September 2013 with a twist - New 9/13 - we are on our way!

[happybelle]

Hi remember me? I realized I have been reading but not commenting. Your trip looks full of so many fun activities and great plans I am happy for you.

 

[lsenquiz]

Hi remember me? I realized I have been reading but not commenting. Your trip looks full of so many fun activities and great plans I am happy for you.

Of course I remember So happy to see you are still following along

 

[lvcourtneyy]

Yay Hollywood Studios!

I at your need for a Bloody Mary to get through Indiana Jones. It's on our never seen list so I feel the need to at least see it but I really don't find any interest in it!

Great minds definitely think alike because our character goals are exactly the same! I'm so glad you told me you had an awesome experience with Character palooza outside. I'm even more excited for it now! Those are some awesome character shots from your last trip!

 

[happybelle]

Of course I remember So happy to see you are still following along

Thank you.

 

[lsenquiz]

Yay Hollywood Studios!

I at your need for a Bloody Mary to get through Indiana Jones. It's on our never seen list so I feel the need to at least see it but I really don't find any interest in it!

I will use any excuse to get one of those Bloody Marys. They are awesome. I actually enjoyed the Indiana Show the first 8-10 times we saw it. I just think it is need of an update as I do not think it has changed since it opened.

Great minds definitely think alike because our character goals are exactly the same! I'm so glad you told me you had an awesome experience with Character palooza outside. I'm even more excited for it now! Those are some awesome character shots from your last trip!

I just posted the full update on characterpalooza on my TR

 

[lsenquiz]

Arrival Day Plan Changes​

I have been mulling over our plans trying to figure out the best place to squeeze in a visit with my best friend Lou while we are in Orlando. She actually lives in the city of Maitland which is just about 40 minutes from Disney. During our May/June trip I had arranged for her to come over to see us on the night that we took our Illuminations cruise (it happened to fall on Memorial Day). However, it ended up being a really bad day for her so she did not make it.

Just to give you a little history (I warn everyone that the story I am about to tell is not a happy one), Lou’s only daughter Sarah was diagnosed with Lymphoma in January 2009 at the age of 24. At the time she was diagnosed the doctors basically gave her a 100% chance of making a full recovery. Sadly Sarah’s body rejected every treatment they attempted to give her and she tragically passed away on May 7th 2009. No matter how sick Sarah got Lou never let herself believe for one minute that Sarah would not make it. So her passing was a devastating blow that hit Lou and her son (Sarah’s only brother) James really hard.

All of their friends and family rallied around to give as much support as was humanly possible. It took some doing but I also talked Lou and James into going with us on our annual September Disney trip. At the time, James had been dating a girl for a while that had two young boys one older than Gabriel and one a year younger than him. So, we decided that it would be fun to bring the whole group which expanded our current plans of Just Kenny, Gabriel and I to include Lou, James, his girlfriend and her two boys.

I updated our reservation to a 2 bedroom and studio at Old Key West on the morning of June 2nd 2009. That afternoon my cell phone rang and when I looked I saw it was Lou. However, when I answered the phone there was a police officer on the other end. He asked how quickly I could get to Lou’s house and I told him I could be there in 5 minutes. He would not give me any details just told me to get there as quick as possible. My mind went through a ton of scenarios on the drive over but never once the one that actually ended up being true. When I arrived at the house the officer informed me that James had been killed in a motorcycle accident just 5 miles from where Lou lived.

How Lou has survived the last 4 years is a mystery to us all. She did eventually end up relocating back to Florida where she was originally from to be closer to her Parents and brother and sister. We also still took our Disney trip that September as Lou did not want to disappoint the boys who were so looking forward to it. Below are some pictures from that trip:


DSCF2174 by Disneyalwaysn4ever, on Flickr


DSCF2191 by Disneyalwaysn4ever, on Flickr


DSCF2417 by Disneyalwaysn4ever, on Flickr

I also wanted to include a picture of Lou’s beautiful children:


james & Sara by Disneyalwaysn4ever, on Flickr

So for this trip I have decided that it would be better for me to make plans to see Lou at her house rather than ask her to come to us. James’s birthday falls while we are there (Sept 18th) and I know that will be a difficult time for Lou just like May/June is. So, I am thinking our best bet would be to drive straight through on Friday to Lou’s and spend the night. We probably won’t get there until 9 or 10pm but we can spend a good amount of time on Saturday with her before heading to Boardwalk late Saturday afternoon/evening. Our big plans for Saturday were to just hang out by the pool so the change will not be that big of a deal.

 

[indimom]

What a sad story to share. I can't imagine how hard that must have been.
I think visiting her sounds like a great idea, I hope you can make it happen.

 

[lsenquiz]

Day 6 – Thursday Sept 19th​

This is the 1st of 2 scheduled Epcot days for this trip. However, since we are spending the first 8 days of this trip at the BWV there will be many evening where we head over to Epcot to see an attraction of two. Today we will focus on the stuff just Kenny, Gabriel and I want to do so we can save the stuff everyone wants to do for our next scheduled day when the whole group will be together. (There will be a couple of exceptions for the big ticket attractions like Soarin & TT which we like to do more than once).

