Trip Report for 3 day Land /4 day sea (with one land day added on our own) May 15 19 (land) 19 -23 (sea)
WARNING: If you are looking for a concise report, DONT read this one!
Cast of Characters: Myself, DH, DS11, DD9, DD6, DD2.
.
18 May
Mickey called and woke me up right at 6am. I would always hold the phone in the air so that anyone who was awake could also hear him telling us to get up and at em! We grabbed breakfast at the concierge lounge on our way out just after 8am. We took the monorails to EPCOT and arrived just after it opened at 9am.
Once in the park we skipped the double stroller in order to hurry over to Test Track. By the time we got there, the stand by line was already 40 minutes long! We got FPs. DH wanted to go on Spaceship Earth. We really just walked on. DD2 didnt like the dark rides but about ½ way through I got her to uncover her eyes. She saw the 7 dwarfs at the display where they talk about the invention of the tv and from then on she was fine. At least she got to go in the big golf ball!
Next, it was on to the Living Seas. We didnt have much time to see this since our FP time for Test Track was quickly approaching. We didnt even get time to see the big aquarium before we had to go. What we did get to see, the children loved. My ds could spend hours studying sea life. They also enjoyed the robot thing (I cant remember the name) where you try to control the robotic arms as if you were working under the sea. I think it was something like the Jim Training suit, or whatever.
When we got to Test Track, dh and the 3 older kids went to the FP line. I went to find the Baby Swap waiting area. I asked about whether my 3 kids would be able to ride again. They informed me that the baby swap ticket was only good for 2 other children. They said that it all depends on how strict the cm was upstairs. When it was my turn to ride, I asked the cm if my dh could accompany me upstairs in case the cm up there wouldnt let one of the kids ride. I certainly didnt want them walking back down all alone. Instead, the cm gave me a pass good for one quick admission. That way all 3 kids could ride again with me. I asked a boy who was using a quick admission how he got his and he said they gave it to him because the ride had broken down just before he was supposed to get on and they had to shut it down. Apparently these are what they give out when people wait a long time and dont get to ride. Well, anyway, we got one. We all loved TT! It really was fun!
From there we headed to The Land Pavilion. The stand-by line for Living With The Land was about an hour long. We got FPs and then got lunch. We each had something different from the food court area. The lines were quite long since we had to go to so many stands and one, or perhaps both, of the shows had just let out. (Circle of Life and Food Rocks) I swear, while I was waiting at the table for dh to get everyones food, I saw Tarzan! Ok, it was a guy who, given a wig, would have looked just like the guy who played Tarzan in AK. I dont know how the cms schedules work, but perhaps it was his day off and he was touring Epcot. He had gone by the time dh got back. One of my kids thought it was Tarzan and another didnt think it was. Hmmmmm.
As soon as wed finished lunch, it was time for our FP. We passed by all these people waiting in an hour long line, and walked right on to Living With The Land. There is some very cool experimentation going on at WDW! They were offering free tours that day, but we had too many other things to see to take the time for a tour.
Next we went to see Circle of Life. That was ok, but I wouldnt do it again. I can watch a movie at home, and Ive seen the Lion King. I guess it just didnt thrill me and I had too many other things that I would have rather done since time was so short.
DH and the two older kids went to Honey I Shrunk The Audience, next. I had read enough places that it wasnt good for younger children, I decided to keep dd2 and dd6 and do something else. I considered going back to get a stroller (that we had bypassed on the way in) but by now it was getting so late in the day, I didnt think it would be worth the money. (Get the strollers on the way in! They are worth it!) Instead we went into the Kodak display area and sent some email pix to family. Just as we finished, dh called on our two-way radio. (This was the only time we used the radios, but they did help.) He and the kids met us there and we sent some more emails. That was a lot of fun! I would have loved to get one of the fancy pictures done where they put your faces in different settings (like with the characters and such), but we didnt want to take the time. Maybe next time.
We were then off to Universe Of Energy: Ellens Energy Adventure. On the way, we were side tracked by the fountain near Test Track. The kids had a fun time splashing a bit but not getting soaked. There were some kids there that just monopolized the water while their parents looked on. I guess thats to be expected anywhere.
