Our APs are about to EXPIRE! Oh, no. Let's GO!

[heaven2dc]

Wow - I had some catching up to do! You guys are having a great trip so far I can't wait to go to Universal on our next trip to WDW. I wasn't sure if I should get tickets for both parks there (we were leaning towards IOA but I couldn't pass up Suess and Cat in the Hat. My youngest is 16 yrs old so I think he'd have fan at both parks - even my grandson who will be 2 1/2 by May should have fun too!)

 

[loribell]

Great trippie so far Tricia. Can't wait to read more.

I know what you mean about it seeming like you aren't supposed to be going. Mikey said that himself about our trip! Poor kid.

 

[RVGal]

Thanks for checking in guys. So much for the theory that things would calm down once school started. I know we'll settle into a routine after a week or two, but right now I am running in circles most days.

I will finish this sucker. Just give me a week or so to get my head on straight.

 

[RVGal]

Okay, so a week or two stretched a little closer to a month. Sorry. Things are crazy. I am determined to get this one finished before we take our cruise in a couple of weeks.

I left us in the MK, finished with Fantasyland and headed for Liberty Square. We checked with the boys to see if Haunted Mansion was an option. Joshua was ALL for it. Daniel agreed, I think mostly because big brother wanted to do it. We had to stand in line for about 20 mins, but it wasn't too long before we boarded our doom buggy and picked up a hitch hiking ghost. Next stop was the Country Bear Jamboree, mostly because the CM was yelling out the door that the next show was about to begin. When we exited the show, Joshua was ready for Splash Mountain. Fine. It was somewhere around 1:30pm and plenty hot, so why not.

It took us over an hour to get to that point in line. That's why not. All of our luck ran out right here at Splash Mtn. Easily the longest line we waited in the whole trip. We finally made it to a log and Joshua and I were in the front seat. I didn't take many pics, but I did get this one at the peak of the big hill.

After getting a good soaking on Splash Mtn, we headed back to Liberty Square for lunch. It was past peak lunch hour, pushing 3pm, so Columbia Harbor House was nearly empty. We took our trays upstairs and discovered that if you looked just right out of one set of windows, you could see the parade pass by.

After lunch, we cut through near Country Bear Jamboree over into Adventureland and rode the Magic Carpets in an attempt to dry off. I swear riding those carpets in summer is among the hottest options available. Then we decided to call it a day at the park and headed out. Oh, but first we spotted Wendy.

See how wet poor Joshua still was?

I tried to get a shot of the special "celebrate today" decor on the lamp posts on our way out.

A couple of people were giving me weird looks like I was trying to get a picture of them. Puh-leez, people. You are in a theme park. I'm trying to take a picture of stuff, not you. The world is not nearly as interested in you as you mistakenly think they are. Get over it.

It was early enough that we decided this would be our shopping evening at Downtown Disney. The boys really wanted to visit the Lego store and I always enjoy spending a little time wandering around. Plus there was a need to find new Mr Potato Head parts. Can't forget that.

We had no reservations or anything, but after shopping (and buying some worth-their-weight-in-gold Lego men, not to mention a box stuffed with Potato Head parts) we were starving and decided to try our luck for dinner.

At the booth we were told that it would be over an hour for a table inside, but there was immediate seating on the back deck. Hmmmm... let me think that one over... nice evening, immediate seating... yeah, we'll take the deck. I got the steak/ribs/shirmp combo:

Joshua got the dino shaped chicken nuggets and fried shrimp combo:

and Daniel got pizza:

I don't remember what Mom got. She was mortified that I was taking pictures of the food, so I skipped her plate. She just doesn't understand the whole trip report concept. Sigh.

We had a nice meal and watched the new balloon ride go up and down.

The boys wanted dessert. I don't know where they had room for it, but fine. Joshua got the dirt cup thing:

And Daniel stuck with a plain scoop of vanilla:

We got one more picture on our way back to the bus stop.

We were very tired and most definitely ready for bed by the time we got back to our hotel room. So ends another fun-filled day at Disney World.

 

[loribell]

Yay! An update! And a great one at that. The food at RFC looks much better than I ever remember having. Oh, and I never remember to get food pics, or bathroom pics for that matter. Can't wait for more.

 

[mtblujeans]

I love, love, love your pics....especially the food!

You mentioning the Haunted Mansion reminded me of our first trip to WDW. Youngest must have been 4, maybe. DH and oldest DS went to do something else and I wanted to go thru the HM while waiting for them. Youngest DS said ok but then I had to draaaagggg him into the ride! sigh

HE LOVED IT! I couldn't get him off the ride. We got out of HM and he had to run back into the line so we went thru again. And again. And again! I was glad DH showed up and wanted to move on!!

