That's it, moved to FL to be closer to Mickey! Update 11/1 MNSSHP 9/4

[jmskinner]

:ssst: Don't tell the military, they think we moved to Florida because we had orders. :rotfl: Even though the big trip is over and has been reported on, I have decided to keep this going since I plan on making many day trips. So, this is now my official TR and MTR (mini TR). Would love to have more join us, so I have posted links to all of the chapters to make it easier. I have separated between the true TR and the MTR's. Sorry, some have moving info and if you want to read about the entire move and all of the drama, you will have to read the whole thing, but it has been an amazing adventure!

The Official TR
Chapter 1 House Hunting (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=25869854&postcount=4)
Chapter 2 House Hunting Done, Now our 1st day at WDW! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=25900439&postcount=13)
Day 2 Part 1 SWW! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=25926584&postcount=20)
Day 2 Part 2 More SWW and TL! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=25976674&postcount=34)
Day 3 Fathers Day at Epcot (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=25993671&postcount=37)
Update on the move, but includes Photopass pics up to Day 3 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=26034300&postcount=40)
Day 3 Part 2, More Epcot, WCC (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=26046214&postcount=46)
Day 3 Part 3, Magic Kingdom! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=26063300&postcount=48)
Day 4 Chef Mickey's and AK EMH (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=26137933&postcount=58)
Day 5 POFQ Pool and Epcot (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=26506639&postcount=82)
Day 6 AK and DHS for Fantasmic! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=26767666&postcount=87)
Day 7 Magic Kingdom (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=26767666&postcount=87)
Day 7 Part 2, More Magic Kingdom (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=26991062&postcount=109)
Day 8 We say goodbye to Kara; a little DTD and DHS (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=27107749&postcount=125)
The worse day, going home! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=27161403&postcount=130)
Going home part 2! (http://http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=27335921&postcount=163)

The MTR Reports!
First Daytrip to MK at Florida Residents (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=26353087&postcount=72)
Augut 30th Epcot, Ponchos On, Ponchos Off! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=27274612&postcount=144)
Our 1st overnight trip as FL residents, Ch 1 The road to WDW! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=27914134&postcount=206)
Ch2 MNSSHP (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28002355&postcount=214)
Ch 3 The rest of MNSSHP (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28098353&postcount=228)
Ch4 DHS (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28153166&postcount=229)
ASMu Pool, PH, and Bounce Back (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28238068&postcount=236)
MTR of Typhoon Lagoon 10/18/08 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28238068&postcount=236)
11/01/08 MTR of MK (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28497470&postcount=245)
MTR of MK Part 2 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28498079&postcount=246)
I got to see Night Ranger,but not before the adults have a meltdown TR! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28840050&postcount=255)
Egmont Island (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28993155&postcount=262)
Pirate Adventure Dinner Theatre (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28993637&postcount=263)
You have a large insect with a nasty bite on your butt! AK on 03/14/09 (http://http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=30906636&postcount=400)
You have a large insect with a nasty bite on your butt! AK on 03/14/09 Ch 2 (http://http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=30929065&postcount=407)
You have a large insect with a nasty bite on your butt! AK on 03/14/09 ch 3 (http://http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=30935218&postcount=411)
You have a large insect with a nasty bite on your butt! AK on 03/14/09 Ch 4 (http://http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=30935597&postcount=413)
You have a large insect with a nasty bite on your butt! AK on 03/14/09 Ch 5 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=31159607&postcount=436)
You have a large insect with a nasty bite on your butt! AK on 3/14/09 Ch 6 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=31066895&postcount=428)
You have a large insect with a nasty bite on your butt! AK on 03/14/09 Ch 7 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=31159607&postcount=436)

MK on 04/04/09, before the Spring Break crowds Ch 1 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=31281572&postcount=454)
Ch 2 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=31299845&postcount=459)
Ch 3 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=31360889&postcount=474)
Ch 4 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=31409074&postcount=489)
Ch 5 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=31473149&postcount=501)

It may be tax day, but it's my neighbor's birthday. Epcot on 04/15/09 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=31528238&postcount=508http://)

Epcot Flower and Garden Festival on 04/18/09 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=31622318&postcount=519)
Ch 2 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=31622318&postcount=519)
Ch 3 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=31906687&postcount=539)

20th Anniversary of DHS 05/01/09 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=31924173&postcount=545)
Ch 2 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=31939026&postcount=550)
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=31963744&postcount=557

My boys took me to WDW for Mother's Day 5/9/09 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32064537&postcount=568)
Ch 2 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32146731&postcount=579)
Ch 3 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32167996&postcount=585)
Ch 4 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32309645&postcount=604)
Ch 5 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32293916&postcount=599)
Ch 6 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32309645&postcount=604)

Star Wars Weekends Weekend One 5/22/09 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32341237&postcount=612)
Ch 2 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32428817&postcount=633)
Ch 3 Parade pics (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32444412&postcount=638)
Ch 4 More parade pics (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32444569&postcount=639)
And more parade pics (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32444569&postcount=639)
Ch 6 The last of the parade pics, different camera. (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32445059&postcount=641)

Wishes and More, a special presentation with Steven Davison, VP of Parades and Spectaculars for AP holders 6/20/09 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32368112&postcount=620)
Ch 2 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32379487&postcount=624)
Ch 3 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32428237&postcount=632)

DisneyQuest 06/24/09 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32647395&postcount=681)

Magic Kingdom 06/28/09 for the AP Hall of Presidents Preview (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32870129&postcount=698)
Magic Kingdom 06/28/09 for the AP Hall of Presidents Preview Ch 2 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32870357&postcount=699)

A day with a fellow Dis'er (July 5th at DHS) (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33145459&postcount=711)
A day with a fellow Dis'er Ch 2 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33201334&postcount=716)
A day with a fellow Dis'er Ch 3 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33357554&postcount=722)

Christmas 2008 MTR's with the parents!
Christmas Eve 2008 at Epcot with my parents! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=29720525&postcount=277)
Ch 1 of DHS on 12/27/08 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=29807405&postcount=287)
Ch 2 of DHS on 12/27/08 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=29862452&postcount=298)
Ch 3 of DHS on 12/27/08 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=29862872&postcount=299)
AK on 12/28/08 Ch 1 (http://http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=30000393&postcount=312)
AK on 12/28/08 CH 2 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=30001208&postcount=313)
Don't go to MK on a Monday part 1 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=30147029&postcount=327)
Don't go to MK on a Monday part 2 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=30282026&postcount=335)
Epcot on 01/04 with 2 DMIL's (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=30407963&postcount=352)
Epcot on 01/04 with 2 DMIL's part 2 (http://http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=30790048&postcount=379)
Epcot on 01/04 with 2 DMIL's part 3 (http://http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=30791914&postcount=382)

Back in March 0f 2008 we learned we would be moving to Tampa. I got very excited:banana: , "we will be an hour away from WDW!". So, my TR to WDW will not only include details of our trip to WDW, but our adventures of looking for a home in Florida.

The cast:

Me, Melissa a 39 year old crazy woman who became obsessed with WDW after just one trip. My first trip was in 2006, yup didn't make it until I was 36 years old. I am a 13 year military wife with one son, Jacob, who is 10. Previously I was an insurance agent, but now I am a stay at home Mom.

Next, is JS, my 38 year old husband. He is 5 months younger than me and never lets me forget it. He has 15 years in the military, :woohoo: 5 more to go! He is a Sci-Fi geek, plays Guild Wars on the computer, paints Warhammer miniatures,loves Star Wars! Oh, and he loves his Mustang.

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

Our son, Jacob, 10 years old and a 4th grader. He loves Star Wars and Transformers. Also Bionicles and computer games. He wasn't real excited about moving. He has ADHD and Sensory Processing Disorder, so on top of being very hyper, he hates change. This past summer he was diagnosed with Anxiety also. He will be my companion on most day trips, whether he likes it or not.

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

Another member of this crazy cast, probably the least crazy of us all is my step-daughter Kara. She is now 16 years old, a licensed driver on the roads. We hardly ever get to see her, so when she said she would like to join us at WDW, we got very excited.
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/100_2927.jpg

I know, I didn't include a picture of myself. I can't find any I like, so here is a group photo.

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/DSCN0090.jpg

Now, I know it sounds :crazy2: to plan a trip house hunting, followed by a week at WDW, but since Kara will probably have to get a job once she starts driving, we figured this may be our only chance to have her join us, so we emptied the bank account and went for it.

Did we find a house, you will just have to wait until the next posting.
Melissa

[tinknme]

Great start, I am ready for more :thumbsup2

[macheath]

Taking a seat! popcorn:: Can't wait for more!

[jmskinner]

Thanks for joining tinknme and macheath!

On June 9th we were at the airport at 6:00am for our 7:30am flight. Not a problem on this flight everything went great. Got to DFW and our next flight wasn't until 12:45. So we went into the USO Club and had breakfast. I had never been in the USO at DFW before. It was very nice and it is great to know that our military have a great place to rest and relax between flights. All of the volunteers there were wonderful. It started to get a little crowded so we thought we would make room for others and let Jacob go play in the play areas at the airport. Then headed over to our gate. Flight delayed until 1:50, ok lets go have lunch so we went to Chili's. Then waited on our flight. Finally lifted off at 2:30. Now originally we were to arrive in Tampa at 3:30, well that obviously wasn't happening. But we were on our way, so we were happy. We all fell asleep on the flight. Then we had to circle due to the weather. They said it was actually hailing, which it supposedly doesn't do in Florida that much. Considering we were coming from a hail prone area, we figured we were bringing it with us. But we finally landed, only to get stuck on the runway since there was lightning in the area. The pilot would announce that the tower had told him another 5 minutes and we would be good to go, and then the little lights would come on again. We finally got to the gate after 6:00. Found our luggage and finally figured out where we needed to go to get our rental car from Alamo.

First complaint on the trip, we rented a full-size car. The website showed a Grand Prix or comparable auto. We were given a Chevy Malibu. No complaints about this car, it was nice, but I do not consider it a full size car. But, JS said that was the only model availabe in the full size car, so we didn't go in and argue. :offtopic: I did just email Alamo my complaint because I went on Chevy's website and on the home page it shows the Malibu with a critics quote stating what a great "mid-size" car it is.

We bought a Tom-Tom specifically for this trip and our move. We get it out, I already had the address for the hotel on base programmed in and off we went. After circling the airport once, we found our way. No problems getting to base and finding the office to the hotel. They gave us a Temporary Lodging Facility room. All we really wanted was a room, TLF is basically a house. Two bedrooms, living room, and kitchen. Which I liked having separate bedrooms and 3 TV's, but along with the key we are handed an inventory and we were to verify everything was in the room. Including can of starch, even the # of travel shampoos, soaps, etc. I get irritated when we had more of some items then we should, and not enough of others, so JS says he will do it. But we had a place to sleep.

The next morning we drove over to our realors office. Her name is Anita, and is she is just wonderful. We had already picked out a lot of houses on the web and she had sent us the MLS' on them so we were good to go. We looked at house until almost 6:00 that night. Saw some really nice houses, but one stuck out in my head all day. It was new construction that was way over the limit we had set. I didn't even want to look at it. I walked in, saw how great it was and basically stopped looking at it because I knew it was too much. Anita kept telling me the builder would work with us. But we kept looking. I kept comparing everything to the new house. We looked at a lot of other new houses, but nothing compared to it. They were even in our price range.

After house hunting we went to Macaroni Grill. This use to be one of our favorite restaurants, but they keep messing with their menu and now they don't really offer anything special for us. All we would like is some Ravoli for JS, and they use to have a Ravioli with Marinara and an Alfredo Sauce that I liked, but both are now off of the menu. I did have an Italian Margarita. :) Of course, after not eating all day, I got blitzed quickly. I kept looking at the floorplan for our house, JS would take it away and within 5 minutes I would have it back. We then went to Target to get some items we forgot and snacks for WDW. My DMIL called and I answered with "you don't want to talk to us right now". She asked what was wrong and I told her about the house. She told us not to do it, which I knew we shouldn't.

So, the next day we looked at more houses. JS hadn't mentioned anything about the "dreamhouse", so I thought he didn't like it. Well, finally after yet another house, he said, "it isn't that new house is it?". :yay: He liked the new house the same as me.:yay: So we went back and looked at it again. Then called the sales clerk we had spoken to at the builder and started negotiating. We then called the mortgage company to see what we could do. They needed to work on it so we went to eat. Found Jacob a Chuck E Cheese, so he was happy. It was a nice Chuck E Cheese. Most of the new ones we have been in were directed to more younger kids, but this had a little bit for everyone.:cool1: Back to the hotel from there.

Thursday we decided to not bother trying to stay in TLF on base another night. No reason to drive all the way over there so we went ahead and checked out. Which required having one of the cleaning staff sign off on the inventory. They were like, we will be there between such and such hours. JS told them he had a 10:00am appt and they would meet him at 9:00am. I kept giving him a hard time about using his rank. Well, when they did not show up, he went looking for them. They are all taking a smoke break, but they signed off on the inventory and gave us the missing items.

Off to the realtors office again. We spent several hours working with the mortgage company. Anita had another client coming in and there wasn't much more we could do so left and had lunch.

Ok, does anyone like Zaxby's? If you haven't heard of it, it is a chicken and wing place. We ate there when we lived in SC. Love, Love, Love this place and we will be within about 15minutes of one.:woohoo:

We then checked into the hotel and took a nap. Then got up and found some dinner. It had stormed, so swimming for Jacob was out. Oh, at this point I realize I left my hair dryer back at TLF. :mad:

On Friday we loaded up, off to Anita's office to sign a contract. Well, couldn't do a contract since we weren't pre-qualified (which wasn't going to happen since they would need paperwork we had at home), but we did sign the sheets showing what all would be included in the home and gave them a check. Ok, I was all prepared to give $500 or even a $1000 in ernest money. No, builders in FL or at least this area of FL want $5000. So we headed over to the builders office to drop off the paperwork and take pictures of the house. Gave them our check.:scared1:

Then off to take pictures of the new home. Here it is:

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/Florida%20House/100_8383.jpg

The kitchen:
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/Florida%20House/100_8406.jpg

I'll be able to watch TV while cooking without buying another TV! This is a pic from where the TV will be into the kitchen.
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/Florida%20House/DSCN0538.jpg

And it is on a conservation lot, which means no one can build behind us.
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/Florida%20House/DSCN0568.jpg

The part that really sold me on this house. The family next door has two sons Jacob's age. Our current neighborhood either has very young boys, or all girls! So, I hope they will be able to get along.

Now, had a house, pictures of the house. What to do now, oh, go to WDW!:banana: :yay:

Next will be our first day at WDW! I apologize for being so wordy and taking so long to get to the WDW part, but this part effects our WDW trip. Why you may ask? We were trying to get pre-qualified without selling our current home because the builder won't do a contract contingent on selling a home. Will we be qualified, will our home sell or will we have two houses with no electricity or food?
The STRESS!!!

[hmdavid]

LOVE the house!!! Can't wait to read more!popcorn::

[irky416]

Great start! Love the house pictures. I can't wait to read more! :goodvibes

[tyandskyesmom]

Oh I'm so jealous! I keep going back and forth about moving to Florida and I just have not been able to...my husband thinks it is because of Mickey but I keep telling him it is more than that...he does not believe me!

I also have a 9 year old son entering 4th grade in the fall...and his 4 year old sister...thay'd love to move!

That house looks great...can't wait to see how it all turns out for you guys!

[jmskinner]

LOVE the house!!! Can't wait to read more!popcorn::
Thank you.
Great start! Love the house pictures. I can't wait to read more! :goodvibes
Thank you!
Oh I'm so jealous! I keep going back and forth about moving to Florida and I just have not been able to...my husband thinks it is because of Mickey but I keep telling him it is more than that...he does not believe me!

I also have a 9 year old son entering 4th grade in the fall...and his 4 year old sister...thay'd love to move!

That house looks great...can't wait to see how it all turns out for you guys!
Thank you. My Jacob isn't too thrilled about moving. He hates change, wanted a house with a pool, hates sweating and hates bugs. Hopefully once we get there and make our first trip to WDW he will change his mind.

I have spent all morning trying to get pictures ready for this trip report. Just realized I have two days of pics missing, so I guess JS forgot to move them from his laptop. But I have enough to get through the first 4 days.:woohoo:

Also dealing with house concerns. We signed the contract on the new house. I noticed it stated there should be a wine rack about the fridge, so I asked about it and there was suppose to be one. I told her to go ahead and make the change, and then DMIL emailed me and said due to the heat from a fridge it isn't a good spot for wine. I don't want to have this lady call back, plus, I think it will dress up the kitchen a little bit more. So, we are going with it. The builders representative keeps telling how good the house looks now that it is just about complete. That doesn't make it any easier when you are trying to make sure you qualify.

I'll post more later, hope everyone has a great day.
Melissa

[Disneychix]

OMG!! What a great start to a vacation! (well minus the $5k!) But it's for your DREAM house!!

[tinknme]

Melissa what a beautiful home! Sending lot's of :wizard: your way. Look forward to more :thumbsup2

[the4princesses]

congrat's on the house!!:banana:
Did you get a buyer for the house in Tx.?
The house looks like the one we stayed in when we went to WDW
in 2006!!
Does it have a pool?
how many bedrooms?
Can't wait to hear more about the trip and see pictures!!:banana:
Yeah!!
Kathy:cutie:

[jmskinner]

OMG!! What a great start to a vacation! (well minus the $5k!) But it's for your DREAM house!!

That's what I keep telling myself!

Melissa what a beautiful home! Sending lot's of :wizard: your way. Look forward to more :thumbsup2

Thank you.

congrat's on the house!!:banana:
Did you get a buyer for the house in Tx.?
The house looks like the one we stayed in when we went to WDW
in 2006!!
Does it have a pool?
how many bedrooms?
Can't wait to hear more about the trip and see pictures!!:banana:
Yeah!!
Kathy:cutie:

We have a contract on our current house. We are in the 10 day inspection window where they can opt out, but termite inspection has been done and the other inspection is being done tomorrow. I also have the movers coming to figure out how much stuff we have.

I have a friend that lived in Orlando and when she saw pictures of the new house, she said typical Florida home. Our new home does not have a pool, Jacob is a little upset with that, but there is a community one. It is 4 bedrooms plus an office. I know 3 people, what do we need all the room for?:confused3 We have a lot of stuff, including Jacob so I plan on using one room to put exercise equipment in and make it his playroom.

I will try to do an update tonight. Must get it done before the packers come. They will be here July 8th.:scared1:

[jmskinner]

Finally got some pics ready for the TR, so here we go before the boys come home and want on the computer.

As we leave our soon to be subdivision, there is this billboard right outside of it:
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/AdultCommunitySign.jpg

JS had seen them all over and just thought they were funny. He wants to know what kind of "active" community it is?

So we find our way to I4 and are on our way. The highway signs pointing to WDW didn't get me excited, it was this:

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/MHpowerpole.jpg

"A power pole with a Mickey Head, we must be close."

Then we saw this:
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/WDWEntrance.jpg

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/TOTSign.jpg

We were there. Now I started getting nervous about getting to POR. Our first fight when dating was over directions and we never seem to go somewhere new without getting into an argument over directions. I did not want to start WDW with an argument, so I stayed very attentive and helped him find the hotel and we did without any problems. Take that TomTom.:)

We get to the hotel and find out our room wasn't ready. Probably didn't help that I had requested a specific room. They explained how we could leave our stuff with bell services, but we had cases of cokes and water and all of this other stuff so we decided to keep the rental car until the room was ready. Hopefully we wouldn't be charged too much extra. Well, we had dinner that night and I didn't plan on using the DDP for it, so I thought why not get our AP's and get the DDE. So we headed over to HS to get AP's. Once there we saw the big SWW sign and got a couple of pics:

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/JSatstormtrooper.jpg

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/Jacobasstormtrooper.jpg

I was excited, our first photopass pictures. We didn't do this on our first trip to WDW and I had preordered the CD for this trip, we were on our way.

Got into the park and headed over to Guest Relations. No line, we were able to go right up to the next CM. We asked if we could get the Fl rate since we will soon be FL residents, she explained that once we move to FL they would credit us the difference.:cool1: JS decided not to get the DDE, my whole point in getting the AP's that day. Oh well.

We decided to do some SWW shopping and headed over the Wicket's Store. But as we got on main street, DMIL called to say they were close (they were bringing Kara so she could stay the week with us) and while JS spoke with her, Jacob and I decided to go buy rain ponchos because we saw this:

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/HerecomestherainatHS.jpg

I had bought ponchos at Wal-Mart, but our suitcases were so full, JS said we would just buy them at the park. So Jacob and I bought those, came out of the store and JS was still on the phone. So Jacob and I had a couple of pictures done for the Photopass.

Finally JS gets off of the phone and we head to Wicket's. Of course, we walked past TSM on the way to the store, so we knew where to head in the morning. As soon as I saw the inside of Wicket's store, I knew we were in trouble. We bought the poster that matches the above sign, a t-shirt, the little stuffed Goofy and Mickey, some pins, and Jacob bought a SW ship. We were like kids in a candy store.

Once out of the store we checked on our hotel room and it was ready so we headed back to POR. Remember, those clouds earlier, the impending rain that was coming. Well, it never rained, but we had ponchos.

Found our room without a problem. We didn't get the room we requested, but the one right next door, which was a few steps closer to the hotel lobby.:cool1:

Jacob and I unpacked while JS took the rental car back:

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/Room.jpg

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/Room2.jpg

Sorry, I meant to get pictures before we destroyed the room.

Once JS was back, I took Jacob swimming while we waited on DMIL and her boyfried to get there with Kara.

Here he is at the quiet pool:
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/Jacobinpool.jpg
He wanted to go to the pool with a slide, so I took him over to Ol' Man Island (he is the skinny one falling into the pool):
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/Jacobatmainpool.jpg

Here are some pics of the hotel grounds on the walk over:
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/Horsedrawncarriage.jpg
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/HotelGazebo.jpg
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/Hotelmainbldgingfromacrossthelobby.jpg

Then it did start to rain and of course we didn't carry ponchos to the pool. Here is a picture of the water wheel on the side of the dining hall:
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/Waterwheelintherain.jpg

Got dressed and finally Kara arrived. DMIL and her boyfriend headed over to find their hotel, the Regal Sun and we were to meet them at Raglan Road. We waited a little bit and then headed over to the boat. Here is a pic of the river from the bridge on the walk over:
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/Riverfrombridge.jpg
And on the boat to DTD:
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/Karaonboat.jpg
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/BoysonBoat.jpg

Found DMIL and her DBF and had a nice dinner. They tried to pay the ticket, but they had driven Kara down for us, so we grabbed it real quick. Then I saw the amount :scared1: . While waiting to pay, we got to hear the band and see some of the dancing:

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/DanceratRaglanRoad.jpg

I apologize for her eyes, I can't figure out how to get the red eye edit to work.

All I have heard for two years since being at WDW is how Jacob wants to go back to Legoland, so we headed over there after dinner.

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/JacobatLegoLand.jpg
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/JacoblegoguyonDinosaur.jpg

Talked Jacob into not buying anything since he had already made one purchase for the day and we would be back. Said goodbye to the DMIL and her DBF and headed back to the hotel.

Day 2 was rope drop at HS for SWW! I couldn't wait, but I slept really well.

[irky416]

Great pictures! I'm glad it didn't rain on you. I bet those ponchos came in handy later, though, if the weather earlier in the week was at all like it was later in the week.

[tinknme]

Melissa where you in Oak Manor at POR? This is what I requested for our Aug, trip.

We have never stayed here before & your pictures are getting me excited! I do have a question, is the shampoo & conditioner in separate bottles? If they are that is one less thing I will pack. My hair does not do well with the shampoo/conditioner mixed. Also does the fridge have a freezer?

Look forward to reading more :thumbsup2

[havinfun]

I have two sons in the military and I love Disney. I enjoyed your pre-trip and am happy you are posting a trip report. Go slow if you have to, you have lots to do and I am patient.

[jmskinner]

Melissa where you in Oak Manor at POR? This is what I requested for our Aug, trip.

We have never stayed here before & your pictures are getting me excited! I do have a question, is the shampoo & conditioner in separate bottles? If they are that is one less thing I will pack. My hair does not do well with the shampoo/conditioner mixed. Also does the fridge have a freezer?

Look forward to reading more :thumbsup2

No, we were in Panterre Place, but the whole resort is just lovely. Hate to tell you this, but shampoo & conditioner were one bottle and the fridge does not have a freezer. We turned it up and one area of it would freeze bottles of water. Actually, you reminded me of something to mention in the next portion of our TR.

You will love POR though. To me it is nice to walk out of the room and not see a hallway or lobby, but trees and flowers!

Hi Havinfun! I put in a lot in that last post didn't I? Can you tell I am talker? I want to get this done before I forget things (walked around WDW thinking, I got to remember this for the TR, even JS would say, "this is going in your TR isn't it?". Plus, really won't have time once we move and I get frustrated trying to work on the laptop.

I will probably post tonight, but if I get busy, everyone have a great weekend!:)

[tinknme]

Thank you! I will pack my own shampoo & conditioner :thumbsup2


No, we were in Panterre Place, but the whole resort is just lovely. Hate to tell you this, but shampoo & conditioner were one bottle and the fridge does not have a freezer. We turned it up and one area of it would freeze bottles of water. Actually, you reminded me of something to mention in the next portion of our TR.

You will love POR though. To me it is nice to walk out of the room and not see a hallway or lobby, but trees and flowers!

[jmskinner]

The inspector just left. But he is sitting out front because the buyers may come by.:scared1: I wasn't expecting them. Hopefully the house doesn't look too bad. I guess they expect us to be packing and stuff.

The good news, that inspector wasn't too bad on the eyes. :rolleyes1

[jmskinner]

At 6:15am the phone rings and I hear Stitch in my ear. Time to get up, I want to be at HS for rope drop. We had originally planned to try to get autographs of the SW stars, but the only one Jacob wanted was David Prowse (Darth Vader). The night before I got on the Dis and learned that he had not done SWW in several years and how people were planning on getting there as early as 3am to get in line, so that was out. Jacob wasn't too upset.

I got dressed, then woke up JS, then Kara, and then Jacob. Out of all of us, Jacob was the worse, turned out to be a morning ritual. We went to the dining hall and had a little breakfast. Jacob had some cereal so I could give him his medicine. I had hoped to leave him off of it every other day, but realized that wouldn't work. I try to do that because once he takes it, he won't eat again until 8:00 or 9:00 at night.:sad2:

Then we were off. It wasn't a long wait for the bus at all. We got to the park before 8:30. Jacob was excited to see the storm troopers at the gate.

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/WDW%202008%20Day%202/StormtrooperatDHS.jpg

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/WDW%202008%20Day%202/clonetrooperatdhs.jpg

Jacob kept asking how he got on top of that building, and then the next couple of times we went to HS, he would ask where he was and why wasn't he up there?

We head for the magic hat. A family asked me if we had been there before and asked about FP's. They were wanting to do Indiana Jones and I explained how you can get FP's and how once your hour is there, you can get another and then ride the ride, but I didn't think this would work with Indy since it is a show. I have since learned that maybe IJ isn't linked to the rest of the system and you can actually have another FP at the same time. I'll have to try this next time. I felt good that my Dising may have helped someone else. I also noticed others were listening to me. Oops, too many others may know our secrets.

Waiting on rope drop:
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/WDW%202008%20Day%202/waitingonropedrop.jpg

Everyone else waiting on rope drop:
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/WDW%202008%20Day%202/crowdatropedrop.jpg

That rope dropped and there was a mad dash for TSM. We got there without pushing little kids down (I had to hold myself back). Got the FP's (which I couldn't get one ticket to work and the CM told me to try different directions because the reader can read it in all four directions) and it worked. We decided to go ahead and ride TSM. The CM's were telling everyone it was a 20 minute wait. We decided to go ahead and ride, the FP's weren't until after 10:00am.

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/WDW%202008%20Day%202/TSMque.jpg

As I am taking the above picture, I realize my camera battery is going dead. I panic. This is SWW, I have to take lots of pictures. So I put my camera away and JS takes out his. A couple of shots and he realizes his is going down also.:eek: So, we didn't get a pic of Mr. Potato Head.:worried:

TSM was great though. We all really enjoyed it. Jacob was still in a foul mood, this child just isn't a morning person at all. Not that I am, but Jacob is a true bear!

We then needed the bathroom and headed over to where the backlot tour was. We see Darth Vader. "Oh no, my camera's going dead, I can't take pictures of him." We talk Jacob to getting in line for his picture. Actually, I wait in line while everyone else shops, etc. That was a fun line. There were two little boys dressed up as troopers that had their picture taken. Several kids were afraid of Darth. The best one was a man with a t-shirt that said "I am with illogical". He tried to stand so it would point at the Vader, but he wasn't having it. The person playing Vader was great!

We finally are next in line, I make Kara join us also. First thing, JS tells Jacob "just turn him off" and acts like he is going to press a button on Darth's costume. Darth confronts him. It was great. I will post the photopass pictures once I get the CD, which from other posts sounds like this week.:woohoo:

By this time it is after 10:00 so TSM time. We ride again. I really wish we could have done this one several more times. It is a great ride.

Kara and I head over to get FP's for Rock N Roller Coaster while the boys looked for a good spot to watch the parade. We met up and got ice cream, Jacob and I got the Mickey Head sandwiches. We found our seats on the stairs of the ABC Theatre, right next to the VIP section. Can't go wrong when you are next to the VIP's.

I have to say, several people sat down in front of us and stayed seated. I was afraid once the parade started they would stand up and Jacob would be unable to see, but they were very considerate.

Here are some pics:
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/WDW%202008%20Day%202/Chewy.jpg
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/WDW%202008%20Day%202/DarthMaul.jpg
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/WDW%202008%20Day%202/DarthVader.jpg
Oh good, he didn't seem to remember JS!

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/WDW%202008%20Day%202/DavidProwse.jpg
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/WDW%202008%20Day%202/PeterMayhew.jpg
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/WDW%202008%20Day%202/WarwickDavis.jpg

This was just the coolest costume:
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/WDW%202008%20Day%202/FemaleSWCharacter.jpg

So, you are probably wondering how we got so many pics when our camera's were dead. We actually had enough battery life for me to get the beginning, and then once mine went dead, JS jumped in and took some!:)

Since we still had an hour before lunch at 50's Primetime, we headed over ToT. I had told Jacob he should ride each ride at least once and if he doesn't like it, he will never have to ride it again. I really thought he would enjoy all of the stuff before the drop. While we are waiting in line, my phone rings, just as we are entering the room with the TV, so I hang up so the ringing doesn't annoy everyone.

We ride ToT and Jacob hates it, but I got a group photo!:banana:

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/WDW%202008%20Day%202/Tot-1.jpg We are in the middle row on the left.

I know, I am a horrible Mom forcing her baby on that ride. Really did think he would like part of it, but he was too scared to relax and try to enjoy any of it.

Oh, the phone call turned out to be my mother. She was checking on our house and said it was musky, so she decided to change out the air filter in the AC, but didn't know how to do it. Jonas explained how and we were off again.

Now, it was time for 50's Primetime. After waiting a good 20 minutes, we had a great waitress. She took Jacob's gameboy away and I gave it back. I know she wanted to whack me upside the head, even brought another girl over that had her gameboy taken away and her "good" parents didn't give it back! She hasn't sat through a lunch with my child when he is bored.

I had looked forward to the meat loaf, but once I sat down, the fried chicken sounded really good and it was. Jonas had the pot roast:
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/WDW%202008%20Day%202/JSat50sPrimetime.jpg

Kara had some sort of chicken sandwich and Jacob had the chicken nuggets, but of course he wasn't hungry so he didn't eat.

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/WDW%202008%20Day%202/Jacobat50sPrimetime.jpg

Now, I had originally planned on going back to the hotel after lunch, but JS decided he wanted to see the Clone Wars program at 5:00. After lunch, JS and Kara headed over to ride RnR using their FP's. Jacob and I headed over to the SW store to build a lightsaber.

Part 2 of day 2 will come later. Do we make it until 5:00 at HS?

[mom3sonstt]

The good news, that inspector wasn't too bad on the eyes. :rolleyes1

uh......who was inspecting who???? :rotfl:

[irky416]

I would be so bummed if my camera stopped working! I'm glad you got some pictures.

[jmskinner]

uh......who was inspecting who???? :rotfl:

:rotfl2:

[havinfun]

I am really enjoying your report.

[jmskinner]

I am really enjoying your report.

Thank you, I'm enjoying yours also. Hope to update today with the rest of day 2.

I am really frustrated right now because I just looked at the CD's I had made at CVS for the waterproof, disposable cameras and the CD's are awful. The pics are all yellow and look like they were done in the 70's.:headache: Oh, and one disk, all of the pics are upside down.

I need to get all of the photos to use for the TR uploaded to photobucket because once the movers come next week, I won't be able to use this computer.

Thanks to everyone for joining in and hope you are having a great Monday!

[snowbell]

subbing :thumbsup2 Great report so far

[jmskinner]

subbing :thumbsup2 Great report so far

Thanks for joining in.

