3 Generations Wandering the Wilderness from "Cabin" Camping to Club Level-FW & WL

[hstrickland]

Heather Yep, we are all weirdos...but you're my kind of weirdo... And in Heather time you haven't been gone long at all My fellow crazy busy Momma!!

 

[hstrickland]

A Disney Hollywood Studios Day!!!
Part 1




Ok…call me crazy. But, I’m a bit sad writing this installment of the TR – last day with my dear friends But on the flipside, it makes me smile from ear to ear! Such fun times!!!




Up and at em’! Gonna be a beautiful day!!!









I never tire of a view like this!!! Unfortunately there were very few animals… not sure what was going on.









Just to fill y’all in – Erin is a Rope Drop crazy like me. (Just another reason we get along so well). So even though we literally got maybe 3 -4 hours of sleep, we were bound and determined to make it to RD!!! Of course we had to eat a little breakfast at the fabulous AKL CL first!




Elevators on the CL floor …







And if you exit to the left, you can catch a great view of the pool area…















And I didn’t say a “healthy” breakfast….just a “little” breakfast (ignore the cokes in hand )




Did I mention how well Caleb and Stephen got along??? (probably a 100 times) Fast friends, they were!!














The boys were waiting patiently on us to get downstairs. I'm sure Erin and I were steady gabbing about something unimportant










We didn’t take the bus to HS…jumped in our vehicle and drove over since we would be leaving to go home straight from the park (I’m sad again ). We had a little diversion thanks to my stupid OnStar. They kept telling me to go some ridiculous way. One would think that I would know my way around Disney…we’ve only been a million times. But never the less…we still made it in time for RD!!



Just another silly photo of the boys!!









By the way….it was getting warm. Remember it’s August. Even though I’m from the South, I still can’t get use to 95 degree weather. I could already tell it was gonna be a hot one!!!









Erin and Caleb had a FP for Toy Story at a later time – Stephen and I couldn’t get FPs for TSM at all (remember…a last minute trip). This is one of our all-time favorites, so we had to give the mad dash a try and hope to get there before the masses. We were fairly close to the front of the line, so we had a good chance. Always funny to watch people wiggle and squirm their way through standing crowds. These people obviously didn’t realize that Erin and I were RD experts – no wiggling your way past us! Seriously.



And to no surprise….we made it!!!! Even though the four of us got separated, we all made it on the ride with basically no wait! RD success!!!










Continued to next post…..



​

 

[hstrickland]

Continued from previous post...





A Disney Hollywood Studios Day
Part 2





We all had FPs for ToT! However…Stephen opted out. He hates this ride with a passion, so he meandered around in the gift shop. I even tried to bribe him with $50....didn't work. Really.









I requested the very front row so I could catch some action shots as we rapidly dropped!!














While Erin and Caleb used their FPs for TSM, Stephen I ventured over to Rocking Roller Coaster with our FPs. And yes…. I rode it, praying the ENTIRE time I wouldn’t get sick (Dramamine helps ). A great ride – one of Stephen’s favs.





On our way back to meet up with Erin, we stopped and watched this act.










We met up at the Frozen store over by TSM- not super impressed. While we love the movie, the store merchandise wasn’t anything I had not seen in other stores.





Caleb couldn’t decide ….










Anyone hungry??!!




How about 50’s Primetime?!!! Love this place!!















The last time we were here, our waiter was a bit over the top. And y’all know that we like to have fun, but he was somewhat ridiculous. So as I’m telling Erin and Caleb the story, guess who appears??!! The same waiter!! I could have died. But get this...since June, his personality changed miraculously – a completely different person. He's taken his act down several notches. Weird, I tell ya....weird.




Anywho…. food and conversation were fabulous!









Onion rings were quite tasty!! Love the presentation, too….adorable and totally 50s.




I got the chicken pie….again….super tasty! I could totally just make a meal off of the crust.









I was really excited to sit at one of these tables. We usually have a party of 7 and don’t get the cute little TV.










After lunch, we did a few more things like Star Tours (minus me, of course) and did some shopping. As much as I didn’t want to leave, we had to go. Stephen and I had a 4 ½ hour drive ahead of us









Can I tell ya how sad I was?!! I was totally wishing I had taken off Monday. Throughout the day, Stephen kept whispering to me “wish we had one more day, mom…just one”. Leaving Disney always stinks, but this was different… more depressing than normal.




On a positive note, we were so very fortunate to have this opportunity to “meet” these two fabulous people. Erin and I definitely have a special bond that doesn’t come along very often – friends for life . There will be other trips for sure – just don’t know when – other than the “Josie and Faith” trip. (We’ve invited ourselves again ) But that’s several years away.




Thanks, Erin and Caleb, for being great Disney hosts! It’s a trip that Stephen and I won’t forget.



We love y’all both!!!




​

 

[pas130]

Awwww what a bittersweet day The boys look like they have been friends forever And it is absolutely perfect that Erin is a fellow rope drop girl!! Our GPS was nuts in WDW too, my DH was telling me ...really we know how to get around...

