The Never-Ending-Anything-Goes PTR

[stephielela]

Then we headed over to the main attraction, Forbidden Journey! The posted wait was 60 minutes and between the wait and the ride, we were out in exactly 60. Please pardon my crappy pics of the queue!

This was my best attempt at getting a picture of the ride vehicles from the baby swap room

Again my dad and sister and I rode and then my dad rode with my mom. This ride made me a bit nauseous. I am not prone to motion sickness, but I wasn’t feeling fantastic after. The queue was amazing though, and the loading area especially, and of course the technology was awesome. I was freaking out about my flip flops falling off though, so that was distracting! My mom felt really sick after this ride. We decided to call it a day after that since we had gotten far more accomplished than we had hoped!

We began the looooooong hike back to the car and headed home. When we got home I let Jack swim for a bit while we all soaked our poor tired feet in the pool and then we headed to bed!

 

[jenseib]

We had those nachoes too...MMMMMM good!
Those queue pictures look so much like the ones I took. It is really hard to get anything in there because it's so dark and then the flash seems extra bright. It is such a cool queue though.

 

[stephielela]

We had those nachoes too...MMMMMM good!
Those queue pictures look so much like the ones I took. It is really hard to get anything in there because it's so dark and then the flash seems extra bright. It is such a cool queue though.

We had those nachos in Grand Turk too, they really are awesome!

I felt nervous taking pictures in there and most didn't turn out well. The part where Harry, Ron and Hermione talk to the crowd I actually recorded because I could NOT get a picture that worked. If I figure out how to post videos I will try it!

 

[stephielela]

Despite getting to bed at a decent hour the night before, our early morning was still difficult. In fact, this is where I found Jack when I woke up…

He had somehow moved to the floor during the night!

We timed our arrival at the park for opening and got there a bit early. We did go ahead and pay for the preferred parking which is $5 more. I don’t know how much closer it is, but no matter what you do, it’s a loooooong walk in!
As we got into the park, my parents and sister headed directly to the Hulk and Jack and I headed to Spiderman. We walked right onto the ride at exactly 8 am.

Jack LOVES Spiderman. He has Spiderman sunglasses, PJ’s AND underpants! I knew this ride was kind of intense, and so I wasn’t surprised when he didn’t want to ride again. He didn’t cry or anything, but it was a little scary for him. Once we were done we shopped around in the gift store while my parents rode. Jack decided to buy a keychain for himself and one for my mom. I was very proud of Jack because he had been telling me all day the day before that he wanted a “Big Minion” from Despicable Me. I had told him that if he didn’t find anything else he wanted I would give him the extra money for it, since he only had $25. He wanted to buy it right away but I told him to wait. So when he decided to buy the keychains I told him he wouldn’t be able to get his big minion since he wouldn’t have enough money. He said he would rather get the keychain for grandmommy (my mom) and just get a small minion. (He still didn’t have enough money for both keychains and the small minion, but I made up the difference since I was proud of him for thinking of someone else).

Once my parents were done my mom and I went on the Hulk. Afterwards we all went to the Crescent Moon bakery to get breakfast. We got an assortment of croissants and sandwiches etc and used our AAA discount for 10% off. Then my parents took Jack to Seuss Landing while my sister and I went to soak up the atmosphere in WWoHP!

We did Forbidden Journey through the single rider line first. The stand by wait was at least 75 minutes at this point, and several of the locker banks were at capacity. We were in line less than 5 minutes! The tricky part is that you need to go in through Filch’s (gift shop at the end of the ride) then through to the lockers rather than trying to come in the main entrance. Then you cut across the stand by line and up some steps and voila! You are there! Once again I forgot to take off my flip flops so I spent the ride stressing about losing one. Also I had taken a meclizine this morning in hopes of not getting any motion sickness, but this ride was still a bit much. Of course, we had just had breakfast.

Next it was time for some browsing!

We went to the Hogs Head to get out Butterbeers and wait for my parents and Jack. The line was much more manageable, but you aren’t allowed to sit inside unless you are ordering food next door. We went out to the back patio which was very nice and shady. We got one frozen and one regular cold Butterbeer. They had quite an array of beers on tap here as well.

/

I liked the frozen MUCH better.
View of Hogwarts from the patio

How long do you think it will be before Potter fans start trying to book weddings in the WWoHP?


After we were done I took Jack into Honeydukes to get some candy. He got a little bag of random stuff and I got the jar of lemon drops, which I had sent to the front of the park so I wouldn’t have to haul it around. By the way those lemon drops were quite popular at work. I’m glad I got the jar because now I can refill it with other candy.

