Mr & Mrs Oakie take on the World

[MrOakie]

After Pirates we did a little more window shopping and DW had a quick smoke. While she was resting, I rushed over to Splash Mountain to get fast passes. Our tickets weren't working in the machine, so I had to have a cm manually issue the tickets. Since they didn't work at SM, I thought I'd try to get Big Thunder Railroad too. They didn't work their either, so I got another CM to issue fast passes for Big Thunder too. I drug DW over to watch everyone coming down Splash Mountain (another of my favorite rides at Disneyland) Before we could ride, we still had about 40 minutes, so we decided to get some lunch. Not sure of the name of the place, but it was really good.

Double Cheeseburger, Chicken Wrap, Sodas, and some peanut butter brownie thing (YUMMY). Disney really does give you too much food. We couldn't eat it all.

Ok, now we had our bellies full, we sat and people watched for a lil bit too, then we headed off to Splash Mountain. I love Brer Rabbit.

Oh.. Just by luck, we got the front row. We got drenched. Good thing our camera bag was waterproof.

After we picked up our picture, I rushed around and got us 2 more fast passes for Splash Mountain. DW thought it would be nice to take the Disney RR around the Park. I was a little dissappointed in the RR. Not quite the same as Disneyland. If I remember correctly, the Disneyland RR has a tunnel area where they have a mini grand canyon display. I was hoping it would be the same at WDW, but it wasn't It was still a nice relaxing ride. We complete the whole loop.

Next stop was Country Bear Jamboree. I love the animatronics. The show is exactly how I remember from Disneyland. Really crowded in there when stopped.

Up next was Haunted Mansion. DW said she remembered some of the attraction from when she was little. She said it used to be a walk through?? Not sure, but she did say she remember alot of it. Near the end of the ride, there was some sort of glitch and the ride stopped for about 2 or 3 minutes, but they got it running and we continued our journey through the mansion.

 

[MrOakie]

Great pics...again. Can't wait til you get the picks of the Lime Green couch and love seat fot our secret green club .

I forgot my camera last time I went to that business last week. I'll try to get it this coming Wednesday though. I see them every 2 weeks. I'm positive they haven't sold it yet.

 

[MrOakie]

When I told y'all we took tons of pictures, I wasn't kidding. In just over 5 days, we took over 550 pictures. We were snapping left and right.

We continued our trek around the park. We really had no desire to go into Mickey's Toon area. Perhaps when we go back to WDW in the future we'll check it out. Just around the bend, we saw It's A Small World, so we had to ride. DW said she couldn't remember that much about IASW, but she did remember the CanCan Dancers.

While we were on IASW we got a voicemail message from Teresa. We were going to meet her later in the day. (Finally going to meet another DISer).

After IASW we headed out so DW could get another quick smoke, then we trekked on down to watch Mickey's Philharmagic. It was a cute show, and it was out of the sun in the AC, so we liked it We also managed to check out Stitches Great Escape. I thought it was gross when Stitch burped up chili dogs on your neck. (GROSS ) DW really wanted to do Stitches Great Escape. So I made her a deal. If I went on Stich, she had to go on Buzz Light Year.

Before we went on Buzz Light Year, we saw this next little guy and had to get a picture. A stranded DISer?

From the pictures I had seen online, I knew they took your picture somewhere on BuzzLight Year, I just didn't know where. I was having too much fun to care. I don't remember what DW was saying to me when they snapped the photo, but we look like total GOOBERS We had such a good time.

We got another call from Teresa. We were going to meet in front of the Castle before DW and I went to have dinner at Tony's Town Square. I wish we had more time. Anyways, while we were strolling back toward Main Street, we got a few more pictures of the castle.

We got to Main Street a little ahead of Teresa, so DW decided to sit and have a smoke while we waited. She was on the phone with Teresa for a little while until we spotted her. Her oldest son was very nice, all well behave We talked for a little while (maybe 20 minutes?) We also had the photopass photographer take our picture in front of the castle before we headed off to dinner. Teresa and her kids are very nice

When we got up to Tony's Town Square, we didn't have that long to wait for our reservations. We had a very nice meal. I know I'm going to make all of you hungry with these pictures, but here goes anyways

Spinach Dip

Salad

Spaghetti with Italian Sausage

and I forgot the name of DW's entree.

I forgot to get a picture of desert. We didn't really like it. Some sort of orange filled cannoli, and tiramisu (not sure of the spelling).
On our way out of the restaurant, DW got a picture of the fountain.

