First Timers Trip Report, Updated 08/02 with some pics!

[jmskinner]

ThoughtI would continue this. I am scared I am going to forget something. I must be totally hooked on Disney World because I am now dreaming about it at night. Do they put something in the food or is it in the music around the parks?

On to my report. On Monday, July 3 we get up and get dressed. My DBIL is due to arrive at 9:30, so I had planned on sleeping a little later and waiting for him before going to the park. When he arrives at the airport, he calls says he wants to take a nap when he gets in. He normally works nights and laid awake afraid he would miss his flight. So we said no problem. We told him we had lunch reservations at the 50's Diner and he should be up at 12:00 to catch the bus. He says he will set the alarm clock on his cell phone. So off to MGM we go. First we stop and buy us and all of the kids a lanyard along with pins. I got the Pirate one. Couldn't believe the DH was ok with it. We put them all together while waiting on the bus. We get to MGM and don't have a clue what to do because we don't want to ride something the DBIL would want to do. So we decide to go into Narnia. This was a nice presentation, maybe one day they will actually have a ride. It would be cool. We then decide to see if The Great Movie Ride has FP's. So I take everyone's ticket and go look, and of course they are not even offered and the line is long. We don't want to be in line when the DBIL arrives or miss the ADR. As I am handing everyones ticket back to them I realize I have somehow dropped my DMIL's ticket. I just can't believe it. Of course, it has charging privileges on it, so I am freaking out. She calls the number of the hotel on our tickets and they cancel the old and issue a new one. They set it up so her son can pick it up on his way to the park.

So now, she has to get ahold of her son who is sound asleep at this point. Can't get him to wake up. A CM walks up on us and asks if we need help. We told him we were trying to find something to do before our lunch reservation. He pulls up a blackberry and says we don't have time to ride anything, but could see the Walt Disney Presentation before our lunch time. We were totally impressed with the CM. The DMIL sends us off to see the Walt Disney presentation while she keeps trying to call. The presentation on Walt was wonderful. I liked that it started at the beginning of his life. My DS and I had watched a program on Walt and Disney World and he had to remind his dad that Walt died before Disney World was complete. The one thing I remember about the presentation was how Walt wanted to build a park where all family members rode together. As we went on through the parks each day, I realized how much they were still sticking with that idea.

We head to the restaurant. I have gotten my lunch time messed up, so we have a 45minute wait. The DMIL keeps trying her boy, no luck. We actually only waited 10 minutes when they came to get us. Of course the DBIL calls as we are walking in. So while we are being seated my DMIL is on the cell phone. The hostess commented on what a strange Walkie Talkie and it doesn't have a string. The Waitress did the same. The food here was great and so was the atmosphere. I remember one of the other waitresses came over and while cleaning off one table, acted like her sister was making her to do it and wan't helping. Thought she was great. Our waitress kept trying to catch us with our elbows on the table. I thought about that the whole time. Thank fellow Disers for warning me of this. The DBIL arrived just as we finished the lunch and we met him.

We head to the Muppet Show 3D. We all enjoyed this one, when it was over it was pouring. Out came the ponchos. For some silly reason I wore my new running shoes. Normally I buy leather ones, that rain doesn't go through, but this time I bought the ones that have the net material. So of course, the rain is going right through them. We go by Star Tours and since the line is not that long we ride it again. My DH had previously told my DS that he could explain everything to his uncle because he had not ridden on it. My poor DBIL. The kiddo talked the whole time. My son then wanted a light saber so I let him buy it. He did have his own money, but I was still trying to control his spending. His dad decided to get one of those pictures where they put your face in the Star Wars character. He really looks like Anakin. I am still shocked that the DH was spending money like he was.

From here we head towards the Stunt show. As we hit the New York street, I see all of the people trying to get pictures. Right away I realize what they were doing because I had read about it on these boards. It was Lightin McQueen and Mater!!! I grab my boy and take off. Everyone is looking at me like, what is going on. Then they realize what they are. My boy got a little upset because he couldn't get to the front of Mater, but I finally saw a chance and pushed him in. I was proud that I did not push anyone but my own child. Got some great pictures though.

The Stunt Show was closed due to the rain, but the CM's told us to come back at 5:00 for the last show, no FP's. So we went on the Backlot Tour. This was probably the longest line we had been in. It didn't help that a lot of it was in the sun. My DS hates to sweat. It can actually lead to a meltdown. So he had a misting fan all to himself. He even got tired of holding that light saber, so we ended up with it. No matter how often we tell our child, if you buy it, you are carrying it, we end up with it. At least it wasn't some heavy stuffed animal that makes you even hotter.

We enjoyed the Backlot Tour. My boy got a little scared with the explosions and water in the Canyon. He had no idea it was coming, but I did. Got it on video. I thought the truck slid down the mountain, but I didn't see that occur, but I couldn't see through all the water either.

From there we head to the stunt show. I could not believe all of the people. We really enjoyed this show. I tried to get pictures of the last jump, because I had watched all of these shows and knew how it ended. I got a picture of the car on the ramp, what an exciting picture. I was disappointed with myself. I did get the motorcycle rider sliding and then catching on fire. As we are climbing down, we realize we can see the canyon for the Backlot Tour and start watching it. Seeing how the tanks work and everything was cool.

So from here we head to Tower of Terror. The DMIL and DS won't go, the boy hates heights again. He went on the Texas Cliffhanger at Six Flags one time (the one that has the 10 story free fall) and afterwards he said "I am never doing that again." So the DBIL, DSD, DH, and I go on it while the DMIL and DS go on the Great Movie Ride. The wait was about 30 minutes. Watching those shows had me prepared for what would happen, my poor DH had no idea. When the elevator started moving forward, he was shocked. My DSD grabs hold of both of our hands and keeps squeezing them. The ride picture shows all of us laughing except for the DSD who is screaming in terror and still holding our hands. I had to buy that one. I am going to order a Tower of Terror frame to send it to her in. (I never really got to do a lot of shopping while there. Next time I will take a day if I have to.)

