All Aboard
Por favor mantengan se alejado de las puertas
- Joined
- Oct 21, 1999
- Messages
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I was doing some searching and found this post. I thought it was the perfect place to add this photo. I call it "The Happiest Day in a Daddy's Life!" Honestly, since she first went to WDW, she began asking "Am I tall enough for Space Mountain yet, Daddy?" Well, I'm a little late in posting this, she made it on December 15th.
Trip #1
Nov 26 - Nov 28
Natalie & Daddy
Holiday Inn Sunspree
With a major renewed interest in WDW (in part spurred by time recently spent on DIS) I had been planning our Jan, 2000 trip for about a month. I felt as if I was sitting on a spring, waiting to go.
So, the morning after Thanksgiving came. My wife faced a long weekend of retail sales, and I had no plans. So I thought, "what the heck, I'll take our 21 month old daughter to WDW by myself!"
What a wonderful trip it was. She had such a great time and I really enjoyed the time that we had together. We made it to all four parks. Highlights included her reaction to the Main Street Electrical parade and to the characters.
Upon returning home, I had no idea what I had started.
Trip #2
Dec 10, 1999 - Dec 12, 1999
Natalie & Daddy
Magic Castle
Just two weeks went by, and I couldn't stand it anymore. I had to take her back. Taking the advice of Bob Sehlinger's Unofficial Guide, I tried the Magic Castle on US 192. Not to bad, decent room for $20 a night.
I improved quite a bit on our previous plan. We were able to see and do more. I could tell that she enjoyed it even more. On this trip she saw the magical moments parade for the first time. She also watched Fantasmic for the first time.
My best memory of this trip was following Fantasmic. She sat, dangling her legs, eating a giant pretzel at Sunset Ranch. She noticed me looking at her and gave me the biggest smile. I was a heart-warmer.
Trip #3
Jan 7, 2000 - Jan 9, 2000
Natalie & Daddy
Magic Castle
Still chomping at the bit, I decided to take one more quick trip before our big family trip later in the month. The New Year's crowds had not died down much. We were unable to do as much as the previous trip. Still, we had lots of fun as Natalie began to become more and more aware of the WDW surroundings.
Trip #4
Jan 21, 2000 - Jan 30, 2000
Natalie, Daddy, Mommy & Grandma
Dixie Landings
Building #27, Aligator Bayou
My first time on-site in quite a few years. Throughout college I made frequent trips down to WDW, but always stayed in cheap motels.
I picked DxL for my wife. I thought she would really enjoy it, I was right. Unlike the previous three trips, this one was slow and easy. Big Breakfasts, lots of character meals, much more time spent at the resort. It was a nice change of pace, and the three commando runs we made in the previous months satisfied my do-it-all desire.
I introduced my wife to Akershus on this trip, and she too fell in love with the food. It was her first trip in about 10 years. So, AK and the Studios were firsts for her. My mother joined us on the fifth day. It was her first WDW trip ever, she really enjoyed herself.
One of the highlights of this trip were my afternoon commando runs while Natalie and Phyll napped. One in particular drew a great deal of laughs from the trip reports board. It started at 3:00p on a Tuesday. I told my wife, I'll be back at 5:00p. Out the door I ran. Drove to Epcot in minutes. Ran, and I mean ran, into Epcot. Straight for Test Track. Was able to ride TT three times using the singles line in less than 40 minutes. Ran back to the car... off to the Studios. Parked the car near the tour busses and ran in. Passes a woman who was sitting with her three kids on one of the bus benches. As I ran by, she looked at me like I was on fire or something. Went straight ToT with no wait and then to RnR.
at 4:50 I was on my way out of the park. I passed the same woman on the bench, now I guess she thought I had stolen something. Back in the room at just past 5:00!
Trip #5
Feb 12, 2000 - Feb 13, 2000
Natalie & Daddy
Magic Castle
Another last second decision. One that I should not have made. Crowds were getting heavy, our stroller was stolen on the first night. Natalie lost her sweatshirt and autograph book that were in the backpack. A real downer, and too short as we returned home the next day. Natalie still had a wonderful time.
Trip #6
May 5, 2000 - May 7, 2000
Natalie, Daddy & Grandad
Magic Castle
For this trip, I invited my father to come down from Jacksonville. He is not much of a themeparker, but enjoyed seeing his granddaughter. On the second night of this trip, Natalie got very sick and we had to return home a day early.