I hope to goodness you take trip report pics of your cruise to share! We are 'cruise newbies' and I enjoy learning whatever I can about the cruises!

 

[romymichelle21]

Next stop was the Country Bear Jamboree, mostly because the CM was yelling out the door that the next show was about to begin.

You guys still have Country Bear Jamboree?? I haven't seen that since I was 5 - because Disneyland got rid of theirs a long time ago!

That's an awesome picture! Yay castle!

At the booth we were told that it would be over an hour for a table inside, but there was immediate seating on the back deck. Hmmmm... let me think that one over... nice evening, immediate seating... yeah, we'll take the deck.

I like sitting outside at Rainforest too - it's much less... loud and screamy. Yes, the animatronic animals are cool, but the noise is ridiculous. Especially if you're right next to one of those animals and they go off every 5 minutes. (We sat next to the chest-banging gorilla once ). Plus you get to walk past the cool aquariums either way.

 

[MouseKTeer]

Joining in, and enjoying your TR!

Love the photo from the top of Splash!

 

[Gabes_mommy]

You are too funny! I am loving your report. I think my favorite thing so far was your son's "cool dude" pose.

 

[RVGal]

Yay! An update! And a great one at that. The food at RFC looks much better than I ever remember having. Oh, and I never remember to get food pics, or bathroom pics for that matter. Can't wait for more.

This was the only time I got food pics. We normally eat at CS places, so I figure if you have seen one burger, you've seen them all.

I hope to goodness you take trip report pics of your cruise to share! We are 'cruise newbies' and I enjoy learning whatever I can about the cruises!

Absolutely! Brad & I have cruised many times, but this will be our first trip on DCL, so there will be tons of pics. I have a spare memory card and a sleeve of batteries ready. Just in case.

You guys still have Country Bear Jamboree?? I haven't seen that since I was 5 - because Disneyland got rid of theirs a long time ago!

Yeah, but you've still got Mr Toads Wild Ride. I haven't been on that in years because Disney World replaced it with Pooh. Now, I love Pooh, but I miss Mr Toad too.

Joining in, and enjoying your TR!

Love the photo from the top of Splash!

Welcome and thanks! I got lucky on that one. I just clicked a couple of shots and that one turned out.

You are too funny! I am loving your report. I think my favorite thing so far was your son's "cool dude" pose.

Thanks! I think that pic is wonderful blackmail material. I shall save it for future embarrassment.


I have the next days pics uploaded and I'm working on text now. I'll be back...

 

[RVGal]

Day 5 - Monday, June 8, 2009


We were up and out at our usual time. Breakfast once again in the food court. Then we headed out to the bus stop for Epcot.

Daniel calls it "Effercot" for some reason. He can say the P sound fine, so I have no idea where that came from.

First stop after we got through the gates was FPs for Soarin'.

We've learned that lesson well. We were among a huge crowd of people doing the same thing. I'm guessing they probably distributed all FPs within a couple of hours after opening that day.

FPs aquired, we headed next door to Imagination to ride along with Figment.

This shot turned out a little psychadelic. Makes me dizzy if I look at it for too long.

After our trip with Figment, the boys "needed a snack" (which means they spotted one of the thousands of ice cream carts and wanted one).

Joshua, as usual, chose a Mickey bar.

Daniel, as usual, chose one of those Itzakadoozies. I think the name is so long so they can fill up the lable on that tall popcicle thing.

For anyone who hasn't seen them yet, that is the new scaled down "double" stroller that my not quite 4 year old is sitting in all by himself. Now, I know Daniel is in the 95% range for height, but still.

While they were snacking, I tried to get a shot of the Monorail with the "celebrate" balloons on it.

It didn't turn out very well. Sigh.

Next up was the Seas.

We stood in a looong line for that one. There was a que set up outside the building. We could tell the park was crowded, so it wasn't really going to matter what we did. We were going to stand in line. Better to just stick it out than run all over the park looking for that mythical short line. At least that's how I feel about it. Anyway, we made it to our clam shells eventually.

Joshua and Mom (sorta):

Daniel and Me (sorta):

I tried to get Daniel to cooperate and put his head with mine and look at the camera on almost every ride he and I were on together. This is the only one that turned out anywhere close to okay.

We wandered around looking at the tanks for a little while until the next Turtle Talk was ready to start.

Joshua was very lucky to be one of the kids chosen to ask Crush a question. I was totally surprised when he put his hand up (my normally shy fella doesn't do that) and Crush called on him as "the dude with the extra flipper on his head" (referring to his hair ). Joshua asked, "How do you breathe under water?" Crush answered, "I don't. Takes care of that problem right there." He then went on to explain how long a turtle can hold its breath and all that stuff. Joshua didn't stop talking about it for the rest of the day. He was so excited that Crush had talked to him.

After some more time exploring and watching the fishies, we headed out toward the World Showcase.

