ToriLammy
<font color=3300FF>Proud mom of a computer wiz<br>
- Joined
- Jul 13, 2002
- Messages
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Day 8 - Monday, Jun 30th 2003
An off day so no alarm went off this morning. I woke up around 8AM and made coffee. Laura and her boys were the first to join me and they already had their swimsuits on. They ate a quick breakfast and were soon in the pool. Laura and I just sat and watched as the others slowly woke up. Paul had his computer with him so Dave and David used it to find the location of the Belz outlet mall. I had promised LT we would find it before she left on Wednesday and today was really our last chance. With the directions firmly in hand we all started out at noon to find the stores and shop. We figured out what we did wrong the other day - we started South on International Drive and we should have gone North. Oh well, found the mall with no problem. They had some decent things in the Disney Outlets - LT spent well over a $100 buying for everyone one from Mom to what seemed like the paperboy. Couldnt find much for my son so I stopped in Nautica and got him a new swimsuit. His old one was getting too short cause hes grown about 3 inches since last summer. After everyone had their fill of shopping we headed to the Grand Floridian. Our goal was to get everyone else a ride in the front of the monorail. Laura, that dear sweet sister-in-law of mine had no desire to ride up front so Aunt Tori got to take the boys
I missed out last week so this was nice. Roz, Nick, Lauren and Paul got the second ride. My MIL just rode in the second car both times. I wanted to go check out more hotels but everyone was starving so we headed home. The rest of Monday was spent catching up on laundry and playing in the pool. We discussed the plans for Tuesday and the Magic Kingdom and then everyone was in bed by 10PM.
Day 9 - Tuesday, Jul 1st 2003 Laurens Fifth Birthday
Up early today, the alarm went off at 6AM. My goal was to be out of the house by 7:30-7:45AM. We have a priority seating at Cinderellas Royal Table for six at 8:50AM - Lauren, Roz, Mom, Me, LT and Jackie. Laura decided she wasnt interested and actually I tried for one for 10 but was lucky to get the one for 6. Fed the boys breakfast and then loaded up the vehicles at 8AM. (Later than expected but actually with my in-laws I always set the time 15-30 minutes earlier than I really want to leave - these folks were late for my wedding.) When we got to the TTC only the Monorail was open so the 6 girls going to breakfast rode the monorail while the guys and Laura waited for the ferry (about 5-10 minutes). Before we split up, I gave Laura a game plan to follow upon entering the MK - head for Fantasyland - ride Dumbo, Peter Pans Flight, Snow White and Pooh. If she still had time hit the Teacups and Smallworld. I was lending her DH and David as guides so I knew shed be all right. I did tell her to get FASTPASSES for Pooh but those were for us when we got out of the breakfast. From what Ive been told, my game plan was pretty successful. They did the carossel and didnt do the Snow White ride or Teacups but they had virtually no wait for anything.
The girls arrived at the MK at 8:30 and I have to admit it felt kind of neat to bypass the lines and enter for our PS. My first stop City Hall, I wanted to find out about Veteran of the Day. Id never heard of it until I discovered the DIS boards and I wanted to be the Veteran of the Day. Originally when I started planning this trip I was hoping to have Dave and Major John be the Veterans and then I figured why not all three of us (I'm retired Air Force) but Major John had to deploy so I figured a Husband and Wife team would be fairly rare. Anyway the CM at the Desk knew what I was talking about but said Security likes to pick the veterans (okay - I had to be a smart *** and ask how security knew who as a veteran and who wasnt - its not like we are tattooed or something). He said hed check and left for about 10 minutes. He came back with the BOOK and proceeded to write my name in for today, 1 July Yeah, I had him add Daves name too. He said meet the flag detail at the pole at 4:45PM. Caught up with the rest of girls headed for the castle and informed them of my success, mom was happy. Checked in at the castle and was told because of the wheelchair it might take a while to seat us, they had to wait table on the upper level. Lauren got in line to meet the Fairy Godmother and the rest of us found seats on the bench. We didnt know that you were supposed to wait until after your breakfast to meet the Fairy Godmother but apparently thats what the CMs prefer and they were quite vocal about it. We waited about 20 minutes after our PS time and our name was called. Its funny but Lauren never struck me as shy but she sure clammed up and became bashful as soon as we were seated. She had a great time and had this huge smile plastered on her face but she barely spoke to any of the Princesses. We meet Cinderella, Belle, Snow White, Mary Poppins (Princess?), and Laurens favorite Aurora (Sleeping Beauty). They signed her book, wished her a happy birthday and posed for pictures with her. Then they posed for pics with LT and Jackie. The food was good except the eggs were kind of runny. Loved the potatoes and Ive never eaten blueberries or cream cheese but I ate the French toast (made with both) and loved it. We left the castle around 10:230AM and found the boys just outside the Winnie the Pooh ride. They gave us the fastpasses and they got in line. We obviously got on first and while waiting for them I sent Lauren and Roz over to Ariels Grotto to get her autograph. They finished up just as the boys got off Pooh (perfect timing). We moved on to Adventureland and the Jungle Cruise. Got our fastpasses and had about an hour wait. Sent most of the gang off to the Tree House (Dave hasnt done that since Disneyland 93) and on the way back they saw Aladdin, Jasmine and the Genie doing autographs so they all got in line. Lauren snagged another Princess autograph. The boys were disappointed because the Genie had to pop out just before they got there. Chris understood that it was because of the costume and the heat but we told Steven he was summoned to grant a wish
Time for the Jungle Cruise, we entered through the exit and had to wait about 20 minutes for the handicapped boat. The boat has a lift so Jackie remained in her wheelchair, Mom was able to walk on the boat. LT took a seat right up front cause our boat captain was young and pretty cute Everyone enjoyed the ride and the CM was pretty funny.
