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

[eandesmom]

I know I’ve been MIA and a bit inconsistent with the updates but I’m hoping to get this wrapped up very soon. For 2 reasons.

1. I want it done before we go on the cruise
2. I want it done before we hit the full year mark.

The full year mark comes first, but not by much. Still deciding what to do about the cruise. Some stuff has been going on that makes me want to start it as a PTR now including our recent trip to Whistler which is a side trip for many of the cruisers, but…then again I kind of just want to do a TR. Not sure. It’s a different animal, a cruise TR. What do you guys think????
Back to our last night.

We cleaned up and packed Jeff and Kendall off into their town car. Very sad! And weird for me. I haven’t done a “solo” trip with the kids since the before Jeff days so it was a little weird and sad. One thing to go off on your own without them and have them nearby to meet up, another to have them already gone! The boys really wanted to go back to IOA. Taylor on the other hand wanted to do….nothing.

So that’s what we did! And what a night we had!!!!!!!!!!!

We took our time walking in, deciding what to do (and finding things to play on)

We’d discussed, on the way over, what we wanted to do. THRILLS were in order. But…it was starting to sprinkle. Would it delay things? Would the kids wimp out? Nope and NOPE! We went on Hulk, twice in a row, in the rain! In the rain it was one of the most thrilling, fun rides ever for me. The kids were so scared heading in but very determined to do it (I’m quite sure to brag to Jeff the next night that they had when we got home) but after that first ride, all fear was gone and a second ride was in order. Up next was Spidey. Twice. Gotta love the express pass! Heading back the kids spotted Popyeye’s Bilge rat Barge which is a Kali sytle rafting ride. It was night, it was drizzly, I wasn’t interested in getting soaked.

The 7-minute ride follows Popeye in his never ending quest to save Olive Oyl, the damsel in distress, from his enemy Bluto. Guests originally enter a queue for Popeye's Pleasure Cruises before being detoured into Bluto's Boat Tours. Riders board large circular rafts from a rotating platform. The ride contains many river rapid elements including rapids, waterfalls and other water hazards including interactions with Me Ship, the Olive. The ride ends with Popeye saving Olive Oyl and the boats returning to the loading dock at Sweet Haven. Universal Express passes can be used for the attraction which has a height requirement of 42 inches (110 cm).

How wet it would be I had no idea, I’d never been on it but I sure had fun waiting and watching to see!

Just a little wet. They seemed to survive

Though they did regret their choice of shorts. And the fact that their brand new shirts (Evan's from Hard Rock the 2 nights prior and Eric's from WWOHP just that morning) were soaked. Nothing like breaking in new clothes quickly!

Poking around in Toon Lagoon we had some fun with Marmaduke

And decided that Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls looked even more wet that Popeye (if that was possible) and that we’d pass.

Continued in next post

 

[eandesmom]

Being the thrill junkies that they were, the dragon challenge called and we headed back to Hogwarts. Some crowds, some wet but not horrible

What this? Is someone telling us something?

CHECK OUT THE WAIT TIME!

Yeah, we couldn’t resist, we rode it again.
Imagine our surprise when we exited to head over to the Dragon Challenge and saw these guys

For those that wondered what a Quaffle looks like, the ball in the middle is a Quaffle

We checked out some wizardly shows. The shop windows are very fun at night to see things you didn’t catch during the day

After one fabulous ride on our dragon, the boys wanted to go again. I had something else in mind. So I sent them off and went to run an errand with instructions to meet back at the train station.

What was my errand?

Ok maybe errand isn’t the right word.

Yep, a nice mug of Hogs Head Red. The mug is “my” official souvie from IOA and WWOHP. I actually got several things, interestingly enough more from US than WDW this trip which surprised me. The cheap sundress, a shirt for $5 from Hard Rock Cafe that was a promo shirt with another purchase (Evan's shirt) that for 5 bucks I couldn't turn down and then (of course) a shirt from margaritaville. All I'd gotten from WDW was a mug and a sundress. BUT I use that mug several times a week so it was a darn good purchase.

But as for the beer, it was delish and absolutely hit the spot. It had been a long, but incredible, day and I just sat, soaking it in, alone and feeling ok that it was our last night. A little sad of course but still, feeling like the trip had done what we'd set out for it to do in so very many ways and feeling ok about heading home. Feeling like it hadn't been too long, or too short but just RIGHT.

