Run Forest Run - yes again and this time I promise to finish

[weezy26nm]

I can't believe it's been a year and I haven't finished this. I probably lost everybody that was reading but hopefully they will pick me up again and maybe I'll even pick up some new readers. I will attempt to re-copy the posts I had already posted and then just continue on from there. Thanks for your patience.

 

[weezy26nm]

Here is what I think we should do (everyone else thinks I think too much):

Sat. July 24 - arrive (hopefully by 12:30) pick up rental car, find condo,
pick up supplies, go to either Universal Studios or Islands
of Adventure (DH's idea)

Sun. July 25 - Seaworld all day

Mon. July 26 - Magic Kingdom all day

Tues July 27 - Universal Studios or Islands of Adventure

Wed July 28 - Epcot all day

Thurs July 29 - Aquatica or Wet N' Wild

Fri. July 30 - free day (or as DD calls it "free to do what Mom wants
day

Sat July 31 - trip to gulf coast possible Tampa Bay

Sun Aug 1 - Animal Kingdom all day

Mon Aug 2 - another free day

Tues Aug 3 - Hollywood Studios all day

Wed Aug 4 - Magic Kingdom all day

Thurs Aug 5 - Aquatica or Wet N' Wild which ever one we didn't already do

Fri. Aug 6 - leave to come home

This was the original plan of action. But according to my notes I guess I switched things around before we went. The new plan was this:
July 24 - arrive/ Universal Studios Islands of Adventure
July 25 - Seaworld
July 26 - Magic Kingdom
July 27 - Hollywood Studios
July 28 - waterpark/Universal
July 29 - Animal Kingdom
July 30 - free
July 31 - free
Aug 1 - Beach
Aug 2 - Epcot
Aug 3 - Islands of Adventure
Aug 4 - Magic Kingdom
Aug 5 - other waterpark/Universal
Aug 6 - go home
Keep in mind DH hates to plan. He likes to fly by the seat of his pants (which might work anywhere else but we all know not at Disney) and likes to call it an adventure. So of course every chance he gets he likes to try and go against the plan. He's one of those types that if you left, he goes right (literally, like when we are navigating the streets of Orlando and figuratively, like with my plans) and it causes alot of friction. Also keep in mind that I have "surprises" planned on the 26th, 30th and the 4th. I also have free days that can be shuffled around (see I'm not completely anal) I "planned" some free time. But as you and I all know some things can't be shuffled around. Like when Fantasmic is only shown on certain nights, you need to go to HS on those nights. Or when AK is closing at 7 on one night but 8 on another, you plan for the 8 o'clock night. But DH doesn't get this. Plus he prefers Universal to Disney and he thinks the water parks are a waste of time. And did I mention he likes to have things done his way even though my way is the right way.. So lets get this party started and see how close to the plan we get. Oh and does anyone know how I post this as the actual trip report and not just in my pre-trip report?

 

[weezy26nm]

We got to the Halifax airport without any trouble. A nice lady helped us print our boarding passes and luggage tags from a kiosk. We checked our luggage, said goodbye to DH's parents and went through security without any trouble and waited upstairs for our flight.

While waiting we saw the Blacked Eyed Peas arrive as they were performing in Halifax that evening. I think they were making us wait to board until their flight arrived and they got them securing downstairs. Then we boarded and left at 6:40. We arrived in Montreal at 7:15 (there is an hour time change from Atlantic to Eastern) We grab a breakfast sandwhich at Tim Hortons. We round the corner to go to customs as we now only have an hour until our flight leaves and the place is packed. There is no way we are going to get through that in an hour. But a security guard tells us that someone will come and call for people boarding flights that are leaving soon. And sure enough they did and we were on our flight and on our way by 8:50. We arrive in Orlando at 12:10, get our luggage, check in at the car rental counter, walk across the street to Enterprise and get our car. A 2010 Chev Malibou. We stop and call Mike the guy we are renting the condo from to get direction and find it without very little difficulty. His mother-in-law meets us there and gives us the keys. Debbie in our kitchen, calling home.

Our screened in porch off the living room:

We leave Nicole and Taylor to check out the pool and we head to Walmart for supplies. When we get back, we all go to

for supper.Then we head over to Universal's Island of Adventure. It's after 6 so parking only costs $3. Our first ride of the trip is...The Cat in the Hat

I know, we are thrill seekers. Then we do Suess Land Trolley and then head over to the new Harry Potter section to check it out. We didn't ride, just looked around. Nicole didn't want to go until she had more time to enjoy it. The castle looks amazing.

