RocklandRVers Trip Report May 16-21

[RocklandRVers]

Dad's Special Birthday Trip

Pre Trip:
To steal some of the music and verse from that old 1950’s song: “Its my birthday and I’ll go to Disney if I want to. You would go too if was yours too?” OK so I am not going to be the next American Idol but at least I got to go to Disney on my birthday and take advantage of this year’s celebration specials.

I booked our stay shortly after returning from our visit during Christmas 2008. I decided that I would allow DS to bring a friend or cousin along so he could hit the rides since DW and I are not thrill riders. Our fun is watching kids have fun and the sites and sounds of Disney.

DW and I had suggested he bring along his “friend who happens to be a girl” named Samantha (Sam for short). DS and Sam have been BFFs since they were toddlers sharing their blankets in nursery school. She is a sweetheart and always so bubbly and funloving and shares many of the same interests as DS. We always thought that one day they might date, but they keep it all plutonic (for now LOL). She and her family had been to Disney a few times but it had been years since she had visited. DS finally agreed on taking another girl and as time neared was glad he chose her because she was very excited by the chance to go on those rides.

College ended for them on May15th. We figured leaving after school and getting to FtW the next day. Although our van camper can sleep 4, DS and I decided to finally go ahead with an idea we had discussed and make over our cargo trailer into a camper and still allowing it to be easily converted back to hauling cargo. We did not want to spend a ton of money or labor to get it done. We put down carpeting and got out the aerobeds. I bought a large capacity portable AC which we knew was a must for the Florida heat and installed it. We put up stick up lights and even ran some strips for power for the girls to run a DVD player or radio if they wanted to. Our thought was it would be a nice option for the girls to have as their own private “suite”. We even got a porta pottie from Walmart just in case the girls needed some relief during the middle of the night. We put it together and tested it a few days before we left and it worked well. After all it was just a place to sleep since most of the time we would be outside enjoying the parks. The guys would tough it out in the van camper.

Day One
The final day of classes on May 15th was nothing important so we decided to get an early start. Sam was excited and said she would be ready to go as early as we wanted. We decided on 4:00 am. We got to her house just a few minutes past and she was waiting in her driveway, suitcase in hand. DS put her bag in the trailer and off we went.

I had gone online and read up on the extended forecast which called for rain everyday except for Saturday and Sunday. We figured it was the typical summer pattern of passing late afternoon thunderstorms but nothing during the day.

Sam had never camped before. Not that what we do is roughing it like tent camping, but it was a new experience that we explained as part of the beginning of the trip. Our plan was to drive as far as we could today with a goal of getting to Brunswick, GA before stopping for the night. We would stop as often as needed for breaks other than refueling stops. We had lots of snacks and drinks on board to keep us from starving. It was all good to her.

The usual long tedious drive down I-95 from NY through Baltimore and DC. We had some traffic in the usual areas but nothing major. As usual once we got past Richmond, VA it was hammer down and 70 mph through the blurr of NC and SC. Sam recognized Pedro’s South of the Border from a trip down with her family as a kid. She remembers getting some fireworks. We didn’t stop though and she agreed there was nothing to see there.

The miles flew by as the college “kids” watched Disney videos (Alladin, Peter Pan, Lion King) along with some other favorites they brought along. It was fun hearing them sing some of the songs and repeat the dialogue. I wondered if DS’s macho guy friends would have had so much fun.

Around 10:00 we got to the Flying J in Brunswick, GA and pulled in for the night. Flying J’s like so many truck stops, allow overnight parking. Flying J’s have parking areas just for RVs. A nice touch. We made up the bunks and put on the generator to run the AC since it was a little hot and humid. No sense having to sleep separately for the one night. I just needed to get a few hours. I drifted off in no time.

 

[RocklandRVers]

Day Two
The next morning DW and Sam headed for the pay showers inside the truck stop. This was a new experience for Sam, but one she really enjoyed. She was totally amazed that such nice bathrooms were available to truckers and other travelers. I lounged for a while and decided to forego the shower until FtW. I enjoyed the few extra minutes in the sack. After all it was just about 5 more hours to go. DW refilled my thermos and I cleaned up and got back into my driver’s seat. We topped off with gas and headed down I-95 and crossed over into Florida in about an hour.

