Dr. Jones and the Spitting Camel - Link to Alaska Cruise TR 9/18

[eandesmom]

I love your pictures of the Swiss Family tree house, it's one of my favorite Disney movies too. I actually learned from the DVD that Walt came up with the idea for the water wheel on the tree house with it line of buckets dumping water into the bamboo troughs to provide water for the fridge and the sink in the kitchen

Evan loved that water wheel! It was so fun to go up there with them.

i love checking out the detail of the treehouse, but most of the time others dont care to take the time to look at everything with me.

Give Parker a few years and he'll be all over it. I really think they appreciated it so much more at this age, then they would have when they were younger. Jeff would have loved it but K&T probably would have been bored and Sandie and Paul couldn't have done the stairs so it worked out well that it was just the 3 of us.

and i often forget about the island, i dont think i have been on it in at least 15 years...will have to check it out on the next trip..i bet parker would love running around it.

He would LOVE TSI. Evan was in heaven at 2 in DL. He doesn't remember it now but oh he loved it!

So TSI has the BEST bathroom in all of the MK????? Say it isn't so, because I have been in every woman's restroom at the MK except that one.

Best. Possibly the best in the world for sheer peace. Not the fanciest but oh was it an oasis!

I think you truly had a fabulous morning. You did so many fun things. Thanks for the tiki bird song. I have actually only been to the Tiki birds once and to TSI once. I know Disney Dawn was there recently in the late afternoon and she and her DH found a paintbrush. I would LOVE to find a paintbrush.

OK - so where's lunch??????

ooh! A paintbrush, that would be so cool! I can only imagine the amazing pictures you'd take out there.

All this talk of lunch is making me hungry!

Cynthia, I love this perfect "what do boys want to do " kind of morning! I have kind of forgotten about TSI - we were there when my boys were 12 and 13. They enjoyed the fort even at that age.

That's not that much older than the E's who were 9 and 11. Guessing they'd like it as much for the next couple of years, after that who knows.

Your description of your affection of SFTH is so heart warming. It's so cool to be sharing a childhood memory with your kids, and to bring back the feelings you had as a child. It's great that you helped them connect to the story so they're reading the classics - those are such great stories, and so many children will miss out on them!

It was so special to do it with them!!!!!!!!!

 

[eandesmom]

I read the Tiki room is reverting back to the ORIGINAL show when it reopens.

The one story I heard was that the Tiki Gods have been mad since Zazu and Iago took over so they finally did something about it.

Another rumor is that only Iago and Zazu were destroyed in the fire thus supporting the above story.

I for one will be happy to see the original show come back. I didn't HATE the new one but the original brings back those childhood memories.

It will be fun to compare. Do they have a reopening date?

I am finally back to catch up here. I just love your little captions for your safari shots -- they totally crack me up!!!

I had to make up for the picture quality somehow.

As for your AK sort of day -- all in all it does sound rather un stressful, so that has to count for something, right?

It was unstressful and you bet, that always counts! I can't really say it was a day, it was a safari and dinner and some got to go on EE but it was a nice little stop in the park.

Your Never Done Morning was NeverlandMagical in my book - low crowds,just mom& the boys. I love it!! I actually skipped your pictures of Swiss Family & TSI because we have never done either, and both are on our plans for this trip and I want to be SURPRISED, which is kind of hard since I have been absorbing all things Disney for a while now LOL

I love that you skipped them to keep the magic and surprise, that is totally cool!!

It really was magical.

The Tiki room will be closed when we get there, but I'm glad to hear that the "New Management" is going bye bye...it was fun but we were sad that the original was not there when we went. the New Management scared DD the first time and even a little the second.

I could see where it might be scary for younger ones.

Tom Sawyers and the TreeHouse, yep, betcha can't believe that those are big priorities in my house... Boys are boys... But there is plenty of imaginative play to be had there, seriously!!!!

that IS a shocker!!!!!!

That is a good idea to get them into Treasure Island, etc. those are great stories...

What a fun morning! Can't wait to see where you go for lunch!!!

It really was driven by them, which was even cooler!

You did a couple of things my kids love--the treehouse and Tom Sawyer's Island. We've never done the Tiki Room and I don't know it will be repaired by the time we go.