After dinner, we didn't stay for the fireworks show, we decided to head over to Downtown Disney for a little bit. We headed back to CBR to freshen up, then drove over to DTD. Now this is where 5 days at Disney really gets to you. 5 days on her feet and DW's feet were killing her, and I'm dragging her around DTD We managed to stop and get a few souveneirs and had to stop at Goofy's Candy Company to make some cups. By this time DW's feet didn't want to walk anymore, so we called it quits for the night and headed back to CBR for one good nights rest before heading to Jacksonville the next day.

 

[crossfamily]

Ok great report!!! Yes to all I am officially crazy for taking my 3 kids to DW alone. And I too wished we had more time together. Your DW and I hit it off great. She is my kinda gal. Now on your first meal be honest you only bought the kid nugget meal for the bucket and shovel!!!!! I know you now you can't get nothing past me... I love to tree people. We catch them everytime we go. They were heading in this time so I couldn't get a pic of them. They are so cool. You are so lucky to have housekeeping in your hotel. I love the towels. I would of loved any type of towels. LOL. I wish we could have done Epcot together. You guys would have loved to see it through Anthony's eyes. He is such a geek when it comes to that stuff. Now I didn't know you have been to DL. I am currently trying to convince my DH to let me go while he is skiing in Jan. I need details. E=mail me with some please. And to set the record straight for the rest of my fellow limeys My kids are monsters don't' let him fool you. Just ask Poohgal05. I so enjoyed meeting you guys. Thanks for all the kind words. How was Kennedy and the rest of your trip home? Been very busy catching up myself. Great TR!

 

[hockeymomoftwo]

Great Report Mr Oakie just gets me more excited to get there.

 

[pixie dust 112]

Fun report!

 

[rer1972]

This was going to be our second day in the parks. Epcot had early magic hours, but we decided not to go early. DW's feet were still sore from Animal Kingdom the day before, so we thought we'd try and take it easy today.

We left CBR around 10 AM, and had about a 5 minute wait for the bus to Epcot. When the bus dropped us off at Epcot, we didn't realize we'd be dropped off in the back 40. It was quite a trek to the entry. Our first stop was a trek over to Soaring, to get fast passes. I was really shocked when I looked at the time stamp for our return. We got our passes around 11:15 AM, but our fast passes told us to return at 4PM. Long wait, and now we couldn't get another fast pass for another hour. I really wanted to check out the greenhouses on the Living with the Land boat ride, but it was closed.

To kill some time, we headed over to The Living Seas, and explored the aquariums. We thought about Turtle Talk with Crush, but it was so crazy in there. During our exploration, we took these photos.

After leaving the aquariums, we found our way over to Honey I shrunk the Audience, and decided to wait in line. It seemed like over on hour wait. I didn't know what was going on (didn't remember the line taking this long when I took my dad to Disneyland in CA). I remember the show being funnier, but I guess that's what a few years do to your memory At least we were out of the sun. We also rode through Journey Into Imagination With Figment. Kinda corny (definately for kids) We did get my DW a Figment stress ball. She was squeezing it the rest of the day. LOL

For some reason when I first read your Epcot update I didn't get to see the shark pictures. They're great, but seeing as my mind is always slanted if have to point out the guy in your wife's picture peeking around a corner. Hee Hee points for strangers backside in a picture . I think I'm going to start a photo thread with a point scoring system for funny/weird stuff in pictures. Hmmm

 

[rer1972]

We stopped at the Concierge desk in Old Port Royale and told them about our trouble with dinner at Rose & Crown. The concierge CM was really nice, and apologized for the poor service. She credited our dinnig plan with 2 extra table service dinners. We didn't really want that, we just didn't want the same thing to happen to anyone else. We traded our table service meals for counter service meals, and got 2 vouchers for a free lanyard and trading pins. After dinner we went to the giftshop in Port Royale, and made my DW a mickey charm bracelet. Then headed on back to our room and try to rest up for MGM on day 4.

I can understand how upsetting it is when you get ignored for 20 minutes at a restaurant. Wow, that concierge cm was great! It didn't make up for the time you wasted (you could have been on another ride), but it sure was nice of her to try and makeup for it.

 

[rer1972]

When we got to MGM, I broke the camera out of the bag, but the lense was kind of foggy because it was sitting right next to the water bottles in our back pack.

Like'n the FX. Really MrOakie you take some great pics. The one of ToT is great. The darn thing would make a great postcard.

