Our wonderful Family Disney Trip - Sept 10

[lindsey]

I've enjoyed reading everyone else's trip reports so I've finally decided to post our trip report.
My disclaimer:
It's been two months since we returned, so sometimes things get fuzzy or mixed up.

Here goes:
About us:
Mama - me –planner – Loves Disney World (18th trip)
Papa – my wonderful hubby who loves Disney as much as I do (18th trip)
Greg – Oldest son, likes Disney, a go-with-the-flow kind of person (7th trip)
Lori – Greg’s wife, and a wonderful DIL, another Disney lover, and a very active person, also a 2yr breast cancer survivor (5th trip)
Graham – grandson – 8 yrs old, (his 3rd trip) enjoys Disney – now ready for thrill rides
Mallory Kate (or MK) – granddaughter 3 ½ yrs old, (2nd trip) princess in training, very particular what she wears outside the house, but loves pj’s when she is inside the house
Our younger son, Marc who has been 10 times between the ages of 18 mths and 17 yrs, decided he would rather go to Chicago. Marc is our adventurer. He went to NYC for New Year’s Eve on his 21st birthday – ALONE. He spent one college semester at Northampton University near London England, and was able to spend a lot of time in London and also visited Paris, Berlin, Venice, and Rome. He has just graduated Anderson University in SC and is looking for a job.

When we went with Greg, Lori and the kids 3 years ago, we flew and stayed at All Star Movies. It was the 2nd week of June and very hot. So when we started planning this trip, we were going to try for October and Free Dining. Then my mom offered to get us a 3 bedroom condo at Wyndham Bonnet Creek in September. Papa and I had spent a week there with my parents last January, so we knew it was a good option. No free dining, but the money we save would definitely pay for food.

Our trip began on Friday, September 17 after Lori and Graham finished school (Lori teaches 3rd grade). We drove Lori’s Expedition from Greer, SC to Econo Lodge in Savannah, GA – stopping in Columbia, SC for dinner at the kid’s favorite place – Chick-Fil-A. We used Lori’s Ford Expedition which had a DVD player, but knowing an 8yr old and 3yr old have different likes, I borrowed my manager’s portable DVD player. I had made bags for the kids with coloring pages, markers, crayons, books, stickers, and a few small toys for the ride. MK is an easy traveler, but Graham is not. Usually, 15 minutes into a ride, he’s already bored, so we were trying to make it as less painful as possible for all of us. Let’s just say the majority of the drive was ok. (Except for the last hour on the way home, when he kept telling us “I can’t take it anymore!”)


After the continental breakfast at the hotel, we packed the car back up and left about 8:30am.
Our first stop was at the Florida Visitor Center.

Greg and Lori were having withdrawals from not having any (hot or iced) Dunkin Donut coffee in their systems in the last 24 hours, so we found a map to the closest in Jacksonville. We now know where the Jacksonville Airport is located, since we missed the DD sign and kept driving down the road searching for the DD sign. Once we got turned around, found the store and got an iced coffee (and sprinkle donut for MK) we were back on the road. Once we hit I-4, the kids were restless and hungry. We found a Sonic and stopped for lunch. It was a nice break to eat outside and let the kids stretch. Back on the road, we decided to take the 417 Toll road. We have flown several times with Allegiant Air into Sanford, so I was prepared for the moneys to handle the tolls. It was also less stressful for me than to watch Greg drive on I-4. Once we hit the Downtown Disney exit, we went straight to the location to pick up our Disney tickets that I had purchased through TicketsAtWork. Then to the grocery store – Note: Goodings is very expensive and we did not realize that there was a Publix and Winn Dixie further down the road until later in the week. After groceries, we headed to the Wyndham Bonnet Creek Resort. Unfortunately, we were still too early, and our room was not ready yet. We walked partially around the lake, enjoying an ice cream and finding the new pool. But it was very hot, so we went back to the lobby to wait. They were to call me when the room was ready, but still no call so Lori (she’s our aggressive person – who comes in handy) went to the desk to check. The room was ready! Yeah – Building 5 Room 1390. We drove to the parking area near our Building and unpacked everything, changed clothes and hit the door to catch the shuttle bus to EPCOT.