Trip #7
May 26, 2000 - May 30, 2000
Natalie, Daddy & Mommy
Holiday Inn Maingate East
We stopped at WDW on the way up to and on the way back from Tallahassee on a Memorial Day trip. Our room at HI was great on the way up, on the way back it was awful but too late to change. We did 1900 Park Fare twice and Akershus twice. My naptime trip was to AK at opening. Hit Dinosaur and KRR and was back to hotel before Natalie and Phyll awoke.
On our return trip, we attended the wedding of an old college buddy at the Boardwalk. It was amazing, I hadn't heard from him in quite some time. He emailed about a week before his wedding to tell me where it would be. No kidding, I already had the trip planned, imagine that!
Trip #8
Sep 1, 2000 - Sep 4, 2000
Natalie & Daddy
All Star Sports
Building #10, Touchdown!
With another trip planned for Sep 7-9, I couldn't stand the anticipation. Well, it had been over three months since we had been to WDW
. So I got us a room at AS Sports and off we went. As Natalie was a little older now, I introduced character meals introduced character meals into the just-the-two-of-us trips. I was able to slip over to the buffet without her worrying. I always request a table very close and within site.
Natalie really had the hang of things by now. She was starting to know her way around the Magic Kingdom a bit. "No, Daddy, it's that way!" She had become patient in line and didn't need to be carried through the queue. She really enjoyed AS Sports. She loved jumping to me from atop the X's and O's, and swimming in the big pool. The All Star was a big hit, one to be repeated.
One outtake - at Hollywood and Vine, Natalie made a mad dash in front of Dale. Dale, of course, did not see her and a big crash occured. Two hands and two feet sticking out from under a big mess of brown fur. A little TLC, and she recovered well.
Trip #9
Sep 7, 2000 - Sep 11, 2000
Natalie & Daddy
Port Orleans
Building #7
Yes, that's right, just three days later. I drove Natalie home on Monday, worked Tuesday and Wednesday and was back in the car on Thursday. Port Orleans was wonderful. Great layout, Natalie loved the serpant slide and the little playground. This was a wonderful family trip, just wish it had been longer. The crowds were incredibly small. I repeated my TT and ToT/RnR runs (but split it between two days.)
Loved the nightly strolls around PO, and the morning walk to DxL along the river. All in all, a wonderful trip.
Trip #10
Sep 23, 2000 - Sep 24, 2000
Natalie & Daddy
Ramada Maingate
On Friday afternoon, Sep 23, I decided to do a weekend trip. From the car, I called Phyll to let her know and I called and found it great rate at Ramada Maingate - we were off that night. Generally, Natalie and I travel at night to maximize our stay. Yet another great, but short trip. Super light crowds and a wonderful time.
Trip #11
Oct 20, 2000 - Oct 22, 2000
Natalie, Daddy & Grandad
All Star Sports
Building #6, Surf's Up!
Again, I called my father to see if he wanted to join us. I think he enjoyed the parks more this time. Crowds were pretty heavy, but EE did the trick. Natalie and I went in the pool on a very chilly night. She had a great time.
Trip #12
Nov 23, 2000 - Nov 26, 2000
Natalie & Daddy
All Star Music
Building #10, Calypso
The one year anniversary of our first trip. This trip had special meaning since it marked a year since Natalie and I started our Daddy-daughter jaunts. She had grown so much and learned so much it is just amazing. She runs the show at this point. "What do you want to do, Natalie?" "Small World, then Peter Pan, then Ghosts." She knows. This was our longest trip together, four nights. The crowds were very heavy and the weather lousy. We didn't care, we were at our favorite place. Natalie took late naps so that we could hit MK late night. Worked great, we saw MSEP four times.
Trip #13
Dec 16, 2000 - Dec 18, 2000
Natalie & Daddy
Marriott Orlando World Center
North Wing, 17th Floor.
I goofed around with Priceline and accidently booked a room at MWOC. Well, gotta go, can't get out of it. MWOC is a wonderful hotel, our room was perfect. Well appointed, clean, big. Great balcony and great view. I could see Illuminations.
It has been a fabulous Millennium Celebration at WDW for the Curlings. Memories I will treasure forever. About 20 hours of video and perhaps 400 or so photos. I can't describe how much fun it's been.
As nerdy as I am, I mad a habit of writing down which attractions we went on each day. Then, I would update Natalies spreadsheet each time we got home. Here are a few examples:
Small World - 41 times
PoC - 36
Carrousel - 35
Barnstormer - 28
That's right, I've been through It's a Small World 41 times in the last 13 months!!!
