This is a travelogue of one family's emotional adventure with ghosts of WDW past and present.
Just back from a wonderful trip made so much more fun by all of the info and advice I have gleaned from this wonderful community.
We are: Me, my lady, DS 22 and DD 12.
Saturday
Left beautiful NJ and arrived at Universal Royal Pacific at noon. Used FL Tours from MCO to the hotel (very efficient and fast).
Went immediately to IOA with our FOTL card keys in hand, rode Spiderman twice, (incredible), the Hulk, RipSaw Falls, Dueling Dragons, Jurassic Park.
Ate at Jakes Restaurant in the hotel very good food and very friendly staff.
Sunday
Up at 10am, breakfast in the room and made PB&J for lunch on the run
(we did this everyday of the trip)
Off to US, rode The Simpsons twice (best movie in Orlando), Mummy twice (very intense, great themeing), Men in Black, JAWS (dated and lame), Fear Factor (better than expected), Shrek (could have passed on this) and Disaster (cute only because both my kids were chosen to participate). Intentionally passed on Terminator.
Love those FOTL card keys.
Ate at the Sushi Bar in the Hotel. Dragon roll was incredible.
Swam in the hotel pool that evening, lots of activities for the kids.
Monday
Had FL Tours bring us to WL at 11am. Used their 30 minute grocery shopping stop to shop at Walmart on the way Water, snacks, cereal, breakfast bars, bread, PB&J, milk, forgotten sun screen, etc.
At WL we were upgraded from woods view to courtyard view. Met up with my Sister and her three girls: 7, 9, 14. They were staying at WL too. Swam in the WL pool. Went to Tokyo Dining Epcot-Japan for 8:30 ADR (Tempura and Spicy Tuna rolls were popular in our group), watched Illuminations from the deck of the Japan Pavilion.
Tuesday
Up early and RD for DHS. Straight to ToT for FP, then rode RnRC. Then used FP for ToT. Although we really should have done this in reverse or bagged ToT altogether, RnRC is absolutely HOT, ToT is getting Old.
Headed to TSM. By 10:15am the Stand By line was 50 minutes and the FP was for 4:00.
We rode Stand By, and it took about an hour. The queue was very fun and playful to look at. The ride was OK. Buzz Light-year in 3D. Cute for kids. By the time we left the ride, Standby was 90 minutes and NO FPs left.
Lights Motor Action was next, we left early. Lots of noise, inane fast-talking macho guys and burning rubber. Yuck.
Then to the Muppets 3D which is not aging well at all.
Started raining, Sis went to the Honey I Shrunk the Kids playground, we went back to the WL pool.
ADR at Downtown Disney Fulton Crab House, the crab claws and bisque were good, but BIG prices. Shopped till late at the Big Dis Store. My son hit PI big time till 2am, I didnt ask!!
Wednesday
Up early, RD at MK. FP SplashMtn, rode BTM, Mickeys Phil, HM, IASW, used Splash FP, then rode and FP SpaceMtn three times. Back to the Pool in the afternoon.
ADR at LeCellier .as good as advertised Filet and Prime Rib were top notch Cheddar Cheese soup also good. Also, watched Canada 360.
Thursday
Planned to Sleep-in and it was a good idea. Very rainy morning. Left for AK around noon. The park was empty rain stopped. Rode Kali, Dinosaur, ITTBAB, and EXPEDITION EVEREST THREE TIMES..it is better than advertised it is so much fun, the themeing is wonderful and the ride is a Rip.
ADR at Kona. Prime rib was popular.
Friday
My son went home using ME at 4am for 7am flight, after his 3am return from PI, funny schedule for this guy, huh?
The 6 ladies went to the 8:05 am CRT. (They caught the MK bus form WL at 7:00am) I packed up our group for transfer to the CSR. (That was a BAD decision). Sis and her girls stayed at WL (that was a smart decision). Called Bell Captain, they took our loot off to CSR, no muss no fuss.
