3 Generations! 2 Resorts! 10 Days! DxDp! 3000 Pictures! - Saying Good-Bye!

[sjs314]

You won't regret it! Promise....hope I don't have to eat my words





Ya know....a scooter would be soooooo easy and very comfortable. And your DH would't have to push...y'all could both relax....just sayin' Think about pushing that wheelchair up the ramp to get to the monorail after a day in the park Your poor husband

So...no PORQ...y'all will do one night at YC? Then go the next day to CR? Sounds good to me! Would love to try BC/YC! ....actually just want to try SAB for the kids. Maybe in June before the cruise Who knows!?

Heather, No word eating for you. I just know it is going to be wonderful, so wonderful in fact I bought a new camera today for the trip just so I can get some fantastic castle pictures

You know when you just mentioned about pushing a wheel chair up the monorail ramp, in DL they have an elevator, I know since my knee popped out on that trip and we borrowed a wc from the hotel, I just sort thought they must have an elevator in WDW too?

 

[amandaw]

Gulf Stream??!! Really?! As in Savannah? How did it go for him? We're still praying for a job. Be patient and stay positive, Amanda. Something will happen...all in His time Did y'all ever hear anything from Georgia Pacific?

Yep...Gulf Stream in Savannah! Can you believe it?!? After you had told me about the company, I told Ed & he checked out their website. Well, he ended up applying for a job thru their website. He said the interview went great! Seems like a really good company to work for, too. They did tell him that they have a couple more candidates that they have to interview at the beginning of next week before they move forward with filling the position. So, we'll see. But, it's one we're praying really hard for. Ed has had a lot of calls this week & has another phone interview Monday for Nestle Waters (it would be in Northern Florida). The recruiter for Georgia Pacific is still waiting on more info regarding job openings from the hiring manager.

I'm trying my best to stay patient & positive....although some days are harder than others. But, I just continue to pray that the right job for our family will present itself soon to Ed with a great offer. Thank you, too, for the prayers. I really do appreciate it!

 

[cdotla]

Hey Heather! Finally all caught up with your awesome TR!

You have completely sold me on Citricos. I just keep hearing wonderful things about this place. Will definitely have to check it out!

I apologize if you have chatted about this recently, (I confess that I just skipped thru the links to catch up on your report), but how is your Half Marathon training coming? Hope all is well, and I certainly hope you plan on doing a TR for your February trip as well!

 

[DisneyDoc5]

Heather - 4 inches of hair - wow, good for you! I'm sort of jelly about that, I have always had long hair, I would look like a man with short hair, I keep it long, but I told myself I'm going shoulder length when I turn 40 - 8 more months! I just have to be able to do a pony tail!

Pas- if you do get a scooter, rent it from Walker Mobility (look them up on line). I use this company for my clients (Disney travel planner) and I have used them for my mother in law and they are great! It really would be better than a wheelchair for all of you!

Off to church - have a great Sunday everyone!

 

[pas130]

Heather - 4 inches of hair - wow, good for you! I'm sort of jelly about that, I have always had long hair, I would look like a man with short hair, I keep it long, but I told myself I'm going shoulder length when I turn 40 - 8 more months! I just have to be able to do a pony tail!

Pas- if you do get a scooter, rent it from Walker Mobility (look them up on line). I use this company for my clients (Disney travel planner) and I have used them for my mother in law and they are great! It really would be better than a wheelchair for all of you!

Off to church - have a great Sunday everyone!

Thank you, I will! I have to admit, I am putting off the official decision until I see the foot doc on Tuesday for follow up xrays....Tuesday is also online check in day

You won't regret it! Promise....hope I don't have to eat my words





Ya know....a scooter would be soooooo easy and very comfortable. And your DH would't have to push...y'all could both relax....just sayin' Think about pushing that wheelchair up the ramp to get to the monorail after a day in the park Your poor husband

So...no PORQ...y'all will do one night at YC? Then go the next day to CR? Sounds good to me! Would love to try BC/YC! ....actually just want to try SAB for the kids. Maybe in June before the cruise Who knows!?

