May 2011 with the in-laws

[Moira222]

We started our trip the same day as you, and I wonder if Friday the 13th was not the best day to start a vacation on eh?
sorry about your ticket!

I can’t remember why but the boys tried to dig a trench

LOL do boys need a reason to dig a trench at the beach?

Your timeshare condo looked beautiful - do you own timeshare or do you somehow rent these through a site?

Sounds like you all had a great warm up to the real vacation starting Monday!!

Monday morning – who ever looks forward to Mondays – we do if they are the first day of our Disney vacation. We had an early – 8 am – reservation for the entire family at Norway’s Akershus restaurant with the princesses. It was a feat but by 7:00 everyone was ready to leave. That’s when Derrick discovered that the car cooler he left plugged in over night had drained the battery in his Expedition. He called for roadside assistance but it would have taken them over an hour to get there.

yep, see my comment above about Friday the 13th!

Now for the record we are normally law abiding citizens who would never think of doing anything like this but Disney was involved so rational thinking like calling a cab never crossed anyone’s mind. We loaded up all 13 of us into the van and off to EPCOT we went – the guys would deal with the dead battery later – we had princesses waiting on us. Disaster number 1 adverted.

what happens at Disneyworld stays at ...the DISBoards?

When we went to enter my ticket would not scan. I guess since I had it in my wallet for 2 years it decided that I didn’t use it enough – that’s my story and I’m sticking to it. The CM at the gate issued me a new ticket and everything was fine – disaster number 2 adverted. Wow what a way to start a Monday!!!!!

did you have a ticket with unexpired dates on it?

While I was getting my ticket taken care of Tyler had the girls pose for a few photos – I think he was trying to capture Nessa holding the ball????

haha I took this same pose with Joe holding up the ball!!!

another one of Tyler’s attempts at a trick shot

Love these trick shots

We saw a photo pass photographer so we decided to stop for a group shot

what a great shot!

Moving on to Canada – we were starting to get hot and tired – the temperature wasn’t that bad – like low/mid 80’s but we were starting to feel hotter than that.

We were in AK on Monday and it really was great weather but I think in the sun of WS all day would be hotter than in and out of AC'd attractions.

Tuesday


We saw lots of wild animals – these were really close

Did you purposely make a comment about wild animals really close and then post the boys' photo?

I promise if you squint really hard you can see a lion in the center of this photo

crazy - I have this same photo from Monday!!! that lion must love that spot!


I am really enjoying your TR - its cool because I was there the same time so can relate to the weather, crowds, etc.

 

[lledman]

We started our trip the same day as you, and I wonder if Friday the 13th was not the best day to start a vacation on eh?
sorry about your ticket!

I deserved it - I was clearly speeding - which is odd b/c it's something I rarely do - guess there's a first time for everything. But my excuse is that Mickey was waiting on me

Your timeshare condo looked beautiful - do you own timeshare or do you somehow rent these through a site?

Thanks, my aunt and uncle own 3 timeshares and they rented us the room(s) - it was wonderful having soo much space since there were so many of us.

did you have a ticket with unexpired dates on it?

My MIL had bought us all 10 day non-expiring park hopper & more tickets back in August 2008. We still had days left on them that we were planning to use for this trip – it was an easy fix and everything transferred over to the new ticket(s)

 

[lledman]

After a short drive over to the Studios, and cooling off in the AC – we were ready to go again.

After meeting up just inside the gate we were off again. Carla had wanted for her family to ride Toy Story Mania – I knew months ago that was out of the question with planning to arrive mid-day – we checked for fastpasses and they were all gone, stand-by line was 60 minutes – so we walked on. We went over towards Rock N Roller Coaster and Tower of Terror.

We stopped for photos in front of TOT


After photos we walked over to the rides and I got fast passes for TOT but for some reason Carla didn’t, Devin was unsure of riding so I told the bigger “kids” to go on and ride standby and then to try RNRC, I was going to take Devin & Tyra to see the Beauty and the Beast Show – this message must have gotten lost in transition b/c there was about a 10 minute window of just standing around and talking. I started to have my own melt down – the show was about to start, we were wasting time with no one riding rides, and I was going to miss the show – I sort of forgot to mention – Beauty and the Beast is my favorite along with Tyra’s so it was important to me that we see this show. Anyway Joan decided to join us with Carla’s 3 youngest who were too small to ride the “thrill” rides. We made it in time to catch the entire show but we didn’t have great seats – oh well next time I guess.









