbsup2

Gordon

Thanks, I love snapping away. I'm the complete opposite, I want some night time pics, but I'm always there in the daytime. Or, I don't have time to play around with the camera to get the right night time pic. Oh, checked out a couple of photography books at the library, so hopefully there will be some improvement soon.

another great update Melissa

Thank you!

Hey Melissa , Im back. I love the pics of Tom Sawyers Island. I havent been there in forever. Always plan to get there but something always comes up.

I still have a few more segments to catch up on. How the heck do you know where you left on on these things? Am I missing something? I always end up reading these trip reports backwards till I end up where I left off. lol

Thats sweet your family took you to WDW for Mothers day. Didnt celebrate here much but my hubby did get me a video game I wanted. Not exactly Disney World though! lol

Thanks for joing my trip report! I am going to spend the night catching up on everyone elses and maybe get some updates in tomorrow myself.

Now to go read your TR backwards..:lmao:

:lmao:Most of the time I have to go back and look at the last chapter to see where I am. The good thing about taking all those pictures is it helps me remember what we did and in what order. As long as Smugmug keeps them in order, sometimes it rearranges them. Then I wonder how drunk I really was.:rolleyes1

I am trying to get caught up because I realized my memory isn't what it use to be.

Hi Melissa!

Great updates and photos - the sand sculptures look amazing! I just love all the Disney decorations! Will need to keep in mind the wine sampler!

Di x

Since I know you will be going to Biergarten you will have to have the wine sampler. Just had a thought, on top of the Indy meeting maybe we can meet at Biergarten also.

Ok, I realized I never posted pics of what Jonas purchased with his B-Day card. He let me pick out a couple of items, so I grabbed this Mickey hand to place spoons on the stove, don't know what they are called:

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/IMG_7834.jpg

And also some salad tongs I have been wanting for a long time:
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/IMG_7835.jpg

None of this really goes with my kitchen, but Mickey is always welcome.:)

Jonas grabbed this Mickey for our living room:
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/IMG_7836.jpg

And this is how it looks in there, what does everyone think?:
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/IMG_7837.jpg

You must include my dog, Bubblegum in that picture since that is the couch she lays on when I'm in the office working on my TR. The matching love seat is what she uses when I'm in the family room so she see me. So glad I bought a whole living room group just for her.:rotfl:

I've been posting on Facebook, but some of whats been happening around here is last week there was a turtle, (tortoise?) I don't know the difference, wandering around in my neighbors front yard. Have I mentioned that we have an Armadillo hanging out in our front yard? And the other day Bubblegum was barking at something. Well I go outside to stop her because she has been jumping up to bark over the fence and has hurt her hind leg. Well, I realize she is barking at something, thinking it was behind the fence I went to go check it out and thankfully before I got off the patio, Bubblegum started running along the fence, so I knew she was chasing something. Then I saw it. A 4-5 foot black snake.:scared1: It was moving so fast to get away from Bubblegum it was airborne.:scared1: Later Bubblegum wanted out and she was looking for her new friend. She saw something and jumped, but then realized it was nothing. I laughed because I would do the same thing.

Actually the other night Jonas was sitting at the coffee table when he was bitten by something. So I got some bug spray and was spraying all around the table and I see something and jump. Jonas sees the same thing and jumps. Then we both realized it was one of my hairclips that he thinks is fun to attach in weird places (under the edge of the coffee table). :rotfl2: We looked like idiots jumping around screaming.

I guess that is it for Florida life at the moment. SWW TR coming up!!!!

jmskinner

06-19-2009, 09:19 AM

We were all excited, we love SWW!!!! Storm Troopers were guarding the entrance. I was too busy getting into the park to take picstures. :sad2: We were there at 9:00am waiting with the long lines to get through the turnstiles. The bad thing about going on an EMH day when you cannot use the EMH is you have to stand in line instead of getting to go through the turnstiles and wait for the rope to drop. But, just as we got in line, 9:00 am came and they opened up the gates reserved for EMH and those with early ADR's, so we jumped in one of those. Of course, Jonas' ticket doesn't work. I don't know why this keeps happening except maybe because he doesn't use it enough. He had on his Air Force shirt so the family behind us started talking to him while he was trying to get his ticket to work. They were also Air Force, actually from the base we were suppose to be at. Finally he made it in and joined us.

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/547844969_qcRJb-M.jpg

I know, I know, no color. I decided to give the monochrome setting on the camera a try.

Now, when I go to DHS, I have to ride TSMM. Jonas didn't really want to, but he let me go get FP's. Of course the line for FP's was incredibly long. I sent the boys on down to Wickets Warehouse. While standing in line this young man walked up dressed like Han Solo. I wish I had taken his picture because he really did look like a teenage Han. Now I was really excited.

Had my FP's in hand and rushed down to Wickets. For some reason I didn't get a pic of this either. What was wrong with me on this day? If you haven't seen it, it is down by the Backlot Tour. It's a building that always says it is under construction. HUGE store! My objective was pins. I already knew the complete set of framed pins was sold out, plus I couldn't afford that. They have a special line for all of the limited edition stuff. The man behind me starts talking to the man in front of me about his lanyard and pins. The man in front of me goes on to say how he has over 600 tink pins. WOW!!!! He had one pin he said he had sold one just like it a few years ago for $700. Things like that don't happen to me. We finally reached the spot to get what we wanted. Now in previous years, they offered two different SW pins each weekend of SWW. Sadly I didn't realize this last year and only got one set when we were there two weekends and could have gotten two. So I was prepared this year to come every weekend to get my pins. When I ask the CM for the limited edition weekend pins, he asks which ones I want. He goes on to tell me that for the first time all are being offered on the first weekend.:scared1: The CM recommended that if I wanted all I had better get them right then, so of course I did. He hands them to me already in a little bag. Also grabbed the General Grievous pin, the 2009 SWW pin and the AP pin they offered. And here are the pins:

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/IMG_7820.jpg

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/IMG_7826.jpg

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/IMG_7827.jpg

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/IMG_7821.jpg

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/IMG_7830.jpg

Now, anyone who has purchased pins has an idea as to how much I spent. :scared1: Jonas keeps finding more stuff for me to buy, I keep telling him we will get it next weekend because I still planned on coming back . Here is the downfall to my marriage. They were offering a SWW rug for $15 if you spent over $40. Well, normally when they have these things, they have a million, so I figured we would get it the following weekend when we came back to buy t-shirts. Jonas kept telling me it was only $15 and I kept thinking I was already spending too much money. Of course they never had them again and now everytime I turn around Jonas brings up the rug.:sad2:

The funny part was the CM that rang me up didn't realize the small bag I had set on the counter were pins and didn't charge me for them. She thought I had already purchased them. I could have taken off with 8 pins without paying for them, but I couldn't do that to Mickey, so I corrected her. I wonder how many people ended up not paying.

I'll continue later.

Finkelstein's Hubby

06-19-2009, 05:25 PM

Minnie&Nana

06-19-2009, 06:50 PM

Melissa, these are GREAT photos! :yay:

I didn't realize this was an ongoing thread, but now I'll be following along.:thumbsup2

Thanls so much for the fabulous updates. :)

cinderella73

06-19-2009, 07:16 PM

Thats funny about the hairclips. I do that myself all the time then cant find them. One day I had clipped mine to my side pants leg and had been walking around in the store like that not realizing it. I know what you mean about them springing up as well. I clipped on on the side of my dining table and it popped off and scared the heck out of me!

Growing up in Florida I remember dealing with the snakes. I hate those things you dont even notice them most of time intil you scare them.

I love everything you bought. I hope they do SWW at MGM again. ( Still refusing to call it HS lol) My kids and I are all big Star Wars fans and every year I feel so sad when we miss out on it.

We will be down for F&W this year though. Never been before so I am looking foward to it.

Do you have a myspace? I saw you have a facebook . I have a facebook myself but I dont use it much. Was just never as user friendly to me.

thecapells

06-19-2009, 09:20 PM

Now, how many times had we been in Germany? We had never noticed this:

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/534168443_a25aV-M.jpg

That's cause it's new.
It's the finale sequence from the Germany Mission of the Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure.
Germany actually has one of the more fun missions IMHO.
It is funny though as many bystanders are startled when you activate the finale! :rolleyes1

jmskinner

06-21-2009, 10:15 AM

Hey Melissa

Hoping there are lots more SWW pics to come, I have never seen much of what happens on these weekends so keen to get sight of the characters. You really did spend a fortune on pins didn't you.....unfortunate about the rug though, we too suffer from the "get it next time" syndrome, actually its Di that is truly cursed, I just suffer by default. Like the impact of the monochrome shots....have you tried colour-splashing at all on your pics?

Those pins really are pretty awesome. I was kinda disappointed in the SW pins I saw last time but I guess they bring out the really good ones for the dedicated weekends

Gordon

I forgot about Di's dilemna of always thinking she will go back to buy something and then it is never there. LOL! I'm still hearing about that rug. Last I checked they were $100 on Ebay. No, haven't tried colour-splashing my pics, I'll have to try that. Guessing it is something Adobe Photopshop will help me with once I figure out how to use it.

Of course there are a lot more SW pics. We had two working cameras this year, wasn't taking the chance of last years mess up when both cameras went dead. I even made sure my extra bettery was charged and ready to go.

They have a lot more Star Wars pins out this year. I figure I'll just buy one pin each trip we make. The limited edition ones they have for the SWW are a lot cooler. I don't think I mentioned that those 8 pins spin and have either the rebel or sith symbol on the back. Jacob said I should have purchased two of each. The boy has no idea about money!

Melissa, these are GREAT photos! :yay:

I didn't realize this was an ongoing thread, but now I'll be following along.:thumbsup2

Thanls so much for the fabulous updates. :)

M&N, thanks for joining. It will be ongoing for about another month. I think I will start a new one after our July trip, something along our 2nd year of being close to Mickey or something. If anyone has title ideas, please send them my way. I'm not very original.:sad2:

Thats funny about the hairclips. I do that myself all the time then cant find them. One day I had clipped mine to my side pants leg and had been walking around in the store like that not realizing it. I know what you mean about them springing up as well. I clipped on on the side of my dining table and it popped off and scared the heck out of me!

Growing up in Florida I remember dealing with the snakes. I hate those things you dont even notice them most of time intil you scare them.

I love everything you bought. I hope they do SWW at MGM again. ( Still refusing to call it HS lol) My kids and I are all big Star Wars fans and every year I feel so sad when we miss out on it.

We will be down for F&W this year though. Never been before so I am looking foward to it.

Do you have a myspace? I saw you have a facebook . I have a facebook myself but I dont use it much. Was just never as user friendly to me.

:lmao:That so sounds like something I would do. Walk around with a hair clip attached to me.

My BFF sent me pics of a kids scooter with a snake curled up on the back of it. I double check before opening the back door. If I don't lock it Bubblegum will open it to go out, but leaves it open. I am making sure it stays locked now because I don't want anything crawling in when she does that.

You must go for SWW sometime. It really is fun seeing all the characters, the CM's and just the guests dressed up.

Don't know if you read about last years F&W adult meltdown. We got to Epcot and the lines were so short I wanted to ride and then we ended up not even eating any of the food. Did get to see Night Ranger which is what I really wanted to do. They will be here again this year, but on a weeknight.:mad: I hope you enjoy.

I am on Myspace but don't use it anymore. I got really irritated that to change my email I had to take a picture of myself holding a sign and then sending it to them with the request to change my email. It's easier to change email with banks! I stopped using it before joining Facebook.

That's cause it's new.
It's the finale sequence from the Germany Mission of the Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure.
Germany actually has one of the more fun missions IMHO.
It is funny though as many bystanders are startled when you activate the finale! :rolleyes1

Cool! Germany is one of the few missions we haven't done yet. Thanks for letting me know. I have a lot of pics from those missions but hadn't posted them before. Those of you that haven't read about the missions or done one yourself, that is the sort of thing you make happen with your transponder. It is sooooo cool!!!!

A couple of updates, my next post sadly will not be about SWW. We went to the special AP Fireworks Presentation last night and it was wonderful. So, I wanted to tell you about it.

Also, I am now trying to persuade Jonas to go to WDW in October. Hopefully can get a DMIL here to watch the kiddo and we can have a weekend with adults. I have gotten to meet a couple of Dis'ers that are meeting up Oct 3 for TSMM challenge and then on the 4th a Last Iquanadon, going on Dinosaur over and over. Might need earplugs for that last one.:scared1: I am hoping Jonas will be able to do it, especially since it is F&W Festival time. No discounts being offerend yet and Jonas doesn't even want to think about October in June. I guess it is the military thing and never knowing what might pop up, so I will just have to secretly plan.

Ok, going through pics of last night and will post soon.

carissanboys

06-21-2009, 10:19 AM

Phew! You've been busy with updates girl!

So, on Saturday Sept 5, we are eating at Kona at 5:05pm. This is due to Carissa, so I hope it is good. In Carrissa's TR, she went on her last trip and mentioned a Terriayaki (sp???) Steak and Jonas loves that stuff, so thought we would try it.

Man! The pressure!! :rotfl: I hope Jonas enjoys it. :thumbsup2

What a lovely Mother's Day - besides losing Jonas' blue balls. ;)

My boys would love those Star Wars pins - very cool!!

jmskinner

06-21-2009, 10:28 AM

Phew! You've been busy with updates girl!

Man! The pressure!! :rotfl: I hope Jonas enjoys it. :thumbsup2

What a lovely Mother's Day - besides losing Jonas' blue balls. ;)

My boys would love those Star Wars pins - very cool!!

Oops, didn't mean to put so much pressure on ya.:rotfl: I forgot to mention about the General Greivous pin, we haven't taken it out of the box, but the arms extend out about 3 inches, so it is HUGE!!!! Haven't figure out a way to display it yet without taking it out of the box. I was thinking a plate holder.

jmskinner

06-21-2009, 12:39 PM

So, a couple of months ago I checked out the Passholder page on the WDW website and saw this special event on Wishes. They also had one on Fireworks in general, but Jonas said he didn't want to spend the whole day there, he was thinking of the Army he had to paint, which he still has 11 more men to paint before July 8th. Also, I just started hearing about this new Fireworks and Desserts they are offering starting June 22 or 23. Well, I started hoping we would be a test crowd for this, turns out we weren't.

First off let me just give one word to describe the day: HOT!!! There is just no other way to describe. Even when opening the door to let my dogs out, it just hits you.

So, the local comic book shop was having a give away (another reason we had to skip the other fireworks presentation). Had to be there at 4:00pm. Don't know what happened, but we ended up leaving the house late and Jonas was driving like a maniac, yelling at people trying to get to the comic book store. We made it in time, but he didn't win.:sad2: From there we were off to one of my favorite restaurants, Zaxby's. Had a good meal and we were on our way to WDW. I drove at this point. We made it to MK about 6:00pm, so we had a good hour or so before we needed to check-in for the presentation. A lot of people were arriving at this time, but with the heat I understood. I would want to be there at night and not during the day. The car showed 100 degrees, so just add the humidity factor to that. One of our fellow Dis'er had texted me to say she would love to meet up but her DH wouldn't leave the hotel it was so hot.

I was still on a Monochrome kick, so here are some more black and white photos:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/569728267_y6ro5-M.jpg

I have already purchased the photopass CD for our trip in July, so I am trying to get as many Photopass pics as possible. Grabbed a pic in front of the train station. I had sweat running down my face and we hadn't been there that long. The CM taking our pic was from Dallas, TX!:woohoo:

I had promised Jacob some ice cream since he ate a chickent strip back at the restaurant, so we headed that way. He doesn't normally eat at that restaurant, which is funny because when he was a year old he would line up the chicken strips and have one in each hand. You couldn't pry them out of his hands.:sad2:

Off to Tommorland, first I stopped in Exposition Hall to see exactly where we needed to go. Of course I find a CM who doesn't have a clue, but she did point to the theatre in the back of the hall and said it was probably occuring there. I didn't even know there was a theatre there. As I walk out I don't see my boys. As I am calling Jonas, he grabs me and yells. :scared1: I am sure almost everyone in the area jumped. Turns out he was with me the whole time, I just didn't see him.

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/569729024_oqEBG-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/569728972_YCPeu-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/569729349_UyNTG-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/569729409_LCY4Z-M.jpg
Actually, I think black and white is very fitting for the above shot. An empty, still TTA.

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/569729441_kgQXo-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/569729839_WzRvw-M.jpg
This was my first time to see Space Mountain closed, also very sad to see that whole area of the park empty when it is normally one of the busiest.

Jonas and Jacob got cups of ice cream and we lucked out and got a table to sit at. The pouch on my lanyard was all torn up so I went looking for a new one while the boys ate. By the time I got back, they were ready to go. Buzz had a 10 minute wait and when we went for ice cream the Laugh Comedy Floor had a 10 minute, so Jonas wanted to see the show. Of course we get there and the wait is now 20 minutes. I thought it wouldn't be that long, but of course it was. Jonas made a joke:

Knock! Knock!
Who's there?
ADHD.
ADHD who?
Squirrel!!!

We tried texting it, my first time doing this. First off, I am a horrible texter (is that what you call it?) So it takes me forever, but I finally got it done. Here is the response you get back:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/569730924_6ajK8-M.jpg

Made it into the show and sadly as usual we weren't used in the show and neither was our joke. Guess Jonas isn't that funny.

It was now 7:20, we had 10 minutes to make it back to Exposition Hall. Jonas told me to run ahead, but I made sure they were always within view.

On the way I saw a family that caught my eye. First I saw the mother, bright yellow capris that looked like dress pants with a long sleeve button down shirt. Looked a little out of place, but I figured maybe she didn't want to get sunburned or anything. Remember it felt like 106 out there. She had one boy with her, but then I saw the Father and another boy. The only way to describe it was straight out of a Revenge of the Nerds movie. Button down shirts buttoned all the way up. Polyester pants. It was very odd to see. Especially as hot as it was.

