Rednecks, White Socks w/Photos to Prove It...

[Jenvenza]

All the shirts are so cute! You did a great job!

 

[weich1001]

I can’t help it…some people call me thick headed and cheap, I prefer frugal! Creative I’m not…resourceful, now that’s me! When we started planning this trip, I quickly realized this trip would not be cheap, so I would need to be frugal when it came to certain parts of it.

Like for example, getting autographs of characters. I know that is something Austin will want to do with Goofy and Pluto. Sure you could probably buy one at Disney for $20 or so, but for me, that’s a lot of money to spend so a little kids can get an autograph of a person in a costume.

So I decided to look into options…I could buy one at our local dollar store for a buck…only problem, I couldn’t find one! I could make one using a 3X5 spiral bound bright colored index card book…then we could put them beside their photo in our photo album…Okay that was probably the tackiest idea, even for me a true country hick!

So once again, I turned to the DIS Boards creative side of things. There, these creative group have come up with tons of ways to make autograph books. I thought, BINGO, I’ll make one! I found a designers book I liked…a picture of the character along with the name (what 40 year old single female do you know that knows all the Disney characters?---not me, that’s for sure!). So off to Office Max to get some “special paper” Ooooooohhhhh look a deal, 4X6 Index Cards printed 2 per page (2 kids=2 per page…I'm thinkin...GOOD!) better pick up some extra ink too! Now off to AC Moore to look for some 3 inch rings, a paper punch and some laminating paper (need firmess!)

Start printing, first hour goes by, second hour goes by---boy there sure are a lot of characters… off to Office Max a few more times for more index cards and ink and VIOLA…some six plus hours into the project and a $169.48 and a couple tanks of gas later, I now have an autograph book that will add 10 pounds to my luggage and that I could have bought at Disney, professionally bound et all...

Well, if nothing else it kept the kids busy ripping apart the 4X6 cards a day out of their summer vacation and out of my hair! Here are some pictures of things we made for our trip…thanks to all the DISigners…I can’t take credit for anything except assembly of the things!

Yes, they really are almost 5 inches thick, so Glenn helped split each book into 2...one side has the more popular characters in it, such as Cinderella and the other has all the other ones (we'll probably never even see...but just in case...) One book volume for Austin, and one for Erika...now how many kids do you know that have "volumes" for their Autograph Books! OCD--yes they are all alphabetized! by groups and individually and yes, I already have plastic bags to keep them in..since they don't have the fancy hard cover!

Luggage Tags (Bigger-backs have contact information) and Smaller ones for things like camera's and fanny packs.

Activity Books...for times when they can't have their electronics on..like take off in the plane...this should be enough to keep them busy....it's a collection of Disney trivia questions, Disney crosswords, country's stuff about EPCOT--things to make them use their mind...llike matching the country up with their currency. Yes, there are 4 books: 1 for Erika, 1 for Austin, 1 for Mimi---yes she too has homework! And of course the answer key for Glenn and I---remember, we really don't like Disney, we aren't Disney people---yeah okay! We figure these should suffice,along with their DVD Players...they don't know they are getting them yet...its an early Christmas present, their DS's, their MP3 Players...that should keep them busy...yeah okay, I mean quiet!

Cast member cards to say thank you for tolerating us...these are some...there are over 50 designs in total!

Tip Envelopes for the full service Restaurants and BBB-Hannah Montana Pkg.

Glenn is a good sport but there's times when I bet he's thinkin...what did I get myself into...

 

[weich1001]

And what trip would be complete without a Countdown Calendar from day 40 forward on the 'fridge...the header is made from foam letters---Austin picked them out of the bucket, Erika cut out the mickey heads from Home Depot paint supply area-using various pinking shears from AC Moore and Wendi put it all together...on the left ear is the day of month, on the right ear is the number of days left until we leave, and on the head portion is a trivia questions or thing to do to get ready for Disney..such as watch a Disney movie to become more familiar with the "newer" characters...that Glenn and Wendi aren't as up on...And we all added Disney stickers---lesson learned don't use scrapbooking stickers---those things are e-x-p-e-n-s-i-v-e!