My poor husband....he really is turning into Grumpy with all the wheelchair/scooter talk. I guess he is sick of me coming home and complaining about my foot. "How are you gonna do Disney without complaining?" and when I bring up wheelchair/scooter I get the ahem...eye roll I am hoping he will be so excited when we show up at YC and then CR that the "possible" scooter will not be an issue.

Heather, No word eating for you. I just know it is going to be wonderful, so wonderful in fact I bought a new camera today for the trip just so I can get some fantastic castle pictures

You know when you just mentioned about pushing a wheel chair up the monorail ramp, in DL they have an elevator, I know since my knee popped out on that trip and we borrowed a wc from the hotel, I just sort thought they must have an elevator in WDW too?

castledance

Yep...Gulf Stream in Savannah! Can you believe it?!? After you had told me about the company, I told Ed & he checked out their website. Well, he ended up applying for a job thru their website. He said the interview went great! Seems like a really good company to work for, too. They did tell him that they have a couple more candidates that they have to interview at the beginning of next week before they move forward with filling the position. So, we'll see. But, it's one we're praying really hard for. Ed has had a lot of calls this week & has another phone interview Monday for Nestle Waters (it would be in Northern Florida). The recruiter for Georgia Pacific is still waiting on more info regarding job openings from the hiring manager.

I'm trying my best to stay patient & positive....although some days are harder than others. But, I just continue to pray that the right job for our family will present itself soon to Ed with a great offer. Thank you, too, for the prayers. I really do appreciate it!

All good! sounds great! The more possibilities the better, I just know it will work out for your family. You all deserve it

 

[amandaw]

All good! sounds great! The more possibilities the better, I just know it will work out for your family. You all deserve it

Thank you! I really do feel like this will all work out for the best in the end. The only thing that has me stressed is how long it's going to take. We just need that right job to come along soon.

 

[hstrickland]

Heather, No word eating for you. I just know it is going to be wonderful, so wonderful in fact I bought a new camera today for the trip just so I can get some fantastic castle pictures

You know when you just mentioned about pushing a wheel chair up the monorail ramp, in DL they have an elevator, I know since my knee popped out on that trip and we borrowed a wc from the hotel, I just sort thought they must have an elevator in WDW too?

Yeah!! A new camera!!! You certainly will be glad you purchased that...a picture is worth a 1000 words

Ya know...one would think WDW would have an elevator by the monorails, but I've never noticed if there is or isn't...never given much thought to it. Thinking about it, I can't remember seeing any place that looked like an elevator

So glad you're staying with the CR

Yep...Gulf Stream in Savannah! Can you believe it?!? After you had told me about the company, I told Ed & he checked out their website. Well, he ended up applying for a job thru their website. He said the interview went great! Seems like a really good company to work for, too. They did tell him that they have a couple more candidates that they have to interview at the beginning of next week before they move forward with filling the position. So, we'll see. But, it's one we're praying really hard for. Ed has had a lot of calls this week & has another phone interview Monday for Nestle Waters (it would be in Northern Florida). The recruiter for Georgia Pacific is still waiting on more info regarding job openings from the hiring manager.

I'm trying my best to stay patient & positive....although some days are harder than others. But, I just continue to pray that the right job for our family will present itself soon to Ed with a great offer. Thank you, too, for the prayers. I really do appreciate it!

Well....certainly keep me posted about Gulf Stream! It sounds very promising. We could be next door neighbors Where in northern Florida...closer to Alabama or Georgia? Hmmmm.... living in FL means Resident Passes for WDW!!!

Hey Heather! Finally all caught up with your awesome TR!

You have completely sold me on Citricos. I just keep hearing wonderful things about this place. Will definitely have to check it out!

I apologize if you have chatted about this recently, (I confess that I just skipped thru the links to catch up on your report), but how is your Half Marathon training coming? Hope all is well, and I certainly hope you plan on doing a TR for your February trip as well!

Hey there! And welcome back from your trip! I checked your thread, but no start yet on the TR, huh Can't wait to hear about it!!!

Long story short...the running came to an abrupt hault after visiting the orthopedic and having xrays. I can only run short distances, 2-3 miles, on grass or treadmill. I've had too much wear and tear on my knees over the years, and the cartilage is thin (so to speak) So.......no 1/2 for me. Guess I'll have to focus my energies elsewhere. How did Chris do?! Didn't he do a 1/2 on your trip?