The line for Rockin Rollercoaster is over an hour long and the FP's were gone before we rode Tower so we had to skip it. We couldn't find the DMIL and DS, there were all these people everywhere sitting on the curbs. I realized later it was everyone waiting for Fantasmic. So we finally find the DMIL and DS and head back to the hotel.

My boy found another boy to talk Star Wars with. He doesn't make friends very easily, has a lot of social issues, so it felt good to see him making a friend.

Once at the hotel, I go get food for everyone. It was nice to pick up our dinners and eat them in the room. As we are walking back, my son runs ahead of me and says, "Excuse Me, Coming Through" to some people. They comment how they have not heard any children say that in a few days. It makes me feel good because there are people that think my child is a good child. Remember I said he had a lot of social issues. We are changing schools this year and he has been to 4 different daycares in two years. My trip is made right there.

We get back to the room, rest a litte and head to Magic Kingdom. It is EMH and the park will be open until 4:00am. It ends up only being the DH, DSD, and me. Everyone else is too tired. So off we go. We don't get to the park until 11:00. Spectromagic was going through main street, so they had us walk in and go to the right. Back behind the Main Street buildings, through a parking lot into Tomorrowland. We thought it was pretty cool getting to see a part of the park you don't get to see everyday. All FP's for Space Mountain are gone, and the line is well over an hour so we head over to the Indy Cars. It is 30 minutes so we go. The DSD wants to drive herself. Of course she is just a little over 2 years from having her license. Her daddy keeps yelling at her to slow down and stopping driving all of the road. Then he bumps her. Mean ol Daddy.

Then we go on the Tea Cups. I knew this was a bad idea, since about 23 I can't handle anything that spins. Of course the DH spins it as hard as he can. On comes the headache, which I proceed to have the rest of the night. But no headache will keep me out of the park. Plus, I love amusement parks at night. Then we ride Snow White and Philharmagic (walked right into this one). Peter Pan still had a long line so we skipped it. Didn't do its a Small World either, don't know why. Does that make me a bad Disney Worlder? Off to Haunted Mansion. Again we walk right on. The DSD wanted to ride by herself. As she is going through the line, the CM smacks his cane on the wood scaring her. Then we we get on, she is on the one in front of us. The CM checks our bar and then leans into her car and scares her. She screams loud enough the girls in front of her to hang out and ask what happened. She thought her Daddy asked him to do it, but he didn't. If you have not done the Haunted Mansion at night, you must. It seems darker in the ride. Plus what I love about this ride, every time we rode it we found something new.

After that, we decide to eat something. Spectromagic is getting ready to come through again. So we get a funnel cake and watch a little of the parade. Off we go again. My DH wanted to go in the Hall of Presidents, I wasn't that enthusiased and neither was the DSD, so I told him we would come back and ride it then.

Now on to Splash Mountain. We get in line and the line has started to extend past the entrance because they are not using the whole que. Well, we get picked to start the line going through the whole que, so when we meet back up with the people we were behind, they were like "nice to see you again". I really did like this ride. When we got off, the line was short was again with no one going through that long que. Guess they thought we needed some excercise.

We head to Pirates and walk right on. Oh, I almost forgot. After Pirates we head to Space Mountain. It says a 30 minutes wait so we decide to make it the last ride of the evening. Just as we are in the last part of the line, everything stops and the lights come on. We got to actually see the inside of Space Mountian. That was cool. Of course, the camera battery died earlier just as we entered the park so I could not get any pictures. We waited about 30 minutes. It was funny because no one was on the the TTA when we first got in line, but people must have been talking about the lights being on in Space Mountain because more and more people started riding it. Finally got to ride and had a good time.

We head back to the hotel and by the time we get back it is 4:00am. This poor family is sitting out front waiting on the ME. Felt so sorry for them.

Well, that is the end of the 3rd day. The next day planned is Epcot, which is the first day I really get irritated at the DMIL, but I will tell that story later. Everyone reading this, take care and hope you are still enjoying. I have to go read some others!!!

 

[Mickey & Minnie Mom]

We head back to the hotel and by the time we get back it is 4:00am. This poor family is sitting out front waiting on the ME. Felt so sorry for them.

WOW!!!

Now that has got to be a strange feeling...getting in so late, or I mean early, that you see off the first familiy heading out of POR that day.

Thanks for the continued reports.

 

[nataliz]

I must be totally hooked on Disney World because I am now dreaming about it at night. Do they put something in the food or is it in the music around the parks?

I'm pretty sure it's both.

I'm still loving your trip report. It's nice to see our kids being successful, isn't it? I'm glad your guy was having a great trip.

 

[jmskinner]

Nataliz, yes it is great when our kids are successful. Especially this kid, who by the way decided to teach himself to be a fireman last night in my bathtub with a lighter and paper towel roll. Praise god he didn't hurt himself. I had to keep from doing it myself though. Gotta love that kid though, when we asked where he got the idea "I got it from my brain."

Well back to my TR. Ok, we were out until 4:00am at MK. Oh, it was wonderful. Had planned to be at Epcot at 9:00. Ok, I meant to be at all parks when they opened, did we ever make it, NOOOOO! But that is ok, we are more night people, than morning.