While we were in the vicinity, we stopped and watched the Muppet show. Not quite as entertaining as It's Tough to Be A Bug, but still cute. Oh, almost forgot. We also wento into the Indiana Jones Stunt Show. The show wasn't what I expected. I wish MGM had an Indiana Jones ride like the one at Disneyland.

One of my favorites; I think it has something to do with me loving the original Muppet Show so much. The Indy Ride at DL is the one ride I wish Disney would put in Florida. Maybe they havne't because it's similar to Dinosaur. If they did I'd still have both in my top 10.

The onion rings, dip, steaks and potatoes were all great .... BUT.. they RUINED the veggies... YUCKO BROCCOLLI

That steak plate looks pretty tasty. I'm getting very hungry now.

Our camera doesn't take great night photos, but we managed a few pictures of the show.

???? That picture of Mickey looks pretty good to me. Especially with all the flashes, water spray, and other things that usually get in the way of good pics at Fantasmic.
Great update. Took me a while to get to it, but it was worth it. Next up MK.

 

[rer1972]

This was our last full day at Disney

Yes, that is a tear falling down the smiley's cheek. So sad, so sad.

Oh.. Just by luck, we got the front row. We got drenched. Good thing our camera bag was waterproof.

Awesome, front row!

I was hoping it would be the same at WDW, but it wasn't It was still a nice relaxing ride. We complete the whole loop.

I like the RR at Disneyland better too. I remeber there being a dinosaur section too.

Before we went on Buzz Light Year, we saw this next little guy and had to get a picture. A stranded DISer?

Well, he's got the LGMH's on his shirt so I'm guessing yes a Diser and possibly a Secret Green Club member.
Love the report and photos MrOakie. I so wish I was already going.

 

[MrOakie]

Our time at WDW was us and it was time to start heading back to the real world. However, we had one last side trip to make. It actually took us 2 days to get home.

On our last morning, we got up, showered and packed, got the car already to go, then we drove around to Port Royale at CBR for a late breakfast. And of course we had to stop in the gift shop to get some last minute souveniers. DW got us matching "Where the Magic Lives" shirts.

After paying for everything in the gift shop we got in our suv, and headed east toward Melbourne. DW had somebody she wanted to meet. One of her clients that she talks with all the time at work. I very nice group of ladies.

.

After about 45 minutes of chit chat, we hit the road again. Headed east til we got to I-95 then straight up the coast. We had heard on the news that the space shuttle was supposed to blast off this weekend, so we thought we would try and take a tour of the Kenedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral. They key word is TRY. As we got close and close to Kenedy Space Center it started to rain, and then just got worse and worse.

We did manage to make it to the Space Center, but we decided not to go on the tour because of the bad weather, not to mention the fact that the tour was almost $40 per person. Does this mean I'm CHEAP??? I mean... I spent thousands to see a mouse, but won't spend $80 to see the space shuttle. I tell you what though, the next picture was really worth the stop. Before deciding not to go in, these 2 women came running out to their car. DW and I started laughing like crazy at their impromptu hats and rain jackets.

We did manage to get a picture of a mock space shuttle as we continued our way up the coast. The space museum had a replica of the shuttle by the side of the road, so we got a picture of that one.

I don't think we even stopped for lunch that day. I think we just snacked on some of the junk we brought with us for the trip. Now for everyone who has ever taken a long road trip, you know that it sometimes gets boring in the car. Well, DW got bored too. So, she started to play with the stress ball that we had bought at Epcot a few day ago. When I say she got bored, I mean really bored. Look for yourselves.

She called it a sea urchin and blew kisses at everyone who passed us. I was laughing so hard. I told her she looked like a retard. She just laughed.

We made it up the coast to Jacksonville, and headed on over to Oak Park where we had a hotel reservation. We checked in and went to our room, and after a minute discussion we checked back out. The place was nasty. We had never stayed at an EconoLodge before. Never plan to again. It was really gross. So much for Internet reservations. We headed on over to the Fairfield Inn by Mariott and spent the night there. We got to meet a couple more of my wifes friends (We gave her kids the lanyards and trading pins from CBR). We went to eat at some local seafood place. I don't remember the name, but it was really good.

Messy from eating cheetos
After dinner, we headed back to the hotel and talked with DW's friend until about 11:30, then we headed off to dream land.

More coming soon.