Great news folks! We are pushing to close on the 14th, come on mortgage company, on the current home and hope to close on the Florida home on the 18th or 21st. I am :scared1: to say the 18th because we leave Texas on the 15th and I am worried about getting delayed on the trip. Our car broke down on the last move and delayed us a whole day. Now, that would be a great trip report, horrible move.

I'll keep you updated and hope to post more on the TR soon.

[ScotsMinnie]

Loving your trip report already!!! That house looks fabulous! I am sre you will all be happy there!
Laura x

[sandybobandy]

I'm really enjoying your report! Look forward to more! :)

Sandy

[macheath]

Here's some :goodvibes for your closings and some pixiedust: for your car! Hope it makes it!

Good luck with everything and look forward to your next installment when you are able to!

[jmskinner]

Loving your trip report already!!! That house looks fabulous! I am sre you will all be happy there!
Laura x

Are you still here state side or back in Scotland?

I'm really enjoying your report! Look forward to more! :)

Sandy

Thanks for tagging along.

Here's some :goodvibes for your closings and some pixiedust: for your car! Hope it makes it!

Good luck with everything and look forward to your next installment when you are able to!

Thank you. We keep thinking everything is moving to smoothly. When it is meant to be though, it all works out. The only items they wanted to fix on the inspection of our current home was to remove a board that was left behind when the foundation was laid, which will take 5 minutes (of course it finally decided to rain so it is too muddy to do right now) and they wanted $200 to replace tile that has cracked due to settling. :woohoo: We can handle that. There were a few minor problems we worried about and they didn't even mention them.

I will do more on the trip report in the morning. Need to get the kiddo ready for bed so he can go to daycare in the morning.

[ScotsMinnie]

We are back now unfortunately! Had the holiday of a lifetime. Will need to start my trip report. In the meantime I am enjoying yours!!!!
Laura x

[dvc at last !]

Love your TR and your home.
Congrats !

:cool1:

[jmskinner]

So, after standing in line a good 30 minutes to get the lightsaber built. The things we do to keep out kids happy. JS and Kara met us outside, yes they rode RnR and made it back to ST while we waited in line. We headed over to MuppetShow 3D. Got there just in time, no waiting!:cool1:

The CM was really cute and I noticed he checked Kara out. I mentioned it to Kara and she said he was really cute. We did this the rest of the trip and drove her Dad nuts. I'd see a cute guy, would look at Kara and she would nod everytime. Dad was not too happy with me. Kept saying she shouldn't be looking at boys.

We realized it was about 4:00 and the Clone Wars show started at 5:00, so we decided we should probably get in line once we find the place. After wandering around for a few minutes we realize it is behind the Muppet building. Everyone is in line sitting in the shade so we do the same. The line is "U" shaped. Then this CM opens a chain at the other end of where we are sitting and all these people start coming from the other way. So they walk up where we are, the top of the "U" and act like they are in line. Us and a couple of other people have to explain where the line begins. Don't know why that CM had to open that chain up. Made no sense what so ever. Finally got to see the show,

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/WDW%202008%20Day%202/StarWarsCloneWarsPreview.jpg

You notice there is no mention of us getting our pictures with all of the Star Wars characters. Jacob wouldn't do it. I was so frustrated. That was a large reason I wanted to be there for SWW. Oh well, maybe next year!

Now, originally I had planned on a little rest after HS and then off to TL, but since we stayed so late at HS, there was no time for rest so back to POR, then off to TL.

Buses, Buses, Buses. Now everyone complains about the buses, but I think WDW does a great job moving the number of people that they have. The first bus comes and fills up so we decide to wait for the next one, which arrives in 5 minutes and only about 10 us on it.:cheer2: Of course, we end up having to wait for scooter to be loaded and then unloaded at DTD. Then, a yound boy with a broken leg in a wheelchair has to be loaded and they have a hard time getting him buckled in. So, I am staring at my watch as minutes of EMH at TL tick away. I wasn't mad at the people needing the scooter and wheelchair, I know they wish they didn't have to, just the circumstance.

So, we finally get to TL about 7:30. Sorry, I don't have any pics this time. Forgot the waterproof camera I brought on the trip. Hoped in the wave pool, Jacob's favorite part about WDW. Managed to scrape up my knees because Jacob wouldn't go further in. Last trip he wanted to go as far as the red line, not this time.

JS and Kara headed over to the slides and eventually Jacob got cold and we went to the lazy river. Well, of course it wasn't any warmer there, so he wanted to go. Found JS and Kara and we left.

Got to POR and got our meals. Can someone explain why they have different chicken nuggets for the kids then the adults? Got Jacob the kids meal with chicken nuggets (all he ever eats), me some chicken nuggets, Kara got a hamburger and JS got a cheeseburger. Carried it back to the hotel. I shared my chicken nuggets with Jacob since those were the ones he really liked.

Then everyone took a shower/bath and it was off to bed.

I made everyone wait so long for this update and only had one picture. Sorry about that, but Day 3 will make up for that. I have uploaded all of the photos to photobucket, so even if I don't get this TR done before the move I have access to the pics.

What does Day 3 hold, well, Fathers Day! Epcot and MK! Biergarten and WCC!

[bcbmom]

I'm enjoying your trip report!
We are staying at POR in September and reading about your trip makes me even more excited!!

[jcc0621]

JUst found your report and am really enjoying it. Looking forward to your report in Biergarten. We are going there in August!

[jmskinner]

I'm enjoying your trip report!
We are staying at POR in September and reading about your trip makes me even more excited!!

You will love it. DH got upset about the buses a couple of times and said we might stay elsewhere next time, but I think he will get over it. Not sure when we will actually get to stay there since we will be so close when we move.

JUst found your report and am really enjoying it. Looking forward to your report in Biergarten. We are going there in August!

Thanks for joining and since you are looking forward to Biergarten, lets get started on Day 3, June 15th, Fathers Day!

A lot planned for this day and we did a lot. Epcot was up first. Ok, a little background info. On our last trip to WDW (my first), we had been to MK until 3:00am the night before. I had planned on being at Epcot at 8:00am. Alarm went off and we fell back asleep. Finally about 9:00am, my DMIL woke us up to say her and the DBIL we heading over to Epcot and to call them when we get there. I was livid. We ended up not getting there until almost 11:00am and only got to rider TT, HISTA, and one other ride. I know it was our fault that we turned the alarm off, but I would have at least knocked on the door and asked "we are getting up and heading over, do you want to sleep in or GET UP!!!!"

So, this trip I was ready. We are getting up and going to Epcot. So we got up, went and had some breakfast. Had to get Jacob fed so he could take his medicine. He was in a horrible mood already. Here is a picture in the CS dining hall.
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/WDW%202008%20Day%203/PORDiningHall.jpg

Well, we didn't get to Epcot at 8:00am, but about 8:50am. Found the entrance for the resort guests and bypassed all of those other people planning on getting in at 9:00am. We briskly walked over to TT and JS got FP's. Oh no, :scared1: ! They are for 11:45 and we have 12:00 reservations for Biergarten. Oh, we can do it. :goodvibes

From there we went to Mission Space. :woohoo: 5 minutes wait. Now, I had read on these boards how it makes a lot of people sick and ruins the whole day for them. I didn't want to take a chance so Jacob and I got in line for tame side, while JS (who has borderline high blood pressure) and Kara go for the other side.

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/WDW%202008%20Day%203/MissionSpace.jpg

Jacob and I get to go first and stick our tongues out at them as we go by. We go through the training, ooohhhhh! Gary Sinese, I like him. Right before we get in our capsule, the other part of our team chickens out. It was a little girl about 6 and her mother. So, Jacob and I go it alone. Well, we get on. The ride starts, we are off! Jacob is worried because we don't have a whole crew. But then he starts pushing buttons all over the place. Then the ride shuts down and message comes up to stay seated. I tell Jacob that I don't think this is part of the ride. Sure enough, they tell us it has malfunctioned and they will get us out. Jacob keeps busy pushing buttons. Finally they let us out and give us a FP that is good for MS, HISTA, and a couple other rides, but not TT. Jacob is asking what happened and I said it was probably because he was pushing buttons. The CM's hear this and start saying "oh, he was the one!"

We get to the play area and Jacob wants to go in. I sit and watch the game going on. They need a couple more volunteers, so when I can't get Jacob's attention, I decide to join in. Then see Kara and JS playing also. My side lost.:sad: I see the mother of the little girl that decided not to ride MS, and tell her how it stopped and we were stuck in it for about 5 minutes, so it was probably good she decided not to ride.

Oh, so how did we all do. Can you believe I was the only one that issues. I know the tame side isn't suppose to spin, but it must a little. My hands and feet started to tingle during the ride and I had a slight headache the rest of the day. I love rides, but my ol body can't take any spinning.

Decided to check out
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/WDW%202008%20Day%203/JacobinfrontoftheSeas.jpg

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/WDW%202008%20Day%203/TheSeas.jpg

We walked right on. Got one ok pic during the ride
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/WDW%202008%20Day%203/102_8613.jpg

Then looked at all the marine life. Do you see the fish at the very top?
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/WDW%202008%20Day%203/Fish.jpg

Now, what should we do. Checked out Crush, but thought the line might be too long. I have a Disney Visa and I know they have a special photo op offered, but didn't know the times so we thought we would check it out. Couldn't find the place and then thought we would do the character meet. It was already packed and we didn't want to get in the line. Walked around and found:
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/WDW%202008%20Day%203/OutsideofFigment.jpg

We didn't do Figment on our last trip but I had read a lot about it and Birbaums seems to like it so I thought we would try it. Plus, it had a 5 minutes wait time.:cheer2: We all really enjoyed this ride. It had some surprises in it and was very air conditioned.

Stopped for a pic:
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/WDW%202008%20Day%203/Jacobatjumpingwaters.jpg

You will notice, Jacob normally doesn't smile, but if it involves water, he is up for it!

We did a couple of the Innovation stations and headed towards TT. This is where dysfunctional family comes in. Jacob may or may not be Aspergers (we see a developmental pediatrician tomorrow). JS has a hard time with this. His normal way to react when Jacob is in what I call the zone is to just walk away. Doesn't want anything to do with him. This would be the time Jacob needs him the most. So, we have a little converation about this inside Innovations, of course I start tearing up. This is the happiest place on earth, there isn't suppose to be crying. I almost told JS that Jacob and I would meet up with him and Kara later, but held strong and did my normal mediation between the two.

Back to the trip report. Not quite time for our FP's so we stopped in Mouse Gear. I loved this store the last time we were at WDW.

Now, Kara was under orders from her mother to get a picture with Eeyore. She decided to do this:
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/WDW%202008%20Day%203/KaraandstuffedEeyore.jpg

I took the pic, but knew that would not be good enough. This woman allowed us to have her kiddo out of state for a week (I know, shouldn't be an issue) and the least we could do was get a picture of her daughter and Eeyore for her. Plus, I think it is hilarious that I love Eeyore also!

We got to TT just as the clock turned 11:45!

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/WDW%202008%20Day%203/TestTrack.jpg

JS didn't get to ride TT last time we were at WDW (he had started a new medication during the trip and it caused his ankles to swell so he had to leave before we rode it) and neither did Jacob. So, I was very excited that we were all getting to ride it. We rush in, finally make it to the little movie. JS gets that look of "hey, it's that guy!" It is John Michael Higgins who was in "Best of Show" and all of those other crazy movies. We leave that room and get in the next line. I had totally forgetten about this part of the line. I look at my watch it is Noon:eek:! Our reservations, can't do anything about it now.

We all really enjoyed the ride. I spent the rest of the week arguing with Jacob on how fast the ride really is. He swears it is faster than what we normally drive. Guess we are luckily he can't see the speedometer from the back seat when I drive.:lmao:

From there, we rush over to Biergarten. This is probably what killed us all for the rest of the week. That was a hike. I still managed to snap some pics!
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/WDW%202008%20Day%203/WS1.jpg

We finally made it. I was so worried, but they actually sat us right away. The place was only half full, which I couldn't understand. I thought it was one of the most popular restaurants. To be honet, this one scared me. We are all picky eaters, so I wasn't sure if we would like this restaurant. We LOVED it! One of our new favorites. The waitress was fantastic. She didn't even charge for Jacob's meal since he didn't eat. I had even fixed a plate of macaroni and cheese for him, but his medicine keeps him from eating until about 8 or 9 at night. But I expected to pay for the meal.

Here is my favorite pic:
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/WDW%202008%20Day%203/Biergarten.jpg

The waitress had recommended the soup. I think it was a potato if I remember correctly. I had two bowls of it. It was so good. I tried the tomato salad and it was fantastic. I think I went back at least 4 times for full plates including dessert.

Another family was seated with us and I wish I wasn't so shy and had struck up a conversation with them. They looked like our kind of people, the husband even had on a redneck t-shirt. :lmao: Looked to see if maybe they had a LGMH, but didn't see one.

We stayed for most of the show, paid our ticket and were on our way.

Haven't mentioned this yet. We were totally confused about how to do the tipping on the DDP. At 50's Primetime we ended up having to use cash. This time JS wrote the full amount of our tickets down for the total. I didn't think that was correct, she was great, but I can't afford $90 tips. (She charged us correctly though).

Day 3 still isn't halfway over. We still have to get out of Epcot!

[irky416]

Great update! I'm glad they held your reservation for you and that you liked Biergarten.

That is something I would do with the Eeyore to try and be funny. I hope you end up meeting him later in the week!

[ScotsMinnie]

Sounds like you are all having a ball! I have never eaten at Biergarten. Might be good to try next time!
Lx

[jmskinner]

Ok, thought I would give you an update as to what is going on.

We close on our current home July 14th and are set to close on the new one July 21st.:banana: Inspection went well, nothing major was wrong.:cheer2:

Took Jacob to see a developmental pediatrician yesterday. He said it is not Aspergers, nor is he Bipolar. He believes it is an Anxiety Disorder and that the ADHD is a symptom of that. Also stated, he likes having control, so the unknown can cause meltdowns, even being told what to do because he loses his control. He also said it is not Oppositional Defiant Disorder. So, once we get to Tampa, I need to find a child psychiatrist that specializes in behavior management. At least we finally have an official diagnosis, wish we would have went to him earlier.

So on the way back, JS has a major meltdown. He is stressing about getting everything ready for the move. He wants to get in the garage and throw some stuff out. We have boxes that already have 2 moving stickers on them. This means, they were moved to DC from South Carolina and then to here and we never even opened them.:confused3 I can understand he wants to get this done, but you know what, if it doesn't, the movers will just pack it and we do it in Florida. No one is going to die because this stuff comes with us. As I am sitting here on the Disboards instead of working.:rolleyes1 He wonders where Jacob gets it! So, we are in the truck not speaking. He had bought a cup of coffee and drinks it. Well, it is terrible. And everytime he takes a sip, he gags. I just lost it, and started :lmao: :rotfl: He finally started laughing also. We will make it. Don't know why he is stressing so much.

OK, so now some WDW stuff. I got a surprise in the mail Wednesday, my photo CD. So here are all of the pics taken up to midday of day 3 of my report!

Jacob and I waiting on JS to get off the phone.
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/JacobandMelissa.jpg

Darth Vader warning JS not to flick his power switch off.
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/WDW%202008%20Day%202/VaderwarningJonas.jpg

The family with Darth!
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/WDW%202008%20Day%202/FamilywithVader.jpg

Jacob with his herO!
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/WDW%202008%20Day%202/JacobandVader.jpg
Really worry about him being on the dark side.;)

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/WDW%202008%20Day%202/InfrontofToT.jpg

Kara and I after getting FP's for RnR. We were told to look scared. The CM said we didn't look scared, I told him obviously I wasn't ever in drama.
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/WDW%202008%20Day%202/MelissaandKara.jpg

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/WDW%202008%20Day%203/AtEpcot.jpg

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/WDW%202008%20Day%203/UsonTestTrack.jpg

I'll post more TR later when JS lets me have a break!

HAPPY JULY 4TH!!!

[Chuck65]

I just found your trip report. Great job so far! What branch of the military is your husband in? My brother is in the Army and was supposed to retire this past January, but his division, 1st Infantry out of Ft. Riley got deployed to Iraq. So he'll get to retire when they come home before Christmas.

[jmskinner]

DH is in the Air Force. We always say he is due to retire in 5 years, but the military seems to have a way of making it an additional year or two.

[irky416]

I love your Photopass pictures! We were told we didn't look scared either.

[macheath]

Hey, Happy 4th everyone!!! :cheer2:

I'm glad you were able to get a diagnosis for Jacob. I hope you are able to find a specialist for him in Florida. I'm sure you will.

I'm glad the inspections went well and everything is looking good!

Yeah, more pics up! Enjoyed looking at them!

Ok, I had to laugh, but this one looks like DV is assaulting you! JS teases DV and you get hit in the face! :laughing:

Darth Vader warning JS not to flick his power switch off.
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/WDW%202008%20Day%202/VaderwarningJonas.jpg


Hey, JS, give her a break so she can post more!!!
Heather :3dglasses

[jmskinner]

Ok, I had to laugh, but this one looks like DV is assaulting you! JS teases DV and you get hit in the face! :laughing:

:3dglasses

:lmao: We thought the same thing! Isn't that how it goes, the hubby does something and gets us in trouble!

Oops, got a break but took a nap instead of Dising. My bad!

[jmskinner]

Ok, before I start working thought I would post an update. Was trying to get up before DS, but he woke up when I did. Already have a load in the washer and it is barely 8:00. I'm doing good!

So, lets get this started. We leave Biergarten and head out of the park. I want to stop in look in Germany real quick though. One of my friends is heading to Germany with the university on the 8th. A whole month paid for except for spending money. Even her food is taken care of. She actually just learned her scholarship is more than the class so she will pocket $300. So, I thought I might get here a little pretrip gift, but couldn't find anything I liked.

We leave the store and I start snapping pictures. See the guy with the backpack, that is JS. You may have noticed him in other pictures like that. Rarely were Jacob and I ahead of him and this time poor Kara couldn't keep up with him.
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/WDW%202008%20Day%203/WS3.jpg

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/WDW%202008%20Day%203/ws5.jpg

As I am snapping pics, we come across:
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/WDW%202008%20Day%203/ws6.jpg

Oooh, Maelstrom! We loved this ride last time, so I talked JS into riding it. Also talked him into riding the one in Mexico, sorry don't remember the name. Then we were off. A couple more pictures of WS before we leave:
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/WDW%202008%20Day%203/ws4.jpg
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/WDW%202008%20Day%203/ws7.jpg

On the bus we went back to the hotel. I'm not tired and Jacob had wanted to go to the arcade, so JS and Kara went back to the room. JS took my phone to charge it up. So while we are in the arcade, this happens:
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/WDW%202008%20Day%203/rainwhileatarcade.jpg
Imagine that. Of course, JS had the rain ponchos and my phone! So Jacob and I stick around in the arcade a little longer. I start stressing that we have 6:25pm ressies for WCC and need to be heading out. I go to the Concierge desk and asked if I can use their phone, which they dialed my room for me. Told JS we needed to be going. He didn't even realize it was raining. While at the desk I got directions to WCC. He told me to take the boat, but I thought the bus might be quicker since we were close to our ressies.

We were off. WCC here we come. Now, I have told Kara that this place might get wild. While we are waiting for our table, you can hear people yelling and having a good time. What a relief, it was a good night.:) I hate that I never remember our servers names. First thing she asked was, "Where are you from?" We told NC and TX. She sat down and started talking to us, took our drink orders. Then with it being so loud, I missed understood her and thought she said I got an alcoholic drink with my meal. She gave me a hard time about that, along with JS. Then the table next to us informed us, her last 3 tables were all people from PA, and none of them were together. That was why she was so excited to have something different.

She came out with our drinks, ordered me to help her, threw our napkins and straws at us. So we ordered the "All-you-care-to-eat" platter. I had seen a pic of this on the Dis and had so looked forward to it. Let me tell you, it was fantastic. New favorite restaurant, with Biergarten right behind. Here is a pic of Jacob during most meals:
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/WDW%202008%20Day%203/JacobplayingGB.jpg

He is normally bored when we eat, because he never is hungry until after 8 or 9, so I am bad and let him play his gameboy.

Took these while waiting also:
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/WDW%202008%20Day%203/JSKaraatWCC.jpg
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/WDW%202008%20Day%203/MelissaJacobatWCC.jpg

We were seated on the other side of the wall from the big dining area, so we couldn't see what was going on. Jacob finally started standing up by the fireplace and would come over and tell us what was going on. It got him away from that Gameboy!

The waitress brought our salad. What, we get a salad with our meal. Something I wish they would add to the DDP, sometimes wish they would give you a choice between dessert or a salad. Then the food arrived.

SPOILER ALERT
If you don't know what happens when you order ketchup, don't read this, skip down past the next picture:
I had heard something crazy happens when you order ketchup, but had no idea. So I made Jacob ask for his ketchup. The waitress goes over and yells "I NEED KKKKKEEEETTTTTCCCCHHHHUUUUPPPP!" We just look at each other and then all of the sudden, this family, the parents, kids, and Grandma, all appear with bottles of ketchup.

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/WDW%202008%20Day%203/ketchup.jpg

Jacob thought it was crazy. JS hates ketchup! So, we keep quite waiting for the next poor sole to ask for it so we can get rid of it. Finally they did and it was this poor family with 2 little girls. Wish I could have seen them carry it to the next family.

That BBQ was amazing, absolutely amazing. Loved it. Thought I had a picture of it, but can't find it. Then we had dessert, beware, food porn below:
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/WDW%202008%20Day%203/ChocolateCakeatwcc.jpg

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/WDW%202008%20Day%203/KarasdessertatWCC.jpg

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/WDW%202008%20Day%203/SmoreCheesecakeatWCC.jpg

Oh, forgot to mention, while at the concierge desk earlier I asked about how to do the tipping, so we finally had that down.:yay: Paid and out we went.

You know me by now, lots of pics:
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/WDW%202008%20Day%203/KaraJacobandJonasatWL.jpg

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/WDW%202008%20Day%203/DucksinpoolatWL.jpg

Rode the boat over to MK! That will be a whole other posting. Told you this was our big day!

[tink1957]

Just found your TR today & I can't wait to read more.:thumbsup2

Love the pics, thanks for sharing. Jacob reminds me of my DS when he was younger, he had ADHD also but thankfully improved as he grew older.

[jmskinner]

Just found your TR today & I can't wait to read more.:thumbsup2

Love the pics, thanks for sharing. Jacob reminds me of my DS when he was younger, he had ADHD also but thankfully improved as he grew older.

Thanks for joining in. We are seeing signs of improvement with Jacob already as he gets older.

Now, lets finish Day 3.
So off to MK on the boat from WL. The boys rode outside, it was sprinkling so Kara and I rode inside. The CM on the boat was great. As the gave they park and parade hours, he was acting like a flight attendant doing all of the hand gestures to demonstrate the times.

And, we made it, MK!
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/WDW%202008%20Day%203/MKEntrance.jpg

We headed straight to the castle for a couple of pics.
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/WDW%202008%20Day%203/Castleatsunset.jpg

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/WDW%202008%20Day%203/Familyinfrontofcastle.jpg

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/WDW%202008%20Day%203/JacobKaraJonasinfrontofCastle.jpg

Last time we were at WDW, JS wanted to see Hall of Presidents and when I finally said ok, it was closed. He wasn't too happy with me, so I was determined he would see it this time, so we head over to it and it is closed yet again. Oops!

So, off to HM. But stopped to take this one per Jacob's request:
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/WDW%202008%20Day%203/Jacobinstockade.jpg
When the kid actually wants his picture taken, I don't hesitate. Had a little wait for HM, but not too bad. Oh, and they had made many changes to it since the last time we were there. We loved all of them!

Then I remember reading on the Dis that Jungle Cruise feels completely different at night, so we head that way. We had so much fun. Our tour guide was the best. His name was Robert! He was totally into character. Even flung himself on the floor of the boat and steered with his foot when we came upon the snake. Kara and I thought he was kinda cute also, so that was an added benefit. Sorry, didn't get a pic.

Now, I had remember reading that PoTC was being refurbished while we were there but thought we would check and sure enough it was closed. But it was suppose to reopen before we left for home, so we might get to it later.

Off to SM and BTMR. We hadn't ridden BTMR in the dark before. It seemed to go on and on. Just loved it.

By that time it was almost 10:00, time for Wishes. Now, I wanted to see it from the front of the Castle, but JS didn't feel like walking back that way, so we found a spot on the bridge from SM to Frontierland. At first we were the only ones there and then all of the sudden, it was packed. The first Spectromagic parade was finishing at this point. We bought some popcorn and JS started feeding the fish. Well, when the bucket was about empty he poured the rest of it in. I didn't see it, but you could hear the splash of something really big coming out of that water and grabbing the popcorn.

Then the show started. Funny, didn't realize how far away most of the fireworks are set off from the Castle. So, it felt like we watched a firework show and not Wishes. One day I will get to see it in front of the Castle, even if it is by myself.

From there we saw CBJ. Another one we didn't get to do last time. Got there right before they let us in. We were doing so great!

Now it was time for Spectromagic, so we found a nice spot and watched it. JS got these pics, because my camera died again while trying to get pics of Wishes.

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/WDW%202008%20Day%203/SpectromagicMickey.jpg

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/WDW%202008%20Day%203/Peacock.jpg

After Spectromagic, it was time for the hotel. So, we headed to the bus stop. Now, this is where JS first decided that maybe we wouldn't star at POR anymore. There was a long line of people waiting for a bus. They are doing the normal thing of stopping the buses when they enter the drop off point to tell them where to go. We watched several buses drop people off and not pick up anyone. Finally our bus driver showed up. When she drove by before turning around, she did a double take when she saw how many people were in line. We thanked her and were finally on our way.

I may try to post another update soon, but just two days until the movers are here. Can't believe it is here. JS is really having a hard time with this one. He really liked his position at the base, community is great, and even though we have out grown this home, it is a great home. Plus, Jacob was doing so well in school. But it will all work out!

Hope everyone had a wonderful 4th, got a long weekend, and thought about Disney!

[macheath]

Thanks for the update! :thumbsup2
I forgot to mention before, from your previous installment, we are going to Whispering Canyon for the 1st time this year. I soooo enjoyed hearing your family's visit there. I haven't told my family about the "theatrics" of the place. I'm waiting for it to be a surprise. I loved when you asked for ketchup. Hoping my DD asks without having to be prompted. Can't wait to see it.:laughing:

Wanted to say sorry to JS that Hall of Presidents was closed. My DH loves HOP. And I'm OK with it because I send him in there and head to my favorite shop- across the street- The Christmas Shoppe :santa: Man, I love that place. "No, really honey, stay in HOP as long as you want. I'll be OK" :rolleyes1



I may try to post another update soon, but just two days until the movers are here. Can't believe it is here. JS is really having a hard time with this one. He really liked his position at the base, community is great, and even though we have out grown this home, it is a great home. Plus, Jacob was doing so well in school. But it will all work out!

Hope everyone had a wonderful 4th, got a long weekend, and thought about Disney!

Good luck with the packing. I'm sorry JS is having a hard time with this move. You are right, though, it will all work out :wizard:

(Pssstt- I don't want to steal your thread, but had to share my Disney moment this weekend----went to the mailbox and found my ME packet!!!!:banana: :banana: :banana: Dance with me, people, Dance!)

Pixie Dust for the packing and move,
Heather

[jmskinner]

Thanks for the update! :thumbsup2
I forgot to mention before, from your previous installment, we are going to Whispering Canyon for the 1st time this year. I soooo enjoyed hearing your family's visit there. I haven't told my family about the "theatrics" of the place. I'm waiting for it to be a surprise. I loved when you asked for ketchup. Hoping my DD asks without having to be prompted. Can't wait to see it.:laughing:

Wanted to say sorry to JS that Hall of Presidents was closed. My DH loves HOP. And I'm OK with it because I send him in there and head to my favorite shop- across the street- The Christmas Shoppe :santa: Man, I love that place. "No, really honey, stay in HOP as long as you want. I'll be OK" :rolleyes1

Good luck with the packing. I'm sorry JS is having a hard time with this move. You are right, though, it will all work out :wizard:

(Pssstt- I don't want to steal your thread, but had to share my Disney moment this weekend----went to the mailbox and found my ME packet!!!!:banana: :banana: :banana: Dance with me, people, Dance!)

Pixie Dust for the packing and move,
Heather

I love the Christmas Shoppe's also. Any Christmas shoppe will lure me in. Saw some stuff I must go back and buy for the new home, but thought it would be better if I drove down instead of trying to take it on an airplane. I'll have to remember to send JS into HOP next time while I shop. Hope WCC is as much for you as it was for us. I've heard sometimes it isn't so rowdy, but can't imagine that after the night we had.

:dance3: I'll dance with you over the ME packet arriving. That is great news. I know I was all excited even though I didn't get to use the yellow tags since we flew into Tampa.


Ok, as I am trying to post this it comes up that I had to type in at least one character.:confused3 I then realized I goofed and typed my message in the middle of your quote.:lmao: Going absolutely crazy!

[irky416]

We watched Wishes from the exact spot as you did last year (at least it sounds like it) and I agree, it is not a very good spot.

The picture of Jacob in the stocks is cute!

I hope all goes well with your move!

[caz1712]

Hi there!

Loving your trip report! Just wanted to let you know that my eldest son who is 9 has ADHD and my middle son who is 6 has ASD, so I totally know where your coming from with the meltdowns and gameboy obsession!:goodvibes

My eldest has been on a few different meds over the past couple of years and eating was always a problem thats why we kept changing. He is like a beanpole - really tall and skinny! But we have came to the conclusion that his weight is more about him and his genetics rather than the medication itself. He was 6wks premature and was always a skinny kid even as a baby and toddler. Fussy eater isn't the word for him and it can be hard to go anywhere for dinner as he is a chicken nugget fanatic too! Glad to see WDW cater for the chicked nugget fan!

Anyway just thought I would share and its good to be able to read a report coming from a mum with a child with ADHD also - give me some insight to what to expect on our first trip in Novmember!

Thanks for sharing

Carreen
xxx

[jmskinner]

We watched Wishes from the exact spot as you did last year (at least it sounds like it) and I agree, it is not a very good spot.

The picture of Jacob in the stocks is cute!

I hope all goes well with your move!

I was disappointed with it, but I don't think anyone else minded. Somehow us adults seem to get it more than the kiddos.

Hi there!

Loving your trip report! Just wanted to let you know that my eldest son who is 9 has ADHD and my middle son who is 6 has ASD, so I totally know where your coming from with the meltdowns and gameboy obsession!:goodvibes

My eldest has been on a few different meds over the past couple of years and eating was always a problem thats why we kept changing. He is like a beanpole - really tall and skinny! But we have came to the conclusion that his weight is more about him and his genetics rather than the medication itself. He was 6wks premature and was always a skinny kid even as a baby and toddler. Fussy eater isn't the word for him and it can be hard to go anywhere for dinner as he is a chicken nugget fanatic too! Glad to see WDW cater for the chicked nugget fan!

Anyway just thought I would share and its good to be able to read a report coming from a mum with a child with ADHD also - give me some insight to what to expect on our first trip in Novmember!

Thanks for sharing

Carreen
xxx

Welcome aboard. I sent you a little PM. I plan to be there in November also, and July, Aug, Sept..... Ok, I don't mean to rub it in, I'm just excited to be so close to WDW soon.

My best friend was here to see us before we move and she has been trying to talk me into a Disney Cruise for about 7 years. Well, she turns 40 in Oct and I do the following August, so maybe we should make it a big B-Day trip. Need some sort of planning to do once we get to Florida, right?

[havinfun]

Hi,

Great Star Wars pictures.

[Disneychix]

OMG! I love the star wars pictures with your family! Too funny!

The castle picture is a great family photo too!

I can't belive you're moving already. Man did time fly! I hope everything goes smoothly and your DS adjusts without too much trouble. Hopefully you can find a good Dr in Fl and get on the ball with this new diagnosis.

[jmskinner]

Hi,

Great Star Wars pictures.

Thank you, wish Jacob was willing to take more pictures with characters. Maybe next year.:confused3

OMG! I love the star wars pictures with your family! Too funny!

The castle picture is a great family photo too!

I can't belive you're moving already. Man did time fly! I hope everything goes smoothly and your DS adjusts without too much trouble. Hopefully you can find a good Dr in Fl and get on the ball with this new diagnosis.

Thank you.

Have to tell you about this morning. Phone rings at 7:30am, we were up until 1:30am and couldn't sleep either. So, DH gets it and knows he is talking to someone in Florida, but gets all confused, and thinks he is scheduling closing. Later he looks at the number that called and he realizes, "maybe that was the fence people for the new house?" Sure enough it was, and I had already emailed our realtor with the closing time. But, right now it all seems to be working out, closing is set up for 11:00am on the 14th for our current home. Then, the new house is set for 3:00 on the 21st and the fence people are meeting us on the 22nd at 9:00am.

Oh, the movers also called this morning and said they would now come to pack on Wednesday instead of tomorrow. Not a problem, gives us an extra day to prepare the stuff they are not to pack. Then, this afternoon someone else from the main office of the moving company calls to make sure we are ready for tomorrow. I guess we will just see what happens in the morning!