 

[loribell]

Joshua is like me, I have to have a Mickey bar every time too! They are always so excited to talk to Crush. We couldn't get the girls to go this time. Dang it! I'm glad Joshua got the chance!

 

[RVGal]

On our way to WS, I snapped a shot of one of the "Celebrate" lamp posts.

We decided to head to Norway first because the boys have never been on that ride.

It was a very short line. I tried to get a shot of one the boats while we were waiting.

Soon it was our turn.

The boys really enjoyed this one and I haven't been on in years, so I got a kick out of it too.

Joshua had some fun in the store on our way out.

He was singing "La, la, LAAAAA!" in a high squeaky voice. I don't see a future in opera for him.

Next stop was Mexico.

There was no line for the ride there at all. We boarded a boat right away.

The boys both love Donald Duck, so while the ride may not be much, they think it is great.

We realized that it was time to use our FPs, so we headed by to the Land.

This was Daniel's first time riding it. He was just a little too short on our last trip, but he was tall enough this time. He LOVED it. He still talks about "the movie where we went flying!"

After Soarin' we decided to have lunch since we were right there at the Seasons food court.

I have really enjoyed the food there our last few trips, but this time was a disappointment. It wasn't horrible, it just wasn't as good as it normally is. Oh, well.

By the time we finished eating, I remebered that the Visa cardholder's character greeting should be going on. We headed to Innoventions for that.

I can't say enough good things about this meet and greet. Having the characters all to yourself for a few minutes in a room is just fabulous. The boys (as you can see) had a blast.

 

[RVGal]

On our way out of Innoventions, I noticed the new Great Piggy Bank Adventure. I'd read good reviews about it and asked the kids if they wanted to try it. They thought it looked like fun and so we got in line.

Mom quickly decided that she'd rather find a bench and wait for us, which turned out to be a good thing. The game works best when you have a team of 3 (which seems sorta strange to me). We loved it! It was a really fun interactive game. Carting our piggy bank from station to station and then playing games at each stop was a hoot. The boys got stickers at the end and they made me save them because they were so special.

We headed back toward the entrance of the park.

The line for Spaceship Earth had finally reached a decent length (It always seems to be really long for the first half of the day. I guess because most people stop there first?), so we decided to ride. My pictures always turn out crappy on this ride, but I'll share the best of them.

Daniel and I were riding together, so I was able to take a pic of us on the screen in our car.

Mom and Joshua were in the car behind us, so I couldn't get their screen. I tried to get a shot of them on the big screen as you exit...

... but it turned out pretty blurry. Sigh.

After our spin on Spaceship Earth, we stopped by the camera center to get my free Visa picture (the group shot) and then headed for the bus stop. Back at the hotel, we grabbed a bite to eat in the food court. I didn't want to think about it, but we really needed a load laundry done. Clothes shouldn't get dirty on vacation or if they do, the laundry elves should show up and take care of it. Since I haven't been visited by said elves, yet, I guess I have to do it the old fashioned way.

Joshua asked on the way back to the hotel room, "Are you tall enough to reach the knob?" (on the door to Andy's room)

Yep. I am.

The only nice thing about doing laundry is the laundry room is right beside the kiddie pool/wet play area. I put the boys in their suits and let them have fun while I waited to move the clothes from washer to dryer.

I'm afraid to ask about this one.

So, with enough clean clothes to see us through our last day, we headed back to the room to call it a night.

 

[loribell]

Those laundry elves have never visited me either. I had to do laundry twice on our trip. But like you said, at least the pool is right there and can be enjoyed while laundry is being done.

Another great update!

 

[MouseKTeer]

Enjoying your updates!

I know you didn't accomplish what you wanted with the monorail photo, but I really like it. And isn't Soarin' so cool?

 

[Pooh's-Honey-Pot]

I love your report!! You have a great writing style!

 

[California Jenn]

Joining in and enjoying your TR. The boys are super cute and look like they are having such a blast.
What a great reason to go to WDW I also enjoyed the postings about Universal and IOA -- we never seem to make it there, and now I definitely want to go for at least one visit on our next trip.

Can't wait to hear what happens next!

 

[bubba's mom]

Okay....I'm caught up (instead of working on my own trip report )

I'm going back 2 days here....

So what DID Daniel think of the Haunted Mansion? Did he like it? Would he do it again?

I know that was a long wait for Splash Mtn, but, that picture you took of the castle from the top of the final drop was worth it It really is a beautiful picture!

I think you have exposed a new Disney secret with the window at Columbia Harbor House for parade viewing!

I would have taken the outside at RFC too...it really looks pretty nice out there...and, you didn't mention it was too hot

I loved the upsidedown Figment when we were there! Bubba kept turning his head trying to look at everything from the correct view duh....

