My Celebration Vacation- USO + IOA portion [Archive] - The DIS Discussion Forums

havinfun

08-24-2008, 04:00 PM

My Celebration Vacation

August 6th-15th 2008

Pre-Trip

Players- Doug, (DH) age 58 http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Universal/P4290020.jpg

and me Peggy, age 52. http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Universal/P5210026.jpg
I am a breast cancer survivor of one year now. So that’s what this celebration is all about. I was diagnosed with Inflammatory Breast Cancer, Stage IIIB on April 9th, 2007. This is the worst breast cancer you can get. I had four rounds of dose dense AC, 12 rounds of Taxol and Herceptin, a MRM, 13 rounds of Herceptin alone and twice daily radiation for one month. It was during the radiation treatment DH said, “When this is over let’s go to Disney World.” When the 40% off Disney rooms mailer arrived, The plans began.

First where to stay? … Coronado Springs was chosen after reading the UOG and Buzz’s website. :surfweb:

Now why not splurge and get the Dining plan. It was fun reading all the food reviews and the Disney menu’s, trying to decide where to eat. Ok that was decided about 170 days prior to vacation. Should have called at 180 days. Le Cellier only had a 8:50 pm dinner reservation left. :confused3

Oh… as long as we are in Florida, why not go to Universal Studios, we have never been to Islands of Adventure, better add on a few more days. More research and room and tickets are booked for the Universal part of the trip.
Now just a couple of more places to visit… The Kennedy Space Center and Doug’s Aunt and cousin. I think all the plans have been made.

Just a little shopping to do prior to the trip. Shirts, shorts. sandals, bag to carry, sunblock all purchased, packed and we are ready to go. :yay: :yay:

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Disneyshirts.jpg

Florida Trip Itinerary :goodvibes :goodvibes :goodvibes

Wednesday- Leave house at 7:45. Arrive MCO @ 1:50. Pick up rental car. Stop at store and buy beverages and snack. Check in at Fairfield 7495 Canada Ave. Orlando, Fla. Arrange for shuttle for tomorrow. Rest 30 mins. Go to Universal. Go to Electronic Ticketing booth and pick up tickets. Eat at either Mel’s diner or Finnegan’s during happy hour. Call Linda. Go and see or ride stuff that doesn’t have long lines.
Thursday- Eat continental breakfast at hotel. Catch shuttle. Arrive at Universal Studios. Snacks for lunch. Enjoy USO and the use of Express pass. Go to Linda and Bob’s. Drive to City walk and go to Jazz club for comedy.

Friday- Eat continental breakfast at hotel. Catch shuttle. Arrive at IOA. Go to City Walk for dinner.

Saturday- Up early. Eat continental breakfast at hotel. Spend day at Kennedy Space Center. Do laundry when back at hotel.

Sunday-
Leave Fairfield. Stop at outlet mall and visit Disney and Universal stores. Eat a big Breakfast. Check in at Coronado Springs Resort. Go to grocery store. Finally get to see the Mouse!!!

Bus to MK, transfer to monorail and go to Grand Floridian. Eat dinner at Narcoosee’s@7p. Return back to MK. Get in front of castle by 9:30. 10:00pm Wishes. Stay for extended magic hours and try to ride the mountains, POC, and Haunted Mansion. 2-TS meals gone, 3 TS left. 5- CS meals left.

Monday- Up early day @ AK. Lunch @ CS-Flame Tree BBQ. Return to room for rest and shower. Late dinner @ 8:50 pm at LeCellier. At Epcot. 2 TS left, 4 CS meals left.

Tuesday
DHS day. CS Lunch @ ABC Com. or Black Lot Express. Dinner at 4:20 @ Coral Reef –Epcot. Evening- Return to DHS and see the rest. 1TS left and 3CS meals left.

Wednesday
MK. Grab a morning bite at the Main St. Bakery. .CS Lunch at Pecos’s Bills. Return to room. Rest and shower. Dinner @ CS-Pepper Market. Then to DHS for Fantastic. EMH 1TS meal left and 1 CS meal left.

Thursday
EP day. CS lunch, probably the Sunshine Café. Dinner @ 7p at Tutto Italiano. Stay for Illuminations and EMHs. 0 dining plan meals left.

Friday
DTD Sandwich of Earl for lunch. Visit what we missed. Leave for airport at 6:30- 7:00. Return car. Fly home. :( Food for the day = out of pocket.

Metro West

08-24-2008, 05:28 PM

Sounds like a good schedule Peggy...and congrats on beating your cancer! Keep up the great report! :teeth:

havinfun

08-24-2008, 07:12 PM

Day-1
Doug and got up and were dressed and ready when Nancy and John arrived at 7:30 am to take us to Midway. Security lines weren’t too bad. We got there early enough that we didn’t have to rush. We flew Southwest and or plane left on time. When we were all most there the pilot informed us that the Orlando Airport had no electricity and that we would be stopping in Jacksonville until they got further information. :confused: …So we sat at the gate in Jacksonville. I was so glad that we had thought ahead and brought submarine sandwiches with us on the plane. I really would have been hungry. Peanuts and crackers aren’t enough to fill us up. :)

About 20 minutes later we were on our way. We landed about 35 minutes late. Next it’s off to Dollar to pick up the rental car. I reserved a compact, but I have coupon for an upgrade to a midsize. There is a midsize available. Great. We are now driving a PT Cruiser. http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Universal/001_1.jpg I really searched for a good rate. The best I could do was $347.00 for 10 days.