We walked into the dark theater for the Energy show. (no line) I lost dh as he disappeared into the darkness and my eyes had not yet adjusted from the bright sunshine. We finally regrouped and really enjoyed Ellens show. I didnt remember that it was also a ride (from reading) so I was surprised when we moved into the next theater. I really loved that the theater broke up into cars that go through the ride. So Cool! We all enjoyed the presentation very much. (although dd2 still wasnt really fond of the dark rides)
Our last ride was Cranium Command. It was ok, but not something Id do again. It had its good moments, but I guess just not enough for my taste. I would have preferred to go see The Making Of Me.
From there I insisted that we stop by Ice Station Cool! I HAD to find out what all the stir was about Beverly! (on the boards) I told dh that everyone had said it was so good. He HAD to try it. I got him a cupful and he took a sip. He got me in that he pretended to like it and pretended to take another sip. Then he began to offer it to our dd2! I stopped him at that point. I asked him if he really liked that stuff and he nonchalantly said, No. I tried it, just so I knew what it tasted like. YUCK! I cant take that bitter aftertaste. (although it did remind me a bit of Moxie which I like ok.) Many people on the boards have said that there isnt any drink there thats any good, but we liked most of the others that we tried. My kids especially liked the watermelon flavored soda. I thought the veggie based one from Japan was quite good too. (among others) It was fun sampling all those drinks.
Our next must do was to find the Beaver Tails in Canada. I read on the boards that they were a favorite of many. We tried 3 of the toppings: Apple, Strawberry and Chocolate Hazelnut. Dh would have preferred to have the cinnamon, but I figured we can get that at any fried dough stand so I vetoed that suggestion. They were very good, but VERY messy!
We headed back to the GF by monorail and got back there just about 6pm. I picked up our tix for the Luau for that night from the concierge. The kids had been asking to go to the Beach Pool with the slide, since we had arrived. It just never seemed to work out. The Beach Pool closes at 8pm and we just never seemed to get there in time. We had to get the kids in that pool before we left. Tonight was our last chance. Dh took them to the pool while I took care of a few things in the room. (packing and such) They had a great time going down the slide. DD2 also enjoyed the little splash fountain next to the pool, but she said it was told (cold). We didnt have a lot of time to enjoy the pool since we had to get ready to go to the Luau, but it was enough.
We walked over to Luau Cove right on time. Since our reservations were made so late, we had seats in the back. The food was very good. (contrary to most of what Id read) To start with, we had the Coconut Bread (Yum!), salad and fresh pineapple! (Oh, how we wished we had that caramel dipping sauce from Ohanas) The next course was Hawaiian Chicken, BBQ Ribs, Shrimp Fried Rice, and Steamed Vegetables. (Very yummy also.)
Dessert was White Chocolate and Dark Chocolate Cake. I tried both kinds since my kids didnt really like it. They were both very good. Ive heard that many kids dont care for the Luau food. My kids loved all the food except for the cake. I guess they have odd preferences for kids.
The entertainment was very nice. The kids couldnt wait to see the fire dancers and enjoyed the time they were on stage. The lady sitting in front of me kept her elbow on her table with her hand up somehow that blocked much of my view for most of the show. I eventually moved to the other side of our table so I could see better. By the end of the show, dd2 was asleep and everyone else was fading fast. We were just about to go when the show ended. The Luau was fun to attend once, but I dont think Id do it again any time soon. I think we could have been just as happy eating at the GF and swimming. As it turned out, dh and the other two kids never did get to see the Electric Water Pageant because we were never there again at the right time. Oh well, next time!
One very special thing happened this day. Apparently when we left for the day, DS11 had left a note on his bed (daybed) that said, Thanks for the Chocolate! (The turn-down service had made up his bed the night before and left a chocolate on his pillow.) When we returned from Epcot, dd9 found a bag of about two dozen chocolates on the counter by the sinks. I suppose it could have been left by mistake, but Id like to think that it was one of those magical moments created by mousekeeping in appreciation for the nice note my son left.
As the land portion of our trip was ending, I just couldnt believe that I was sitting there, in our room at the Grand Floridian, watching the castle change colors! It was just so cool!! Magic DOES happen at WDW! This had been a magical vacation and there was still more to come. Tomorrow we leave for the cruise!