 

[MrOakie]

We had a good night sleep at the hotel. But we were anxious to get home and sleep in our own beds again. First though, we were going to head to the beach. Afterall, I've never been to the Atlantic Ocean before. I can now say however, that I've been coast to coast on I-10. We had breakfast at the hotel, and DW's friend met us for a morning at the beach. We all piled into our SUV, and headed to Jacksonville beach. It was a really pretty morning. We got some great shots. I was really surprise, because the day before had been so rainy.

All good things must come to an end So we packed up, and headed to lunch before driving DW's friends back to the hotel so they could pick up their car. They took us on a quick tour of Jacksonville before we left and headed home. Jacksonville is a pretty town.

I didn't really feel like driving today, so DW drove all the way back home from Jacksonville, I can't remember how long of a drive it was. I managed to get in several naps The only stops we made were to fill up the gas tank, and 2 quick potty breaks. We were sooooooo looking forward to getting home. We just had one last stop to make. We had to go pick up our baby.

She was staying with DW's parents. Roxie went absolutely nuts when we walked into the house. She really missed us. From the inlaws, it was another 20 minutes home. Along the way, we stopped at Taco Bell to get a quick bite to eat (which they messed up on). Then a quick run to our apartment. SO GLAD TO BE HOME

We already talked about going back to WDW. Just don't know when it will be. Hope you all enjoyed my TR. Thanks for all the coments

 

[crossfamily]

Oh mr. Oakie it was great! Bummer about the space shuttle! I know how you guys were so looking forward to seeing it. I wouldn't have paid that price either!!!!! Cheap here too all but ! Once again glad we got to meet! KIT Your limey pal

 

[Va-bear]

Loved the whole trip Mr. Oakie!!! I'm so glad ya'll had a good time! I also hope you get to go back soon and write another great report for us! Wahhhhhhh...your great pics make memiss it more!! Thanks again!!

Virginia

 

[stinkerbelle's mom]

Wow, that was a fantastic TR! You take the best pictures! Glad you & the Mrs had a great vacation!

 

[rer1972]

Great TR MrOakie. Sounds like you both had a great time and really got the most out of the trip. I had to laugh at the picture of the ladies in the Kennedy Space Center parking lot. I still remember standing outside MGM waiting for the tram with my uncle, aunt, and cousin. Then the skies opened up. I have never been that soaked in my life. So I can understand the makeshift ponchos.
Have to say great pictures from the whole trip. I only hope I can get pictures that good on my future trip.

Thanks for sharing with everyone; really enjoyed it.

 

[uhtimex]

We had a good night sleep at the hotel. But we were anxious to get home and sleep in our own beds again. First though, we were going to head to the beach. Afterall, I've never been to the Atlantic Ocean before. I can now say however, that I've been coast to coast on I-10. We had breakfast at the hotel, and DW's friend met us for a morning at the beach. We all piled into our SUV, and headed to Jacksonville beach. It was a really pretty morning. We got some great shots. I was really surprise, because the day before had been so rainy.

All good things must come to an end So we packed up, and headed to lunch before driving DW's friends back to the hotel so they could pick up their car. They took us on a quick tour of Jacksonville before we left and headed home. Jacksonville is a pretty town.

I didn't really feel like driving today, so DW drove all the way back home from Jacksonville, I can't remember how long of a drive it was. I managed to get in several naps The only stops we made were to fill up the gas tank, and 2 quick potty breaks. We were sooooooo looking forward to getting home. We just had one last stop to make. We had to go pick up our baby.

She was staying with DW's parents. Roxie went absolutely nuts when we walked into the house. She really missed us. From the inlaws, it was another 20 minutes home. Along the way, we stopped at Taco Bell to get a quick bite to eat (which they messed up on). Then a quick run to our apartment. SO GLAD TO BE HOME

We already talked about going back to WDW. Just don't know when it will be. Hope you all enjoyed my TR. Thanks for all the coments

OUTSTANDING

What a great TR, great written details and super Pics. You two looked like you were having the time of your life. Good luck on your next trip.

 

[dwheatl]

I loved your pictures, especially the sea urchin. DH and I stayed at the Jax Econolodge many years ago. It was during a hurricane and flash flooding, and it was the pits. We were really poor then, so stuck with it. I think you made the right choice.
When are you coming back to DL?

 

[hockeymomoftwo]

loved the trip report especially the pics. Thanks to you i had to go and buy another memory card. I only hope my pics turn out as well.

 

[kaw1218]

Great report!! Love the writing...absolutely adore the pictures!!!!