Up Next - 2001 a Curling WDW Odyssey! It all starts Jan 20 when the three of us travel to ASMo for 5 nights then Wilderness Lodge for another 3. Hope to see you there
_____________________________________
Por favor mantengan se alejado de las puertas
Trip #1
Nov 26 - Nov 28
Natalie & Daddy
Holiday Inn Sunspree
With a major renewed interest in WDW (in part spurred by time recently spent on DIS) I had been planning our Jan, 2000 trip for about a month. I felt as if I was sitting on a spring, waiting to go.
So, the morning after Thanksgiving came. My wife faced a long weekend of retail sales, and I had no plans. So I thought, "what the heck, I'll take our 21 month old daughter to WDW by myself!"
What a wonderful trip it was. She had such a great time and I really enjoyed the time that we had together. We made it to all four parks. Highlights included her reaction to the Main Street Electrical parade and to the characters.
Upon returning home, I had no idea what I had started.
Trip #2
Dec 10, 1999 - Dec 12, 1999
Natalie & Daddy
Magic Castle
Just two weeks went by, and I couldn't stand it anymore. I had to take her back. Taking the advice of Bob Sehlinger's Unofficial Guide, I tried the Magic Castle on US 192. Not to bad, decent room for $20 a night.
I improved quite a bit on our previous plan. We were able to see and do more. I could tell that she enjoyed it even more. On this trip she saw the magical moments parade for the first time. She also watched Fantasmic for the first time.
My best memory of this trip was following Fantasmic. She sat, dangling her legs, eating a giant pretzel at Sunset Ranch. She noticed me looking at her and gave me the biggest smile. I was a heart-warmer.
Trip #3
Jan 7, 2000 - Jan 9, 2000
Natalie & Daddy
Magic Castle
Still chomping at the bit, I decided to take one more quick trip before our big family trip later in the month. The New Year's crowds had not died down much. We were unable to do as much as the previous trip. Still, we had lots of fun as Natalie began to become more and more aware of the WDW surroundings.
Trip #4
Jan 21, 2000 - Jan 30, 2000
Natalie, Daddy, Mommy & Grandma
Dixie Landings
Building #27, Aligator Bayou
My first time on-site in quite a few years. Throughout college I made frequent trips down to WDW, but always stayed in cheap motels.
I picked DxL for my wife. I thought she would really enjoy it, I was right. Unlike the previous three trips, this one was slow and easy. Big Breakfasts, lots of character meals, much more time spent at the resort. It was a nice change of pace, and the three commando runs we made in the previous months satisfied my do-it-all desire.
I introduced my wife to Akershus on this trip, and she too fell in love with the food. It was her first trip in about 10 years. So, AK and the Studios were firsts for her. My mother joined us on the fifth day. It was her first WDW trip ever, she really enjoyed herself.
One of the highlights of this trip were my afternoon commando runs while Natalie and Phyll napped. One in particular drew a great deal of laughs from the trip reports board. It started at 3:00p on a Tuesday. I told my wife, I'll be back at 5:00p. Out the door I ran. Drove to Epcot in minutes. Ran, and I mean ran, into Epcot. Straight for Test Track. Was able to ride TT three times using the singles line in less than 40 minutes. Ran back to the car... off to the Studios. Parked the car near the tour busses and ran in. Passes a woman who was sitting with her three kids on one of the bus benches. As I ran by, she looked at me like I was on fire or something. Went straight ToT with no wait and then to RnR.
at 4:50 I was on my way out of the park. I passed the same woman on the bench, now I guess she thought I had stolen something. Back in the room at just past 5:00!
Trip #5
Feb 12, 2000 - Feb 13, 2000
Natalie & Daddy
Magic Castle
Another last second decision. One that I should not have made. Crowds were getting heavy, our stroller was stolen on the first night. Natalie lost her sweatshirt and autograph book that were in the backpack. A real downer, and too short as we returned home the next day. Natalie still had a wonderful time.
Trip #6
May 5, 2000 - May 7, 2000
Natalie, Daddy & Grandad
Magic Castle
For this trip, I invited my father to come down from Jacksonville. He is not much of a themeparker, but enjoyed seeing his granddaughter. On the second night of this trip, Natalie got very sick and we had to return home a day early.
Trip #7
May 26, 2000 - May 30, 2000
Natalie, Daddy & Mommy
Holiday Inn Maingate East
We stopped at WDW on the way up to and on the way back from Tallahassee on a Memorial Day trip. Our room at HI was great on the way up, on the way back it was awful but too late to change. We did 1900 Park Fare twice and Akershus twice. My naptime trip was to AK at opening. Hit Dinosaur and KRR and was back to hotel before Natalie and Phyll awoke.