So Stephen didn't do ToT but did Aerosmith...boys my oldest was the same..my DS13 will go on anything Sounds like perfect visit and no wonder it was harder than usual to go home

 

[Marsheliz]

Looks like a fun filled, bittersweet day! I think it is sooo cool that you were able to do this..

Love ya'lls shirts!!

I would love to do the 50's primetime but I think we better hold off until the kids are just a bit older, what do you think? We have H and V booked right now for February.

 

[pas130]

When is the girls trip Btw

 

[ProudMommyof2]

So glad you had this opportunity!!! 2 special friendships forged- so awesome!!

 

[Wood Nymph]

That was a great update! What a wonderful way to spend the weekend. I hope you get to do more of them in the future.

 

[amandaw]

Catching up! Looks like y'all had a great time! How awesome that the boys hit it off so well!

Your sunset pics of the castle are gorgeous! Disney needs to hire you as a Photopass photographer.

 

[hstrickland]

Awwww what a bittersweet day The boys look like they have been friends forever And it is absolutely perfect that Erin is a fellow rope drop girl!! Our GPS was nuts in WDW too, my DH was telling me ...really we know how to get around...

I wish you could have seen the route that stupid thing gave us! I took us off property and was going to swing us back around on the expressway. Crazy!!! At least I had sense enough to know we were going the wrong way

So Stephen didn't do ToT but did Aerosmith...boys my oldest was the same..my DS13 will go on anything Sounds like perfect visit and no wonder it was harder than usual to go home

Tried everything to get him to ride ToT. Thought the whole money/bribe thing would work ...not so much. Weird, isn't it? Faith will ride anything...and believe it or not, Jesse is the scariest of the 3. Surprise I know, since he's the one who seems to have no fear.

Looks like a fun filled, bittersweet day! I think it is sooo cool that you were able to do this..

Love ya'lls shirts!!

I would love to do the 50's primetime but I think we better hold off until the kids are just a bit older, what do you think? We have H and V booked right now for February.

H&V was great when our kids were little. They loved it!!!! I probably wouldn't do it now, but yours are the perfect age. I would definitely stick with it

When is the girls trip Btw

Not until a few years...I think. Erin takes each of her children when they turn 13. (She'll correct me if I'm wrong )

So glad you had this opportunity!!! 2 special friendships forged- so awesome!!

Thanks! Very special memories made!

That was a great update! What a wonderful way to spend the weekend. I hope you get to do more of them in the future.

We definitely will! Just don't know when Hard to plan around 6 kids

Catching up! Looks like y'all had a great time! How awesome that the boys hit it off so well!

It really was a fabulous experience for all involved I thought about the boys not getting along for about 2 seconds then it quickly left my mind. Weird how they just hit it off!

Your sunset pics of the castle are gorgeous! Disney needs to hire you as a Photopass photographer.

I wish!!! That would be totally fun for me. Bill and I always joke around about retirement.....he says he's gonna be a fishing guide for Disney. Guess I can do the photography thing


Didn't yall just get back from Disney???

 

[Pinkocto]

Couldn't even bribe Stephen, now that is dedication on his part!

And totally hilarious about the same waiter reappearing. What are the chances!?

Totally fabulous that you made the trip down. Hopefully you'll get the chance to get together again sooner rather than later.

I met one of my very closest friends on here too, we're doing the cruise next May together. We 'met' for the first time this past June and for whatever reason I was totally nervous. Within seconds that disappeared but it was there just the same.

 

[RGirl]

Hi Heather!

Wow - what a bittersweet day. *sigh* So much fun, but having to leave.

I'm glad you managed to get on TSMM - I know how much y'all love it! And I can't believe you did RnR!!!!

Ugh - I hate that you are already leaving. Boo.

 

[hstrickland]

Couldn't even bribe Stephen, now that is dedication on his part!

I knew he was dead set against riding when the money wouldn't even talk!

And totally hilarious about the same waiter reappearing. What are the chances!?

One strange little man, let me tell ya...

Totally fabulous that you made the trip down. Hopefully you'll get the chance to get together again sooner rather than later.

I met one of my very closest friends on here too, we're doing the cruise next May together. We 'met' for the first time this past June and for whatever reason I was totally nervous. Within seconds that disappeared but it was there just the same.

Awwwe....how nice! And way awesome that y'all get to do a cruise together in May. Not that far off...7 months Which ship? Is your mom going also?

Hi Heather!

Wow - what a bittersweet day. *sigh* So much fun, but having to leave.

I'm glad you managed to get on TSMM - I know how much y'all love it! And I can't believe you did RnR!!!!

The things we do for our kids Thank heavens I took Dramamine or I wouldn't have made it I didn't feel great when we got off, but nothing major.

Ugh - I hate that you are already leaving. Boo.

