My Trip with the Senior Gang 1/29 - 2/5 (Long)

[addlema]

Thanks for the report.. Good reading!

 

[off to neverland]

What a great report! Thank you so much for posting; I found myself laughing and crying throughout it.

Keep going, please!

 

[jennymouse]

Thank you for the comments. I've been to an auction all day today to get things to resell so I haven't had time to work on the report. Hopefully, I'll get the next installment on tomorrow.

 

[rasnlms]

Looking forward to the next installment

 

[kellyla]

I have really enjoyed these installments.

 

[jennymouse]

Wednesday, February 2nd – The Day That Didn’t Go As Planned

In case you haven’t noticed, we haven’t used the Disney Buses yet with the three ECVs. That’s because the buses only hold two, and that’s if there isn’t already someone with an ECV or wheelchair already on it. That’s one thing that is so nice about the Epcot resorts; we didn’t need them for Epcot or MGM. But, today was the day that we had to venture out of our comfort zone.

Never fear, Super Planner is here!

There is a certain DISer amongst us that is very familiar with the WDW Transportation Department that I can’t name to protect his/her job. Way back during the planning stages of this vacation, I sent him/her a private message and asked his/her advice on using the buses with three ECVs. She/he gave me the phone number to the WDW Transportation Headquarters and told me to request the “Special Bus” that holds several wheelchairs or ECVs. All I had to do was call one hour before I needed it. I couldn’t tell them who gave me the number though.

Today was the day we needed to use the “Special Bus” because it was our Animal Kingdom day. I got up early and hit the shower. My legs and feet were feeling much better after taking it easy on the ECV yesterday. The only problem I could foresee was that there were showers in the forecast, but over the last few years I’ve become poncho poor so we had plenty. We even had extras to drape over the ECVs so they wouldn’t get wet.

While Dad got ready I made the call to WDW Transportation. A friendly sounding fellow named Jay answered. I explained my problem and told him what I needed. He was extremely nice and said there’d be no problem. Then he asked the question, “How did I get the number? Did I get it from guest services?” “Uh, no, uh, a friend gave it to me.” No problem. We were all set. We met Gladys & Clyde in their room for breakfast then headed down the hall to our ECV Parking Area.

But, Gladys’ ECV was dead again.

We fiddled with the neutral gear on the back of it, pushed it a little, and did everything we could do. It wasn’t moving. What to do, what to do?

We went on down to the lobby where I called Jay at WDW Transportation, told him what happened and canceled the “Special Bus.” We were going to use the regular bus since we only had two ECVs and rent another for Gladys when we got there.

I then called Care Medical and got the guy I’d talked to on Sunday. With attitude, he started with the technical questions again and I told him what I could. I don’t know who went number 2 in his Wheaties that morning, but he was taking it out on me. I remained as calm as I could and didn’t raise my voice because I was standing in the Boardwalk lobby. I told him we needed a replacement and told him where the dead ECV was sitting and that we were leaving to go to Animal Kingdom where we were going to have to rent another ECV.

He wanted us to wait; he’d have someone there in an hour. I told him that wasn’t acceptable and that we had plans. He said I should’ve called him sooner. I told him that I called not five minutes after we found the ECV dead. You get the idea. I think he should’ve been glad that I didn’t insist that he deliver us an ECV to Animal Kingdom. I didn’t even ask for a refund for the day we weren’t going to be using his ECV. All I wanted was for him to get us another one there some time that day. Not unreasonable, I don’t think. I’ll be calling Randy’s or Walker the next time we go and need ECVs.

We caught the regular bus and made it to Animal Kingdom around 10 o’clock. I’d planned on getting there closer to opening since we didn’t have too long to spend there. To save a little time, Gladys and I went on ahead to rent her ECV since it would take a little bit to get the men off the bus and we told them we’d meet them at the ECV rental area. The timing was good as about the time we got that taken care of the men showed up.

The Festival of the Lion King was getting ready to start so we headed there first. The show was awesome as usual and everyone enjoyed it. I needed that bit of pixie dust to get me back in the magical state of mind. Kilimanjaro Safari was next but it was kind of a dud that time. Not too many animals out and the ones that were out were far away. I could tell Gladys was a bit disappointed in it as that was the one thing that she’d mentioned looking forward to before we left home. I told her that we’d wait a little while and do it again; maybe it would be better. We went on the trail next to the safari and it was better than the safari.