I waited for the boys

Enjoyed Hogsmeade at night

BUT gave up on pictures, it was just too dark. It seemed like I waited FOREVER. Sure enough, they’d gone for the front again. Though we didn’t completely close down the park, it was darn close and poor Taylor was waiting for us to eat and I hadn’t thought to leave him with $$ in case we stayed late. Which we did. It started raining again on the walk back so I caved and we hopped into one of those pedi cabs. They are ALL OVER between the resorts and City Walk. “Free” it’s up to you to tip what you feel is fair. No clue what I gave the guy but whatever it was, it felt fair (and was nice not to walk in the downpour. Arriving back we all changed into something dry and Eric practiced his spell casting.

Somehow he created winter in August, in Orlando. Those pictures always startle me!

At the hour, and the day (Sunday) there weren’t many dining options so after a few phone calls we gave up and headed to The Kitchen. The Kitchen is the main restaurant at the HRH and we’d not been there yet. I’d hoped to go there for breakfast as they are known for it but it never worked out.

Since it’s a kitchen, they have lots of kitchen things. Like…oven mitts!

That double as the kids menu

This is Evan’s “I want to order off of the big menu even though I’m dead on my feet and may pass out before I take a bite” face.

It’s pretty cool inside.

With a very fun menu

Really nice patio on the other side of those windows

Taylor, who’s gone for the horrible hat instead of the bandana and the Mr. Rogers sweater in August. Sigh.

All over they had these cool chef’s jackets

Since I hadn’t eaten enough over 12 days of gluttony I thought I should end it in style. Go big or go home.

Fried Chicken and Waffles.

OMG. That really sums it up. Pure bliss. So much so I couldn't begin to guess what the rest of them ordered but am pretty sure they liked it, though they faded during dinner as expected. With that, and the food coma they induced it was time for one last sleep at the Hard Rock. Tomorrow would bring our last day and our flight home. But…that flight wasn’t until 6:30…it couldn’t really take us all day to pack and even if it did, we’d be homeless after 11. What would we do with our last few hours????

Did someone say Pool Hop?

 

[englishrose47]

I could handle Popeye but not Riptide

 

[eandesmom]

I could handle Popeye but not Riptide

It probably looks worse than it is but I wasn't in the mood to be soaked and the boys were already uncomfortable in soggy wet cargo shorts! Mid day though, I'd have done it.

 

[KatMark]

Cynthia, what a great last day and you the E's had! Sorry Taylor didn't to join you, but you and the two younger ones sure got a lot accomplished. And you beer looks really good (and I'm not a big beer drinker).

 

[MAGICFOR2]

For those that wondered what a Quaffle looks like, the ball in the middle is a Quaffle

Now I know!



BUT gave up on pictures, it was just too dark. It seemed like I waited FOREVER. Sure enough, they’d gone for the front again. Though we didn’t completely close down the park, it was darn close and poor Taylor was waiting for us to eat and I hadn’t thought to leave him with $$ in case we stayed late. Which we did. It started raining again on the walk back so I caved and we hopped into one of those pedi cabs. They are ALL OVER between the resorts and City Walk. “Free” it’s up to you to tip what you feel is fair. No clue what I gave the guy but whatever it was, it felt fair (and was nice not to walk in the downpour. Arriving back we all changed into something dry and Eric practiced his spell casting.

Somehow he created winter in August, in Orlando. Those pictures always startle me!


So cute! He looks so serious!


This is Evan’s “I want to order off of the big menu even though I’m dead on my feet and may pass out before I take a bite” face.

Since I hadn’t eaten enough over 12 days of gluttony I thought I should end it in style. Go big or go home.

Fried Chicken and Waffles.

OMG. That really sums it up. Pure bliss. So much so I couldn't begin to guess what the rest of them ordered but am pretty sure they liked it, though they faded during dinner as expected. With that, and the food coma they induced it was time for one last sleep at the Hard Rock. Tomorrow would bring our last day and our flight home. But…that flight wasn’t until 6:30…it couldn’t really take us all day to pack and even if it did, we’d be homeless after 11. What would we do with our last few hours????

Did someone say Pool Hop?

The chicken and waffles seems like such a strange combo, but I've heard lots of people like it! I'm glad you enjoyed it - must try next time at Waffle House

Your grand gathering got a little less grand as your numbers dwindled.

 

[eandesmom]

Cynthia, what a great last day and you the E's had! Sorry Taylor didn't to join you, but you and the two younger ones sure got a lot accomplished. And you beer looks really good (and I'm not a big beer drinker).

I'm not generally a big red ale drinker but it was really tasty. Perhaps it was the heat, perhaps it was the beer, perhaps it was the mug (which I do use quite often), not sure but it tasted great! Tay was over the whole park thing and doesn't do thrill rides anyway so it was probably for the best.

The chicken and waffles seems like such a strange combo, but I've heard lots of people like it! I'm glad you enjoyed it - must try next time at Waffle House

Your grand gathering got a little less grand as your numbers dwindled.

