Adventures of a DisneyWORLDholic! Updated1/24 I was an unofficial WDW tour guide.

[jmskinner]

My name is Melissa, and I am a DisneyWORLDholic. You read that correct, not Disneyholic, but Disneyworldholic. I love amusement parks, and after my very first trip in 2006 to WDW, I completely fell in love. Two years ago we moved an hour away from Disneyworld and sadly we only have one year left, but we will be off somewhere else for a new adventure. Don't think it could ever be as fun as this one though. There has been so much we have been able to do living here that we probably would not have ever done otherwise. Such as attending one of the Youth Programs and seeing backstage at HM, fireworks presentation by the VP of Entertainment and Parades, meeting great people through the Dis, and a lot of other little magical experiences.

Links are at the bottom of this post. So, if you want to read it all you can, or if you just see a certain time of year, party, or something else you want to read about you can.

So, who are we?



This was taken just a couple of weeks ago. First there is me, Melissa, 41 year old Disneyworldholic. I'm not officially 41 until tomorrow, but close enough. I am a SAHM and military wife. I've only been a SAHM since we moved to FL, previously I've been an administrative assistant, health insurance claims supervisor, and an insurance agent. Born and raised in West Texas. I love all the rides at WDW, especially Splash Mountain, EE, ToT, and TT.

Continuing left to right in the above picture is my son, Jacob. He is 12 years old. Loves Star Wars, Transformers, and today, some marathon on men looking for Meteorites. He has control of the family TV today, so I thought I would start this TR. Jacob loves WDW, but not as much as me. He doesn't like the coasters. Favorite rides are ST, M:S, PoTC, Buzz, TSI, HM and walking the animal trails at AK. He hates being hot, especially sweating. He has Sensory Processing Disorder and is also ADHD. Keeps me on my toes. Oh, and he starts middle school this next year.

Next up, is Kara, my 18 year old stepdaughter. She just graduated high school and is off to college in a few weeks. Sadly, she doesn't live with us, but we were super excited to have her with us for a couple weeks this summer. Love to take her on rides, especially coasters since she screams...LOUDLY!!! She seems to like everything.

And now, Jonas, my DH (40). Yup, he is a whole 8 months younger than me, and doesn't let me forget it. He is a member of the Air Force, with just 3 years to go until retirement. I am totally starting to about the thought of retirement. What is he going to do with the rest of his life? He loves playing miniature wargames (I just had to ask what they are called again and his response was "After all these years...it's like you don't even know me?) and loves his 2007 Mustang. Oh, and he also collects comic books and loves Star Wars. At WDW, he loves to eat (sure hope he doesn't see this). Loves PotC, HM and ToT. Not a big fan of AK.

And another member of the family is, Bubblegum.


That pic cracks me up, her ears sometime just fold backwards. Normally it is only one ear. She looks vicious doesn't she? This is her normal position,



Not so visious looking here. I wonder if she would attack an intruder, probably if they made her move. By the way, none of us have sat on that couch, so I guess you could say it is hers. Sadly, she doesn't get to go to WDW, but she has a very nice doggie hotel she gets to stay at. We are even able to look at pictures of her the kennel posts throughout her stay.

A little note about this TR. I am hoping to keep this going through my last year living here in FL. I previously had one for our first year, link to it is in my signature. In the Summer I try to go to WDW at least once a week and once school is in, at least once a month. My record though is 9 weekends in a row. Would have been more, but that 10th weekend I was at Kara's graduation in NC. But the following weekend, I was right back at WDW. See what I mean about the Disneyworldholic. I'm also going to throw in some other things you can do in the Sunshine State.

This first portion is our trip July 15th-22. No ADR's, unless you count the Fireworks Dessert Party. DH was a driver at the Speedway, Jacob went fishing at POR, and a Dismeet on a Surry bike. Even a day at Seaworld.

So, hopefully a few will follow along with me on my last year here and hopefully I will get to meet more Dis'ers. Oh, one more thing about me, I love taking pics of WDW and sometimes my family. I have 1500 pics uploaded and ready to go for first portion of my TR, don't think I will put them all in though.