Next up was It’s Tough to be A Bug. Clyde loved it of course. He’s a very reserved kind of man, but gets all animated when he gets excited. He came out of the Tree of Life just rolling laughing at the bugs leaving the theatre, and the stink bug. I was beginning to get the feeling that Magic Kingdom was going to be his favorite park. Before we left, while we were still in the planning stage, Gladys said that she didn’t think they’d be too interested in Magic Kingdom so I’d only planned a half day for it on our last day. If you read my trip report from last February you already know how Dad feels about Magic Kingdom.

By then it was time for lunch so we went to Tusker House and all got the yummy fried chicken sandwiches. While we were inside eating it start to shower. I ran out to cover the ECVs with the ponchos and we donned our ponchos when we left. By the time we got to Flights of Wonder it had quit raining. We all enjoyed that show, but it started raining again when it was over. Instead of going on the safari again we decided to leave and go back to the Boardwalk to rest up and get ready for the Cirque de Soliel show.

When we got back to the resort, I checked to see if our replacement ECV had been left and it had so we got it and headed back to the rooms. We ended up not having much time to rest up before we had to get ready to go.

We grabbed a taxi and before we knew it we were in our seats for Cirque. I’d gotten us some good ones too. We were right in the middle, and the second row up on the second level. A terrible thing happened while we were waiting though. We watched a man fall down the steps on the lower level and he hit hard. So hard we could hear it when his head hit. He was bleeding badly when they got him into a seat. Paramedics were on the scene in a matter of seconds and the man had to be helped out of the show. I bet he had to go to the hospital because they never did come back in.

Cirque was just awesome. That made my third time seeing it but I still enjoyed it and noticed things I hadn’t seen before. Gladys & Clyde said it was the best show they’d ever seen and Dad liked it even better this time than the last. If you get a chance to see it by all means, go. It’s a little pricey but well worth it. I stopped at the stand in the lobby area to get a CD of the music and Gladys insisted on buying it for me.

From there we took a taxi to Animal Kingdom Lodge for our dinner at Jiko. My senior gang doesn’t like to eat late meals, but we’d either have to eat really late or really early. I guess I should’ve made it really early.

I’d been looking forward to this meal ever since AKL opened. I’ve had two other priority seating for it on two other trips but never made it for one reason or another. On the way there, I told Gladys & Clyde how everyone raves about Jiko on the boards. Animal Kingdom Lodge looked magnificent at night. I’ve stayed there twice and enjoyed it each time.

When we walked into Jiko there was a strong fish odor. Dad commented on it, but we couldn’t help but notice it. We were seated towards the back of the restaurant where the lighting was better. Dad commented that it was a good thing because we wouldn’t have been able to see the menu otherwise. Fast forward a little bit and we are brought our salads and soup. My butternut squash soup was just barely warm but I ate it and didn’t complain. The senior gang all got salads and the salads were nearly bone dry. There was a little bit of dressing drizzled on the plate and the greens were piled on top. Even when they mixed them up a bit there wasn’t enough dressing to taste. They asked for more and the waitress just brought them one of those little plastic cups about half full. By the time Dad & Clyde poured a little on their salads, there wasn’t enough left for Gladys and she was getting ticked off. I wanted to call the waitress over for some more dressing but Gladys said no. I kind of dropped it.

We started talking about our plans for the next day and that we’d have to get up early to get to the Magic Kingdom for our breakfast reservation at 8:10. Before we left home, Dad was telling Gladys & Clyde that we should have breakfast in the castle. They agreed and I made the reservation and paid the deposit. I didn’t tell them that I’d paid a deposit, because I planned to treat them all. When I said that our PS was at 8:10 and we’d need to leave for Magic Kingdom at around 7:30, Clyde piped up and said that since we were up so late and had to get up so early we might as well just stay up. I said we didn’t have to go at all. Nothing was set in stone. The subject was dropped when our entrees arrived.

