Cast: CDisney, DH, Nathan (4) David (6)
Nov. 23-25 Hard Rock Hotel
Nov. 25-Dec. 1 Holiday Inn Family Suites
With our flight behind us, we were ready to escape from the worries of the world. We loaded our luggage on to a cart and headed for Nationals Emerald Aisle. As I expected, there were only a few intermediate cars on the Aisle since it was the day after Thanksgiving. The attendant gave me the green flag to take a premium for the same $156 full-size rate. We enjoyed the smooth ride of the Bonneville for the next eight days and were able to squeeze four suitcases, three backpacks and a double stroller into its roomy trunk.
Although this was the fifth trip to Orlando for my family in two years, the anticipation was undeniable. How much longer? How much longer? my sons sang in harmony from the backseat. I couldnt wait, myself. We were spending the first two nights at the Hard Rock Hotel with the money-saving $117 per night Entertainment rate.
Upon arrival, the crowd in the lobby was abuzz. One of the members of NSYNC had been sighted and fans were trailing him. I wouldnt have recognized any of them if they were standing behind me.
The Hard Rock is impressive with its collection of memorabilia. The comfortable beds were dressed with soft linens that didnt scratch sensitive skin. My boys, of course, tested them for bounciness before I reminded them to keep their feet planted on the floor.
With luggage stowed, we walked to City Walk for dinner at the Hard Rock Café. The long line snaking into the popular nightspot dismayed my husband. But, I bypassed the line, flashed my Hard Rock All Access Card at the podium and we were seated immediately. Our food was a long time coming, but at least our glasses were full.
Back in our room, we sunk into a blissful sleep.
In the morning, the sites from our window brought squeals of delight from David. Just below us was an oversized chessboard that reminded him of scenes from the Harry Potter movie. In his imagination, he could see the pieces come to life. After breakfast, he and Nathan took their respective places on the board and pretended to be knights.
When they had enough, we walked leisurely to Islands of Adventure where we planned to split up for the morning. My husband and David sought the adventure of Spiderman, Bilge Rat Barges, Ripsaw Falls and the Jurassic Park River Adventure, while Nathan and I celebrated the Wholidays in Seuss Landing.
With each successive trip, our timid Nathan has slowly let go of some of his fears. But, he is still apprehensive about trying anything new. As we wandered through the Grinchs lair, he was ready to flee. Is his heart small or big? he whispered, not knowing if this was the the the the Grinch from the beginning of the movie or the end.
I gave him a hug for encouragement as we waited in line. I think its big, he said when it was his turn, as he grabbed his pen and autograph book. I cant wait to see the pictures of him cuddled up on the Grinchs lap one simple example of his burgeoning bravery.
With the front of the line access available to hotel guests, we were able to let the kids ride their favorites twice. Nathan giggled through Cat in the Hat. David had to give Spiderman another go. Spiderman is an awesome ride, but the motion simulator makes me queasy. When David started complaining that his stomach hurt, I thought maybe a touch of motion sickness had gotten the better of him on the second go around.
We headed for the Sinbad show to take it easy. But, he didnt feel any better by the end of the show. It wasnt Spiderman that bit him. It was a stomach bug. Back to the hotel we went.
Now, were quite use to the kids getting sick on vacation. On two of our previous trips, the stomach bug reared its ugly head. But we were slightly more disappointed this time. This was the night my husband and I were planning to go out on our own to enjoy the pleasures of City Walk, while the kids played at the Little Rock Club.
We cancelled our reservations, ordered room service and settled in for a sleepless night with a bucket close by. We were pretty sure that by morning, he would be himself again and just hoped that Nathan would be spared.
Part III: Can I go back and get the sheets?
Nov. 23-25 Hard Rock Hotel
Nov. 25-Dec. 1 Holiday Inn Family Suites
With our flight behind us, we were ready to escape from the worries of the world. We loaded our luggage on to a cart and headed for Nationals Emerald Aisle. As I expected, there were only a few intermediate cars on the Aisle since it was the day after Thanksgiving. The attendant gave me the green flag to take a premium for the same $156 full-size rate. We enjoyed the smooth ride of the Bonneville for the next eight days and were able to squeeze four suitcases, three backpacks and a double stroller into its roomy trunk.
Although this was the fifth trip to Orlando for my family in two years, the anticipation was undeniable. How much longer? How much longer? my sons sang in harmony from the backseat. I couldnt wait, myself. We were spending the first two nights at the Hard Rock Hotel with the money-saving $117 per night Entertainment rate.
Upon arrival, the crowd in the lobby was abuzz. One of the members of NSYNC had been sighted and fans were trailing him. I wouldnt have recognized any of them if they were standing behind me.
The Hard Rock is impressive with its collection of memorabilia. The comfortable beds were dressed with soft linens that didnt scratch sensitive skin. My boys, of course, tested them for bounciness before I reminded them to keep their feet planted on the floor.
With luggage stowed, we walked to City Walk for dinner at the Hard Rock Café. The long line snaking into the popular nightspot dismayed my husband. But, I bypassed the line, flashed my Hard Rock All Access Card at the podium and we were seated immediately. Our food was a long time coming, but at least our glasses were full.
Back in our room, we sunk into a blissful sleep.
In the morning, the sites from our window brought squeals of delight from David. Just below us was an oversized chessboard that reminded him of scenes from the Harry Potter movie. In his imagination, he could see the pieces come to life. After breakfast, he and Nathan took their respective places on the board and pretended to be knights.
When they had enough, we walked leisurely to Islands of Adventure where we planned to split up for the morning. My husband and David sought the adventure of Spiderman, Bilge Rat Barges, Ripsaw Falls and the Jurassic Park River Adventure, while Nathan and I celebrated the Wholidays in Seuss Landing.
With each successive trip, our timid Nathan has slowly let go of some of his fears. But, he is still apprehensive about trying anything new. As we wandered through the Grinchs lair, he was ready to flee. Is his heart small or big? he whispered, not knowing if this was the the the the Grinch from the beginning of the movie or the end.
I gave him a hug for encouragement as we waited in line. I think its big, he said when it was his turn, as he grabbed his pen and autograph book. I cant wait to see the pictures of him cuddled up on the Grinchs lap one simple example of his burgeoning bravery.
With the front of the line access available to hotel guests, we were able to let the kids ride their favorites twice. Nathan giggled through Cat in the Hat. David had to give Spiderman another go. Spiderman is an awesome ride, but the motion simulator makes me queasy. When David started complaining that his stomach hurt, I thought maybe a touch of motion sickness had gotten the better of him on the second go around.
We headed for the Sinbad show to take it easy. But, he didnt feel any better by the end of the show. It wasnt Spiderman that bit him. It was a stomach bug. Back to the hotel we went.
Now, were quite use to the kids getting sick on vacation. On two of our previous trips, the stomach bug reared its ugly head. But we were slightly more disappointed this time. This was the night my husband and I were planning to go out on our own to enjoy the pleasures of City Walk, while the kids played at the Little Rock Club.
We cancelled our reservations, ordered room service and settled in for a sleepless night with a bucket close by. We were pretty sure that by morning, he would be himself again and just hoped that Nathan would be spared.
Part III: Can I go back and get the sheets?
