Lucky #13 with pics ~ 9/25 Finished!!!

[nts4wdw]

I am so sorry to hear about your kitten and I will keep your other cats in my thoughts and prayers. I am a huge animal lover and I have cats myself. I know what it's like to lose a pet. Some people may think it's silly to ask for prayers or well wishes for our pets and some may even wonder why we mourn them, (animal lovers understand and even some that aren't animal lovers understand) our pets re our babies, our children, they ARE family.

Well spoken. Thank you for your kind words and WELCOME!!!

 

[nts4wdw]

I just have to respond back....I definitely believe because it happened to me too. I met my DH at a high school graduation party, hosted by my boyfriend, and one of DH's oldest/best friends (DH went to a diff. school so we had not met eachother yet even though I was dating one of his good friends). We "connected" immediately, I broke up with said boyfriend, started dating DH and we were married 11 years later (after college in separate states, other relationships for each of us, moves to opposite coasts, and moves back by both of us!). My ex (his friend) was a groomsman in our wedding, and is a friend still today (we are "double dating" with he and his wife tonight - going to see the POLICE!!! ). So yes, I can relate, and I totally believe in the whole soul mate theory.

What a great story! Thanks for sharing. And you lucky thing!!! The Police!!!!!!!!

 

[eternaldisneyfan]

nts4wdw wrote: I always have the irresistible urge to go out and do something spectacular with my life like find a cure for cancer or learn how to tie my tie). As the shuttle continued to lift off, it was quiet on the beach for 30 –40 seconds and then the crowd began to clap and cheer. I have never been sooo tempted to go up to complete strangers and give them high fives and start chanting USA, USA.

Wishes and Golden dream make me feel like that.

Your dream hour sounds awesome!

'til next time,
Christamae

 

[arizonacolbys]

Loving your trip report! Aren't the Storm Troopers just the best?! We thought they were hilarious last year!

So sorry to hear about your poor kitties. Wishing you lots of pixie dust for a speedy recovery for DK. Pets are the best creatures - I know our 2 labs are like our children right now - I couldn't imagine life without them. Losing pets is just awful.

 

[randy4au]

Great trip report! I really like the way both of you added your own perspective to the report.

 

[nts4wdw]

Wishes and Golden dream make me feel like that.

Your dream hour sounds awesome!

'til next time,
Christamae

It really was! Got to say again, I'm loving you trip report, even if I don't always post.

Loving your trip report! Aren't the Storm Troopers just the best?! We thought they were hilarious last year!

So sorry to hear about your poor kitties. Wishing you lots of pixie dust for a speedy recovery for DK. Pets are the best creatures - I know our 2 labs are like our children right now - I couldn't imagine life without them. Losing pets is just awful.

Thanks for your kind words. We are making the best of the time we have.

The Stormtroopers were always a hoot. They had new material this year!!!

Great trip report! I really like the way both of you added your own perspective to the report.

So glad you are enjoying it!! It's fun to work on it together although it does take longer....

 

[jenr812]

Sorry I've been MIA here and in my own TR. I am so sorry about your kitties That kills me! I am going to try and catch up this weekend before I start work Monday **hug**

 

[nts4wdw]

Sorry I've been MIA here and in my own TR. I am so sorry about your kitties That kills me! I am going to try and catch up this weekend before I start work Monday **hug**

Jen!!! How did your test go? I was thinking about you. Thanks for your kind words about our kitties!! Em turned to me just now and said, "Mom, let's not think about tomorrow being DK's last day with us. Let's make it his best day with us!" Doesn't it break your heart?!? good luck at work on Monday!!!!

 

[jenr812]

Jen!!! How did your test go? I was thinking about you. Thanks for your kind words about our kitties!! Em turned to me just now and said, "Mom, let's not think about tomorrow being DK's last day with us. Let's make it his best day with us!" Doesn't it break your heart?!? good luck at work on Monday!!!!

Aww that is so precious and yet so sad The test was awful - worst experience of my life! But I passed that stupid NCLEX and I'm an RN!!! Thanks for the good luck wishes!

 

[nts4wdw]

Aww that is so precious and yet so sad The test was awful - worst experience of my life! But I passed that stupid NCLEX and I'm an RN!!! Thanks for the good luck wishes!

YEAH, JEN!!!

 

[nts4wdw]

Day Five
We’re a little Off Kilter!!

After our lazy day yesterday, we were up bright and early and off to EPCOT. EPCOT is our family’s favorite park. We were the first at the turnstiles so we set up blackjack to pass the time.

Through the turnstiles, Jake was off to get our Fastpasses for Soarin while Em dashed ahead of us to get to the rope.
Bless her heart, they picked the little girl right next to her to open the park by riding in the Test track car with her family. I’ll never forget the look on her face. But she handled it well. And soon the characters came out to greet her!!

She was especially excited to see Chip and Dale!