We made it to Expostion Hall.
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/569732355_BTV8z-M.jpg

Does anyone know what the picture area in there is for? We saw a lot of family's getting their pictures taken. We checked in, were given wristbands, and walked into a very nice theatre setting. While waiting for the show one of the other guests was saying how his family attended a premier of Tinkerbell in there. That would have been really cool.

As I was reviewing pics I had already taken a CM came up to me to tell me no pics or video was allowed during the presentation, so sorry not one pic here. The show finally started.

The presentor was Steven Davison, VP of Parades and Spectaculars of WDW Inc. He was so animated and so much fun. He is in charge of creating ideas for all these wonderful parades and shows we see at the parks. He was telling us how he comes up with ideas and goes with them. He normally starts off really big, but he said his main goal is to tell a story. So, if everything went with his original plans, you would have 50 shells going off constantly during fireworks presentations. He always starts out with huge ideas and then due to budget, the story and other issues they get narrowed down, but as he said, it normally makes for a much better story and that is important.

So one of his orginal ideas for Wishes was having Jiminy slide down from the castle at the end of Wishes like Tinkerbell now does at the beginning. That's right, when they first started thinking of Wishes, there was no Tinkerbell. Can you imagine. It wasn't even called Wishes to start out with.

He also wanted to do a spectacular water show with water shooting up all around the castle, off of the castle, and over the buildings of Main Street. Now that idea has turned into World of Color at California Adventures. Not sure that it lead to that. We got to see a short video of the Incredibles section of this. AMAZING!!! I see a trip to California in our future. It is set to open in Spring 2010. You can google it, or as Steven kept telling us, check out You Tube. We were told we were doomed if we videotaped that section of the program.

We also learned a little about the new Fireworks at Disneyland and got to see a video of the Dumbo that flys around the castle. Just a preproduction video, not the actual show. I just checked out a video of it on youtube, and it is amazing. Now, Steven also told us that when you go out on youtube, don't just watch the video from the very first night because the way they do these shows is watch it the first night and then make changes. So if you watch videos for the first 5 or so nights, each is different. I'll have to do that later.

He also talked about sometimes the shells don't work like they should. Now, one thing I wished I could have videotaped was how he presents these shows to the different levels of management. He doesn't do a computer generated presentation, he gets the music, stands in front of the teams, and personally demonstrates what he wants to see. Just imagine this man standing on stage, flashing his hands around BOOM!!! BOOM!!!, "spray of light" "sparkle, sparkle, sparkle". For the grand finale with all the shells going off he did a great foot stomp. We all had tears we were laughing so hard. He did show us the original piece of paper that his team had created the story line and he had scribbled his ideas of what type of firework to use in each part. And he doesn't use the pyrotechnic terms, he uses what we would use, so we fully understood him.

One story he told was how, Gary or Greg Smith, the composer of the music has used his own son to sing the song. Well, they auditioned other kids and the one we hear brought tears to everyone's eyes, so she was chosen and the composer had to be told. As he put it, "when the BIG engineer cries, you know you have the one."

It was a very entertaining presentation, and as Jonas said "Gives you a different perspective when you watch Wishes!"

Ok, I need to do a little shopping, so I will finish this MTR later.

JPFamilyMom

06-21-2009, 02:05 PM

Dr_Finkelstein

06-21-2009, 05:03 PM

Hi Melissa,

Yup, Exposition hall is where Heather got her bibbiti bobbiti boutique photo shoot, I assume they didn't have enough space at the castle. :thumbsup2

The photos look great, and the presentation sounds really fun! It's great to hear all the background to the shows. Have just finished reading Realityland which details all about the creation of WDW - really interesting!

I can sympathise with the rug issue - as Grumpy says it is the bane of my life when shopping! :rolleyes1

A get together at Biergarten would be great! We're hoping to book with Disney soon!

Di x

jmskinner

06-21-2009, 05:18 PM

I think exposition hall is where they do the bibbidi boutique photos isn't it? That might be what you are talking about, I think I've read that on other TR's, you know families with girls :rotfl2: not like us and our crazy boys ;) But when they add the pirate thing I was wondering where they would do those photos, cause photos are included in the big package, and I would want something fun for a background, the bibbidi background I saw was plain blue. Oh wait, ask di, didn't your daughter take photos there, or just at the grand floridian, I can't remember.

Per Di below, you are correct. It was a plain blue screen and there where little girls there all dressed up now that I think about it.

Hi Melissa,

Yup, Exposition hall is where Heather got her bibbiti bobbiti boutique photo shoot, I assume they didn't have enough space at the castle. :thumbsup2

The photos look great, and the presentation sounds really fun! It's great to hear all the background to the shows. Have just finished reading Realityland which details all about the creation of WDW - really interesting!

I can sympathise with the rug issue - as Grumpy says it is the bane of my life when shopping! :rolleyes1

A get together at Biergarten would be great! We're hoping to book with Disney soon!

Di x

I may have to pick up Realityland. The presentation was fun. Something I didn't mention was it takes about 1-1 1/2 years to produce a new show like that. Also, Steven was asked about anything being discussed to change Illuminations since it is so old. His answer "yes"!

jmskinner

06-22-2009, 10:12 AM

Ok, I know, I promised SWW but thought I would finish this MTR on Wishes and then I promise I will get back to SWW.

As we left Exposition Hall you could feel the air as soon as you left the store. It was still so hot. It was like walking into a wall. As we left the hall, Spectromagic was going on. So getting to this little RSVP area we were to have for the fireworks wasn't going to be easy. It was a little after 9:00. They wanted us in our spots by 9:30, so we headed off for a snack. First stop candy store. Jonas was the hungry one, but he couldn't find anything even though these caught our eye:

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/569733094_ZEcsv-M.jpg
How I have never seen these. Must buy one later.

Headed over to the bakery where Jonas found a piece of carrot cake. I was bad Mom, snapped this pic:

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/569733783_h4kzy-M.jpg
Then told Jacob he shouldn't be doing that. Actually it is a good sensory exercise for him, but I guess in the middle of a eatery isn't the best place to work on sensory issues.:rolleyes1

Uh oh, Mickey was watching:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/569734682_vQqgd-M.jpg

We fought the crowds and made it to our viewing area. We were down below the Plaza Restaurant. Not the best viewing site due to the trees, but it was nice that we didn't have to squeeze in among 1000's of people to watch Wishes. We had the whole patio area and the walkways down to it for maybe 100 people. Many people tried to get through but the CM's only allowed those of us with the wristbands. I felt a little important.

Several people had put chairs in front of the stairway, not blocking it, but just on the left side. There was space behind them, so I though we could do the same. Jonas wouldn't do it. I was a little miffed when I walked back over and six other people had done what I wanted to. We finally found an area and sat back to watch.

Of course I couldn't resist snapping pics while waiting:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/569734677_iqPnq-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/569735179_RWvK3-M.jpg

The fellow AP holders that attended the event:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/569735832_tAHEn-M.jpg

The show finally started:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/569736517_NLLww-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/569742780_sEgsk-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/569747311_wAcox-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/569748857_NDSMt-M.jpg

After Wishes, even though it was so late, the Magic had hit Jonas and he wanted to ride Haunted Mansion. Now he wanted to walk through the castle, because for some reason he has only done so once, but we remembered that after the firworks you can't go that way. So, we fought the crowd towards HM.

Here is where the adults have yet another meltdown. Jonas wanted to go right. He kept saying that HM was to the right of the castle, I told him it was to the left. Finally he gave in and went my way. We walked across the bridge over past the Hall of Presidents. Wow, there was HM right there.:rolleyes: I so wanted to tell him told you so, or have been wanting to get a map and show him. Directions seem to be the one type of disagreements we continually have.

Well, the line for HM was all the way back to the stable. Jonas said he was going to the restroom when he saw the line. I was still mad so I just hopped in line with Jacob. We of course compared the line to that horrible line we had at Christmas. Finally I called Jonas and told him where in line we were, we had wrapped around and were heading back towards the main gate of HM. Jonas quickly joined us and seemed to be in a better mood, so I cheered up also.

Of course I snapped lots of pics:

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/569751876_TzecX-M.jpg

Front door of HM:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/569752265_tt3r2-M.jpg

We made it in. I have tried many times to get a pic of the end of our host and failed everytime. Jonas asked if I was going to try again, and thought why not. Lights went out and I just held down that button on the camera and look what I got:

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/569753288_ipZ4b-M.jpg

And here it is edited:

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/569753230_KTufN-M.jpg

I didn't know I got it until we got home.

We left the little room, as usual killed ourselves to be one of the first out of the room. Why do we do this? It was really odd, because the room was empty. The last couple of times we have ridden, you left the elevator room and ran right in to a large crowd, but not this time.

Jacob rode by himself and we got behind him. I continued to snap away and had a nice surprise when I got home. Research pays off (after a little editing):

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/569754377_DpFw6-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/569754476_iic8x-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/569712996_zwZZ8-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/569713554_5AiuD-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/569755291_me7oC-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/569714268_3WrSJ-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/569714996_Zd77N-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/569757706_pJTgj-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/569758138_TQqZh-M.jpg

More to come later.

thecapells

06-22-2009, 10:39 AM

Nice HM pics.
Were those with or without flash?

jmskinner

06-22-2009, 11:15 AM

Nice HM pics.
Were those with or without flash?

Thank you. And those were without the flash. I try never to use the flash on my camera where I might disturb others, especially rides. They were edited to brighten a little bit. Someone on the photography board has posted some fantastic pics from haunted mansion and a couple of other rides without the flash and I followed the settings he said he used as well as I could. I don't have as nice a camera as he does.

Minnie&Nana

06-22-2009, 11:16 AM

Gosh, I am enjoying these pics so much, Melissa! It's been so long since I've been on many attractions...last yr I was with a 2 yr old & her mom and we only did things she could enjoy - of course - but the trip before we had skipped a lot thinking we'd be back soon..well, stuff happens and soon was not one of the them. LOL

Soo, your pics are fabulous - it's the next best thing to being there..and love hearing about your adventures. Thanks so much! :hug:

jmskinner

06-22-2009, 11:26 AM

JPFamilyMom

06-22-2009, 02:59 PM

scottny

06-22-2009, 09:38 PM

the Wishes presentation or show or whatever it is called sounded interesting.

Nice pics inside HM. :thumbsup2

jmskinner

06-25-2009, 08:06 AM

Those are GREAT HM pictures, I'm impressed.

I saw those Mickey Rice Krispy heads on a food special, but never in person, I can't wait to eat one :cool2:

Can't wait to see what else you did that night.

I may have to buy one of those Mickey heads. I think it might last a week...well maybe all day.:rolleyes1

the Wishes presentation or show or whatever it is called sounded interesting.

Nice pics inside HM. :thumbsup2

Scottny and anyone else interested, if you check out Steve Davison or Magical you can find his presentations. It is really was entertaining and informative and I have said before. Now, on to the TR.

jmskinner

06-25-2009, 08:23 AM

So, Jonas wanted to walk through the castle. No arguments to get to the castle at least.

Jacob wanted to try to pull the sword:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/569761022_jatfP-M.jpg

And I have never really looked at Sir Mickey's:

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/569764668_B9RCn-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/569761660_CimnX-M.jpg

Sadly, we had just missed Mickey:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/569764683_9kKSs-M.jpg

Now, I had seen the following statue in many pics but never knew where it was so I was very excited when I spotted it:

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/569762613_RVKzS-M.jpg

Finally made it through the castle, so I took pics of the murals (sorry, I seem to be leaning.:confused3)

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/569765444_2VAPw-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/569765535_J72AR-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/569766456_JNcZu-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/569767238_urCtx-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/569767237_Wzt9v-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/569767846_hDcdi-M.jpg

Check out the haze:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/569767892_CvAkS-M.jpg

That's not a Disney magical fog, that is the humidity in the air. It was almost Midnight and that is how thick the air was.

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/569768457_ZdfFK-M.jpg

As we were leaving, another Spectromagic parade was coming through, but we were tired, so one last pic:

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/569757508_DBsP8-M.jpg

Ok, next post is more SWW!

jmskinner

06-25-2009, 09:05 AM

Ok, we had our goodies from Wickets Warehouse and now Jonas wanted to ride ToT and RnR, but first some food. Stopped at...is it Cafe Rolls? I can't remember, but they have some great bakery type options. The 20th Anniversary cupcakes looked so good:

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/547844871_y5CdR-M.jpg

Ok, black and white doesn't work so well here.

Off to ToT. We couldn't get FP's because we had TSMM ones and I totally forgot about the two hour rule that we could get more FP's after two hours.

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/547844895_7jMF6-M.jpg

Jonas noticed this pot:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/547846308_CPiMw-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/547846973_j4CAH-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/547847251_VbfSY-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/547847831_heLHN-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/547848419_iTVoe-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/547848806_qQ6qA-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/547848887_vsbSm-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/547849433_fFQEx-M.jpg

Now, every time we have ridden this, we have always been sent to the room on the right, but this time we went left. I always love getting to see something new.

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/547849499_kXThQ-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/547849953_UXj5L-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/547849870_yiA3p-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/547850273_gFxDL-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/547850557_cRvoz-M.jpg

Now, do you see the guy next to me on that ride photo, here is a close up:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/547844430_CMBQP-M.jpg
I didn't know he was staring at me until I took this photo. I guess he thought it was strange that I was taking pics while on a ride.

Ok, I'll continue this later. I promise, it was SWW and there are SW pics coming up!

carissanboys

06-25-2009, 09:11 AM

JPFamilyMom

06-25-2009, 04:06 PM

:lmao:the guy on ToT:rotfl2:

Finkelstein's Hubby

06-25-2009, 04:14 PM

Hi Melissa

The Tower of Terror pics are outrageously cool....great work. Did you deliberately take the pic of Cinderella so she had the crown on her head?

Gordon

jmskinner

06-26-2009, 08:30 AM

Loving the black and white photos Melissa! :thumbsup2

I'm the same way about texting. I haven't done a lot of it (we just got it added to our plan) so I'm very slow with it. I can't stand doing it actually (but I love to receive them!).

Awesome pictures of HM! :worship:

That special event sounds very cool!

Chuck has been telling me how hot it is down there. Of course he's not in the same area as you, but still well over 100 and humid. Blech.

Thanks. I think the black and white worked in DHS, but I don't really like the ones at MK.

I walked outside with Jonas this morning and it actually felt cool, so unlike the past week.

:lmao:the guy on ToT:rotfl2:

We had a good laugh about it.

Hi Melissa

The Tower of Terror pics are outrageously cool....great work. Did you deliberately take the pic of Cinderella so she had the crown on her head?

Gordon

Thanks, and no I didn't realize the crown was right on her head. I had to go back and look to see what you were talking about. Thanks for pointing it out to me.

More SWW coming up.

jmskinner

06-26-2009, 08:52 AM

So, we had survived ToT, Jacob was still shaking. Now it was time for Star Tours.

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/547850999_NERjz-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/547851042_YvmZC-M.jpg
I think pics of the hat should only be taken in color, maybe I can do that color effect Gordon mentioned earlier on it.

Speaking of Gordon, look, SW pics:rotfl::
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/547851576_TzPRx-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/547851622_LtvvP-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/547851888_WMZ5a-M.jpg

Look who swung through the crowd:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/547852209_mVkjY-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/547852752_XM4d3-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/547852698_neLoE-M.jpg

So after Star Tours, we made our way through Tattoine Traders really quickly so we could find a spot for the parade. It was about 10:15am, we had 45 minutes before the parade started. We found a spot over by the Indiana Jones Show.

Another character came through:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/547853458_Aarrj-M.jpg

Then some more:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/547853511_EsitF-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/547853861_o82mD-M.jpg

As they were performing I decided the black and white just wasn't going to do so...
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/547854806_YkbVK-M.jpg

Here's a view of ToT from where we were at for the parade:

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/547855086_69for-M.jpg

Finally we heard it, the SW music, it was time, IT WAS TIME!!!

Side note, I started out with my zoom lens and realized that wasn't going to work, so I switched mid-parade, but I'm stop talking...writing, here are pics:

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/547856506_dQRZd-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/547856904_cbRfB-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/547857347_DaAFx-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/547857670_4S3u5-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/547858644_v7KY7-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/547860533_JP6Nu-M.jpg

more to come...

jmskinner

06-26-2009, 09:06 AM

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/547861093_vLKS3-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/547862843_hqGNN-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/547864173_H2GKg-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/547865314_ATCsn-M.jpg

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http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/547870161_i4JM5-M.jpg

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http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/547873590_dvugy-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/547874628_veVFj-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/547875448_Du2xS-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/547875778_pd97t-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/547875519_ZAkBx-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/547877137_TrQHj-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/547877550_dA4Nq-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/547878807_uwKnj-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/547880513_Sjg2D-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/547881754_mrCsm-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/547883259_fX5Uw-M.jpg

Still more to come:

jmskinner

06-26-2009, 09:21 AM

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/547883888_cBEjt-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/547884828_QMkH8-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/547884029_F9WvT-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/547885622_uzSYX-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/547887366_MabgP-M.jpg

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http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/547890413_staUq-M.jpg

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http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/547894900_nETsG-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/547895870_BAEpv-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/547896843_RxtsC-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/547898430_ubjiT-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/547899818_EkJE3-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/547899907_tTp3y-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/547903130_cQRZ7-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/547903797_8wpfq-M.jpg

Well, I'm not done...we still have the Kodak camera that Jonas was carrying. Next post.

jmskinner

06-26-2009, 09:39 AM

So, the previous year at SWW right when the parade was starting we realized that not one, but both camera's battery's were going dead. Not this year, wasn't going to happen. So, while I was sitting on the ground with Jacob, Jonas was above me with the old Kodak. Hope you enjoy some more pics.:goodvibes

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/549547756_xNU9q-M.jpg

I forgot to mention that is had rained as we were waiting for the parade, so my hair was a little wet and going curly again, all that hard work straightening it.