Your boys looked like they were having a ball!

They had a BLAST. The whole morning was so BOY!

 

[eandesmom]

I totally agree with you about the Treehouse! I always thought it was one of the coolest Disney attractions. So much detail, and it's so nice to be able to take as long as you want (well, assuming it's not too busy) to look at it!

Thankfully it wasn't, I have been there in the past where you feel like you are being herded through and it was nice to just stop and really look at the detail, and more importantly watch the kids discover details!

TSI was a recent discovery for me, but it's amazing! Even without kids.

I wonder where you had lunch???

It is amazing, with or without kids and all ages of kids! Jeff was a little bummed to miss out on it and I think K&T would have actually enjoyed it as well.

What a great update, Cynthia! I found myself lusting after the heat in those pictures -- it has been so cold and dreary for March/beginning of April here lately. I am DYING for sunshine!

Me too. I am absolutely lusting for the sun. I am SO tired of the rain. I mean it rains here. A lot. That's ok. But 3.5" more than the average in March? That is WET!

I, too, love the Swiss Family Robinson treehouse and the Tiki Birds. I am curious to see if they are going to revert to the old show after they finish fixing up the fire damage.

Tom Sawyer Island looks like such a paradise for boys! I really must make sure Connor gets a chance to go visit it when we head back there.

I can just see Connor and Charles shooting those guns!

I love that the morning led to reading some classics. Maybe I will pack Swiss Family Robinson and Treasure Island into the suitcases for our beach trip this year. Connor has never read either one, and they would really be up his alley. Treasure Island would be perfect since in the story Captain Flint gives Billy Bones the map while they are in Savannah. (If memory serves me.)

TI, and Huck were Evan's favorites out of the bunch. What was nice is the boys really drove it, asking about the books and mentioning they'd love to read them.

 

[Charleston Princess]

Me too. I am absolutely lusting for the sun. I am SO tired of the rain. I mean it rains here. A lot. That's ok. But 3.5" more than the average in March? That is WET!

That is a lot of rain for Washington!!!

TI, and Huck were Evan's favorites out of the bunch. What was nice is the boys really drove it, asking about the books and mentioning they'd love to read them.

I love when that happens with kids. I nabbed my copy of Treasure Island to put in the beach box, and my mom's copy of Swiss Family Robinson for it, as well. I laughed when I read the back of SFR -- did you know when it was published it was lauded as not only a great adventure story for boys, but also, a manual for self-sufficiency?

 

[eandesmom]

That is a lot of rain for Washington!!!

it is! As of yesterday we'd gotten 70% of our normal April rainfall already.

You know it's bad when we start quoting stats, usually I don't even notice!

I love when that happens with kids. I nabbed my copy of Treasure Island to put in the beach box, and my mom's copy of Swiss Family Robinson for it, as well. I laughed when I read the back of SFR -- did you know when it was published it was lauded as not only a great adventure story for boys, but also, a manual for self-sufficiency?

great ads to the Beach Box! But that is hysterical about SFR and self-sufficiency. Prequel to the dangerous book for boys.

 

[Charleston Princess]

Prequel to the dangerous book for boys.

That's exactly what I was thinking, too!!!

Another bit of book news for your boys -- we received an advance reader's copy of The Emerald Atlas by John Stephens (it hit bookstores yesterday, I think), and Connor says it is WONDERFUL! He keeps raving about it. So, anyway, I know the E's have similar tastes as Connor, so they may want to get their hands on a copy.

 

[eandesmom]

That's exactly what I was thinking, too!!!

Another bit of book news for your boys -- we received an advance reader's copy of The Emerald Atlas by John Stephens (it hit bookstores yesterday, I think), and Connor says it is WONDERFUL! He keeps raving about it. So, anyway, I know the E's have similar tastes as Connor, so they may want to get their hands on a copy.

ooh!

Perfect timing, I need something for Eric's Easter basket. I'd love to get Evan started on something new but am kind of thinking more young adult if I can find the right thing...he's definitely moving into older things. Sniff! Which doesn't mean he won't love this, he will but I think I'll get it for Eric and then he can share with Evan.