I met up with the princesses after their CRT. While waiting for them to finish, I rode Cinderellas Golden Carousel by myself. I had ridden that VERY SAME carousel 45 years ago at Olympic Park in NJ as a 7 year old with my Mom sitting next to me and my brother on the large white horse .imagine where my mind went on that two-minute ride. When the girls were done with CRT, we rode it together and took some photos. My wonderful mom is long gone, and my brother passed last December from cancer. Only my sis and I knew her from this group but the moment was so nice and special.
Just a side note now that I think of it my Sis lost her 16-year-old son, Jake in a tragic skiing accident in March. We had planned the WDW trip before he was killed. This trip was cathartic for all of us, particularly for Jakes sisters, and especially for his mom. There were lots of tough times for Sis along the way, as there is EVERY day of her life.
Otherwise, we went our way and Sis and her girls went theirs. We did SpaceMtn a couple more times; they did Ariels Grotto (a sure challenge for patience and sanity).
We went to check in to CSR. Boy did we miss WL. CSR is a fancy motel, with no personality. It is huge, meandering and boring. What a let down after WL.
Sis and girls went to Chef Mickeys while we went to Boma. I loved the African-based buffet, tried everything, remember Hummas, Braised Pork and Zebra Domes, and lots of wonderful scents and tastes . and AKL is a sight to experience and behold. Go see it if you can.
Saturday
RD for EPCOT. First, a long controlled walk with a huge mob of people to The Land Pavilion (stay to the right all he way). FP Soarin then rode it. Very nice ride, lots of fun. Rode Test Track (what a hoot), then FP for it. Rode MS Orange loved it. Then back over to use Soarin FP, ate lunch at Garden Grill with Sis and her girls. Big mistake food was horrible, Catfish???, Flank steak??? Fried chicken???? Potato casserole???, Green beans??? All YUK!!! Oh and did I ask ,What is Flank Steak??? Or for that matter, What is a Flank???? This all for $22 each.
Then back over to use the Test Track FP and then back to the CSR Spa for the young girls to get their hair braided .better (and less expensive) than that Bibbidty Bobbity Schmibbidity stuff.
Ate a light dinner for a change..snacks and such...We took the girls for my Sis to give her a break for the evening and went to DHS at 7:00 did a one hour satndby line RnRC...entered the Fantasmic amphitheater and it was nearly packed. We found some seats over on the far right next to the Dinner package area. Wanted to be there for easy access to the exit nearby. The show was great!!!
Sunday
Sis goes home with her girls. I truly hope she continues to have more good days than bad days during her recovery from Jakes death.
We went to Typhoon Lagoon and had a blast. Used our Water Park and More for the only time (except for my son visiting PI twice.)
ADR dinner at Narcooossseeees (how many letters does it have?) at 9:15 didnt get called until 10:00 due to the table hoggers wanting to watch Wishes from the restaurant. We told the staff since they made us wait 45 minutes for our ressie, then they would have to wait another 15 minutes while we watched Wishes from the Narcooosssees deck. The food was wonderful, I had the Seafood bisque and crab cakes (both appetizers) my lady had Caesar Salad and calamari which was incredible (both appetizers). DD had chicken. We shared all the plates more than enough and helped manage the $$$ bill.
Monorail to MK for EMH (the only one we went to all week). Walked around Main Street until 1 am.
Back to the room to pack until 3:00am.
Wake up call this morning (Monday) at 6:00 am for 7:15 ME pickup smooth as silk, checked the bags at the Airline Check-in Desk they even print your boarding passes. You'll see your bags next at your home airport baggage claim.
General
Weather was not bad at all. Never got to 90. Humidity was high, but not worse than NJ.
Have a cereal breakfast in the room.
Pack a sandwich lunch.
Sunscreen and hats.
Go to the parks early (RD, if possible), use FP, go back to the hotel in the afternoon. Swim relax.
