Relax boys, the belly dancer does not want your singles! 9/2 final update p.87

[soulmates]

Waiting to get through security check:

Stage at the viewing area of the Visitor's Complex:

Rocket Garden:

Thunderstorm that almost threatened the launch:

Shuttle exhaust trail:

The boys during & after the launch:

Shuttle trainer jet:

Full size models of shuttle craft, fuel tank, & solid rocket boosters:

Boys looking for gators:

Astronaut Memorial:

Gator found:

Thunderstorm on our way back:

Traffic due to an accident:

Thank you SO much for posting. What an incredible event to witness!!

 

[Missin'Disney]

What an awesome recount of the shuttle launch Nate. Thanks for taking the time to share it with us! Hard to believe the program is coming to an end.

I used to think I was going to be an astronaut when I grew up!

I even spent a few weeks at NASA's Space Academy in Huntsville Alabama during the summer before I went in to High School. It was the place the movie SpaceCamp was based on. your sons would probably enjoy the movie. I bet you guys can rent it from your local library!

 

[winkers]

those are great pictures of the launch!
It looks like alot of fun to see.

 

[rentayenta]

Oh Keith............your turn to post your first day.

 

[rentayenta]

On the phone with my DVC dude...................

 

[2ScottishPrincesses]

We'll be there!! We're staying at the WL the 2-8th!

Well this IS the time that the cool kids will be going...'tis the truth I say

On the phone with my DVC dude...................

AND?????

 

[DisneyJo]

Nate your account of the launch was fabulous, I wanted to be an astronaut as a kid after I visited Kennedy Space Centre. I hope you do make it back

 

[rentayenta]

AND?????

He said there would be a credit of $8 per point for the GVC with a 50 point add on (you can add 25 points minimum) but the payment goes up quite a bit more. He tried to get us to add on more at the SSR. And I added a whopping 10 points on. More, more, more. He also said that the current promos would be going away Sunday and the new ones will not be as good.

I have a bad case off addonitus!

 

[DisneylandForever]

I agree with you -- I BCV. I wish we had bought there but of course, I want more years than they currently allow.

You agree with me? That makes you a genius in my book!

It's true about the amount of years. But I said to myself, "I want to really enjoy the next 35 years as opposed to regular enjoy 45 (or is it 50?)." I know that doesn't make much sense, but once I decide on something that's pretty much it.

I've never understood the GF...I love Narcoosee and the GF Cafe wasn't bad either...but if I'm going to actually spend $$ for a room (as opposed to DVC), it's gotta be the Polynesian!

I never thought I'd stay there. But as it happened earlier this year my brother was going for a conference, and he wanted to bring his oldest daughter, but he knew he'd be working most of the time. "Hey, doesn't Uncle Keith have a WDW AP?"

It was an awesome experience, very extravagant. But yeah, if I had to shell out the cash myself, I'd pick the Poly. We stayed there in '08 and had the best time!

This is Nate's shuttle launch day as written by him:

Dope! Tell "my homeboy" that I give his post 2 thumbs up!

Ha ha ha! I've actually seen that commercial before. I like when she says, "I'm a Megan."

But the coolest thing about that commercial? At least for us Mac users? -- It's true.

Uh oh, you'll be in trouble for that one......

Bring it on! She's 5-foot nothing wearing 6 inch heels and standing on a phone book!

That's good to know! That one is high on the list of possibilities!

I love it! Love it love it love it.

Oh Keith............your turn to post your first day.

I'll start it now!

He said there would be a credit of $8 per point for the GVC with a 50 point add on (you can add 25 points minimum) but the payment goes up quite a bit more. He tried to get us to add on more at the SSR. And I added a whopping 10 points on. More, more, more. He also said that the current promos would be going away Sunday and the new ones will not be as good.

I have a bad case off addonitus!

 

[rentayenta]

I'll start it now!

Can't wait!!!!

I called Michael, asked what he thought, and he said: I don't care, go for it!

 

[winkers]

I called Michael, asked what he thought, and he said: I don't care, go for it!

Who is this man and what did he do with your husband????

So, does this mean that next time I'm in town you'll admit to meeting me for lunch?

 

[Trentmom]

WOW

the recount of the shuttle launch was written so well.

Great Job

So glad they had such an amazing experience

 

[rentayenta]

Who is this man and what did he do with your husband????

So, does this mean that next time I'm in town you'll admit to meeting me for lunch?

He knew I was meeting a friend for breakfast. He didn't ask, so I didn't tell. And I don't know where he went but I am keeping this pod-person!

