10 Days at Disney! Updated 3/4x2 Day 9 Typhoon Lagoon

[lvcourtneyy]

That day was the last day for photopass photographers in the parks for the season. Hence, apparently they are seasonal. A couple of days later we went to Typhoon Lagoon and they weren't there. So guess what? That'll be a quick update when I get to it because there are no pictures!

David made it back in with the camper. He only got 9 miles/gal. But he said he fought a headwind the whole way home and there are some gentle rolling praries that he traversed. (We call those hills here, but since people from all over are reading this I didn't want to lead anyone astray.Y'all would look and say,"Hills? What hills? I don't see no stinkin' hills?") But if you look there are slight inclines and declines in the roadway!

It took forever to get it parked in our driveway. We have a rear entrance drive with a narrow alley. I'm thinkin after this trip this weekend that sucker is getting put in RV storage.

Hmmm how strange. I wonder why they're seasonal? Maybe there's not enough people going to make it worth paying them? Odd.

Wow 9 miles a gallon is pretty scary! Glad it was a good trip though.

 

[MK2010]

Hi guys! Sorry I've been MIA. We had a swim meet this weekend. We left Friday and then the 2 oldest had races ALL day Saturday and we didn't get back until late. The meet was in Midland which is about 4 hours south of here. We took the camper and left here about 10:30. We dropped the dog off at the grandparents house. (They love dog sitting our pooch ) I love my dog, but I'm not necessarily that crazy about others! And then we drove and drove and drove. We finally pulled in about 5- 5:15.The RV park was nice enough for overnight. Midland is in the middle of oil fields. Right now those fields are running at 100% (There are always boom and bust cycles with oil. Right now we're in a boom. ) The housing/rental market there is crazy. They are renting out rooms in senior citizen complexes trying to get enough rooms for the oilworkers to have a place to stay. So there were a lot of longterm campers at this park. David was getting on to the kids for leaving their Nintendo DS in the unlocked car and I'm looking around thinking, "Really, we're the poor people in this park dude!" (He was right of course. The other business that makes a ton of money during an oil boom are the bars and liquor stores. Easy come, easy go!)

We've always had a pop up tent trailer in the past. So I was amazed at how easy this was to pack and set up. In the past, we've packed everything in bins, food, eating utensils, clothes, toiletries, etc. But this time I told everybody grab your stuff and go put it in the camper. Then I just grabbed the food I had bought on the way home from work that morning and put it in the refrigerator. 45 minutes and we were ready to go! Since the RV was winterized we opted not to use any water because even though the temperatures are getting warmer we'll still have 1 more good freeze around Easter. When we pulled in it took us maybe 20 minutes to level it. Crank down the jacks, manually pull out the slide, and plug in the electricity. I was cooking a little before 6. Amazing! Before it was a minimum 30-45 minute set up process!

The next morning was so nice. We got up about 7. I used their facilities and took a nice loooong hot shower! Fed the kids and we were pulling out of the RV park about 8:30. We've always driven down the day of the meet which entailed leaving our house between 4 a.m. and 5 a.m. and then not getting home until around 10 p.m. We still didn't get home until 10ish, but we didn't have as long a day either. The kids did well in their races. Jonathan placed in 3 out of 6 of his events. And dropped time in all of his races. This was Lauren's first big girl race! There are some itty bittys out there who start at 5, but Lauren just started this year. She did great! She won a couple of her heats. She didn't place in any of her races overall, but she didn't get disqualified either!!! (Baby steps here people! Always look for the positive!) She had done a beginner's meet back in December and she dropped time from that meet. So she is making great progress!! I'm trying to talk our baby into joining the swim team. He's thinking about it. But he tells me, "Mom I only like the backstroke." I said," honey that's great! The coaches would love you. They've never seen an Ingle child who can do the back stroke!" (The other two are breaststrokers and their flutter kick which is what is used on the backstroke and freestyle is practically non existent.)

So it was a good meet overall. Most of the time I do updates on this at work around 11pm-1am. However, I wasn't feeling well Tuesday. By Wednesday morning I was full fledged sick and spent all day yesterday in the bathroom. I woke up fine this morning. The rest of the family has had this bug, but I thought because of my superior immune system that I had escaped! Ha! So I missed a night of work last night. But I'm back at it tonight.

Alrighty, that's where I've been, but now its time to go to swim practice and then off to work! Toodles peeps!

