"Surprise! We're going to Disney World today!" -April 22-27 TR (6/15 - 2 NEW Posts!!)

[skier_pete]

Wow, I have missed so much already!! I guess I was waiting for your old TR to pop to the top of my subscribed list with the links! Oh well, I am here now & enjoying it!! I so wish someone would just come to me one morning and say, "Hey you want to go to Disney World today?"

Wouldn't that be awesome?! I don't see it ever happening to me, though. I was thinking with the APs we have, wouldn't it be fun to do that..."Hey let's go to DW this weekend!" but for us with last minute air fare we could NEVER afford it.

I'm so glad y'all did the Animation Academy!! We just couldn't get enough of it in December. We had to talk each other out of going to class after class. And HOLY COW at that character list!!! I have never seen so many in there. Y'all must have gotten lucky.

Yeah, once was enough for me, but my artistic talent (at least for drawing) is really horrible. DW would probably spend the whole day there if she could.

I'm thinking of how hot AK was in December, and would not like to even think of how hot it is in April. But you got some great Safari pics! And I love the walking trails too. There is so much information to be found in AK! :

I really wasn't terribly hot, but we've done it in August and September, so we've seen much worse. The whole trip wasn't bad at all, but this DID seem like the hottest day. (AK day always is, though, isn't it.)

Looking forward to more.

Thanks for coming over!

 

[akayek31]

I wish I could keep a secret Disney trip from my kids. I love it way too much. I had to deal with the melt downs when we went to AK last year. I finally sent my son back to the room (he was 16) by himself.

 

[KathyRN137]

Hi Pete! Love your report so far!

Isn't it funny that the APs are flimsy paper tickets and the KTTW cards are hard plastic? Never understood that one...

Congrats on your 2000th post! Looking forward to more...


Kathy

 

[If U Had Wings]

It sounds like it was a great day at the AK. How lucky for you that it was so quite. I've never lucked out quite that much. No matter when I go it always seems to be busy when I go.

I too don't understand how people say that AK isn't a full day park. Normally I'm always missing something when I'm there. It really is a "stop and smell the roses" kind of place. It really just begs for a little bit of exploration.

 

[LuvEeyore]

Patiently waiting for more

 

[skier_pete]

Hi Pete! Love your report so far!

Isn't it funny that the APs are flimsy paper tickets and the KTTW cards are hard plastic? Never understood that one...Kathy

Thanks! It does seem pretty idiotic, don't know why they wouldn't use the more permanent type. The paper ones seem to have a lot of trouble in the FP machines, and I still have no idea how the one got demagnetized. I don't keep them in my wallet, but in my fanny pack. Maybe the cell phone?

It sounds like it was a great day at the AK. How lucky for you that it was so quite. I've never lucked out quite that much. No matter when I go it always seems to be busy when I go.

I too don't understand how people say that AK isn't a full day park. Normally I'm always missing something when I'm there. It really is a "stop and smell the roses" kind of place. It really just begs for a little bit of exploration.

You got AK exactly there...the first time we ever went in 2000 we were one of those "where are all the rides?" people. Going with a child makes you realize how much there really is to do...though. My preference would be two full days there on a week-long trip.

And - I don't want to make it sound like AK was "empty"...it just wasn't quite as bad as usual. I've never seen that park "empty", unlike MK, Epcot and DHS, which at times has seem very sparsely filled. I think it is all about AK's design...I think people spend a lot of time there spinning around the hub...and that combined with narrow pathways make it seem perpetually crowded. It's like the area between Splash Mountain and BTMRR...I don't care how slow things are at MK, there are always 10,000 people milling around there.

Patiently waiting for more

Soon...I promise.

 

[skier_pete]

Well, as you may have noticed, we didn't make it onto TSMM on our first day. Arriving late at the park and having only a few hours did us in. Well, DW and DD both love this ride...so I suggested this...

We were planning on doing a water park today...so I suggested..."What if we go to DHS for EMH at 8 AM JUST to ride Toy Story Mania? We could maybe even ride it twice! Then we'll just go over to Typhoon Lagoon for 10 AM opening!"

