06/06-06/11 Assault on Disney's Beaches: Update 8/13, Swag Pics on last page

[SurfinTX]

Hello everyone and :welcome: to my first ever Disney pre-trip report! Hopefully it will not be my last. This first post I'll keep updated with our current plans, dates and links.

Dates:
06/06/10-06/11/10
Location:
Disney's Polynesian King Kamehameha Club (Hawaii)
Plan:
6 day tickets with Park Hopper and Water Parks and More
Disney Dining Plan
ADRs:
06/05 - T-Rex - 7:30 pm
06/06 - Sci-Fi - 7:00 pm
06/07 - Coral Reef - 11:55 am
06/08 - Akershus Royal Banquet 1:30
Teppan Edo 6:30
06/09 - None
06/10 - 'Ohana 7:00
Events:
06/06 - Star Wars Weekend DHS
Fantasmic
06/07 - Epcot then MK Electrical Parade and Fireworks
06/08 - Early EMH MK then Epcot World Showcase Illuminations
06/09 - Typhoon Lagoon then afternoon Disney Quest...My Birthday!
06/10 - AK then hang at the Resort
06/11 - Checkout then MK and drive home!

Links

Who we are, Day by Day Pre-Plan - Pages 1 and 2.
April 4th: Two Months out. Where are we at? (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=36114818&postcount=30)
April 14th: A few radical changes and new ADRs (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=36260219&postcount=33)
May 4th: One month out. British Petroleum forces another change in plans. (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=36527990&postcount=37)
May 7th: A "Surprise" package arrives. (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=36566855&postcount=42)
May 11th: Remembering Disney '07 - Part 1 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=36602849&postcount=45)
May12th: Dis '07 - We arrive. (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=36626751&postcount=46)
May 16th: Dis '07 - Let the Magic Begin. (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=36672325&postcount=47)
May 18th: Dis '07 - The Ole' Swimmin' Hole and Tidings of Things to Come. (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=36684501&postcount=48)
May 19th: Remembering Dis '07 - Meltdowns, Mis-Timings and some Magic! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=36697364&postcount=49)
May 22nd: Remembering Dis '07 - Animal Kingdom cont. (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=36737128&postcount=50)
May 24th: Remembering Dis '07 - End of Day 2 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=36746970&postcount=51)
May 30th: Remembering Dis '07 - Day 3 Epcot (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=36822049&postcount=53)
June 3rd: Final Preparations underway! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=36872572&postcount=54)

Post Trip Report Begins

June 14th: We're home! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=36997444&postcount=55)
The Long and Winding Road... (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=37008707&postcount=56)
Rawr! Time for Shopping and Dining (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=37022273&postcount=61)
A Grand Tour and Other Delays (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=37031807&postcount=62)
May the Force Be With Us. We're Gunna Need It! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=37038276&postcount=65)
The Poly, Hoopla and Sci-Fi - End of Day 1 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=37044626&postcount=68)
Day 2: Failure is not an Option! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=37051516&postcount=72)
Going Above and Beyond at the Poly (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=37067994&postcount=76)
Magic Kingdom Wanderings (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=37069993&postcount=77)
The Return of a Classic (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=37070361&postcount=78)
Honey, They Blew Up the Castle! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=37071165&postcount=79)
Day 3: Early EMH? Can We Git Er Done? (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=37081255&postcount=82)
Early EMH at Magic Kingdom (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=37089997&postcount=83)
More Princesses Than You Can Shake a Stick At! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=37107819&postcount=84)
Must...Keep...Touring...EPCOT (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=37146889&postcount=92)
Day 4: Swimming with the Sharks (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=37157442&postcount=96)
A Late Exploration of Animal Kingdom (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=37167003&postcount=99)
Day 5: A Wild Time on the Safari! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=37193791&postcount=102)
More Animal Adventures! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=37223641&postcount=105)
The Longest Line...EVER! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=37247454&postcount=108)
Back Home at the Poly (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=37270392&postcount=111)
The Poly Beach and Summer Nightastic (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=37301192&postcount=115)
Day 6: One Last Magical Day (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=37364102&postcount=120)
What Do the Kids Like? More Pizza! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=37379861&postcount=125)
Now It's Really Time to Say Goodbye (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=37404993&postcount=129)

[SurfinTX]

So who exactly are we and how did we come to the conclusion that Disney is for us?
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/Picture127.jpg
On the right is yours truly, Tom. A 38 year old engineer who fell in love with Disney at a young age but who had little opportunity to enjoy that due to being a single most of my life. I have lived in Texas since 1979 and consider myself a native.
On the right is my right-hand...er, left handed compatriot and future wife, Dianna :love:. Born in Utah she moved to Texas 12 years ago but I can tell she would rather be back in Utah.

Next up is Kyler,
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/Picture124.jpg
15 years old and feeling all the angst of the teenage years but is a great kid with a sense of humor if you get past the eye rolling:rolleyes2. Give us a smile! No?

Now we have Madison,
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/Picture345.jpg
9 years old and still thinks boys or yucky. That's my girl :rotfl:

And finally Michael,
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/Picture344.jpg
7 years old and has no fear...and tends to find out the hard way that life can be bumpy for those that are not careful.

[SurfinTX]

As many others have done on the DISboards this will be a diary and a reminder of the thought process I used to plan this upcoming trip.

I started thinking about doing a Disney trip almost 2 years ago. I had talked it over with my parents and eventualy ended up with 11 people going. Looking at our options I eventually settled with 2 All Star Music Family Suites for us and made the room reservations for August 2009.

2008 passes by and I begin to seriously research the trip since I had gone back in 2007. On that trip it was me, my brother, his daughter, my Mom and Dad and we had stayed at POR for 5 days. During that trip I had split away from the group often to go see and do things on my own. I ended up seeing a lot of the resorts and the more thrilling rides but little of what is directed at children.

As 2009 approached of course we encountered bumps in the road as the economy tanked. My work enforced time off and Diana had to change jobs and careers last year. Looking at our situation we decided that we had to save money. A great alternative was to visit her family in Utah. :rolleyes1

To be continued...

[SurfinTX]

Alrighty! So I call and cancel our WDW trip for 2009. :sad1:
Now I have to plan a driving trip to Utah and back. I Googled. I Pricelined. Expedia and on and on. I even looked up interesting facts and sights along the way all with an eye for economy. We packed and loaded up the van with picnic lunches and off we went.
Kansas
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/th_Picture003.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/?action=view&current=Picture003.jpg)http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/th_Picture006.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/?action=view&current=Picture006.jpg)http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/th_Picture008.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/?action=view&current=Picture008.jpg)http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/th_utahmap1.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/?action=view&current=utahmap1.jpg)
Colorado
Now we arrive in Denver at about 7pm and stop at Casa Bonita to eat. I have memories from my teenage years of eating here after ski trips and it hasn't changed much over the last 20 years. The kids loved it. The only drawback in our schedule had us driving over the Rockies at night on I-70 so no pictures of some of the most beautiful scenery along any stretch of interstate highway.
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/th_Picture015.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/?action=view&current=Picture015.jpg)http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/th_Picture039.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/?action=view&current=Picture039.jpg)
Utah
After 20 hours on the road and 24 hours since we left Dallas we arrive at Heber City, Utah. Did I also mention that I worked a 12 hour night shift before leaving? I was done! Dianna wanted to start seeing people immediatly. I just went to bed. Hi In-Laws! Night! Zzzzzzz. I'm sure I left a great first impression. Here are a few pictures we took around town.
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/th_Picture065.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/?action=view&current=Picture065.jpg)http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/th_Picture076.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/?action=view&current=Picture076.jpg)http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/th_Picture078.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/?action=view&current=Picture078.jpg)http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/th_Picture080.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/?action=view&current=Picture080.jpg)http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/th_Picture100.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/?action=view&current=Picture100.jpg)http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/th_Picture095.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/?action=view&current=Picture095.jpg)http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/th_Picture098.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/?action=view&current=Picture098.jpg)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/th_Picture118.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/?action=view&current=Picture118.jpg)http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/th_Picture136.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/?action=view&current=Picture136.jpg)
Hey! Didn't we drive all the way from Texas to get away from BBQ? Using my name too?!
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/th_Picture145.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/?action=view&current=Picture145.jpg)
Oh well. We went into Uinta National Forest to the east of town the next day.
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/th_utahmap2.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/?action=view&current=utahmap2.jpg)http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/th_Picture155.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/?action=view&current=Picture155.jpg)http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/th_Picture159.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/?action=view&current=Picture159.jpg)http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/th_Picture160.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/?action=view&current=Picture160.jpg)http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/th_Picture165.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/?action=view&current=Picture165.jpg)http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/th_Picture174.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/?action=view&current=Picture174.jpg)http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/th_Picture176.jpghttp://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/th_Picture183.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/?action=view&current=Picture183.jpg)

[SurfinTX]

Passing over the mountains we enter lands that are both rugged and used as farms at the same time. Those Mormons sure are industrious.
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/th_utahmap3.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/?action=view&current=utahmap3.jpg)http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/th_Picture195.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/?action=view&current=Picture195.jpg)http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/th_Picture196.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/?action=view&current=Picture196.jpg)http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/th_Picture209.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/?action=view&current=Picture209.jpg)
Beware the high winds along mountain passes!
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/th_Picture211.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/?action=view&current=Picture211.jpg)
We then swung around and arrived at Strawberry River Reservoir. A summer thunderstorm had sprung up so we didn't do much more than drive around and look around. Winds were gusting over 70 mph and the temperture dropped from 80 to about 50 degrees. The rain drops were cooooold!
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/th_utahmap4.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/?action=view&current=utahmap4.jpg)http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/th_Picture212.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/?action=view&current=Picture212.jpg)http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/th_Picture214.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/?action=view&current=Picture214.jpg)http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/th_Picture216.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/?action=view&current=Picture216.jpg)http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/th_Picture219.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/?action=view&current=Picture219.jpg)http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/th_Picture221.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/?action=view&current=Picture221.jpg)
One thing there was no lack of at Dianna's parents place were hummingbirds.
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/th_Picture228.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/?action=view&current=Picture228.jpg)http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/th_Picture239.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/?action=view&current=Picture239.jpg)
Driving back and forth from Provo you can see Bridalveil Falls along the highway.
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/th_utahmap5.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/?action=view&current=utahmap5.jpg)http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/th_Picture350.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/?action=view&current=Picture350.jpg)http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/th_Picture365.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/?action=view&current=Picture365.jpg)http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/th_Picture366.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/?action=view&current=Picture366.jpg)
We also went to Timpanogos Cave. A 1500' climb by trail that can be done by most people but it is very exerting.
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/th_Picture371.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/?action=view&current=Picture371.jpg)http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/th_Picture376.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/?action=view&current=Picture376.jpg)http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/th_Picture382.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/?action=view&current=Picture382.jpg)http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/th_Picture395.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/?action=view&current=Picture395.jpg)http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/th_Picture397.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/?action=view&current=Picture397.jpg)http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/th_Picture417.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/?action=view&current=Picture417.jpg)http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/th_Picture437.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/?action=view&current=Picture437.jpg)http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/th_Picture439.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/?action=view&current=Picture439.jpg)

[SurfinTX]

After several days of visiting family we started the long drive home. The first leg was the hardest part to figure out. Dianna wanted to see Big Rock Candy Mountain but that would require a lot of back roads. I floated out the idea of driving through Vegas. :rotfl:So we compromised, went south and drove through Zion.
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/th_Picture447.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/?action=view&current=Picture447.jpg)http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/th_Picture459.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/?action=view&current=Picture459.jpg)http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/th_Picture460.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/?action=view&current=Picture460.jpg)http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/th_Picture490.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/?action=view&current=Picture490.jpg)http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/th_Picture509.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/?action=view&current=Picture509.jpg)http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/th_Picture510.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/?action=view&current=Picture510.jpg)

Then we stop for a picnic next to Glen Canyon Dam. A little known program at national parks and monuments is the Jr. Ranger Program. You pick up a packet full of information about where you are visiting and have the children fill them out. Afterwards you are sworn in as Jr. Rangers and given a badge with the park name on it. To date we have collected South Padre Island, Strawberry Creek WMA, Petrified Forest and Glen Canyon.
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/th_Picture534.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/?action=view&current=Picture534.jpg)http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/th_Picture535.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/?action=view&current=Picture535.jpg)http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/th_Picture541.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/?action=view&current=Picture541.jpg)http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/th_Picture544.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/?action=view&current=Picture544.jpg)

[SurfinTX]

Now in Arizona we swing south and drive into Williams to see a few sights.
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/th_Picture566.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/?action=view&current=Picture566.jpg)http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/th_Picture570.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/?action=view&current=Picture570.jpg)http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/th_Picture571.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/?action=view&current=Picture571.jpg)http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/th_Picture572.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/?action=view&current=Picture572.jpg)http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/th_Picture579.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/?action=view&current=Picture579.jpg)http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/th_Picture585.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/?action=view&current=Picture585.jpg)
Dianna will kill me for posting this one!
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/th_Picture565.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Utah%2009/?action=view&current=Picture565.jpg)

Then off we went to Flagstaff to stay overnight. The next day we rose early and headed east on I-40 to get to Petrified Forest N.P.
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Then we had a long drive on 40 and then into Texas and finally home. By far it was the longest drive I have ever taken in my life and I promised myself not to do that again any time soon. Don't get me wrong! It was fun and a great experience for the kids...but at the end of the drive we were done. Lol!

[SurfinTX]

With that trip done and the kids getting back to school now I had time again to think about Disney...or do I?!

In early October two things happened that I had dreamed about. First of all me and Dianna had been talking on and off about getting married but hadn't set a date yet. Well one morning my work gives me free passes to go to the Dallas Arboretum. Well, Dianna checks it out online and sees all kinds of offers for wedding sites there. Strangely enough, that started the whole ball rolling and lo and behold yesterday we were marrried! That topic would have to be in a whole other thread but needless to say it took a lot of our attention away from planning the trip.

The other thing that happened was that we recieved a PIN offer at about the same time for 40/30/20 all the way to 06/12/10! I was psyched! Dianna, not so much. It was still going to be a lot of money and with a wedding to plan it may be too much to try for. I agreed and told her that Disney is very nice about cancellations and we would go only if everything together over the next nine months. We also agreed not to tell the kids for a while until we were really sure we were going.

So, with pin offer in hand, I priced out all the onsite options a family of 5 can do. We looked at ASMuFS. Cabins at FW. POR with rollaway. Finally we settled on Poly. Then after pricing in the discount we saw what the Club Lounge had to offer. The breakfast sold us since we could hit early rope drops at the parks and not have to waste credits on that. With the club the DDP would be enough for us.

Up Next: Decisions, Decisions.

[michellem1118]

Great start!

You got married yesterday?!?! Congratulations! :goodvibes DH & I looked at the Dallas Arboretum as a possible wedding site, too, but ended up having the wedding somewhere else. It sure is beautiful there this time of year.

I can't wait to hear about the rest of your plans.

[SurfinTX]

Great start!

You got married yesterday?!?! Congratulations! :goodvibes DH & I looked at the Dallas Arboretum as a possible wedding site, too, but ended up having the wedding somewhere else. It sure is beautiful there this time of year.

I can't wait to hear about the rest of your plans.

Thanks Michelle! We plan on going out there during spring break to catch the blooming trees. With all of the rain they are certain to verry pretty this year.

My next update should get all the way to what I am doing currently as far as the Disney trip goes.:shamrock:

[SurfinTX]

Now for all of the details and how our plan starts to come together.

Here are a few things about us that had to be taken into consideration.

1. I have been to Disney World several times in my life. However, the other 4 have never been. This puts the focus on the parks themselves with little time to do resort or offsite entertainment.

2. Michael has typical tastes for a 7 year old. Madison, however, is super finicky. This limits us on certain restaraunts but not too badly since Disney does a good job providing child menus nearly everywhere.

3. I'm a morning person. The rest are night owls. Well, Michael tries but he burns out before 11 pm. It will be interesting to see if we can make the rope drops or if anyone will be willing I guess. To help this I have tried to avoid being out later than 11 pm but it will take a bit of flexability if everyone wants to stay late. We will just have to see.

To save money we are driving. I would love to fly in and use ME as well as onsite transportation but ticket prices going into the summer season for a family of 5 would run us well over $1200. We can drive our van and have 2 nights hotel for $500. With the convenience of a vehicle plus all the extra stuff we can bring it is well worth the time driving.

Next Up: Day by day plans. (as they stand now)

[SurfinTX]

Day 1 and 2: Getting There is Half the Fun!

Vehicle - Chrysler T&C Minivan, DVD and Stow and Go. Seats will be configured with right side seats down and mattress in that location.

Departure - 8 pm Fri 06/04/10. :drive:Leave Dallas and travel along I-20 and then down to I-10. If all goes well we should arrive at Pensacola at 9 am Sat. We plan on taking a break at the beach and having a picnic until 1 pm.:cool2: Then rinsed off we get back on I-10 and then I-75 heading south. Around 9 pm we should arrive at Citrus Ridge Holiday Inn just 12 miles west of WDW. There we will stay overnight and hopefully be well rested for the long day tommorrow. :angel:

I will have Friday off so I will try to be as rested as possible. Dianna will work until 5. We will trade off driving and sleeping and not worry about distance. Having as much time as possible at the beach will be nice but we will stop and break overnight as much as is needed. Just like the Utah trip, however, I am used to night driving on far more treacherous roads than the bridges of I-10. Also, I have driven to Pensacola multiple times in my life but have never driven beyond Grand Ridge on I-10. I have relatives that live all over south Georgia and I turn off there. After that it will be all new territory, albiet very flat. :crazy2:

Next Up: Arrival at WDW!

[swwake]

Hi! I subscribed to your report, but forgot to tell you, because I still haven't gone back and caught up! Looking forward to reading a fellow Texan's adventures!

[SurfinTX]

Hi! I subscribed to your report, but forgot to tell you, because I still haven't gone back and caught up! Looking forward to reading a fellow Texan's adventures!

Glad you joined! I have been through Austin quite a few times. Usually just passing through on my way down to Corpus or S. Padre.

[SurfinTX]

Day 3 or Day 1 at Disney: Timing is Everything

Now we get to the fun stuff where planning will pay off if everything goes right. Several announcements about June 6th recently have made me wonder how much of this plan will go out the door after we arrive.

1. Star Wars Weekend will be running this Sunday and the entire family are big fans. I know it will be a madhouse but even if we get to meet only a few characters and see the parade it will be worth it for the kids. Also on the 6th a new night presentation will be made at RnRC where DJs will host some kind of entertainment while a light show might be done on the ToT. We will not be seeing that until later since I have plans for returning to DHS twice at night.

2. Also announced to premier on the 6th is the return of the original Electrical Parade and a new fireworks spectacular. I had already made plans to come back to the room to rest up and unpack then hop over to MK to watch wishes and Spectro. MK is also the late EMH that day. Will the park stop allowing admissions due the crowds? When will it happen? So many unknowns. I'll ask the concierge if they have any opinions when I arrive.

Anyway, here is the 1st days itenerary as it stands now.

Wake Up at 6:15 am. :yay:
Eat cont. breakfast and checkout by 7:00 am.
Check in at Poly Hawaii at 7:30 am. (Use online check in to have packet ready?)
Drive over to DHS by 8:15 hopefully.
See the pre-opening show at 8:45.
Go directly to TSM and ride at 9:00.
Go to Star Tours and FP. Get in line for Jedi Training. Starts at 10:00 am.
Muppet Vision if FP for Star Tours isn't up.
Eat at Pizza planet. Check for FP, possibly ToT or RnR.
Ready for SW Parade around 11:30.
From 12:00 - 1:00 find standby line to anything less than 1 hour.
1:00 pm in line for Stunt Spectacular.
2:00 Whatever we have FP for or if no luck Standby RnR.
3:00 Standby ToT.
4:00 Drive back to Poly. Unpack. Rest. Check out lounge. Whatever.
7:00 Go to Magic Kingdom via Monorail. Eat at Cosmic Rays.
8:00 Indy Speedway or just see sights if park is surging.
9:00 See the parade.
10:00 Fireworks Spectacular. Try for spot as close to end of Main Street as possible.

After that it will be up to how we feel. Hopefully the break in our room will let us continue into the EMH hours but if not there will be other opportunities later in the week. I will try for Haunted Mansion that night since it's my favorite in MK.

[swwake]

Sounds like a great plan! I think the first day you'll be running on adrenaline. The break in the room will help, but you probably won't have any problem getting through EMH. What about riding the revamped Space Mountain?

[SurfinTX]

Sounds like a great plan! I think the first day you'll be running on adrenaline. The break in the room will help, but you probably won't have any problem getting through EMH. What about riding the revamped Space Mountain?


I'm not so sure if we want to try to wait on what could be a very long ride at a busy EMH park. Again, we will have to appraise the situation once we arrive in MK that night. the plan is to try to find a few rides without a long wait. We do want to see the new fireworks and parade that night so every effort will be made to be in the right spot. If we are lucky and everyone is up for it we will try to go as late as possible and try to ride something nice. :)

[SurfinTX]

Day 2 at Disney: Epcot, Downtown Disney...and more?

Hopefully well rested in our Polynesian beds we will wake up at 7:30 and eat at the club lounge around 8:00 am. At 8:20 or so walk over to the TTC and grab the Monorail over to Epcot and arrive for rope drop. Epcot will have no EMH today.
At 9:00 am head directly to Soarin'.
If all goes well and we can get out of Soarin' by 9:30 then head over to Imagination with me running to Test Track for FP. Meet up again as the rest of the group continues through imagination.
10:00 am head back to Land and see Circle of Life film and Living with the Land.
11:00 Head over the The Seas and see Nemo and Friends. After that I'll run to FP Mission: Space. The fam will wander around the tank area.
At 11:55 our ADR for Coral Sea is scheduled.
After eating it's time for Turtle Talk with Crush.
Now we head over to World of Energy hopefully around 1:30 or so.
Use FP for both Mission Space and Test Track.
If we can get all that in before 3:00 pm we can head over to Innoventions for a bit. I'm shooting for arriving back to our room around 4:00 pm.
Let the kids hit the pool. Hit the lounge around 5pm for some snacks and then off to Downtown Disney.
We have an ADR set for 6:30 pm at Planet Hollywood. After eating and if the kids are getting bored shopping we can then bus over to the Boardwalk. From there walk over to DHS which will be the late EMH park and maybe ride a few things we missed the day before.
Then back to the room no later than 10 pm. for our earliest EMH the next day.

[SurfinTX]

Day 3: Magic Kingdom and then Epcot World Showcase

Time to get up at the crack of dawn for the early EMH at Magic Kingdom. Eat quickly and try to be at the gate of MK before 7:40 am.
Watch the Pre-opening show and then off to...not Dumbo. Luckily when I polled everyone Dumbo turned out to be not a priority.
So off we go to Space Mountain.
After finishing that FP Space Ranger Spin and then watch Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor.
Stitch's Great escape is up next if the lines are short. After that up to Astro Orbiter.
By this time our FP for Buzz Lightyear are up. Then we head off to Toontown to see it for the last time. On the way FP Peter Pan.
After touring Toontown it should be around 11:00. Hit Winnie the Pooh and Philharmagic. Finally use the FP for Peter Pan. With any luck it's about noon and we should be getting hungry. Time to bounce out of this rapidly filling park and head over to Epcot World Showcase.
As we arrive check for any M:Space or Test Track Fast Passes.
Go to Mexico and check the line for the Gran Fiesta Tour. Possibly see Mariachi Cobre.
Go to Norway for our 1:30 ADR at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall. Here is one of the few planned character interactions we have scheduled. Ride Maelstrom afterwards.
If all is well it's about 3:00 pm and we can continue the world tour. We have decided not to do the Kimpossible missions since it would require a lot of jumping around and for first time visitors I think a more relaxed walk is in order.
Go to China. Possibly see Dragon Legend Acrobats or Si Xian.
Go to Germany.
Go to Italy. Possibly see Sergio.
Go to America and possibly see the American Adventure and Fife and Drum Corps.
Go to Japan. Possibly see Japanese Candy and Matsuriza. Our second ADR of the day is here in Japan at 6:30 for Teppan Edo.
Tummies full we continue on to Morrocco and see Mo' Rockin'.
France is next and we will stop in Boulangerie Patisserie and use up some snack credits I believe.
Finally we make it to England. It should be close to 9:00 pm and Illuminations should begin.
After that Epcot Future World is the late EMH park. We will go and use the earlier FP and see if there is anything we want to ride after. Back to the room and off to bed when all is done. :angel:

This will be by far the hardest day of touring. I have not scheduled any time back at the room and we are park hopping. Hopefully an easy tour of Epcot World Showcase will not be too hard on us and we can use the entire day to see a lot.

