Wow are we there and back already??? Wow did the time fly by but we had a great time...
Arrived in Tampa on Wed @ 1 p.m. We went into Tampa because we fly free with DH's frequent flyer points and the flight times were better with the free tickets (there aren't many free seats to choose from) We had a 10:25 a.m flight versus 6 a. m if we went to Orlando and with 3 kids (3,5,11) it was worth the hours drive from Tampa to get the extra hours of sleep. Lugging them thru the airport at 4 a.m is not my idea of a vacation. So we get to our hotel Holiday Inn Family SUites (our third stay there) about 3 oclock..all 3 kids slept on the way to the hotel so they were well rested for the evening. We checked in and got unpacked then headed over to the Contemporary for our 5
o Chef Mickeys seating. We actually got over there early so we checked out the gift shops while we waited. Within 5 minutes we had found tons of souvenirs we wanted but we held off knowing there was much more to come. DInner was awesome. Got in right at 5 and the buffet as usual was great. Prime rib, shrimp, chicken, plus all the fixins, pizza, chcik nuggets and mac n cheese for the kids plus a wonderful dessert bar. ALthough I am a "low carber" I did endulge in a piece of cheesecake topped with blueberries and blackberies and powdered sugar very rich and very good. Kids saw all the characters but unfortunately DD5 didn't want anything to do with them so I only have 2 kids in the pix.
After dinner we headed to DTD for some browsing. THe kids split a huge childs size smore sundae from Ghiradellis and the splashed in the fountain for a few minutes. Got back to the hotel about 9 and hopped in the pool for some quick relaxing then off to early bed for our first full day at the WOrld.
THurs-MK day..contrary to what I was told in one of my earlier posts, since we were offsite we could NOT get on the monorails or ferry until 8:45. They only let WDW resort guest in early. But we got over ok and in the park by 9 so it wasn't a big deal plus we did get a pretty good parking spot which was nice at the end of the day. FIrst up was a mad dash to the Barber shop before the lines started. There were only 3 ahead of us and then 10 or so more followed. GOt DS's hair cut, and the DD'S got their hair french braided and of course all 3 got the obligatory colored hair gel and pixie dust. THey were the talk of parks wherever we went. They were quite colorful!! Headed over to Adventureland and the ride for JC was huge so we went to the first showing of TIKI birds instead. When we came out the lines for JC were much better so we went on then headed over to POC. (ALaddin was too long and it was too hot to wait) Got off that and headed to SM to get fast passes then DD11 and I jumped on BTMR since the line there was pretty good (30 minutes but moved constantly) By then we were ready for a snack so got some ice cream and headed to HM. DS had fallen asleep and DD5 was too scared so me and DD11 went on (about a 15 min wait). We headed back to SM where DH and DD11 used the FP to get on then me and DD11 went on again with our FP.
Headed over towards Fantasy land but DD5 was now sleeping so since she was the one who most wanted to go over there we passed on thru until we came back later in the week.
Got over to Tomorrow land and got FP for Space MTN. Then DD11 and DS and I got on BL. Went over to TTA and took a relaxing ride around TL. Got off and headed to COP (yay!!) What a great attraction...even the 2 little ones got a kick out of it (DD5 was awake by then)
Went over to Cosmic Rays for dinner but DD5 was now not feeling well so after we ate we went ahead thru main street shops and then headed out about 6:30 just before the storms hit. Since the hotel pool was closed due to the rain we just hung out at the hotel and got another early night in.
Fri-BLizzard Beach- Got here a little before opening and was able to stake out a great spot. We found a little private patio just off the bridge between Tikes Peak and Ski Camp. Had a table and 4 lounge chairs and was shady..Parked the stroller and cooler and had a great place to retreat for snacks or a little rest. Crowds weren't bad only had a 10-15 min wait for most of the slides so we all had a blast...New to us was the tubes they now have in the wave pool so we all hung out there for awhile just enjoying the day. Left about 3 again just ahead of the rain. Went back to HIFS to change for dinner then headed out to TGIFRIDAYS where we ate for $9 bucks thanks to hubbys frequent flyer perks ( he had enough points for 2 free appetizers and a $15 gift card-we used the apps as our entree chick wings for me, sampler for him and DD11 and then a kids pizza for DD5 and DS (they usually share a meal cuz neither will eat a whole meal) After that headed over to Belz for some bargain hunting. Found a sweatshirt for me and DD11 that was normally $42 we got them for $17 each. plus some other odds and ends. Went back to hotel around 9:30 and of course the pool was closed yet again due to the storms (it rained from about 3:30-11ish) so we killed some time down in the arcade at the hotel and went to bed .