Oh, one more thing. I am so not a morning person that I normally beat up our alarm clock, much less one that I don't know how to work. Well, the one in our room was set for 6:30, which was ok some days. I couldn't figure out how to change it. After being up until 4, 6:30 was not cutting it, I beat that clock up and turned it off. (I stupidly forgot about using the wake up with the characters waking us up, until we used it the morning we left and when I heard Mickey, all I could think was. "Why didn't I do that every day!")

So, at about 10:00am my DMIL wakes me up as her and the DBIL are leaving. She said she thought we should sleep in. Now, I know we are adults and should have gotten ourselves up, but I never would have done to her. In fact later in the trip I checked with her right after I woke up to make sure she didn't want to go with us.

I was so ticked, so is the DH. So we did not get to Epcot until 11:30 or so. Remember, this is July 5th. The parks are so full. I am scared we won't be able to get FP's, I had read all allearsnet that if you did not get them by lunch they would be gone. So we call the DMIL and DBIL when we arrive, they are in line for Mission:Earth. The DH decides to go get FP's for TestTrack. They are for 3:00. We have 1:15 ADR's for Coral Reef so we don't have a lot of time for anything, plus it is already extremely hot. So then we go into Innovations, and we all build robots. Went over to another building and played a game. By that time, we find the others, their ride broke down so they ended up in line for 1 hr 45 min (me and the DH didn't feel too bad for them). We normally are not this mean.

So we go eat at CR. We get one of the booths right up front. It was wonderful. One of the large turles kept resting the window right in front of us. All of you fish people will probably die, but the CM about fell over when I asked for tarter sauce. The whole family wanted to crawl under the table. I am not a big fish eater, just thought this would be a nice restaurant. My DS wanted to play with all 4 robots that we had, but the DH wouldn't let him. So he would not sit still, it would have been a nicer lunch if he had let him play with them with some rules. Our FP's for test track were not up yet, so we walk aimlessly around.

I had remembered hearing that you could get more FP's when the time for your current one was up, so we tried it at Honey I Shrunk the Audience and it worked. Well, my poor hubby had been put on a new blood pressure medicine before we left on our trip. His feet were hurting and they were incredibly swollen. So he decided to go back to the hotel. He gives his FP for Test Track to his DBIL.

So we headed over to Test Track. My DMIL takes my DS shopping, while we ride TT. That ride was so much fun. I thought you just went around the track really fast, I wasn't expecting all of the other stuff. I wished my DH was there.

We got off of Test Track. Find my DMIL who was complaining about my DS. This makes me mad, because this is the same woman that has threatened to sue our school system for the last year for the way they treat him. I need a restroom break. Use the one by TT and it is nasty. I could not believe it was so bad. Then, come out to find a little boy that is lost. He was about 3. He wouldn't come to me, just kept running back and forth in front of the bathroom. I am trying to figure out where to find a CM. Another woman sees me following him so I tell her what is going on. Finally he spots his mother. She just grabs him and moves on. I felt bad for him, he deserved a nice hug!

We head over to HISTA. The CM giving us instructions has a very strong accent so no one can understand. Then once we get to the room with the TV's, the CM speaks so fast no one can understand her. Everyone was laughing.

But, we enjoyed the show. And I even had fun with the DMIL and how she experienced the show. Don't get me wrong, I love her, just a little miffed with her.

Everyone wants to head back to the hotel. My DS saw a toy he wanted and I wanted to do a little shopping, so we stayed behind. The DMIL tried to get us to leave, but I said we would be ok. The whole reason we stayed on the grounds was so we could all come and go as we please. We could have stayed at my best friends time share for $100 that week,but it would have meant renting a car.

So, she finally agrees. My boy and I head over to Mission: Space to buy his toy and then to Mouse Gear. If there is ever a ball, the DS has to play with it. Just can not stop himself. So after it goes flying, I tell him that is enough. We wander the store. I get some pictures of him with some different hats on. I want a nice photo frame as a souvenir. I finally find one that holds multiple pictures and is shaped like the castle. Thought about buying some key chains for all of my co-workers, but figure I will have time later to find something neat.

We leave the store and I call the DH. He had wanted me to look for a scottish soccer shirt. I call to see if he still wants it. The DBIL answers his phone. I ask if DH stills wants me to look for it or if he wants to the next day after lunch. The DBIL tells me not to worry about it, so I think the DH is telling me that. I head back to the hotel, get us some food and head to the room. (Most of our CS's were used at the hotel, isn't that sad!) When I walk in the room I wake up my DH. He had no idea I had even called. So then I realize the DMIL had said not to worry about the shirt, not my DH. So, now I am mad again.

Ok, I had originally posted this a few days ago and just realized I got my nights confused, so here is the correct version of the night of July 4th. After resting for a little while I want to take DS to see the fireworks at Epcot. My DMIL says we shouldn't go because we have got to be tired and she doesn't want us to go by ourselves. I am dead set on going, so she goes with us. We get there just as the 9:00 Illuminations ends. We walk in and realize how crowded it is. My DMIL is tired and my boy is wound up. I start to worry about how bad the lines for the buses will be. The final straw is when my boy is playing in the water and starts kicking it on other children, who don't want him to. I can handle my boy just fine when I am alone with him, but when others are with us, my frustration level hits its limit quickly. So I ask DS if he would rather go to the hotel and play with his toys. He says he would so we had back. We got to see a few of the fireworks waiting for the bus.

Got back to the hotel and at Midnight we could see fireworks from the balcony of the hotel. Someone told us this was DtD. So, we still got to see fireworks.

Next day is Animal Kingdom and back to MGM for Fantasmic!

 

[jmskinner]

I have been taking a break, but thought I would continue this. I want to print it out to keep for a scrapbook.

We all head out to Animal Kingdom. My DBIL is really excited about this park. He is an animal control officer and is currently going to school to be a Vet Tech and he wants to work in a zoo. So perfect place for him to visit.