Great plan - not a simple execution though.

Problem #1: Dragging our butts out of bed for the 8 AM rope drop. We are the first to admit we are early morning people...but we rarely do 8 AM openings, simply because we aren't much for busting out of the room that quickly. We normally awake at 6 AM at home, but prefer getting up at 6:45 or so to make the 9 AM opening.

BUT, we managed to get up, wake up DD, get everyone dress, and be in line for the rope drop. The crowd was definitely smaller than the regular rope drop. We wound are way as close to front as we could, and dashed with the crowd to TSMM.

Problem #2: TSMM was not operating when we got there!

Argh! We arrive, and the CM are lined up out front explaining the ride is down, and they can't tell us when it will be up. Well, many people bolted for the FP machines and headed elsewhere, but we were here for this reason alone. I said to DW "It can't be too major, let's just wait it out." So, we took a few pictures:

And chatted with the CM that were standing around. I mentioned to them "Gosh, I bet you don't get a break like this too often on this ride?" They agreed. I got them to pose for a picture, too!

Well, we only waited about 15 minutes, and they got the ride running. Of course, they opened the queue up at a different point from where we were standing, so we were probably about 50th in line even though we were one of the first ones there. Still, we rode pretty quick. (DW got the high score.) but by the time we got off, it was 8:30 AM, and we decided not to risk a second ride because of...

Problem #3: DW was feeling a little ill. I don't want to go into detail, but she was concerned that she might have to go to a doctor and definitely wanted to get some medicine. So, she stopped at the medical center and got some information. She decided not to go see a doctor, to just start with some medicine, which they gave her the number of a pharmacy that will deliver on-site. She had them deliver it to our hotel, so when we got back this afternoon she could take it. The delivery fee was $5, but really it was worth it versus having to take a taxi somewhere.So, finally we only had to deal with...

Problem #4: There's no convenient way to get from the parks to the water parks. In our case, we had decided on Typhoon Lagoon, which is the same park we went to in 2008. Well, buses run from resorts to DTD and TL, but none go from the parks. The "fastest" way would have been to walk to the Boardwalk and take the bus...but we didn't really want all the extra walking. As we left the park...there was a water taxi waiting to leave, so we hopped on. We decided to get off at the first stop...the Swolphin. Not knowing which was first on the bus route, we turned right and headed in to...I think it was the Dolphin. We went up to the lobby, and then eventually found our way to the bus stop. Meanwhile, DW called her medicine into the pharmacy.

We only waited about 5 minutes at the Dolphin when the bus showed up. Once on the bus, we had to stop at the Beach Club...then the Yacht Club....then the Boardwalk...then FINALLY we made our way to Typhoon Lagoon. All in all, it took us about an hour to get from DHS to TL, but we got there with about 10 minutes to spare.

Overall, I'm not sure all the effort was worth it for a single ride on TSMM, but it wasn't awful either.

The crowd at opening was MUCH smaller than when we had gone in 2008. (Do you notice a pattern.) but admittedly when we went in 2008 it was August. Today was a near perfect water park day. Sunny, and the temperatures were mid-eighties without an overwhelming level of humidity. The crowds was quite moderate compared to our last visit. It didn't cost us anything to get in, as we had four WP&M options left from 2008, where I paid the extra $80 to make them non-expiring....so now it's "free"!

I don't really have any other pictures of the day, so I won't write too long-winded a description. We got a locker, and put the camera in there...which is why no pictures. We staked a spot in the far left corner of the wave pool area under a shady palm. Here's my impressions on the day:

- Love the tube slides. We hit these first.
- Ended up skipping the body slides, DD didn't want to do them.
- DD and I did the shark reef again. The damn mask/snorkles are too big for little kids...she still couldn't use them, and thus couldn't really look down at the sharks. She had a life vest, but I helped her across.
- One of the best things I've ever eaten on Disney property - the freshly fried mini-donuts with powdered sugar they sell near the entrance. Dear lord were those delicious...skip the topping sauce and just eat em plain. YUM!
- Crush and Gusher is super cool, but way too short. Line for one of the slides was actually zero wait at 1 PM.
- Love the wave pool here. Hold onto your...well everything, but I love the giant wave every 90 seconds way more than the usual steady bashing you get. We joked about the wave can't surprise you...just listen for the "WHOMP----EEEEEEEE!" The Whomp being the wave being generated, the EEEEEE being the 2000 people all screaming at once when they see that wall of water heading there way.
- DD still enjoyed playing in Catchakiddie Creek, but mostly just enjoyed building a sand castle.