Then we went on the Jurassic Park ride, twice.

Then we did Spiderman, which was amazing. Then we headed home.

 

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The plan for today was Seaworld and what do we do. Now DH sees no need of doing Seaworld cause 6 years ago we went to Marineland in Niagara Falls. I really wanted to see the killer whale show back then and didn't get to because the killer whale was not feeling well that day. We get up early, shower, do a load of laundry (gotta love a condo) go to Golden Corral for breakfast (why did we buy groceries?)and we go to .......
Seaworld. Ya for the plan so far. On the way we see this:

It was covered with figurines and religious quotes.First up was Believe the Shamu show. Now I believe this is how I ended up with my trip report title. My sister was teasing me about having to run everywhere we go. That she was older than me and having hot flashes and sweating like a pig. And I do tend to walk a little bit fast even when not in a theme park So when I got ahead of her she would yell "Run Forest, Run!" We sat in the soak zone and we did get soaked. But it was so hot (104 with the humidity) it was a welcomed soaking, even if it was with killer whale pee.

Then we went to shark encounter, where you walk through a glass tube with sharks swimming all around you.

Then we stopped at a stand for frozen maragitas and pina coladas.

Don't worry Taylor's is a virgin margarita.
Then we checked out the penguins.

Then we did Journey to Atlantis which is a flume ride. Then we decide to do Kraken. Well Nicole is scared of heights and doesn't even like the ferris wheel at our local fair. In 2006, she wouldn't even do Rock N Roller Coaster. So her decision to do these big coasters was a big step for her. It is also Taylor's first big coaster cause he was always to small to go before. So we go and everybody loves it. So then we do Manta and it is Nicole's favorite. Then we have a supper break at Seaport Pizza. Then we take in the Alure show.

Debbie with a couple of the performers.

Nicole with the permormers.
Then we watched Sea Lions Tonight, the sea lion/walrus show.

We stopped for this photo op.

Then we took in the Shamu Rocks show.

The whales waving.

I told you that you get wet. Then we took a helicopter (simulator) ride to the Wild Artic to check out the polar bear and belugas. Then we took a seat for their fireworks show called Reflections.

Then we headed out with the rest of the cattle and went home.

 

[weezy26nm]

OK the plan for today is Magic Kingdom, our first day at Disney. I told everyone yesterday that I wanted them early as I wanted to be at the park by 8:30. And then DH's questions started: why do we have to be there that early, cause I want to be; well where are we eating breakfast, we'll grab something at the park; finally I just said look I have a surprise planned and we need to be there first thing. Of course he doesn't like suprises so he wined about that. But anyway, everyone got up, shower and we were out the door and at Magic Kingdom I think by 8:15. Deb had her first monorail ride.

Then we stopped on mainstreet for our first picture.

A couple pictures of the castle:

And then it was time for my surprise....

 

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We're having breakfast at:

That's right folks the rednecks from Nova Scotia are dining with the royals:

We got to see:

And now this next picture I took for my step-daughter who couldn't come on this trip. Her favorite princess in Sleeping Beauty. And her father tries his hardest not to let anyone see him having fun. He doesn't like to participate, says stuff like "oh I don't really need to be in this picture, I'll just take it for you" It's like he doesn't know how to loosen up and let his guard down. So I know his daughter is going to get a kick out of and really appreciate this picture. I bought a Sleeping Beauty picture frame and put the picture in it and gave it to her.

And I can't remember our waiter's name but he was a hoot. Very serious and had a dry sense of humor. Right up our alley.

Everyone enjoying their breakfast:

We enjoyed fresh fruit, pastries and orange juice while we waited for our food. And then everyone, except Darrin, had the bacon & eggs and he had the french toast.

This was our first ever sit down meal at Disney. In 2006 we did nothing but counter service and off-site. So it was my treat and I enjoyed surprising everyone.

 

[weezy26nm]

I wanted to do some stuff this trip that we hadn't done before. Plus last time there was stuff Darrin wanted to do that I thought would be boring and since everyone is rushed for time, I wanted to hit the main stuff. So this time I allowed him to do some boring stuff.First up (and new for us) Swiss Family Treehouse. Then we did the Jungle Cruise. Tiki Room (another new one), Pirates, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Haunted Mansion, Hall of Presidents (one of Darrin's picks, Debbie and I almost fell asleep) and then Splash Mountain.