Through Jacksonville and Daytona without incident and on to I-4. It was nice and sunny and hot. We listened to Sirius satellite traffic and weather for Orlando and heard the same thing as the internet reported: late afternoon thunderstorms.

We forged onward and stopped off on World Center Drive to pick up our rental car. I had gotten really lucky and got a full sized pick up truck for less than I would pay Dollar or Alamo for a compact car. I had to grab that deal. Sure enough a nice 4 door Chevy Silverado was waiting for us.

DW followed me to Disney and we headed for check in early. Check in was easy. I was first in line. However our site was not listed as being ready yet. We were early! I sent DS and Sam to pick up the golf cart and my scooter. The scooter had not yet arrived so we would have to come back later.

DS and Sam drove around FtW with the Golf Cart and I decided to drive over to our site: 1905 which is close to the comfort station to see if it was empty. It was. So I called and was told we could move in. We got things hooked up and sat down for a few moments to decide what to do. We had 9 leftover “extras” from previous park hoppers and had discussed on the way down trying a water park if we arrived early. The vote was for Blizzard Beach and off we went in the pick up.

I was tired from the long drive and drove the gang of three to BB. I then headed for a nice hot shower and a short nap. We agreed they would stay until closing @ 5:00 pm. As I sleeping I heard some raindrops. Uh oh! Its only about 4:00. I better head over in case of a thunderstorm. I got a little downpour on the drive over but it had stopped by the time I got to BB. I called DW and she said it hadn’t rained there but that they were ready to go.

We saw the many signs for the Ironman competition that was to take place on Sunday. We knew we had to get out of there early and that we would have to take the truck since Disney transportation would be limited.

Back at camp, we they got showered and changed for dinner. Our usual “where should we go” discussing ensued. Should we cook out? What if it rained again. DS loved Johnnies Hideaway at the Crossroads Center across from then entrance to Downtown Disney so we voted on it and headed off.

I highly recommend this eatery. Its fancy and not cheap but the food is first class. Nice aged beef that is tender enough you can cut it with a fork. Sam, for a tiny young lady who might by 90 lbs polished off a slab of beef nearly the size of DS who is an avid workout-aholic. WOW!

I was ready for a good night’s sleep after that big meal but the kids were used to staying up late. They headed out in the golf car to discover FtW and maybe catch the fireworks from the beach. DW and I were well off to dreamland by the time they got “home”.

Day Three
The weather reports for today was sunny and hot but the rest of week was not looking good and we all wanted to have a day at Daytona Beach especially Sam. So we all put on swim togs and grabbed beach towels and headed out. The ironman was already well underway and each loop was blocked off for the bike races. CMs were there directing traffic and allowing guests to go out whenever there was a break in the pack of racers. As we found out from the long line of busses and other vehicles, heading back in while the race was on was going to be impossible.

We stopped briefly to grab a bite to eat for the ride. Being a Sunday, lots of locals were out on the roads, but traffic was not too bad on I-4 and we got to Daytona in no time. This big Chevy truck rode like a Cadillac but really drank the gas! Once on the beach we had to drive quite a while to find a spot to park. Clearly lots of folks had the same idea we did.

DS and Sam instantly turned into little kids again as they ran for the waves and splashed around. DW and I commented on how well these two got along and that Sam would make a nice daughter in law. DS and Sam had never dated and had significant others of their own already. DS said she was always going to be a good friend and nothing else. We’ll see. LOL

We stayed until late afternoon and then headed back to FtW after getting nicely sunburned. On the way home, DS wanted to stop at a mall to buy new sneakers and of course the gals wanted to shop so we stopped just off I-4 in Orlando. The place was packed so I dropped them off and circled looking for parking. Finally someone left and I grabbed their spot but decided to relax and nap. I am definitely not a shopper! As I sat listening to the radio, I heard a couple of big rain drops, then WHOOSH the skies opened up. I got on the cellphone to let the gang know. Of course this meant they would stay inside longer and shop! Finally after about an hour it let up and they were ready to leave.

