That's it, moved to FL to be closer to Mickey! Update 2/4 Kidnapped at WDW 10/03/09

[jmskinner]

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

The Official TR
Chapter 1 House Hunting
Chapter 2 House Hunting Done, Now our 1st day at WDW!
Day 2 Part 1 SWW!
Day 2 Part 2 More SWW and TL!
Day 3 Fathers Day at Epcot
Update on the move, but includes Photopass pics up to Day 3
Day 3 Part 2, More Epcot, WCC
Day 3 Part 3, Magic Kingdom!
Day 4 Chef Mickey's and AK EMH
Day 5 POFQ Pool and Epcot
Day 6 AK and DHS for Fantasmic!
Day 7 Magic Kingdom
Day 7 Part 2, More Magic Kingdom
Day 8 We say goodbye to Kara; a little DTD and DHS
The worse day, going home!
Going home part 2!

The MTR Reports!
First Daytrip to MK at Florida Residents
Augut 30th Epcot, Ponchos On, Ponchos Off!
Our 1st overnight trip as FL residents, Ch 1 The road to WDW!
Ch2 MNSSHP
Ch 3 The rest of MNSSHP
Ch4 DHS
ASMu Pool, PH, and Bounce Back
MTR of Typhoon Lagoon 10/18/08
11/01/08 MTR of MK
MTR of MK Part 2
I got to see Night Ranger,but not before the adults have a meltdown TR!
Egmont Island
Pirate Adventure Dinner Theatre
You have a large insect with a nasty bite on your butt! AK on 03/14/09
You have a large insect with a nasty bite on your butt! AK on 03/14/09 Ch 2
You have a large insect with a nasty bite on your butt! AK on 03/14/09 ch 3
You have a large insect with a nasty bite on your butt! AK on 03/14/09 Ch 4
You have a large insect with a nasty bite on your butt! AK on 03/14/09 Ch 5
You have a large insect with a nasty bite on your butt! AK on 3/14/09 Ch 6
You have a large insect with a nasty bite on your butt! AK on 03/14/09 Ch 7

MK on 04/04/09, before the Spring Break crowds Ch 1
Ch 2
Ch 3
Ch 4
Ch 5

It may be tax day, but it's my neighbor's birthday. Epcot on 04/15/09

Epcot Flower and Garden Festival on 04/18/09
Ch 2
Ch 3

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

My boys took me to WDW for Mother's Day 5/9/09
Ch 2
Ch 3
Ch 4
Ch 5
Ch 6

Star Wars Weekends Weekend One 5/22/09
Ch 2
Ch 3 Parade pics
Ch 4 More parade pics
And more parade pics
Ch 6 The last of the parade pics, different camera.

Wishes and More, a special presentation with Steven Davison, VP of Parades and Spectaculars for AP holders 6/20/09
Ch 2
Ch 3

DisneyQuest 06/24/09

Magic Kingdom 06/28/09 for the AP Hall of Presidents Preview
Magic Kingdom 06/28/09 for the AP Hall of Presidents Preview Ch 2

A day with a fellow Dis'er (July 5th at DHS)
A day with a fellow Dis'er Ch 2
A day with a fellow Dis'er Ch 3

Christmas 2008 MTR's with the parents!
Christmas Eve 2008 at Epcot with my parents!
Ch 1 of DHS on 12/27/08
Ch 2 of DHS on 12/27/08
Ch 3 of DHS on 12/27/08
AK on 12/28/08 Ch 1
AK on 12/28/08 CH 2
Don't go to MK on a Monday part 1
Don't go to MK on a Monday part 2
Epcot on 01/04 with 2 DMIL's
Epcot on 01/04 with 2 DMIL's part 2
Epcot on 01/04 with 2 DMIL's part 3

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

The cast:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

[tinknme]

Great start, I am ready for more

 

[macheath]

Taking a seat! Can't wait for more!

 

[jmskinner]

Thanks for joining tinknme and macheath!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The kitchen:

I'll be able to watch TV while cooking without buying another TV! This is a pic from where the TV will be into the kitchen.

And it is on a conservation lot, which means no one can build behind us.

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

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

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

 

[hmdavid]

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

 

[irky416]

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

 

[tyandskyesmom]

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

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

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

 

[jmskinner]

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

Thank you.

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

Thank you!

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

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

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

Thank you. My Jacob isn't too thrilled about moving. He hates change, wanted a house with a pool, hates sweating and hates bugs. Hopefully once we get there and make our first trip to WDW he will change his mind.

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

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

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

 

[Disneychix]

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

 

[tinknme]

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

 

[the4princesses]

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

 

[jmskinner]

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

That's what I keep telling myself!

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

Thank you.

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

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

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

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

 

[jmskinner]

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

As we leave our soon to be subdivision, there is this billboard right outside of it:

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

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

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

Then we saw this:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here he is at the quiet pool:

He wanted to go to the pool with a slide, so I took him over to Ol' Man Island (he is the skinny one falling into the pool):

Here are some pics of the hotel grounds on the walk over:

Then it did start to rain and of course we didn't carry ponchos to the pool. Here is a picture of the water wheel on the side of the dining hall:

Got dressed and finally Kara arrived. DMIL and her boyfriend headed over to find their hotel, the Regal Sun and we were to meet them at Raglan Road. We waited a little bit and then headed over to the boat. Here is a pic of the river from the bridge on the walk over:

And on the boat to DTD:

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

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

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

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

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

 

[irky416]

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

 

[tinknme]

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

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

Look forward to reading more

 

[havinfun]

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

 

[jmskinner]

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

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

Look forward to reading more

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

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

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

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

 

[tinknme]

Thank you! I will pack my own shampoo & conditioner

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

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

 

[jmskinner]

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

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

 

[jmskinner]

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

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

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

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

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

Waiting on rope drop:

Everyone else waiting on rope drop:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here are some pics:

Oh good, he didn't seem to remember JS!

This was just the coolest costume:

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

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

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

We are in the middle row on the left.

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

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

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

I had looked forward to the meat loaf, but once I sat down, the fried chicken sounded really good and it was. Jonas had the pot roast:

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

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

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