Sat-Epcot what a wonderful day...The weather was great maybe 83 degrees and just a light "misting" of rain. Since today was the big "gayday" at the MK the crowds were pretty light. We headed right to MissionSPace (they did not open any part of the park to anyone until exactly 9 a.m.) and was able to ride twice (once DD11 and me, once DD11 and DH) went over to test track but the lines were long and we decided to go do other things. Backtracked to Spaceship Earth whcih the kids loved and then Went thru Ice Station COol. the kids loved being able to help themselves to the different drinks...some were plain nasty but others were pretty good. I liked the Israel drink (lemony) DD5 liked that too and DS liked the Vitabeta from Japan. DD11 and DH didn't like many of them. Went over to the Land and even thought the pavillion was basically empty of people we went ahead and got FP for the boat ride. We wanted a little snack and since we knew it would soon be mobbed since lunch time was approaching we just decided to play it safe. That ended up being a smart move cuz by the time we ate our snack, saw Circle of Life and did a little gardening activity for the kids (we were there for the flower and garden show) the line for the land ride was up to 45 minutes but with our FP we breezed right on and once done we were ready to head over to the Imagination pavillion. Went on JIYI ride which was defintily better than the old "refurbished" version. Figment was a great re- addition. Went next door to HISTA and got right in to see that...Scared the heck out of DD5 (do you notice she is afraid of everything
) and then headed over to Living Seas. After that we headed to the WOL pavillion but it was closed so we went thru Innoventions. Had the place almost to ourselves (it was going on 1;30!!!) Played in there for awhile then headed back to Ice Station Cool for a refresher.. Went into Mousegear and did some shopping. DD5 had seen a make it yourself Mr. Potato head at DTD and they had it here so we went ahead and got one..Had fun picking our own pieces.
We then went on over to World Showcase.. Went to Mexico and DD11 and DH had some tacos..DD11, DD5 and I went on the ride (DS was sleeping) and when we came out, we found a turtle and some lizards playing on the stones by the water. Strolled on over to Norway and had some lefse bread and a waffle. In China we just strolled thru the shops and then went to Germany where we also just strolled thru the shops. We passed by Italy nothing there we really wanted to do or see. Then at the USA we got the kids some chicken nuggets because we knew they would not be open to trying the other foods) In Japan, I got some teriyaki chicken and some iced green tea (one of only non-table service restaurants int heparks to get good brewed tea) whcih both were really good. In Morrocco we also just strolled thru then onto France where of course we had to get some goodies tthe bakery. sat and had our treats and did some people watching then on the UK..DH got fish and chips which he said were really good. WHile he was eating I took kids into shops where we ran into Pooh and Tigger so we got a quick pic and stopped for a few minutes to listen to the British Invasion playing Beatles tunes. They were really good very reall sounding..I hate it when a band plays songs from other artists and does it badly but this group was right on. We headed back up front to try Test Track again but the lines wwere still long and the FP was gone for the day went over to Universe of Energy but that too was closed so we went thru the main gift shop up front and then left. Again just ahead of the rain...Got back to HIFS and SURPRISE the pool was closed yet again due to weather so I did some laundry and we watched TV and went to bed.
