Nov 2009 Family Reunion in Disney with pics! Final Update 3/22/10

[minnie2]

Hahaha does he look for them at home too?
Glad you are going to join in the trip report! I should be putting up the first few days soon and then we get to my arrival! My hubby only took a few pics but I can still report about what everyone told me happened...

Of course he does that boy lives in a perpetual world of Disney! I am raising him right!

G put the new hard drive in so I am hoping to load my pics on the mac today which has our pics together

 

[mla1977]

Looks good so far! I love how you pack for the kids. I hope I can be that organized when I have kids. Can't wait to hear more!

 

[Boppintothetop]

Yea...the trip report has begun!!!!! I just have to say(hope I don't spoil anything) as much as Edmund hates Disney, he had a happy grin spinning around on Dumbo with me (ha, ha!)

 

[twob4him]

Of course he does that boy lives in a perpetual world of Disney! I am raising him right!

G put the new hard drive in so I am hoping to load my pics on the mac today which has our pics together

You sure are!!!! Your kids were so great and I really enjoyed our day together!!! Yaaa about the hard drive so you can get to your pics!!

Looks good so far! I love how you pack for the kids. I hope I can be that organized when I have kids. Can't wait to hear more!

Thanks for reading along! More updates coming right up!!!

Yea...the trip report has begun!!!!! I just have to say(hope I don't spoil anything) as much as Edmund hates Disney, he had a happy grin spinning around on Dumbo with me (ha, ha!)

HI LE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You are completely correct!!! That was funny how you kept getting stuck with him...where did everyone else go? They must have left us and went straight to Adventureland So I am putting up the weekend days next! Tuesday was such a fun day with you and the girls..Thanks again for sharing your trip with us..I know it meant a lot to my girls to have you all there!!!

 

[twob4him]

I am back….ready for more yet?

So this time we will be talking about getting to Disney. It’s an interesting topic...since I missed out on the whole thing! See I managed to get two days off of work but that’s it. We had already booked the house for 8 days including the weekend before I could leave, so my wonderful hubby got to fly with the three girls to Disney solo.


Joke: Why are there no planes where peter pan lives?


To make matters worse…it wasn’t a direct flight. For whatever reason, there were also delays on the tarmack. So.,,,it was a long day and my hubby’s patience wore off long before they landed at MCO!!! Poor guy. He did manage one pic on the plane. Since it was the day before Halloween, the girls wore matching “Spider” tops and stretch pants. They has snacks and colored and played Polly’s and Sarah had her ipod and book so I think they did ok.

Answer to Joke: Cause there was a sign that says “Never Neveverland” (so corny!)

I think they checked into the Fairfield Inn by the airport and went to dinner. My sister-in-law, Jeanne, arrived later that night and joined them. The next day after a free breakfast, they obtained a rental car and took off for adventures and fun.

First stop…Air Boat Rides!!!! These were a big hit! Everyone had headsets to protect their ears and could talk through them to everyone else. The girls loved the ride and thoroughly enjoyed the whole outing!!! It was pretty hot out so this was the perfect activity!!

Next, up was grocery shopping. I made a list of things we would need and Edmund and the girls found a Publix to shop at. Can you believe my hubby brought coupons to use??? Hahahahahaa…if you know my DH you wouldn’t be surprised!!!

While they are shopping I have some funny Cast Member Questions for you….(I think these are true questions….)

The dumbest questions ever asked to Cast Members

· What time is the 3:00 parade?
· What time will it stop raining?
· Why is it raining?
· Is the wait really 15 minutes, or are you trying to trick us?
· How do I get to Magic Mountain?
· How much extra do you get paid for smiling?



OK back! Grocery’s obtained, DH and the girls headed to Windsor Hills. I scoured the internet for hours looking for the perfect house. I was familiar with Windsor Hills since I stayed near there for a convention years before. I was so fortunate to pick Storytime Vacation Homes. Elias and Tanya are the owners and they have town homes and houses to rent in Windsor Hills. They were great to work with and took care of everything right away!!! I would DEFINITELY rent from them again!!!! So I picked out a fabulous 6-bedroom dream home appropriately called Story Time Castle that they decorated Disney and it was very reasonable! Not only that, it had a pool, game room and lots of space to spread out! So, at 4pm it was all ours…for the week anyway!!! The girls and Edmund used our special key code to enter and Sarah immediately took charge of the shoe placement! She picked a spot right by the door! Cracks me up cause if I had been there that is exactly the first thing I would have done. Groceries were transferred to the kitchen and then everyone took off exploring the house!!! I actually took pictures the last day but here are some pics of the rooms!