Then we took the train over to Toon Town and skipped through to the Carousel of Progress (new) and Stitch.
Then we had lupper (lunch and supper, cause we were usually eating around 3) at Cosmic Rays.
Then is was time for another new one for us. There was some grumbling in the crowd (the guys) but they did it anyway.

Then we did Mickey's Philharmagic. Debbie loves the 4D shows almost as much as she loves the rollercoasters. Then another new one for us was Snow White. We tried to get a spot for the parade, but it was way to crowded. So we went over to Taylor's favorite, Space Mountain. Debbie loved this one too. We had to watch the fireworks from Tomorrowland. Wasn't the best spot was wasn't too bad. Thought we might stay for the second parade but ended up heading out. It had been a long day. Coming up tomorrow Hollywood Studios. So far my plan is working out pretty well.

 

[weezy26nm]

When we last left off everything was going according to plan. Well that all came to a screeching halt. The whinning started. And by whinning I mean Darrin. We had already spent 2 days in the parks why couldn't we do something else, blah, blah, blah. I tried to explain that you had to do certain parks on certain days as those we the best days to do them. And he thought I had done a cracker jack job of it since Magic Kingdom was so packed yesterday. So anyhow, out the window goes my plan. Instead we go shopping. Go to the Nike Clearence center where Taylor finds a pair of back to school sneaker, marked down from $129 to $69. And we go to Walmart where I buy myself 3 Disney shirts. I think we also went to a flea market that day and everyone picked up some souveniers. We had supper at Ci Ci's pizza and then headed over to Universal. We did Twister, the Mummy twice. This was the first time for Taylor and Nicole as they wouldn't go on it last time and they loved it. Then we did Jaws

and watched the fireworks and headed for home. This is the first night we were back before 11 and actually got to go to the pool and hot tub.

I wonder if we will be back on schedule tomorrow.

 

[weezy26nm]

Now today we are supposed to go to one of the water parks in the morning and back to Universal for the evening. I wonder what will happen.

We decide to go to I-Hop for breakfast. And then we head to Wet N Wild. I didn't realize you had to walk from the parking lot to the actual park. Like out on the street, crossing traffic. I thought their parking lot would be part of their park like all the other theme parks. But it wasn't that far and we survived. So first we rented a locker and then found a chair to put our towels and sandals on. Then we headed into the wave pool (with 10000 other people) as it was the closest thing and we just needed in some water to cool off. There wasn't really that many people, but it sure seems like it. I don't know how the lifeguards can keep track of everyone or how they would see a little one if they went under.

Then we decide we came here to do something we had better get at it. Everything had long lines and Nicole and I don't like the wild waterslides so we picked a family raft ride called Hubba Bubba. The guy said the wait was an hour but since everything was long we just sucked it up and got in line. Well you climb round and round stairs as you gradually go up. Well Nicole is scared of heights and the longer she had to stand their the more nervous she got. She said if she could have just gone up and got on she would have been alright. So she bowed out and went down to the bottom to wait for us. She did take a quick dip back in the wave pool as she knew we would be a while. Well as we are getting closer to the top we can see black clouds and lightning bolts off in the distance. And just as we get to the top level they are starting to get really close. And I was very surprised they didn't shut things down and get people out of the water. Taylor definately wanted out of their. He hates lightning. But we were so close I convinced him to wait it out. We got on, went down in two seconds (it was quite bumpy) and it was over. By now it's starting to sprinkle. So we just bailed. We went to Golden Corral for supper and then headed back over to Universal. Aaah we're back on the plan.

This time we did Shrek, the Simpsons (which was a blast) and the Mummy again. The Simpsons ride is a rollercoaster simulator and I think it became my favorite ride at this park. And I guess I didn't take any pictures this day. We also made it back home in time to have another swim.

 

[weezy26nm]

Today we are supposed to be going to Animal Kingdom. But when I looked at my back up days, Hollywood Studios has two showings of Fantasmic today, which was the reason for going two days ago. So we decide to bump Animal Kingdom for Hollywood Studios. So after breakfast at the condo, off we go. This got to be Debbie's first tram ride.

