DEST EE 5K PTR - 19days Apr/May-(I'm BaaaaaCK!)

[wakica]

DAY 18 PLANS ARE...

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS!!

Here's how the day will go...

ARRIVE U.S. around 8:40
RIDE RIP RIDE ROCKIT (We just missed this ride last time b/c they delayed the opening. They were actually taking a part of the track OFF to redo something when we were there).

Make our way around US and catch the following...

MUMMY - probably a few rides
MIB - probably a few rides lol
SIMPSONS
TWISTER

Then we'll catch a show or two and again since we have express pass we'll be done around noon again.

Here are a few Universal shots starting with us walking into the walkway before anyone else and at the turnstyles early enough to get picked to be FAMILY OF THE DAY!!!

The afternoon once again will be for the pool, out for dinner somewhere in citywalk or one of the parks and the evening will be for whatever else we feel like doing... possibly a pool movie if they happen to be playing one at one of the 3 resorts

 

[wakica]

on to DAY 19.

LAST FULL DAY in FLORIDA...

We honestly have NO IDEA what we'll do today. This is a day to repeat whichever park we want or possibly do our favorite top few at each park??? Or just hang out at the resort all day but i doubt that b/c DD and DH will definitely want to be in a park. Can't say I blame them

and that's it!!! Last full day and the next day we will be packing up, loading everything into the car and popping into IOA one last time i'm sure b/c dd will want to do Hulk & Dragon Challenge one more time before we head to the airport for a supper tiime flight.

 

[amazingact21]

Ugh, I actually got a little when I saw those pics of Dragon Challenge and The Hulk. Those look terrifying! My DH's absolute favorite roller coaster of all-time is The Hulk, though, so I know it's got to be fun for roller coaster lovers. And that's great that you guys have Express Passes! I bet those are going to come in handy during your Universal days.


I like Citywalk at night. I've only been there once, and I just wandered around, but the atmosphere was fun and relaxing, so I hope it's a great ending to your day.


Last day.... I couldn't imagine having to think about the last day of a 19 day trip...I hope you can have one last time in a park and get your mind off the last day blues!

 

[PrincessV]

Single digits is worthy of a few dancing bananmen, for sure!

​

Guess where we were this past Sunday? Islands of Adventure! I thought of you guys and all the fun you'll have at US/IOA.

About Forbidden Journey... I have a cast iron stomach. The only things on earth that made me nauseous were the first trimester of pregnancy and riding in the backseat of my grandfather's Lincoln Continental. Until the Forbidden Journey. I first tried it in Dec. 2011 and was so nauseated I thought I might actually throw up - something I NEVER do. My DS was finally ready to try it last weekend,so I gave it another whirl, thinking the first experience had been a fluke... nope, it did it to me again, though not as badly. I think it's the combination of the visuals with an incredibly smooth ride; I do better when things bump around. All of that said, I still HIGHLY recommend trying it because it really is that good! If you can make it through without actually puking, it's totally worth a little nausea afterward. It went away quickly!

 

[wakica]

Ugh, I actually got a little when I saw those pics of Dragon Challenge and The Hulk. Those look terrifying! My DH's absolute favorite roller coaster of all-time is The Hulk, though, so I know it's got to be fun for roller coaster lovers. And that's great that you guys have Express Passes! I bet those are going to come in handy during your Universal days.

Last day.... I couldn't imagine having to think about the last day of a 19 day trip...I hope you can have one last time in a park and get your mind off the last day blues!

We are usually ready to head home for some rest and to reunite with our dog at the end of our trips so I am pretty confident that after 19 days we'll be ready for home. and I find Hulk a bit rough so it's not my favorite coaster - it's definitely EXTREME though!! lol

Guess where we were this past Sunday? Islands of Adventure! I thought of you guys and all the fun you'll have at US/IOA.

About Forbidden Journey... I have a cast iron stomach. The only things on earth that made me nauseous were the first trimester of pregnancy and riding in the backseat of my grandfather's Lincoln Continental. Until the Forbidden Journey. I first tried it in Dec. 2011 and was so nauseated I thought I might actually throw up - something I NEVER do. My DS was finally ready to try it last weekend,so I gave it another whirl, thinking the first experience had been a fluke... nope, it did it to me again, though not as badly. I think it's the combination of the visuals with an incredibly smooth ride; I do better when things bump around. All of that said, I still HIGHLY recommend trying it because it really is that good! If you can make it through without actually puking, it's totally worth a little nausea afterward. It went away quickly!