We ended up pushing lunch off until right before we left, we had plans to see La Nouba tonight at 6 PM. So we though - late lunch, snacks at La Nouba, late dinner. So, we are at the "Leaning Palms" about 2:30 PM, and then heading out of the park. In our only bad bit of Bus Karma, we waited about 30 minutes for a bus back to POP. When we got to the rest stop it was empty...and I knew these buses come somewhat infrequently anyways, so I wasn't all that upset about the wait, even though we saw 3 buses for EVERY OTHER RESORT on property come by while we waited. Oh well. The crowd built, but not too badly...so we were able to go back to the hotel and get a little breather before La Nouba.

 

[JLR]

Great update!

Love the AK photos. I don't kow how I missed that update. Groan about the two giraffes though - you got me. I was looking and looking....

That Saturday (your day 3) was a perfect waterpark day. We might have had more fun if we'd left when you did and hung out at our pool all day. Oh well - now we know!

 

[If U Had Wings]

One of these days I'll get to one of the waterparks. I'm still upset that I never got to River Country as a kid. It sounds like it was a fun afternoon.

It's amazing how much the weather changed in the week between our visits. It was in the 40's for most of the time we were there. Definitely not pool weather at all.

 

[skier_pete]

One of these days I'll get to one of the waterparks. I'm still upset that I never got to River Country as a kid. It sounds like it was a fun afternoon.

My first and only trip to RC was in 1997 when I was 26 years old. I can see nostalgia for it, but honestly, it was not very impressive. It was basically a lake, with like two little mini-slides to slide into it the lake. (One of which dropped a fair distance into the lake.)

BB and TL are fantastic water parks. BB is actually better from a "ride" point of view, the rides are so incredibly long compared to anything at your local amusement park.

The problem with the water parks is the # of actual slides are not so many. TL, for instance, has (for adults) 3 tube slides, 3 body slides, 2 speed slides, and the 3 slides at Crush n Gusher. That make a total of 13 potential "rides"...and some of them (the speed slides in particular but also Crush n Gusher) don't appeal to anyone...so the lines for the slides can get really long.

I don't know that I would go there on a solo trip...but the next time you go with your DB and DSIL and Nieces, you really should convince them to try one...I would have a hard time recommending one over the other. BB has more slides, but they are longer and faster, so it's the more extreme park.

 

[skier_pete]

Great update!

Love the AK photos. I don't kow how I missed that update. Groan about the two giraffes though - you got me. I was looking and looking....

That Saturday (your day 3) was a perfect waterpark day. We might have had more fun if we'd left when you did and hung out at our pool all day. Oh well - now we know!

Thanks! But you can't blame me for the Giraffe comment - our Safari Guide said it, not me!

 

[skier_pete]

I can't remember if I mentioned this, but DD had wanted to see La Nouba since it was on the top 7 must sees. Well, it's kind of expensive for us to see it...but I ended up winning a Football square for the Super Bowl. I won $250, which would almost exactly cover the price for the 3 of us....so I suggested to DW we do it this trip. She was cool with it, so we bought tickets for tonight.

This was a surprise within a surprise...we only told DD about it at lunch time. She was excited! We left the hotel about 4:50 PM to make the 6 PM show. We had no incidents on the trip. But, I do have to wonder, why have they closed the West End bus stop, but the Pleasure Island bus stop - which is closed - is still open. I try to avoid DTD completely, because my depression at the loss of the Adventure's Club rises to the top of my brain, but I can't believe how there are still signs all over for Pleasure Island...and every trip we talk to many people that don't even realize PI is closed. Good job on this one Disney!

