"Mom, Dad, 3 Kids & a Gingerbread Boy" Matty's Wish Trip December 10-18, 2009

[buzz for boys]

Im with you on block party bash we loved it !! My kids wouldnt get out and dance so the army man pulled me up to do the ymca - I loved it !!!

Ive heard others slate it but for me its fab for putting a smile on your face

My 4 also loved TSM we rode it 3 times in a row and then forced them to take a break only for an hour later to be back on it again. Best family ride ever

Cant wait to see what you make of sci fi we have never dined there.
Louise

 

[pipersmom]

That looked like so much fun, Pamela! I hope we can make it to DHS in time to see it. : Booo for the kids coming back today.. Just kidding, but I am enjoying your TR immensely!

 

[kellyw8863]

Loving the pics! I planned one day around that parade so we can go to it. How did your littlest ones do with Tower of Terror? Maya has seen videos on YouTube and really wants to ride it, but I'm not so sure...

 

[noahsketomom]

Pamela ---

Love the report on DHS! My boys are super excited about this park! The both hope to be chosen to participate in the Star Wars Jedi thing -- no idea if there is a good chance of that or not. All the kids are big Indiana Jones fans too and I REALLY want to go on the Tower of Terror! Keep the report coming!!

Also, what is a rope drop, anyhow?

 

[Mtopher4]

WOW.. Awesome trip report. I love the pics too. Can't wait to go back and look more throughly

 

[jenb1023]

I am about to overtake your thread with my multi-quote! But, I am so full of valuable info, that I am sure you all will be thrilled - LOL!

Struggling is an understatement!!! I've almost reached my limit on photobucket too so I've got to decide how to handle that.

Leisurely mornings at the Castle of Miracles seemed to become the routine with my kids. Every morning we went from hash browned potatos to potato heads! Kids. Who can figure them huh?

I read about your furnace on another thread 7200 bucks????? YIKES Do you have a fireplace???

Yep we have a fireplace but the chimney needs to be repaired before it can be used.

I think I've heard people say that the only real rope drops that are worth killing yourself to get to are MK and AK so I don't think you should worry about getting there 'exactly' at that time. Might do you good to get there before noontime like us though

I have been to every RD I think and the only must see for me is MK. Ak is cute, DHS is not very good and I don't think Epcot even does one - I can't remember.

Yes, you are right it does leave from VA which is maybe a 6-7 hour drive (we drive 7 hours to the Canadian mountains every summer so it doesn't sound horrible to us). The train leaves at 4 in the afternoon so we figure we could leave the house early in the morning and get there in plenty of time which removes the need for an extra day out of school and more money for a hotel.

It is about 2 1/2 hours from me to the autotrain so I would think it would be closer to 7 to 8 hours for you depending on where in Mass. you are.

That looked like so much fun, Pamela! I hope we can make it to DHS in time to see it. : Booo for the kids coming back today.. Just kidding, but I am enjoying your TR immensely!

Amanda - Move It Shake It Celebrate it at the MK has a very similar feel to Block Party bash so if you don't make it to DHS in time I would try to see that.

Loving the pics! I planned one day around that parade so we can go to it. How did your littlest ones do with Tower of Terror? Maya has seen videos on YouTube and really wants to ride it, but I'm not so sure...

Maya should be fine on TOT. Jordan (my DD) rode it at age 4 1/2. Jordan was more scared of the "show" part and I just explained that it wasn't real. She loved the falling part.

Pamela ---

Love the report on DHS! My boys are super excited about this park! The both hope to be chosen to participate in the Star Wars Jedi thing -- no idea if there is a good chance of that or not. All the kids are big Indiana Jones fans too and I REALLY want to go on the Tower of Terror! Keep the report coming!!

Also, what is a rope drop, anyhow?

RD is a little show they do at the opening of a park and/or means being there when the park opens (they drop the rope and let everyone in).

We really enjoy DHS and love TSM! The animation academy is great if you and Liv get a chance to do it. Great updates!

 

[pacrosby]

Im with you on block party bash we loved it !! My kids wouldnt get out and dance so the army man pulled me up to do the ymca - I loved it !!!

Ive heard others slate it but for me its fab for putting a smile on your face

My 4 also loved TSM we rode it 3 times in a row and then forced them to take a break only for an hour later to be back on it again. Best family ride ever

Cant wait to see what you make of sci fi we have never dined there.
Louise

Gotta love the YMCA dance!!!!!!

That looked like so much fun, Pamela! I hope we can make it to DHS in time to see it. : Booo for the kids coming back today.. Just kidding, but I am enjoying your TR immensely!