Thanks for the warning. I'm not sure WHAT it is that made me get nauseaus on Soarin. Maybe it was a fluke thing? I might just take something for nausea just so I can enjoy it once at least. I think it's too confusing for my brain. I think my brain knows I'm not moving the way it FEELS like I'm moving but the sensations say I am moving the way looks like it. I think the signals get all crossed and messes me up. The Simpsons simulator is fine on me too though so I just don't get it.

 

[Elleshoodat]

Wow, single digits already?! How exciting! Your last few days look fantastic. Not that I'm trying to rush your trip, but I can't wait to read your TR!

 

[PrincessV]

I think it's too confusing for my brain. I think my brain knows I'm not moving the way it FEELS like I'm moving but the sensations say I am moving the way looks like it. I think the signals get all crossed and messes me up. The Simpsons simulator is fine on me too though so I just don't get it.

YES! That's exactly how I felt on FJ. I get it a bit on Simpson's and Spiderman, too, but nowhere near as bad. I don't quite reach nauseated, but do feel similarly on Soarin', so I think it's the same phenomenon. Thinking about it, the time between scenes is much faster on FJ; what's before your eyes changes in very quick succession. At any rate, do try to give it a whirl because the technology is just amazing!

 

[wakica]

1 week to go!!!!!!!

I found from the EEC5k thread that we could go to the site and get our bib numbers so I did and Cali and I are ...

bib # 2292

The theory going around right now is
under 1,000 = single runners
1,000's = co ed teams
2,000's = female teams

guess that will put us at starting the race in a later wave so closer to 10PM and finishing AFTER 11PM!! LATE!!! lol

Here are my STATS for the past little bit for jogging...
LAST WEEK...
Tues - 5K
Thurs - 5K
Sat - 2.5K

THIS WEEK...
Tues - 1.6K or 1Mile
Thurs (today) - 5K

I'm trying to keep the training level up pretty high since it's 1 week til trip time and just over 2 weeks til race time. I've heard it's good to have your strongest training finished a week before race day and the week of race day should be VERY easy so your well rested on race day. I'm going to try and finish up like this...

Sat - 2.5k
Mon - 5K
Wed - 5K
Thursday - travel day
Fri - lots of walking for MK day
Sat - slower day at AK - try to get in a 3K jog
Sun - lots of walking at Ep
Mon - no park - try to get in a 2.5K
Tues - TL day - take it easyl
Wed - lots of walking at HS
Thurs - pos EP eve so try and get in a jog - not sure maybe just 1K??
Fri - MK eve - mostly a relaxed day
Sat - EEC5K at 9:30 at night.


Other than that, things are coming along ok. I've got some work to do that I'm hoping to have wrapped up by Mon or Tues at the latest. Of course I'm SO glad most of our stuff is sitting in a box that has overflown to it's surrounding areas and one suitcase that is now having things piled on top of it bc true to MURPHY"s LAW we seem to have a BUNCH of things to do now that we are 1 week from trip time. My week is looking like this....

Thurs (today) - babysit niece - get in another hour of work while she naps, 5K jog, take DD to get blood test (she's a vegitarian so Dr requested this, fill my perscription, grab some groceries (I wish I could start my cleaning on this day since I know it'll be hard to find time later on but there is just no point yet), help DD make some progress on her science project, help her to set up her website that her teachers asked her to make for the trip.

Fri - massage therapy apt on my hamstring and side that's been bugging me, get in a few hours of work, gather up ALL laundry and start on that, deliver flyers, shop with DD for school project supplies and a bday gift and one last look for a backup swimsuit (if we don't find it's ok b/c we each have one and can find a 2nd on the trip)

Sat - set out suitcases, finish up loads of laundry and don't put ANYTHING in bedrooms that we want for the trip, Dog to Vet, Dog to groomer, shop for anything we need that we don't have, deliver flyers, drop off and pick up Dd at bday party, friends want to do mini golf and coffee with us, get in a 2.5k jog.

Sun - church, dinner with inlaws, PACK (all except DH's camera stuff), clean basement, keep DD on track and assist with Science Project which needs to be completed by today.

Mon - babysit niece, get in a few hours of work (hoping to be done all work stuff today), get in a 5k jog. This is my last slow day so whatever didn't get done i hope to catch up on today - I will probably deep clean the bedrooms today too.

Tues - babysit niece and also head out babysitting for a friend for most of the day, deep clean the bathroom, make sure all DD's stuff for school that's due on our trip is done, deliver flyers., make up contact info notes for parents and ensure all paperwork is in order.