Lisa
WARNING: If you are looking for a concise report, DONT read this one!
Cast of Characters: Myself, DH, DS11, DD9, DD6, DD2.
.
18 May
Mickey called and woke me up right at 6am. I would always hold the phone in the air so that anyone who was awake could also hear him telling us to get up and at em! We grabbed breakfast at the concierge lounge on our way out just after 8am. We took the monorails to EPCOT and arrived just after it opened at 9am.
Once in the park we skipped the double stroller in order to hurry over to Test Track. By the time we got there, the stand by line was already 40 minutes long! We got FPs. DH wanted to go on Spaceship Earth. We really just walked on. DD2 didnt like the dark rides but about ½ way through I got her to uncover her eyes. She saw the 7 dwarfs at the display where they talk about the invention of the tv and from then on she was fine. At least she got to go in the big golf ball!
Next, it was on to the Living Seas. We didnt have much time to see this since our FP time for Test Track was quickly approaching. We didnt even get time to see the big aquarium before we had to go. What we did get to see, the children loved. My ds could spend hours studying sea life. They also enjoyed the robot thing (I cant remember the name) where you try to control the robotic arms as if you were working under the sea. I think it was something like the Jim Training suit, or whatever.
When we got to Test Track, dh and the 3 older kids went to the FP line. I went to find the Baby Swap waiting area. I asked about whether my 3 kids would be able to ride again. They informed me that the baby swap ticket was only good for 2 other children. They said that it all depends on how strict the cm was upstairs. When it was my turn to ride, I asked the cm if my dh could accompany me upstairs in case the cm up there wouldnt let one of the kids ride. I certainly didnt want them walking back down all alone. Instead, the cm gave me a pass good for one quick admission. That way all 3 kids could ride again with me. I asked a boy who was using a quick admission how he got his and he said they gave it to him because the ride had broken down just before he was supposed to get on and they had to shut it down. Apparently these are what they give out when people wait a long time and dont get to ride. Well, anyway, we got one. We all loved TT! It really was fun!
From there we headed to The Land Pavilion. The stand-by line for Living With The Land was about an hour long. We got FPs and then got lunch. We each had something different from the food court area. The lines were quite long since we had to go to so many stands and one, or perhaps both, of the shows had just let out. (Circle of Life and Food Rocks) I swear, while I was waiting at the table for dh to get everyones food, I saw Tarzan! Ok, it was a guy who, given a wig, would have looked just like the guy who played Tarzan in AK. I dont know how the cms schedules work, but perhaps it was his day off and he was touring Epcot. He had gone by the time dh got back. One of my kids thought it was Tarzan and another didnt think it was. Hmmmmm.
As soon as wed finished lunch, it was time for our FP. We passed by all these people waiting in an hour long line, and walked right on to Living With The Land. There is some very cool experimentation going on at WDW! They were offering free tours that day, but we had too many other things to see to take the time for a tour.
Next we went to see Circle of Life. That was ok, but I wouldnt do it again. I can watch a movie at home, and Ive seen the Lion King. I guess it just didnt thrill me and I had too many other things that I would have rather done since time was so short.
DH and the two older kids went to Honey I Shrunk The Audience, next. I had read enough places that it wasnt good for younger children, I decided to keep dd2 and dd6 and do something else. I considered going back to get a stroller (that we had bypassed on the way in) but by now it was getting so late in the day, I didnt think it would be worth the money. (Get the strollers on the way in! They are worth it!) Instead we went into the Kodak display area and sent some email pix to family. Just as we finished, dh called on our two-way radio. (This was the only time we used the radios, but they did help.) He and the kids met us there and we sent some more emails. That was a lot of fun! I would have loved to get one of the fancy pictures done where they put your faces in different settings (like with the characters and such), but we didnt want to take the time. Maybe next time.
We were then off to Universe Of Energy: Ellens Energy Adventure. On the way, we were side tracked by the fountain near Test Track. The kids had a fun time splashing a bit but not getting soaked. There were some kids there that just monopolized the water while their parents looked on. I guess thats to be expected anywhere.