Below is a picture of what we accomplished during our last trip in May:


EPCOT by Disneyalwaysn4ever, on Flickr

The plan will be to arrive at the International Gateway by 8:30am for a 9am opening. This should not be too hard since it is about a 5 minute walk from our room to the International Gateway. We will head to Soarin first for FPs and then to TT to ride standby.


47794580008 by Disneyalwaysn4ever, on Flickr

Next we will head to:


mission-space-epcot-12 by Disneyalwaysn4ever, on Flickr
Photo borrowed from WDW live

Gabriel will want to spent some time here when we are done riding Mission Space:


DSC03884 by Disneyalwaysn4ever, on Flickr

Then to:


DSC03683 by Disneyalwaysn4ever, on Flickr

After Nemo we will stop in to see one of our favorite fellows:


turtle-talk-with-crush-sign-1-9 by Disneyalwaysn4ever, on Flickr
Photo borrowed from WDW live

If we have time we will spend some time exploring the aquariums before heading here to use our FPs:


DSC04114 by Disneyalwaysn4ever, on Flickr

After Soarin I am also hoping we can catch one or two of the Innoventions Fountain Shows. I expect it will be lunch time by the time we finish so we will head over to our favorite Epcot lunchtime place:


ENTRANCE-CANTINA-DE-SAN-ANGEL by Disneyalwaysn4ever, on Flickr
Photo borrowed from the internet

After lunch we will take a ride on the Fiesta Tour:


DSC03668 by Disneyalwaysn4ever, on Flickr

Then we will spend a good amount of time in the Innovention East & West buildings. Gabriel will want to do:


DSC04110 by Disneyalwaysn4ever, on Flickr

And the Great Piggy Bank Adventure


DSC04101 by Disneyalwaysn4ever, on Flickr

He will also want to do:


DSC03879 by Disneyalwaysn4ever, on Flickr

I would like for us try the following because they are all on our never seen list:


Test the limits by Disneyalwaysn4ever, on Flickr
Photo borrowed from the internet


StormStruckEpcot-600x398 by Disneyalwaysn4ever, on Flickr
Photo borrowed from the internet

Once we are finished in the Innovention buildings we will take a ride on Spaceship Earth and spend a good amount of time in the exit area after:


DSC04088 by Disneyalwaysn4ever, on Flickr


DSC04095 by Disneyalwaysn4ever, on Flickr

Then we will head over to the World Show case to spend some time there. I am hoping to see some of the performers but not really picky about whom we see.

Dinner will be from one of the counter service restaurants in the World Showcase.

 

[klacey1]

Oh my gosh. Your poor friend. I cannot imagine. That is very nice that you'll be able to see her during your trip.

Yum, La Cantina is definitely my favorite Epcot CS, too! The food is so fresh!

Innoventions really is the perfect break out of the sun and heat for boys (of all ages)! My boyfriend adores it!

 

[happybelle]

I can't imagine your friends pain, but I think you are a wonderful friend to be understanding of her feelings.

Your Epcot day looks wonderful.

 

[lvcourtneyy]

Wow that is a devastating story about your friend's children. I have tears from reading it. I just can not even imagine her pain. It's nice that she has a great friend like you to help her.

Your Epcot plans sound fun! La Cantina and the Moroccan CS are our two favorites in the WS.

It's great that Gabriel enjoys Innoventions so much. We haven't spent much time in there but maybe we will this time.

 

[lsenquiz]

Oh my gosh. Your poor friend. I cannot imagine. That is very nice that you'll be able to see her during your trip.

Yum, La Cantina is definitely my favorite Epcot CS, too! The food is so fresh!

Innoventions really is the perfect break out of the sun and heat for boys (of all ages)! My boyfriend adores it!

Lou is an amazing women:

La Cantina has always been our favorite. It is a welcome break from all the hamburgers and french fries we tend to eat while we are at Disney.

It always surprises me when I talk to people that have never been in innovations even though they have taken many Disney trips. There is alot to entertain in those two buildings.

 

[lsenquiz]

I can't imagine your friends pain, but I think you are a wonderful friend to be understanding of her feelings.

Your Epcot day looks wonderful.

I doubt I would even be able to walk around if I was in her shoes. She is a very strong person

We love Epcot which is why I love to stay in the Epcot resort area. We hop in an out of there on most days.

 

[lsenquiz]

Wow that is a devastating story about your friend's children. I have tears from reading it. I just can not even imagine her pain. It's nice that she has a great friend like you to help her.

Your Epcot plans sound fun! La Cantina and the Moroccan CS are our two favorites in the WS.

It's great that Gabriel enjoys Innoventions so much. We haven't spent much time in there but maybe we will this time.

I think it is devastating for a parent to lose a child but its truely unthinkable for them to lose all their children and just one month a part.