Now to get to the hotel. We didn’t get lost but paid three tolls. We are staying at the Fairfield Inn, International Drive. It really isn’t located on International Drive, but is on Canada. I had printed directions but we missed the turn after getting off I-4. We turned around and backtracked. Found Canada Ave, it’s a really small sign. We check in, it is very clean, the staff is friendly and helpful. I recommend this Fairfield, it’s also very close to Universal Studios. :cheer2:
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Universal/002_2-1.jpg

I wanted to add that I booked this portion of the trip through the Universal site. I really save a lot of money. Hotel 4 nights, 7 day pass to USO, IOA, and City Walk, 2 days of Express Pass for 2 adults. All this came out to $547.00. If I had booked through the hotel or bought the tickets at the park, I would have spent much more.

havinfun

08-24-2008, 07:15 PM

Sounds like a good schedule Peggy...and congrats on beating your cancer! Keep up the great report! :teeth:

I am going to work on this report during commercials. I missed the Olympic opening ceremonies, but I am going to watch the closing ones.

EPRV We love Disney

08-24-2008, 08:43 PM

Hi Peggy,

I'm enjoying your report! Congratulation's on your good health! :)

havinfun

08-24-2008, 10:20 PM

Day 1- part 2

After checking in we went ABC to buy some beer. Wow that place is expensive. We bought some but later found a 7-11 with cheaper prices. After resting for a while in our room we were on our way to Universal Studios for dinner and fun. Tomorrow we have the Express Passes, so tonights plan is to go on rides without long lines.

Universal here we are http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Universal/003_3.jpg

Doug wants to eat at Mel’s Diner.
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Universal/004_4.jpg

We each had a bacon cheeseburger, fries and a shake. http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Universal/005_5.jpg

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Universal/006_6.jpg

In the window was a poster about the meal deal. http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Universal/007_7.jpg

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Universal/010_10.jpg

Remember American Graffiti? http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Universal/008_8.jpg

havinfun

08-25-2008, 12:00 AM

Part 2 cont’d
I saw a sign that said 20 minute wait for ET. http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Universal/009_9.jpg

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Universal/011_11.jpg

ET was fun. I hadn’t been on that ride in 12 years. I enjoyed it. :goodvibes

The line for the Simpson’s ride was 70 minutes long. I’ll wait until tomorrow. Here are some of the photos I took.

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Universal/012_12.jpg

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Universal/014_14.jpg

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Universal/013_13.jpg

MIB, line too long. We’ll revisit Jaws. Oh my gosh, it was so hard waiting in that line, I was getting dizzy. :scared: I really couldn’t get a good picture of the shark on my way out, there were too many people. So this is the pic I got.
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Universal/015_15.jpg

Speaking of photo’s. When I got home from this trip and looked at the 700 pictures I took, I realized that I am not a very good photographer. So many were blurry, I had to delete them. I am just glad that I took so many because some of them turned out.

With Jaws done we headed to Disaster. http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Universal/016_16.jpg

This ride has changed since the last time we saw it. The pre-pre show was long. Participants were picked. Next you go to a room to learn how disasters are filmed. That was interesting and the air conditioning felt wonderful. Finally into the ride… It was pretty good. We both enjoyed it.

After that we went into Twister. http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Universal/109_109.jpg I really like this show. It’s interesting how all the effects come together. I’m glad we were able to see it.

The park was all most closing so I decided to ride the Mummy. The line was short. I LOVED this ride. I forgot to take pictures. It was so good. DH doesn’t like roller coasters, but I love them. This is a don’t miss ride. :cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2:

Now it is time to leave, the park is closing. http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Universal/017_17.jpg

Our first day it was great, but we are tired. The crowds were really heavy when we were leaving, so I suggest that we stop and have a beer. We stop in Nascar and order a beer.
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Universal/018_18.jpg

Lucky us, we can get a bucket of 4 Miller Lites for $10. http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Universal/019_19.jpg:banana: :banana:

On our way out we encounter these nice carvings at on of the stores. http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Universal/020_20.jpg
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Universal/021_21.jpg.

Now back to find our way back to the hotel. We got lost. Lesson #1 of the trip. Always carry a good map. We came out of the garage onto a different street and got all turned around. DH was not happy. :headache: Of course it is all my fault. Eventually we did find our way back, 45 minutes later. Our. hotel is only 5 minutes at the most away from USO. At least we didn’t get lost in a ghetto like we usually do. :)

havinfun

08-25-2008, 12:11 AM

Hi Peggy,

I'm enjoying your report! Congratulation's on your good health! :)

Thanks for reading. Tomorrow I am back to work so I hope I can find time tomorrow night to continue this report. It is fun writing it and reliving our trip.

LeslieR

08-25-2008, 08:37 AM

havinfun--Your screen names says it all! We were there from the 3rd-7th. It was hot wasn't it!

Keep it coming!

havinfun

08-25-2008, 10:31 PM

havinfun--Your screen names says it all! We were there from the 3rd-7th. It was hot wasn't it!

Keep it coming!

Hi Leslie,

Yes it sure was hot!! But, at least we didn't have all the rain that Florida got from Fay. I would have been really upset if my vacation had that much rain. While we were there we had 2 days where it rained on and off. Not too bad. I hope you had a great time while you were there.

havinfun

08-25-2008, 10:36 PM

Day 2-Part 1 Universal Studios Orlando
Aug. 7, 2008 - Still hot out.