And of course the OCD---everything organized 2 inch flex binder,with daily breakdown of plans and confirmation numbers...with a separate tear out potion...laminated of course! And just in case Airport Security should decide to take my Disney Bible...Mimi has a back-up, no as comprehensive...but it would suffice!

Almost ready to pack!!!

 

[DisneyFun08]

Wow! You have definitely planned well! The DISign board is great isn't it? I love your $160 autograph books! I am going to attempt to make one for my daughter. Your countdown calendar is awesome. Neat idea!

 

[weich1001]

Wow! You have definitely planned well! The DISign board is great isn't it? I love your $160 autograph books! I am going to attempt to make one for my daughter. Your countdown calendar is awesome. Neat idea!

Well, it might not be as nice as one you buy at the store...but it sure will be something to talk about in the future that's for sure! In the beginning, I really thought I would be saving money to put it together...looked easy enough...but boy in the end...all I can do is just laugh! Oh well!

 

[weich1001]

Excitement is definitely in the air! The kids are completing the countdown calendar and making sure nothing is missed…it’s almost like the countdown to Christmas morning, only better! Pappy was finally convinced that there really might be a lot of walking and bought a pair of Reebok sneakers with air pumps on the soles and is even getting them broken in! Mimi and I have started working on our base line tan aka sunburn---we took the kids on Labor Day to Camelbeach Waterpark-rode a ton of water rides and have the sunburn to prove it! And Glenn and I said our final good-byes as we won’t see each other a lot until pretty much we leave for Disney-though we spend a lot of time on the phone. Glenn is the electrician for the Palmerton Festival, the weekend after Labor Day, which draws some 50,000 people to a town that only has 20,000 to begin with, and along with his regular job, will keep him super busy with many late nights from Labor Day weekend thru next Monday. And I’m just trying to tie things up at work so I can actually relax on vacation, thus I am working 15 hours day from now thru next Monday…yippee, ky yay!

Next Tuesday/Wednesday I will re-confirm all confirmations, do the wash, and confirm the closest Orlando Walmart---for anything last minute we may need and on Thursday…pack…almost there…

 

[weich1001]

We'll I told you, Pappy wears socks with his sandals..his feet get cold...but I guess it is like father, like son *?@#%...guess who wears white socks with flip flops??? Makes a real fashion statement..don't ya think!

In all fairness I should tell you it was late, he had taken off his sneakers and was just running outside to get something and NOT to go out to a dinner or something...

But as I promised, here are the first installment of the "white socks" part of the trip report...

 

[weich1001]

Last week, all reservations were confirmed…and boy did I get some pleasant surprises!

Mimi and Pappy got some extra Magic…they are going to Kennedy Space Center and having Lunch with an Astronaut. Sure to be a highlight of their part of the trip. Now the “magic” that we found out was added, AT NO ADDITIONAL COST, was they get an inside 3 hour tour of NASA! Mimi was on the phone telling everyone within a couple of minutes of hearing the news!

Our rental cars got upgraded…FREE! Wahoo!

And yesterday, the best “magic” came. We had been waitlisted for Villa’s at Wilderness Lodge or a Grand Villa at Old Key West…the call came…we got a Grand Villa! Now we can all be under the same roof!

Last night, we had a “Bon Voyage Party”…even though we aren’t going on a boat…just vacation! Complete with Mickey Head Hamburgers and cupcakes… and the adults had champagne (what else would rednecks have with burgers!). The kids got their “Disney” backpacks loaded with their DS’s, DVD Players-Disney movies, MP3 Players, Activity Books, Cell Phones and Sheckler family vacation sweatshirts.

We thought, getting them to bed was going to be trouble…but again, pixie dust was sprinkled on them and they were in bed and asleep by 8:30PM..unbelieveable! This morning was however…well, it’s here!