We have never tried the Moroccan CS so I will have to check that out this trip.

Innoventions is really fun expecially on a hot afternoon! (there should be plenty of those while you are there).

 

[lsenquiz]

What a sad story to share. I can't imagine how hard that must have been.
I think visiting her sounds like a great idea, I hope you can make it happen.

We used to see each other practically daily when she lived here. I can not wait to spend the day with her when we go.

 

[Alysa]

Oh the poor woman. You are a good friend. Hugs to you both.

 

[lsenquiz]

Oh the poor woman. You are a good friend. Hugs to you both.

Thanks

 

[lsenquiz]

Day 7 Friday Sept 20th​

This is the 2nd of 4 scheduled MK days for this trip. Below is an updated picture of what we accomplished during our last trip in May. I have checked off the things we expect to get done on our 1st MK day. I have also crossed out the things we do not plan to do even if we could make time for them.


magic kingdom 2 by Disneyalwaysn4ever, on Flickr

The plan today is to arrive at MK right at 9am. This will be a laid back day at MK. This is also a MNSSHP day so I expect very low crowds since a lot of people do not like to go to MK on a day when it closes at 7pm. Once we get through the gates, I would like to hang around Main Street long enough to see both of these in their entirety (we have always seen pieces of this show but never stayed for the whole thing):


Dapper Dans by Disneyalwaysn4ever, on Flickr


trolly show by Disneyalwaysn4ever, on Flickr

Then even though we will already have ridden this several times this trip, I do not think we will be able to resist riding Buzz a few times.


47794580012 by Disneyalwaysn4ever, on Flickr

After that we will head to:


DSC03589 by Disneyalwaysn4ever, on Flickr

Next we will head over to Tom Sawyer Island before it gets too hot.


DSC04300 by Disneyalwaysn4ever, on Flickr

Then once we have thoroughly explored the Island we will head back and try something we have never done before:


tikiroom by Disneyalwaysn4ever, on Flickr

I have not read good things about this but feel like we have to try it once and decide for ourselves.

Next we will have an early lunch at:


Village Haus by Disneyalwaysn4ever, on Flickr
Photo borrowed from the internet

Then we will head over to find a spot to watch Move It! Shake It! Celebrate It! What is you favorite spot to watch this parade?


moveitshakeitcelebrateit0042 by Disneyalwaysn4ever, on Flickr
Photo borrowed from the internet

After the parade I would like to try to catch these two shows:


Storybook Circus Giggle Gang by Disneyalwaysn4ever, on Flickr
Borrowed from the Internet


wowzer by Disneyalwaysn4ever, on Flickr
Borrowed from Kenny the Pirate

Then we will just spend some time exploring the new Fantasy Land until it is time to find a spot to watch:


DSC04328 by Disneyalwaysn4ever, on Flickr

We will watch the parade from Frontierland.

Then we will cool of by watching one of Gabriel's favorites:


DSC03945 by Disneyalwaysn4ever, on Flickr

After that we will probably play another round of Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom. Then we will make our way to the exit. I would like to stop and watch this on our way out:


Glass blowing by Disneyalwaysn4ever, on Flickr

We will catch a bus back to the room and spend the evening relaxing by the pool. We may head over and roast some marshmallows on the beach at Beach Club:


DSC03259 by Disneyalwaysn4ever, on Flickr

Dinner will be something from one of the Counter Service booths on the Boardwalk or in Epcot or maybe even room service. Tink, Swat, Ariel and Stitch will be arriving this night although I doubt we will see them before 10pm.

I also need to pick-up the tickets that come with our package stay that starts on Sunday. I am hoping that goes well as I am planning to do it at Guess Services in Epcot and I have not had good luck with that Guest Service booth. I do have all the instructions offered by Cheshire Figment in the all about tickets thread on the Parks board. I will bring those with me to hopefully limit any issues we might have with picking up package tickets early.

Up next, Extra Magic morning hours at Hollywood Studios.

 

[lvcourtneyy]

I definitely recommend doing the Enchanted Tiki Room once just for the experience. We did it in January and probably won't do it again. It is a nice indoor break spot though!

Have you eaten at Pinocchio's before? We never have but maybe we will this trip.

We've never seen Move It! Shake It! Celebrate It! before, other than in passing! I'm excited to finally see it this time.

Celebrate a Dream is our favorite! DBF likes it even more than me, if that's even possible. We'll watch it every time we're in the MK at 3 pm

Another great day of plans! I remember reading about your guest services horror stories! Fingers crossed that it will go better this time!

 

[khaleesi]

Read through all your plans while skipping over some of the chit chat. Even though I've never gone on one, I'm excited for you that you mutually decided to ditch the cruise!! I cherish my time at The World and I got twitchy thinking that you'd be packing up in the middle of your trip to go do something else... even if it was Disney related!!

I know people who LOVE cruises, but I personally can't believe that they could ever match the joy of being in the parks. How's that for an opinion based on absolutely nothing? Haha.

You really, really need to see One Man's Dream. Just cuz!