We woke up at 9:00 am. Fairfield Inn has a continental breakfast. They serve the usual cereal, oatmeal, juices, coffee, muffins, hard-boiled eggs and Jimmy Deans egg and bacon biscuits.

After breakfast we headed to Universal. We decided to drive. They do offer free shuttles, but we had to leave the park by four that day. We were going to DH’s cousin’s house for dinner. I had purchased the Express Pass to use at Universal before we left home. This would allow us to get on the rides without waiting in the long rides.

At Citiwalk DH had to buy a hat. We wound up at the NASCAR store. He wasn’t sure which driver to buy, so he bought a hat with his favorite beer. #21 Miller Lite. :rotfl:

Our first stop was right after entering the park the “Lucy Tribute”. This is a small museum devoted to Lucille Ball. Here are a few of the exhibits in this museum.

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Universal/022_22.jpg
This one is Lucy and Ricky with pictures of their children. http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Universal/023_23.jpg

Here are Lucy’s Emmy’s. It’s hard to take a picture through glass. http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Universal/025_25.jpg

Look who were in the “Lucy gift shop”. http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Universal/026_26.jpg

I bought a Christmas ornament in the store of Lucy and her vegitvitamin show.

Okay we were done with Lucy. Off to Hollywood. Here is Bette Midler’s Star.
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Universal/027_27.jpg

Here are a couple of pictures I took along the way. http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Universal/028_28.jpg
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Universal/029_29.jpg

havinfun

08-25-2008, 11:24 PM

Here we are in Hollywood. http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Universal/030_30.jpg
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Universal/031_31.jpg
Which way did we go?
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Universal/032_32.jpg
Here is a clue. http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Universal/033_33.jpg

The wait time for the The Simpsons was 50 minutes, but with our Express Passes we got right in. Here is a picture of a sign you would see while waiting in line. http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Universal/035_35.jpg
The line goes up ramps, here is what you see from the top. http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Universal/036_36.jpg …and here is another view http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Universal/037_37.jpg
After standing in line, you are put into a little room, before the ride. Here you will watch a video explaining the safety precautions. Here is what was on the wall in our room. http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Universal/038_38.jpg http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Universal/039_39.jpg
When you enter the ride you are instructed to put any bags you have on the floor next to the ride. When the ride starts you are taken on a roller coaster ride through the Krustyland and beyond.

Our next ride was Men in Black. It’s a good thing that I took Bonmine, sp? How ever it is spelled it worked. It didn’t make me tired either like Dramamine does. Men in Black was fun. My score wasn’t great but I sure had fun killing the aliens. http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Universal/042_42.jpg

I wanted to ride the Mummy again. Here are some pictures I took along the way.
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Universal/043_43.jpg
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Universal/044_44.jpg
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Universal/045_45.jpg

lazydoxy66

08-26-2008, 10:18 PM

Hello, Hello!!!
I love this report and I just finished your PTR also. I'm glad you are doing so well!!
Now I'm beginning to think that I have made a mistake in my trip plans. I should have allowed an extra day for Universal. Well, it gives us something else to go back for, right?
I am patiently awaiting more updates. :thumbsup2

havinfun

08-26-2008, 11:27 PM

Hello, Hello!!!
I love this report and I just finished your PTR also. I'm glad you are doing so well!!
Well, it gives us something else to go back for, right?
I am patiently awaiting more updates. :thumbsup2

Thanks for the encouragement on writing this report. I have a bad case of Disney withdrawals now. So I just have to make myself be happy with the memories. :)

I really planned too much for the ten days we were there. I forget that we aren't in our 20's anymore. :laughing: We had a great time anyway.

Now I'm beginning to think that I have made a mistake in my trip plans. I should have allowed an extra day for Universal.

Universal and Islands are fun too. Next time maybe you can go there. Along with Disney, of course. How is your husband doing?

havinfun

08-26-2008, 11:51 PM

Here is one of the giant balls that are in the middle of Universal Studios. I know that they use them for their show at night. I never did get to see the show. :sad2:

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Universal/046_46.jpg

While on the Mummy ride the passenger next to asked me where I was from. She lives near UOS, the others in our car were from Italy. It is fun to meet people from around the world. After riding the Mummy for the third time. (Can you tell I like this ride?) We went to see the Beetle Juice show. It was good. We were way up at the top, so I didn’t get the best pictures.

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Universal/047_47.jpg

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Universal/048_48.jpg

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Universal/049_49.jpg

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Universal/050_50.jpg

All the monsters would sing rock and roll songs. http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Universal/051_51.jpg
I don’t know why all these pictures have a blur spot on the top of them . :confused3

That’s all I can post for today. I should be able to get more done tomorrow. Thanks for reading this trip report.

lookingforward

08-27-2008, 11:52 AM

Congratulations on your one year! I am planning my one year celebration for December! Great report!:cool1: :thumbsup2 :goodvibes

havinfun

08-28-2008, 12:13 AM

I forgot when but we did see T2. It’s been there 12 years now, but is still a good 3D show. We had missed the Horror Make up show. Every time I wanted to see it, it was the wrong time or we got to the park too late. :sad2: I was happy not to see Fear Factor. I can’t even watch it on TV, too many bugs for me. :eek: Now it was time to see Shrek 4D. We waited about 20 mins. Even with the Express Pass. We both really liked it. The 3d/4d presentations just keep getting better. When we came out through the gift shop, Shrek was outside posing for pictures.