Sun-Seaworld-another freebie for us...DH had enough points to get our hotel room free thru Holiday inn Priority club and still had enought to get 4 free tickets to SW so we took advantage of it since we had never been to the one in FLA. What a great park. Very clean easy to navigate and surprisingly the food and souvenirs were not as expensive as most other theme parks. Unfortunatly DS was sick this time so he didn't enjoy too much. We saw the Dolphin show, seal show, penquins, manatees (ds barfed so I had to take him out while rest of family went thru) shark encouter, odyssea, shamu show, happy harbor, wild artic and played some games. DS perked up when we went thru the penquin house. I really think it was the heat that had gotten to them. Did some shopping DD11 got a really cute sundress for $12 !!!!! We left at 5 and gee guess what?? as soon as we hit the car it started raining!! We were hungry and so went over to Jungle Jims...BIG MISTAKE>..there was a half hour wait for a table which in itself isn't bad BUT most of the tables were EMPTY!! My husband asked and was told they were very short staffed..BTW he was there in Feb with the same problem so apparently this is ongoing. We decided to go elsewhere. We drove down the road and came upon SIzzler and since I had heard good things about it we stopped. Its a buffet (isn't everything in Orlando!! LOL) but it was really really good. The service was wonderful. Seeing we had a sick child, the hostess made a poitn to give us a booth so the baby could lay down (OK he's 3 but hes still my baby). They let us look at the buffet first before we decided if we wanted to eat there...They had a great selection and everything llooked really fresh and good . For and extra $1 we also got a small steak. They were cooked perfectly and very good. The price was the same as any other buffets so we felt it was quited affordable and since DS was sick and not eating, they didn't charge us for him ( he only had a few sips of my iced tea) so that was nice. Went back to hotel and the pool was actually open so we went down only me and DD11) but it was too chilly so we left after about 15 minutes)
Monday-Animal Kingdom...What in the world happened here??? We got there about 8:45 and with security and trying to get in it was after 9:30 before we got in the gates!!! Once we got in past the majority of the crowds it wasn't so bad but it was still busier than we had ever seen it. Went on ITTBAB first thing and of course DD5 and DS freaked out so DH took them out. WEnt over to Dinoland next and got FP for Dinosaur and then went on triceratop spin (BTW DS was no longer sick after long nights sleep he was perfectly fine which makes me think it was just the heat) the primevil whirl was shut down for a repair so we went over and got ice cream at Dinobites. What a bargain...for $3.49 we got the kids a double of choc chip which actually turned out to be 5 good sized scoops. more than enought for them to share and each get a good portion. Then we headed to the boneyard where the little ones played while DH and DD11 went on Dinosaur. They came back so I could use my FP but even the FP line was long so we just went on over jsut in time to see Tarzan rocks. The girls loved it but DS was tired so he fell asleep (we were about 5 rows back and it was loud so how he managed to sleep thru the whole thing is a mystery!! LOL) after that we went over to Africa to ride the Kilimajaro Safari then over to Camp Minnie Micky to see Lion King. Unforunatley we were too early and it was so hot so we decided to see Pocahontas while we waited. When it was over we decided it was just way too hot (it was the hottest day we had) and went back to the hotel to swim and eat. WEll guess what? The pool was closed but this time for contamination. Luckily it opened back up so we were able to take a quick dip before heading over to the MK for our last night. Since it was close to dinnertime alot of people were leaving so we got a great spot just past the handicap parking. We were able to ride the front seat of the monorail and got over and went right back to Fantasy land ..Talk about crazy..EVERY RIDE had at least and hours wait. We got back just in time to make the next showing of Philharmagic so we go in line and just as we start to go in the theater, DD5 says "I have to go potty NOW" so DD11, DS and DH go in and I take her to find the bathroom. We came back and of course missed our turn so we headed over tot he carousel and waited for everyone else. We were halfway thru and there is DH. Apparently DS had freaked as soon as the show started so they had to leave. We went to get our FP for Peter Pan then headed over to the teacups and then off to Toontown. DD5 and I got on Barnstormer very fast. The clouds where starting up and everyone was leaving before the rain hit but since this was our last night we watned to stay. We went back over to Pooh and there was a 30 min wait by then so we jumped in line. Well of course here comes the rain and anyone who had a FP wasrunning over for cover so our 30 minute wait turned into over and hour.! But it was dry in there so we stuck it out. Went back to PP to use FP then decided to head out cuz it was pouring and lightning. Got back to HIFS and since the rain was letting up they opened the pool and there was a group of graduating HS seniors there who were being totally loud and obnoxious. Well someone must have complained because all of a sudden it was quiet and stayed ok the rest of the night.
Tues-heading for home. We ate and then packed up and headed back to Tampa. We have an annual pass from our home zoo so we stopped at Tampa Zoo to kill some time. Kids had fun seeing the different FLorida animals that we don't always see in the North. Headed over to MCD for a quick lunch then onto the airport. Checked out the different shops then got on the plane and headed home.
All in all it was a great trip, went by way to fast as usual but it was probably our most relaxing trip yet. Of course now we are starting to plan the next one in 2 years!!