To hear the senior gang, they were the worst meals they’d ever had. Funny, the men cleaned their plates of their Filet though. Gladys had gotten the Monkfish and didn’t care for it. I tasted it too and had to agree it wasn’t very good; kind of rubbery and strong. I’m sure that I’ll have dinner at Jiko again sometime. I just think the senior gang was tired and grumpy, but our dinner had a bit of a sour note to it. After dinner they ordered coffee and I ordered a Zebratini to go. They weren’t interested in going outside to Arusha Rock and seeing the animals but I wanted to so I told them I’d meet them in the lobby.

Once outside it had started to rain again so I just went to the gift shop and looked around a bit. It wasn’t long before we met up in the lobby and took a quiet taxi ride back to the Boardwalk.

When I went to bed I didn’t know if we were going to go to breakfast in the castle or not. I figured if they wanted to go they’d call me and tell me. While planning, I’d thought this would be one of our best days and although Cirque was great, the rest of the day was just off somehow. The next day would be our last day at WDW. Would it be a good one or bad?

 

[off to neverland]

Jenifer,

Dix and I have made the agreement that we will each be allowed one grumpy episode each trip at WDW since it seems they are inevitable! Sounds like your gang all had their at Jiko!

I think it's impossible not to have a downtime on these trips; they are so over-the-top that one is bound to come down and crash a bit.

Hopefully your day at MK will be much better. I can't wait to find out!

 

[lmhall2000]

I'm just all warm and fuzzy inside thinking of how dear you are to these sweet companions! The image that came to mind of you leading the ECV pack in the lobby was the song, "Five little ducks went out one day, over the hills and far away..." You (albeit age belies this) are the momma and you've got three little ECV ducks in tow ready and anticipating their next adventure!

Thanks for sharing...hope MK was special.

Tara

 

[Montana Minnies]

Great trip reports!

"Dad commented that it was a good thing because we wouldn’t have been able to see the menu otherwise"

I can relate to the comment by your dad, it sounds exactly like something my own dad would have said and others within their age range. I guess they just don't get the dim lights and the atmosphere when eating?
About 20 years ago, (1985) my sister and I went with Mom and Dad, then in their late 60's. My dad being a rancher, farmer liked his meat & potatoes. Well one morning we were in a hurry and decided to catch a bite to eat at Epcot in Future World and what he ended up with was something that looked and tasted like pizza. Boy did we hear about that!
Dad passed away in 1996 and so when we went this last summer we feel like he was there with us in spirit. You are right there is just something about WDW that brings out the "kid" in all of us

My oldest niece really liked Jiko's when we ate there last summer, my sister was not as impressed. I just wish I could remember what we ate! I think from now on when we go to WDW I am going to write down afterwards what I have had to eat, because I just never remember.
You are doing a wonderful job of writing and sharing your "senior gang" vacation experience. It will be something you will always remember and treasure in years to come.
Enid from Montana

 

[jennymouse]

Thursday, February 3rd – Our Last Full Day at Walt Disney World

I woke on our last full day of WDW feeling a little sad that our trip was drawing to a close, yet excited to see the castle. To me, I’m just not at WDW until I see it. I get all warm and fuzzy just walking down Main Street, USA. Then going from attraction to attraction and seeing all my favorites. I like the old dark rides the best; to me that’s Disney.

The phone rang and it was Clyde, “We want to go eat with the princesses.” He said.

“Clyde, we don’t have to. Dad and I have already done it so we don’t care either way, so don’t say you do on our account. It’s not a big deal really; it’s only breakfast.”

“Well, we haven’t done it. And since we’re here, we might as well do it all.”

“Okay then, be ready to head to the bus stop by 7:15.”

It was already 6:30. I didn’t have time to take a shower, but we were planning to come back to get ready for our PS at the California Grill, so I’d take one then. Dad was stirring so I told them we had to rush a bit and that I’d make it quick.

But first I had to call Jay and see if we could get the “Special Bus.” That Jay was a very nice man. He was glad we got the ECV thing straightened out and said he’d have the bus here at 7:30.

We had the Weather Channel on while we rushed around and got ready and it was calling for showers again today. I went out on the balcony and it wasn’t raining but it was so foggy that I couldn’t see the Yacht & Beach Clubs across the lake. We hadn’t spent much time on our balconies aside from just stepping out there to look around every now and then. I liked that Boardwalk View though, and we hadn’t had any problems with noise from the games and folks coming from Jellyrolls.