My dad really wanted to ride Forbidden Journey again so I went with him, and this time I did NOT forget to take off my flip flops! Of course it was a race against time to get them off and sit on them before the ride got going.

Right after I took that picture the steam started coming out and surprised Jack.
By this point the crowds were huge, so we headed to lunch. Our original aim was the Captain America Diner, but we only made it as far as the Comic Strip Café. We had pre-purchased the meal deal for this day, which we wouldn’t do again. The options are relatively limited and we had enough free time we could have eaten off property all for one of the meals. I had chicken strips and my dad had a burger and everyone else had pizza again. Dessert options were pretty bleak, but luckily my sister had bought a Cauldron Cake at Honeydukes!

 

[stephielela]

After lunch my dad went back to the locker to get the changes of clothes because we were going to do water rides next. Long story short there was horrendous locker trouble which resulted in him being gone almost an hour. He made it back to us just as we were getting on Bluto’s Barges. The wait was 20 minutes and we were all ready for a little cool water action. Once we were done with that, my sister decided to stay for the rest of the day and the rest of us went back to the house. We were home by 1:30 pm.
I let Jack swim a bit…

And then we took a 2 hour nap. I had set the alarm for 4:30 and it was ROUGH waking up. My mom decided to stay at the house for the evening, and for a minute there I was sure Jack would want to stay too but he eventually got moving. We didn’t end up getting back to the park until 6:15. My sister met us at the entrance to Islands and then we all headed in to have dinner at the Captain America Diner. I had the grilled chicken sandwich, Jack had chicken strips and my dad and sister had burgers.

After dinner we decided it was time to meet Spiderman. Unfortunately the line was closed so we had to do some thinking. Spiderman was getting ready to go on break, but I figured if we went ahead and got in line then we would be first to see him when he came back out and we knew he was due back around 7. After he was done with the last kid before his break, he stopped by and told Jack that he had to go catch a bad guy real quick, but he’d be right back. The wait wasn’t too bad and when he came back he talked to Jack about how Jack had helped him scare away the bad guys when they saw him guarding the building. Jack got a kick out of it and I thought it was pretty cute.

We declined to buy the picture (one was $24) and went on to meet my dad and sister at Seuss Landing.

These were the waits at around 7:30. To me this indicates that unless you want to do the single rider line, or get early entry to the park, doing WWoHP is better in the evening since this was the shortest wait, and it was shorter the evening before too.

I just thought these recycling bins were perfect!

Jack wanted me to ride the Cat in the Hat ride with him so we waited 5 minutes for that. Then we did some shopping because a very good friend of mine is expecting and is doing her nursery in Dr. Seuss themes! By the time we were done it was about 8:30 and we were ready to head over to Universal Studios for their night show.

So long Islands! It’s been real!

Once we got in, my dad decided he wanted to try RRR again, so my sister and Jack and I stopped to get some treats to snack on. Then we got a decent viewing spot across from Mel’s Diner near the smoking section for the show and settled in to wait!

I didn’t take pictures of the show. It was decent, but I am a Disney girl at heart and it just didn’t compare. Jack liked it ok. Once it was over we hauled it back to the car and were on our way back to the house by 10:15! Once we got home we packed up a bit and got ready for bed. We had one last early morning!

 

[jenseib]

Fun day. I asume since Spidey is in front of a green screen that the picture they take has something added into it?
Good to know about the meal plan. I heard mixed views on it too. Mostly that it was limited to just a few places and that was a major downside to it.

 

[stephielela]

Fun day. I asume since Spidey is in front of a green screen that the picture they take has something added into it?
Good to know about the meal plan. I heard mixed views on it too. Mostly that it was limited to just a few places and that was a major downside to it.

Yep they make a Newspaper cover or something witht he picture. It's pretty cool, but not cook enough for the $$

I was definitely NOT a fan of the dining plan. I am PMing you...

 

[stephielela]

The next morning we were up at 7. We finished packing and started a load of towel s as requested by the house company. I took some pictures just in case…
Sister’s room, downstairs with adjoining bathroom:

Living room out to pool...

Parents room, also had adjoining bathroom

Our room, also had a bathroom

Overall the house was nice. It wasn’t perfect, but for the price, I have no complaints. We never were able to get on the wireless internet, but we also didn’t try that hard.

So by 8 am we were on our way to breakfast at... Wilderness Lodge!
We got there about 8:25 and got seated immediately. This was the first time we had eaten hear though of course I have heard many stories. We looked over the menus and ordered. Jack had the Mickey Waffles, my dad, sister and I all had the skillet, and my mom had French toast.
The skillet comes with Mickey waffles (yum!), biscuits and gravy, eggs, bacon, sausage and potatoes.