Oh, and I have to pass this story on to you. The lady on the phone from the moving company warned us about making sure everything not to be packed would be put separately. Last week, they were moving a family and they had a guest who sat her purse on a table. She started looking for it and they realized the movers had boxed it up and it was somewhere on the truck. She had to wait until the families items were delivered to their new house.:scared1: Now, if they did that with the kid, the husband, and the dogs, that would be ok with me.:lmao: JK

[ScotsMinnie]

T Now, if they did that with the kid, the husband, and the dogs, that would be ok with me.:lmao: JK

That sounds like a plan to me!!!!! :rotfl:

I know what you mean about Wishes. this year we saw it form the castle and form the top of the Contemporary at the California Grill and there is a big difference.

Good luck for the move..

Laura xx

[jmskinner]

That sounds like a plan to me!!!!! :rotfl:

I know what you mean about Wishes. this year we saw it form the castle and form the top of the Contemporary at the California Grill and there is a big difference.

Good luck for the move..

Laura xx

Thank you!

So, the packers came today. They started with my kitchen, had really hoped they would leave it for last so I could still cook. Not that I want to cook, but we still have a lot of food that I need to do something with. All that is left is for them to finish our office, our bedroom, and the garage. That's it.

The dogs weren't too happy being caged. Oh, don't think I have mentioned this. My dog, Mozart, hates moving. It really freaks him out. On our last move, he cried so much his eye swelled shut. Now, it looks like our 2 year old Boxer, Bubblegum, is starting to freak out. We are going to ask the vet for tranquilizers. Oh, mentioning the dogs. Found a kennel and when I finally mapped out their location, turns out they right around the corner from the new house.:thumbsup2

So far, everything is looking good and still going as scheduled.

Since I still have a computer and nothing is really on TV, thought I would go ahead with Day 4, Monday June 16th (I've decided to put dates, because when I read other TR I always think, "was this a day we were there?").

So, this was Chef Mickey day. JS had requested a breakfast and I thought this would be the best one. The only time I could get a ressie was 10:35am. Oh well, we will sleep in one day. So we got up and headed over to the bus stop. Jacob starts having a melt down. Bad enough that he ends up over at Fultons General Store at the hotel, while we are at the bus stop. Everytime I say we have to get to a restaurant, he starts complaining about reservations and why do we have to eat, etc... Not going well at all. So we get to MK and then walk over to the Contemporary. I tried to take some pictures, but realized I still had the camera set to "firework" mode, so they didn't come out. I was really having issues with my camera on this trip.

We get to the restaurant and get our picture taken right away and get seated. Now, during this whole 5 minutes, Jacob is acting horrible. Climbing up on the wall, flinging himself down on the bench, just horrible. Jonas and I both take turns trying to deal with him and nothing is working. I send JS and Kara for food and go get Jacob something to eat. Of course, no chicken nuggets. He actually picks out pancakes and gets some cereal. About that time, some of the characters were heading our way:

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/WDW%202008%20Day%204/ChefMickey.jpg

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/WDW%202008%20Day%204/Goofyandmyboys.jpg

Oh, and look at the spot that we got:

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/WDW%202008%20Day%204/ViewatChefMickeys.jpg

I don't know how I got these shots with Jacob looking ok. Finally I got me some food. By this time Jacob has his head down and says he doesn't feel good. JS decides to take him back to the hotel. I told him I would, but he said he would. Good Dad makes an appearance. They went to get on the monorail since Jacob didn't want to walk back to MK, and the monorail was brokedown. So, they caught a bus to HS (the next one to arrive) and then back to POR. JS said Jacob fell asleep on both buses and then at the hotel. Poor kid was exhausted due to commando Mom.

While this was going on, Kara and I went to DTD. My original plan for the day. We went into a couple of stores and then hit the Pin Trading Company. I have a new hobby called Pin Collecting. Don't see myself trading too much, but I will buy, buy, buy! Funny thing was, so was Kara. We left the store and Kara said she was done. I thought she meant she needed to go back to the hotel, she said "no, I'm out of money". We gave her $100 the first night and then she had her own money. All she bought was pins. I wonder if there is some sort of Pin Anonymous meeting at WDW?

While we are waiting on the boat back to POR, I realize I am exhausted. It is about 1:30 by this time. So, we all took naps. Jacob was still out. Finally Jacob woke up and JS took him to the arcade. I got on the Disboards and got some ideas on where to find Eeyore for Kara's mom's picture. Woke up Kara and asked her how long she needed to get ready, she said she was ready. Oh, I could let her sleep another 15 minutes then, so back to sleep she went. We have got to work on this girls energy level.

Finally got Kara up and headed to AKL, it was Boma night. I was very excited about this meal. Got to the hotel, had no idea where to go, but finally found our way. Didn't get any good pictures, sorry folks. All the food looked really good, but when we got to eating it, nothing really stood out. The desserts were great, but we all said we liked Biergarten and WCC much better. Well, we tried it at least. Oh, another issue with Boma, no chicken nuggets that night. The waiter said there were some on the buffet, but all they had were wings. How many kids eat wings? Not mine!

So, now it was time for AK EMH. They didn't have evening EMH at AK last time we were at the world, so I was very excited. We wanted to do the Nemo and Lion King shows, but both had already done their last performances. Took time for a couple of pics:

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/WDW%202008%20Day%204/AKwithSimba.jpg

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/WDW%202008%20Day%204/AllofusatAK.jpg

Now, I am trying to remember what all we did. We knew EE was out with it being so late, so we went Kali Roaring Rapids. Jacob's favorite ride. It was walk right on, in fact, the line was so short we noticed the CM was letting people getting off to come back on, but let us pass first. We get on the ride, JS and Kara get wet first thing with the water shooting up. Then, they are going to be the ones with their back going down the big drop. Well, right before the big drop, this occurs:

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/WDW%202008%20Day%204/Jonas-on-phone-at-Kali-Rive.gif

Do you see what JS is doing? That's right. He is on his phone. Everyone on our raft starts yelling and pointing at JS, "He's on the phone!!!" Converstion that we here at this point is this: "Uh, I'm in the middle of something right now, could I call you back?" He got off the phone and got it back in his pocket just as we dropped. The look on the little girls face tells the story! JS still can not believe he answered that phone. Jacob wants to ride again and since still not much of a line, but enough the CM now made us walk all the way back to the entrance, we rode again. Then we head over to Dinoland. We rode Primevil Whirl, something else we didn't get to do last time. Then headed over to Dinosaur. I couldn't believe it, but Jacob wanted to ride. Last time, this really scared him.

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/WDW%202008%20Day%204/JacobatDinosaur.jpg

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/WDW%202008%20Day%204/Dinosaur.gif

That's us in the very back. Kara had her fingers in her ears for most of the ride, but at this point I had to do it also. Kara's look is priceless though. It looks like she planned it, but she really didn't. Jonas thinks its cool. Now Jacob, wait a minute, where is Jacob? If you look at the bar, you can see little fingers. Yup, he was there, just hidden really well.

We survived Dinosaur and headed over to the Dino Dig. Jacob had wanted to do this last time, but we couldn't figure out where it was. Funny thing was, we were in that playground, just never walked over the bridge. :confused: So, Jacob got to dig and it made him a really happy boy!
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/WDW%202008%20Day%204/JacobatDinoDig.jpg

Ok, one more pic from this night. :offtopic: We are huge fans of Ghosthunters and other ghost programs. So, when I look at the viewfinder of this shot, I cracked up:

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/WDW%202008%20Day%204/OrbsatDinoDig.jpg

Orbs, there are orbs. Ok, it is just the water from the misting fans, but I thought it was funny. Looks like something you would see in one of those shows.

So, that was it for Day 4. And that is probably it for me for a couple of days. More packing tomorrow, then movers take the stuff on Friday. Car show and cleaning house on Saturday. Closing on Monday and we are off on Tuesday. I may post a little, you know me, can't stay away!

If I don't get to post again, everyone have a fantastic weekend!

[strickland]

Really enjoying your tr:goodvibes ! Good luck with the move! I'm glad that you got to have a nice disney trip in the middle of all of the moving! :)

[irky416]

Did Kara get the Eeyore pic at AK?

I can't believe he answered the phone on Kali! I would be too worried about mine getting wet. I saw that picture of Dinosaur and thought Jacob chickened out, but after you mentioned it, I did see his hands. He did a great job of hiding!

I hope everything goes well with the move!

[jmskinner]

Really enjoying your tr:goodvibes ! Good luck with the move! I'm glad that you got to have a nice disney trip in the middle of all of the moving! :)

Thank you. Of course I have been stressing about qualifying for the loan and everything because I put the WDW portion on the Disney Visa with the 6 months no interest, but so far so good! Oh, and the AP's.:scared1:

Did Kara get the Eeyore pic at AK?

I can't believe he answered the phone on Kali! I would be too worried about mine getting wet. I saw that picture of Dinosaur and thought Jacob chickened out, but after you mentioned it, I did see his hands. He did a great job of hiding!

I hope everything goes well with the move!

To this day, JS kepts saying, "I don't know why I answered that phone?" We really aren't big cell phone people is what is so funny. We have like 800 minutes a month and might use 100 of them.

Oh, I forgot to mention about Eeyore. No, still no picture with Eeyore by the end of Day 4. We found the spot, but Stitch and the other characters were there. We were too late. We kept trying though.

[jmskinner]

Hi everyone! We are on our way. The movers took our stuff on Friday. We closed on the old home yesterday, money is in the bank account.:woohoo: Wish we had a printer to show the balance in our account before it is emptied out at closing on the new home.

We are currently in Baytown, TX. Outside of Houston.

Been arguing with JS about if we should go to WDW this weekend for at least a day trip. Dogs will be in a kennel already, so we won't have to worry about getting back to take care of them. I think he finally gave in.:thumbsup2

Hope everyone is doing well!
Melissa

[sandybobandy]

I vote for the day trip! :)

[tink1957]

:thumbsup2 Love the Dinosaur pic, it reminds me of our 1st ride on Dinosaur, in our pic DS looked extremely surprised(his mouth was open), DD was covering her ears like you & Kara, DNephew also looked extremely surprised :scared1: & I was very amused & cool with a slight smile on my face. :cool1:
Hope you have a happy move & good luck with the day trip.:goodvibes

[the4princesses]

congrat's on selling the house in TX. My,My, That was so fast selling the house in TX!!!:banana:
I know you all are so happy to be moving !!:yay:
Please post some new pictures of you new home!!
How far is it from WDW?
Have a wonderful day!
Kathy:flower3:

[ScotsMinnie]

Sounds like you are all organised. I would also have pushed for the quick visit to WDW! It would be rude not to visit!!!

Hope all goes well when you get there.
laura x

[jmskinner]

:thumbsup2 Love the Dinosaur pic, it reminds me of our 1st ride on Dinosaur, in our pic DS looked extremely surprised(his mouth was open), DD was covering her ears like you & Kara, DNephew also looked extremely surprised :scared1: & I was very amused & cool with a slight smile on my face. :cool1:
Hope you have a happy move & good luck with the day trip.:goodvibes

Thank you. We are going to Disney if it kills me.

congrat's on selling the house in TX. My,My, That was so fast selling the house in TX!!!:banana:
I know you all are so happy to be moving !!:yay:
Please post some new pictures of you new home!!
How far is it from WDW?
Have a wonderful day!
Kathy:flower3:

We are about an hour from WDW!

Sounds like you are all organised. I would also have pushed for the quick visit to WDW! It would be rude not to visit!!!

Hope all goes well when you get there.
laura x

Thank you.

Well, we made it. We are exhausted. Ok, Jacob isn't considering he either slept or watched movies the whole way. Got the dogs to a kennel for the weekend. Stopped by the new house since the kennel was on the way. The door was open so we went in to look around. Everything looks good. A couple of touch ups to be done and I think the washing machine is smaller than my old one, but its a new washing machine. Yes, a washing machine and dryer was included. If only the fence was.

Well, I can't type at the moment, so I guess that means I need to go to sleep.

Good night.
Melissa

[macheath]

Hi, Melissa

Glad you got there safe and everything seems to be moving along.

Get some sleep

Heather

[snowbell]

Congrats on the move!! I hope you get to go to Disney this weekend.... how is the weather right now? I heard that Florida was getting some pretty bad storms.. (well I guess that is how it is in the summer)..lol

[Mr. & Mrs. Smith]

Wow. This is such an exciting time for your family! Enjoy your next day at WDW. I'm looking forward to the rest of your trip report.

[havinfun]

I am glad everything went well with the sale and buying of your house. Your new house looks like it is going to be really nice. I read more of your report and really enjoyed it.

You must be super organized. I am only doing trip planning. I don't know if I could handle selling my house, packing,moving and buying a new one on top of the trip plan.

Congrats on getting it all done. :cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2:

[jmskinner]

:thumbsup2 Love the Dinosaur pic, it reminds me of our 1st ride on Dinosaur, in our pic DS looked extremely surprised(his mouth was open), DD was covering her ears like you & Kara, DNephew also looked extremely surprised :scared1: & I was very amused & cool with a slight smile on my face. :cool1:
Hope you have a happy move & good luck with the day trip.:goodvibes

Ok, I know I had already quoted you, but I was basically a zombie when I did that and forgot to mention I would love to see your Dinosaur pic. I love ride pics!

Hi, Melissa

Glad you got there safe and everything seems to be moving along.

Get some sleep

Heather

Thank you. Haven't slept much, keep waking up at 6:00am. Even JS keeps asking what my problem is. Considering I have been on Central time, it is actually like I am waking up at 5:00am.

Congrats on the move!! I hope you get to go to Disney this weekend.... how is the weather right now? I heard that Florida was getting some pretty bad storms.. (well I guess that is how it is in the summer)..lol

Rain, Rain, Rain!!! Seems like everyday. Good news, I actually like rain, so this is good for me.

Wow. This is such an exciting time for your family! Enjoy your next day at WDW. I'm looking forward to the rest of your trip report.

Thank you!

I am glad everything went well with the sale and buying of your house. Your new house looks like it is going to be really nice. I read more of your report and really enjoyed it.

You must be super organized. I am only doing trip planning. I don't know if I could handle selling my house, packing,moving and buying a new one on top of the trip plan.

Congrats on getting it all done. :cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2:

Thank you. I love to plan, but then put off doing anything. I am so bad. We ended up fully loaded down because I didn't spend more time making sure I separated stuff for the movers to take and us to take. Poor Jacob barely had any room in the back seat.

So, if you saw the title of this post, we made a day trip. Last night everyone was just miserable and we couldn't figure out what to do. JS had suggested going to AK, but looked it up and it had morning EMH, so that was out. Jacob wanted to go to Epcot to purchase a space shuttle toy, but I just wasn't into going to Epcot. Finally last night I thought about MK. I now realize it is my favorite park. So, we got up this morning, left the hotel at 8:00 and we were getting off the monorail at 9:30. Not too bad and less than a 1/4 tank of gas to get there.

:offtopic: The one thing I have noticed about Florida are the drivers. They don't drive, they fly. Guess I am use to Tx where you will get pulled over if you do 5 miles over the speed limit. Here in Florida, in a 70 zone, I was doing about 75 and getting left behind.

I go through bag check and send the boys on to the gate. I don't see them so I go ahead and go through the gate. The man in front of me can't get his ticket to work. Finally the CM takes him to another machine and I get in. I am looking for my boys and notice these 3 boys picking up the glitter Mickey Head's off of the ground. Finally their mother says, "I'm going. I came to go to a park, not pick up Mickey Heads!":lmao:

Finally, I see my boys. Still in line. They are stuck behind these people that don't understand the finger scanners and their CM is no help. So, finally my boys move over to another line. The CM is helping these other people, I notice the man in front of JS doesn't grab his ticket, so I hand it to him. Then end up helping his wife get through. I told JS, "See, I could work for Disney!"

Finally, we were in the park. We headed over to Space Mountain for FP's. They were for 10:40, so we rode Astro Orbitor, Laugh Floor, and Buzz Lightyear. Jacob scored 500,800 points. I don't know what he hit, but he was getting really frustrated because I had over 200,000 and he only had 800, then all of the sudden I look over and he has 400,000. He was excited, wish I had gotten a picture of his score.

We then headed over to Space Mountain. Jacob has been scared to ride this, but I pulled the "if you ride it once and don't like it, you never have to ride it again". Now, the last time I rode this, it had broken down while we were in line, so I got to see it with the lights on and then it didn't seem that great to me, but this time I enjoyed it a lot more. Jacob wasn't sure if he did or not.

We then headed over to PoTC. Only a few minutes wait, then on to Splash Mountain. Jacob didn't want to ride BTMRR, so we got FP's for Splash and headed over to HM. Stopped to grab a hot dog and drink. About a 10 minute wait for HM. Then went on the Riverboat. While waiting on the boat, this woman, I think from Germany, started asking a CM something and the CM responded that since they were a publicly traded company, they were not allowed to discuss those things. No idea what she asked, but we thought the response was funny.

Rode Splash Mountain. We were really worried because we ended up in the FP line behind a Brazilian group, but the line still moved quickly.

Then, I finally got a Dole Whip! I have read so much about them and wanted to try them. So, I went all out and got the Pineapple Float. Now, I am extremely picky and when JS heard what I got he thought I had head stroke or something, but I did like it. Couldn't drink the pineapple juice, but did think it was good. JS even started to eat it. Jacob wasn't going to touch it.

Then got Jacob a haircut at the barber shop. He didn't want the hair color or anything, but his barber did give him the Mickey Heads. Jonas went over to the bakery and Jacob and I looked in the stores. Then we were off to Ikea to look at stuff for the new house. We were back in our hotel in Brandon at 6:00. Even JS said it wasn't a bad trip.

We do our final walk through and learn about all of the systems on Monday at 10:00am and then close at 3:00pm. Now, we found out our furniture will arrive in Tampa on Monday, but it has to be unloaded on Monday and since we close so late, it has to come off the truck, so they have to put it in storage. This means we will have to schedule it to be delivered.:headache: Could end up being 3 weeks, but hopefully it is only a couple of days. I have always been one to love staying at hotels so I don't have to clean and cook, but I so want to cook and wouldn't mind cleaning at this point.

Since it is now after Midnight, guess I should go to bed.

Have a great Sunday!
Melissa

[ScotsMinnie]

Great update! Sounds like you had an amazing day at MK!!!! Squeezed a lot in. It is definitely my favourite park too.

Good luck for the big move. Can't wait to see photos of you all settled.

Lx

[heaven2dc]

How exciting to move so close to WDW! Your move seems to be going fairly smooth and how great it was that your house sold in TX so quickly! My DS21 is moving on Wednesday to a little town 2 hours north of Houston (taking a 5:45 a.m. flight out) and I'm so sad to see him go! My DS25 just moved to CA in May.

I was lost a little on your last thread wondering where you were staying until you could move into your home - are you staying at POR? I have to reread your first post - I'm so dense sometimes :rotfl2:

[tink1957]

I would love to share my Dino pic with you but alas I am very technically challenged & can't figure out how to post pics.:confused3

Great update, I'm glad you made it to your day trip & it must be heaven to be so close to the magic.:cloud9:

I'm also going to try a Dole Whip on our next trip, it sounds yummy.

[jmskinner]

How exciting to move so close to WDW! Your move seems to be going fairly smooth and how great it was that your house sold in TX so quickly! My DS21 is moving on Wednesday to a little town 2 hours north of Houston (taking a 5:45 a.m. flight out) and I'm so sad to see him go! My DS25 just moved to CA in May.

I was lost a little on your last thread wondering where you were staying until you could move into your home - are you staying at POR? I have to reread your first post - I'm so dense sometimes :rotfl2:

I think I am Queen Dense myself. JS is so tired of me repeating myself at this point.

We are staying at a La Quinta in Brandon, FL. It is a few miles from the new home, but the closest hotel there is. Had actually thought about staying at WDW one night, but it would mean moving out of the hotel and back in.

I would love to share my Dino pic with you but alas I am very technically challenged & can't figure out how to post pics.:confused3

Great update, I'm glad you made it to your day trip & it must be heaven to be so close to the magic.:cloud9:

I'm also going to try a Dole Whip on our next trip, it sounds yummy.

Highly recommend the Dole Whip. I don't know if I will get the float again, but I did like that Pineapple flavor. They had regular floats also, with Coke etc. Oh, give Photobucket a try to upload photos. If I can do it, anyone can.

Update on new home:I got to go to Kohls today. Had a 30% off coupon, so I bought a new comforter set and stuff for the bathrooms. Hopefully we will find out tomorrow when the furniture arrives.

Went and looked at ceiling fans tonight. The homes here have the bracket to hold ceiling fans, but don't come with ceiling fans. I think we have them all picked out and will need to purchase a ladder to get them up before the furniture arrives.

I'll let you know how the inspection and closing goes tomorrow.

:) Melissa

[havinfun]

I'm glad you had a good time at MK. I laughed when I saw you were behind the Brazillians. Our last trip was in 1996. Everywhere we went there were Brazillians walking around with someone holding a flag. Some things never change. Good luck moving in.

[jmskinner]

Thank you everyone for the blessings and pixie dust on this move. Closed on the house today and while doing the final walk through we got a call that the driver of our moving truck decided to stay overnight so we get our stuff tomorrow instead of it going into storage.

So, everything is working out really well.

Oh, one more thing, the fridge we were to get is backordered, so when the builder called to say we needed one, the company upgraded us to one that is $600 more at no cost and will be delivered tomorrow.:woohoo:

Hopefully this weekend I will be able to post an actual update to my TR!

Hope everyone has a wonderful week!
Melissa

[ScotsMinnie]

Thats great news!!!! Someone is smiling on you for sure :tinker: - everything seems to be working out perfectly. Hope you settle in well.
Laura x

[jmskinner]

Hi. Don't have my desktop together yet, so still on the laptop. I miss my computer!

So Tuesday, movers arrived, then the Fridge. Don't know if I mentioned this before, but when signing the contract I noticed it said there should be a wine rack above the fridge, so I made them put it in. Well, this very nice fridge I was upgraded to didn't fit under the wine rack, so the cabinet guy had to come in and move my cabinets. Poor guy!

Then, I had purchased a new bedding set and went to wash the sheets, poured the soap in and turned on the washing machine. Realized the water wasn't turned on. So, when I turned the water on, realized there was a leak. Had to call the poor construction manager again and get that fixed. Which required a hole in the wall, that he will have to fix.

The funny part about all of these repairs is the fact the construction manager is really good looking. In fact, it is now a running joke with me and DH. Everytime I see him checking out some woman, I just joke about "hmmm, wonder what I can find wrong with the house next so I can sit back and look at Mike?" :rotfl: JS has told me he deserves it. Actually, I feel really bad about having to call Mike so much.

The fence is being installed as we speak. No more having to take the dogs out on a leash.

Oh, JS said he could install the ceiling fans. He starts with our bedroom and the fan has a remote control. Well, he messed up the wiring so bad, that we will now have an electrician install those with remotes. He did install the one in Jacob's room just fine.

So, we are in the house and really enjoying it. There are still boxes everywhere. Jacob is currently dumping out all of his boxes. So, that will be about 4 hours of sorting through stuff when he is done. We have decided to give Jacob a bedroom to sleep in and do homework, and then one of the other bedrooms will be his playroom. They are side by side and on the other end of the house from our bedroom so we call it "Jacob's Wing". Hey, just like Miley Cyrus.:lmao:

Ok, I must update my actual TR. It will get done this weekend! I promise. I was just thinking this morning, "when can we go back to WDW and which park should we go to?" I'm thinking waterpark!

Everyone have a fantastic weekend and thank you for joining in on this crazy time in my life.

Melissa

[ScotsMinnie]

I am loving hearing your updates!!! It sound slike you are settling in just fine.
How lucky to have a tasty site manager!!! Makes complaining about faults so much more fun. When we bought a new house ours was old and crumbly - no so much fun!!!!!

If I were you I would be looking for more things to get fixed!!!! For at least the next couple of months!!!!!
Lx

[jmskinner]

I am loving hearing your updates!!! It sound slike you are settling in just fine.
How lucky to have a tasty site manager!!! Makes complaining about faults so much more fun. When we bought a new house ours was old and crumbly - no so much fun!!!!!

If I were you I would be looking for more things to get fixed!!!! For at least the next couple of months!!!!!
Lx

I actually feel horrible calling the poor guy. I think we called him 4 times on Tuesday.

So, lets get this trip report done before I have more TR's to report on.

So, day 5 Tuesday June 17. I didn't have anything planned for the morning, so we decided to sleep in and hit the pool at POFQ. Something we had planned to do on the last trip but never found the time to do so.

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/WDW%202008%20Day%205/Slide-at-POFQ.gif

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/WDW%202008%20Day%205/JacobinpoolatPOFQ.jpg

While at the pool, we noticed Jacob directing traffic on the slide. He would tell each kid when it was time to go. I told JS "well, he could grow up to be a ride operator." Then another little boy started helping also. Then the lifeguard told them they had to slide down. Of course my Jacob continues to direct traffic, so I have to stop him. He told me one boy was going too soon is why he decided to direct traffic. We thought it was really cute to watch.

After a couple of hours, we headed back to the room and rested. I worked on figuring out where to get the pictures of Eeyore while everyone slept. We got to Epcot without any issues except Jacob wasn't in the best of moods.
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/WDW%202008%20Day%205/AllofusatEpcot.jpg

Decided to go on Spaceship Earth since we didn't get to last time. It was about a 20 min wait, but the line kept moving. Not at all what I expected. Jacob wasn't happy with it. As you can see in this pic:

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/WDW%202008%20Day%205/spaceshipearthmandj.jpg

JS and Kara enjoyed themselves.
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/WDW%202008%20Day%205/SpaceshipEarthJandK.jpg

We still have the FP we were given for MS stopping on us, so Kara, JS, and Jacob went to ride it. I didn't want to since I felt bad the last time, even on the tame side. So, I went shopping at that large store on the way. At the moment I can't remember the name of the place. See, really need to get this TR finished before I forget everything. (Oh, as I was proofing this I remembered "MickeyGear"!)Here's my family coming back.

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/WDW%202008%20Day%205/JonasJacobKaraMS.jpg

We then headed over to eat. We had dinner reservations at Tutlia Italia (I am sure that is not the correct spelling). We had eaten at the previous Italian restaurant, Alfredo's, the last time we were at WDW, so we thought we would give this a try.We were seated right away. Oh, and right away Kara and I start admiring the "atmosphere". The waiters I mean. It was the main topic during dinner. The food was really good. I felt like we didn't get much. You order Lasagna, and that is all you get. But, after having the dessert, we were all stuffed. In fact, we were stuffed the rest of the evening. Very filling food. Can't remember what Kara ordered, but it was a chicken dish and even JS said it looked too pretty to eat:

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/WDW%202008%20Day%205/ChickenatTuttaItalia.jpg

Of course, Jacob didn't want to eat because it was too early for him to be hungry. Even one of the managers came over and asked why he would not eat any of his food. So, Jacob drew on the paper table cloth:

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/WDW%202008%20Day%205/Jacobsdrawingatdinner.jpg

From there we decided to head around the WS and look for Eeyore in the UK. But it was too late for Eeyore.

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/WDW%202008%20Day%205/KarainJapan.jpg

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/WDW%202008%20Day%205/WSPic.jpg

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/WDW%202008%20Day%205/WSUKPic.jpg

Got to listen to Offkilter for just a bit.
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/WDW%202008%20Day%205/OffKilter.jpg

We also grabbed one of those orange frozen drinks in France. Samantha Brown recommended them on one of here WDW shows, and JS wanted to try it. It was good. They also had a Sparkling Vodka that you could only buy a bottle of. Since we would be flying home, I didn't want to do that, but next time we got to Epcot, I am going to try it. It looked really good.

Now it was time for the fireworks. We found a spot in Italy to watch Illuminations. Of course, I have to snap pictures while we wait.
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/WDW%202008%20Day%205/ItalyIlluminationsPosition.jpg

Here is one of a storm with a lot of lightening we got to watch while waiting on Illuminations:
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/WDW%202008%20Day%205/Stormrollsin.jpg

Then it was time for Illuminations:
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/WDW%202008%20Day%205/Illuminations.jpg

We enjoyed the fireworks and from there headed back to the hotel. Got Jacob some chicken nuggets from the food court and went to bed.

So, whats up for Day 6? AK. Will we finally get that pic of Eeyore and Kara?

[irky416]

It sounds like you had fun on your day trip! I'm jealous you're so close now!

It sounds like things are coming along with your new house. We were in Tampa on Saturday night before we left for our trip. The area we were in and the port looked pretty nice. It seemed like a nice city.

I actually think the store you were in is called MouseGear. It was my favorite store in all of WDW!! We were in it a bunch of times. :lmao:

I hope you get that Eeyore picture!

[jmskinner]

I actually think the store you were in is called MouseGear. It was my favorite store in all of WDW!! We were in it a bunch of times. :lmao:



You are correct. I was laying in bed last night and it just popped in my head. It is one of my favorites also. Especially early when it isn't so packed.

[Mr. & Mrs. Smith]

Thanks for your recap of Epcot! I can't wait to get back there again.

[tink1957]

Thanks for the POFQ pool pics.:thumbsup2 They got me excited for our Sept trip,:cloud9: although I really don't need any help in that dept, I've been counting the days/hours/minutes since I booked the trip.

[jmskinner]

Thanks for the POFQ pool pics.:thumbsup2 They got me excited for our Sept trip,:cloud9: although I really don't need any help in that dept, I've been counting the days/hours/minutes since I booked the trip.

I'll have to keep an eye out for you. We just booked a weekend at All-Star Music for Sept 26-28th. JS has a convention he wants to go to, so Jacob and I will be hitting the parks.

I apologize for not updating. But, my excuse will be later on in this update.

So, day 6, Wednesday June 18th I believe. It has been so long. Had our usual breakfast and headed over to Animal Kingdom. Again, a EMH day and we got there late. A big mistake learned. We got there and grabbed a show schedule. Nemo was starting in less than a hour, so we headed over to it. While in line, JS went for drinks, he got back just as the line started to move to the doors. Here are some pics:
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/WDW%202008%20Day%206/Nemo.jpg
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/WDW%202008%20Day%206/Nemo2.jpg

Everyone except for Jacob enjoyed this show. No explosions or anything to excite the boy. I thought it was wonderful. Also, a great place to get away from the heat. We decided to head over and see if we could get that pic with Eeyore. We didn't see a line, so we thought it would be a short wait. We didn't realize you had a long path to get to the characters, but we waited and we got the pic:

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/WDW%202008%20Day%206/KaraandEeyore.jpg

(Sidenote - this pic is why I have not updated. I had an update typed up to this point and realized I had not uploaded this particular pic to photobucket. My photopass CD is still in a box somewhere. Had the portable drive all of my pics are stored on, but couldn't find the wires. So, finally found the wires so I could hook up the portable drive to my computer and update photobucket. Not the best excuse I know, but after leaving everyone hanging as to whether or not we would get the pic, thought I should make sure to include it.)

Here is one with all of us with Tigger:
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/WDW%202008%20Day%206/AllofuswithTigger.jpg

Waiting for these pics took us about an hour, so after that we headed over to Kali River Rapids. It was about a 30 minute wait. While waiting in line we noticed someone had gotten sick in line, so we had to make sure and avoid that. The lady in front of us told a CM, but I didn't see her try to get someone to go clean it up!:mad:

After that we headed back to the hotel for a nap (still didn't get to see Lion King). Then it was Hollywood Studios time. We had dinner reservations for Sci-Fi Diner, but made a quick stop here:

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/WDW%202008%20Day%206/GreatMovieRide.jpg

Hadn't done the Great Movie Ride before, it was fun, plus it was air conditioned. It was still too early for our dinner reservation, so we headed over to Star Tours. Kara and I shopped while Jacob and JS rode. Of course it starts raining while we are in there. JS had the rain poncho's. So Kara and I stand at the entrance of Tattoine Trades. Luckily we found a spot right against the wall because a CM came up with an umbrella and told everyone they were in a ride exit and they needed to move if they were blocking the aisle. They disbursed, but in a few minutes, more bottled up at the entrance to the store again. Same CM came over and yelled that she would call security if they did not move. We were ok where we were, but she had my knees a knockin'. Finally, JS and Jacob show up, turns out JS' seat belt wouldn't work, so they had to wait for the next shuttle and then got to sit in the front row, which JS said was really great.

So, back to Sci-Fi. Rain was now just a Florida heavy sprinkle. Dinner was ok. I had the steak and it was ok. The chocolate tort was ok. I wasn't impressed with the food here last time we went, and still feel the same way. I'll go for the atmosphere if I on the meal plan, otherwise don't think I will go. I have to say this though. They don't have chicken nuggets, :confused3 , but our waitress was very nice and offered to get Jacob some from the Commissary next door. We were so happy!!! And Jacob ate them all up!

From there it was time for Fantasmic. JS didn't get to see this the last time we were at WDW so I was glad he did this time. He wasn't impressed, but he said it was probably because I had talked about it so much.

The last time I saw this show, I kept trying to take pics and none came out, but I got a couple this time:
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/WDW%202008%20Day%206/BoatinFantasmic.jpg

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/WDW%202008%20Day%206/MickeyinFantasmic.jpg

I was so glad I got Mickey:yay: , last time every picture of Mickey during Fantasmic was just a blur!

