OK, now I'll be the first to admit I'm not much of a writer, but here goes.
We had a great time. I knew it was going to be a great trip from the moment we pulled into the Hojo parking lot Friday Nov 16 at 9:24pm, just in time to see the fireworks from the parking lot!
People were everywhere, but the waits were only 30-45 minutes at the most, on many of the rides. The kids were more adventurous this time and tried many new rides. DD7 only hasn't been on two rides, the Maliboomer (she's too short) and the Orange Stinger because no one wants to go with her! She has become quite the roller coaster junkie! DS6 tried many new rides this trip, some he didn't like, but others he did. DD9 loves everything we take her on (she has cerebral palsy, so the wilder rides are not possible)
Both DD7and DS got picked for Jedi training which was a highlight for both of them. DS left in tears back in Feb after not being picked so this time were were prepared. He came wearing a bright yellow Star Wars shirt and a Jedi trainign academy hat and holding a sign reading "I want to be a Jedi" He was one of the first chosen. After he was picked, DD took the sign and was picked near the end of the selection process. They had a great time and are very proud of thier "diplomas".
The castle and fireworks were amazing. We saw the fireworks from right in front of the castle Tuesday right. We had seen them from other areas the previous 4 nights, but this was the first time near the castle and it really was wonderful! I like the "Remember" show better, but did enjoy the "Believe" fireworks.
The kids enjoyed spending an hour or more everyday running around the Island at DL or the Redwood Trail at DCA. We put in full days (14 hours at the park most days!!) but the kids never complained or even fought. They slept in till 10:30 the morning after we left though since they were EXHAUSTED!!
We liked the Hojo, but will probably stick with someplace closer if we can find something comparably priced for a suite or connecting rooms.
We had a couple of bad moments. First DH missed Fantasmic because the crowds/security wouldn't let him back to the spot we had been holding for over an hour an a half after he had to take DS to the bathroom 20 minutes before the show started. I was able to get DS through the crowd, but honestly NO ONE would let DH in. Second the locker we were renting jammed so I wasn't able to get the camera out for my son's birthday at Goofy's Kitchen, then I was late for the dinner since I was dealing with getting it opened. Luckily I phoned DH who was at the restaurant and had him run over to the gift shop and pick up a single use camera and just left the locker till later. One final thing I discovered upon returning home. My 1,002,800 point round on Buzz Lightyear email never came through!!! Luckily my husband was riding with me, or I know he would never believe my score(you gotta love stopping right in front of a triangle target!)! From now on I will take a picture of the screen when sending the email, so I have backup proof!!!
Now, I have to convince DH that we need to go back sooner rather than later. Right now the plan is February 2009, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed for an earlier trip!
We had a great time. I knew it was going to be a great trip from the moment we pulled into the Hojo parking lot Friday Nov 16 at 9:24pm, just in time to see the fireworks from the parking lot!
People were everywhere, but the waits were only 30-45 minutes at the most, on many of the rides. The kids were more adventurous this time and tried many new rides. DD7 only hasn't been on two rides, the Maliboomer (she's too short) and the Orange Stinger because no one wants to go with her! She has become quite the roller coaster junkie! DS6 tried many new rides this trip, some he didn't like, but others he did. DD9 loves everything we take her on (she has cerebral palsy, so the wilder rides are not possible)
Both DD7and DS got picked for Jedi training which was a highlight for both of them. DS left in tears back in Feb after not being picked so this time were were prepared. He came wearing a bright yellow Star Wars shirt and a Jedi trainign academy hat and holding a sign reading "I want to be a Jedi" He was one of the first chosen. After he was picked, DD took the sign and was picked near the end of the selection process. They had a great time and are very proud of thier "diplomas".
The castle and fireworks were amazing. We saw the fireworks from right in front of the castle Tuesday right. We had seen them from other areas the previous 4 nights, but this was the first time near the castle and it really was wonderful! I like the "Remember" show better, but did enjoy the "Believe" fireworks.
The kids enjoyed spending an hour or more everyday running around the Island at DL or the Redwood Trail at DCA. We put in full days (14 hours at the park most days!!) but the kids never complained or even fought. They slept in till 10:30 the morning after we left though since they were EXHAUSTED!!
We liked the Hojo, but will probably stick with someplace closer if we can find something comparably priced for a suite or connecting rooms.
We had a couple of bad moments. First DH missed Fantasmic because the crowds/security wouldn't let him back to the spot we had been holding for over an hour an a half after he had to take DS to the bathroom 20 minutes before the show started. I was able to get DS through the crowd, but honestly NO ONE would let DH in. Second the locker we were renting jammed so I wasn't able to get the camera out for my son's birthday at Goofy's Kitchen, then I was late for the dinner since I was dealing with getting it opened. Luckily I phoned DH who was at the restaurant and had him run over to the gift shop and pick up a single use camera and just left the locker till later. One final thing I discovered upon returning home. My 1,002,800 point round on Buzz Lightyear email never came through!!! Luckily my husband was riding with me, or I know he would never believe my score(you gotta love stopping right in front of a triangle target!)! From now on I will take a picture of the screen when sending the email, so I have backup proof!!!
Now, I have to convince DH that we need to go back sooner rather than later. Right now the plan is February 2009, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed for an earlier trip!
I'm impressed! I always beat my DH, which irritates him to no end. It's usually only because I get one lucky shot on something that quadruples my score! 