Wed - babysit niece, put final touches on packing, deep clean the living room, kitchen, make sure all laundry is done, get in a 5K jog, help DH to pack up camera equipment, cords etc... and go through check lists, Have MIL over for last minute house/dog instructions, have luggage sitting by the door and house spotless before an early bedtime.

Thurs am EARLY - strip the bed and remake it so it's ready for inLaws to stay here, grab luggage and leave by 5am and arrive Florida around supper time!!

I guess i need to add "call to check for surf cancelations" to EVERY DAY - so far there have been none

Thank goodness I only work part time and watch my niece 4 days a week b/c I don't know how others get ready with a full time job?!?!?!

and I sure cant WAIT to go b/c it's ICKY and COLD here and snowing AGAIN!!!!! but all the more reason to be going away I guess.

Please keep sending positive thoughts and prayers our way that we can find a cancelation for a surf lesson on May 1st.

.

 

[wakica]

Wow, single digits already?! How exciting! Your last few days look fantastic. Not that I'm trying to rush your trip, but I can't wait to read your TR!

hahaha, well I CAN wait to post my tr b/c that will mean i'm back But knowing me I might even pop on from time to time with some live updates so maybe that's something to look forward to also

YES! That's exactly how I felt on FJ. I get it a bit on Simpson's and Spiderman, too, but nowhere near as bad. I don't quite reach nauseated, but do feel similarly on Soarin', so I think it's the same phenomenon. Thinking about it, the time between scenes is much faster on FJ; what's before your eyes changes in very quick succession. At any rate, do try to give it a whirl because the technology is just amazing!

ya, I think my brain is too much of a perfectionist like me. if that makes sense It even needs what i'm SEEING to match up to what's ACTUALLY GOING ON. LOL. I've heard people mention something like Bromine - can't remember for sure but i'll be sure to grab something while down there and I will also have gravol tablets with me. I definitely want to try it once at least.

 

[MHTeacher]

I can't believe that you're going to Disney in less than a week! I know you are so excited!

 

[wakica]

Yes, pretty excited - I'd be more excited if we didn't have to spend SOO much time on DD's school projects though. It's killing the mood! lol. b/c it's sucking up so much time I am behind on a few things now and she's STILL not done her projects and NOW the teacher says "I'll send home some math stuff for you on Monday" REALLY!?!?!? I had asked for it over the Easter break so that I could get her a tutor over Easter break to go over what she would be missing but nope - apparently she thinks we'll have time to go over the unit 2 days before we leave even though she's got other major projects on the go.

Oh well - I'm on holidays in 5 days so I won't let it bug me.

 

[Jonesloonybin]

Don't teachers understand that you want to focus on the DIS??

Wow, our trips are getting so close! Tomorrow will be one week for us!!

I still have some things left to do too. Hope you get everything done. It reminds me of my dd8's visit to the dentist. They were asking her if she was missing school for this and I said that we homeschool. Then dd chimed in with "We aren't doing school right now because we are getting ready for Disney."

We are more of year around homeschoolers. We get a TON done during the summer when it is too hot to go outside. We go outside in the morning and sometimes the evening (but this year is looking like it will be really bad with bugs), then mid day we do school. Plus there are not many homeschool activities during the summer.

PS. It is Bonine that you are thinking of. It does work pretty good. Doesn't make me as tired as Dramamine.

 

[johnsonginad]

Silly, silly teachers, and even sillier homework. BLECH! LOL

You'll have to ride those roller coasters at least once for me. Because THIS girl will NEVER ride them! LOL. I am WAY too chicken for any of that! The Dr. Suess area looks to be more my speed.

Maybe one of these days I'll outgrow it.

 

[momabaarjo]

Ohhhh....you are so close, and I am so jealous!

 

[wakica]

Don't teachers understand that you want to focus on the DIS??

Wow, our trips are getting so close! Tomorrow will be one week for us!!

I still have some things left to do too. Hope you get everything done. It reminds me of my dd8's visit to the dentist. They were asking her if she was missing school for this and I said that we homeschool. Then dd chimed in with "We aren't doing school right now because we are getting ready for Disney."

We are more of year around homeschoolers. We get a TON done during the summer when it is too hot to go outside. We go outside in the morning and sometimes the evening (but this year is looking like it will be really bad with bugs), then mid day we do school. Plus there are not many homeschool activities during the summer.

PS. It is Bonine that you are thinking of. It does work pretty good. Doesn't make me as tired as Dramamine.