I was up at 4:30AM followed by Miss Erika at 6AM. Mind you, you can’t wake this kid up for school at 6AM…but a trip to Disney…no problem…was up, cleaned up, dressed and had eaten her breakfast by 7AM…okay! Glenn followed was up at 6:45 and Austin was amazingly the late bloomer at 7AM. Note Austin is NEVER a late bloomer…usually he wakes up good and early the morning! Why everyone got up soooooo early on the first day of vacation…is beyond me! We don’t fly out of Phila until 3PM today! I guess the good news is that everyone will be beat tonight, so everyone will sleep well!

The kids have been amazingly calm so far. Glenn has been busy closing up the house and property. Last minute e-mails and phone calls have been made. And Austin has been giving me an hour by hour breakdown of when the Limo is show up…presently we are at T minus one hour and counting. The Limo driver, Carl, called last night just to confirm everything…all set! Grandparents have just shown up-all present and accounted for!

Time for last minute pictures and then we’ll be on our way . Next time I post, I will be “Live from Disney”!

 

[MickeyReeds]

Just found your PTR today and am caught up! Great start--I can't wait to hear about your trip! You seem to really have caught the Disney bug!

 

[DisneyFun08]

Yay! You're on your way! I know you will have a magical time and I can't wait to read all about it!

 

[weich1001]

OCD Packing...1 kid=1 bag, name on it,labled with day of week=1 pair shorts, shirts for the day,socks, underwear--with 2 extra outfits and stuff just in case!

The wait for the Limo:

The kids spotted the Limo, it was chaos at its best! First it went past us, then we called and it went the other direction, then we stood out on the front deck and he spotted us---all wearing our Maroon Disney shirts. Austin and Erika started jumping up and down, Pappy went out to make sure his bags were put into the Limo, Mimi hit the bathroom one last time, Glenn went to take our four bags out, and Wendi, well I did what I was good at, I went for the Champagne and kiddie Champagne. Three big bags in the trunk, two in the front seat and one in the passenger compartment. The kids and Mimi waited in the house until everything was loaded, then they went out to get into Limo---we were on our way.

What was a two hour trip seemed to go by in the blink of an eye…it may have been the champagne…Mimi did say it cured her headache! Before you knew it we were at Philadelphia airport. One last shot of the Limo and us and we were headed inside the check our bags.

Things were going great then, going thru security came up. I should tell you, because I didn’t want to be one of those people with pesky kids, we practiced going thru security, then we practiced some more and we had a final review last night at the Bon Voyage party. As we approached, things couldn’t have looked better…no lines! Then in an instant, total chaos, yet again!!! Too many TSA people approaching from all sides. Mimi didn’t know which line to choose. Pappy-went into a line by himself, another TSA person directed Glenn to “not take out the kids electronics” but then changed her mind and insisted on taking out just the DVD’s, the kids got confused, Erika got downright scared, Austin walked thru the body scanner and got the dirty looks from the TSA person and Wendi…the person who always get stopped and individually scanned..sailed thru with no problems. Aggggghhhhhh, thank god we don’t have to do that again for another 9 days! Two words describe this experience…MAJOR YUKKO!

So we ate at the Airport, an Italian Restaurant, we had Pizza and non-alcoholic beverages at a cost of $27.53. Erika and I split a pretzel afterward while we were waiting for Daddy and Austin to shop for magazines. Kids at the airport was great…no annoying kids here! One lady who lives in Atlanta even struck up a conversation with Erika and Mimi and said she had her daughters to Disney when they were about their age. Looks like it’s going to be a bumpy flight, appears to be raining pretty steadily out there!

And a bumpy flight it was! Turbulence seemed to be the key word to the first leg of the trip…even though Erika absolutely loved it! She said it felt like an amusement park ride! Great! Austin was the hero on this leg…he held Mimi’s hand when things got really rocky. Erika gave the flight attendant a “Geppetto” Cast Member card to thank her for being so nice—the flight attendant was speechless, she really didn’t know what to say and said thanks, walking away with a smile on her face. Both kids agreed flying was “great”. We were on a Boeing 757 that held 187 passengers…and it was a full flight.

