2 Castles, 2 Send out 2011 & Ring in 2012...12 Days of Christmas

[swwake]

Home on the Range.

Little Patch of Heaven - k.d. lang
Will The Sun Ever Shine Again - Bonnie Raitt
Wherever The Trail May Lead - Tim McGraw

Also, Randy Quaid contributed Yodel-Adle-Eedle-Idle-Oo

Did you know? A Dairy Tale is a 3-minute spinoff released in 2004. Mrs. Caloway tries to tell the story of the Three Little Pigs but is interrupted by Maggie, Grace, Buck, Jeb, Ollie and Audery, who tell the story in their own ways. The characters are featured in super deformed and 'storybook' style.

Incidentally, Jennifer Tilly also voices in this movie, as Grace!

For your watch party, maybe you could dip rice krispie bars in chocolate and attach a chocolate chip to the "bottom" edge, using licorice strands (red or black) as the string around the neck to make the cowbells they wear in the movie (I wouldn't wear them!)

 

[momabaarjo]

Way to go Susan...1 point for the movie, 3 points for the song, 1 points for movie trivia and 1 point for the dinner & a movie idea (not sure if I can handle the cow bells around the neck...but what a yummy idea just to make and eat)...Total 6 points today! Which by the way puts you back in the lead....

Susan 13
Ashley (lilpixie) 12
Ann 7
Lisa (becc1)6
Heather (monkmon)6
lovthattink 2

 

[momabaarjo]

DH said I could add a day to the trip....

Oh course I hit him up about it right after he asked if he could go with his cousin for a weekend in October to Cabo to go fishing. Timing is everything, right? Although I probably will not book the hotel or the airfare until midSeptember, but I got the okay!

So here is my dilemna now...
POR-Riverside $201 for the night or POP (2 rooms) for $246?! I have stayed at POR and it is okay and Goo really wants to go swimming where the alligator mouth is, Boo and Ab were really interested in POP when we hinted around about a trip, and I think it looks neat too. Both are pretty close to BWV where we will be checking out of Friday morning... How naughty would it be for me to get 1 room at POP (we would only be spending about 8 hours in the room, if even that...)?

The flight I had been stalking on SW is now up to $256 on Friday...the first flight on Saturday is $184...so I would be saving $360 taking the Saturday flight...so either hotel we would save from $160 to $100!

 

[momabaarjo]

Islands of Adventure (IOA)

Preview, Port of Call, and the Great Inland Sea​

Islands of Adventure is located right next door to Universal Studios (USO). Most people do not realize there are actually 2 parks at Universal, with separate entrances. IOA is about a 5-10 minute walk from USO (if you are walking with me probably closer to 5 minutes…remember we are on a touring plan…no time to walk slowly). When IOA opened it raised the bar for other Orlando theme parks with cutting edge attractions, thrill rides, and illusions. When Harry Potter opened up in 2010, it became even bigger!

A towering lighthouse modeled after the ancient lighthouse of the Pharos in Egypt marks the gates to IOA and the beginning of your adventure.

When you enter IOA, you enter through the Port of Entry, which serves the same purpose as the Front Lot next door at USO. The theming here is an ancient marketplace like Istanbul. If you have time you really need to linger for some time in this area, it is pretty amazing! You will find the ticket gates, will call windows, ATMs, restrooms, lockers, rentals, guest services, lost and found, dining, shopping and first aid all in this area! ​

There are several little eating areas:

​

Croissant Moon Bakery-Lots of yummy baked goods, perfect for breakfast…I had a to die for chocolate muffin that was HUGE…yep, it is vacation chocolate for breakfast is allowed!​

Confisco Grill-This is where the character breakfasts are held in the mornings from 9:00 to 10:30 am with Cat in Hat, Spiderman, and other characters. It has a full scale lunch and dinner menu.