On the way home we were discussing dinner. DW and Sam wanted Italian so we headed to Kissimmee 192 and Macaroni Grill after showering off the sand and salt from the beach. The rain persisted but it was just drizzling when we got back to FtW. DS and Sam decided more swimming was in order and so they changed again and headed for the renovated pool where they discovered the new hot tub. DW and I hung up things to dry under our awning and relaxed inside watching TV. The kids got back and were tired from the day of water and sun and their relaxing soak in the hot tub. In no time it was lights off and snoring.

 

[princessluvsapirate]

Does sound like you had a nice trip .Sorry about all the rain

 

[RocklandRVers]

Day four
It was extra magic hour in Animal Kingdom and at Hollywood Studios. The plan was to park hop with AK in the morning and DHS later. It was very cloudy at AK and the trails were wet. I was a very busy morning but once into Africa we got on line for the Safari which had a 20 minute wait. The line was long but moved non-stop. Sam had never been to AK and loved the ride snapping pictures of as many animals as she could. From there it was Kali Rapids. She was afraid of getting drenched so she got a poncho and wore it on the ride with DS. DW and I looked around in the little shops and grabbed a quick snack. From there it was Everest which none of us had been on but had watched being built on several previous trips. Just as we got to Asia there was a deluge that hit us suddenly. Everyone was scrambling for cover and for the shops to buy ponchos. Sam already had hers so she volunteered to buy 3 more for us. She lucked into getting three of the last at one of the gift stands. DW and I put ours on and found shelter under an awning. The kids headed off for Everest. As soon as it let up, we headed for the gift shop and waited for them to get off the ride. It was wall to wall people. Not too many shopping just looking for shelter. Finally after about 45 minutes we found them again as they were jabbering at how cool the ride was. By this time it was just drizzling and our next stop was Dinosaur, but it was shut down for some kind of mechanical problems. DS and Sam had seen their big 3 rides and decided enough was enough. They were hungry wet and tired. We headed back to 192 in Kissimmee in search of some fast food and decided on Arby’s. Sam kept seeing all the shopping on 192 and wanted to hit the world’s largest flea market near the big orange. DW liked the idea, so we headed in. Again not a parking space to be found. Where else do people go on a rainy day I guess.

DS went with them but after a half hour had his fill of shopping. DW and Sam hung in for about 20 minutes more of their favorite sport of shopping til you drop. They returned with some “bargains” and some gaudy souvenirs including a $2.00 animated singing frog that Sam just had to have. Hey as long as it ain’t my money go for it kiddo! LOL

We headed back and let the kids do some more swimming in the rain while DW and I scraped together some quarters to dry some stuff that would never dry in the 100% humidity and periods of heavy rain. DW wanted Cracker Barrel for dinner and the kids didn’t care so after they showered off the chlorine from the pool & hot tub, we were off.

Oh no! More shopping. The ladies immediately went into browsing mode while I went to the podium for a table. WOW no waiting. Cool. Less time to possibly buy something.

DS always has breakfast regardless of the time of day and its always steak and eggs in the Country Boy Breakfast. DW had French Toast which surprised us all and Sam tried the meatloaf. I went for the Chicken Fried Chicken. Love that gravy. Just like my southern Momma makes! After a leisurely dinner (uh breakfast for some) we went up the road to CVS. Sam was getting a cough and wanted some cough drops plus some other toiletry stuff.

On the ride back into Disney, we considered trying DHS which was open until 10 for the extra magic hours but it was raining again and we were finally somewhat dry so we went on back. As usual the kids took off in the golf cart while DW and I got things set for bed and watched the weather. More soggy stuff on the way. We might get a break.

 

[Minnie&Mickey]

Great trip report so far! Keep it coming!

 

[liv luvs disney]

Uh! Tell me more, tell me more!