First up was Rock N Roller Coaster, a first for Nicole and Taylor as well as Debbie. And they all loved it. We picked up a Fastpass for Tower of Terror for later. Then we went on the Great Movie Ride and Backlot Tours. Wow it doesn't seem like we did much and it's already time for lunch at the ABC Commissionary. It seems every lunch time there seems to be some strife. Darrin doesn't want to sit outside because it is hot. Of course every counter service place either has outdoor seating or is packed. So we run around until he finds something he deems suitable but it ends up being too expensive (in his opinion for fast food) or there is nothing that Taylor will eat. So then we end up running back to whatever place I had suggested in the first place, because I have done my homework. And I tell him "well if you wanted to be guaranteed a place to eat you need a reservation but YOU don't like to plan".
So we enjoy a quiet meal (cause by now he's ticked off and not speaking). Then we head over to Star Tours.

We lucked out and got to see Vader beating up on some small children.
Then Nicole and Taylor went for a ride on this:

Then we took in the Lights, Motor, Action stunt show. Then it was over to the Muppets and then Indiana Jones. I tried to get Debbie to volunteer as an extra but she was having no part of it. And Debbie stopped to do some singing in the rain.

I think at this point we stopped for a treat. Taylor and Debbie had the Mickey ice cream sandwhich.

And Nicole had a frozen chocolate banana.

Then we used our Fastpasses for Tower of Terror.

We are in the middle row.
And at some point we had picked up another Fastpass for Rock N Roller Coaster, so we used them. And at about this time we noticed that the first showing for Fantasmic was lined up down the street and it was only about 7:30. So we figured we would just skip that one and try to get the second one. So we ended up going on Tower of Terror two more times in a row. And we still saw a long line for Fantasmic so we asked if it was still for the first show and no it was for the second show and the first show wasn't even over yet. So we decided to skip it all together and headed for home. Tomorrow is suppose to be a free day and I have another suprise planned.

 

[weezy26nm]

So I decided to tell everyone the night before that I have a surprise planned for today. Of course the first thing Darrin says is I thought we weren't going to Disney tomorrow. And I said we aren't going to a park, but I need to know if everyone wants to do the surprise cause if not I need to call and cancel. Well he said how can we decide if we don't know what it is. So I said that I had a lunch reservation. Again he said I thought we weren't going to Disney. I told him we didn't have to go to a park to enjoy a meal there. That there are other places besides in the park. Well everyone else wanted to do it. (I guess at least someone likes my surprises) So we have breakfast at the condo and go for a swim. Now the condo complex we are in is a gated community as part of the Ventura Country Club. So not only do we have a small pool and hot tub just below our room but we also have a large pool at the club house. So we decided to try out the big pool and it was beautiful.

They also have a pond beside the pool (the pool has a fence around it) with a warning sign to not feed the gators.

Then we went back to the condo, cleaned up and headed out for my surprise lunch at......

 

[weezy26nm]

So after our swim we head out and pull up to the gates of:

Did you figure it out? Can you tell from the picture? We are at:

That's right folks, it's the Whispering Canyon Cafe. I had read alot about it and it sounded like alot of fun and I thought there was something that everyone would eat. And it was a hit. Our waitress was a blast.
Debbie ordered some sort of fancy, glowing drink. I can't remember it's name.

And her and I had the chicken sandwhich. The kids had the burger and Taylor had a bottomless strawberry shake.

And Darrin had this bad boy:

By the look on his face I think he may finally be enjoying my surprises.

And for dessert Nicole had the s'mores cheesecake:

And I had the Kaluha chocolate cake:

Then they broke out the wooden horses for the pony races. I wanted Taylor and Nicole to do it but I guess that wouldn't be too cool for most 13 year old boys. Soooooo.....his 47 year old aunt and his 44 year old mother did it instead.

So if you were at the Whispering Canyon Cafe on July 30 and saw two crazy women riding wooden ponies, that was me and my sister. LOL
A picture with our waitress in front of the fireplace.

 

[weezy26nm]

We finished up the day at Unviersal. We managed to get Terminator, ET, Simpsons and Men in Black all done. Then we decided we would do Rip Ride Rocket Roller coaster. It had like an hour wait but we figured it probably wasn't going to get any better. So we got in line and just as we got to the top section and could see the loading area. Only one more turn in the line and we were home free. And they start sending empty cars. So at first we thought someone had gotten sick in one of them. But they kept sending every car empty. So we finally got a girls attention and asked her what was going on and she said they had to do random tests all the time. So we thought no big deal. Then someone offical came along and they loaded him into a car all by himself and sent him off. Whew, he makes it back alive. But still we are waiting and still cars are going empty. So we finally decide to bail as it is close to closing and we can still squeeze in one last ride on the Mummy. When we get down off the ride, Nicole saw a couple of paramedics in a room talking to someone and there was an ambulance parked behind a fence. We never did hear what happened, but were wondering if something happened to someone on the ride. By the time we got off the Mummy the ride was running again. But it was too late to get back in the hour long ride so we just went home.