Speaking of Jellyrolls, we were kind of planning on going there that night. It seems like anymore, I get a foggy hangover if I have more than two beers or cocktails. If we went I’d have to limit my intake or I’d have a hangover for the drive to Hilton Head Island the next day. I’m bad enough with finding my way, I sure didn’t need that.

We meet Gladys & Clyde and headed on down to the bus stop. We were by ourselves for a minute or two and then a young couple with two little ones came. The “Special Bus” was about five minutes late but when it pulled in, the overhead sign on it said Reserved so we knew it was ours.

The bus driver, forgot his name, teased us about the day before; saying that he was all ready to come get us but we cancelled out on him. While the senior gang was loading up I saw the young couple checking out the reserved sign and went over to explain. I asked them where they were going and they said Magic Kingdom so I asked the driver if we could take them too. Of course he said fine. It was nice to be able to give a little pixie dust that morning.

We were at Magic Kingdom in no time. While in line to get in, a family cut in front of us by standing beside us then when it was time to go in they just barged in front of us. I let it slide; the morning was going to well to taint it.

Main Street smelled great, but it was so foggy the castle didn’t show very well. No one tried to take our picture and I guess it was because the castle was so foggy. As a matter of fact, no one tried to take our picture the whole trip. I’d thought with the new Photo Pass thing there would’ve been folks snapping our pictures right and left. Maybe we were so ugly they didn’t want to!

We went up the ramp to the castle and the seniors parked their ECVs. I went and checked us in and they sent us on into the lobby area. Of course Dad had to go to the bathroom right off the bat. We teased him about peeing in the castle. While he was still in there, they called our name and we had to wait a minute before going up in the elevator. When he came out we teased him some more about marking his territory everywhere he went like a dog.

Upstairs in the restaurant, Gladys was getting a big kick out of the little girls in their princess outfits. We had a good breakfast and the princesses came around and I took Gladys & Clyde’s pictures with them. Dad said he already had his picture with them so he didn’t need to do it again. When Belle came, Gladys talked to her about seeing them in New York. Dad’s favorite last year had been Snow White and she wasn’t there that time. He noticed and inquired about her, which we thought, was cute. He did get to see her in the parade at MGM though. It was a nice breakfast and we all enjoyed it.

I can’t wait to bring my new granddaughter, Haley, to see the princesses, but I want to wait until she’s out of diapers first. I have a feeling I won’t be able to wait though.

After breakfast we went down and got started in Fantasyland. Gladys wanted to ride the Carousel so we went there first. We both had to find low horses that we could get on because we couldn’t get up on the high ones. Dad and Clyde wanted no part of it, but they took our picture while we rode. Afterwards, I went for Peter Pan since I knew it would get a line soon. And since it was right there we went to see Mickey’s Philharmagic which was just awesome again. You just can’t help but reach out for Donald when he’s right in your face reaching out for you wanting your help. I saw Clyde do it too! After that we went on Pooh real quick before heading to Liberty Square. I wanted to get Clyde on The Haunted Mansion.

They got a kick out of reading the tombstones. At Fred’s tombstone I said hello to Richyams, a DISer that posted on the DVC board that died last year. Before we left his wife posted that she and their daughter was at WDW sprinkling Rich’s ashes around WDW and they’d put some on Fred’s tombstone. The eyes were stuck open on the new tombstone and I whispered it to the CM who let us in.

I kind of wanted to ride with Clyde but didn’t want to say so and it didn’t work out that way. Dad & I got into one doom buggy and I turned and peeked to see if Gladys & Clyde got on okay and about that time they stopped the moving floor and I saw them walking in the opposite direction. I turned around and told Dad that I thought maybe they’d changed their minds or something. We rode but I couldn’t fully enjoy it for worrying about what happened with Gladys & Clyde.

Afterwards, we waited at the end to see if they were getting off and they did. We found out that the moving floor got to them and they weren’t able to get on fast enough, but they did get in a car and rode. I felt kind of bad for not seeing to them, but they were laughing about the ride and everything was alright.