So cute, Eric is on the last Peter and the Starcatchers and is totally stretching it out to make it last

 

[Jazzabelle508]

Sorry i'm coming in so late but i'm in I liked hearing about your morning of never-dones. I actually have been collecting tips from the DIS boards about things that I want to try. I love the feeling of finding a new tradition. Before my last trip I had never been in the EPCOT resort area and now I love it! We also tried out universal for the first time this trip and loved it as well (well, harry potter land at least). We also tried out the liberty bell steamboat for the first time this trip and it was very nice just being able to take that boat ride and see everything in frontierland and liberty square from a new angle. We were also able to see certian things from Tom Sawyers island which was fun. That being said I have never actually been in the Swiss Family Robinson house. it looks interesting though and it must have been nice to have that shade! I don't remember much about tom sawyer's island but i know I have been there at least once because my mom has a pic of my oldest brother carrying me while in the section with the toy guns pointed out the window. I would go there again but I feel like I am 2 old for it now. I haven't done astro orbiter in a long time either. I like you am a little iffy about heights. Usually heights aren't a problem for me since I can go on tower of terror no problem but there is something about this ride that makes it easy to get nervous. can't wait to hear more

 

[Jazzabelle508]

Sorry i'm coming in so late but i'm in I liked hearing about your morning of never-dones. I actually have been collecting tips from the DIS boards about things that I want to try. I love the feeling of finding a new tradition. Before my last trip I had never been in the EPCOT resort area and now I love it! We also tried out universal for the first time this trip and loved it as well (well, harry potter land at least). We also tried out the liberty bell steamboat for the first time this trip and it was very nice just being able to take that boat ride and see everything in frontierland and liberty square from a new angle. We were also able to see certian things from Tom Sawyers island which was fun. That being said I have never actually been in the Swiss Family Robinson house. it looks interesting though and it must have been nice to have that shade! I don't remember much about tom sawyer's island but i know I have been there at least once because my mom has a pic of my oldest brother carrying me while in the section with the toy guns pointed out the window. I would go there again but I feel like I am 2 old for it now. I haven't done astro orbiter in a long time either. I like you am a little iffy about heights. Usually heights aren't a problem for me since I can go on tower of terror no problem but there is something about this ride that makes it easy to get nervous. can't wait to hear more

 

[mickeysmyboy]

Woo hoo for some more fabulous MK fun! You did some great, classic attractions! I must admit, I like the old version of the Tiki Room a lot better but it's still cute! Kitschy cute and that's ok with me! I can't wait to hear about your lunch!

 

[manntra]

I haven't been over to TSI since the 80's I think I am overdue and told MEK I would accompany her if she wanted. Now I can check out the BEST bathroom too I have vague memories of when I was really little 4 or 5 and being in the caves and one of my brothers hiding and jumping out to scare me. I can almost feel how hot it was from your pictures
Sooooooo where is lunch?

Tracy

 

[eandesmom]

That's exactly what I was thinking, too!!!

Another bit of book news for your boys -- we received an advance reader's copy of The Emerald Atlas by John Stephens (it hit bookstores yesterday, I think), and Connor says it is WONDERFUL! He keeps raving about it. So, anyway, I know the E's have similar tastes as Connor, so they may want to get their hands on a copy.

A book update for you, (you may already know this) book 2 of the Kane Chronicles comes out on 5/3.

I ended up getting this assortment to split between the boys for their baskets, curious if Connor has read any of them (besides Emerald Atlas)

"Al Capone Does My Shirts", Gennifer Choldenko (Evan)

"Al Capone Shines My Shoes", Gennifer Choldenko (Evan)

"The Emerald Atlas (Books of Beginning)", John Stephens (Eric)

"The Mostly True Adventures Of Homer P. Figg", Rodman Philbrick (Eric)

"A World Without Heroes (Beyonders)", Brandon Mull; Hardcover; (Evan)

Now I just have top hope they don't stumble on any of them on their own, between now and Easter...I swear that happens every year!