 

[DisneylandForever]

Keith and Tracy's Day One -- 5/11, MK & DHS


So we boarded the Magical Express Bus for the Old Key West, a resort we had never stayed at before. I didn't have a strong desire to either, because nothing about it had stood out to either Tracy or myself. But the gang was there, and Nate loved it, so that was good enough for us. We arrived there shortly after Noon, and as luck would have it, our room was ready. As luck would not have it, right after check-in Tracy stopped at concierge to purchase her park-hoppers, and was greeted by a cast member wearing the infamous “earning my ears” nametag. In 20 minutes Tracy endured three erroneous charges and their subsequent credits, six apologies, and I think three different “do you want to add the water parks and more option” offers, to each of which she politely declined. Well, the first two times were polite anyway.

Showered/changed/refreshed, we embarked on the two-mile hike to the closest bus stop from our room. And by two-miles I mean four feet.

Yep, they had a temporary bus stop and we could literally see which bus was coming from our window. So, technically, we could wait for the bus in our room! And we actually did a few times.

We arrived at the MK shortly after 1pm, and I had to pick up my renewed AP from Guest Services. Tracy snapped a pic.

We were both starving, and since I just prefer my first ride to be CoP, and not necessarily “the first thing I do”, we ducked into Cosmic Ray’s and took full advantage of the Dining Plan. I had the chicken & ribs with a lemonade and chocolate cake. Tracy ordered the same thing except for her diet coke, and she ended up giving me half her chicken and some of her ribs. Nice and stuffed, we meandered over to my favorite attraction in the entire universe.

Do I look happy to be there?

After riding the CoP we saw Philharmagic, rode POTC, Thunder, Splash and Jungle Cruise. We had two different ressies for dinner. 6pm at Cape May Café (Beach Club), and 6:10 at Les Chefs De France (Epcot). It was a gametime decision, and on the way out of MK, we decided to do Les Chefs. Not wanting to take 2 monorails, we headed to the bus area and decided we’d hop on whichever came first between the Boardwalk bus and the Beach Club bus and enter Epcot through the International Gateway. The Boardwalk bus came first.

Les Chefs De France is one of my favorite World Showcase restaurants. I had the duck and Tracy had the steak. We were both a little full still from our huge lunch, but I manned up and finished my duck. And the rest of Tracy’s steak. Odd though how she seemed to have room for her dessert! (I cropped her out of this pic, per her request, lol)

Just before 7pm we walked to the dock next to the Beach Club and boarded the boat to DHS.

I’m sorry to those of you who like the Swan or the Dolphin, but they are a pair of the ugliest resorts I have ever seen. Look!

Jenny and I had been texting each other off and on all day, and the current plan was to text her upon our arrival at DHS. I did, and she said to meet them at TSM. Tracy and I entered DHS and headed straight towards Pixar Studios. We walked a wee bit slow through the main street, however. I love that whole 1940’s Hollywood vibe. I actually enjoy Big Band music a lot. Maybe I was born in the wrong era? Anyways, we arrived at TSM just before 7:30pm and waited for about 5 minutes before seeing Gabby, then Josh, then Chloe, trickling down the exit queue walkway. Then I saw the biggest kid in their family behind them, her head adorned with nice long nappy hair. She saw me looking at her and immediately pointed to me, and her mouth began to move (I saw this all take place behind glass), saying what I could only assume was, “There’s Keith,” because before her mouth stopped moving, her kids went from strolling to running. All three of them jumped onto me and I gave them the hug of a lifetime! It had been far too long since I had last seen them, and I was very happy to be around them all again. Jenny and Michael came out next and I hugged them both, and Jenna’s family was next. Tracy arrived shortly after from her Diet Coke trek and was squeezed by everybody as well. Sadly, we didn’t take any pictures of that first meeting (hopefully Jenny or Jenna did). We do have a few from that night however.

At this point I’m not sure in which order we did what, but I think it was: Rock N Roller Coaster, Tower of Terror, Great Movie Ride, then Toy Story Mania. I overheard Jenny giving Tracy pointers on how to score big during the ride’s finale, and let’s just say it didn’t even surprise me a little bit.

It was a great first day to our trip, and it was so awesome catching up with good friends. Oh, I should add that it was pretty hot that day (about 94), but it didn’t bother me as much as I thought it would. I think I’m getting used to Florida’s heat. Below are a few more pics from that evening. Enjoy!

Chloe and Emma dancing

Me being silly with Gabby

Chloe, Emma and Chris getting down to business

A picture so good, I added it to my sig!

Tracy and Jenny being goofy, in line for TSM

Coming next (from me), Day Two – 5/12, Epcot!

 

[rentayenta]

Love the update Keith! I especially like the photo of you and Tracy on the boat ride over- cool sky!