Afterwards, we did the Hall of Presidents, where I grabbed a quick nap, before heading over to Frontierland. The fog had now burned off leaving a bright sunny sky! There was a show going on in the street with Woody, Jessie, and the horse (can’t think of his name) dancing with the kids. Of course we had to stop at Dad’s favorite, The Country Bear Jamboree, first thing. The crowd in there was actually having a good time and participating which helps the experience. They all loved it.

Then it was time to face Splash Mountain.

We walked/rolled up to it slowly and as we stood/sat there in a row facing it, Gladys said, “I don’t think I can go down that thing.”

Clyde said, “I don’t want to get wet.”

Dad said, “I’ll go.”

I said, “Let’s go over here to Adventureland and ride Pirates of the Caribbean.”

On the way we passed a man sitting on a rock wall eating a turkey leg and there were at least 20 birds standing in front of him just waiting to get a bite of the turkey leg. It was hilarious. Everyone was looking and pointing. Poor guy couldn’t even eat his turkey leg in peace.

At Pirates, the seniors parked their ECVs in the stroller parking area and a family came walking by singing “Yo Ho, Yo Ho, a pirate’s life for me.” We laughed and went and got on the ride. Gladys screamed a little when we went down the dip fast in the dark. Of course they loved it and came off laughing about it. I could tell they were having fun. Clyde liked the redhead. You see what I’m doing here, don’t you? I’m trying to work them up to Splash. I told Gladys that the drop on Splash was like the one in Pirates except longer and in the daylight.

We went on the Jungle Cruise next and it was pretty good. I don’t think the captain was into it though, but the senior gang didn’t seem to notice. I’d hate to have the CM’s job that has to say the same spiel over and over again all day long.

We made our way back to Frontierland and Dad and I had to take a potty break. I got out before Dad and found Gladys & Clyde looking at Splash. Without me even bringing the subject up, Gladys said, “Alright, I’ll ride it, but Clyde won’t because he doesn’t want to get wet.”

“Clyde, you won’t get wet. We’ll sit in the back rows. You might get a little splash but you won’t get drenched.”

Dad came out and we all went over to the entrance to Splash Mountain. They parked their ECVs and Clyde got off to ride too! Clyde pointed out the sign that said you might get wet. I’d told him that he’d dry fast in the sun. At the chicken exit they read the last chance sign but kept on going. It was time to get in the log. Gladys put on one of those rain bonnets so her hair wouldn’t get wet. I told the CM we needed the back rows and he accommodated our request. We were in, but Gladys was having second thoughts.

It was too late, we were moving.

Clyde was getting a kick out the animatronics but Gladys was too concerned about the drops to enjoy it much I think. Every time we’d go down one of the little drops Gladys would say “Was that it!” I told her I would tell her when the time came. I could see Dad was even getting a little nervous about the drop. He was squirming around in his seat and adjusting his ball cap.

And then we started climbing up the hill right before the drop. I told Gladys this was it.

I’m so glad it doesn’t pause long before the drop because I think Gladys would’ve tried to climb out. I think we all screamed except Dad. I could hear Gladys and Clyde screaming in the back. That entrance to the briar patch looks so tiny from up top.

We got a pretty big splash! We were all laughing and Clyde was all animated. He said “You said we wouldn’t get wet!” And he did get the wettest of us all! I said, “That’s for threatening to cut my ears off all the time when I was a kid!” We were just all cracking up and having fun. I could tell they were so proud of themselves for doing it! Of course we had to buy the picture. Actually, Gladys insisted on buying two, one for them and one for us. Here it is; I cropped it so you could see their expressions better. Gladys & Clyde are in the very back row and Dad and I are in front of them. Poor Gladys looks like she’s going to die!

Dad was hungry for ice cream. He didn’t want one of those ice cream bars; he wanted a real ice cream cone so we made our way back to Main Street to the ice cream shop. Clyde and I got the ice cream cookie sandwiches that were huge and Dad ended up getting a sundae and Gladys got a cone. Clyde insisted on treating us. We found a table outside to enjoy our treat.