 

[eandesmom]

Sorry i'm coming in so late but i'm in I liked hearing about your morning of never-dones. I actually have been collecting tips from the DIS boards about things that I want to try. I love the feeling of finding a new tradition. Before my last trip I had never been in the EPCOT resort area and now I love it! We also tried out universal for the first time this trip and loved it as well (well, harry potter land at least). We also tried out the liberty bell steamboat for the first time this trip and it was very nice just being able to take that boat ride and see everything in frontierland and liberty square from a new angle. We were also able to see certian things from Tom Sawyers island which was fun. That being said I have never actually been in the Swiss Family Robinson house. it looks interesting though and it must have been nice to have that shade! I don't remember much about tom sawyer's island but i know I have been there at least once because my mom has a pic of my oldest brother carrying me while in the section with the toy guns pointed out the window. I would go there again but I feel like I am 2 old for it now. I haven't done astro orbiter in a long time either. I like you am a little iffy about heights. Usually heights aren't a problem for me since I can go on tower of terror no problem but there is something about this ride that makes it easy to get nervous. can't wait to hear more

Thanks! Every time I am there, the Liberty Belle is closed. I think I did it as a child but am not positive so that's on my list to do sometime soon I hope! Never too old for TSI

Woo hoo for some more fabulous MK fun! You did some great, classic attractions! I must admit, I like the old version of the Tiki Room a lot better but it's still cute! Kitschy cute and that's ok with me! I can't wait to hear about your lunch!

It is cute, definitely made me smile. Lunch update coming soon....

I haven't been over to TSI since the 80's I think I am overdue and told MEK I would accompany her if she wanted. Now I can check out the BEST bathroom too I have vague memories of when I was really little 4 or 5 and being in the caves and one of my brothers hiding and jumping out to scare me. I can almost feel how hot it was from your pictures
Sooooooo where is lunch?

Tracy

You are overdue! I'd go again, it was really fun. And heck, I still like hiding in the caves.

 

[Charleston Princess]

ooh!

Perfect timing, I need something for Eric's Easter basket. I'd love to get Evan started on something new but am kind of thinking more young adult if I can find the right thing...he's definitely moving into older things. Sniff! Which doesn't mean he won't love this, he will but I think I'll get it for Eric and then he can share with Evan.

I have a feeling Connor will be headed in that direction soon. I still can't quite believe he is going to be starting middle school next year.

So cute, Eric is on the last Peter and the Starcatchers and is totally stretching it out to make it last

We that series! I wonder if they will be writing anymore. It has been over a year since Peter and the Sword of Mercy came out.

A book update for you, (you may already know this) book 2 of the Kane Chronicles comes out on 5/3.

I ended up getting this assortment to split between the boys for their baskets, curious if Connor has read any of them (besides Emerald Atlas)

"Al Capone Does My Shirts", Gennifer Choldenko (Evan)

"Al Capone Shines My Shoes", Gennifer Choldenko (Evan)

"The Emerald Atlas (Books of Beginning)", John Stephens (Eric)

"The Mostly True Adventures Of Homer P. Figg", Rodman Philbrick (Eric)

"A World Without Heroes (Beyonders)", Brandon Mull; Hardcover; (Evan)

Now I just have top hope they don't stumble on any of them on their own, between now and Easter...I swear that happens every year!

Connor will be soooo excited about the next Kane chronicles. He hasn't read any of the others (let me know how your boys like them, and we will add them to the library list), but he loved the Fablehaven series by Brandon Mull. I need to look into his newest one. Thanks!

I got the new Kingdom Keepers book from Amazon yesterday for Connor's Easter basket. It was all I could do not to show it to him right then and there, so we could start reading it. LOL! I still need to figure out what Chelsea's "big" gift will be in her basket.

 

[eandesmom]

I have a feeling Connor will be headed in that direction soon. I still can't quite believe he is going to be starting middle school next year.

I know! Middle School registration was SOOO stressful for me, I'm still second guessing our choices.

We that series! I wonder if they will be writing anymore. It has been over a year since Peter and the Sword of Mercy came out.

I really wish they'd get busy making it into a movie but will be SOOO dissapointed if they do it animated.

Connor will be soooo excited about the next Kane chronicles. He hasn't read any of the others (let me know how your boys like them, and we will add them to the library list), but he loved the Fablehaven series by Brandon Mull. I need to look into his newest one. Thanks!