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/549547723_XWF5y-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/549547938_2DKQ8-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/549548029_Dm8RL-M.jpg
I can't believe neither of us got a good pic of Donald.

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/549548649_fxanc-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/549548653_4i3UA-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/549548752_x3uvd-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/549549048_kKjdt-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/549549697_LHgvr-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/549549799_ohTD4-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/549549852_yeVtr-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/549549872_69qXG-M.jpg

And that's it for the parade, but more to come later from the day.

Dr_Finkelstein

06-26-2009, 02:36 PM

JPFamilyMom

06-26-2009, 03:29 PM

My mother thoroughly enjoyed your SWW pictures and is now planning another trip to WDW:lmao:. We haven't even officially begun plans for March and she is planning for June now, don't know what year, but she wants to go for SWW.

Finkelstein's Hubby

06-27-2009, 06:16 AM

The pics of the parade are superb, always love the Imperial Troopers, never knew some of them came in large size though :lmao:

You really should colour-splash the Hat and the Toy Story Soldiers....it would look amazing.

Fave shot is the last one of the Stormtrooper.....just brilliant.

And I so want an x-wing car!!!!!!

Gordon

jmskinner

06-27-2009, 06:56 AM

Hi Melissa,

Great phots as always, especially the B&W ones of ToT! Gordon is very impressed with them!

It looks like a good viewing spot for Wishes, I think that must be where we'll sit - if we book our holiday through Disney we get 'reserved viewing' for Wishes and for Illuminations.

And I think a future June trip for the SWW is on the cards for us as well!

Di x

It was an ok spot. If that is where they have you sit, make sure to get there early. There are spots where the trees won't be in the way of the castle. I kind of agree with a CM I spoke to, Main Street is the place to see them. That is how Walt planned it.

I hope you do get to go to SWW sometime. I know it is harder for you since they don't release the dates to February I think. I saw a lot of people planned on attending this year in late June only to learn they were starting in Mid-May.:sad2:

My mother thoroughly enjoyed your SWW pictures and is now planning another trip to WDW:lmao:. We haven't even officially begun plans for March and she is planning for June now, don't know what year, but she wants to go for SWW.

It really is fun. I personally think a SW section of the park would be cool, but I guess the movies are too old now.

The pics of the parade are superb, always love the Imperial Troopers, never knew some of them came in large size though :lmao:

You really should colour-splash the Hat and the Toy Story Soldiers....it would look amazing.

Fave shot is the last one of the Stormtrooper.....just brilliant.

And I so want an x-wing car!!!!!!

Gordon

:lmao: I'll have to tell Jonas that one. And I will try colour-splashing the hat and Toy Story Soldiers.

Some how I missed that Stormtrooper shot when I was trying to pick one out for the photography boards weekly contest they had for SWW pics. It would have been a good one to enter. I might have to start posting pics and asking you which one I should enter.

Jacob wants that x-wing car also.

SimmerBaggins

06-27-2009, 11:14 AM

jmskinner

06-27-2009, 07:39 PM

It really does make you realize how Americans are getting bigger (poor guy -- his red stormtrooper outfit just emphasizes that he's different, and then you notice he's a "clone gone wrong!").

You keep talking about how hot the temperatures are in the parks, now -- I'm thinking the 100+ degree weather we're having in San Antonio is preparing us for our trip in July! I've told Leah to pack Emily a poncho for those spontaneous rainshowers I remember from years ago.

Jordan and I are freaking on the ToT ride, since we've never ridden it. I'm excited to see the inside of the mansion, but I know I'll be so hyped that although I'll see stuff, I won't retain it -- so I better take pics, too! I'm guessing there will be a riding system by which we can leave 8 yr old Emily waiting? That will have to be the case for a lot of the rides...

I'm dreading seeing myself in this thread, btw. ;)

You have the weather that we were experiencing. I just can't get over 85 at 1:00am. :scared1:

You will love ToT. Do you remember the Texas Cliffhanger at Six Flags? Nothing like that. Drops really aren't that bad. Is Emily tall enough to ride? If she isn't, we can do child swap which is much easier. They give you FP's for the person that had to wait, so they can ride real quick. Jacob doesn't like ToT either, so that makes me feel a little better. Jonas makes him ride it.

We will have to send each other the pics and videos we take. Did you notice I changed my countdown tickers, I added the Universal one.

Actually I was wondering if it was ok for all of you to be in the TR pics? I'm planning on starting another with the July trip. Need to complete this one, but it is hard when I keep going back. I know, most of you want to whack me upside the head right now. Jacob and I are going to MK tomorrow to preview HoP and Jonas has a meeting at work and is then coming home to paint.

Saw Transformers today, it was good, but Jonas ripped it to pieces at the end. Taking him to any movie dealing with the military can be a bad thing unless it is Steven Spielberg, who goes for accuracy. I even caught something in it that I was like "What the.....?"

Hope everyone is enjoying your weekend. Can't believe next weekend is July 4th. Anyone doing anything exciting? I know Scottsminnie is, she is here in Florida.:woohoo: I believe they are spending the 4th in Celebration.

thecapells

06-27-2009, 09:14 PM

Great SWW pictures!
We definitely have to try that one year...

jmskinner

06-27-2009, 09:21 PM

Great SWW pictures!
We definitely have to try that one year...

After reading your TR on Star Tours, I say "YES, You Do!!!!" Your kids would love all the characters also.

Dr_Finkelstein

06-28-2009, 07:01 AM

*cough cough* Notice anything different about me today? :thumbsup2

jmskinner

06-28-2009, 08:35 AM

*cough cough* Notice anything different about me today? :thumbsup2

:cheer2::woohoo::banana::yay::dance3: YOU BOOKED!!!! :cheer2::woohoo::banana::yay::dance3:

What exactly are your dates? Staying at POR next time. Fantastic!!! I'll get lots of pics in July for you.

Ok, you booked through a good strong travel company right? I know, that isn't funny just couldn't resist. Did you ever get that refund?

I'm so excited and free dining too!!!! Gordon, Di and Thing 1 & 2 are going to WDW!!! I bet you go to Universal also, Harry Potter anyone? I think I remember you mentioning that on your TR.

One more time: :banana: :woohoo::yay::cheer2::rainbow::bounce::jumping2::j umping3:party::rockband::dance3::cool1: and can't leave this one out....

:dancer::dancer::dancer:

JPFamilyMom

06-28-2009, 09:59 AM

*cough cough* Notice anything different about me today? :thumbsup2

:banana::dance3::cheer2: Woo hoo for you!!!! Will a ptr be in order?

jmskinner

06-28-2009, 10:10 AM

:banana::dance3::cheer2: Woo hoo for you!!!! Will a ptr be in order?

I meant to ask this also!!!

Finkelstein's Hubby

06-28-2009, 12:54 PM

Dr_Finkelstein

06-28-2009, 02:34 PM

:cheer2::woohoo::banana::yay::dance3: YOU BOOKED!!!! :cheer2::woohoo::banana::yay::dance3:

What exactly are your dates? Staying at POR next time. Fantastic!!! I'll get lots of pics in July for you.

Ok, you booked through a good strong travel company right? I know, that isn't funny just couldn't resist. Did you ever get that refund?

I'm so excited and free dining too!!!! Gordon, Di and Thing 1 & 2 are going to WDW!!! I bet you go to Universal also, Harry Potter anyone? I think I remember you mentioning that on your TR.

One more time: :banana: :cheer2::rainbow::bounce::jumping2::jumping3:party ::rockband::dance3::cool1: and can't leave this one out....

:dancer::dancer::dancer:

:banana::dance3::cheer2: Woo hoo for you!!!! Will a ptr be in order?

Thank you all!!!!! Am so excited!!!! Have booked for 4-18 Oct 2010, direct through Disney travel, no flights as yet as they don't get released until 11 months before, so am hoping for a bargain.

As Grumpy said - if Disney go belly up we're all in trouble! And yes we did get the refund back, but only last month!!!

We're going with our friends Michael and Susan, who we should have gone with last year.

Harry Potter is on the cards, just hoping it will be up and ready by then. We also want to do MNSSHP (I will wear my Glamorous Witch outfit!), as we missed it last year.

I will be doing a PTR - not sure I'll start it until maybe nearer the time, don't know yet.

Anyway, won't hijack your thread anymore Melissa!!!

Di x

thecapells

06-28-2009, 06:52 PM

After reading your TR on Star Tours, I say "YES, You Do!!!!" Your kids would love all the characters also.

Yeah, it's killing me.
Every year I debate it (got really close this year - my conference was 2 weeks before SWW).
And every year we decide against it.
Summer vacations are hot, crowded, and more expensive.
It's harder to justify but I'm going to have to one of these days...

jmskinner

06-28-2009, 09:40 PM

Hi guys

In a very happy place at present and yes there will be a PTR in effect very soon....dont want to hog your thread Melissa but today is a happy happy joy joy day :cool1:

We booked direct through Disney so if it does go belly up I think the economy is in a far worse place that we feared :scared1: HP at Universal willindeed be very much on the cards....assuming its ready, heaven help Universal if it aint!

Its Monday October 4th 2010 we fly out

Diane will be on later to further expand on whats to come

Gordon

I'll try to scope out HP in a couple of weeks. Not looking so good for their new coaster, Rip Ride Rocket. I don't think it is open yet and was suppose to be in open in the Spring. I'm hoping we can get AP's for Universal next year. Guess it will depend on how well we like it.

Thank you all!!!!! Am so excited!!!! Have booked for 4-18 Oct 2010, direct through Disney travel, no flights as yet as they don't get released until 11 months before, so am hoping for a bargain.

As Grumpy said - if Disney go belly up we're all in trouble! And yes we did get the refund back, but only last month!!!

We're going with our friends Michael and Susan, who we should have gone with last year.

Harry Potter is on the cards, just hoping it will be up and ready by then. We also want to do MNSSHP (I will wear my Glamorous Witch outfit!), as we missed it last year.

I will be doing a PTR - not sure I'll start it until maybe nearer the time, don't know yet.

Anyway, won't hijack your thread anymore Melissa!!!

Di x

That's ok about hijacking my thread, I don't mind at all. I figured MNSSHP would be in there. So there will be more to watch Gordon's acting debut!

Can't believe you only got the refund last month. Wonder if it has anything to do with the fact you were to leave the next day that held it up.

Ok, I have your dates, if Jonas ends up getting moved next Summer I will start booking us in October 2010 no matter where we end up.:thumbsup2

Yeah, it's killing me.
Every year I debate it (got really close this year - my conference was 2 weeks before SWW).
And every year we decide against it.
Summer vacations are hot, crowded, and more expensive.
It's harder to justify but I'm going to have to one of these days...

I hope you do!!!

Wow, we are a little more than two weeks from being at Universal. The plan is to get to Universal on the 14th and then on the 16th we will go over to POR sometime early afternoon or so. Once we are checked in we will head to DTD to eat dinner and go see the new HP movie. :woohoo: Sadly, not on the Imax since it is 3D and Jonas hates those.:sad2:

Friday, Jacob and I will be meeting Simmerbaggins and her family at AK and Jonas and Kara will be off doing something until her plane leaves at 3:30. And then Jonas will join us.:yay:

Ok, hope to do another update in the morning!

jmskinner

06-30-2009, 04:33 PM

jmskinner

07-02-2009, 08:14 AM

After seeing the parade and enjoying all of the SW characters, we still had time before our TSMM FP's, so what should we do? We had never been in the animation studios, so I thought we could head there. On our way, Jonas sees an open door and CM's sending people in to an attraction, so he follows along.

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/547908052_g2nB2-M.jpg

I could not believe he led us into Disney's Playhouse. We enjoyed the show, but sadly we didn't know a lot of the characters except for the oldies but goodies, Mickey and Friends, and Pooh and Co. I wish we had taken Jacob when he was 7, but sadly we had missed this attraction on our first trip. I think it still had Bear and the Big Blue House, which Jacob might have remembered.

After that, it was on to:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/547909816_YiEyA-M.jpg

After the little show, we headed into the character meet and greet, but I couldn't get Jonas to get in line.:sad2: But we did look at some of the displays:

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/547911403_dojtj-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/547912858_rZHd5-M.jpg

Jacob decided to see which character he was:

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/547913014_GansD-M.jpg

Finally time for the FP for TSMM, so off we went. Now, I love clouds, especially thunderheads:

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/547913746_wgoSd-M.jpg

I think it was about a 90 minute wait at this point, so we were glad we had FP's. Of course Jacob entertained himself with the 3D glasses.:

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/547914644_QcKbE-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/547914549_LvjCV-M.jpg

Now, all day I had heard Jonas didn't really care to ride this ride, but you can tell he got into it (and this was just practice):

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/547915285_BkNC6-M.jpg

I won't lie, Jonas beat me as usual, but for once we tied on accuracy which if I do beat him he normally gets a higher accuracy score.

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/547915427_LCdqw-M.jpg
Jacob rode by himself, so I don't have his score.

High scores for the day and month:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/547915796_eAKYL-M.jpg

After TSMM, Jacob wanted to show his daddy the raining umbrella. He just loves making it rain. But on the way, we spotted more characters:

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/547917063_Qcm8y-M.jpg

This is what I love about SWW. Even though they were on their way to break, it is just fun to see them wandering around.

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/547917530_Bq5dd-M.jpg

That little boy behind Jacob was in every single shot.

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/547918074_fwZXp-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/547918320_icRNo-M.jpg

Another surprise on the way out of the park:

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/547919134_bnPdr-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/547919751_xTMDg-M.jpg

More entertainers:

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/547920183_EqJAa-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/547920639_7uZDA-M.jpg

My boys on the tram.

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/547922223_6PfqD-M.jpg

That was it for our first day of SWW 2009. More to come though.

jmskinner

07-02-2009, 09:05 AM

So, on May 30th I had my first true Dismeet. AngWill was visiting for almost a full month. I can't imagine doing this. So, Jacob and I met her and her son at DTD. They didn't have park tickets yet, their package kicked in the following day. We had a nice time visiting and ended up at Rainforest Cafe for dinner, which I really enjoyed. She informed me about their dining club, which was a good deal. You pay $10 for it and will get a $10 coupon back so you get your money back. Each time you eat you can get a free appetizer if you purchase an entree' or you get 10% off up to 4 entrees. Not a bad deal for free (once you get that coupon back, which I still don't have.) We said our goodbyes to AngWill and headed over to SWW because I had two goals after meeting AngWill and that was purchasing t-shirts for SWW and HYPERSPACE HOOPLA.

Now, last Summer we completely missed this show. I found it on Youtube and freaked. I was so disappointed that we had missed it. Each year is different, but basically it is always a dance contest with SW characters as the contestants. Now this show is about 30 minutes after the last Jedi Training Academy. Jacob and I were there before the JTA, but sadly he wasn't chosen. After, JTA we figured we were in a good spot. Jacob was right up front and I was a few adults behind him. Well then, the CM's announce they will be moving the ropes forward. There was probably over 100 people just in our section of the stage, so you can imagine how crazy it was. Actually, the CM's handled as well as possible and most people were nice, but they really should set up bleachers, or hold this in their special auditorium.

Jacob wanted the DSLR to take pics, I had planned on giving him my Kodak with the video option, but I let him take pics. He knows to keep the strap around his neck, but sadly the battery died right after the show started. I was able to get some videos though, so I am posting those for ya.

The Band (http://s288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/SWW Hyperspace Hoopla 2009/?action=view&current=100_0621.flv)

The Band lets loose! (http://s288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/SWW Hyperspace Hoopla 2009/?action=view&current=100_0623.flv)

CHEWY!!! (http://s288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/SWW Hyperspace Hoopla 2009/?action=view&current=100_0625.flv)

I didn't realize Darth Vader had moves like this! (http://s288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/SWW Hyperspace Hoopla 2009/?action=view&current=100_0627.flv)

Jacob just loves it when Darth does the head to the side move. It was something he had done the year before also, so Jacob kept asking, "Do you think he will do this?", moving his head to the side.

Just let the Wookie Dance! (http://s288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/SWW Hyperspace Hoopla 2009/?action=view&current=100_0629.flv)

Sadly the Stormtroopers came in to enfore the law that all dancing must cease at 7:00pm. (http://s288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/SWW Hyperspace Hoopla 2009/?action=view&current=100_0630_00.flv)

One last little jig! (http://s288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/SWW Hyperspace Hoopla 2009/?action=view&current=100_0631.flv)

Jacob and I headed home after this. But not before I had to stop and get Jonas' AP renewed. Somehow he ended up with a different renewal date than we did when I changed to the FL resident pass. Which, would you rather buy one or three all at once. So, off to Guest Relations. At first the CM said she couldn't do it without having his photo ID, but she ended up doing it for me. I even showed her my drivers license and military ID showing he was my husband. Now before this while waiting in line the lady ahead of me was getting upset that it was taking so long. The CM's were being very nice and helping guests as much as possible. Such as, the CM that helped me noticed my lanyard with pins. She asked if I traded and I told her the pins on my lanyard were just for that. She then asked if I knew that Guest Relations had a book of pins you could trade. I didn't and she proceeded to bring it out. I had purchased a couple of those $1 pins with the $40 purchase, but ended up with the same one both times and also still had a duplicate from the starter kits we had purchased two years ago. I saw a couple of pins I thought were from that $1 set, so I traded for those. Once I got home I realized all three pins were from different sets.:headache: Now they are all on my lanyard to trade.:laughing:

That was it for this day and there is still more to come of SWW. I must get this TR done, because soon I will have another week long one to post. But guess what? I have another Dismeet coming up this Sunday. I'm very excited to get to go with someone that loves Disney as much or more than I. The kiddo will be staying home with his Dad, who is finishing up his army. Which by the way, I thought I would show you a pic:

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/577023791_eBPZG-M.jpg

These are only about an inch tall and I think Jonas does a fantastic job painting them. This is his Lord of the Rings army he is working on for the tournament this month. He has to get them all done before his daughter gets here July 8th.