There were some little girls out there who were feeding the birds and had them all in frenzy. They came right by our table and started to feed them some more but I sent them away. Mean old me. Those birds were wild! A man came by with a hamburger and some fries and the birds knocked the fries out of his hand then swarmed on them. It was all quite a show!

While we were eating our ice cream, we talked about how much fun Magic Kingdom was and Gladys & Clyde said it was their favorite. They loved Epcot too but loved Magic Kingdom even more. Dad said even he was enjoying it more than he did the last time. Maybe that’s because we only spent an hour there last time besides breakfast. It helped that there weren’t hardly any crowds and the weather was sunny and warm. Since we were having so much fun there and there was still a lot to do, I asked if they’d rather skip our dinner at California Grill and just stay there all day and see Wishes. They were all for it!

When we finished our treats they said they’d like to take a train ride around the park so I took them along the pathway between Tomorrowland and Toon Town to catch the train there so they wouldn’t have to deal with the stairs. After we’d decided to skip our evening plans we felt so much more relaxed in our touring.

The train ride was nice and the seniors were impressed that it was a real steam engine. Afterwards, we went back to Tomorrowland and did the Transit Authority and then Buzz. Clyde ended up with the high score. The Carousel of Progress was open so we did that too. I hadn’t seen it since Dad took us when my brother and I were kids because it’s always closed or I miss it somehow. It was good seeing it again and the seniors were pointing out things they had in their homes when they were younger. I can’t imagine having an ice box. When we finished in Tomorrowland, we went back to Adventureland to do the Tiki Room and rode Pirates one more time.

We were then getting hungry and needed to decide what we were going to have for dinner since we were skipping our California Grill PS. Gladys said she was hungry for a good ol’ hamburger after all our fancy eating all week. I wanted them to see the Grand Floridian so we decided to take the Monorail over to the Grand and have dinner at the Grand Floridian Café.

Riding the Monorail with the ECVs wasn’t a problem for us but it seemed to be a lot of work for the CM who had to lug that big ol’ ramp around. They said they were used to it though. At the Grand there was a man playing the piano in the lobby. We looked around and then found our way to the café. Those burgers were humongous! We should’ve split them because none of us were able to finish. The big steak fries were yummy too.

After dinner we took the Monorail back to Magic Kingdom to find a spot to view Wishes. I was sorry that they weren’t having Spectromagic that night. I stopped and asked a CM if there was a special handicap viewing area for Wishes and he kind of snapped at me and told me to just go find a spot in front of the castle. I think he was the only grumpy CM we ran into all week.

We found a spot along the curb on Main Street right up from the ice cream shop then just kind of hung around and waited. Wishes was just spectacular! We’d chosen a great spot and the seniors had no problems seeing it from their seats on their ECVs. We had to wait for the crowds to pass because there were so many people walking on the sidewalk behind the ECVs they couldn’t back out. They couldn’t go forward without going over the curb. It was amazing to see how many people had been in the park that day when it didn’t feel crowded at all.

The crowd thinned out enough so that we could join in the exit to the gates. We were going to ride the Monorails back to Epcot then go through Future World to the International Gateway back to the Boardwalk.

While heading up the ramp to go to the Monorail, Gladys ECV started just creeping up the hill.

It was showing a low charge and we suspected that she perhaps left her key in the on position while were just parked because several times one of us had to tell her to turn the key off. But, of course, no one dared say it.

Dad got on her ECV and let her have his. Clyde pointed out that right on the ECV it said to take hills and ramps at an angle so Dad sort of crept up the ramp in a zigzag. We laughed that people would think he was drunk or playing. About half way up, the ECV stopped. I had to get behind him and push him on up it. At the top, we were concerned that we wouldn’t be able to get back to the resort with it but for some reason we weren’t stressing out over it. We were still laughing and just having a good ol’ time teasing Gladys about being a scooter killer. I fiddled with the neutral gear on the back and it started going again. We got on the Monorail and got off at the TTC. But I ended up having to push Dad up the ramp again to get on the Epcot Monorail. Whew!

We made it to Epcot though!

Before I left home, Epcot was scheduled to have their Extra Magic Hours that night. When we got to the turnstiles, there was only two open and there was a big line at both of them. It was 8:30pm and I commented to the CM that they needed to open more and she said they closed in a half hour and didn’t know why all the people were just coming. I told her that the website said this was an Extra Magic Hour night right before I left home and she said that it had been changed to MGM. I know we hadn’t gotten word of it so I’m sure no one else knew it had been changed either.