The next leg was from Atlanta to Orlando. I was worried as I have always had horrible service out of Atlanta…but today really wasn’t the case. A little mix up in what gate we were supposed to be at, but other than that we made it. Austin got the window seat this time and by the time the pilot announced we would be landing in Orlando his eyes were huge…you see he was sooooooo excited to be in “goofy-land”. This flight was smooth sailing. The Delta flight attendants were great and gave more Disney advice, so to thank them, Erika and Austin gave them Disney Cast Member Cards. We must have been the talk of the flight attendants, as the one said he had seen the other’s card and that they don’t often get thanked, let alone with a cute business card. On our way off the plane…they all smiled “extra pretty” trying to get one last card from the kids!

Off to get luggage…no surprises here. We had just gotten to the baggage pick up and it was there. Glenn and I grabbed all 6 bags , 2 excited kids and 2 pretty tired grandparents and off to Avis to pick up our two rental vehicles.

If you want to rent a car, don’t do it from Orlando Avis! Customer service was horrible and I am Avis Preferred. I’ve had excellent service from them since 2001…but this was bad! The mini van had tons of scratches on it and all the man could say was “they all do” and “deal with it”. He also threw in some cursive words and I showed him just how much of a redneck I can be! Someone higher will hear about this!

It is now 9:30PM and finally, we are on our way to Staybridge Suites, Orlando. Unfortunately, Glenn and Pappy got separated several times and by the time we got to the hotel…all were hot and exhausted and needed a good nights sleep. But I can’t say enough of nice things about the front desk staff. Awesome. Clean Hotel. Gave us some cookies for being a Priority Club Member. Really excellent customer service.

One last review for Saturday’s activities with Pappy and Mimi and it was off to snoreland!

 

[teacher2525]

Can't wait to read more

 

[Rozz]

I am enjoying your trip report. We can't go back to WDW this year. Your report is helping me deal with it. Keep 'em comin'!

 

[manntra]

Hi there! Hope you are having a great time....loved your Pre TR and all of those great shirts and I especially like the cards that they will be handing out to CM's for outstanding service. That was very thoughtful for them to hand them out on the plane. I am just amazed at all of your planning and ideas that you came up with. I am sorry to say however that this is only the beginning of your DOCD. Welcome to the club!
I am really not that far from you I am sure....I live in Endicott NY and my family has a cottage on Elk Lake near Waymart---in between Honesdale and Carbondale. Just made reservations to the Great Wolf Lodge for an upcoming weekend trip with my niece.
Hope the crowds are low and can't wait for more updates and pictures. I am anxiously waiting your take on the Primetime...we ate there for the first time a few weeks ago and had the best waiter, can't remember his name, started with an "L" and he was from Morocco. My nephews were "in trouble" within 2 minutes of sitting down! Great fun!

 

[weich1001]

Friday night...at Staybridge Suites, Orlando...Nappy time, near midnight....didn't sleep but maybe 4 hours

Saturday night...at OKW, first night, sleepy time---near 1AM, slept maybe another 4-5 hours

Sunday night...after Hoop de Doo Review...after 10PM...finally, a good nights sleep...air conditioner just set right!

With keeping a very f-u-l-l scheduled, I'm whipped!

But now reenergized, I'm am ready to have it yet again...I will get caught up here soon...sorry folks! I just didn't realize how OLD I've gotten...even DBF has been complaining of minor aches and pains...which is totally not him!

Probably tonight, I should be able to get everyone caught up! But overall so far, everything and everyone we have come in contact with have been great...awesome...absolutely wonderful! Having the time of our lives!!!!!!

 

[weich1001]

After a great breakfast at Staybridge, we went to Seaworld for the day on Saturday. The first show we saw the Sea Lion and Otter show. Clyde and Seamore went on a misadventure to find pirate treasure. We won’t reveal the ending, but it is a great show for families to see.