LINKS:
DH's Belated B-Day Trip
The Plan
Thursday, July 15th Arrival Day!
Richard Petty Driving ExperienceWinterland/Summerland Golf
Miniatures Gaming (What Jonas was off doing)
Fishing and a Dismeet on a Surrey Bike
Mouse Surplus and POFQ Pool Pics
BB and MK July 18th
MK Cont.
7/19 Kara arrives and DisneyQuest
MK Evening of 07/19
MK 7/19 Cont Fireworks Dessert Party
Sea World 7/20
Star Wars Celebration
Star Wars Celebration Part 2
Star Wars Celebration Part 3
Star Wars Celebration Part 4
Star Wars Celebration Part 5
Star Wars Celebration Part 6
Seaworld Part 2
Seaworld Part 3 Those Amazing Dolphins
Seaworld Part 4
Seaworld Part 5 Shamu wasn't very nice ;-)
Seaworld Part 6
Epcot on 7/21
Epcot Part 2
Epcot Part 3
Epcot Part 4
Animal Kingdom 07/22
Animal Kingdom 07/22. Part 2

Clearwater Marine Aquarium
Clearwater Beach

Ringling Museum What a Model!
Ringling Museum Part 2 More of the model.
Ringling Museum Part 3
Ringling Museum Part 4

Mini TR's MK on 08/04 and 08/23
Mini TR Part 2 The YES Program

DHS 09/04 Our last tour to Endor.

MNSSHP 09/18 We arrive at All Star Sports
MNSSHP 09/18 All Star Sports
MNSSHP 09/18 We arrive at MK and Harmony Barbershop!
MNSSHP 09/18 Almost party time!
MNSSHP 09/18 Still waiting on the party to begin!
Party Time!!!!
Boo to You Parade!
Boo to You Parade! Part 2
Videos from the Boo to You Parade and MNSSHP merchandise.

A day at Disneyquest

A Dismeet at DHS!

Our Itinerary for our Belated 15th Anniversary! Going Premium for three nights!!!!

A Day at MK before the Dismeet.

A Dismeet at AKL!
Dismeet for MNSSHP - Should I still go?
Dismmet - MNSSHP
Dismeet - MNSSHP - Boo to You Parade
Dismeet - End of the night
Dismeet - DHS and 50's Primetime for lunch.
Dismeet - Too many drinks...too few hands.
Dismeet - Electrical Magic Parade

Wow, he doesn't look 61! A day trip to see Rick Springfield, but first dinner at T-Rex.
Wow, he doesn't look 61! Rick Springfield in concert at the Food and Wine Festival

And another great Dismeet!

Thanksgiving at Disneyworld Part 1
Thanksgiving at Disneyworld Part 2

Premium=Food,Segways,Food,Keys,Food...and did I mention FOOD???? A 15th Anniversary TR!
Ch 2 Liberty Tree Tavern
Ch 3 Parasailing
Ch 4 Raglan Road & La Nouba
Ch5 First ones in Epcot!!!
Ch6 Akerhaus
Ch7 Segway around the World
CH8 Le Cellier
Ch 9 Horse Drawn Carriage ride at POR and the Yachtsman Steakhouse
Ch10 An empty MK
Ch11 Breakfast at CRT
Ch12 Our wet KTTKT
Ch13 Our wet KTTKT continues
Ch 14 Wilderness Lodge Photoshoot and California Grill
Ch 15 Last Tour
Ch 16 Last Meal


Silver Springs: Natures Themepark
Silver Springs Mustang and Ford RoundupSilver Springs Mustang and Ford Roundup II

I was an unofficial tour guide during Spring Break!

 

[rebecca06261]

Woohoo! First official fan of your new trip report! You're nuts ya know!

I didn't know your bday is tomorrow? We shall celebrate! I don't know when I'll see you next but I'll buy you a birthday drink

 

[Minnie&Nana]

I'm on board, Melissa! Best thing to being there are your pics and TR!

 

[CreightonsMomma]

I hope you don't mind a newbie following along.

Your TR sounds like it will be fun. I, too, live in Florida so i'm excited to see the things that you will do during your last year in Florida.

Happy early Birthday!

 

[DFD]

Happy UnBirthday Today!!!!!!!​

 

[WeluvE.Y.]

I'm on board!

 

[JPFamilyMom]

I'm so glad you decided to start a TR after all.

Can't wait to read about all your recent adventures

 

[irky416]

I'm in! I'm going to try to keep up this time.

Happy early birthday!

 

[jmskinner]

Woohoo! First official fan of your new trip report! You're nuts ya know!

I didn't know your bday is tomorrow? We shall celebrate! I don't know when I'll see you next but I'll buy you a birthday drink

Yes, I know I'm nuts, look at some of my friends. And you don't have to buy me a birthday drink, it will be nice to see you again, when you get off that Kayak. And thanks for joining.

I'm on board, Melissa! Best thing to being there are your pics and TR!

Well thank you M&N. Glad you joined in.