Arrived in Tampa on Wed @ 1 p.m. We went into Tampa because we fly free with DH's frequent flyer points and the flight times were better with the free tickets (there aren't many free seats to choose from) We had a 10:25 a.m flight versus 6 a. m if we went to Orlando and with 3 kids (3,5,11) it was worth the hours drive from Tampa to get the extra hours of sleep. Lugging them thru the airport at 4 a.m is not my idea of a vacation. So we get to our hotel Holiday Inn Family SUites (our third stay there) about 3 oclock..all 3 kids slept on the way to the hotel so they were well rested for the evening. We checked in and got unpacked then headed over to the Contemporary for our 5
o Chef Mickeys seating. We actually got over there early so we checked out the gift shops while we waited. Within 5 minutes we had found tons of souvenirs we wanted but we held off knowing there was much more to come. DInner was awesome. Got in right at 5 and the buffet as usual was great. Prime rib, shrimp, chicken, plus all the fixins, pizza, chcik nuggets and mac n cheese for the kids plus a wonderful dessert bar. ALthough I am a "low carber" I did endulge in a piece of cheesecake topped with blueberries and blackberies and powdered sugar very rich and very good. Kids saw all the characters but unfortunately DD5 didn't want anything to do with them so I only have 2 kids in the pix. After dinner we headed to DTD for some browsing. THe kids split a huge childs size smore sundae from Ghiradellis and the splashed in the fountain for a few minutes. Got back to the hotel about 9 and hopped in the pool for some quick relaxing then off to early bed for our first full day at the WOrld.
THurs-MK day..contrary to what I was told in one of my earlier posts, since we were offsite we could NOT get on the monorails or ferry until 8:45. They only let WDW resort guest in early. But we got over ok and in the park by 9 so it wasn't a big deal plus we did get a pretty good parking spot which was nice at the end of the day. FIrst up was a mad dash to the Barber shop before the lines started. There were only 3 ahead of us and then 10 or so more followed. GOt DS's hair cut, and the DD'S got their hair french braided and of course all 3 got the obligatory colored hair gel and pixie dust. THey were the talk of parks wherever we went. They were quite colorful!! Headed over to Adventureland and the ride for JC was huge so we went to the first showing of TIKI birds instead. When we came out the lines for JC were much better so we went on then headed over to POC. (ALaddin was too long and it was too hot to wait) Got off that and headed to SM to get fast passes then DD11 and I jumped on BTMR since the line there was pretty good (30 minutes but moved constantly) By then we were ready for a snack so got some ice cream and headed to HM. DS had fallen asleep and DD5 was too scared so me and DD11 went on (about a 15 min wait). We headed back to SM where DH and DD11 used the FP to get on then me and DD11 went on again with our FP.
Headed over towards Fantasy land but DD5 was now sleeping so since she was the one who most wanted to go over there we passed on thru until we came back later in the week.
Got over to Tomorrow land and got FP for Space MTN. Then DD11 and DS and I got on BL. Went over to TTA and took a relaxing ride around TL. Got off and headed to COP (yay!!) What a great attraction...even the 2 little ones got a kick out of it (DD5 was awake by then)
Went over to Cosmic Rays for dinner but DD5 was now not feeling well so after we ate we went ahead thru main street shops and then headed out about 6:30 just before the storms hit. Since the hotel pool was closed due to the rain we just hung out at the hotel and got another early night in.
Fri-BLizzard Beach- Got here a little before opening and was able to stake out a great spot. We found a little private patio just off the bridge between Tikes Peak and Ski Camp. Had a table and 4 lounge chairs and was shady..Parked the stroller and cooler and had a great place to retreat for snacks or a little rest. Crowds weren't bad only had a 10-15 min wait for most of the slides so we all had a blast...New to us was the tubes they now have in the wave pool so we all hung out there for awhile just enjoying the day. Left about 3 again just ahead of the rain. Went back to HIFS to change for dinner then headed out to TGIFRIDAYS where we ate for $9 bucks thanks to hubbys frequent flyer perks ( he had enough points for 2 free appetizers and a $15 gift card-we used the apps as our entree chick wings for me, sampler for him and DD11 and then a kids pizza for DD5 and DS (they usually share a meal cuz neither will eat a whole meal) After that headed over to Belz for some bargain hunting. Found a sweatshirt for me and DD11 that was normally $42 we got them for $17 each. plus some other odds and ends. Went back to hotel around 9:30 and of course the pool was closed yet again due to the storms (it rained from about 3:30-11ish) so we killed some time down in the arcade at the hotel and went to bed .