 

[RocklandRVers]

Day Five
We had decided that today was DHS day. Kids wanted to at least go on Rock Roll Rollercoaster and Tower of Terror. I desparetly wanted to finally see the stunt driving show and DW likes the Great Movie Ride and Indiana Jones. When we left it was mildly drizzling but it soon picked up again. By the time we got inside it was really coming down. We had our ponchos and decided so whats a little rain. We will have fun no matter what. I suggested that we have lunch at Sci Fi Dine In. DS yelled YES! Sam had never been there but after describing the place, loved the idea. The kids went to the blackboard to see the wait times. DW and I headed to guest services and booked lunch for 12:30.

We headed for Aerosmith and along the way, Sam was saying she was feeling a little queasy and told DS she didn’t think TOT would be a good idea and apologized. She did say she would go on the rollercoaster. He was OK with it. It was about a 30 minute wait and the rain had let up to a drizzle. DW and I went into a few shops and then went back to meet the kids. The rain had picked up again so we scooted inside the gift shop where the ride exits. The 30 minute wait time was way off. We waited over an hour for them. At least we were inside out of the downpour.

It was cool to watch people come off the ride. Some had that glazed over look of an adrenaline rush while some had tears from pure fright. DS and Sam definitely had the rush as they came out and Sam was jabbering about how awesome the ride was. They looked at their photo but decided not to buy it. Sam said it was not the most flattering picture.

Outside it was a back to drizzling. We went in and out of the shops as we headed back to Hollywood Blvd. We looked over the things cancelled or delayed. The car stunt show always seems to elude us on every visit and was cancelled again today. To my surprise the kids were not into American Idol so we passed that up. They decided they were hungry and we decided to head down to Sci Fi early to see if they might squeeze us in. Of course the place was mobbed but we managed to check in although we had to wait about 20 minutes. Of course having gift shops around made the wait tolerable for Sam and DW.

Finally we were seated in our Limo. Sam was excited by the ambiance of the simulated night time drive in theming. This was so cool watching old movie clips while enjoying a nice dry seat to eat from. Although the food is your standard onion rings burgers and shakes type stuff, its OK. What you pay for is the theming.

Anyway we had a great lunch and hated to leave the dry interior, but there is only so many Tom and Jerry film loops you can stand so we dawned the ponchos and reluctantly left.

The rain was pouring again and combined with full tummies we were all unenthusiastic about staying too much longer. On the way out we went on one of DW’s favs the Great Movie Ride. Once that ended the rain was even heavier which made us decide enough is enough. It was time to head home. On the ride home I reminded them that we had tickets for Hoop De Doo Review at 7:15.

We got back around 4 and the kids grabbed their suits and headed for the pool and hot tub. DS was loving that newly renovated pool except that they closed the new slide at 5. DW and I did some more clothes drying at the laundry. I, for one, was getting very tired of being wet all the time. Everyone’s 2 sets of sneakers were soaked and nothing we hung up was drying.

I took advantage of the time to grab a shower and put on clean dry clothes for HDDR. I also had time for a nice nap. That felt good. After all rest is a big part of any vacation.

The kids stayed at the pool for quite a long time but made it back to get showered and changed. Their fingers were prunes from so much soaking. They also met lots of people doing the pool thing as crazy as it may have seemed to go in the rain.

Sam had never been to HDDR but liked the way we described it. I let her drive us up Pioneer Hall in the golf cart. The rain poured on us from the sides although the roof did give us some level of protection.

We were very lucky to get a parking spot right by the walkway to Pioneer Hall so we didn’t get totally drenched. We had about a 10 minute wait and knew the check in routine so rather than line up like the others in the rain we sought shelter on the porch of Crockett’s and found some seats on benches and rocking chairs. We waited until the crowd moved its way inside and there was room on the Pioneer Hall porch before leaving Crockett’s. In fact by the time we got there we were first in line for our table and went straight inside.

Once inside we dug into the corn bread and salad. In no time our server took our drink orders and returned lickity split. We sat and enjoyed the banjo player while we nibbled. All of a sudden Sam jumped as she heard the banging at the front door and the players ran inside. She giggled as they ran by us singing. Once on stage they got us all clapping and singing along then right on cue our servers plunked down our metal pails of chicken and ribs. It was like one synchronized and very loud CLANG! Dinner is good. I love the chicken. Not dry nice and moist. Beans and smashed red potatoes are like Mom used to make. Oh and then there is the desert. Real strawberry shortcake. YUMMO! All the servers do a little song and dance number on stage with their trays of the cake before you get it. The best part is the show which is a mix of slapstick comedy and old sing along songs with lots of audience participation. At the end you get a washboard and clean spoon to join in the final song while everyone spins their napkins. The 2 hours of fun goes real fast!