The front of the house

The street

Walking in the front door...this was the shoe spot by this table

Living Room and Dining Room

Kitchen

Family Room

Pool and patio

Playroom

Sarah's room

Our Room

The girl's princess room!!!! (my fav!)

And other rooms which were so great!

Did I mention we loved the house????

After the house tour, everyone was hungry so Edmund took the girls to Old Town for an early dinner. I think it was still pretty hot out but they picked pizza for dinner (of course) at Flippers. Then they walked around and found a really big monster truck to pose in front of!

Now keep in mind this was Halloween so the kids were also obtaining candy from shop owners. Sweet! However, one lady was particularly alarming. In other words, she scared Brooklyn to death. Plus she was probably tired…so they decided to head back to our “home away from home”.

Continued in post below!!!

 

[twob4him]

Back at the house, the rest of the crew arrived! Yaaa! And everyone picked out their rooms and enjoyed our reunion. I think my sister-in-law, Mary, took the girls over to the playground to check it out! It has huge chess pieces and lots of equipment to play around on. Believe it or not…they also fit in a swim too! What a busy first day! That night was the time-change so everyone got to sleep in an extra hour!!! Yaaa!

Before I continue...here are some easy trivia questions about Universal Studios…our next stop:
1. What are the names of the two parks in Universal Studios Florida?
?Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios,
?Adventure Island and Universal Florida,
?Adventure Park and Action Park or
?Islands of Adventure and Universal Movies??

2. What does E.T. say at the end of the E.T. ride?

3. What dance gets control of the audience, at the end of "Jimmy Neutron's Nicktoon Blast"?


Answers:
1. Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios
2. Your name. I think it's so cool that E.T. says your own name in the ride.
3. Chicken Dance. The evil alien get control of the audience and makes everyone do the Chicken Dance in their seats.


How did you do?

So, if you didn't guess already, this day was Universal Studios Day. Weather wise…the morning was nice but the afternoon became pretty hot. After breakfast at the house, everyone piled in the cars and headed over.

They rode/watched Jimmy Neutron, Shrek, Mummy, Twister, Jaws, Men in Black, Simpsons, ET and Beatlejuice.

They also ran into Curious George, Woody Woodpecker and the guy with the Delorian in Back to the Future! Notice Devon was not afraid of him!!!

Relaxing on a bench with Aunt Mary and Daddy!

Apparently there were very few lines, and most rides were walk-on. Twister and Simpsons were 10-15 minute wait time. I think they skipped lunch…just had snacks…and left for “home” around 2 or 3 pm. Jeanne, cooked an excellent dinner at the house and everyone just relaxed and enjoyed themselves. Sorry I don't have any pics of Aunt Jeanne. Hmmm maybe she will send me some and I can add them??!!

Hanging out with Aunt Mary!

Up Next – Monday…Pool Day and Mommy Arrives!!!

 

[ireland_nicole]

Looks like a couple of great days! I loved the airboat tour we took 2 trips ago, and it looks like the girls and your DH had a wonderful time, too! I was worried that there might not be anything for my little to do at US, but it looks like your crew had fun! I guess I need to research it a bit more. Love the house! If WDW doesn't do any kind of deal for our upcoming trip, we're thinking about moving to WH; in fact, I think one of the townhomes we were looking at was a storytime rental- good to see your review of them; and really looking forward to reading more!

 

[minnie2]

That house was fabulous!!!!!

So funny about Old town my cousin mentioned going there but we never made it.

I didn't realize you guys did universal too!!1 Fun!!!!

 

[disneymomof1]

Wow, that house is awesome, it is decorated so cute. Love the princess room. We always go to Universal Studios each trip, my DD is 6 and she loves it. Love the update !!

 

[praisehisname]

That would have killed me to have my hubby and kids go a few days before me! I'm such a control freak...

That house was gorgeous! Sounds like they had a fun time at US!