More to come, I promise!

Finkelstein's Hubby

07-03-2009, 04:48 PM

JPFamilyMom

07-03-2009, 05:09 PM

Great pics, so funny you guys went into playhouse disney, that is one of the top things we want to do on our trip. Was it very interactive, I had heard or seen that it was, my Joey will love getting up and dancing and clapping along. Jack could go either way of course :rotfl2: but hoping he will follow baby brother and dance and clap along too

Are you going to post Universal and Disney together on this report or start a new one?popcorn:: Take lots of spidey pictures for us ;)

kaysmommie

07-03-2009, 06:58 PM

Hi there,
Just wanted to say I read your report from time to time. My DS5 just loved watching your Hyperspace Hoopla videos. he has become a huge SW fan this past year. We missed SWW by 1 day, won't make that mistake again. Thanks for posting that.

jmskinner

07-04-2009, 10:20 AM

Hi Melissa

Great pics, as always,. I LOVE the Streetmosphere CMs and myself and Ben watched them for ages the last time. We always made a point of being over there at 5ish whenever we were at DHS. Officer Duncan Donut was the best but Vladimir Pooey was superb....and Dorma Nesmond is terrifying but hilarious....love how the SW characters wander about, its just so cool.

Great work on the LOTR figures, that painting is very tricky and takes a keen eye.

Gordon

You may have noticed I always post maybe one pic of the Streetmosphere CM's and never a very good pic. Well, it's because we never stop to watch them.:sad2: But as you will soon see, Officer Duncan Donut (I guess that who it was) becomes a part of my TR. You'd think that since we go so often we would take the time to enjoy more.:sad2:

Great pics, so funny you guys went into playhouse disney, that is one of the top things we want to do on our trip. Was it very interactive, I had heard or seen that it was, my Joey will love getting up and dancing and clapping along. Jack could go either way of course :rotfl2: but hoping he will follow baby brother and dance and clap along too

Are you going to post Universal and Disney together on this report or start a new one?popcorn:: Take lots of spidey pictures for us ;)

Yes, lots of dancing and clapping. Jacob never gets up and dances or claps. Can't even get him to wave to characters during the parades. That is why it was so amazing he waved from the monorail that time. Of course, he was just showing off being a co-pilot.

I plan on starting a separate TR for the Universal/WDW trip. I'm hoping SimmerBaggins will join in a lot more since she will be one of the cast. Thought I might see if her daughter wants to join. Also will start another after that for the MTR's and our September trip. If I don't get this one completed, I'll have 3 going on.

Of course I'll try to get pics of Spidey.

Hi there,
Just wanted to say I read your report from time to time. My DS5 just loved watching your Hyperspace Hoopla videos. he has become a huge SW fan this past year. We missed SWW by 1 day, won't make that mistake again. Thanks for posting that.

A lurker! Glad you posted. As I was looking for my TR, yours caught my eye, I'll try to check it today.

Sorry you missed the SWW. Our first trip I didn't know about it until after we had already booked everything. My boys love SW. And your welcome for the videos. I wish they were better, but it was really crowded.

I don't think I mentioned the Ewok in my TR. As we are watching the show, someone tapped my shoulder. I figured it was a child trying to get to the front, so I shifted, looked down....right into the face of an Ewok. I tapped the next adults shoulder so he could get by. He finally made it up front with all the kids. It was so funny because he would stand next to those kids for about a minute before they realized who was standing next to him. It took Jacob even longer. Just a little more Disney magic.

Ok, next trip coming up.

Dr_Finkelstein

07-04-2009, 11:02 AM

Oops, still haven't done the update. Maybe tonight.

I know I have creative people reading my TR. Jonas came up with the bright idea to wear matching t-shirts to Universal. There are thousands of ideas for WDW here on the Dis, but I haven't found anything for Universal. He wants Universal since Kara will be with us. He doesn't care for Thing 1, 2 etc. :sad2: I can't think of anything except something like, "Where's Mickey?" or "This isn't WDW!" Or "The Skinner Family has lived in Florida a year and finally made it to Universal." See, no creativity here.

Anyone have an idea?????

You've come up with mores ideas than I would. Can't think of anything else. Maybe "isn't there meant to be a castle?" :confused3 Hopeless.

Really enjoyed the SWW updates, the videos were great!

Can't wait to find out about Duncan Donut - our son's hero! :worship: If you gave Ben a choice between RnRC or watching Duncan Donut - guess who he'd pick?

Hope your DIS meet goes well!!

Di x

jmskinner

07-04-2009, 11:26 AM

I just had to make one more trip to SWW. Now, that week Jonas was having to work the night shift, 5:30pm to 5:30am. Not a fun week. Saturday night was his last night. I had planned on going to SWW that Sunday, so I asked if he wanted to go. He said sure, if we didn't mind waiting until later to go. Of course I didn't mind. So about 10:00am I woke him up and got him ready to go. Now, Jacob decided to stay up all night, yet again. Why does he do this the night before we go to Disney.:headache:

On the way we saw two accidents on I-4. People drive way too fast on that road.

We finally made it to DHS. Now, back in June I went ahead and pre-purchased the Photopass CD before the price went up. So, I plan on getting as many pics as possible.

We made it through the turnstiles and grabbed our first pic. The CM was nice enough to use my camera also:

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/575164884_V66Qy-M.jpg

Ok, I know Jacob doesn't have a SW t-shirt on, but all of his SW t-shirts are black and I felt that would be too hot.

Jonas wanted to do ToT first. On the way Jacob asked for a drink, so I asked Jonas to get him one and I took pics of Jacob:

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/575165121_G9Hv3-M.jpg

Jonas came back with Jacob's coke and was already irritated at people. It seems a man kept trying to jump in front of him in line.

We headed over to ToT and decided to grab FP's for RnR. We got in line for ToT, which the wait time grew by 10 minutes while we were getting FP's for RnR.:sad2: Now, I was ok with Jacob not riding. He could stay in line with us and take the "chicken" door right before the elevator. Jonas wasn't having it, he felt Jacob should ride. Well, on top of Jacob being tired from staying up all night, it was incredibly hot and humid. Jacob hates sweating and was upset about that (I had left the misting fan in the car), now Dad was making him go on a ride he was afraid of. What does this build up to? MELTDOWN!!! Jacob starts crying, his Dad is getting mad and I am trying to mediate the two. It was gong to be a long day because both of my boys were tired. Finally get Jacob calmed down. Here are some pics of our wait:

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/575165499_2SJaq-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/575165713_9UGdt-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/575166147_NeLjs-M.jpg
I love how they have the "dead" vines everywhere.

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/575165831_aVtbq-M.jpg

And yet another shot of Jacob doing something he shouldn't...
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/575165882_HsF4M-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/575166026_e7Svx-M.jpg
Man, it was dark that day in the basement.:laughing:

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/575166197_oRfta-M.jpg

With flash:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/575166289_Q88Gw-M.jpg

Jonas and I both agreed we liked it better without the flash:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/575166495_FaQCN-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/575166592_sRjJM-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/575166668_6vv3W-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/575166770_GffgY-M.jpg

Finally we were on the ride. And of course I snapped away:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/575166915_kggU6-M.jpg
We didn't realize we could see BB from DHS.

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/575167343_Yi59J-M.jpg

We finally exited the elevator and were so happy to be alive!:cheer2::rotfl2:

For some reason I was having a hard time getting our redneck ride photo. No one was staring at me this time at least. I ended up trying the flash. Now, the pic of us on the ride didn't come out that well, but I have never noticed all the themeing around the monitors.

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/575167406_deg6H-M.jpg

Up next, some SW stuff!:darth:

JPFamilyMom

07-04-2009, 02:55 PM

How frustrating about the meltdown. Isn't that just like a man to make the situation worse? My DH sometimes tries to help or doesn't realize what he is doing and often just makes things worse with Jack.

I hope things got better as the day progressed. Your pictures are amazing, I'm not a fan of that ride either for fear of heights, but the decor is very cool.

can't wait to read more popcorn::

carissanboys

07-05-2009, 10:55 AM

jmskinner

07-05-2009, 11:10 PM

Awesome about the Dismeets! I'm still kicking myself that we didn't plan something while I was there. :sad1:

Love the picture of Jonas' army - very cool. It amazes me how Chuck can paint something so small.

I know, especially since we know we were at MK the same day.:headache:

So Chuck paints the same type of figure?

How frustrating about the meltdown. Isn't that just like a man to make the situation worse? My DH sometimes tries to help or doesn't realize what he is doing and often just makes things worse with Jack.

I hope things got better as the day progressed. Your pictures are amazing, I'm not a fan of that ride either for fear of heights, but the decor is very cool.

can't wait to read more popcorn::

Jonas makes things worse with Jacob all the time. And things did get better. After the ride Jacob was just fine.

I say everyone should give ToT a try. I know you are high up, but it doesn't drop you as far as most drop rides. It's just that it is dark so you don't really know it. Think about it, most rides that drop have the shoulder harness while ToT has a lap belt.

You've come up with mores ideas than I would. Can't think of anything else. Maybe "isn't there meant to be a castle?" :confused3 Hopeless.

Really enjoyed the SWW updates, the videos were great!

Can't wait to find out about Duncan Donut - our son's hero! :worship: If you gave Ben a choice between RnRC or watching Duncan Donut - guess who he'd pick?

Hope your DIS meet goes well!!

Di x

Di, you posted as I was trying to write that last chapter. Sorry I am just now getting to you. Jonas liked your idea for the t-shirt. What does everyone else think?

How funny your DS would rather ride Duncan Donut.

The DIS meet went great. We had a blast, but I can't imagine anyone not having fun with Timmy. It was also nice that I didn't have the Grumpy's with me. Shhh, don't tell them.

jmskinner

07-06-2009, 07:29 AM

:laughing:
After surviving ToT, we headed over to Wickets Warehouse. Quick pic of crowds so far:

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/575167849_HmFwz-M.jpg

And as we walked by TSMM, check out the wait time:

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/575167589_Zfp3b-M.jpg

The characters were out :woohoo:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/575167714_UerL2-M.jpg

So after the meltdown, look what I got:

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/575167857_Co5zT-M.jpg

A smile from Jacob!!!!

After visiting Wickets Warehouse we saw Darth Maul and decided to get a pic. While we waited in line, the StormTroopers made sure everyone behaved themselves.

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/575168356_PJb9Z-M.jpg

One of us was misbehaving:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/575169198_2KiHF-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/575169123_jLTKh-M.jpg

We finally made it to see Darth Maul and the CM was nice enough to use my camera:

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/575169259_8hAvR-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/575169436_UXniT-M.jpg

After this I needed a restroom break, so the boys waited on me and Jonas took some pics:

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/575169484_DuhC9-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/575169709_2ZwXz-M.jpg

The photopass pics are even better and once I get the CD I will post all the pics.

Now, I realized I should try to get this guys pic, but it was too late, he was already leaving the area. Check out the little girl on the bench.

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/575169702_DLyMD-M.jpg

We then ran into these guys:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/575169730_AFmcp-M.jpg

I saw a Photopass CM taking pics, so I went to hand him my card and he told me he was randomly snapping kids as they traded with the characters.:confused3 This made no sense to me and of course there wasn't a line so everyone was pushing their kids in front of people. I told Jacob to wait and this lady walked up behind us and pushed her girl in front of us. I leaned over and told Jacob what the lady was doing and for him to jump up there, we had already been there 5 minutes. Another little boy started to jump in front of Jacob, but his Dad stopped him and said Jacob was first.:cheer2: I liked that Dad. I gave Jacob a Lifesaver mint to trade and he got:

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/575169836_H6zDo-M.jpg

And see what that little girls mother did:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/575170009_QuJMR-M.jpg
:mad:

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/575169947_6axhk-M.jpg
Jacob got Equal.:rotfl: Of course he had no idea what it was. :rotfl:

Jacob wanted to show me what they had done to a famous painting:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/575170060_DMixf-M.jpg

I was impressed he knew it was a famous painting.

I'll continue in the next post, but guess what we finally saw after so many trips to DHS?

carissanboys

07-06-2009, 07:39 AM

So Chuck paints the same type of figure?

He paints Warhammer, not Lord of the Rings, but they look similar. He found some comic book store down in Pensacola and he goes there to "play".

carissanboys

07-06-2009, 07:42 AM

A picture of Jacob smiling! :cool1:

Those pictures with Darth Maul were awesome. :thumbsup2

jmskinner

07-06-2009, 08:14 AM

We walked by ST and it had a 30 minute wait. I remembered that two hours after receiving a FP, if your FP time hasn't come, you can get another. We had FP's for RnR. So I thought we should get a FP for Star Tours, which the return time was 30 minutes away. We could go do something else instead of waiting in line.

So, what is it we have never done at DHS.....
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/575170436_nVzAm-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/575170945_MxokA-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/575173214_Lh336-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/575174417_RqMft-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/575175475_aabZu-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/575175630_vZ7L7-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/575176098_ELS6R-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/575176166_gaYMM-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/575176642_UzZfe-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/575180313_tDu5B-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/575180650_FGZVh-M.jpg

I learned a lesson during this show, take the zoom lens! To be honest, I didn't enjoy the show as much as I thought I would, but maybe it was all of the anticipation of seeing it.:confused3

Of course we stopped for more pics:

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/575181593_VuqJd-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/575181596_sMALt-M.jpg

We headed over to Star Tours.

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/575181902_z2W2J-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/575182210_HMuZ9-M.jpg

Jonas decided Jacob needed a hat:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/575182518_47upB-M.jpg

jmskinner

07-06-2009, 08:18 AM

After ST, Jonas wanted to do this:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/575182604_LRSmM-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/575182866_9Xg5d-M.jpg

On the way in, I noticed Minnie getting her pic taken:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/575183050_EBGXt-M.jpg

I don't know who this photographer was to get special one on one time with Mickey's lady.

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/575183164_Wfxsk-M.jpg

We realized that we had never been in the back part of the vehicle.

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/575183299_d5HL2-M.jpg

So, we never knew that there was a second Alien, we had previously only seen the one coming from the ceiling:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/575184255_tznHo-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/575184944_52STi-M.jpg
They never learn do they?:sad2:

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/575185551_wEqSz-M.jpgAfter the GMR, it was time for RnRc.

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/575186202_vuzd2-M.jpg

There was a train waiting for take off:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/575186347_K5DFC-M.jpg

And then they were gone:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/575186599_kBjD7-M.jpg

After the ride we ran into:

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/575186741_5Z6ax-M.jpg

He had a sketch and was looking for a criminal. Jonas pointed at Jacob and said "Here he is!"

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/575186932_hvChX-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/575165023_pyKVx-M.jpg

The officer realized Jacob was not his man and let us go on our way. It was a great way to end the day. We headed home, me wishing we could have gotten more character photos, but Jacob just wasn't having it that day. I grabbed a couple of shots on the way out.

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/575164679_RjfLJ-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/575164769_ctKVw-M.jpg

So, that was it for SWW.

jmskinner

07-06-2009, 08:20 AM

He paints Warhammer, not Lord of the Rings, but they look similar. He found some comic book store down in Pensacola and he goes there to "play".

Jonas paints Warhammer also and a lot of others. He could sit and paint until he was 80 and not finish all of the figures he has.:sad2:

A picture of Jacob smiling! :cool1:

Those pictures with Darth Maul were awesome. :thumbsup2

Wait until you see the photopass ones. They got some great ones of Darth Maul giving Jacob a hard time.

JPFamilyMom

07-06-2009, 10:31 AM

Great final update. Star Wars Minnie is so cute. Love the Ewok trading....:thumbsup2

karajeboo

07-06-2009, 11:00 AM

We so wanted to check out SWW this year but we had to go to a wedding the only weekend we could go..... so I'm glad you got so many pics! Was it as crazy busy as it looked?

jmskinner

07-07-2009, 08:38 AM

Great final update. Star Wars Minnie is so cute. Love the Ewok trading....:thumbsup2

I love Minnie also. Wish we had gotten pictures with them. I'll try again next year, may have to go solo!

We so wanted to check out SWW this year but we had to go to a wedding the only weekend we could go..... so I'm glad you got so many pics! Was it as crazy busy as it looked?

Hi there! Hopefully next year you can make it. Yes, it was very busy, especially during the Hoopla show.

Hey, just saw a commercial for Rooms 2 Go and they have a new Disney line of furniture. They only showed furniture for little girls though.

JPFamilyMom

07-07-2009, 11:40 AM

:banana::banana:1 week:banana::banana:
:cool1::cool1:

jmskinner

07-10-2009, 09:16 AM

:banana::banana:1 week:banana::banana:
:cool1::cool1:

I didn't get notified of this post.:headache: Thank you, now it is less than a week.:yay::cheer2:

We had to take our dog Constanze to the vet yesterday. $700 later, she is at the vet again for more IV Therapy. Sounds like she will be ok though. Now waiting to see if she will be ok at the kennel. We can take her to the Universal hotel, but of course not POR. We will just wait to see what happens.

Next up, another MTR!

jmskinner

07-10-2009, 10:09 AM

I realized we had not been to DisneyQuest in almost a year. Had to put these Premium AP's to use. So, on the 24th of June, Jacob and I headed to DTD. Of course the first stop was the Lego Store. It wasn't too crowded yet, so Jacob finally got to build a Racer and race on the Lego Stores display.

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/584421876_bcvbo-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/584422005_QDQxB-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/584422285_cXCz7-M.jpg

Ready, Set,...GO!!!

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/584422577_4xxxC-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/584422745_V66hc-M.jpg

He didn't win, but a good first try.