After the show, JS and Kara decided to ride ToT. Jacob wouldn't ride, so we decided to head towards the exit and do a little shopping. We hit every store on the way out and even got our picture taken:

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/WDW%202008%20Day%206/JacobandIatDHS.jpg

After this pic, Jacob and I headed back to the hotel. JS and Kara were headed to the bus stop as a bus pulled up. They were nice and didn't jump in line, but had to wait for the next one. We stuck our tongues out at them as we drove off.

So, this is almost the end of my trip report. We had just one more day with Kara before she had to head back home.

What have we been up to. Last Sunday, we went to AK for my B-Day. JS got me a B-Day button, so all day I heard "Happy Birthday Melissa". Jonas kept yelling out, she's 40. I am only 39!!! I think I will go somewhere by myself next year. He is threatening me with the black balloons and banners for next year. Today, Jacob and I went to Typhoon Lagoon. Had a good time.

Jacob is registered for his new school. Not happy about it and is worried he will not make friends, but I know he will. It is a brand new school, this will be it's second year in existence. Let's see if I can find it on the first day. I have missed the turn to it twice now.

Most boxes are open. Still have the office to finish and the spare bedroom. A couple of more ceiling fans to get up. Oh, and the garage. :scared1: Can't get the truck in there yet because of all the stuff. Guess we will start on that this weekend.

Hope everyone is enjoying the last few days of Summer!
Melissa

[irky416]

I'm so jealous you've been to WDW twice already!

The picture with Eeyore is cute! I'm glad you ended up getting it (and posting it, after it seems like it was a lot of trouble to do so!).

It sounds like things are going well with the move. When does school start down there?

[jmskinner]

I'm so jealous you've been to WDW twice already!

The picture with Eeyore is cute! I'm glad you ended up getting it (and posting it, after it seems like it was a lot of trouble to do so!).

It sounds like things are going well with the move. When does school start down there?

Thank you. Hillsborough County (Tampa) starts back August 18th. Not sure about the Orlando area. Not to keep making you jealous, but thinking about heading back a couple of times next week before school starts. I can always work on the house while the kiddo is in school. Feel like I need to do some fun stuff with him before he heads off to school! T

There is a lot to do locally, but some of it seems expensive. Science museum would cost just the two of us about $50. Gas to WDW and my lunch is cheaper than that (Jacob doesn't eat after breakfast until dinnertime because of his medication)!

[tink1957]

I say go to WDW & forget about putting all that stuff away, who needs to park in a garage anyway?:rotfl:

Seriously, your kids are only young once & you need to enjoy them all you can because before you know it, they are grown like mine & asking for the car keys instead of Mickey Bars, although mine still ask for Mickey Bars anyway.

Hope we see you all at the Food & Wine Festival, that's where we'll be when you visit on Sept 26-28. Look for a short woman with a tall son(I'm 5'2", he's 6'3"), I'll have my LGMH on my fannypack.

[Mr. & Mrs. Smith]

I'm glad you finally got the Eeyore pic! I agree with your view of Sci-Fi Dine In. We aren't quite as generous though. We wouldn't even go back if it were free for the ambiance. The food was that horrible.

[irky416]

Thank you. Hillsborough County (Tampa) starts back August 18th. Not sure about the Orlando area. Not to keep making you jealous, but thinking about heading back a couple of times next week before school starts. I can always work on the house while the kiddo is in school. Feel like I need to do some fun stuff with him before he heads off to school! T

There is a lot to do locally, but some of it seems expensive. Science museum would cost just the two of us about $50. Gas to WDW and my lunch is cheaper than that (Jacob doesn't eat after breakfast until dinnertime because of his medication)!

I guess in that case WDW seems like the best choice! The house stuff can certainly wait. Have you been to the aquarium? We saw it when we were down there and it looked really nice, but we didn't have time to go in.

[jmskinner]

I say go to WDW & forget about putting all that stuff away, who needs to park in a garage anyway?:rotfl:

Seriously, your kids are only young once & you need to enjoy them all you can because before you know it, they are grown like mine & asking for the car keys instead of Mickey Bars, although mine still ask for Mickey Bars anyway.

Hope we see you all at the Food & Wine Festival, that's where we'll be when you visit on Sept 26-28. Look for a short woman with a tall son(I'm 5'2", he's 6'3"), I'll have my LGMH on my fannypack.

I believe I was reading your PTR (which, have I missed updates with my move?) and saw pics of your boy. I'll keep an eye out for you. I totally agree about enjoying life. Know too many people saving up for retirement, only to have something happen once they retire and are unable to enjoy themselves. Really hoping my parents come this way soon. I know they will love WDW, especially with Jacob.

I'm glad you finally got the Eeyore pic! I agree with your view of Sci-Fi Dine In. We aren't quite as generous though. We wouldn't even go back if it were free for the ambiance. The food was that horrible.

I don't know if we will actually go back or not. JS seems to like it though. Funny, we normally agree on stuff like that.:confused3

I guess in that case WDW seems like the best choice! The house stuff can certainly wait. Have you been to the aquarium? We saw it when we were down there and it looked really nice, but we didn't have time to go in.

No. My MIL went when they dropped off Kara and seemed to enjoy it. Need to go do that. Ok, must check pricing for that now.

Talking about pricing. Decided to order the MNSSHP tickets. Well, the dates we are going there isn't an AP discount, nor is there an advance purchase discount. So, I am sitting here wondering if I should spend the $172!!! That Aquarium might be looking better. But, as previously stated, you only live once and need to enjoy life now. Plus, come November, Jacob will be 10! At least I get a little discount now.

House stuff: Got the security alarm set up today. Which is good considering we left the garage door open last night. One of the garage doors didn't come with an opener (something if I had thought about would have been a great request in the bidding) so JS has to get out and open it and shut it, he just forgot last night. Funny thing is, I normally check before going to bed.:scared1:

Bubblegum has fought with Mozart three times this week and has me worried she will really hurt him. Don't know what has gotten into her. (Oops, if you didn't read my PTR, here is a pic:
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/DSCN0174.jpg
Bubblegum is the Boxer and Mozart is the Boston with the blue harness on. The other Boston is Constanze. He is 13, so this really has me worried.

Ordered some stuff from Kohls. Got some new kitchen rugs, new towels etc. Gotta have new stuff with a new house right? Well, got the last of it in today, and they completely got my order messed up. Sent me some rug not even close to the others. It was a 3 rug set, so don't know how they messed that up. I have called and they are shipping me the correct one and I can return this other one. But, may be able to use it elsewhere. Just ticks me off because I don't feel well today and got really excited that my kitchen would finally be complete.:mad:

Well, I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend and I will try to post Day 7 sometime this weekend.

Melissa

[tink1957]

:confused3 I don't know whose PTR you were reading(must have been some other tink)but I have yet to post one. I know I need to get busy & learn how to upload pics so I can do a TR, although I don't know if anyone would want to read it.:rotfl:

[jmskinner]

:confused3 I don't know whose PTR you were reading(must have been some other tink)but I have yet to post one. I know I need to get busy & learn how to upload pics so I can do a TR, although I don't know if anyone would want to read it.:rotfl:

Oops. OK, obviously I am the confused one. I know I had started reading someone's PTR who was going with their son. I guess this move really has messed with my brain.

I would read your TR by the way. I'm still surprised anyone is reading mine.:goodvibes

[jmskinner]

So, now it is Thursday. Our trip is almost over. Actually, for Kara, this would be her last day. Her grandmother was picking her up the next morning to take her home.

Again, breakfast there at the hotel. I was very proud of Jacob this whole week. He ate cereal, two bowls every morning. I can't ever get him to eat it at home and was really worried about him getting some food in him so he could have his medicine. But he did a great job!

Got on the bus and headed over to MK. Still not there at rope drop. One day we will make it. I had wanted to start at Futureland, but my boys weren't having it. PoTC it was. This was supposed to be the first day it was to open after refurbishment (actually I think it was scheduled for the next day), but we walked around to it and look at what we saw:

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/WDW%202008%20Day%207/POTCnotopenyet.jpg

It was going to open, just wasn't opened yet. Everyone was standing around and CM's were telling us "it will open just don't know when". Well, I needed a potty break, so we found the rest room. I hear this lady start screaming and her daughter says, "that's my mother!?!?!" in complete embarassment. The mother was screaming because they opened PoTC, see us parents always get more excited than the kids. So, off we went.

I hate people that when you are walking come running up to get ahead of you, so I was nice and stayed behind this family instead of going around them. Big mistake. The man was busy texting and took forever to walk through the line. JS was about ready to knock him upside the head. Rode the ride and spent all my time trying to take pics. I think they made it harder to take pics without a flash. I know I could get some last time we were there.

From there it was off to SM and BTMRR. Got FP's for BTMRR and rode SM.

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/WDW%202008%20Day%207/MKfromSM.jpg

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/WDW%202008%20Day%207/DownwegoonSM.jpg

Then it was time for BTMRR:

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/WDW%202008%20Day%207/BTMRRonridepic.jpg

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/WDW%202008%20Day%207/BTMRRpicofcastle.jpg

I must say, BTMRR is much better at night. When we rode it this time, we felt like it was really short compared to riding in the dark.

Then of course we headed over to HM.

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/WDW%202008%20Day%207/HMline.jpg

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/WDW%202008%20Day%207/HMBride.jpg

These are probably my 3 favorite rides.

Ok, last time we were at MK, JS wanted to ride HoP (being a history freak, he loves this attraction) and it was closed when I finally agreed to do it. So, I was determined we would do it this trip. We had already missed it once, so from HM we went straight to it. Plus we had time to eat before LTT.

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/WDW%202008%20Day%207/HOPpic.jpg

We walked in just as another show started, so we had a little wait, but it felt so good inside. Jacob had fun walking around and taking pics. He kept grabbing us and pointing out who each President was.

From there it was time for LTT. It was our first time to eat here and one of those I wasn't sure about. We loved the food though. I had the Turkey and it was great. Jacob didn't eat again. I know people think we starve him.

From there it was time for a break, so we headed back to the hotel. Fortunately, I had been told that if I wanted to use my rewards card to pay for my room charges I needed to do that before the day of checkout, so I went ahead and did that so I wouldn't mess up and not do it. That really helped!

I will post the rest of day 7 later. More MK to come!

[irky416]

I like your picture from Splash right before you go into the Briar Patch.

I think this was the day we were at MK, too! June 19, right?

[jmskinner]

I like your picture from Splash right before you go into the Briar Patch.

I think this was the day we were at MK, too! June 19, right?


Yes, we were there the same day. I'll have to look through photos and see if I see ya anywhere. Were you the one that mentioned in your TR about the coin on the vase at the PoTC store? We saw it last night and I remembered there was supposed to be something else in there, but couldn't remember what it was.

[snowbell]

I enjoyed your update. :thumbsup2

[irky416]

Yes, we were there the same day. I'll have to look through photos and see if I see ya anywhere. Were you the one that mentioned in your TR about the coin on the vase at the PoTC store? We saw it last night and I remembered there was supposed to be something else in there, but couldn't remember what it was.

That was me! I'm glad you found it. The other thing is the key that Will was trying to get from Davy Jones. I never found that one, but RachelNinja did and it's in her trip report, too.

[Disneychix]

Just getting caught up! I've missed a few days, sorry!

Glad you are all settling into the house. It sounds great! Do you think the dogs may be fighting because of the new place? Maybe territory issues? I have 2 small dogs and they fight constantly. Drives me nuts.

I'm so looking forward to my Tutto Italia adr! Reading about the food makes me hungry right now!!

I hope the start of school goes great for your DS!!!!

[jmskinner]

I enjoyed your update. :thumbsup2

Thank you! I'm enjoying writing one.

That was me! I'm glad you found it. The other thing is the key that Will was trying to get from Davy Jones. I never found that one, but RachelNinja did and it's in her trip report, too.

I'll look next time. Maybe we can go on a slow day and take our time.

Just getting caught up! I've missed a few days, sorry!

Glad you are all settling into the house. It sounds great! Do you think the dogs may be fighting because of the new place? Maybe territory issues? I have 2 small dogs and they fight constantly. Drives me nuts.

I'm so looking forward to my Tutto Italia adr! Reading about the food makes me hungry right now!!

I hope the start of school goes great for your DS!!!!

My dogs are fighting for alpha dog, but it also has something to do with me. They never do it just in front of JS, only me. The last time I took this metal clothes drying rack and banged it on the floor. It made a lot of noise and Bubblegum took off. No fighting since, so maybe I finally scared her enough.

Went to open house with Jacob on Thursday at his new school. Surprises me that it is a new school and they don't have central hallways, the classrooms open to the outside. It is fenced in though. He will have two teachers, one teaches reading and english, while the other teaches math and science. Had a meeting with them yesterday about his frustration issues and how he can act out. Also, got to see the Psychiatrist. One less worry.

Went to WDW on Monday to Epcot and DTD. Jacob only wanted to do the build a robot thing, but I had forgotten that it was being refurbished, or completely replaced. Does anyone know if they are bringing this back? We did finally ride Universe of Energy. That was a lot of fun. Jacob got scared in the dark parts. I was so stupid that day. Totally forgot about the boats from Epcot. JS reminded me when I got home. He says, "wow, there is something I know about WDW, that you don't".

Wednesday, we did DHS for Star Tours and then MK. JS had to work Wednesday night starting at 10:00pm:scared1: , so I figured we would get out of the house so he could sleep. We had just gotten off of Splash Mountain when Wishes started. Then I realized there was nothing in my little packet on my lanyard. Our AP's and my Disney Rewards Card with $50 still on it were gone.:scared1: So, stopped in the store right there at SM, spoke with a CM, she said to go to city hall to see if it was turned in. I went ahead and called Chase to cancel that rewards card and then headed to the front. Grabbed a Pineapple Dole Whip on the way out. Since I had JS's AP, it was no problem getting ours replaced (I have been keeping our lanyards in my backpack at all times). :yay:

All evening I thought I saw lightning. Of course as we get in line for the monorail, it starts to sprinkle. Just before we get on, it starts pouring. We made the mad dash from the monorail ramp to the tram line. It took over an hour to get to our car. Had a fantastic lightning show all the way home though. Finally got home at 12:30am! We had a lot of fun though.

Today we have to get all boxes out of the living room. Found a living set we want. It is a floor sample, if we had better go get it if we want it. Kind of worried someone will go buy it before we can get there. Guess if they do, they were meant to have it.

Oh, then there is TS Fay. Right now, headed right for us.

I will post part 2 of Day 7 soon. Everyone have a great weekend!:goodvibes

[irky416]

Sorry to hear about you losing your stuff at WDW.

I hope you get your living room set!

[tink1957]

Thanks for the update. I hope you were able to replace all the stuff you lost. Good luck with the furniture & with Fay.

[jmskinner]

Sorry to hear about you losing your stuff at WDW.

I hope you get your living room set!



Thanks for the update. I hope you were able to replace all the stuff you lost. Good luck with the furniture & with Fay.

Well, we got all the furniture. Some of it is in the living room, the rest is in the garage. JS is starting to freak out that we still have all of these boxes.

Yes, Fay has me stressing out :scared1: . Last projected path showed a "1" hitting right near Tampa Bay. What do we do, buy more furniture!!! I just hope everyone closer to the coast will be ok, it sounds like the Keys may get hit hard.

[scottny]

great report and pics. Just found it and read it and really enjoyed it. Congrats on the new house. How exciting to be so close to Disney.

Can I ask the Mickey Photopass pic was that in AK and did you ask for for it?

Looking forward to more.

[jmskinner]

great report and pics. Just found it and read it and really enjoyed it. Congrats on the new house. How exciting to be so close to Disney.

Can I ask the Mickey Photopass pic was that in AK and did you ask for for it?

Looking forward to more.

Thanks for joining in. And yes, I am very excited to be so close to Disney. JS is excited because it means I will go for the day and he can stay home and play games or paint his figures.

Ok, I believe you mean the black and white Mickey photo. Yes, it was AK and I added Mickey in when I ordered my CD. It was one of the borders offered.

[scottny]

Thanks for joining in. And yes, I am very excited to be so close to Disney. JS is excited because it means I will go for the day and he can stay home and play games or paint his figures.

Ok, I believe you mean the black and white Mickey photo. Yes, it was AK and I added Mickey in when I ordered my CD. It was one of the borders offered.

aah. ok, I never seen that. thanks.

I would love to live down there and work at Disney.

[jmskinner]

So, we got some rest at POR and headed back to MK. While resting it had rained. Got to see a rainbow while waiting for the bus:

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/WDW%202008%20Day%207/Rainbowwhilewaitingonbus.jpg

Made it to MK and it was pouring, so we dug out the rain ponchos. Of course by the time we dig them out and get into the park, it has stopped, but here is a pics with some of us wearing them:


http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/WDW%202008%20Day%207/Familyinfrontofcastle.jpg

Again, Jacob wasn't happy about having his pic taken.

OK, so Kara's Mom wanted her pic with Eeyore. I wanted one with her and Tink. If you look really close at Kara's lanyard you will notice all but one of her pins are Tink. The one is an Eeyore. So, I got this pic:
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/WDW%202008%20Day%207/KaraandTink.jpg

From there we headed to Fantasyland. Got FP's for Buzz and did the Laugh Floor.

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/WDW%202008%20Day%207/MonstersIncpic.jpg

And then it was time for:
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/WDW%202008%20Day%207/BL.jpg

Jacob wanted to do the Speedway, so we hoped on it. For some reason this night, everyone was bumping each other. It was crazy. Here is one of JS after we bumped him:
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/WDW%202008%20Day%207/Dadgettingrearended.jpg

And here is Kara practicing that driving.
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/WDW%202008%20Day%207/KaraonSpeedway.jpg

She looks to be taking it seriously. She will have her license in October, not long now.

From there JS, Kara, and Jacob rode the teacups. I can't take spinning, so I waited and took pics. While waiting I realized Wishes started when I heard the "KABOOMS":

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/WDW%202008%20Day%207/Fireworks.jpg

After the teacups we headed to Winnie the Pooh. Now at this point, the fireworks are still going off and I notice JS has a strange look on his face. I asked if he was ok, and he leaned over and whispered from that position in the park with the fireworks going off it sounded just like when they were getting shelled in Iraq, except for the sound of shrapnel hitting was missing. This was the first time I had noticed a real change in his behavior since being back from Iraq, except for having to sit facing the door in restaurtants. He couldn't hear it while on the teacups, so once he got off the ride, he wasn't really expecting to hear that sound. I just gave him a big hug and was glad when we made it on to Pooh so he wouldn't hear it anymore.

From there, we rode, Snow White, Mickey's Philharmagic, Peter Pan, and IASM (my first time to ride it).

When we got off of IASM, something set Jacob off, making him mad, and he decided he didn't want to be with us anymore, so he walked ahead of us. We were still in front of IASM and he was far enough ahead of us, people were looking around to see if there were parents attached to him. Luckily the park was really empty at this point.

So, from there we left the park. Basically this was the end of our trip. Kara would be leaving in the morning and it would just be the three of us again. Even though we weren't leaving the world, it sure felt :sad2: .

[scottny]

great update and pics.

i cannot take spinning either.

scary and sad that reminded him of Iraq.

So did you like IASW?

[jmskinner]

great update and pics.

i cannot take spinning either.

scary and sad that reminded him of Iraq.

So did you like IASW?

Yes, I did like IASW. It was really nice that it was a walk on. It was a lot bigger than I thought it would be. Of course, just thinking about it, I have the song stuck in my head.

[ScotsMinnie]

Sad to hear that your trip is almost over. I too like IASW - its a bit twee but still sweet. Both my girls love it and sang it continuously in the car every day of our trip. The little one is still singing it. She also likes to watch videos of the ride on youtube!!!! When will it ever end?????

Hope you have settled in now and life in Tampa is going well.
Lx

[jmskinner]

Sad to hear that your trip is almost over. I too like IASW - its a bit twee but still sweet. Both my girls love it and sang it continuously in the car every day of our trip. The little one is still singing it. She also likes to watch videos of the ride on youtube!!!! When will it ever end?????

Hope you have settled in now and life in Tampa is going well.
Lx

Thank you, and life in Tampa is going well except for Tropical Storm Fay. Right now it looks as though it will go right over us. We are just southeast of Tampa and that looks like the path it is going to take. Rain is on its way now. WDW is already getting hit with the rain.

Jacob had his first day of school. They are out tomorrow due to the storm and the city using the schools for shelters. He seemed to have a good day. I sat in traffic for an hour waiting to pick him up. He thought I had forgotten him, but there was so much traffic for the school. Told him, next time I am pulling over and we will be walking. The exercise will do us good anyways.

[mercydisney]

HI! :yay:
Welcome to Tampa. I just read the 1st few pages and I wanted to welcome you to the area. We are in Riverview. We also moved to be next to the Mouse. Although DH's job thinks it was for relocation.

I'm sure you'll enjoy the area. There is so much to do for kids.

I'm off to read your trip report.

[jmskinner]

HI! :yay:
Welcome to Tampa. I just read the 1st few pages and I wanted to welcome you to the area. We are in Riverview. We also moved to be next to the Mouse. Although DH's job thinks it was for relocation.

I'm sure you'll enjoy the area. There is so much to do for kids.

I'm off to read your trip report.

Howdy neighbor. We are in Riverview also. It is such a small world.

[irky416]

You must have gotten back to MK right before we did. We were getting out of the car as it stopped raining.

I have never been on the teacups because I can't take the spinning either.

That's scary about the fireworks bothering JS. I hope it hasn't happened again.

I'm sad your report is almost over. :sad1:

[jmskinner]

You must have gotten back to MK right before we did. We were getting out of the car as it stopped raining.

I have never been on the teacups because I can't take the spinning either.

That's scary about the fireworks bothering JS. I hope it hasn't happened again.

I'm sad your report is almost over. :sad1:

I rode the teacups our first trip and had a headache the rest of the day. Can you do Mission Space? I can't even do the weakling side.

Guess your TR is almost over also. Guess I can't complain since we are so close now. Wish Kara lived closer to us. I had so much fun with her.

Ok, I just have to vent a little. Noticed today that my roof has leaked at some point in my bathroom!:scared1:

That isn't what I am most upset about. In order to qualify for homestead exception in the state of Florida, you have to be a state resident (most states waive this for military). So, went to get a FL drivers license today. Had my TX DL and my military ID card, even my Social Security card. They won't accept it, you have to have a birth certificate or passport. They have about 15 states that they won't accept their DL's as proof. But they will accept a piece of paper without my picture that anyone could bring in. I don't get it. Oh, and to register the vehicles, we have to bring both up there so they can verify the VIN's. I come from a small town and they don't even do that. Sorry, just had to vent. The lady at the DMV was very nice though.

Oh, and in case anyone was wondering. Fay completely missed us and looks like when she swings back around, she will miss us again. Crazy!

Hope everyone has a great week!

[finallydvc08]

Hey, Mellissa!

I'm working my way through your report . . . I'm about to read your first day at WDW.

Lucky girl to be moving so close and into such a great house!

Since you will be so close to WDW, you will have to come meet me at WDW when we make our annual trek.:drive:

[jmskinner]

Just might do that. I always look for lime green when I go to the parks.

Ok, since you are just starting to read my report, remember, I am no way a writer like you! Thanks for joining!

[Disneychix]

I will be at POFQ when you go for Halloween. I will have LGMH tags on my stroller. Please look for me too!!

Happy to hear you escaped the worst of Fay.

[jmskinner]

I will be at POFQ when you go for Halloween. I will have LGMH tags on my stroller. Please look for me too!!

Happy to hear you escaped the worst of Fay.

Thank you. We were very fortunate, but it is just the beginning.

I will keep an eye out for you. Not sure what our plans are yet. The 26th we will pick Jacob up from school and head straight to WDW. So, MK the 26th, JS and Jacob may go to the convention together on the 27th, because there is a new Star Wars game coming out they are previewing, and it is one Jacob can play. So, JS plans on bringing Jacob back to the hotel around Noon. Then it will just be Jacob and I. Would like to check out the Food and Wine Festival, but that would probably be more fun with JS.

I know we are thinking of going to the Food and Wine Festival in November when Night Ranger performs. My very first concert was Night Ranger. I was going to be a freshman in high school way back in 1983! Man I'm old! Surprised I can remember that far back.:lmao:

[macheath]

Hi, Melissa!

I've been away for a couple weeks. Just got back from our trip! So, I have to catch up on your TR.

Glad to hear Fay has not been too harsh on you. Hope it stays that way. We had to fly out of Orlando late Tuesday night. I thought they would cancel our flight, but no. It was a bumpy takeoff and ride for awhile, but thank God we made it home safe!

I wish you had been at WDW while we were there. I kept looking around for LGMHs and saw none! So sad....
Heather

[jmskinner]

Hi, Melissa!

I've been away for a couple weeks. Just got back from our trip! So, I have to catch up on your TR.

Glad to hear Fay has not been too harsh on you. Hope it stays that way. We had to fly out of Orlando late Tuesday night. I thought they would cancel our flight, but no. It was a bumpy takeoff and ride for awhile, but thank God we made it home safe!

I wish you had been at WDW while we were there. I kept looking around for LGMHs and saw none! So sad....
Heather

Oh, you have to do a trip report Heather. Glad you made it home safely.

I never see any LGMH either, but I keep looking. I need to move mine on my bag because I realized if it is on my back, the LMGH is hidden.:confused3

I'll post another update soon. It is almost over. :sad1: I know, I am now close to the world, but it isn't the same on a day trip. There is just something about staying there on the grounds.

Melissa

[macheath]

Oh, you have to do a trip report Heather. Glad you made it home safely.

I never see any LGMH either, but I keep looking. I need to move mine on my bag because I realized if it is on my back, the LMGH is hidden.:confused3

I'll post another update soon. It is almost over. :sad1: I know, I am now close to the world, but it isn't the same on a day trip. There is just something about staying there on the grounds.

Melissa
Thanks, Melissa!
I'm debating on doing a TR or not. But I want to wait until my Photopass CD comes in the mail. We have some good pics on the CD and I don't want to start until I have them.

I agree about the staying on site being different. We had my DH's family along with us this trip. They have been to WDW many times, but never stayed on site before. They totally agreed that staying at the resorts is the best way to go.

I couldn't believe I didn't see any lime green! I did get stopped twice, both were lurkers that saw my LGMH- but no DISers!!!
Heather

[jmskinner]

Well, the day was finally here. Time to say goodbye to Kara. The morning started out with eating breakfast at POR as we did almost everyday (got that one breakfast at Chef Mickey's). We were to meet Kara's Grandma at their hotel at 8:30am. They were staying close to DTD, so we hoped on a bus to DTD and headed to the hotel. They met us in the parking lot, ready to head back to NC themselves. They had the back seat all ready for Kara to lay down and sleep on the way home. Have I mentioned on the way to WDW, Kara slept the whole way. It is an 8 hour drive without stops. We said our goodbyes and headed over to DTD to do a little shopping. Only problem, they don't open until 9:30am, so we had to sit around for a little. Took a picture of Jacob in front of the Toy Store while we were waiting:

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/WDW%202008%20Day%208/JacobwithMrPotatoHeadatDTD.jpg

"I'm crushing your head!"

The pin traders were setting up and JS was trying to get me to go trade, but I'm not a trader, I buy the ones I want to keep. Finally they opened and we wandered around the toy store for a little while. Then headed over to the Pin Trading store. JS was shocked at how many there were. I kept having to tell myself that we would soon be living close by so there was no reason to buy any pins. But, I did find a LE Star Tours pin, so I went ahead and bought it since it might not be there when we got back.:)

From there we headed over to World of Disney, but stopped at Godiva for a cup of coffee. Jacob played with Stitch while we were waiting for the coffee!

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/WDW%202008%20Day%208/JacobgettingspitonbyStitch.jpg

While in the World of Disney, I purchased a Tinkerbell photo frame I could send to Kara since she is such a huge Tink fan. The CM that waited on me asked if I traded pins. Told him I never had (remember what I just said, I buy what I want), he asked if he had anything that I liked. He did have a Davey Jones and Barbosa pin (actual pic from the movie), and I still had two Pirate Donald Duck pins on my lanyard from when I first purchased it, so I made my first trade!:yay: Ended up buying JS a Grumpy shirt. It so fits him.

From there we headed to the boat back to the hotel. On the way back, I took this pic of the treehouses being rebuilt:

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/WDW%202008%20Day%208/Constructionofnewtreehouses.jpg

When we first got there, they were tearing them down and now they were already putting in the pipes for the new ones. (When we were at WDW a week or so ago, the steel platforms were being built, so they are making a lot of progress).

Went back to the hotel for a nap and some packing. The CM left us a surprise:

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/WDW%202008%20Day%208/CliffordandSnoopy.jpg

No, it wasn't a towel character, but she was nice and placed Jacob's Snoopy and Clifford nicely on the bed for him. He was excited. Those to pups have been with him to WDW twice, SC, MD, PA, all over TX, and now FL.

After a nap we headed over to HS one last time.
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/WDW%202008%20Day%208/JonasMelissaandJacob.jpg

All we did was head over to the big Star Wars store, since it was Friday, it was a Star Wars Weekend day. Spent another $100 on Star Wars stuff. Bought the limited edition pins offered for that weekend (I know next year we will be there every weekend getting those pins.) I bought a t-shirt and Jacob bought a Star Wars ship. Headed over to do Star Tours and rode it once. It was time for Indy and there was a huge storm cloud rolling in. We put on our ponchos (why does it rain every time we get off of Star Tours) and headed to Indy. It is absolutely pouring at this time. We find a seat and get comfortable, finally we will see Indy. I notice one of the CM's is a cutie and wish Kara was there to see him.

Then they make the horrible announcement, because of the lightning, they can only show us one scene because the stage hands can't be out moving sets in the weather.:sad2: So, we got to see the first scene. Then we headed out. It was still pouring. JS started laughing because he realized we were walking, it was lightning, and we had all these metal pins around our necks.:eek:

Got back to the hotel, grabbed some supper to take back to the room and relaxed before finishing the packing.

That was it, not very exciting for a last day was it. I think we were just worn out from house hunting, a week at WDW, and at this time, we still had no contract on our house in TX.:scared1:

My next official trip update will give details on our horrible trip home: "Wait is that the realtor calling us????"

[scottny]

great update and pics.

sounds like a nice last day.

ok the upcoming part sounds scary.

[irky416]

I like the picture of Jacob being crushed by the Potato Head.

I don't like to trade pins either. Did your first pin trade make you want to trade more?

Sounds like you had a nice last day up until it started raining!

[jmskinner]

I don't like to trade pins either. Did your first pin trade make you want to trade more?



If I had pins to trade, I would do it, but I buy what I want to keep and I hate to spend money on pins to trade when I can buy what I want.:confused3

[irky416]

If I had pins to trade, I would do it, but I buy what I want to keep and I hate to spend money on pins to trade when I can buy what I want.:confused3

Hahaha...I feel the exact same way about it! I spent a lot of time picking out the ones I like. Why do I need to trade them?

[jmskinner]

So, on Saturday we get up and get dressed. Call for help with our luggage and go check in for our flight. I get in line and hear them tell one family they are unable to check them in. I wonder why, but now it is my turn. I forgot the paper with our flight number, and the check-in desk is unable to get our flight info, so back to the room I go. Now, at POR this is not a quick jog. Oh well, got my exercise out of the way. While I was doing this, they were weighing our luggage and one suitcase was over 40lbs, so JS was moving stuff around.

So back in line for check-in. They only had one of the computers working, so the line was horrible. Finally I get there and guess what. They are unable to check us in. :headache: WHAT!!!! The CM said she doesn't know why, but they are just unable to check us in. Ok, we had a 10:45 flight, it is now after 8:00am.

Now, our ME time was 8:30am. I heard a CM tell someone the bus is normally there before your ME time, so we haul all 5 of our suitcases, plus our carry-ons to the ME stop and wait. And wait. And wait!:eek: It now almost 8:45, there is no way we are getting to the airport for us to check-in and make a 10:45 flight. Finally JS goes in and tells a CM that the bus is not there. Another family is making the same complaint. We watch as one of the Disney Cruise Line buses pulls up. I ask him about getting to the airport, but he says only cruise customers can go. But after he checks everyone on, he says he can get us on. So I yell for JS who has just left the lobby again, and we get on the bus. I don't know what happened to the other poor family.

Now, I don't remember the bus drivers name, but he was so nice and so wound up trying to get everyone into a good mood and no one on the bus was having it. He kept trying to get us to sing, cheer, anything. I felt so sorry for him once we got off.

So, while this man keeps cheering and talking into the speaker system, my Dad calls. Ok, why would my Dad be calling so early. Well, I answer, but of course I am right under a speaker and can't hear because of this man trying to cheer us up! So I tell Dad I can't hear and I will call him back. Then my phone rings again and I notice it is the realtor. I hand the phone to JS, hoping he can hear. I know, I put the realtor before my Dad. Bad daughter! So, JS hangs up and says we have an offer and we will discuss it when we get to the airport. Oh, forgot to mention, we are not sitting together. There is this poor man sitting between us while all of this is going on.