As soon as we got on the bus and sat down, MK was asleep. The bus went to MK first, then EPCOT. She was still asleep when we arrived at EPCOT. We put her in the stroller and walked to the front. The bus stop is at the very end of the bus area for EPCOT, so it was a long walk. We all used our cards for the first time and walked into EPCOT. MK’s still asleep. We went to the first PhotoPass person we saw and had our first pic’s made. She’s still asleep.

 

[lindsey]

Our first day continued:
We went to the Ice Station Cool to taste the different Coke products. Our mission was to get to Japan for the pick a pearl. We walked toward WS, then through Canada. Once we hit Great Britain, we saw Alice and Mary Poppins,. After we passed them, MK woke up. Greg and Lori took her to get in line for pics and autographs and we took Graham to the maze. She woke up in such a good mood, and was very happy to meet Alice and Mary Poppins. Then we continued on toward Japan. The store area was very busy. MK decided she wanted a Hello Kitty doll and Graham already knew he wanted candy that has the inner wrapper that is edible . I always try to have the candy from Japan available at home and my supply had run out. Once they decided on their choices, we paid for the pearls and waited our turn. We had watched the whole experience on UTube, so they knew what to expect. I had already bought the cages and necklaces. MK had the carriage on a silver chain and Graham had a frog on a more masculine chain. Both pearls ended up being 7mm.

Once we finished, we realized we were hungry. Lori wanted sushi, so they went to the Japanese counter service and we headed to American Adventure counter service. Papa loves the turkey legs and he knew just where they were located. We all sat outside at the American Pavilion enjoying our first night at Disney. I don’t remember what the rest of us ate.

Then we continued to walk through WS. The line at the Norway ride was not outside the door, so we decided to start with this ride. I was not sure how MK would like it, but she did ok but afterwards she said she did not like that ride very much. Papa and I scouted a site to wait for Illuminations while everyone else went to ride the Mexico ride. MK said she liked that ride much better. I had brought light up sticks and glow light bracelets, so they enjoyed them until the fireworks. Everyone enjoyed the show. Then we made our way out of the park and back to the bus stop (with everyone else in the park, which is not as easy with a stroller). Fortunately, our bus was not very crowded.

We finally made it back to our room and crashed.

 

[lindsey]

Sunday, September 19 – Hollywood Studios Day
Sunday morning we were all up pretty early. Papa cooked breakfast, then we left for HS. While I ran to get Fast pass for TSM, everyone else went to ToT. I found MK and Papa near the entrance of ToT and RR and we waited for the others. It was not very long before they returned. Graham was so excited – it was his first thrill ride and he loved it. Papa and Graham went to ride GMR, I decided to sit it out and wait for the others. While Greg, Lori and MK went to get some Disney Playhouse autographs. Then they went to GMR. This was another ride MK said “I don’t like that ride”. Then we went to the Muppets 3D. MK was not so sure about the last part where they “bomb” the room. We were ready for lunch and tried to get into Pizza Planet, but it was very busy so we went to Backlot Express. After lunch Greg, Graham and I rode RnRC while Lori and MK went to see Beauty and the Beast Papa decided to park himself on a bench and wait on everyone. We had introduced Graham and MK to pin trading and Graham had to look in every store at every pin. It did not matter that every store had almost the same. He also enjoyed a lot interaction with CM’s deciding what to trade. Then Greg, Lori, and MK went to Playhouse Disney while Papa, Graham, and I checked out the shops. Then we all went to Little Mermaid show. Finally it was time for TSM. MK decided to take a nap while we waited in line. But she woke up just as Lori was placing her in the car to start the ride. Everyone liked this ride. Graham wanted ToT again, so Papa and I agreed this time. Then we stopped and had Ice Cream milkshakes. They were so good! By now it was about 5:30 and the next bus was scheduled for 6pm. – One thing we had to get used to – bus schedules!