Stay away from EMH parks.
The transportation was fine, although it seemed as though we missed our bus by seconds at least a million times another did come along in 15-20 minutes. Going from WL to MK, do the Boat ride once for the experience, but it takes so long, and the bus is a zip. Use the Monorail to Epcot once for the experience but the bus is faster.
WL was a delightful beautiful home to come back to after a day at the parks.
CSR was big let down after WL. Wont do that again, I cant see how it gets such raves from this board. Clean, but after a day at the parks, it was like returning to a fancy motel...Oh yeah, that's what it is.
Next time I will purchase the DDP. I did not on this trip and regret it.
I will not purchase the Water Parks option again, we did not have enough time to use it properly.
I will purchase the Park Hopper option again, I like the flexibility, especially with ADRs in the parks.
I will use FL Tours in a heartbeat, their shopping stop is invaluable.
Staying on site at Universal is invaluable to managing the rides...FOTL!!!
Top Twelve Rides this Trip:
1- Everest
2- Spiderman (still great after 10 years!!!)
3- Simpsons
4- RnRC
5- Mummy
6- Soarin
7- Hulk
8- Mickeys Phiharmagic
9- Rip Saw Falls
10- Test Track
11-Mission Space
12-Dueling Dragons
6 WDW 6 Universal .not intentional, just came out that way.
Personal
Sharing this trip with my beautiful lady. Its difficult to be romantic in a bunk-bed room, but her glances and smiles and hugs and kisses kept me going.
Trying to keep up with the exuberance and utter lunacy of four girls under 15 years old.
Dealing with and admiring my handsome, hard-headed son hey!!!, wasnt he just 6-years-old riding Dumbo with me?
Hugging my tearful Sis every time she saw a tall, beautiful, blond kid walk by.
While imagining my Mom at my side, riding on that old run down Olympic Park Carousel that Disney purchased and revitalized. And now riding it with our kids wow a merry-go-round that comes full circle in our family.
This trip was pure magic.
Originally posted 08/19/08
Just back from a wonderful trip made so much more fun by all of the info and advice I have gleaned from this wonderful community.
We are: Me, my lady, DS 22 and DD 12.
Saturday
Left beautiful NJ and arrived at Universal Royal Pacific at noon. Used FL Tours from MCO to the hotel (very efficient and fast).
Went immediately to IOA with our FOTL card keys in hand, rode Spiderman twice, (incredible), the Hulk, RipSaw Falls, Dueling Dragons, Jurassic Park.
Ate at Jakes Restaurant in the hotel very good food and very friendly staff.
Sunday
Up at 10am, breakfast in the room and made PB&J for lunch on the run
(we did this everyday of the trip)
Off to US, rode The Simpsons twice (best movie in Orlando), Mummy twice (very intense, great themeing), Men in Black, JAWS (dated and lame), Fear Factor (better than expected), Shrek (could have passed on this) and Disaster (cute only because both my kids were chosen to participate). Intentionally passed on Terminator.
Love those FOTL card keys.
Ate at the Sushi Bar in the Hotel. Dragon roll was incredible.
Swam in the hotel pool that evening, lots of activities for the kids.
Monday
Had FL Tours bring us to WL at 11am. Used their 30 minute grocery shopping stop to shop at Walmart on the way Water, snacks, cereal, breakfast bars, bread, PB&J, milk, forgotten sun screen, etc.
At WL we were upgraded from woods view to courtyard view. Met up with my Sister and her three girls: 7, 9, 14. They were staying at WL too. Swam in the WL pool. Went to Tokyo Dining Epcot-Japan for 8:30 ADR (Tempura and Spicy Tuna rolls were popular in our group), watched Illuminations from the deck of the Japan Pavilion.
Tuesday
Up early and RD for DHS. Straight to ToT for FP, then rode RnRC. Then used FP for ToT. Although we really should have done this in reverse or bagged ToT altogether, RnRC is absolutely HOT, ToT is getting Old.