[SurfinTX]

Day 4: Catch a Wave at Typhoon Lagoon

Ahhhh. To sleep in until 8:00 am. A great start to my Birthday!:rotfl:
Quick breakfast again at the lounge and gather up the swim gear. We are off to Typhoon Lagoon! At first this was a tough sell for Dianna due to the extra money and time. I showed her the salt water tank on the Disney site and she was sold!
We plan on staying here until about 1:30 pm and then heading back to the room. Then off to DHS yet again!
Now we get to see a few things we have missed the last two days including Indiana Jones, Backlot Tour and the Great Movie Ride. If we have already seen and done most everything we have wanted then we can hang out longer at TL or the room.
At 4:10 our ADR for Sci-Fi dining is scheduled.
After that we round up the kids and send them back via bus to the room. Me and Dianna will head off for some much needed parent alone time over at the Boardwalk.:cake::dancer: I was thinking Jelly Rolls would do the trick and we can boat over there after dropping the kids off.:thumbsup2
Then back to the room to recharge the batteries.

[swwake]

Sounds like a fun-filled couple of days. Based on your screen name, I was gonna ask - you know that you can actually SURF the wave pool at Typhoon Lagoon before the park opens, right? We wanted to do that the last trip, but they closed the device that generates the larger waves for maintenance. :( We have scheduled to surf this trip, but we have to get up at 5am! But we figure it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so we're very excited about it.

Just didn't know if you knew this was available, or if you'd be interested.

[SurfinTX]

Yes I have surfed the mighty gulf "curls". :rotfl2: I have to tell you one day about me escaping Rita from Surfside, TX.

Beyond the cost it would be only me and maybe Dianna actually surfing. I know you can bring a few people to watch but to wake up that early and having the kids hungry and cranky just doesn't seem like a good recipe for the rest of the day. I figure some body surfing as well as snorkling with the sharks will be plenty of excitement that the whole family can enjoy.

[swwake]

You'll have to give us some tips on surfing the Third Coast. We've talked about Port A but haven't made it down there. I have been kiteboarding south of Galveston (if you could call it that - we never got in the water b/c it was Feb and too cold - but we navigated the kites from the beach). We've been to Padre once, but the water was flat. We always talk about heading to Port A in Oct/Nov during hurricane season when we hear about swells, but never make it.

Not that we're big surfers either. We have surfed at San Diego a couple of times (I never stood up on the board then). We've surfed a TON behind wakeboard boats, and we've surfed for a week on a Flowrider on Liberty of the Seas.

On our last trip, we went to Typhoon Lagoon. Even without the large wave builder, we had quite a good time body surfing on the smaller waves. Now that the large one is working again, I'm sure you and the family will have just as much fun body surfing. Save the TL surfing for a future trip!

(Am I your only reader?)

[SurfinTX]

You'll have to give us some tips on surfing the Third Coast. We've talked about Port A but haven't made it down there. I have been kiteboarding south of Galveston (if you could call it that - we never got in the water b/c it was Feb and too cold - but we navigated the kites from the beach). We've been to Padre once, but the water was flat. We always talk about heading to Port A in Oct/Nov during hurricane season when we hear about swells, but never make it.

Not that we're big surfers either. We have surfed at San Diego a couple of times (I never stood up on the board then). We've surfed a TON behind wakeboard boats, and we've surfed for a week on a Flowrider on Liberty of the Seas.

On our last trip, we went to Typhoon Lagoon. Even without the large wave builder, we had quite a good time body surfing on the smaller waves. Now that the large one is working again, I'm sure you and the family will have just as much fun body surfing. Save the TL surfing for a future trip!

(Am I your only reader?)


I have a few people who look at it online including family but none of them are posters. Hopefuly interest will grow as we get closer to the big date. I should be able to do a bit of live reporting while I'm there as well.

As far as tips I go to a website called Third Coast Surf to check on conditions and try to time when decent waves are rolling in. A few of my favorite places are Surfside Jetty and Bob Hall Pier near Corpus. The jetty near S. Padre Island can set up very nicely with a northwesterly wind as well. I'm having less and less time to go no with the family. It's a bit hard to jump up and go on less than ten hours notice. :sunny:

[SurfinTX]

Day 5: Lions and Tigers and Dragons! Oh My!

Rise and shine! It's off to Animal Kingdom this morning to see the wildlife! We should be stirring around 7:30 and out at the park at 8:30.
Catch the intro at Oasis.
Power walk our way out to Kilimanjaro Safari while it's still early and the animals are about.
I will go FP running over at Expedition Everest and join everyone at Maharajah Jungle Trek.
After that we can catch Flights of Wonder at 10:00.
Then we can hop on the train to go out to Conservation Station. We will probably spend only an hour or so here.
Returning back we will either eat or go on Exp Everest. At the time we eat I will do the FP run for Dinosaur.
I will eat at Flame Tree BBQ. Everyone else will make up thier own minds about Pizzafari or Restarauntasarous. Too bad the bread sticks are no longer on the snack list. It was a lifesaver on our 2007 trip.
We move on into Dino Land and ride whatever interests us while the Dinosaur FP come up.
At 3:30 we need to have finished up here and move over to Festival of the Lion King. We might try a few character greets as well.
After 4:00 we leave the park and head back to the room. Get cleaned up so we can (yet again) go back to DHS for our 7:00 pm ADR at 50's Prime Time. Hopefully we can get out of there early enough to then catch the 9:00 pm showing of Fantasmic.
Then back to the room we go at a decent 10:00 pm hour.

Yes, there are a lot of things not on the list such as Nemo and I'ts Tough to be a Bug. When polling the children, though, seeing animals and thrill rides were top on the list. If we are extremely lucky and the non-EMH AK day does work out for us then we may see more.

[SurfinTX]

Day 6: It's So Hard to Say Goodbye

Our last day at Disney and now it's time to wrap things up...but it's not too late to see what we missed! Specificaly half of Magic Kingdom.

Eat a quick breakfast again and handle checking out in the morning. Monorail over to Magic Kingdom and make a left turn inside the park this time.
March all the way back to Frontierland and hit BTMRR and then FP it.
Splash Mountain is up next and then Pirates of the Carribean and Jungle Cruise.
Backtrack a bit and tour Tom Sawyer Island. Possibly go for a FP somewhere.
Eat lunch at El Pirata Y Perico or Pinochio's.
Then we start covering what we missed in other parts of the park or if we are lucky we might hop out to ride a few favorites. I won't determine the last few hours until the start of the day.
At 4:30 or so come back to the resort and clean up a bit. Maybe get one last bite of the Ahiahi before really saying goodbye. :sad1:

Our drive back will consist of stopping in Talahassee that night and then continuing to Pensacola or Mobile during the day. Stopping again in Lafayette overnight and then limping our way back to Dallas sometime Sunday.

Well that's the plan. Now we just need to see if it all works out or not. :eek:

[jenbear123]

:wave2: Hello! I didn't realize you had started writing a PTR until I saw it in your signature. Subbing!

You certainly have things planned to a T. That's a good thing. That's so exciting you get to see the new Summer Nightastic (I think that's what it's called) plus SW weekends while you're there. You better write a TR after you get back!

Have you eaten at all the places you have ADRs for before?

Don't worry about missing out on Nemo: The Musical. Not my cup of tea :rolleyes1 Have you seen it before?

[SurfinTX]

:wave2: Hello! I didn't realize you had started writing a PTR until I saw it in your signature. Subbing!

You certainly have things planned to a T. That's a good thing. That's so exciting you get to see the new Summer Nightastic (I think that's what it's called) plus SW weekends while you're there. You better write a TR after you get back!

I plan to, don't worry! :goodvibes I might have a few live reports as well.

Have you eaten at all the places you have ADRs for before?

On my 2007 trip I ate at Teppan Edo, Coral Sea and 50's Prime Time.

Don't worry about missing out on Nemo: The Musical. Not my cup of tea :rolleyes1 Have you seen it before?

No. It's new since 2007. We will already be seeing the live stage show Lion King that day so two would be too much I think.

I'm glad you found my thread and hope you have a great trip as well!

[swwake]

I can't wait for the live trip report and the TR!

We actually enjoyed the Nemo show. It was also a great way for us to get out of the heat. It is very unique the way they incorporate the puppeteers' costumes into the puppets. A very refreshing show. However, I could also see it being on your "ok to miss" list.

[SurfinTX]

Two Months out. Where are we at?

Just a bit of an update after taking a break from work to be with the family over the weekend.

First of all the reservations for our travel days are now handled. Priceline decided to put us in Holiday Inns in orlando, Tallahasse, and Lafayette. At $50 a night at mostly 3 star ratings I'm not going to camplain at all. :thumbsup2

Most of the rest of this week was tied up getting the Chrysler T&C in shape. In the last two weeks we have had the water pump as well as all of the shocks and struts replaced, new tires as well as alignment, oil change, and windshield wipers adjusted and replaced. Let me just say that Chrysler created a very nice mini-van as far as utility but need to beef it up a lot on the mechanical side of things. Still, it has over 90,000 miles and has yet to leave us in a lurch. All that is left is the wiper fluid pump that has gone out last month and then it should be tip top.

On the shopping front we are pretty much looking at all new clothes for most of us. I found a pink Star Wars shirt for Madison and a black tropical shirt for Kyler if you can believe it.:eek: I'm on the lookout for something tropical for me and Dianna as well as new shoes. Just about all mine are worn and would not do well marching through the parks.

Here is a random picture from my '07 trip for all my loyal readers. :hippie:

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/dis%2007/IMG_0113.jpg

[swwake]

That is a bargain on 3-star hotels!! Y'all will have so much fun and be comfortable and clean. Holiday Inn is great!

[AlohaAnnie]

Sounds like you have great plans! We will be at WDW the same time, and we will be at DHS for Starwars Weekends at the same time.

[SurfinTX]

53 days and boy a lot is happening on the Disney front as we continue to prepare for the assault on Disney's beaches.

First of all I have made some radical changes to the itenerary.

Ever since I posted the "plan" on the Disboards there were a few things nagging at me. The biggest problem I saw was that we travel to DHS on three separate days. The primary reason on Wednesday is to eat at Sci-Fi and then send the kids back to the room. From there me and Dianna can stroll or boat over to the Boardwalk for some alone time. Dianna is not comfortable letting the kids navigate back to the room even though I assured her after we get them to the bus Kyler will have no trouble. Now we have to take them back to the room to get them situated and then head back out indirectly or drive to Jelly Rolls. :confused:
Then the next day we go again to eat at 50's Prime Time, not really a must do, and then see Fantasmic, a must do and this after a full day at AK. :faint:

So now I'm sitting around thinking this is just not working out. Instead of being worried or freaking out lets turn this into an opportunity! :cool2:

Pulling all my info out I began to notice a few things. Fantasmic is also showing Sunday during the Star Wars weekend. What if I try to pack a full day at DHS that first day? I will lose some resort time and a visit to MK on the first day of the Electrical Parade and Fireworks Spectacular but gain a lot of time the rest of the week. The other big effect if I do this is now Wed. we only have planned a half day at Typhoon Lagoon. What to do with all the rest??? Well, since we are already doing the waterpark lets add the WP and more option and do Disney Quest as well! So without further ado here is the new improved never to be revised again PLAN! :lmao:

To free up as much time as possible later in the week there is now a change in the driving plan.

Leave Fri. 7:00 pm from home.
Drive directly to Disney with no stop at Pensacola.
Arrive at Holiday Inn outside Disney around 4:30 pm Sat.
Rest a bit and let the kids hit the pool if they want.
6:00 pm go to Downtown Disney. Shop for mouseears and eat at Planet Hollywood oop with discount that should have arrived by mail.
Head back to hotel and sleep.

Sun 6th

Everything the same until 4:00 pm.
Now we stay in the park and catch Indiana Jones, Muppet Vision 3D and Maybe Little Mermaid.
7:00 pm Hyperspace Hoopla.
7:15 Sci Fi Dining reservation.
9:00 Fantasmic
10:00 unpack and in bed.

Mon 7th

Epcot in a.m. does not change.
Head back to room at 3:30 pm.
Eat at lounge and Capt. Cooks oop.
Magic Kingdom 6:00 pm.
Do a few rides, whatever looks like a reasonable wait.
9:00 Electrical Parade
10:00 Fireworks Spectacular
Haunted Mansion and back to room around 11:00 pm.

Tue 8th

Unchanged. MK early EMH
Epcot late EMH.

Wed 9th

Typhoon Lagoon a.m.
Back to room between noon and 2 p.m.
Over to Downtown Disney at 3:00 pm and Disney Quest.
Eat at DQ or Wolfgang Pucks Express CS.
Leave Downtown Disney if we get tired and head back to room.

Thur 10th

AK early and stay later.
Get to see It's Tough to be a Bug and maybe get second ride on EE.
Head back to room and eat at 'Ohana 8:15 p.m. The lounge should tide us over.
Relax and pack up.

Fri 11th

MK early after checkout.
Stay in park until 5:00.
Go to lounge one last time.
Leave before 6 p.m.
Arrive at Talahassee around 9:00 pm.

Sat 12th

Drive to Pensacola.
Hang at beach until 4:00 pm.
Arrive at Lafayette at 9:00 pm.

Sun 13th

Head home and arrive in the evening. :faint:

We have found a few clothing items as well. Here is a pic of some of the Poly themed clothes I'll bring as well as a Star Wars shirt I found for Maddie.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Dis%20Pre-Trip/shirts.jpg

That's it for now. Planning is half the fun right? :hippie:

[swwake]

I like having all the free time at the end of the week. Wow, you're so organized! Love the new clothes!

[SurfinTX]

I like having all the free time at the end of the week. Wow, you're so organized! Love the new clothes!

Yeah. This trip is taking on a life of it's own but I'm sure after we are all done it will be interesting to see how much of this plan worked out.

Heck, I'm waiting for the other shoe to drop and Disney will change the schedules all up! :scared1:

[SurfinTX]

Just a quick update. We have hit the 45 day mark and are now...

drum roll please...

PAID IN FULL!! :cheer2:

I think we are just about all set on the plans now and will be watching Disney to see if they make any last minute changes. Now off to find some good shoes!

[SurfinTX]

Well we are now exactly one month out from when we expect to leave for Disney. You can believe I'm watching things closely on the Gulf Coast right now. This oil spill is really pissing me off. The Alabama and Florida panhandle beaches are some of the prettiest in the world and to think that oil is washing up all along there is just...:furious: We will just wait and see but I have a feeling that we won't be stopping at Pensacola. I have brought it up to Dianna and we have tentatively agreed that maybe New Orleans could be a nice stopover before continuing to Lafayette.

The shopping continues and we have found a few more things to take to the parks :banana:.
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Dis%20Pre-Trip/shirts2.jpg

and something arrived in the mail yesterday as well. :)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Dis%20Pre-Trip/letter.jpg

There are a few things I am tweeking as far as the park plans. In May Disney added a lot of second showings for Fantasmic and so I set up a slightly later ADR at Sci-Fi dining. Our 7:00 pm will be at the same time as the Hyperspace Hoopla and after seeing videos of it online I think it would be worth going to a later meal if Fantasmic does have a after 10:00 showing. Well, off to work for now. :hippie:

[michellem1118]

Hmmm.... somehow I got unsubscribed from your thread... hopefully that's fixed now, and I'm all caught up. :thumbsup2

I don't think I mentioned it before, but DH & I will be there at the same time as you guys... we're staying at Wilderness Lodge this trip. It doesn't look like any of our plans will overlap, except maybe Monday night at MK - we tend to avoid the EMH parks b/c of the crowds.

Oh, and you mentioned before (like a month ago, but I just read it now :rotfl: ) being concerned that the crowds would close parks early.... we only faced that once on our Christmas trip, which was a much more crowded week than early June will be.... so that shouldn't be a problem. We didn't even have a problem getting into a park (DHS) on NYE to see fireworks at 11:00pm!

[SurfinTX]

Hmmm.... somehow I got unsubscribed from your thread... hopefully that's fixed now, and I'm all caught up. :thumbsup2

I don't think I mentioned it before, but DH & I will be there at the same time as you guys... we're staying at Wilderness Lodge this trip. It doesn't look like any of our plans will overlap, except maybe Monday night at MK - we tend to avoid the EMH parks b/c of the crowds.

Oh, and you mentioned before (like a month ago, but I just read it now :rotfl: ) being concerned that the crowds would close parks early.... we only faced that once on our Christmas trip, which was a much more crowded week than early June will be.... so that shouldn't be a problem. We didn't even have a problem getting into a park (DHS) on NYE to see fireworks at 11:00pm!


Welcome back! I was a bit worried about MK on Sunday being a madhouse but with our changes we will do the evening on Monday. That leaves us with only a morning EMH at MK on Tuesday and an evening EMH at Epcot. That will be a huge day and we will see if the kids can handle it. Two TS services should help.

At this time in one month we should be checked in at the Holiday Inn and on our way to Downtown Disney. :woohoo:

The Wilderness Lodge would have been my first choice if they slept 5. The only drawback to the Poly is having to go outdoors and walk to the various transportation options. In bad weather it can be a drag. The lack of a hot tub is a downer as well but not a deal breaker. It's going to be hot and the jets near the slide will do the job. Can't beat the view from the pool and beach area as the fireworks go off as well. :thumbsup2

[michellem1118]

I just sent you a PM...

[swwake]

Wow! Your trip is getting really close!

[SurfinTX]

I have sprung a little surprise on the family today! I had been working on it for a while now and it all came together after school. Over the last few weeks I have been gathering items from various stores that are Disney or Star Wars related. Then yesterday I went to one of the few remaining Disney Stores in Dallas to grab a gift card for Kyler, a shirt for Dianna, Marie for Madison and Doug for Michael.

At the same time I downloaded a few fonts and printed out a semi-official looking letter from Mickey hoping that they will enjoy their trip and hoping that they enjoy a few select items he picked out for us. ;)

I packed it in a shipping box placing a fairly decent fake shipping lable from Disney and placed it outside just before the kids started arriving home. I come in and Dianna is in the back at the time. After greeting her I settle down and wait. Right on time the kids come home and bring in the box. They obviously didn't check too close because they seem to be dragging a bit.
Me: "Hey! What's that?"
Madison: "A box. Probably something Mom ordered."
They place it on a table and put their backpacks away. I let them go on their way shaking my head. After changing and coming back out I made sure I had the camera ready.
Me: "Can you check to see who the package is for?"
Madison heads over and I think she figures it out. :rotfl2:

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Dis%20Pre-Trip/package01.jpg

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At this point they run out and get Dianna. At that moment she was a bit put out by being dragged away from yardwork. The kids were beside themselves and Dianna was a bit confused as I gave her a wink. ;)
After she opened it up she read the letter and started pulling things out.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Dis%20Pre-Trip/package03.jpg

You can tell Michael is a big Star Wars fan with no Doug in sight. He also recieved darth vader socks. He wore them to school this morning if that tells you anything.
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Dis%20Pre-Trip/package04.jpg

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A few quotes I heard later on.
Madison: "If Disney is this much fun now how much will it be when we get there?"
Kyler: "Where can I spend this?" Me and Dianna at the same time: "Disney! Duh!"

All in all a pretty sucessful evening. The kids are checking out the coloring and sticker books as I type. It's always nice to spread some magic around. :wizard:

[swwake]

You are a super cool dad!

[SurfinTX]

You are a super cool dad!

Why thanks! Heck, this is a once in a lifetime trip and I have no problem spoiling our kids. It's been a long school year and it's almost over now. :goodvibes

[SurfinTX]

Remembering '07

Since we are now entering a period that little is happening on the current trip for a while I thought it might be nice to recall my prior trip to Disney World in March of '07. So without further ado, let's jump right in. :Pinkbounc

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Jumping into my Wayback Machine and dredging up a few memories I'm going to try to keep everything in order. You will have to forgive me if I jump around all of a sudden but I will try to keep everything in order. First up, the Cast!

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/dis%2007/IMG_0060.jpg
From the Left: Your's Truly, My Mom, My Niece Emily(8), My Dad and my Brother.

Planning: For the most part my Mom did most of the planning for this trip. Emily, being my favorite only niece, was getting old enough to handle all the rides at diney but not too old to think the magic was corny yet. From my point of view I was going to tag along and enjoy watching Emily have fun and then split off from time to time to do whatever comes to mind. In short, I was winging it.

That is not to say that I was flying blindly into the the Most Magical Place on Earth. I had several friends go in the prior years and I still had a few memories of when I went back in 1983 during EPCOT's opening. Still I wasn't too concerned with day to day planning since I saw my mom doing a lot of work getting us ready. My parents were using some saved up miles with Delta so that was a bonus. All I needed was to pay for half a room with my brother, the DDP and 5 days of tickets. I do remember there was some kind of mix-up with our travel agent and my information was all screwed up. Around November we discovered it and had to redo my airline tickets which I handled after a few frustrating phone calls over the next month.

My Mom had decided on 2 rooms at Port Orleans, Riverside. Me and my brother would share one and my mom, dad and Emily the other.

This trip was during Emily's spring break as well as my brother's birthday in March so it was time to celebrate!

Next Up: We are on our way!

[SurfinTX]

Remembering '07 cont. - We are on our way!

Packing up Friday(with only one bag for the trip :thumbsup2) I head out to my parents place to stay overnight. The next morning we get up quite early since it's a 60 mile drive to DFW and we have an 8:00 am flight. Everything goes smoothly at bag dropoff and my Dad parks the car in the remote lot.

There is quite the line at security as many people are not prepared for all of the requirements. Many items are being thrown out, especially liquids. Luckily for me I'm wearing slip-on shoes and checked my only bag (with no fees :rolleyes:) Arriving at the gate with time to spare a bookstore is right next door selling coffee and scones. Very convenient. While snacking I brows the bookstore and find Wicked. I had heard about the play on Broadway recently and figured what the heck and picked it up as well. On a related note I will be seeing it for the first time in Dallas in mid-June. :woohoo:

By now my dad arrives and we get our boarding passes but something doesn't seem right. The four passes for my mom, dad, bro and Emily are handed to them. I walk up and the lady at the counter and she said my confirmation was separate from theirs (remember the ticket troubles I had earlier?) Oh great, I think, I'm going to be separated from the rest of the party. I was relying on my mom to get this handled and maybe I should have taken a greater roll. A bit worried a move up to the counter. She smiles and said there is no problem and hands me the pass.

"You have been upgraded to first class, Mr. SurfinTX."

Well, alrighty then! Bemused I walked back to everyone and showed them my pass. I guess it was worth all the trouble I had getting it set up then. :cool2: Eventually boarding is started and I got to go on first. My seat is on the first row of an MD-80 with plenty of leg room. Right off the bat a stewardess asks if I need anything which I say no since I had no coat or bag.

Back in the late 80's and early 90's my mom used to work for Delta as a reservationist. I took advantage of flying standby at that time and more often than not flew first class. When you flew on these tickets you had to dress up nicely and often had to wear a coat and tie. Not this time since it was a reward flight.

This flight was not very full in first and it looked to be packed in coach so my typical domestic first class experience was much different this time. The stewardess was persistant and asked if I was sure I didn't want a drink at the moment. Well I certainly can't refuse! ;) I order an orange juice and then stretch out. A few minutes later, drink in hand, the rest of my family boards.
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This would be Emily's first flight and naturaly she was excited.
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I head back to first and wait for departure. The stewardess takes the drink and takeoff is uneventful. About 15 minutes later the stewardess asks do I want a hot or cold breakfast today? Why not a hot one since I have eaten cereal at home and a scone at the airport already. I think it was a cheese egg with biscuit. Nothing to write home about but it's not often anything is served on domestic routes these days. The flight was very nice but I avoided any alcoholic drinks since it was so early.