Anyways, what did we think of the show? We had never seen a Cirque De Soliel show...but it was pretty much was I expected. (No pictures of course.) It was essentially circus performers as part of a very arty stage show. I was unimpressed by the arty part (what was the point exactly of having groups of people march across the stage?). My wife was equally unimpressed, kept asking me what the plot was supposed to be...I said "Maybe it's supposed to be a dream? I don't know, I don't think it really matters."

Now, the circus acts were all universally impressive. There were some quite amazing tricks being done by each act, and most were just the right length that as you've seen enough, the show moved to the next thing. Most impressive were the little Asian girls with the spinning wheels, the tight rope artists, and the whole tumbling routine at the end.

DD liked it a lot, though spent much of the night with her ears covered as it was very loud. (We were sitting Tier 2 which was about 13 rows from the stage...the theater was only about 1/2 full anyways.)

Overall, I was glad that we saw it...but I don't think I would rush back to see it again. In fact, we are going to be in Vegas in August for a few days (traveling elsewhere), and were thinking about seeing a show, but we feel we definitely do NOT want to see another Cirque show.

After the show, we went back to the hotel and headed for bed.

Coming up next - Flower and Garden @ Epcot...and apparently no matter how short the trip is, we can't HELP but have a bad day!

 

[khertz]

I have never been to either of the Disney waterparks, but they look like so much fun! I started having problems with ear infections in my late teens, so I really don't do the whole swimming/water slides thing much anyway. But I might be convinced to put in some ear plugs to try one of the Disney parks.

I'm sorry y'all didn't enjoy La Nouba! I am a huge fan of Cirque shows, and really wanted to see La Nouba the past couple of times we have been to Disney, but didn't have the time to do it. I think because it is in Disney, this show is a little more kid-friendly and less dramatic than the other shows. We saw Mystere in Vegas and loved it. I have also heard that O, which is in the water, is pretty amazing. Not sure if DD is going with you to Vegas, but you and DW might enjoy a show more geared to adults. But there are so many different shows in Vegas, there is something for everyone! I recommend Penn & Teller, and if you do take DD (or even if you don't!), Mac King does a great daytime magic/comedy show that is great for adults and kids (he tells some jokes that go over the kids' heads for the adults, but keeps it totally kid friendly!).

Great updates!

 

[skier_pete]

I have never been to either of the Disney waterparks, but they look like so much fun! I started having problems with ear infections in my late teens, so I really don't do the whole swimming/water slides thing much anyway. But I might be convinced to put in some ear plugs to try one of the Disney parks.

I'm sorry y'all didn't enjoy La Nouba! I am a huge fan of Cirque shows, and really wanted to see La Nouba the past couple of times we have been to Disney, but didn't have the time to do it. I think because it is in Disney, this show is a little more kid-friendly and less dramatic than the other shows. We saw Mystere in Vegas and loved it. I have also heard that O, which is in the water, is pretty amazing. Not sure if DD is going with you to Vegas, but you and DW might enjoy a show more geared to adults. But there are so many different shows in Vegas, there is something for everyone! I recommend Penn & Teller, and if you do take DD (or even if you don't!), Mac King does a great daytime magic/comedy show that is great for adults and kids (he tells some jokes that go over the kids' heads for the adults, but keeps it totally kid friendly!).

Great updates!

The water parks are definitely worth a go!

I didn't say I didn't like La Nouba, we enjoyed it very much and thought it was worth the money....I'm just saying from my perspective it wasn't a "Can't wait to do that again!" thing.

Actually, thanks for mentioning Penn and Teller. That would be a show I'd love to see. We won't have DD for the one night we are going to a show in Vegas. I asked DW, and she was interested in seeing a magic act. I think Penn and Teller would qualify, plus I think they are hilarious.

 

[skier_pete]

Before I get into today, I need to give a preface about DD. Much like her mom and dad, DD is not a "high-energy" kid. Not that she won't run around or anything - she loves to swim and can swim for hours - but she can't go,go, go as much as a lot of kids can. She was always a kid that had no problem sleeping a lot, and even now, at age 7, needs a solid 10 hours of sleep a night on a regular basis.