Dad was still on Gladys’s ECV and it was just creeping along. We decided that we’d have to give it some charge if we were ever going to make it back to the Boardwalk so I took it into the ladies bathroom and asked the attendant if it was okay to let it charge there while we rode Spaceship Earth. It was neat that we had started our WDW vacation with Spaceship Earth and that we were going to end with it as well. It’s like we’d come full circle or something.

Afterwards, the ECV was showing a little bit of charge and we hoped it would be enough to get us home. As we went through Canada and UK, Illuminations started and we stopped to watch it again for a little while but we headed to the International Gateway before it ended because we didn’t want to have to swim upstream against the mob leaving with the ECV acting up.

I had to push again going up the hill to the bridge to the Boardwalk. Dad was zigzagging and I was pushing him and we were laughing because folks were looking at us like we were drunk. Once on the flat Boardwalk though Dad was able to creep along. Gladys and I stopped in the candy shop and bought some goodies for the drive home.

Since the ECV was acting up we decided to just turn them all in at Bell Services and walk down the hall to the studios. Needless to say, I was feeling pretty darn tired after pushing the ECV up hills all night! I was never so glad to lay down on a sleeper sofa in my life!

We had just gone to bed and the lights were out and I was thinking about the day and Gladys & Clyde on Splash Mountain and that picture and started laughing out loud and couldn’t quit. Dad asked what I was laughing about and I told him and he started laughing too.

I was a good day.

It was the best day of the whole trip.

One more installment and I'm done!

 

[Montana Minnies]

I can not believe you actualy got those 3 to ride Splash Mountain! What a great memory.

Clyde was getting a kick out the animatronics but Gladys was too concerned about the drops to enjoy it much I think. Every time we’d go down one of the little drops Gladys would say “Was that it!” I told her I would tell her when the time came. I could see Dad was even getting a little nervous about the drop. He was squirming around in his seat and adjusting his ball cap.
The first time I took my sister on it, it was dark and she was like Gladys, she kept asking, "Is this it?" for the final drop. Last summer we went with my 2 older nieces(26,24) their younger sister (14) and my older brother (57), the picture is almost as good as the one you posted. But I think yours has yours beat! lol
What a Magical Day!
Enid

 

[HomeSweetDisney]

What a lovely trip report! I've really enjoyed reading it. I know that one day I'll be taking my mom and dad to Disney when they're seniors and I hope that it'll be just as magical as your trips with them. That picture of you, your dad, aunt, and uncle is just classic! What fun that must have been. I'm so glad you had a nice trip and I can't wait to read the last installment

 

[Ron from Michigan]

Thanks again for another great report. I loved the part where you got everyone on Splash Mountain, what great memories for you. Can't wait to read your final chapter.

 

[xterratri]

I am so glad that you had a great day at MK. The trip reports have been very good and I loved your picture from Splash Mountain. Sounds like you got some seriously good memories to treasure.

 

[Ellester]

I have so been enjoying your reports! I enjoyed the last one too, but this one is even better! Your tale of the seniors at Jiko reminded me so much of my Great Uncle Bennett (who has since passed away). He was the old bachelor uncle, lived with my dad and stepmom and traveled with us frequently. One afternoon he had ordered a corned beef sandwich somewhere and tore through it. When we asked him after how he enjoyed his lunch he couldn't say enough bad things about that sandwich! The worst corned beef he'd ever had in all his 85 years. Funny how we never heard a complaint while he was wolfing it down! Can't wait to read the final installment!

~Ellen

 

[disneymom3]

Jenny--I haven't even finished reading your first post yet, but I have to say that you are the sweetest daughter/niece ever!! You are so great with your "seniors" it is totally heartwarming! (And this coming from a 35 year old!)

 

[ironz]

Wonderful reports. And that photo from Splash is PRICELESS!! You're an angel.

 

[PrincessofQuiteAlot]

Your reports are great and you sound like a wonderful patient person. I wish you were my daughter lol!