And naturally we needed ketchup…

For anyone who doesn’t know, if you as for ketchup, they yell out loud to the whole place asking if anyone has any ketchup and then everyone is supposed to get up and bring you their ketchup. Jack kept telling people we had enough!
Jack participated in the pony race as well, but only for one lap because he was hungry!

After a delicious and fun and DISNEY breakfast, we toured the resort a bit and then headed on to check out another one…

 

[stephielela]

I really want to stay here sometime. It just looks like so much fun! We walked around for a while but the only area we really looked at was naturally

I really liked the idea of these little cone huts. It would make spending a hot afternoon at the pool that much more enjoyable!

 

[stephielela]

/

The door to one of the buildings was open so we peeked inside…

It’s the little details that are the best!!

 

[stephielela]

We wandered back towards Animation Hall to do some browsing in the gift shop.

Look’s like resort specific merchandise is making a come back!

I really like this resort. If it was part of the current Free Dining promotion then we would be staying there this fall in the Little Mermaid section, but only the suites are included and they are pretty pricey, especially for just me and Jack. We obviously don’t need that kind of space. Someday though!

Next we headed to Downtown Disney. We stopped in Basin first to check out all their fabulous bath products, but for some reason Jack wasn’t into it so he and I headed in to World of Disney instead. We looked around for a while and my dad bought Jack an Agent P stuffed animal. I got a tote bag that was on sale. We headed outside to have a seat for a bit and then we walked over to the Lego area to check out the Lego statues.

My sister and I have always gotten our picture taken by this sea monster. One year she and I and Jack all had our picture taken here, I guess it’s kind of a tradition!
By this time it was hot and we were basically done shopping… so that must mean it’s time for margaritas!

/

I got strawberry with sugar on the rim

My sister got a Pina Colada

My mom got the Patron Anejo Margarita

We also got some chips and salsa. The chips were literally Tostitos in a bag, but the salsa was fresh and awesome!

While we were finishing our snack I went over to Goofy’s Candy Company to pick up a couple treats. They have some of the best looking stuff in there and I love making my own treats. Plus it’s the perfect place to pick up little presents for friends.

Eventually it was time to leave. The only thing that made it bearable was knowing that I would be back in the fall!

We stopped by Publix so my mom could get a spice that you can evidently only get in Florida. Then we headed to the airport. My dad dropped us off and then went to return the car while we rearranged our bags etc. Once my dad got back my mom went off to her flight. Hers was earlier since she booked through work and didn’t have to book the cheapest flight available. I went to check the car seat since we weren’t checking any other bags and then we went to Macaroni Grill for a late lunch. After wards we shopped around the airport and then headed to our flight. It was about a thousand degrees on the plane and we had to sit on the runway for an extra 20 minutes. We had a stop in Atlanta, and Jack was hungry again so I got him some dinner at Checkers before our next flight. Our last flight was uneventful and we were all pretty tired so we were just ready to get home! Eventually we made it back to the house and fell into bed to start dreaming of our next adventure!

 

[Leshaface]

FINALLY caught up! And hello! Haven't been on in so long!

Will be downloading that DIS app today. Thank you!

Wow. I really need to try and plan a Universal trip in the near future. It looks like you guys had an amazing time. I must say, i'm surprised Disney doesn't have a height measuring themed sign like Universal does. I know Hershey Park has one like that too. It makes it so much easier I think.

Okay I have a question. Is the child swap at Universal the same as Disney? The reason I ask, is because I was trying to figure out how my mom, DH and I were going to be able to ride the bigger rides like TT or Dinosaur. Can we technically do a child swap even though we're not taking a child on with us?? How does this work?

The AoA looks so neat! I would love to stay here one day!

 

[stephielela]

FINALLY caught up! And hello! Haven't been on in so long!

Will be downloading that DIS app today. Thank you!

Wow. I really need to try and plan a Universal trip in the near future. It looks like you guys had an amazing time. I must say, i'm surprised Disney doesn't have a height measuring themed sign like Universal does. I know Hershey Park has one like that too. It makes it so much easier I think.

Okay I have a question. Is the child swap at Universal the same as Disney? The reason I ask, is because I was trying to figure out how my mom, DH and I were going to be able to ride the bigger rides like TT or Dinosaur. Can we technically do a child swap even though we're not taking a child on with us?? How does this work?

The AoA looks so neat! I would love to stay here one day!

Hey!

I've been horrible about keeping up on TR's! I'm trying to get better, and the app is helping!

I liked Universal, but I won't feel the need to go back anytime soon. Once Jack is tall enough to ride everything then maybe.

