Marks Family summer vacation 2004... the good the bad and the ugly... updated

[sha_lyn]

Day 1 Friday July 2

Thanks to severe thunder showers in central GA and northern FL our usual 7.5 hr drive to Orlando took closer to 12 hours. Luckily we arrive in one piece.
We checked into the RPR around 7:30. WOW..... from the first impression outside to the view from our room we were very impressed. Thanks to our Loews card we were upgraded to a pool view in tower 3. IMHO this is the best location. Tower 3 is closest to the boat dock, and we had a wonderful view of IOA.

We ran over to US to get our annual passes (prepaid). It was very easy to use the automated system to get our "vouchers" which were actually just like regular tickets. We entered the gate and had a short wait to get our pics taken/passes made.

it was about 9:15 when we were finished. We were able to do Jimmy Neutron, Mummy and Shrek with FOTL before the park closed at 10.

We only wanted something quick/light for our very late dinner so we opted for the window at Latin Quarter. The food was very good, and we enjoyed the outside entertainment. Only problem was the heat. I would have been much happier to dine indoors.


Day 2 Saturday July 3

DH DD and I take the water taxi, DS walks to IOA. We find that you really can walk it faster than the taxi, but only about 2 min faster. DS Was crossing the bridge to IOA just as we approached it. We arrive at IOA gate just before they open them. DH, DD and I head to Seuss Landing. DS heads to the coasters and spiderman.
I'm shocked at how empty the park is.

We head to Flying Unicorn at around 10 and the back of the park is empty. Wait time for DD is posted at only 5 min, however I decide to pass since my lower back was acting up. Unfortunately I never did make it on DD this trip.

We meet DS at Mythos for lunch at 11:30. Food is amazing as usual. I had the low carb scallops. They are served just as the gnocci are except it comes with spaghetti squash instead of the gnocci. DS had a chicken sandwich (which DH also had later in the week). DH had the barbecue sandwich. DD had the chicken tenders with mashed potatoes and corn on the Cob. As usual the food was so good that we know we will return later in the trip.

park did crowd up a bit but then thunder storms ran most of the people off. When all the outdoor rides closed we decided to head to US for dinner at Finnegan's. Food once again was very good. DH had his usual mixed grill. I had a very good chicken salad with a slightly sweet dressing that also comes with scotch eggs. DS had Philly cheese steak that he enjoyed. DD had grilled cheese if I remember correctly.

 

[sha_lyn]

Day 3...Sunday July 4 2004


We head to IOA for our character breakfast at Confico's. Well there was a lot of confusion because the annual pass holder spiderman event was also that AM. The gentleman at the gate insist that we had to have a ticket for breakfast. We had to guest services and are told the only breakfast they are having is the spiderman event and that we do not have reservations at conficos. I am furious. We give DD to option of doing the spiderman event. She say OK so we buy the breakfast tickets. We walk into the park and I decide to go to Conficos and find out if they are indeed having the breakfast. They are and yes we do have reservations. We ask DD which she wants and she picks Conficos. Manager at Conficos tells us he will escort DH to guest services after we eat to get credit for the spiderman event.

Breakfast was fun. Thing 2 assaulted 15 DS with salt. It was great. Manager had another problem so he ask some else to escort DH to guest services. Guest services argues with DH that the spiderman event is not refundable. DH firmly points out it was their mistake that led to us buying the tickets for the event. They did credit out CC (well we will see when the bill comes). We make plans to meet DS at MIB in US. DH DD and I head to US. DS remains in IOA. We sit in the very hot sun for 15 min waiting for DS then decide to go into the gift shop. Finally reach DS on the 2 way. Turns out he had turned it off to use the restroom. We ride MIB. It's DDs first time and she loved it although she only scored about 18,000 points. I didn't do too well. a little over 100,000 but it beat DH. DS I believe got 285,000

Had late lunch at Lombard's landing. Food and service were
good. DH and DD shared the shrimp Alfredo. DS had the same. I had the seafood Cobb salad which was huge and tasty.