 

[MK2010]

Day 8 DHS​

So I would love to give you a great report of what we did this day, but sadly, I don't remember!We got up and got there in time for Rope Drop, but today we opted to not meet any of the characters out front. When we got through the gates Cameron and I headed over to get TSMM FPs while the rest headed to ToT. ToT is not my favorite ride. It has a limit of a once per trip event for me.

But here is a picture of the Pixar sign and the hanging monkeys.

Cameron found an extra large leaf and wanted his picture made with it. Look at this leaf though, I didn't think things were allowed to die at Disney!

After procuring the oh so valuable TSMM FP we headed over to RnR. For those of you who were concerned, never fear the limo has not fallen down!

Look who decided he wasn't up for another round on ToT either:

We waited for the rest of the group who had quite the time on ToT! We walked into RnR and saw all of the pre show and then through the inside queue. It was maybe a 10-15 minute wait? I may be inflating those times because its been so long. Note: TAKE NOTES during your trip. It makes writing your TR soo much easier and your reading audience will love you.

Anyway, when we got to the front of the line we were sent to different lines. Jonathan and Stephen were in the very first car!! David and Lauren were farther down. Somehow, Cameron and I didn't make it on this round and had to wait for the next car. He was a little scared. That kid is so funny, he is scared of his own shadow! I was worried about Stephen, but he had a great time on the ride. We all met back up at the exit and I took this picture of Jonathan:

It was getting closer to time for our FPs, but we thought we might have enough time to sneak in and see Woody and Buzz:

Here is a most unflattering picture of Stephen attempting to look scared while strapped to a rocket:

Finally it was our turn to meet the dynamic duo:

They had a great interaction! They really liked their personalized pages. And here is a common fact that you may not know if you have not yet been to the parks: Buzz uses a stamp to sign his name.

Now it was time for TSMM! WooHoo! Bring it on. I don't know why I didn't take pictures of the queue today. More than likely it was because we moved through it so quickly. I remember that I beat Jonathan which gave him a poopy-tude. Gotta love pre-teens!

I think everyone headed over to Star Tours. It was good, but it surprises me how I border on motion sickness with that ride. I used to not have any problems. Welcome to getting old I guess!'I took my picture on the speeder bike since I didn't do it the other day.

After Star Tours, it was coming up on lunch, but we wanted to drift back by to see Walt: One Man's Dream and Voyage of the Little Mermaid. On the way I grabbed a pic of the boys outside Sci-Fi:

I wasn't crazy about VOTLM. But, then again, it isn't one of my favorite movies either. I loved it as a kid. Not so much as an adult. After our encounter with Ariel, we headed out of the park and back down the road to the room for lunch.

We were all ready for some air conditioning and rest. It amazes me how much the heat can zap your energy! But I still say September is a great time to go. Of course, we had really good luck with lines on our late Nov. early Dec. trip too back in 2009.

I rested, took a little nap and got up ready to head back for characterpalooza! Characterpalooza is a little known (or maybe its well known and I just didn't know about it!) event that happens at Animation Academy before Fantasmic. Only Stephen wanted to stay behind with Dad so the rest of usl headed over to DHS. Of course David didn't upload any of THOSE photos, but here's who we met before then:

My boyfriend:

Pooh was quite funny:

We really wanted to meet Mr. Incredible and Frozone, but this was who was up when we got to the front of the line:

During characterpalooza we also met, Chip and Dale, Captain Hook and Mr. Smee, Gepetto and Pinocchio, the Queen of Hearts, The Snow Queen, and Meeko. Quite a line up! IT was really cool getting to meet all the characters that you don't always get to see out and around the park. I was really hoping to meet Dopey, but it was cool getting to see Geppeto and Pinocchio. The characters were all fabulous.

At some point we did Animation Academy. I thought it was after characterpalooza, but that would've made Lauren really late for dinner, but I can't figure out the timing if we did it before. I know we went to get in line and the class was full so we headed over to The Great Movie Ride. I was surprised that the kids enjoyed it. They really liked the end trying to look for clips from the Star Wars movies and Indiana Jones. Then we dashed back cause it was starting to rain and got in line again. We almost didn't get in this time, but the CM remembered us and cut the queue off a couple of people behind us. I know Lauren checked her blood sugar and it was fine, so maybe we did just let her have a late dinner.

Today we were drawing Chip. Lauren liked this time around better. I think she just needed to get one under her belt. since she kinda knew how the class was gonna go she kept up better and forgave herself little mistakes. Cameron did okay. Jonathan, Mr. Perfectionist, was sadly disappointed in his effort. Bless his heart, I sometimes have a hard time sympathizing with him because he has an ego the size of Texas and when things don't go the he thinks they should he gets a poopy-tude. His swim coach assures me its just his age.