We loved the show. Tyra fell asleep as soon as she sat in her stroller after watching the show. I called Tyler and we all met back up – they were able to ride both rides standby while we were watching B&TB. They had even gotten a child swap pass for TOT so along with the fast passes I had gotten before we were able to all ride TOT – well the ones that were tall enough. I hate this ride – I am afraid of heights and I do not like the weightless feeling of being dropped. But I knew the only way that Devin would try it is if I rode so I sucked it up. Devin didn’t giggle the whole time like on the coasters but he said it was ok, he didn’t want to ride it again right away but it was ok. I guess this means I’ll have a partner to sit off with me on future trips – too bad I think we are both going to have to suck it up again in January for Tyra to give it a try.

Since Tyra was still sleeping and Carla’s little ones were being good Joan said she didn’t mind sitting off with them again while we went over to Rock N Roller Coaster. The standby line was now up to 60 minutes so we decided to pass – the others had all rode so really it was just me that was going to miss out on it this trip – wasn’t worth waiting an hour for it.

 

[lledman]

Tyra woke up from her little refreshing cat nap. We decided to go check out the Disney Junior Show for the little kids since they had to sit out on the last ride. All our kids watch these shows daily so they loved it.








everybody stand up and do something??????? (not sure if trip notes would have helped me with this one or not


Dear Disney World – please update this sketch – it’s the same from the old show


Jake & the Neverland Pirates – both my kids love this show




Happy Birthday Minnie – again update the storyline please


Up next – 2nd row seats for


sorry no flash = not so good pictures


I don’t think she’s ever watched the movie the Little Mermaid but Ursula is Tyra’s favorite villain

 

[lledman]

We wanted to see what characters were in the animation building – glad we got there when we did b/c a lot of them were about ready to leave for the day.

It all started with a mouse, a mouse that was about to take a 5 minute break that is. The kids had fun playing with the art desks/kiosks





















I love this one – I had it printed on a 16x20 canvas to hang at home






A kiss goodbye

 

[lledman]

Carla and Joan were a little behind us in line so we waited off to the side for them to have their turn with Mickey. While we were waiting Meeko came out and stood right beside us




And we also took a minute to pose with a Green Army Man




While Carla’s family waited to see Chip & Dale, we took out kids back upstairs where we had walked in to see Captain Hook & Mr. Smee – remember they are big Jake & the Neverland Pirates fans. I’m glad we went when we did b/c they closed the line down right after us so they could leave for the day.




Proper introductions




Hook looks like he’s up to something


and Dev’s onto his game plan




One last check at the 60 minute wait for Toy Story Mania and to see the line coming out of the building to meet the TS characters – we decided we were done with the parks for the day. But not without final photo pass shots before leaving

Tyra was more than done for the day – no she wasn’t sleeping here but she wasn’t having her photo taken – Nye-Nye wanted in the photo at least she was smiling.



Oh and I forgot to include this photo earlier

Nessa, Tyler & Tink singing their song they just made up in their heads for Nanny – they were upset that they couldn’t try out for the American Idol Experience so they decided to do their own thing in the streets as we walked along – crazy kids.

Carla had called earlier in the day to the LoneStar that was down the street from our timeshare. Our local LoneStar offers a kids eat free on Tuesday special, she was told that they offered it here as well. When we arrived they told us they don’t have that special but did give it to us since she had been misquoted on the phone. Dinner was delicious. I think it was after 9 when we got back to the timeshare – quick showers/baths and into bed we go.

 

[lledman]

Everyone slept in this morning. We had breakfast at the timeshare and were pulling into Typhoon Lagoon around 10-ish.

When we first got there we walked to find a couple of seats together. And we ran into Stitch


We found a big unoccupied area near the left side of the big wave pool. While the adults rearranged some loungers in the shade, the kids had fun playing in the sand.


The bigger kids went to ride some slides while Joan and I took the little girls and Devin to the Kitchakiddie Creek area


















They loved this raft ride – it really is a 2 parent job though if you have more than one kid. I loaded them and then Joan caught them at the end and helped them out.

 

[lledman]

We found a little cove, probably a drainage area for all I know teehee, where we hung out for about 15 minutes, the kids had soo much fun splashing and playing – and with the exception of one little boy who only visited for a minute we had the whole place to ourselves.





Devin was getting bored just splashing around with the girls so I let him go back up to the top splash around area but he had to stay where I could see him – he felt independent & I still got to just sit in our little cove and relax






Joan took 2 of the girls on a potty run and I stayed back with the others.




The bigger kids (all 6 of them lol) met back up with them. The little ones had to show them their new favorite raft ride


Chris said he thought that Tyra and Devin would probably like some of the other slides they had rode that morning so we went to check them out.


We then did the family raft ride






Janessa, Tyler & Tink went down first. Then Carla, Derrick, Nye-Nye & Allonayah. Chris, Devin, Tyra and I followed.





This water was freezing and you do get soaked – there are about 10 spots where water just pours down on you. It was fun though.

 

[lledman]

When we got off, the others had waited for us and we walked down the stairs. Carla tripped or something and took a spill. She hurt her ankle pretty bad, she couldn’t even put any weight on it. So Derrick & Chris carried her the rest of the way down the steps and we found a lifeguard to help, well a life guard who went away for 10 minutes and sent someone else to help. We convinced Carla that she should go to the hospital to have it looked at. (I had sprained my ankle 3 weeks before the trip and I know how bad it had hurt). We told them that we planned to stay at the water park for a while and the girls would be fine with us to not worry about anything. Here’s the lifeguard and Derrick pushing Car la away (they had bought a wheel chair for her).

We went back to our seats to find Joan and the baby. She couldn’t believe what had happened. Since we were all together (and I was hungry) I offered to buy some fries for everyone to split for lunch – healthy I know. We had bought waters and juices with us so after using my Disney Rewards Points we had lunch served at no cost to us – 5 large fries later.



Zanayiah buried Uncle Chris’ feet

After eating all the fries we went in the wave pool to cool off a little






Nessa & Tyler were too cool to stay at the shallow area with us


Tyler had really been looking forward to swimming with the sharks again. I think it was the thing he most wanted to do this trip. So we all walked over to watch him. No one else wanted to join him so Chris was volunteered to too.








The little ones enjoyed the observation area


some “Dory” fish


When the boys were done, Tyler was happy. But Nessa then decided she wanted to try it. So off they went again.




I don’t think she had ever snorkeled before and she wasn’t very sure of herself b/c she isn’t a strong swimmer so she freaked out – after she left the platform. Luckily they have that rock formation right after you swim under the observation area. Chris calmed her down and got her to agree to swim the rest of the way, not snorkel but swim it.

and from that moment on she was referred to as “Sharkbait – ohhaha”

 

[lledman]

Chris took the older 3 kids to do Crush N Gusher. I didn’t want to just sit around so I hit the lazy river thing with Tyra and Devin, I think Joan took Carla’s 3 little ones back to play in the sand.








It was now after 3, Carla and Derrick weren’t back from the hospital and in fact she was no where near being done there. I offered to make 2 trips to take everyone back to the timeshare but the little ones were done with the waterpark so once again we all crowded into the van – seriously there are plenty of cabs around Disney I don’t know what we were thinking – and went back to the timeshare. We all showered/bathed and my family go ready for our 5 pm ADR at T-Rex. Joan stayed back with Carla’s kids and they had dinner in then went swimming I think.


Check In Area


Bar


I had requested the ice room b/c I heard it was cool to watch it change colors. We were seated in this area though


But it was ok b/c our booth backed up to the ice cave






Our meal was good – expensive – but good. We all enjoyed our meal – well except for maybe Tyra who def. needed a nap. Devin loved the theme. We settled our bill and took some photos on the way out.








Tyler found a hidden mickey on the way out – look at the green coral




We walked around DTD for a little while.












We made a couple of purchases – I let each kid pick out an ornament from the Christmas store and then I remember I got a photo frame but not sure what else. One last shot in front of T-Rex and we headed back to the timeshare

 

[lledman]

When we got back, Joan had the others at the pool so we joined them.














Carla and Derrick got back while we were swimming. She had severely sprained her ankle. She had crutches and an air cast - this should make the next couple of days interesting.

My 1 gripe from today - we didn't see any PhotoPass photographers at the water park. 2 years ago they were everywhere this year we didn't see as many in the regular parks but there were none to be found at the wate park.

 

[lledman]

Thursday, May 19th – where in the world did our vacation go? We slept in again this morning and had breakfast at the timeshare. On the books for today was a visit to Disney Quest. Carla’s foot was still very sore so that morning Chris, Joan, Tyler and Tyra took a ride to DTD to see about renting a wheel chair. They also stopped in a store but I’ll get to that later. Anyway you can rent a wheelchair from down at the marketplace area. So after we ate and cleaned up a little (packed – boohiss) we headed to DTD. We parked down by Disney Quest and waited on Carla and family to join us.



When we went in, Devin’s ticket wouldn’t work. I had gotten him an old (unused) pass from our local Navy Base’s MWR office and since Disney Quest wasn’t in existence when his pass was issued (it was just the 2 water parks back then) we had to have a new ticket printed The rest had already entered so while they waited on me and Dev they pin traded and got buttons from the guy at the service counter.

On our last visit we took an elevator up to the top floor and then had to work our way down. Since the younger 2 were so little we really didn’t do much here and left early for the day. This time we entered from the first floor and did a couple of the virtual rides – really neat.



Nessa & Ty



Devin wanted to row while Tyra was just content to sit in the floor of our raft















Devin started as our captain but he was just driving us around in circles so I took over the helm.

 

[lledman]

We finished up on the first floor and then went upstairs. Virtual rides. The little girls barely fit on the rides



I love a man in a pink lanyard






A drawing class was going to start in about 5 minutes so we sat down to give it a try.






Devin did really well but about half way threw he scrapped his drawing and did his own thing. Very creative I think


mine


Joan’s


Tyler getting some pointers from our instructor Chris


And finally Janessa’s – not sure why she dated it 5/17 – as the date was 5/19

 

[lledman]

Tyler stayed back with Nanny & Carla’s family while we moved on to the kiddie area.














We could tell it was getting close to nap time, so being the good parents we are that meant chocolate break while in Disney. I thought I had a picture of the brownie/cake that Devin & Tyra split but I guess not – just picture lots of chocolate with pastel mickey head confetti


About this time we met up with the rest of the group and went back to the little kid section.


I have no idea what she was telling him but this is the classic man & woman driving along in the car shot


We were all starting to feel tired and getting a little hungry for dinner so we decided to leave.


Chris said he was going to help Derrick take Carla and the wheelchair back – yeah right – don’t worry I’m getting to my surprise tomorrow. So Joan and I took my kids and a couple of Carla’s back to the timeshare & started dinner. After we ate we all went swimming but sorry I didn’t take any photos. We hit the bed kind of early b/c we knew we wanted to spend a long day at the Magic Kingdom tomorrow.

 

[lledman]

Friday morning – Happy Anniversary to me & Chris. Yesterday while at Disney Quest he had picked up Happy Anniversary buttons for us to wear – and even before that when he and his mom, along with the 2 Tys had went to DTD to scope out wheelchairs they went shopping too. He got a beautiful crystal frame that he had engraved for the occasion. When we walked back with Carla and family after we were done at DQ he was picking up the frame – what a sneak. These photos do not do it justice





I really wanted to see the opening show but alas when traveling with a group time is not on your side. We parked at the TTC and took the monorail over to the Magic Kingdom.



As the monorail was approaching the opening show was ending – the kids were excited to see the characters – I would have been excited to have been watching from the ground. Oh well – I’m going back in January. We entered the MK – I of course picked the bag check line with the dude who was brand new to the job and he took 5 minutes inspecting my bags – ok maybe it was only 3 but it was a long time. Main street was a little crowded so I went ahead to get fast passes for Space Mountain while the others made their way over to Tomorrowland.


Looks like the others stopped for a photopass photographer along the way


We met back up in Tomorrowland and decided to ride Stitch b/c it was only showing a 5 minute wait – it was a walk on. The cast member at the door patted Derrick on the back to tell him what a good job he was doing pushing Carla around – I think he was working for Stitch

notice Derrick’s back – the heat had finally caught up with us and today was a warm one already just after 9.

Devin rode with me


Tyra and Chris with Tink in front of them, guess that means Tyler rode with Janessa


We had a little fun while waiting for Derrick & Carla to debark the ride


Up next was the TTA or what ever it’s called now.




I think we did Laugh Floor now. I had programmed some jokes into my phone and saved them as drafts so it was easy to send in a joke from every kid once we got the specific code. Nessa & Tyler’s jokes were read during the show by Marty. When we got out we could get new fast passes so we did for Buzz – my kids love to end a day at the MK with this ride.

Joan said she’d sit off with the little girls if we wanted to ride Space Mountain now.
Since Carla was in a wheel chair the CM never asked for our fastpasses and I guess we forgot to offer them up. We didn’t wait long and we were blasting off. Tyler, Nessa & Tink rode together – Devin & me & Chris and then Carla and Derrick. I liked the ride better than before – it’s a lot darker.

 

[lledman]

Up next was the Tomorrowland Speedway.




my driver


Devin & Chris finishing second behind me and Tyra






Everyone’s tummies were now rumbly and since we were right outside of Cosmic Rays. I don’t remember what we had but I think I got the turkey wrap, the boys had burgers and the kids may have had nuggets???

So bellies full what better thing to do than ride the teacups – Derrick rode with Janessa & Kaylcia while I rode with the Devin, Tyra, Allonayah & Nye-Nye – the rest chickened out - luckily everyone kept their meals

 

[lledman]

We headed over to Winnie The Pooh. I really like the changes to the line queue. I think the wait time was 20 minutes so we hopped in line. Remember how I said it was hot at 9 am – well by 1 pm it was even hotter – Tink had a napkin that she wet and used to blot her face – she even did the same for the little kids – she’s sooo sweet.


Not sure what age group the play area is intended for but I’m sure 12 is over the target age

 

[lledman]

Next we moved on to the Not So Scary Adventures of Snow White. While in line a CM told us we were to use the handicap line – we said we could wait in the regular line but the CM assured us it was ok – and yes they fit all 13 of us in one car – not sure how but they did – so technically we didn’t take up space from someone else who was waiting in line.








After we peeled ourselves from the seats we moved on to Dumbo. Joan took a bathroom break so the rest of us went to get in line. We were standing in line and a CM came over and told us that we were to go to a different line b/c of Carla’s wheelchair. The 11 of us switched over to the handicap line. Yes, I said 11 – you know there were 13 of us and Joan went to the rest room so 11 of us changed lines. Wait a minute someone is missing.
Me: Chris, where’s Tyra
Chris: I don’t know isn’t she up with Carla & Derrick
Me: No, I don’t see her up there, wasn’t she with you
Chris: No, I thought she was with you
Me: No, I had Zanayiah and Allonayah – panic sets in
Tyler agreed to ride with Devin and Chris and I both left the line to try to find Tyra, we looked in the other line but she wasn’t there we looked around the sales carts and she wasn’t there. I found a CM just wandering around and told him that we had lost her, he didn’t seem to worried as I’m freaking out but he took our information for like 2 minutes – come on dude my baby is missing it doesn’t take 2 minutes just to get her description then when he’s about to radio to someone else we see another CM walking around holding her hand. We went up to them and Tyra says “You left me behind” The CM said a family had found her wandering around the area and turned her in – Thank God. Once we were reunited she needed a potty break of her own. The others were still in line about to get on the ride so I took her to the bathroom and then to one of the shops outside the castle and bought her a hat since she had missed the ride. She still reminds me “you remember when you lost me and I didn’t ride Dumbo” – poor thing is scared for life – well until the next trip when hopefully she’ll have a better memory.



We then moved on to the Carousel – all of us this time.

 

[lledman]

I think we then saw Mickey’s PhilarMagic show. We were all hot and my kids were in need of a break – we talked about going back for naps but it was about 3 so a little late and this was our last day in Disney so we stayed. We headed over to Splash Mountain to cool off a little. The fast pass return time for Big Thunder Mt. was only about an hour away so we grabbed a set and then hopped in line for Splash. Joan sat off with Carla’s 3 that weren’t tall enough to ride.
















my attempt at the money shot – too bad there are water spots on the lens from the previous drops






We went to the dock area where Joan was chilling with the girls, 2 of which were napping so she said they were content. We then went to use our fast passes for Big Thunder –

 

[lledman]

We met back up with the others and Joan was ready for a Dole Whip – that’s all she was looking forward to the entire trip so off we went.



The CM at the stand must have been a pro – she put the kids Dole Whip Floats in side larger cups so that they wouldn’t make a mess b/c they were melting fast in the afternoon heat.




I think Carla’s family went off in search of slushies instead so once we were done we all met back up. According to my photos Aladdin’s Magic Carpets must have been next. I think Nessa sat off with Joan, not sure why they didn’t ride. We didn’t have to wait long in line – I think maybe 2 cycles???




not sure why I took this photo but sharing it with you anyway


Tyler was tickled with himself b/c he lined us up just right so that the camel spit on Chris and me - hahaha


Next we all got on the Jungle Cruise – we had to wait a little while for a special handicap accessible boat to come – Our skipper was funny – right on with all the corney jokes my family loves.


I don’t think Joan or Carla’s family rode this on our last trip so it was hilarious to see their reactions - everyone duck
[/URL

The kids loved the spitting camel outside of the Aladdin ride, I think we stopped here for like 5 minutes before walking on
[URL=http://family.webshots.com/photo/2033013080101276400nJMhFU]