Now it was time for DQ, DisneyQuest that is, not Dairy Queen.:laughing:

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/584423156_ngrp6-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/584423299_dWNo4-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/584423448_KNhWe-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/584423591_jjv83-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/584423725_cZcMt-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/584423850_XXqFZ-M.jpg

If you have never done this, be sure to watch the screen in the elevator. More Disney magic even when riding an elevator.:)

First up was our favorite:

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/584424242_oGD7x-M.jpg

And a few quick pics while waiting in line:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/584424116_rLvr6-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/584424368_LwyTa-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/584424507_gKrE4-M.jpg

After about 20 minutes it was our turn. Previously on this one we were grouped with other people, but not today. I got to be Captain and steer the ship and Jacob manned the cannons!

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/584424768_9iuQo-M.jpg

Steering the ship wasn't that easy with the camera around my neck, but I did it. Here is a pic of the screen before the game begins:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/584424912_eRXCj-M.jpg

As we played, Jacob ran from side to side, firing all the cannons. I even fired the cannon right beside the wheel. Jacob was very excited because we took down the BIG ship!!!:cheer2::cheer2:

We played again, but I didn't get any pictures. This time the CM said the computer could steer us. We didn't get the big ship, but we gained more Booty!!!!

Then it was off to the Mighty Ducks Pinball Slam.
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/584425184_iktHC-M.jpg

For this one you stand on these platforms and move around trying to score a goal with your puck. Let me tell you, this is a workout. My legs were weak after this one.

This was taken while waiting for the pinball game:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/584425318_7dD4P-M.jpg
It is a simulation ride, and the ships are just for looks.

Just some themeing:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/584425451_4nP5S-M.jpg

Jacob played several games, including Guitar Hero. Which he never plays Guitar Hero. He likes to watch me play.

We also did a game pertaining to Buzz. Basically it is bumper cars, but you pick up balls and shoot them at each other. Jacob didn't like it because it was sooooo loud! I have to admit, it was scary when you got hit.

And that was our day at DQ.

Disneymommy2006

07-10-2009, 10:23 AM

jmskinner

07-10-2009, 10:30 AM

How much does Disney Quest cost??? We are coming in a few days in August (13th) before our park tickets begin with free dining (16th)....looking for some fun things to do a couple of days at Downtown Disney...this might be a good option. What do you think?

Ok, just tried to do a quick check on the WDW website. It shows $34-40, guess child is $34 and adult is $40. It's included if you get the Water Park and More option, but since you won't have your tickets yet, that doesn't help. I always say everything is worth a try and if it is hot, it is a great place to hang out. As one parent said on the elevator, "Probably spent that much at the arcade at the hotel!". This was right after the heat wave that had hit Florida so I figured it would not be as busy since I would think more people would be going to the parks.

They also have a "build-a-rollercoaster" ride I've done with the DSD, but Jacob wouldn't do it. You basically create a ride with loops etc. and then hop in a capsule that will spin you around. They have stuff for little kids to do also. We did have a lot more fun on this trip than we have in the past. Really explored all four levels.

Disneymommy2006

07-10-2009, 11:09 AM

Ok, just tried to do a quick check on the WDW website. It shows $34-40, guess child is $34 and adult is $40. It's included if you get the Water Park and More option, but since you won't have your tickets yet, that doesn't help. I always say everything is worth a try and if it is hot, it is a great place to hang out. As one parent said on the elevator, "Probably spent that much at the arcade at the hotel!". This was right after the heat wave that had hit Florida so I figured it would not be as busy since I would think more people would be going to the parks.

They also have a "build-a-rollercoaster" ride I've done with the DSD, but Jacob wouldn't do it. You basically create a ride with loops etc. and then hop in a capsule that will spin you around. They have stuff for little kids to do also. We did have a lot more fun on this trip than we have in the past. Really explored all four levels.

Ok that sound like a possibility...we are staying at the Carribean Beach Resort from the 13th until the 16th and I had thought we would do some stuff at Downtown Disney and just enjoy the resort until....we check back in on the 16th at Pop. I also considered the pirate adventure they do at the resort but that would just be for the boys and I'm not sure my youngest (just turned 5) would be comfortable doing that with just his brother since that is just for kids and we can't join them. Disney Quest would be something we could all enjoy! Thanks for the info! Really enjoy this thread- I read often but don't post...love getting some doses of Disney throughout the year!!!!! :)

Dr_Finkelstein

07-10-2009, 02:28 PM

Hi Melissa!

I can't believe you hadn't done Indiana Jones!!!!!! :scared1: Of course, you didn't get the full experience, you will need to wait until next year for that and Gordon's acting debut! ;)

I'm kinda in 2 minds about DQ, I've heard mixed reports on it, and although entry is included in the ultimate tickets we get we've never gone. I think I feel like - we're at WDW - get out and get to the parks!!!

:yay::yay: You're so close to your US trip!!!!

Di x

PS, note my countdown ticker - flying down it is! :rolleyes1 We'll be at a year before you know it! ;)

JPFamilyMom

07-10-2009, 05:31 PM

We had a great time at DQ on our honeymoon, but we decided we'd wait until our boys were older, we have heard it's not so fun with the under 3 crowd, so we'll wait until Joey is older so we can all enjoy ourselves.

We will def. have to go to the Lego store, that car racing thing looks like fun.

Discussions have begun with the possibility of one day at Universal just to see Spidey :confused3, but maybe just for me and Jack:rolleyes1 I'm trying to win one day passes on their website though- check it out it you haven't already

carissanboys

07-12-2009, 09:53 PM

I wasn't overly impressed with Indiana Jones either. Maybe cause we're girls? :confused3 Although, I do like LMA! :thumbsup2

Disney Quest looks so cool. We've never done it before. I thought I heard a while back that it was going to close? :confused3

SimmerBaggins

07-12-2009, 10:42 PM

Thanks for posting those DQ pics -- I've always wondered what it looked like inside! Too bad you can't get a video of the pirate game you & Jacob played! Like at Fiesta Texas on the Tony Hawk's Big Spin (rollercoaster) ride, there's a video camera in the middle of the four-seat car, and it films each side of 2 people, so you can buy a copy at the end -- just more revenue for the park, but it's funny to watch yourself go on the ride!

Yay -- only one more day of work and a day of packing between us & WDW!

irky416

07-13-2009, 11:42 AM

I just got all caught up! Great updates!

The Wishes presentation sounds interesting! I'm glad you mentioned stuff about Disneyland because it sounds awesome. I think I have DBF convinced on going to CA next summer and DL while we're there!

The guy staring at you on ToT was too funny!!!

There was something else I specifically wanted to comment on and now I don't remember what it was... :headache:

(I still have the camera strap! :rolleyes1 It got misplaced when people were "helping" us pack, but it is in an envelope all addressed and ready to go. I just need to find where the post office is to see how many stamps it needs.)

I can't wait to hear about the Universal trip!

thecapells

07-13-2009, 12:36 PM

They also have a "build-a-rollercoaster" ride I've done with the DSD, but Jacob wouldn't do it. You basically create a ride with loops etc. and then hop in a capsule that will spin you around. They have stuff for little kids to do also. We did have a lot more fun on this trip than we have in the past. Really explored all four levels.

I've been to DQ once and wasn't very impressed.
While the Pirates ride was very cool and we liked the Buzz Lightyear Astro Blaster, that was about it.
There was some VR games that were poor, the Jungle Cruise was pretty bad, and we skipped the rollercoaster-making thing.
It just didn't seem worth the price of admission and we'd rather be in the parks on our trip
(for those of us who don't live right there and can go whenever we want!!)
Do you think it's gotten better lately or is it still much of the same?

jmskinner

07-13-2009, 03:45 PM

Ok that sound like a possibility...we are staying at the Carribean Beach Resort from the 13th until the 16th and I had thought we would do some stuff at Downtown Disney and just enjoy the resort until....we check back in on the 16th at Pop. I also considered the pirate adventure they do at the resort but that would just be for the boys and I'm not sure my youngest (just turned 5) would be comfortable doing that with just his brother since that is just for kids and we can't join them. Disney Quest would be something we could all enjoy! Thanks for the info! Really enjoy this thread- I read often but don't post...love getting some doses of Disney throughout the year!!!!! :)

Thanks for continue to read. Something else you might try is the miniature golf. I never posted our pics, but we had a nice relaxing time.

Hi Melissa!

I can't believe you hadn't done Indiana Jones!!!!!! :scared1: Of course, you didn't get the full experience, you will need to wait until next year for that and Gordon's acting debut! ;)

I'm kinda in 2 minds about DQ, I've heard mixed reports on it, and although entry is included in the ultimate tickets we get we've never gone. I think I feel like - we're at WDW - get out and get to the parks!!!

:yay::yay: You're so close to your US trip!!!!

Di x

PS, note my countdown ticker - flying down it is! :rolleyes1 We'll be at a year before you know it! ;)

I think your right, maybe that is why I didn't enjoy Indiana Jones, I knew it would be better in 2010!

I totally understand your feelings about going to the parks and not DisneyQuest. It is a nice break in air conditioning. I saw many adults sitting at booths in one of the food areas, they were either sleeping, texting, or playing on the computers there.

We had a great time at DQ on our honeymoon, but we decided we'd wait until our boys were older, we have heard it's not so fun with the under 3 crowd, so we'll wait until Joey is older so we can all enjoy ourselves.

We will def. have to go to the Lego store, that car racing thing looks like fun.

Discussions have begun with the possibility of one day at Universal just to see Spidey :confused3, but maybe just for me and Jack:rolleyes1 I'm trying to win one day passes on their website though- check it out it you haven't already

I agree, the boys need to be older for DQ. Oh, I've already won a ticket from Universal, part of the reason for going. Jonas gets a free one for being military, and we got good discounts on the kids tickets. How could we not go?

I wasn't overly impressed with Indiana Jones either. Maybe cause we're girls? :confused3 Although, I do like LMA! :thumbsup2

Disney Quest looks so cool. We've never done it before. I thought I heard a while back that it was going to close? :confused3

Like you, I like LMA.

I haven't heard anything about it closing, but wouldn't be too surprised.

Thanks for posting those DQ pics -- I've always wondered what it looked like inside! Too bad you can't get a video of the pirate game you & Jacob played! Like at Fiesta Texas on the Tony Hawk's Big Spin (rollercoaster) ride, there's a video camera in the middle of the four-seat car, and it films each side of 2 people, so you can buy a copy at the end -- just more revenue for the park, but it's funny to watch yourself go on the ride!

Yay -- only one more day of work and a day of packing between us & WDW!

:banana::cheer2:We're even closer now! It would make for a funny video with us running all over the ship firing the cannons and trying to steer.:rotfl:

I just got all caught up! Great updates!

The Wishes presentation sounds interesting! I'm glad you mentioned stuff about Disneyland because it sounds awesome. I think I have DBF convinced on going to CA next summer and DL while we're there!

The guy staring at you on ToT was too funny!!!

There was something else I specifically wanted to comment on and now I don't remember what it was... :headache:

(I still have the camera strap! :rolleyes1 It got misplaced when people were "helping" us pack, but it is in an envelope all addressed and ready to go. I just need to find where the post office is to see how many stamps it needs.)

I can't wait to hear about the Universal trip!

I've already called my mother to see if she would want to go to CA next Summer. I want to see the World of Color water fountain show at California Adventures. Don't know if we will make it though.

Too funny about that camera strap. I have a letter I kept meaning to mail, its been rewritten and then never mailed. I seem to have an aversion(sp) to post offices.:confused3

I've been to DQ once and wasn't very impressed.
While the Pirates ride was very cool and we liked the Buzz Lightyear Astro Blaster, that was about it.
There was some VR games that were poor, the Jungle Cruise was pretty bad, and we skipped the rollercoaster-making thing.
It just didn't seem worth the price of admission and we'd rather be in the parks on our trip
(for those of us who don't live right there and can go whenever we want!!)
Do you think it's gotten better lately or is it still much of the same?

No, I think it is the same. They did have a lot of the Guitar Hero games and a drum one also. I thought that was a nice addition. I think it is great for teenagers and I wish they would limit the number of people allowed. The day included in this TR was a slow day. I have been on a very busy day and just ended up with a headache. If you are purchasing the water park and more, I highly recommend you stop by DQ and give it a try.

Well, we leave tomorrow morning...hopefully. Constanze has pancreatitis and hasn't responded to treatment. She is at a specialist right now for a ultrasound. Jonas and Kara took her in since Jacob had therapy today, so I am sitting here wondering if she will be coming home again. Trying to keep my mind off of it, but obviously not doing a good job.

I hope everyone has a wonderful week and I will try to post while on vaca!

JPFamilyMom

07-13-2009, 03:51 PM

Will miss reading your adventures, have a great trip.

:goodvibes:goodvibes for the dog :goodvibes:goodvibes

can't wait to read when you get back

scottny

07-16-2009, 09:10 AM

Hi,
All caught up. great updates and pics.

jmskinner

07-22-2009, 07:55 AM

Will miss reading your adventures, have a great trip.

:goodvibes:goodvibes for the dog :goodvibes:goodvibes

can't wait to read when you get back

Thank you and I'm back.

Hi,
All caught up. great updates and pics.

Thank you!

Yes, we are back. Poor Jonas had to go to work today. I know he is exhausted. Constanze is about the same, need to call the vet to see what they want to do. She seems to be keeping her food down. Both dogs are happy to be home.

I plan on continuing this TR, still have several day trips to post. I will start a new TR for the past two weeks, but have lots of pics to get organized. Still have 1000 to download. You guys know me, I snapped away like crazy. I also plan to post our Universal Days on the Universal boards, so I guess I will have 3 TR's going on at once. This should be interesting.

With what we spent the past couple of weeks and what the vet bills have been we debated cancelling the September trip. We already have the MNSSHP tickets, so we knew we wanted to stay at least one night. Well, when we got home yesterday I looked to see if any offers to AP's were being offered and sure enough a 40% off room discount was being offered for Labor Day weekend. So, we decided to cancel the Free Dining, which we were having to buy one day tickets for each of us to get, so it wasn't that free for us. I'm also thinking it will be more relaxing to really wing it and not have any ADR's. So, what was $750 or so is now less than $400.:woohoo: We still have a pirate room at CBR also. :banana: I can't believe I have managed to keep my mouth shut about that and not told Jacob.

Jacob has an appointment for a physical this morning and then I hope to get started on the new TR. Have to do some :laundy: also. Also trying to think of a name for the TR, any ideas?

JPFamilyMom

07-22-2009, 09:14 AM

OH WOW!!!! A pirate room, that is so exciting. I want to stay in the pirate room one day. Jacob is going to be thrilled. I can't wait.:yay:

irky416

07-22-2009, 11:41 AM

Glad you're still going to MNSSHP! (Especially, so I can read your TR and get the inside scoop before I go!)

Ohhh, a pirate room! Be sure to take lots of pictures...like I really have to remind you! ;)

Can't wait to read the TR's!

jmskinner

07-25-2009, 09:32 AM

OH WOW!!!! A pirate room, that is so exciting. I want to stay in the pirate room one day. Jacob is going to be thrilled. I can't wait.:yay:

I can't either!

Glad you're still going to MNSSHP! (Especially, so I can read your TR and get the inside scoop before I go!)

Ohhh, a pirate room! Be sure to take lots of pictures...like I really have to remind you! ;)

Can't wait to read the TR's!

Have you not done MNSSHP before? I remembered you going to a party, but it was the Pirate and Princess party wasn't it?

I keep reminding myself everyday that we are to check-in at CBR, find our room and walk in and take pictures. DO NOT CARRY ANYTHING TO THE ROOM!!!! I want pics without destroying it first.:rotfl:

Ok, I just realized I didn't update the sig yet, but here is the link to the new TR.

My DSD came to visit and didn't want to go to WDW???? (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=32865997#post32865997)

I am going to continue this one, still have a couple of day trips to report on and I know we will be going back to WDW and will have to report on that. Hope everyone has a great weekend!:thumbsup2

jmskinner

07-25-2009, 03:15 PM

So, now that I have started the other TR, I figured I should get moving on this one also. I'm trying to remember why I felt the need to go to Magic Kingdom on this day. I just remembered, it was for the HoP AP preview. Per the website it would be an all day event so I didn't rush to get us there. Per the time this pic was taken:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/577104970_rZopD-M.jpg

it was about 1:30 when we were on the tram. Doesn't Jacob look happy as usual.:sad2: Per his request we rode the monorail.

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/577105116_JuDpa-M.jpg

Made it to the park and Main Street:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/577105146_PaEJT-M.jpg

And on our way to HoP. I believe we stopped for several Photopass photographers against Jacob's wishes. Such a mean Mom making her kid pose for pics.

We get to HoP and I am digging to get the AP's out when the CM says I can just go in. The place is packed. I over hear someone stating what I was thinking, "Guess they opened it to the public." I have since learned most times they do these special AP previews, they are normally just in the morning and then everyone gets to see it. The door opened just a few minutes later and we were in. Now a CM outside said "no photography", the one inside said "no flash photography". I thought I would be a good park guest, put my camera away, and just enjoy the show.

Now, you know the laws of WDW, go all the way to the end of the aisle. Well, this one family parks themselves right at the beginning of an aisle. Well, this set me off for some reason, so I proceeded to pick this aisle, dragged Jacob behind (secretly hoping he would step on a few feet along the way :rolleyes1) saying loudly, "you are supposed to go to the end of the aisle!" Ok, Ok, I lost my good park guest award, but that just really ticked me off for some reason that day. So, on a row that probably holds 50 people, there were 10 of us all the way to the end, about 40 empty seats to my left and then that family.:mad: Every other aisle was packed.

I really enjoyed the show, but since it had been a year since I saw it last, I couldn't remember what was new. Of course I remembered the new President, but not sure about the rest of the presentation. It is a wonderful presentation and if you haven't checked it out, do so. Plus, great air conditioning.:thumbsup2

Now, I was hoping to get some rides in Fantasyland, but Jacob wasn't very interested. He wanted Buzz. So we walked through Fantasyland anyways:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/577105920_uwgmy-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/577105918_J3YE6-M.jpg

I noticed they were working on the front of IASW and it didn't look very busy, so grabbed Jacob and made him ride. Now, I hadn't tried taking pics with the new camera yet, so here was my chance. I'm sure everyone in the boat got tired of hearing my camera, but I never used the flash blinding them.