So with Sir poopy-tude and others in tow we headed out of the park. We did stop at the Apothecary to pick up a candied apple for Suzan, my nurse. She felt certain that we could freeze that and bring it back to her. That did not turn out well. I got it back to her and it looked perfect on the outside, but as soon as she cut into it, it just crumbled. Note: you cannot freeze a candied apple and bring it home on a 24 hour car trip.

It was an easy night. David had saved some dinner for us so we scarfed that down and the boys and I went to go play mini golf while David took Lauren swimming in the Pirate pool. It was nice and relaxing. WBC has a free little 18 hole mini golf course and you just check the putters and balls out from the club house.

Okay, I hope this is enough to tide you over for a bit. We're headed back to Typhoon Lagoon for our next day and remember there are no pics. So I may get that up pretty quickly later tonight!

 

[lvcourtneyy]

Glad the swim meet went well with the camper! Sounds much more fun than all that driving in one day.


Oh no! It's always when you think you escape the illness that it gets you! Glad you're feeling better though!

Wow totally jealous of the characterpalooza characters you met! I can't wait to go to it if we get to go in September. Its not on in January so we've never gotten to go!

 

[MK2010]

Day 9 Typhoon Lagoon​

Well, this is going to be a short and boring update. No pictures. I didn't take my camera because I was relying on the photopass photographers. But, as you already know, there would be no photopass photographers. How sad. This was a relaxed morning since Typhoon Lagoon didn't open until 10:00. Of course, we were there at opening.We scoped out a spot at the wave pool which the kids begged to go on immediately, but we hustled them over to the Shark Reef. I was a little worried about the whole family doing this. But they give you life jackets if you want. (I wanted! Especially for DS7!) There is a super super brief instruction period. As in, put your snorkels on, breathe through your mouth, don't kick, don't swim, just float. Okay in you go. DH and DS12 hopped right in and were off on their adventure. The other three needed a little encouragement, but got the hang of it. I, on the other hand, was a mess! I had know idea that the inability to breathe through my nose would freak me out so much! I COULD NOT for the life of me relax and breathe through my mouth. Luckily, they have a couple of little rocks you can sit on as you drift across the pool. I know they were like, "Seriously, lady chill out already." There are lifeguards in the water with you. They kept reminding me to STOP flailing about. I stopped on the rock about halfway across thinking that I would readjust take a couple of deep breaths and then relax. I did readjust the snorkels and take a couple of deep breaths. But as soon as I got back in the water I panicked again! I mean seriously. Really? Its breathing...like Darth Vader. This isn't rocket science. I made it to the far edge rather frustrated with myself. I mean there are sharks,rays, and all kinds of colorful fish. How cool is it that you get to swim with them?

Everyone else made their way across enjoying the scenery. Once we had regathered we decided to go again. I just knew that it would be better the second time around. There was no line. So we walked around to the other side.Back in the water everyone went. My second attempt did go better. But I had to concentrate on my breathing so I still didn't get to enjoy it as much as I would have liked. DH and DS12, however had a blast.

Since we were on that side of the park we rode the Storm Slides. I don't really enjoy body slides. I never have. It hurts where the pieces of plastic are joined. (Okay, so I just thought about what I've typed so far. I promise. I'm really not as high maintenance as I sound. Really. I promise) Anyway, everyone enjoyed the Storm Slides and would return to ride them later.

The kids couldn't stand it any longer so we headed over to the wave pool. Now folks, this ain't your grandma's wave pool. Its serious business.

Okay gotta go get dinner be back later!

 

[MK2010]

Day 9 Typhoon Lagoon Pt. 2​

Okay, sorry about the interruption, but as many of you know I am paid to play. (I.e. I do these updates in the middle of the night at work!) Anyway, we only have four patients tonight so it is a perfect night for trip updates. But the kitchen didn't leave us any food so I had to run out to On the Border to pick up our meal for the evening.

Anyway, We left off with us at the very serious Wave pool. It has some BIG waves. It will knock you down and drag you under for the third time! My oldest is a competitive swimmer and I was strict even with him as to how far out he could go. I wouldn't let him go past his thighs. And the rest had to be in a tube and couldn't go out any farther than that. Plus, either my husband or me had to be right next to them. I know that sounds overprotective, but I'm really lenient with my kids safety. They can stay at home alone while I run errands. I let them ride their bikes with each other along an approved route in our neighborhood without adult supervision. But these waves were that intense. In fact, they use this pool to teach surf lessons in the mornings before the park opens.