Headed to TSM. By 10:15am the Stand By line was 50 minutes and the FP was for 4:00.
We rode Stand By, and it took about an hour. The queue was very fun and playful to look at. The ride was OK. Buzz Light-year in 3D. Cute for kids. By the time we left the ride, Standby was 90 minutes and NO FPs left.
Lights Motor Action was next, we left early. Lots of noise, inane fast-talking macho guys and burning rubber. Yuck.
Then to the Muppets 3D which is not aging well at all.
Started raining, Sis went to the Honey I Shrunk the Kids playground, we went back to the WL pool.
ADR at Downtown Disney Fulton Crab House, the crab claws and bisque were good, but BIG prices. Shopped till late at the Big Dis Store. My son hit PI big time till 2am, I didnt ask!!
Wednesday
Up early, RD at MK. FP SplashMtn, rode BTM, Mickeys Phil, HM, IASW, used Splash FP, then rode and FP SpaceMtn three times. Back to the Pool in the afternoon.
ADR at LeCellier .as good as advertised Filet and Prime Rib were top notch Cheddar Cheese soup also good. Also, watched Canada 360.
Thursday
Planned to Sleep-in and it was a good idea. Very rainy morning. Left for AK around noon. The park was empty rain stopped. Rode Kali, Dinosaur, ITTBAB, and EXPEDITION EVEREST THREE TIMES..it is better than advertised it is so much fun, the themeing is wonderful and the ride is a Rip.
ADR at Kona. Prime rib was popular.
Friday
My son went home using ME at 4am for 7am flight, after his 3am return from PI, funny schedule for this guy, huh?
The 6 ladies went to the 8:05 am CRT. (They caught the MK bus form WL at 7:00am) I packed up our group for transfer to the CSR. (That was a BAD decision). Sis and her girls stayed at WL (that was a smart decision). Called Bell Captain, they took our loot off to CSR, no muss no fuss.
I met up with the princesses after their CRT. While waiting for them to finish, I rode Cinderellas Golden Carousel by myself. I had ridden that VERY SAME carousel 45 years ago at Olympic Park in NJ as a 7 year old with my Mom sitting next to me and my brother on the large white horse .imagine where my mind went on that two-minute ride. When the girls were done with CRT, we rode it together and took some photos. My wonderful mom is long gone, and my brother passed last December from cancer. Only my sis and I knew her from this group but the moment was so nice and special.
Just a side note now that I think of it my Sis lost her 16-year-old son, Jake in a tragic skiing accident in March. We had planned the WDW trip before he was killed. This trip was cathartic for all of us, particularly for Jakes sisters, and especially for his mom. There were lots of tough times for Sis along the way, as there is EVERY day of her life.
Otherwise, we went our way and Sis and her girls went theirs. We did SpaceMtn a couple more times; they did Ariels Grotto (a sure challenge for patience and sanity).
We went to check in to CSR. Boy did we miss WL. CSR is a fancy motel, with no personality. It is huge, meandering and boring. What a let down after WL.
Sis and girls went to Chef Mickeys while we went to Boma. I loved the African-based buffet, tried everything, remember Hummas, Braised Pork and Zebra Domes, and lots of wonderful scents and tastes . and AKL is a sight to experience and behold. Go see it if you can.
Saturday
RD for EPCOT. First, a long controlled walk with a huge mob of people to The Land Pavilion (stay to the right all he way). FP Soarin then rode it. Very nice ride, lots of fun. Rode Test Track (what a hoot), then FP for it. Rode MS Orange loved it. Then back over to use Soarin FP, ate lunch at Garden Grill with Sis and her girls. Big mistake food was horrible, Catfish???, Flank steak??? Fried chicken???? Potato casserole???, Green beans??? All YUK!!! Oh and did I ask ,What is Flank Steak??? Or for that matter, What is a Flank???? This all for $22 each.