 

[RocklandRVers]

Day Six and beyond

May 20th HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME! The one thing was not going to change on this trip was going to my favorite park: EPCOT. When we woke up the sun was shining. Could the Disney magic be making my birthday really special despite the weather forecasts for more rain? So as not to press our luck there was an urgency in getting ready. We got dressed and grabbed our gear including ponchos and were off. I had to make one quick stop before entering which was the “will call” window to pick up my “gift”. Since I already had admission, I had a choice of a free fast pass for every ride in the park for the whole group all day or a $75 gift certificate. I chose the $75! I also got a Happy Birthday button to wear prominently. The gang had already gone through the turnstiles and were taking some pictures of Spaceship Earth while waiting. As I sent through I got my HAPPY BIRTHDAY greetings from the security officer and the CM at the turnstile. COOL! Once inside we could see that the sun had brought out quite a large group. There was a huge line for SE. However the entrance for people on scooters was around the side and there was only a couple of minutes to wait. Again the CM there said Happy Birthday and asked if I wanted to ride. I said no but that I wanted the family to go ahead while I looked around at the displays. No problem and they headed for the ride feeling very special. As I was playing some sort of memory game after waiting for someone else to finish, the gang returned and DS told me how much the ride had changed. Maybe I should have gone?

Once outside we went through Innovations East and over toward MS and TT. TT had a 2 hour wait with the fast pass return already at mid afternoon. OUCH! MS only had a 30 minute wait so DS and Sam went for it. The sun was hot but a welcome change from the chilly rain all week. Since we had skipped breakfast and our morning coffee, DW and I found a stand and got a muffin and coffee and found some shade since the sun was so intense. The crowd kept building and we saw several large groups dressed alike. Glad we got an earlier start today. After enjoying our snack, we decided to going into Mousegear and look around. DW couldn’t wait to spend that $75! LMAO. I texted DS to let him know. In about 10 minutes he wrote back that they had just gotten off the ride and would meet us there. We looked around for about half an hour and I suggested that we not buy anything until we were headed out so as not to have to carry a bunch of stuff. They agreed and we headed for WS which had just opened since it was just past 11:00. Sam finally understood the meaning of the Flower Festival when we saw all the topiaries of the characters and pretty flowers planted all over. We crossed over and headed toward Mexico. DS reminded us that they had no breakfast and that the Sam loves Mexican food. Who could resist. I grabbed an empty table while the gang went up to order food.

It’s a running joke that DW always gets bird er uh stuff…you know droppings…on her when we go on vacation and had experienced last time we were in Epcot’s Mexico. Her Mom said it was good luck. Well sure enough she was greeted with the good luck goo again although it was a small passing shot. We all laughed hysterically and got a couple of odd looks from our neighboring tables. From where I sat looking South West I could see dark clouds even though it was still sunny while enjoyed lunch outside the Cantina. Just as we were finishing, I felt a plop. No it wasn’t a bird or a plane or superman. It was RAIN! Then loud claps of thunder! Oh no! Time to scramble to get on our ponchos and dump the trash and head inside Mexico. After looking around and taking the boat ride, we kept peaking out only to see the heaviest rain we had ever seen. It was DUMPING rain not just drops but in what seemed like buckets. We headed for Norway, but there was long wait for the ship ride so we headed on to China. Just as we got inside, the next show was aout to start. Gotta love that 360° movie making you feel like you are right there.

After a quick look around the gift shop, we joined the swelling group who waited for any kind of let up. Finally DS and Sam decided we should just go for it. We were drenched anyway. However it was the lightening I feared. It seemed to have moved away so I decided to just go. We basically scooted past Africa, Germany and got to America. This is my very favorite part of Epcot and has been since my DW and I first visited way back in 1987. Sam had never seen the American Experience and was anxious to go for it.