FOTL lines were short but standby was huge for everything. Non coaster riding DH rode Mummy and loved it. While in the child swap room with DD and man came in with a very young boy (2 maybe) and a girl about 12. He ask for someone to watch his son so he can ride with his DD. I am furious and won't even look in his direction. He finally convinces a very nice family that barely speaks English to watch the boy. The boy came over and sat with DD and tried to leave with us. The man watching him got his attention and he sat back down with that families children. I was tempted to wait around but after talking to DH he said the man had been very kind to DD. He was with a large group that switched off a couple of times but he remained with the kids both times.

Had late dinner at HRC. Food was good. DS and I headed to US for a few more rides. Did Mummy again. Crowds in City walk were huge for fireworks. I really didn't care about them so headed back to room around 9:30. Had to walk since
water taxis were not running so they could set up fireworks.
walk was nice. A few min after arriving in room we see fireworks way off. We decided they must be at WDW since it seemed to be 4 or 5 displays that were relatively close together.

The highlight was the fireworks at US. The IOA ones were fairly close. City walks were so close that we felt like we could touch them. US were also very visible. We were on the 6th floor and it was amazing. I don't know if it was the fireworks or our view, but it was the best display I have ever seen.

 

[SpideyHulk24]

Great report. Thanks for sharing. Can't wait to read more!

 

[themepark]

It amazes me that someone would ask strangers to watch their child. What are these people thinking?!

I am enjoying your report and look forward to reading more!

 

[sha_lyn]

Day 4... Monday July 5

Arrive at IOA at opening. Hit favorites before an early lunch at Mythos. DS convinces me to ride in front seat of Hulk. Wow is all I can say. What was my 3rd fav coaster (SF over GA’s Superman and SW Kraken had 1 and 2 in my book) is now my favorite. It is so amazing in the front seat.

We were able to hit Spiderman 2 times and all of Seuss Landing very quickly. DH and DD also did Petrondon fliers while DS and were on hulk. Thought we could actually catch Mystic fountain. Turns out they were having problems. It worked for about 5 min and that was it. DS had seen them working on it earlier in the day.

Had another amazing lunch at Mythos, but right now I could not tell you what I ate LOL. DS had the risotto of the day, which was a buffalo chicken breast atop spinach risotto with asparagus, tomatoes and mushroom. DH had the chicken sandwich and I believe DD had grilled cheese.

Did our souvenir shopping then headed to Ft Lauderdale for the AAU Taekwondo nationals. Lets just say we should have stayed in Orlando.

It rained and rained on the way. Took right at 3.5hrs to get there on the turnpike. Not a bad trip except for the rain. The "ugly" starts now LOL

Checked into Days Inn Bahia Cabana. We get "upgraded" to a full suit. Room is huge but hotel is obviously very old. Room needs new carpet and paint. We have a water view from the bedroom and a pool view from living room. While somewhat worried about being so close to pool bar I find out it closes at sunset.
Well the bad news is the restaurant bar opens at that time and it shares our bedroom wall. Entertainment starts at 9 just as we are putting DD to bed. We are promised that the music stops at 11 when the DJ leaves. 11:30 DJ still going full blast. Manager promises music will be off in 5 minutes. Midnight still loud music, manager promised to check on it. 12:20 I can't take it any longer. Manager is now gone and night manager won't do a thing. We leave but still have to pay for the room.

We arrive at the holiday Inn in Lauderdale by the Sea. 2 families we know are staying there and other 2 other families are moving there the next am.
We are too tired to notice how dirty the carpet is. We finally get in bed about 2 AM.

Day 5... Tuesday July 6...it gets uglier...wake up to find that the tub drains slow but is manageable. Carpet look dirty but not too bad. We get ready for sign in at Nationals. Sign in runs over and DS has to go to computer support because they don't have him entered in right. Other team member also has problems. 8-yr. old boy is listed as 35-yr. old man. One printer goes down and of course it is the one that DD's athletes pass is on. Wait at least 30 min. DS and I run to the coaches’ clinic thinking we are late. They are running behind too. Clinic goes well but I didn't have time to sign in and get my credentials before it started. Line is 2 hrs long after the clinic. Finally get my photo id.

We are starving and nothing is opened with indoor seating for lunch. We end up eating at the Denny's in our hotel. My low carb bun less burger was supposed to come with Swiss cheese, mushrooms and onions. It is naked. Waitress then brings out raw onions and grated cheddar. She then takes plate back them come out with it with cheese and onions. I finally get my mushrooms on the side.

Swam for a while then headed to dinner with the team. Had a great dinner at Old Floridan Seafood. Lot of fun.

However...The bad luck streak for our team has started. Another family had to use almost all their cash for their room when their hotel would not accept the American express cad they had held the reservation with. Their other CC was maxed out due to having to replace water pump on their truck and an axle on their camper the week before while vacationing "out west". I also find out the next AM that the great aunt of one of our team members was hospitalized that night because of complications with her diabetes

 

[sha_lyn]

Day 6.... Wednesday July 7... it gets even uglier

Forms competition. Things start out well, however non of our members received metals. Not surprising because we practice Tang So Do Moodokwan forms which while accept by the AAU, they are not know by many Taekwondo judges. This start to get behind before the teens and adults compete. By the time our adults compete, the competition is running 5 hrs behnd. We don’t leave until 8:15. We’ve been there a total of 11 hours.
We arrive at hotel and the kids are not hungry. DS had something at the convention center. I have a salad from Denny’s at the pool while DH eats in the restaurant.
Our Master Instructor ask DS (his teaching assitant) to watch one of our memeber perform his form so that he can get promoted to brown belt. They are in the pool and while DS is observing, another teen from our group (DS’s girl friend but if asked they both deny it) is horse playing with our MI’s 4 DS. Either he jumps or she throws him. He ends up landing in DS face, cutting his head and chipping one of his bottom front teeth. Tooth isn’t too bad, not far enough to cause pain.

We realize while walking around room barefoot that the carpet is sticky. We plan on leaving the next day so we decide to not worry about it.

Day 7...Thursday....the curse continues

The same family with the great aunt in the hospital has more bad luck. They lock the keys in the car when they arrive to the civic center. The grandmother waits over 4 hrs for the locksmith and misses the granddaughter’s competition. The granddaughter does very well. She placed 3rd in the 6-7 yr olds intermediate over 45lb category. Both of our MI kids become ill. The 2yr DD breaks out in a rash. The DS has a 101.4 temp, diarrhea and vomiting

DD made weight for the under 45 lb intermediate belt 6-7 yr old by .2 lbs. Turns out the only competition she would have is a 5 yr old in the 5 yr heavy weight division that the judges want to move up to the 6-7 intermediate belt category. They are evenly matched. The girl out weighs DD by 3 lbs, DD is a yr older. Girl, dad and coach move her up. Mom says no way, she want the gold for the 5yr division. DD is very disappointed to not compete, she is actually embarrassed for getting the gold by default.

Our preteens don’t do well. Neither does DS’s girlfriend. She received the gold medal in 02 and 03, but lost in the first round and didn’t place this yr. She actually had a pretty good comeback in the second round, but didn’t catch up. Her competitor had a killer spinning ax kick. I was coaching her, and finally got her to avoid ti, but she couldn’t make up the lost ground quick enough.
DS received the Bronze. He would have actually placed higher, but he landed a point in his last match just as the time expired and they ruled it was after the clock was up. Too bad they don’t accept instant replay. We have it on tape. We then find out that someone approached the silver medallist’s coach and said that the gold winner was actually 17 yrs old. If he is disqualified after the investigation DS will receive the Silver medal.

We had dinner plans with several team members but it is getting late and every one cancels but one couple and my family of four. We have a great meal at Mai Kai. The show is amazing and the food is great. Since it is getting late we get room for 1 more night and plan on driving all the way to my sisters house in Macon on Friday.

link for Mai Kai....http://www.maikai.com/

 

[sha_lyn]

Day 8... the curse rears it’s ugly head again. We load up check out and head home. We get 2 miles from the hotel and are in a car wreck. Yep you got it. Some guy pulls out of side street and side swipes us. Van is drive-able but I am a nervous wreck. We head back to hotel and get another room. At least this room is clean and the tub drains well. We walk to lunch ( can’t imagine getting in a car at this point) and eat at Athenian Mediterranean restaurant. Good, but not great food.
Dinner that night turns to be our highlight of Lauderdale. Friend (mother of DS’s GF) suggest we try an Indian place down the road. I get the nerve to ride in her rental car. I can’t remember the name but is is a small place on A1A in Lauderdale by the Sea. It was the best Indian food my family had had. We order several dishes and share. I leave very stuffed.

Day 9.... uneventful drive to my sisters house. I took a muscle relaxer and DH drove most of the 10 hours. DH headed to reserve duty (we had left his truck as my sisters house since she is only a few min away from the base). the kids and I crash at my sisters although she and her DH left on a business trip. We share the house with his teen DS and a friend of the DS. DS finally gets to know his new step cousin because the 3 teen boys stay up all night watching movies.

Day 10... finally make it home. Tired, mentally exhausted and glad to be home at last.

 

[sha_lyn]

Follow-ups
Day 10 curse continues... Cousin (maybe 8 yrs old)of DS’s GF is in town. While DS and GF are talking after Karate the cousin throws a rock and hits DH in the head. He has a nice cut and bump.

OK by now we are ready to crawl into a hole until Aug 1. July is not a good month for us

Van is in the shop. Have no idea yet if it can be fixed. We were told we were lucky to make it home in the condition it is in.

By Mon we are all sore from accident. Kids and I went to Chiropractor on Tuesday for x-rays. Got adjusted today (wed). Kids and I all had to have areas adjusted that we have never had problems with before.

DH had x-rays. He goes back Friday I think for his follow up.

The great aunt was released from the hospital on Sat then they drove to GA. She lives in Ohio. Her brother drove her home on Monday.

Both of MI’s kids are better, however they did not show up at our park play date today. I need to call and see how they are.

 

[sha_lyn]

Originally posted by themepark
It amazes me that someone would ask strangers to watch their child. What are these people thinking?!

I was shocked to say the least.

 

[Minniespal]

Thanx for sharing.

 

[Patch'sD]

Nice Report, Thanx for the info.

 

[invaderzim]

Thank you so much for your report -- great detail. However, so sorry to hear about all of your problems. It's ashame that you couldn't do it in reverse and do RPR at the end.

Just a personal commentary on hotels -- my family and I will NEVER stay at a Days Inn again. We will sleep in the car first before we ever give them another cent. We have stayed in four different ones -- in Virginia, Georgia and South Carolina -- and every single one of them was a DUMP!!! When we drove from NJ to Florida last November, we stayed at one on the way down and one on the way back (I know, we should have learned). On the way down, a pipe burst in the ceiling and we woke up to it raining in our room. The rugs were saturated and our stuff was getting wet. The owner (who barely spoke english) tried to blame it on the guy upstairs letting his bathtub run over -- but the leak was in the room ceiling, not the bathroom. Anyway, they did credit us one night.

On the way back, that Days Inn turned out to be a trucker hangout and it was filthy and noisy. That was it for us. I wrote to Days Inn corporation -- no response.

That is why we chose to pay the extra bucks to stay at RPR instead of off-site. Too many bad experiences with moderate chains!

Hope your car repairs work out and your families' health is okay.

 

[robvia]

Great report.
Sorry about all the things that went bad.
What made it complicated for you, was that there were so many people involved. The more people involved, the more things can go wrong.
Everyone has problems on their trips. They just don't post about them.

For example, on our trip to Hershey a couple weeks ago, our connecting flight going to Atlanta was 1 hour late, landed in the ATL at midnight, and all fights were gone for the evening. Guess where we slept? Yep, at gate B03, on the floor, with the lights on, elevator music playing, and the ac chillers blowing full blast. Heard the hotel vouchers didn't work, plus we wanted to get home, so we stayed there until 8pm until our flight boarded to FLL.
And our trip was perfect up to that point. No problems, no bickering, and then we get stuck in the ATL for the evening.

 

[sha_lyn]

Growing up my family always stayed at Days Inn. However I've found they have gone way down. We stayed in one a few ago in corbin KY and it was horrible. I don't think I'll be giving them another chance.


robvia ... sorry you had to stay in Atlanta not by choice, and in the airport too. I've also heard bad things about the hotel vouchers that airlines give out.

 

[highlander447]

Great reports sorry about the second part of vacation

 

[sha_lyn]

UPDATE....

The Days in In Ft Lauderdale (actually Lauderdale Beach I believe)
Is refunding our money.

The van is out of the shop. It took 10 days to fix, and cost about 5500, plus another 400 for the rental. Good thing the other drivers insurance is paying. We will probably end up having about 3K in medicla for all 4 of us. DS back/shoulder is the worse, but at least all of our xrays are good. I just hope we don't have any problems with his insurance paying the bills.