So, we get to the airport, JS gets a cart and we run to the ticket counter. Now, the ticket counters at AA at MCO are horrible. You have to check-in using your credit card and then you can get in line to speak to someone. I don't fly a lot, so maybe most airports are like this now, but I thought this was horrible. The thing was, there was no organization because you could go left or right so everyone was cutting in front of each other. When I scanned my credit card, it printed out a ticket saying I need to see a ticket agent.

So, I pick the line behind this family from another country. The man is arguing with the ticket agent over the rules of weight of luggage. You know, you can have two bags, anything over 40lbs is additional money. Well, he seemed to think that if he only had 1 bag, it could be over 40lbs. :mad: :headache: I just wanted to kill him. It was almost 9:30 at this point.

Of course when we are frustrated, Jacob can just be unbearable, so JS is trying to keep him cool, while we are having a hard time doing the same.

Finally, the man and his family leave and I get some help. Turns out, our flight was changed to another flight. That is why we could not check-in at POR.:headache: Now, I can laugh now, but originally we were booked on an 11:35 flight, that got changed to the 10:45 before we left Texas. Guess what flight we were now on, yup you got it, back to 11:35. Of course we are ticked because we could have slept, ate breakfast, etc. Oh yea, we had a couple of meals left we had planned on eating before we left that morning but because of all this confusion, we didn't do it.

Ok, now we can relax a little. We have time to wait. So, we got to BK for something to eat. They are actually serving chicken nuggets this early, so Jacob is very excited.:woohoo: :yay:

We sit down and discuss the offer. They are offering $5000 less than we are asking, but we would still be making some money, more than what we needed for a downpayment on the new home, so we decide to take the offer. I did not want to take the chance of losing our new house.

So, JS calls our realtor, Steve, and before he can say anything, Steve stops him to tell him we have another offer coming in, so he will come see us at the house when we get home to discuss the offers. Now, we are supposed to be home by 6:00pm, so no problem.

We finish our breakfast and head to the gate. What, now our flight is delayed until 1:15???!!!!:headache: :mad: :headache: :mad:

[scottny]

does not sound like a good morning with the airlines. I had the problem of not being able to check in at POR.

good for you to have 2 offers. we are selling and had 2 offers and they have been so low which is strange for NYC but studios are harder to sell I hear and that is what we have.

[jmskinner]

does not sound like a good morning with the airlines. I had the problem of not being able to check in at POR.

good for you to have 2 offers. we are selling and had 2 offers and they have been so low which is strange for NYC but studios are harder to sell I hear and that is what we have.

Was it due to a flight change?

Oh, that wasn't the end of our flight drama, but thought I would split it up.

And good luck on selling. How is the housing market in NYC? Here is Florida, it is a buyers market, back in San Angelo, TX where we just came from it is a sellers market so we really lucked out.

[irky416]

Ugh. Sounds like a horrible morning. I have no patience at all for airports after we got stuck in Dallas overnight and ended up having to fly into Cleveland and driving home from there in a terrible thunderstorm. The slightest delay or problem and I burst into tears. Which is weird because usually I'm pretty laid back about that stuff. You seem to have dealt with it pretty well.

I hope your flight doesn't get delayed again.

[scottny]

Was it due to a flight change?

Oh, that wasn't the end of our flight drama, but thought I would split it up.

And good luck on selling. How is the housing market in NYC? Here is Florida, it is a buyers market, back in San Angelo, TX where we just came from it is a sellers market so we really lucked out.

actually no. TSA tagged the 9 year olds bag we were with and so we had to check in at the airport for screening. I laughed but not at first.

it is still good here just studios are hard to sell.

[missj1975]

I enjoyed your trip report. I hope you keep posting because I liked reading about your life in Florida. Congratulations on the move.

[havinfun]

From there we headed to the boat back to the hotel. On the way back, I took this pic of the treehouses being rebuilt:

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%202008%20Day%201/WDW%202008%20Day%208/Constructionofnewtreehouses.jpg

When we first got there, they were tearing them down and now they were already putting in the pipes for the new ones. (When we were at WDW a week or so ago, the steel platforms were being built, so they are making a lot of progress).

Hi,

I am finally getting caught up with your trip report. I got back on the 16th and was so sad I wasn't still there. I am now recovering from my Disney withdrawals. ;) Anyway, I am really enjoying your report and will be sad when it is over.

What are the treehouses? We saw them being built on our last day there. We just couldn't figure out what they were building in all those trees. Had there been older ones there before?

Hope you new house and new school are going well for your family.

[jmskinner]

I enjoyed your trip report. I hope you keep posting because I liked reading about your life in Florida. Congratulations on the move.

Thank you. I was trying to decide if this would be just one big TR/MR for the next 2-3 years. Probably shouldn't do that.

Should I keep this open until we go for our weekend in Sept. and post that as the final part?


Hi,

I am finally getting caught up with your trip report. I got back on the 16th and was so sad I wasn't still there. I am now recovering from my Disney withdrawals. ;) Anyway, I am really enjoying your report and will be sad when it is over.

What are the treehouses? We saw them being built on our last day there. We just couldn't figure out what they were building in all those trees. Had there been older ones there before?

Hope you new house and new school are going well for your family.

Thank you. So far, everything is going well. Jacob seems to be doing fine in school, but the first two weeks are always a honeymoon period with him, so we will see.

I found this info on All Ears Net from Jan 07:
The Treehouse Villas opened as part of the Disney Village Resort in 1975. In 1996, they became part of the Disney Institute and were available for guests to rent until the Institute closed for good in February 2002. Most of the Institute was razed to make way for the construction of Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa. The Treehouses were not destroyed at that time because of an interesting loophole: They sit on an area of protected wetlands, and if they are taken down, nothing can be rebuilt in their place. Further, they cannot be rented to guests because they are not up to current accessibility codes, and because of their unique design, it would be difficult to bring them up to code by installing ramps and/or elevators.

The Treehouses sat empty for months, being used mostly for storage, and then sustained a bit of damage during Hurricane Charley. They have since been repaired, and are being used to house College Program and international Cast Members. As private residences, they are not required to adhere to the same codes that buildings rented to the public are.

I took the opportunity to rent a pontoon boat last week to get a close look at the Treehouses. They're unfortunately looking very shabby, and are in need of a coat of fresh paint. Some of the decks were sagging a bit, window coverings were in need of replacement, and woodwork needed repair. Since several of them are in full view of guests who rent boats or take water taxis in this area, I hope someone in charge takes note and gives them the rehab these venerable old buildings deserve as part of Walt Disney World's early history.


So, it looks like they are doing a rehab. I am wondering if they will be available for guests or if they will be for employees. I'll going to keep researching. I did find another note from this same person "Anita" on AllEarsNet.com, but she just mentioned they were being torn down.

Oh, I just remembered I had taken a picture back in 2006 when we were there:

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/100_3237.jpg

I'll finish that horrible travel day later! Everyone stay safe with the crazy weather out there.

[Dr_Finkelstein]

Hi Melissa,
Have just read all your TR so far (should really be doing housework!), after you posted on mine.
You're so lucky moving to Orlando! That is DHs dream! :cloud9:

We have ADRs at Biergarten and WCC as well. Glad you enjoyed them both, especially Biergarten, I was slightly worried as both my kids are picky eaters (DS especially so), but now I'm sure they'll be fine.
I think they'll love WCC - they always have ketchup with everything!:thumbsup2
Hope you've settled into your new house, it looks lovely! Hope Jacob is still enjoying school!
Keep posting
Di x

[jmskinner]

Hi Melissa,
Have just read all your TR so far (should really be doing housework!), after you posted on mine.
You're so lucky moving to Orlando! That is DHs dream! :cloud9:

We have ADRs at Biergarten and WCC as well. Glad you enjoyed them both, especially Biergarten, I was slightly worried as both my kids are picky eaters (DS especially so), but now I'm sure they'll be fine.
I think they'll love WCC - they always have ketchup with everything!:thumbsup2
Hope you've settled into your new house, it looks lovely! Hope Jacob is still enjoying school!
Keep posting
Di x

Thanks for joining. Actually we are close to Tampa, but only an hour away. Not too bad a drive. It's all Interstate at least.

I was just telling my DH last night that I really wanted to go back to Biergarten. I really did enjoy the food and want to go back to WCC also. That All-You-Care-To-Eat platter was great.

[ScotsMinnie]

Sounds like a nightmare - dread to think how it coulod have gotten worse. At least you won't have that problem now - no more flights just to see the mouse!
Lx

[havinfun]

Thank you. So far, everything is going well. Jacob seems to be doing fine in school, but the first two weeks are always a honeymoon period with him, so we will see.
[/I]I am glad to hear Jacob is doing well in schoool. I am a school nurse and started back to work on the 18th. I'd rather still be on vacation at Disney. :)

I found this info on All Ears Net from Jan 07:
The Treehouse Villas opened as part of the Disney Village Resort in 1975. In 1996, they became part of the Disney Institute and were available for guests to rent until the Institute closed for good in February 2002. Most of the Institute was razed to make way for the construction of Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa. The Treehouses were not destroyed at that time because of an interesting loophole: They sit on an area of protected wetlands, and if they are taken down, nothing can be rebuilt in their place. Further, they cannot be rented to guests because they are not up to current accessibility codes, and because of their unique design, it would be difficult to bring them up to code by installing ramps and/or elevators.

The Treehouses sat empty for months, being used mostly for storage, and then sustained a bit of damage during Hurricane Charley. They have since been repaired, and are being used to house College Program and international Cast Members. As private residences, they are not required to adhere to the same codes that buildings rented to the public are.

I took the opportunity to rent a pontoon boat last week to get a close look at the Treehouses. They're unfortunately looking very shabby, and are in need of a coat of fresh paint. Some of the decks were sagging a bit, window coverings were in need of replacement, and woodwork needed repair. Since several of them are in full view of guests who rent boats or take water taxis in this area, I hope someone in charge takes note and gives them the rehab these venerable old buildings deserve as part of Walt Disney World's early history.


So, it looks like they are doing a rehab. I am wondering if they will be available for guests or if they will be for employees. I'll going to keep researching. I did find another note from this same person "Anita" on AllEarsNet.com, but she just mentioned they were being torn down.

Thank for posting all your research on the Treehouses. I hope they fix them up

Oh, I just remembered I had taken a picture back in 2006 when we were there:

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/100_3237.jpg


It would have been fun to stay in one.

I'll finish that horrible travel day later! Everyone stay safe with the crazy weather out there.[/QUOTE]

[jmskinner]

Sounds like a nightmare - dread to think how it coulod have gotten worse. At least you won't have that problem now - no more flights just to see the mouse!
Lx

Exactly, I never want to fly again. Hopefully the family will all want to come here so I don't have to.:rotfl:

[/I]I am glad to hear Jacob is doing well in schoool. I am a school nurse and started back to work on the 18th. I'd rather still be on vacation at Disney. :)



Thank for posting all your research on the Treehouses. I hope they fix them up




It would have been fun to stay in one.

I'll finish that horrible travel day later! Everyone stay safe with the crazy weather out there.[/QUOTE]

You are welcome. I enjoyed doing it. I have always loved doing research. Actually kept meaning to look this up myself, so you gave me reason to stop and do it.

Have to head out and help the hubby with the garage. Maybe tonight we can get both cars in the garage!:thumbsup2 When I get back in the house, I want to post a mini-TR about our trip to Epcot yesterday! Rain, rain, and more rain!

[macheath]

Exactly, I never want to fly again. Hopefully the family will all want to come here so I don't have to.:rotfl:



If I were your family member, I would be down there every other week! :lmao: You'd be begging me to leave!
Yeah, I say that after every airline flight. :sad2: But, I always seem to forget and get back on again!

[jmskinner]

So, hadn't been to see Mickey in a couple weeks, so I got to thinking I wanted to go since it was a 3 day weekend. JS wanted to stay home and study for a class he is taking. So, where should Jacob and I go. Well, Irky416 had posted in her TR about a Sombrero at Epcot in Mexico she didn't buy for her friend Jack and she was wondering what the cost of the said Sombrero was since she found another on cruise for $4 and wondered how much it was in Epcot. I had told her next time I go I would check it out. So, due to Irky416, I decided to go to Epcot. Told Jacob we would travel around the world.

Jacob had told me he didn't want to leave for the World until a couple of hours after waking up, but he wanted to wake up early. So, at 7:30, I tried. 7:45, 8:00, 8:15, 8:30, 9:00, finally 9:15 he listened to me got up.

I decided we should look for penny press machines while we were at it. Since we would be there by ourselves and would be traveling the world and everything. So, then I got the bright idea to print out the list of pressed coins and check off what we already have. Ok, silly me decides 16 pages is too many to carry (yes, the checklist is 16 pages) so I print it 4 to a page. Now I need a magnifying glass to read the thing, but after an hour finally got them all checked off. :woohoo: Except for one Mickey. Couldn't figure out where it came from, but I will remember it (forever embedded in my memory after staring at it for so long) so I know I will recognize it when we see that machine again.

Finally got Jacob to eat some breakfast and take his medicine. Before he takes his medicine, and for about 30 minutes afterwards, he can drive a person nuts. We finally get in the truck and head to WDW!:yay: It rained on us off and on the whole way. I just kept thinking, "maybe it won't be so busy with the rain".

Get to WDW about 1:00. Catch the tram and just as we get out of baggage check, the rain begins. We get the ponchos out and I decide that since there is no line at Will Call, I will get our MNSSHP tickets. While waiting for the CM to print them out, I took these:

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/Epcot%20Aug%2030%2008/100_9557.jpg

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/Epcot%20Aug%2030%2008/100_9558.jpg

Got our tickets. Very disappointed because they look just like our AP's. Thought they would be something special.:confused3

We make it to the ticket gate, waiting on the people in front of us. I notice this young couple run towards us and the girl jumps in front of us. :mad: I step inbetween her and the guy. She turns around to see me standing there and not her man. She leans over and asks him for her pass, I wasn't going to move. I was so irritated and obviously the guy realized what she had done. I'm sorry, not very Disney friendly, but I get so tired of people thinking you have to crowd the people ahead of you. But we finally get through the gate and are off.

Jacob wanted to do Mission Space so we headed that way in the pouring rain. It had not let up one bit. The sign said 20 minute wait but we walked right on.:woohoo: Green side for me. Remember, can't take spinning. While watching the pre-show, ponchos came off. Now, the first time I rode this, it broke down so I finally got to see the whole thing.:cool1: I love Gary Sinese!

From there tried to get Jacob to do the game, but he wouldn't. Then noticed the penny press, so we got our first 3 of the day!:thumbsup2

Now, went into the store. Normally, we try to hurry Jacob up, but today was a day to explore and take our time, so that is what we did. While Jacob shopped, I took pics.

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/Epcot%20Aug%2030%2008/100_9559.jpg

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/Epcot%20Aug%2030%2008/100_9560.jpg

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/Epcot%20Aug%2030%2008/100_9562.jpg

Now, I had never taken the time to notice any of this. Even when I showed JS the pics, he asked me where that Mickey was located.

So, after MS, Jacob wanted to head to the world. I took my time and took some pictures.
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/Epcot%20Aug%2030%2008/100_9563.jpg
Ok, folks, this was about 2:00pm, not in the evening. That is how dark the skies were.

Oh, and just had to take a pic of the fountain with no kids:
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/Epcot%20Aug%2030%2008/100_9566.jpg

Stopped in the world and took some pics:

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/Epcot%20Aug%2030%2008/100_9569.jpg

I hadn't really noticed this before, but I think it is kind of :sad2: that you can see the Swan and Dolphin from inside WS.

Oh, and is this ToT in the background?
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/Epcot%20Aug%2030%2008/100_9570.jpg

First stop, Mexico. We looked around, found the Sombrero and checked out the price. Looked around to make sure there weren't more. Oh man, it smelled so good in there. I had a salad before we left the house, but I was hungry. Just as we left Mexico it started to rain again, Poncho's On!. I had wanted a Margarita, but decided against it since it was raining and I would have to drive later on.

If I remember correctly, China is next. Now folks, we have never, never explored the individual countries. So, we went into shops in everyone this time. Jacob was wanting to check out the swords in China, because they must have swords. And they did! Then he found the magnet rocks. He has some, but for some reason these probably work better. Goofy kid!

It had stopped raining again, Poncho's off, while in China. But by the time we made it to Norway, it had started again. Poncho's On! I went ahead and just wore my poncho on Maelstrom. Love this little ride, but log flumes are my favorite rides. Got off, and the rain had stopped again. Poncho's off! Found another penny press machine. We visited all of the countries except Italy. Jacob didn't want to for some reason. Oh, saw this and thought it was so sad,
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/Epcot%20Aug%2030%2008/100_9574.jpg

As we got to America, the clouds opened up yet again. Ponchos on! Stopped in Japan and Jacob couldn't believe they had Transformers, Yu-Gi-Oh, Pokeman, and Bakugon (that last one is probably not spelled correctly). I had to explain Anime to him. Rain had stopped again. Ponchos Off! Then off to Morocco. I loved this area. Again, we had never explored the countries.

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/Epcot%20Aug%2030%2008/100_9585.jpg

When I showed this to JS, he asked where it was. I had to remind him how every time we have gone with him, we haven't really taken the time to explore. Found another penny press machine.

Now, we got to France and when we were there in June I had seen this drink called Nuvo. It is a sparkling vodka. The sign showed a bottle (and they have a bottle on display) with a price of $15, so I thought I would buy it and take it home. Come to find out, it is $15 a glass!:scared1: But the CM told me I could buy it at the local liquor store. I thought it was something exclusive to WDW.

From there, we decided to go see the World Traveler store and did the penny press there. Then on to England and checked out those shops. Now, why doesn't the Scottish shop sell soccer jersey's like every other country shop?:confused3 JS is of Scottish heritage. As we leave, it starts to pour again, Ponchos On!

Then on to Canada.
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/Epcot%20Aug%2030%2008/100_9594.jpg
Another penny-press there. Stops raining, Poncho's Off! Tried to get Jacob to do the Oh Canada in 360, but he didn't want to.

At this time, Jacob wanted to go home. I tried to get him to do HISTA, but he wouldn't. Figment? No.

Then I remembered something I saw in another TR. Pumpkin Mickey Heads. So, I mentioned this to him and would he like to see if they are there. He is interested, so off we go to The Land. It was basically a walk on, tried to see how long the line for Soarin was, but couldn't see the sign, but I could see people in line from our line. Here are the pumpkins:

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/Epcot%20Aug%2030%2008/100_9617.jpg
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/Epcot%20Aug%2030%2008/100_9618.jpg

Jacob really enjoyed this, didn't remember it from when we rode it two years ago.

So now Jacob was ready to go, so we headed out. But wait, I had finally gotten my FL drivers license, I could get our money back now for the difference in AP and FL resident AP's. So, off to Guest Relations. Rio was very nice. I ended up getting $368 back. :yay: (I had more dancing and cheering smilies here, but had too many to post)

So, we made it back to our truck w/o having to put Ponchos back on, had our MNSSMHP, and money in my pocket (ok, credited to my credit card). So, even though it rained, we had a fantastic time!!!

Hope everyone is still enjoying my TR. I am thinking about keeping this going and just posting with all of my little TR's. What do you think? If I do, I think I should rename it though, any ideas?

I appreciate everyone being onboard for this crazy ride with me. Next time I will post that horrible end of the flight home!

[lisaluvsmickey2000]

I enjoy it very much! You are in my subbed list, and I check your thread for new posts at least 3x's a week! Keep up the good work!

[irky416]

So, hadn't been to see Mickey in a couple weeks, so I got to thinking I wanted to go since it was a 3 day weekend. JS wanted to stay home and study for a class he is taking. So, where should Jacob and I go. Well, Irky416 had posted in her TR about a Sombrero at Epcot in Mexico she didn't buy for her friend Jack and she was wondering what the cost of the said Sombrero was since she found another on cruise for $4 and wondered how much it was in Epcot. I had told her next time I go I would check it out. So, due to Irky416, I decided to go to Epcot. Told Jacob we would travel around the world.

Yay!!! I'm glad I was able to help you make a decision! Thanks again for checking out that sombrero price for me. It was really nice of you! :goodvibes


Got our tickets. Very disappointed because they look just like our AP's. Thought they would be something special.:confused3


Our P&PP tickets were the same as regular tickets, too. I was disappointed also.


We make it to the ticket gate, waiting on the people in front of us. I notice this young couple run towards us and the girl jumps in front of us. :mad: I step inbetween her and the guy. She turns around to see me standing there and not her man. She leans over and asks him for her pass, I wasn't going to move. I was so irritated and obviously the guy realized what she had done. I'm sorry, not very Disney friendly, but I get so tired of people thinking you have to crowd the people ahead of you. But we finally get through the gate and are off.

That was rude! :headache:

Jacob wanted to do Mission Space so we headed that way in the pouring rain. It had not let up one bit. The sign said 20 minute wait but we walked right on.:woohoo: Green side for me. Remember, can't take spinning. While watching the pre-show, ponchos came off. Now, the first time I rode this, it broke down so I finally got to see the whole thing.:cool1: I love Gary Sinese!

I'm glad you got to see it all!

From there tried to get Jacob to do the game, but he wouldn't. Then noticed the penny press, so we got our first 3 of the day!:thumbsup2

Were you looking for any specific pennies or just ones that caught your eye?


So, after MS, Jacob wanted to head to the world. I took my time and took some pictures.
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/Epcot%20Aug%2030%2008/100_9563.jpg
Ok, folks, this was about 2:00pm, not in the evening. That is how dark the skies were.

Wow! That looks really bad. Was it really busy?

First stop, Mexico. We looked around, found the Sombrero and checked out the price.

I'm still really surprised it was the same price!

Come to find out, it is $15 a glass!:scared1: But the CM told me I could buy it at the local liquor store. I thought it was something exclusive to WDW.

:scared1:

Then I remembered something I saw in another TR. Pumpkin Mickey Heads. So, I mentioned this to him and would he like to see if they are there. He is interested, so off we go to The Land. It was basically a walk on, tried to see how long the line for Soarin was, but couldn't see the sign, but I could see people in line from our line. Here are the pumpkins:

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/Epcot%20Aug%2030%2008/100_9617.jpg
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/Epcot%20Aug%2030%2008/100_9618.jpg

Jacob really enjoyed this, didn't remember it from when we rode it two years ago.

I love the pumpkin Mickey heads! Glad Jacob enjoyed the ride.

So now Jacob was ready to go, so we headed out. But wait, I had finally gotten my FL drivers license, I could get our money back now for the difference in AP and FL resident AP's. So, off to Guest Relations. Rio was very nice. I ended up getting $368 back. :yay: (I had more dancing and cheering smilies here, but had too many to post)

:banana: :yay: :cheer2: (I posted some for you!)

Hope everyone is still enjoying my TR. I am thinking about keeping this going and just posting with all of my little TR's. What do you think? If I do, I think I should rename it though, any ideas?

I like that idea. :thumbsup2 (Even though I will have to hide my jealousy, I love hearing about all your trips!!)

[scottny]

great update and pics

i love epcot

[jmskinner]

I enjoy it very much! You are in my subbed list, and I check your thread for new posts at least 3x's a week! Keep up the good work!

Thank you. Just realized you live in Greenville, SC. Jacob was born in Sumter, SC. I didn't get to see Greenville except for driving through it once. I loved SC though.

Yay!!! I'm glad I was able to help you make a decision! Thanks again for checking out that sombrero price for me. It was really nice of you! :goodvibes

I kind of felt like it was a scavanger hunt.


Our P&PP tickets were the same as regular tickets, too. I was disappointed also.

Guess the MVMCP are the same also.


That was rude! :headache:

Sometimes I will just step aside and think "guess they need in before me", but for some reason I wasn't having it.

I'm glad you got to see it all!

I realized we didn't check out France that closely.

Were you looking for any specific pennies or just ones that caught your eye?


No, trying to get them all. Figure if we are here for two years, we should be able to do it.

Wow! That looks really bad. Was it really busy?

When we first entered the WS, it looked really busy because the rain had stopped and everyone was out and about. Actually, a lot more were heading towards, leaving WS then were going into it.

I'm still really surprised it was the same price!

I am also. Took Jacob to see Disney on Ice one time, and everything was a lot more expensive than it was at WDW.:confused3

:scared1:
Ok, I wondered if that was a normal price for a Vodka. I don't drink a lot.


I love the pumpkin Mickey heads! Glad Jacob enjoyed the ride.



:banana: :yay: :cheer2: (I posted some for you!)

Thank you!

I like that idea. :thumbsup2 (Even though I will have to hide my jealousy, I love hearing about all your trips!!)

Thank you. JS was telling me the other day how one of his co-workers planned on finishing up his years elsewhere, but his family loved it here so much they were staying. I picked out this house thinking, it might be a nice place to retire (part of the reason I wanted one story).We will see, might have to leave in two years.:sad2:

great update and pics

i love epcot

Thank you. I never really enjoyed Epcot on our long vacations, but this time I really did. I think it is hard to take in when you are in a hurry, trying to do everything. JS and I both disliked it at first because it didn't have that much greenery, but I'm starting to see it's beauty!

[2ScottishPrincesses]

Just thought I'd say I'm loving all the mini TR's and think it's a great idea having a thread with them all in it:thumbsup2 .

BTW the Scottish shop probably doesn't have any Scotland football jersey's because we've not got a very good team:headache: ...don't tell my DH I said that:rotfl2:

[Disneymommy2006]

I've been reading your report from the beginning and love it! I think it would be a great idea to keep it going! My DS (7) has been asking if they would have Baukugon?? (however you spell it) at Epcot in Japan...I can't wait for him to wake up so I can tell him! He has been so good to save his money for our trip....he will be thrilled! Thanks for sharing your trip with us!

[jmskinner]

Just thought I'd say I'm loving all the mini TR's and think it's a great idea having a thread with them all in it:thumbsup2 .

BTW the Scottish shop probably doesn't have any Scotland football jersey's because we've not got a very good team:headache: ...don't tell my DH I said that:rotfl2:

Thank you. Who knows, maybe one day they will be. Stranger things have happened.

I've been reading your report from the beginning and love it! I think it would be a great idea to keep it going! My DS (7) has been asking if they would have Baukugon?? (however you spell it) at Epcot in Japan...I can't wait for him to wake up so I can tell him! He has been so good to save his money for our trip....he will be thrilled! Thanks for sharing your trip with us!

Thanks. They had a whole display. Good to hear that your DS has saved his money. Now, if I could just get mine to clean his room, he might earn some!

[ScotsMinnie]

I totally agree that you should keep this on and post your mini trip reports. You can't leave us now!!!

It sounds like you had a great day at Epcot. I think most people miss out on many things round WS - I know we probably do. I also have to admit to not really exploring round the shops.

Lx

[marianas00]

Mini Trip reports - Agreed... keep it going.

[coachchili]

Great Photos. I want to move to Fla. too, my 3 y/o daughter loves Mickey. She calls him "my boyfriend".

[jmskinner]

I totally agree that you should keep this on and post your mini trip reports. You can't leave us now!!!

It sounds like you had a great day at Epcot. I think most people miss out on many things round WS - I know we probably do. I also have to admit to not really exploring round the shops.

Lx

I have to admit, that is the great thing about living this close and taking the time to really explore. I have a hard time not going commando though.:lmao:


Mini Trip reports - Agreed... keep it going.

Thank you. The more I think I about the more I want to. Must finish the report from the June trip and I also need to figure out how to post the chapters in my original post, so hopefully others will join us on this wild ride.

Oh, got the garage finished and guess what. The truck won't fit!:mad: Well, it will fit, but the way we did it, we can't go through the garage door into the house.:lmao: So right now, if there is a major storm heading our way we can get it in there, unless of course we are evacuating and then it doesn't neet to be in the garage. The lady across the street saw us try and couldn't help but laugh at us. I couldn't get mad at her because I was laughing also. Just another day in my life.

Now trying to get Jacob's room clean. We have about 20 tubs with different toys (about 5 are transformers). He had taken all of them out and dumped them looking for something. So I am trying to sort through them all, and label all the tubs. Oh, while cleaning the garage found the large tubs with all of his Star Was ships and his drum set. Oh well. Two more tubs out of the garage. Well, guess I should get back to work. I figure we will be done about the time to move again!

Hope everyone had a great Labor Day, or for those of you not in the States, hope you had a great day and hope everyone is staying safe with this crazy weather. Hannah, Hannah, please stay away! And my prayers are with everyone in the path of Gustov!

[jmskinner]

Great Photos. I want to move to Fla. too, my 3 y/o daughter loves Mickey. She calls him "my boyfriend".

:lmao: That is cute!

Oh, and sorry for the double post but you posted while I was trying to do my last post and I didn't want to not respond.

[eeyoregon]

Yah! I made it to the end of your report...ready for more now. How about some photos of the house now that it has lovely new stuff in it?

[island cricket]

great TR! i just joined in and was able to get to know ya! what a pleasure!! looking forward to hearing more... great writing too!:thumbsup2

[jmskinner]

Yah! I made it to the end of your report...ready for more now. How about some photos of the house now that it has lovely new stuff in it?

I will be glad to do that once all the boxes are out of here. JS is really starting to freak out that the house still isn't finished, but there is only so much I can do and he is always tired.

great TR! i just joined in and was able to get to know ya! what a pleasure!! looking forward to hearing more... great writing too!:thumbsup2

Thank you and welcome!. I have never considered myself a writer, so that totally surprised me.

[Dr_Finkelstein]

Quote:
Originally Posted by 2ScottishPrincesses View Post
Just thought I'd say I'm loving all the mini TR's and think it's a great idea having a thread with them all in it .

BTW the Scottish shop probably doesn't have any Scotland football jersey's because we've not got a very good team ...don't tell my DH I said that
Thank you. Who knows, maybe one day they will be. Stranger things have happened.

Very strange things!! Hell will freeze over before Scotland have a good football team :rotfl: We excell at playing well (well, playing ok) against brilliant teams (ie, Brazil), then losing 5-0 nil against diddy teams that no-one has ever heard of (Faroe Islands). :rotfl2: And darnit, we're PROUD of it - we're magnificent losers!! ;) :lmao:

Enjoying the updates! How wet was epcot! Never seen it like that before!

Better not tell DS that Jacob has 5 boxes of Transformers - he only has 3! :rolleyes1

Di x

[heaven2dc]

I'm all for you continuing this and posting mini TR's! I have enjoyed this adventure from the start and don't want to see a finish popcorn::

btw how's the weather now? Are you getting downpours with all these storms coming thru?

[jmskinner]

Very strange things!! Hell will freeze over before Scotland have a good football team :rotfl: We excell at playing well (well, playing ok) against brilliant teams (ie, Brazil), then losing 5-0 nil against diddy teams that no-one has ever heard of (Faroe Islands). :rotfl2: And darnit, we're PROUD of it - we're magnificent losers!! ;) :lmao:

Enjoying the updates! How wet was epcot! Never seen it like that before!

Better not tell DS that Jacob has 5 boxes of Transformers - he only has 3! :rolleyes1

Di x

Epcot was extremely wet. But it was so strange to me that it kept pouring and then completely stopping. Normally it seems in Florida you have the one storm that dumps on you and then goes away, but this was storm after storm. It was the same way in Tampa Saturday also.

They never have enough toys do they? The last time we went to Toys R Us there were two guys probably in their late teens looking at the Transformers discussing which ones they were looking for. I was like, "that will be my boy in about 8 years.":rolleyes:

I'm all for you continuing this and posting mini TR's! I have enjoyed this adventure from the start and don't want to see a finish popcorn::

btw how's the weather now? Are you getting downpours with all these storms coming thru?

We got that rain on Saturday, but since then, nothing. We are only allowed to water once a week and my yard needs the rain. The weather report said that as long as Hannah stays to the east of us, we won't have any rain.

With Gustav we didn't get any here in Tampa until it hit the panhandle of Florida. It was really weird. It was like we had a barrier and it just went around us.

Ok, next post I will finish that horrible trip home. I started it last night, got a full page typed and the thing just went away. I was so :mad: I just had to walk away.

Everyone in the path of these next 3 storms stay safe!

[jmskinner]

Ok, now it is about 10:30 and we are stuck in the airport until 1:15pm. I kept thinking about how we could have hit at least one park for an hour or two. JS kept thinking about all of the sleep he missed.

The gate area was packed because all planes were delayed, so the only place we could find to sit was on the floor, so we got comfortable.

I decided to give my Mom a call. I figured she might surprise us and go get the dogs from the kennel. She had planned on doing it, but I told her not to just in case we don't make it in at all that night. She told me that they had been to Schlitterbahn (the best water park in the world in my opinion) the day before and had made a point to be back in time to get my dogs.:guilty: I felt so bad.

:offtopic: Now, I must tell you about my mother because if I keep this TR going she will become a part of it. She is the reason I love amusement parks. We went to Six Flags Over Texas every year while I was growing up. Actually, these last 5 years of living back in San Angelo, we went also. I can't wait to take her to WDW. Her and my stepdad went to WDW one time without me.:sad1:

This is how crazy Mom is, she said they were at Schlitterbahn before the park opened, second in line, and they ran up the stairs to get to Master Blaster (a water coaster like Crush N Gusher, but in my opinion, a much better slide). This is a woman almost 60 years old, but she acts like a kid when it comes to amusement parks.