Next stop Pirates of the Caribbean, knowing how dark and potentially scary this ride could be I suggest Roz and Paul take their kids on Aladdins Magic Carpet ride while the rest of us go on Pirates. Told them to meet us at the Tiki Room. Pirates never disappoints, my family really likes the ride and boys enjoyed too - even Daniel. Get to the Tiki Room just as Roz and family show up -- perfect timing again. Only had to wait about 5-10 minutes until the next show. Next stop is Splash Mountain. I walked ahead of the group to get the Fastpasses and the rest caught up. Our time was 30 minutes way so we found a shady spot and took a snack break. Laura was snack lady, she filled her backpack each morning with tons of snacks - goldfish, rice krispie bars, crackers, etc. It was nice cause I always forget those things. Took most of the little kids to the bathroom and it was time for our Fastpasses. Mom wasnt going so she stayed with Daniel. Lauren and Nick didnt back out until half the crew was loaded in the boats, having ridden on Friday night and feeling generous I decide to volunteer to stay with them - hoping to be able to do a baby swap. Told the CM what we were doing and was directed where to stay with the kids. The CM who was working was replaced and I never did get to do the baby swap. Not really sure what happened but was told Id have to wait approximately 15 minutes. Instead I left cause I still had 3 fastpasses left (Laurens, Nicks and Moms) so I grabbed Steven and Chris and we all went back through the fastpass line. Wasnt anywhere near waiting 15 minutes.
From there we went to Big Thunder Mountain and got Fastpasses. It was now around 2PM, Roz and Paul decided it was time to take their kids back to the house for an afternoon swim. Mom wanted to go but they could not promise theyd be back by 4:45PM so she decided to stay - she really wanted to see the flag ceremony. Laura had already decided she was in it for the long haul and was going to stay with Dave and I the whole day. So we said goodbye to Roz and family, telling them when and where the flag ceremony would be (knowing wed see them when we finally go home). I stayed with Mom and Daniel while the rest rode Big Thunder Mountain. After the ride and on our way to the Haunted Mansion we saw part of the 3PM parade. I got Fastpasses for the HM while the rest headed for the Hall of Presidents. Somewhere in all this chaos I lost Mom but she showed up at the Hall of Presidents just as they started letting us in. Our FP for HM werent until 6PM so we did the Presidents show and then checked out a few of the shops, including my favorite the Christmas Shop. It was getting close to 4:15 so we slowly started working our way up to the flag pole. Got there a little early so again we found a shady place to wait and took a break. LT stopped in the fire department to buy the Firefighter/Mickey pin for a friend who is a firefighter and ended buying a T-shirt for her soon to be a firefighter brother. The flag detail arrived promptly at 4:45, they talked us through the ceremony and then we practiced. Dont wear sandals, doing an about-face in sandals is difficult It was incrediebly hot and sunny. I had sweat pouring down my face but otherwise it was a great experience. They have a photographer who takes pictures and you get a free 5X7. A park supervisor presented us with a certificate and the coveted Veteran of the Day pin (only one bummer). After the flag ceremony David and LT head for Epcot. She is leaving tomorrow and really wants to ride Test Track so I give them their passes and some money for dinner and off they go. The rest wait while Dave and I went over and picked up our photo and then we headed for the Haunted Mansion. I got to sit with Chris and Steven. Steven was a little nervous but Chris explained they were Disney ghosts and theyd never hurt you. It was sweet. We come out of HM and its threatening to rain. Okay, weve been at the park since before 9AM and have only snacked so now its time to eat and since its going to rain even better. We decide to eat at Plaza Pavilion again because it is on the way to where we want to go next - Tomorrowland. We eat slowly because it is now raining buckets. I start to wonder if we should stay and hope they still have SpectroMagic or leave when suddenly it stops and the sun comes out. We finish eating around 7:30PM. Onward to Buzz Lightyear Chris and Steven really liked this ride and because of Jackie we got to go twice. Next we did the Carousel of Progress. Mom, like Dave remembers this from the 1964 NY Worlds Fair. Dave and the kids head over to Space Mountain. All the Fastpasses are gone so the CM gives