First thing, I pull out DS and my passes. Well we get up to the ticket takers and where is DS's ticket. I have managed to drop another ticket. We go to customer service and are in the process of getting another when the CM that waited on us at the turnstiles comes over with my DS's ticket. Someone found it, and handed it to her. What are the chances of that? I was so happy! Told everyone, that is it, I am not to touch anyone's ticket but my own, and that scares me a little.

The DH and DBIL head to Everest to get out FP's. He head over to one of the Trek's to see the animals. The DS wants to ride the river ride, but it is 9:00 in the morning. Not quite hot enough. During the Trek, we helped a lizard catch a worm. It was interesting to watch. Then wandered around and CM's were trying to get people into the "Bug" ride/show (I can't ever remember the name of this show, I know it is based on "It's a Bug's Life", but it is called something else.) After being on Allearsnet and these boards I knew what to expect during this ride, so I had a lot of fun watching everyone else's reactions. My DS wanted to do it again, but I told him we needed to go on other things. We had time for the River Ride before the FP's for Everest so we went ahead and did it. It was only a 20 minute wait. Loved this ride. The river rides are my DS's favorite in any park, so he really enjoyed it.

We then headed to Everest. We all rode this ride. Even the DMIL and DS. The DS didn't like it, doesn't like heights remember. The DMIL said she was glad she did it, but didn't want to do it again. The rest of us loved it. Can't wait to do it again, hopefully the DS will be more into rollercoasters by then.

We then headed towards Dinosaur. It was only a 20 minutes wait, so we got in line. This ride scared me. Even though I know none of it is real, and I can't get hurt, it really scared me. I don't think DS will ever ride it again. We then took DS to the boneyard to play a little. Everyone was hot and tired at this point.

We headed over to Safari and we didn't have time. We had lunch reservations for Alfredo's at Epcot. We went to check out the train and figured we had time for it. We thought we had to get off the train and the area it goes to, so we did. The DS wanted his picture with the Elephant statue, so I got preoccupied with him and didn't notice the rest of the family got back on the train. So by the time I notice, the rope is back up. I tell the CM that the rest of my party is on the train, but another CM tells her "No". I will have to wait for the next one. There was a whole bench empty! So me and DS wave goodbye to the family and find a seat. DS is upset that everyone left without us, I explain that we will find them and it is not a problem. We get on the next train and catch up with everyone. Then we head to Epcot

When we walk into Epcot, I suggest FP's to Soarin' since we didn't ride it the day before. The FP time is at 3:30, which is perfect because we have 2:00 reservations for Alfredo's. We also get a special FP for HISTA at the same time.

We enjoyed Alfredo's. It was really nice and the food was good. I had the sampler with Lasagna, Dumplin's, and I think Alfredo, but can't really remember. I order this tomato and cheese appetizer which I enjoyed. Everyone else shared this cheese platter, I had some of it also. The dessert tray was to die for. I had a really hard time deciding, but ended up with Tiramasu (sp?).

We had time to do Mastreal, I hope that is right. It was a nice relaxing ride and cool. The DS wanted to do it again, but we didn't have time. He loves the water.

We then headed to Soarin'. Even with FP's the wait was still 10 or 20 minutes. We enjoyed the ride though, except for DS. The whole height thing again. That child. We were middle row for Soarin', and I wish we could have been 1st row, because I kept seeing their feet and it distracted me. But I did enjoy the ride. Amazes me that no one has thought of doing this before. Maybe IMAX will start doing something like this.

So we head back to the hotel. We were too tired to do HISTA. Can't believe we wasted FP's. We all take naps.

When we wake up, I want to go to Fantasmic. The DMIL says we are all too tired, but this is the one show I really want to go to. I want my boy to see the dragon. The DSD wanted to go. The DH's feet were swollen again, so he needed to rest and DBIL was tired also. So, me, DSD, and DS head over to MGM for the 10:30 show. When we get in the gate, my DS stops at the booth with toys first thing. He wants one of the spinning Stitch toys. He always likes these toys. When I find out they are only $14, I allow him to buy one, also thinking it will keep him occupied until the show starts. I know $14 sounds like a lot, but I can remember taking DS to the circus about 5 years ago and the same type of toy was $16, so to me this seemed like a bargain. Plus, we had given the kids their own money.

When we got on the street to get to the theater, we were amazed at all of the people standing around. I realize it is everyone waiting for Fantasmic. We finally get into the theater and sit to the left. This show was great. I can't get my camera to take pictures at night, especially when the subject is far away, so I never got a picture of Mickey. Plus the battery was going dead again! When the show is over, we are all hungry. I figured the places right there by Fantasmic would be packed, so we head over to a place by Star Tours. Do a little shopping and penny presses along the way. The eating joint looks to be closed, so we ride Star Tours. On Star Tours, one boys seatbelt would not work, so he and his mother had to get off. Then another ladies wouldn't, so the CM said we were switching simulators and off we went. The made us line up and walk like we were in Kindergarten. I thought it was funny.

We go back where we started and grab some food. As we are sitting there, me and the DSD discuss riding Rockin'Rollercoaster. So we head over there. It is a 40 minute wait and we decide to do it. I ask the CM about child switch. He informs me the DS is tall enough that he can wait in line with us and then exit through a door and wait on us. I try to explain this to DS, but he is scared he will get lost. He then tells me he will ride the ride. I keep asking him if he is sure. He says yes. When we get to the door, I ask him again, he says he will ride the ride. I am hoping he will like it, but I am also thinking what a bad mother I am and how a child died on this ride the previous week. We ride the ride and about mid-way through I ask DS if he is ok. He doesn't answer, so I grab his knee to let him know I am there. The ride stops and he doesn't say anything. I realize we are in black light so I tell him to look at how his shirt is lit up. He tells me to look at mine. I know he is just fine. Says he didn't like the coaster though. I thought it was fun. Not as fast or rough as I thought it would be. Wished the DH was there.