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/052_52.jpg

Next was Jimmy Neutron. We went in the first room and the ride broke. The TM played Jimmy Neutron trivia until they got the ride going. Finally we were seated. I really didn’t like this ride. I think it more for younger kids that watch Nicktoons. By now it was all most 4pm. We were going to visit DH Aunt and cousin so we had to get going. On our way out we stopped and ate an éclair. : We weren’t sure what time we would be eating dinner. The éclair was wonderful. :thumbsup2 I was really glad that I had bought the Express Pass, we weren’t able to see everything, but we saw most of the park and didn’t have to wait in long lines. Out of the park…

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/054_54.jpg

… and to the parking garage. I am still enjoying palm trees.

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/055_55.jpg

Last night we had parked in the garage on the left. Today we parked in the garage on the right. When we exited we knew where we were and didn’t get lost. After a brief rest at our hotel we left to go visit Aunt Grace, Linda and Bob. We found their house in Apopka without too much trouble. We hadn’t been there before. Cell phones are so helpful.

While visiting we were talking about family history. Linda brought out a picture of DH’s great-grandfather. This picture is in wonderful shape. I wonder how old it is.
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/056_56.jpg
Our hosts cooked us a wonderful meal. We were talking after dinner and catching up, I looked at my watch and it was 12:15 am. I had no idea that is was that late. We got back to our hotel at a little after one. We had a long and wonderful day. :cloud9: The next day we visited Islands of Adventure. So stay tuned for Day 3.

havinfun

08-28-2008, 12:23 AM

Congratulations on your one year! I am planning my one year celebration for December! Great report!:cool1: :thumbsup2 :goodvibes

Hi Lookingforward,

May your celebration a great one!! :cheer2: and have lots and lots of celebrations. :banana: :banana: :banana: Any plans on what type of celebration you will have. I know I can't celebrate with Disney World every year. We should come up with ideas on how to celebrate because it is a huge milestone.

I saw my oncologist Monday and she said she is very hopeful for me. Even though I had the most aggressive form of breast cancer, my chances are still good. My pathology was clean and the cancer was fought very aggresively.

It's bedtime for me. I have to work in the morning. Thanks for reading my trip report.

pixeegrl

08-28-2008, 07:34 AM

Loving your TR especially all the pics. Anxiously awaiting thenext installment!

havinfun

08-28-2008, 11:06 PM

Loving your TR especially all the pics. Anxiously awaiting thenext installment!

Hi pixeegrl,

Thanks for reading. Everyday I add a little more. It's been fun writing it.

I see that you are going there in three months. I bet you can't wait.

My son is stationed in Eastern Virginia. I was there once and it was really pretty.

havinfun

08-28-2008, 11:13 PM

Day 3 – Friday, Aug. 8, 2008
Part1

Disney Character Store at Prime Outlet Mall on International Dr. and Islands of Adventure

We started our morning with the Continental breakfast. I wanted to start buying presents for our grandchildren. I had read an old article that the outlet malls had Universal and Disney World outlet stores. It would be great if I could find bargains and beat the park prices. So DH and I took off for the outlet mall. The Prime Outlet Mall on International Drive is very easy to find. Just head north on International and the street ends at the mall. When we got there we checked the store directory. There was no Universal store listed. There was a “Disney Character Store”. I spent about a half an hour in there trying to decide what to buy. Mostly everything there was marked down about 50%. I found a lightweight zipper hooded sweatshirt for me. It was $39.99 marked down to 18.99. For my grandson I found an embroidered Disney World hooded sweatshirt for $9.99 marked down from 38.99. :yay: :yay: Those were good bargains. I really didn’t see anything for my other two grandchildren. There was lots of High School Musical and some Hannah Montana items. I think it’s worth going to see what there is in the store.

When we came out of the store it started to rain. I did bring our ponchos with us. So we were on our way to Islands of Adventure. This would be our first visit there. It wasn’t open 12 years ago when we went to Universal. We started in City Walk and saw Margaretville. We stopped in the store and checked out the shirts. We noticed that they observe Happy Hour between 3p-5p. Then we entered the Port of Entry.

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Islands%20of%20Adventure/062_62.jpg

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Islands%20of%20Adventure/061_61.jpg

I found the architecture of the buildings so interesting. It was like stepping into another country. I didn’t even go in the stores.

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Islands%20of%20Adventure/063_63.jpg

I was just taking my time looking at all the buildings and signs.

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/065_65.jpg

It was still raining lightly. The signs in the park indicated that many of the rides were not operating. This day was not starting off very well. Here is The Hulk, not running. http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Islands%20of%20Adventure/066_66.jpg

I did buy the Express Pass for today. Poseidon’s Fury had a 60 min. wait. Since we had the pass I thought we would get in sooner. On our way there we passed through Seuss Landing. I had seen pictures of this part of the park and the colors looked so bright. I found out on a gloomy day the colors aren’t as bright. Here are the pictures I took along the way.

This is the top of the Caro-Seuss-el.

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Islands%20of%20Adventure/067_67.jpg

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Islands%20of%20Adventure/069_69.jpg

I felt I was walking through a Dr. Seuss book.
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Islands%20of%20Adventure/068_68.jpg

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Islands%20of%20Adventure/070_70.jpg

I really enjoyed just looking around and feeling like a kid. I only wish I had taken more pictures.

