Our Trip to the Dark Side and Other Tales of Survival *The Future?*

[tiggerfan77]

Great photos and yes I could tell EJ had fun

I hope he felt better quickly and you got to enjoy your evening!

We were just glad that it wasn't anything serious. It was just scaring to see him hurting like that plus nobody wants to be sick while on vacation!

I love the theming in Jurassic Park!

Glad everyone had fun there.

On our first trip in 2011 Ben and Mark went on the Pteranodon Flyers, but I haven't done it, and now my kids are too big!

I am jealous that you ate at Thunder Falls! We had hoped to do that but ended up skipping it.

Sorry to hear about EJ's issue. How sad. Hope he feels better quickly!!!

If EJ he was allowed, I believe that he would prefer to live at Jurassic Park. He's been a dinosaur fan since he was 3, so it was pure heaven to be surrounded by all the sites and sounds from the movie.

EJ will probably be too big on our next trip so I was glad he got to go on the Pteranodon Flyers when he could.

Our meal was delicious at Thunder Falls and we got waterside seating! I had the rotisserie chicken salad which was very good and Tom had the chicken & ribs which he enjoyed as well. You all have to go next time! Do you have a favorite restaurant at IOA?

Thanks! I know EJ was definitely not happy about having to leave the park early!

 

[Jackiemarie21]

Your TR almost makes me want to check out the dark side, almost! Looks like lots of fun. Your kiddos really seem to be having lots of fun. Great updates!

 

[purpledisneyprncess]

Hello, following along to your TR!! Your son and niece are both super adorable and look like they had a fantastic vacation! I've stayed down the road at The Wyndham next to Downtown Disney but have never been to Bonnet Creek. Next vacation we plan, I'd like to consider it, because of the space and room sizes. We will have our step daughter with us and need the extra space. You mentioned Bonnet Creek having a boardwalk. Can you walk that down to Beach Club?

Looking forward to reading more!! The lazy river sounds fun, as does the beautiful view of Epcot from your room.
Your parents look like such lovely people, and know how to enjoy life. For all that your dad went thru, for him to still go on these trips and continue living life, that is amazing. He sounds like a wonderful and strong person! My grandma ended up in a wheelchair after her stroke. It handicapped her physically but mentally she was 100% ok. However not being able to walk really changed her and she never wanted to go anywhere. I look back now (she since passed) and wish I would have pushed more to get her to go on vacation and still find fun and beauty in life. Anyhow, sorry to ramble!!

 

[tiggerfan77]

Your TR almost makes me want to check out the dark side, almost! Looks like lots of fun. Your kiddos really seem to be having lots of fun. Great updates!

They did really enjoy the darkside a lot! It's something worth checking out sometime but I would wait until your little cutie is older. There really isn't a whole lot to keep little ones busy very long at both parks. Disney is much better at having things for everyone to enjoy together.

Hello, following along to your TR!! Your son and niece are both super adorable and look like they had a fantastic vacation! I've stayed down the road at The Wyndham next to Downtown Disney but have never been to Bonnet Creek. Next vacation we plan, I'd like to consider it, because of the space and room sizes. We will have our step daughter with us and need the extra space. You mentioned Bonnet Creek having a boardwalk. Can you walk that down to Beach Club?

Looking forward to reading more!! The lazy river sounds fun, as does the beautiful view of Epcot from your room.
Your parents look like such lovely people, and know how to enjoy life. For all that your dad went thru, for him to still go on these trips and continue living life, that is amazing. He sounds like a wonderful and strong person! My grandma ended up in a wheelchair after her stroke. It handicapped her physically but mentally she was 100% ok. However not being able to walk really changed her and she never wanted to go anywhere. I look back now (she since passed) and wish I would have pushed more to get her to go on vacation and still find fun and beauty in life. Anyhow, sorry to ramble!!

Thanks! and thanks for joining in! Bonnet Creek was definitely spacious and you can't beat the location! The boardwalk that they have is just a walkway that goes all the way around the pond that Bonnet Creek buildings surround. It would be awesome if the Beach Club was in walking distance but it's close enough that it is a short car drive to it!