We go into the store and I want to buy the DS a pin for riding. The DSD finds one with Mickey and the crew riding the coaster, their car goes around the pin. I tell her I will buy her one also, but she decides to keep her Tinkerbell theme, so I tell her to pick one out. Then I remember that I had promised the DS I would buy him some new drumsticks at this store. I had seen on a website that they had them. So we found him some purple ones. Yes, my boy loves purple, no matter what the DH says. We have a purple bear that I have to keep my eye on or it may end up in the shredder.

So we head out to the bus stop. It is now 1:00am. I check my phone and the DH has called, so I call him back. He is at the bus stop at the hotel heading over to look for us. I apologize and tell him we were having fun. So he goes back to the room where we finally meet him there.

On the bus ride back to the hotel, there was a couple that kept us entertained. It was a man & wife with two little sleeping princesses. The DH was carrying them. The DW was holding the stroller. When the bus stopped at POFQ, she got off only to realize it was the wrong stop so she got back on. The DH yells across the bus at her, "Not our stop". He says she is tired. He goes on to say, "Tired? No one is tired on this bus?" He then asks if anyone is tired to raise their hands. We all do. She makes a comment that the only time he helps with the girls is when they are asleep like right now. He starts saying how beautiful she is and how she is 10 yrs younger and you should never marry anyone 10 yrs younger. They were both smiling the whole time. I hated to get off the bus because I was having so much fun.

Well, that is it for day 5. Day 6 is the day we go to Circue du Soleil.

 

[BONITATIME]

This is a great trip report
Joining so i can read the rest.

 

[3princesses+aprince]

Wow, this is a great report!!!!

 

[jmskinner]

Thought I would continue on. Can't believe it has almost been a month since we were at Disney.

I just spent 30 minutes trying to figure out how to add pictures, but I am going to have to wait until the DH can help me. I seem to turn stupid when I sit in front of the computer. So, maybe I will post some in the last days trip report.

So, Day 6, it is Thursday, July 6. This is the day I had scheduled Blizzard Beach. The DMIL and DBIL went to Animal Kingdom, which was fine I knew they didn't care for the water parks. All my DS had talked about all week was the wave pool at Typhoon Lagoon. Since we did not get to ride the Crush 'n Gusher (I love Schlitterbahn and have never gotten to ride their water coaster, so I really wanted to go on this one.), I decided we could do both parks in one day. Yes, we did two waterparks in one day. We headed over to Typhoon Lagoon. It was about 10:00 so no one was really there yet. The DH and DSD headed over to Crush 'n Gusher and me and DS went to the wave pool. I tell you, this kid scared me with that wave. He talked me into taking him where the water was five feet deep, over his head and up to mine. When the wave would come, I would let go of him and he would duck under it. I would then grab him and get us both where I could touch again. The others came back from Crush n' Gusher, DS would not go on it. That whole height thing again. So DSD and I went on it. It was fun.

So then it was off to Blizzard Beach. We only stayed about an hour and a half. The DH and DS went into the wave pool. It was super crowded, and seemed really small. Me and the DSD went to find some slides. We ended up climbing the big mountain and riding the family slide. It was us and four other women. All I could think coming down that slide is "my DH would be in heaven right now". I knew my DH would want to leave, but I wasn't ready yet. So, me and DSD rode the lazy river around. Started out without tubes and finally found some. We found the DH and DS and said we weren't ready to go so DH agreed to one more water slide, so we went on the tube ones. DS rode with me. He was worried that it was a tunnel one and it would be dark. I had to explain about 5 times that, the sign said the two person one was not dark. He had a good time on the slide. Since DH and DSD rode the single person slides, their line for tubes took longer, so we had enough time to take a seat and try to get a picture of them coming out. Of course, I had used the last picture, so I couldn't get one. I was using one of those water proof cameras.

So from there, we left Blizzard Beach. From what we saw of Blizzard Beach, we decided we really liked Typhoon Lagoon better.

This was our day to go to Cirque Du Soleil. So we head back to the hotel, grab some lunch there. Go to our room and rest a little. Then we get dressed to go to Downtown Disney. I will warn you, this is where all of us decide we have had it with the DMIL. We are finishing getting ready and the DMIL, DSD, and DBIL decide they will head on to DtD. Well, we were only 5 minutes behind them, that is when I started to get mad at the DMIL again. We missed the boat they got on. Their driver was very rude, us and another party asked when the next boat would come by, he didn't answer. He was standing right next to us, putting up the rope. He finally yelled "15 minutes" when he was driving off. DH didn't want to stand there and wait so we started to head to the arcade. Then we see another boat, so we head back (this is when I realized there were maps to all of the parks there at the boat dock.) We get on the boat, DS has to sit in the very back, IN THE SUN! We get to the French Quarter, and our driver slams the boat into the dock. I don't think anything about it. Then we realize the other boat driver that is there is explaining to him what he should do at each stop. He is brand new. So we take off. I got camera happy at this point, so I have lots of pictures of the hotel, trees, and DtD from the boat. It was a nice little trip. Another boat driver goes to tie up our boat when our driver slams it against the dock again. He jumps back and then asks if we are ok, we say we are and ask him the same. We thought it was funny though. The driver was very nice, so I wasn't going to complain since we figured out he was new.