Then back over to use the Test Track FP and then back to the CSR Spa for the young girls to get their hair braided .better (and less expensive) than that Bibbidty Bobbity Schmibbidity stuff.
Ate a light dinner for a change..snacks and such...We took the girls for my Sis to give her a break for the evening and went to DHS at 7:00 did a one hour satndby line RnRC...entered the Fantasmic amphitheater and it was nearly packed. We found some seats over on the far right next to the Dinner package area. Wanted to be there for easy access to the exit nearby. The show was great!!!
Sunday
Sis goes home with her girls. I truly hope she continues to have more good days than bad days during her recovery from Jakes death.
We went to Typhoon Lagoon and had a blast. Used our Water Park and More for the only time (except for my son visiting PI twice.)
ADR dinner at Narcooossseeees (how many letters does it have?) at 9:15 didnt get called until 10:00 due to the table hoggers wanting to watch Wishes from the restaurant. We told the staff since they made us wait 45 minutes for our ressie, then they would have to wait another 15 minutes while we watched Wishes from the Narcooosssees deck. The food was wonderful, I had the Seafood bisque and crab cakes (both appetizers) my lady had Caesar Salad and calamari which was incredible (both appetizers). DD had chicken. We shared all the plates more than enough and helped manage the $$$ bill.
Monorail to MK for EMH (the only one we went to all week). Walked around Main Street until 1 am.
Back to the room to pack until 3:00am.
Wake up call this morning (Monday) at 6:00 am for 7:15 ME pickup smooth as silk, checked the bags at the Airline Check-in Desk they even print your boarding passes. You'll see your bags next at your home airport baggage claim.
General
Weather was not bad at all. Never got to 90. Humidity was high, but not worse than NJ.
Have a cereal breakfast in the room.
Pack a sandwich lunch.
Sunscreen and hats.
Go to the parks early (RD, if possible), use FP, go back to the hotel in the afternoon. Swim relax.
Stay away from EMH parks.
The transportation was fine, although it seemed as though we missed our bus by seconds at least a million times another did come along in 15-20 minutes. Going from WL to MK, do the Boat ride once for the experience, but it takes so long, and the bus is a zip. Use the Monorail to Epcot once for the experience but the bus is faster.
WL was a delightful beautiful home to come back to after a day at the parks.
CSR was big let down after WL. Wont do that again, I cant see how it gets such raves from this board. Clean, but after a day at the parks, it was like returning to a fancy motel...Oh yeah, that's what it is.
Next time I will purchase the DDP. I did not on this trip and regret it.
I will not purchase the Water Parks option again, we did not have enough time to use it properly.
I will purchase the Park Hopper option again, I like the flexibility, especially with ADRs in the parks.
I will use FL Tours in a heartbeat, their shopping stop is invaluable.
Staying on site at Universal is invaluable to managing the rides...FOTL!!!
Top Twelve Rides this Trip:
1- Everest
2- Spiderman (still great after 10 years!!!)
3- Simpsons
4- RnRC
5- Mummy
6- Soarin
7- Hulk
8- Mickeys Phiharmagic
9- Rip Saw Falls
10- Test Track
11-Mission Space
12-Dueling Dragons
6 WDW 6 Universal .not intentional, just came out that way.
Personal
Sharing this trip with my beautiful lady. Its difficult to be romantic in a bunk-bed room, but her glances and smiles and hugs and kisses kept me going.
Trying to keep up with the exuberance and utter lunacy of four girls under 15 years old.
Dealing with and admiring my handsome, hard-headed son hey!!!, wasnt he just 6-years-old riding Dumbo with me?
Hugging my tearful Sis every time she saw a tall, beautiful, blond kid walk by.
While imagining my Mom at my side, riding on that old run down Olympic Park Carousel that Disney purchased and revitalized. And now riding it with our kids wow a merry-go-round that comes full circle in our family.
This trip was pure magic.
Originally posted 08/19/08