Anyhoo, so get off the phone with Mom. Try to read my Disney books, but the mind is racing about the offers on the house, what are they????

Look up at the boards and now flight is delayed until 1:45pm. :headache: We set up the laptop for Jacob to watch an Indiana Jones movie that we purchased while at Tampa.

I gave up and got a burger at Burger King. I was starving. Finally the flight to Miami boarded so we could sit down in a seat. (We were trying to figure out why so many people fly to Miami instead of driving?)

Finally they start to board us.:cool1: We will still make our connecting flight in DFW. Just as they are about to close the door on the plane, the storms close in and there is lightning, so we aren't going anywere. They say it will be at least 30 minutes.Another :headache: .

Now, I do have to compliment the crew on this flight. They went ahead and gave us drinks and told us we would be watching Penelope. Normally this flight doesn't have a movie, but since we have been delayed so much, they were doing this for us. :yay:

Then the flight attendant announces, "if the monitors show the weather for Los Angelos, don't panic, we are going to DFW. This plane was originally scheduled for LA, but was pulled due to another plane having mechanical problems." We all started laughing and sure enough, right after she made this statement, the monitors started showing us flying to LA and the weather in LA.

Finally we got to take off.:banana: JS and I check our watches and realize there is no way we are making the connecting flight. :sad2: We watch Penelope, which I really enjoyed. The one good thing of the whole day!

Just as we are getting ready to land in DFW, they announce the gates for all connecting flights. San Angelo, departing 4:45 at gate such and such. We just look at each other because it is 4:55! In a second the flight attendant comes back on and apologizes because she realized our flight was already gone. The really bad part about this was it was originally suppose to leave DFW at 3:30, so it was delayed also. Just not long enough for us.

So, finally off the plane. We go and find a flight attendant and she gets us booked for the 9:15 flight. Last flight of the night.

Now, have any of you watched "Airline". I know I have seen the following happen on that show. While the agent is working on us, this college age girl comes up to the other agent and asks about her flight. He tells her it left 10 minutes ago. She says she was sitting at the next gate (it had changed gates). He asked her name, and she told him. He nodded his head and said he had paged her at least 10 times. She didn't hear it. I held back my laughter until we walked away, but how do you do this. I guess I worry to much because I constantly check to make sure the gate hasn't changed or anything. Poor girl.

So, we now have several hours to wait. We saw a TGIFridays and decided to go eat. We both love their Jack Daniels Ribs. Of course, Jacob still wouldn't eat. One day that boy is going to realize all of the good tastes he has missed. After eating we went to the USO Club and hung out. I looked at WDW photos on the laptop. Jonas sat down and watched a movie. Jacob played with a Foos Ball Table.

Eventually we head down to our gate. There is a whole group of college students just back from their trip to Italy. I thought that was cool, as one of my friends was getting ready to go to Germany for a month. Ok, I thought they were cool until we got on the plane and had to deal with them at the airport in San Angelo.:headache: First, two girls have our seats. JS tells me to sit behind them with Jacob and he sits across from them. As we get seated on the plane, they announce they are going to wait for some passengers that their flight was late, but since it was the last flight to San Angelo, they decided to wait for them.:mad: Oh well, guess it was nice of them. Funny thing was, one was a big time attorney in my home town. We were now in their seats. I told his wife that the two girls were in ours, she saw I had Jacob and said they would find seats elsewhere.:goodvibes I thought that was very nice of her. Oh, then the two girls in our seats are listening to an Ipod. The attendant tells them to turn it off. They put it up, only to pull it back out before we take off. I wanted to thump them upside the head at this point. If this plane goes down because of them.....

Finally, we were off. Landed in San Angelo, about 10:00. Now, the college kids had been gone for 3 weeks. Every member of their families and all of their friends met them at the airport. Now, San Angelo has a very small airport, so getting through all of them was a pain. Then trying to get through them so we could get our baggage. Then, everyone has parked in the 30 minute parking spaces, so all that is left is those in the very back. JS grabs the keys to the truck, pulls it right up front and loads the luggage. The whole way home he was complaining about how they had only been away for 3 weeks. I had to remind him that it was probably the first International trip for most of them and how their families were just excited for them.

Finally we got home. The house is freezing. When they did the open house while we were gone, they forgot to turn the temp back up, so it had been sitting at 68 for a whole week.:mad: We unloaded the truck and went to bed.

Got up the next morning, met the realtor, picked an offer and that wa it. We went to Florida, bought a house, went to WDW, and sold a house.:dance3:

So, that is it. Finally, almost two months later, this TR is complete. Thank you everyone for joining in. I do plan on keeping this open and posting MTR's, so I guess the next one will be for the trip Sept 26 to MNSSHP!!! Unless I can get JS to go some other time before. I wouldn't mind doing so.

[scottny]

what a frustrating time at the airport but glad u made him home eventually.

congrats on the house selling and move.

it wa sa great report and thanks for sharing.

[ScotsMinnie]

Very strange things!! Hell will freeze over before Scotland have a good football team :rotfl: We excell at playing well (well, playing ok) against brilliant teams (ie, Brazil), then losing 5-0 nil against diddy teams that no-one has ever heard of (Faroe Islands). :rotfl2: And darnit, we're PROUD of it - we're magnificent losers!! ;) :lmao:

Di x

We are magnificent losers!!! It just means that we cope with losing better than some of the other teams near us! ahem. But also when we do win we don't take it for granted - we celebrate like we have won the World Cup!!!! Even if it is just a wee friendly match!

[irky416]

I tried to quote your post, but it keeps bringing me up the last post I commented to... :confused3 I hope I remember everything I wanted to say!

I have wanted to go to Schlitterbahn for the past 10 years and haven't made it yet. It's so far for a trip to a waterpark. Is there anything else around there that we could drive to and spend a couple days doing?

That's so cute about your Mom and amusement parks - especially running to get on the slide first!

I really hate airports. It's hard to know you're missing your connection. The same thing happened to us when we missed a connection - it had been delayed also, and we ended up missing it by only 5 minutes. :headache:

It was nice that they let you watch a movie, though. I also loved Penelope after thinking I wouldn't like it. I'm glad to hear you got a flight out that same night.

I think I would be annoyed with all those college kids at the airport as well. Why were they in your seats, though? Were there assigned seats and they were just wrong?

I can't wait to read about your trip to MNSSHP! :woohoo:

[Dr_Finkelstein]

We are magnificent losers!!! It just means that we cope with losing better than some of the other teams near us! ahem. But also when we do win we don't take it for granted - we celebrate like we have won the World Cup!!!! Even if it is just a wee friendly match!

Absolutely! We never take winning the World Cup seriously - unlike some neighbouring teams ;) - we talk like we'll win, but we know we're always out first round :laughing:

[jmskinner]

I tried to quote your post, but it keeps bringing me up the last post I commented to... :confused3 I hope I remember everything I wanted to say!

I have wanted to go to Schlitterbahn for the past 10 years and haven't made it yet. It's so far for a trip to a waterpark. Is there anything else around there that we could drive to and spend a couple days doing?

That's so cute about your Mom and amusement parks - especially running to get on the slide first!

I really hate airports. It's hard to know you're missing your connection. The same thing happened to us when we missed a connection - it had been delayed also, and we ended up missing it by only 5 minutes. :headache:

It was nice that they let you watch a movie, though. I also loved Penelope after thinking I wouldn't like it. I'm glad to hear you got a flight out that same night.

I think I would be annoyed with all those college kids at the airport as well. Why were they in your seats, though? Were there assigned seats and they were just wrong?

I can't wait to read about your trip to MNSSHP! :woohoo:


Schlitterbahn is about 30 minutes from San Antonio. There is SeaWorld, Six Flags Fiesta TX, and you have the riverwalk in downtown San Antonio. So, you could make it a long weekend trip, or even a week. Schlitterbahn can actually be a two day park. They have one raft ride that literally takes 45 minutes! It is my favorite. Can't really recommend the hotel there at the park. It wasn't bad, but a train rolled through every hour. I heard two other families complain about it.

I think you would enjoy San Antonio though. You would have to rent a car. You could always spend a few days in San Antonio, a short drive and you are in Austin.

I don't recommend Easter weekend. That is holiday in Mexico and the tourism board in San Antonio has made a big push for people to spend their holiday there, so it is really crowded. We goofed and the mall at the Riverwalk was so packed you couldn't walk. The whole town was crowded.

Oh, talked to my mother yesterday and asked her what she would like to do when they come at Christmas. She said oh, just look around, go to Busch Gardens.:scared1: :scared1: I have to work on her. We at least have to go see the Osbourne Lights. I think when they were at WDW before they only went to MK and they are use to riding big rollercoasters. Maybe with Jacob they will see the magic.

I'm guessing those two girls had seats apart and decided they would just sit wherever. I am guessing they were probably like the girls my friend complained about on her trip to Germany. She had a couple of girls in her group that complained that the people in other countries should speak English. And just complained about how everything was so different and thought they should be catered to. My friend was so embarassed.

Oh, and thank you for Boo'ing me! I was so excited!:yay:

Dr_Finkelstein and ScotsMinnie, I was telling JS about you two and the soccer talk. He said he doesn't watch World Cup, he likes the Rangers! He got to watch of a lot of Soccer while he was in Iraq, and now we have the Fox Soccer Channel, so he watches it all the time. I started getting into Soccer, oops Football, when Jacob starting playing. When the US Women were playing for the gold at the Olympics, I was standing in the living room yelling at the TV.

Well, we went shopping for artwork for the walls last night. We have always done our house in a sort of country feel, but it just doesn't go with this house, so we went and bought some artwork last night. We have a bar-b-que to attend. Meeting JS co-workers for the first time today. I hate meeting new people,but it will be nice to be out of the house.

Everyone have a great weekend and all of those in the Gulf, watch out for Ike! At least it looks like Josephine won't come this way.

[2ScottishPrincesses]

Dr_Finkelstein and ScotsMinnie, I was telling JS about you two and the soccer talk. He said he doesn't watch World Cup, he likes the Rangers! He got to watch of a lot of Soccer while he was in Iraq, and now we have the Fox Soccer Channel, so he watches it all the time. I started getting into Soccer, oops Football, when Jacob starting playing. When the US Women were playing for the gold at the Olympics, I was standing in the living room yelling at the TV.


:rotfl2: Yes Dr-Finkelstein and ScotsMinnie your point was proved today wasn't it....losing to Macedonia:headache: my DH was nearly in tears:sad2: . JM the Glorious Glasgow Rangers are my DH's team they're not playing too well either these days but tell JS to stick with them as my DH says it's just a wee sticky patch;)

Let's talking about something happier....jmskinners many trips to the World:cool1:

[irky416]

Schlitterbahn is about 30 minutes from San Antonio. There is SeaWorld, Six Flags Fiesta TX, and you have the riverwalk in downtown San Antonio. So, you could make it a long weekend trip, or even a week. Schlitterbahn can actually be a two day park. They have one raft ride that literally takes 45 minutes! It is my favorite. Can't really recommend the hotel there at the park. It wasn't bad, but a train rolled through every hour. I heard two other families complain about it.

I think you would enjoy San Antonio though. You would have to rent a car. You could always spend a few days in San Antonio, a short drive and you are in Austin.

I don't recommend Easter weekend. That is holiday in Mexico and the tourism board in San Antonio has made a big push for people to spend their holiday there, so it is really crowded. We goofed and the mall at the Riverwalk was so packed you couldn't walk. The whole town was crowded.

Oh, talked to my mother yesterday and asked her what she would like to do when they come at Christmas. She said oh, just look around, go to Busch Gardens.:scared1: :scared1: I have to work on her. We at least have to go see the Osbourne Lights. I think when they were at WDW before they only went to MK and they are use to riding big rollercoasters. Maybe with Jacob they will see the magic.

I'm guessing those two girls had seats apart and decided they would just sit wherever. I am guessing they were probably like the girls my friend complained about on her trip to Germany. She had a couple of girls in her group that complained that the people in other countries should speak English. And just complained about how everything was so different and thought they should be catered to. My friend was so embarassed.

Oh, and thank you for Boo'ing me! I was so excited!:yay:


Thanks for the info about Schlitterbahn. I would probably spend two days there if we went. I did a little research on the park last year, but put it aside when I talked everyone into going to WDW again. :rotfl: I forgot about the Sea World there. I will have to start working on DBF for a long weekend trip!

I would love to see the Osbourne lights! I hope you can get your mom to change her mind!

You're welcome for the Boo!

[tink1957]

I too thank you for the info on Schlitterbahn, I was so excited to hear that it's 30 minutes from San Antonio:cool1: ...my sister-in-law just moved there. Hmmm...:idea: I may have to go for a visit next summer.

We missed the Osborne Lights last Xmas when we went & I have regretted it ever since. I guess it's a good excuse to go again.

[jmskinner]

I too thank you for the info on Schlitterbahn, I was so excited to hear that it's 30 minutes from San Antonio:cool1: ...my sister-in-law just moved there. Hmmm...:idea: I may have to go for a visit next summer.

We missed the Osborne Lights last Xmas when we went & I have regretted it ever since. I guess it's a good excuse to go again.

Highly recommend it, especially since it sounds like you may already have a place to stay.

I have wanted to see the Osborne Lights for two years now. Can't wait to see them.

Just thought I would give a little Florida update. Ran into my first snake this week. Tuesday night I went to take the garbage out. Just walking along and almost stepped on a snake. It was just a baby, but :scared1: ! Plus I was barefoot!:eek: Went and got JS and he tells me he thinks it is a Copperhead and lets it slither away. "What, it is a poisonous snake and you are letting it get away! Aren't you suppose to kill the thing???!!!!" I went and did some research and it wasn't a Copperhead or anything poisonous. Of course, I kept jumping every time I thought I felt something on my legs the rest of the night.

Getting ready for our trip in just two weeks.:yay: :woohoo: Really looking forward to it. Even JS mentioned buying a pirate hat to wear to MNSSHP. I guess Jacob will be a Speed Demon. His costume for the last two years. It is a black "leather" jacket with spikes and a skull mask. I will be sure to post pics!

A local radio station is giving away tickets for the Food and Wine Festival and I was trying to win some to give to my DMIL and her BF when they get here in October. No luck so far.

Hope everyone has a great weekend and those in the path of Ike, stay safe. He is a monster!

[jmskinner]

Ok, my bad to double post, but I just realized that last post was my 1000th! I remember getting excited about my 100th.

[irky416]

I would be freaking out if I saw a snake! :eek:

I'm glad everyone is getting excited about MNSSHP. I can't wait to see Jacob's costume. Are you going to dress up too?

[jmskinner]

I am trying to decide. Guess I had better hurry. I have a purple witches hat with a purple cape from a few years ago. I might wear that. Need to figure out what to wear under it.

JS has a Mammogram machine costume, not appropriate for Mickey!

[Dr_Finkelstein]

Hi Melissa,
Sorry not posted for a few days - I'm sure you understand!
Will catch up with your TR tonight.
You'll need to keep me posted for the weather in Orlando now we're going in November!
Di x

[jmskinner]

Hi Di!

I sure will. It is horribly hot right now. No real chance for rain to cool it off either. Love waking up to 85 degrees in the morning. I think you will really enjoy November. Were you able to get refunds for MNSSHP?

Melissa

[Dr_Finkelstein]

Hi Di!

I sure will. It is horribly hot right now. No real chance for rain to cool it off either. Love waking up to 85 degrees in the morning. I think you will really enjoy November. Were you able to get refunds for MNSSHP?

Melissa

Hi Melissa,
We won't get a refund from Disney, but as i paid for them with my credit card I will get the money back through that. Just need to wait until they open tomorrow to start doing that!
Eeeek! on the snake :scared1: I would have freaked!
Di x

[jmskinner]

Well, JS just called me. He may be leaving town for a month, right now it includes the weekend we were going to WDW, but he is working on it.

Man, I couldn't sleep last night and finally about Midnight came up with the idea to go as ghosthunters and ordering TAPS t-shirts.:mad:

[irky416]

I am trying to decide. Guess I had better hurry. I have a purple witches hat with a purple cape from a few years ago. I might wear that. Need to figure out what to wear under it.

JS has a Mammogram machine costume, not appropriate for Mickey!

Well, JS just called me. He may be leaving town for a month, right now it includes the weekend we were going to WDW, but he is working on it.

Man, I couldn't sleep last night and finally about Midnight came up with the idea to go as ghosthunters and ordering TAPS t-shirts.:mad:

I'd like to see that costume! :lmao:

I hope everything works out. I'm sending pixie dust your way...pixiedust:

[jmskinner]

I'd like to see that costume! :lmao:

I hope everything works out. I'm sending pixie dust your way...pixiedust:

Basically silver box over head with a cut out with "Insert Breasts Here". It was awful. He wore it to a party with a bunch of people he worked with.

And it looks like everything is going to work out. He is now leaving that Sunday so hopefully they will schedule his flight late in the day so we can hit the parks for a little bit and then head home and to the airport. He told them he had already requested leave and that we had already purchased non-refundable tickets. :cool1: He also said he may skip his convention and spend the time with us. Hmmmm, maybe he is starting to catch that WDW Bug we all have.:rotfl:

His mother was suppose to come see us, so now she is cancelling that trip. I wouldn't mind her coming, we always have a blast. Thanks for the pixie dust, looks like it worked.

Oh, just ordered Jacob a ghost costume. So, we will be Ghosthunters and he will be the ghost. Now, if only I could get the clothing portion of TAPS website to work so I could order t-shirts. It was working just fine until I decided to buy!:mad:

[jmskinner]

Ok, as of this moment we are going on the 26th still with JS.:banana: He leaves the 28th, so no parks on Sunday, we will get up and drive him to the airport in Tampa.:sad1:

So, ordered Jacob a ghost costume, got an email the next day that it is out of stock. Found it on another website, couldn't get the order to work, finally got it ordered on another website and so far, so good!

Had a lot of issues ordering the TAPS t-shirts, but they are also ordered, so hopefully everything gets here in time for our trip. The website kept going down. Must be my magnetic personality.

I also booked an ADR for our trip. Can't go to WDW without ADRs. So, on Saturday night at 9:30 we will be at Planet Hollywood. I have never eaten at one, so we will give it a try. There is a special right now in Orlando where you can eat at certain restaurants for either $19 or $29. Planet Hollywood is one of the $19 ones. Basically you get a salad, entree, and dessert for $19, which looking at their prices, you get desert for free!:cool1:

Oh, and I didn't realize the parks close so early this time of year and there is no evening EMH at any of the parks, maybe because of the EE Challenge. That is why I thought we would go to dinner.

I'm getting more excited now. Really feels like a WDW trip since I have an ADR!

[tink1957]

It sounds like everything's coming together nicely for your trip. We plan to eat at Planet Hollywood for the first time also but on the 25th as we have a $15 off voucher. Epcot has EMH on the 26th, but it might be crowded due to it being the first night of F & W Festival. Hope we see you there.:goodvibes

[jmskinner]

Oops, I wasn't very clear on that. I meant no evening EMH on the 27th, we are going to MNSSHP on the 26th. What are your plans for the 27th, I haven't made up my mind yet. I know there is morning EMH at DHS, but not sure we will get up that early.

[tink1957]

We were planning on F & W Festival for that day & probably won't make early EMH either. The only really definite plans we have are for Spirit of Aloha at 8:00, otherwise we will just go where the magic leads us. That's the beauty of staying for 10 nights, we don't have to be commandos about touring.

[Dr_Finkelstein]

good plans melissa,
We'll be there for the F&W festival as well....nothing like the mention of free wine tasters to get me in a good mood! :drinking1 (there should really be 'wine drinking smilie, for us more 'delicate souls'). :laughing:
Keep me updated on the weather over there - you're my 'eyes' on the ground!
Di x

[jmskinner]

We were planning on F & W Festival for that day & probably won't make early EMH either. The only really definite plans we have are for Spirit of Aloha at 8:00, otherwise we will just go where the magic leads us. That's the beauty of staying for 10 nights, we don't have to be commandos about touring.

Isn't funny how dining reservations set the whole trip.

good plans melissa,
We'll be there for the F&W festival as well....nothing like the mention of free wine tasters to get me in a good mood! :drinking1 (there should really be 'wine drinking smilie, for us more 'delicate souls'). :laughing:
Keep me updated on the weather over there - you're my 'eyes' on the ground!
Di x

I'm planning on going November 7th for the F&W so we can also see Night Ranger. One of my favorite bands in high school. Probably won't make it this trip.

Oh, but I did notice WDW is offering free dining if I use my Disney Visa. Need to speak to JS about it. Maybe a Christmas trip.

[jmskinner]

Thanks to Irky416 posting instructions for someone else in her TR on how to add links, I have done so to this one. Divided it up between the TR and the MTR's.

So, got an email Thursday night that the other company I tried to order Jacob's costume from was out of stock also.:sad2: Why do they have it on their page, if they don't have it in stock!:headache: So, went to Target yesterday to see what I could find. Nothing there I liked. Picked up Jacob and went shopping for a costume. He helped me find one place listed in the phone book. It was one of those places that was probably great 20 years ago, but has since slowed down and didn't really have any new merchandise. Had some cool Star Wars masks I might go back and purchase though.

Ended up at Party City and Jacob purchased a white ghoul. Basically a white cape with a mask. It did come with a plastic chain. It was about $20 cheaper then the others.:worship: to Jacob.

So, JS has a stomach bug, I haven't been feeling that well either. Have to get over this thing before we leave next Friday. Still waiting on our TAPS t-shirts. Watched Ghost Hunters last night. We DVR it since Jacob has to go to bed when it comes on.

Hope everyone has a fantastic weekend!

[jmskinner]

Ok, not for those that are afraid of spiders, including myself now, but look at what was in my bedroom this morning:

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/Spider2.jpg

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/Spider2-1.jpg

Sorry the first one is so blurry, I was shaking. I still am. I had walked into the kitchen for a cup of coffee and when I came back this thing was waiting in the bedroom door for me. I must have walked right by it the first time. Went and got bug spray and the thing started running towards me. Went and got hornet spray thinking I could stand further back to spray it and it ran under the dresser. When it came out, I sprayed it really good and walked into my bathroom, which it's body is still there. I am not touching it. JS told me to call the exterminators! I am totally freaking out right now!:scared1:

[2ScottishPrincesses]

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/Spider2-1.jpg



OMG:scared1:

[Dr_Finkelstein]

Aaaaargggghhhhh!!!!!!!!!!
Holy Moley!!!!!
See, much as I love WDW, these are the sort of things that put me off emigrating!!!!!
I would spend all day huddled in a corner screaming and twitching holding onto various cans of insecticide/alligator/shark/snake/box jellyfish repellant.
Di x

[ScotsMinnie]

:scared1: :scared1: :scared1:
My worst nightmare!!! Spiders are evil creatures. Especially those that can run! Spiders should NOT be able to run! I would have stamped on it - that is my preferred option! Looking for bug spray gives them a chance to hide!!!!

Glad its dead though!

[jmskinner]

Does Scotland have spiders like this? I couldn't sleep last night and the bug exterminator was just here.

I realized my dog wasn't out bothering me yesterday morning. We think she was hiding under the bed the whole time.

Oh, and I am thinking of buying a can of bug spray to put in every room!

[ScotsMinnie]

Our spiders are not usually so big and they don't usually bite. I don't think we have any poisonous ones. But house spiders can get quite big, harmless though. Doesn't stop me getting rid of them. My Mum always says they get rid of flies and other bugs but I don't care. Give me the shudders!!!:scared1:

[irky416]

Thanks to Irky416 posting instructions for someone else in her TR on how to add links, I have done so to this one. Divided it up between the TR and the MTR's.

So, got an email Thursday night that the other company I tried to order Jacob's costume from was out of stock also.:sad2: Why do they have it on their page, if they don't have it in stock!:headache: So, went to Target yesterday to see what I could find. Nothing there I liked. Picked up Jacob and went shopping for a costume. He helped me find one place listed in the phone book. It was one of those places that was probably great 20 years ago, but has since slowed down and didn't really have any new merchandise. Had some cool Star Wars masks I might go back and purchase though.

Ended up at Party City and Jacob purchased a white ghoul. Basically a white cape with a mask. It did come with a plastic chain. It was about $20 cheaper then the others.:worship: to Jacob.

So, JS has a stomach bug, I haven't been feeling that well either. Have to get over this thing before we leave next Friday. Still waiting on our TAPS t-shirts. Watched Ghost Hunters last night. We DVR it since Jacob has to go to bed when it comes on.

Hope everyone has a fantastic weekend!

I'm glad the directions worked for you!

Ugh. I hate it when places have things on their website but they're really out of stock. It's so frustrating!

I'm glad Jacob found a costume he liked. I can't wait to see pictures of the costumes.

The stomach bug is going around here too. I didn't eat for about four days last week and had to take a day off school already. I hope you're feeling better soon!


Ok, not for those that are afraid of spiders, including myself now, but look at what was in my bedroom this morning:

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/Spider2.jpg

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/Spider2-1.jpg


:scared1: I wouldn't touch it either!!! Do you know what kind of spider it was? I hope it wasn't poisonous.

[karajeboo]

OMG! You weren't kidding about that spider!!! And it looks like it has a glowing eye in the one photo!!! I wouldn't be surprised - there are some scary creatures down here!!!

Yesterday a scorpion was moving across the floor in the bathroom, and I noticed him at a most inopportune time....:rolleyes1 if ya know what I mean. I squished him, which was a big deal for me! And he CRUNCHED!!!! I took off and ran out of the bathroom. Made my DH get rid of it when he came home. And yes, I shut the door and used a different bathroom all day.

I just don't know how to get used to these things!!!!

[jmskinner]

I'm glad the directions worked for you!

Ugh. I hate it when places have things on their website but they're really out of stock. It's so frustrating!

I'm glad Jacob found a costume he liked. I can't wait to see pictures of the costumes.

The stomach bug is going around here too. I didn't eat for about four days last week and had to take a day off school already. I hope you're feeling better soon!




:scared1: I wouldn't touch it either!!! Do you know what kind of spider it was? I hope it wasn't poisonous.

Actually got our t-shirts today!:banana: Mine has a hole in it, but I emailed the company and they said I could return it, but I'm not returning it until I get back from Disneyworld. Guess it won't be too noticeable in the dark.

The bug guy said there are only two poisonous spiders in the area and both are small. Black Widow and Brown Recluse.

JS is doing better, glad to know you are also. I know one of the bad things about being a teacher is you get all the illnesses your kids get. They don't want them at school if they are sick, but miss too many days and you are in trouble. Well, off to a school meeting right now.

[karajeboo]

We had both brown recluse and black widows when I lived in SC. The black widow packs quite a punch! My girlfriend got bit on the hand and she got pretty sick from it, plus the area around the bite was very tender and sore for a long time. The hospital did not give her the anit-venom though because they reserve it for kids and the elderly. I guess it's not fatal, just very painful.

I'm very careful here in FL whenever I reach into a dark area, like in the garage. I always shake out my work gloves before working in the yard, same with my yard shoes I keep in the garage.

As for the brown recluse, it's body is hourglass shaped, but the funny thing is that they look like they common grass spider or wood spider, whatever you want to call them. Those big grass spiders are what we normally get in the house, but I call them all brown recluse. Just for the effect. And it makes me feel better to be afraid of a poisonous spider. So in my mind they are ALL poisonous!!!

Do you see many scorpions down there? We get them a lot, and since we had the house sprayed, they seem to be coming out more, instead of hiding in the walls I guess. I've heard that they're too small to hurt, because their pincers can't penetrate skin, but I"m not taking any chances. They totally creep me out!!!!

No doubt about it, FL is definitely an adjustment!!!!

[jmskinner]

No, haven't seen any scorpions yet, but the neighbor said his son was stung by one. I have now found myself checking all of my shoes before putting them on. Check the kiddos also. I still hate to get up during the night with no lights on. Guess I should see therapy.

Funny, in Texas we had all of these same creatures and I never saw one in the house. We got spiders, but nothing like this thing. So glad we got a fence because I can only imagine what would be coming up from the conservation area.

Well, off to Wal-Mart for some last minute WDW shopping. Still trying to figure out what to do on Saturday. I really want to go to DHS for TSM, but getting Jacob up may be a fight. JS will be going to his convention all day. There was one game he wanted to take Jacob to at the convention, but they moved it to Sunday.:sad1: We have to be on the road back to Tampa by 9:00am.

You know, I never got any travel documents except the one little package with a map and a checklist to prepare for the trip. I guess you don't get any when you only book a room.:confused3

[ScotsMinnie]

We saw a little scorpion in our villa when we were there. It was quite small but to be honest we just squashed it as I wasn't sure how dangerous it was.

I hope no animals rights people are reading this!!!!

[Dr_Finkelstein]

STOP TALKING ABOUT ALL THE FREAKY LITTLE INSECTS THAT ARE WAITING TO KILL ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I was happy until I realised how infested Florida is :scared1: :scared1: :scared1:
I just hope the Disney resorts are poisonous insect free zones!
DH just found a site where people are posting their photos of all the 'little' snakes to be seen around the parks, especially in AK!!!!
I was happier being completely oblivious to all this!! :faint: :faint: :faint: :faint:

Di x

[ScotsMinnie]

hehe! :rotfl:

We have got a bit distracted with creepy crawly chat!!! Back to Disney!!!!

[irky416]

I had to post to tell you that you were in my dream last night! :eek:

I dreamed DBF and I had moved to Florida and we were riding in the car and I was trying to convince him it would be a good idea to get an AP for WDW. Then I said something to the effect of, Well jmskinner has an AP and they live in Tampa and that's an hour away, so we can definitely do it because we're closer! And dream DBF didn't know who you were so dream me had to tell him all about you!

:lmao: I hope you don't think I'm creepily stalking you now! ;)

I think that means too much DISing before bed! :rotfl:

[karajeboo]

Not to freak y'all out, but this is what we came back to last week in our room (bathtub, actually!).

http://i270.photobucket.com/albums/jj94/karajeboo/WDW%200908/YCsurpriseintub2.jpg

http://i270.photobucket.com/albums/jj94/karajeboo/WDW%200908/YCsurpriseintub1.jpg

I know they're harmless, and I see them all the time in my yard, on my porch, etc. But in my tub!!!! :scared1:

Needless to say, someone from maintenance was there right away to get rid of it.

I stood in the doorway of the bathroom watching it to make sure it didn't get out into the room, and this little lizard did not take his eyes off me either! Maintenance man said, "good thing the tub was clean so he couldn't get traction to get out."

[jmskinner]

We saw a little scorpion in our villa when we were there. It was quite small but to be honest we just squashed it as I wasn't sure how dangerous it was.

I hope no animals rights people are reading this!!!!

My DBIL is a huge animal activist. I haven't told him about my home invader and how I basically nuked him. Brand new can of spider killer spray under the bathroom room.

STOP TALKING ABOUT ALL THE FREAKY LITTLE INSECTS THAT ARE WAITING TO KILL ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I was happy until I realised how infested Florida is :scared1: :scared1: :scared1:
I just hope the Disney resorts are poisonous insect free zones!
DH just found a site where people are posting their photos of all the 'little' snakes to be seen around the parks, especially in AK!!!!
I was happier being completely oblivious to all this!! :faint: :faint: :faint: :faint:

Di x

Oh, if you haven't checked it out, you need to see karajeboo's post. She had it in her TR also. I normally see rabbits and lizards. I have never seen a snake at WDW!

hehe! :rotfl:

We have got a bit distracted with creepy crawly chat!!! Back to Disney!!!!

I promise we will. Need to upload my photos from this past weekend so the TR can start. I apologize for taking so long.

I had to post to tell you that you were in my dream last night! :eek:

I dreamed DBF and I had moved to Florida and we were riding in the car and I was trying to convince him it would be a good idea to get an AP for WDW. Then I said something to the effect of, Well jmskinner has an AP and they live in Tampa and that's an hour away, so we can definitely do it because we're closer! And dream DBF didn't know who you were so dream me had to tell him all about you!

:lmao: I hope you don't think I'm creepily stalking you now! ;)

I think that means too much DISing before bed! :rotfl:

:rotfl: :lmao: Ok, that is hilarious. I think you are right, too much DISing, but gotta have my fix!

Not to freak y'all out, but this is what we came back to last week in our room (bathtub, actually!).

http://i270.photobucket.com/albums/jj94/karajeboo/WDW%200908/YCsurpriseintub2.jpg

http://i270.photobucket.com/albums/jj94/karajeboo/WDW%200908/YCsurpriseintub1.jpg

I know they're harmless, and I see them all the time in my yard, on my porch, etc. But in my tub!!!! :scared1:

Needless to say, someone from maintenance was there right away to get rid of it.

I stood in the doorway of the bathroom watching it to make sure it didn't get out into the room, and this little lizard did not take his eyes off me either! Maintenance man said, "good thing the tub was clean so he couldn't get traction to get out."

When I read everyone's comments about the creepy critters, I automatically thought of you and this lizard. I had already read about this visitor in your TR and was going to tell everyone they needed to check out your TR.:scared1:

Ok, back to Disney everyone. TR will be started soon!:)

[jmskinner]

Finally, I am starting my MTR for this past weekend. The plan was to get Jacob to school on Friday morning, drop the truck off for some new front brakes, eat breakfast, swing by Wal-Mart, swing by comic book store (I've said JS is a geek), pick up truck, load truck and take dogs to kennel and then pick up Jacob and be on the Interstate by 2:30pm. That was the plan.