The rest of the group was waiting for us at the dock. They complained about how rude and grumpy their driver was. Me and DH couldn't help but think, "should have waited for us!". So we have about an hour to shop before the show. I take DS into "Once Upon a Toy". Hopefully, I got the right name. He sees a Transformer that he has been wanting. On the first day, he made me set aside some of his money so he could get it when we got back home. I explained we would not have room for it in our luggage, plus if he will wait, he could save $5 on it buying it at home. We actually walked out of the toy store without anything. We then head to LegoLand. I took pictures of DS in front of every Lego sculpture. I think he finally got tired towards the last one. He decided to buy a Bionicle sword. Told him it had to stay in the bag. I could just see him swinging it and hitting someone.

We head over to Cirque Du Soleil. We had 3rd row seats, which I had worried about since purchasing the tickets. But they turned to be wonderful, except for the Trapeze portion of the show. This show was so amazing! I had been worried about it keeping my DS's attention for that long. But, he really did enjoy it and didn't disturb anyone. When the show was over, DS was doing cartwheels everywhere and even a head stand next to the trash can in the lobby. I could tell my DMIL was being bothered by him, but I didn't really care. He was having fun and he wasn't bumping into anyone.

After the show we had dinner reservations for Wolfgang Puck at 9:30. So we had time for the DH and DSD to go to the Virgin Megastore. I walked around DS in the store. Then, we found the Harley store. My stepdad rides a Harley and my mom on the back of him. They love to ride and he loves t-shirts, so I wanted to buy him one from Orlando. For some reason, the air conditioning was out in the store. So DMIL and DBIL went to wait out front. DS found a Harley in the store you can sit on, so he was taken care of. Me and DH found a shirt for my stepdad and DH found one for himself. We had sweat pouring off of us at this point. We leave and DMIL has noticed Raglan Road and there is Celtic music pouring out. My DH's family loves Celtic music. Since we still have over 30 minutes until our Wolfgang Puck reservation, I tell them to go in and have a drink at the bar and I will take the kids shopping.

Of course, we end up at the Lego Store again. I think we went in one other store. We then head over to Wolfgang Pucks. I can tell my DMIL is getting tired and mad. The host is very nice and says it will be just a few minutes. Then the manager comes over and explains that during the rain storm, they had taken in a lot of extra customers, so they were behind. Then the host comes and gives us an update. Then the manager comes over says they are clearing the table. Then the host again. Now, does this sound like we were being ignored. My DMIL was griping about the wait. We were seated at 9:45 with a 9:30 reservation. Me and DH was totally ticked at the way the DMIL was acting. I had already told everyone that we were not guaranteed a seat at our reservation time, just the next table when it comes available.

We got a fantastic table. It was right against the big window overlooking the water. You could not ask for a better table. Well, DMIL proceeeds to complain some more about the wait and how she can't eat this late. Remember, I had asked her earlier in the week if this was going to be too late, and she had told me it would be ok. When the waitress comes up for our appetizer order, the DMIL proceeds to tell her how she just can't eat this late, so she won't be eating. I feel like she is blaming me for it. I don't say a word, because if I open my mouth it is not going to be pretty.

Finally the DMIL anounces she is going back to the hotel. Isn't that awful, but once she left, the DH and DBIL said it was about time. I felt so much better. We thought Wolfgang Pucks was wonderful. It sounds silly, but I got the Ceasar Salad for my appetizer and it was wonderful. That dressing was the absolute best dressing I had ever had. We had some nice conversation and then headed back to the hotel.

Well, next is our last day at Disney World. I will finish this later and will hopefully have some pictures for all of you.

 

[AnneMcD]

Great report! I am really enjoying it! Glad you had a great time! I was there in June which seems SO long ago now!

 

[jmskinner]

I wanted to finish this up. Plus I think I have the whole picture thing down.

This is my DMIL, DSD, DH and DS. This was actually on the second day of our trip. I am normally the one taking pictures, so I hardly ever end up in one.

So, day 7, our last day. We all dreaded this day. We decided to split up again. The DMIL,DBIL, and DSD wanted to sleep in and then go to DtD. It was our last day, no way were we sleeping in. OK, we did sleep in a little because we did not get going until 9:00. I got dressed and went for coffee. Stopped at Fulton's and started looking at pins. I thought we needed one for the 4th, to honor our trip. Couldn't make up my mind whether to do it, but then saw a Tinkerbell one with the red, white, and blue and just had to get it for the DSD. Found others with the American colors for the rest of us. Went and placed the Tinkerbell one on the DSD lanyard while she was still sleeping. When she awoke, told her Tinkerbell had visited the night before. I think she was really surprised that I would do that for her. I haven't gotten to see her in 3 years, so this really was a very special trip.

The DH, DS, and I arrive at Animal Kingdom. First thing, I headed over to Kali Rapids to get FPs. Then caught up with DH and DS at the Safari ride. The wait was about 20 minutes. This has got to be the hottest section of AK and I agree with a lot of others. The hottest in the whole World (Disney World that is). We really enjoyed the Safari ride and were glad we did not miss it. My DBIL had told use to try to sit on the left, that all of the animals were on that side, but it seemed to us they were all on the right. We lucked out though and got a seat all to ourselves. I thought they would try to fill up each seat.

This is DH waiting in line. The look is not about the wait, it is the fact that I am taking his picture, yet again.

We didn't realize how long the ride would be, and we got off in time for raft ride. My DS loves these things, so do I. One poor couple got absolutely soaked coming down that one drop. I mean, you could see the wall of water coming. We wished it had been us.

We were still wanting to do Disney Quest. We are all video games players. So we messed the Lion King show, something we really wanted to do. My DH decided he wanted a hat to wear next time we come, so we both bought hats. While DH was paying, me and DS found a bunch of penny press machines and almost finished up his book. In fact, he did the quarter press, and someone had left a pressed quarter in the machine. DS was so excited.