It's hard to know how people are going to react when a tragedy happens. I think I was lucky that my dad was so young and he was so athletic before had a lot to do with his motivation. It did take him a while before he got up the courage to do a major vacation like WDW and not feel like he was going to be a burden to us. It also helped that WDW is VERY handicap friendly so we knew what to expect. But being in a wheelchair and having a family member bound to one really changes your perspective a lot.
I'm sorry to hear about what happened with your grandma. I know my dad still deals with anger about what happened to him, I'm sure your grandma struggled with that as well. Thank you so much for sharing and I don't think you were rambling at all!

 

[tiggerfan77]

Now back to our thrilling conclusion.....
We got in the car and starting heading back to the resort when EJ let out a huge release of gas then said, "I feel better already!" As I rolled down the window I replied, "Let's give your stomach a little bit more time before we go back, ok?" (I know, overcautious mommy)So we got back to our room and had some snacks. I still was trying to see if EJ was going to need to go to the bathroom before we start getting on anymore rides.
After our snack, the kids played quietly in the room with all their new toys so far. I took a nap and Tom played around on the lap top for a while. A few hours later, we checked in on EJ who was still feeling pretty good and decided we would go back to IAO. Tom wanted to try one of the restaurants we saw at City Walk so we hopped back in the car and went in search of dinner.
Tom picked Bubba Gump, which we all enjoyed. We haven't had much seafood on our trip so it was a nice change.


After our meal, EJ tried to go to the bathroom before we hit the park, but it was a no go. Since EJ got to call the shots in the morning, it was Trinity's turn to pick all the rides we get to go on. So we headed straight to...


Trinity has always been an avid reader, so she was very excited about seeing all the Dr. Suess books come to life. We went on the Cat in the Hat and High in the Sky. When we were on the High in the Sky it started pouring! So we put on our ponchos and we were ready to head to Harry Potter. We saw that Forbidden Journey had a 60 min wait, which wasn't too bad. Plus it would get us out of the rain for a while.
Well wouldn't you know, we made it to here when EJ starts holding his stomach and saying it hurts again. Since I wasn't sure how much time EJ was going to need, I told Tom to take Trinity on Forbidden Journey and me and EJ would meet them in a bout an hour. So they took off and I took EJ to the bathroom. We were in there for a while too but he finally pooped! Yay!!
Once EJ was feeling better, we still had some time to kill until we met up with Tom and Trinity so we went to Jurassic Park so he could pick out his souvenir. He picked a stuffed puppet raptor that was hatching out of an egg.
Now that he back to being happy, we headed back into Harry Potter and I took some pictures. Even though it had stopped raining it was pretty cloudy and dreary which made for perfect Hogsmede.


Had to take a picture of Honeydukes...


And Hogwarts


It was almost time to meet them so we listened to the Frog Choir for a while until they showed up.


We saw Trinity was just grinning from ear to ear, I guess she really like Forbidden Journey. EJ and I missed out so we'll have to save it for another time So Trinity asked if EJ was feeling better because she wanted us all to ride Flight of the Hippogriff with us. EJ was up for the challenge so we jumped in line. I got a this pic of Hagrid's house while waiting in line.


Everyone had a good time on the Hippogriff and it was a great way to end our day since the park was going to be closing in about 15min. Had to sneak in another castle shot.


Trinity picked out a wand for her souvenir, although we didn't have time to do Ollivander's. She picked out Ginny's wand. Even though Hermione is her favorite character, she liked Ginny's wand the best. So with everyone happy we headed out.


Goodnight Caro-Suess-el!


So that's how EJ survived his tummy troubles and still got to have some fun today. It had been a long day for us, even though we didn't get to explore the Harry Potter section that much, that now leaves us more things we need to do next time! So off to our resort because-GASP tomorrow is our last full day ​

 

[Jackiemarie21]

I do want to try the Harry Potter stuff someday, but it is defiantly a long term goal! It is neat to see your pictures. I am glad EJ started feeling better and that you all got to do some fun stuff together! Feeling yucky on vacation is the worst.

 

[RGirl]

Joining in rather late, but I enjoyed reading about Universal. Now that my DD is tall enough for most of the rides, I am thinking we may need to spend a couple of days there at some point.

 

[wiigirl]

Great update!

 

[tiggerfan77]

I do want to try the Harry Potter stuff someday, but it is defiantly a long term goal! It is neat to see your pictures. I am glad EJ started feeling better and that you all got to do some fun stuff together! Feeling yucky on vacation is the worst.