Heather - 4 inches of hair - wow, good for you! I'm sort of jelly about that, I have always had long hair, I would look like a man with short hair, I keep it long, but I told myself I'm going shoulder length when I turn 40 - 8 more months! I just have to be able to do a pony tail!

Off to church - have a great Sunday everyone!

Yep...cut off! There's still length to it, but not enough to get in a ponytail. Not sure I did the right thing, but too late now! I get bored with my hair and go from one extreme to another....long, medium, short...then long again. Since you only have 8 months, you better start searching out new hair styles Erin, you could pull off a shorter cut...you're just use to the long. I can assure you that you would NOT look like a man!

Thank you, I will! I have to admit, I am putting off the official decision until I see the foot doc on Tuesday for follow up xrays....Tuesday is also online check in day

My poor husband....he really is turning into Grumpy with all the wheelchair/scooter talk. I guess he is sick of me coming home and complaining about my foot. "How are you gonna do Disney without complaining?" and when I bring up wheelchair/scooter I get the ahem...eye roll I am hoping he will be so excited when we show up at YC and then CR that the "possible" scooter will not be an issue.
castledance

He'll get over it....you're right...once you arrive in FL, everything will be great!!! Can't believe your trip is that close!!! Tuesday is online check-in! Awesome! Let us know what the dr says...maybe it will be good news. If not....take DisneyDoc's advice and rent the scooter

 

[amandaw]

Well....certainly keep me posted about Gulf Stream! It sounds very promising. We could be next door neighbors Where in northern Florida...closer to Alabama or Georgia? Hmmmm.... living in FL means Resident Passes for WDW!!!

I will definitely keep y'all posted! Ed is really interested in the job so I'm praying for him that he at least makes it to the next round.

The job for Nestle Water would be in Lee, FL (I think). I looked at it on Google Maps & want to say it is like an hour east of Tallahassee. So, it's close to Georgia. Ed has already informed me that as long as we live within 6 hours of Disney (even if we're in Georgia), that he will get us AP's! I think he's trying to make me excited for a possible move.

 

[hstrickland]

Hollywood Studios – The Last Day!
Part 1
Day 10​

Hard to believe our last day is finally here! Kinda sad….I always hate packing up to go home, but then I remember that we WILL be back!!! No other option….


Needless to say, we were up super early! Things were already packed, but we wanted to hit DHS early since it was Star Wars Weekend. I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that it would be super packed!


When I pulled myself out of bed, I immediately looked out to see Bay Lake……can I just tell you how much I love this view!!!! Every morning we were there, the view was breath taking…the weather couldn’t have been better for my early morning pictures.

Breakfast was quick….we were using up snack credits!! We had a ton left…but don’t you worry! They will be put to good use (picture to come later). Because we were up so early, we had our choice of seats at the Contempo Café. As the monorail zoomed through, I started to feel a bit blue. Did I already say that I hated to leave???

We decided not to call a bell hop….we would just load up everything ourselves and carry it down. And when I say load up….we packed the strollers high!

We all took one last look over the railing to get a quick glimpse of the monorail, and then we headed down stairs to make our trek out to the car.


On our way over to DHS, I noticed that the traffic looked a little heavy…not surprised, though….just hoping that I was going to be wrong about the crowds. As always, I had my camera in hand as we passed the ToT, Faith’s favorite ride.

After parking, I realized quickly that I wasn’t wrong…the crowds were going to be substantial. We knew this when we planned….the main reason we’re going is for Stephen. He’s a big Star Wars fan and wanted to see the characters and the parade.

Something else I quickly realized….it was going to be a long day with no strollers!!! We had to turn in the rented ones at the CR. I probably should have rented a park stroller but thought we could handle the little ones without paying the extra money for another stroller…..WRONG!


I took all the tickets and ran to get FPs for Toy Story….you wouldn’t believe how long the line was!!! We couldn’t leave WDW without another turn on this ride!


Another one of my favorites is the Backstage Tour….I know, I know….I have a ton of favorites!

We’ve all been on this ride many times, but you always notice something different with each new voyage.