So we head out to the bus stop. First timer me thinks we can go to the Transportation stop and get a bus to DtD, which a nice bus driver informed me, I was wrong. We did meet a nice couple from Florida while waiting. He suggested going to AKL and catching a bus there. So we get on that bus (which of course was on the other side of the bus stop). The driver overheard us talking and said we should get on the Pop bus, it will be quicker. I tell him thank you, but we are not moving again. Plus, we had not seen the AKL. Of course, there isn't much to see from the bus stop and we wanted to get to DtD, so we didn't walk around the hotel at all.

Ok, we thought the busses at POR were bad, but we waited for probably 20 minutes before we saw any buses come to AKL. Very few people were even at this bus stop, so that may have been why. Finally the bus arrived and we were off.

We arrived at DtD and ate at the pretzel/hot dog place. It was pouring down rain by this point. We still found a table outside and waited on the DMIL and DSD, the DBIL had went back to get some sleep. They caught up with us and the DMIL decided to go back to the room and sleep. So off we went to Disney Quest. We had a lot of fun here. We had the water and fun passes. otherwise I don't think I would pay to get in to Disney Quest. The Pirate game and the Raft Ride were a lot of fun. After a while I started getting a headache from the noise and all of the lights. Plus, DSD and I had done the build your own coaster, something I had wanted to do since I first heard about it.

We had reservations at 6:00 for Raglan Road. Remember, the place my DMIL so wanted to go to the night before. It was really nice. The DS was acting up and even managed to knock his chair over hitting the girl behind him. I finally grabbed him and took him outside and had a discussion with him. He was fine from then on. I think he was just hungry. We had a nice dinner and then we were off to MK for our last night.

We decided to go to the Contemporary and ride the monorail over. It was raining still and getting dark. Of course the DH doesn't stop to read signs, so we end up getting on the Monorail going the wrong way. So, I inform him we are going to the Polynesian, not MK. He starts getting mad, but I tell him we will get there eventually. I had remembered hearing that the monorail stops once the fireworks start so I start worrying that we may get stuck. Even if that does happen, it didn't happen to us.

So, we finally make it to MK. The DH is tired of the backpack so off it goes into a locker. We head to Space Mountain, but all of the FP's are gone. We then get FP's to Buzz and everyone heads to the teacups. Well, I am not going to ride them again and get sick. The DS isn't sure if he wants to ride them. So I decide to do the race cars with DS. He loves to drive cars. Now, I have ridden cars like this just about my whole life in multiple parks, but this was the best ride of my life. It was still raining and we are almost to the end of the line when Wishes starts. So we enjoy the fireworks while waiting to ride. Well, once we get on the ride, the fireworks are still going off. There were two cars ahead of us, and that first car kept stopping. I don't know if they were watching the fireworks or just could not press the peddle, but the car in front of us kept bumping that car because they were watching the fireworks. So of course, we kept bumping them. Finally, I look back and there are 10 cars behind us doing the exact same thing. Finally I see a CM standing to the side and think she will put an end to this craziness, but she is too busy watching the fireworks herself. I loved it! I laughed the whole time. This ride took about 10 minutes. When I got off, the lady that had been in front of us with her DS, was still laughing also and said it was her best ride!

We stopped to get my DS's picture with the Indy car and then meet up with the family. From here we go to Buzz. I really enjoyed this ride. I didn't want to get stuck riding more than two to a car, so my DH told the CM that there was just two of them. Well, the CM stops the FP line at that point to let some of the standby people in. My DS is talking about his Daddy, and the CM realizes we are all together and lets us catch up. We all had a blast on this ride. It was fun to see how many points everyone got. None of us did that great.

This is the DBIL and DMIL firing away!

After Buzz we head off to Peter Pan, but DS saw the Dumbo ride and said he wanted to ride. I was shocked. Remember, he is afraid of heights. I had previously tried to get him on Aladdin's Carpet, but he would not ride it. So he and DSD ride. The DH went off without telling anyone where he went, nothing usual there. The DBIL left to find something to drink. So me and DMIL waited for the kids to ride. I tried to adjust my camera, but could never get a good picture. Then tried Video and couldn't get them that way either. I have a picture of the back of their heads.

My DH finally shows back up with ice cream, which we all enjoy.

This would be DS and DH eating ice cream. Don't you love the hat my DH bought at AK.

We then rode Peter Pan. DSD back starting hurting and DMIL was getting tired so we decided to go on Haunted Mansion and Pirates so they could head back to the hotel. We enjoyed both. DSD and DMIL went back to the hotel. DH was still wanting to do Hall of Presidents, so we headed that way. It was already closed. I felt so bad. We decided we were all tired and headed back ourselves.

I still had not done any real shopping and had no souveniers to take back so I decided to stop in a store on Main Street. I could have sworn I told the others I would meet up with them. I looked around but felt rushed and just gave up. Headed out the gate and called DH. He was at the lockers getting his backpack and he informed me that DBIL was waiting on me outside the store. I felt so horrible. So DH called DBIL and told him I was out front and we finally caught up to each other. I apologized to DBIL. Found out the DS had wanted to go with me also and ended up getting his rear popped for his behavior. Is that allowed at Disney?

So, now it is 2:00am and we are trying to pack. Our ME is at 8:00, so we have to get up at 5:30 to make sure we get the luggage checked in.

So, now it is Saturday morning. The one time we thought to use a wake up call and instead of the alarm clock. So I awoke to Mickey instead of beep beep beep! We get dressed and get packed. The DH goes with the bell hop so he can check the luggage and get us checked in for our flight. Another reason to stay on grounds. He comes back and helps me with the carry-on luggage. We had not received our room charges yet, so I went to get that and DMIL came with me. We were going to get a cup of coffee when we noticed the ME was there. It was time to go! DMIL, DBIL, and DSD were driving to NC, so they were not getting on the bus with us. This is where we had to say goodbye.