Soon the rope you know the infamous white rope that has a built in force field that has magical properties to keep thousands of people back) was down and we went to visit our friends at the Character Connection. (Tip: When everyone else is getting FPs for Soarin’, nobody is visiting the characters. Send one person for your Fps and enjoy some time with Mickey!!)

I love the new backdrops. Everyone was glad to see Emily, Especially those chipmunks.

Pluto loved his ear scratch!!

Minnie was last and I just had to say Hi! She was adorable and danced Emily around the room.

After Em and I had our pictures, Minnie started to look at Chuck. She walked over slowly, tapping her figure on her chin. I think she was trying to steal my man! I got him out of there quick!! But not before she tried to get my number

We met back up with Jake, and were on our way to Test Track. Jake and I had an agreement: if he would ride Test Track with me, I’d ride Soarin’ with him.

Chuck said this was the ride, but he was just kidding.

They put two single rider teenaged girls iin the car with us. One girl turned to her friend and said she was glad to be riding with children, because she could scream and no one would know it was her. I told her she wouldn’t be the only one!!
After surviving Test Track, we decide to be really brave (again) and try Mission Space. Ok, not really brave, we opted for the green version.

We only waited about five minutes, but what a cool queue!!

I loved it! We will definitely be doing that again. (And Gary Sinese, oh yeah!)

Then it was time for me to live up to my end of the bargain. Let me explain something, I hate heights!! I’ve ridden Soarin’ and tried all the tricks. But I am still terrified!!! But a deal is a deal!
I did survive. The music is really pretty and that’s about all I know because I have my eyes closed and try to pretend I’m on the monorail or something.

We opted for lunch at Sunshine Season. They have a Grilled vegetable sandwich that I love!

After lunch, it was time to make our way around the world. First was Mexico, where we were all anxious to try the new refurbished Grand Fiesta Tour with Donald Duck. As fans of the Rio del Tempo, we were anxious to see the changes in one of our favorite rides. It was great. The ride itself was the same, just the scenery changed. Basically, we are attempting to find Donald who is having a great time seeing the sights all over beautiful Mexico. I have to admit that I missed the market scenes where they follow you from frame to frame – it reminds me when I was a kid and we would visit Juarez and Dad would make the mistake of expressing interest in an item and then not buying it. You end up at the Three Cabereos concert. (totally mispelled that.) Still a fun ride.

Outside we met the stars of the show.

CONTINUED

 

[nts4wdw]

Epcot is beautiful!

I think Chuck would just be happy just walking around taking pictures. She says this like it doesn’t matter, but there was more than one time I stopped to adjust the settings on my camera and take a shot, only to look up see the rest of my loyal familia 50 yards ahead of me, trudging onward without remorse for the one they left behind.

The custodians were having a little recycle demonstration so Emily decided to pitch in. She got a button and a certificate for participating.She can pick up trash at WDW, but you can’t get her to touch her room

Jake decided he wanted to spend some of his vacation money and get a Goofy cup at Ice Station Cool. (Nice, but I wonder what happened to the frozen caveman…. Think they sold him on MouseSurplus?) Jake filled his new cup with frozen Coke…oh yeah!!!

After we returned to the room for a swim, it was back to EPCOT!

And it was finally time for Off Kilter!!! How can you not love these guys!!!!

That’s Jamie on bagpipes, Randy on guitar and a little bit of Scott on the drums back there.

Mark plays the bass. (he also has that Irish accent…..sigh ) No picture of Tony on keyboards,sorry.

They played my favorite, Wild Rover!!
We stayed for the 5:30, 6:30 and 7:30 shows.
Jake and Em went off together to ride Spaceship Earth and play games in the new post show area. Em told me later she was almost too afraid to get on SE, afraid the CM would say, “you can’t ride! You don’t have parents with you!” She’s such a sweetie.


After off Kilter’s last set, Em and I were tired and it started to drizzle so we headed back, leaving Chuck and Jake to fend for themselves

Whimps! Letting a little thing like being tired and a torrential down pour stop you from catching Illuminations! Oh, well she got her Off Kilter fix. Jake and I headed over to the Japan Pavilion where we set up shop on the corner of the big deck that cuts across the front of the restaurant (I have no idea what the name of it is, only that it is down for a refurb, so we weren’t chased off).
This was the first time that I had to really cut lose and experiment with my camera’s settings (I found that the automatic fireworks setting is basically worthless so I was fiddeling around with the other gizmos). About 15 minutes before the show, the skies just opened up and from our sheltered positioned, we watched as hundreds of Mickey Poncho clad tourists ran for the bus stop. The rain slacked off about 5 minutes before the show started and the only detriment to the show was the first 2 air launched shells didn’t explode- but I’ll live.

After the show, Jake and I did one of my favorite things while at the world, take a leisurely walk around the world showcase. Since the rain had pretty much driven the crowds away, we took our time walking around and enjoyed the cool weather the rains had brought.

But, eventually all good things must come to an end and we headed back to the room.

The blur in the center is Jacob

 

[Goofyluver]

Mmmmm...yummy! That veggie sammy at Sunshine Seasons was great!!!