Bill and Stephen ventured out on their own to hunt down the characters. The lines for character pictures were crazy long, and we knew that Faith and Jesse would not last….it was already painstaking enough listening to them complain about having to walk!! What was I thinking??!! Where’s a stroller!!!???

The boys really lucked up with a couple characters…..

Stephen said that Darth Maul was incredibly real…almost scary. This person played the character perfectly…and took lots of time with Stephen.

Stephen was totally pumped to see these guys!!

On their way over to meet us, they ran across two more characters….

Bill and Stephen just made it in time for….

Stephen and Jesse love this show!! It’s totally cool for little boys….and actually pretty cool for any age. It’s a must-do for our family!

Dad and I were continually snapping photos trying to get just the right picture!

Jesse was completely enthralled with this entire show! Don’t ya just love watching your kids experience Disney??!! It always puts a smile on my face.

After the show, we decided to go see the Muppet Movie….and do you remember me saying how crowded it was? Take a look at this!!!!

And guess what….we’re tired!





Up next….Part 2 - Star Wars Parade!

 

[shan23877]

Great update! I'm so glad that Stephen got to meet some Star Wars characters. What a fun day for him!

I can imagine the whining you were hearing without the strollers. I swear DD wanted to be carried through every line!

 

[amandaw]

NOOOO! It can't be y'alls last day....it just can't!

Well, even if was the last day, it sounds like y'all were having a lot of fun at DHS (despite the crowds).

I hope one year we can make it for Star Wars weekend. Ed & I are big geeks - we love all that stuff. That's so great that Stephen was able to meet some cool Star Wars characters. I would love to meet Darth Vader, but I'd be too scared to go up to Darth Maul - he just freaks me out!

Can't wait to hear what else y'all were able to do before having to head home!

 

[WDWKOOK]

Heather, if it's your last day, then it's our last day, too

We've never been during SWW since school doesn't get out until the end of June here, so I love being able to live vicariously through you and the kids. But, I would have had nightmares if I had to meet Darth Maul in person

I just love LMA! The music makes it even more exciting. It was "temporarily closed for technical problems" on our last trip, so I'm glad I get to see some of it here

Did you grab any TSM FPs when you arrived?

 

[pas130]

Yay an update. Boo for last day. I HATE check out day.

That BLV pic was just what I needed this morning to know my trip planning is complete

MIL was over yesterday, and we were going over some kiddo stuff. So we are all set....

DH loves the stunt show And star wars, the last time I went on I was preggers (I snuck on 3 months....bad idea) Those characters are WAY too real Very cool though!

 

[sjs314]

Love the Update but hate that it is your last day. The BLV pic is beautiful and the one of the crowds looks like how it was our last trip during spring break
Star Wars Weekend looks like so much fun. DHS is my third favorite park but DH would rate it his #2 happy place.
Can not wait to read more

 

[onelilspark]

Oh last day

The crowds when we were there at SWW certainly built during the day!

 

[Disney9.9.10]

I have been a bit MIA lately, but I am all caught up!

I love all of your pictures from the GF. It is absolutely my favourite resort, and has a special place in my heart. I loved it even as a little girl, like Faith!

Glad to read that Citricos went so well! That is another restaurant I have on my "to try" list, and it is always great to read good reviews!

The last day is always so sad lol But I do the same thing as you and always remember that I will be back again - it takes some of the edge off

I look forward to reading the rest!

 

[emma212010]

LAST DAY!? It's always so sad leaving, but planning for the next one is always fun! WOW those crowds are big!!! But your pics of the Star Wars guys are great!! Glad Stephen was able to see them! What a great family picture too!

 

[eeyore7360nc]

That last day is always so bittersweet.

Are you still going for the Princess Half Marathon? My friends and I are in full planning mode.

 

[hstrickland]

Great update! I'm so glad that Stephen got to meet some Star Wars characters. What a fun day for him!

I can imagine the whining you were hearing without the strollers. I swear DD wanted to be carried through every line!

Not only did they whin, but they don't walk nearly as fast as us...we're all like speed walkers, so you can imagine the frustration!!! Then of course when it got hot, they REALLY started. I was done by lunch. Don't get me wrong....I did still enjoy the morning.