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/577106691_ka6TT-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/577108099_9NrxV-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/577112814_rqQgW-M.jpg

Jacob looked so thrilled:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/577118182_SkAP9-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/577120222_JvZQX-M.jpg

I need to do some more camera research because most came out blurry.

Here's what it looks like out front:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/577121431_ZXpfy-M.jpg

Took some pics as we walked around, but didn't ride anything:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/577121417_LRLUj-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/577121953_67fzk-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/577122405_iUcV2-M.jpg

One thing I have noticed about Buzz Lightyear is the FP return time is normally about 30 minutes after the current time. So we grabbed FP's and Jacob decided he wanted ice cream, so we took a quick break:

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/577124228_53MRy-M.jpg
I had fun washing that shirt later on.

I know I am close to the pic limit, so this is continued on the next post.

jmskinner

07-25-2009, 03:36 PM

After ice cream we still had time before the FP time, so we did some shopping, ok, before you ask about what we purchased, it was just looking.

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/577125871_dCXYp-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/577126149_nkWzH-M.jpg

On the way to the next shop, I noticed this guy enjoying the MK.

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/577126539_iFqNM-M.jpg

Carissa, did you let Stitch loose while you had him at MK?
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/577127387_wZADG-M.jpg

I liked these t-shirts, but sadly they were for kids:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/577127408_aNFFJ-M.jpg

And I had never noticed this:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/577127739_Synnk-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/577128125_huoRv-M.jpg

Stitch was loose!!!!

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/577128043_VaDkm-M.jpg

One of my favorites

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/584428200_WuQWc-M.jpg

still closed:

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/584428064_tZMKY-M.jpg

Found a penny machine we hadn't hit yet:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/584428303_JmQqy-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/584428549_5KFoC-M.jpg

Finally time for Buzz:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/584428746_TCo9F-M.jpg
I can not get a pic with his face.

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/584428882_kcutd-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/584428988_jX5qJ-M.jpg

Now, we got to this room and the ride stopped.
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/584429141_42Hqq-M.jpg

Jacob knows all about the points and the volcano, so within seconds he had this score:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/584429670_uJ8fL-M.jpg

Takes some of the fun out of it when you can't get anymore points.

I of course, had fun taking more pics while on the ride, but most came out blurry:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/584429933_XjFh9-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/584430288_5hHYL-M.jpg

Sadly I didn't catch up to Jacob score, as usual.
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/584430414_r8KBg-M.jpg

We both decided to head out of the park and go home:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/584431324_Pv6Kk-M.jpg

But first I had planned on getting Jacob's hair cut in the babershop. Well, I didn't have money for a tip, so I went to the candy store to buy something to break a $10. By the time I figured out what would at least give me 3 $1 bills, we got back and the barbershop was closed.:sad2:

Then I remembered something else. All day my hair had driven me nuts. When I pulled it back in a ponytail, one lock in the front would fall out. People close to me know my hair drives me NUTS! Straight, curly, however, it makes me nuts. Don't even touch. I hate fans blowing on it, I would rather be hot than a fan blow my hair around. So, I realized I would not make a full week at the parks with my hair like this, so I decided to buy a hat. So now it was hat shopping time. I asked Jacob to take a pic of me in one hat so I could see how I looked:

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/584431764_Gme5L-M.jpg

That one just made me feel old. I finally found one and you will see how it looks in the next MTR.

It was time for the Flag Ceremony, but Jacob wanted to go home, so off we went:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/584432592_Ejfa9-M.jpg

Believe it or not, there is still one more MTR, before the Universal and WDW trip. I'll try to get to it tomorrow.

Have a great weekend everyone.:thumbsup2

ScotsMinnie

07-25-2009, 05:03 PM

jmskinner

07-25-2009, 06:25 PM

Sounds like you have had a great day!

We had an incident like the one you had where people don;t go to the end of the line and just stop and sit down. The show was packed and this family went to the middle and stopped. Steve just said to them." do you want to move along so we can all get it?" the woman looked so shocked that she got up and made them move! I told steve he could get a CM job!

Glad to see Jacob hit the 999999!!! Good on him!

If those people had went to the middle, I probably would not have gotten so mad, just couldn't believe that stopped right at the beginning of the aisle. Oh, and I think I forgot to mention how the Mother must have realized I didn't care about stepping on toes because she pulled her knees up.:rotfl: I'm getting mad all over again.

Good for Steve. :thumbsup2

Sad for me, this is not the first time Jacob maxed out the score at Buzz. He wins at Buzz and I win at Toy Story. Guess I know why he doesn't care for Toy Story.:rolleyes:

carissanboys

07-25-2009, 06:58 PM

[http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/577124228_53MRy-M.jpg
I had fun washing that shirt later on.

I bet!! :rotfl:

Carissa, did you let Stitch loose while you had him at MK?
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/577127387_wZADG-M.jpg

I should have bought one while we were there!! The boys really miss Stitch.

Jacob knows all about the points and the volcano, so within seconds he had this score:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/584429670_uJ8fL-M.jpg

Whoa!! :worship:

I need to go check out your new TR!

Dr_Finkelstein

07-26-2009, 06:54 AM

Hi Melissa,

Sounds like a fun day! I can't believe Jacob got such a high score, brilliant! He doesn't lok all that impressed with IASW though.....:rolleyes1

I've also finally sussed out you have started another TR so will need to check that out, bit slow, eh!

Di x

jmskinner

07-26-2009, 10:00 AM

I should have bought one while we were there!! The boys really miss Stitch.

I believe you have a Disney store close by, but I will keep a look out for sales on Stitch for you. Gives me another reason to go back to the parks.

Hi Melissa,

Sounds like a fun day! I can't believe Jacob got such a high score, brilliant! He doesn't lok all that impressed with IASW though.....:rolleyes1

I've also finally sussed out you have started another TR so will need to check that out, bit slow, eh!

Di x

The only reason Jacob likes IASW is because he know how much DMIL hates the song and he wants to call her and hold the phone up so she can hear it like we did last year.:laughing:

And no, you aren't slow. Only started it yesterday.

irky416

07-27-2009, 09:20 PM

I never noticed Stitch breaking though the ceiling either!

I like that picture of Jacob making the penny.

I have to head over to your new TR, now!

Finkelstein's Hubby

07-28-2009, 01:39 PM

Cool pics Melissa....I too get ticked off with folk that plant themselves in the middle of rows but as Diane pointed out there was a thread a while back about people who are determined to carry weapons in the Parks, as law officers apparently they feel compelled to do so :scared1:, so that would kinda influence my reaction......low muttering will have to suffice from now on.

Ben has still not figured out if the Buzz ride gets stuck you can still keep shooting.....bless his naivety.

Gordon

jmskinner

07-28-2009, 02:07 PM

I never noticed Stitch breaking though the ceiling either!

I like that picture of Jacob making the penny.

I have to head over to your new TR, now!

Isn't it funny how much you don't notice. I'm still finding new things.

Cool pics Melissa....I too get ticked off with folk that plant themselves in the middle of rows but as Diane pointed out there was a thread a while back about people who are determined to carry weapons in the Parks, as law officers apparently they feel compelled to do so :scared1:, so that would kinda influence my reaction......low muttering will have to suffice from now on.

Ben has still not figured out if the Buzz ride gets stuck you can still keep shooting.....bless his naivety.

Gordon

I hadn't heard of people carrying weapons into the parks, but I know my stepdad did. He always has pocket knives in his pockets. It's funny, they look in our bags, I won't say they check them because some will and some just trust you, but you don't go through metal detectors. I may have to find that thread and see what is up.

Obviously Ben is a sweet kid. Of course, Jacob is just so hyper and has to push buttons. You should ride Mission: Space with him.

tinkgurl

07-28-2009, 04:44 PM

We made it to the AP preview of HoP that day too!:)

Finkelstein's Hubby

07-28-2009, 04:56 PM

Obviously Ben is a sweet kid. Of course, Jacob is just so hyper and has to push buttons. You should ride Mission: Space with him.

Hi Melissa

The thread was from a while back now re Disney's rules on concealed weapons.....at first I laughed but honestly the number of folk who said they carried was terrifying.

Mission Space brings out the Buzz Aldrin in him....he is all about the buttons at that point!

Gordon

jmskinner

07-29-2009, 08:38 AM

We made it to the AP preview of HoP that day too!:)

What time were you there?

Hi Melissa

The thread was from a while back now re Disney's rules on concealed weapons.....at first I laughed but honestly the number of folk who said they carried was terrifying.

Mission Space brings out the Buzz Aldrin in him....he is all about the buttons at that point!

Gordon

I wonder if they were all Texans? :rotfl:

Maybe the button thing is a boy thing.:confused3 Jonas doesn't it too!

jmskinner

08-13-2009, 12:10 PM

Thought I would try the official Dis color for this portion of the TR. It was July 5th. I was meeting a fellow Dis'er, we'll call her FD. She was at the world Solo for July4th. Spent the whole day at the MK by herself on the 4th. Not sure if that is crazy or brave.:rotfl:

As I was getting the truck, FD texted me and I texted back that I would park at DHS and then catch a bus to BWV. She called me back and told me to park at BWV and she would get me a pass. Now, I wasn't sure how it worked since I was just meeting someone at a resort. She have given me the name the ressie was under including spelling, which I repeated over and over and then couldn't remember exactly what it was.:confused3 I wasn't even 40 at this point, just really close.

As I turn to head to the villas, FD texts me that she was in the taxi heading over to BWV (she had stayed at a value the night before.) So, I figured it wasn't a good idea to try to go to the resort before she even got there. So I drove down the road a little, then turned around and headed back to BWV. Pull into the gate and I start rattling on, "I'm meeting someone." Guard: "Have they checked in yet?" Me: "They are probably just doing so." I tell him the name and he looks at my ID and tells me where to park, which is right by the guard gate. Boy, that was easier than I thought and I had worried the whole way to WDW. :laughing:I do so and text Timmy that I am on my way. A few pics on the walk to the lobby.

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/583035278_tNFZf-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/583035793_8L5US-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/583036408_946Li-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/583036932_twrtx-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/583037940_bxq6q-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/583038589_tUNDp-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/583039180_Xjnhx-M.jpg

As I look in the lobby I see FD at the check-in counter. I go stand next to her and a little cute CM greets me, I point to FD and tell him I am there to see her. She continues to check-in and never sees me standing there until she turns and of course I scare her. We have a good laugh. We head out to look for bell services since her room wasn't ready yet. Turns out it was right next to the check-in counter.

At this point FD asks if I knew about the monorail accident. I had heard, but didn't know any details at that point. FD had been woken up at 6:00am with several calls from people to make sure she wasn't on it. She was originally planning on going to Epcot after the MK fireworks. It was on both of our minds the whole day.

We head out to the boat for DHS:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/583039871_rHz87-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/583040485_jfk5w-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/583041036_dg2gk-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/583041582_6UY6x-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/583042704_nDmZ3-M.jpg

So, we were there July 5th, one of the busiest weekends of the year. Would we be able to ride anything?

Finkelstein's Hubby

08-14-2009, 02:29 PM

carissanboys

08-16-2009, 08:29 AM

Gorgeous pictures Melissa! Looking forward to hearing more about your Dis meet. :goodvibes

tinkgurl

08-17-2009, 05:12 PM

What time were you there?

Um...it was around 4 p.m. or so?

jmskinner

08-17-2009, 07:24 PM

Wow that green sure is vivid! Great pics of Boardwalk, Di loves it there and dreams of staying one day. Was amazed at how quiet the Boardwalk was....guess after July 4th everyone was a bit sluggish the morning after. The accident was a shocker, so sad when I saw the clips of the CM who died...you would not want that to happen to anyone but he was so enthusiastic and genuine, a real tragedy

Looking forward to the rest of your trip Melissa

Gordon

Is the green too hard to read?
I know what you mean about the CM. The one video I saw of him I sat here in tears.

You think the Boardwalk is empty, just wait until you see DHS, were they all there?

Gorgeous pictures Melissa! Looking forward to hearing more about your Dis meet. :goodvibes

More coming up.

Um...it was around 4 p.m. or so?

Ok, just looked at my pic info and looks like we were heading out of the park around 4:00. Thought I might have had a pic with you in it.

jmskinner

08-17-2009, 08:42 PM

We made it to DHS after a nice boat ride. First up of course was:

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/583044814_kAeDM-M.jpg

Now we got FP's, but it was only a 30 minute wait, which FD informed me that it is normally half of that, so we decided to get in line and ride. And it really was a short wait.

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/583046447_2We89-M.jpg

When I got on the ride, I thought to myself "I wonder if FD is someone to joke around with." Next thing I knew she hollered "Hidden Mickey". Of course she was trying to throw me off, but I got the high score.:cheer2: FD kept saying I was cheating. Who was it that yelled out "Hidden Mickey!"

After our quick trip into 3D, we were going to head for ToT. But along the way, we passed one attraction and FD said "Isn't that a great show." I responded that I had never seen it, and she we had to see it then. Can you guess which attraction I finally saw:

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/583047950_36oRk-M.jpg

Did you guess it? It was:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/583048938_6sGBH-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/583050516_y2rqd-M.jpg

I really enjoyed the show and glad I finally saw it.

After Little Mermaid, FD was wanting to meet her hero, Russell from Up so off to the Animation area.

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/583051391_6YT9x-M.jpg

FD was so funny because when we got in line to meet the UP characters, Russell wasn't there. I told her that it might be break time for him and maybe we would get lucky. Well, we were. All the characters were there, but sadly I'm not sure she wants her pic out here so I can't post that one. And I know I got my picture with them, but I don't see it so it may have ended up on FD's card. She managed to hurt the other characters feelings when she requested a pic with just Russell. I told them I wanted everyone in the pic though.

Then FD pointed out we should get our pic with Wizard Mickey, so we did:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/622559806_KbYix-M.jpg

Now after this, we decided we were hungry. FD said she didn't like any of the counterservice places in DHS, and she wanted to see if we could get into 50's Primetime.

A quick pic along the way:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/583052055_6BQhe-M.jpg

Did it look busy? I haven't mentioned this, but the whole time I walked around saying, "Where is everyone?" It really was dead. I'm sure FD got tired of hearing me say, "It is so empty." "This is so weird."

We got to 50's Primetime and a couple walked in ahead of us and got a table. We got a table. Even 50's Primetime was empty. The last time I had been there, we couldn't even find a seat to wait. On this day, there were maybe 3 other parties waiting to be seated. Really weird.

FD pointed out a Mickey:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/583052603_SdcUn-M.jpg

We both had the Fried Chicken and a milkshake.
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/583054306_gSF3H-M.jpg

We had a fantastic CM. He made FD stand with her nose against the wall for giving him a hard time. When I didn't finish my veggies, he shoved a carrot in my mouth and had the rest of our "family" tell me to stop being a brat. Great guy!!!

Now, it was time for ToT. Check out the line:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/583057587_Y3Bj8-M.jpg

See that, NO LINE!:cheer2:

Don't believe me, check this out:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/583058261_V443S-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/583059620_9DEQn-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/583060163_RRkji-M.jpg

I had so much fun on this ride. There were two girls next to me that were screaming their heads off. The one right next to me kept trying to grab a handle and kept grabbing my leg. Then, when we were at the bottom and the ride car made that last turn, one of them yelled out "Is anything else going to happen?" And FD looked over at them and said, "YES!" I laughed so hard.

Now at this time, our FP time for TSMM had arrived, so we grabbed FP's for ToT, which still had this wait time:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/583062796_PSSub-M.jpg

But, it was time for another TSMM showdown, would I win again?

scottny

08-21-2009, 08:30 PM

Dr_Finkelstein

08-22-2009, 03:53 AM

Hi Melissa!

Sorry, I've been kind of abandoning this TR in favour of your US one, so all caught up now!!! :rolleyes1

I can't believe how quiet the Boardwalk and DHS looks! I would've thought all the parks would have been packed! That was a bit of a worry for me as we plan to go end of June begin July in 2012 so would be there over 4th July, so it's good to know the day after is good numbers wise.

BW looks gorgeous! :cloud9: It's definately on my list of resorts to stay at - after WL, AKL and Y&BC! :cool2: Sounds like you had a really fun DIS meet.

And yes, as Grumpy mentioned, the 'concealed weapons in WDW' was a highly entertaining thread to read, especially for someone not from the US, on our last trip I kept staring at everyone to see if they were 'packing heat'. I didn't 'tut' and sigh at people with quite my usual enthusiasm...

Di x

jmskinner

08-22-2009, 08:02 AM

all caught up.

great update and pics.

Nice you got to meet someone there.

Not surprised it was so quite, they keep sending me offers and deals to coem down (and I already am) and I still get them and today got an offer for $3000 off AKL DVC. I think they are hurting.

Hi Scott! It was extremely quite that day at DHS. Been back since and it wasn't quite so I don't know what the deal was that day. Made for a nice day though.

Wow, I wish I would get an offer like that, but even if I did I couldn't buy into DVC right now. Not something to do when the DH plans to retire in 4 years.

Hi Melissa!

Sorry, I've been kind of abandoning this TR in favour of your US one, so all caught up now!!! :rolleyes1

I can't believe how quiet the Boardwalk and DHS looks! I would've thought all the parks would have been packed! That was a bit of a worry for me as we plan to go end of June begin July in 2012 so would be there over 4th July, so it's good to know the day after is good numbers wise.

BW looks gorgeous! :cloud9: It's definately on my list of resorts to stay at - after WL, AKL and Y&BC! :cool2: Sounds like you had a really fun DIS meet.

And yes, as Grumpy mentioned, the 'concealed weapons in WDW' was a highly entertaining thread to read, especially for someone not from the US, on our last trip I kept staring at everyone to see if they were 'packing heat'. I didn't 'tut' and sigh at people with quite my usual enthusiasm...