Just you wait until y'all do your girls trip That last day will be But so worth it

 

[kastoney]

What a great last day to your impromptu trip. So glad you all made it to TSM, but have been the coke that fueled the sprint ; )

Can't believe your son won't do ToT but will do RnR, its the opposite in my book. Loved your ToT picture with the camera, but where are the pics you took?

Your 50's meal looks great. Love your picture with the TV, makes it look like you all really are in the 50s with the vintage hue.

Looks like you and Steven both have friends for life!

 

[amandaw]

Didn't yall just get back from Disney???

We sure did! We were there from 10/4-10/11. This past week was our 1st week back to reality.

 

[hstrickland]

What a great last day to your impromptu trip. So glad you all made it to TSM, but have been the coke that fueled the sprint ; )

Absolutely Had to be it!!!

Can't believe your son won't do ToT but will do RnR, its the opposite in my book. Loved your ToT picture with the camera, but where are the pics you took?

I know....crazy he won't. Who knows?! We've tried everything. He rode it when he was 7 and that was the first and last time

The pictures I got didn't turn out...the only one that was half way decent is this one...

Your 50's meal looks great. Love your picture with the TV, makes it look like you all really are in the 50s with the vintage hue.

Photobucket works wonders

Looks like you and Steven both have friends for life!

Yep! For life Thank goodness for technology or it would have never happened.

We sure did! We were there from 10/4-10/11. This past week was our 1st week back to reality.

Trip Report???

 

[WDWKOOK]

Heather Yep, we are all weirdos...but you're my kind of weirdo... And in Heather time you haven't been gone long at all My fellow crazy busy Momma!!

This is news to me and just for the record, we're all perfectly sane





I bet you wish you'd done the DISmeet years ago - just think of all the extra trips you could have had. I like how you coordinated your glasses. Such fun pictures and great having Photopass to get everyone in on the fun. Was kind of expecting a picture of the waiter though, just in case we end up with him someday. 50's reminded me that ER Jesse would just love it there, what with all the TVs

ToT is very aptly named and when DD first went on it when she was probably around 5 or 6 maybe? She said loudly the first time down, "I would like to get off now please." That was the last time for all of us. And, like Stephen, we have no problem with coasters, but big problems with falling, oh, how I hate that feeling (oh, and the tea cups for me - I suppose you took pictures on that, too?). You are very brave to be taking photos during the ride or to be riding it at all

Happy travels to your DH today who is heading to that other Lodge not pictured in your DISmeet chapter. It's sad though that he won't be wearing the GoPro to all his meetings.

 

[pas130]

Kookster It's all relative my sweet friend you are ALL PERFECT to me!

 

[amandaw]

Trip Report???

I don't know. I hardly took any pictures. I really just enjoyed our time together. We've been so busy, it was much needed. I will definitely do a TR for Legoland & Disneyland next year though. I do see me getting back to taking lots of pictures then.

 

[hstrickland]

Home today with a sick child Faith had it all weekend...guess she's spreading the love. On the positive side....I can get another installment done

This is news to me and just for the record, we're all perfectly sane

Weird/crazy people don't know they're weird and crazy.... true

I bet you wish you'd done the DISmeet years ago - just think of all the extra trips you could have had. I like how you coordinated your glasses.

Oh seriously! You're hilarious. Did I mention that we have the same type of vehicle Not planned....promise.

Bill's saying "Thank heavens no DisMeet any sooner!" ... more money out of his pocket

Such fun pictures and great having Photopass to get everyone in on the fun. Was kind of expecting a picture of the waiter though, just in case we end up with him someday. 50's reminded me that ER Jesse would just love it there, what with all the TVs

Oh...I have a picture! Will share it when I do the 50s dining installment No worries.

ToT is very aptly named and when DD first went on it when she was probably around 5 or 6 maybe? She said loudly the first time down, "I would like to get off now please." That was the last time for all of us. And, like Stephen, we have no problem with coasters, but big problems with falling, oh, how I hate that feeling (oh, and the tea cups for me - I suppose you took pictures on that, too?). You are very brave to be taking photos during the ride or to be riding it at all

No can do sister! Stuck to the end!


This will make Stephen feel sooooo much better! People give him the hardest time about being scared of ToT but not the rollercoasters.

And teacups??? Are you kiddin' me??!! They would have to literally haul me off on a stretcher. I'd be sick for days!!!!

Happy travels to your DH today who is heading to that other Lodge not pictured in your DISmeet chapter. It's sad though that he won't be wearing the GoPro to all his meetings.

He promised to send pictures tonight. He's on the first floor woods view...says it's a pretty decent location. They're supposed to go to CG tomorrow night for sushi. And I seriously doubt he's sporting my camera...seeing that it's hooked to a Mickey strap

Kookster It's all relative my sweet friend you are ALL PERFECT to me!

You're biased

I don't know. I hardly took any pictures. I really just enjoyed our time together. We've been so busy, it was much needed. I will definitely do a TR for Legoland & Disneyland next year though. I do see me getting back to taking lots of pictures then.

Ok...I'll let you slide on this one. But NOT the DL trip...no way, no how!!!