them a blue card with the time 8:45PM written on it. He tells them to come back to the FP line at that time. I tell Dave, I dont think you are going to be able to cause thats 15 minutes before SpectroMagic and I want the boys to see it. We head to the handicapped viewing area just in front of the castle and luckily there is hardly anyone there. They wouldnt let Laura bring a stroller in so she and Daniel find a viewing spot right next to the handicapped area. We put the ponchos down on the curb and everyone has a seat including room for David and LT who have not yet returned from Epcot. They called and said they were on their way so we told them where to meet us. While waiting I send Dave on a mission, find churros. He heads off and comes back shortly with 7 churros - one for me, Jackie, David, LT, himself, Mom and one to split between Chris and Steven. Laura didnt want one. Okay, David and LT arrive and after shifting seats (so Chris could sit next to LT) were ready and sure enough we hear the music and see the parade coming (it came down Main Street). I look over at Laura and Daniel and the look on Daniels face is all I ever wanted when planning this trip, you know the big-eyed, Im really fascinated look young kids get I actually got teary eyed. Everyone loved the parade and is glad we stayed. We do, however decide to leave now, after the parade and before the fireworks. Well be seeing the fireworks Friday so beating the crowd is more important right now. We head up Main Street and to the monorail station. We didnt have to wait long and are soon at the vans and as we start loading the fireworks start. Tired but happy we head home.
An off day so no alarm went off this morning. I woke up around 8AM and made coffee. Laura and her boys were the first to join me and they already had their swimsuits on. They ate a quick breakfast and were soon in the pool. Laura and I just sat and watched as the others slowly woke up. Paul had his computer with him so Dave and David used it to find the location of the Belz outlet mall. I had promised LT we would find it before she left on Wednesday and today was really our last chance. With the directions firmly in hand we all started out at noon to find the stores and shop. We figured out what we did wrong the other day - we started South on International Drive and we should have gone North. Oh well, found the mall with no problem. They had some decent things in the Disney Outlets - LT spent well over a $100 buying for everyone one from Mom to what seemed like the paperboy. Couldnt find much for my son so I stopped in Nautica and got him a new swimsuit. His old one was getting too short cause hes grown about 3 inches since last summer. After everyone had their fill of shopping we headed to the Grand Floridian. Our goal was to get everyone else a ride in the front of the monorail. Laura, that dear sweet sister-in-law of mine had no desire to ride up front so Aunt Tori got to take the boys
I missed out last week so this was nice. Roz, Nick, Lauren and Paul got the second ride. My MIL just rode in the second car both times. I wanted to go check out more hotels but everyone was starving so we headed home. The rest of Monday was spent catching up on laundry and playing in the pool. We discussed the plans for Tuesday and the Magic Kingdom and then everyone was in bed by 10PM.Day 9 - Tuesday, Jul 1st 2003 Laurens Fifth Birthday
Up early today, the alarm went off at 6AM. My goal was to be out of the house by 7:30-7:45AM. We have a priority seating at Cinderellas Royal Table for six at 8:50AM - Lauren, Roz, Mom, Me, LT and Jackie. Laura decided she wasnt interested and actually I tried for one for 10 but was lucky to get the one for 6. Fed the boys breakfast and then loaded up the vehicles at 8AM. (Later than expected but actually with my in-laws I always set the time 15-30 minutes earlier than I really want to leave - these folks were late for my wedding.) When we got to the TTC only the Monorail was open so the 6 girls going to breakfast rode the monorail while the guys and Laura waited for the ferry (about 5-10 minutes). Before we split up, I gave Laura a game plan to follow upon entering the MK - head for Fantasyland - ride Dumbo, Peter Pans Flight, Snow White and Pooh. If she still had time hit the Teacups and Smallworld. I was lending her DH and David as guides so I knew shed be all right. I did tell her to get FASTPASSES for Pooh but those were for us when we got out of the breakfast. From what Ive been told, my game plan was pretty successful. They did the carossel and didnt do the Snow White ride or Teacups but they had virtually no wait for anything.