Next Poseidon…

havinfun

08-29-2008, 12:08 AM

Day 3 – Part 2

After being in Seuss land we now enter The Lost Continent. The Universal web site describes it as “Explore an ageless land of ancient myths and epic legends. From a castle guarded by warring dragons to a battle of titans beneath the sea, heart-pounding adventure awaits around every corner. “

Here is DH at the entrance: http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Islands%20of%20Adventure/071_71.jpg

We entered Poseidon’s Fury using our Express Pass, we see people standing in a long line as we walk by. Then the Express line stops. We must have been in line for at least 30 minutes before the pre-show began. I felt bad for the people in the stand-by line. They must have waited forever. When we got to the final show, I wound up in the back of the room and couldn’t see anything. I was so disappointed after waiting all that time. The only good part for me was walking under the water. DH liked this show better than I did. :confused3
Here are the pictures I took after exiting the show. The feet and hand are huge. It’s hard to see how big this is by looking at pictures.
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Islands%20of%20Adventure/072_72.jpg

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Islands%20of%20Adventure/073_73.jpg

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Islands%20of%20Adventure/074_74.jpg

Next we passed the Mystic Fountain.
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Islands%20of%20Adventure/076_76.jpg

It was having a conversation with some children. I went to take a picture and it said, “Ooh a photo moment.” DH didn’t know about the fountain. He laughed and thought it was cool.

We walked through the Market. I liked the atmosphere; it reminded me of all the black and white movies I used watch on Saturday afternoons when I was a kid. They always took place in exotic places. Now it is time to ride Dueling Dragons. DH does not like roller coasters so I am on my own. DH not riding does have its advantages. He holds the Baggelini that I have loaded. I got in the Express line and started walking, and walking and walking. Once I go into the building the line was not long. It sure is a long walk to the ride. I was so nervous my glasses were going to fall off during the ride. They didn’t. I chose the ice side. I have read that it will look like you are going to collide with the other coaster. The ride was so fast I never saw the fire coaster. I did like the ride. It was smooth. I wish I could have ridden it again, but didn’t want DH waiting forever. He doesn’t mind waiting for me and is just glad I don’t nag him into going. Here is a picture of Dueling Dragons, not a good picture but a picture.

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Islands%20of%20Adventure/078_78.jpg

On our way to the Sindbad show we saw where they are starting to build Harry Potter.

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Islands%20of%20Adventure/077_77.jpg

The Voyage of Sinbad Show was really good. The stunts were great. Don’t miss this one. :woohoo:
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Islands%20of%20Adventure/075_75.jpg

Next installment IOA continues….

havinfun

08-29-2008, 06:49 PM

Day 3, Part 3

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Islands%20of%20Adventure/079_79.jpg

We started our adventure in the Jurassic Park gift shop, then processed to the Jurassic Park River Adventure. We were dressed for the rain and weren’t worried about getting wet. We had bought sandals before we left just to use on the water rides. They really worked out good for us. Our feet were comfortable and we didn’t have to walk around with squishy shoes. Here are the sandals we wore. Neither one of us got blisters.
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Newfootwear.jpg

I had a great time on the Jurassic Park ride. I didn’t take any pictures on the ride or in Jurassic Park. I wish I had. There is a good video online about the river ride. Here is the link.

http://www.universalorlando.com/amusement-parks/islands-of-adventure/attractions/jurassic-park-river-adventure.html

The Discovery Zone looked interesting, but we didn’t go down into it. I wish I had spent more time in Jurassic Park. I think because of the rain I just wanted to keep going and not slow down.

Next was Toon Lagoon. http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Islands%20of%20Adventure/080_80.jpg

We stood and watched the boats come down on Dudley Do-Right’s Rip-Saw Falls.
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Islands%20of%20Adventure/081_81.jpg

Here is a view from the other side of the bridge. http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Islands%20of%20Adventure/082_82.jpg

DH decided not to ride the falls. He didn’t think he would feel comfortable in that little boat. I spoke to the TM and was told the single rider line would be faster than the Express line. I was in line about 20 mins. The ride was fun; there are scenes that the boat goes around until you go down the falls. The drop looks scarier than it really is. :scared1:

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Islands%20of%20Adventure/083_83.jpg

We walked through Toon Lagoon. I took a few pictures. We were on our way to Happy Hour at Margaritaville.

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Islands%20of%20Adventure/084_84.jpg

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Islands%20of%20Adventure/085_85.jpg

Next Happy hour…. Stay tuned. :)

Metro West

08-29-2008, 09:32 PM

I'm really enjoying this trippie and the pix! :thumbsup2

pixeegrl

08-30-2008, 07:45 AM

Hi pixeegrl,

Thanks for reading. Everyday I add a little more. It's been fun writing it.

I see that you are going there in three months. I bet you can't wait.

My son is stationed in Eastern Virginia. I was there once and it was really pretty.
Yes, 3 months and counting!!! We like it here a lot on the Eastern Shore, just wish it was a little closer to Texas lol (that's home). Now keep posting all those great pics so I can live vicariously through your trip until ours. :flower3:

SallyG

08-30-2008, 02:05 PM

Hi Peggy! Thanks for sharing your trip. The photos are wonderful. Can't wait to read more! And congrats on your health! What a great way to celebrate. :goodvibes

lazydoxy66

08-30-2008, 10:39 PM

havinfun

08-31-2008, 11:14 PM

Hi Peggy! Thanks for sharing your trip. The photos are wonderful. Can't wait to read more! And congrats on your health! What a great way to celebrate. :goodvibes

Hi Sally,

Thanks for the good wishes. Yesterday I didn't do anything on my trip report because I was reading everyone elses trip reports. :surfweb: Tonight I will post more.
Peggy

havinfun

08-31-2008, 11:31 PM

You are doing a terrific job on this TR.
I want to go to the outlet store. Thanks for the directions.
I'm glad my DH likes roller coasters. He would end up waiting an awful lot if he didn't!
We've got sandals similar to yours. I hate walking around in wet socks and shoes. My feet look bad enough without the wrinkled prune thing that happens. We've been wearing our sandals to make sure we don't get blisters. So far, so good.