After the show, we had an adventure of our own, asking a diver to find us a pearl in an oyster. Success! The diver found all of us one! We had to tap 3 times on the shell and say a “special” word and hoped for the best. The kids each ended up with 7mm pearl, Mimi’s was slmost 7mm and Wendi…well typically Wendi, only tapped twice and I ended up with a 6.5 mm pearl…see what happens when you don’t listen!

Following this, we went to the “Pets Ahoy” show. This cool show involved all kinds of animals doing a lot of different high action tricks. Pigeons even flew over Mimi’s head, she had to check her hat! The kids enjoyed watching the cats, dogs, birds, and a pig doing all sorts of funny stuff and the cats going over the audience.

Well, lunchtime showed up and we went to the Shark’s Grille. How would you like to eat while watching sharks swim by? An awesome experience! Seeing alot of “Jaws” right next to you! Wow! The food was amazing! You could tell they use only fresh herbs. The savory aroma of Rosemary added to the senses of this experience as we ate our meal. Hanah from Morraco was our server…she was excellent…so much so I asked her for the Manager, who immediately came over to our table and we explained she and the Chef deserve major kudos! Hanah got a major tip…even from a major cheapie like me, she deserved it! In a nutshell, Mimi and Glenn had steaks done in Beechwood, Pappy had chicken and shrimp and I had salmon. The pictures will help show you, the food here will compare to any major seafood restaurant in the WORLD!!!…too bad computers don’t have a way to smell it. Food cost: $150 or so, Pins, 3 special pins $20 or so, Tip $40. It was sooo kewl seeing divers in a shark cage moving in a BIG aquarium while having a nice lunch! All this in one restaurant, yes! Totally, recommend it.

We went to see the “Believe “ show starring Shamu. They had all people who had served in the military past or present stand up and pay tribute. Pappy and Glenn stood up along with a lot of other people----there wasn’t a dry eye in the house---and that wasn’t due to Shamu soaking us! As usuall, we sat in the “soak zone”. Austin asked several times why he didn’t get wet….all I can say is thanks Austin. Shamu got all of totally drenched at the end!

We were all totally soaked so we figured it would be a good time to go on the Atlantis ride-it was okay and yes we got wetter. Meanwhile Mimi and Pappy did some shopping. Wonder what they got?

We all went on a Polar Expedition Tour, not cold, only in a few places where the animals were. Boy, did we get an interesting view of how these animals live, and are adapted for a water habitat. This place really cares for their animals, with vet care, and good food. We even met a fellow redneck penguin named Bubba and we got a chance to pet him.

Mimi noticed that there were signs on the drains on the streets that said “Do not dump, drains to lake”. There is an actual lake on the premises, why mess it up with stuff? Should tell you Mimi is an excellent naturalist! Ask her anything about the outdoors and she’s big time into it!

Well, we finally checked in at Old Key West, our home for the week. Mimi and Pappy had the first night to themselves, and ate at a great restaurant, Olivia’s Café. This place has excellent fare which is somewhat generous for the senior citizen appetite, but worth the money and time spent there. A new discovery in bread was made that is great, pineapple coconut bread. That was really good, and with a hamburger and fries comprised this meal. The atmosphere at this place is really neat, reminds you of old time Florida with a pulley driven line of palm fans that cool the place. Also there are posters of scenes of Old Key West, and pictures and scenes that line the walls. Definitely a great place for lunch or a dinner. The staff are very courteous, and give you excellent service and go out of their way to please even the pickiest eater.

Glenn, Wendi and the kids went off to Magic Kingdom. Can you say packed! Wow our first experience at huge crowds. My ticket wouldn’t work and held us up for almost 20 minutes. Cast members not friendly and at times almost rude! Didn’t leave me with a good taste in my mouth about the friendliest place on earth. But finally they cut me a new “paper” ticket, yeah the el cheapo kind (all of our tickets were a nice plastic almost credit card type---except mine now)! And we went to the left. Everyone told me to go the left on these boards, so we did! Ummmm still a lot of crowds people! We ended up in Frontiertown and ate a quick bite at Peco’s Bill. Loud, food mediocre, not overly clean—come to mind when I think about this place.