I am a history buff and a glutton for patriotic stuff. To let you know about my patriotism, I literally had tears in my eyes when I was at the Daytona 500 in 2008 during the opening ceremonies with the National Anthem and jet flyover. To be there in person was one of the most awesome experiences of my life.

Anyway the animatronic Ben Franklin and Mark Twain in the American Experience along with the great soundtrack made me blubber unashamedly. Sam was sitting next to me totally enthralled and I noted out of the corner of my eye that she had a tissue and was wiping her eyes and nose occasionally. At first I thought it was due to being rain drenched, but when she looked over at me I leaned over and said “this makes me cry”. She said me too and held my arm. WOW! Talk about a special moment. That made me feel like she was the Daddy’s Little Girl we never had. AWWWW!

After the show it was back to reality and we head back out into the lobby and join the crowd slipping into ponchos. It was still coming down in buckets. We basically set our course to head for the exits rather than try the attractions in the remaining countries of Japan, Morocco, France, England and Canada. We were soaked to the bone and chilled. It was no longer fun. We didn’t even stop back at Mouse Gear we just headed through the nearest exit and headed to the truck.

I put the heat on once the truck warmed up and we all sat trying to dry off using the towels we had brought along. My hands were slippery and my feet were squishy. My underwear? Well they were drenched too! What a YUCKY feeling! This was by far the heaviest rainstorm I had been outside in that I could recall. We just sat and shivered for a few minutes and let the windows clear. DS asked if we were coming back for my birthday dinner at Morocco and Illuminations. My response was quick NO! I was tired of being wet birthday or not I was not coming back and would call to cancel my reservation at Marrakesh even though I was so looking forward to a good Belly Dance. WOO HOO!

We headed back and the kids once again took off for their routine daily stop at the hot tub. Ah to be that young again and not care about sogginess. LOL

DW and I found a set of clean dry clothes and went inside the RV to dry off and change. We had taken a shower that morning so there was nothing to get cleaner than we had with the 3 hour rain water bath we had just taken. LMAO.

After getting dried off and comfy finally we napped for a little while until DS and Sam (should I call her DD or DAD aka Dear Almost Daughter?) returned and said “we’re hungry!” UGH! That means getting wet again. Oh well!

Since we had eaten at HDDR we didn’t want Trail’s End since its basically the same food. Although I do love that Fried Chicken! After the kids got into dry(er) clothes we ran for the truck and head to Kissimmee. DS reminded me that we didn't spend the $75 and that Downtown Disney was on the way. I relented and made their day by stopping. At least the rain had let up for a while. I handed over my card and they took off running while I circled for parking. I was going to stay in the truck anyway.

After spending the entire gift card plus a little more they returned. DS and Sam were still insistent on going to see Illuminations rain or not. When we got to Kissimmee we saw the sign for Chili’s and took a quick vote and the motion carried. The gang was sort of sad that I didn’t get my wish to have my birthday dinner in Morrocco. Hey when you get older, birthdays are not a big deal and the only reason I was taking much of an interest was the timing of everybody’s schedules to allow us to be in Disney on May 20th. We clinked out coke glasses and that was cool for me. LOL

It was about 8:15 when we finished dinner. I could get them to Epcot and wait for them in the parking lot for Illuminations. Of course now they were somewhat dry, far warmer and their tummies full which took some of the motivation to see our favorite night time show. They looked at one another and said no lets just go home and to sleep early this way we can get up earlier to head home. Hey works for me.

The next morning DS’s cellphone alarm went off and there was not much lying around. DS knew our pack up routine and his job was to dump the tanks, unhook all lines, take in the awning and help Mom with the rugs and anything else outside. It was all a muddy mess so we just muddled through the job as best we could. At least it was not raining. Just very overcast and muggy and that was a welcomed change while I was checking the rig over for the long ride home.

With all hands working, we got road ready in no time. Sam drove the golf cart with DS DW got in the truck I took the helm of the SS RocklandRVers. Sam and DS headed to the golf cart drop off area and then ran across to meet up with DW who headed to the Outpost to drop off the scooter. I went on ahead to the over flow lot and waited for them to follow me back to Enterprise to drop off the truck which went smoothly enough. We were a little hungry but also anxious to get on the road so we went to a 7-11 close by and got some coffee and breakfast goodies for the ride.