Relaxed and well hydrated we arrive at MCO and deplane. Making our way to Magical Express sign-in we sit and wait. It was about 10:30 am now and there was quite a line. We sit as mom waits in line for us.
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/dis%2007/IMG_0057.jpg

...and we waited. It took about 30 minutes for mom to get through that line. Obviously the Spring Breakers were flooding into town. We get in the line for the bus and just miss one leaving for our resort. About 20 mins later we board and wait for only a bit since it filled fast. The driver starts a video for us and we happen to be the second stop after POFQ.
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Now for the next line. Our room is not ready but that is no problem at all since we were looking forward to heading right out.

Next Up: Let the Magic Start

[SurfinTX]

Remembering '07: Let the Magic Begin!

Off to the bus stop we go which was right next to to the exit thankfully. While waiting we saw several ducks transiting from one waterway to another as well.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/dis%2007/IMG_0059.jpg

It was a ten minute or so wait for the bus to Magic Kingdom. On the way our bus driver had all kinds of tidbits to say. He kept the kids pretty entertained. We had to stop at all the other pickup points around POR and so the trip lasted about 20 minutes. Finally we arrived at Magic Kingdom around 12:30 pm and boy we were starving. We quickly get a picture taken at the gate and then it was off to Frontierland to eat at Pecos Bills. I managed to snap one pic on main street and a pic of Emmy next to the castle as we bustled our way to some food. :laughing:

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http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/dis%2007/IMG_0062.jpg

It turned out that that picture of Emily was probably the best I took during the trip. My parents printed an 8x10 for themselves.

At Pecos Bills I wasn't really feeling up for anything too heavy so I picked a chicken wrap and fruit. Feeling better now we look around and have pretty much only one choice. If you couldn't tell by the clothes we were wearing it was a bit unseasonably cool for mid-march and so Splash Mountain was out of the question. Over to BTMRR it is. At this point we didn't quite have the system of how to use fastpass figured out yet. It didn't really matter since the FP return was already quite late and we were planning to head over to MGM in the evening. Standby was about 30 minutes and it was a cool day.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/dis%2007/IMG_0063.jpg

Emily enjoyed this rollercoaster immensly. It wasn't too high or extreme but fast enough to get a some screams. Afterwards we said we would come back to this at a later date. Finishing that we headed down to Adventureland. POTC had a very long wait so passed that by. We got lucky at the next ride it seems because the Magic Carpet Ride was coming back from some down time. In no time we get on and enjoy the ride.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/dis%2007/IMG_0064.jpg

Close by is the Jungle Cruise and for some reason there was only a small wait time for this as well. I have some fond memories of this ride as a child and thought it would be fun to give it a go. As promised the wait was less than 10 minutes and our boat departed. Our captain seemed to really enjoy her job. Whithin minutes she had the adults winking at the corniness and the kids laughing at the silly lines. Emmy volunteered to pilot the boat and she really got into it. Later she received a card saying that she was an honorary boat captain. What stood out from this ride was we all started to sing It's a Small World as we went through the tunnel. Even the captain said it was a very unusual ride with all the families really getting into the spirit of the ride.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/dis%2007/IMG_0069.jpg

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Around this time my Dad recieves a text saying that our rooms are ready. We all agreed to head back and unpack and plan the rest of the day.


Next Up: 'Ole Swimmin' Hole and Tidings of Things to Come.

[SurfinTX]

Remembering Dis '07: Ole' Swimmin' Hole and Tidings of Things to Come.

It's now mid-afternoon on Saturday and we are heading back to the PO: Riverside resort. We have adjoining rooms on the second floor of building 14 in Alligator Bayou and the closest building to Boatwrights and Riverside Mill. :thumbsup2

Me and my brother get settled which took about 5 minutes. :laughing: Of course when I go over to my parent's room they are taking a lot longer. On top of that Emily really wants to go swimming. Everyone else was looking a bit run down but I was game. Two minutes later I had changed and then had to wait for Emily. Talking with my mom and dad I asked about what dining plans they had? At this point they said they were not sure and that we were going to MGM to see Fantasmic. I figured we could get a reservation for a sit down meal in that park after the show. Me and Emily head over to the reservations desk on the to the pool to get things handled for tonight.

So I'm just a strollin' on into the lobby and see the sign for setting up dining reservations. I grab a map of MGM and check out what restaraunts are located in the park. One location catches my eye. With a smile I ask the nice lady could I make a reservation for the Sci-Fi Theater? Well. I don't know how often she has to do this in a day but you could tell she really didn't want to shatter my hopes and dreams for the rest of the trip. I must have had a really sincere smile as the Disney aura was settling upon me over the last few hours. So, after a few blinks, she smiles apologetically and says that will most likely not be possible. At this point I learn that most ADRs are made months in advance and that many popular restaraunts are booked solid. :headache:
The concierge did make some recomendations and said to try a walk-up to 50's Prime Time. Nodding I headed off with Emily to the pool. In my mind at this point I was still thinking no big deal. It would require some flexability but that's my middle name.

Making our way across the bayou to the pool I was impressed by the landscaping. The pool felt like it was really snuggled away from the resort. It was heated thankfully as what little warmth was fading in the long shadows of early evening. Emily was a decent swimmer but didn't feel confident with the amount of water coming off the slide. I promised to stay at the bottom and she worked up her courage. Even heated I found the water to be a bit cool but I'm used to pools and the ocean being over 83 degrees. After a bit I bee line it over to the hot tub. Now that hits the spot. :cool2: Sorry but I have no pictures. :sad2: After a bit mom comes up and watches Emily for a while. I let her know what I found out about dining and then get ready.

Back on the bus and we are off to MGM which will be a first for all of us. Arriving at the park we make the right turn and get in line for the 7:00 pm showing of Fantasmic. The line was already forming but they let us feed into the seating area well before the show started.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/dis%2007/IMG_0071.jpg
Emily getting a bit annoyed at the wait.

The show was amazing! Well, I have to admit I was limited to Six Flags as far as other park experiences so this raised the bar considerably. :worship:

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Sorry about the quality of the images but most of the show is quite dark or has high contrast between the flames and characters. I switched over to video recorder mode early on. We all loved the show but now we were getting quite hungry again as it was now approaching 8:00pm. Off we go to 50's Prime Time to check in. They say we had an ADR for 8:30 for us. I suppose the concierge did find something after all! So we sit and watch a few clips on the vintage tv in the waiting area. Then we wait some more. The video repeats. We go outside. We look at things in the area. More time passes. Finally, right before 9:00 pm, we get called. Emily is definantly not happy and the bellies are rumbling.

Once seated though the service was nice. I ordered the meatloaf and found it to be very nice (from what I remember). I loved the decorations and the server ribbed Emily a few times for eating so fast. Again no pictures I'm sorry. I think we just wanted to get in and out as fast as we could to get to bed...which we did. Tomorrow would be a full day with plans on going to a Sunday revival brunch at House of Blues, Animal Kingdom during the day with Spectro and Wishes to finish it off. Can it be done? Should it be done? Tune in to find out.

[SurfinTX]

Remembering Dis '07: Day 2, Meltdowns, Mistiming and some Magic.

After faling asleep around 10:30 last night I found myself waking up very early Sunday. This would become a pattern for the whole trip. I take my time getting ready and still had time to spare. I decided to take a walk around the resort and check things out. I walked over to POFQ and found I really liked the landscaping and building design. Again no pictures. :sad2:

Arriving back at my room later I found that everyone else was getting ready to head over to DTD. My parents had some snacks in thier room to tide us over since it would still be some time before we ate this morning. My memory is dim but I believe we took the boat up the Sassagoula River. When we arrived it was a fair walk all the way around the lake. Very little was open and only a few walkers were about. Passing by the Lego Store I had to get a picture of Nessie of course.

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Finaly we end up at the House of Blues only to see that it wasn't open yet as well. It was about 9:30 and the Gospel Brunch was at 10:30...:confused: We all turned to my mom and wondered what was going on here. Well, I won't go into any details but we were disapointed and very hungry. It was decided :rolleyes1 that we should push on to Animal Kingdom and eat there and not lose any more park time. However, our trials were not over yet. Arriving at the bus stops we find a bus heading to Pop Century. We ask the driver are there any scheduled for Animal Kingdom on the way? Of course not. We would have to connect with a resort. Nerves are really getting frayed now. With little choice we hop on the bus and ride over to be dropped off at Pop Century. Getting off the bus all we see are lines everywhere for park busses. I mean huge lines. That in of itself left me with a very negative impression of value resorts. At this point my dad gave up since he was so hungry. He decided to eat at the food court and split off from us. Boy this day is turning out to be a doozy.

Time passes and we finaly the four of us board the bus to AK. Arriving at AK somwhere around 10:30 am. Rushing quickly into the park we puse for nothing looking quickly for something to eat. My brother sees Flametree BBQ and beelines it over there. Not really in the mood for BBQ so early I look at the map and see that Pizzafari is the only other option that's close. It's a far cry from brunch but Emily was far happier with pizza in her tummy. At Pizzafari I happen to make a lucky find, though. I didn't really want to use another CS credit yet knowing I had basicaly 2 meals a day and a snack. At Pizzafari I noticed they had breadsticks with marinara sauce as a snack credit. :thumbsup2 It was just enough to keep me going. BTW my brother said that his BBQ sandwhich was really nice for a CS meal.

With that out of the way it's finally time to see the park! :rotfl: Emily had to see the dinosaurs so it's off to Dinoland. First up is Dinosaur! We still haven't figured out the fastpass strategy so in line we go.

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So here is the before picture as we are loading up.

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I wish I had got a ride photo. Emily is sitting between me and my brother as we settle in. Then the load noises start. It gets very dark. It gets very bumpy. Dinosaurs are doing bad things. Emily steadily sinks lower and lower into her seat. We tell her it's OK but she is having none of it. No tears or anything but she was not going to watch any more. I personaly found the ride to be a great bit of fun but no need to repeat. About this time my dad calls and says he is the way. We let him know we will stay in Dinoland and decide to ride the Primeval Whirl. Now this ride is right up Emmy's alley. It's not too high. It spins. And nothing jumping out at you. :cutie: Big thumbs up from her.

My Dad arrives and we meet up with him near the Oasis and take this pic of the Tree of Life.

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We then make our way over to Africa and make our first effective use of Fastpass by grabbing them for Kilimanjaro Safaris. As we wait for the time window we enter the Pangani Forest Trail.

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Oh I had forgotten we picked up those antenna over at Chester and Hester's.


Day 2 to be Continued...

[SurfinTX]

Remembering Dis '07: Day2 Cont.

After finishing the Pangani Trail we hop the train over to Rafiki's Planet Watch. From what I remember we didn't see a whole lot during this part of tour. No animals to be seen from the train and only a handful around the petting areas. I do remember a CM showing a large snake and allowing children to touch it. Again, Emily was having none of that. After about 40 minutes we hopped on the train and headed back.

About this time our FP for Kilimanjaro Safaris had come up and it was only a short wait to board our transport. It was quite late in the afternoon and many of the animals were snoozing at this time. It was a nice trip and I did get a few good pictures but I found the back story to be very underwhelming.

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The afternoon was wearing on when we finally entered Asia. The park was starting to get very crowded. Discussing what to do next my brother, mom and Emily decide to head back to the room to relax and swim. Me and my Dad decide to push on to Expedition Everest and then leave after that.

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As you can see from that last picture the area around EE was jumping! FP was gone and standby was about 45 minutes. Still, both me and my dad are thrill seekers so we jumped in line. Time passes and enjoy the line theming. The teenagesrs certainly did like ringing the bells as often as they could though. :headache: So we get into the buildings and start seeing the loading gates getting close when... uh, oh. EE is shut down. :sad1: They offered FP but we were leaving the park after this ride anyway.

Well, a bit dejected me and my dad head back to the resort as well and catch up with the rest of the family. The day isn't over yet since we have an evening planned at the Magic Kingdom next.

[SurfinTX]

Remembering Dis '07: Day 2 Yet More!

Having left Animal Kingdom me and my dad bussed back to POR to clean up a bit. The plan was to head to Magic Kingdom to watch Spectro and Wishes and then maybe catch a few rides. If you remember earlier all I had eaten today was some breadsticks from Pizzafari earlier and my stomach was giving me a stern reminder by this time. I quickly find the rest of the family preparing to go swimming. Emily loves the pool and my mom and brother are about to head there. I told everyone that I'm going ahead to the park to get something to eat and that they could catch up when they were done.

So off I go and hop on the bus again to make my way to Magic Kingdom. By now I was starting to think I was really getting my money's worth from Disney Transportation. :lmao: Arriving around 5 pm I head in and try to figure out where I'm going to eat. Looking at my map I decide to start at the beginning and work my way deeper into the park and see if any TS places have an opening. First up was Tony's right on Main Street. Keeping my expectations low I walk up to the maître d’ and inquire. After quickly checking she said yes if I don't mind eating outside on the terrace and could seat right now. I said that would be no problem at all. I was led to a table for two right next to the railing with a view of the entrance and Main Street. the temperature was about 65 as the sun was setting and I had to say it was a very nice place to people watch.

As soon as I was seated I called my dad. He answered and said that everyone else was just getting back from the pool but he was just leaving to eat as well. I told him to haul butt over here as fast as he could. After the server arrived with the water I told him that I would have someone joining me soon. Would that be a problem? They said it wouldn't be and took my order. Back in '07 the DDP included apps as well as no tipping required. I was going to make sure to tip a little extra afterwards with how well the servers were handling this impromptu situation. Just after my drink and app arrive my Dad shows up and sees me over the rail. I wave him over to the entrance and he soon joins me.

I had the chicken alfredo and found it be easy on a very hungry tummy. I can't remember exactly what I had for desert. Overall I came away with a feeling of satisfaction and being very relaxed as I watched people hustle and bustle nearby. Just as we were finishing up the rest of the family arrives and sees us. I tell them they can try to get in but by this time the restaraunt as well as all of Main Street was filling up in preparation for Spectro. My poor mom. :sad2: This hasn't been her day at all. Me and my dad head down and try to get a spot to watch the parade while my mom quickly decides to go to the deli nearby. After a few sandwiches and time to settle down several CMs invited the children in the area to play a few games like duck, duck, goose! and red light green light helped the time to pass.

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As dusk finally settled in the lights go out all along Main Street and the ooo's and ahh's start.

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After the end of the parade passed by we decided to try to ride the Haunted Mansion. I had been looking forward to this since this ride was one of the few memories I had of the '83 trip. However, it took forever to get over there since we had to follow the parade route to get there. Still, I got a few pics of the castle on the way by. Part of this next pic is in my avatar.

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Well, I have no more pictures of this night for two reasons. First, none of mine turned out in the Haunted Mansion which is no surprise. Secondly, after we finished this ride (which was a blast from the past!) Wishes was about to start. Unfortunately, not knowing where the fireworks would be going off we plunked down near where Liberty Square and Frontierland meet. From here we could only catch the upper parts of the show. Afterwards I thought it was nice but really no big deal. Of course after seeing pics on the Disboards I knew how much I had missed. Back then though I was blissfully unaware. From there we decide to ride the teacups before finally leaving the park at around 10:30 pm.

By the time we arrived back at the resort both me and my brother had looked at each other and realized we had been to three parks and have yet to ride any of the big attractions yet. It was time to correct that situation.

[SurfinTX]

Remembering Dis '07: Day 3 Now we're getting serious.

After (from what I remember) a fitfull night rest me and my brother were up and ready at the crack of dawn. We began discussing what we were going to do and fugured a CS breakfast here would be convenient and then we can go back to AK to do what we missed. AK was also the early EMH that day as well.

Breakfast at the Sassagoula was buffet style and had several choices of both hot and cold foods with a southern touch. I dug into some scrambled eggs, bacon, biscuits and some pancakes. Everything was fair tasting, nothing spectacular but I'm not expecting that from a buffet. At 7:30 we were on the bus and we arrived just minutes before rope drop. As we passed through the gates we noticed there were not all that many people waiting and as the CMs started to allow the guests in we had clear sailing all the way out to EE. The ride was a power walk on and we found ourselves on the first train of the day. :woohoo: This coaster is a unique experience. It mixed a mine train ride with a dark ride as well as a change in directions, twice! Overall I would say it was a great first time ride but not overly thrilling for a big coaster junkie like me.

After getting off me and my brother realized that there really wasn't anything left at AK that we really wanted to do. Shrugging at each other we march our way out of the park and hitch a bus to...MGM. The timing couldn't have been better and we arrived again just as rope drop started. If my memory serves the couple of the day were two newlyweds who were sped off to Tower of Terror ahead of the crowd. We made the right turn as well and first grabbed Fast Passes for Tower of Terror and then got in standby for Rockin' Rollercoaster which had about a 20 minute wait. Finally I had a chance to pull out my camera and take a few pics.

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Not having done any research about this ride either I quickly saw that it was a powered launch coaster. This was also a first for me as all the other rides with some kind of launch system are usualy out and back rides. This one was entirely a dark ride as well with a few inversions that caught me off guard. I found that a lot of the thrills were front loaded on this ride and it petered out by the end. Many coasters have this problem so I'm not holding anything against it. The music playing while onboard really added to the thrills as well.

After that we took on the Tower of Terror. Our FPs time window was not quite up but standby wasn't too bad.

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I loved the theming of an old Hollywood hotel with all kinds of authentic touches.

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After the introduction we were escorted onto the elevator and off we went. Again I loved the theming and some of the special effects along the way. Now I was looking forward to the final part...the drop. My friend had gone to Disney several years earlier and was raving about that part of the ride. We reached the shaft and then... had a few small drops. I didn't know it at the time but sometime earlier someone with a heart condition had died shortly after they had rode this. Since then the drop routine had been set to run slower and not as far. I found it to be...mildly stimulating. Now this is from a person who rode the Cliffhanger at Six Flags in Arlington where you went from wieghtless to 9 instantaneous gravities. The tower of Terror felt like about 1/4 g to about 3 Gravities. Still a great ride but not quite what I was expecting.

Me and my brother then make a dash across the park to see Star Tours. Both of us are big Star Wars fans and had seen all the movies together over the years. The standby was building but still less than 30 minutes so right in we go.

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Again, a fun little motion simulator ride, but you could tell the ride is a bit dated. By this time it was getting to be about 11 am and my brother wanted to head back to the room to rest. I figured this was a good time to find out where everyone else was at and meet up with them. Parting ways my brother heads for the bus and I pull out my cell phone.

[SurfinTX]

Remembering Dis '07: Day 3 Cont.

While me and my brother were hopping all over AK and MGM my mom, dad and Emily made it to the opening of Magic Kingdom. They also had a reservation for a tea service with Cinderella in her castle. They said they enjoyed this but I'm leaving this part vague and try to get more information from them next chance I get to talk.

Anyhoo...around 11:00 they had finished with Cinderella and my brother was heading back to the resort. I gave my parents a call to find out what they were doing next. They said it was about time to visit EPCOT and I agreed to meet them there. Leaving MGM I noticed that there were signs for a boat transfer available to EPCOT. Well that sounded like a perfect idea! Lo and behold a boat was right at the dock ready to go as well! After a short transfer over at the Boardwalk I arrived at England just as the World Showcase was showing some life. With a bit of time before the others would arrive I check the area a bit when these people start setting up right in the middle of the road.

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It was no other than the World Showcase Players doing the "King Arthur and the Holy Grail" skit. Being so early in the day only 15 of us were watching/interacting and it was quite intimate. After not having done any research it was dumb luck I stumbled upon this performance which made it even entertaining for me.

After the show ended my parents were getting close so I went to see about lunch. I knew my parents had not set anything up yet and figured to check something interesting on the map, the Coral Reef. I arrived at The Seas and stopped for a moment. Looking around it wasn't obvious where the Coral Reef was located. Following the signs around the side I eventually came to set of double doors leading to the restaraunt. Talking with the host I secured an 1:30 pm ADR. :woohoo: My Irish luck is holding for now.

About this time my parents arrive with Emily and we decide to go to The Land as we still had a bit of time before lunch. Soarin' was impossibly long but we took note to try to arrive early another day to try to ride it. Living with the Land was only a short line, however. Again, no pictures but I did enjoy looking at all the hydroponics. Emily, not so much. Oh, well.

Now it was time for Lunch at the Coral Reef. We all pretty much agreed after the trip that it was the best meal of the trip. I had the Creamy Lobster Soup, Salmon and a wonderfull Mousse. Our server was excellent and the place was very quiet while we were dining.

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In 2007 you could still request a scuba diver come over with a custom sign.

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Well satisfied it was time to do EPCOT properly starting with going to the other side of the park to grab fastpasses for Test Track. Nearby was the World of Energy with Ellen Degeneres. The older version of this ride was not open yet when I had visited EPCOT in 1983 so I was interested. My Dad, however, not so much. He is a bit conservative and also works in the petroleum industry and had all kinds of visions of being shown how bad oil is. Still, we talked him into it. For me the ride was nice and relaxing and I'm a HUGE fan of Bill Nye. Afterwards my dad allowed that it was a fairly balenced presentation if a bit slow and generic. You have to understand that we have been to the East and West Texas oil museums as well as been on site during rig contruction and drilling so we did find it very...elementary.

Next door we jumped in line for Mission: Space! The standby time was not too bad if it's space related you know I'm in! Not knowing much about this ride we are told there are two lines. Green for a less intense experience and orange for more intense with spinning. There wasn't even a question on which one we were going on. Orange it is! Soon we were led to a room and Lt. Dan tells us to get ready for spaceflight. How did I like it?

Well it is now my most favorite ride in Disney! The feeling for me was very realistic with considerable wow factor. This was a must repeat ride for me. Afterwards we went into the gift shop and clicked one picture. Sorry mom and dad. :lmao:

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Finaly it was time for our FP on Test Track.

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This ride is an all too common example of raising expectations too high in the presentation and not quite meeting them. I found the ride to be well designed, educational...but not very thrilling. It's definantly a must ride once but with little repeat desireability.

By now it was getting into the late afternoon hours and we needed to figure out what to do with the evening. To be continued...

[SurfinTX]

Well it looks like I won't get much further into my Disney '07 memories for now. I have been too busy getting things settled down at work and preparing for the trip. Today I went shopping for food to take along on the drive which includes:

Milk
Chips
Sandwich Meat and Bread
Jello Pudding
Starbucks Coffee
Beef Jerky
Dr Pepper and Sprite
Water
Juice
Mint Oreo Fudge Cookies

I have just finished cleaning the van and checked that everything is tip top. Last night we began the serious packing of clothes and tonight well be the sundries and toiletries. Hopefully by tommorrow evening all we have to do is load up and go.

The kids are starting to get restless. Less than 24 hours until departure! :yay:

[SurfinTX]

We have made it back!

After a good night sleep the family is starting to return to reality. Dianna is off to work and I'll be going tonight as well. :sad1:

Now it's time to start the trip report. I'll start editing the pictures today and hopefully have everything organized by tomorrow.

How was the trip? Did we get everything done in the plans? Stay tuned to find out!

[SurfinTX]

Here We Goooooo!

It's Friday finally and the last day of school for the kids. All of the food has been bought and the Van is ready.

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Here is the view as it is fully packed just before pulling out.

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We depart at 6:45 pm and steel ourselves for an estimated 18 hours of driving ahead of us. Dianna gets us started behind the wheel. Luckily the video player is available and we can lay down to rest if necissary. Night falls as we pass out of east Texas and turn onto I-49 heading south. We make our first stop at Alexandria to fuel up and change drivers. It's about midnight and I managed about an hour nap. Now it's my turn and as we turn onto I-10 I start to gauge that we are doing really well and are ahead of schedule according to Google Maps. All of the kids are asleep now and we are really eating up some road now. Baton Rouge and the Mississippi River are past us now and our next bathroom break is reached at the Mississippi border rest stop. I'm still feeling good from the nap I had earlier so I continue driving as Dianna lays down. Kyler and me now talk and ride our way through two more states and we reach Mobile and it's tunnel. I'm finaly tiring out as we reach the other side of the bay so it's time to switch again.