 

[twob4him]

Looks like a couple of great days! I loved the airboat tour we took 2 trips ago, and it looks like the girls and your DH had a wonderful time, too! I was worried that there might not be anything for my little to do at US, but it looks like your crew had fun! I guess I need to research it a bit more. Love the house! If WDW doesn't do any kind of deal for our upcoming trip, we're thinking about moving to WH; in fact, I think one of the townhomes we were looking at was a storytime rental- good to see your review of them; and really looking forward to reading more!

I am sorry I missed the airboat ride...maybe I will get to do it another trip? I am not a fan of US but there are things for kids to do...there is a whole area for kids on the right side of the park...plus Islands of Adventure looks cool...I've never been but I love Dr. Seuss!
As I said, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend StoryTime! Our share of the house for the week was only $400-$500...for the week (not the night)!!!!! Way cheaper than Disney!!! It was comfortable and still very close to everything!!! We were only about 5 minutes away! I see no difference of driving from All Stars or Animal Kingdom or Windsor Hills to Magic Kingdom. And I really enjoyed NOT waiting for buses...we have done that the last three trips. It was a nice change!

That house was fabulous!!!!!

So funny about Old town my cousin mentioned going there but we never made it.

I didn't realize you guys did universal too!!1 Fun!!!!

What's there? I dont even know...apparently stores and a monster truck...lol. I can't say enough nice stuff about the house....its my version of DVC!!! I will never get DVC so this is the next best thing! Speaking of which...I hope you took lots of pics of AKL!!! I can't wait to see your pics!!!

Wow, that house is awesome, it is decorated so cute. Love the princess room. We always go to Universal Studios each trip, my DD is 6 and she loves it. Love the update !!

Thanks! There are houses that are not decorated but I really feel in love with this one...my house has white walls so I was looking for something more interesting! I did go to US last trip...but I am such a Disneyophile..I couldnt wait to get back to Disney. Glad your DD loves it...what's her favorite ride?

That would have killed me to have my hubby and kids go a few days before me! I'm such a control freak...

That house was gorgeous! Sounds like they had a fun time at US!

Oh trust me...I was NOT a happy camper. But I was stuck. I didn't want to lose my job over it and they were gracious enough to give me those two days. Plus I think its good for DH to have some time and planning for part of the trip...goodness knows once I got there.....I was in charge!!!!

 

[PrincessLeighsDaddy]

Wow! That house looks great!
Coupons, huh?

I see you even made customs for Universal! Cute!

Love your jokes and trivia questions!

 

[twob4him]

Wow! That house looks great!
Coupons, huh?

I see you even made customs for Universal! Cute!

Love your jokes and trivia questions!

Thanks Tom!!! I just used tees from Walmart and a skirt I had already made...kinda cheated. Of course, Sponge Bob was no where in site. I actually think he resides over at Island of Adventure. Oh well....they had fun anyways.

Glad you are enjoying the corny jokes!








I will update this weekend!!!! Its been another crazy week. My kids are taking turns being sick ...one at a time...very politely....poor things!

 

[Tnkrbelle565]

I'm so impressed that you managed to do updates for a whole weekend that you weren't there for!!!

 

[twob4him]

I'm so impressed that you managed to do updates for a whole weekend that you weren't there for!!!

LOL so true...the whole time I wrote it I kept asking DH and Sarah...ok so what did you do next?? And dh only took like 15 pics before I arrived...grrrrrr.

 

[Jennifer48]

Hi Cathy!

I'm enjoying reading your report so far. That house is gorgeous! Great deal!

I'm impressed that you wrote those updates without even being there!

Can't wait to read more!

 

[MeMom]

I detect a little bit of sass in that pose.

I also see some very nice tomatoes in the background.
What else do you grow?

The house is nice. One day, when we are going with multiple spouses and many grandkids (hopefully), we will have to check out the houses.

I hope everyone at your house feels better very soon.

 

[twob4him]

Hi Cathy!

I'm enjoying reading your report so far. That house is gorgeous! Great deal!

I'm impressed that you wrote those updates without even being there!

Can't wait to read more!

Thanks for coming along! I really enjoyed the house! I love staying on property too but for this trip it was great to have the space and ammenities!