Love your pictures!

Hi Lazy,

There is another outlet mall closer to Disney. I am not sure how to get there because I threw out my Disney notebook when my luggae was overweight on our flight home. I guess you could google it. :surfweb: That one also had a Disney Character store. If I remember I will let you know how to get there. We didn't get any blisters. :)

havinfun

09-01-2008, 02:06 AM

It quit raining and the sun is out.

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Islands%20of%20Adventure/086_86.jpg

Here is the Jimmy Buffet Margaritaville. Notice the sign, it says it all. http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Islands%20of%20Adventure/087_87.jpg

Across from there is a little outdoor bar called the Lone Palm. http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Islands%20of%20Adventure/089_89.jpg

We ordered our 2 for the price of one. With the Happy Hour price, the margaritas were $3.50 a piece. This is the first day since we got to Florida that I didn’t feel rushed. So it was really nice just to sit, drink and people watch.

This is the table top. http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Islands%20of%20Adventure/091_91.jpg

The bar is in the front and there are tables and chairs behind the plane.

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Islands%20of%20Adventure/098_98.jpg

Here are a couple of pictures of the plane. http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Islands%20of%20Adventure/094_94.jpg

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Islands%20of%20Adventure/093_93.jpg
These are pictures of Citi-Walk from the Lone Palm. http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Islands%20of%20Adventure/095_95.jpg

The Hard Rock http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Islands%20of%20Adventure/092_92.jpg

A zoom shot http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Islands%20of%20Adventure/090_90.jpg

The Lone Palm
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Islands%20of%20Adventure/096_96.jpg

Paradise

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Islands%20of%20Adventure/097_97.jpg

That’s the end of Happy Hour. Next I rode the Hulk. That was really fun. http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Islands%20of%20Adventure/100_100.jpg

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/099_99.jpg

I wanted to go back to Toon Lagoon but it looked like rain again. So we stayed in the Marvel Super Hero Island. We rode Spiderman. That ride is great. This is another don’t miss ride. Now we were hungry and it was raining again. We stopped and ate at Café 4. We each had a meatball sandwich, pasta salad and chocolate cake. It was good. Sorry I forgot to take a picture. We put our ponchos back on. I was wearing an old WXRT poncho and the plastic was flaking off on me. Here are pictures of the rainbow that appeared. So pretty.

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Islands%20of%20Adventure/102_102.jpg

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Islands%20of%20Adventure/104_104.jpg

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Islands%20of%20Adventure/106_106.jpg

I wanted to see if we could catch the Horror make up show. So we walked over to Universal. This picture was taken in front the Hard Rock looking across to the other side of Citi-Walk.

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Islands%20of%20Adventure/107_107.jpg.

When we go to Universal, there were no more Horror Make up shows. Here is a picture of the sign in front of The Monster Café.

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Islands%20of%20Adventure/108_108.jpg

We went to see Twister again because there was no wait and then decided we were done. It had been another long and fun day. So we said good-bye to Universal and the Islands of Adventure.

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Islands%20of%20Adventure/110_110-1.jpg

The next day we visited the Kennedy Space Center. I am not sure where to post this part of my trip report. There is no place on the Dis- Boards for Non-Disney/Universal /Sea World. So I will just add it to my Universal report.

The rest of this trip report is on the Kennedy Space Center. Following KSC report I will post the Disney World portion of my trip. Here is the link: http://disboards.com/showthread.php?p=27125927&posted=1#post27125927

Thanks for reading.

Thanks again to everyone who reads this report.

lookingforward

09-01-2008, 01:45 PM

Hi Lookingforward,

May your celebration a great one!! :cheer2: and have lots and lots of celebrations. :banana: :banana: :banana: Any plans on what type of celebration you will have. I know I can't celebrate with Disney World every year. We should come up with ideas on how to celebrate because it is a huge milestone.

I saw my oncologist Monday and she said she is very hopeful for me. Even though I had the most aggressive form of breast cancer, my chances are still good. My pathology was clean and the cancer was fought very aggresively.

It's bedtime for me. I have to work in the morning. Thanks for reading my trip report.

That is SUPER news! I am so happy things are going well for you. I met a wonderful women at support group who had Inflamatory BC five years ago and is doing fantastic. Treatment is tough but worth it. I just finished nine months of treatment in July. Stage 2b. Sigh. I can't wait for December to have it one year behind me!

havinfun

09-02-2008, 11:56 PM

Day 4, Part I
August 9, 2008, Saturday
Kennedy Space Center

After waking up early and eating the continental breakfast at our hotel, we were on our way to the Kennedy Space Center. It took us about an hour to get there. Here is a view of the scenery right before we got there. http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Kennedy%20Space%20Center/P1010172.jpg

After parking in the lot, I took a picture to remember where we parked. http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Kennedy%20Space%20Center/P1010173.jpg

When we got to the ticket booth, the line moved quickly. The extra tours were sold out for the day. They were selling them for the next day. When you purchase a ticket it is good for the next day. We were going to Disney World on the following day, so we didn’t purchase any extra tours. We decided to go on the bus tour first, then explore the Visitor Complex. The bus tour that is included in the general admission rate of $38.00 per adult and $28 per child took us to three different stops. Here are a few pictures I took in line waiting to get on the bus.