In addition, she is a pretty stubborn kid, and she gets REALLY strong-willed when she gets tired. When she's like that, and you want to do something she doesn't want to do, she flat out refuses. In addition, when she gets tired, she cries a lot, breaking down over the littlest things.

This is a combination which frequently leads to bad days, especially on a Disney trip - every trip we've ever taken has led to at least ONE bad day. We've learned over the years that we should have some decompress days during the trip, and since we are rope-droppers, we try to avoid the late nights.

Well, because this was a very compressed trip - only 4 full days - we really couldn't take a day off, so really we tried to focus on not staying out too late. However, I had a feeling if we were going to have a bad day...it was going to be this one. Saturday we got up extra early for TSMM (tiring) we spent the day at the water park (tiring) and then because of La Nouba, didn't really get to bed until after 9 PM. (Triple-tired whammy!)

For being rope drop people, the one park I don't mind coming into a bit late is Epcot. Since we don't ride Mission:Space and she didn't want to ride Test Track this year, only Soarin' would require FP....so even getting to the park at 10 AM would be fine. However, for whatever reason...DD decided not to really sleep in, waking up at 7:30 AM, so though we didn't rush to get to the park, we got there about 9:15 AM.

It was time of year for Flower and Garden festival. We had only been once at this time of year, in 1997. I am NOT into Gardening...in fact, I actively HATE anything to do with lawn and garden care. So, while I enjoyed looking at the flower beds and topiaries. DW on the other hand enjoys gardening so she was pretty interested in looking around for this. DD of course could care less, but did like the play areas and the butterfly garden.

Another side bar: The topiaries here stir memories of childhood. Back when WDW was the Magic Kingdom, there used to be topiaries all over the grounds outside the park - they weren't the fancy topiaries you see here during F&G, but there were A LOT OF THEM as I recall...not in the park, but as you rode in on the Monorail, and around the resorts. It's interesting that these are no more, and other than the set that's always at the entrance of EPCOT, the only time you really see them is for F&G.

Back to our day: things started out well enough...we got into the park, and them first topiaries were for the Lion King, right behind Spaceship Earth:

Some Giraffes:

Mufasa:

Rafiki & Baby Simba - as well as Mufasa and Serabe on either side (harder to see):

Timon with a plate of bugs (somehow I missed Pumba):

I often think about the jobs at Disney World, and how an awful lot of them -while seemingly fun - when you think doing them day in and day out are pretty crappy. But, I would guess that the people that work on designing and creating these displays must TOTALLY love their job. I mean, you would only go into that job if you have an interest in horticulture - and to be able to work with plants and design and grow these amazing scuptures must be pretty cool.

Well, DD has been pretty anti-character this trip - but she ALWAYS want to see Mickey and the Gang at the Epcot Character Spot. I think she likes watching the old cartoons while standing in line. I admit, it's great to see those old Disney shorts. We have a few DVDs at home, but we always seem to catch the one where Mickey, Goofy and Donald are building a boat (the "SS Minnie"). Warner Brothers gets a lot of credit nowadays for the brilliant work they did at Termite Terrace with Bugs Bunny, Daffy and the gang - and rightly so - but if you ever get a chance, pick up some of these old collections of cartoons from Disney shorts heyday ('30s through the '50s) and there is some real genius squeezed into those 8 minute gems.

She had drawn pictures of Mickey and Minnie Mouse in her book, and the other day at DHS she had picked out a pen in the shape of Pluto. All the characters really responded to this well. She got such a kick...especially Pluto kept licking her...

Once that was over with, we headed to her favorite thing in Disney World - "The Seas with Nemo and Friends". We decided that I would go get FP for Soarin', and they would ride the Nemo ride. I would then meet them inside the Seas pavillion.

This went smooth...but the day sort of went downhill from there...up next...The "NO"-Bird arrives!

 

[If U Had Wings]

I've only seen La Nouba once myself. I really enjoyed it alot, but like you have felt no huge rush to re-see it. Maybe if it wasn't quite so expensive, but as it is I feel like I've seen it, it was really good, and that's it. In Vegas my parents though swear by the Cirque show called "O" or maybe it's "Eau". (Not sure as I haven't seen it myself). My mother says it's the best show she's ever seen. Everything in it has something to do with water. I've heard from other people too that it's great. If I ever make it out to Vegas maybe I'll have to check it out.