We walked into the dark theater for the Energy show. (no line) I lost dh as he disappeared into the darkness and my eyes had not yet adjusted from the bright sunshine. We finally regrouped and really enjoyed Ellens show. I didnt remember that it was also a ride (from reading) so I was surprised when we moved into the next theater. I really loved that the theater broke up into cars that go through the ride. So Cool! We all enjoyed the presentation very much. (although dd2 still wasnt really fond of the dark rides)
Our last ride was Cranium Command. It was ok, but not something Id do again. It had its good moments, but I guess just not enough for my taste. I would have preferred to go see The Making Of Me.
From there I insisted that we stop by Ice Station Cool! I HAD to find out what all the stir was about Beverly! (on the boards) I told dh that everyone had said it was so good. He HAD to try it. I got him a cupful and he took a sip. He got me in that he pretended to like it and pretended to take another sip. Then he began to offer it to our dd2! I stopped him at that point. I asked him if he really liked that stuff and he nonchalantly said, No. I tried it, just so I knew what it tasted like. YUCK! I cant take that bitter aftertaste. (although it did remind me a bit of Moxie which I like ok.) Many people on the boards have said that there isnt any drink there thats any good, but we liked most of the others that we tried. My kids especially liked the watermelon flavored soda. I thought the veggie based one from Japan was quite good too. (among others) It was fun sampling all those drinks.
Our next must do was to find the Beaver Tails in Canada. I read on the boards that they were a favorite of many. We tried 3 of the toppings: Apple, Strawberry and Chocolate Hazelnut. Dh would have preferred to have the cinnamon, but I figured we can get that at any fried dough stand so I vetoed that suggestion. They were very good, but VERY messy!
We headed back to the GF by monorail and got back there just about 6pm. I picked up our tix for the Luau for that night from the concierge. The kids had been asking to go to the Beach Pool with the slide, since we had arrived. It just never seemed to work out. The Beach Pool closes at 8pm and we just never seemed to get there in time. We had to get the kids in that pool before we left. Tonight was our last chance. Dh took them to the pool while I took care of a few things in the room. (packing and such) They had a great time going down the slide. DD2 also enjoyed the little splash fountain next to the pool, but she said it was told (cold). We didnt have a lot of time to enjoy the pool since we had to get ready to go to the Luau, but it was enough.
We walked over to Luau Cove right on time. Since our reservations were made so late, we had seats in the back. The food was very good. (contrary to most of what Id read) To start with, we had the Coconut Bread (Yum!), salad and fresh pineapple! (Oh, how we wished we had that caramel dipping sauce from Ohanas) The next course was Hawaiian Chicken, BBQ Ribs, Shrimp Fried Rice, and Steamed Vegetables. (Very yummy also.)
Dessert was White Chocolate and Dark Chocolate Cake. I tried both kinds since my kids didnt really like it. They were both very good. Ive heard that many kids dont care for the Luau food. My kids loved all the food except for the cake. I guess they have odd preferences for kids.
The entertainment was very nice. The kids couldnt wait to see the fire dancers and enjoyed the time they were on stage. The lady sitting in front of me kept her elbow on her table with her hand up somehow that blocked much of my view for most of the show. I eventually moved to the other side of our table so I could see better. By the end of the show, dd2 was asleep and everyone else was fading fast. We were just about to go when the show ended. The Luau was fun to attend once, but I dont think Id do it again any time soon. I think we could have been just as happy eating at the GF and swimming. As it turned out, dh and the other two kids never did get to see the Electric Water Pageant because we were never there again at the right time. Oh well, next time!
One very special thing happened this day. Apparently when we left for the day, DS11 had left a note on his bed (daybed) that said, Thanks for the Chocolate! (The turn-down service had made up his bed the night before and left a chocolate on his pillow.) When we returned from Epcot, dd9 found a bag of about two dozen chocolates on the counter by the sinks. I suppose it could have been left by mistake, but Id like to think that it was one of those magical moments created by mousekeeping in appreciation for the nice note my son left.
As the land portion of our trip was ending, I just couldnt believe that I was sitting there, in our room at the Grand Floridian, watching the castle change colors! It was just so cool!! Magic DOES happen at WDW! This had been a magical vacation and there was still more to come. Tomorrow we leave for the cruise!
Lisa