I wake Dianna at 6:00 am and I lay down. Almost instantly I fall asleep which is unusual on a road trip. Either I was really tired or I'm getting used to this road driving. The next thing I remember the sun is well up in the sky and we are almost in Tallahassee. It's becoming increasingly obvious that Google Maps estimates are based on daylight driving with heavy traffic. I was expecting to have to eat breakfast just after Pensacola so now we are about two hours ahead of schedule.

Seeing that we were doing so well and everyone needed to take a break we decide to do as Donkey does and get some waffles. We also refill the tank again and after adjusting our watches to eastern time we resume our trip just before 10:00 am. Dianna takes over again as I will drive the last bit since I memorized the layout near Orlando. Kyler lays down again because he stayed up with me for most of the night and on this part of the trip a click a few pictures of our increasingly restless children.

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We finally arrive at I-75 and we switch drivers again. Now everyone is awake and the inevitable questions start. Once we reached the Florida Turnpike I heard Michael ask us twice how much longer within 5 minutes. :rolleyes1 Still, it was only a bit farther and soon we quickly turned onto U.S. 192 and found our Holiday Inn West to end our drive at 2:30 pm. Even with an hour long break in the middle, multiple pit stops and losing an hour we had arrived an hour earlier than expected. The hotel was ready for us and had a roll away with two queen beds reserved.

Soon we were unpacked and after a light lunch we hit the pool to work out the kinks and let the kids burn off some energy.

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The first part of the trip is behind us. Now it's time for the real vacation to start!

Plan: To arrive at West Orlando before 3:30 pm. Check!

Next up: Let's do some shopping!

[jdd]

Just hopped over from the Poly thread - so excited to read your report! We'll be at the Poly CL from 8/31-9/4, and can't wait to hear more about it.

We're also drivers to Disney (with three kids), and though our trip is only about 15 hours, your report of the drive down seemed very familiar :thumbsup2

[Tinkermom76]

hey I jumped over from the Poly thread and I can't wait to hear about your stay at the Poly.

We will be there in Dec:cool1:

[bluejasmine]

Cant wait to read the rest! Wow 18 hr drive! Thats 10 hrs more than we do! I do all the driving b/c we normally take my company car..

[SurfinTX]

Just hopped over from the Poly thread - so excited to read your report! We'll be at the Poly CL from 8/31-9/4, and can't wait to hear more about it.

We're also drivers to Disney (with three kids), and though our trip is only about 15 hours, your report of the drive down seemed very familiar :thumbsup2

Thanks for joining us! The drive on the way is always easier. We are just thankfull that everything went well and so smoothly.

hey I jumped over from the Poly thread and I can't wait to hear about your stay at the Poly.

We will be there in Dec:cool1:

I'm sure your stay will be a lot cooler than ours. :rotfl: My next update should be tomorrow morning.

Cant wait to read the rest! Wow 18 hr drive! Thats 10 hrs more than we do! I do all the driving b/c we normally take my company car..

For us the van did the job nicely. 18 hours is our limit but we did a 24 hour drive last year. Compared to that this was nothing!

I'll be updating again real soon so hang in there!

[SurfinTX]

Rawr! Let's Shop and Dine!

Ahhh. After a nice stretch at the pool, that was interupted by a mid-afternoon thunderstorm, we dress and jump in the van for a drive over to...

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This was the first time driving on Disney property for me but I had studied all the maps I could beforehand. The signs were pretty clear but it never hurts to plan ahead. After finding a fairly good parking spot we walked up to the entrance between Cirque and Disney Quest.

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Making a right turn at the House of Blues we pass shop after shop. Very soon we find ourselves browsing and taking everything in. Since it was Saturday night many of the restaurants had live bands out front to entice us.

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Crossing over to Pleasure Island we see the Harley Davidson store and decide to check it out. Kyler really liked all of the clothing and I snapped a few pics of the kids being "serious" bikers.

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As we cross over to the other side of Downtown Disney we happen upon one of the most looked forward to destinations...the Lego Store.

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I have a bunch of pictures from the inside but the kids kept moving too fast to really get a good shot. They all had ideas to get stuff but me and Dianna really had to put a damper on that. We have a Lego Store within miles of us and it seemed such a waste with the next store on our list coming up...World of Disney.

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Now it was time to spend some money! :woohoo:
Just so everyone knows, we had promised the children that they would each get $25 to spend and a hat. Kyler already had a $25 gift card to add to his pool. I'll try to gather some pictures of what we bought later. Kyler liked the classic Mickey Ears. I found that I liked the top hat and Dianna picked out a set of white sequined ears to match for our much delayed honeymoon...with the kids...:lmao: The two youngest did not like the hat selection though. Michael just doesn't wear hats so we agreed to convert the cost of a hat to something else later on. Knowing Michael that would be tomorrow at DHS. Madison did find a necklace with her name on it so we picked that up as well.

With our gear in hand it was about time for our dinner reservations which was a very short walk over to...

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The wait to get in was quite short. In fact the line to set up reservations stretched way out the door. :scared1: Minutes later we were seated near the back on the edge of the ice cave. The first thing you notice is that its very loud, especialy during the meteor showers. During the calm we clicked off a few pictures.

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Service was great. The server came by several times but did not pressure us with the bill. The food was ok. I could probably find the same at Chili's for half the cost but that is not why we are at Disney, right? After finishing we went right next door to Build-a-Dino.

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Madison is a huge fan of Build-a-Bear and this was going to be her spot.

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Michael wanted one as well. I think it's just due to Madison getting one but we could not talk him out of it.

On our way out of Downtown Disney I noticed that Kyler was wearing the mouse ears...which gave us quite a shock. I made sure to take a picture.

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Now for some reason as we reached the parking lot we lost our van. I think it was due to our having nabbed such a good spot and we marched right by it heading to a further point. Eventualy we found it and drove back to the Holiday Inn. Getting everyone in bed and ready for tomorrow I clicked one last picture of our trip mascot.

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So far everything is going well. We didn't get lost and the children are tired enough to go right to bed. :thumbsup2

Plan: See Downtown Disney and shop. Check!
Eat at T-Rex. Check!

Next Up: The Grand Tour and Other Delays

[SurfinTX]

A Grand Tour and Other Delays

All too early the next morning the alarm goes off at 6:30 am. The kids didn't seem to need much motivation this morning and a nice breakfast from the hotel helped speed up the process. At 7:25 we were checked out and on our way. In a few minutes what did we see?

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and soon thereafter?

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The excitement was building as we were waved through the main gate. A few minutes later we were pulling up to our home for the next six days. :cloud9:

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We decide to valet thinking it would be faster for us to unload what we need here and get the car quickly after we were checked in. It turned out that we probably didn't need to bother with that. The concierge desk was still setting up and we were the first arrival of the day. What happened next was the wierdest combination of wonderful and horrifyingly bad sequence of events.

We wait for the concierge cart to come around as we pull out what we think is necissary for them to hold for us until the room is ready. A few minutes later the cart pulls up and the driver tells us that our room is ready and to load everything up! :woohoo: That's great! On the other hand now we have to unload everything and this will take some time. I was not thinking clearly and we should have hurried up and only unloaded a few things. Instead it was just too convenient and we unloaded nearly everything. Remember the picture of our van a while back? That's a lot of stuff and it took some time.

After a bit we were all loaded on the cart and we were speeding off to Hawaii...or were we? I'm not sure if this is normal but the driver took us around on a grand tour of the resort heading past the Great Ceremonial House, the Volcano Pool, around the Quiet Pool and finaly to the doors of Hawaii. On the way I was admiring the lovely view and the kids were loving the various animals they saw on the way.

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By the time we were escorted in to the concierge desk I was really starting to have that wierd feeling. Everything is so amazing and everyone is being so friendly...but in the back of my head a growing sense of unease began to settle on me as I realized that we are getting well past 8:00 am. According to our plan we absolutely had to get to DHS for Star Wars Weekends before 8:45 to have any chance to do anything Star Wars related.

Still, I couldn't overcome how happy everyone in the family was and we finally start the process of checking in. Leis were handed out and Alohas all around. Everything was in order and our bags were brought up to us. We had a garden view room on the second floor facing the quiet pool.

Upon opening our door we see the following...

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Dianna went crazy over the towel animals. I began to unload the bags and with cards in hand I check the time: 8:30 :scared: Off to the car we go. We hop in valet and turn onto the road when I realize I didn't have my card key or my parking pass. :headache: We had everyone elses but I had left mine as well as the welcome packet on the table while I had unloaded the bags. Turning around I realized there was no point in rushing anymore. I kicked myself a few times and then reset my expectations in my mind. I parked in the Poly lot, ran to the room and grabbed everything while everyone else waited at the bus stop. Running back I arrive just as a DHS bus drives up. That clinched it and we hopped aboard for our first ride on Disney Transportation to what promised to be the busiest park of the day if not the week.

Plan: Check into Poly by 8:00 am. Almost
Heading to DHS at 8:20. Failed

Lessons Learned: If I had known I would have arrived as early as we did Saturday I should have booked that day at the Poly as well. With as many critical items needing to be done on Sunday it was too much to try to rush Sunday morning and expect everything to go right. This would lead to some huge consequences later in the day.

Next Up: May the Force Be With Us. We're Gunna Need It.

[jake&samsmom]

Howdy fellow Texan! I am enjoying your TR and cannot wait to hear more! Thanks for sharing with us! :thumbsup2

[SurfinTX]

Howdy fellow Texan! I am enjoying your TR and cannot wait to hear more! Thanks for sharing with us! :thumbsup2

Thanks for joining in! I've been through Houston on the way to Surfside many times over the last decade. Actually I used to live there in 1977-78 but things have changed a bit since then. ;)

[SurfinTX]

May the Force Be With Us. We're Gunna Need It.

After a false start we are finally on our way! On the way there I was nervous because the park was opening and we were going to be there after the initial rush. As we sat down me and Dianna noticed that Kyler sat next to Madison without prompting.

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Was the Disney Magic already having an effect? Anyhow, about 10 minutes later we pulled up to our stop and hopped out. It was now 9:20. I wasn't going let that get me down though. Grin firmly set in place we started to see the Star Wars presence immediatly.

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The Stormtroopers were still on top of the gate entrance and there was just a long enough line to hear a few of thier lines on the way in. That brought a smile to everyone. Now it was time for all that work on the Disboards to help us out, right? I tell everyone we are heading straight to Padawan Training to sign up for a spot. On the way there were characters about but we made a beeline for Star Tours. Arriving at 9:35 there was a line 40 deep for signup and you could tell that many were already set for the first few shows. We asked a CM and they said that it was just about booked solid for the day. That really put a downer on Michael. He was really looking forward to this and never in my dreams did I think it was necissary to sign up so early just to get any slot. There were dozens that didn't get in.

Time for Plan B. I drop everyone off at Tatooine Traders so I can make a fastpass run over to Toy Story Mania. On my way I see character photos are starting at several locations but the streets of New York are still effectively deserted. It was a wierd feeling going from absolute mayhem to nothing in less than a hundred steps. Arriving at TSM at 9:45 I get in line for the fast passes. Stand By was at 80 minutes and growing. After a bit I snag my FP for 3:45 pm. Still the plan was workable as long as everyone can take this June heat which was already bearing down on south Florida.

I meet everone back at Tatooine Traders and found that Dianna had kept everyone entertained.

Strong in the force he is.
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I surrender to the pink Bounty Hunter.
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Right next door we get in line for Star Tours. It was less than 20 minute standby at this point and there is plenty to see in the queue.

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These robo-birdies are loud!
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Soon we were sitting in our shuttle and ready to blast off.

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The kids loved it but I think Dianna was a bit woozy afterwards. Passing through the gift shop again both Michael and Kyler wanted some blasters. I thought for sure they would go for the build your own lightsaber but it didn't happen. I promised we would come back later since there was still so much to do.

Next up was Muppet Vision 3D.

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All of the family are big fans of the Muppets and we even take along the first two seasons of the 70's Muppet Show in the van with us. Again there was no wait due to all of the crowds lining up for Star Wars and TSM today.

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A big hit for the kids again! I'm not sure but I think most of the audience was not aware that there were things happening behind them during the show. Again we exit through a gift shop and we get sucked in for a bit. We did get this picture while there.

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Even though it's black and red I don't think I'll pick that one up.

On our way out we bump into these jawas wanting to trade for our gear.

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After a bit of shopping at the Dark Side Kyler picks up a photo of Darth Vader. By now everyone is hungry and we decide to make our way back to Toy Story Pizza Planet. Boy was that a mistake. The crowds were wall to wall by now. I got in line after the kids figured out what they wanted and Dianna began to hunt for a seat. According to her it was quite the adventure as people would camp out spots waiting for others to leave and then someone else would jump in...Anyway, I got through the line and we started to eat. Just about everyone had a peperoni pizza with mouse ear marshmallow rice crispies. It wasn't bad at all in my opinion. Overall I have to give it an avoid during crowded seasons though.

Finishing up it was about time to snag the second fast pass. I sent Dianna back to Tatooine Traders to pick up the blasters as I hightailed it over to Tower of Terror to grab a FP. This was set at 4:30 pm. I also noticed along the way what the Indiana Jones show times were and that the next few were not going to work out. Getting back together again we head out to see the Star Wars parade. Even looking 15 minutes early there were few spots that were not several people deep. The kids did eventualy find an OK spot and me and Dianna tower over most of the crowd anyway.

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I made sure to take this picture of the 501st banner. I might be showing a bit of my Star Wars geekiness here but the 501st in Timothy Zahn's novels are nicknamed Vader's Fist.
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Also in the parade were several celebrities including Billy Dee Williams and Ray Park who played Darth Maul.

With the crowds clearing out following the parade it was time to continue our tour. I knew that at the end of the parade there was a Q&A with the celebrities but there was no way we were going to stand in such a huge crowd again at mid-day. It was time again to do some less busy rides and next up is the Great Movie Ride.

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The line was about 30 minutes and all indoors. I really enjoyed the CM involvement with the ride. Madison and Michael were a bit freaked out by the Alien scene and wouldn't look up. :laughing: Afterwards they understood it was an effect and questioned us what it looked like.

From there it was over to the Backlot Tour. The line here was also about 30 minutes but outdoors. This really took it out of us having to stand in a very stuffy area waiting. Once inside we were all smiles as the live demonstration of effects were displayed on a group of volunteers. Soon after we were loaded up on a tram for more special effects and props.

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Finishing the tour up it was once again time to grab a FP. I was sweating this one because it was well past 2:00 pm now and there was a good chance that the FP would be gone for RockinRollercoaster. That wasn't all I was sweating either. The temperature on all of the black asphalt started to feel well over 100 degrees. We agreed that it was time for a break. I knew this was going to probably happen but the kids are getting cranky and there really wasn't much left to do without standing in some huge lines. Time to grab the FP and go. Just to show how busy it was, on the way over to RnRC we bumped into some stormtroopers heading over to thier greet spot. All the way they were surrounded by picture takers and kids wanting to see them. They kept moving as fast as they could without being too rude about it. This is the best picture Dianna could get.

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Oh well. We finally get to the FP station and it was still available for 8:10. With all three FastPasses in hand we were all set for a great evening. As the sun gets even hotter we make our way out of the park and onto a cool bus back to the Polynesian.

Plan: Arrive at DHS at 8:40 to see Stormtrooper Pre Show. Failed
Go to TSM to ride. Failed but did get FP.
Padawan Training. Failed
Gathered big 3 FP. Check!

Next Up: The Poly, Hoopla and Sci-Fi

[jake&samsmom]

Still a fun-filled morning in spite of the heat and schedule snafus :thumbsup2
I know y'all weren't the least bothered by that little ole Folrida heat when y'all are from Texus, right?! :beach:
Ok, I am off to see patients now. I hope to read another awesome update when I get back ;) I can't wait to hear about the Poly and your first evening.

[SurfinTX]

Still a fun-filled morning in spite of the heat and schedule snafus :thumbsup2
I know y'all weren't the least bothered by that little ole Folrida heat when y'all are from Texus, right?! :beach:
Ok, I am off to see patients now. I hope to read another awesome update when I get back ;) I can't wait to hear about the Poly and your first evening.

Well, in Houston you would be right at home but in Dallas it's a dryer heat but to be honest it was manageable. The Backlot Tour's queue was a torture test with walls on all sides and in the sun for half of it. Even sitting on the trams was not much of a respite.

Your looking for an upate? That will be coming right up. :goodvibes

[SurfinTX]

The Poly, Hoopla and Sci-Fi

Ok. Now we areheading back to the Polynesian to rest and check things out. It's aproaching late afternoon and that should give us a couple of hours before heading back to DHS. As could be expected, the kids wanted to head for the pool immediatly. Quickly changing and applying plenty of sunscreen we found a spot on the beach.

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Pretty crowded, eh? No matter. The kids went right in and the temperature was about a comfy 84 degrees. The slide in the volcano was a big hit as well as the waterfall. Michael and Madison must have jumped through the falling water twenty times. After an hour or so it was time to head back up. The kids beg for thier card keys to open the door to the lobby and room so I hand them off to them. You know kids. Always wanting to press elevator buttons and electronic door openers.

So, all changed and refreshed we hop on the bus again to head back to DHS. It's about 6:30pm with plenty of time to see Hyperspace Hoopla. Well upon exiting the bus we start gathering the card keys. Remember that I had handed the cards to the kids because they begged for them? Well me, Dianna and Kyler had ours but both Michael and Madison had left thiers in the room. :headache: It was totaly my fault. I should have known better that we should have emphasized how important it was to keep the cards with them anytime they left the room.

Now we were at the low point of the trip. Standing there for a moment images of missing everything and having nobody to blame but myself were floating through my head. Dianna ended up making the sacrafice, however, and said she would take the kids back to retrieve the keys. Me and Kyler headed on in. Now it was at this point I realized that Dianna had the camera in her bag as well :headache::headache::headache: so we have no pictures of Hyperspace Hoopla. Anyone who is curious can check it out on Youtube. It was very funny and had many of the Star Wars characters doing crazy things such as Vader and Stormtroopers dancing to Beat It!

Now we had a problem. The plan, as it were, would have had us riding Toy Story Mania next before having to check in for our Advanced Dining Reservation. Kyler and I were still waiting for the others to come back. I call Dianna to see how she was doing and she said she could not find Michael's key anywhere. I told her that Michael opened the room door with it and the most likely place it would be was on his bed or the bathroom since he changed. A few minutes later it was found under some towels in the bathroom and shortly thereafter they hop on the bus back to us.

Meanwhile, I go ahead and check in at

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and wait for Dianna to arrive just about on time at 8:10 pm.

The service was excellent as I subbed the Chocolate Milkshake for my dessert. In fact I think everyone else did as well. Our server even took this picture of us.

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I had the shrimp pasta which was huge if a bit bland. Overall I will give the Sci-Fi a big thumbs up. :thumbsup2

We finish up and head for the door realizing it is now 9:20 pm. Amazing how the time flies. This might give us time to ride 2 rides if we are lucky. We head off to the back of the park to TSM. As we arrive there is a small crowd milling around. We ask a CM what was going on and we find out that TSM is down for technical reasons. :headache:

Quickly leaving there it is off to the other side of the park. Coming around the corner we see that RockinRollercoaster was running. In we dive through the FP lane and within minutes we are loading up. This ride saved the night for the kids. After the trip it was unanimously voted the best ride by all of the kids. We are thrill seekers and this rollercoaster is a big blast with the Aerosmith tunes in your ears as your looping indoors to blacklit scenery.

Finishing that ride we run out to Tower of Terror but find it had already closed. Still, we were leaving on a high note and had learned a few lessons today. Getting back to the bus stop we found a huge line waiting to go home. The TTC line was no better. There was nothing to do but wait. Eventualy we got back home around 11:00 pm. Just so that everyone is aware of this, the Poly shares a bus with the Contemporary and the Grand Floridian on it's routes. This can increase transit time considerably as it did this night.

That's the end of our first full day at Disney. Sorry there were not as many pictures in this update. There were ups and downs but plenty of fun for all. As our heads hit the pillows I was making promises to myself that tommorrow would be better.

Next Up: Failure is Not an Option!

[jake&samsmom]

You know kids. Always wanting to press elevator buttons and electronic door openers.

OOhhh, I have two boys, 9 and 6 y/o's, and they literally fight about who gets to press the elevator buttons or who gets the room key to get into the room first. :headache:

Well me, Dianna and Kyler had ours but both Michael and Madison had left thiers in the room. :headache: It was totaly my fault.

It happens to the best of us, don't beat yourself up over it. ;) It happened to me and the boys while we were in Vegas, and the bad part was that all of our room card keys were left inside the room!! Luckily, the folks at the Mandalay front desk knew us quite well (DH is a semi-pro poker player, so we get to go to Vegas several times a year and Mandalay is our hotel of choice:thumbsup2), and immediately issued another card key.

Dianna ended up making the sacrafice, however, and said she would take the kids back to retrieve the keys.

Awww, that was super nice of her! Awesome Mom! I would have had DH go back instead! :rotfl:

Me and Kyler headed on in. Now it was at this point I realized that Dianna had the camera in her bag as well :headache::headache::headache: so we have no pictures of Hyperspace Hoopla. Anyone who is curious can check it out on Youtube. It was very funny and had many of the Star Wars characters doing crazy things such as Vader and Stormtroopers dancing to Beat It!

How did Kyler like it? I bet you both had a great time! And I think it is wonderful to have some "bonding" time between yourself and just one of the kids. I have three total, and its nice to give one your full attention (sometimes! :))

I had the shrimp pasta which was huge if a bit bland. Overall I will give the Sci-Fi a big thumbs up. :thumbsup2

Cool! We have never been at Sci-fi before. We usually end up at Hollywood and Vine or 50's Prime Time. We always want to try this place, but end up canceling for whatever reason.


We finish up and head for the door realizing it is now 9:20 pm. Amazing how the time flies. This might give us time to ride 2 rides if we are lucky. We head off to the back of the park to TSM. As we arrive there is a small crowd milling around. We ask a CM what was going on and we find out that TSM is down for technical reasons. :headache:

NOOOOO! I am so sorry you didn't get to ride this time...I am betting y'all did eventually later on in the week...sorry, didn't mean to get ahead of the story;)


After the trip it was unanimously voted the best ride by all of the kids.

This is DH and Jake's favorite ride at WDW as well :cool1:!! Unfortunately, Sam and I always take the chicken exit on this one :eek:



That's the end of our first full day at Disney. Sorry there were not as many pictures in this update.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading all about your family's adventures. Keep the updates coming! :goodvibes

[SurfinTX]

How did Kyler like it? I bet you both had a great time! And I think it is wonderful to have some "bonding" time between yourself and just one of the kids. I have three total, and its nice to give one your full attention (sometimes! :))



Kyler right now is the typical 15 yo boy. He doesn't want to show that he is really enjoying something in front of strangers. Once the show reached the dance off I could tell he was really enjoying it though. We had a good time afterwards commenting on the people who were wandering the park dressed in full Star Wars costumes.

I'm glad your enjoying the updates. I know I have some family out there lurking due the huge number of hits I'm seeing on photobucket right now. Hopefully I'll convice some of them to sign up eventually.

[jake&samsmom]

By the way, did y'all get to see Fantasmic on this day? If I recall correctly from your PTR, this was also one of the family's goals. :)

[SurfinTX]

Day 2: Failure is Not an Option!

It's now Monday morning and we have the alarm set for 7:30. The family today is a bit sore and a bit slower to wake up. Still, with the help of a convenient quick breakfast in the lounge it doesn't take long to get ready this morning for a trip to Epcot at 9:00 am. This time we walk over to the TTC from the Poly and hop the monorail over. We arrive ten minutes before opening and wait first for them to open the turnstiles. Once through there who do we happen to see but Daisy Duck along with Mickey and Goofy.

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Everyone in matching pink. :cutie: The Coke is from the fridge in the lounge BTW. What can I say? It's super convenient.

Before long we reach the holding point inside the park where the CMs stop everyone on each end of Innovations. We are heading off to Soarin' this morning. The announcement is made that the park is opening and we are off! Well...it wasn't quite the stampede but it certainly got crowded once we approached the doors to The Land. We were greeted by the workers of the Sunshine Seasons along the way.