We were all very tired and ate sandwiches in the condo for dinner. One nice thing in the condo was the Jacuzzi tub in the master bedroom. Later we watched Wishes Fireworks from our balcony. I had brought our binoculars which made it seem even closer. We were hoping to see the EPCOT Illuminations but our unit was not positioned right to see the lagoon.

 

[lindsey]

Monday, September 20 – Magic Kingdom
This is the day MK has been waiting for – BBB and lunch in the Castle with the princesses.
We got up early, ate a fast breakfast and caught the 8am bus. MK decided she wanted to wear her Cinderella dress. From the TTC, we took the monorail to MK and were there by 8:40am. Did you know there is a gift shop at the entrance? We know now. MK just had to have a new pair of sunglasses (with Arial on them), and Graham finally decided on one new pin. This was the first time I had ever been at rope drop at MK. They have a cute show at the train station. Once they opened the gates, everyone was trying to get in at the same time. We waited a little bit for the crowd then walked in. We went through the castle to find the BBB location. As we walked thru the exit, we saw the step-mother and step-sisters. There was a small line, so we stopped and MK got their autographs and we took pictures. They were so in character.

We rode Snow White Scary Adventure. Then we went to check in at BBB for MK’s 9:40am appointment. They called her name almost immediately. Graham and I left and rode HM. Unfortunately, this attraction had been closed when Graham was there before. He was a little anxious, so I told him to search for the hidden Mickey’s. He liked the part at the end with the ghost in the car. Since this was a walk on, we decided to continue to BTMRR. This was also a straight walk on. Next we went to Splash Mnt. This is not my favorite, but I could not say NO. We were in line (another walk on) when Papa called to say they were through! Then I got soaked at Splash Mnt. Graham had ducked just in time! We caught up with Lori and Papa at the teacups.

MK and Greg were riding. Fast rides and spinning rides don’t like Lori – that’s her story and she’s sticking to it! We rode Peter Pan’s ride with fastpasses I had grabbed when we were waiting for MK’s BBB time. MK was hot in her Cinderella dress, so we made a pit stop to change her into a short set. We walked to Tomorrowland and went into Monsters Inc. Greg was holding MK on his lap, and they because the two-headed monster on the screen. She was bashful and they could not really hear her give her name. They called her Mary. They also read Graham’s joke that Lori had texted just before the show. I got fastpasses for Space Mnt. Then we all rode TTA, then Buzz Lightyear. Then Greg, Graham and I rode Space Mnt. It was so exciting to have another thrill rider in the family. Greg always liked thrill rides but Marc did not ride thrill rides and finally rode Space Mnt on his 16th birthday. It was near time for lunch, so we slowly walked back to the Castle, stopping to change MK back into her Cinderella dress. She went to sleep while we were waiting.

. It was very crowded and it was about 15 minutes before we were called inside. Then it took about another 15 minutes in the line for Cinderella, we woke MK up while we were in line to meet Cinderella. She always wakes up happy and refreshed! After our pictures and autographs with Cinderella, we still waited about 15 more minutes before we were called upstairs. I think this was the most crowded place during the whole trip. Once seated, we were very hungry and ready to order. Once we were seated, everything happened a lot faster. We placed or orders and the princesses were already making their rounds. Belle was first, then Snow White, then Sleeping Beauty, then Arial. MK loves Arial she spent a lot of time at our table. Arial commented on Lori’s pearl earrings and MK showed her the pearl in the carriage cage and told her about picking it in Japan. Everyone enjoyed the food. Greg, Papa and I had the Major Domo pie. I think Lori had Pan-seared Salmon. MK had the pasta with just butter and Graham had chicken strips.