I know a fair amount of homeschoolers so I totally get the "we're not doing school right now". It's nice to do it when you want and get outside and enjoy the weather when you can!! Or do holidays at the times when others can't b/c they are stuck in school. Not to mention with all the one on one they have they get so much more done in one day than they would with a class of 25 kids to get the message across to so you also have the extra time b/c of that.

Yes, Bonine - thanks for the reminder. i'm going to write it down this time. Can you find it at places like Walmart and Target? I hope so b/c I don't really want to make a special trip anywhere just to pick it up. We like to do the supercenters so we can get everything we need in one stop when we are on holidays.

Silly, silly teachers, and even sillier homework. BLECH! LOL

You'll have to ride those roller coasters at least once for me. Because THIS girl will NEVER ride them! LOL. I am WAY too chicken for any of that! The Dr. Suess area looks to be more my speed.

Maybe one of these days I'll outgrow it.

Trust me - it won't be a problem riding them once or twice or three times for you LOL They are SOO much fun!! You need to try maybe a milder one sometime and see what your missing out on. I'm not normally a speed person either. I don't like sledding b/c it's out of control speed nor do i care for things like race cars etc... it's the butterfflies my tummy gets from the g-forces that I find exhilerating - you gotta give it a go

Ohhhh....you are so close, and I am so jealous!

I know! i can almost TASTE it now!!! and i'm starting to drool. LOL

 

[wakica]

A WEE LIL SURPRISE...

Since DD's surf lesson surprise didn't work out I at least figured out a little surprise for her Let's hope she doesn't come on here and see it now though. LOL

A friend of hers makes some adorable little charms for necklaces and bracelets, and keychains and things so I hired her services to make us up these charms for our EEC 5K race day...

Here's a pic with my thumb by it to give an idea of the size...

It's for our team name - STOKED COCONUTS. I realize she made the surfboard pointy at both ends but that's ok - I still think they look absolutely ADORABLE and at least we will have something sort of matchy to go with our team name since DD was TOTALLY AGAINST matchy outfits. I need to go out and get a necklace to put it on now - i wanted a black leather cord b/c she uses silver metal ones and I didn't want to wear that to run in.

Just hope I can keep this a secret now and keep her away from my ptr so she doesn't see it.

I'm in a bit of a funk for getting ready. I did a major overhaul clean on Friday only to find my house is a disaster again today At least most of the stuff is in Dd and my suitcases but DH has not started yet even though I keep telling him to and every room is messed up again except my bedroom. We even ended up wearing some clothes again that I said were OFF LIMITS for the trip. so once again I'm working on laundry (for the LAST time before the trip - do you think it will work this time??) and I don't even want to clean anymore b/c I KNOW it'll be messy again once dd and dh are home today. ugh!! It sucks when you are prepared in advance but nobody can hellp you keep it up and you just end up doing it AGAIN!!!

Well, I'm going to go and get my last hour or two of work done so I can go out and soak up some sun on my super white skin and get it adjusted a bit for all the Florida sun

3 more DAYS!!!!!!!

 

[amazingact21]

That's a really addition to your race outfits! Definitely a great way to tie in your team name...Hope you DD really likes it!

 

[cinderella crazy]

2 DAYS!!!!

So excited for you!

Your race day outfits look very comfortable. I agree with you, if DD is scared of losing you, she can just hold your hand.

Glad you found a dress! It can be so hard to find the right dress.

Your Harry Potter night looks like fun! I've never had butter bear but I've heard it's really good.

Funnel Cake Sundaes?!?! Those look heavenly!

Day 17, 18 and 19 look great! Y'all are going to have so much fun! Can't wait to hear all about it when you get back!

 

[wakica]

Thanks for the party I havn't had much time on here the last few days but wanted to pop on and say that I'll be checking in while I'm away so keep an eye out for it
I havn't decided yet if I should just put it on here or start a live report. If I start a live one I'll be sure to post the link on here.

LAST DAY!!!!!!!!!!! We leave the house at 4:30am tomorrow. Sure hope I can get some sleep tonight.

All that we have left to do is pack last minute things like brush, hair straightener, batteries that are being charged, whatever we think of today that we happened to forget and get the house spotless for our house and dog sitters who are staying here. That's the harrd part- I've been trying to keep it clean but it just doesn't want to co-operate. LOL.


Thanks SO much for following along everyone It's been fun sharing my excitement with you and I can't wait to share my experiences next.

Let me know if you have any questions and I'll try my best to find it out and answer it while I'm gone.

 

[PrincessV]

Wishing you a safe trip and fantastic vacation! Hope to see you at the race