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The wait was not very long at all and we were loaded within 15 minutes. Everyone loved it but we all agreed that we didn't need to repeat it later. Madison said it was cool and boring at the same time. :lmao:

With that out of the way we jump over to the other side of Future World and size up the situation. Mission: Space was a 10 minute standby while the crowds seemed to be milling around Test Track. I tell Dianna to head over to Space and I'll grab the FP for Test Track. These were set at 10:45. Heading back to Mission Space I arrive at the entrance but I can't see anyone else there. I look around a second with no luck and then a thought hits me. There is a small jumping water fountain between Innovations West and M:S. It was just too obvious that Micheal and Madison would be there. Walking back lo and behold I was right. Back together again we grab Orange - More Intense Training and head on in.

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While we were in line Dianna commented that it seemed that Disney put most of the nerdiest CMs at this ride. After a minute I had to agree as well. Soon Lt. Dan was telling us our mission and we were loaded in to the capsule. Madison soon sees the barf bag and grabs it. She can be a bit dramatic at times and once she saw that the ride came equiped with them she started getting all tensed up and worried. Afterwards she handed back the crumpled and slightly worse for wear bag to me. On this ride Kyler, Madison and me were spilt from Dianna and Michael.

For me it is my second most favorite ride in Disney World. The G's you pull during the ride are amazing and fairly realistic feeling. This time Failure was NOT an Option and we all made it out unscathed if slightly dizzy.

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Exiting the gift shop we saw that a downpour had occured while we were out in space. It had let up just as we walked out and the temperature had come way down! It was a short walk over to Ellen's Energy Adventure anyway. Dianna and the kids love Bill Nye and it was a selling point of the ride to them. Me and Dianna cringed when they started talking about offshore drilling. :rolleyes1 You need almost a solid hour to do this ride in total. We all agreed that this ride had to be done once as well but that was all.

The long Energy ride worked perfectly for us because now our FP for Test Track was now up. The park was starting to get a bit more crowded and standby was up to 40 minutes. So far the plan is paying off. In about 10 minutes we are loaded up and racing through a road course.

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After finishing I asked what everyone thought about it. The consensus was a good ride but not a repeater again. It's amazing how much alike we all are. That was my same exact opinion when I rode it in '07. Back then there was still tremendous hype surrounding that ride but it just doesn't deliver. It's not a bad ride but expectations easily get too high for it.

Now it's past 11:00 and now we have to head back across the park again to visit

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for our ADR at Coral Reef.

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We were seated on the second row facing the huge tank windows. The kids loved the tank and used a chart to try to identify the sharks that would swim by. The service was friendly if a bit slow. I would call it, in my old Steak and Ale days, paced service. We were never short any drinks at any time though. I had the Salmon and it was excellent just as last time in '07. Afterwards I ordered the Chocolate Wave and wow! So nice! Warm with the cooked in alcohol flavors. Mmmmm. Polling at the end of the trip indicated that overall this was our best dining experience.

Full and rested we head out of the Coral Reef and over to Finding Nemo. This is one of those continual loader rides that really wipe out huge lines quickly. This was the longest line we waited in all day at about 20 minutes. Still, the queue is very nice and there is plenty to see on the way.

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Again, polling everyone it was nice for the little ones but Kyler gave it a Lame with rolling eyes.

Finding Nemo unloads right into the tank area of the Seas which we explore for a while.

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The kids loved it when the sharks and dolphins would swim by.

Next up is a short walk over to Turtle Talk with Crush.

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Me, Dianna and Kyler sat on a bench as Michael and Madison sat up front with all of the other children.

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Soon Crush makes his appearance and I have to tell you...the interaction with the children is great! Either the kids were laughing at the jokes or the adults were laughing a some of the reactions of the children. It's perfect for families with small children.

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Now it's barely 12:30 and we have crossed off all of our must see items in Future World. Gathering everyone around it was agreed that it was yet again time to head back to the Poly for some rest and preparation for a big evening. Where will that be? You'll have to stay tuned to find out.

Going Above and Beyond at the Poly

[SurfinTX]

By the way, did y'all get to see Fantasmic on this day? If I recall correctly from your PTR, this was also one of the family's goals. :)

Oh! I had forgotten about that. Disney had added a second showing after 10 pm but we had given up on F! when we realized we had to finish the day with the big 3 rides. We were very tired by the end of the day and even though we were close by there was no way we would be able to make rope drop the next day and sit through the late F!

If we had to do it again I would have returned to the park a little earlier with all passes in hand and rode TSM, TT, and RnRC around the Hoopla showing. Have a counter service and then catch the early F! There was no way we could have known and forgetting the passes killed any real plan we had anyway.

[jake&samsmom]

Day 2: Failure is Not an Option!


This is too cute!!:

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Everyone in matching pink. :cutie:

The Coke is from the fridge in the lounge BTW. What can I say? It's super convenient. So when do we get to see photos of the CL at the Poly? :) I've only seen the one at AKL (our home resort). I am curious to compare both...


Everyone loved it but we all agreed that we didn't need to repeat it later. Madison said it was cool and boring at the same time. :lmao:

Awww, Soarin is my #1 favorite ride in Epcot. The boys get mad at me though cause I make them ride it at least 3 times when we're there! :) I think my boys have the same opinion of Soarin as Madison. :upsidedow


It was a short walk over to Ellen's Energy Adventure anyway. Dianna and the kids love Bill Nye and it was a selling point of the ride to them. You need almost a solid hour to do this ride in total. We all agreed that this ride had to be done once as well but that was all.

We always skip Ellen. :rolleyes1 I have heard multiple complaints of "boooriing!" when people in the Dis talk about this attraction.

Now it's past 11:00 and now we have to head back across the park again to visit

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for our ADR at Coral Reef.

I think Coral Reef is one of the better Epcot restaurants. Glad y'all enjoyed that one. Were there divers when y'all were there?

Full and rested we head out of the Coral Reef and over to Finding Nemo.
Again, polling everyone it was nice for the little ones but Kyler gave it a Lame with rolling eyes.

My older son Jake is getting to that point too! :(


Next up is a short walk over to Turtle Talk with Crush.

Soon Crush makes his appearance and I have to tell you...the interaction with the children is great! Either the kids were laughing at the jokes or the adults were laughing a some of the reactions of the children. It's perfect for families with small children.

LOVE Turtle Talk!!! The California surfer dude accent is just super awesome and the interaction is hilarious!!!

....it was yet again time to head back to the Poly for some rest and preparation for a big evening. Where will that be? You'll have to stay tuned to find out.

[Staying tuned!]

[SurfinTX]

The Coke is from the fridge in the lounge BTW. What can I say? It's super convenient. So when do we get to see photos of the CL at the Poly? :) I've only seen the one at AKL (our home resort). I am curious to compare both...



You don't have long to wait! ;)

[SurfinTX]

Going Above and Beyond at the Poly

This will be a quick update since I'm back on my regular work schedule...so let's dive on in!

After leaving EPCOT we travel by monorail bakc to the resort for some more swimming. Today we have a lot more time to spend at the resort so we decided to check out the Great Ceremonial House a bit more.

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After checking out Boutiki and the waterfalls I head over to Tambu Lounge and grab the signature drink of the Poly, the Lapu Lapu.

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Boy do they have long pours of rum there! It was very good for a pineaple rum drink but I'm more of a vodka man myself. It was worth it just for the looks I got walking towards the pool. :laughing: I had two couples ask where I had picked them up as well. No sooner had I finished mine when I noticed a steady stream of them near the pools and lounge for a while.

Anyway, I head back to the room and noticed that the concierge and mousekeeping had left a couple of things for us!

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A lovely B'day greeting from Donald! We also recieved a nice welcome letter with a decorative chocolate in a package as well. I'll upload that soon since I found the picture finally. We made sure to thank the concierge desk before we left that night.

The kids finish up swimming and get dressed for the evening. We head over to the lounge for a quick bite to eat. Towards the front of the lounge there is a TV running Disney Channel or ABC Family shows. Around that are kid sized tables and chairs for them to hang out. Often me and Dianna could relax by the windows and the children would camp by that TV. Ahhhh.

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You can really tell that they positioned the windows of the lounge to face the Magic Kingdom.

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The selection every night is varied and although I wouldn't consider it a full meal (at least for the adults, the kids kept getting more PB&Js) it was very tasty and satisfying.

Well, that's all for now. I'll have a bigger update for the night coming up soon!

[SurfinTX]

Magic Kingdom Wanderings

Now if you check our plans we were to use both the Lounge and a couple of CS credits tonight. Me and Dianna realized that after the big meal at the Coral Reef and snacking in the lounge that we were not really hungry for now. Following our plan it was now time to leave for the Magic Kingdom.

This time we were going to use the most convenient transportation option available to us and ride the boat over. It was setting up to be a lovely evening as the temperatures started to moderate.

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I never realized how many pictures we had of drinks from the Poly. :laughing: At this point Madison wanted to use the camera so the following are by her during the boat ride.

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Honestly these launches are about the single best thing included with a stay at the Poly. You just feel so relaxed after you arrive at your destination - which this time was

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It was now around 7:30 pm so I had left plenty of time for us to look around and browse what Main Street, USA had to offer.

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After a bit we had made our way to the end of Main Street and made a stop over at the Plaza Ice Cream Parlor. In here we use our first snack credits for two rootbeer floats and two single dip chocolate cones. What occured next is something we were worried about but knew it would happen eventually.

If you remember on the first page my description of Michael is that he is very fearless and will in a moment make a decision about where he is going. Several times at DHS and EPCOT he started to wander a bit or slowed down to look at something without telling us. Every time we made sure to look out after every turn just in case and we had a few close calls. No matter how much we warn him though he gets on the verge of going out of sight anyway.

Back at the Ice Cream shop I'm picking up the desserts and handing them out as they come. I notice Dianna and Kyler heading out the door closer to the bakery. I hand Michael his cone and then Madison last. Michael was not around as I picked up the reciept and Madison was heading for the door Dianna had gone out. Following them I come outside and Dianna asks me "Where is Michael?" Uh, Oh!

Well, it had been mere seconds so he couldn't have gone very far. Backtracking through the shop I walk out the entrance I had come in through and still didn't see him. At this point a man walked up to me, I guess seeing my dismay, and asked me if I were looking for a boy. He then pointed me over to the entrance of the Plaza Restaraunt. Thanking the man I head in to find Mikey sitting towards the back with a CM with him. Big tears were starting to well up right as we came in. Soon we were all back together and this time I think the message got through. We did tell him that he did a good job going inside and finding someone to help after we all had settled down. From then on the cases of Michael just heading off in a direction without anyone went way down.

Now it was getting past 8:30 and people were already starting to line up around Main Street to see the Electrical Parade at 9:00 pm. We get situated near where the Tip Board is indicated on the Park Map.

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Here we are just before the parade starts. You can see that Mikey was still recovering from the earlier incident.

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Continued in the next post.

[SurfinTX]

The Return of a Classic

After about a 30 minute or so wait and as the sky grew dark the anouncement that the Main Street Electrical Parade was about to begin! The crowd was really pumped up due to this version of the parade had not been seen at Magic Kingdom for nearly 10 years. The lights go down and the show begins.

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At this point the Seven Dwarves walk by with Dopey in the carts. For some reason all of the kids around us start start shouting "Grumpy! Grumpy!" Our kids join in as well. Grumpy pauses and looks at us...and then waves his fist at us and continues on. This brought a big laugh to all the parents.

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Me and Dianna had to tell the children that Pete's Dragon was a movie when we were kids since they had never seen it.

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All too soon the parade was over and the lights came back up. Don't leave yet! The night is far from over.

[SurfinTX]

Honey, They Blew Up the Castle!

Now that the ElectricalParade was over we had about 30 minutes before the Summer Nightastic Fireworks would start. I told the rest of the family that they could go shopping or look around for a bit and I would try to hold a spot for us. They all agreed except for Michael. He was starting to wind down a bit so he decided to stay with me.

Looking north towards the castle I noticed that I had a big lamp post right in my line of view. Moving in a bit closer I found an area next to the lamp post that might hold all of us...maybe. Many people had not moved since the parade and the sides of the street were pretty packed. Sitting down, Michael decides to take a nap and he nods off half on the ground and half on my lap...and that's how the next 20 minutes pass. While I was waiting a group right next to me decides to up and leave. Waking up Michael I move over to that spot and find a nearly perfect view.

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Soon the anouncement by the Fairy Godmother that the presentation would start momentarily. I began to worry a bit since I hadn't heard from Dianna yet. Right on cue the phone goes off. After a bit she finds me and we all settle in for the show.

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Make it pink.

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Make it blue.
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The Pirates move in.

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Honey, The Pirates blew up the Castle.

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Tinkerbell takes flight. Take note that I took this picture as she traveled due east of us and you can still see fireworks behind her.

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Finale.

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During this amazing show I turned towards Dianna and I saw her crying a bit. She has dreamed about this since she was a young girl and the moment was here.

Now that the show had ended there was a huge crowd making their way to the exits. Our plan was to go farther back into the park. This took a bit of time to go against this flow of people but once we reached the steamboat the crowd all but disapeared. Turning right we made our way to the Haunted Mansion.

As we get in view of the Mansion the kids all of a sudden start getting nervous. I had billed this ride up as one of my favorites as a child and told them not to be nervous. We reached the entrance and it is only getting worse. Madison grabs my arm and starts to shake. Both me and Dianna continue to reassure them but it's a near thing that one doesn't chicken out at any moment.

It was only a few minutes wait until we were led to the stretching room and the kids were hanging on for dear life. They were not going to take one more step without us helping them.

They calm down during the stretch but when the room goes dark that almost did them in again. When the side door opens into the loading area it gets really dark again and Madison is hanging on to me as if her life depended on it.It was time to load up on the Doombuggy and it was a mad scramble for the kids to sit as close to mom as possible. I hung back and then decided it would be better to sit alone behind them.

According to Dianna after they entered the first scene thier mouths dropped open in disbelief. Once they saw what the ride was really like they recovered quickly and enjoyed the rest. Afterwards they joked about some of the lines...

"There's always MY way."

Looking through my pictures nothing turned out well during this period. I had to keep the shutter open way too long and everything is very blurry. Oh well.

From there we head behind the castle to walk through it and get some pictures now that the park is getting to be empty.

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We soak up the atmosphere for a bit and then make our way to the front. There we saw a mass of people still waiting to head home. The monorail had lines all the way down the ramp. The Ferry to TTC was backing up to the bag check and our boat had at least 4 loads worth of people waiting. We picked the boat. After about 20 minutes we were really getting concerned when only one boat had come by. Then suddenly one of the larger boats normaly used for Ft. Wilderness diverts to us and nearly everyone is loaded.

Just a bit after 11:00 pm we arrive back at the Poly. When we reach the room the kids head directly for bed. Two long days in a row has taken it out of them. Can they handle a third? Can they handle a morning EMH?

Stay tuned to find out!

[jake&samsmom]

OMG! Updates galore. The CL at the Poly looks :thumbsup2!. Love the fireworks pics! Glad everyone had a memorable night! :)
I'm so sorry about Mikey getting lost :(
We love HM, but the boys were pretty nervous the first time they rode it too.

[SurfinTX]

We love HM, but the boys were pretty nervous the first time they rode it too.

After we settled down later that night me and Dianna joked a bit about what was going through their minds and what nightmares Disney had dreamed up for them. :laughing: They were troopers and didn't back out though.

[SurfinTX]

Early EMH! Can We Git Er Done?

These are the times that try families' souls. If you remember we had a full day on Monday going to Epcot, swimming at the Poly and then staying out fairly late at Magic Kingdom. Would we have enough left to try for an Early Extra Mickey Hour at Magic Kingdom this morning?

Strangely enough, yes. After falling asleep somewhere around midnight I had set the alarm for 6:45am. For some reason I awoke around 6:30 with no help whatsoever. Even better, Dianna seemed to wake up around the same time and even though the soreness was there the will was even greater. Soon we were starting to make some noise but the kids just were not going to move without more motivation. Not quite kicking them out of bed it looked like the parents were have to enforce a death march this morning. :laughing:

Still, we were right on schedule and after an ibuprofen we were ready to head to the lounge. Slowly but surely the kids made thier way in as well. Today we found a table right next to the window available and I captured a few pictures.

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We loved watching the ducks walk up and down the beach. It seems that they don't like to have much sand on top of thier webbed feet and shake them a lot. It's pretty funny to see.

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This morning I had oatmeal with cranberries and blueberries as well as some cinnamon rolls to tide me over. A little after 7:30 we head out of the lounge and make our way down to the pier. As we were heading that way a launch pulled up and almost immedietly we were on our way! There was no one else on with us but the skipper and it felt like we had our own personal ride to the Magic Kingdom.

After going through bag check and the turnstiles we wait in front of the train station for the pre-opening show.

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Soon we hear the music start up and we are welcomed by the fire marshall to the Magic Kingdom.

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After a few minutes the train pulls in and Mickey and Friends all join in the celebration.

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If you notice between Mickey and the Marshall is the Family of the Day who help open the park.

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After about ten minutes the rope drops and the rush is on. Those without kids have a huge advantage here. It is quite a long walk all the way to the various rides and children can only move so fast. Strollers are of little help since the first mass of people is so dense and many of them were left behind in the dust. Our older kids did ok and we only had to keep pace as so not to lose sight of Micheal.

If you can remember from our plan that we had decided to go to Space Mountain and then work our way counter clockwise towards Fantasy Land. Sometime this morning Madison and Dianna decide that Dumbo was a priority ride now. Uuummm, OK? Quickly formulating a new plan on the fly we head for the castle. I tell Dianna to take the kids and get in line for Dumbo as I move over to the FP machine at Peter Pan. I get there and punch in all of our cards. As I started to grab the tickets I noticed more was coming out. Checking them it said that I had recieved a bonus FP for Mickey's Philharmagic! Well alrighty then!

Quickly walking back to dumbo I jump in line with Madison and Dianna. It looked like Kyler and Michael were going to sit this one out. This was probably the first ride of the trip that caused a split. The wait wasn't long at all and soon we were loaded up to fly.

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I flew alone and admired the view including a bonus look over at the construction of the new Fantasyland. All I saw was a lot of dug up ground and much of Pooh's Playful Place gone. Nothing as far as new structures have been started at all.

Touching down we gather everyone up. Thinking for a moment I decided that we would do the plan in reverse. So next up was the Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh. Again almost no line as of yet and within minutes we are loaded into our honeypots.

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I loved the bouncing. I loved the smell of Honey. A huge hit for the little kids and a lot of memories for me and Dianna. Kyler, well, at least he wasn't rolling his eyes and sighing this time.

Next up is the classic ride Mad Tea Party. Again no wait and I was really starting to sense the benefit of having a plan and using an EMH.

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With me and the boys together I let the kids do the turning. They get us spinning but not very fast. Michael says he wants me to help. Okie Dokie! I proceeded to take over the wheel and spin us as fast as I could. Michael and Kyler could not rech the wheel anymore as I sent us reeling. You have to understand that I have a lot of resistance to dizziness and you know, they asked for it. :rotfl: Opening the door the kids all but collapsed out of the cup. Eventually we make our way to the exit and recover for a bit.

Continuing our way we enter Tommorowland and jump into line for the Indy Speedway. I knew this would eat up some time but the kids love to drive things and it was a priority. No doubt it was the longest line of the morning at about a 15 minute wait.

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I joined Mickey and helped with the gas pedal. He was all business and screamed at anyone he could pass. He isn't competitive or anything.

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With that done it was time to head over to what potentialy could be a long wait. Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin. It had just passed 9:00 am so the standby line wasn't bad at all yet. About a 10 minute wait again on this continual loader. I wanted to get a picture in front of Buzz but I think the kids were tiring of me taking pictures. I think I'll frame this one. :rotfl:

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I also captured this ride photo. I think Zurg managed to stun them.

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Now I did my homework on the Dis Boards before riding this but it didn't help me much. Even though I knew what to shoot at I missed everything at the end. Dianna beat me by nearly 3x.

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The evil Zurg being defeated it was time to move on to more deep space adventures...

To be Continued...

[SurfinTX]

Early EMH at Magic Kingdom, cont.

So far things are going great this morning. We are way ahead of schedule and we are bouncing along without having to walk very far between rides.

The roll continues at Stitch's Great Escape.

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Having never rode the old version of this ride I came into it pretty mcuh a clean slate. I had heard many complaints about this attraction on the boards but I had not said anything to the rest of the family. So Stitch does his thing, bathroom humor and all, and I have to say there are far worse rides for preteens and teenagers in Magic Kingdom. For Kyler it rated a few smirks which was far better than Finding Nemo and those kind of rides.

Escaping ourselves we are just a hop skip and a jump over to Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor. The line looked a bit long but we arrived just as a show let out and the next loading went pretty quickly. Mike gives us his introduction to what the Laugh Floor is all about and within minutes we find ourselves seated in what appears to be a late 50's comedy show with table lamps in front of us.

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The show starts and various people are picked on for jokes. For a moment during the show I thought one of us had been picked when a light shined on us. In fact it was an elderly lady right behind Dianna. This is where the show took a strange turn. She obviously could not hear a thing and when the monster asked questions or commented about her all she could say was "What?" The crowd was kinda laughing along with her not trying to be mean but we couldn't help ourselves. I think it was more due to seeing the "Monster" trying to keep running up to a joke but failing miserably. Finaly the "Monster" gives up says "Man I'm getting shown up by her?" and we all bust out laughing.

By the way, "That Guy." was sitting on the second row near the right side this time for those who try to be him.

With that we had completed our tour of Tommorowland. Space Mountain was on the original plan but we hadn't reached the time to get fastpasses yet. It wouldn't have mattered anyway since the window was entering early afternoon already and standby was 40 minutes. Skipping that we backtrack a bit to see Mickey's Toontown Fair.

As many of you know this attraction is being shut down to make room for the new Fantasyland expansion. It became a priority to see it after that announcement was made last year. I didn't visit it on my '07 trip as well so I was looking forward to getting a look.

First stop was Minnie's Country House.

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At this point I think we lost the boys as far as interest goes. ;)

Next up was Mickey's Country House.

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Madison, Dianna and I are loving it. Michael and Kyler...not so much as can be seen here.

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All thoughts of going into the Judges Tent were dashed when we viewed the 75 minute long line. That was just fine for the boys since next on the list to do is.

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It was announced that Goofy's Barnstormer will remain but will be re-themed to match the circus atmosphere around a relocated Double Dumbo. The line was less than 15 minutes and we were off.

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It's a very short coaster and great for beginners or those that are nervous around big rides. Kyler was like "That was it?!"

Having toured Mickey's Toontown Fair for most likely the last time it's now time to use the fastpasses for Peter Pan's Flight. Standby was only about 20 minutes but the fastpass line was an immediate load onto our ships. I tried to get some pictures but again the low lighting defeated me. After we had finished me and Dianna could tell that the Fantasyland type ride was wearing a bit thin on the kids.

Now, with the bonus fastpasses in hand we head over to Mickey's Philharmagic. This is another show I missed on my '07 trip so I was looking forward to this. Entering we noticed that there was no need for a fastpass yet. There was only one show before ours.

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The effects surprised everyone and we all enjoyed the pie smell. It was a great show that helped us end our morning in the Magic Kingdom with a really good feeling. It was now time to leave and make our way to Lunch...

but the magic wasn't done yet.

Dianna had brought with her a 1989 Rose O'Niells Kewpie Doll of Snow White with her on the trip. Heading over to the castle we found our way blocked by a showing of Dream Along with Mickey. Heading around to the left we see walking out of a side door Snow White! It didn't take us long to get in the right spot and soon we were up to meet her.

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Madison had Snow White sign the Kewpie for us and the morning just couldn't seem to get much better and we still haven't even scratched the surface of our plans for the day!

On our way out we did catch a bit of the Dream Along with Mickey show in front of the castle but didn't hang around long. The Florida heat was starting to make its presence felt and we were looking to take a short break before moving on to our next destination.

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Next Up: More Princesses Than You Can Shake a Stick At!