As for the new strollers...uh, hello?? You're charging MORE money to rent something SMALLER?! Ridiculous. Squeezing 2 kids into that little space is bound to be trouble. I can hear complaining now..."he's squishing me, she won't stay on her side", etc....

While in line for The Seas, how tired were you of hearing "mine. mine. mine." ? We loved those seagulls out front saying that...but I would think after a long while in earshot range, it'd get annoying?

No doubt Crush called on Joshua because of the 'extra flipper' on top of his head I laffed when I read that! But, sounds like a kewl experience and I'm glad he really enjoyed it. (always makes a kid feel special when they're called on like that)

Tell Joshua I like the 'flipper on the top of the head' look WAY better than the braided ponytails w/ the viking hat too Tho, it does make for a cute picture and memory.

Thank you for posting pix of the ride in Mexico. We spent 2 whole days at Epcot and not one single time did we walk into WS on that side The only part of Mexico I saw, was from the outside at a distance. Ah well, there's always another time I suppose.

Was there a long line for the Disney Visa pictures? And you got to take your time? It's one of the only reasons I continue to hang onto it.

I'm glad Daniel wasn't scared of Soarin'...it's really a kewl ride. Glad to know he's finally tall enuf to enjoy

Did they have the fire safety game at Innoventions too? We played that when we were there....sounds like the Piggy Bank game. (which, I've never heard of )

I feel your pain being able to reach Andy's doorknob at the hotel...I can reach too... without tippytoeing I wonder how high that doorknob is placed anyhow? Anyone have the trivia?

You did a load of laundry with 1 day to go? If that was me, I woulda said forget it...wear dirty clothes Only 1 day to go...only gonna get dirty again....well, you see where this is goin'......

(nah, only kiddin) Laundry sux...sorry you had to do on your vacay....

But, what a vacay it turned out to be!

Looking forward to another day!

 

[RVGal]

Okay, soooo... I didn't get this one finished before the cruise. I have the pictures done, so I'm going to try to get this one wrapped up so I can start on the next one. Sorry to leave this one hanging for so long. I'm not normally this scattered!

So what DID Daniel think of the Haunted Mansion? Did he like it? Would he do it again?

He sat there sqeezed up to my side, but he watched everything. After, he commented that the "ghost birthday party" was funny and so was the "ghost on his lap". So, he was paying attention and nothing really scared him.

I think you have exposed a new Disney secret with the window at Columbia Harbor House for parade viewing!

Oh, I hope people don't go scrambling there thinking they get a good view of the parade! You could only see some of the parade if you leaned and looked just right out of one window. Plus, you couldn't hear the music or anything to go with it, so it was just a "look there is Mickey" kinda deal. The boys thought it was neat because we had the whole upstairs to ourselves and they could smoosh their faces to the window and see some characters. They seem to have lost interest in hanging out on the sidewalk and watching the parades go by, so this was a different way to get some of that experience.

As for the new strollers...uh, hello?? You're charging MORE money to rent something SMALLER?! Ridiculous. Squeezing 2 kids into that little space is bound to be trouble. I can hear complaining now..."he's squishing me, she won't stay on her side", etc....

There is no way that 2 kids over the age of 2 (maybe 3 if they are small for their age) could fit in those new double strollers. What they are doing is forcing the parents that want to put older kids in a stroller to rent TWO doubles, one for each kid. Those people out there that are hoping this will reduce the so-called stroller problem are in for a rude awakening on their next trip. What it has done has put more big strollers out there, not less.

While in line for The Seas, how tired were you of hearing "mine. mine. mine." ? We loved those seagulls out front saying that...but I would think after a long while in earshot range, it'd get annoying?

The seagulls are so cute and I really want one of the t-shirts they have that has them on it with "mine. mine. mine." We found ourselves doing it with them when we were standing in line. You get used to the sound of the wave crashing just before the "mine mine mine" starts, so we would chime in. I'm sure people were probably tired of hearing us by the time we got inside the building.

Was there a long line for the Disney Visa pictures? And you got to take your time? It's one of the only reasons I continue to hang onto it.

There was not a long line at all. I think there were 2 or 3 people in front of us. They really let you take your time with the characters. You are in a little room, just you, the photographer, and the characters. They don't rush you and the characters take lots of time to interact with everyone in the group.

Did they have the fire safety game at Innoventions too? We played that when we were there....sounds like the Piggy Bank game. (which, I've never heard of )

The fire safety game was near where the Disney Visa picture spot was. The Piggy Bank game is new, just added this year. I haven't played the fire safety game, but we watched it while we were waiting for our turn to see the characters. It looked like they had the kids running through a house and showing them what to do in case of fire, but I couldn't tell.



I'm going to go make sure I've uploaded the next day's pics and I shall return to finish this sucker up!