Yup, they're back. And have you noticed..................no update from me since

Loving the pics! I planned one day around that parade so we can go to it. How did your littlest ones do with Tower of Terror? Maya has seen videos on YouTube and really wants to ride it, but I'm not so sure...

Brennan, who's 4, rode it, tolerated it, but promptly informed us upon exit "I don't wanna go on again"

Pamela ---

Love the report on DHS! My boys are super excited about this park! The both hope to be chosen to participate in the Star Wars Jedi thing -- no idea if there is a good chance of that or not. All the kids are big Indiana Jones fans too and I REALLY want to go on the Tower of Terror! Keep the report coming!!

Also, what is a rope drop, anyhow?

I think your rope drop question was already answered by one of my ghost writers

WOW.. Awesome trip report. I love the pics too. Can't wait to go back and look more throughly

Welcome!!!!!!!

I am about to overtake your thread with my multi-quote! But, I am so full of valuable info, that I am sure you all will be thrilled - LOL!



Yep we have a fireplace but the chimney needs to be repaired before it can be used.



I have been to every RD I think and the only must see for me is MK. Ak is cute, DHS is not very good and I don't think Epcot even does one - I can't remember.



It is about 2 1/2 hours from me to the autotrain so I would think it would be closer to 7 to 8 hours for you depending on where in Mass. you are.



Amanda - Move It Shake It Celebrate it at the MK has a very similar feel to Block Party bash so if you don't make it to DHS in time I would try to see that.



Maya should be fine on TOT. Jordan (my DD) rode it at age 4 1/2. Jordan was more scared of the "show" part and I just explained that it wasn't real. She loved the falling part.



RD is a little show they do at the opening of a park and/or means being there when the park opens (they drop the rope and let everyone in).

We really enjoy DHS and love TSM! The animation academy is great if you and Liv get a chance to do it. Great updates!

I think I got the 6-7 hours after looking it up on yahoo maps and we've never gone anywhere where their estimation has been accurate, we always get there faster (of course the fact that dh thinks he is Mario Andretti might have something to do with it )

As far as the Block Party Bash the only thing I'd add is that although MK might have a something similar the characters, of course, will be different. For us the characters were what made the attraction. You can see Mickey and his gang everywhere; the characters at the Block Party Bash not so much.

That's right! Animation Academy. Definately on Spring's list of must-do's

 

[pipersmom]

Thanks, Jen..Piper has BBB at 2:30, if we start on time, we should just hit Move It, Shake It..which is what I'm hoping for. Our Rainforest ressie is at 1:15, so I'm thinking we should have time to make Block Party if everything goes smoothly. Of course, that can be a big "if" LOL.

Pamela.. I HAVE noticed..and geez..you only have 7 days left to finish..

 

[cantwaittoseemickey]

Im lovin the Block Party Bash pics. Gotta love the sput man himself The sock is hilarious!

 

[pacrosby]

Thanks, Jen..Piper has BBB at 2:30, if we start on time, we should just hit Move It, Shake It..which is what I'm hoping for. Our Rainforest ressie is at 1:15, so I'm thinking we should have time to make Block Party if everything goes smoothly. Of course, that can be a big "if" LOL.

Pamela.. I HAVE noticed..and geez..you only have 7 days left to finish..

Guess I ran out of time Amanda. Sorry to disappoint you. How 'bout I promise to pick up and get through another 24 hours before you get back???? But at the rate I'm going even that might be a stretch

Im lovin the Block Party Bash pics. Gotta love the sput man himself The sock is hilarious!

I almost died when he turned around and I saw the sock

 

[pacrosby]

Wow I've really dropped the ball haven't I??? I don't know what happened besides just................IDK.................lost my momentum.

Brennan had a nasty 48 hour GI bug that has now been transferred to my Matty. Hoping it doesn't make it's way around the house. I've been trying to regain some sense of order in this house................it hasn't been the same since before the holidays when all the Wish trip planning began. I'm starting to stress about the late April/early May Disney trip with Liv and my 81 yr old mom. But I've promised not to allow myself any serious planning until this TR is finished. If anyone has any secrets to share; ideas on how to remotivate oneself to complete a partially finished TR I'm all ears!!!! Doesn't help that I've sworn off late nights and don't have a computer to use during the day.

Off to try and do at least one little installment.........................

