Squirrels, Ducks and Coconut Butts!!! A Wish Trip Report *LATEST UPDATE 05/2011**

[cantwaittoseemickey]

Love the updates! We didnt see half of what you have posted As for the Christmas at GKTW ours was similar to yours. We were almost the first family but Santa took a little boy with him and I think he thought he was ours because he took him right up on stage and then they had to figure out whose child he was. Then the family finally appeared. When it was our turn he was pretty demanding on me and Tim being up there and where to sit. The photographer told him to croutch on one knee on the floor and he kept telling him he couldnt but he wouldnt listen. Well he was getting upset but did it anyways. Tim has a bad knee and was really "done" for the week anyways since it was the day before we left. Then they couldnt decide how we would get out of the theater so we went back and forth from one side to the other. Tim told them they needed to make up their minds. I wanted to crawl in a holeWe left and went back to the villa after that.

 

[wish_upon_a_star35]

I definitely missed a few updates but I've finally caught up! Your Epcott Day makes me sad that we didn't go earlier and spend more time there! I love that the girls got to see and interact with so many of the princesses!

Love the pictures with Scooby and Shaggy! My Chase LOVES Scooby Doo! I wish they would have been there for our visit!

The girls looked like they had the most amazing time! I love looking at how happy they look in the pictures. Phoebe's eyes are so beautiful and telling! I know that she really enjoyed the trip! And little miss Tessa! I just love her energy and I wish I had just a smidge of it!

 

[kayrosek]

Wonderful update. Loved the pictures (as usual.) Your Epcot day looks so enjoyable. I wish we had relaxed in Epcot more and just enjoyed it. It's one of my big regrets from our trip. All in all it looks like you had a pretty good first half of your trip. I can't wait to hear about the rest.

 

[All7OfUs]

Your photos never fail to amaze me!! Just beautiful! I really was especially impressed with the "behind Snow White' perspective one. Very nice!

I was cracking up at child psychologist dude!! Funny!

I also like your strategy of trying both drinks- yeah, just "get one for Tim, too!"

 

[eyor44]

Wonderful updates Melissa. As always, I love your photos. They are awesome.

 

[yinyanggirls]

Great update!

The picture of all the stars at GKTW was really beautiful and touching! What a blessing they are for so many families!

I love your park pics! Just gorgeous! It looks like you all enjoyed touring WS and had a lot of fun!

Looking forward to hearing about the 2nd leg of your journey!

I think DH liked it more than he thought he would. And the kids seemed to enjoy it too.

I love the update. Both girls were able to interact with many princesses. The Mulan pictures are great! I would not have waited any longer for Jasmine either! We have people come up to us all of the time with Tyler and tell us we are handling him well too. Maybe people are trying to be nice??? I am so glad that you had a good experience at Epcot. Thank you for sharing the squirrel stories and all of the pictures. They are so wonderful!

I was glad we met at least one of the "rare" princesses. It would have been fun to see Jasmine too, but maybe next time. We have to have something to do whenever we go back!

Love the updates! We didnt see half of what you have posted As for the Christmas at GKTW ours was similar to yours. We were almost the first family but Santa took a little boy with him and I think he thought he was ours because he took him right up on stage and then they had to figure out whose child he was. Then the family finally appeared. When it was our turn he was pretty demanding on me and Tim being up there and where to sit. The photographer told him to croutch on one knee on the floor and he kept telling him he couldnt but he wouldnt listen. Well he was getting upset but did it anyways. Tim has a bad knee and was really "done" for the week anyways since it was the day before we left. Then they couldnt decide how we would get out of the theater so we went back and forth from one side to the other. Tim told them they needed to make up their minds. I wanted to crawl in a holeWe left and went back to the villa after that.

I'm glad we're not the only ones with a less than charming Christmas.

I definitely missed a few updates but I've finally caught up! Your Epcott Day makes me sad that we didn't go earlier and spend more time there! I love that the girls got to see and interact with so many of the princesses!

Love the pictures with Scooby and Shaggy! My Chase LOVES Scooby Doo! I wish they would have been there for our visit!

The girls looked like they had the most amazing time! I love looking at how happy they look in the pictures. Phoebe's eyes are so beautiful and telling! I know that she really enjoyed the trip! And little miss Tessa! I just love her energy and I wish I had just a smidge of it!

We were really hoping for Blue for Phoebe, but Tessa likes Scooby, so at least somebody was happy. Oh, and Tessa's energy, they could run city's off her if they could figure out how to tap into it.

Wonderful update. Loved the pictures (as usual.) Your Epcot day looks so enjoyable. I wish we had relaxed in Epcot more and just enjoyed it. It's one of my big regrets from our trip. All in all it looks like you had a pretty good first half of your trip. I can't wait to hear about the rest.

We all have "should haves" from our trips, right? It gives us a reason to go back.

Your photos never fail to amaze me!! Just beautiful! I really was especially impressed with the "behind Snow White' perspective one. Very nice!

I was cracking up at child psychologist dude!! Funny!

I also like your strategy of trying both drinks- yeah, just "get one for Tim, too!"

Yes, I thought it was nice of me to think about him, too.

Wonderful updates Melissa. As always, I love your photos. They are awesome.

Thanks! I can't NOT take pics when we go places, so it's fun to share them with people who want to see.

 

[yinyanggirls]

Well, now that our MAW portion of the trip is over I probably won't have *quite* as many details to share. During the first week I took notes and extra pictures with future wish trippers and fellow DISers in mind. Not that there won't be some great little stories to share from week two...

After a pretty full day at Epcot/World Showcase, we left the park at 8pm to head to the airport. We needed to trade in our MAW rental car and pick up our own, as well as pick up our traveling companion for the next week, my best friend of 17 years, Heather. We got to the airport around 8:30 but forgot to fill up the rental, so we drove through the airport back out to the city to get gas, then back into the airport again. Then the trick was finding where to pick up our rental car. It made sense to us to pick up the new one first, so that we would have somewhere to put all the luggage before we returned the old rental. Problem is, rental car companies don't expect people to DRIVE to the airport to pick up their rental. All the signs indicated where to RETURN a rental but not pick up. Our first thought was, they must be right next to each other so we'll just go in the return area and then figure out where to go, but there really was no way to get to pickups from there. We asked for help from an employee, who was no help at all, I tried calling the rental company but being after office hours I got a recording and an option to go to the 800 number. We were on time to pick up Heather, but now as we've driven around and around the airport she's been waiting a while. I'm telling her the problem via text and she's looking for help inside the airport. She says she can see the sign for our rental company. In exasperation, Tim jumps out of the car at the curb for arrivals and attempts to find the place from inside the airport. As we are having a few final words as he's walking away, an airport police makes her presence known and yells at me to move the truck. I told her we can't find the pick up spot for our rental and she looks at me (for about 2 milliseconds) as if I just told her the sky is blue. Yeah, and??? I married into a law enforcement family. I love and support police of every kind, but why is it that most airport police are the rudest, least sympathetic people on earth? Do they put them there as punishment for something? Anyway, Tim calls me as I'm circling the airport that he found it right away and to go ahead and return the MAW rental and he'll meet me. We wait for a few minutes and soon he arrives with our minivan and "auntie" Heather. We make the transition and are finally ready to leave the airport around 10. It took us an hour and a half to trade cars and pick up a passenger, who arrived on time. Good grief. So we hit the road, the kids finally fall asleep, and we head north to St. Augustine, about an hour north. We laughed along the way because we were slowly running out of coins for the toll roads, and we kept seeing signs that said "Orlando". Aren't we out of Orlando yet? We arrived at our hotel, the Comfort Suites, around 11 and set up camp. The hotel kindly had set up the roll away we requested and we put Tessa there. Phoebe and Tim took one double and Heather and I took the other. It wasn't a very big room but we were only staying one night. We all fell asleep quickly.

The next thing we know, the hotel phone rang. The clock said 7:30am and I heard Tim say, "Yeah, that's ours. We'll be right there." Heather and I sat up and wondered what's going on when we noticed the roll away bed was empty. Tessa left our room and had been wandering around the hotel. Someone sat her down in the breakfast room and gave her a bowl of Froot Loops while they tried to find her family. The maid remembered setting up the roll away in our room and suggested us. I think they may have tried at least one other room because another couple made a comment to us at breakfast about, oh, they found you or something like that. We were mortified that she had left without us hearing her and embarrassed that they had to search us out, but what could we do? We got up, dressed, had a very basic breakfast in the lobby, packed the car and by 10am headed out to explore "the oldest neighborhood in America", St Augustine Florida. Heather and Tessa watching cartoons, waiting for me to get myself and Phoebe ready while Tim packed the van.

We were able to leave the car in the hotel parking lot and walk a couple of blocks to the historic district.

Along the way, everyone but me spotted a family of raccoons running up and down a tree.

I had gone back to the car to get Phoebe's Golden Access Pass, which allows her and her party to enter National parks and other sites for free. We continued toward the Spanish Quarter, and meandered down St. George St., a pedestrian only passageway.