I know, I didn't realize there was a new one and am hoping the boys don't either! It popped up as a "if you like xxx check out xxx" lol. The Al Capone books seem a bit more middle school ish so we will see.

I got the new Kingdom Keepers book from Amazon yesterday for Connor's Easter basket. It was all I could do not to show it to him right then and there, so we could start reading it. LOL! I still need to figure out what Chelsea's "big" gift will be in her basket.

Fun! I was struggling with Eric's big gift. They always get books and then one other thing. I'm having a chef's apron made for Evan with his name and Chef Goofy holding a hamburger and fries embroidered for him. SO excited for it! I ended up ordering Eric some sheet music, including Toy Story, hopefully it won't be too hard for him.

 

[Charleston Princess]

I know, I didn't realize there was a new one and am hoping the boys don't either! It popped up as a "if you like xxx check out xxx" lol. The Al Capone books seem a bit more middle school ish so we will see.

Connor has no idea. It will be such a surprise to him!

Fun! I was struggling with Eric's big gift. They always get books and then one other thing. I'm having a chef's apron made for Evan with his name and Chef Goofy holding a hamburger and fries embroidered for him. SO excited for it! I ended up ordering Eric some sheet music, including Toy Story, hopefully it won't be too hard for him.

Oh, the apron idea is a great one! Maybe that's what I will do for Chelsea since she loves baking so much and the one she has now is rather on the small side.

 

[eandesmom]

Connor has no idea. It will be such a surprise to him!

that is so fun when that happens, I loving having one up on them!

Oh, the apron idea is a great one! Maybe that's what I will do for Chelsea since she loves baking so much and the one she has now is rather on the small side.

I'll PM you on FB with her info and the mock up of Evan's (just the outline of goofy and the font) but you can muck around her photo's, she's got pretty much any character. She's actually going to make me a retro half apron with this adorable apple fabric and then Mrs. Pott's and Chip but not till next month as she's slammed and I wasn't in a rush for that so will lump it in with my FE and pillowcases.

I think the Chef's aprons come in basic solid colors but she also found some fun animal print ones if that was of interest to you. I'll send the info over on FB,

 

[eandesmom]

It was 12:30 and I was hungry! That yogurt parfait seemed like it had been decades ago. Partially, I suppose, due to the fact that not only did we go non stop after eating but due to the “extra” exercise of climbing into treehouses, caves, forts and escape tunnels. In the heat. Not like it was really a spit of exercise but anything in that kind of heat feels that much MORE than what it is.

That’s my story and I’m sticking to it. We were also excessively thirsty. I had been looking forward to this lunch for MONTHS. For us, lunch is a funny thing. I'll often have a plan (that I don't share with the crew) as it really does need to remain very flexible. It hadn't worked in 09 to go to this place and it had been on my list then but Cosmic Ray's was more appealing (and closer) to what we were doing that day. I had really hoped this would work out and found it fortunate that it was so close to where the E's and I were getting off our raft from. Close being relative of course. Of course those meeting us had no clue one way or the other so really, I couldn't have planned it better, for once everyone just went where I told them to.

It may seem silly to be that excited. I mean really, it wasn’t like I was headed there for anything fancy. In fact, it was about as basic as it could get. Classic even.

I wanted

Dreamed about

Mused, to myself often, could it really be as special as everyone says?

I mean really.

We were talking about….

A
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

Tuna sandwich.

From……….

Here

Any guesses?

Here’s another clue

This one might help more

Yep, we were here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The place, as I imagine is typical, was pretty full to the gills. We headed straight upstairs and found the rest of our crew, who had snagged some sweet tables. Most of us then headed down to get food but a few of the breakfast eaters (Sandie, Paul and Taylor if memory serves) weren’t hungry. The rest of us were starving. So hungry in fact, I neglected to take pictures but I can tell you we had the Anchors Aweigh (Tuna Sand), the BLT Salad (Evan), Chicken Fingers (K& Jeff). It still is very weird to me that Jeff got the chicken fingers but…whatever! Everyone got an apple crisp except Kendall who of course went for the chocolate cake. It was odd, after we were up and settled and eating, they roped off our area like we weren't supposed to be there but since we were already there...I didn't exactly feel motivated to make anyone move.