 

[lindsey]

Monday, continued
After we finished lunch, we made a stop at the bathroom to change MK again. We headed toward Adventureland and walked right on POTC. The trick is to go in the right line instead of the left line. I love seeing Captain Jack Sparrow. If you are a fan, you should watch the YouTube where Johnny Depp is inspecting Captain Jack Sparrow. Then we rode the Jungle Cruise. Then Greg and MK rode the Magic Carpets.

Then we made our way back to Toontown. Greg, Lori, Graham, and MK rode Goofy’s Barnstormer. MK thought it was great. Hopefully, another thrill ride person! It was very crowded in Toontown, and the line for the Fairies was very long, so we decided to leave and go back to Frontierland. Graham wanted to ride BTMRR with his dad. The time posted was 20 minutes, but it ended up much longer. MK played with her new Arial Polly Pocket set.

Papa and I decided to go back to the condo. Greg, Lori and the kids were going to wait for the parade. We stopped and got a Dole Whip on the way out. It was so good and refreshing.

Tuesday, Sept 21 – Animal Kingdom Day
Papa cooked pancakes, sausage and bacon for breakfast. Then we left to go to Animal Kingdom. Once we arrived, I went to get fastpasses for the Safari, and everyone else went to It’s Tough to be a Bug. I waited for them at the exit. We walked around a bit and found Flick. The kids ran to get autographs

After making a bathroom stop, we went to the Safari. Graham and MK enjoyed seeing all of the animals. After the safari, we walked the Pangani Trail. After we exited the Pangani Trail, we all felt it was hot and crowded, so we decided it would be a good time to have lunch. Papa and I went to get fastpasses for EE, while everyone else went to the Pizzafari. We checked on the Rapids, but the fastpass machine was not working. It did not take long to order our pizza and sit with everyone else. We had never been in this counter service before and did not realize how big the place was. It was nice to sit in air conditioning and enjoy a relaxing lunch at Pizzafari. When we were all finished it was time for Expedition Everest. Greg, Graham and I rode, while Papa waited. Lori and MK decided to check out some of the stores in the area. It did not take very long for EE and we all enjoyed the ride.

. When we met back up with everyone, we decided to try to make the Finding Nemo show. As we got to the theater, they had just started letting the people into the theater. We were in about the middle of the theater. The show was good, and I enjoyed the puppet / person interaction, but it seems like a long show for little ones. When we exited, it was still hot and crowded everywhere. We decided to call it a day, and go back for pool time. We slowly left, going through Rainforest Café store. We had to wait about 30 minutes in the parking lot for the bus. By the time the bus came, there were about 20 people waiting. Once at the hotel, Lori packed some snacks for them in their ice chest and they all headed to the pool. The entrance to one of the lazy rivers was right outside the door, with a nice pool just to the right. Graham enjoyed the lazy river and MK enjoyed playing in the shallow part of the water.

Papa and I ate dinner at the poolside bar. It was good, except for the love bugs. After an afternoon nap, Papa and I went out to get a few more groceries. We decided Goodings had been very expensive, so we drove further down the road and that’s when we found a Winn Dixie. It was hard to believe 4 days were already gone.

 

[lindsey]

Wednesday, Sept 22 – EPCOT day
After another one of Papa’s breakfasts, we took the shuttle to EPCOT. We all headed toward the Land to get fastpasses for Soaring. As we were walking through the breezeway, we saw the Character Spot. Greg, Lori and the kids got in line while I went to get the Fastpasses. When I returned, Papa and I sat outside and watched as the kids met the characters. You could tell all of the children really enjoyed this interaction. We did not see Graham or MK with Mickey, or Pluto, but we did get to watch them with Minnie, Donald and Goofy. MK danced with Donald and Goofy pretended to eat her Hello Kitty doll. She thought that was so funny. When they came out, MK said “Goofy was being goofy”.

We went to Ice Station Cool again since MK was asleep the first time. I think we all had different favorites. We left there and went to Living Seas. We walked straight onto the clam shell ride. I like the way they have the Nemo characters projected in the water. We wandered around the different exhibits upstairs and downstairs. Graham finally decided on another new pin – Crush. We left there and went to the Land. We decided Graham, Papa and I would ride Soaring first. Greg, Lori and MK went on the boat ride. We finished about the same time and Papa and I stayed with MK while Greg, Lori and Graham rode. We decided to go ahead and have lunch. It was a little crowded, but I’ve seen it worse. After lunch, we decided to try Test Track and Mission Space. As we were walking toward Test Track, MK saw Chip and Dale (she saw them at HS, but they were leaving). They waited in line while Papa and I went to Test Track for fastpasses. Once they joined us, MK found the water fountain and enjoyed playing in the water.

Greg, Graham and I went to Mission Space. I love this ride. The illusion of blasting off into space is so exciting for me. We rode the green side first because I was not sure if Graham would really like it. He did like it and wanted to try the more extreme side so we went back and rode the orange side. We walked right onto both sides. When we exited the ride, Papa, Lori and MK were inside the play area waiting for us. Papa, Graham and Greg went to ride Test Track. Lori, MK and I went to get ice cream. We enjoyed sitting in the air conditioning for awhile. We went back to Test Track just in time. This time Greg, Graham and Lori went to ride. MK and I were going to Imagination, but about 1/3 of the way she went to sleep.

I turned around and went back to Test Track letting her sleep as long as possible. We waited just inside the gift shop to take advantage of the air conditioning. It was a bit noisy, but that did not bother MK. Lori thought the ride was too fast, but Graham thought it wasn’t fast enough. We all went toward Journey into Imagination. Greg, Lori and Graham decided to see the Captain EO show. MK was still asleep. When she did wake up, we walked to the dancing fountains located at the exit of the show. When the show was over, we all met up and went to Journey to Imagination ride. I like this ride, even though its rather tame. They are working on the lab part, so there was not much activity here. It was getting near 5pm., and Graham and Lori wanted to check out the EPCOT Pin Trade Board that they have available at 5 at Mouse Gears. MK wanted another Hello Kitty doll, so Greg, MK, Papa and I went to WS, starting in Canada. When we got to Japan, Papa and I went to buy more chocolate cookies that we had bought Sunday night. While we were at the register, Greg told us what MK had just done. She took her original Hello Kitty doll that she got Saturday (which was red), placed it on the shelf and put a new one (same color) in her bag. Greg was like “no no no”. He took her old back, put the new one back on the shelf and told her she could pick another one and she would have two dolls. She chose an orange one this time. Then she decided she wanted candy also. Of course, we couldn’t say NO. We left Japan and continued around the world. I love EPCOT and walking through the countries and stores, but one does not do that with a 3 ½ year old. She likes too much. When we got to China the acrobats were performing so Greg, MK, and Papa watched while I did some fast shopping. I found a necklace for my niece with her name in Chinese. A perfect birthday present. When I came back, MK did not want to leave. She enjoyed watching the performers. Lori called soon to say the Pin Trading was not that great and they would meet us in Mexico. Graham wanted the nachos so we bought a plate and we all ate them as we walked toward the entrance. Lori would have keep going, but everyone else was ready to leave. So we told her that she would have more time to use the treadmill in the exercise room. She had gone out one morning and one evening to run, but the heat and humidity was not good. Lori is a runner who has participated in several 5 mile runs, and was trying to get in shape to walk a marathon in Atlanta for breast cancer awareness. This particular marathon consists of walking 60 miles in three days – averaging 20 miles a day. And btw…she did a wonderful job raising monies for the event and participating. But back to the trip …. So we went back to the condo. After showers and dinner of sandwiches, we decided to head to Downtown Disney. Papa stayed at the condo. We parked near the T-Rex restaurant. Our first stop was Lego Land. I helped MK build in the open area while Greg and Lori followed Graham around the store. Unfortunately, he could not decide on anything here either. We walked all the way through the large Disney store, stopping at every pin display, still no decision. Graham and I went to the Pin Traders Store while Greg and Lori took MK to the Once upon a Story to build a My Little Pony box. Lori did a very good job and the box was really packed. We left Downtown Disney and went back to the Condo. We were very tired and ready for bed.

 

[lindsey]

Thursday, September 23
Today we decided to sleep in, relax and wait until later to go to Hollywood Studios because this was a Fantasmic night. We caught up with laundry, Lori was able to go back to the exercise room, and the kids played. Greg decided to eat before we left, but the rest of us were not quite ready yet to eat. At Bonnet Creek, there are two bus stops – in front of Bld 6, which is the one we usually used, and in front of the main building. Lori wanted an ice coffee, so we walked to the main building and waited for the bus. Afternoons are not as regular, so we had to wait about 20 minutes. Once we got to HS, we checked the time for Stars, Cars, Motor Action Show – the next show was due in about 20 minutes, so we made our way to the stadium . We had good seats right in the middle about ½ way up the stands. Graham loved this show and MK even enjoyed the action. When we left (along with thousands, at least it seemed that many), we were ready for lunch. MK had been snacking for quite a while and Greg had already eaten, so they headed back to the Little Mermaid show. After lunch, Lori, Graham, Papa, and I went to the Backstage tour. We waited for about 20 minutes. Graham enjoyed the Catetrostphe Canyon part. When we finished, we called Greg. He and MK were waiting under the Sorcer’s hat. Fastpasses for TSM were already gone by the time we got there. We checked the time, but it was 90 minutes, so we decided to skip. We decided to leave HS and head to MK for a few hours, then come back. I knew it was MNSSHP, but I thought we may be able to ride some attractions, then leave before 7pm. I forgot that lots of party people start going in after 4pm. The Disney bus from HS drops you off at TTS. We took the monorail. There were lots of costumed people on the monorail, and we could see lots more going into MK. I made a decision to skip MK and head to EPCOT, so we stayed on the monorail back to TTC, and went to the EPCOT monorail. Once inside EPCOT, we rode Spaceship Earth. Graham and MK both enjoyed this ride. Since we had lost so much time, we decided to go back to HS. At HS, we found out it was already standing room only for the first show of Fantasmic, so we decided we would wait. Papa, Lori, MK and I went to find dinner while Greg and Graham went to ride ToT and RnRC. It was pretty crowded in this area due to Fantasmic plus the two thrill rides. Once Greg and Graham came back, and ate, we realized the line was already very long for the 2nd show. We made a decision to skip Fantasmic. We went back to see if TSM was doable, but it was still 90 minutes. I’m not sure how that was going to happen, because the park was due to close in about 1hour. We headed out before the mad rush.

 

[lindsey]

Friday, September 24
Our last park day! We had reservations at O’Hana Breakfast with Lilo and Stitch. I had bought MK a Mickey Mouse Hawaii dress and Graham a Hawaiian shirt from Old Navy. We caught the 8:40 bus to Magic Kingdom and took the resort monorail to the Polynesian. It was very crowded at the check-in area and the sitting areas and I thought we would have to wait a long time like Cinderella’s Lunch. Lori went in search of coffee, while Graham, Greg and MK went to check out the gift shops. What I did not realize was almost everyone was waiting for Kona. Almost as soon as I found everyone, the buzzer sounded. We did not have time to get the pictures, which I’m glad, since they were not included in the package. We were seated and immediately had coffee, juice and sweet breads. It was not long until the food arrived, and then the characters started their rounds. First we had Stitch, then Lilo, then Pluto, and last - the big guy Mickey. The kids loved the interaction. We ordered 2nds of the food. When the parade started, Stitch chose MK to help him lead. They were doing fine until Stitch turned a corner and MK missed the corner. She got a little frightened, but her dad rushed to her. She came back to the table and decided she just wanted to watch. Greg tried to get her to join with him, but she did not want to go back. Once we were completely stuffed, we left browsing once more in the stores (for pins, of course).

We decided to take the boat to Magic Kingdom. There were only two other people on the boat and it was an enjoyable ride.

Once we were inside Magic Kingdom, we went to Tomorrowland. Greg, MK, Graham and I rode the Astro Orbitors, then we all rode Buzz.

Lori and MK rode the Race Cars.

then we went to Toontown. Lori went to get in line for the Fairies, while Greg, MK and Graham rode Goofy’s Barnstormer. Then Greg and MK joined Lori in line, while Graham and I went back to ride Space Mountain with fastpasses I had gotten earlier. Papa decided to sit and wait inside the store.

After Space Mountain we went back to wait for MK’s exit from the Fairies. She was so excited, but Tink was not there. We left Toontown and went to Advertureland. We rode PotC (right side again with no wait). When we left the ride it started to rain, then rain more. We ran into Pecos Bills (with everyone else). Lori and Graham found a table while the rest of us went to order lunch. When we finished it had stopped raining.
We went to Frontierland and got fastpasses for Splash Mountain. Then it started raining again. We put on our ponchos, and found spots sort of out of the rain. When the rain stopped, it was almost parade time. We were right near the parade route, so just moved closer to the route and waited. I think the parade was rather fast (or maybe not all floats) mainly because it looked dark and stormy.

We walked back to splash mountain, but found out both splash mountain and btmrr were temporarily closed because of the storm. Since everyone was somewhat wet, and we were tired, we headed back to the TTC, to the bus, to the condo.

 

[lindsey]

Friday -
We stayed at the condo and ate the remaining food we had and packed. Greg and Lori were able to get all of their laundry done also. The kids had enough toys and stuff to play with.

The living room area when we arrived

later, with the kids' toys

Saturday, September 25
I could not believe the week had gone by so fast.

sunrise our last morning

We ate breakfast, cleaned everything in the condo, threw out all of the trash and packed the car. We decided to try the Lake Buena Vista Disney Outlet – Graham still had $20. They have opened a new Character Outlet, but it is very small. We checked it out first, then went to the larger store that also has scrapbooking items. They are within walking distance to each other. I found another Hello Kitty for MK and an EE shirt for Graham. After buying a few things, Lori and MK went to the shoe store. They found a new pair of pink tennis shoes for MK. Then we got on the toll road 417 and started home. We stopped at a Wendy’s somewhere on I-4 for lunch. We made it to Jekyll Island about 3pm and it was hot. After we checked in, the kids put on their swimsuits and we headed to the beach. They played in the said for a little while, and then moved to the pool The ocean water was very brown, grayish. After showers and clean clothes, we found a nice seafood restaurant. The food was very good. Greg was anxious to get back to the room to watch his football. Note, there is nothing in Jekyll Island but a few hotels and a few restaurants.

After a good breakfast at the hotel (waffles, YEAH), we packed again and headed home.

This was a wonderful family trip. We had lots of room at Bonnet Creek (3 bedrooms plus a living room plus a dining area) which was great for 4 adults and 2 kids. Having sandwiches and snacks helped save some money. Being able to freeze lots of water bottles was also a money saver. We took at least 4 bottles plus frozen juice boxes each day to the parks. Since the crowds were light, we were able to ride everything the kids wanted to ride (at least once). It was hot, but finding a shady spot, or having the wind blow always helped (not as much humidity as in the summer). Graham enjoyed the interaction with the CM’s in pin trading. MK did trade some but she did not really care one way or the other.

 

[KGGJT]

Thanks for the great report.