 

[weezy26nm]

Today we are supposed to be going to Animal Kingdom. I can't remember how or why it got changed but it did. Oh I think they had a heat advisory on the weather channel. Saying that the temps with the humity could go up to 116So we thought it would be better to go to the beach. It was a little cooler on the coast. So we did a little shopping first and then headed to Tampa Bay. We decided to go that direction (I know a little farther out) because we live on the Atlantic Ocean and none of us had been to the Gulf of Mexico (except for Debbie). By the time we got there we were hungry so we had a late lunch/early supper at Burger King (Taylor's all time favorite fast food at home). Then we went to the Tampa Bay flea market, which was in some sort of barn type building and was hotter than h e double hockey sticks. Then we finally made it to the beach.
On the way into Tampa Bay.

At the beach:

On the way back we drove through a lightning storm. And when we got back to the condo everything was wet so we had obviously missed a storm.

 

[weezy26nm]

Finally we get to go to Animal Kingdom. We head straight back to:

We also picked up a fastpass to ride again. Then we went on Kali.

We were looking forward to getting wet, but it didn't happen. Then we did Dinosaur and Primeval Whirl. It was a blast. Then I think we used our fastpass for Everest. Then we head over to It's Tough to be a Bug. While there Debbie found a new man.

Everywhere we go, she seems to find a new one. Remember the picture of her with our waiter at Cinderella's Royal Table? And she's not done yet. Then we tried to get wet on Kali again. Then we thought we would try to get on the Safari. There were quite a few animals out considering the heat. This guy was nice and close.

Then we stopped for a break and had lunch at Pizzafari. Wow we got alot done this day. Then we headed for the Lion King. We never got to see this last time. And it was amazing.

When we came out of the Lion King we decided to line up so Debbie could finally meet Mickey. Minnie was there too. And in the next spot was Thumper! I've never seen him before. But alas it was not meant to be. Just as we got closer to the front of the line, they announced that if the lightning storm got any worse that the characters would have to leave. And it got worse. So we left and decided to try the Pangani Trail, since we figured the rides would probably be shut down because of the weather too. We stopped for these on the way.

For some reason Darrin thinks he is extremely tall and has to lean down in all the pictures.

While on the trail it started to rain. And by the time we finished and tried to go to Maharajah trail, it was closed. Then it started raining harder, so we ducked in a shop to wait it out. When it let up a bit, we decided to head out and try going to Beaches and Cream for some ice cream. But they were packed and we were turned away. So off to McDonalds for sundaes. Not a kitchen sink or a No Way Jose, but it hit the spot. Then back to the condo for the night.

 

[weezy26nm]

Hollywood Studios:

Animal Kingdom:

 

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[weezy26nm]

After a quick call to our brother to wish him a Happy Birthday, we go to Ponderosa for breakfast. Then it's onto Epcot.

First up I ahem "allow" Darrin to do something he wanted to last time and didn't get to, Living with the Land. It wasn't bad. Then onto something more our speed, Test Track.

Then we did Ellen's Universe of Energy. Then we took Debbie to finally meet the big cheese:

 

[weezy26nm]

Now I'm not sure if you can tell from the pictures, but Darrin is wearing a Goofy t-shirt and he swears he didn't wear it to Epcot on purpose. But I'm pretty sure he did knowing we were going to see Goofy there. So as we are walking away from having our picture taken with Goofy, I say hey Goofy see who he has on his shirt and this took place:

Yup that is old sour puss himself dancing with (and grinning from ear to ear) with Goofy and then they share a tender moment.

Then we used Fastpasses to do Soarin' and then had lunch at the Electric Umbrella. Then we did Spaceship Earth.

Then we used Fastpasses for Mission Space and got to see Captain EO. Then it was off to World Showcase. First up:
Canada eh?

Then United Kingdom:

Then France:

Where Taylor had this:

and I had this:

 

[weezy26nm]

Then it was on to Morrocco:

Then Japan:

Then the USA:

Then it was time for Illuminations. We had hoped to continue our hat adventure around the world, but by the time Illuminations was over most of the countries shops were closed. And I tried to find a Grey Goose Slushies but I couldn't remember which country to look in and every time I asked no one knew where I could find one. Oh well something for next time. But onto Illuminations:

We decided to continue our hat pictures on the way out: