Memories that will live on forever! Oct. 17-24, 2010-UPDATED 10/7/11 and New TR Link

[LoveMyTwoPrincesses]

Following the MSEP we stayed in our place along the curb and watched the people roll out of MK. I couldn't believe how many people were leaving before Wishes. We asked the CM if we would be able to stand on Main Street once the fireworks began and she said that would be fine. The girls and I made our way into the street. For some reason Stu wanted to stay where he was.

I decided not to take pictures of Wishes and just enjoy the moment with the girls. They were in awe when Tinkerbell took flight and they pretty much stayed that way for the duration of the show.

When Wishes finished up we started to make our way out of the park. We made an on the fly decision to take the ferry to the TTC. We have never been on the ferry before and it was a great way to finish the evening. The girls were watching something very intently and I couldn't figure out what it would be.

When I looked over the rail I found out that the water parade was passing by. This was a fun surprise!

I also enjoyed the ferry because you could see the castle during the voyage. It was neat to get some pictures of the castle from this perspective. In this first picture you can see the crowds waiting to get on the next ferry.

It was a little bittersweet riding away from the castle not knowing when we will be back again, but it was a fantastic way to end another wonderful day.

Up next: My sunscreen tastes icky

 

[laashley]

Yay for getting to see both the MSEP and Wishes. Boo on the rude people. I swear that night was the worst with the crowds. I am sure it had a lot to do with the few nights MSEP and Wishes were happening, but wow that crowd heading out was soooo bad.

 

[LoveMyTwoPrincesses]

Yay for getting to see both the MSEP and Wishes. Boo on the rude people. I swear that night was the worst with the crowds. I am sure it had a lot to do with the few nights MSEP and Wishes were happening, but wow that crowd heading out was soooo bad.

I was so excited to finally see MSEP and Wishes! It was worth the wait. The crowds were intimidating that night. I can't even imagine what it would like during a busy time of the year! I think we will stick with October! Thankfully we had a bit of jump on the crowd when we left, but seeing the crowd behind us was amazing.

 

[onescgirl]

So neat the girls were able to see the Water parade.
Those crowds look huge waiting on the fairy!

 

[IheartDDuck]

I have absolutely no tolerance for adults that act like fools during the parades and fireworks. For myself, I just don't understand their need to behave like kids. I'm glad that you had a good seat though and that you enjoyed yourselves. I saw the electrical water pageant when I was there last too. It is always a nice surprise.

 

[Kathy Jetson]

I got behind I'm having computer issues.

Very cute pictures with Tiana. The line was to long for us so I have pictures of them with other peoples families

That is so cute the way Goofy was with Erin and her smile.

Sorry you had such rude people around you for the parade. I hate it when River has to see people act like that. We saw MSEP for the first time in Oct. and I loved it. We were right where the parade ends and right in front of the rope. It was pure magic for me!

We try to take the ferry boat at least once every trip. I consider it a ride. Thats so cool you got to see the water parade. I made plans for us to watch it from the beach of the Poly. on our check in day. But we got lost on the way to Disney World and were to late. I hope to catch it another time.

Thats great you get to go to Disneyland I've always wanted to go. The cost of plane tickets is holding me back. I think when they get through with California Adventure I'll see if I can work out a trip. I can't wait to hear about yours!

 

[LoveMyTwoPrincesses]

So neat the girls were able to see the Water parade.
Those crowds look huge waiting on the fairy!

We had heard about the water parade, but this was the first time that we have caught sight of it. It was a neat way to close out our night.

All I can say is thank goodness the crowd was behind us!

I have absolutely no tolerance for adults that act like fools during the parades and fireworks. For myself, I just don't understand their need to behave like kids. I'm glad that you had a good seat though and that you enjoyed yourselves. I saw the electrical water pageant when I was there last too. It is always a nice surprise.

Something about the parades and fireworks bring out the best in some people, but the worst in others. The people that were immediately around us were great, but you tend to forget about that because of the handful of people that are trouble.

The water parade was a fun find. It definitely held Erin and Ava's attention.

I got behind I'm having computer issues.

Very cute pictures with Tiana. The line was to long for us so I have pictures of them with other peoples families

That is so cute the way Goofy was with Erin and her smile.

Sorry you had such rude people around you for the parade. I hate it when River has to see people act like that. We saw MSEP for the first time in Oct. and I loved it. We were right where the parade ends and right in front of the rope. It was pure magic for me!

We try to take the ferry boat at least once every trip. I consider it a ride. Thats so cool you got to see the water parade. I made plans for us to watch it from the beach of the Poly. on our check in day. But we got lost on the way to Disney World and were to late. I hope to catch it another time.

Thats great you get to go to Disneyland I've always wanted to go. The cost of plane tickets is holding me back. I think when they get through with California Adventure I'll see if I can work out a trip. I can't wait to hear about yours!

I was afraid that the line for Tiana was going to be a nightmare, so I made sure it was a top priority. Erin was so proud to be able to show Tiana her dress that had her on it.

I really enjoyed MSEP. It sounds like you had a great spot to watch. I get so hung up on watching the parades from Main Street, so we have never tried to see them from any other spots!

This was our first time on the ferry, but we loved it! I know what you mean about considering it another ride. I think we will have to use it at the end of the evening in the future.

I am very excited to go to Disneyland, but planning has been a little more difficult than Disneyworld. There are so many neighboring hotels and it was hard to decide which one would be the best for us. Now that I have that settled I need to start working on the San Diego portion of the trip. Our airport added three additional airlines in the last couple of years, so getting connections has gotten much easier. The prices out of our airport used to be atrocious, but they have gotten a little more reasonable since these additions. I am glad I booked early. Out of curiousity the other day I checked the price of our flights and they have gone up $200 a ticket!

 

[princessjv]

It was a little bittersweet riding away from the castle not knowing when we will be back again, but it was a fantastic way to end another wonderful day.

So true, so true. I think every one of us Disney lovers gets a pit in our tummies when we leave.

 

[LoveMyTwoPrincesses]

So true, so true. I think every one of us Disney lovers gets a pit in our tummies when we leave.

It really is sad when it is time to leave, isn't it? Thankfully we still had DHS and AK to look forward to, but there is something very special about Magic Kingdom.

 

[LoveMyTwoPrincesses]

On Thursday we decided that we would take a break from the parks and head to the ocean. This would be the first time that the girls had ever been to an ocean and they were very excited even though they didn't know what to expect.

We were in no hurry to get going, but we were still on the road by 9:15. We got on SR 528 and that took us directly to Cocoa Beach. This is a toll road and it ended up being $3.25 each way if you are interested. In just over an hour we were getting close to the ocean. Port Canaveral has a few different cruise ships that leave from there and we could see some of them on the way in. The girls were disappointed to hear that we would not be getting on one.

We made our way to Lori Wilson Park. It was a beach that my seat-mate had told me about on our flight to Orlando. There wasn't a fee to park at this particular beach, so that was nice. We slathered the girls with SPF 50 and made our way over the dunes. I have to say that the beach is very quiet on a Thursday morning in October!

They were doing some lifeguard training just a ways our from where we were.

Stu decided that he was going to teach Erin how to jump some waves.

Ava was perfectly content to lay on the sand where the water would just barely reach her. She had so much fun playing with the sand.

When Erin came in she said that the waves were making her sunscreen go into her mouth and she said "it tastes icky." I asked her if it tasted salty and she was very surprised to learn that it was the water that was salty and icky, not her sunscreen. It was pretty cute.

At about 12:15 we decided we should try to find some lunch. The beach had outdoor showers that we headed up to use. While we were rinsing off Erin said, "there's a raccoon." I asked her where and she pointed just behind Ava! Sure enough there was a raccoon right at Ava's feet. I tried to remain calm, but a raccoon out in the middle of the day that is not scared of people can't be up to any good. We started walking away and it followed us! Erin let out a bit of a scream and thankfully it ran off and didn't decide to go after us. I am still a bit creeped out by the whole thing just talking about it!

We were still covered in sand since I wouldn't let the kids go back to the shower. I am sure we were a sight at lunch! We headed to Rustys in Port Canaveral. It is right on the harbor where the ships go in and out, but unfortunately there wasn't any going through while we were there. We stuffed ourselves silly at Rustys. We had bacon wrapped scallops for an appetizer and they were fantastic. For our meals we shared seared ahi tuna and a sampler that had shrimp, scallops, oysters, clam strips, and mahi-mahi. We pretty much had to roll ourselves back to the car!

After lunch we headed to Alan Shepard Park. At this beach we had to pay $10 to park! This beach was a little busier, but it was also later in the day.

This beach was neat because you were able to see some of the structures from NASA in the distance.

About a half mile down the beach we could see a pier so we decided we should walk down and check it out.

Erin had such a blast running in and out of the water.

Ava wasn't quite as sure about running in the water, but she still had a great time.

At 5:30 we decided to start making our way back to Orlando. We were still really full from our lunch, so we asked the kids if they wanted to just have ice cream for supper. They thought this was a grand idea! We were able to find a little ice cream shop just down the road from our hotel that hit the spot. It was a fun way to end our beach day.

Up next: Ava conquers another biggie

 

[IheartDDuck]

The beach looks like the perfect break!

And ice cream for dinner? Who could say no to that?

 

[Kathy Jetson]

Loved your beach update. I live at the beach in South Carolina but I've never been to one in Florida. I have never seen a raccoon on the beach before let alone in the day time. We have them at our house but they only come out at night. I can't believe it came right up to you.

That was very cute that Erin thought the salt water was her sunscreen.

Can't wait to hear what Ava conquers.

 

[MeMom]

We keep talking about taking the girls to the beach, but we so rarely have a car with us. We are driving this summer, but we're already chopping two days off of our trip, so I doubt we will do it then. The girls have never been to a real beach - just Disney beaches. My hope is that maybe in May, since it'll be a long time between Bella's birthday and our summer trip, that we can meet Trent up in northern Florida for a weekend.

Your whole day sounds very nice. I think getting away and doing something different like that would be very enjoyable. The girls looked cute romping all over the beach. Erin discovering that the ocean water is salty made me smile. That's why kids need to go do things, not just read about them.

It would be a little intimidating to have the raccoon joining you. We had a squirrel that pretty much invited himself to one of our picnics once when the kids were little. He wasn't taking no for an answer. He was either going to eat off of our plates, or we could fix him one, whichever we decided, but he was not leaving!

 

[princessjv]

The beaches with kids sound so much fun!

I've never brought my kids to the beach whilst in FL. It's a shame.

Last spring break I was lucky to go on a mommy trip to FL and got to hit cocoa beach and then do some shopping. Did you check out the shops at all? Ron Jons is pretty huge there.

 

[Lovemy3babes]

What a fun idea it was to go to the beach. My kiddos have never swam in the ocean so I think that would be such a great time. I'm glad you all really enjoyed it.

But the raccoon would freak me out! Eek. Seriously, I would be thinking about rabies and all sorts of crazy things. I'm glad he ran away.

Your break day from the parks sounds just perfect!

 

[LoveMyTwoPrincesses]

The beach looks like the perfect break!

And ice cream for dinner? Who could say no to that?

I am really glad that we decided to go to the beach. It was a great way to break up the week

The girls looked at me like I had lost my mind when I said we should have ice cream for supper! They were so excited when they realized that I wasn't kidding.

Loved your beach update. I live at the beach in South Carolina but I've never been to one in Florida. I have never seen a raccoon on the beach before let alone in the day time. We have them at our house but they only come out at night. I can't believe it came right up to you.

That was very cute that Erin thought the salt water was her sunscreen.

Can't wait to hear what Ava conquers.

Thanks! I am all about seeing animals, but this one was a little too close for comfort. I am sure they are used to having people around, but I was afraid that something wasn't right with it since it was out during the middle of the day.