[SurfinTX]

Day 3 Cont.

According to our plan after finishing with Magic Kingdom we were to head directly to EPCOT to have lunch and see the World Showcase. We were doing really well on time this morning so we made a quick trip around the Resort Loop of the Monorail to freshen up at the Poly. While there we visited the lounge for a few drinks and some cookies as well since our ADR was just after 1:00 pm. With that out of the way we walk back to the TTC and jump on the monorail to EPCOT.

From the unloading area we follow the plan and check out the fast pass situation over at Mission Space. 3:45, not bad! We grab them and then finally arrive at Showcase Plaza. Taking a left turn we head towards Mexico. Currently there is still a lot of construction due to the new restaraunt that is going up there. We bypass Mexico quickly and continue into Norway for our ADR at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall.

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As you can see there was quite a crowd milling about waiting for seating. It gave us a chance to do a bit of browsing in the shop across the alley. We discovered a Kidcot station inside and while I was hanging out waiting for our name to be called the kids decided to start making thier "face". It starts out as a blank cardboard face that each child can color. After that the CM at that station might talk with them a bit about the country they are in and then stamp it showing that they visited.

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After about a 15 minute wait we are called to the booth and get into another line. Kyler commented on this and I told them Disney is all about controlling crowds. This next line wasn't very long and we were led to an alcove to get a picture with a princess before we were seated. Today it was Belle.

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Soon we were seated within a few steps of the buffet. Oh well. At least the boys can start digging in almost immediatly. At the buffet there were several choices of cheese including goat cheese, salads and assorted crackers and bread. There really wasn't much to appeal to small children however. I ordered the Salmon on multigrain Bread. Dianna had the Braised Lamb and Kyler had the Traditional Kjottkake. We all found the food to be acceptable if not great. While we were eating one by one we saw the princesses come by our table.

First up was Aurora. Madison was excited to see her. Aurora didn't talk with us much if I remember correctly.

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Madison gives her approval.

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Next by was Snow White. Again the conversation was brief and she was much friendlier at the castle. ;)

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Cinderella joined us next and this was a very nice princess. She engaged both of the children in conversations.

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So much so that Michael got up to get in the picture as well.

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Last on the rotation was Ariel.

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She also was very nice and perky and talked with the children about thier doo-hickies and thingamabobs.

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Finally our desert came out which was served family style. The kids attacked the Chocolate Mousse. Dianna had most of the Lingonberry Cheescake. I sampled a bit of everything. Being a fan of tapioca I found the rice cream OK but not really an appealing desert with the other two choices right next to it. :rotfl:

So ends our dining experience with most of us satisfied and the children ecstatic. Yet the day is barely half over!

To Be Continued...

[jake&samsmom]

Those were some pretty princesses! I went to Akershus 2 years ago, and at that time, they had Princess Jasmine there too. I thought the food was so-so, but the character interaction was great.:thumbsup2 At that time, we had no girls in the family, so I went solo....now we have 2 (my daughter, and my niece, both still in diapers). How did your teenager like this meal? ;) Madison and Mom looked like they enjoyed this tremendously. :goodvibes

[SurfinTX]

Those were some pretty princesses! I went to Akershus 2 years ago, and at that time, they had Princess Jasmine there too. I thought the food was so-so, but the character interaction was great.:thumbsup2 At that time, we had no girls in the family, so I went solo....now we have 2 (my daughter, and my niece, both still in diapers). How did your teenager like this meal? ;) Madison and Mom looked like they enjoyed this tremendously. :goodvibes

According to Dianna, Kyler was weathering it well. He was keeping a low profile and I wan't going to pressure him into joining in any of the pictures. ;)

[SurfinTX]

Shopping Around the World

Filled and refreshed it was time again to continue our tour of World Showcase. First thing, however, was our FP window had opened so I ran over to the Maelstrom to get those. With that out of the way it was time to visit China.

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Asian culture being a favorite of both me and Dianna we spent a lot of time browsing the shops.

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The kids really liked checking out the selection of toys here as well. The spinning plastic plates kept a whole crowd of children circulating around this little shop. Kyler checked out the Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan memorabilia in the main shop. If you notice in the background the umbrella stand Dianna makes what is probably our best purchase of the trip.

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The CM signed this for us in Chinese "Tom and Dianna Married 2010". Not only a great keepsake it really came in handy during the remaining hot days as well as an easy eye-catcher if we needed to find each other.
Update from Madison - When I took this picture she had a pretty upset tummy. As a warning to others drinking nothing but soft drinks and standing in the heat will do this to you.

While shopping the live entertainment Dragon Legond Acrobats set up.

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The show is on two parts with a tumbling/dancing routine and then several young boys present a cooking skit with spinning plates and acrobatics while pretending to prepare various items. While this was happening Dianna notices another character showing up just as we were passing as well. Mulan!

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So, that makes it seven princess encounters in one day for Madison. She was thrilled but as you can see from both of their faces it is now becoming a punishingly hot afternoon. Character rotations were now under 10 minutes outside. Checking a paper the next morning I noticed an hour by hour history of today. At 3:00 pm it was 97 degrees with a relative humidity of 77%. That equates to a heat index of 139 degrees!

Finishing our visit to China we move on to the African Outpost. The kids couldn't help themselves and decided to have a go on the drums.

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We didn't spend much time here though as there wasn't a whole lot to see. Next up was Germany.

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Our Warrior Princess.

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We found the Kidcot station and exchanged a few words in German with a very tired looking CM.

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I have to say I did love the theming around the square but you could tell there just wasn't much to do here but shop and eat at Biergarten. A lot of the entertainment is inside the restaraunt so making a note for next time we decide it's time for a break from shopping.

In Germany there is a boat launch back to Future World and so far my planning is working to a T today. After a short time we are unloaded and head over to Mission: Space and give it another whirl.

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Standby was about 40 minutes but our FP got us in in 10. This time it was all of the boys working together and I had to handle both the Commander and Engineer positions again.

This time upon exiting us parents needed a rest from all of the walking we had done earlier and so we stopped in the gaming center. Sitting down we share a Coke as the kids try out the simulators. It's dark and cool and just what we needed. Feeling better we moved out back to the world showcase and Norway again to use our other Fastpass on the Maelstrom.

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What can you say? It was dark and cool with an encounter with a troll or two. What was interesting, however, was that the ride unloaded not in a Gift Shop :scared1: but in a nightime version of a small Norwegian town.

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After a bit of a wait a set of doors opens revealing a theater where a short fiim was presented. Overall, if you have a lot of interst in Norway, a decent ride. The kids had had enough though. Another set of doors opened up and -you guessed it- a lovely gift shop was revealed. Having seen most of this earlier we headed quickly for the door.

It was approaching the late afternoon and the temperatures still hadn't let up yet. Can we finish our tour? Will our tired legs let us go on?

Tune in Next Time to find out!

[jmskinner]

Joining in. Just read most of your TR, kinda skipped the PTR portion.:rolleyes1

Great report so far. We were at DHS the same day, but looks like we were at different sides of the park all day. Sorry you didn't get to ride TSMM or ToT. And future reference on those passes let behind, they will normally issue you a new one. We've had to get new AP's left in the car before and while we were doing that, noticed several people getting their key cards replaced that they had left in their resort. But it all worked out in the end.

Love the pictures of the resort, we haven't stayed there, yet.:) One day.

I loved your description of the kids and Haunted Mansion, too funny. Mine got a little scared during the preshow also. He now rides by himself all the time.

Looking forward to the rest of your TR. Oh, and since everyone from TX keeps popping in here and you have been through their town, had to check to see if you have been to my home town, San Angelo, TX.

[SurfinTX]

Joining in. Just read most of your TR, kinda skipped the PTR portion.:rolleyes1

Great report so far. We were at DHS the same day, but looks like we were at different sides of the park all day. Sorry you didn't get to ride TSMM or ToT. And future reference on those passes let behind, they will normally issue you a new one. We've had to get new AP's left in the car before and while we were doing that, noticed several people getting their key cards replaced that they had left in their resort. But it all worked out in the end.

Love the pictures of the resort, we haven't stayed there, yet.:) One day.

I loved your description of the kids and Haunted Mansion, too funny. Mine got a little scared during the preshow also. He now rides by himself all the time.

Looking forward to the rest of your TR. Oh, and since everyone from TX keeps popping in here and you have been through their town, had to check to see if you have been to my home town, San Angelo, TX.

:welcome: jmskinner! I'm glad you checked out my in progress report.

I have only been to San Angelo once for a high school baseball tournament out there. My parents did take me to see Fort Concho but I don't remember much else other than the hotel pool. :rotfl:

The end of Day 3 should be up sometime tonight. :thumbsup2

[Tinkermom76]

Loving your updates

We had a day at Epcot last trip where we got to see a ton of princesses as well, some a couple of times. That's a great place to meet them!!!!

Can't wait to hear more

[TinksThree]

Early EMH at Magic Kingdom, cont.

but the magic wasn't done yet.

Dianna had brought with her a 1989 Rose O'Niells Kewpie Doll of Snow White with her on the trip. Heading over to the castle we found our way blocked by a showing of Dream Along with Mickey. Heading around to the left we see walking out of a side door Snow White! It didn't take us long to get in the right spot and soon we were up to meet her.

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Madison had Snow White sign the Kewpie for us and the morning just couldn't seem to get much better and we still haven't even scratched the surface of our plans for the day!

Next Up: More Princesses Than You Can Shake a Stick At!

I am bouncing around and started with T-Rex and MK EMH since we were there on the same days! We saw this same Snow White and she was so great! Very friendly and personable. It was probably one of the best character interactions I have had!! Your pictures are so good!! Okay, back to bouncing!!

[SurfinTX]

Must...Keep...Touring...:faint:

Leaving Norway again we retrace our steps and walk all the way to Italy. On the way I started to notice a familiar smell. Was someone smoking? I heard someone half-yell that there was no smoking here. Looking around I noticed a young man with a cigarette in front of us. It didn't take long for someone to flag down a CM and they rushed over to talk to him. He appeared to be a foriegner who seemed to be clueless about non-smoking areas.

Passing them by we turn in to Italy and who did we see?

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Sergio! He was in the middle of his show and had picked a pre-teen girl as his assistant. Whaterver you do, if you have a shy kid, do not let them volunteer for that job! :laughing:

We search a bit and find the Kidcot station further in.

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The CM here was very nice and there were a few seats nearby. At this point I was using every place to sit I could find. While waiting for the kids I notice a younger lady and what appears to be her mom stroll by. When I say stroll by I mean act like Kim Kardashian with a photographer following them. I wouldn't have mentioned them but a bit later we saw a fountain that we wanted to take apicture in front of. Well, several other people were waiting as well due to these people I mentioned earlier. It was at least ten minutes after we left the Kidcot station and they were still taking pictures.:confused: Eventually they moved on and we stepped up after a bit.

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Man my hat is really starting to droop.

Having seen the sights of Italy it was time to move on to the good old USA. We didn't spend much time here but did find the Kidcot station for the children.

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Again I found a seat as my feet were really starting to hurt. Soon we were on our way to my favorite country and our ADR for the night, Japan.

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As we arrived we noticed a crowd near the entrance to the gift shop. It was Miyuki making some custom rice candy in the shape of animals.

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Right as she was finishing up across the way Matsuriza started up on the drums.

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The crowd had grown quite large in the area so we escaped into the gift shop. Here is where we spent most of our time due to the Hello Kitty display. Dianna is a huge fan. :love:

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Towards the interior of the land we finally found the Kidcot station.

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Domo arigatos all around but the CMs here were very busy. This was the only spot that had more than a few minute wait.

Finally it was time to check in for our ADR at Teppan Edo. Walking in I noticed that they had changed the interior layout since my '07 trip. The check-in desk had been combined with Tokyo Dining and there was a large number of people waiting. Recieving our pager we sat down for a bit. I was really worried the wait was going to be long but in less than 5 minutes our pager went off. :thumbsup2

For some reason I didn't take any pictures at all of this dining experience. I think it was a combination of handling our children and the speed of service. As a group of 5 we were seated with a young group of three. One of them was very handicapped but very enthusiastic throughout the meal. He was the brother of a late teenage girl with her boyfriend. She seemed very comfortable about the situation but the boyfriend was worried about us and might have been embarrased. Dianna commented that we were all having so much fun and he seemed to relax a bit.

Now I knew that this was going to be a tough sell for Madison due to her finickiness. It turned out there was no need to worry as she was perfectly fine eating the chicken with rice...as long as nothing else was in it.

I asked Kyler today about his meal and he said it was fine but he put too much soy sauce on it.

My filet mignon was excellent and I pretty much wolfed it down. After that I had the chocolate ginger cake. It certainly wasn't bad but it was by far the least tasty dessert of our stay. Dianna had the Green Tea pudding and found it "acceptable". This is where the kids were showing how tired they were. They were served the vanilla ice cream and nearly fell out. Madison and Michael both like chocolate but it was ice cream, right? Well the children were about done but there was more to do. We march out and tell them we will find something nice for them on the snack credit.

Next up was Morrocco and just our luck Mo'Rockin' was right in the middle of a performance. Dianna just rolled her eyes at the name of the band. The bellydancer sure was talented. :duck:

Anyhoo, moving right along we move to the back area of Morrocco and find all kinds of neat architecture.

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You can tell the kids are all moping a bit after having only vanilla ice cream. After checking out a few things in the shops it was time to get some refreshment and a perfect place for that is France.

Here we found a refreshment stand serving chocolate ice cream. :cheer2: Also they were serving...the Grey Goose Slushie. I had promised this drink to Dianna months ago and she kept pestering me from time to time when we were going to try it out.

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A very tasty pre-mixed drink and was finished fairly quickly. We began to wonder how hard it would to make this at home. We didn't spend much time in france since it was approaching dusk and we wanted to see the United Kingdom and prepare for Illuminations.

Crossing the bridge we could hear some familiar music. It was the British Invasion.

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They were playing Hey Jude as we sat down watching. Just to let everyone know we have The Beatles Rock Band and the kids are very familiar with the music. This was a very enjoyable show for everyone. After the show was done we headed into the shops and especially liked all of the Alice memorabilia. Finding our final Kidcot station for the day we added the last stamps and add ons.

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Soon it was time to find a good spot to watch Illuminations and we backtracked a bit to the bridge. Here is where my night picture taking failed miserably. A lot of the lamps and surrounding lights remained up during the show so when I had my camera all set up I washed out nearly every shot with background light. Soon I ditched the camera and I just enjoyed the show with Michael on my back.

Now it was time to leave EPCOT...but I had forgotten to tell you something. Dianna reminded me as I was preparing this part of the report.

Earlier in the day between the time we had rode Mission: Space and heading back to the Maelstrom we went into the Coca Cola Cool Zone. While in here we tried the various drinks and found most to be not too tasty. All of the kids had the typical reaction to the Beverly but I didn't have the camera ready. Anyway, Micheal sees this Club Penguin - penguin. Michael plays an online game related to this and fell in love with it. The night before he lost a tooth and said he wanted to use his money to get it. We tried to talk him out of it all day since it really wasn't Disney related but it wasn't going to happen.

So, back to now, as we were getting ready to leave Michael asks can we get the penguin. Collectively sighing we head back to Club Cool ato find it closed. Future World was the late EMH and there was a lot still open. We decide to try Mouse Gears and after a lot of searching we finally find the penguin. While looking for that Madison stumbles across a set of blue mouse ears. Now she wants that since blue is her favorite color. Finally, all gear in hand we head for the gates.

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The monorail wait was short tonight and we decided to switch lines instead of walking back to the resort from the TTC. Our legs could not take much more.

One last thing happened on the way into the lounge. Kyler decided to run up the outside stairs and go through the second floor door which requires the card key. Michael decided to run up after him while the rest of us go through the double doors downstairs. I knew at this moment what would happen. Kyler would beat him up there easily and leave Michael behind outside. I was also thinking it would be no problem since we would get to that door in about 30 seconds.

Well, Michael finds the door locked and runs back downstairs as we reach the second floor. Again, Michael's arms fall off in that short period and we round him up. We reminded him that he shouldn't run off without us as we led him to the room and then had to remind Kyler not to leave him behind. The kids were all tired and had hit their limit. It didn't take long to get them settled and my body was screaming for rest.

Lessons Learned: No matter what you are getting done it's not worth having all of the kids fall out by the end of the day. Take the mid-day break.

Next Up: Swimming With the Sharks

[SurfinTX]

Loving your updates

We had a day at Epcot last trip where we got to see a ton of princesses as well, some a couple of times. That's a great place to meet them!!!!

Can't wait to hear more

No doubt about it. If you time it right you can meet many characters all around World Showcase.

I am bouncing around and started with T-Rex and MK EMH since we were there on the same days! We saw this same Snow White and she was so great! Very friendly and personable. It was probably one of the best character interactions I have had!! Your pictures are so good!! Okay, back to bouncing!!

I'm bouncing around yours, glennbo123 and mom2mek's reports as well! :thumbsup2

Thanks about the pictures. Sometimes I get a good one but I do have a lot of outakes.

[Boardwalkin]

Really enjoying your trip report. Pictures are fantastic!

[camsmomE]

Hope I'm not too late. I started your PTR (from Dec... and have gotten to April). Reading your story has gotten me even more excited for our trip! Thanks! Great writing!!! Can't wait until I get to the actual TR, but I don't want to miss a thing! :thumbsup2 -Stace

[SurfinTX]

Swimming with the Sharks

This update is going to be long on story and short on pictures just so you are warned.

After our epic tour of both the Magic Kingdom and EPCOT we had collapsed into our beds somewhere between 11:30 and midnight once again. Luckily I had planned a completely different kind of day for Wednsday. Sleeping in until 7:45, we began to stir and slowly get our act together. While in the bathroom me and Dianna started to talk about our plans for the day.

First of all it was now actually my birthday! We had set Typhoon Lagoon as our early park and since it wasn't opening until 9:00 we were not in too much of a rush to get there at opening anyway. The question was what were we going to do with our afternoon and evening.

My mind had been working on this the last few days and we were not exactly sure yet what we were going to do. My official plan had 3 alternatives from going to Beaches and Cream and then Downtown Disney and see Disney Quest to leaving the kids at the resort and partying at Jelly Rolls.

Right at that moment a plan crystalized in my brain...and it was like the Ah! Ha! moment had struck. Checking the schedule I saw that Animal Kingdom was the late EMH today. Within seconds a new plan for the next two days was worked out. Since we had missed several rides at DHS on our first day I was having a hard time figuring out if we could back there with our remaining time.

Now we could spend a half-day at Typhoon Lagoon and then ease our way out to Animal Kingdom for the late EMH tonight to hit the thrill rides. This would free up tomorrows plan at aK to just see the animal oriented attractions early. Then, hopefully, we can go back to DHS to pick up some of the rides we left off last time in the afternoon.

The drawback to all of this was that I wasn't going to be doing anything birthday oriented today with this plan. Dianna later accused me of doing this on purpose but that was not the case. I swear! :littleangel:

With all of that settled for now it was time to grab another breakfast at the Lounge. With the little extra rest the kids seemed to perk up quickly and before long we hopped on the Typhoon Lagoon/Downtown Disney bus. Arriving at the park we quickly payed for our tickets and made the trek over to the beach right in front of the Surf Pool where 5 and C are marked on the map.

After getting all of our stuff situated and liberal amounts of sunscreen applied we run for the Lagoon. Now, just in case you don't know, this wave pool hosts one of the largest man made waves in existance. I was really looking forward to experiencing this. I had told the kids about it but I can try to describe it to them but I don't think they were really prepared for it in their minds.

After about a minute or so a big flushing woosh sound hapens and a gigantic wave is sent at us.

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The kids' mouths all drop as the wave surges at us and we are enveloped in about 5 feet of whitewater. All of them jump up and start yelling for more. Now I move out to where Michael can just touch and we wait. When the pool is set to sending big waves it takes a few minutes to get the tanks refilled. Soon enough another huge wave is sent at us and I body surf a solid 30 feet this time. This early in the morning the crowds were pretty light and there was plenty of room to manuever.

I did go out into the deeper water a few times to really try to catch the wave but I found that it moved so fast you really needed a boogie board or surfboard to catch it. (Which is not allowed during regular park hours.)

After experiencing a few of these big waves we decided to see the rest of the park and catch a few rides. Hopping into Castaway Creek we find some tuves eventually and take a relaxing trip around the park. Looking around I realize how lush everything is. I mean like Amazon Jungle/Tropical Island lush. Along the way they have misters running and it really feels like you have travled near the equator as all of the plants close around you.

Getting close to where the slides were I tell Dianna that the next exit is the one we want. Well Michael does not get the message and keeps on going after all of us get out. At first Dianna thought it was no big deal and we would catch him on the way back. At first I couldn't figure this out since Dianna is usualy very protective of keeping the kids reasonably close to us, especially in water. Then I realized that she thought we had done a complete circuit when we had actually travelled only about 1/3 of the way. Telling her this she immedietly jumped back in to catch up with him. Madison heads back as well. Me and Kyler look at each other and we are like "I want to ride some rides." but this communication was non-verbal.

Thinking back, this was not the most mature decision I had ever made. I should have headed back in and got them all out at the next exit so we could remain all together. Instead we head up to the line for Mayday Falls and then planned to head back to the beach and wait for Dianna to return there.

The wait wasn't long and soon we were on our rafts sliding our way back down. I found the slide to nice but I had experienced some much more thrilling ones at Hurricane Harbor in Dallas. Kyler thought it was great since he slipped backwards halfway down. Walking back we get to our spot to find Dianna was not back yet. Since it had been a bare 10 minutes Me and Kyler walk over to the nearby Shark Reef for an experience I was really looking forward to.

Kyler is not a strong swimmer so I recomend for him the life vest. It was a good decision since the water is pretty cold and they do not want you to splash much as you make your way across the tank. Again, not much of a crowd to be seen and we were not rushed to get in or swim across. I get a really good look at a big school of fish as they diverted around me. After about three minutes we got out the other side and Kyler was all smiles. He had seen several sharks swim right under him.

Making our way back again we still did not see Dianna around our chairs. Getting a little worried I decide to hang around and I send Kyler into the wave pool. After a few minutes Kyler comes back and says "You are in trouble." Well, bracing myself, Dianna comes up and is pretty upset as you can imagine. I'll gloss over the next bit if you don't mind.

Well, for a while things are pretty rough as I tell her where the Shark Reef is. She, umm, heads off in that direction but I make a pointed effort to remain cheerful. Getting in line for gear Kyler decided to go to the observation area this time. Life vests are offered but Dianna is moving quickly through the line and the little ones are following just as fast. I was thinking that they were going to need it but they are already around the corner with just masks. :rolleyes1 and I mean I litteraly looked up at the sky and sighed.

Getting to the pool area I reminded the kids that it will be cold and salty so don't remove the masks. We all get in and the kids are immediatly showing problems. After about 20 seconds or so they look like they are getting used to the water and start to swim out. Both of them have been to the beach a few times and have snorkled as well but only where they could touch the bottom. After we had swum out I turned around to Michael and gave him a thumbs up. At that moment he seemed fine but after I turned around to see where I was going he started crawling up my arm. Uh. Oh. Me and Dianna moved over to put our arms out between both children but it was too late. The masks had come up and they were struggling. At this point the helpful life guard comes over and puts his floatation device under them and swims them to the end. Dianna and me swim behind and get out.

Later we find out from the kids that the salt water was burning their faces and when they lifted the masks it felt worse.

This was not the Reef experience Dianna was looking for. At this point I wasn't going to say anything else that could make this worse. Getting back to our beach Dianna decides to just lay down for a while. I'm getting a bit hungry and I ask who would like to join me. Michael wants to play in the sand a bit and Kyler wants to do some exploring on his own. Madison joins me and we head over to Typhoon Tilly's.

Grabbing some BBQ and chicken we sit together and talk about things while sitting in the shade. Madison's spirits really lifted when she saw that her meal came with a bucket and shovel. I didn't realize how hungry I was and boy how any old average sandwhich tastes like a feast when your swimming. Both of us feeling better in more ways than one we head back to our spot yet again. Dianna was still blowing off steam and I tell her I would stay and watch the kids for a while. Now Michael and Kyler head off to eat and Madison plays in the sand for a while. This is one of those times that the umbrella we bought yesterday came in really handy.