Di x

I hate I missed that thread. I'm sure it was entertaining.

We survived our first trip over the July 4th weekend, but we ended up not seeing any of the July 4th fireworks.:sad2: It was crowded, but nothing like Christmas time.

You know, I don't think there is a resort at WDW I wouldn't mind staying at. They all have their special magic touch.

Just thought I would give an update on the hubby. He should be heading home now. Suppose to arrive at 6:20pm. Haven't told the DMIL, hoping I can surprise her with a trip to the airport.

Dr_Finkelstein

08-22-2009, 10:04 AM

Great news about Jonas! So will this be him 'home' for good or will he have to go back out?

Di x

jmskinner

08-22-2009, 10:34 AM

Great news about Jonas! So will this be him 'home' for good or will he have to go back out?

Di x

I wouldn't be surprised if he had to go back. Just never know.

jmskinner

08-29-2009, 08:00 AM

Another ride on TSMM, and again I won!

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/583064691_VEDLd-M.jpg

She beat me on accuracy though. I think I was pointed that out to her. She kept taking pics of the scores and posting them on FB with a note about how I kept cheating.:rotfl2:

As we exited the ride, we saw this:

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/583066580_HT8Dn-M.jpg

So, what do two Dis'ers do? Let the rain hold them up, NO! We put on our rain ponchos and headed out. There were a few who were out in the rain but most people stayed back so it was like we had the park to ourselves again. Headed over to the GMR. After that, the rain had cleared out and we were on to ToT again!

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/583086726_uKevX-M.jpg

And I can't figure out how this one pic ended up like this:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/583090999_NgQBr-M.jpg

I guess the drop surprised me. It is the only one sideways like that.:confused3

FD pretended to be asleep for the pic:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/583094709_cjX6h-M.jpg

Now, we had used our FP's for that ride, but still no wait, so off we went again!

We had a little wait this time, but this is where the line began:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/583099017_6cKyT-M.jpg

Again, it was July 5th, where were the crowds.:confused3

Just in case you didn't believe me about no lines, here is a pic walking up to that little line:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/583097816_79JD7-M.jpg

Now, I had seen pics of ToT from a different view and finally realized why I didn't have them.

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/583106446_2euQE-M.jpg

They were of the side as you walk out of the store. We are always heading off to our next adventure.

And some crowd pics at about 1:55pm:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/583107091_q9NMr-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/583107804_RAmKU-M.jpg

We did a little shopping and got a snack:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/583109540_wDVE3-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/583110039_RkK3H-M.jpg

No, we didn't get that snack. Those are $50! Kind of high for a treat, but they are huge and look so yummy! I recommend you buy a plain one about that size for $11. We did on the July trip and it lasted our trip and a week later at home. Think I finished it while writing my TR. FD and I got a frozen fruity drink, which was very good.

And look what I finally saw:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/583451659_FuX7o-M.jpg

An afternoon parade, but wait, this isn't really a parade but a party, but it a parade. I am so confused. We found a spot where we could stand in the shade. Had fun watching all the people that would come stand in the little taped off area, only to have the CM move them. I guess people think the rest of us just didn't want that prime location.

But, back to the parade....um Party!
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/583454793_QFUiW-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/583455457_FR7ks-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/583462300_swXQY-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/583463009_LezX3-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/583469879_jXx4o-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/583475405_myxXg-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/583475894_CK5Wt-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/583483357_SN6wx-M.jpg

Now at this point, we went ahead and moved on to the next attraction, so the view point of the pics is a little different:

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/583485390_ejg53-M.jpg

Anyone have a guess as to what we did. It was something I didn't think I would ever do.?

carissanboys

08-29-2009, 09:00 AM

scottny

08-31-2009, 08:31 PM

ooh what did you do next?

that is really empty. :thumbsup2

great pics.

jmskinner

09-02-2009, 01:06 AM

I can't believe you had never seen VOLM! I guess it's because neither Jonas or Jacob was interested? I made all of the men and boys in my party see it. :thumbsup2 And they all enjoyed it.

Wow - that park was empty! And walk ups at Prime Time? :cool1:

It's funny that we have seen the Disney Playhouse but not VOLM and would you believe Beauty and the Beast! One day I will see it all! Funny, you would think with all of these trips I would have by now.

ooh what did you do next?

that is really empty. :thumbsup2

great pics.

Thanks Scott. I can't believe FD is still talking to me because I know I sounded like a broken record over and over again "Where is everyone?"

Can't sleep so thought I would do another update since I need to get this done, I will soon be on my way back to the World this Friday. :banana: Really looking forward to this weekend. The only thing scheduled is MNSSHP, after that NOTHING planned.:scared1: No ADR's, haven't even decided which parks to go to. Jonas wants to go to Morocco to their counter service place to eat something, but other than that, no plans. Might see if we can get Jacob on the pirate cruise at CBR. Also thought we could try out a surrey bike and/or a canoe. Never been in a canoe. Ok, back to the TR.

jmskinner

09-02-2009, 01:39 AM

What were we doing next?

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/583486901_qvaAt-M.jpg

Here is the waiting area before you enter the theatre.
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/583486352_5RjsV-M.jpg

I was trying to figure out if Chris Brown should be shown at WDW?
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/583486618_gMcDU-M.jpg

Now, if you haven't seen this show and believe me this is one I didn't think I would enjoy, but I loved it and may be making the boys go to it this weekend. They have a guy come out and warm up the audience and he had us laughing so hard.

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/583489473_ZvksJ-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/583490027_xySKD-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/583492915_ETWeU-M.jpg

Here's the voting device:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/583493163_2xMbx-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/583495517_7bZDN-M.jpg

FD noted that the female judge was wearing the same dress she did when she was there the previous month.

I'm posting the pics of the contestants that shows their names, just because maybe someone knows one of them:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/583499515_XP4VB-M.jpg

Paul did a great job, can't remember what song he did, but he rocked it out and was very entertaining.

Now, this is the one I thought maybe someone might know:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/583500047_3QLut-M.jpg

Naomi was from Scotland. I know, not much chance that Di and Gordon, or ScotsMinnie would know her, but just thought it was cool and thought maybe they do. Don't remember exactly where she was from though.

(My spinkler system just came on and scared the you-know-what out of me.)

Ok, back to the TR.
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/583500328_5mPr3-M.jpg
James was the winner, even though I voted for Naomi and FD voted for James. FD even started saying it was rigged. :laughing: James was from Orlando.

After AIE we headed off in search of Monsters, Inc. FD wanted a pic with them.

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/583502172_7dskC-M.jpg
Still, where are the crowds.

I'm still not sure if FD wants her pic posted. But here we were, two grown women getting our pics with Mike and Sully and what happens. We are the last ones before they take a break. I felt bad.

Another crowd pic:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/583503800_XduSN-M.jpg

We went looking for this guy...
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/583504127_89rrr-M.jpg

but a CM told us he wasn't coming out today. Can't remember exactly what he said.

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/583504434_DiVzZ-M.jpg
The stand-by was 60 minutes at 3:00, so even on a slow day it gets backed up, but I noticed something. No line outside. We didn't go again though.

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/583504771_eteA9-M.jpg

We had FP's for RnRC and the wait was really long, but eventually we made it in. We finally made it to the point where only one train was ahead of us, we realized they were running the trains without anyone in them. Seems, one train wouldn't open the safety harnesses. We all cheered when we saw the one arrive with the harnesses up! As usual, great ride and I really enjoyed it since when we have Jacob with us I am always worried if he is ok.
Since you can't see FD in the pic very well:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/583505027_kXrWK-M.jpg

We headed out of the park and back to the Boardwalk.
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/583506863_J3Xre-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/583507892_ptMys-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/583508218_SKPfH-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/583508529_a3tx8-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/583508849_4jd3C-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/583509232_eWWRx-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/583509594_5A436-M.jpg

FD walked me back to the truck and wouldn't let me drive her back. As I pulled out of my space, my BFF, Vickie, called to check on me. They had just seen the news of the Monorail accident and she wondered if I had been there. Then as I am talking to her, I manage to take the wrong exit and end up, I don't know where, but eventually found my way home.

And that was it for my day with a fellow Dis'er!

ScotsMinnie

09-02-2009, 08:37 AM

irky416

09-02-2009, 09:41 PM

I just got caught up. Great pictures from ToT! I can't believe there were so few people there on July 5!

Glad you finally got to see VotLM! It was cute, but I might be biased because that's one of my favorite Disney (non-Pixar, of course!) movies!

Here's hoping you get to see B&tB soon!

Dr_Finkelstein

09-03-2009, 04:51 PM

Hi Melissa!

All caught up now - can't believe how quiet the parks are! And no, don't recognise Naomi. Great photos again!

Di x

jmskinner

09-04-2009, 06:57 AM

Loved reading about your day! Sorry didn't recognise Naomi!!! Did read in a magazine though that someone who was in the finals of X Factor (like American Idol with Simon Cowell) won a pass to American idol auditions through the attraction at Disney. He was there on holiday. The article was like "how can they win an audition at Disney World - perhaps he auditioned while he was there at the Orlando auditions???" Guess they hadn't heard of that attraction! Wish i had seen it now but it was yet another thing we didn't have time to do!

The crowds do seem very light. We were there that night and it wasn't much busier then either.

Can't wait for the next installment! When's the next one planned for?

Oh man, I must have just missed you. I really hate that I didn't get to meet you and your family while you were in Florida.

So they let the guy use his AIE pass there for X-Factor, very cool. I have a hard time seeing X-Factor as the name of a show because it is also a name of a comic book series, not sure if they still make it anymore. You will have to put AIE on your "have to" list for next time. Any plans for another trip yet?

I just got caught up. Great pictures from ToT! I can't believe there were so few people there on July 5!

Glad you finally got to see VotLM! It was cute, but I might be biased because that's one of my favorite Disney (non-Pixar, of course!) movies!

Here's hoping you get to see B&tB soon!

Well, I'm hoping my mother will come in October and maybe we can see B&tB together. She likes to watch shows. I did enjoy VotLM, I think Jacob might like it with the dog.

Hi Melissa!

All caught up now - can't believe how quiet the parks are! And no, don't recognise Naomi. Great photos again!

Di x

I figured it was a small chance of anyone recognizing Naomi. I don't know how the other parks were, but DHS was slow, reminded me of that 20th Anniversary day.

We are off to WDW today for MNSSHP. Can't wait to see the Pirate room at CBR. I've told Jonas we have to check out the room first before bringing anything up and making a mess. For those celebrating it, have a great and safe Labor Day Weekend and for all the others, have a great and safe weekend too!

ScotsMinnie

09-05-2009, 04:46 PM

Oh man, I must have just missed you. I really hate that I didn't get to meet you and your family while you were in Florida.

So they let the guy use his AIE pass there for X-Factor, very cool. I have a hard time seeing X-Factor as the name of a show because it is also a name of a comic book series, not sure if they still make it anymore. You will have to put AIE on your "have to" list for next time. Any plans for another trip yet?

Sorry i didn't make much sense there!!!! The guy was on the X Factor last year or the year before (I can't remember!!!) but he didn't win. He was in WDW on holiday and entered the Amercian Idol attraction and he won. He now has a pass to the American Idol auditions.

Although Simon is on both shows, Idol belongs to Simon Fuller. X Factor is Simons creation but is a total rip off of Idol. They came to some sort of out of court settlement when Simon Fuller sued him for blatant copying of his format! We don't have Idol in the UK anymore.

jmskinner

09-10-2009, 09:52 AM

Sorry i didn't make much sense there!!!! The guy was on the X Factor last year or the year before (I can't remember!!!) but he didn't win. He was in WDW on holiday and entered the Amercian Idol attraction and he won. He now has a pass to the American Idol auditions.

Although Simon is on both shows, Idol belongs to Simon Fuller. X Factor is Simons creation but is a total rip off of Idol. They came to some sort of out of court settlement when Simon Fuller sued him for blatant copying of his format! We don't have Idol in the UK anymore.

Oops, you probably explained it well, probably me having a moment. Hope the guy gets to audition over here. It would be funny for American Idol to have someone not American.:rotfl2: Sometimes I watch the show and sometimes I don't, usually just watch the tryouts.

Ok, will update now!

jmskinner

09-10-2009, 10:14 AM

Yes, my 40th birthday has passed, figured black lettering was appropriate for this update.:laughing: So, my brother was competing in the Nationals for the Assemblies of God Fine Arts competition and they were being held in Florida and it just happened to fall on my B-Day.

Thought I would throw in some pics of their visit in Tampa, they had rented a convertible:

My stepmom Cheryl:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/614021014_4zFxZ-M.jpg

My Dad, Keith, and Jacob:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/614021254_Xktry-M.jpg

And my brother, Tanner, and Jacob:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/614022038_67ZZQ-M.jpg

I took them out over the Sunshine Bridge:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/614022319_ABgbE-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/614022596_y9U9n-M.jpg

We then went to Treasure Island, sorry no treasure was found:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/614024884_UYzG8-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/614024272_qAxGE-M.jpg

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/614025536_xtih5-M.jpg

We were to go to dinner as soon as Jonas got home from work, but it looked like Jacob would need to change clothes:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/614026941_bGUfr-M.jpg

When we walked back to the car, Jacob ran ahead of us and was going to scare me. The only problem we stopped for something and he ended up jumping out and scaring this other woman!:scared1::lmao: He was so embarrassed.

A couple of days later, my folks church group went to MK and since it was on my B-Day I already had plans to go and get my gift card, so of course we met them.

Since the announcement was made that we would get a gift card in the amount of a one day admission since we had AP's I knew what I was going to get, so off to AK. I got my B-Day button and then also renewed our AP's that were going to be up on 8/13. I had heard a rumor that AP's were being renewed at this for 15 months instead of 12, but the CM didn't know anything about it.:sad2: I figured I would just ask again later.

And these are what I was wanting:

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/614029550_tx6HB-M.jpg

Some of them lit up:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/614029816_3uFiS-M.jpg

I thought I took a pic of the one I purchased, but now I can't find it. I also grabbed one of their bags you get for $10 when you spend $40. Jonas thought we could always use another.

I had my egg and now it was time to meet the folks at MK and we also had an ADR for WCC!

irky416

09-12-2009, 08:40 PM

Haha! I would have been embarrassed too about scaring the wrong person!

The egg looks really nice. I'd love to see a picture!

jmskinner

09-13-2009, 04:42 PM

Haha! I would have been embarrassed too about scaring the wrong person!

The egg looks really nice. I'd love to see a picture!

I'm just glad it wasn't someone with a heart condition that he scared.

I'll get a pic posted of the egg, can't believe I didn't take one yet.

Dr_Finkelstein

09-16-2009, 12:12 PM

All caught up now! You looked like you all had fun at Treasure island! The bridge looked really amazing!

Your birthday egg was lovely - you spent your gift card wisely!

Di x

jmskinner

09-17-2009, 10:46 AM

All caught up now! You looked like you all had fun at Treasure island! The bridge looked really amazing!

Your birthday egg was lovely - you spent your gift card wisely!

Di x

That really is a cool bridge, a little scary, but :cool1:!

All of those eggs were gorgeous. It was very hard to choose. Sadly, the gift card didn't cover it, but without the gift card I never would have purchased one.

On to the TR and me turning 40!

jmskinner

09-17-2009, 11:04 AM

After my
AK purchase it was back to the truck and on to MK. My Dad had called and they were at MK getting their tickets. All 60 members of their group would be there that day.

Now remember how I said I went ahead and got the renewals for our AP's. Well, we still had to use the old tickets because the renewal didn't go into effect until 8/13 and this was 8/2. Now, for whatever reason Jonas' renews in June and we went through the same thing. He had to use the old until the new one came up. Well, he totally forgot this and left Jacob's old pass, the current one in the truck. Well, I didn't know this until we get off the monorail.:sad2: He started to head back, but I thought maybe member services could help, so there were two areas open. I told Jonas to stand in one and I stood in the other. He finally called me and said he was next in line, so I jumped out of my line and met with him.

There was a lady there letting a few CM's have it because her ticket wouldn't work at the turnstile and the CM kept it and told her to go to services. Then services needed the ticket, that the CM at the turnstile had. It was a big mess and tied up a window the whole time Jonas was in line.

Finally I got to my window, explained what happened and the CM said she could get Jacob another ticket. Said she had actually kept someone passes by mistake one time, so she understood what we had done.

Finally we have our passes and make it into the park. Call my Dad who says they are in Tomorrowland, I told him we would meet him, but he said he would walk to us, they were by the Noodle Station. I figured we would walk into each other...nope. We make it to Buzz and no sign of them. Call him back and he said they were at the circle. I thought he meant in front of the castle, so I told Jonas and Jacob to stay there and I headed that way. Still didn't see them. Finally figured out, he was back at the front of the park.:headache: We finally meet up and that's when he said he thought we had to head to lunch for our 11:30 reservation, but I hadn't told him that I had pushed it back to 12:30. I figured we had time for one ride and decided to make it Buzz since we were right there.

Now Dad told me that he can't handle spinning or going backwards. I explained Buzz to him and he said he should be ok. Jonas and Jacob rode together, me and Dad and my Stepmom, Cheryl rode by herself.

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/614030313_qy9G3-M.jpg (http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/Florida-Living/Keith-Cheryl-and-Tanner-visit/9197847_ppEs9//614030313)

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/614030471_YjcsS-M.jpg (http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/Florida-Living/Keith-Cheryl-and-Tanner-visit/9197847_ppEs9//614030471)

Dad's score:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/614030661_tik83-M.jpg (http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/Florida-Living/Keith-Cheryl-and-Tanner-visit/9197847_ppEs9//614030661)

My score:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/614030860_uNBKe-M-1.jpg (http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/Florida-Living/Keith-Cheryl-and-Tanner-visit/9197847_ppEs9//614030860)

He came really close to beating me on his first try. I am horrible at Buzz, TSMM is my game!

And some of those redneck ride photos:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/614031362_htduG-M-1.jpg (http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/Florida-Living/Keith-Cheryl-and-Tanner-visit/9197847_ppEs9//614031362)

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/614031626_UimWW-M.jpg (http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/Florida-Living/Keith-Cheryl-and-Tanner-visit/9197847_ppEs9//614031626)

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/614031878_hwUJZ-M.jpg (http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/Florida-Living/Keith-Cheryl-and-Tanner-visit/9197847_ppEs9//614031878)

After this it was time for lunch. Anyone remember what I booked for my birthday lunch?

Finkelstein's Hubby

09-18-2009, 08:19 PM

SimmerBaggins

09-18-2009, 09:47 PM

I STILL would never know that was your dad...!! I like it that you rode it with him. :goodvibes

I love this that you met up with them...can't wait to see what else you rode with them! Cheryl looks like her normal zany self! :laughing:

Have you told them about this blog?

scottny

09-20-2009, 10:06 PM

all caught up.

great updates and pics.

the day with the Dis'er sounds like a nice time.

The trip to the island looked really nice.

jmskinner

09-22-2009, 12:26 PM

I will plead the 5th on what you asked for but I love reading your trip reports. I can conjure up all the places you refer to and seeing the picture reminds me of all my trips before....Buzz is a big fave of mine. Looking forward to the next part.

Gordon

Can't wait until next year when you and your family are able to make it back!

I STILL would never know that was your dad...!! I like it that you rode it with him. :goodvibes

I love this that you met up with them...can't wait to see what else you rode with them! Cheryl looks like her normal zany self! :laughing:

Have you told them about this blog?

I've mentioned it to them, but they are both really busy. Cheryl's mother has Alzeimers and lives with them, so this was a huge break for all of them. Don't know how they do it.

I have a hard time every time I see my Dad also. He is still that crazy guy, which you will soon realize how crazy, but he is starting to look his age. Don't tell him I said that.:laughing:

all caught up.

great updates and pics.

the day with the Dis'er sounds like a nice time.

The trip to the island looked really nice.

Thanks Scott. The island was nice. We use to get out and explore more wherever we lived, but haven't done it so much since moving to Florida, so when family comes we keep finding something new to do and see. Plus, beaches aren't as appealing to me now as when I was younger.:rolleyes1

jmskinner

09-22-2009, 12:52 PM

So, where did I choose for lunch. First hint:

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/614032194_vKbLj-M.jpg (http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/Florida-Living/Keith-Cheryl-and-Tanner-visit/9197847_ppEs9/1/#614032194_vKbLj-A-LB)

We had to take a boat from MK, so did we go here for lunch:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/614033555_pDQNT-M.jpg (http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/Florida-Living/Keith-Cheryl-and-Tanner-visit/9197847_ppEs9/1/#614033555_pDQNT-A-LB)

Nope.

We went on the bridge of water:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/614034132_33cEX-M.jpg (http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/Florida-Living/Keith-Cheryl-and-Tanner-visit/9197847_ppEs9//614034132)

Is that you call it when the road goes under the waterway? So, anyone guess where we were going?
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/614034703_hGCEi-M.jpg (http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/Florida-Living/Keith-Cheryl-and-Tanner-visit/9197847_ppEs9//614034703)

I'm sure most of you have guessed by now:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/614035028_gqEeE-M-1.jpg (http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/Florida-Living/Keith-Cheryl-and-Tanner-visit/9197847_ppEs9//614035028)

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/614035371_T2zMT-M.jpg (http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/Florida-Living/Keith-Cheryl-and-Tanner-visit/9197847_ppEs9//614035371)

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/614035609_naQf6-M.jpg (http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/Florida-Living/Keith-Cheryl-and-Tanner-visit/9197847_ppEs9//614035609)

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/614035893_2Wppf-M.jpg (http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/Florida-Living/Keith-Cheryl-and-Tanner-visit/9197847_ppEs9//614035893)

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/614036236_Utf7u-M.jpg (http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/Florida-Living/Keith-Cheryl-and-Tanner-visit/9197847_ppEs9//614036236)

Now, everytime we got to WL for WCC, it rains. It was sprinkling while we were on the boat.

Jacob started in with the Lincoln Logs while we waited on the table:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/614037776_sQbex-M.jpg (http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/Florida-Living/Keith-Cheryl-and-Tanner-visit/9197847_ppEs9//614037776)

We were taken back right away, the restaurant was very quiet, which was strange. I also noticed on the way to our table that every table had a bottle of ketchup already on it.:sad2:

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/614038422_Aey9N-M.jpg (http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/Florida-Living/Keith-Cheryl-and-Tanner-visit/9197847_ppEs9//614038422)

Our waitress was fantastic. The restaurant was very quiet, not the normal craziness going on, but she was fun. She kept dropping things and yelling at me to stop throwing things at her. She even gave us a pole dance:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/614039118_F9VMZ-M.jpg (http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/Florida-Living/Keith-Cheryl-and-Tanner-visit/9197847_ppEs9//614039118)

And I got a piece of birthday cake:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/614039696_HMyLA-M.jpg (http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/Florida-Living/Keith-Cheryl-and-Tanner-visit/9197847_ppEs9//614039696)

At one point I needed more tea and she brought me diet coke and said I would drink what she brought me. Maybe she was trying to give me a hint.:laughing: A few minutes later she brought me another glass of tea.

I need to ask Jonas because I can't remember what was going on here:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/614040313_Pszbb-M.jpg (http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/Florida-Living/Keith-Cheryl-and-Tanner-visit/9197847_ppEs9//614040313)

We had a very nice meal and were all incredibly full, but it was time to leave. Of course, we first had to argue over who would pick up the tab.

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/614040901_TVxvd-M.jpg (http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/Florida-Living/Keith-Cheryl-and-Tanner-visit/9197847_ppEs9//614040901)

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/614041273_kBrxc-M.jpg (http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/Florida-Living/Keith-Cheryl-and-Tanner-visit/9197847_ppEs9//614041273)

And how many times have I have been inside the WL lobby, but never noticed this:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/614041592_qufNT-M.jpg (http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/Florida-Living/Keith-Cheryl-and-Tanner-visit/9197847_ppEs9//614041592)

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/614041907_XZpzz-M.jpg (http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/Florida-Living/Keith-Cheryl-and-Tanner-visit/9197847_ppEs9//614041907)

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/614042592_oRYoV-M.jpg (http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/Florida-Living/Keith-Cheryl-and-Tanner-visit/9197847_ppEs9//614042592)

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/614043004_ZcL5k-M.jpg (http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/Florida-Living/Keith-Cheryl-and-Tanner-visit/9197847_ppEs9//614043004)

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/614043372_nCsXf-M.jpg (http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/Florida-Living/Keith-Cheryl-and-Tanner-visit/9197847_ppEs9//614043372)

We made our way back to the boat ramp just in time:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/614044187_7VpcU-M.jpg (http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/Florida-Living/Keith-Cheryl-and-Tanner-visit/9197847_ppEs9//614044187)

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/614044560_vy3aT-M.jpg (http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/Florida-Living/Keith-Cheryl-and-Tanner-visit/9197847_ppEs9//614044560)

Oops, got too picture happy and had 46 images in this post, next post coming right up!

jmskinner

09-22-2009, 12:57 PM

So, it was back to MK.
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/614046181_sKYuN-M.jpg (http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/Florida-Living/Keith-Cheryl-and-Tanner-visit/9197847_ppEs9//614046181)
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/614046470_L4m9h-M.jpg (http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/Florida-Living/Keith-Cheryl-and-Tanner-visit/9197847_ppEs9//614046470)

Something else I haven't caught before:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/614046905_LFZn6-M.jpg (http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/Florida-Living/Keith-Cheryl-and-Tanner-visit/9197847_ppEs9//614046905)

We headed into Frontierland:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/614047276_irUxN-M.jpg (http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/Florida-Living/Keith-Cheryl-and-Tanner-visit/9197847_ppEs9//614047276)

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/614047574_c9Uih-M.jpg (http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/Florida-Living/Keith-Cheryl-and-Tanner-visit/9197847_ppEs9//614047574)

And decided to take a Jungle Cruise:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/614048212_P4A4g-M.jpg (http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/Florida-Living/Keith-Cheryl-and-Tanner-visit/9197847_ppEs9//614048212)

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/614048624_aV96k-M.jpg (http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/Florida-Living/Keith-Cheryl-and-Tanner-visit/9197847_ppEs9//614048624)

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/614048985_VpdaU-M.jpg (http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/Florida-Living/Keith-Cheryl-and-Tanner-visit/9197847_ppEs9//614048985)

Had to mess with the tarantula:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/614049313_dRA8N-M.jpg (http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/Florida-Living/Keith-Cheryl-and-Tanner-visit/9197847_ppEs9//614049313)

And our tour guide was great:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/614049997_NtmNj-M.jpg (http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/Florida-Living/Keith-Cheryl-and-Tanner-visit/9197847_ppEs9//614049997)

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/614050321_2tP2w-M.jpg (http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/Florida-Living/Keith-Cheryl-and-Tanner-visit/9197847_ppEs9//614050321)

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/614051895_YB5HQ-M.jpg (http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/Florida-Living/Keith-Cheryl-and-Tanner-visit/9197847_ppEs9//614051895)

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/614053164_BF5r2-M.jpg (http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/Florida-Living/Keith-Cheryl-and-Tanner-visit/9197847_ppEs9//614053164)

And you know I have to throw in an animal butt, real or fake.:laughing:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/614053591_sHuVy-M.jpg (http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/Florida-Living/Keith-Cheryl-and-Tanner-visit/9197847_ppEs9//614053591)

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/614055189_7Eus3-M.jpg (http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/Florida-Living/Keith-Cheryl-and-Tanner-visit/9197847_ppEs9//614055189)

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/614055492_T2kHm-M.jpg (http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/Florida-Living/Keith-Cheryl-and-Tanner-visit/9197847_ppEs9//614055492)

We made it back safely. Dad and Cheryl enjoyed the corny jokes. Vickie can tell you, that my Dad and his wife could probably come up with some great ones for the ride. I have spent most of my life rolling my eyes, slapping my forehead, and saying "Oh Dad!" In fact, there was an "Oh Dad" moment coming up!

thecapells

09-22-2009, 01:27 PM

I need to ask Jonas because I can't remember what was going on here:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/614040313_Pszbb-M.jpg (http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/Florida-Living/Keith-Cheryl-and-Tanner-visit/9197847_ppEs9//614040313)

:rotfl:
What was going on here!?!?!?!
You have to remember - this is too weird...

SimmerBaggins

09-22-2009, 09:42 PM

Wow. That waitress looks scary.

I am just loving your pictures. You amuse me with the little butterfly pic -- that's something I would do! I think taking pictures really does something for you, girl.

I am so ready for a nice, relaxing boat ride...

Finkelstein's Hubby

09-27-2009, 11:10 AM

WCC is awesome, we loved it the last time. Shame they never did the ketchup thing though, our kids ended up with tons of bottles of the stuff. Looks like the waitress was "wired to a Mars bar", ie. insane :lmao:

Wilderness is my favourite resort but not managed to stay at it yet, maybe one day :thumbsup2

Gordon

jmskinner

09-27-2009, 12:08 PM

:rotfl:
What was going on here!?!?!?!
You have to remember - this is too weird...

I asked Jonas and he doesn't remember either. That waitress was fantastic though. I really loved her!

Wow. That waitress looks scary.

I am just loving your pictures. You amuse me with the little butterfly pic -- that's something I would do! I think taking pictures really does something for you, girl.

I am so ready for a nice, relaxing boat ride...

She wasn't scary at all, but my Dad didn't know what to think of her and you know my Dad. Or maybe he was just tired.

You will get to take that boat ride before long, anyone notice Vickie's sig???

WCC is awesome, we loved it the last time. Shame they never did the ketchup thing though, our kids ended up with tons of bottles of the stuff. Looks like the waitress was "wired to a Mars bar", ie. insane :lmao:

Wilderness is my favourite resort but not managed to stay at it yet, maybe one day :thumbsup2

Gordon

:rotfl2:Love the Mars Bar comment.:rotfl2: She was a lot of fun, don't know why they weren't doing the ketchup, but we still had a great time.

I hope you do get to stay there. I want to stay at all the resorts at least once in my lifetime.

Hey Gordon, just noticed your ticker, you are almost at the one year mark. It will be here before you know it!

Dr_Finkelstein

09-27-2009, 12:11 PM

Great updates and photos! I love WL! so it was great to see the photos of it! Shame about the ketchup bottles, I wonder if they've stopped doing it? I've read a couple of TRs on the DIBB (UK site), and they said they didn't get the big hoopla when they asked for ketchup. I had read somewhere that there had been some complaints about WCC and some people felt intimidated and picked on, but honestly!!!! Some people have no sense of humour, and personally I think if you complain about the fun in WCC you should get a lifetime ban from WDW! rant over now...:rolleyes1

Di x

jmskinner

09-27-2009, 12:45 PM

After living through the jokes on the Jungle Cruise, it was off to:

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/614055790_GZMnW-M.jpg (http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/Florida-Living/Keith-Cheryl-and-Tanner-visit/9197847_ppEs9/1/#614055790_GZMnW-A-LB)

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/614056189_hxapJ-M.jpg (http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/Florida-Living/Keith-Cheryl-and-Tanner-visit/9197847_ppEs9/1/#614056189_hxapJ-A-LB)

Now, here is when we had the "Oh Dad!" moment. We headed to the left line, which was only as long as the platform down to the boats. There was a CM looking over the railing at everyone. He was an older gentleman. My Dad sticks out his finger and says "Hey, pull this and see if we can clear out this line!" :scared1: (I wasn't really scared, but I think this work for shocked and embarassed also.):laughing: Only my Dad! We finally made it into the boats.

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/614056425_ou6v9-M.jpg (http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/Florida-Living/Keith-Cheryl-and-Tanner-visit/9197847_ppEs9/1/#614056425_ou6v9-A-LB)

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/614056846_VBwrk-M.jpg (http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/Florida-Living/Keith-Cheryl-and-Tanner-visit/9197847_ppEs9/1/#614056846_VBwrk-A-LB)

For some reason, Davy Jones wasn't there this day.:sad1:

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/614060682_KroM2-M.jpg (http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/Florida-Living/Keith-Cheryl-and-Tanner-visit/9197847_ppEs9/1/#614060682_KroM2-A-LB)

I do have to say one thing at this point, I wish people would stop using their flashes on this ride. I can always count on Jacob to yell out, "No Flash Photography!" That's my boy.:)

We headed over to check out SM and BTMRR, both had long waits so we decided to get FP's for BTMRR and then hopefully get on SM. Next up, HM.

Now as many times as I have been on this ride, I have never noticed the ornamentation on the benches in front of it:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/614063618_88xgC-M.jpg (http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/Florida-Living/Keith-Cheryl-and-Tanner-visit/9197847_ppEs9/1/#614063618_88xgC-A-LB)

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/614064527_SEeDW-M.jpg (http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/Florida-Living/Keith-Cheryl-and-Tanner-visit/9197847_ppEs9/1/#614064527_SEeDW-A-LB)

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/614065062_rn7h7-M.jpg (http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/Florida-Living/Keith-Cheryl-and-Tanner-visit/9197847_ppEs9/1/#614065062_rn7h7-A-LB)

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/614065612_Capq7-M.jpg (http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/Florida-Living/Keith-Cheryl-and-Tanner-visit/9197847_ppEs9/1/#614065612_Capq7-A-LB)

It wasn't too long of a wait before we were inside:

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/614066255_UBxJe-M.jpg (http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/Florida-Living/Keith-Cheryl-and-Tanner-visit/9197847_ppEs9/1/#614066255_UBxJe-A-LB)

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/614066709_nX72o-M.jpg (http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/Florida-Living/Keith-Cheryl-and-Tanner-visit/9197847_ppEs9/1/#614066709_nX72o-A-LB)

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/614067250_a6Qp3-M.jpg (http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/Florida-Living/Keith-Cheryl-and-Tanner-visit/9197847_ppEs9/1/#614067250_a6Qp3-A-LB)

We still had some time before our FP and decided on this one:

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/614068825_fazBf-M-2.jpg (http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/Florida-Living/Keith-Cheryl-and-Tanner-visit/9197847_ppEs9/1/#614068825_fazBf-A-LB)

It was nice to get out of the heat and the folks seemed to be really enjoying themselves.

Now it was time for BTMRR:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/614071968_BVKKf-M.jpg (http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/Florida-Living/Keith-Cheryl-and-Tanner-visit/9197847_ppEs9/1/#614071968_BVKKf-A-LB)

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/614072569_pEMtM-M.jpg (http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/Florida-Living/Keith-Cheryl-and-Tanner-visit/9197847_ppEs9/1/#614072569_pEMtM-A-LB)

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/614075352_UaJz4-M.jpg (http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/Florida-Living/Keith-Cheryl-and-Tanner-visit/9197847_ppEs9/1/#614075352_UaJz4-A-LB)

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/614075862_b2EjQ-M.jpg (http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/Florida-Living/Keith-Cheryl-and-Tanner-visit/9197847_ppEs9/1/#614075862_b2EjQ-A-LB)

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/614076531_n3Agg-M.jpg (http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/Florida-Living/Keith-Cheryl-and-Tanner-visit/9197847_ppEs9/1/#614076531_n3Agg-A-LB)

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/614077074_VfN4Z-M.jpg (http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/Florida-Living/Keith-Cheryl-and-Tanner-visit/9197847_ppEs9/1/#614077074_VfN4Z-A-LB)

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/photos/614078623_y8n7V-M.jpg (http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/Florida-Living/Keith-Cheryl-and-Tanner-visit/9197847_ppEs9/1/#614078623_y8n7V-A-LB)

Can you imagine, I have too may pics in my post, the rest of this is coming up in the very next post.