It was a pretty little town that really just caters to tourists. We window shopped and took some pictures. Tim collected yet another Harley t-shirt. We asked the girl there about good food and she suggested the pizza place next door. Heather wasn't hungry so she wandered around the stores while we crammed into this tiny little restaurant and got some slices to share with the girls. They only had booth seating so Phoebe's wheelchair stuck way out into the tiny walkway by the register. Tessa started getting bored and trying to go under the table to get out. She spilled a drink and we were making our usual scene. We couldn't get out of there fast enough (but it was good pizza). As we wandered outside we saw that even the historic buildings charged admission to see inside, and we felt we had seen enough when we got to a major cross street, Cathedral Place. There was a square at this intersection and we hung out there for a few minutes, taking in the two old churches and "Government House" across the street.

It was here that the "Coconut Butt" joke began.

Tessa was using the canon as a jungle gym to climb on and clearly did not appreciate the history of the place. There was a pyramid of canon balls next to it and we asked her if she knew what those were. She replied in her best 4 yr old logic, "coconuts". Heather corrected her and explained that they were in fact canon balls. Tessa thought this was a hilarious joke and retorted back, coconuts! To which Heather could only reply, in full childlike gusto, canon balls! They went back and forth for a while and we all found this to be quite hilarious. The battle over canon balls vs. coconuts continued the entire trip, but at one point Tim threw in the "butt" just to change things up a bit. There was no going back, and for months Tessa still thinks it hilarious to spontaneously yell out "coconut butt!". I'm not the biggest fan of "potty" humor but she's not calling anyone a name, just repeating something her DAD said (ahem) that sounds funny, so I'm over it. She's been reprimanded by a couple of her aunties already, and I'm hoping that she lets the phrase become a memory before she starts school. I'd hate to have to explain the whole story to the principal. And just FYI, the adults on the trip have discovered that there is a strange satisfaction that comes with using the phrase "aw, canon balls" to express frustration or disappointment. Weird.

We walked down Cathedral street toward the waterfront and debated going out on the bridge to look for dolphins. (I had read that it was a great viewing spot) They were doing construction and it was super loud and the sidewalks were horrible with the wheelchair so we skipped it. We headed back north and made a stop at Castillo de San Marcos Nat'l Monument. We found out that her passport wasn't needed because they were allowing free entry for everyone! The fort was constructed started in 1672 and was under siege many times during the colonial period when the American continent, or "new world", was being fought over by the various European monarchies. It was interesting, except for the canon firing, where Phoebe and I hid in the gift shop with the doors closed.

They weren't real worried about wheelchair access in 1672, so Tim carried Phoebe up to the top wall for the view.

Heather did a good job of keeping track of Tessa down below.

After the fort we walked back to the hotel to get our car, but were tempted by a storefront we saw on the way for LuLi's Cupcakes.

Everyone got one but me. I decided that the smoothie shop next door looked better, as the day was warming up. Everyone liked their treats and after some potty breaks and choosing seats in the van, we drove up and down a few of the old streets in the city before we got on the interstate and headed north.

 

[dawnbu40]

Wow that Tessa is an adventurous one! I can only imagine the wide array of emotions you must have been feeling!

I love the pictures of St Augustine! We've never been there and it looks fun

 

[yinyanggirls]

Wow that Tessa is an adventurous one! I can only imagine the wide array of emotions you must have been feeling!

I love the pictures of St Augustine! We've never been there and it looks fun

It wasn't the first time I'd woken up to find her gone. We put window alarms on our front door after that. It was the first hotel though.

I guess I lost some readers. I lost some momentum over the summer. I guess I'll just hurry it up and they can read it whenever they get back here.

 

[All7OfUs]

That is really someplace I'd like to visit someday- I LOVE history, and this certainly is the real deal!!

The origin of coconut butts is not where I thought it'd come from- too funny!

 

[dawnbu40]

It wasn't the first time I'd woken up to find her gone. We put window alarms on our front door after that. It was the first hotel though.

I guess I lost some readers. I lost some momentum over the summer. I guess I'll just hurry it up and they can read it whenever they get back here.

I bet you still have your readers they just aren't posting!

 

[Applemomma]

I'm still here!!!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Love all your photos from St. Augustine! So pretty! I never would have guessed the coconut butts came from the pile of cannon balls! I was pretty sure it originated on a trip to the beach.

 

[cantwaittoseemickey]

Hey there I'm getting caught up sloowwlly My mom has pictures of us on that cannon! Your tr has brought back some great memories of our trip to St Augustine when I was younger.