You know the No-Bird is never too far away!

 

[skier_pete]

I've only seen La Nouba once myself. I really enjoyed it alot, but like you have felt no huge rush to re-see it. Maybe if it wasn't quite so expensive, but as it is I feel like I've seen it, it was really good, and that's it. In Vegas my parents though swear by the Cirque show called "O" or maybe it's "Eau". (Not sure as I haven't seen it myself). My mother says it's the best show she's ever seen. Everything in it has something to do with water. I've heard from other people too that it's great. If I ever make it out to Vegas maybe I'll have to check it out.

You know the No-Bird is never too far away!

Yeah, "O" or "Love" would be the two I would want to see out there,(I'm a Huge Beatles fan.) but not this trip...not that we get out to Vegas a lot, this will be our 2nd time, and the last was in 2003 when DW was pregnant.

Yup, we love our little "no-bird"...even if we want to strangle her sometimes.

 

[skier_pete]

So, when we left off we were visiting the Seas, DD favorite thing at all of Disney World. She rode the ride, then went and looked at the small fish tanks, and went to see Bruce's shark display. DW got in on the picture act:

DW doing her best "Quint" impersenation:

Well, with that, DD was done with the seas...didn't want to see Crush or the big tank of fish. On the way out, she picked out a "Crush" stuffed animal, and a Nemo coloring set...she started coloring as soon as we reached the stroller. (Yes, if I didn't mention it already, we still use a stroller to push her around the park...makes our lives easier - so sue us.)

Well, we normally spend 90 minutes in The Seas, but were done in 30...we had expected to be able to go and ride Soarin', but our FP return time wasn't ready. We decide to head for the imagination pavillion and the Figment ride. Can't say I hate this as much as many people do...many lament the original ride, I think they've all been pretty lousy...It's fascinating that a group called "Imagineering" have never been able to demostrate imagination successfully.

We then went to see "Honey I Shrunk the Audience". This was where the "No-Bird" came out in full force! "I Don't wanna see this! IT's too scary!" Now, she had no idea what the movie was yet, we explained it too her. In the end, she didn't mind it too much, and kind of liked at the end when the dog sneezed on us. But, she was now in full-on foul mood. We left the pavillion to head to the Land. And guess what...she did NOT want to ride Soarin'!

So we agreed, we would ride Living with the Land first, which she likes a lot. A pleasant diversion but once a trip is enough. I had some fun joking with DW during the early parts when you are riding through the rainforest...I made jongle cruise jokes..."Look - those butterflies can reach anywhere from 12 inches to a whopping 1 foot!" When passing the crocodiles "There's smiley - he's always looking for a handout." There's also some real fun hidden (and not so hidden) mickey's on this ride.

It was time for lunch...and the no-bird was out in full force:
"Should we do Soarin?"
"NO!"
"How about Test Track"
"NO!"
"Spaceship Earth?"
"NO!"
"How about we just go back to our room and take a nap?"
"OK!"

Well, here's the good newe...we've travelled to WDW enough times with DD to know this behaviour was coming, and we had very low expectations for what we were doing this trip....so I said to DW...fine, I'll take her back for a nap, and you can wander around and check out the Flower and Garden festival. Well, DW knew there was a few things DD would really like - the play area, the butterfly pavillion - and she DID want to do a Kim Possible mission before returning to the hotel, so instead of heading right out of the park, we went towards WS....there was a Fantasia topiaries and a play area.

DD on the "jungle gym".

While there, we had what I guess I would call a Magical Moment. DD wanted a popsicle as she was getting hot. The day was a bit grey and breezy, but still warm. Well, there was a ice cream cart nearby, and the vendor asked what she wanted...when she got the popsicle...he said "No Charge - Happy Birthday" DD was wearing her Birthday Button. For all the neat stuff I got when I wore my Birthday Button, this was the first true "freebie" where it would have otherwise cost us money. Thank you kind Cast Member!