NOOOO! It can't be y'alls last day....it just can't!

Well, even if was the last day, it sounds like y'all were having a lot of fun at DHS (despite the crowds).

I hope one year we can make it for Star Wars weekend. Ed & I are big geeks - we love all that stuff. That's so great that Stephen was able to meet some cool Star Wars characters. I would love to meet Darth Vader, but I'd be too scared to go up to Darth Maul - he just freaks me out!

Can't wait to hear what else y'all were able to do before having to head home!

I loved Star Wars, too. I remember my dad taking me to see the first movie when it came out...I must have been around 5. Have loved them ever since! Never got into Star Trek, though. Darth Maul is soooooo cool, but very creepy at the same time.

Heather, if it's your last day, then it's our last day, too

We've never been during SWW since school doesn't get out until the end of June here, so I love being able to live vicariously through you and the kids. But, I would have had nightmares if I had to meet Darth Maul in person

I just love LMA! The music makes it even more exciting. It was "temporarily closed for technical problems" on our last trip, so I'm glad I get to see some of it here

Did you grab any TSM FPs when you arrived?

Hey KOOK! I did my FP run like normal....sprinting like a crazy person! It's quite the task to learn to maneuver through crowds without pushing and shoving and still get ahead I've become very efficent with my techniques So silly, isn't it, that an adult temporarily loses their mind while at WDW!?!

Yay an update. Boo for last day. I HATE check out day.

That BLV pic was just what I needed this morning to know my trip planning is complete

MIL was over yesterday, and we were going over some kiddo stuff. So we are all set....

DH loves the stunt show And star wars, the last time I went on I was preggers (I snuck on 3 months....bad idea) Those characters are WAY too real Very cool though!

Glad the BLV pic helped! That view really is incredible...you're not going to want to leave....just sayin'! Are y'all going to DHS on your upcoming trip? The shows will certainly be different without the kids!!!

Love the Update but hate that it is your last day. The BLV pic is beautiful and the one of the crowds looks like how it was our last trip during spring break
Star Wars Weekend looks like so much fun. DHS is my third favorite park but DH would rate it his #2 happy place.
Can not wait to read more

What's your favorite park? Mine would have to be MK...so many memories there for me. Really like DHS, also...love going in One Man's Dream, but then I always get sad because Walt died before his dream was complete.

Oh last day

The crowds when we were there at SWW certainly built during the day!

The crowds were ridiculous when we got there! But...we knew that would happen, so not too big a deal.

I have been a bit MIA lately, but I am all caught up!

I love all of your pictures from the GF. It is absolutely my favourite resort, and has a special place in my heart. I loved it even as a little girl, like Faith!

Glad to read that Citricos went so well! That is another restaurant I have on my "to try" list, and it is always great to read good reviews!

The last day is always so sad lol But I do the same thing as you and always remember that I will be back again - it takes some of the edge off

I look forward to reading the rest!

Citricos is awesome...certainly on my list of must-dos for next time. And you're right...the GF is fabulous. It's so peaceful there and so relaxing...not the hustle and bustle of some of the other resorts.

LAST DAY!? It's always so sad leaving, but planning for the next one is always fun! WOW those crowds are big!!! But your pics of the Star Wars guys are great!! Glad Stephen was able to see them! What a great family picture too!

Always sad...I HATE leaving, but you're right...there will certainly be a next time!!!! I've got to get over on the cruise boards so I can start planning my Dream trip. It's quickly approaching...kind of.

That last day is always so bittersweet.

Are you still going for the Princess Half Marathon? My friends and I are in full planning mode.

Long story short...no 1/2 for me. The orthopedic said my knees can't take it I wish the news from him would have been better, but oh well. How is your training going? I'm sure very well Where do yall plan on staying?! I have another girl at work that will be running the Princess, too. She's super excited!!!

 

[Missyrose]

I'm back! And just in time for your last day. Boo!

You were right, we totally fell in love with CR. You can't possibly find a better location! And the sunrise over Bay Lake was spectacular.

We also had an awesome meal at Citricos. We felt like Cali Grill beat it by a hair, but they were both amazing dinners.