I detect a little bit of sass in that pose.

I also see some very nice tomatoes in the background.
What else do you grow?

The house is nice. One day, when we are going with multiple spouses and many grandkids (hopefully), we will have to check out the houses.

I hope everyone at your house feels better very soon.

LOL yes...she is a bit a sass and spunk and some worry and whine too! LOL! Yes, Edmund grew the tomatoes and also cucumbers and peppers and I think a few other veggy's. The girls love to help in the garden and eat stuff right off the vine!
I love your vacation in the future! You will love having the house too!

 

[twob4him]

JOKE:
My kids love going to the Web, and they keep track of their passwords by writing them on Post-it notes. I noticed their Disney password was "MickeyMinnieGoofyPluto," and so I asked why it was so long. "Because," my son explained, "they say it has to have at least four characters."

And here's another one:
Patient: "Doctor, you've got to help me, some mornings I wake up and think I'm Donald Duck, other mornings I think I'm Mickey Mouse."
Doctor: "Hmmmmmmm, and how long have you been having these disney spells?"
******************************************************************

So meanwhile back in NJ, mommy was still working and preparing for her trip. My best friend, Leanne, came to pick up her daughter from school on Friday. They were flying out just after Edmund and the girls on a different airline. They came to get me from my classroom to say goodbye!!! We would see them Tuesday at Magic Kingdom. Here we all are at my school:

So I worked on school stuff after school on Friday until 5 pm then left to get a quick slice of pizza and then returned to school. That night was Haunted High School and I helped pass out candy as the trick or treaters marched through the school….about 2 million people showed up and it was our first year doing it! Then the rest of the weekend was pretty quiet. I cleaned the house and did laundry and uploaded some new stuff on my ipod…read some trip reports and general stuff like that. I think I also squeezed in some sewing for a friend's daughter. I talked to Edmund and the girls a couple of times too.

Finally, Monday after school, it was my turn. I headed up to the airport and parked the car. The airport was pretty quiet and I checked my bag, made my way through TSA and headed to the terminal. It was weird going to Disney by myself. The whole experience was a bit surreal since this trip had been in the works for so long and now it was finally happening! I had picked a seat behind the wing at the window cause I LOVE to fly and see everything. Wouldn’t you know it that a huge cloud…and I mean one massive front…covered the entire east coast and all I saw was cloud the whole way. The girl I sat next to just booked the flight about an hour before we left and was going to surprise her boyfriend in FL. Awwww so cute. The flight went smoothly.

And suddenly we were landing at MCO! It was a quick flight! Maybe cause I wasn’t caring for any little ones. Once we landed and were allowed to, I turned my phone on and started calling my dh to tell him I arrived. I had no service. I continued calling the whole time we were walking to baggage. Same deal. I kept getting Verison saying to check the number and dial again. Thank goodness my dh called me. He was just outside the door! Yaaa! I grabbed my bag when it came out and we were off! My vacation had officially begun!!!

Sarah came along and was a very good navigator back to the house! When we walked in the front door, the party was in full swing. It was such a happy reunion!!! We had friends who had come over with their daughter and of course Edmund’s brother and sisters were there and the five of us. We ordered from two different places and sat around and talked and laughed and ate and told a bunch of stories. Fun times!!! I also got a tour of the house and did a little unpacking and organizing for our big park day the next day. Apparently everyone was going to Magic Kingdom and we were meeting up with my friend Leanne and her girls too!

So here are a bunch of pics from that night...

My sister-in-law, Dona, and I...

The little girls and their friend Madison put on a show...something about Cars...and we enjoyed the entertainment...

(Sorry the pics are dark...my camera takes terrible pics in low light!)



I forgot to mention that Monday, Edmund took the girls to the community pool at Windsor Hills. They swam for a few hours and then came back to the house. I think Edmund’s sister and his brother and wife went to Aquatica that day. And everyone else just hung out and relaxed. Aren’t vacations fun?



********************************************************
So there you have it! Next update is our Magic Kingdom Day with Everyone!!! Would we stick to Cathy’s laminated, color-coded, much-researched and reworked touring plan? Would we make it to rope drop?

Stay tuned!

 

[DisneyJo]

Loving your report Cathy, sounds like you all had a very hapy reunion