But onward, the parade was awesome and fireworks amazing-Glenn got most on video. Afterward we took the Ferry to the TTC and the tram into the “Dopey” parking lot---row 127

By the time we got back to OKW we were all wiped off---it was past midnight until the kids got showers and got to bed. Off to Discovery Cove to swim with the Dolphins in the morning.

Mimi & Pappy with Shamu

All of us upon entering Seaworld

Erika & Austin upon Shamu

 

[Sorsha]

Wendi, I am loving your trip report! Can't wait to read more! Your shirts and address books and thank-you cards all turned out AWESOME - I am feeling quite inspired. My hubby will NOT be happy about that LOL!

We were in WDW almost exactly a year ago, and I am starting to get major Disney-itis! I WANNA GO BAAAAACK!!! Sigh... I can't... so I will live it through you!

Looking forward to more!

 

[weich1001]

I really am trying to post but having major Hi Speed issues. It appears all the kinks havn't been worked out between Windows Vista and using the internet on a private Hi Speed system such as Disney's---

Disney's Tech Support explained we are doing everything right but Vista sometimes doesn't see the private systems...aka that's why we have no access to the internet at times...and at time we do...go figure!

Unfortunately, when we have had access...we've been in the parks and doing things and that is why I haven't posted much...but I will and I have a ton of pictures to answer all types of silly and crazy questions....like who reallly was the pink fairy at Hoop De Doo Review....why Pappy who else! And what happens when seniors go wild....look for the picture soon on that one!

Thanks for tuning in and I'll make additions as I can get internet access! For now it's off to the Spa for Mimi and I, Fishing for Pappy and Glenn and Cooking Class for the kids!

Totally enjoying Orlando...knock on wood, hasn't rained a drop..mid-90's every day! Lots of humidity! Lot's of sun...yes Mom we are all wearing suntan lotion...don't need any premature wrinkles!

 

[weich1001]

We left for Discovery Cove around 8ish and got there about 15 minutes later. We were blown away by the beauty of this place from the time we entered. Absolutely amazing. We knew this was going to be a special day we would never forget. It was like being on your own deserted island! The parking lot is small, so no walking for miles. Less than a half of block and we were at the entrance. Guest services quickly confirmed our reservations, took our picture ID and gave us a laminated card for park areas that went around our ID. We then went on a tour of the place and had our “free”…wow there’s a word never used in Orlando-5 X 7 family picture. The it was off to get our neoprene life vests and snorkel equipment and get changed. Lockers again were “free”

First we swam in a lazy river-warm and wonderful. The kids picked up snorkeling in a snap. Wendi however had issues. As much as I have always swam I couldn’t get used to breathing thru the tube-water was getting in my goggles and in my mouth. I was getting frustrated fast. I am used to just holding my breath and opening my eyes under water. With Glenn’s help we determined I needed a smaller hose---off to get a kiddie hose and tightened my goggles and VIOLA problem solved. Now I was happy.

They tell you your admission price includes all you food and drink for the day. We figured there would be a couple of choices---couldn’t have been more wrong….you name it, they had it! Just before our dolphin swim we all got pretzels shaped like their logo…neat!

The dolphin swim lasted about a half an hour with Mar a 4 year old, playful dolphin and Chester a 40 year old male who is quite the stud and has fathered quite a few baby dolphins thru the years---he took us for our “ride”. The interaction was totally cool and they took photographs and video the whole time. I’ll get some posted before long.

After our dolphin swim we ate…very good food…Wendi had a salmon pesto dish…excellent, Glenn had this huge burger and a pasta primavera dish…excellent and the kids had macaroni and cheese…two thumbs up.