There is also Cinnabon and Artic Express…in addition to some nice shopping. I plan to check out the Christmas Shoppe when I am there for some trip ornaments.​

Just beyond the Port of Entry, you will find a lake named “the Great Inland Sea.” Arranged around the lake are six separate themed “islands.” The areas are not true islands, but are separated by finger like bays with bridges that you cross from one area to the next…IOA does a great job in theming when you move from one area to the next to make you feel like you are on an island. The flow of visitors is controlled by the circular layout of the park, if you follow the path of least resistance you will move around the park, visiting each island in turn. IOA is more heavily themed than USO and most other parks in Orlando…yes in some cases more than WDW…the theming of WWofHP has taken theming to a whole NEW level (trust me on this one). Each island has its own music (and sometimes in the case of Seuss, somewhat annoying if you stop and listen) and as you move from island to island, you are not even aware the music changes…pretty impressive!​

I am going to work around the Great Inland Sea, counter clockwise…since this is the way most people will have to experience the park because of the traffic pattern in and out of WWofHP! For those staying on-site and arriving for early entry you will probably be directed towards Seuss Landing and enter WW ofHP via Lost Contient. For those staying offsite, you will want to still get to IOA early and more than likely be directed to WWofHP via Super Hero Island entering WWofHP via Jurassic Park. In either case, I would make sure that I do WWofHP either first thing or last thing!

 

[momabaarjo]

Saturday's Question:
What movie has the tagline: You'll beWITCHED! You'll be swept into a world of enchantment BEYOND ANYTHING BEFORE!?"

Current Standings:
Susan 13
Ashley (lilpixie) 12
Ann 7
Lisa (becc1)6
Heather (monkmon)6
lovthattink 2

 

[ZFamily5]

Is it Bedknobs and Broomsticks (1971), directed by Robert Steveson?

 

[annmarieda]

 

[momabaarjo]

Saturday's Question:
What movie has the tagline: You'll beWITCHED! You'll be swept into a world of enchantment BEYOND ANYTHING BEFORE!?"

Point for movie to Thing 1, and a bonus for a little trivia along with it. Okay, Ann I will give you a point too for the cover.

I actually remember seeing this at the movie theater...no not in 1971 (I would have only been 3)...but it must have been for a summer movie matinee!

Current Standings:
Susan 13
Ashley (lilpixie) 12
Ann 8
Lisa (becc1)6
Heather (monkmon)6
lovthattink 2
Thing 1...2

 

[Monknmom]

You seriously made me want to go home and cook.

Right? She's good I love her food and she's a real person that gets back to you on facebook and email. And her recipes are kid friendly and yummy!



That stuff looks really fun! Next time I want to take a longer vacation and go there too! I am not sure what you should do with the hotel, but how awesome is it that you get another day?

 

[momabaarjo]

That stuff looks really fun! Next time I want to take a longer vacation and go there too! I am not sure what you should do with the hotel, but how awesome is it that you get another day?

I am so excited about Universal...mainly just HP, seeing it all again. My only is that Goo is not going to be all enough for the main ride in Harry Potter (Forbiddne Journey). He tends to be my more dare devil child and I am sure we will have a melt down about it...he bascially can't ride Mummy, the 3 large coasters and Forbidden Journey...then at Disney is can ride everything but the Rock & Roll Coaster.

But this is the perfect time to take the trip...

 

[momabaarjo]

Sunday's Question:

What Disney movie features an aspiring rock band, a vengeful teacher and Chinese fortune cookies?

 

[momabaarjo]

Islands of Adventure
Marvel Superhero Island

Right now this is still Marvel Superhero Island, in the coming year’s who knows what is going to happen with this area since Disney now owns the rights to Marvel comics. I know my boys are going to love this area…after the other islands some people consider the theming to be somewhat “boring,” so experiencing this island first might be best if you are a theming snob! I personally like the theming…I felt like I was in a comic book!

I will advise you however, that coming from Toon Lagoon into Superhero Island was a little bit of an adventure in itself. The park map is a little misleading, as well as your line of vision.

Incredible Hulk Coaster

Facts: Steel Coaster, 1.5 minute ride
Personal Rating: A (I love coasters and this one delivers)

I don’t want to even begin trying to describe all the twists, turns, inverts, drops on this coaster. You really have to experience it for yourself to totally understand and appreciate this one! Here is an interesting fact I uncovered: The initial thrust of this ride consumes so much power, that if the electricity was drawn from Orlando’s electric supply, every time a new coaster was launched lights across Orlando would dim…that is power! You have to stow your belongings in a locker, and for good reason! There is a single rider line, take advantage of it and child swap if you need to! You can also use EXPRESS PASS if you are staying on-site or purchase the option. If you still have your witt together after riding, make sue you read the newspaper at the ride’s exit! I sure hope that Boo will ride this with me!

Storm Force Accelatron

Facts: spinning cup ride in the dark, 1.5 minutes
Personal Rating: Did Not Ride

I am too old to ride these types of rides anymore! I used to love the, but I know if I want to enjoy the rest of the day and keep to my touring plan, I will NOT be riding. I know the kids will want to ride this one. The good thing is that, you can control how fast the car spins (it has 3 levels of spin). The cars were designed to hold 4 adults, but the record is 8! YIKES! For the best effects, this ride needs to be done at night! EXPRESS pass is an option on this ride!

Doctor Doom’s Fearfall

Facts: Free-Fall Ride, 30 seconds
Personal Rating: B- (one drop is all I get?!)

I loved this ride, but I was so disappointed that it was over in basically one drop! Think Universal’s verison of Tower of Terror. The main differences being, that you are shot to the top (150 feet) at 4 G’s instantly instead of slowly creeping to the top like most rides of this type. The view from the top is amazing if you can get over the upward force to open your eyes! Then you are dropped back down almost instantly when you are still weightless from the thrust upwards. Seriously, the ride says it drops up and bounces back up a few times…but I do not remember bouncing back up at all! This ride happens so fast, that you will not scream until you are done with the ride…and my screaming was…”THAT’S IT?”
Thank goodness for EXPRESS PASS so you can ride this again!

The Amazing Adventures of Spiderman

Facts: Recently 3-D has been enhanced, 3-d motion simulator, 4.5 minutes
Personal Rating: B (seemed too fuzzy)

You and 11 of your new line friends board a special 12-passenger vehicle and set through the streets of the city where you find Spidey working hard! You follow Spidey through his adventures to foil the bad guy! I found the 3-d effects to be very blurry, hopefully with the upgrade my eyes will enjoy the adventure as much as my body! The first 3 rows are best since you will not have fellow passenger heads in your line of vision…but the last 3 rows are provide better 3-d effects! My boys love Spidey…know they will love this ride! EXPRESS PASS OPTION!

The Rest of Superheroes Island…

Character Meet & Greet: Look for Spidey (I know we will) and several characters from X-Men for autographs and photos!

There were also a few quick service restaurants...but I did not check them out.

​

​

 

[swwake]

Freaky Friday. Are you gonna watch the original version or the Lindsay Lohan one? I used to love the original!

The HULK is my favorite roller coaster in any theme park anywhere in the country! I love it!

 

[momabaarjo]

Freaky Friday. POINT TO YOU!!!!Are you gonna watch the original version or the Lindsay Lohan one? I used to love the original!

I think I would watch the orginial one...although I love Jamie Lee Curtis...Linsay is a different story anymore (loved her in parent trap)!

The HULK is my favorite roller coaster in any theme park anywhere in the country! I love it!

I loved the Hulk too!

 

[momabaarjo]

Dinner & a Movie Night
Star Wars
August 28, 2011

I remember going to see this movie when it came out. I was just about 9 years old...you do the math. We went with the neighbors across the alley from us. It was such cutting edge technology then, and watching it again after MANY years it seems so hockey and silly....but I remember being in total awe when I was younger. The sound track is still one of my favorites. I never really watched any of the other movies, caught pieces of them here and there but sci-fi really isn't my genre. My favorite character has to be CP3O...I think I relate to his personality the most. Young Harrison Ford still does something to this girl's heart...in fact I think he aged to be even better looking.


Activities:

Transporters

Goo and Boo (with Ab's help) made transporters that I found on familyfun.com
Boo hated making these...he got so frustrated and wanted to quit so many times...they are hard to make

Lightsabers & Jedi Training Videos

Then the boys and I made lightsabers and watched some youtube videos of the Jedi training program at DHS....guess what Goo wants to do now. So I am going to have to research more into this! The boys took their lightsabers outside and preceded to whack each other...the one time they complained I told them to they had 2 choices...1. Me taking the sabers away or 2. Me going back into the house and ignoring them...guess which they decided was best.

Wookie-Ookie Cookies

Boo wanted to be the chef tonight, so he made Wookie-Ookies (Wookie Cookies). I found this cookie recipe online. It is from the Star Wars Christmas Cookbook. They are so yummy.

Dinner:

Millennium Falcon Wiring with Asteroid Meatballs & Mastafar Lava Sauce
Jumbo Malasrtian Croutons (from Dex's Diner)

Interstellar Salad with Blue Milk Dressing

Yoda Sundaes

Wookie-Ookie Cookies

 

[Monknmom]

I am so excited about Universal...mainly just HP, seeing it all again. My only is that Goo is not going to be all enough for the main ride in Harry Potter (Forbiddne Journey). He tends to be my more dare devil child and I am sure we will have a melt down about it...he bascially can't ride Mummy, the 3 large coasters and Forbidden Journey...then at Disney is can ride everything but the Rock & Roll Coaster.

But this is the perfect time to take the trip...

I love that movie night! I have been trying to decide which one to watch though for the movie night! My friend says that we should watch all of them but I think that there are like 6 right? He did an awesome job making those cookies and the food!

About Universal, try to go to the DISigns people and ask if anyone has a hunt that he can do to keep his time while others go on the ride? I know that they have them for Disney and they do have a few Universal stuff, but just make a post in there and they will point you in the right direction- maybe make one for each of the rides he can't do? Just a printed page is fine to keep his attention and prevent too many meltdowns!

 

[momabaarjo]

I love that movie night! I have been trying to decide which one to watch though for the movie night! My friend says that we should watch all of them but I think that there are like 6 right? He did an awesome job making those cookies and the food!

He did do a good job... We did the original Star Wars movie that came out first...it is actually Episode 4. George Lucas did 4, 5,6 and then went back and did 1,2,3. I have not really watched any but this one. Not a star wars fan, but I knew it was something the boys would like...relates to Star Tours at DHS...and I had the movie (which seems to be an issue for me lately).

About Universal, try to go to the DISigns people and ask if anyone has a hunt that he can do to keep his time while others go on the ride? I know that they have them for Disney and they do have a few Universal stuff, but just make a post in there and they will point you in the right direction- maybe make one for each of the rides he can't do? Just a printed page is fine to keep his attention and prevent too many meltdowns!

Good idea...I am not having much luck on DISigns board. I have posted several requests for t-shrt help and no one wants to help me.

 

[Monknmom]

Good idea...I am not having much luck on DISigns board. I have posted several requests for t-shrt help and no one wants to help me.

If you let me know what you needed I can try to help you, I have gotten a bit better. Not as good as they are, but okay!

Yeah I'm not big on star wars I always fall asleep! But the teddy bears are so cute and I love that big duck thing, but I don't think that they are in the same movies!

 

[lilpixiebabe101]

Sunday's Question:

What Disney movie features an aspiring rock band, a vengeful teacher and Chinese fortune cookies?

Freaky Friday
This is actually the 3rd remake (all by Disney).
First was in 1976 with Barbara Harris and Jodie Foster.
Second was in 1995 by ABC as a television broadcast.
Third was in 2003 with Lindsay and Jamie Lee.

I think it's neat that Disney did all the films.

 

[annmarieda]

Ack... missed the trivia. Oh well...

And movie night looks great! You always impress me with how much time you spend with the kids on these things...and how much time they are willing to spend with each other.