I hope you don't mind a newbie following along.

Your TR sounds like it will be fun. I, too, live in Florida so i'm excited to see the things that you will do during your last year in Florida.

Happy early Birthday!

Oooh, newbie!!! Thanks for joining and thank you for the birthday wishes. I'm excited to see what we do also.

Happy UnBirthday Today!!!!!!!​

Thank you!!!! Glad you joined also.

I'm on board!

Thanks for joining.

I'm so glad you decided to start a TR after all.

Can't wait to read about all your recent adventures

Well, I hope I make it worth the . Thanks for joining.

I'm in! I'm going to try to keep up this time.

Happy early birthday!

Thank you and good to see ya out here. Any trips planned?


So to have so many readers already.

 

[LuvsTigger80]

This will be exciting....a whole year of disneyworld....maybe it will make my 625 days go by faster!!!

 

[jmskinner]

This will be exciting....a whole year of disneyworld....maybe it will make my 625 days go by faster!!!

Oh, I hope it does. I dread moving away because I know that is the type of ticker I will have. I have gotten so spoiled.

But, how many times have you been to Disneyland? I have never been. Really want to go, especially to see World of Color. Jonas wants nothing to do with CA. Guess it will have to be a Mom and Son trip.

 

[jmskinner]

Thought I would update with how this trip came about. It started before Christmas, remember I mentioned the miniatures gaming, Jonas noticed that there was going to be a tournament in Orlando...at Wide World of Sports. Hmmm, Jonas isn't attending without me. Not the tournament, I didn't care about that but no way is he going to be on Mickey's property without me and I guess we will take Jacob.

Then Jonas said, "How about we go up a few days early and enjoy the parks together?" Yup, he's a keeper. But then I had another idea. Jonas was turning 40 in May, and has always wanted to do the Richard Petty Driving Experience. I knew I couldn't purchase it on my own, so I thought I would see if his family would like to help out. Then another idea popped in my head, being military we can buy up to 6 4 day tickets for $100, maybe some of his family would like to go. They all wanted to help with the RPDE, but sadly no one could make it. So I booked for July 14th-18th at POR, our favorite resort. Got the RPDE ordered and gave it to him for his birthday. Then came Kara's graduation from high school and we were hoping she would visit us before college.

Kara finally gave me some dates, July 19th-30th. Ok, we would have just gotten home from WDW, but did she want to go? Yes she did. We then decided to change our dates to the 15th-22nd. Due to the RPDE being 8:00am on the 16th ($75 to change the date), that couldn't be changed and then Jonas would be at the tournament all weekend. We booked Kara to fly in on the 19th and we would stay until the 22nd.

But not everything worked out so smoothly. Could we change our dates at POR? (All my FB friends may want to skip this paragraph, since you lived it with me.) My first call was to Nick, who informed me there were no moderates for my dates. I had the WDW website up and rooms were available. I was asking for military or AP, just realized I forgot to ask FL ressie. I had also hoped we could get a value and then move to POR, but the only value was a family suite and only for the days before Kara arrived. I was trying to save money with the value. I waited a few hours and called back, this time I got Dimitri. Who doesn't love a man with that name, he had to bring me some good news. He said he couldn't get me into POR for those dates, but could get me in at POFQ. Hmmm, Nick said no moderates were available. Oh, and Dimitri was getting me in with the military rate.

I had stayed at POFQ last Thanksgiving week with my Mother and Jacob. It was ok, just not POR. But we were going to WDW longer than we originally planned and Kara would be here too. So I was happy and with Dimitri. I did try calling a couple more times to try to get POR, but it just wasn't going to happen.

So, did I change my mind about POFQ, did I like it better? I'll post again in the morning with pics.

 

[jmskinner]

Let's go back a few days first. I put off cleaning house until the week of our trip so we wouldn't dirty it again, but I had no idea I would end up sick. Jonas started feeling bad the Friday before and then Sunday night, it was my turn. Are you kidding me? I felt so bad I even cancelled Jacob's therapy appointments for that Monday. But by Tuesday, I was feeling better and then Wednesday, I was well. Originally I had planned to leave for WDW about 2:00pm on Thursday. Jonas was going to follow later. Turns out he had a 7:00am meeting on Wednesday, 21st, so he would head home a day earlier than me and the kids. We had also learned that the tournament had been switched from WWoS to Ospry Ridge Gold Club. I had been looking forward to WWoS, never been over there, but they didn't ask me.