 

[jennymouse]

Friday, February 4th – On to Hilton Head Island


Surprisingly enough, I was able to get out of bed the next morning. I wasn’t even sore or achy after all the pushing of ECVs. Dad & I started got showers and then packed up our belongings. Neither one of us bought many souvenirs this trip. Dad got a polo shirt and a ball cap and I was going home with some candy and the CD that Gladys bought me. So packing up wasn’t a problem, unlike when I take my granddaughter and we have to pack an empty suitcase to fit it all.

Last night we’d decided to meet in Gladys & Clyde’s studio to finish up the breakfast stuff we brought with us instead of eating breakfast at the Yacht Club Galley like we’d planned. It’s a bummer eating leftovers on your last day at Disney! I called for Bell Services and he was there lickity split. I also told them to have valet get the Explorer. After tipping Bell Services and valet, I had $16 left of our slush fund left so we’d estimated pretty well.

My navigator said he knew how to get back on the highway and he did a good job that time. On the way north we stopped and bought some fruit and pecans to take home. I bought the pecans with the leftover slush fund money and we chipped in on grapefruit, oranges and tangerines.

Back on the highway, there was a truck in front of us hauling an aluminum ladder. I kept looking at the ladder as it seemed to raise up a bit then go back down. I was getting ready to say that I didn’t think the driver had his ladder tied down and about that time it rose up again and came flying out. I swerved over into the left hand lane and I could still see it coming my way. I went on over onto the shoulder of the road and somehow managed to keep control of the car and make it back on the road without hitting anything, getting hit and I avoided the ladder. When I looked it the rearview mirror the ladder was in the left hand lane and off the shoulder a bit so I just barely missed it. Scared the pee water out of us. We don’t think the dumb jerk driving even knew it happened. He never hit his breaks, stopped or anything; just kept on going.

We made it on to Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort without any more incidents. We didn’t arrive early enough to do much exploring but we liked what we saw. The resort is gorgeous; themed like a fishing lodge. We had a two bedroom villa that I was able to get a good DVC cash rate on with a winter special for $135. The tiles in the entry area had paw prints in them. There was a bench in the mud room that had a heart with Mickey + Minnie in the middle that was really cute. We went to the Beach House and checked that out and saw the ocean. I can’t wait to take my granddaughters and daughter there in July.

We went to a restaurant right by the resort called Kingfishers for dinner. We hadn’t eaten any lunch so we were hungry early and arrived around 5:30. I think in the winter time HHI has mostly seniors wintering there as the restaurant was full of them. We fit right in! The waitress pointed out the Early Bird Specials and we all chose the shrimp that came with soup or salad and pecan pie for dessert. We were so full of our dinner that we had to take our pies with us and we ate them for a snack on the road the next day.

I think I was more tired than I’d thought I was because when we got back to the villa all I wanted to do was go to bed and it was only 7:30. I excused myself and hit the sack and watched TV until I drifted off to sleep.

Saturday, February 5th – We Made it Home!

Nothing exciting to report here; it was about a 9 hour drive and we made it home safely. Gladys said when we got here that she was ready to go back. I think she might have gotten Disneyfied while we were gone.

I did enjoy my trip with my seniors. Even better than I thought I would. I just talked to Gladys tonight and she said she got the film developed so I’ll try to post pictures if there’s any that are especially amusing. If not I won’t bother. Of course Gladys said her hair looked awful in every one of them.

Dad and I have been feeling kind of blah since we’ve gotten home. I guess it’s that after trip withdraw setting in. I don’t know when we’ll be back to WDW. I don’t know if Dad will want to go back to WDW or not. I’m sure he will if we can get Gladys & Clyde to go again. I’d love to take him on an Alaskan Cruise but unless someone drops a ton of money on us that probably won’t be happening.

Thanks for reading my reports and for the nice comments.

Love ya! Mean it!

That's all folks!

 

[rascalmom]

That has to be one of the sweetest trip reports I've ever read. We've all talked here on the boards how special it is to see Disney through the eyes of your children. You got to see it through the seniors eyes; memories, new adventures, laughs, grumpiness and mischeiviousness and all! How wonderful - and what a great daughter/neice you were to take them all together. Thanks for sharing. I'd love to see your pics!