Run Forest, Run!

[weezy26nm]

Quote:
Originally Posted by 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 head to Walmart for supplies. When we get back we all go to

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

I know, we are thrill seekers. Then we do the 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 really 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 for home. Next up is supposed to be Seaworld.

 

[mousetravel]

Subscribing to your TR! I also read your PTR. That little cottage is so cute, (The Tropical Palms Fun Resort) I would love to stay there!!

 

[weezy26nm]

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. 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.

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

Then we stopped at a stand for frozen margaritas 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 a couple of the performers.
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.

 

[MEK]

Great TR so far. Love all the picture! Sea World Looks like a blast! (and wet - lol!) Oh, and that castle at IoA looks amazing.

 

[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........

 

[weezy26nm]

I forgot to post the picture of us on the Jurassic Park ride:

And this car that we saw on the way to Seaworld:

It was covered in figurines and religious quotes.

 

[MEK]

That is one crazy car! What a sight!

So what's the surprise? Are you having breakfast at CP?

 

[MEK]

Oops - duplicate post. Not sure how that happened. All gone now!

 

[Shannon84]

Reading along

 

[weezy26nm]

That is one crazy car! What a sight!

So what's the surprise? Are you having breakfast at CP?

Nope but close. We're having breakfast at:

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

I didn't realize that we didn't get to see her again upstairs, so we didn't get an autograph. But we did get 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 I am going to have the picture put in it and give 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.

 

[MEK]

Wow - you really went all the way with CRT! Those are stellar pictures and everyone looks like they are having a GREAT time! I have yet to eat there, but its on my list!

p.s. Do you mind if I copy that crazy car picture and post it in my TR? I am just wrapping up one and I am posting a few final pictures from my WDW trips and my summer side trips. I love finding unusual pictures! That's just too much of a hoot to pass up and I will obviously give you all the credit!

 

[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 rollercoaster. 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]

Wow - you really went all the way with CRT! Those are stellar pictures and everyone looks like they are having a GREAT time! I have yet to eat there, but its on my list!

p.s. Do you mind if I copy that crazy car picture and post it in my TR? I am just wrapping up one and I am posting a few final pictures from my WDW trips and my summer side trips. I love finding unusual pictures! That's just too much of a hoot to pass up and I will obviously give you all the credit!

I don't mind at all. It certainly made our day.

 

[15isto2]

Great report, I really like what I see so far

 

[OhMari]

Hi,
You are the first family that has ever reported from Nova Scotia. My dd begged me all the time when she was little, to go to your country, she was into the book Anna of Green Gables. I'm sure you get that all the time.

Enjoying your TR. Your family reminds me of a movie I just watched. Something about a tour guide in Greece and her tour group just wanted to shop and not see the sites.

I was in Florida, the day the girl got killed by the whale. They closed the park on the only day I could go. I was on my dh schedule. We stayed about a mile east of Sea World, and I had to drive by Sea World everyday with all the tv station and trucks. Plus the helicopters that kept flying over, to take video of the poor whale.

Did you like the breakfast at CRT. I heard it is the only decent meal, lunch and supper is not suppose to be that good.

 

[MEK]

Great day at MK. You certainly made the most of it and got everything done. Strong work!!!!!

Sorry to hear you couldn't get the troops right back into a park the next morning, but it still sounds like you had a great day and got some great bargains, too!

It took you three days to get into the hot tub?????? That is one nice hot tub. Looks so relaxing!

 

[weezy26nm]

Subscribing to your TR! I also read your PTR. That little cottage is so cute, (The Tropical Palms Fun Resort) I would love to stay there!!

We really enjoyed those cottages too. But we thought this time with my sister coming along something with separate bedrooms would be better.

Reading along

Thanks for coming along for the ride.

Great report, I really like what I see so far

Glad you're enjoying it.

Hi,
You are the first family that has ever reported from Nova Scotia. My dd begged me all the time when she was little, to go to your country, she was into the book Anna of Green Gables. I'm sure you get that all the time.

Enjoying your TR. Your family reminds me of a movie I just watched. Something about a tour guide in Greece and her tour group just wanted to shop and not see the sites.

I was in Florida, the day the girl got killed by the whale. They closed the park on the only day I could go. I was on my dh schedule. We stayed about a mile east of Sea World, and I had to drive by Sea World everyday with all the tv station and trucks. Plus the helicopters that kept flying over, to take video of the poor whale.

Did you like the breakfast at CRT. I heard it is the only decent meal, lunch and supper is not suppose to be that good.

Yes Nova Scotia is a great place to live and you should definately make the trip someday.
My family reminds me of alot of movies (all comedies) LOL
The Seaworld incident was a tragedy. I'm glad nothing like happened while we were there.
Yes we did enjoy the breakfast. I was worried that it wouldn't be worth the money. But I definately think it was. Now looking at the menus, I picked the breakfast because I thought for the money and what they were offering for lunch and supper that those two options would not be worth it for my family. I really didn't see anything we would really enjoy so then it would not have been worth the money.

Great day at MK. You certainly made the most of it and got everything done. Strong work!!!!!

Sorry to hear you couldn't get the troops right back into a park the next morning, but it still sounds like you had a great day and got some great bargains, too!

It took you three days to get into the hot tub?????? That is one nice hot tub. Looks so relaxing!

Yes we certainly did get alot done, considering how packed the park was that day. People from up here always think we are crazy for getting in a hot tub in Florida when it's 104 degrees out. LOL

 

[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.