Due to being sick, the rug shampooer deciding to take a break, we were finally on the road at 5:00pm. Yup, 5:00 o'clock traffic. Now, to get to WDW I have to head east on I-4 and so does everyone that works in Tampa. I wasn't happy, but I was going to my happy place. There is a storm coming, but it always storms in the Summer. For some reason I was listening to the radio instead of my Ipod and a weather alert comes on "National Weather Service has issued a tornado warning." Oh, great. "Tornado spotted on radar in Plant City." Do you know where I was headed, Plant City! Actually, I had wanted to stop and buy gas there because it is normally a few cents cheaper. I called Jonas and he told me to keep driving, which what else could I do. The storm was heading west, there was no where for me to go to try to avoid it, except the ocean.

So I go from I-75 to I-4 and see this:




There was traffic coming from the other way, so I told myself "Those people drove through that and survived, so we will be ok." Honestly, nothing was keeping me from my happy place at this point. Just kidding. Fortunately, we just ran into a lot of rain. Turns out Jonas was only about 30 minutes behind me, so I kept him updated on where the storm finally ended.

We make it onto Disney property Then to POFQ. Head in for the online check-in, get my packet and get an extra parking pass for Jonas' car. The CM that waited on me was very nice. She also gave me a birthday button for Jonas, I had booked the reservation saying it was a belated b-day trip for DH.

Then she says what building we are in, building 7. Remember, I thought POFQ was just ok the last time I stayed, well last time I was in building 7. In fact, this is where we were:


Seriously, we were the third from the very last room at the resort. I think we were closer to POR food court than the one at POFQ. The view was nice, we had a riverview and only paid standard.

Jacob and I pile back in the truck and go to find our room. I park in bldg 7's parking lot, grab the camera...must take pics before we destroy the room. We are very quick room destroyers. We walk, and walk, pass a family of about 20 sitting outside their rooms eating pizza. I remember thinking that I hoped our room wasn't right there, and it wasn't. They were actually very nice and I felt bad for disturbing their dinner. Wander around some more and finally find our room, which is here:

Room 7120. Now, I never mind a parking lot view at WDW. Because there is normally so much greenery between the cars and the rooms and it was true this time. If you looked between the large trees, you could see the parking lot, but you had to look hard.

And here is our room:


Notice how the drawers are open. They so need to remodel the rooms at POR and POFQ. The furniture is getting a little old. We had the same problem with the drawers at Thanksgiving.

Sink area:


I love how the sinks are separate from the toilet and shower in the moderates.

And Jacob's latest thing it to jump in front of me when taking a pic:


But, I succeeded eventually,


And another sign of a remodel being needed:


We headed out to get our stuff and noticed there was a chain lock on the door and two of the bar locks. Geez, has crime at WDW gotten that bad. Then I realized there were two peepholes. This much be a handicap room. Kind of liked that idea because if I left the room, Jacob could use the peephole to make sure it was me.

We moved the truck because the parking lot for bldg 4-6 was a lot closer than where we parked. About this time, Jonas called and said he was on property, so I told him where to go. We got all the luggage in, which went a lot quicker and easier than I thought. I had brought a lot of food and drinks. I was trying to save some money on this trip.

It started to rain, so we stayed in the room a few minutes. Jacob found Hanna Montanna on tv. Not a big fan of this show, but he thinks the older brother is funny. Eventually we wandered over to the food court. This gave Jonas the chance to check out the resort since he wasn't with us last time.

Another reason for no ADR's this trip, remember I said Jacob has Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)? All the boy eats is chicken nuggets and he doesn't like the child ones at WDW. And normally he can't eat all of them, so I grabbed him the chicken nuggets and fries, and me a side salad. Jonas got a taco salad. A couple of chicken nuggets, salad and fries was just right for me. Sorry, no pics. I forgot about food porn, we were just too hungry.

From there the boys went in the arcade. You notice I called Jonas a boy...


After they had used up their gamecard, we went back to the room:


We honeymooned in New Orleans, so this brought back some nice memories. POFQ is a really pretty resort, but aren't they all.



Went to bed early, had to get up for the Richard Petty Driving Experience the next morning.

 

[SimmerBaggins]

Happy Birthday to YOU -- Happy Birthday to YOU!!

You are starting a new Trip Report, and it's what you should DO!!

Okay, stupid, I know, but I had to celebrate a little -- yay!!