It was a HUGE amount of food. I absolutely adored mine. I didn’t need the dessert, that’s for sure, but I ate it anyway. Darn DDP. Yes. I can see why people get that excited over a TUNA SANDWICH! Eric was in complete and utter agreement. Evan felt the same about his salad. As for the chicken fingers….they ate them without compliant so I assume they were good. No food porn, sorry. Why the tuna was so good, I’ve no idea. Heavens knows there is nothing special in the description to indicate that it’s extraordinary. I did steal this picture and must say, it still looks darn good! Good bread, good tuna, just fresh, delicious and nice and cool and refreshing. For some reason, to me, tuna on a hot hot day like it was...is just about perfection for lunch. Homemade lemonade would have sent me to nirvana but I had to make do with iced tea.

Bellies full we headed outside into Liberty Square and were treated to some nice marching band entertainment. While we loved the band (both Jeff and I having been band geeks in our day though I was the only one who marched) all I could think of looking at them was how HOT they must be. Just that burst of heat outside re-wilted us. Not to mention the fact that the crowds had really really really picked up. Looking at the trending, it did appear the crowd prediction of a level 9 was perhaps not exaggerating.

It seemed logical to head straight to HM. So we did.

Honestly, I’ve no idea how long we were in line but I’m guessing it was a while and we got a bit melty, based on the timing of my photos for the rest of the afternoon. As always, we enjoyed riding our Doom Buggy but clearly I was entering the post lunch coma phase that seems to equate to a spectacular lack of photos. Leaving our ghostly friends behind and wanting to ease Sandie and Paul into the heat and crowds of the MK and definitely melting ourselves despite just having rested in the cool harbor not all that long ago, we decided to head straight into the Hall of Presidents. It did feel like we waited there, hanging in the waiting area, for quite some time. Fortunately there is a ton to look at and everyone seemed to get into it. I have a confession. I’d never seen HOP! Yep, another never done. By any of my crew.

I have another confession.

I fell asleep.

The heat, the early day, the big lunch and the cool AC combined with a comfy chair lulled me to sleep. Not for all of it and what I did see and do remember, I really loved and was really mad at myself for dozing off. But….it was what it was and clearly a small nap had been in order. I don’t know if the gang stayed awake, by the conversations as we exited, it appeared so. Clearly I need a do over..but not right after lunch!

As you may recall, the E’s and I had done our due diligence in the FP area, in preparation for that crowd level 9 action. However, there were only 3 of us and 8 in our group. We had FP’s for Splash and Space. Splash was calling someone’s name. Most notably….JEFF! He really really wanted to go. As did the E’s. I’d have loved to but was ok not going and the rest had zero interest so it made it pretty easy. They took off, into the FP line and we headed to the bridge to watch. And wait.

And wait

And wait

And wait

That bridge has NO shade

It was hot

They weren’t coming

Everyone else got off the bridge and went to the shade. Someone took off to buy drinks.

I wanted a picture.

I waited.

And waited

And waited.

Seriously, for a FP line it was the longest wait ever. We were honestly convinced the darn ride was down again!!!!!!!!!!!!! Finally, at 3:30 (no idea what time they got in line but we headed to the HM at 1:30 and all we’d done other than that was HOP) they appeared

That picture of Jeff was worth the wait.

Just in case you can’t see it…

It was almost 3:30.

My original plan had looked like this.

• 6:30am get ready, on bus by 7:15 at the latest! (not too bad, we got there at 8:30)
• MK 8-12 for AM EMH and rope drop. Crowds will be bad, 8am is critical!
• Breakfast - Cinnamon Rolls from Main Street Bakery! (Done except no one wanted Cinnamon Rolls)
• Early lunch at Casey’s, CHH or ? or wait and eat at Hurricane Hannahs/BCM (done @ CHH but not till 12:30)
• Hit all FP and hot attractions EARLY. Agree on a priority plan. (Not exactly but it was perfect in it’s never done way.)
• Noon back to YC (obviously not, the rest of the gang was just getting on the bus then)
• Pool time 12:30-3:30. (and again, not)

HA! Once again…pool time…thwarted.