It is strange (and would have been more so had I actually eaten that blueberry compote, that didn't go with it to me at all) but it was GOOD! Yes, we did get less grand didn't we!

 

[natebenma]

What a great last day!!!

I think the Popeye ride was actually wetter than Ripsaw falls.

I love your night pictures at WWoHP!

The Kitchen looks like a lot of fun.

 

[eandesmom]

What a great last day!!!

I think the Popeye ride was actually wetter than Ripsaw falls.

I love your night pictures at WWoHP!

The Kitchen looks like a lot of fun.

I'd love my night pictures more now, with a much better camera (though I'm still learning a lot on night and indoor settings, that's for sure). Ripsaw looks like a ton of fun, it was just too late in the day (for me) and the kids were already soaked but seeing how wet they got on Popeye, I'd believe it's the wettest. Then again, we got soaked on Jurassic.

The Kitchen was great, I wish we'd all been a little less wiped out and it was a little earlier in the evening, we'd have enjoyed it more I think. Something a little quicker and more casual would have been a better fit but that was too complicated to deal with. I'd definitely eat there again and still want to try their breakfast someday.

 

[glennbo123]

That's great that you were able to get so much done on your last full day.

That Marmaduke photo spot is really cool! I can see how you could turn the picture side-ways and make it look like Marmaduke was pulling the person really fast.

 

[Happydog]

Hey there! Sounds like you had a fun trip! I might be doing a little solo time with my boys this summer before Matt gets there. I think having the park and so much to keep them occupied does make it easier!!!

I do like those photos of the windows and Eric's wand... I agree they look like winter snow/frost!!! TOO funny!

Yep, those boys played hard all day you can see it!

With your cruise, etc. I say start it if you want!! I bet you are BUSY getting read for that packing!!!! I am not looking forward to packing in November!!! I have to prebook stuff for that cruise next week! Time between Disney fun goes really slow or really fast!!!!

I am so excited for you and your cruise!!!!! Did you book all your excursions and Palos or the spa?


Cant wait to hear about the pool hop fun!

 

[eandesmom]

That's great that you were able to get so much done on your last full day.

We did SO much on that last day. Really when I look at the times it was just the E's and I we were kind of commando like, except it didn't feel like it at all.

That Marmaduke photo spot is really cool! I can see how you could turn the picture side-ways and make it look like Marmaduke was pulling the person really fast.

LOL, I should do that, turn it sidewise. Maybe I will and make a little collage for Evan, he'd get a huge kick out of that. Poor kid is dying for a dog, this is as close as he will get and we are in the midst of a room remodel so that could be fun.

Hey there! Sounds like you had a fun trip! I might be doing a little solo time with my boys this summer before Matt gets there. I think having the park and so much to keep them occupied does make it easier!!!

Are you doing the dark side without Matt? Or are you waiting another year on that, I can't recall. What's the schedule look like (I'm horribly out of the loop).

I do like those photos of the windows and Eric's wand... I agree they look like winter snow/frost!!! TOO funny!

Appropriate given the theming of Hogsmeade, I love that last one where he's smiling.

Yep, those boys played hard all day you can see it!

We almost had one of your dinners....except they really are too big to just go to sleep at the table. One of them wanted to though (most likely Evan).

With your cruise, etc. I say start it if you want!! I bet you are BUSY getting read for that packing!!!! I am not looking forward to packing in November!!! I have to prebook stuff for that cruise next week! Time between Disney fun goes really slow or really fast!!!!

I am so excited for you and your cruise!!!!! Did you book all your excursions and Palos or the spa?


Cant wait to hear about the pool hop fun!

Oh my goodness I am SO unorganized on the packing front. My suitcase is still out from Whistler! (we just got back monday night). And the darn thing was out in between denver and Whistler (all 3 days) which meant I actually stepped on a heel that had gotten loose and impaled my heel. OW! It may never heal. So the question is, should I just leave the darn thing out for 3 more weeks until I repack it again

Actually I probably have to bring the bigger one, magcial as that bag is, the warm clothes take up more room and we could see 50's-70's which mkaes the packing a wee bit challenging.

Right now I need to focus on making my packing list more than anything. I think I'm ok on the shopping as I've been spreading some of that out as they are/were more wintery purchases so I got some things for me back in Feb and kids as stuff went on sale. All I "think" I need is a polo and a belt for Evan but I must be missing something. I do need to order the rest of my FE stuff. I should probably post it here as if I do start a PTR I don't want any cruise mates seeing it! Not that it's all that exciting. I did a journal for each cabin and then each person will get some custom stickers, candy etc. The journals are pretty darn cute though. I also made alaska pirate t's for the E's as a surprise and am getting them a few new pins to trade with. I still have to order the stickers but the rest is here. I figure we will make the bags on the drive up. Good car project!