I had to laugh about your heading into the tornado to get to WDW -- heck, being from West Texas, tornados are a dime a dozen, so what makes us think one little tornado will keep you from the World!! I'll never forget that time you and your mom & stepbrother were in the Suzuki, hiding in the car wash when that tornado ripped through and dropped some big bricks on the car -- wow! At least the last time I was in an event, I was in a big hardware store when those tornados ripped the roof off -- we were able to hide in the back room -- but Robert had hailstones breaking the windows at our house, and bouncing off the opposite walls!

Okay, enough of that -- even though I can't see the pics at work, so glad you have started this TR!! You are really good at this, girl, and it will help me get through my long, undetermined time away from WDW...

Next...!

 

[Minnie&Nana]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MELISSA!!!!

Hope all your wishes come true!

Have a great day!! ​

​

 

[LuvsTigger80]

Oh, I hope it does. I dread moving away because I know that is the type of ticker I will have. I have gotten so spoiled.

But, how many times have you been to Disneyland? I have never been. Really want to go, especially to see World of Color. Jonas wants nothing to do with CA. Guess it will have to be a Mom and Son trip.

like you..we have AP to disneyland...and my BIL and FIL work there...so i've been alot......you will love world of color. We've seen it 4 times and i personally can't wait to see it more. Son and mom trip would be fun!! especially if it's Disney!!

 

[Luvmepluto]

Newbie joining!

 

[jmskinner]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MELISSA!!!!

Hope all your wishes come true!

Have a great day!! ​

​

Thank you!!!!

Happy Birthday to YOU -- Happy Birthday to YOU!!

You are starting a new Trip Report, and it's what you should DO!!

Okay, stupid, I know, but I had to celebrate a little -- yay!!

I had to laugh about your heading into the tornado to get to WDW -- heck, being from West Texas, tornados are a dime a dozen, so what makes us think one little tornado will keep you from the World!! I'll never forget that time you and your mom & stepbrother were in the Suzuki, hiding in the car wash when that tornado ripped through and dropped some big bricks on the car -- wow! At least the last time I was in an event, I was in a big hardware store when those tornados ripped the roof off -- we were able to hide in the back room -- but Robert had hailstones breaking the windows at our house, and bouncing off the opposite walls!

Okay, enough of that -- even though I can't see the pics at work, so glad you have started this TR!! You are really good at this, girl, and it will help me get through my long, undetermined time away from WDW...

Next...!

Too funny Vickie. Everyone meet my BFF from high school. She's the one that started this whole addiction to WDW by sending me a planning video, then I got her into the Dis, which she responded by getting me to join Facebook. Doesn't sound like we like each other very much.

Vickie, I was thinking about the whole tornado/carwash incident as we were driving into that storm. I was actually very scared and thinking I was soooo stupid for continuing on. It wasn't until later that I realized, I had no where to continue. Same storm was even towards the house. And your storm was just nuts, I remember watching it.

I still say you need to come this way and we have a girls weekend at WDW.

like you..we have AP to disneyland...and my BIL and FIL work there...so i've been alot......you will love world of color. We've seen it 4 times and i personally can't wait to see it more. Son and mom trip would be fun!! especially if it's Disney!!

I so want to work at WDW, very jealous of your BIL and FIL. I was able to go to a fireworks presentation by one of the VP's last October and he described World of Color and had some drawings, I have wanted to go since then.

Newbie joining!

Glad you joined.


Birthday wasn't exciting at all. Jacob had therapy, which meant I sat in the doctors office for 1 1/2 hours. Before that we did go to Cracker Barrel. I almost got the Chocolate Coca-Cola Cake, but talked myself out of it. I will try it one day. After therapy spent an hour in line at Best Buy Geek Squad. Took my camera in to be cleaned. They told me that since I purchased the premium plan it should be back quickly, so hopefully that is true. No camera, means no pics for the TR. Ok, I do have other cameras but I love my DSLR.

Then on to Home Depot, where it started to pour just as I was ready to grab the landscaping bricks I needed. So wandered around for an hour. Then to Target and now I am home.

Going to go get some Buffalo Wild Wings for Supper, sorry I'm not cooking.

Hope you are all having a great day and I will update in the morning.

 

[jmskinner]

Newbie joining!

Ok, I need to slow down and remember what all I wanted to say before I hit that quote button, saw you are from NC. My husband grew up in Huntersville outside of Charlotte and his mother now lives near Boone. You close to there?

 

[JPFamilyMom]

I lived the play by play on facebook with ya, but it was different reading it all together, the tornado, the resort/date switching problems, etc. Glad everything worked out in the end. I forgot to comment in my first post, that I love the family picture you posted in the beginning of this TR.

The rooms do like really nice, and the night time pictures around the resort are so pretty.