Erin knew that the ocean was salt water, but she just didn't make the connection! It was very sweet.

Ava conquers a biggie!

We keep talking about taking the girls to the beach, but we so rarely have a car with us. We are driving this summer, but we're already chopping two days off of our trip, so I doubt we will do it then. The girls have never been to a real beach - just Disney beaches. My hope is that maybe in May, since it'll be a long time between Bella's birthday and our summer trip, that we can meet Trent up in northern Florida for a weekend.

Your whole day sounds very nice. I think getting away and doing something different like that would be very enjoyable. The girls looked cute romping all over the beach. Erin discovering that the ocean water is salty made me smile. That's why kids need to go do things, not just read about them.

It would be a little intimidating to have the raccoon joining you. We had a squirrel that pretty much invited himself to one of our picnics once when the kids were little. He wasn't taking no for an answer. He was either going to eat off of our plates, or we could fix him one, whichever we decided, but he was not leaving!

Since this was our first time with a car we decided that we couldn't pass up a chance for our land locked children to see the ocean. I grew up in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, but it just isn't the same. That would be awesome if you are able to work it out to have a get together with Trent at the beach!

Our day was so relaxing. The drive was easy, we had great weather, we saw something new, and we had great food. What more could you ask for?

That raccoon freaked me out. Stu wasn't too nervous about it until it started following Ava. When it kept coming he really started to change his tune!

When we were at AK last year there were two ducks that were hanging out while we were waiting for the parade. Erin dubbed them Donald and Daisy. The CM in the area was trying to shoo them away and Erin couldn't believe that they would treat Donald and Daisy like that!

The beaches with kids sound so much fun!

I've never brought my kids to the beach whilst in FL. It's a shame.

Last spring break I was lucky to go on a mommy trip to FL and got to hit cocoa beach and then do some shopping. Did you check out the shops at all? Ron Jons is pretty huge there.

The beach was a great day trip. It was a fun experience for the kids and it was really fun to watch them enjoy themselves.

We did stop in one store so I could pick up a little souvenir. We had talked about checking out Ron Jons, but we decided we were ready to head back to Orlando. Playing at the beach really wears you out!

 

[Northern Disney Girl]

Still reading!!! Great updates! What a great idea to head to the beach for the day! We did that when my parents took us to Florida as kids! We did a day at Daytona - busy but fun! I LOVE how brave Ava is!! Too funny!

 

[LoveMyTwoPrincesses]

What a fun idea it was to go to the beach. My kiddos have never swam in the ocean so I think that would be such a great time. I'm glad you all really enjoyed it.

But the raccoon would freak me out! Eek. Seriously, I would be thinking about rabies and all sorts of crazy things. I'm glad he ran away.

Your break day from the parks sounds just perfect!

The beach was a relaxing change of pace and it was fun diversion from the parks. I'm sure your kids would love it if you ever have a chance to go.

My mind immediately went to rabies when I saw it standing there. When Erin let out her scream I actually thought it was the raccoon and that it was attacking one of the kids! I still get the creeps about the situation any time I think about it.

Still reading!!! Great updates! What a great idea to head to the beach for the day! We did that when my parents took us to Florida as kids! We did a day at Daytona - busy but fun! I LOVE how brave Ava is!! Too funny!

Glad to see that you are still here! I hadn't been to the ocean since our honeymoon 13 years ago, so it was fun to able to finally take the kids. The nice thing about going in October is that the temperatures were still plenty warm, but the crowds were really light.

Ava was such a brave girl this time around. She is really into being a "big" girl right now, so I think that was really a driving force for her. Thankfully she was able to make the height requirements. I was a little worried after that first day at Epcot.

 

[irishdancer86]

Hi Just found your report and have enjoyed the introductory words and photos, so subbing and will return to read later as my way too short lunch break is over!

 

[laashley]

What a nice "break" day you all had. (well, except for the raccoon) Too cute about Erin thinking the sunscreen tasted salty! Ice cream for supper sounds like a good vacation dinner to me.