We have booked excursions (Taku lounge/flight seeing in Juneau and Ziplining in Skagway), Palo (dinner and brunch...I just got brunch 2 days ago when it opened up ) and spa. going back and forth on the Spa. I'd booked "alone time", cancelled and was going to wait and just book something onboard as maybe there would be a coupon in our navigator but then I realized something.

I have been on 4 trips since Jan and have not been able to fit in a mani or a pedi for ANY of them. I haven't had either since Feb and given my track record, despite good intentions, it probably won't happen. So I booked the spa versions for embarkation day. We have 2nd seating and I did it in between sail away and dinner so it should be ok but...I may change my mind. We will see.

 

[GreatBiscuit]

Sorry to hear about all your recent packing woes. My shoes are clunky, but they've never impaled anyone. Although they have been known to flatten a few arachnids, but only the ones who really deserved it. (i.e. the ones stupid enough to show themselves to First Lady Biscuit.) But I digress.

You seemed to accomplish much on your last day which is most definitely commendable. It’s been a nifty TR from the multiple re-bookings way back on the PTR to this most recent installment. I’ll be sad to see it all end, but I reckon there is always some Disney cruise reporting to look forward to.

Good luck with your suitcase!

And your apparently semi-lethal footware.

 

[eandesmom]

Sorry to hear about all your recent packing woes. My shoes are clunky, but they've never impaled anyone. Although they have been known to flatten a few arachnids, but only the ones who really deserved it. (i.e. the ones stupid enough to show themselves to First Lady Biscuit.) But I digress.

As long as they haven't caused the first lady to trip and fall on her behind into a bunch of hangers while impaling her foot, I think you are good. It was dark, what can I say. I do believe they were bug gut free at least.

You seemed to accomplish much on your last day which is most definitely commendable. It’s been a nifty TR from the multiple re-bookings way back on the PTR to this most recent installment. I’ll be sad to see it all end, but I reckon there is always some Disney cruise reporting to look forward to.

Good luck with your suitcase!

And your apparently semi-lethal footware.

Ah yes, the re-bookings, I've felt the loss of all that schedule rejiggering. NOT! Though I fear the next grand gathering is kaput before it started. Which, while it saddens me tremendously, will make for less re-booking. It will also make me tickerless in the very near future.

Sadly the pair that got me wasn't really all that lethal (have them on right now) but anything at that angle. Well....

As to a Cruise TR...the real question, if I start it before the trip is, what the heck do I call the darn thing. And the OTHER question is...when do we get another GB PTR????

 

[Poolrat]

Love the last run through Us and IoA.

I have the Marmaduke picture when were at IoA in a hurricane! We were just as soaked. So windy they were not running the boats so we had to walk all the way around the lake.

 

[eandesmom]

Love the last run through Us and IoA.

I have the Marmaduke picture when were at IoA in a hurricane! We were just as soaked. So windy they were not running the boats so we had to walk all the way around the lake.

Now that you mention it, that's probably the real reason we took the pedi cab! You need to post that picture, I bet it's a riot!

I'm not even sure Evan's seen these!!!!!!!!

 

[stepdisney]

I have just spent the entire day reading your wonderful trip report! My family and I will be taking a trip at almost the same time you traveled last year. Our trip is reversed (Dark side first and THEN Disney). We are staying at YC and gthen RPR. Loved your report and you totally helped me with how to approach dinner on DDP, days at the park, swimming at SAB. Traveling with DH, DS (16) and DS (10) and meeting DSis and DBIL, DNiece and DNephew at Disney. Thinking about booking the Cruise and ordering Pizza! Thank you so much for sharing. I found myself reading some of your entries out loud to my family.

 

[tinacaplan]

You MUST do a TR for your cruise! Pretty please... I really want to see pictures and hear all about it. Mark really wants to do that someday.

Looks like you guys had a great last day..and fried chicken and waffles...sounds like a great ending.

 

[nodnol]

Hi Cynthia, I'm sorry I don't comment so often, but I really like your TR AND the PTR, so please write a cruise TR ans share your preparations with us here!

I also wanted to thank you for quite a while for the coffee mug Magdalene passed along to me. It's my favourite weekend coffee mug (I usually make coffe only on the weekends, because I don't drink it in the morning). As I am quite a slow drinker, I had been used to drinking the last third of it quite cold. But now it stays warm and tastes so much better!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Yes, you should definitely do a PTR/TR for your cruise! I want to read all the details about it -- both the before and during and after!

Great last night at IOA! Love all the shots of the fun you had!

Waffles and fried chicken? Yes, please!!! Now my stomach is growling! I guess it is time to go find some breakfast!