 

[Momofwishkid]

Im here waiting oh so patiently but one more update before we leave would be nice

 

[chrissid7]

HEY STRANGER!!! OMG!!! Im a real total slacker! I have not been a good girl but im the 1 paying the price cause I miss everyone so much! Good job I love reading you TR. I have so much of mine in a word document and I am just determined to get at least the 1st couple of days of our trip posted. Good news I did get my photopass in time and it was so great to see the huge group shot of us all!! Hope you are all well. We are well but as always something crazy going on around here lol. This weeks drama is not knowing if Alyssa actually broke her shoulder or if the crack in the xray is from her growth plate ughhhh I will find out for sure tomorrow. This all stems from an intense game of hide and seek with the sofa as base. The sofa acts like a trampoline if jumped on hard enough and Alyssa can explain how that works lol. Take care and hugs all the kiddos for us!!

 

[pacrosby]

So where was I? Do I even remember what day I'm on? OK...got it:





Day 6: Hollywood Studios

"Serving Up a Slice of Science-Fiction"






Block Party Bash is over and it's a bit of a zoo. Hmmmm. We need to get over 'there' but how? On our way, as we go thisaway, and back track thataway, then back over here, now let's go over there.......................we catch a few visions worthy of a photo:

and finally arrive at our destination:

The Sci-Fi Diner

I had discovered this little eating establishment during my November planning days and immediately knew it was a keeper. We love to take the kids to the Drive-In as there is one not far from our house. It's become a frequent summer attraction with pajamas, blankets, pillows and popcorn. Although we aren't wearing our pajamas today (and have left our blankets/pillows and popcorn back in the villa) I have no doubt that the kids will get a huge kick out of this place, and if the food is ok too, heck, that'll just be a bonus! By the time we find our way we are 25 minutes late for our reservations and find that our name has been wiped from the system. OOPS!! Fortunately the staff is forgiving and after only a short wait we are shown to our "car":

Fortunately the kids do think the atmosphere is 'oh so cool' and the movies prove to be a bit of a hoot too!!!

At "intermission" a clip reminiscent of that shown in the movie Grease appears on the screen. Anyone remember? When Sandy left Danny at the drive-in.................

it even includes that flippin' hot-dog (and that's not a code word for a swear, I mean 'flipping' like in gymnastics)




After lunch we take a walk through the Streets of America:

and suddenly feast our eyes on the world's tallest bottle of Coca-Cola. OMG I'm in heaven. Ohhhhhhhh...............this Momma does love her Coke!! I have been an addict since my college days. It's so bad that when I try to pare down every once in awhile I have withdrawal symptoms!

Like any addict I just can't control myself..................

Smile. Say Cheese and............................ok, well how 'bout we just smile and say cheese







A quick spin on Star Tours is next in order followed by alittle Muppet 3D action. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh, those Muppets. Rank right up there with my little Elmo they do (sorry Mickey ):

The Muppet show is cute simply because, well, anything with the Muppets is cute, and the kids seem to enjoy it as well. Is anybody here even old enough to remember Friday night primetime with the Muppet Show???? That Beaker................now he was a REAL man !!!!!



We try to get a good picture of the fountain right outside the show:

(oh well, better than nothin' right)





and then check our watch only to realize that Fantasmic is starting soon and ........................we are on the wrong side of the park (what else is new huh?)

Now what?

What else?

We run............................




Next up: Part II: "Tuesday Night Lights With 'That Girl in the Cute Little Dress'"

 

[cantwaittoseemickey]

Oh I wish that was a big Mt Dew bottle lol. That Sci Fi restaurant looks pretty neat. How was thier food?

 

[pnutallergymom]

Oh...Coke..I do so miss you.

I too was once a Coke-aholic.....but have since made the switch...and am now a Diet Coke, well, actually Pepsi <gasp> gal.

Addicted is an MAJOR understatement.

 

[cantwaittoseemickey]

HEY STRANGER!!! OMG!!! Im a real total slacker! I have not been a good girl but im the 1 paying the price cause I miss everyone so much! Good job I love reading you TR. I have so much of mine in a word document and I am just determined to get at least the 1st couple of days of our trip posted. Good news I did get my photopass in time and it was so great to see the huge group shot of us all!! Hope you are all well. We are well but as always something crazy going on around here lol. This weeks drama is not knowing if Alyssa actually broke her shoulder or if the crack in the xray is from her growth plate ughhhh I will find out for sure tomorrow. This all stems from an intense game of hide and seek with the sofa as base. The sofa acts like a trampoline if jumped on hard enough and Alyssa can explain how that works lol. Take care and hugs all the kiddos for us!!