Sat-Epcot what a wonderful day...The weather was great maybe 83 degrees and just a light "misting" of rain. Since today was the big "gayday" at the MK the crowds were pretty light. We headed right to MissionSPace (they did not open any part of the park to anyone until exactly 9 a.m.) and was able to ride twice (once DD11 and me, once DD11 and DH) went over to test track but the lines were long and we decided to go do other things. Backtracked to Spaceship Earth whcih the kids loved and then Went thru Ice Station COol. the kids loved being able to help themselves to the different drinks...some were plain nasty but others were pretty good. I liked the Israel drink (lemony) DD5 liked that too and DS liked the Vitabeta from Japan. DD11 and DH didn't like many of them. Went over to the Land and even thought the pavillion was basically empty of people we went ahead and got FP for the boat ride. We wanted a little snack and since we knew it would soon be mobbed since lunch time was approaching we just decided to play it safe. That ended up being a smart move cuz by the time we ate our snack, saw Circle of Life and did a little gardening activity for the kids (we were there for the flower and garden show) the line for the land ride was up to 45 minutes but with our FP we breezed right on and once done we were ready to head over to the Imagination pavillion. Went on JIYI ride which was defintily better than the old "refurbished" version. Figment was a great re- addition. Went next door to HISTA and got right in to see that...Scared the heck out of DD5 (do you notice she is afraid of everything
) and then headed over to Living Seas. After that we headed to the WOL pavillion but it was closed so we went thru Innoventions. Had the place almost to ourselves (it was going on 1;30!!!) Played in there for awhile then headed back to Ice Station Cool for a refresher.. Went into Mousegear and did some shopping. DD5 had seen a make it yourself Mr. Potato head at DTD and they had it here so we went ahead and got one..Had fun picking our own pieces.We then went on over to World Showcase.. Went to Mexico and DD11 and DH had some tacos..DD11, DD5 and I went on the ride (DS was sleeping) and when we came out, we found a turtle and some lizards playing on the stones by the water. Strolled on over to Norway and had some lefse bread and a waffle. In China we just strolled thru the shops and then went to Germany where we also just strolled thru the shops. We passed by Italy nothing there we really wanted to do or see. Then at the USA we got the kids some chicken nuggets because we knew they would not be open to trying the other foods) In Japan, I got some teriyaki chicken and some iced green tea (one of only non-table service restaurants int heparks to get good brewed tea) whcih both were really good. In Morrocco we also just strolled thru then onto France where of course we had to get some goodies tthe bakery. sat and had our treats and did some people watching then on the UK..DH got fish and chips which he said were really good. WHile he was eating I took kids into shops where we ran into Pooh and Tigger so we got a quick pic and stopped for a few minutes to listen to the British Invasion playing Beatles tunes. They were really good very reall sounding..I hate it when a band plays songs from other artists and does it badly but this group was right on. We headed back up front to try Test Track again but the lines wwere still long and the FP was gone for the day went over to Universe of Energy but that too was closed so we went thru the main gift shop up front and then left. Again just ahead of the rain...Got back to HIFS and SURPRISE the pool was closed yet again due to weather so I did some laundry and we watched TV and went to bed.