On our return trip, we attended the wedding of an old college buddy at the Boardwalk. It was amazing, I hadn't heard from him in quite some time. He emailed about a week before his wedding to tell me where it would be. No kidding, I already had the trip planned, imagine that!
Trip #8
Sep 1, 2000 - Sep 4, 2000
Natalie & Daddy
All Star Sports
Building #10, Touchdown!
With another trip planned for Sep 7-9, I couldn't stand the anticipation. Well, it had been over three months since we had been to WDW
. So I got us a room at AS Sports and off we went. As Natalie was a little older now, I introduced character meals introduced character meals into the just-the-two-of-us trips. I was able to slip over to the buffet without her worrying. I always request a table very close and within site.Natalie really had the hang of things by now. She was starting to know her way around the Magic Kingdom a bit. "No, Daddy, it's that way!" She had become patient in line and didn't need to be carried through the queue. She really enjoyed AS Sports. She loved jumping to me from atop the X's and O's, and swimming in the big pool. The All Star was a big hit, one to be repeated.
One outtake - at Hollywood and Vine, Natalie made a mad dash in front of Dale. Dale, of course, did not see her and a big crash occured. Two hands and two feet sticking out from under a big mess of brown fur. A little TLC, and she recovered well.
Trip #9
Sep 7, 2000 - Sep 11, 2000
Natalie & Daddy
Port Orleans
Building #7
Yes, that's right, just three days later. I drove Natalie home on Monday, worked Tuesday and Wednesday and was back in the car on Thursday. Port Orleans was wonderful. Great layout, Natalie loved the serpant slide and the little playground. This was a wonderful family trip, just wish it had been longer. The crowds were incredibly small. I repeated my TT and ToT/RnR runs (but split it between two days.)
Loved the nightly strolls around PO, and the morning walk to DxL along the river. All in all, a wonderful trip.
Trip #10
Sep 23, 2000 - Sep 24, 2000
Natalie & Daddy
Ramada Maingate
On Friday afternoon, Sep 23, I decided to do a weekend trip. From the car, I called Phyll to let her know and I called and found it great rate at Ramada Maingate - we were off that night. Generally, Natalie and I travel at night to maximize our stay. Yet another great, but short trip. Super light crowds and a wonderful time.
Trip #11
Oct 20, 2000 - Oct 22, 2000
Natalie, Daddy & Grandad
All Star Sports
Building #6, Surf's Up!
Again, I called my father to see if he wanted to join us. I think he enjoyed the parks more this time. Crowds were pretty heavy, but EE did the trick. Natalie and I went in the pool on a very chilly night. She had a great time.
Trip #12
Nov 23, 2000 - Nov 26, 2000
Natalie & Daddy
All Star Music
Building #10, Calypso
The one year anniversary of our first trip. This trip had special meaning since it marked a year since Natalie and I started our Daddy-daughter jaunts. She had grown so much and learned so much it is just amazing. She runs the show at this point. "What do you want to do, Natalie?" "Small World, then Peter Pan, then Ghosts." She knows. This was our longest trip together, four nights. The crowds were very heavy and the weather lousy. We didn't care, we were at our favorite place. Natalie took late naps so that we could hit MK late night. Worked great, we saw MSEP four times.
Trip #13
Dec 16, 2000 - Dec 18, 2000
Natalie & Daddy
Marriott Orlando World Center
North Wing, 17th Floor.
I goofed around with Priceline and accidently
booked a room at MWOC. Well, gotta go, can't get out of it. MWOC is a wonderful hotel, our room was perfect. Well appointed, clean, big. Great balcony and great view. I could see Illuminations.It has been a fabulous Millennium Celebration at WDW for the Curlings. Memories I will treasure forever. About 20 hours of video and perhaps 400 or so photos. I can't describe how much fun it's been.
As nerdy as I am, I mad a habit of writing down which attractions we went on each day. Then, I would update Natalies spreadsheet each time we got home. Here are a few examples:
Small World - 41 times
PoC - 36
Carrousel - 35
Barnstormer - 28
That's right, I've been through It's a Small World 41 times in the last 13 months!!!
Up Next - 2001 a Curling WDW Odyssey! It all starts Jan 20 when the three of us travel to ASMo for 5 nights then Wilderness Lodge for another 3. Hope to see you there
_____________________________________
Por favor mantengan se alejado de las puertas
. Looking forward to reading about your adventures in the new year!