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Relaxing for a bit Dianna comes back and everyone seemed to be in a much better mood. Me and Dianna talked a bit and sent the kids to the pool again. It was getting past noon and we didn't want to have a repeat of yesterday with super tired kids we decide to leave the park.

Now, this was not the park experience we were all hoping for. We didn't get to ride the Crush n Gusher nore a vast majority of the slides. I did get some great one on one time, unintentionaly, with Kyler and Madison and an excellent swim in both the wave pool and in the Reef.

Arriving back at the resort we had big plans to do...laundry!:eek: Well, we had a big stack of dirty clothes piling up and it was time to do them if we were going to have anything to wear on the way back home. Let me say that using the machines at the Poly is EXPENSIVE. Nearly everyone coming in there had the same reaction. It's $2 per machine. So $8 to do two loads completely if you remembered to bring detergent. That's a lot of quarters and the machine was out of service. Going to the main desk in the main lobby I ask several CMs for change. Eventually they find enough and commented there seemed to be a rush on them lately. I told them the change machine was out in the laundry and they were like...oh! You can imagine there were were a lot of requests to break 10s and 20s that day.

One nice thing that happened while me and Dianna were doing the laundry is that we discovered all of the kids had collapsed in the beds and had fallen asleep or dozed watching TV! So we did get a bit of a parental break on my birthday as we walked the main lobby and shopped a bit waiting for the laundry to finish. :confused3 :thumbsup2

OK. So this day wasn't working out to be the most romantic or relaxing but it was still a good break from park touring. How will the rest of the day turn out?

[jmskinner]

I love the family picture in Moracco, parents look happy, children not so much. :) I have a lot of pics like that.

My DS took off ahead of us once at POFQ, we got to the room and he wasn't there. Turned out he went to the wrong building, wrong room. And left his key in the door of that wrong room. Kids just never realize what could happen.

We love TL and that wave pool. Sorry you missed Crush N Gusher, but if you have been to Schlitterbahn, it's water coasters are much better.

[SurfinTX]

I love the family picture in Moracco, parents look happy, children not so much. :) I have a lot of pics like that.

My DS took off ahead of us once at POFQ, we got to the room and he wasn't there. Turned out he went to the wrong building, wrong room. And left his key in the door of that wrong room. Kids just never realize what could happen.

We love TL and that wave pool. Sorry you missed Crush N Gusher, but if you have been to Schlitterbahn, it's water coasters are much better.

Amazingly enough I haven't been to Schlitterbahn, Fiesta Texas or Seaworld. I have some plans formulating in my brain for next year possibly. :scratchin

[SurfinTX]

A Late Exploration of Animal Kingdom

Last time I left you as we were riding...The Laundromat! :happytv:

Finishing up those chores, me and Dianna went back to the room to find both Michael and Madison wanting to go swimming again! Kyler was still out and we left him where he lied. I was willing to take them down while Dianna put everything away and rested. It was now about 4:00 pm and I let them run around a bit on the beach and jump through the waterfall again.

At 5:00 I round them up and we change into our clothes for the night ahead. First we stop off at the lounge for a bit to taste the evening appetizers but soon head over to the Great Ceremonial House and Capt. Cooks. This was the first time we had been in here and it took a few minutes to get used to the online ordering system. After a few false starts we figure it out and get everyones order in.

I had the Adult Grilled Cheese. It had cheese, a tomato and peppers on grilled multi-grain bread. It tasted wonderfull. The Polynesian Chips were just about inedible. They were way overcooked and seemed to have been left out too long after cooking as well. The desert selections from the pastry counter were pretty good and varied. I had the chocolate brownie which was HUGE! Everyone else was pretty much in agreement that the food here is pretty hit or miss. It wasn't too crowded but seating is limited so choose your time to come here carefully, as we would learn later.

Leaving the GCH we head over to the bus and hop on over to the Animal Kingdom. We arrive just before 7:00 pm just as the evening EMH gets started. As we move into the park we notice that nearly all of the animals have been sent off to bed. No matter since seeing animals was not on the agenda tonight. Reaching the Tree of Life I take one of our best family photos of the trip!

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:lmao: Ok. We have Michael about to punch Kyler in the arm which he will react to in about three seconds and Madison just anxious to get on a ride of any kind.

Now in our darkest hour the plan was going to pull us through. First up tonight is Expedition Everest. It's a hike out there but eventually we arrive to find only about a 15 minute standby.

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As you can imagine all of the kids wanted to hit the bells on the way through. It's a trade-off with the kids being entertained in a queue and the adults all leaving with ringing in their ears.

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Pretty quickly we get to the loading area and soon we are ready for our encounter with the Yeti. I had shown everyone a video of this rollercoaster on Youtube before we had left on the trip to prevent anyone from chickening out. The strategy had worked as everyone looked excited and there were no looks of nervousness at all.

Now having rode this once before with the full Yeti effect at the end I was sadly disapointed this time around. The ride backwards was more intense than I had remembered and it did shake up Dianna a bit. Madison was with her and Michael sat with me and Kyler behind. As we swung around the last bit I kept an eye peeled for the Yeti but there was nothing. Just a dull red glow and no lights flashing to reveal him, moving or not.

Still, the kids loved it and Kyler kept thinking we had done a loop while traveling backwards. I assured him it was just a helix turn.

With our spirits raised by this ride we backtracked a bit to the Tree of Life to see It's Tough to be a Bug. This 3D movie is set under the Tree and you can get many up close shots of the tree from here.

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Getting in line it was a very short wait for the show to begin. While down under the tree we get a few pictures of our glasses.

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Not to give out too many spoilers, this was one the most in your face 3D movies in Disney. From all kinds of animitronics to seat effects, they pull out all the stops. The kids talked about this show for a long time afterwards. By now the twilight was fading and the lights had come on all over the park. The change was dramatic as you would walk into and out of brightly lit areas and then stroll through barely lit paths lined with vegetation.

Next up for us was Dinosaur! Again the line was not bad and entirely indoors. Actually it moved a little too fast as the kids wanted to look at all of the exhibits along the way.

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We were all loaded up and sent off to our bumpy ride into the past. How did it turn out? Let's see shall we.

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Me: I know where this ride photo is. :thumbsup2
Michael: OMG! It's loud. I can't look!
Kyler: Cool effects, eh?
Dianna: It's OK Madison. It's just an effect.
Madison: I'm glad mom is between me and it.

Afterwards Michael swears up and down that he wasn't scared.

Unloading we have to brave not one, but two gift shops which we get through unscathed. Back in Dinoland we decide to hit Primeval Whirl. This was the longest line of the night at about 30 minutes. Both sides were loading so it wasn't too bad. As we get to the loading area one of the CMs is joking around with the people in line. He would ask them their favorite Disney movie and proceed to try to get them to sing a song from it. He would join in of course or grab another CM if no one knew any. He was a blast and many of us were laughing and clapping after each group. The kids of course were horrified that they might be picked.:laughing:

Dianna and Madison went first and the boys followed in our own car.

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The kids thought it was pretty fun but it was no Expedition Everest. That was good since we just had enough time to ride it again! Dianna, after her last encounter, was going to sit it out. Michael, which you might have noticed is not smiling, is feeling a bit down and sits out as well. The line looked a bit longer this time around and Dianna didn't want to have to wait too long but I assured her it wouldn't be that long. The sign said 20 minutes but it was barely ten.

This time it was completely dark with just a bit of moonlight to guide us through our trip. Except at the pauses and at the top of the big climb the ride was completely dark. It was an incredible experience after you started to go backwards and the big drop is a complete surprise. Again, I saw the reddish glow but couldn't make out the Yeti. :confused: This time Madison sat with me and all I heard after we started going backwards was "This is awesome!" over and over.

Afterwards, though, she did comment that she was really disapointed that there was no actual yeti to see.

Joining back up we make the long walk to the front of the park. First, there was a couple of things I wanted to do. Getting out my mini-tripod I attempt to take a few pictures.

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There is an HD version at this link if you want to check it out.

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My next attempt was nowhere near as good with the Tree of Life.

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As we get close to the Oasis area everyone starts to say they wan't something to eat. I agree but tell them we will stop off at Capt. Cooks since nothing in the carts around us looks appealing to me. Everyone agrees but Michael who sees a premium mickey bar with his name on it. Not a bad choice I have to admit. I tell him no problem but this will be it for tonight. He agrees and we get in line. When we get to the front we find out that they are out. :eek: Michael, undeterred, picks a frozen pineapple fruit bar. I double check with him since there will be far better things at Capt. Cooks. Michael is not swayed so bracing myself I make the purchase.

We get lucky again on bus timing and one pulls up as we arrive. Again we share with the Contemporary but after not too long we pull up to home.

Edit: I had forgotten something when I typed this up. On the bus back to the Poly another family was sitting across from us. Actually I was standing as well as the mom of their family. We strike up a conversation about how this is not the picture of Disney that is advertised on TV. All over the bus are tired and sweaty families with small children crying including theirs. Me and her shared a knowing look as Dianna is working on keeping our kids from fighting as well.

We go through the main lobby this time and snap a picture.

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My luck with getting good family pictures has gone out the window. Ugh! Arriving at Capt. Cooks we find out that it seems many people had the same idea as us. There was a large crowd around the ordering area as well as checkout. Winding our way through we grab our brownies, tarts and other confections and make our way to the line. On cue Michael starts to say he wants something. I was already prepared for this and as gently as I could told him that we all have an equal share of snack credits and we didn't want to use them all up tonight and I had already explained that to him before. Well, we start to have a mini-meltdown.

Michael seemed to be out of sorts all night and we never could figure out what was bothering him. Well, this sets off Kyler. So, here we are getting treats at the end of a very good day and we are now having all the kids fall out.

It was time to wrap this day up. We tell the kids to wolf down what they have on the way and up to the room we go. Me and Dianna had seen this all before and knew how to handle it. We get the kids separated and talk to each one at a time until they get themselves under control. One thing working for us was that they were very tired again after a long day so there wasn't much fight left in them. Soon enough everyone was settled down and it was lights out in a hurry.

Ah! The Joy of Parenting!

Lessons Learned: From now on all Snack Credits will be redeemed at the same time!

[jake&samsmom]

Great updates!!!
I especially love this part:
"On the bus back to the Poly another family was sitting across from us. Actually I was standing as well as the mom of their family. We strike up a conversation about how this is not the picture of Disney that is advertised on TV. All over the bus are tired and sweaty families with small children crying including theirs. "
:lmao::lmao::lmao:I am laughing hysterically because this is sooo TRUE!! I have sadly experienced this many times firsthand! :scared:

[SurfinTX]

Great updates!!!
I especially love this part:
"On the bus back to the Poly another family was sitting across from us. Actually I was standing as well as the mom of their family. We strike up a conversation about how this is not the picture of Disney that is advertised on TV. All over the bus are tired and sweaty families with small children crying including theirs. "
:lmao::lmao::lmao:I am laughing hysterically because this is sooo TRUE!! I have sadly experienced this many times firsthand! :scared:

I swear I didn't do this to Goofy!

http://jeffpicard.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/vacation-punch1.jpg

I didn't quite look this bad leaving the World Showcase.

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[SurfinTX]

A Wild Time on the Safari

Thankfully we all slept pretty well after our late tour of Animal Kingdom. Now the plan called for a non-EMH day to see the animals this morning.

Waking up we were greeted by this sight out our window.

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Those crazy ducks at it again! If anyone is curious this was our view.

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We had pretty much settled into a routine by now and sleeping in a bit helped I think. Still, it was critical to get to Animal Kingdom early since I heard the animals are still a bit active before the heat of the day sets in. All went according to plan and around 8:20 we get on the bus.

Arriving about twenty minutes later we head up through the bag check and wait at the turnstiles. This morning seemed to have many people with strollers and the loading into the pre-show area was slow. We didn't quite make it past the turnstiles when the opening show began.

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After Mickey and Pals all welcome us on our expedition the crowd was off! This opening is very packed with two small paths leading past the Oasis. It took some time to navigate it but at the turn towards Africa it became a lot easier to walk. Pretty much the entire crowd was going in the direction of Kilimanjaro Safari. As we arrive the line was about 15 minutes but building rapidly. The queue is themed very well with shows of some of the animals we might see and how they are cared for. A few birds are also nearby.

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Pretty soon we load up in our vehicle and we are off!

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Our driver was much better than the one I had on my '07 trip and was very informative. Many questions were asked and she was right there with the answers.

As far as animals this time? They were everywhere!

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The best I could do with the baby elephant.

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At this point the safari would have been great as it was but we were in for a surprise.

Just as we wound our way around a curve we had to stop because the vehicle in front of us had been halted by an unexpected visitor.

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In fact two adults and a baby rhino all decide to cross the road in front of us. A moment later a pickup drives up and places itself between the rhinos and the other vehicle in front of us.

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The rhinos all wanted to drink from the puddle near the road so we remained stopped until the truck got closer and moved them away. Our driver assured us that the pickup does not touch the animals but that they recognize it as a sign to move along.

Well, this time the rhinos see it as a threat and start backing away slowly with the baby between them. For a moment it got a bit tense and our driver reminded us to remain sitting at all times. Eventually the baby moves off and the adult rhinos relax.

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All of the vehicles in the area begin to move again. It wasn't all over yet, however. Just as we reach the same puddle I talked about earlier the baby decided it was a good time to come back. The adults were having none of that and one of them nudges the baby back as the other trots at us! The driver doesn't stop but has to slow to get by. This time the guy in the pickup waves us by as he is really trying to distract the rhino. It gets so close that Dianna could have reached over only a few inches and touched it's horn. This is the best picture I could get.

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That's Michael's hat in the foreground. If Dianna had the camera she would have had to use the macro setting. Lol!

Easing by we get past the protective rhinos and finish an encounter that none of us will forget! All of the other riders kept commenting how much better this ride was from some "fill in the blank" other time. The rest of the ride went pretty typicaly.

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This time the shaky bridge did not fall and the rescue kinda fell flat as compared to what we had already experienced. After a bit we unloaded and realized how long it had been. The delay had been about 15 minutes but the morning was off to a great start!

[swwake]

That's a great safari story. So many animals so early in the morning. I love the rhino escapades - mischievous baby rhino, huh? Thanks for the pics. Can't wait to hear the rest of the day.

I just got back from vacation so I have lots to catch up on here. Spent 7 days surfing the Flow Rider on Oasis of the Seas. You'd love it!

[SurfinTX]

That's a great safari story. So many animals so early in the morning. I love the rhino escapades - mischievous baby rhino, huh? Thanks for the pics. Can't wait to hear the rest of the day.

I just got back from vacation so I have lots to catch up on here. Spent 7 days surfing the Flow Rider on Oasis of the Seas. You'd love it!

Wow! I bet that was an amazing trip! I researched that boat while it was being built. I have been trying to convince Dianna to take a cruise but she is just not into that.

Starting the next update now!

[SurfinTX]

More Animal Adventures

After our encounter with the rhinos we exited the safari and had just a short walk over to the Pangani Exploration Trail. There is a lot to see and learn along the way.

From rodents...

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to birds...

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Fish and hippos

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to many hands on exhibits.

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This part of the park is the most similar to a zoo experience you will find at Animal Kingdom.

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I love the meerkat.

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The family group wasn't around today but the proud males were snacking nearby.

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A great little waterfall along the way.

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Near the end of the trail you run into a Kid's Discovery spot where a CM will teach kids something about the area. There are a number of them scattered throughout the park. After completing the area you recieve a booklet that the CMs stamp for you.

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Next up was just hop away...Rafiki's Planet Watch via the Wildlife Express Train.

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At Rafiki there are opportunities to get an upclose look at how the animals are taken care of as well as the places they live. We took advantage of the second Discovery spot and then continued to the Affection Section.

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Many of the animals didn't want to get very close, however, so we moved quickly into Conservation Station. In here we found various displays with CMs caring for animals, preparing food as well as bringing them out for display.

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This ferret was still being trained to see how it would do with people and the helpful CM was comforting it. Poor little guy!

There is also an opportunity to meet Rafiki himself!

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The kids love the Lion King so it was a must do all of a sudden. ;)

Time was passing so we had to move along back to Africa.

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The kids were getting hungry and if there is a pizza spot available you know what they are going to pick. Pizzafari! I was really hoping to try for Flametree BBQ this time but the location was just to convenient to our next stop, Camp Minnie-Mickey.

This was the first time I had gone back to this part of the park and we passed another Discovery Zone that the kids checked out. We entered Camp Minnie-Mickey proper and found that the Festival of the Lion King was already seating and there was no wait. Well it was a tradeoff since we had to sit at the back. No matter since there was no one behind me I could stand and get some wide angle shots.

The tumblers did a great job and ran around the whole theater during the show.

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The torch guy is always great!

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Overall it was a great show and well worth the no-wait we had. Lol! While we were watching I made the mistake of putting my camera bag on the bench next to me. I looked back and saw that there was a gap behind the stands so I reached for my bag and, Whoops! There it goes. After the show a CM in a wheelchair had gathered it up for us and all was well.

Walking out and looking around we realized we hadn't had a picture with Mickey on this trip yet. This looked to be by far the shortest wait to see him at about 20 minutes. Getting in line we notice how often they have to rotate the characters out and that there must be an army of CMs in the back. Eventually we get our chance to say hi!

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Now it was past noon and we had checked off everything on our list to do this morning. It was time to decide if we were up for more. Gathering everyone together I made my recomendations to the kids. What would we do next?

Tune in later to see.

[swwake]

Great update! I have never been on that train or to Rafiki's or Conservation Station. It's on my list for this trip, since we'll be finishing up the Sunrise Safari early - maybe we can see something going on over at Conservation Station.

We loved Pizzafari. How did y'all like it?

FOTLK is one of my favorite shows. Glad you found the bag!

[SurfinTX]

Great update! I have never been on that train or to Rafiki's or Conservation Station. It's on my list for this trip, since we'll be finishing up the Sunrise Safari early - maybe we can see something going on over at Conservation Station.

We loved Pizzafari. How did y'all like it?

FOTLK is one of my favorite shows. Glad you found the bag!

You will have to let us know how the Sunrise Safari goes. Since it was the first time for most of us we had a lot on our plate to do.

Pizzafari is similar to Pizza Planet just without the crowds. Plenty of seating. The pizza is OK with choices of cheese, veggie and peperoni. I took one picture inside of the beer taps but it didn't turn out too well. :(

[SurfinTX]

The Longest Line...EVER!

If you can't tell by the title of this part of the report, I gathered the family together to decide what to do next. I told them there were several things we missed at Disney Hollywood Studios including Toy Story Mania. I also gave them the bad news that the worst case scenario will give us about a two hour wait for the ride as well.

Everyone agreed and we march out of Animal Kingdom...but not before a quick stop at guest services to fill in the rest of the kids' Discovery Booklets. There was no way we were going to hike all the way around the park just for that. :laughing:

Again we were very lucky with the busses and we were off in minutes. Arriving at DHS we marched straight back to TSM to find all of the fastpasses gone. No surprise there since it was approaching 1 pm. Standby it is then.

We get in line and marvel at the queue for a while.

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Then we round a corner and realize just how long a line we are in.

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Still, there was a lot to see and do and the kids were pretty entertained the first 30 minutes or so.

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...however, the line moved very slowly. I was begining to wonder if the ride wasn't having troubles. Slowly but surely we move up to this guy,

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I do have to say he is an amazing piece of technology. I'm not sure if it's CM assisted but it did a great job of entertaining the kids for about 20 minutes. About here though the line slowed even more so we saw some of the same skits over again. Earlier Mr. Potato Head had asked all of the children who is their favorite toy and they all screamed "We love you Mr. Potato Head!" which then he responded very positively to.

Now 20 minutes later he asks the same question and all of the kids including ours shouts - "We HATE you Mr. Potato Head!" which he then responds "You're all so cruel!" and then shuts up for about ten minutes. :rotfl:

Eventually we wind our way around and see where they filter in the fastpass line and I notice that they are letting large numbers of them through. So much in fact that it all but halted the standby line for long periods of time. I counted and for every 10 in standby they were letting 40 from the fastpass line in. Ouch!

Now I'm thinking that if they need to do this just to handle the FP crowds Disney really needs to create a second version of this ride. A "Double Mania" if you will. Well, we get past this point and it was about 15 more minutes until we finally arrived at the loading area.

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For the last 30 minutes me and Dianna had been whispering to each other that no ride is worth this. The kids were falling out. Many adults had sat on the floor or used the theming as seating. So how was it?

It was OK. I could see how it could be addicting as you figure out all of the unlocks and bonuses. However, the average rating for everyone fell somewhere between Pooh (the best of the Fantasyland rides) and Test Track (the most boring of the Thrill rides.) Until Disney does something about the constant crowds going for this ride you absolutely must do it at rope drop or use fastpass which means you will need to be in the park before 10:30 on a busy day. Any wait for more than 45 minutes and it's not worth it for us now that we have seen it.

Just so I can gloat I had high score for the family. Michael was sitting next to me.

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As you can imagine, a two hour wait in a line can take it out of a family. I knew it was going to be a tough sell to continue on to the last ride we have not done yet, Tower of Terror. At this point Dianna, Michael and Kyler decide to head back to the resort. Me and Madison make the trip over to my favorite hotel.

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The sign said 40 minutes but in reality it was less than 20 to the pre-show and another 10 to the elevator itself.

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How did we like it? Madison says that it was awesome! As you can see in our ride photo she is yelling at me "This is awesome!"

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Compared to my '07 trip it was much better at the end. There were two full drops with several partial up and downs. The image at the end worked as well which I didn't notice the last time I was on it. There were no ghosts this time which I saw several in '07.

Very pleased and happy, me and Madison leave the park for our bus back to the Poly. :)

[swwake]

Great update! I'm glad you talked them into going back to DHS. I kinda agree with you on TSM - not so much worth the hype. I can't believe your older son missed TOT!

[SurfinTX]

Great update! I'm glad you talked them into going back to DHS. I kinda agree with you on TSM - not so much worth the hype. I can't believe your older son missed TOT!

When I was showing the family this part of the report I could tell that Kyler regretted not going on it. He was tired and the long wait just sapped his patience for anything else that day.

The next update should be up tomorrow. :)

[SurfinTX]

Back Home at the Poly

Last time we left you, me and Madison were hopping aboard our bus to get back to the Polynesian...but before we get there...A funny thing happened on the way. :laughing:

The bus was moderately full so I let Madison sit and I remain standing next to this young (18ish) couple. Well, as I'm standing there I can't help but overhear their conversation :listen: about what they were doing for the rest of the day. The girl kept mentioning how she would have loved to see Star Wars but it was on wednesday. I turn to them and mention that Star Wars Weekends would start tomorrow, actualy. The girl just about had a fit at that moment.

I know I'm a big fan of Star Wars but this girl was like OMG! I would mention an event like the parade or Hyperspace Hoopla and she would freak and grab her boyfriend. I turned to the boyfriend and I could tell he wasn't a fan at all. The contrast between the two even had Madison smirking.

Eventualy we reach our resort and we head directly to the volcano pool area due to the high probability that the boys would be there. No surprise, I found all three setting up. Dianna then proceeds to tell me about her bussing adventure.

It turns out that the driver of her bus was kinda new at the job and ended up driving them to Fort Wilderness! :scared1: Eventually the driver gets reoriented and delivers them to the Poly only 15 minutes before me and Madison. Still, it was barely 4 pm and we had the entire evening planned around hanging around the resort.

A little time in the pool. A few rides down the slides. There even was foosball and pingpong right next to the beach. It was about now that the kids realized that the pool had Polynesian music piped in underwater and of course they spent a lot of time holding their breaths after that.

After a while we head back to the room and dress for the evening. The lounge had a nice spread again with Crab Rangoon and Spring Rolls. We wandered around the resort and took a few pictures along the way.

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We were thoroughly relaxed and slowly meandered our way up to the second floor of the Great Ceremonial House. I made sure to take a picture of the new sushi bar.

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Eventually our ADR time of 8:15 arrives at

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While hanging around waiting for our buzzer to go off I look for some room at the Tambu Lounge.