We got Jacob to school, the truck in the shop, ate breakfast at the Village Inn (a chain like Denny's but I wasn't impressed at all, not that Denny's is too impressive. Guess we will stick with Waffle House next time.) Made it to Wal-Mart where they goofed the pricing on Jacob's prescription. I had a card to get it for free, or it should have been a $22 copay, the clerk tells me $78.:scared1: So, get that straight and I walk out with my free prescription. Drive to comic book store across town and they don't open until Noon, so head back to pick up truck.

Wait a minute, truck is still on the rack without wheels on it. :sad2: Not a good sign. Sure enough, I left our home number because I thought we would be home sooner, they had tried to call me. There was a problem with the caliburs on the right side. :headache: I had the thing at Goodyear the week before getting the tires rotated, they pointed out I needed new brakes, but never said anything about the calibers. So I am thinking this place, that was cheaper, was trying to rip me off. :mad: JS comes in and looks and says it has to be done. :headache:

So, JS and I head back to the house, finish packing and wait for the truck to be ready. Finally I call and they say it will be ready soon, so we pick up Jacob from school. JS drops me off to pick up the truck. $868 later I have a truck. So much for having a really good time at WDW!:sad1:

Get the dogs to the kennel. We couldn't do this in JS's Mustang because the dogs are not allowed near it. Finally, on the road by 4:00pm. I had originally planned on eating at Zaxby's for a late lunch/early dinner (didn't want to waste precious Disney time), but JS said we should just stop at a McDonald's on the way and eat in the truck. So we find one on I4 and wait, and wait. I could have had Zaxby's as long as this took.

Back on the road. Ok, we make it to WDW. It had already been a stressful day and I didn't really know where I was going because I didn't really research the ASMu. JS isn't helping me because he is listening to his Ipod and getting mad if I speak to him interrupting his audio book.:mad: So I am a little freaked about if we are going the right way, I didn't realize all three All Star resorts were together. But we made it and get checked in. The CM was really nice and we had a good little talk about surprise brake expenses for cars.

Ok, here is where I turned really stupid. We were to be in room 8527 at Broadway, building 8. So we drive around and finally find a building 8. But it says Fantasia, so I pull over and park. See how stupid I have just turned. We get out and look for our room. They are all 8700-8800. We even asked a CM and he was no help. Finally I call the front desk, get put on hold. Another CM comes on and I tell her our problem, I get put on hold again. Finally, it clicks. Wait a minute, Fantasia is a movie, wait there is Herbie, a movie. Oh man, we are at AS Movies. Ok, now I can laugh. I tell JS the problem. So back in the truck. We drive around in circles and finally figure out where we should have turned. Of course, this is after JS is saying I must have checked in at the wrong hotel. I explain how they all look alike with the big star on the front and that I did check in at the correct one.

So, as Jacob and I take the elevator and JS takes the stairs, Jacob tells me, "Don't worry about it, I'm sure others have done it." I just cracked up. I figure the whole reason I was put on hold by the front desk is because they were laughing so hard at me. I wonder if they are still laughing at me. I need to find that Embarassing Moment thread and post this on it.

Ok, find our room. It wasn't too bad. We had previously only stayed at POR. This was smaller, but I didn't think it was too bad. After about 5 minutes, JS states, "This is ok for a night, but not for a whole week!"

So, it is now almost 6:00pm. MNSSHP is getting ready to start. I had planned on being at the park at 4:00pm. Oh well. So we get dressed and head out.

Here are some pics as we strolled over to the bus stop.

The view from our door.
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%20MNSHP%20Sept%2008/viewfromroom.jpg
I didn't think it was too bad. I actually thought there wouldn't be any greenery.

Our window:
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%20MNSHP%20Sept%2008/towelanimals.jpg
The Clifford and Snoopy are Jacobs. Loved the little towel animals that were in every window. Also, we had a towel MH, but Jacob messed it up before I could get pics.

The pathway to the buses:
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%20MNSHP%20Sept%2008/pathtolobby.jpg

We finally found the way to the buses, I was a little disappointed with the signage there at the AS Mu. Now, there were two girls dressed up and I wish I had gotten their pics. One was from Hocus Pocus, fantastic costume. And I can't remember who the other was, looked like Dorothy, but was reading a book. I'll ask JS, he figured it out. We didn't have a long wait for the bus though, so that was good.

Next update, MNSSHP!!!:banana:

[karajeboo]

Yea you're back at a Disney resort!!!! Can't wait for more!!!!

[Dr_Finkelstein]

Wait a minute, truck is still on the rack without wheels on it. Not a good sign. Sure enough, I left our home number because I thought we would be home sooner, they had tried to call me. There was a problem with the caliburs on the right side. I had the thing at Goodyear the week before getting the tires rotated, they pointed out I needed new brakes, but never said anything about the calibers. So I am thinking this place, that was cheaper, was trying to rip me off. JS comes in and looks and says it has to be done.

So, JS and I head back to the house, finish packing and wait for the truck to be ready. Finally I call and they say it will be ready soon, so we pick up Jacob from school. JS drops me off to pick up the truck. $868 later I have a truck. So much for having a really good time at WDW!

Ouch! :headache: Same thing happened to us a month or so ago - our car was due a service and MOT, duly put it into the garage.....again, problem with the brakes and the wipers.....£450 later!!!!! :eek: :eek:

Ok, here is where I turned really stupid. We were to be in room 8527 at Broadway, building 8. So we drive around and finally find a building 8. But it says Fantasia, so I pull over and park. See how stupid I have just turned. We get out and look for our room. They are all 8700-8800. We even asked a CM and he was no help. Finally I call the front desk, get put on hold. Another CM comes on and I tell her our problem, I get put on hold again. Finally, it clicks. Wait a minute, Fantasia is a movie, wait there is Herbie, a movie. Oh man, we are at AS Movies. Ok, now I can laugh. I tell JS the problem. So back in the truck. We drive around in circles and finally figure out where we should have turned. Of course, this is after JS is saying I must have checked in at the wrong hotel. I explain how they all look alike with the big star on the front and that I did check in at the correct one.

So, as Jacob and I take the elevator and JS takes the stairs, Jacob tells me, "Don't worry about it, I'm sure others have done it." I just cracked up. I figure the whole reason I was put on hold by the front desk is because they were laughing so hard at me. I wonder if they are still laughing at me. I need to find that Embarassing Moment thread and post this on it.

I can totally relate!!!! :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:
Last trip, we couldn't even find POP to check in!!!!!!

Can't wait to hear more!!

Di x

[scottny]

cannot wait to hear about MNSSHP...

[ScotsMinnie]

popcorn::

Looking forward to hearing the rest.

Lx

[irky416]

So, JS and I head back to the house, finish packing and wait for the truck to be ready. Finally I call and they say it will be ready soon, so we pick up Jacob from school. JS drops me off to pick up the truck. $868 later I have a truck. So much for having a really good time at WDW!:sad1:

Ugh! I hate when that happens.


Ok, here is where I turned really stupid. We were to be in room 8527 at Broadway, building 8. So we drive around and finally find a building 8. But it says Fantasia, so I pull over and park. See how stupid I have just turned. We get out and look for our room. They are all 8700-8800. We even asked a CM and he was no help. Finally I call the front desk, get put on hold. Another CM comes on and I tell her our problem, I get put on hold again. Finally, it clicks. Wait a minute, Fantasia is a movie, wait there is Herbie, a movie. Oh man, we are at AS Movies. Ok, now I can laugh. I tell JS the problem. So back in the truck. We drive around in circles and finally figure out where we should have turned. Of course, this is after JS is saying I must have checked in at the wrong hotel. I explain how they all look alike with the big star on the front and that I did check in at the correct one.

That's funny. :lmao: It sounds like something I would do!


Our window:
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%20MNSHP%20Sept%2008/towelanimals.jpg
The Clifford and Snoopy are Jacobs. Loved the little towel animals that were in every window. Also, we had a towel MH, but Jacob messed it up before I could get pics.

Cute!

Next update, MNSSHP!!!:banana:

I can't wait to hear about it and see your costumes!

[jmskinner]

I can't wait to hear about it and see your costumes!

Update coming soon.

Yea you're back at a Disney resort!!!! Can't wait for more!!!!

I promise, update coming soon.


I can totally relate!!!! :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:
Last trip, we couldn't even find POP to check in!!!!!!

Can't wait to hear more!!

Di x

I'm trying to remember who it was that ended up driving around and around the Richard Petty Driving Experience, and I don't mean on the track. Guess we all have our moments.

cannot wait to hear about MNSSHP...

popcorn::

Looking forward to hearing the rest.

Lx

Ok, I truly promise an update is coming. Actually had a lot typed up, kept trying to get pics added and a lot were missing. I just realized only about half made it into photobucket, so I'm working on that. Not going to bed until the pics are ready and I will work on the update in the morning. By the way, I still have spider fears. There was some lint from the dryer on the floor tonight and I jumped when I saw it. Wonder what that therapy will cost?

[Dr_Finkelstein]

I'm trying to remember who it was that ended up driving around and around the Richard Petty Driving Experience, and I don't mean on the track. Guess we all have our moments.

That would be us!!!!!! :lmao: :lmao: :lmao: :lmao:
Ah, happy days......:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:
Di x

[jmskinner]

We made it to the MK!:yay: Now heading up to the gate it looks crowded. So crowded, Jacob starts complaining about how busy it is. So I start to get a little worried since I had hoped it wouldn't be crowded.

Get through security and head to the gate. I ended up behind my boys and overheard what was going on next to me. There was this poor man with his two kids. They didn't know about MNSSHP, they were there for MK. The CM was explaining to them that they could enter, but would have to leave in 10 minutes.:sad1: I felt so bad for them.

But we went on. First up was this:

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%20MNSHP%20Sept%2008/MNSSHPEntrance.jpg

Got in line, didn't have a clue what it was, but it was a line. Turned out to be the line for bags for candy so all three of us grabbed one. We were all going Trick or Treating.

We walked through that entrance tunnel and all the stress went bye bye! This is what it looked like:
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%20MNSHP%20Sept%2008/mainstreet.jpg

Looked crowded didn't it. It thinned out later.

Here is Jacob without his mask:

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%20MNSHP%20Sept%2008/Jacobbyscarecrows.jpg

Check out the guy in the pirate costume at the bottom of the stairs, in the middle of this pic.
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%20MNSHP%20Sept%2008/ExpositionHall.jpg

We started seeing CM's holding signs through the middle of Main Street and trying to figure out what they were about. Finally we realized they were dividing Main Street. All those there for the party, stay right. All others were having to head out. It seemed kind of weird seeing all those people leave like that. We needed something to drink (oh left this part out previously. JS had tried to get something to drink at the hotel. None of the coke machines would work and one even took his money.) So we stopped in the bakery and grabbed a couple of drinks.

Jacob wanted to ride HM first thing, but we thought we would just hit the rides as we came to them. So, we started walking up towards the castle and I started snapping pictures while trying to keep up with JS, as usual.
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%20MNSHP%20Sept%2008/Castle.jpg

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%20MNSHP%20Sept%2008/Stitch.jpg


Made JS stop long enough for me to take this one:
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%20MNSHP%20Sept%2008/twoghosts.jpg
This was the only time Jacob had his mask on.

I was going to have Jacob take a picture of us, but JS wasn't in the mood. The pixiedust: hadn't found him yet.

We stopped in the JC area to Trick or Treat. Jacob was searching for Tootsie Rolls. Besides Crunch Bars and plain chocolate, that is the only candy the child will eat.

We walked right on PoTC. No wait whatsoever. The boat was waiting on us. When we got off, we saw the MNSSHP t-shirt. JS said I should go ahead and buy it so I did. He also found a pirate shirt he wanted. I got the two pins offered for MNSSHP and Jacob wanted a ball and chain :confused3 . That used up the rewards I had on my Disney Rewards card. I think JS is addicted to t-shirts, he bought 3 when we were there in June. Oh, and I also bought a Halloween Tinkerbelle pin for Kara. Here birthday was coming up (it has since passed, if you are in NC look out, she turned 16!) and I thought I would throw it in her package.

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%20MNSHP%20Sept%2008/MNSSHPTshirt.jpg
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%20MNSHP%20Sept%2008/MNSSHPPins.jpg

Hit another Trick or Treat area across from PoTC. Had to stop and get organized so I took a few more pics:
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%20MNSHP%20Sept%2008/crowds.jpg
Caught JS by surprise. He had found some candy to try.
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%20MNSHP%20Sept%2008/Jonas.jpg
So then we headed around and noticed the McDonald's Fries stand is gone. Jacob was asking what was going in and of course we have no idea. Again Jacob wants to do HM, but we figured we would go ahead and do Splash Mountain. And look, we spotted a ghost:
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%20MNSHP%20Sept%2008/Ghost.jpg

I love to try to take pictures on the rides and most of the time it is too dark and I refuse to use my flash and disturb others, so I was really excited when this one came out. Not perfect, but not blurry for once.
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%20MNSHP%20Sept%2008/Frog.jpg
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%20MNSHP%20Sept%2008/SplashMountain.jpg

JS decided he wanted a pic of us on Splash Mountain since we were the only ones in the log. He never wants to buy these things.
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%20MNSHP%20Sept%2008/UsonSplashMountainpdf.jpg
I was trying to take pics when he told me to put the camera down. I always have my mouth open in pics. JS says it is because it never shuts!:rotfl:

Found another Trick or Treat line at Tom Sawyer Island and then another down by the River Cruise.
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%20MNSHP%20Sept%2008/JonasandJacob.jpg
Found a spook there!
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%20MNSHP%20Sept%2008/Jacobcheckingoutthecoffin.jpg

There was a little line at HM, but it was also about time for the parade so we decided to do one more candy stop near the HoP and then found a spot for the parade. Waited about 15 minutes. And then it began!

Here is a little sneak peek!
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%20MNSHP%20Sept%2008/th_HeadlessHorseman.jpg (http://s288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%20MNSHP%20Sept%2008/?action=view&current=HeadlessHorseman.flv)



Part 2 of MNSSHP coming up! All parade pics!

[karajeboo]

I talked to a DISbud when she was at MNSSHP about a week ago, and she said they walked onto every ride, too! How wonderful! When we attended P&PP back in March it was the same way! Loved it!

Great pics, and video, too!

We're doing our first daytrip to AK this Saturday. Up until now we have always spent the night, but DD wants to hit AK, and since it closes early, we won't be tempted to stay too late. It's only a 2 1/2 hr drive so I'm sure it will be fun!!!

[jmskinner]

I talked to a DISbud when she was at MNSSHP about a week ago, and she said they walked onto every ride, too! How wonderful! When we attended P&PP back in March it was the same way! Loved it!

Great pics, and video, too!

We're doing our first daytrip to AK this Saturday. Up until now we have always spent the night, but DD wants to hit AK, and since it closes early, we won't be tempted to stay too late. It's only a 2 1/2 hr drive so I'm sure it will be fun!!!

Oh, I'm glad the video worked. That was my first time trying to post one. Not a great shot and only using my Kodak, but guess it worked.

Let me know how the daytrip goes. Growing up we would make daytrips to Six Flags over Texas. It wasn't almost a four hour drive. Don't know how we did it. Oh, be careful for cops. On the drive there on the 26th they were doing a huge speed trap in I-4. It was on this side of Orlando, but there must have been over 20 police cars between the two directions.

I already have the urge to return, but have a feeling we will be at the movies this weekend seeing City of Ember.

[irky416]

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%20MNSHP%20Sept%2008/MNSSHPEntrance.jpg

I love all the Halloween decorations! It looks so festive!


Made JS stop long enough for me to take this one:
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%20MNSHP%20Sept%2008/twoghosts.jpg
This was the only time Jacob had his mask on.


I like the costume! Were a lot of people dressed up?


http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%20MNSHP%20Sept%2008/MNSSHPTshirt.jpg
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%20MNSHP%20Sept%2008/MNSSHPPins.jpg

I like the shirt and the pins! And how nice of you to think of Kara!


JS decided he wanted a pic of us on Splash Mountain since we were the only ones in the log. He never wants to buy these things.
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%20MNSHP%20Sept%2008/UsonSplashMountainpdf.jpg
I was trying to take pics when he told me to put the camera down. I always have my mouth open in pics. JS says it is because it never shuts!:rotfl:

:lmao: That's a cute picture!


Here is a little sneak peek!
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%20MNSHP%20Sept%2008/th_HeadlessHorseman.jpg (http://s288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%20MNSHP%20Sept%2008/?action=view&current=HeadlessHorseman.flv)

That's awesome. I can't wait to see the rest!

[jmskinner]

I love all the Halloween decorations! It looks so festive!

I need to go back during the day to really enjoy them all. I feel like we missed a lot.


I like the costume! Were a lot of people dressed up?

There were a lot dressed up. Some were really cool.


I like the shirt and the pins! And how nice of you to think of Kara!

Oh, we bought her one of the glow in the dark Tinkerbelles also. I hoped she liked them.


That's awesome. I can't wait to see the rest!

I think I will have time tomorrow to do the rest of the parade.

[jmskinner]

I am currently waiting on a doctors office to call me back and thought I would add parade pics, but Photobucket is down for maintenance. Figures. I'll try to do it later today.

Hope everyone is doing well!
Melissa

[havinfun]

:cheer2: :cheer2: Enjoying your report. Oh how I wish I lived near WDW. It is fun seeing MK dressed up for Halloween. Thank you for sharing. Keep those reports coming.

Peggy

[Dr_Finkelstein]

Hi Melissa,
Loving the update on MNSSHP! It looked fab, and Jacobs costume looked great!
I wish we could have gone to it, but maybe next time :thumbsup2
Can't wait to hear more!
Di x

[jmskinner]

:cheer2: :cheer2: Enjoying your report. Oh how I wish I lived near WDW. It is fun seeing MK dressed up for Halloween. Thank you for sharing. Keep those reports coming.

Peggy

I want to go back and see the park in the daylight. Maybe I can talk Jacob into going this weekend. I'm really having withdrawals. I am so addicted.

Hi Melissa,
Loving the update on MNSSHP! It looked fab, and Jacobs costume looked great!
I wish we could have gone to it, but maybe next time :thumbsup2
Can't wait to hear more!
Di x

Hope you do get to go next time. Not much longer until you will be there!

[jmskinner]

Ok, instead of boring you with details, here are a whole lot of pics!

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%20MNSHP%20Sept%2008/MNSSHP.jpg

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%20MNSHP%20Sept%2008/CaptainHook.jpg

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%20MNSHP%20Sept%2008/CaptainJack.jpg

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%20MNSHP%20Sept%2008/PiratesDancing.jpg

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%20MNSHP%20Sept%2008/Searcherwithdog.jpg

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%20MNSHP%20Sept%2008/Band.jpg

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%20MNSHP%20Sept%2008/BreerRabbit.jpg

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%20MNSHP%20Sept%2008/CountryBears.jpg

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%20MNSHP%20Sept%2008/Poohandfriends.jpg

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%20MNSHP%20Sept%2008/Villains.jpg

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%20MNSHP%20Sept%2008/Villains2.jpg

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%20MNSHP%20Sept%2008/Hyena.jpg

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%20MNSHP%20Sept%2008/TryingtogetJacob.jpg

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%20MNSHP%20Sept%2008/JackOLantern.jpg

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%20MNSHP%20Sept%2008/Goofy.jpg

There is a lot of parade missing, but some of it I caught later on. Also, I tried to get them in order for you. The closeup of the Hyena is when it was after Jacob. Got a lot of candy from CM's handing it out when goofy passed. Oh, and the smell of Goofy's float was wonderful. It was cotton candy!

I love my picture of the dog licking his jowels, maybe he could smell the cotton candy. I didn't even realize I got him like that until the next day when I was reviewing the pics. I just love Bloodhounds.

The only other parade we had ever sat down and watched is Spectromagic. I enjoyed this one so much that now I want to make sure to go and catch all of the parades.

[Dr_Finkelstein]

That looks absolutely fantastic!!!! :goodvibes
You are so lucky staying so close to WDW - if I was as close as you I think I'd be in trouble with WDW security! I'd never leave - they'd need to evict me! :lmao: :lmao:
I'm starting to get really excited again now! I'd been feeling a bit down about it for a while, but now I'm getting hyper again!!!!! :hyper: :hyper: :hyper:
Di x

[irky416]

Great parade pictures. I love the Hyena costumes!

[jmskinner]

That looks absolutely fantastic!!!! :goodvibes
You are so lucky staying so close to WDW - if I was as close as you I think I'd be in trouble with WDW security! I'd never leave - they'd need to evict me! :lmao: :lmao:
I'm starting to get really excited again now! I'd been feeling a bit down about it for a while, but now I'm getting hyper again!!!!! :hyper: :hyper: :hyper:
Di x

I so want to go back this weekend, but Jacob wants to stay home. I am really starting to wonder if he was switched at birth or something.:rotfl:

I'm glad you are getting that excited feeling again. I know all of the frustration of the delay must have worn the whole family out.

Great parade pictures. I love the Hyena costumes!

Yes, I thought they were cool. Also the dancing ghosts/zombies, not sure what to call them. It wasn't until I uploaded the pics that I noticed they had bugs all over them.:scared1: The band was great. We all loved the music. I really want to go back.

I will try to update with the rest of MNSSHP tonight or in the morning. I am really tired right now. When JS is away I don't sleep well. Then, the neighbor and I have been walking every morning for about an hour and a half and it is wearing me out. But, it is good training for going commando at WDW!:)

[kathleen27]

I love your trip report. I read the last few pages and the first five so far.
(I'm up to the day trip when you moved)

All the sww pics are great, and I love your Dinosaur pic with Jacob missing. :lmao:

Love your MNSSHP parade photos, we went to the later parade that night.

Oh, and the smell of Goofy's float was wonderful. It was cotton candy!

Also the dancing ghosts/zombies, not sure what to call them. It wasn't until I uploaded the pics that I noticed they had bugs all over them.:scared1:

I didn't notice either of those things!!!
I'll have to ask my Jacob if he did.

[jmskinner]

So, after the parade we headed to HM to make Jacob happy. We even promised him we would ride it twice. So, as we walk up to HM, we are greeted by:
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%20MNSHP%20Sept%2008/SpiritoutsideHM.jpg

Jacob makes some sort of ghost sound towards her and she starts giving him a hard time, "Is that what they are teaching you in ghost school now?" She was great!

So, maybe a minutes wait to get into HM. Now I think I posted this previously, but we were there one time and when the lights went out and came back on this one CM moved directly in front of this woman and scared her to death. OK, not to death, but you get my meaning. Since I saw that, I make sure nobody is going to do that to me. I hate being scared. So, fortunately the CM did not try to scare anyone.

I almost forgot about this. One family was trying to ride about 6 to a car, so the CM told them to break up into other cars. Well, one lady gets out with two kids and tries to get in the one behind them, but it was too late and the bar was already pulled back. She tried though. We were cracking up at how determined this lady was to get close to the rest of her party.

Jacob rides by himself on this ride. The kid loves scare houses. He wants to go to Universal. I've told the boys they can go, I will stay home. Of course the ride stops for about 10 minutes.:mad: Right when we are in the cemetery. Jacob handles it well, but is mad we aren't moving. Finally we get moving again, get off the ride and realize it is too soon to the fireworks to ride again. So we promise Jacob we will come back and ride it again.

Jonas has it in his head to walk through Fantasyland to get to the front of the castle. I knew we could go through Frontierland and cut across into Adventureland land, but he is always right. Of course they have already roped off the area around the carousel, so we have to walk through Futureland.:sad2:

We finally made it to the front of the castle. Now, we had been seeing these things all night:
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%20MNSHP%20Sept%2008/lightedskull.jpg

They are LED screens. The jaw moves up and down. They also had some shaped like eyes. So I went to see how much they were and JS & Jacob went to find a spot to sit down. Well, they were only $15, but neither of us had cash. JS didn't feel like getting any, so maybe we will see them elsewhere, or we can go next year. Took me forever to find my boys in the dark. I think JS was just sitting back watching me walk back and forth.:laughing:

JS had found a spot between the statue and the castle. I thought it might be too close, but it turned out to be great.
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%20MNSHP%20Sept%2008/Castlebeforefireworks.jpg

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%20MNSHP%20Sept%2008/Fireworks2.jpg

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%20MNSHP%20Sept%2008/Fireworks.jpg

After so many trips to the Magic Kingdom, this was my first time to see the fireworks from the front of the castle. It is so worth it! We were so close that the finale was 180 degree view for us. It was great. Now, if you have read the rest of this TR you will remember Jonas suffering a little PTSD during the fireworks. He said he got a little of the feeling this time, but since he was expecting it this time it wasn't as bad.

So, back to HM we go. Well, we decided to make a quick stop. When we went two years ago, my DMIL was with us and every time we walked by IASW she would cover her ears. So we decided to stop and ride it. While on the ride we called her and left her a message. We just held the phone up in the air as we were on the ride. We are such horrible children.

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%20MNSHP%20Sept%2008/IASW.jpg

Then it was back to HM. From there we realized we were really tired. So we decided to head out, but stopped for a dole whip and then a little shopping.

Well, it was about time for the parade again. I really liked the parade and hoped to see the headless horseman again, but it was too late for him, but not the parade. JS recommended I go up on the train station platform and take some pics. There were people up there so I tried to get a couple of pics and then went back downstairs. I hate to crowd people that obviously got there early enough to get a good spot. So, here are more parade pics!

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%20MNSHP%20Sept%2008/viewfromtrainstation.jpg

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%20MNSHP%20Sept%2008/Beforeparade.jpg

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%20MNSHP%20Sept%2008/MainStreetatnight.jpg

Not a lot of people. I don't know what this area looked liked for the first parade, but would highly recommend it to anyone.

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%20MNSHP%20Sept%2008/Mickey.jpg

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%20MNSHP%20Sept%2008/Roo.jpg

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%20MNSHP%20Sept%2008/Poohandfriends.jpg

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%20MNSHP%20Sept%2008/Tigger.jpg

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%20MNSHP%20Sept%2008/Barbosa.jpg

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%20MNSHP%20Sept%2008/Pirates2.jpg

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%20MNSHP%20Sept%2008/CaptainJacksFloat.jpg

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%20MNSHP%20Sept%2008/HitchHikingGhosts-1.jpg

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%20MNSHP%20Sept%2008/GraveDiggers.jpg

Sorry folks. I tried to get a pic of the gravediggers making sparks with their shovels, but it didn't come out. My camera is messing up and the dial to change from pics to video is sticking so I didn't even think to try another video.:headache:

Stopped for a few pics on the way out of the park.
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%20MNSHP%20Sept%2008/Entrance.jpg

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%20MNSHP%20Sept%2008/TrainStation.jpg

That was our MNSSHP experience. We didn't ride much, but we had a great time. Would I do it again? You bet ya, really want to do it again this year, but guess we should save our money. Jacob has a b-day coming up and then there is Christmas.

So, what did Jacob and I do while JS went to his convention?

[jmskinner]

So after our night at MNSSHP, Jacob and I decided to do DHS. Ok, I decided. I have been really wanting to ride TSM. So, got JS on his way to the convention, got Jacob up and we were on our way.

I didn't really care for the fact that you had to walk past the pool to get to the lobby of the hotel, but it was a nice pool.

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%20MNSHP%20Sept%2008/JacobandPool.jpg

Side note here. We had come to realize that Jacob's medicine was no longer working. Since he was already maxed out on the dosage we had to completely change his medication. I always like to start a new medication over the weekend instead of giving him something new and sending him off to school. So, first thing we had to do was get him some breakfast so he could take this pill.

Off to the food court. Jacob was already driving me nuts, remember no medicine in him, so I sat him at a table while I got coffee and condiments. He decided to take some pics:

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%20MNSHP%20Sept%2008/FoodCourt.jpg

When I get back to the table he informs me the battery on the camera is going dead.:scared1: "Oh no. I won't be able to take pics for my MTR!" I didn't want to take it back to the hotel, so we brought it with us. Must have been me trying to take pics of the fireworks that made it go dead so quickly.

Made it to the bus stop and on our way. We got to DHS about 8:30, so just 30 minutes after the park opened. Not bad for us. Headed straight to TSM. Grabbed FP for 10:50 and looked at the stand by time, it was already 40 minutes. I bet that was wrong, but we decided to move on. Found the backlot tour. Jacob had completely forgotten about riding this two years ago. We end up sitting on the right of the tram. The announcement comes over, "if you are sitting on the right you will get wet". All of these people start moving towards the left, but I remember this ride, it isn't the right that gets wet, it is the left. "But if you are on the left you will get even wetter".:lmao: The poor people next to us groaned and Jacob said he wanted to get wet, but it was too late, doors were shut. Jacob enjoyed the stunt show at the beginning and then the canyon section. I didn't remember seeing the vehicle from Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy before, so now I know JS needs to ride it again next time I get him to DHS.

From there we wondered around to the street area:
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%20MNSHP%20Sept%2008/Jacobandskyline.jpg

This was a little after 9:00. Not many people here yet, think everyone was on TSM. Then off to Star Tours. Jacob's favorite ride. Before we got to the park I felt a headache coming on. By this time it was a full blown migraine. So went on Star Tours which was basically a walk on. Got this pic of a rabbit there at ST and not sure if you can see it, but there is also a baby lizard.
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%20MNSHP%20Sept%2008/RabbitandLizardatST.jpg
Of course Jacob wants to ride again. My head is about to explode, but I'm a Mom so I ride yet again. Head throbing so bad I am afraid I will get sick to my stomache. Now during this I thought of a new Star Wars ride. They should do one like TSM, except you are in tiefighters shooting at x-wings. They at least should redo the film portion of ST. Now the main goal is to get me medicine because I know TSM isn't going to be fun like this. Too many people in line at the ST shop, so we head off to the next store, which doesn't have any. He told me where to go. I can't remember the name of the store, but it is the one next to the Muppet Show 3-D. Last time we were at DHS, I tried to get Jacob to go in, but he wouldn't. Of course this time he doesn't remember and is upset that we have never been in it.:confused3

This CM, who wasn't a young chic, was having to train these two new CM's. She actually asked for my ID since I had not signed the back of my room key. :) I always like it when they check ID. So, now I have medicine, now I need a drink.

While looking for a drink, got this pic:
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%20MNSHP%20Sept%2008/JacobandUmbrella.jpg

Jacob didn't realize he could make it rain. I was trying to use every bit of that battery before it completely died.

Couldn't find a drink stand open yet, so ended up at the one by TSM and of course only one person working it and he has to walk back to get everything. It is papercups instead of bottles, but I could take my medicine.

We still had time before our FP's were up. The standby time at this point was 60minutes I believe and the return time for FP's was after 4:00pm. I still can not get over how popular this ride is. I remember that the Dream Team likes to hang out at One Man's Dream, so I talked Jacob into it. Of course, I have to throw out my drink first. Jacob is starting to get a little more interested in Walt Disney so he enjoyed this exhibit a lot better than last time. He wanted to see the movie, so we stayed for it. Get out and one of the other shows had just let out also so it was very crowded. Grabbed Jacob and headed for TSM, our FP time was here.

Got in line, which even with FP's was still about 20 minutes.
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%20MNSHP%20Sept%2008/Jacobin3dglasses.jpg

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%20MNSHP%20Sept%2008/JacobinlineatTSM.jpg
Our scores:
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%20MNSHP%20Sept%2008/Scores.jpg

So, from here decided to head back to the hotel. It was now almost noon. Jacob wanted to go to the pool, I wanted something to eat and to lay down. When we got back to the hotel, I grabbed some chicken strips and a drink and headed back to the room. I took a nap while Jacob played and then it was time for the pool.

I'll finish up this MTR in the next post with details of the pool (great activities), Planet Hollywood, and you won't believe what we did before we left the next morning!

[jmskinner]

So, got up and headed to the pool. We went to the main pool by the Calypso building. I didn't realize it was shaped like a guitar until after we had gotten home and was looking over some of the info given to me at check-in.

They were having a dance party and I couldn't get Jacob to join in. Another time I feel like this boy was switched at birth. If he didn't look like me .... But, when he saw the 8 foot beach ball, he decided to join in the activities. This ball was huge and heavy. Jacob never seemed to be in the right place at the right time, so he got out of the pool and started helping the CM's push it back into pool when it got out or close to the edge of the pool. When it was time to take the ball out, all the kids pushed it to the side almost taking out the DJ Booth.:scared1: Another little boy asked Jacob to play with him, so I thought I would leave and let them play, so I found me a chair closer to them and got comfortable. Then a CM asked Jacob to help her set up the volleyball court. He started telling everyone how they were not to go under it or hang off of it. I think this kid will be a great lifeguard one day. So I joined in with him for volleyball.

There was a family there that was really having a great time. Dad would act all mad and splash water when we lost the point and his wife was helping the little kids get the ball over the net. She did this for Jacob also.

Jacob decided he was too cold. The boy is so skinny that when he gets cold in water, his lips turn blue. So, we headed back to the room and I started getting ready for dinner. I had hoped to get done in time to play Bingo at 6:00pm, but straightening the hair took a little long. Called JS, and he was on his way back from the convention, but was stuck in traffic. He told us to head over to DTD. By the time we started heading for the buses, JS called back and said he was in the hotel parking lot, so we met him in the store at ASMu and then got in line for the bus.