It was so good to see you both and it had been FAR too long! But lucky me gets you guys in August too!

When leaving TSM, that's exactly what I said to the kids!!! They about ran me over trying to get to you!

I don't have a single photo of you and I together. I do have more from that night so I will type a little blurb and add the photos. Jenna may have something to add as well.

And as far as tips for TSM let's just say she knew what I was talking about. You men didn't think the idea was foreign either.

I am going to have to try Chefs one of these trips; it looks yum by that dessert photo.

I think that might be the only exterior photo of the OKW between the 3 of us. We suck. You gotta admit the OKW was pretty neat though.

 

[rentayenta]

Like Keith said, there were hugs all around It was awesome seeing close friends! It had been too long since we were all together! Here are a few pics from TSM:

Keith and Chloe:

Chloe:

Chloe’s idea of heaven:

Potato Head:

Chris and Joshua:

My kiddos:

I will take Keith’s word for what we did that night

One more photo:

I think think think Keith and Tracy came back to the Villa to check it out. Jenna, Keith, Tracy; how off am I? I should have taken notes like last trip. I don't remember what we had for dinner that night.

Jenna drove them back to their Studio at the OKW. It was super handy having them so close to the bus stop. I would text K to tell us when they got on the bus because then we knew we had about 3 minutes to leave and get to our stop.

 

[passthepixiedust]

I think three different “do you want to add the water parks and more option” offers, to each of which she politely declined. Well, the first two times were polite anyway.

I wouldn't have minded if she ASKED me.. she just kept saying, "oh, you'll want the waterpark option!". Over and over. Until I am practically yelling, "I do NOT like waterparks!!!"

Tracy ordered the same thing except for her diet coke, and she ended up giving me half her chicken and some of her ribs.

The half of the chicken that had the LEG!!!

Just before 7pm we walked to the dock next to the Beach Club and boarded the boat to DHS.

Okay, that HAD to be intentional! Out of the 3 boat pics, there was ONE I said don't use...

It was a great first day to our trip, and it was so awesome catching up with good friends.

It really and truly was!

Me being silly with Gabby

Gabby looks SO impressed with you in that pic!

I think that might be the only exterior photo of the OKW between the 3 of us. We suck. You gotta admit the OKW was pretty neat though.

Actually Jenny, I took a few, but Keith wouldn't post them! I think that I took them the next day and trip report purist that he is, he wouldn't put them up out of order, even when I pointed out that it would make more sense to post them on day 1!

 

[rentayenta]

I wouldn't have minded if she ASKED me.. she just kept saying, "oh, you'll want the waterpark option!". Over and over. Until I am practically yelling, "I do NOT like waterparks!!!"

Maybe she was getting commission?

The half of the chicken that had the LEG!!!

You should have saved it for the carnivore Gabby. But come to think of it, I realized where Gab gets her eating style.

It really and truly was!

Gabby looks SO impressed with you in that pic!

That's her perma-snotty pre-teen eye roll.

Actually Jenny, I took a few, but Keith wouldn't post them! I think that I took them the next day and trip report purist that he is, he wouldn't put them up out of order, even when I pointed out that it would make more sense to post them on day 1!

As much as it pains me to say this and I know you know, I have to agree with Keith on this. I like an orderly trippie too.

 

[passthepixiedust]

I think think think Keith and Tracy came back to the Villa to check it out. Jenna, Keith, Tracy; how off am I? I should have taken notes like last trip. I don't remember what we had for dinner that night.

Yes indeed, we did go check out your Villa that night and were suitably impressed! It was awesome. In fact, even the studios at OKW were awesome. I thought the rooms were the nicest WDW ones we had stayed in other than at the Poly. And TWO real beds instead of one plus a pull out! Well, I guess that would have been more of a plus if we had brought the kids, but still, good to know!

Jenna drove them back to their Studio at the OKW.

She did, along with our stock of Diet Pepsi and Gatorade that she so kindly supplied us with! (I think it may have been mentioned once or twice here how sweet Jenna and Nate are...)

 

[passthepixiedust]

Maybe she was getting commission?

She MUST have been! Seriously, I was running on almost zero sleep after the red-eye, I was feeling a little un-Disney towards her!

That's her perma-snotty pre-teen eye roll.

See, I think Moms are more sensitive to this stuff than anyone else. I really, honestly, saw zero signs of snottiness from Gab! I thought she was awesome and I loved hanging out with her! She was my ride partner the majority of the time, I think!

As much as it pains me to say this and I know you know, I have to agree with Keith on this. I like an orderly trippie too.

Lol! I knew you would!