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No such luck. However, the wait wasn't long and we check out the drink menu. Dianna sets her sights on the Pina Colava. I figure I'll get a lighted cube with the Blue Glowtini.

We get called up and are greeted with Alooohaaaa! We are seated right next to the entrance :sad2: and are bombarded by Aloooohhaaaas! every few minutes. The server explains the service to us and takes our drink orders. After a few minutes our noodles and pot stickers arrive as well as the drinks. Dianna takes a look at hers and realizes it's a standard Pina Colada. Pointing this out the server appologizes and returns with the proper drink leaving the other with us. I gladly had some sips of it since my Glowtini was absolutely horrid. I'm not kidding. The kids loved the glow cube so it was worth it I guess.

My Glowtini with Pina Colada in background.

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All is right with the world.

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The entertainment gets started and it was the same lady we had on my '07 trip! She starts a conga line and the kids join in the fun!

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Madison is really getting into the spirit of things.

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Soon we are stuffed to the gills with shrimp, steak and chicken and even Kyler the bottomless pit has to say "No more". Now it was time for dessert and Dianna has a peanut allergy. The chef brought out this for her!

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Dianna's face is not showing disapointment but bewilderment on how she should attack this.

Everyone else gets to share the bread pudding which was amazing!

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I did walk around a bit to get some pictures. Here is the open fire grill.

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It was now about 9:30 and it was time to head back to the beach area and prepare for the night's finale.

[swwake]

I can't believe they got back only 15 minutes before you and Madison! Kyler could have ridden TOT!

Love the pics around the pool. I didn't know they piped in music there.

I also didn't know they'd added a sushi bar at the Poly. I wish I had told you earlier that a Lapu Lapu is much better than a glowtini. :lmao:

[TinksThree]

Great safari pictures!! I video taped our KS so my DS took the pictures. Later, I realized he had missed a bunch!! Oh well...it was all good!

Love :cloud9: the Poly pictures!! This is a resort I really hope to stay at one day!! I find excuses to visit on my trips! I love riding that ferry to MK! It seems so non-rushed.

How did she like the Pina Colava? I got one at POR poolside and it was so yummy!!!!

I am all caught up now...only took me forever!! :)

[SurfinTX]

I can't believe they got back only 15 minutes before you and Madison! Kyler could have ridden TOT!

Love the pics around the pool. I didn't know they piped in music there.

I also didn't know they'd added a sushi bar at the Poly. I wish I had told you earlier that a Lapu Lapu is much better than a glowtini. :lmao:

I was feeling adventurous but I knew the kids would love the cube so I dove in. Yikes!

Great safari pictures!! I video taped our KS so my DS took the pictures. Later, I realized he had missed a bunch!! Oh well...it was all good!

Love :cloud9: the Poly pictures!! This is a resort I really hope to stay at one day!! I find excuses to visit on my trips! I love riding that ferry to MK! It seems so non-rushed.

How did she like the Pina Colava? I got one at POR poolside and it was so yummy!!!!

I am all caught up now...only took me forever!! :)

The Pina Colada and Pina Colava were both great...Dianna only spoke up because...she wanted that pink drink in the pictures. :lmao: Glad to see you read my trip report up to now. The next update will be up soon.

[SurfinTX]

The Poly Beach and Summer Nightastic

After being completely stuffed at 'Ohana the family wobbles back to the Hawaii building around 9:30 to get ready for Summer Nightastic from the Poly Beach. Grabbing a couple glasses of wine me and Dianna settle down with a few other couples in the area and let the kids run about the sand.

Soon the music is piped in and the show starts across the lagoon.

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The reviews on my camera was showing I was overexposing so I made some changes to the shutter speed.

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Ooops. Too dark. Well I made a guess and tried a few things.

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I was using a small tripod so it helped a bit but I sure did learn a lot that night.

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Rounding up the kids it was time to go back to the room. All in all it was a fabulous day and for once we were getting in bed at a reasonable hour for the kids. Me and Dianna started packing for tomorrow will be our last day. :sad1:

[TinksThree]

Beautiful pictures!! What a great place to view the fireworks...not half as crowded as the park!

BTW: I meant to add earlier, that in your PTR, your trip last summer sounded like so much fun, although tiring!! We love road trips and have considered a similar trip (as far as driving distances) to Utah (Zion Nat'l Park) and the Grand Canyon.

[SurfinTX]

Beautiful pictures!! What a great place to view the fireworks...not half as crowded as the park!

BTW: I meant to add earlier, that in your PTR, your trip last summer sounded like so much fun, although tiring!! We love road trips and have considered a similar trip (as far as driving distances) to Utah (Zion Nat'l Park) and the Grand Canyon.

Our trips with the kids have always been exerting. We always need a vacation from the vacation afterwards! Lol!

Next year we will be going back to Heber, Utah again and then heading north to Yellowstone for a few days. I have visited the Grand Canyon and it's a wonderfull destination for older kids who love hiking. You could easily spend a week exploring or rafting the Colorado.

Zion is a bit out of the way but it is beautiful. The camping areas are amazing and there are lodging options on the west side just outside the park.

Anyone notice my new ticker? :banana::maleficen:hmghost::banana:

My place of work decided it was time for some training at one of our facilities in L.A. in October. Checking my calender and vacation I extended the trip so now I will be seeing Disneyland for the first time! In fact this will be my first trip anywhere in California. I can't wait to see the parks in Halloween decorations! :hyper:

The big drawback is that this will be a solo trip and I know Dianna and the kids will be missing out. :sad1: I am already having mixed feelings about planning and enjoying this trip knowing that I'll be without them.

[swwake]

Exciting new ticker! Too bad the family can't join you :( But a solo trip sounds fun. I might try that one day.

[SurfinTX]

Exciting new ticker! Too bad the family can't join you :( But a solo trip sounds fun. I might try that one day.

I have been on many solo trips before I met Dianna. It's a mixture of freedom and loneliness. You can get a ton done but you wish you could share the experience if you know what I mean.

My next report update should be up in the morning. TTFN! :tigger:

[SurfinTX]

Day 6: One Last Magical Day

It is Friday morning and after another great nights sleep it was time to pack up. Don't fret, however, since we have planned more time in the parks!

We woke up around 8 a.m. and began the process of moving our bags to the car. This would take a few trips and upon returning to the room found an envelope with all of our room charges listed. All was in order and it indicated that unless there was a problem we were checked out. What a bill though! :eek:

Off to the lounge again (we had settled into a routine by now) and we all agreed that today, now that we were packed, was going to be a relaxing end to our visit to Disney World. After one final trip to the car we hoofed it over to the Monorail for a ride to Magic Kingdom. This was the first trip by the Grand Floridian and this portion of the monorail. As we got a close look at the GF both me and Dianna agreed that the Poly was a much better location for children.

A few minutes later we had reached our stop and strolled over to the gate entrance at 10:15. We all made it through except for Dianna who's card failed to read over and over. The CM manning the station waved her through though. First stop today was to snag fastpasses for Space Mountain. Of course Dianna's card does not work on the fastpass machine as well. A helpful CM came over and punched one out for her luckily. :worship: That out of the way we traveled around the back of Magic Kingdom and happen to see Alice and the White Rabbit near the Teacups.

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They were quite popular today so we passed them by and continued over to Frontierland to get to what we had missed earlier in the week. Around the river we walk to see... Big Thunder Mountain RR shut down. :sad2: Keeping our hopes up I notice that the FP return time wasn't that late yet so we would check up on the ride from time to time.

It was a short walk over to our next ride at Splash Mountain anyway. Just as we get into line a nice lady walks up to us and hands over 4 fastpasses for the ride! Thanking her I tell the rest of the family to get in that line and I'll wait standby. Soon after we separate I realize that I didn't have my phone on me. :headache: Luckily I was hanging on to the big red umbrella and was able to flag them down to tell them to head on to Tom Sawyer Island since I still had about 20 minutes of standby left.

This was the first time I had ever rode this attraction so I was really looking forward to this.

Chip and Dale are up to something.
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Loading in the front of our log I was off and boy did I get wet right after this pic.

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A water canon sprayed me pretty well. Luckily I saw it coming and covered my camera with my top hat. It can in really handy on this ride and shielded the electronics from the water pretty well. One thing about the ride it does psych you out with small drops throughout. I kept expecting the big one but...not this time. Eventually we hit the big drop and I did get plenty wet. It was fine, however, since it promised to be a hot day again in South Florida.

Exiting the ride I planned to walk over to Tom Sawyer Island to meet up with everyone. I didn't get very far though. Dianna and the kids were waiting for me right under the railroad bridge. :confused3 I asked them if they had made it out to Tom Sawyer Island and Dianna said no but not to ask. Recently I found out that Kyler had a problem with the rafts that carry you across to the island. Dianna didn't make a big deal of it but I think the kids were fighting about it before I arrived.

Clueless but better for it at the time I lead them by BTMRR and see that it's still closed but our fastpass window had opened again. Snagging these (with help from another CM) we move our way over to Adventureland and our next ride...

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to see Dianna's boyfriend. :laughing: Johnny Depp has been a longtime favorite of Dianna and she claims him as the closet boyfriend. This is another ride I had never been on. Honestly, I love the theming and the line really sets the mood. My opinion of the ride itself is that it is so-so. I know the history of the attraction and I really wish I could have seen it when I was younger. It could have easily had the same nostalgic value as Haunted Mansion for me but without that...it kinda fell flat.

Right next door was the Jungle Cruise. Again, the kids loved the line, but not so much the ride. This was our boat.

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Now this tour was full of nostagia for me. :goodvibes I have memories all the way back to the 70's and I think it was the first ride I went on in the Magic Kingdom. Me and Dianna cracked up at all of the lines and as we exited the CM asked us "How was your Honeymoon Cruise?" I responded "It was lovely. Thank you." Then I turned to Dianna and said "Wasn't it worth the thousands of dollars we paid?" Dianna shook her head at me and everyone around us laughed.

While us adults were having a gay ol' time the kids it seems were not. They were looking for more action and thrills and today we haven't had all that much. We were all getting hungry as it was well after noon now. Time to poll everyone and figure out where to use our last counter service credits.

To be continued...

[swwake]

Fun last day so far! It's too bad that Dianna's card wasn't working for Fast Passes and you always had to get help. I love the story of the Splash Mountain ride. I also love Jungle Cruise. I hope BTMRR gets working before y'all leave!

[lovegrumpy]

If you do decide to keep your trip to Disneyland just wait Intel you ride pirates there. It is so much longer and better. I love Disneyland.

[TinksThree]

Splash Mtn is so much fun. I have nostalgia about so many rides in Magic Kingdom! I still miss 20,000 Leagues adn the Toad Ride, mostly becasue of my memories. I wonder if I would find them lame now or just enjoy them because of what they are (or were) like I do Jungle Cruise?? :confused3

Last days are always so bittersweet to me! I ahve to remind myself...I will be back!! :goodvibes

[SurfinTX]

Fun last day so far! It's too bad that Dianna's card wasn't working for Fast Passes and you always had to get help. I love the story of the Splash Mountain ride. I also love Jungle Cruise. I hope BTMRR gets working before y'all leave!

There is no doubt that Splash Mountain was a pleasant surprise. It certainly isn't an average log flume ride! You have to wait and see if BTMRR is brought up in time. :surfweb:

If you do decide to keep your trip to Disneyland just wait Intel you ride pirates there. It is so much longer and better. I love Disneyland.

Oh I'm definantly going! :goodvibes I just have mixed feelings about going without Dianna. I'm trying to figure out a way to get her there but with the kids in school and the cost...:confused3

The good news is that I'll get to see all of the Disneyland versions of the these rides for the first time...including Mr. Toad's Wild Ride!
:thumbsup2

Splash Mtn is so much fun. I have nostalgia about so many rides in Magic Kingdom! I still miss 20,000 Leagues adn the Toad Ride, mostly becasue of my memories. I wonder if I would find them lame now or just enjoy them because of what they are (or were) like I do Jungle Cruise?? :confused3

Last days are always so bittersweet to me! I ahve to remind myself...I will be back!! :goodvibes

I miss 20,000 leagues as well. :guilty: I know a lot of our enjoyment of these older rides are from our earlier memories and getting to recreate some of that experience. Hopefully we have made a few memories for our children that they can look back upon in ten to fifteen years as well!

[SurfinTX]

What Do Kids Like? More Pizza!

Ok. So here we are in Adventureland deciding on what to get to eat. Do the kids want burgers? No. Do they want mexican? No. What do they want? Pizza...again...:rolleyes: Well the closest pizza spot that I knew about was Pinocchio's Village Haus back in Fantasyland. Luckily there was a shortcut through Liberty Square which made the trip a bit shorter.

On the plus side there is plenty of seating and it's all indoors. This made the place quite popular and it was packed. We found a small table and squeezed everyone around it.

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Me and Dianna decided to go for the meatball subs as the kids had more pizza. I found the sub to be equivalent to Subway's. I loved the decorations at this location. This was right behind me.

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Quickly finishing up we marched out into the blazing sun and headed over to Space Mountain to use our fastpasses. Notice the red umbrella leading the way.

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I wanted to check out all of the new additions to the queue they had added since my last visit. Unfortunately the FP line was very short and we walked all the way up the loading area before having to wait.

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Let me say first that I was scared to death of this ride when I was 7 years old. When I rode it at 13 I had a blast. In '07 I realized that this is not a big coaster at all...but I still loved the theme. Looking at the pictures I think we gave it an Alright! on a scale of Zzzzz to Wohooo!

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After finishing that off it was now after 1:00 pm. BTMRR was the last must do on our list. It was quite the hike all the way over there and our fastpasses would not be up until 4:15 which would be later than when we were hoping to get back to the resort. The consensus was to head for a shorter line but give our fastpasses away. This did not take long as a group of teenagers happily took them from us near Liberty Square.

This cheeky bird was acting strangely as we walked by. Whenever someone would get close it would spread it's wings and face it's head back at you. It didn't seem threatened. Just oddly curious.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disney%2010/Friday/Picture459.jpg

Veering south we ended up at The Magic Carpets of Aladdin. This was not my personal choice on how to finish the park but the line was really short sooo...

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OMG it was hot! No shade anywhere. The CM running the ride must have been suffering since she had no shade around the controls as well. After a whirl we were out of there! I knew what could cool us down in a hurry. A trip to Aloha Isle which was just a shoort walk away. Unfortunately it seems that many people had the same idea since the line was over 30 long. I really had a hankerin' for a Dole Whip but I knew I had another chance at Captain Cooks in the Poly.

Continuing on we approach Main St. USA and enter Casey's Corner to get out of the heat and do a last bit of shopping before we leave. As we start to browse around we notice the Mayor walking up. I wish I could have had my camera on video record to capture what happened next! He greets us and notices our hats and buttons and congratulates us on our wedding. He then continues to say that he has had the honor of being married 3 times and is currently on the market. Dianna, without batting an eyelash, says "Why I am on my third as well!" The Mayor turns to me and I have a kind of a rolling eyes look with yeah, she's right shrug mixed in as well. I have never in my life seen a Character at Disney look so uncertain of what to say next! I think he reset to the standard script and just congratulated us again and then moved on...quickly.

Eventually we end up in the Main Street Confectionary to use up our remaining snack credits.

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I was still holding out for my Dole Whip so I didn't get anything here. Dianna picked up some chocolate coins to give to her nieces and nephews back in Utah. Back on Main Street and nearing the exit we happen to see the start of A Dream Come True Parade coming right at us. We had forgotten the time and it was just past 3:00 pm. Pausing a bit we catch one last event.

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and with that we said our final goodbyes to Magic Kingdom.

Up Next: Wrapping Up Our Magical Vacation

[swwake]

Hooray for getting to ride BTMRR! I hope you get your dole whip. I haven't seen that afternoon parade, but it looks really good. I can't believe how much that guy with Mary Poppins looks like Dick Van **** - must be the eyebrows.

[TinksThree]

We had to miss out on a much deisred ride down to it being down also. My kids were very bummed about it! I guarantee it will be one of the first they try to get on next time....and funny thing is it is one you did not care for! ;)

I remember Space Mtn from when I was around 8 or 10 and thought it was THE. MOST. AWESOME. RIDE. EVER.. I did nto get to ride it again due to always having a little one. When I rode it last year I was so excited and then when it was over....it just wasn't what I remembered! :sad2: I still love to ride it but I think mostly due to the nostalgia I talked about earlier. It isn't bad or terrible but after riding RnR and EE, well..... :)

Fun catching that parade at the end!!

[SurfinTX]

Hooray for getting to ride BTMRR! I hope you get your dole whip. I haven't seen that afternoon parade, but it looks really good. I can't believe how much that guy with Mary Poppins looks like Dick Van **** - must be the eyebrows.

The 3:00 parade is well done and does not take more than 10 minutes to watch the whole thing. I felt really sorry for the cast members who had to be in those costumes. It was blazingly hot in the sun that day! I agree about Dick Van ****, must have been the timing of my shot. I believe Mary Poppins has my vote for Most Useful Accessory!

We had to miss out on a much deisred ride down to it being down also. My kids were very bummed about it! I guarantee it will be one of the first they try to get on next time....and funny thing is it is one you did not care for! ;)

I remember Space Mtn from when I was around 8 or 10 and thought it was THE. MOST. AWESOME. RIDE. EVER.. I did nto get to ride it again due to always having a little one. When I rode it last year I was so excited and then when it was over....it just wasn't what I remembered! :sad2: I still love to ride it but I think mostly due to the nostalgia I talked about earlier. It isn't bad or terrible but after riding RnR and EE, well..... :)

Fun catching that parade at the end!!

I think the biggest problem of the day was the heat. Magic Kingdom, for us, is much more fun at night or when it's cooler. I think the the day was wearing on the kids who were paying the price of the heat but not getting big thrills. Your also right about Space Mountain. After EE and Rockin Rollercoaster it's a bit of a letdown for the kids who were riding it for the first time. If I could have changed the plan I would have had a full MK tour before AK and DHS...but with SWW that wasn't possible.

Now it's time to finish this trip report up!

[SurfinTX]

Now It's Really Time to Say Goodbye

After finishing up with the parade it was just a short boat ride back to the Poly. We had planned ahead for this afternoon and left one bag in the car with our bathing suits. The lounge on the third floor has this very convenient bathroom that locks. :thumbsup2

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Quickly heading down to the pool we soak in the lovely area one last time. I think I went down the slide three or four times. :rotfl:

All too soon 5 pm rolls around and we head back to the lounge to change back to fresh clothes. The evening service starts and I finally see Chef Dick! He is the head chef at the Poly Lounge and is a big hit over on the Poly thread. I didn't get any pictures at this time since I had discovered my cards were full. :headache: Anyway, we said Hi and I mentioned the DisBoards and how we we knew he was retiring soon. Service was great, as usual, but with him there everything seemed just a bit better.

Finishing up we walk out to the parking lot and start our van for the first time all week. No problems there and we were off. A quick stop at the Hess and we waved goodbye to the most Magical Place on Earth...until next time. :sad1:

The kids were pretty tired and our first leg was just to Tallahassee which was three hours away. Priceline gave us a nice room at the Holiday Inn and we had no complaints since we arrived around 9:00 pm and booked out of there at 6:00 am Central. A few hours later we arrived at Pensacola Beach.

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The Pier area has restrooms and several places to eat. There is also tons of parking which can be a problem at other beaches along the Emerald Coast. I pull out some snorkle gear since the sea was flat today and see a stingray, a pufferfish and several large schools of fish. The water was very clear with visibility around 15 feet. At this time we did not see a trace of a tarball or sheen from the oil spill at all.

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We splash around for a few hours and then we eat at a beachside bar with the original name of The Dock. You can walk right in from the beach into shade in your suits and order. The food was so-so with choices from burgers to fried shrimp. The price isn't bad at all and if you come at night you can play pool, darts or whoop it up and get your drink on.

Changing back into our driving clothes we head off again around 2:00 pm and make our way to Lafayette, La. where Priceline gave us another good deal at the Crowne Plaza near downtown. My original plan was to stop on the way at Grosse Tete and eat at a very nice cajun place with live music. It was an old red barn that had been converted into a huge restaraunt.

Dianna, however, just wanted to reach the hotel so that's what we did. I was not very familiar with Lafayette itself and there seemed to be only chain restaraunts nearby and they were all packed. Looking around I did see a small mexican place that had another original name...El Tequilla. The place had great atmosphere, great service...but the blandest mexican food you can imagine. It wasn't bad...just very bland.

Here is a pic of our room. Michael wanted a picture of the crazy orange pillows. :rotfl:

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disney%2010/Saturday2/Picture472.jpg

The next morning we wake up late and grab a to-go at McDonald's and start making our way home. After only about 90 minutes Dianna wanted to take a break so we stopped in Alexandria. Filling up and grabbing some cokes we come back out and notice our rear left tire was going down. :scared1: We had some fix-a-flat but after we tried to reinflate the tire it gave way completely.

I put on the donut and get directions to a local Wal-Mart to get it replaced. So, after about a two hour delay we get back on the road again. Thinking about it later we thanked our lucky stars since normaly we would drive 3-4 hours at a time and if that had happened halfway between Alexandria and Shreveport it would have been a lot harder to get it fixed...not to mention a possible blowout while traveling at 70 mph. :scared1:

The rest of the drive was uneventful and we arrived home around 6 pm safe and sound.

Whew!

It looks like my thread was moved over to the completed reports. That's what I get for waiting so long to finish it up.

Here are a few pics of the Swag we picked up along the way as well as some momentos.

First up is Dianna's lanyard.
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disney%2010/Swag/Picture067.jpg

And then mine.
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Madison's Kidcot mask.
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disney%2010/Swag/Picture069.jpg

My birthday card from Donald and the Poly welcome card.
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The inside of the welcome card.
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disney%2010/Swag/Picture071.jpg

The light cube from my Glowtini (Yuck!), some H2O products, my birthday pin and a big lollypop from Main Street Confectionary our last day.
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disney%2010/Swag/Picture073.jpg

The pictures of Belle before we were seated at Akershus.
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disney%2010/Swag/Picture076.jpg

The license from Sci-Fi, a chart to identify sharks at Coral Reef and some unused fastpasses over several days.
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/bigbadtm/Disney%2010/Swag/Picture077.jpg

So this truly brings this report to a close. I hope everyone enjoyed a peek at our trials and celebrations while visiting the Happiest Place on Earth!

[TinksThree]

I am so glad to see you went down the slide!! I was the only grown-up going down the one at POR but I had so much fun!! :lmao:

What a great way to end the trip! We love going to Pensacola Beach! My sister lives there...sad about the oil all around though...:sad2: I have been to some great cajun resaurants in Lafayette!!...bland Mexican?? That sounds like an oxymoron!

I have got to get to work...you are home and I am only about to begin Tuesday morning!!! :confused3

I have really enjoyed reading your TR!!

[jake&samsmom]

Awww...the last day at Disney is always the saddest :(
But it looked like y'all enjoyed the beaches on the ride back :)

[SurfinTX]

I am so glad to see you went down the slide!! I was the only grown-up going down the one at POR but I had so much fun!! :lmao:

What a great way to end the trip! We love going to Pensacola Beach! My sister lives there...sad about the oil all around though...:sad2: I have been to some great cajun resaurants in Lafayette!!...bland Mexican?? That sounds like an oxymoron!

I have got to get to work...you are home and I am only about to begin Tuesday morning!!! :confused3

I have really enjoyed reading your TR!!

It's a sad state of affairs when we visit the heart of cajun country and find a way to eat mexican food. :rotfl: These trip reports do take a lot of time to work on but I think they pay off for others to plan their trips as well as documenting what you were able to do.

Now that I'm done with this I can spend more time looking at everyone else's TR now! :thumbsup2

Awww...the last day at Disney is always the saddest :(
But it looked like y'all enjoyed the beaches on the ride back :)

Coming back from Disney is always hard. I think we managed to saturate the kids with the Disney experience that they felt like they had enough for now. Pensacola is a great stop-off since it's less than 20 minutes off I-10. It helped settle the kids and I think you can tell that we were splitting the trip back into small chunks to keep them from getting too antsy.