This was going to be the last time my DH's family saw him before he headed off to Iraq, so it was very emotional. I'm tearing up just typing this. As we are getting on the bus, I turn to my DH and say "You know, everyone on this bus probably thinks we are crying because we are leaving Disney World." He just laughed. Got to the airport and got on the plane without any incidence.

This is where the story goes bad, very bad. We are flying from MCO to Dallas. The DS is watching Pirates on the laptop, when I notice he is going to be sick. Yes, sick in that way. The DH is asleep, so I am trying to figure out where the little baggy is. Of course, I don't make it. The DS proceeds to be sick (not the word I want to use, but figure it is a little nicer for these boards) all in my lap. I wake up DH who gets the fight attendant, who was actually wonderful. We had some dirty clothes in our carryon, so poor DS had to put on some dirty shorts and his dad shirt. I only had a night gown, so I was stuck with what I had on. They brought us some ginger ale to try to clean it up and gave us coffee to sprinkle on the floor to help with the smell. It worked so well, I have considered sprinkling it on my carpet before vacuuming. I felt just awful for everyone around us. Finally we land in Dallas. I go buy the DS a shirt, which is still too big on him. I go in the bathroom to try to clean up a little.

When I walk out of the bathroom, the DH is stressing digging around in the suitcase. My first reaction, knowing my DS, "what did he do now?". DH tells me kiddo is fine, but do I know what we did with the car keys. We still had another hour flight ahead of us and it was not going to be fun if we could not find those keys. I started looking and found them.

I went to find food and DH had to see about our sitting arrangements, because when I went to make them, all we could get was DS in front of me and DH at the front of the plane. He told the counter clerk that the boy had gotten sick on the last flight, so she put us in the very back of the plane, we even had an extra seat, so we had lots of room. DS had some chicken nuggets from McDonalds and you could tell he felt a lot better.

On the flight home, the family in front of us were coming home from Disneyland. I thought that was so cool.

So that was our trip. Even though it wore us out, it still seemed so short. In fact, my DH made the comment before even leaving Disney World that he would like to make the next trip 10 days. He wants to go back to POR again also. Says we didn't really get to enjoy the hotel at all. He wants to go back and do the boats and ride a bike. I think we may try to do one or two nights at AKL.

There was so much we did not get to do. At MK, my DS didn't get to ride Snow White or Philharmagic. DH didn't get to see Hall of Presidents. We didn't get to see the Lion King show at AK. We didn't get to see any of the other hotels. I wanted to get DS a haircut on Main Street. Also wanted to get his face painted. We didn't get to ride Mission: Space at Epcot and DH didn't get to ride Test Track. I didn't get to do any real shopping! Here is the worst thing, we never sat down and really watched one parade. Nor did we see wishes from Main Street. Isn't that just horrible.

So, all I can do now is plan our next trip. Which I can't really do because when the DH gets back from Iraq we will be moving. The good news, we hope it is Florida! DH won't be back until sometime in August, so I don't know if we will be able to go before school starts. I figure to go at Christmas will cost us $1000 more than the Summer, so we may have to wait two years to go back. I want to go back right now! School is out the whole week of Thanksgiving, I want to go then. Don't really have the money, plus wouldn't be right to the DH. So Fiesta Texas and Six Flags will have to do it for us.

DH leaves this Sunday for Iraq. I can't believe this time has come. For all of those that showed support for him and the troops, we deeply appreciate it! And I hope everyone else that followed my report enjoyed it and enjoys the rest of their Summer. Try to stay cool and I look forward to reading more on these boards!

 

[nataliz]

Thanks for sharing your report and your family with all of us.

I never get to do all that I want when I'm at Disney World either. I just have to promise myself to do it next time.

We didn't see any of the afternoon parades either. And I've never seen Wishes from Main Street- maybe someday.

 

[Disney owl]

Great reports thanks

 

[Keokagal]

Dear Skinner,
Thanx for sharing your trip w all of us Disers. I am sitting in my office very teary. I don't know how you military women do it. I am a wife who has benefitted from all your husbands going to war for us. I have never had to be separated from DH (34 years). My best to your DH and I salute your family. I pray for his swift return to your loving arms.

 

[jmskinner]

Dear Skinner,
Thanx for sharing your trip w all of us Disers. I am sitting in my office very teary. I don't know how you military women do it. I am a wife who has benefitted from all your husbands going to war for us. I have never had to be separated from DH (34 years). My best to your DH and I salute your family. I pray for his swift return to your loving arms.

My hubby is glad to do it. He just thinks it is job. I don't know if I mentioned it, but he had volunteered five times since 9/11 and the higher ups always decided he was needed here in the states more. Caused a lot of frustration because he felt he belonged elsehwhere. He has spent a year away before, but it wasn't like this one. Plus, we are all unsure how the boy will handle it, he was six months old the previous time hubby was gone for a year.

As to how I do it, he was in when I married him so I don't feel I have the right to complain about him being deployed, or us moving every three years. I signed up for it also. And that is what I tell him when he feels down on himself and feels he is not doing right by us. As far as moving every 3 years, I look at it as an adventure. New job, new home, new area to explore and new friends.

Congratulations on being married for 34 years. We just had our 11th anniversary last week. It is hard for me to imagine that long together.

Thank you for your prayers and thoughts.

And to everyone else that read this, again thank you and glad you enjoyed. I truly hope I get to do another trip report in a year or so, but until then I am staying on these boards and reading other trip report!