The girls arrived at the MK at 8:30 and I have to admit it felt kind of neat to bypass the lines and enter for our PS. My first stop City Hall, I wanted to find out about Veteran of the Day. Id never heard of it until I discovered the DIS boards and I wanted to be the Veteran of the Day. Originally when I started planning this trip I was hoping to have Dave and Major John be the Veterans and then I figured why not all three of us (I'm retired Air Force) but Major John had to deploy so I figured a Husband and Wife team would be fairly rare. Anyway the CM at the Desk knew what I was talking about but said Security likes to pick the veterans (okay - I had to be a smart *** and ask how security knew who as a veteran and who wasnt - its not like we are tattooed or something). He said hed check and left for about 10 minutes. He came back with the BOOK and proceeded to write my name in for today, 1 July
Yeah, I had him add Daves name too. He said meet the flag detail at the pole at 4:45PM. Caught up with the rest of girls headed for the castle and informed them of my success, mom was happy. Checked in at the castle and was told because of the wheelchair it might take a while to seat us, they had to wait table on the upper level. Lauren got in line to meet the Fairy Godmother and the rest of us found seats on the bench. We didnt know that you were supposed to wait until after your breakfast to meet the Fairy Godmother but apparently thats what the CMs prefer and they were quite vocal about it. We waited about 20 minutes after our PS time and our name was called. Its funny but Lauren never struck me as shy but she sure clammed up and became bashful as soon as we were seated. She had a great time and had this huge smile plastered on her face but she barely spoke to any of the Princesses. We meet Cinderella, Belle, Snow White, Mary Poppins (Princess?), and Laurens favorite Aurora (Sleeping Beauty). They signed her book, wished her a happy birthday and posed for pictures with her. Then they posed for pics with LT and Jackie. The food was good except the eggs were kind of runny. Loved the potatoes and Ive never eaten blueberries or cream cheese but I ate the French toast (made with both) and loved it. We left the castle around 10:230AM and found the boys just outside the Winnie the Pooh ride. They gave us the fastpasses and they got in line. We obviously got on first and while waiting for them I sent Lauren and Roz over to Ariels Grotto to get her autograph. They finished up just as the boys got off Pooh (perfect timing). We moved on to Adventureland and the Jungle Cruise. Got our fastpasses and had about an hour wait. Sent most of the gang off to the Tree House (Dave hasnt done that since Disneyland 93) and on the way back they saw Aladdin, Jasmine and the Genie doing autographs so they all got in line. Lauren snagged another Princess autograph. The boys were disappointed because the Genie had to pop out just before they got there. Chris understood that it was because of the costume and the heat but we told Steven he was summoned to grant a wish Time for the Jungle Cruise, we entered through the exit and had to wait about 20 minutes for the handicapped boat. The boat has a lift so Jackie remained in her wheelchair, Mom was able to walk on the boat. LT took a seat right up front cause our boat captain was young and pretty cute
Everyone enjoyed the ride and the CM was pretty funny. Next stop Pirates of the Caribbean, knowing how dark and potentially scary this ride could be I suggest Roz and Paul take their kids on Aladdins Magic Carpet ride while the rest of us go on Pirates. Told them to meet us at the Tiki Room. Pirates never disappoints, my family really likes the ride and boys enjoyed too - even Daniel. Get to the Tiki Room just as Roz and family show up -- perfect timing again. Only had to wait about 5-10 minutes until the next show. Next stop is Splash Mountain. I walked ahead of the group to get the Fastpasses and the rest caught up. Our time was 30 minutes way so we found a shady spot and took a snack break. Laura was snack lady, she filled her backpack each morning with tons of snacks - goldfish, rice krispie bars, crackers, etc. It was nice cause I always forget those things. Took most of the little kids to the bathroom and it was time for our Fastpasses. Mom wasnt going so she stayed with Daniel. Lauren and Nick didnt back out until half the crew was loaded in the boats, having ridden on Friday night and feeling generous I decide to volunteer to stay with them - hoping to be able to do a baby swap. Told the CM what we were doing and was directed where to stay with the kids. The CM who was working was replaced and I never did get to do the baby swap. Not really sure what happened but was told Id have to wait approximately 15 minutes. Instead I left cause I still had 3 fastpasses left (Laurens, Nicks and Moms) so I grabbed Steven and Chris and we all went back through the fastpass line. Wasnt anywhere near waiting 15 minutes.