Sun-Seaworld-another freebie for us...DH had enough points to get our hotel room free thru Holiday inn Priority club and still had enought to get 4 free tickets to SW so we took advantage of it since we had never been to the one in FLA. What a great park. Very clean easy to navigate and surprisingly the food and souvenirs were not as expensive as most other theme parks. Unfortunatly DS was sick this time so he didn't enjoy too much. We saw the Dolphin show, seal show, penquins, manatees (ds barfed so I had to take him out while rest of family went thru) shark encouter, odyssea, shamu show, happy harbor, wild artic and played some games. DS perked up when we went thru the penquin house. I really think it was the heat that had gotten to them. Did some shopping DD11 got a really cute sundress for $12 !!!!! We left at 5 and gee guess what?? as soon as we hit the car it started raining!! We were hungry and so went over to Jungle Jims...BIG MISTAKE>..there was a half hour wait for a table which in itself isn't bad BUT most of the tables were EMPTY!! My husband asked and was told they were very short staffed..BTW he was there in Feb with the same problem so apparently this is ongoing. We decided to go elsewhere. We drove down the road and came upon SIzzler and since I had heard good things about it we stopped. Its a buffet (isn't everything in Orlando!! LOL) but it was really really good. The service was wonderful. Seeing we had a sick child, the hostess made a poitn to give us a booth so the baby could lay down (OK he's 3 but hes still my baby). They let us look at the buffet first before we decided if we wanted to eat there...They had a great selection and everything llooked really fresh and good . For and extra $1 we also got a small steak. They were cooked perfectly and very good. The price was the same as any other buffets so we felt it was quited affordable and since DS was sick and not eating, they didn't charge us for him ( he only had a few sips of my iced tea) so that was nice. Went back to hotel and the pool was actually open so we went down only me and DD11) but it was too chilly so we left after about 15 minutes)
Monday-Animal Kingdom...What in the world happened here??? We got there about 8:45 and with security and trying to get in it was after 9:30 before we got in the gates!!! Once we got in past the majority of the crowds it wasn't so bad but it was still busier than we had ever seen it. Went on ITTBAB first thing and of course DD5 and DS freaked out so DH took them out. WEnt over to Dinoland next and got FP for Dinosaur and then went on triceratop spin (BTW DS was no longer sick after long nights sleep he was perfectly fine which makes me think it was just the heat) the primevil whirl was shut down for a repair so we went over and got ice cream at Dinobites. What a bargain...for $3.49 we got the kids a double of choc chip which actually turned out to be 5 good sized scoops. more than enought for them to share and each get a good portion. Then we headed to the boneyard where the little ones played while DH and DD11 went on Dinosaur. They came back so I could use my FP but even the FP line was long so we just went on over jsut in time to see Tarzan rocks. The girls loved it but DS was tired so he fell asleep (we were about 5 rows back and it was loud so how he managed to sleep thru the whole thing is a mystery!! LOL) after that we went over to Africa to ride the Kilimajaro Safari then over to Camp Minnie Micky to see Lion King. Unforunatley we were too early and it was so hot so we decided to see Pocahontas while we waited. When it was over we decided it was just way too hot (it was the hottest day we had) and went back to the hotel to swim and eat. WEll guess what? The pool was closed but this time for contamination.
Luckily it opened back up so we were able to take a quick dip before heading over to the MK for our last night. Since it was close to dinnertime alot of people were leaving so we got a great spot just past the handicap parking. We were able to ride the front seat of the monorail and got over and went right back to Fantasy land ..Talk about crazy..EVERY RIDE had at least and hours wait. We got back just in time to make the next showing of Philharmagic so we go in line and just as we start to go in the theater, DD5 says "I have to go potty NOW" so DD11, DS and DH go in and I take her to find the bathroom. We came back and of course missed our turn so we headed over tot he carousel and waited for everyone else. We were halfway thru and there is DH. Apparently DS had freaked as soon as the show started so they had to leave. We went to get our FP for Peter Pan then headed over to the teacups and then off to Toontown. DD5 and I got on Barnstormer very fast. The clouds where starting up and everyone was leaving before the rain hit but since this was our last night we watned to stay. We went back over to Pooh and there was a 30 min wait by then so we jumped in line. Well of course here comes the rain and anyone who had a FP wasrunning over for cover so our 30 minute wait turned into over and hour.! But it was dry in there so we stuck it out. Went back to PP to use FP then decided to head out cuz it was pouring and lightning. Got back to HIFS and since the rain was letting up they opened the pool and there was a group of graduating HS seniors there who were being totally loud and obnoxious. Well someone must have complained because all of a sudden it was quiet and stayed ok the rest of the night.Tues-heading for home. We ate and then packed up and headed back to Tampa. We have an annual pass from our home zoo so we stopped at Tampa Zoo to kill some time. Kids had fun seeing the different FLorida animals that we don't always see in the North. Headed over to MCD for a quick lunch then onto the airport. Checked out the different shops then got on the plane and headed home.
All in all it was a great trip, went by way to fast as usual but it was probably our most relaxing trip yet. Of course now we are starting to plan the next one in 2 years!!