Oh that poor baby! That has got to be painful! I just tried to sub to your ptr but it said forum not accepting new posts I can't wait to read about your trip

 

[cantwaittoseemickey]

I'm sorry to hear of your sweeties being sick. I hope they feel better soon!

 

[kdzbear]

I am still here and following along. We still have a drive-in too! We do the same thing with the kids. We also ate at the Sci-Fi during Tyler's Wish trip. We had not tried it in over 10 years and we enjoyed it. Tyler liked all of the old commercials that also play at our home drive-in. I loved their version of cheesecake!

I do remember the old Muppet's Show. We would watch that weekly when it came on.

I am glad that you are still working on your trip. If it makes you feel better, I need to still send out thank yous from ours. However, Bre's GS Cookie sale and Tyler's unending doctor's visits have gotten in the way.

Hang in there and I will be reading and enjoying the story when you have time to tell it!

 

[pacrosby]

Im here waiting oh so patiently but one more update before we leave would be nice

I think that perhaps you have already left. OOPS Hopefully by the time you get back it will be done!!! (a girl can hope can't she?????? )

HEY STRANGER!!! OMG!!! Im a real total slacker! I have not been a good girl but im the 1 paying the price cause I miss everyone so much! Good job I love reading you TR. I have so much of mine in a word document and I am just determined to get at least the 1st couple of days of our trip posted. Good news I did get my photopass in time and it was so great to see the huge group shot of us all!! Hope you are all well. We are well but as always something crazy going on around here lol. This weeks drama is not knowing if Alyssa actually broke her shoulder or if the crack in the xray is from her growth plate ughhhh I will find out for sure tomorrow. This all stems from an intense game of hide and seek with the sofa as base. The sofa acts like a trampoline if jumped on hard enough and Alyssa can explain how that works lol. Take care and hugs all the kiddos for us!!

Hey.............it's you again!!!!! I've been looking for that TR of yours...........I don't think we can log into your word document from here Glad you finally did get your photopass. What a pain all that editing was huh? We ended up with almost 300 pictures on our CD, I was having too much fun playing with all of the borders and stuff. So sorry to hear about Alyssa's shoulder (well, maybe not, maybe it is just a growth plate..............crossing my fingers for you). Another game of hide and seek? The couch as a trampoline????? Silly girl.

Keep checkin' in on me................you guys will be 'showing up' soon in my TR I look forward to the day you have the time to do yours. Hi to everyone for me (us)!

Oh I wish that was a big Mt Dew bottle lol. That Sci Fi restaurant looks pretty neat. How was thier food?

The food was good as I recall but be aware we are VERY easy to please when it comes to food. If you really enjoy food and have a more discriminating palate then what we like may or may not appeal to you (that's my way of making sure I don't feel responsible if you guys try it and find you don't like it )

Oh...Coke..I do so miss you.

I too was once a Coke-aholic.....but have since made the switch...and am now a Diet Coke, well, actually Pepsi <gasp> gal.

Addicted is an MAJOR understatement.

I can't do Diet Coke unless I am desperate and just forget Pepsi of any kind. I'm one of those obnoxious people who when I ask for Coke and the server says politely "is Pepsi okay?", I say "oh no, I'll just have water"

I'm sorry to hear of your sweeties being sick. I hope they feel better soon!

oh thanx for the well wishes It started with Brennan, and then Matty, and then Brennan got better, and then Matty got worse, and then Liv got it, and now Matty's getting better and then, today, Nick got it too!!! It's like a sick ward around here. I joke around and refer to them as patient in Bed A/Bed B/Bed C/Bed D.

Here's hoping it doesn't make it's way to ME

I am still here and following along. We still have a drive-in too! We do the same thing with the kids. We also ate at the Sci-Fi during Tyler's Wish trip. We had not tried it in over 10 years and we enjoyed it. Tyler liked all of the old commercials that also play at our home drive-in. I loved their version of cheesecake!

I do remember the old Muppet's Show. We would watch that weekly when it came on.

I am glad that you are still working on your trip. If it makes you feel better, I need to still send out thank yous from ours. However, Bre's GS Cookie sale and Tyler's unending doctor's visits have gotten in the way.

Hang in there and I will be reading and enjoying the story when you have time to tell it!

Thanx for continuing to hang in there with me I missed the cheesecake? Bummer....................love cheesecake. We are rarely hungry enough for dessert. Maybe I need to start with the dessert and work my way back.

Hope everything is well with you and your family. It's so strange when folks you've 'chatted with' to such a degree about their lives and families etc. go on their trip or finish their TR's and then, just like that, they are gone. You need to start planning another trip so you can come back and do another PTR!!!!