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Kennedy%20Space%20Center/P1010174.jpg

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Kennedy%20Space%20Center/P1010175.jpg

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Kennedy%20Space%20Center/P1010176.jpg

Before you get in the line a photographer takes your picture that you may purchase later. You can see the backgrounds that they use in the rear of this picture. Sorry it’s not the greatest picture. I will never win photography awards.
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Kennedy%20Space%20Center/P1010177.jpg

We boarded the bus and passed the Vehicle Assembly Building. Here are two photos:
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Kennedy%20Space%20Center/P1010178.jpg

We were told that this is the tallest one story building in the country. Notice the bus compared to the building.

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Kennedy%20Space%20Center/P1010179.jpg

At the first stop you go into a theater and see a brief movie about the space shuttle program. In the next room there are models of the launch pads. How a space shuttle is launched is explained. The start of a shuttle mission starts when the shuttle lands. It is taken to the Vehicle Maintenance building, where it is checked and any repairs that are needed are done. Here are two pictures of models that were in this building showing the space shuttle.

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Kennedy%20Space%20Center/P1010180.jpg

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Kennedy%20Space%20Center/P1010183.jpg

After the theater and the model building we went outside to LC-39 Observation Gantry. This is a building that is several stories high where you can look out and see the Kennedy Space Center. There are signs that tell you what you are seeing.
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Kennedy%20Space%20Center/P1010191.jpg

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Kennedy%20Space%20Center/P1010190.jpg

Before a launch, the shuttle is taken on a crawler from the vehicle assembly building to the launch pad. Here is the gravel road the crawler travels on.

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Kennedy%20Space%20Center/P1010192.jpg

DH told me to put in my report that The Kennedy Space Center is huge. He was really surprised how big it is. He said tell them it is much bigger then is appears on tv. It did take us about 20 minutes to get to the first stop from the space center. The bus drivers are friendly and informative. This is just a scenery picture taken from the gantry.

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Kennedy%20Space%20Center/P1010194.jpg

This is the end of Part 1. I could really use some feedback. Should I cut back on the details of the Space Center since this is a Universal board? Should I continue explaining what we saw? I am not really sure of the interest level about the KSC. So PLEASE let me know what you would like to see. Thanks for reading. Peggy

lazydoxy66

09-04-2008, 12:38 AM

havinfun

09-04-2008, 11:32 PM

I'm not a moderator.
I love it! I've never been to KSC. I'll look at all the pictures you've got. It was a part of your UO trip, I think it's fine.:thumbsup2

I won't get back here to your TR until I get back from my trip. Keep the pics coming. I'll catch up sooner or later!

Thanks Lazy,

I'll keep posting about the KSC. It seems I am never going to get to the Disney part of my trip. :lmao: After KSC the next day we did go to WDW.
Hope you are having a great time on your trip.

havinfun

09-04-2008, 11:37 PM

Day 4- PartII

After boarding the bus we were taken to The Apollo/Saturn V Center. First we saw a movie about the space program in the 60’s and the missions.

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Kennedy%20Space%20Center/P1010209.jpg

Next we were led into the Mission Control Center. I had always thought it was a big room, but it was really small.

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Kennedy%20Space%20Center/P1010221.jpg

Our part of the Apollo/Saturn Center was a HUGE room with space equipment. My pictures don’t do it justice.
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Kennedy%20Space%20Center/P1010227.jpg

There were several signs hanging with the flight names and the names of the astronauts that were on these missions.

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Kennedy%20Space%20Center/P1010228.jpg

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Kennedy%20Space%20Center/P1010236.jpg

Here is another view of the rocket. It was broken up into sections. In this picture you can get a better idea on how big the rocket is.
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Kennedy%20Space%20Center/P1010229.jpg

Doug is checking out the rocket. http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Kennedy%20Space%20Center/P1010230.jpg

We decided to get something to eat. There is a cafeteria in this section of the Space Center. It was a little expensive. We each had a cheeseburger, fries and a coke, our bill was $22.00. It would have been very expensive to feed a family there. So if you plan on going with kids, bring some food. There were plastic cups for pop that I almost bought until I saw that it was around seven dollars. They did have regular cups for a much more reasonable price.

Here is the view from outside the cafeteria.
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Kennedy%20Space%20Center/P1010235.jpg

havinfun

09-05-2008, 12:05 AM

The next stop on the tour was the International Space Station. By this time it was getting later and we still had not visited the Visitors Center. We had spent about 15 minutes waiting for the bus to take us to the Space Station. So we hurried through this part of the tour. I am going to copy from the web page a description of this part of the tour.

“Now it's your turn to climb aboard the International Space Station. The International Space Station is "the dream that seemed impossible" - the most ambitious space program since the Apollo moon landings.
This fascinating facility gives you an up-close glimpse inside the actual facility where NASA is preparing the real components of the International Space Station - the largest, most complex structure ever to be placed into orbit
Enter the full-scale mock-up of the Habitation Module and see the facilities that Space Station crewmembers will use for living, sleeping and working quarters.
An elevated observation room overlooks the actual processing bay where each Space Station component is checked out, processed and readied for its trip into orbit.”