I'm sorry your rental exchange didn't go smoothly.But glad you found Auntie Heather! Sierra did that to us when we went to Mammoth Cave when she was little. She had walked down toward the office but decided to stop and visit a room with a lady in it She was maybe 4? We were all unpacking and off she went. She was always so darn fast. Never walked always ran

 

[blessedmom4]

I am still here Melissa and loving every word of your report and every picture you share. We are simply dealing with an abundance of medical issues at the moment. I read, I just don't have time to respond (as my 200 plus unanswered emails attest).

Tessa is a firecracker, I think I would have to sleep with her at the hotel to ensure she didn't wander (of course, I am an extremely light sleeper). Thank God she has angels watching over her! I LOVE Phoebe's pretty smile! Enjoy your family, we will read when you have time to write.

Blessings,
Judy

 

[addictedtothemouse]

I finally got caught up. Your girls are so cute. GKTW looks so cheerful and brightly colored. I think that may have been where my DSil and DB stayed with their grandaughter in 2007.
I'm loving your trip and can't wait to read about the rest of it.

 

[eyor44]

It has been 17 years since we have been to St. Augustine and it still looks the same.

I love the raccoon pic!

 

[NiniMorris]

I'm here too...just little time to post... dealing with getting things ready for another year of home school, a trip coming up in 3 plus months, and evryone in my family seems to be having birthdays!


Love reading....seeing St Augustine's pictures is making me want to plan another trip there soon...


Nini

 

[yinyanggirls]

That is really someplace I'd like to visit someday- I LOVE history, and this certainly is the real deal!!

The origin of coconut butts is not where I thought it'd come from- too funny!

It was neat, but I would definitely combine it with other cities or attractions. It's not very big...

I bet you still have your readers they just aren't posting!

Yay! They're still here. Some of 'em anyway.

I'm still here!!!

SO glad!!! It was just TOO quiet there for a minute...

Love all your photos from St. Augustine! So pretty! I never would have guessed the coconut butts came from the pile of cannon balls! I was pretty sure it originated on a trip to the beach.

Yeah, you'd think.

Hey there I'm getting caught up sloowwlly My mom has pictures of us on that cannon! Your tr has brought back some great memories of our trip to St Augustine when I was younger.

That's so funny!

I'm sorry your rental exchange didn't go smoothly.But glad you found Auntie Heather! Sierra did that to us when we went to Mammoth Cave when she was little. She had walked down toward the office but decided to stop and visit a room with a lady in it She was maybe 4? We were all unpacking and off she went. She was always so darn fast. Never walked always ran

Sounds about right! They must have both had angels watching over them!

I am still here Melissa and loving every word of your report and every picture you share. We are simply dealing with an abundance of medical issues at the moment. I read, I just don't have time to respond (as my 200 plus unanswered emails attest).

I hope everything is okay! I know too well how that goes.

Tessa is a firecracker, I think I would have to sleep with her at the hotel to ensure she didn't wander (of course, I am an extremely light sleeper). Thank God she has angels watching over her! I LOVE Phoebe's pretty smile! Enjoy your family, we will read when you have time to write.

Blessings,
Judy

That's a good word for her. Yes, she must have had someone watching over! I used to be able to sleep through anything, but since she became mobile, not so much! I actually used to wake up every hour starting around 4 am. I would sit up and look around and listen if she was up yet. If she was up there was trouble, so I couldn't sleep. I guess since we were all in one room, I thought I'd hear her and wasn't too worried.

I finally got caught up. Your girls are so cute. GKTW looks so cheerful and brightly colored. I think that may have been where my DSil and DB stayed with their grandaughter in 2007.
I'm loving your trip and can't wait to read about the rest of it.

GKTW is amazing! Thanks for sticking with me through week one!

It has been 17 years since we have been to St. Augustine and it still looks the same.

I love the raccoon pic!

I bet it does! Yeah, the momma and babies were running up and down, busy doing something. It was quite a show, or so I heard.

I'm here too...just little time to post... dealing with getting things ready for another year of home school, a trip coming up in 3 plus months, and evryone in my family seems to be having birthdays!

Love reading....seeing St Augustine's pictures is making me want to plan another trip there soon...

Nini

I know! I can't wait until Phoebe starts again! Week and a half! I love exploring new places. This was an amazing trip!

 

[that's nice]

OK... I think I missed a few of your updates.... GRRRRRRRR There... i did it for you! LOL

Leaving GKTW must of been so sad....

Love the pic of you guys in front of Epcot!!!!

Giving Tessa the Beverly!!!!! That was just plain wrong!!!!

Love this one....

So you liked the slushy?

Was the KP mission worth it? I wonder if it would be over Juliana's head... plus I'm not even sure we will do the WS on her Wish trip.



Time to read about the rest of your trip...