This was actually kind of a big deal as the rest of the night was supposed to look like this:

• 4:30, walk over to Boardwalk
• 5:10 dinner at Kouzzina.

My notes said VIA Napoli is an option for a walk up dinner if we want to chance it closer to 6 but would be giving up boardwalk area. It was still soft opening (walk up). I had tried tried tried to get a ressie ANYWHERE nearby the YC for around 6 to no avail. Before we moved the cruise it was perfectly laid out with a 6:10 at Captain’s Grille or Kouzzina (can’t remember which one lol) but when the dates moved, this was the one night that stressed me out.

• Stroll Boardwalk
• 8 pm Yacht Club dock to board cruise
• 8-9:45 Illuminations Cruise
• 10-12 head back to Epcot for evening EMH

As you might imagine, given that it was 3:30, we were still in the MK and had finished lunch around 1:30, the idea of eating at 5 was not remotely appealing to anyone. Not to mention the fact we really weren’t quite ready to leave the park yet (all Sandie, Paul, Kendall and Taylor had done was lunch, HOP and HM and most of them didn’t eat lunch!). So it was agreed that we’d be missing our 5:10.

What we’d do instead…I really didn’t know. What I did know is that we had 3 space FP’s. The train seemed a good way to get back there. I hadn’t gotten to ride it in 2009 so it had been a LONG time. It was also a bit of a LONG wait. But worth it.

Eric looks a bit warm, doesn’t he

I love the view from the train! I’d totally forgotten about it.

Continued in next post...

 

[eandesmom]

All too soon, we arrived. In a land that no longer looks like it did this day

Bye bye train

Let’s take the back path to Tomorrowland!

Ah…doesn’t that look cool? I could have laid down and taken a nap right then I think. This is the BEST route and got us out of the nasty crowds in tooontown, which had been a mob scene.

Here comes our train again, chasing us down

Jeff wanted to stop and watch, it was cute (he’d hate knowing I said that)

I have got to do the steam train tour for him the next time we go.

Arriving in tomorrow land some of our crew headed out to space. Not that they weren’t mentally there already. I am not positive who it was though! I know it was Jeff but who else is honestly beyond me. It was some combination of boy kids, Taylor, Evan or Eric. Two out of those 3. The rest of us made a beeline to Auntie Gravities. I decided to mix it up and went for a rootbeer float. AHHHHHHHHHHH….was that tasty or what! Nothing like really ruining the idea of the at 5:10 dinner, I got that float about 4:15. We shopped a bit in whatever dump shop is next to Auntie Gravities. Kendall found a shirt she liked which Grandma was only too happy to buy for her. Sandie had actually planned to buy each kid something as it came up but then do more for K as it was her birthday just prior to the trip so this was theoretically part of her bday gift. It was a cute tee, though much hemming and hawing ensued deliberating about what size to get. I don’t recall where that landed but she still wears it fairly often so whatever size it was, it was the right one.

Our space cadets arrived and procured their own tasty refreshing treat and then we were off to find a bus to take us back to the cool cool (ok, lukewarm) waters of Storm Along Bay.

I had NO clue what we’d do for dinner, only that swimming was a non-negotiable and we had to be at the YC dock at 8pm.

Boat Drinks

 

[tinacaplan]

Your MK time sounds like so much fun. And I agree that waiting for that Splash Mountain pic was completely worth it. We didn't even make it into the HOP last trip, but Mark and I saw it the year prior and we loved it. But we're both big history nerds. Incidentally, I seem to be reading a ton about CHH lately and I've put it on my list of strong contenders for CS while we're at MK this summer. I felt similarly to you about the tuna sandwich I had at the Plaza in February. I couldn't tell you (or anyone!) what was so delicious about it, but it was near perfection at that particular moment.

All the advance planning is a funny thing, I realized on this last trip. Sure, its a blast to put it all together, but in the moment, executing those plans can sometimes get tricky. And again, my hat's off to you for being able to coordinate (and keep happy) such a large group. We cancelled out on a number of ADRs on this past trip, which surprised me, but it worked out for the best that way. Can't wait to hear what you ended up doing for the rest of the day.

Oh, and nice railroad pics. Max loves trains and this just reinforced for me that necessity of us making the trip this summer.