 

[SwansLoveDisney]

I have never seen Off Kilter, and after reading about it on the Dis, that is one thing I can not wait for!

The frozen coke sounds delicious!

 

[LouDisney]

Another great update. Your pics are great, but the Illumination pictures are amazing!!!

 

[Tanya90210]

love the update!!! The illuminations pictures are fabulous!!!

 

[nts4wdw]

Mmmmm...yummy! That veggie sammy at Sunshine Seasons was great!!!

I love it! I think I ate about four on this trip.

I have never seen Off Kilter, and after reading about it on the Dis, that is one thing I can not wait for!

The frozen coke sounds delicious!

Off Kilter rules!! The Pop Century Resort also has frozen Coke available for refillable mugs. Gotta love that!

Another great update. Your pics are great, but the Illumination pictures are amazing!!!

The pictures are all Chuck! This lot really turned out great.

love the update!!! The illuminations pictures are fabulous!!!

Thanks!! I'm thinking of doing a calender just of shots Chuck has taken. I think he's the best!!

 

[ConstableMickey]

Day 6 – Our Quest to Disney Quest (or the noisest place on earth)

The day started with us getting up and catching a bus to DTD. Once there we walked around, mailed a few post cards and Lynn finally gave a little girl her share a dream pin (while this sounds like a simple effort you have to appreciate the scrutiny that Lynn but the potential recipients under – I swear she was one step away from having me run criminal back ground checks). I just wanted to make sure it was someone special, someone who needed some magic. It's a big responsibilty, you know.

Lynn walked with us to DQ and then left us waiting at the door. And waiting, and waiting…..apparently I misjudged the time and figured they would open at 9AM rather than the 10AM opening time, Oh, well we were able to sit in front of one of the doors.
When the doors finally did open we made a mad rush to the coolest VR game in the world “Pirates”. Because we the first ones in the area, the kids and I got our own boat, I piloted it while the kids each took turns running back and forth with the different cannons. From there we did the Virtual Jungle Cruise and then as the lines started, we headed upstairs where I let the kids roam while I did some serious damage on Galaga (mostly likely the greatest video game from the 80’s).Don't get between Chuck and his Galaga!

Pretty soon it was time to get our grub on and we went to the Cheescake factory where Jake and I had the BEST hamburgers that we have ever had on Disney property (for those that are near Spartenburg, think of a Beacon Burger – for those around Atlanta – think of the Varsity……..mmmmmmmmmmmmm…Beaconnnnn Burgerrrrrrr….arghhhhhh……drool, drool…..).
After lunch I thought it would be a brilliant time to decide to ride a virtual coaster, which I let Jake design. In looking back, I have to admit that it was probably not the wisest move to let some one design a coaster ride when they refused to ride it. E and I braved the ride but I have to say about 1 minute into it, I was really considering pressing the stop button. Em, of course loved it and chanted “again, again” as we were getting off. Please note while watching the video that as Emily is having more fun, Chuck is getting sicker.


I let the kids roam some more (yay, more Galaga for me!!) but then by about 3 O’Clock it was time to go, my old ears couldn’t take anymore (I had forgotten my ear plugs, I know, I’m getting old). We caught the bus back to the resort after making it to the bus stop right before the bottom dropped out, which is good because my MAN PURSE, which has items and supplies for every occasion, was back at the resort.Yes, let's all take a moment and mock the man purse. Mock, mock, mock!! No, I really can't mock the man purse. It's gotten us out of many sticky situations and it allows me to be a "Guest Without Bags." You dare mock the man purse????? It's funny, but I don't seem to recall you mocking it whenever the family wants to be 'guests without bags'.....I still wind up lugging the man purse, complete with it's contents (OTC drugs, sunscreen, extra film & batteries, ponchos-for everybody, autograph pads, first aid supplies, snacks and two (not just one) bottles of water. Thats all I am, a walking wallet that also doubles as a pack mule <sniff, sniff>AWWWW, suck it up and be a man! Consider it payback for all the stuff I sneak into the movies for you, my love!! LYMI

After a quick nap we headed out again, this time to AK, but with the heat and the crowd we decided that it probably be best if we just go ahead and call it a night. But not before riding Everest !!!! Whoo, Hoo!!! This time Jake decided to give it a go and rode it with me (for his very first time). Jake has never been one for thrill rides so his request caught me off guard. We had a very short wait in the line but did have enough time to take in the theming and the preshow.

And then on to the ride itself.

After Jake's wild ride, We slowly walked around a bit and headed home. The next couple of days were gonna be full and we needed our rest.

 

[Goofyluver]

at the man purse!

 

[luvfigment]

Great updates!!! Those were some great pictures at Epcot!!! Now I know this has been stated before but I can't remember...what kind of camera do you have again???? Also what setting did you use for Illuminations? TIA

Y'all look like your were having a great trip...How did Jake like EE?

Can't wait to read more.