I wanted to get in a few more rides before lunch so after 20 minutes or so I rounded everyone up to go check out Gangplank falls. The lines were pretty long. They just seemed to be moving slow. We finally got to the top and doooooowwwn we went. It was fun. We tried out MayDay Falls. It was good, but again the wait...well I think by now you guys realize that I do not have the patience for long waits. After 10 minutes I get antsy and start wondering whats taking so long!!

We skipped Keelhaul Falls since it was time for lunch and the line was so long. The kids inhaled their lunches so they could go get in the wave pool. This time DH and I sat back and let them go with the understanding no one could go past their knees. Every so often we would go check on them. In light of recent events at Disney, this was a really stupid move, but God protected us and they were fine until DH went to join them. I took a little nap. I think DH was jealous 'cause he hauled everybody out after a couple of rounds and informed them it was time to go on the lazy river. The lazy river is my favorite ride. I could spend the entire day in the lazy river. We made it around twice today before the kids had absolutely had enough!

DH and DS12 wanted to go check out the Shark Reef again, so I made the others go one more round on the lazy river then I took them back over to the body slides. I waited at the bottom for them. DH and DS12 had finished at the Shark Reef. THey said the sharks, rays, and fish were swimming way closer to the top on this pass. DS12 said he was almost able to touch a ray! The three younger ones were having a blast on the body slides so we continued to hang out there while the other two went do Humunga Kowabunga.

The kids made a couple more passes on the body slides and then they were back begging to go back to the Wave Pool. (Darn that wave pool!) DH and DS12 returned from their trip over the falls and were happy to return to the wave pool. I made a run to the restroom and finally discovered the path leading to Crush n' Gusher and the HUGE quiet pool it emptied into. I went to round everyone up to go give it a whirl. They weren't thrilled with me. Especially when I wouldn't tell them where we were going.

We live in Texas, home of Schlitterbahn. It has some great watercoasters, but my kids have never been to Schlitterbahn. So when we rounded the corner and they saw that watercoaster they're jaws dropped! They were so excited! All of the kids had to go pee so we used the restrooms right there and then off we were to Crush and Gush! We divided into three groups of two and each tried a different slide. It was soooo much fun! So when we all got to the bottom we switched partners and chose a different. The kids loved it! They wanted to go again! But the line was getting long and the clouds were rolling in so we decided it was time to call it a day. The kids were disappointed, but we had plans to head back to DisneyQuest tonight.

 

[lvcourtneyy]

Wow you're making me even more excited to finally see the waterparks!

That sucks about the photopass photographers. I've been wanting to get an inexpensive waterproof digital camera so maybe ill have to do that before we go.

You can never be too safe when water is involved! Better safe than sorry.

 

[ibrokeitmommy]

Snorkels freak me out too! I start hyperventilating. I'm dreading our TL day because all my daughter talks about is the shark reef and I'm so scared! Sounds a fun day though!

 

[MK2010]

Wow you're making me even more excited to finally see the waterparks!

That sucks about the photopass photographers. I've been wanting to get an inexpensive waterproof digital camera so maybe ill have to do that before we go.

You can never be too safe when water is involved! Better safe than sorry.

We got a waterproof disposable and took pictures at the shark reef, but I'm such a slacker, I haven't had them developed yet. I like the idea of a digital one. Ours was just a regular old one, so you never knew if you were getting a shot with a fish in it or not. Of course if I had them developed I would know, right?

 

[MK2010]

Snorkels freak me out too! I start hyperventilating. I'm dreading our TL day because all my daughter talks about is the shark reef and I'm so scared! Sounds a fun day though!

Depending on how old your daughter is, she can do it by herself. There is so much salt in that water, plus with a life vest and a couple of lifeguards she should be fine in the water. And there are several areas right next to the water that you can stand to watch her. They even have an underwater observatory. Or you could start with hypnotic treatments now and see if you're over it by the time you go!

 

[lvcourtneyy]

We got a waterproof disposable and took pictures at the shark reef, but I'm such a slacker, I haven't had them developed yet. I like the idea of a digital one. Ours was just a regular old one, so you never knew if you were getting a shot with a fish in it or not. Of course if I had them developed I would know, right?

That's how I feel with the waterproof disposable pictures! I end up with a lot of pictures of water and not much else! And getting them developed is another project.

I feel like I always buy a few of them every summer and they're like 16 dollars a camera! I think I'm better off with a digital one at this point. Or at least that's how I justify it to myself