Thanks! We were all glad that EJ was feeling good enough to back and I know getting sick on vacation is awful!

Joining in rather late, but I enjoyed reading about Universal. Now that my DD is tall enough for most of the rides, I am thinking we may need to spend a couple of days there at some point.

Hi! Thanks for joining in! We were really glad we did Universal this time around. It worked out well for everyone. Even though EJ wasn't tall enough for the rollercoasters, we still had plenty we could do together.

Great update!

Thanks wiigirl!

 

[Disneybuckeye]

Really enjoying your TR. Thanks for sharing!

 

[tiggerfan77]

Really enjoying your TR. Thanks for sharing!

Hi and Thanks for joining in! Glad you are enjoying my TR so far!

 

[tiggerfan77]

Last we left off with EJ feeling better and us leaving to back to the resort to go to bed because we saved our last full day for Magic Kingdom! (Which actually ended up being a mistake, but more on that later) So when we got back, my dad was still up and told us that both of them got sick at SeaWorld and came home after dinner. Noooo, not more people getting sick!!! It looked like my dad just got exhausted but my mom might have a stomach virus or food poisoning! Dad was feeling better but we were going to have to wait to see how mom was in the morning. So we all went to bed and hoped that Mom would be up for our last day of vacation.

Unfortunately when we woke up, my mom was not doing any better and since dad was still feeling pretty good, he decided to stay behind with her to take care of her I felt so bad that they missed out on MK and spending one last day of all of us together. But that's how it goes sometimes, so I got the kids ready to go and we headed out for another jam-packed day.

We parked the car and we gave the choice to the kids to ride the boat or take the monorail in. Guess which one they chose?


We got through the gates...


and headed toward Tomorrow Land because we were headed for Tom's favorite ride-Space Mountain!


Since we got a late start in the morning between waiting to see how mom was doing and letting the kids sleep in a bit because they seemed really worn out, we had to grab a fastpass for SM because the line was too long at that point. It was only for an hour later so we stuck around Tomorrowland and got on everthing else that had a 5-10min wait. We got distracted on our way to Buzz Lightyear with this beautiful butterfly.


Then onto Buzz where again, we lost to the boys. But it wasn't like we didn't try. Look at how serious we are




After that defeat, we headed over to the Laugh Floor, which we all enjoyed.


Then Trinity wanted to try the PeopleMover, which I really enjoy and there never seems to be a line.


By the time we were done with that it was time to get on Space Mountain. (which even with my motion sickness pills, I still hate that ride. But sometimes you got to take one for the team)
I love the look of shock on EJ's face!


Tom had to ride with a set of bored siblings


After finishing most of the things in TL, it was time to head over to Frontierland and pick up some FP for Big Thunder Mountain. Along the way, I took a few shots.
Can never have too many castle shots!


Heading over to Liberty Square.


The lovely river boat.


So made it over and got FP for this this guy.


SM had a long line and the FP we got was for after lunch. So we decided to we would grab a FP for SM after we hit BTM. (Does that make sense?) It was a little too early for lunch and Haunted Mansion had a ten minute wait so we decided to get on that then eat lunch.
Got this distant view of the Rapunzel's tower.


Ready for the Haunted Mansion!




I love the ghost horse.


We survived HM without any kids freaking out and now it was time for lunch! (If any of you read my first TR, EJ totally freaked out in the stretching room and we had to leave through a cast member exit!) The kids wanted pizza so we headed over to Pinocchio's Village Haus. I have eaten here before but not since they changed the pizzas to flatbread pizzas. I thought the flatbreads were ok. I actually liked the older pizza better. Just don't order the breadsticks, they were not so great

With our bellies full, we headed back out for an afternoon of adventure which I will continue in the next update!​

 

[natebenma]

We have eaten at Bubba Gumps on both of our trips to Universal and we enjoyed our meals there. It is a fun place!

Well wouldn't you know, we made it to here when EJ starts holding his stomach and saying it hurts again. Since I wasn't sure how much time EJ was going to need, I told Tom to take Trinity on Forbidden Journey and me and EJ would meet them in a bout an hour. So they took off and I took EJ to the bathroom. We were in there for a while too but he finally pooped! Yay!!
​

Once again proving that the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is truly a magical place!