We spent the afternoon roaming the bird aviary…look for pictures soon of them setting on Austin’s and Glenn’s head and feeding…in the coral reef---we saw all types of really kewl fish including a shark and barracuda---I didn’t realize they were behind glass and got out of that area fast!!!!!! It didn’t hit me till later, they were behind glass. The stingrays were huge…easily 6 feet across and yes they swim right past you, we went to the stingray pool…Erika wasn’t crazy about that but after 20 minutes or so calmed down a little! And then we did another lap or so in the lazy river.

As were winding down the day, we were able to get cleaned up---they have the nicest collection of bath and body works from Eveyln Crabtree, bought some souvenirs and picked up our picture package. I can’t say enough of nice things about everyone we encountered there. This was the most expensive portion of out trip and yet worth every penny. We all highly recommend it. It is truly a day you won’t forget!

Meanwhile, during the day Mimi and Pappy went off to the Presidents Hall of Fame and MK for the day. They really enjoyed themselves and bought the kids more pins for pin trading.

At the end of the day we went to the Hoop De Doo Review. Wow, that was a good time! Good old fashioned humor, the way a family vacation should be. We were seated right next to the stage and boy did Pappy get picked on. More photo’s to come on this one. Suffice to say he was the star of the show at the end…yes he was the Pink Fairy…okay Pappy, Pink Angel…wearing a too-too and all! I guess the true Pappy finally came out and we found out what he does in his days off!!! The show was hilarious and the food…fried chicken, BBQ ribs and the fixens weren’t bad either! Again, great family fun and would highly recommend it to any first timers out there!

The official Pink Fairy Certificate

Morning at Discovery Cove

Cave thru Lazy River at DC

Lazy River at DC---so peaceful, so relaxing!

Enroute from parking lot to Entrance Building at DC...wow, you just knew this day was going to be special!

Map of DC

DC

Entrace Building at DC

Our arrival family photo

Austin and Glenn with Birds at the Aviary

Ft Wilderness Campground-Hoop De Doo Review-Front of Building

HDDR Menu

The bunch before Dinner...Glenn needs food, Mimi is ready to salute, Erika is up to something devious....Austin, is actually acting normal for once, Pappy is just looking forward to eating and me...I'm just happy to finally be at the place I have heard so much about!

Din, din is served!

Dolly with Mimi

Pappy...on his days off!!!

Seniors Gone Wild!!!

P-A-P-P-Y!!!!!!!

 

[weich1001]

This was a neat side diversion. First we made reservations for Jimmy Buffet’s Maragaritaville for 5:30PM and then went to off to Islands of Adventure…rode the Hulk Coaster---wow can you say G force, then some other rides that got us wet and twisted all around!

In the afternoon we went over to Universal Studio’s. What I didn’t like about the parks was they had people who did “surveys” there---go away people, I’m on vacation and people who wanted to sign you up for yet another credit card---give me a break! Also there photo program is never explained to you…we were having pictures taken, given their “white slips” and expected to be able to pick them up at the end of the day..not so, get them when you come off the ride or you’re screwed!

In the evening we went for Dinner at Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville . The food was good, the music laid back and the margarita volcano just kept spouting off. Afterward we took a stroll down Citywalk—bought some souvenirs and in general did the tourist thing. It was neat.

Overall a nice day. But with rain on the horizon we decided not to go back and go into Epcot as it was getting grey fast---but it didn’t rain until after we were all tucked in for the night…I believe that was around 10ish or so.

Incredible Hulk Roller Coaster

The Green Giant...Incredible Hulk Roller Coaster

Spiderman

Watch out, stay off the sidewalks...Mimi is driving the Jazzy again!

Yes, we got them T-shirts that say thing 1 and 2....are we cruel or what?

Mimi once played the Grinch so she wanted her picture with him

Erika & Austin had on their Mickey and Pooh hats...whoops! Oh well, they needed hats on their head and I wasn't packing a separate hat just for this one day. So the Cat in the Hat politely covered up them with his hands...otherwise he wouldn't have his picture taken...it was hilarious!