DW went and browsed the F&G shops, and when she was done, we headed to Norway for our Kim Possible mission. DD and I did the mission, which was fun as usual but seemed unusually long. DW wandered around the shops a bit. The finish item of the KP was actually broken, a true rarity at Disney. I asked DD if she wanted to do another, nope, she just wanted to go back to the hotel.

So, we left DW, and headed through Tink's garden and the butterfly pavillion before returning to our resort.

Meanwhile, DW spent the afternoon wandering around WS and also headed over to DTD for a while. She took some more pictures of the topiraries:

Mickey and Minnie's Garden:

More to come...

 

[JLR]

I was going to multiquote you and just cut out all the photos - but decided just to do a normal reply. This is in reply to La Nouba and Bad Epcot part one and two.

I considered going to the Cirque show, but I decided not to for several reasons. I find Cirque interesting .... for about 20 minutes then I'm done. It is way too expensive for that. The other thing is that there were so many other things I was trying to cram into this trip that it just didn't make the cut. Listening to your description - even though you liked it - I know there is not anything else I would have wanted to take out to do it. The other thins is that it was late at night.

I agree about kids needing sleep. I have found that if I keep my kids well rested and well fed, I have little or no problems with them. This was particularly true for Madeline. Now, she is finally at an age where I can push the envelope a little with her, but I didn't want to push it too far. I don;t think your child is unique in needing at least 10 hours a night. Most kids need appropxiamtely 12 hours through the first grade then slowly declining, but even teenagers function better (mood and academically) if they get at least 10 hours a night.

I hope y'all got to use your Soarin' FPs.

Thank you so much for getting all those topiary shots. I am sorry I didn't get to really appreciate those at the F & G festival. I wish I had gone to Epcot on Saturday instead of DHS! Live and learn!

 

[skier_pete]

I was going to multiquote you and just cut out all the photos - but decided just to do a normal reply. This is in reply to La Nouba and Bad Epcot part one and two.

I considered going to the Cirque show, but I decided not to for several reasons. I find Cirque interesting .... for about 20 minutes then I'm done. It is way too expensive for that. The other thing is that there were so many other things I was trying to cram into this trip that it just didn't make the cut. Listening to your description - even though you liked it - I know there is not anything else I would have wanted to take out to do it. The other thins is that it was late at night.

I agree about kids needing sleep. I have found that if I keep my kids well rested and well fed, I have little or no problems with them. This was particularly true for Madeline. Now, she is finally at an age where I can push the envelope a little with her, but I didn't want to push it too far. I don;t think your child is unique in needing at least 10 hours a night. Most kids need appropxiamtely 12 hours through the first grade then slowly declining, but even teenagers function better (mood and academically) if they get at least 10 hours a night.

I hope y'all got to use your Soarin' FPs.

Thank you so much for getting all those topiary shots. I am sorry I didn't get to really appreciate those at the F & G festival. I wish I had gone to Epcot on Saturday instead of DHS! Live and learn!

I would never recommend La Nouba to a first timer...there is so much more unique to see and do there. And if you've seen Cirque shows before and were kinda meh towards them...I wouldn't even bother. I would rather spend that money on a water park - or more like two water parks.

I wanted to finish Epcot day yesterday, but I wrote part of the post and accidently closed it....however, I'll give you a preview...we never did get back to Soarin'. I am only sorry that we didn't give away the FP, that's what I usually do...even though when you try to give away FP, a lot of people look at you like you have two heads. I don't mind missing Soarin' since I both love it and hate it. I really enjoy the ride in concept...but I have a phobia of heights (well really of falling)...and so I ride Soarin' with a death grip on the seat, and I never really fully relax and enjoy it. DW gets motion sickness so closes her eyes for half of it....again we figured we rode it just 4 months prior and will be riding it again in October....so I missed quite a few of my favorites and didn't sweat it.

Actually, the one ride I was sort of sorry I skipped was Tower of Terror...but seeing as we only had about 4 hours in that park, I didn't really see how we would pull it off.

Oh well, I will try and wrap up Epcot shortly.