I love your picture of Hagrid's Hut. We haven't seen it after dark.

That is so sad that your parents couldn't join you at Magic Kingdom.

Great redneck photos from Space Mountain!

Glad it worked out on Haunted Mansion. I can totally appreciate your story from your previous trip. Ben didn't like the stretching room either- I think it was the people in the room who would scream when the lights went out. A couple of times we had to ask to skip the stretching room, but it is all good now.

 

[tiggerfan77]

We have eaten at Bubba Gumps on both of our trips to Universal and we enjoyed our meals there. It is a fun place!




Once again proving that the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is truly a magical place!




I love your picture of Hagrid's Hut. We haven't seen it after dark.

That is so sad that your parents couldn't join you at Magic Kingdom.

Great redneck photos from Space Mountain!

Glad it worked out on Haunted Mansion. I can totally appreciate your story from your previous trip. Ben didn't like the stretching room either- I think it was the people in the room who would scream when the lights went out. A couple of times we had to ask to skip the stretching room, but it is all good now.

We really enjoyed Bubba Gump's. I enjoyed the Forrest Gump trivia which Tom was way better at than I was. (One more new thing I learned about him!)

Yes, Hogwart's was a TRULY magical place for us!

I really enjoyed seeing Hogwart's and everything lit up at night. It made it seem more like the movies, you know.

We were all sad my parent's didn't get to come to MK and it did effect our day as you will see later.

That's the first time I've heard those pics called redneck photos. I thought was just being cheap!

Good to know I wasn't the only parent that had to be escorted out of the Haunted Mansion with a screaming kid. It was a much more enjoyable experience this time.

 

[RGirl]

What a fun MK morning! Can't wait to hear about the rest!

 

[tiggerfan77]

What a fun MK morning! Can't wait to hear about the rest!

Yes it was! Thanks, Got more fun coming up soon!

 

[tiggerfan77]

Sorry it took a while to update my post. We had some busy weekends with Halloween coming up plus it's always a little sad when you are reporting your last day at Disney
We last left off with eating lunch and heading over to SM. Tom decided to sit this one out so it was just me and the kids. So here is my bunny ears FAIL!


We got nice and wet so we decided to dry off by checking out Pirates of the Caribbean. The kids kept themselves busy by playing with some lifesavers mints.




After sailing the seven seas, I decided to head over to Jungle Cruise to see if there FP was going to be in time for us to do before dinner. And it was so I grabbed a set for us. We did have some time to kill before the FP were ready . So where can I get snack to cool off with in Adventureland? That's right, you know what's next.


Gotta have my Dole Whip fix!


So I got a regular Dole Whip, EJ got a citrus swirl, Trinity got a root beer float and Tom opted out because he really wanted a frozen lemonade. Since all the available seating was taken, I suggested we take our snacks on Swiss Family Treehouse. We walked around and up and down until we were done with our snacks. We still had some time left for our FP's so I asked the kids if they wanted to do Aladdin's Carpet. They both said No and just wanted to sit down for a while and cool off. So we headed to the best place to do that.


In the Tiki Tiki Tiki Tiki Room!


The kids were less than impressed in the Tiki Room, more like bored actually but I told them at least it was cool and we were sitting down. Can't argue with that! By the time the show was over it was time to head over to Jungle Cruise!
Tom was excited, can't you tell?


Some good ol' giraffes.


Oh no!




They looked nice and cool!


After Jungle Cruise it was time to head out to our very special dinner at Ohana's which none of us has tried yet! So I was extremely excited about this reservation! Before heading out we took some castle pics because we haven't had the time to do that this morning.




We get outside of the park and I asked the kids if they want to take the monorail or boat to the Poly. They chose monorail which ended up taking FOREVER! I was really starting to freak out because I didn't want to be late. When we finally reached the Poly, I ran to check-in and we made it-Wooo! We even had a few minutes to try on some hats while our table was getting ready.



Nice combo hat the EJ made.


Isn't she so cute!!


Coming up next....Dinner and our final hours in the Magic Kingdom!!​

 

[RGirl]

Very nice update - you all look like you were having a great time together!

Can't wait to hear how you liked 'Ohana.

 

[wiigirl]

Great pics!

 

[DisneyJo]

Cute photos and good call getting a Dole Whip