The drive home was uneventful. Once past Florida and GA the clouds gave way to more sun. Traffic was also light since it was Thursday. The only tie up was in the GA construction zone.

We stopped and decided to stay in a motel about the midway point of our trip which was in Dunn, NC around 9:00. We needed to stretch out for the night and enjoy nice hot showers where we didn’t have to walk outside in the rain afterward. We got 2 rooms one for the guys and one for the girls. We all agreed The next morning DW told us Sam took a long hot bath. She said she had gotten spoiled by the nightly trip to the hot tub at FtW. LOL.

The miles flew by and we returned to hot sunny NY. We got home about 2:00 pm. Sam was anxious to get home and see her pets as well as her parents. DS helped her in with her stuff while her Mom thanked us for taking her along. When we got home I was amazed at how high the grass had grown. It had needed cutting before we left, but now it was jungle like. We had the long Memorial Day weekend to take care of our chores and still get in some relaxation from the trip.

Even though this was the worst trip weatherwise, it was the best trip because we shared it with such a fun loving sweet young lady named Sam. She never stopped smiling or having fun. That was contagious and kept our moods positive too. We were also happy we could share a piece of Disney magic with someone who might not have had the chance for quite a while.

In the words of General Douglas Macarthur: WE SHALL RETURN. Probably not until after Christmas next time and maybe our own grand gathering with some of my family sharing a cabin and our RV. Oh boy more trip planning. Gotta love it!

 

[Dizney_Luver]

Great trip report, thanks for sharing! Despite the rain, a good time was had by all!

 

[Minnie&Mickey]

Great trip report! Sorry it was so rainy for your birthday (and the rest of the trip).

 

[DaveInTN]

What a fun read! Thanks for sharing. You make me want to go back!!

 

[FlaFortCampster]

Very nice TR. How wonderful is it your DS doesn't mind being around mom and dad for a vacation. Truly precious times. Thanks for sharing.

 

[liv luvs disney]

Thank you for sharing! I enjoy anything that makes me laugh and cry! Happy belated birthday and I hope you and your family get to share many more memories at the Fort in years to come.

(I must admit, I was secretly hoping that by the end of the trip DS and Sam would fall in love. Oh well. )

 

[SCCamper]

Great trip report. Thanks for sharing.

 

[RocklandRVers]

Thank you for sharing! I enjoy anything that makes me laugh and cry! Happy belated birthday and I hope you and your family get to share many more memories at the Fort in years to come.

(I must admit, I was secretly hoping that by the end of the trip DS and Sam would fall in love. Oh well. )

I think they are in love but just as very close friends. Although it is not a very common relationship, plutonic friendships between men and women do happen and so far is the case with DS and Sam.

Sam has been dating a guy for several months. Her parents don't like him while they love my DS. DS is also dating a nice young lady (Elizabeth) but they don't seem as close. Hey there is no hurry. They have their whole lives ahead of them. DW and I were friends before becoming romantically involved. I think its great to be married to my best friend!

 

[Minnie&Mickey]

I think they are in love but just as very close friends.

DW and I were friends before becoming romantically involved. I think its great to be married to my best friend!

I suspect that they will end up together down the road! My youngest daughter met a nice guy on her very first day of college. They were the best of friends for probably a year and a half, but never dated. If she was mad at a guy that she had been dating, she'd call him and they'd talk for hours. If she had a big paper due in one of her classes, he'd come over to her dorm to proofread it for her (he was an English major). When she locked her keys in her car (on more than one occasion), he sat with her until AAA came to unlock it. Any time she needed something, he was there. A year and a half ago, they decided to go out to dinner together, and they've been together ever since. I suspect that he is the one that she will end up marrying some day...he's her best friend, and like you said, it's nice to be married to your best friend...no one knows you better!

 

[rapriebe]

Thanks so much for the great trip report. It was fun to hear about the kids adventures. Sorry about all of the rains.