From there we went to Big Thunder Mountain and got Fastpasses. It was now around 2PM, Roz and Paul decided it was time to take their kids back to the house for an afternoon swim. Mom wanted to go but they could not promise theyd be back by 4:45PM so she decided to stay - she really wanted to see the flag ceremony. Laura had already decided she was in it for the long haul and was going to stay with Dave and I the whole day. So we said goodbye to Roz and family, telling them when and where the flag ceremony would be (knowing wed see them when we finally go home). I stayed with Mom and Daniel while the rest rode Big Thunder Mountain. After the ride and on our way to the Haunted Mansion we saw part of the 3PM parade. I got Fastpasses for the HM while the rest headed for the Hall of Presidents. Somewhere in all this chaos I lost Mom but she showed up at the Hall of Presidents just as they started letting us in. Our FP for HM werent until 6PM so we did the Presidents show and then checked out a few of the shops, including my favorite the Christmas Shop. It was getting close to 4:15 so we slowly started working our way up to the flag pole. Got there a little early so again we found a shady place to wait and took a break. LT stopped in the fire department to buy the Firefighter/Mickey pin for a friend who is a firefighter and ended buying a T-shirt for her soon to be a firefighter brother. The flag detail arrived promptly at 4:45, they talked us through the ceremony and then we practiced. Dont wear sandals, doing an about-face in sandals is difficult
It was incrediebly hot and sunny. I had sweat pouring down my face but otherwise it was a great experience. They have a photographer who takes pictures and you get a free 5X7. A park supervisor presented us with a certificate and the coveted Veteran of the Day pin (only one bummer). After the flag ceremony David and LT head for Epcot. She is leaving tomorrow and really wants to ride Test Track so I give them their passes and some money for dinner and off they go. The rest wait while Dave and I went over and picked up our photo and then we headed for the Haunted Mansion. I got to sit with Chris and Steven. Steven was a little nervous but Chris explained they were Disney ghosts and theyd never hurt you. It was sweet. We come out of HM and its threatening to rain. Okay, weve been at the park since before 9AM and have only snacked so now its time to eat and since its going to rain even better. We decide to eat at Plaza Pavilion again because it is on the way to where we want to go next - Tomorrowland. We eat slowly because it is now raining buckets. I start to wonder if we should stay and hope they still have SpectroMagic or leave when suddenly it stops and the sun comes out. We finish eating around 7:30PM. Onward to Buzz Lightyear Chris and Steven really liked this ride and because of Jackie we got to go twice. Next we did the Carousel of Progress. Mom, like Dave remembers this from the 1964 NY Worlds Fair. Dave and the kids head over to Space Mountain. All the Fastpasses are gone so the CM gives them a blue card with the time 8:45PM written on it. He tells them to come back to the FP line at that time. I tell Dave, I dont think you are going to be able to cause thats 15 minutes before SpectroMagic and I want the boys to see it. We head to the handicapped viewing area just in front of the castle and luckily there is hardly anyone there. They wouldnt let Laura bring a stroller in so she and Daniel find a viewing spot right next to the handicapped area. We put the ponchos down on the curb and everyone has a seat including room for David and LT who have not yet returned from Epcot. They called and said they were on their way so we told them where to meet us. While waiting I send Dave on a mission, find churros. He heads off and comes back shortly with 7 churros - one for me, Jackie, David, LT, himself, Mom and one to split between Chris and Steven. Laura didnt want one. Okay, David and LT arrive and after shifting seats (so Chris could sit next to LT) were ready and sure enough we hear the music and see the parade coming (it came down Main Street). I look over at Laura and Daniel and the look on Daniels face is all I ever wanted when planning this trip, you know the big-eyed, Im really fascinated look young kids get I actually got teary eyed. Everyone loved the parade and is glad we stayed. We do, however decide to leave now, after the parade and before the fireworks. Well be seeing the fireworks Friday so beating the crowd is more important right now. We head up Main Street and to the monorail station. We didnt have to wait long and are soon at the vans and as we start loading the fireworks start. Tired but happy we head home.