Stupid me didn't realize this was the last night for PI (I have a kid, I don't pay attention to these things).:confused3 So of course, the bus is packed. (oh back track. The line for the bus wasn't set up very well, but most of us could figure out that was a line except for the people that walked up at the last moment, of course there were like 20 of them. How can people be so rude! Karajeboo, these people need your park ettiquette training (I can not spell that word, sorry). But we were on the bus. We were packed on like Sardines. The bus driver made a comment about if you were seating, you should stay seated because as soon as anyone stood up, someone would take their seat. It was a horrible ride over.

I had told JS we should get off at the PI bus stop, but the bus was so packed JS decided to get off at the other one. So we ran through DTD and got to Lego World for Jacob. He decided to buy a tub of Legos, so we helped him fill it up. All he wanted was some wheels and tires, so he was going to pay $8 for a half empty tub. I started grabbing legos that I thought were pretty, JS didn't appreciate me buying pretty legos for his boy.;)

Then we headed over to PH. Again ran into some people that need to take a class on park ettiquette, party of 4 walking side by side, S-L-O-W-L-Y. Finally, very loudly I pulled the "EXCUSE ME" and bolted past them. We had ADR's!!! Got to PH, had about a 5 minutes wait before they let us up. Jacob was complaining about "reservations" again. I wonder if he has nightmares about reservations. Oh, and he is also mad that we didn't bring the gameboy and we wouldn't let him open the legos. We get our picture taken, but didn't purchase it because Jacob was mad and we both had horrible looks on our faces. We got a table and the waiter took awhile to get to us. We got our drinks and then ordered. JS ordered a steak and I ordered a Ceasar Salad with Salmon. All was very good. Jacob ate one chicken strip. We also had the Spinach Dip for an appetizer. Why do they only bring you about 10 chips, but dip for about 40? We requested more chips, and got them. This was our first time to eat at any PH. It was very loud, so not a place if you really want to speak to someone during dinner, but the food was fantastic.

Here is one pic:
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%20MNSHP%20Sept%2008/InsidePH.jpg

And from the outside:
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%20MNSHP%20Sept%2008/PH.jpg

Headed back to the hotel and started packing. Oh, almost forgot. We just missed it, but they used a huge blowup movie screen and showed Enchanted at the swimming pool while we were at dinner. Kind of wished we had stayed to watch it.

Got up the next morning and started loading the truck. Now, here is what I could not believe we did. Bounce Back!!! Yup, we booked a bounce back trip for next Labor Day. They were offering free dining. So at 7:00am, I called to check on the price for CBR. Loved the idea of the new swimming pool. When I called, the CM asked if I wanted a pirate room? Pirate room??? I hadn't heard about that, so I thought, why not. So, next Labor Day we will be staying at CBR for 3 nights. I have about 10 months to explain to Jacob that it was be a trip about dining, so no complaints about reservations. I am going to try to keep the pirate room a secret, very hard with my big mouth, so we can surprise him. He has seen pics of the pool and got excited about that. We were talking about MNSSHP and I had a thought. If they start having it by Labor Day, maybe we can go. I think they started it this year at Labor Day. So, I have been wanting to put up my new ticker, but didn't want to until I announced I was going. Can't believe I am so excited to go back, but it is different when you stay there and when you drive up for the day.

For a recap:

MNSSHP get a 10!!!!
ASMu gets about a 6
ASMu pool and CM's get a 10 (loved the activities for the kids at the pool.)

Now I have been wondering. If they offered bouce back with free dining, does that mean they won't be offering the normal free dining next Sept? I am also considering upgrading to the Premium plan since we will be making it a trip just for dining!

Hope everyone enjoyed my little MTR. We are thinking of going to TL this weekend, need to go before they close for refurbishment. Still want to get back to MK to check out all the Halloween and fall decorations, before the Christmas ones go up. Oh, and JS called me last night. He was to be back from DC on the 24th, but now that has been pushed back to Nov. 5th.:sad2: Maybe Jacob and I will go to the parks every weekend, at least gas is cheaper.:thumbsup2
Melissa

[karajeboo]

Jonas has it in his head to walk through Fantasyland to get to the front of the castle. I knew we could go through Frontierland and cut across into Adventureland land, but he is always right. Of course they have already roped off the area around the carousel, so we have to walk through Futureland.:sad2:



Aren't they always??? :rotfl2: Great pics of MNSSHP!!!!

How can people be so rude! Karajeboo, these people need your park ettiquette training .

I think we need to start an Etiquette thread!!!! :rotfl2:

And that's so awesome that you booked a Bounceback trip!!!!! We just got back last month from free dining and it was awesome!!! The crowds in September are good, too!!!!

[jmskinner]

I think we need to start an Etiquette thread!!!! :rotfl2:

And that's so awesome that you booked a Bounceback trip!!!!! We just got back last month from free dining and it was awesome!!! The crowds in September are good, too!!!!

Good to hear that crowds are good in Sept. I am really going to try to make that weekend more relaxing and try not to go commando. I have 10 months to tell myself that.:rotfl:

You know, an Etiquette thread or maybe just an annoying crowd member thread. Maybe cute little signs around the parks with park etiquette would work. Of course the guilty ones would assume it wasn't meant for them.

[Dr_Finkelstein]

YOU'VE BOUNCED BACK!!!!!!!!!
You are SO lucky staying so close - I'm mad with jealousy....though on second thoughts, you can keep the man eating insects/snakes/spiders :thumbsup2
The CBR looks fab - I was snooping about on another thread looking at the new pool....Jacob will love it - tell me all about it!!!!
BTW, how's the weather over there just now? You're my eyes on the ground Melissa!
Di x

[kathleen27]

Great MTR!

It doesn't sound like we were at the same place at the same time at all Fri night.

That looks like a great parade viewing spot at the end of the night!

Glad you got to ride TSM, we loved it!

Congrats on bounce back!!! The pirate rooms sound great!

[jmskinner]

YOU'VE BOUNCED BACK!!!!!!!!!
You are SO lucky staying so close - I'm mad with jealousy....though on second thoughts, you can keep the man eating insects/snakes/spiders :thumbsup2
The CBR looks fab - I was snooping about on another thread looking at the new pool....Jacob will love it - tell me all about it!!!!
BTW, how's the weather over there just now? You're my eyes on the ground Melissa!
Di x

You probably weren't notified, I posted a weather update on your PTR. A cool front is moving in this weekend, so now low 80's, even an upper 70's one day next week. I think you will have great weather. If JS doesn't come home until Nov 4th, we just might see you at the parks the weekend before.
Great MTR!

It doesn't sound like we were at the same place at the same time at all Fri night.

That looks like a great parade viewing spot at the end of the night!

Glad you got to ride TSM, we loved it!

Congrats on bounce back!!! The pirate rooms sound great!

We are looking forward to it. We just thought, why not. We can always cancel up until July, so maybe by then we can get it paid off. Plus, with that Disney Visa I have, I can always get the 6 months no interest! MK doesn't seem that big, but I don't remember seeing you and your son Jacob, and I am a people watcher.

We had ridden TSM before, but I just love it. I hope we get to go when my parents are here at December. They love amusement parks and I know they will love all the rides. They have been to MK before, but none of the other parks.

Just an update on what is going on around here. The school refuses to offer any therapy to Jacob, so I got him set up through a private practice. They should I have to really push it, but when the school's occupation therapist says he is too old to even work with on his handwriting, I don't know that I even want the woman to go near him. If he had a brain injury they would still work with him. At least they are still trying to work with him and thank goodness for insurance. Don't know what we will do once JS retires?

Finally unpacked the last three boxes. Now just have to get the office in order and the house will be done. Well, need a few more pieces of artwork.

Oh, and I am trying to get into scrapbooking and went in a store the other day and they had all of their Disney stickers on sale. I had a little control, but did buy about 4 packages. Also bought a canvas to put our pins on that don't fit on the lanyard, or won't put on our lanyard. Guess that makes me an official pin collector now. Oh, I found the cutest Mickey pin. He looks like the character from Nightmare Before Christmas (I admit it, I haven't seen the movie and don't know the characters name.):sad2: We do own it though, just haven't sat down to watch it.

Ok, I'm rattling on. Have a great weekend everyone!
Melissa

[jmskinner]

Hi everyone. Well, we headed over to TL today since it will be our last time until the refurbishment is done at the end of March. We didn't head out until almost 11:00am. Decided to let Jacob sleep in.

So I decided to wear just my bathing suit and a coverup. I needed to get gas, but I figured lots of people head out like this, still didn't feel too comfortable without my normal clothes on. The plan was to slip out of the truck, get the gas and no one would notice me. As I try to start the pump I accidentally hit the red button on the key chain, making my truck honk. So everyone at the gas station looks at me. :laughing:

So then we stop at McDonalds for some lunch to eat on the way. The line moved really quickly and we were on our way in 10 minutes. About 20 miles out the highway sign states "Congestion Ahead". Uh oh. Well, there was some congestion, but it was because of the rubberneckers looking at the accident on the other side of I-4. An 18wheeler had rearended one car and sideswiped another. There weren't any ambulances, so hopefully everyone was ok. Anyone headed to Tampa from Orlando had a miserable day. I figure the backup was about 6 miles.

Jacob starts asking how far we are and I say another 30 minutes. Groans loudly and asks why WDW isn't closer to us. I explained it is the other way around, we should have moved closer to it. I explain some signs to let him know we are close. That last big exit with all the fast food joints, and then there is Champions Gate. That is how I know we are almost there. Finally, Jacob saw the MH powerpole and started getting excited. I told him to help me read the signs. He starts talking about other stuff and I miss our turn and end up at MK. If I had regular clothes on, I would have stayed at MK. The nice CM at the gate tells me where to turn around and we find our way. The more I go, the more lost I seem to get.:confused3

Finally TL. Parking lot seemed fuller than I hoped it would be. But once we got in and looked at the wave pool, I realized it wasn't that busy. We hung out at the wave pool until about 1:45 and then I pursuaded Jacob to ride the slides with me. Well, first he wanted to do the Lazy River, but when he saw all of the leaves in it, he decided against it. I don't know what he will do at the ocean?

So then I decided on the family raft ride. Somehow we have never ridden this. This actually had the longest posted wait time, 25-30 minutes and that is about how long it was. Now, while waiting in line I realized there is one problem not having my DH around and only Jacob. I can't talk about people with Jacob. I haven't worn a bikini since before Jacob was born and it just blows me away how some people go to water parks. So, I keep my comments to myself. At least it wasn't like the last time when a lady had a thong on! Oh, this reminds me. At the wave pool this guy, probably 20 something, came out of the water and his trunks had slid down. He walked for at least a minute with about 2 inchis of his crack showing. I know, I should not have looked that long, but it reached a point to where I was wondering if he would ever pull them up. Then about 20 minutes later, he walked through holding two drinks and the shorts were going down again. Again, wish JS was with us.

Oops, sorry, got side tracked there. So, the family raft ride was a lot of fun. I didn't realize we would get so wet. Didn't help that the CM splashed us after pushing out tube. While waiting in line, Jacob noticed people walking up above us, so we found that pathway, the Overlook. There is a bridge you cross and the design on it to keep you from slipping hurt both of our feet. But it was a nice little walk and gave great views of the park.

We came across Humanga Kabana (or whatever it is called). The fast slide, the one that gives you a wedgie. Jacob has never wanted to ride these and I don't care for them due to the above mentioned wedgie. Jacob said we could go on it. I thought if he is game, I'm going to do it. When I hit bottom, I start pulling my bottoms out before even stopping.:lmao: I know I probably looked really funny. Then I look back and Jacob is behind me, looking really pale and coughing a little. Even the CM asks if he is ok. I ask if he wants to do it again, and he states "NO". So, then we went to the shark encounter. We just walked through, I'm not willing to pay the $20 for it. I had a hard time getting Jacob to leave. Then, I talked him into Crush N Gusher. One of my favorites. It was starting to cloud over and with the breeze it was getting a little chilly. The fans were not needed on the stairs at Crush N Gusher, just made it cooler. There was only a 10 minute wait.

After that we waded through the pool there and then Jacob decided to go. I realized I was starving. I don't know what it is about water parks, but I get hungry at them. Really wanted Nachos, but couldn't find any on the way out, so I planned my dinner all the way home. We stopped and looked through the telescopes there at the entrance and then headed out. Did all that in 3 hours. Not too bad of a day.

Ride home was uneventful. Accident had been cleared, but the concrete barrier is leaning inwards.

I apologize for not having any pics. Need to take one of those disposable cameras next time we go.

Hope everyone is having a great weekend!
Melissa

[Dr_Finkelstein]

Hi Melissa

Grumpy here, late night and cannot sleep so surfing aimlessly.

Great wee report, sorry we will miss Typhoon as the wave pool is a bit of fave of mine. Blizzard is good as well though so plan to make the most of it. Must be good to just decide to go to Disney on whim really. Sometimes wonder if the novelty would ever wear off but Disney seem to have a theme or event every month so you'll rarely get the same experience twice.

I am worried what I will be like post Disney trip. Even our media is full of US coverage at present, even apart from the news it seems that there is a US themed programme on tv every night, from travelogues to history to election coverage....................anyway I digress. We have been building up to this holiday for so long even standing in a queue for a Disney ride is going to be fun for us, well maybe not the kids, patience is not exactly their strong point.................indeed some of te posts about things that annoy folk at Disney have me worried. There seems to be a high proportion of parents with "perfect" children who never moan, complain or even sigh.............lord knows what threads will be started after we have been at the parks for a couple of days with our delightful twosome :confused3

Anyway always good to read what you have been up to, who knows we may run into each other when we are finally over :banana:

Grumpy

[jmskinner]

Hi Melissa

Grumpy here, late night and cannot sleep so surfing aimlessly.

Great wee report, sorry we will miss Typhoon as the wave pool is a bit of fave of mine. Blizzard is good as well though so plan to make the most of it. Must be good to just decide to go to Disney on whim really. Sometimes wonder if the novelty would ever wear off but Disney seem to have a theme or event every month so you'll rarely get the same experience twice.

I am worried what I will be like post Disney trip. Even our media is full of US coverage at present, even apart from the news it seems that there is a US themed programme on tv every night, from travelogues to history to election coverage....................anyway I digress. We have been building up to this holiday for so long even standing in a queue for a Disney ride is going to be fun for us, well maybe not the kids, patience is not exactly their strong point.................indeed some of te posts about things that annoy folk at Disney have me worried. There seems to be a high proportion of parents with "perfect" children who never moan, complain or even sigh.............lord knows what threads will be started after we have been at the parks for a couple of days with our delightful twosome :confused3

Anyway always good to read what you have been up to, who knows we may run into each other when we are finally over :banana:

Grumpy

I am scared to go to the parks at times because I am afraid the magic will wear off, but I always seem to spot something new I haven't seen before. Plus, we will only be here for three years at the most and the military will move us again. Never know if we will be able to afford the annual passes next year either.

I don't know anyone with perfect children and I think it would be boring to have perfect children. I wish mine behaved a little better at times, but life is never boring with him. I am sure someone is complaining about the kid that screamed his head off every time a wave came at him at the wave pool today at TL, even the small ones. Yup, that was my Jacob. Doesn't help that he sounds like a little girl!

You made me think of one good thing about mostly getting Disney channels on the TV in the resorts. You won't have to watch all of those political ads. I am usually tired of them by the first month.

You are going to have a wonderful trip, I just know it!

[jmskinner]

Ok, I am starting to freak out. Right before we moved in, we realized there was a prison near by. I thought there was another subdivision between us and the prison. Well, my neighbor and I have been walking every morning and keep hearing what we thought was gunfire. So today I hear the gunfire again and decide to google map our address. I realized our subdivision goes further back than the other one and actually the only thing keeping us separate from the prison is the conservation area.:scared1: I emailed to JS and he said there is a gun range there at the prison. Of course he would know what one would look like on a map, I didn't have a clue. Just a little scary to me.

Nothing else going on. I want to go to MK on the 1st, just to see if I bump into the Dr. Finkelstein group. Got to work on Jacob. He wants to just stay home.

Well, I am finally at a point that the house is done and I can try to start scrapbooking. So, need to order prints and get started. I have been buying supplies here and there when I saw something I liked on sale and just started looking on the scrapbooking thread. I won't be lacking in the info department, that's for sure.

Since I have started collecting pins I wanted to find a way to display the ones not on our lanyards. Found a thread with different ideas. And thought I would try this:

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/100_9912.jpg

What do you think? My first attempt at making anything. I bought a 12x12 canvass and then took black construction paper and wrapped it around it and then added the Mickey ears.

Hey, and is everyone doing the Celebration Sweepstakes, if not, here is the link. I didn't know about it until this week.:

What will you celebrate? (http://www.disneyparkscelebrations.com/default.aspx)

[irky416]

So, maybe a minutes wait to get into HM. Now I think I posted this previously, but we were there one time and when the lights went out and came back on this one CM moved directly in front of this woman and scared her to death. OK, not to death, but you get my meaning. Since I saw that, I make sure nobody is going to do that to me. I hate being scared. So, fortunately the CM did not try to scare anyone.

This is what I am so scared of happening to me all the time in HM!!! I hate being scared too!


JS had found a spot between the statue and the castle. I thought it might be too close, but it turned out to be great.
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%20MNSHP%20Sept%2008/Castlebeforefireworks.jpg

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%20MNSHP%20Sept%2008/Fireworks2.jpg

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/WDW%20MNSHP%20Sept%2008/Fireworks.jpg

Great pictures! I wanna see Hallowishes!

So, back to HM we go. Well, we decided to make a quick stop. When we went two years ago, my DMIL was with us and every time we walked by IASW she would cover her ears. So we decided to stop and ride it. While on the ride we called her and left her a message. We just held the phone up in the air as we were on the ride. We are such horrible children.

:lmao: That's something my family would do!



Jacob didn't realize he could make it rain. I was trying to use every bit of that battery before it completely died.

I never realized I was making it rain when I did it until I came home and read about it on the DIS! :rotfl:

[QUOTE=jmskinner;28200836]

There was a family there that was really having a great time. Dad would act all mad and splash water when we lost the point and his wife was helping the little kids get the ball over the net. She did this for Jacob also.

The party sounds fun!

I started grabbing legos that I thought were pretty, JS didn't appreciate me buying pretty legos for his boy.;)

:lmao:

Bounce Back!!! Yup, we booked a bounce back trip for next Labor Day. They were offering free dining. So at 7:00am, I called to check on the price for CBR. Loved the idea of the new swimming pool. When I called, the CM asked if I wanted a pirate room? Pirate room??? I hadn't heard about that, so I thought, why not.

Wow!!! That's so awesome. I can't wait to see pictures of the Pirate room!




Since I have started collecting pins I wanted to find a way to display the ones not on our lanyards. Found a thread with different ideas. And thought I would try this:

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/100_9912.jpg

That's cute! I want to try that with my pins, but I have no where to hang it. I especially love the added touch of the Mickey ears!

[jmskinner]

Glad your back Irky416. Thanks for the compliment on my pin display. Now I need more pins.:cool1:

I can't wait to see the pirate rooms also. Heard they will be availabe in January, hopefully someone will get pics before then. Been good so far and haven't mentioned it to Jacob.

His B-Day is in a couple of weeks and we have been trying to figure out what to do. He is having a hard time making friends and have done a party where only two kids showed up out of 11 invited, so I hate to do the party thing, but JS called and he saw a commercial for The Pirate Adventure Dinner Theatre there in Orlando, so I think we are going to take him to that. I think he will really enjoy it. Now I think we are turning into pirates.pirate:

[irky416]

His B-Day is in a couple of weeks and we have been trying to figure out what to do. He is having a hard time making friends and have done a party where only two kids showed up out of 11 invited, so I hate to do the party thing, but JS called and he saw a commercial for The Pirate Adventure Dinner Theatre there in Orlando, so I think we are going to take him to that. I think he will really enjoy it. Now I think we are turning into pirates.pirate:

Sorry to hear Jacob's having a hard time. What grade is he in again? 5th?

That sounds fun. Be sure to post pics!

[jmskinner]

Sorry to hear Jacob's having a hard time. What grade is he in again? 5th?

That sounds fun. Be sure to post pics!

No, he's in 4th. Thank goodness. I have two years to prepare for him to be in middle school. If elementary is this hard, I can only imagine middle school. Can't get him to turn in his homework now.

I sure will post pics. Trying to work on the hubby to buy me a new camera for Christmas. Of course the one I want is $800.:scared1: Oh, and then you need all of the extras.

Oh, I have to tell everyone about my experience at JoAnn Fabrics (if you don't know it is like Michael's, AC Moore, and Hobby Lobby) yesterday. So I have finally started to try scrapbooking. Got all ready and realized no adhesive.:rolleyes1 So, JoAnn was having a big sale on paper etc (excpet the Disney paper which is expensive) so I picked out a lot, got my glue and went to checkout. The lady checking me out was very nice and I noticed she had this ring on. I now realize it wasn't real, but it was a MH ring, had 3 stones in it. I asked if it was a MH and she showed me she actually had about 4 MH rings on and a Mickey pin with him dressed as a bat. I thought that was too cool. I wish I asked her if she was a member of the Dis. I'm sure I will see her again.

Hope everyone is having a great week! I know Di and Grumpy are since they will be arriving at WDW this Friday!!!!:yay:

[Dr_Finkelstein]

Hi Melissa,
Just popped in to say 'cheerio'....we're off tomorrow!!!!! WDW here we come! :cool1: :cool1:
If you are in MK on Sat I hope to see you!
Di x

[jmskinner]

So this is our last weekend without JS. He will be home on Tuesday!:banana: I was wanting to go to MK before they took down all of the Halloween decorations since I didn't get to see that many during MNSSHP. I was too busy riding rides, watching parades and fireworks to notice a lot of the decorations. Plus, JS seems to go to the parks more commando, where I want to stop and take pics. Yes, I am one of those people stopping in front of you to take a pic.

I also hoped to see Dr_Finkelstein (Di and Grumpy, and Thing 1 & 2) since they were to be there. I won't keep you in suspense, I didn't see them anywhere.:sad2:

So, finally get Jacob up and willing to move. Had to wait for Bakugan to finish on Cartoon Network.:headache: I still can't believe this kid is mine. So we get on the road and get to TTC a little after 1:00pm. Hop on the monorail, along with several other hundred people. Ok, maybe not that many, but it seemed like it. This had me worried as to how busy the park would be. Got this pic from the ride over:
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/Magic%20Kingdom%20110108/CastlefromMonorail.jpg

Get to MK about 1:30pm and off we go. Now for some reason, everyone was going to the bag check on the left. There were 2 security guards just standing around on the right, so we went right.:cool1: Made it through the gate and look what I saw:

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/Magic%20Kingdom%20110108/TrainStation.jpg
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/Magic%20Kingdom%20110108/TrainStation2.jpg

The halloween/fall decorations were still up!:yay: I was so excited. Here are some more pics:
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/Magic%20Kingdom%20110108/HalloweenDecorations.jpg
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/Magic%20Kingdom%20110108/MainStreetPhilharmonic.jpg
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/Magic%20Kingdom%20110108/HalloweenDecorations2.jpg
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/Magic%20Kingdom%20110108/HalloweenDecorations3.jpg
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/Magic%20Kingdom%20110108/JackOLanterns.jpg
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/Magic%20Kingdom%20110108/MainStreet.jpg
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/Magic%20Kingdom%20110108/MickeyandMinnieWindowDisplay.jpg
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/Magic%20Kingdom%20110108/PumpkinWindowDisplay.jpg

Jacob is on a mission. He wants to do Astrorbitor, Buzz Lightyear, HM, and the fort at Tom Sawyer Island and head home. That is it. I tell you, the kid can't belong to me. So, he is glad when I finally get off of Main Street and stop taking pics. The line for BL only had a 20 minute wait, but I told Jacob we should get FP's since they would be for 2:20, we could go ride Astrorbitor and then hope on Buzz. After a little more discussion he agreed.

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/Magic%20Kingdom%20110108/Astrorbiter.jpg
Here is the Contemporary from the Astrorbitor (am I spelling that correctly?)
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/Magic%20Kingdom%20110108/ContemporaryfromAstrorbitor.jpg

Now, before we rode the Astro, there was this pigeon up there with us, but he eventually decided not to ride:

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/Magic%20Kingdom%20110108/PigeonatAstrorbitor.jpg

Get off of Astro and we still had about 5 minutes before it was time for our FP's, so I talked Jacob into the TTA, because I wanted to take pics and there was no line:
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/Magic%20Kingdom%20110108/TTA3.jpg
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/Magic%20Kingdom%20110108/TTA4.jpg
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/Magic%20Kingdom%20110108/TTA6.jpg
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/Magic%20Kingdom%20110108/TTA7.jpg
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/Magic%20Kingdom%20110108/TTA8.jpg
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/Magic%20Kingdom%20110108/TTA9.jpg

Well, that is all the room I have for pics, so will have to continue in another post.

[jmskinner]

So after TTA, we headed over to Buzz and with the FP's walked right on. Last time we were at MK even with the FP's there was a wait.

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/Magic%20Kingdom%20110108/BuzzArtwork.jpg
Here are our scores:
Mine
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/Magic%20Kingdom%20110108/BuzzMelisaScore1.jpg
Jacob's
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/Magic%20Kingdom%20110108/BuzzJacobScore1.jpg

Before we rode, we noticed the wait time in the standby line was 10 minutes, so I told Jacob we could ride again, so we did:
Jacob's Score
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/Magic%20Kingdom%20110108/BuzzJacobScore2.jpg

Mine:
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/Magic%20Kingdom%20110108/BuzzMelissaScore2.jpg

Oh, and when I first took Jacob's, this is what I got:
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/Magic%20Kingdom%20110108/BuzzNoScorePic.jpg
Only I would manage to take the picture as the score is blinking and not get the score.:confused3

We were having so much fun, we did it again. Rode BL 3 times in thirty minutes:
Jacob's score
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/Magic%20Kingdom%20110108/BuzzJacobScore3.jpg

Mine (I think my gun was broke)
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/Magic%20Kingdom%20110108/BuzzMelissaScore3.jpg

So, we finally left BL and went on our way. There wasn't a line for the laugh floor, so talked Jacob into this:
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/Magic%20Kingdom%20110108/LaughFloor.jpg
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/Magic%20Kingdom%20110108/Roz.jpg
This was one of those where I stopped suddenly to take a pic and the poor people behind me almost ran over me.

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/Magic%20Kingdom%20110108/LaughFloorStarts.jpg

Jacob so wants to be on the screen for this. The show was only half full and I started to move up, but some people sat beside us, so I thought that would be rude. Guess what, they ended up on the screen. Poor Jacob kept trying to lean into the shot. I kept having to tell him to stop. We had a good time though. We noticed very few were going into Stitch. So, when is WDW going to do something else with this ride. I asked Jacob if he wanted to ride but he said no and wondered why it was different than the video WDW sent us. It did look much better in the vacation planning video.

Finally, off to HM, but not before more pics:

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/Magic%20Kingdom%20110108/Castle-1.jpg

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/Magic%20Kingdom%20110108/Castle2.jpg

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/Magic%20Kingdom%20110108/MainStreetfromCastle.jpg

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/Magic%20Kingdom%20110108/Fantasyland.jpg
This seemed really crowded to me. As we walked through I noticed IASW had a 20 minute wait, didn't notice any of the others.

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/Magic%20Kingdom%20110108/Fantasyland2.jpg

Got to HM and it was a 10 minute wait. Didn't seem that long though, line wasn't around the horse drawn carriage yet.

Now, one of my halloween decorations is a tombstone I ordered from Disneyshopping.com and every time we go on the HM I can never remember what mine says. But since we just had it out, I finally remembered it was this one:
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/Magic%20Kingdom%20110108/Tombstone.jpg
Mine also has a glowing hitchhiking ghost on it.

And I finally got a picture of the one with its eyes open, sorry it is blurry.
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/Magic%20Kingdom%20110108/Tombstonewitheyesopen.jpg

Now, I have never tried to take a picture of the changing artwork in the main gallery at HM, but they came out ok:
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/Magic%20Kingdom%20110108/ArtworkfromHM.jpg
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/Magic%20Kingdom%20110108/ArtworkfromHM2.jpg

Made it through HM without any stops.:yay:

Then it was off to TSI:
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/Magic%20Kingdom%20110108/Blacksmith.jpg
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/Magic%20Kingdom%20110108/Jacobfiringcanon.jpg

We ended up doing more than just the fort. Once Jacob got over there he wanted to explore some more. While walking around, I saw these bushes, don't know what they are, but loved the color of the berries:
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/jmskinner1/Magic%20Kingdom%20110108/PlantsonTSI.jpg

Got back to the mainland and I had to get a Pineapple Dole Whip Float. It's my new thing. Go to MK, must get float. Just as we get there it starts pouring. I have to push through the people seeking shelter so I can get my float, but I finally had it. I keep meaning to take a picture of these things, but always start eating it before I even think of it.

I was wanting to buy some pins, but Jacob was in a rush. We walked through the stores to get out of the rain. Saw a scrapbooking kit, but someone else was looking at also and she already had the only one still sealed, so I figure I will look at it later. Hey, I can always go back. So we head back to the monorail, which is packed. Finally get on and look back, now there was no one in line for it. Get stopped by the Polynesian and this poor family is trying to get through 2 year old through her tantrum. They were talking about how calm my Jacob was. I told them we went through that and the only reason he was calm at the moment was because he was getting to go home. The boy likes to be home with all of his stuff. Drove home through the rain, saw one car had run off of I4. Detoured to get me some Zaxby's, my favorite chicken place, and then headed home again. Rain started to really come down and I could barely see the road. Plus, haven't driven these roads in the rain so I was worried I would end up some place I shouldn't be. Saw another wreck and then, just right up the rode from my house, yet another person had run off the road.

But we made it home safely.

Hope everyone had a fantastic Halloween and weekend. Next MTR will be this weekend. We are going to the Food and Wine Festival to see Night Ranger. NR was my very first concert. I love Jack Blades (the lead singer). It has only been 24 years since I saw him last. I am soooo old!

[irky416]

Wow! You took a ton of pictures! I love all the decorations. I hope I can see them in person sometime.

You guys scored so much better the second time on BL. I am terrible at BL, but I still think it's fun.

I'm glad you were able to drag Jacob along with you and you made it home safely. Have fun at the F&WF. I can't wait to read all about it!

Oh, and I happen to have a map sitting on the table next to me (much to the annoyance of DBF that Disney maps are still sitting around for my TR when we got home 4 months ago!) and it is spelled Astro Orbiter.

[kathleen27]

Sounds like a fun day.
Great pictures.

Glad the Halloween decorations were still up!
Sad you did not see Di and Grumpy and kids. :sad2:

I like the way you talked Jacob into a few more rides. :laughing:

Next MTR will be this weekend. We are going to the Food and Wine Festival to see Night Ranger. NR was my very first concert. I love Jack Blades (the lead singer). It has only been 24 years since I saw him last. I am soooo old!

I saw Night Ranger many many years ago too!
I guess I am old too. :lmao:
I wish they had been playing at F&W when we were there.
Have a great time at the concert!!! :yay:

[jmskinner]

Wow! You took a ton of pictures! I love all the decorations. I hope I can see them in person sometime.

You guys scored so much better the second time on BL. I am terrible at BL, but I still think it's fun.

I'm glad you were able to drag Jacob along with you and you made it home safely. Have fun at the F&WF. I can't wait to read all about it!

Oh, and I happen to have a map sitting on the table next to me (much to the annoyance of DBF that Disney maps are still sitting around for my TR when we got home 4 months ago!) and it is spelled Astro Orbiter.

I didn't even post all the pics I took. That whole 25 rule was in my way! Thanks for the spelling. I had looked up the name of TTA, but was too lazy to go back and look up Astro Orbiter. Don't know why I thought it was one word.:confused3 Jacob hit something one time and got like 500,000 points. Haven't been able to do that again. Wish I had thought to take pics back then.
Sounds like a fun day.
Great pictures.

Glad the Halloween decorations were still up!
Sad you did not see Di and Grumpy and kids. :sad2:

I like the way you talked Jacob into a few more rides. :laughing:



I saw Night Ranger many many years ago too!
I guess I am old too. :lmao:
I wish they had been playing at F&W when we were there.
Have a great time at the concert!!! :yay:

Jacob isn't looking forward to Friday night. He doesn't like concerts (he has never been to one). Goofy kid. Plus, he will be missing an episode of Star Wars Clone Wars. We will record it though. I wish I had run into Di, Grumpy, and the kids, but I didn't want to try to set up a time to meet since it is their vacation and you never know what will happen around me.

Well, JS's flight was cancelled and now he will be getting in later. Trying to figure out if I should get Jacob out of school early, or just hope we get back over here in time. Have a couple of hours to decide.

[ScotsMinnie]

Great pics! You sound like you are loving living so close to the Mouse - and who wouldn't???!!!!

The food and wine festival sounds great but have never been at that time.

Have you settled into your new house fine now? Does it feel like home yet?