At Disney the swap is different. Basically you guys would all go to the entrance of the line (they need to actually see the baby/child) and then they give you a fastpass type card. So then you and DH could ride, come back and you and your mom could ride, you go in through the FP line. On the card is says it's good for up to 4 people I think. I know it's more than 1 person anyways.

At Universal you basically all wait in line together and then there is usually a little room or area off of the loading area where you wait to swap. I'm pretty sure that's how Disney used to do it, because I remember being surprised the first time we used baby swap for Jack at WDW in 2009.
Of course by then it had been so long since we'd done it I can't be sure!

 

[Leshaface]

Hey!

I've been horrible about keeping up on TR's! I'm trying to get better, and the app is helping!

I liked Universal, but I won't feel the need to go back anytime soon. Once Jack is tall enough to ride everything then maybe.

At Disney the swap is different. Basically you guys would all go to the entrance of the line (they need to actually see the baby/child) and then they give you a fastpass type card. So then you and DH could ride, come back and you and your mom could ride, you go in through the FP line. On the card is says it's good for up to 4 people I think. I know it's more than 1 person anyways.

At Universal you basically all wait in line together and then there is usually a little room or area off of the loading area where you wait to swap. I'm pretty sure that's how Disney used to do it, because I remember being surprised the first time we used baby swap for Jack at WDW in 2009.
Of course by then it had been so long since we'd done it I can't be sure!

I've been bad about keeping up on TR's too so no worries!

Thank you so much for explaining the child swap to me. I was originally thinking about grabbing three FP's then having DH and my mom ride, while I watch the baby, then when they get off, i'd get on by myself. This will work out even better and makes me so much happier now that I or DH won't have to ride by ourselves if we don't want to.

I wish Disney had Universal's idea. It keeps the whole family together. But then I could see how it could get filled with lots of families waiting to load.

 

[stephielela]

I've been bad about keeping up on TR's too so no worries!

Thank you so much for explaining the child swap to me. I was originally thinking about grabbing three FP's then having DH and my mom ride, while I watch the baby, then when they get off, i'd get on by myself. This will work out even better and makes me so much happier now that I or DH won't have to ride by ourselves if we don't want to.

I wish Disney had Universal's idea. It keeps the whole family together. But then I could see how it could get filled with lots of families waiting to load.

It would get crowded, plus for bigger kids it's sometimes easier to take them to another attraction or another area while the others ride so they don't feel like they are spending their time waiting while others have fun. There is no return time requirement so the second riders can wait and come back later! Of course I don't think Calvin will have much trouble waiting around lol

 

[Leshaface]

It would get crowded, plus for bigger kids it's sometimes easier to take them to another attraction or another area while the others ride so they don't feel like they are spending their time waiting while others have fun. There is no return time requirement so the second riders can wait and come back later! Of course I don't think Calvin will have much trouble waiting around lol

So true!

 

[stephielela]

This summer has flown by! Between work and fun summer outings with Jack I cannot believe it's almost September!! My mom's brithday is this week and my parents are going to Chicago this weekend to celebrate. I somehow ended up with 5 days off at work...

Can you see where this is going?


Probably not...





NO! We are not going to Chicago......
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....
....
....
...
...
We are going on a cruise!!

Yes, yes I did. I booked a cruise last Sunday that leaves on Friday, a whopping 12 days in advance! I'd had my eye on them as a possibility but the price dropped and I just couldn't resist! So in 4 days we are headed to Miami to set sail on the Majesty (Royal Caribbean) for 3 nights to the Bahamas! It's just me and Jack and I haven't told him yet. This time I think I might ACTUALLY surprise him!

I had enough points with Southwest for free flights so we are taking the first flight out to Fort Lauderdale on Friday and then taking a shuttle we have used before to get to the port. We set saila round 5 I think. Saturday we are at Coco Cay, Royal Caribbean's private island and then Sunday we are in Nassau. We are keeping it simple, not booking any excursions in advance and we aren't taking fancy clothes for Formal Night either. I've never sailed RCCL before so this is a learning trip for me! I'm so looking forward to getting away for a few days! Work has been nuts and it looks like it's only going to get crazier over the next couple months... My sister is going to watch my dog so I don't even have to pay for the kennel! Things just worked out so well I couldn't pass up the opportunity. Then when I get back I can settle down and start hammering out the details for our fall trip!

 

[jenseib]

 

[Dream426]

YAY!! Enjoy the cruise!!

 

[stephielela]

YAY!! Enjoy the cruise!!

I'm so looking to the down time. I really plan on doing nothing besides lounging and sleeping lol. I'm sure Jack will have other plans