Here is a picture of a shower:

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Kennedy%20Space%20Center/P1010241.jpg

Sign describing the laboratory and the lab.

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Kennedy%20Space%20Center/P1010245.jpg

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Kennedy%20Space%20Center/P1010246.jpg

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Kennedy%20Space%20Center/P1010247.jpg

Did you ever wonder how they sleep without gravity? Here is how they sleep.

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Kennedy%20Space%20Center/P1010248.jpg

That’s all for now. I have to go to bed. I’ll try to post more tomorrow.

phamton

09-05-2008, 12:22 PM

I'm very happy to see your trip report about KSC. It is fine on this board.

I've enjoyed your trip report so far and congratulations on your anniversary. You certainly deserved a celebration vacation!

havinfun

09-05-2008, 08:22 PM

Kennedy Space Center – Part III
Looking down are two of the modules that would be hooked up together with nodes.

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Kennedy%20Space%20Center/P1010251.jpg

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Kennedy%20Space%20Center/P1010244-1.jpg

This what these modules look like on the inside.
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Kennedy%20Space%20Center/P1010249.jpg

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Kennedy%20Space%20Center/P1010252.jpg

The next three photos are the assembly area of the International Space Station where massive pieces are processed and assembled before a launch. We were there on a Saturday so no one was working.

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Kennedy%20Space%20Center/P1010255.jpg

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Kennedy%20Space%20Center/P1010253.jpg

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Kennedy%20Space%20Center/P1010254.jpg

We left the Space Station and boarded the bus for the Visitors Center. It was now about 4:00 pm and the Visitor’s Center closed at 7:00. The Astronaut Hall of Fame that was included with our admission closed at 8:00pm. The Hall of Fame is not in the Visitor Complex. It is nearby on the road that leads to the Visitor Center. We ran out of time and couldn’t visit it. :sad1: If you just want to visit the Astronaut Hall of Fame it is $17.00 per adult.
Getting back to this report. We did the new Shuttle Launch Experience. It is a simulation of what the astronauts feel on takes off. It has all the warnings about back problems etc. I thought the Epcot Mission Space was more intense, but this ride is good. :banana:
Next we went to the mock up of the Space Shuttle. Here are some pictures of the shuttle.

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Kennedy%20Space%20Center/P1010256.jpg

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Kennedy%20Space%20Center/P1010258.jpg

These are tiles on the bottom of the space shuttle

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Kennedy%20Space%20Center/P1010260.jpg

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Kennedy%20Space%20Center/P1010257.jpg

Shuttle Space Suit

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Kennedy%20Space%20Center/P1010264.jpg

Inside the Shuttle
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Kennedy%20Space%20Center/P1010265.jpg

havinfun

09-08-2008, 10:42 PM

These are pictures of the Astronauts Memorial. The Memorial is really very pretty. It was hard to take a picture this time of day.

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Kennedy%20Space%20Center/P1010267.jpg

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Kennedy%20Space%20Center/P1010269.jpg

I took this picture and it turned out to be interesting. The reflection shows me taking the picture and the Memorial.

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Kennedy%20Space%20Center/P1010272.jpg

There were two 3D movies playing at the IMAX. The one we saw was “Space Station 3D”. It was interesting since we had just seen parts of the space station. The other one was was “Magnificent Desolation: Walking on the Moon 3D”. We had all ready seen that one at Navy Pier in Chicago. It was very good. The visitors center was going to close soon so we spent the rest of our time in the gift shop. It is a nice gift shop with many unique items. I bought my son and his wife a mouse pad from NASA and my daughter a shot glass. She collects them. I bough a pen for me to use at work.

On our way out I took some more pictures. These are the Rocket Garden. here are some of the historical rockets.

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Kennedy%20Space%20Center/P1010275.jpg

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Kennedy%20Space%20Center/P1010276.jpg

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Kennedy%20Space%20Center/P1010277.jpg

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Kennedy%20Space%20Center/P1010274.jpg

Here is Doug checking out an interesting palm tree.

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Kennedy%20Space%20Center/P1010282.jpg

Since I am from Chicago, I really enjoy seeing palm trees.

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Kennedy%20Space%20Center/P1010284.jpg

We left at 7:40. I was dissapointed I didn't get to see more. If you plan to go to the Kennedy Space Center. Get there early. If you can spend two days that's even better. I grew up during the "Space Race". I remember when man first walked on the moon. My grandmother moved to Florida when I was a kid and she could see the rockets take off from her back yard. If your children aren't into space they may be bored. I did find it very interesting and would like to go back. Here is a picture I took on the way back to Orlando.

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Kennedy%20Space%20Center/P1010285.jpg

On the way back we saw a motorcycle accident. It really shook us up, so much we missed our turn.

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Kennedy%20Space%20Center/P1010288.jpg

I think we should have turned at this intersection. We did get back to Orlando, it just took us a little longer. Here is a truck that was in front of us.

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll173/havinfun21/Kennedy%20Space%20Center/P1010291.jpg

When we got back to Orlando the traffic was horrible. We decided to get a pizza and eat in our room. We were also tired, but I did some laundry. :laundy: The next day we were heading to Disney World. :yay: :yay: :yay:

Please continue to read my trip report. It will be moving to the Disney Trip Report board. Here is the link. http://disboards.com/showthread.php?p=27125927&posted=1#post27125927

Thanks for reading.